Show me my brudder...

Ems and I are just hangin in the basement. Got some "dancing queen" goin in the background with Ellie and Ryan dancing some sweet sprinkler----lawn mower---moves.

She brings the globe over to me. Says "mom, show me my brudder." (Brother)
She puts one finger on Ethiopia and one on Ohio. She thinks.
"Mom, when you DO go dhere (there), it's a loooong loooong way. Will the car ride even be longer than Hilton Head?"
(Love that!)

I explain that I will be flying on a plane...giggling at her innocence. She then realizes I will be gone more than one day and opens her mouth wide: "oh no mom. You're gonna have to sleep dhere!!!!

And the food...what will you EAT?"

A short conversation like this with my 5 year old babe makes me smile and so so excited that she will be a big sister to yet another little dude. Her questions/understanding about adoption keep me pure and simple as we wait...and pursue.

Encouraged

It's just fun to hear stories about other families who have adopted, or are in the process like us. It's fun to know that having a family that doesn't all look alike isn't the MOST abnormal thing in the world. It's fun to see adopted kiddos become so acclimated to their families. It's fun to hear my girls, and even Griff, talk about Ethiopia, ask about their brother, and even remind me of this little guy out there somewhere.

Last night Ryan and I were heading out for a life group night. Ellie was upset about us leaving her behind, with a babysitter (which I found out hours later was because she had a major puke-fest brewing in her). I told her that although we NEED to go out sometimes, just mommy and daddy, there are no other people in the entire world I want to be with more than her, Emma, and Griff...and of course daddy. She said to me "uhhhhhh....and who elsssssse?" I said "ummmmm, Jesus?" :)

Ellie's response: "no mom, our brother in Ethiopia! We don't know him yet but you know that if you could pick one other person you'd want to be with all the time it would be HIM, right?"

Loved that.

So, even though these days of waiting are ohhhh so long and seemingly endless, we still get to enjoy the stories of friends and acquaintances walking in this with us. And we get to look forward to "the day" with our kids. They will never forget this time of waiting and preparation. The lessons we will learn...!!!!

"Do not be Discouraged"

We know when the title of an email from Lifeline, our adoption agency, begins that way, that a somewhat discouraging email is about to follow.

We did not move spots last month and remain #46, the same as last month. Yes, discouraging indeed. It's "funny," for lack of a better word, that we envisioned getting our referral sometime this spring. Now that we're approaching spring, we're feeling less hopeful about that. The reason our agency gave us, for the slow month of February was this:

"West Sands Adoptions received their renewed 3 year license to continue adoptions in Ethiopia!  In addition, many orphanages also went through the license renewal process – so that also impacted the amount of referrals given this month.  The courts were on a delay in February but they are open and processing cases again."

So....that's actually all good stuff! Adoptions are still moving... and healthy... and HAPPENING in Ethiopia!! The courts still have a good relationship with our main agency. And, even BETTER...we have two friends that received their referrals from Ethiopia last month. Neither live in Toledo or are using our agency, but they both found out who their son/daughter will be. It is unbelievable the joy and excitement Ryan and I feel for them. We can't wait for our turn, but we love to see families get to take steps closer in becoming whole and complete.