Spring is Here!

We've been busy with lots of spring fun around our house. Time to post some pics for all our "out of town" blog friends

spring break '09
Easter

Bryan checking on the new family bee hive

There's a rolly polly bug in there somewhere! I just love the pic of her cute little hand!

What's in a Name?

We are anxiously awaiting our court date on May 25. It's going to be here before we know it, but it still seems like a long ways off. We're in the process of making a few big decisions.

First there is the issue of #3s name. When he gets home, he'll need a name other than #3! His mother has given him a beautiful, Ethiopian name. It's very unusual in comparison with our American names, and we're concerned it might be a little too "out there". In our Dutch community, he's going to be so different to begin with, we want him to have a name that fits at least a little. That being said, his mother gave him his name, and for us to swoop in and change it seems disrespectful. So, we've decided to keep his given Ethiopian name, give him an American middle name, and most likely call him by his middle name. That way, when he graduates, gets married, signs documents, he'll have that part of his heritage. He can also choose to go back to his Ethiopian name if he wants to someday.

Because of that decision, we're in the process of choosing his middle name. It was a lot easier when it was just Paul and I choosing for Noah & Ella. Now we have 4 opinions to consider :) We're getting close, but it's a big decision we don't want to rush into.

May 25

We received word today that our case is scheduled to go to court in Ethiopia on May 25. This is where #3 will legally become our son. A lot has to happen for us to pass, but if and when we do, we're expecting to travel 4-6 weeks after a successful court date. Bottom line, we might have our new little guy running around here this summer. I better finish painting his room!!

Care Package

A small (under 4 pound!) box is on it's way to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It contains a small outfit, a pair of shoes, socks, a little book, a truck, some candy and a photo album of our family. What was hard to package up was the amount of love, excitement, joy we are feeling all from a little picture of a little 3 year old boy.

How do we let #3 know that we are so anxious to meet him? That we love him already? That we can't wait to bring him home and give him a life filled with hope, opportunity, love, safety, family? How is it that a picture of a small child all the way across the world can evoke such emotion? How can it be that a tiny little description can be read with such fervor? Our hearts are ready.

We are waiting to hear when our court date will be. We are praying that the court date will be soon, that we will pass the 1st time, that his required TB test is negative & that #3 will be here with us really soon. We are continuing to trust that God's timing is perfect. That's a little harder to do now that we know who he is!!

We are praising God for the incredible way He has chosen to bless us with this amazing child.

THE Call!

Monday, March 16; 4:38pm

Both kids are outside playing with the neighbors. They're running around and around the house ... capture the flag? It's a beautiful, spring afternoon. Coats are off. Laughter is all around. Birds are chirping. All is good with the world.

The phone rings ... the screen says "Adoption Associates" and my heart stops, then starts, then stops again. Is this it?????

Our agency is calling to tell us they have a little boy. He's 3 year's old. They'll send pictures via email. They give me lots more info. I hang up the phone and watch my inbox fill with emails with lots of attachments. Paul's not home yet. Do I look? Do I peak? OH MY GOODNESS!! IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?!? I notice drops on my paper and only then realize I have tears streaming down my face. I stand up. I pace. and pace. and pace. Then I see Paul's truck pull in.

5:00; Paul walks in the door. "What's wrong?", he asks. "We got the Call" I say. More tears. Running to the computer. We meet our son, together, for the very first time.

He is beautiful.

He is full of life.

He is going to be ours.

We can feel it all the way down to our toes.

Thank you Lord for the joy you have given us. We are forever grateful!!

ps Out of respect for the African culture we won't be posting any pictures until he officially becomes our son through a court proceding. If you see any of us around, be sure to ask ... we're all carrying pictures we'd be happy to show off! :)

Happy Birthday Noah!

My little boy tunrs 9 years old today. Where does time go?? I know that's such a cliche, but on this day it doesn't feel like one. I really wonder that. Where has it gone? Each year I tease Noah that he has to stop having birthdays. I love him too much at the age he's at. I don't want him to change. I don't want him to get older. I feel that way this year, too.

He's kind and compassionate. He loves his family, his friends, his neighbors, his God. He cares about the less fortunate. He's as competitive as they come. He love sports and he plays fair. He's healthy and active. He loves math. He loves his sister. He loves strawberries. I couldn't be more thankful for him on this day. God has truly blessed our family with him.

In the past year he joined a football team. He made the all-star baseball team. He played in his first piano recital. He decided to be excited about welcoming home a new little brother from Africa. He stoood up to a bully at school on behalf of his friend. He got all As in Math. He was kind to his sister ... often!

He's my little boy, and I'm hoping the time slows down just a bit. I'm pretty sure it won't, so it's days like these I remind myself to treasure, savor, ponder each and every memory. I'm going to need them someday!