I'm Back

Well, I'm back for another post. After getting busy with work & holidays...& thinking that no one really knows about/reads our blog, I'm now taking advantage of the snow (all 17" of it!)

A few reasons for coming back: 1) a few people have mentioned that they actually check it. {Hi, especially to Julie- Matt & I miss running into you guys on the SEC circuit!} 2) I do think it's important to record our movement. I know that each month the growth is Purposeful, & it's my hope that one day we can look back with our child & God will kindly allow us to see the story being unfolded on both sides of the globe.

So, on to the numbers...

In Nov, we had another HUGE jump.

18 for boys

37 for girls

In fact, we got spoiled & a little big for our britches, thinking it was confirmation we would get our referral by March as we were hoping.

In Dec, back to reality.

18 for boys (that's right, no movement)

32 for girls

To be honest, it was a hard Christmas. It was hard to swallow that there wasn't at least ONE boy referral that went out that month. Plus, the closer we get to March {the month we- or at least me :)- were holding out hopes to get our referral,} the more "we" have had to swallow that that's more than likely NOT the case. I know I keep saying it; I honestly do mean it with ALL of my heart, mind, & soul, the timing is His Timing...it is Good, Perfect, Purposeful, & I truly believe it makes us the happiest...even in these moments. But, I cannot describe the loneliness there is while you wait. With that said, the Lord sweetly reminded me of the birth mom in this Christmas month. While I may be facing some hardships these few months, this courageous woman will know a lifetime of loneliness, wondering, & longing. Perspective is always helpful!

In Jan, back to the normal.

15 for boys

27 for girls

Feb. Again not much movement.

15 for boys

25 for girls

Now that you're all caught up, the big question in our household is: Will the girls catch up with the boys??

Speaking of girls, there's been lots of questions about hair! The Lord & I have had our own talks on this subject too. :) It's one of the biggest barriers between our cultures, & thinking about it, can make me nervous about being a mom to the little Ethiopian cutie! Boy or girl, there will be lots of new things to learn. Therefore, I'm posting a link once again to the We Love our Lucy blog. Kristi did a whole post on tips & products she uses on her little girls & has asked others to leave comments with their own suggestions. I know I'll need this resource later. Plus, I thought that it may help answer some questions of friends & family who are just as curious (& clueless) as me! :)

New Numbers

We got our July waitlist numbers last week... I don't know why my clip art from the last post isn't showing up anymore. I guess that's what i get for trying to be fancy. :) We moved up 5 slots on the girl list to 64 & 3 slots on the boy's to 37. We have no idea if this is a normal range to jump or not...it hasn't even been 3 weeks. We are hopeful that we will see even bigger movement when it's actually a full 4 weeks but who knows! We'll take what we can get & have faith in the Lord's timing.

I have no idea if anybody will ever read these posts or not, but I wanted to post this link if only for myself to remember when it comes our time to travel to Ethiopia & meet/pick-up our baby. I don't think that i'll be able to "prep" myself enough for what we will see & feel. I can only imagine that it will be nice to have someone else's thoughts to help me process that part of the journey. Without further ado, meet Andrea of Babe of My Heart & her thoughts.

In case you are wondering, I came to Andrea's blog by way of Kristi who I regularly stock at We Love Our Lucy Lane. Both of them have adopted through the same agency we are using. I would encourage anyone who is interested to visit Kristi's blog. She is a great advocate for the orphan...especially Ethiopian ones. :) She often posts pictures of her adopted daughter & adopting friends with their kids. I would love for you to look & see one of the reasons why we fell in love with these kiddos!