Thanks for your answers yesterday. It really got me motivated to jump in there early this morning. My letter was all written up and phone numbers were ready to be called.
First thing in the morning I contacted my agency and spoke to the lady that has a dear relationship with our USCIS office and she nicely ask me not to call the senators just yet. She wanted to email them first.
Mind you last Thursday I had written another email the USCIS office asking where my file is in the process. So while I was getting this all figured out, and decided not to do it and wait a few more days, I received an email in my inbox saying "YOU HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND WILL RECEIVE YOUR I171 IN THE MAIL THIS WEEK.
What an amazing God we serve. I was just blown away by this very good news. Now lets just hope it will get to ET in a reasonable time.
Thank you so much for all your prayers. I really am counting on them and they mean so much to me.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
My Gut tells me to fight
I am sort of puzzled of what to do. The kids have court Friday. Should I start to plead with the senator's office now or wait till Friday to find out if the kids even passed court? Chances are, two separate cases... you know what I mean..
Lets be realistic here as to when I could possibly receive my I171 approval. I have contacted our USCIS office weekly to inquire how my file is moving and I hear the same thing every time. Its on the adjudicator's desk to be looked at. Do the math. I only had my fingerprinting done 1 month ago today. When I went onto the various websites for congressman and senator under questions and answers for petitions, it says that the adjudicator just cannot move your petition up if you haven't waited long enough. So can the senator's office really help me with where I am at in the process?
I am crying out for help. Does anyone have any advice for me as to who to contact or what is wise to do. Rather if I go to the congressman site or the senator or whatever public office site, they all point me back to our Tacoma office. I will not deal with those people in my city, I have already dealt with them twice and my problems were much larger than what I am facing now and they didn't get anything done. Have you guys dealt with the people in your city or in your capital if you needed a rush job?
The fact is that if my kiddos do pass court this coming Friday, I am strapped to my chair and cannot even schedule an embassy appt. Plus, once I get the I171 approval, the packet still has to go the ET..
Awhhhhhhh, join the wonderful world of adoption.
Lets be realistic here as to when I could possibly receive my I171 approval. I have contacted our USCIS office weekly to inquire how my file is moving and I hear the same thing every time. Its on the adjudicator's desk to be looked at. Do the math. I only had my fingerprinting done 1 month ago today. When I went onto the various websites for congressman and senator under questions and answers for petitions, it says that the adjudicator just cannot move your petition up if you haven't waited long enough. So can the senator's office really help me with where I am at in the process?
I am crying out for help. Does anyone have any advice for me as to who to contact or what is wise to do. Rather if I go to the congressman site or the senator or whatever public office site, they all point me back to our Tacoma office. I will not deal with those people in my city, I have already dealt with them twice and my problems were much larger than what I am facing now and they didn't get anything done. Have you guys dealt with the people in your city or in your capital if you needed a rush job?
The fact is that if my kiddos do pass court this coming Friday, I am strapped to my chair and cannot even schedule an embassy appt. Plus, once I get the I171 approval, the packet still has to go the ET..
Awhhhhhhh, join the wonderful world of adoption.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Court Date
I am happy to announce that we have a court date of February 5, next Friday. That is just one week out.
Although I am extremely happy, I am bummed to know we still don't have a I171 approval. And even if I had the approval, it still needs to be physically forwarded to ET. The agency cannot schedule an embassy appointment without that.
Please keep this in your prayers. Thank you.
Although I am extremely happy, I am bummed to know we still don't have a I171 approval. And even if I had the approval, it still needs to be physically forwarded to ET. The agency cannot schedule an embassy appointment without that.
Please keep this in your prayers. Thank you.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Patience, Patience is the Virtue
I thought you could teach an old horse some new tricks! No so.
I never thought I would be the same as I was the first time when I was adopting but I am finding myself slowly but surely falling into the same trap again. First, things are going smoothly and than stuff just stops and other weird stuff start happening. I have the tendency of driving myself crazy with things that are happening to people and it hasn't even happened to me yet. I am finding out that the USCIS office is going over the I600A with fine tooth combs and many applications having to be supplemented with stuff and some of the stuff they want doesn't even make sense especially for the positive adoptions. And its not just here in WA but I am hearing that people in other states are being rejected too.
Also our cases were submitted on 12/30 and nobody has gotten a court date yet. Ahh, I just want a court date so I have something to look forward too.
My welcome bags were at the office since the beginning of December and I know they were taken to ET the beginning of this week. I really really am hoping that the kids will find out any day next week that they have a family.
Anyways, I could have the mind set of Kevin's brain but I don't. So I need to retreat to my favorites verses in the bible and just be quiet.
I'll keep you posted as soon as I find something out bad or good.
I never thought I would be the same as I was the first time when I was adopting but I am finding myself slowly but surely falling into the same trap again. First, things are going smoothly and than stuff just stops and other weird stuff start happening. I have the tendency of driving myself crazy with things that are happening to people and it hasn't even happened to me yet. I am finding out that the USCIS office is going over the I600A with fine tooth combs and many applications having to be supplemented with stuff and some of the stuff they want doesn't even make sense especially for the positive adoptions. And its not just here in WA but I am hearing that people in other states are being rejected too.
Also our cases were submitted on 12/30 and nobody has gotten a court date yet. Ahh, I just want a court date so I have something to look forward too.
My welcome bags were at the office since the beginning of December and I know they were taken to ET the beginning of this week. I really really am hoping that the kids will find out any day next week that they have a family.
Anyways, I could have the mind set of Kevin's brain but I don't. So I need to retreat to my favorites verses in the bible and just be quiet.
I'll keep you posted as soon as I find something out bad or good.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Finally an email about Misrak
This first email came to me from the dear mom that has met Misrak right after she got to the orphanage. This amazing lady will be forever in Misrak's in my life.
I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I fell in love with Misrak when we were in Ethiopia, and was praying a family would quickly come forward to adopt her. She is so beautiful, and her eyes are mesmerizing.
*****************
Yesterday I was really down on myself. One of these days, feeling totally overwhelmed not knowing how I am paying and fundraising all this money to finalize adopting and travel. So my day was immediately changed by this email below which I got from my friend Signe. God spoke to me through Signe and assured me it will be okay. She was able to write while at the airport. I think its always a blessing when your friends see your kids v. people you just offer to take pics. They love on your kids like they belong to them just because they are your friends. My dear Signe went all the way to Kidane to meet Misrak and I am forever thankful to her because she most certainly had the most busiest schedule while there and I don't know how she fit it in.
Misrak is a sweetheart. I played soccer with her for a bit. I talked to the nannies and they said she would be a blessing to you. She was very sweet, gentle, happy, all good. The nannies asked about Biruk and Amira. I assured them that they are wonderful and you are very excited about adding Misrak to your family.
Now I have another adoption mama traveling picking up her daughter from Kidane so I am hoping she will love on my sweetie too.
I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I fell in love with Misrak when we were in Ethiopia, and was praying a family would quickly come forward to adopt her. She is so beautiful, and her eyes are mesmerizing.
*****************
Yesterday I was really down on myself. One of these days, feeling totally overwhelmed not knowing how I am paying and fundraising all this money to finalize adopting and travel. So my day was immediately changed by this email below which I got from my friend Signe. God spoke to me through Signe and assured me it will be okay. She was able to write while at the airport. I think its always a blessing when your friends see your kids v. people you just offer to take pics. They love on your kids like they belong to them just because they are your friends. My dear Signe went all the way to Kidane to meet Misrak and I am forever thankful to her because she most certainly had the most busiest schedule while there and I don't know how she fit it in.
Misrak is a sweetheart. I played soccer with her for a bit. I talked to the nannies and they said she would be a blessing to you. She was very sweet, gentle, happy, all good. The nannies asked about Biruk and Amira. I assured them that they are wonderful and you are very excited about adding Misrak to your family.
Now I have another adoption mama traveling picking up her daughter from Kidane so I am hoping she will love on my sweetie too.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Emails about my little man
I have been hesitant to post these emails about my boy because I have not gotten any emails on my girl. I wanted to be fair. Its also sort of hard because they are not together at the same orphanage and it seems like not too many people go to M's orphanage. But since a few people are traveling to her orphanage soon or are in the process of I am hoping to get some input on her. In the mean time, please enjoy these ones I have gotten so far. Some I wasn't able to post because they were confidential. This first one below cracks me up, I just love it and I think when you read it, it feels like you can just picture his personality.. I was so worried about his height in the beginning but even if he is tiny, he will make it in this world because he has so much to offer with his precious personality.
Your son is cute as can be. He is super tiny, and you think that he should just be walking, but then he opens his mouth full of teeth and talks to you in complete sentences. He has this tiny high pitched voice that is adorable. He likes to be a helper and wanted to hold my baby who was about the same size as he was. He had his toenails painted blue while I was there and thought that it was great fun. He has the sweetest laugh and likes to be held upside down. That snookums, I could eat him. He seems to be completely potty-trained, at least he was wearing underwear the whole time I was there and didn't smell like pee. So I think he is truly potty trained.
He is small and that would make more sense about his size. We just loved him because he had so much personality. I think we sent you a pic that showed some of that. He makes all sorts of faces. He has very good English and can say some sentences completely in English. I also liked how he didn't seem to realize he was smaller than his friends and just played right along with them. I wouldn't say that he is reserved or anything, but he wasn't pushy for attention like so many of the .......... kids are. He is happy to play with kids of all ages.
Yes, I remember G... you couldn't miss him, I was amazed when I learned how old he was but it was interesting that if you pushed him and expected age 4 behavior.. you could get it.
Your son is cute as can be. He is super tiny, and you think that he should just be walking, but then he opens his mouth full of teeth and talks to you in complete sentences. He has this tiny high pitched voice that is adorable. He likes to be a helper and wanted to hold my baby who was about the same size as he was. He had his toenails painted blue while I was there and thought that it was great fun. He has the sweetest laugh and likes to be held upside down. That snookums, I could eat him. He seems to be completely potty-trained, at least he was wearing underwear the whole time I was there and didn't smell like pee. So I think he is truly potty trained.
He is small and that would make more sense about his size. We just loved him because he had so much personality. I think we sent you a pic that showed some of that. He makes all sorts of faces. He has very good English and can say some sentences completely in English. I also liked how he didn't seem to realize he was smaller than his friends and just played right along with them. I wouldn't say that he is reserved or anything, but he wasn't pushy for attention like so many of the .......... kids are. He is happy to play with kids of all ages.
Yes, I remember G... you couldn't miss him, I was amazed when I learned how old he was but it was interesting that if you pushed him and expected age 4 behavior.. you could get it.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Home one Year
It has been such a joy this last year to have our kids home. I still remember when we arrived at the airport. Kevin and Danica were just balling but also really shocked just how tiny they were. Actually since my family didn't believe that we would finally bring children home, I didn't text them until I arrived in WA DC telling them I have the children and am on American soil. This time it was for real, not when I came home from Zambia, without child.
All the bad memories of previous adoptions and court failures have ceased. So many people used to tell me when I was waiting that once the children are home you forget all the pain prior to it.
So much happiness has entered our house. Even Anastasia (who I never thought could handle small kids) is so happy with the kids. They take Ana to their room and play with her as she is one of them. They don’t even look at her size. Danica is happy too. She finally knows what its like to fight with siblings she said. Most certainly Biruk is giving her a run for her money because he is so mouthy and argues with Danica about everything:)
Kevin and Biruk are still soul mates. They are so much alike it just freaks me out. Most and foremost they are just very social able people who talk all day and make friends anywhere. They also always sneak food behind my back and than giggle after they did it. Usually I know they did it by their giggles.
Amira is still an introvert with lots of sass. Her wedding has completely stopped, even at night.
Kevin and Biruk are still soul mates. They are so much alike it just freaks me out. Most and foremost they are just very social able people who talk all day and make friends anywhere. They also always sneak food behind my back and than giggle after they did it. Usually I know they did it by their giggles.
Amira is still an introvert with lots of sass. Her wedding has completely stopped, even at night.
Health wise, they have made tremendous progress. They are now going to the doctor only every 2-3 months. Biruk is still not an any meds and his viral load is awesome. Amira has no more molluscum left and it took about just a year for all of them to go away.
Biruk went from size 4T to 6 and shoes from 10 to 12. Amira has going from size 3T to 5. Shirts she can wear a six. And shoes from a size 8 to 9 sometimes 10. I think both of their feet are just tiny.
Amira is still the smallest kid in her class and Biruk has almost caught up with the kid in his class. He is just so long. Where before Biruk was a half head taller than Amira he is now almost a head taller than Amira.
Their English is amazing. Biruk is almost there but Amira still gets stuck a whole lot but she has gotten so good at expressing what she needs.
Biruk went from size 4T to 6 and shoes from 10 to 12. Amira has going from size 3T to 5. Shirts she can wear a six. And shoes from a size 8 to 9 sometimes 10. I think both of their feet are just tiny.
Amira is still the smallest kid in her class and Biruk has almost caught up with the kid in his class. He is just so long. Where before Biruk was a half head taller than Amira he is now almost a head taller than Amira.
Their English is amazing. Biruk is almost there but Amira still gets stuck a whole lot but she has gotten so good at expressing what she needs.
I got this picture below the same day I got bad court news. I just wanted to post it because I have long forgotten about the sadness that day like I reported in the beginning of the paragraph.
LOVE THIS PICTURE BELOW. THIS PICTURE SHOWS THEIR TRUE CHARACTERS. AMIRA MISS SASS AND BIRUK MR. KNOW IT ALL. 
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
GOTCHA DAY
Before I go on, don't forget to read the entry under this one.
Today, December 30, 2009, marks the one year anniversary that I was given my kids. As my life is always crazy, the day I received my kiddos was unforgettable. Thinking all along I would drive to the orphanage being taken in a quiet room and having the kids introduced to me??? This is truly what I dreamed and dreamed for months. Not so, not in Andrea's world. As I got to ET on 12/30, I was told that I was going to be dropped of at the guest house and someone would get my kids for me because I would have a embassy appt within an hour after I arrived in ET. So I took my suitcases there and within 30 min of being there I met my kids for the first time in a drive by on a busy street. Basically the horn blew, I ran outside by a busy street by the compound and jumped into the car. As soon as I jumped in, I had 2 crazy kids all over me screaming mommy non stop. Acting like wild hoodlums. They would go in my back pack, take out water bottles and food, throw it everywhere. Also they would not sit down and walk all over the car while we were driving. My poor precious kids where so hyper that day, I think that was the worst day of hyperness I have ever seen them. When we got to the embassy, Amira had diarrhea non stop and while I was taking her to the bathroom every 5 minutes, Biruk decided to put the waiting room under water. When I finally took the kids upstairs to the appointment, they kids were filthy dirty (didn't have a change of clothes), and all the ET people were just staring at me in the waiting room. I will never ever ever forget this day. It was so precious and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I will write more about the kids' development and stuff on their one year anniversary home.
I had a ziplock bag each with their underwear and socks and they would not let the bags go until we got home to America. I mean they were so attached to their socks and underwear.
Today, December 30, 2009, marks the one year anniversary that I was given my kids. As my life is always crazy, the day I received my kiddos was unforgettable. Thinking all along I would drive to the orphanage being taken in a quiet room and having the kids introduced to me??? This is truly what I dreamed and dreamed for months. Not so, not in Andrea's world. As I got to ET on 12/30, I was told that I was going to be dropped of at the guest house and someone would get my kids for me because I would have a embassy appt within an hour after I arrived in ET. So I took my suitcases there and within 30 min of being there I met my kids for the first time in a drive by on a busy street. Basically the horn blew, I ran outside by a busy street by the compound and jumped into the car. As soon as I jumped in, I had 2 crazy kids all over me screaming mommy non stop. Acting like wild hoodlums. They would go in my back pack, take out water bottles and food, throw it everywhere. Also they would not sit down and walk all over the car while we were driving. My poor precious kids where so hyper that day, I think that was the worst day of hyperness I have ever seen them. When we got to the embassy, Amira had diarrhea non stop and while I was taking her to the bathroom every 5 minutes, Biruk decided to put the waiting room under water. When I finally took the kids upstairs to the appointment, they kids were filthy dirty (didn't have a change of clothes), and all the ET people were just staring at me in the waiting room. I will never ever ever forget this day. It was so precious and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I will write more about the kids' development and stuff on their one year anniversary home.
I had a ziplock bag each with their underwear and socks and they would not let the bags go until we got home to America. I mean they were so attached to their socks and underwear.
Submitted to Court
Who would have thought that our kids' cases would be submitted to court on 12/30 which is our GOTCHA DAY for Amira and Biruk! yeahhh. We are so happy. We are assigned group X but don't have a date yet. I would think maybe the end of February or March, who knows.
Also what even puts the icing on the cake is that my friend Laci and I are assigned in the same group and we have really supported each other so much this time around on choosing our children, for her the boys and for me my little man. There was so much to think about but Laci clearly got her perfect sign from God this morning that she made a very perfect decision and that it was God's decision all along.
My decision on my little guy had been made some time ago after I had talked to Erin for a second time about him. Since than I had nothing but pure peace about him. RE: my very precious girl, she was never a question!!!
Also what even puts the icing on the cake is that my friend Laci and I are assigned in the same group and we have really supported each other so much this time around on choosing our children, for her the boys and for me my little man. There was so much to think about but Laci clearly got her perfect sign from God this morning that she made a very perfect decision and that it was God's decision all along.
My decision on my little guy had been made some time ago after I had talked to Erin for a second time about him. Since than I had nothing but pure peace about him. RE: my very precious girl, she was never a question!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Merry Christmas!!!
Wow, Christmas is over. This year was sort of depressing leading up to Christmas because I wanted to be off from work and be with my family so badly. I had to work until the 24th. But Kevin did such a good job on keeping the kids occupied. I am so thankful for him. Anyways, after I finally got home, things turned out wonderful and we have had such a special time since.
Okay, my biggest wish is to get matching stocking stuffers next year. They so don't match. Funny!! In fact I had to borrow 2 of Danica's. Danica was so cute, she actually put them up there all neatly and cleaned up the living room so nicely while we were sleeping. She also put up the love sign in the picture above.
Biruk got a spider man scooter. He is obsessed with spider man
Yeahhh and spider man gloves and a little robe since our house is so cold all the time
Amira got princess Belle to comb her hair and a box of princess dresses. It has like 3 dresses and she is wearing one of them.
The little pink thing above Amira's bed is from my sister in Germany. It used to be her daughter's. So that was a nice bonus present I didn't have to buy.
Biruk snuggled up with dad Christmas morning waiting for Ana and Danica to get up
Okay, my biggest wish is to get matching stocking stuffers next year. They so don't match. Funny!! In fact I had to borrow 2 of Danica's. Danica was so cute, she actually put them up there all neatly and cleaned up the living room so nicely while we were sleeping. She also put up the love sign in the picture above. 
Biruk got a spider man scooter. He is obsessed with spider man
Yeahhh and spider man gloves and a little robe since our house is so cold all the time
Amira got princess Belle to comb her hair and a box of princess dresses. It has like 3 dresses and she is wearing one of them.
The little pink thing above Amira's bed is from my sister in Germany. It used to be her daughter's. So that was a nice bonus present I didn't have to buy.
Odyssey Land
Since I had to work the whole week of Christmas, Kevin was wonderful taking the kids to fun places while they were all on school break. He realized when he was there that they had never been there before. He also didn't realize that the prizes had tripled since Ana and Danica used to go there. Anyways, the kids were there for over 3 hours and had a blast.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Welcome bags/Where are we?
I really can't believe how fast things going this time from the homestudy visit to the dossier and so on. If you are ever interested in reading I have a timeline on the right side of the blog. Since this is our second adoption, we know what to anticipate but we also have the first set of kids home already which puts us much at ease. Things are so different this time around.
So basically everything has been turned in. The dossier went to ET on 12/7 but I just found out today. Next thing is getting the thing translated and submitted to court. Last Friday I mailed the welcome bags to the office. That was pretty exciting although I have to say that this time I didn't' go crazy because I know what the sisters do at Kidane. They have the kids put the shirt on for the picture that we receive, they look at the photo album and then the kids have to return it until the parents get there. Each bag was under $10.00 and I was proud of myself. Well the shirt are not included in that price.
As for AHOPE I cannot speak. I don't know what they do with the welcome bags. What really bummed me out this time is that my new kids are not able to be together except for the picture when they get the welcome bags.
When Amira and Biruk got theirs, it was so much nicer. Sister said from this day forward you will be brother and sister and they have been inseparable ever since their welcome bags.
Once the kids know it will be really exciting. Sometimes it can take a week to get there and sometimes a month or two. It just depends what's going on with the agency and who is traveling.
G's bag includes a shirt, photo album, car and airplane, stickers, game, cards
So basically everything has been turned in. The dossier went to ET on 12/7 but I just found out today. Next thing is getting the thing translated and submitted to court. Last Friday I mailed the welcome bags to the office. That was pretty exciting although I have to say that this time I didn't' go crazy because I know what the sisters do at Kidane. They have the kids put the shirt on for the picture that we receive, they look at the photo album and then the kids have to return it until the parents get there. Each bag was under $10.00 and I was proud of myself. Well the shirt are not included in that price.
As for AHOPE I cannot speak. I don't know what they do with the welcome bags. What really bummed me out this time is that my new kids are not able to be together except for the picture when they get the welcome bags.
When Amira and Biruk got theirs, it was so much nicer. Sister said from this day forward you will be brother and sister and they have been inseparable ever since their welcome bags.
Once the kids know it will be really exciting. Sometimes it can take a week to get there and sometimes a month or two. It just depends what's going on with the agency and who is traveling.
M's bag includes a shirt, photo album, jump robe, stickers, head bands, necklace, cards
G's bag includes a shirt, photo album, car and airplane, stickers, game, cards
Sunday, December 13, 2009
REACH Christmas Party
We had a wonderful time at the kids' Christmas party. We were able to meet up with Courtney and her two boys and I think everyone was so happy to see each other.
Hm, funny, the kids told Santa that he is not real. They were cracking me up. Glad the kids know already what they believe in but it was cute to see their faces anyway. They proudly tell everyone that we celebrate Jesus' birthday.
Amira doing art work
Amira telling Santa funny stories
Anastasia saying hi to Santa
This was awesome. Kevin bonding with Sammy
Hm, funny, the kids told Santa that he is not real. They were cracking me up. Glad the kids know already what they believe in but it was cute to see their faces anyway. They proudly tell everyone that we celebrate Jesus' birthday.
Amira doing art work
Amira telling Santa funny stories
Anastasia saying hi to Santa
This was awesome. Kevin bonding with Sammy 
Merry dressed up as an elf. She always organizes the Christmas parties 
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Oh Christmas Tree
I really have turned into a bad blogger. So much to do and so little time. I don't anticipate it getting any better anytime soon. Plus Kevin has finals so he has been hogging them computer non stop.
Last weekend was simply precious and unforgettable. Each year we go and get our fresh tree. It wasn't the same this year because Danica wasn't there. Its always fun to have Danica around because the 2 of us always fight which tree we are getting and it takes about an hour until we both come to a decision. She is still at college. But it was such a pleasure with the little ones. Biruk kept saying are we buying a tree for outside? He could not fathom that we wanted to bring the tree in the house. After Kevin and I finally hauled it inside, they both had their mouth open and were just in awe the whole time. So I brought up the decorations and we started to decorate "some". The tree is still not finished. Can you believe it? But i guess it really doesn't matter because having the little ones home this year is truly the most important thing and iam breathing in every moment I have with them. Its amazing that they have been here almost a year and there are still so many firsts. BTW, they just discovered marshmallows and are absolutely hooked. Last year around this time I was not ready for Christmas and was just ready to pick up my babies. So blessed!!!
Hopefully I will have an update soon on our newest additions.
All bundled up to buy a tree
Amira watching a Christmas movie after we had enough of decorating the tree
Last weekend was simply precious and unforgettable. Each year we go and get our fresh tree. It wasn't the same this year because Danica wasn't there. Its always fun to have Danica around because the 2 of us always fight which tree we are getting and it takes about an hour until we both come to a decision. She is still at college. But it was such a pleasure with the little ones. Biruk kept saying are we buying a tree for outside? He could not fathom that we wanted to bring the tree in the house. After Kevin and I finally hauled it inside, they both had their mouth open and were just in awe the whole time. So I brought up the decorations and we started to decorate "some". The tree is still not finished. Can you believe it? But i guess it really doesn't matter because having the little ones home this year is truly the most important thing and iam breathing in every moment I have with them. Its amazing that they have been here almost a year and there are still so many firsts. BTW, they just discovered marshmallows and are absolutely hooked. Last year around this time I was not ready for Christmas and was just ready to pick up my babies. So blessed!!!
Hopefully I will have an update soon on our newest additions.
All bundled up to buy a tree
Amira watching a Christmas movie after we had enough of decorating the tree
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Oopsi, there is more....
We are adding two children, not one.
This decision was not the easiest by all means and it took a few weeks of discussions and research. When I first started looking at 3y/o boys, our little guy we chose was my favorite. I thought he blends in well with Kevin and I. Kinda could be our bio baby. There were 2 other boys with him but I told Erin I didn’t care so one was given away in the mean time because I simple said I didn’t care which one out of the three. Than there were 2 boys left. The other one was just adorable and by the looks and certainly the most favorite for the rest of my WHOLE FAMILY.
Well after reading the description of the other boy, but even more so hear about him from friend that met him, we thought that that he was way too competitive for Biruk. I simply cannot handle 2 Biruks. Don’t get me wrong, I am crazy in love with my son but he is high maintenance. He never likes anyone to be better than him, he wants all the praise, he has to be first all the time, he just needs lots and lots of encouragement and affirmations. Top off with his temper tantrums..... He still has a temper tantrum a day just because he didn’t get his way. But again, its no big deal for Kevin and I, we are working hard with him and we are "most of the time" working together and that has been huge for us. He has years to learn and we are very happy with him. So with our little man he doesn't have to worry about competing with him because he is so much younger.
Back to Him. The minute I heard about him and read his description I fell hell over heels in love with him just like how I did with M. He is very loved there, he is not all in people’s face when they come to visit and he is very smart. He is just a little lover that likes to be loved.:) He loves to repeat English words or sentences. He is totally healthy except for being positive, so is M that brings my ET's to four positive kids. Huh, I hope I never get Alzheimer so I mess up all of their doses. Lots of medications to give.
Here is the thing. He is short, really short. He looks like he is 18 mo old but he is 4. The people that have seen him can attest to it, I mean that he looks so small. At first they thought he was 3 but he is 4 but maybe he is 3 after all. Who knows anymore. Ages can be all over the place. I will probably make him 3. He has grown 1cm in 6-7mo which isn't good. But per the agency sometimes they don't grow or the charts can be all over the place. I can actually carry him in an ERGO when I pick him up (if I can find a used one:), that is how small he is. I know what your going to say, ahh don’t worry, he’ll catch up, I have heard it everywhere but you know a mother’s gut instinct, well that’s what I have and so does my Dr. Fairchok. Her and I have spend so much time talking about him (she has also included the endo dr. that specializes in growth) and what would be best but of course she doesn’t hold the magic wand but is positive about him. She thinks he might have Growth Hormone Deficiency but at the same time is not too familar with 3rd world country growth but has heard. Once here it will be easy to find out by doing x-rays and blood tests. But unfortunately we will not find out until than.
These 2 additions will be like magic and will blend well with Biruk and Amira's characters. I just know it. Plus, yeahhh I can finally do a boy room and a girl room.
I wanted to make my blog private again until kiddos are home. I never like my blogs open when I start my adoption journey. Just so I can freely express myself and don't have to be concerned about their welfare. Hope its not too much of an annoyance to check in with me because obviously my blog wont update anymore on the blogroll list.
This decision was not the easiest by all means and it took a few weeks of discussions and research. When I first started looking at 3y/o boys, our little guy we chose was my favorite. I thought he blends in well with Kevin and I. Kinda could be our bio baby. There were 2 other boys with him but I told Erin I didn’t care so one was given away in the mean time because I simple said I didn’t care which one out of the three. Than there were 2 boys left. The other one was just adorable and by the looks and certainly the most favorite for the rest of my WHOLE FAMILY.
Well after reading the description of the other boy, but even more so hear about him from friend that met him, we thought that that he was way too competitive for Biruk. I simply cannot handle 2 Biruks. Don’t get me wrong, I am crazy in love with my son but he is high maintenance. He never likes anyone to be better than him, he wants all the praise, he has to be first all the time, he just needs lots and lots of encouragement and affirmations. Top off with his temper tantrums..... He still has a temper tantrum a day just because he didn’t get his way. But again, its no big deal for Kevin and I, we are working hard with him and we are "most of the time" working together and that has been huge for us. He has years to learn and we are very happy with him. So with our little man he doesn't have to worry about competing with him because he is so much younger.
Back to Him. The minute I heard about him and read his description I fell hell over heels in love with him just like how I did with M. He is very loved there, he is not all in people’s face when they come to visit and he is very smart. He is just a little lover that likes to be loved.:) He loves to repeat English words or sentences. He is totally healthy except for being positive, so is M that brings my ET's to four positive kids. Huh, I hope I never get Alzheimer so I mess up all of their doses. Lots of medications to give.
Here is the thing. He is short, really short. He looks like he is 18 mo old but he is 4. The people that have seen him can attest to it, I mean that he looks so small. At first they thought he was 3 but he is 4 but maybe he is 3 after all. Who knows anymore. Ages can be all over the place. I will probably make him 3. He has grown 1cm in 6-7mo which isn't good. But per the agency sometimes they don't grow or the charts can be all over the place. I can actually carry him in an ERGO when I pick him up (if I can find a used one:), that is how small he is. I know what your going to say, ahh don’t worry, he’ll catch up, I have heard it everywhere but you know a mother’s gut instinct, well that’s what I have and so does my Dr. Fairchok. Her and I have spend so much time talking about him (she has also included the endo dr. that specializes in growth) and what would be best but of course she doesn’t hold the magic wand but is positive about him. She thinks he might have Growth Hormone Deficiency but at the same time is not too familar with 3rd world country growth but has heard. Once here it will be easy to find out by doing x-rays and blood tests. But unfortunately we will not find out until than.
These 2 additions will be like magic and will blend well with Biruk and Amira's characters. I just know it. Plus, yeahhh I can finally do a boy room and a girl room.
I wanted to make my blog private again until kiddos are home. I never like my blogs open when I start my adoption journey. Just so I can freely express myself and don't have to be concerned about their welfare. Hope its not too much of an annoyance to check in with me because obviously my blog wont update anymore on the blogroll list.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)