Update on our little boy

Hi all,
Thank you for the prayers. Please keep them coming. They mean so much to Andrew, Logan, Kendra and me!

I got a call from our consultant today and our contact in Ethiopia is talking directly to the hospital. They said he was doing a little better today. He has a NG tube in which means he is being fed through his nose. I asked about 17 questions yesterday so a lot of stuff I still do not know but I hope to find out today. But I know God can heal and that He is hearing our prayers so please keep them coming.

I am truly worn down and did not sleep much last night. Andrew is out of town but I had 2 friends come keep me company at Logan's swim meet (which he won another heat winner ribbon) and after I put the kiddos to bed.

Logan was sick and in the hospital as an infant and I was able to see him improving. It is hard not knowing and thinking of our son all alone. I am hoping our contact will go visit him and give him so love from us.

Please continue to pray for our little boy. Pray for his doctors. Pray for the nannies who have loved him the last 2 months and how hard this has to be on them. Pray for Logan and Kendra as this is hard on them.

Logan & Please Please Pray for our son

Hi,
Please pray for our son in Ethiopia. He is in the hospital and has been since last week and is in critical condition. He is on oxygen and glucose. Unfortantely that is all I know. But our beautiful little boy and all of us would appreciate prayers for his healing and for those taking care of him.
Please pray - thanks












Okay, yesterday was that day I had not wanted to come - Logan started kindergarten. I can't believe it.

First off, Logan did awesome! I mean he was so excited and ready to go. He just walked right in and started playing w/ blocks. Daddy was excited and Kendra had been saying she was sad/angry but because Daddy and brother were excited she was. Then there was Mommy. I cried on Sunday night during prayers and of course from the moment we pulled up. I was the only Mom who cried (well, one other Mom cried after she left). I was also the only parent with a video camera. I even video taped picking him up in carpool.

But he came home and I video taped him telling me all about it. He even got out the folder in his backpack and told me that I was to fill out all the papers and sign this sheet every day - so he had paid attention.

Here are a few pics of him from school and some from the wedding as I never posted those either. My cousin Kate (the bride) gave him and the other ring bearer flight suits like the one Clay (the groom) wears every day which was a super cute gift and both boys loved them.

Yesterday at swim team the coaches also said they did not recognize Logan when he jumped in because his free style was SO good! He is improving so much in swim team and having fun.

15 days till our court date - please keep praying!

Shopping & 4 weeks

Well, it has been 4 weeks since we got the call telling us about our little boy. It is fun for me to replay the call in my head and remember how I felt when I saw our little boy for the first time. We get new updates at 6 weeks so only 2 more weeks to go. :) I can't wait to see how big he is and how he has changed.

The family went school shopping for Logan's school supplies (yes, it starts in 1 week from today). He had odd things on his list like sequins and freezer bags and things missing I expected to see like paper and pencils. While we were shopping we also picked up a few things for baby brother :) Great sales at Gymboree (like shirts for under 2 dollars). We got him 3 long sleeve shirts, swim trunks for fall/winter and some for winter/spring (we have a year round pool here). Pants are not so easy to find but it has been fun shopping for him.

We are almost 3 weeks away from our court date. We are praying like crazy we make it through before they close. Please continue to pray for that as well as the health of our little boy and for those who take care of him. Enjoy your 4th of July!

Yes, we have a COURT DATE

Okay, so yesterday I started getting a little worried about when we would
hear our court date. So I called our contact at AAI and she was busy so I left her a message saying to call me but no hurry as it was not super important.

Well, this a.m. it went from a little worried to starting to think maybe something was wrong. We got an email on our NC adoption
board saying another family got a court date of 7/? (I forget but I think it was the 17th) and this family received their referral on 6/3 (a day after us).

Then I had emailed the consultants and asked if our paperwork had been filed
and they said they don't always know. They said they just hear from our contact in Ethiopia when there is a court date. Well, then someone else tells me that they got confirmation that their paperwork was filed - happy for them but starting to worry
that something is wrong w/ our paperwork since we are with the same agency.

So I email Kim and tell her I am freaking out and to please call me and
if not then to please call Andrew. Well we went swimming
and when I came out there were 4 missed calls. I figured Kim had called
and then called Andrew. So I called Andrew up and he says "You need
to be praying". I start thinking what is wrong and then he says "for 7/23".

I screamed we have a court date and then started to cry. My husband
thought he was funny freaking me out for a second.

So, we have a court date. Now I have a date to pray on and start praying
that everyone gets everything needed done!

How many children do you have??

So, we have been out of town the last week in the great state of Texas. We went for my cousins wedding (Logan was a ring bearer - more on that in a second). I met some new folks while I was there and got asked how many children do you have. This is the first time I have been asked that since the referral of our sweet baby boy. I was able to say "3"! Sometimes I said "2, no 3" and folks would be like "Do you have 2 or 3 children?" I would then say "I have 3!"

It is 3 weeks since we got our call telling us about our little boy. At 6 weeks we get a new picture of him so we are 1/2 way to having some new pics of him - yeah! I can't wait. Of course I am super ready to hear when our court date is but I am trying not to stress too much about it. I pray a lot about it! It is like he has been part of us for so long and I am so ready to hold him. The kiddos kiss his picture :) We just want him home so please please please pray that we get through courts before they close.

Logan was super handsome in his tuxedo. He did do Green Lantern fighting during the ceremony, played with the wedding ring (but he did get it successfully to my cousin), marched loudly, threw the rose petals back at the flower girl, and was a typical 5 year old but he did not pick his nose (yeah as we had told him he could not) and overall did great and looked SO handsome. My son is so stinkin' cute (as is my beautiful daughter). It was so cute seeing him all dressed up. My cousin Kate looked stunning - probably one of the pretties brides I have ever seen. She was gorgeous. We feel honored that Logan got to be part of her big day.

We are now back in NC. I sent our agency a bunch of new questions about court dates, procedure, etc. I did not bother them much before the referral but now I email them often with new questions.

Check out the Simon and Adair blogs as they are in Ethiopia and get their sweet little boys tomorrow.

He is in my heart

We were in the car yesterday driving to pick Andrew up from work. Logan said I see Baby brother. I said "where" since the picture in Andrew's car was on the seat and he could not see it. He said "I see him in my heart." Tears! I said "I see him in my heart too" and then Kendra said "He is in my heart too."

We had our normal monthly MNO on Monday. My friend surprised me w/ little gifts for our sweet boy. They have been with me through this whole journey supporting me, loving me, praying for me, and truly just being there. They are an amazing group of friends.

At dinner, the host asked us if we were celebrating anything and my friend said she is adopting. Later on in the meal a guy who works there came up to me and said "I hear you are adopting. I have to tell you that I think adoption is the most wonderful thing." He went on to tell me how he was adopted from Korea 20 years ago and it is amazing act of love. He told me how in the Bible God talks about adopting us all and how anyone can have a baby but the work folks go in to adopt is amazing. He was so excited for us. He said maybe 20 years from now our son will be working in a restaurant and hear someone is adopting and go share how wonderful it is. He told me some of his story and he is traveling to Korea this summer. He was just so excited for me. It was awesome to hear!

9 days closer to our son!

Why Adopt

A lady at our local newspaper asked me to write about why we were adopting. I was a little unsure if I wanted to write about it as our road to adoption has not been easy, but in sharing what we went through maybe someone else out there will not feel alone.

So, here is the article I wrote on why we decided to adopt: http://www.trianglemom2mom.com/content/why-adoption
Just thought I'd share.

Big Brother and Big Sister

Logan & Kendra are getting excited about their baby brother.

Logan yesterday for show and tell told his class about his baby brother. It was cute and I went and video taped it. It is cute hearing them say his name, how old he was, etc. Now, his class started asking where his brother was. He said Ethiopia and they asked how he was getting her. Logan said fly. Then someone said fly on an airplane. Then another kid said fly on a boat. That made them laugh. Then someone said fly on Logan's head and the whole class cracked up. It was fun watching what makes 5 year olds laugh.

Now Kendra is starting to talk about her baby brother more and more. Yesterday she was talking about how she was going to tickle her baby brother and then I said how he would laugh and say Kendra (but I said Kendra like a baby would). Well, she thought that was funny and kept saying I am going to tickle baby brother and then I would say how he was going to laugh and say her name.

Then last night we had his picture (well 3 of them) in our bedroom and were all watching "So You Thank You Can Dance" and they each were holding a picture saying baby brother. Then we decided we needed a family hug so we held his picture and we all hugged.

We have always referred to our 3rd as baby brother or baby sister. Yesterday Logan was doing a card for him and he said "baby brother or baby" and then caught himself. We were both like now it is only baby brother.

It is so fun watching their excitement grow. I can't wait till the laughter of 3 children fills our house.

I keep thinking - it has been 4 days now - that means we are 4 days closer to bringing him home.

Gifts

Yesterday I went shopping. My friend Sarah reminded me that it was winter in Ethiopia so I went looking for something for colder weather(not really cold for all the MI folks but a high of around 60) which is not easy to get in NC in June when it is about to hit 100 degrees.

But I found this adorable little outfit at Gap that is pants, a onesie and a jacket. I was not for sure what size to get so it may be a big on our little guy but he can grow in to it this Fall. Then Logan, Kendra & I went to Target and they got him 2 rattles and we got a little kids photo album, and a sleeper. Now, I know a 2 month old can not really look at pictures but I like knowing that there is a chance that he has seen us.

So, I am assuming for the next few months I will be looking at his picture non stop. I have it on the navigation screen in my car. I used to have a picture of Logan & Kendra in my car but I am not for sure where it went. So, I added 2 pictures of them to the car too so that everyone has a picture. Don't worry, I do concentrate on driving.

Okay, but this is weird. Today I got an email from Pampers regarding my 3 month old. Now, I have not signed up for anything Pampers or given any birth date. Now, how crazy is that.

Trying not to speed to tell Andrew if it is a boy or girl???

Okay, so today is that day for us. The day we have dreamt about since we started the adoption process. I am still shaking from it all. I can't believe it actually is today - June 2nd! A day to remember.

The day started off with Andrew going to the gym and then straight to work. He called me when he got in and told me that the lady at the front desk of the gym asked if we had any news on the adoption. I said something to the fact that it was not going to happen anytime soon. The morning went on and I got the kiddos ready and we had just opened the door to the garage when the phone rang. I am surprise I heard it. The time was 9:04 (according to caller id). It said Adoption Associates. I honestly thought I would freak out when I saw them on caller id but it was Monday at 9:00 in the morning. I figured they were calling to just check in. So, it was Kim and she said hi and asked how I was doing. I said I was doing good and she said she had news that would make my day better.

I was like hold on, I am about to take the kiddos to school let me get them inside. So I ushered them inside and went into the study for some privacy.

She then told me about our baby. When she said she had news to make my day better I started to cry but then I stopped and basically I was shaking. I still am. She told me the information about our child and I did my best to write it down. I was trying to take it all in. She asked if I had questions and said if not to call her later in the day. I started rambling to her about stuff. She was very nice and just listened and was happy for us.

I told the kiddos the news and we headed off to Andrew's work to tell him. It has never taken so long to get there as it did this morning. I stayed behind a motorcycle that was going the speed limit so I did not get a ticket. I kept urging him in my mind to speed up.

Then I drove past the entrance to Andrew's work. Too much on my mind. I took the next one and got the kiddos out of the car. Then I called Andrew & told him that they had done some artwork for him and were throwing tantrums because he did not have them and asked him to come down and get them. Then when he opened the door the kiddos yelled "Its a BOY"

We all went upstairs and looked at pictures of our precious son for the first time together.

Okay, he is gorgeous. He is 2 months old and is beautiful. It is his eyes. They are already penetrating my heart. I think about them and my heart starts to beat so much faster.

He is in a pink shirt so even though Kendra knew it was a boy she got her hopes up that it was a girl. Logan is beaming that is a boy.

We looked at his picture, glanced at his medical report, and then called Kim to accept our referral.

We got to call all of our family together. We were on vacation all last week so Andrew had a lot to get done but I think this is a great reason to start work super late. We told everyone but Andrew's sister who we could not get in touch with. He told her later and I have been calling people all day.

We are not able to post his picture until we pass court. The courts close the beginning of August so our prayer is that we make it through court before they close so we can go pick up our amazing son. I have 2 sons!

Please pray that we make it through court and for his health and for all those taking care of him. I love him.

Everyone Poops

We have the book "Everyone Poops."

On Friday we went for a walk and Andrew told Kendra to watch out for dog poop. She asked, "Why dogs poop?" I told her it is like the books says "all living things eat so everyone poops."

Logan then said "Trees are living and they don't poop."

He then went on to ask if they do poop?

Hmmm, I was not expecting that question. I told him his Daddy would answer that question for him as that is something that Daddys know :)

Being a Mommy

Today was my last day at MOPS. I have to say that I am now home and feeling really sad that my time serving is done but so honored that God called me to help lead this group. I have been able to serve with some amazing women - I just can't believe the year is over with.

Andrew sent this to me and it is something I thought I would share. I have gone to snopes.com and it is not showing up as made up. But I shared this story with the Moms at MOPS today because I think it shows the beauty and strength of mothers.

I often think of the love I have for my children and how it is something that is almost impossible to describe. I think once you are one you get it. To love something simply for being. Andrew I love because I got to know him and found out that he is the most amazing man that I have ever met, but Logan, Kendra, and baby brother or baby sister I love just because they are and I am their Mommy.

This is a story that was in a newspaper following the earthquakes in China. This story will touch you so be prepared:

When the rescuers found her, she was already dead, crushed by the
collapsed house. Through all the debris, people can see her posture:
both knees down, upper body forward with hands holding her body, like
praying to the heaven. The rescuer pushed his hand in through the
crevices to confirm her death. He again shouted and knocked the loose
bricks with his tool, no response from inside.

The rescue team moved on to the next collapsed building. The team
leader must feel the strange posture of the dead lady. He went back,
checked again and shouted to his team: "come back, there is a baby
alive under her body!"

After a hard try, they carefully cleared the debris around the dead
woman. Lied under her body was her well-wrapped baby, about three or
four month old. Because of her mother's protection, he was not hurt at
all. He was still sleeping when he was taken out. His quiet sleeping
face really calmed people nearby. The doctor came over to perform the
routine check and found out a cell phone tucked under his blanket. He
took a look of the screen, an already written message is there: "my
loving baby, if you can survive, please remember I always love you."
Even the Doctor, who is so used to seeing life and death, cried. The
cell phone was passed along, and everybody reading the message cried.

MOPS & One step closer to Kindergarten

Tom. is my last MOPS meeting. I have been lucky enough to be able to serve as coordinator this year. It has been a great year and I have been able to serve with some absolutely amazing women. It has been such a fun year for me. I know Logan, Kendra, and Andrew are ready to have me back 100% but I have truly grown so much from serving these ladies.

I am sad that the year is over with but excited to see what God will do with MOPS next year. The coordinator is Brook and she is going to be awesome. I did not really know her until she served as assistant coordinator this year and I have to see she is an incredible person. I am going to miss serving with her. She is going to do great (and hopefully she will have her 3rd baby on my birthday :) even though she hopes not as that would mean she is late).

We had Logan's kindergarten orientation last week. It was very informative and Andrew got to see the school. So now everyone has seen it but Logan. We will miss his meet the teacher so we are going to go the week before.

Kendra said she was angry b/c Logan was starting kindergarten b/c she did not want him gone all day but home with her (and I feel the same way). I think she is really going to miss him come July. Luckily he will track out in 3 weeks and be home w/ us again :)

Have a great, wonderful week!

Soon

Okay, in my heart I truly felt like some referrals would come this week. It has been
6 weeks now so it seemed like a good week. Figured it would be a good belated Mother's Day gift to some Moms. Then the agency sends out an email that they are hoping to get the paperwork in the next week or "so" and then the children will be moved to Addis for their medicals. So, I guess no referrals this week (I think it makes us top the list for those waiting the longest for an infant boy but obviously not the longest waiting as Beth, Beth, and several others have been waiting much longer then we have.)

We have been hearing that children will be moved soon for 2+ months now. I realize my expectations of soon do not line up with international adoptions definition of soon. I am not for sure what I would define soon to be but I'd say 2 or 3 weeks.

But at least I know not to jump when the phone rings this week. I have my last MOPS meeting next Wed. and really thought I could share my good news with the moms in MOPS but it looks like that won't happen. I thought we would for sure have our referral by Logan's birthday but that did not happen. I am trying hard not to set a "by" date anymore b/c it is out of my hands and it just sets me up for disappointment.

But who knows. Maybe soon will be next week and this post will prove to be wrong (lets hope so). But hopefully "soon" a bunch of us will get those much awaited calls. I keep thinking, what do they tell you, what time do they call at during the day, how do they start the conversation, what happens if I am not here do they try to track me down on my cel, what happens if I am screaming and crying so much they can't tell me all I need to know about our child, etc. I look forward to the day I can share that with everyone.

Last thing - at Church on Saturday they played When Love Takes You In and I cried. Then they talked about CAR where our Church has gotten really involved. It was very emotional but it hits home so much more and of course I can't wait till Love takes our child in!

Happy Mother's Day

The kids made things at school this week and had Mother's Day programs where they sang to the Moms and served us cake and strawberries. Logan's class even made chef hats to wear as they served us.

Here is what Logan wrote on his:
My Mom is Heather
She likes to play
She always cleans
Sometimes she plays basketball with me.
The best thing about my Mom is ... she loves us and my Daddy :)

On Kendra's
I love my Mommy because she makes a cake for me and flowers.

Both so cute and precious.

I know this mother's day may be hard for some of those who are waiting on their referral and assumed they would be home w/ their child by now. But you are a Mom b/c you love your child so much already.

I know I do!

But really I just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.