The next step!

I woke up this morning and Garrett handed me one of the nicest gifts I have ever received. He and so many of you put your thoughts on a page and helped him create a beautiful book that reflected what I mean to you. What a tremendous birthday gift. I was overwhelmed, and have never felt more loved! Thank you to everyone that contributed- there are so few words that I can find to express what that meant. It is now my favorite book.... and I have pictures of all my favorite people in it! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Garrett, you have always been my miracle. I could not dream of a better man, a better person, or a better friend. I love you.

O.k., on to an update.

I made it through the medical exam and all the needles. It was quick and fairly easy, but I was nervous anyway. I can't put into words how much I hate needles. I am such a wimp, but at least I am a healthy wimp! They didn't find anything wrong with me (hee hee), and the report has been sent to FCCA.

We also went to our last pre adoption class in Sacramento on Saturday. What a tremendous amount of information. Both Garrett and I left the meeting reeling with information, but excited to see what God provides for us and how he grows this little family of ours.


The class covered health concerns, developmental expectations, cultural diversity, grieving, inter racial adoption, travel, basics of bonding with an adopted child, and so on and so forth. It was hours and hours of parental advise, guidance and information. If everyone had to go through these classes, I am convinced that our world will be a different place. Now all we do is wait to be assigned to our social worker, and then begin meeting with them.


In talking with the social worker that ran the meeting, it sounds like we may be a really good fit for a sibling group. We were encouraged in our decision and anticipate our family growing by one or two by early summer of next year (who know, maybe even sooner than that)! The idea of two is a little overwhelming, but it has been done before and I am so excited that they will have one another. I get goosebumps just thinking about it! Heee Hee!

The next thing on our agenda is beginning all of our immigration paperwork. We have to open up a "file" with them to let them know we are planning on adopting from Ethiopia so that they can begin to work on our children citizenship as soon as we get a referral. So exciting! The difficulty is the government paperwork. We all know what that can be like to navigate. Ughhhhh! But we are getting there. It should be headed to them by the end of the week!

It's kind of nice to take on one aspect of this thing one week at a time. Each
week we get closer to bringing our children home! What an awesome thing!