NEXT STEPS

Today was our "Next Steps" call with our case manager.  It's basically a call that explains the court process, travel, and small projects that we need to start.

We have an "open" file with the Ethiopian courts, which means we will be taking one trip instead of two.  I think we'll probably be one of the last families going through on the old policy.  It also means that our documents will be translated and then married with the documents on the boys.  We'll be waiting on a court appointment, at which time, we'll need all the details to pull together at the right time so that we can bring our boys home as soon as possible.  We've been told to be prepared for multiple court dates, but we're praying for just ONE!  I'm hoping we will be hearing about our court date in next couple weeks.  Tomorrow, though, would be nice.  Don't want to get greedy, but I'll put it out there. About five to six weeks after passing court, we will travel to pick up our little guys!

There are a few things that we need to get working on, but for this week, we're going to focus on putting together an album for each of the boys.  Just the other day, Aaron and I were talking about how much we look at, think about, and pray for the boys...and they don't even know it.  The albums begin to initiate the process on their side by seeing all four of us together.  They'll see our faces for the first time!  AND, sweet Whitaker.  Surprisingly, our case manager told us to include pictures of pets, so Whit will make an appearance too.  I hope he doesn't make them nervous!   

On another note, several of my kids have been bugging me to show the picture again...I keep saying "okay, later" because I want to respect our dear taxpayers, but one of them stole the picture from my file cabinet and snuck them up under the camera so that "C" and "D" were up on the big screen. When I finally finished whatever it was I was doing (probably breaking up a fight--yes, it's been a crazy week in the world of 12-year-olds) and realized it, they sucked me in!  I gave in...and let them giggle, oooh, and ahhhh.  And offer to babysit. Apparently, they're less intimidated than I am!

OUR CALL!

Me to Aaron on Tuesday: 
We ARE getting our call today.  They're going to call us TODAY. 

I even put my phone on my desk at work.  A total no-no since kids are treated like felons if caught with a phone in class.

Aaron looked at me like I was nuts...and I was, but only for ONE day, because we got our call on Wednesday.  If you ask me, 1 day out of about 170ish days of waiting is a pretty reasonable error! 

Oh, they are beautiful.  Yes, they, because there are two.  Two beautiful little brothers.

Despite putting my phone out again on Wednesday, I missed the call in typical Marcy fashion. Seriously, me and phones just don't mesh. :)  I was sitting at my desk right after school, threw a grumpy glance at my phone and thought I should check AGAIN, just in case.  Voicemail!  Honestly, I KNEW it was our agency - checked the message only to be sure and started to tear up and shake.  I stood up to leave the room because I had about 10 kids staying after and I didn't want them to think someone died!

Anyway, other than blubbering a little, the only thing I got out of my mouth was "I'm sorry, I'm so freaked out!"  I know, not so romantic or beautiful or ideal.  For how "aware" I was, it still hit me like a ton of bricks.

So, our case manager went through some information with me and sent some pictures over -- I didn't look!  Drove over to track practice to find Aaron, and pretended to be all composed as I talked with some old kids of mine (So hard!!!!).  We went to his classroom and opened those pictures of our two little boys together.  Did I mention how cute they are?!

Oh my gosh...I have to go.  So much work to do for school tomorrow, but all I want to do is look at my kiddos!  Um, and figure out how to be a parent in less than three months!

JUST FOR G

Soon-to-be Grandpa Smith had a meeting down in our area the other day.  We met up for dinner and he brought us a quilt made just for our little guy by Great Grandma Smith. 

So, this is a shout out to Great Grandma Smith (and Great Grandpa Smith for helping).  Thank you!  We love it!  We especially treasure the note to him that is sewn underneath.  It will be something that will remind him that MANY were anxious to get him home.  :)  AND I thoroughly enjoy that there are now more than just three items in this house that are meant only for him!

ONE LAST MONTH?!

On Thursday, we received our new official numbers.  We're 6 for a boy and 9 for siblings.  We're actually 4 for a boy though, as there were two referrals in process at the time.  Being number 4 is crazy!  I felt shaky all day -- like seriously excited.  For some reason, 4 is WAY more REAL than 6. 

So, I'm a little nervous too, because there's so much that we need to take care of that we've sort of put off.  This year has been a little hectic with first, trying to get through all of the paperwork and education relating to our adoption, and then both of us working on certification for work, working on the house and a rental, etc.  That means we have next to nothing when it comes to baby stuff...um, like a crib, a couple books, and shampoo.  That's it!  Gotta get going on that one!  I do feel a bit negligent.  Although, it's kinda hard when we don't know how old our son/s will be...

Even though we knew we wanted to be parents one day, the five-year-no-kid plan easily converted to eight!  We're soaking up all that we love about the kid-less life and preparing our minds for this next stage of life.  : )  I'm REALLY hoping that THIS is the last month that we'll be waiting without having at least seen a picture of our kiddo/s!