Bringing Home Baby

2009-08-22T13:52:00.003-04:00

Blogging has nearly ceased to happen. If I'm gonna give it a try...its got to be short. So straight to the point here. We have 3 very active and beautiful children, zero time for much else, and we are so happy! Cecily started school and loves it! She is doing great. I want to say her English is great but I don't really have any non-English speaker to compare her to. She speaks in full, dramatic, descriptive sentences and has complete conversations with us about any and everything. She started another session of gymnastics and will start soccer in a week. She loves to ride her bike, scooter, play with friends...all the usual little girl things. She loves to paint her nails, fix her hair and play dress-up too! I have some really cute pictures on facebook of her dressing up in princess clothes (Ian too, which is super cute and funny)! She loves to do all of the little girl things. I sometimes forget that she missed out on years of playing and we try to let her play like a 5 year old even as 10 approaches!

Ian, where do I start. He is one funny little clown. He is typical two I am gathering and he keeps us on the move. We are not making much progress on potty training, as he has decided only to go to the potty when and where he wants to and at no other time! He does make quite the habit however out of undressing himself, going in the floor, and telling us about his accomplishment. We are working on it..in the meantime, we clean the carpet frequently. He LOVES to play outside. We would stay outside from daylight till dark 7 days a week, rain/snow/sleet or shine. He loves the water and getting dirty..all the little boy things! As he continues to assert his independence, he still clings fiercely to his momma! I love it at night when he hugs my neck and says in his cutest toddler voice, "I love you momma, you love me?". Melts me. God makes them so cute, funny, and sweet to make up for the times when they pour a whole box of goldfish out in the floor or wake you up by hitting the toilet brush against the bed. Or maybe the times they screech in horror at the entrance of Walmart and beg for someone to help them making you look just like a big ole kidnapper. Precious.

Pyper is a sweet little thing! We all are adjusting to her sleep schedule. Ian's love for her is growing. He loves to hit, I mean pat her head, and jab, I mean gently offer her pacifier to her! If he's quiet..she won't be for long! Cecily is wonderful with Pyper. She is the best big sister. Cecily told me the other day that she wished Pyper was brown like her and Ian. I asked why, expecting something about wanting to look alike or another adoption issue. Nope. She said she wished Pyper was brown so she didn't turn red in the sun like me. Ha.

I would love to post the million pictures that I have of my beautiful, wonderful, amazing kids but I HATE blogger's upload tool. It annoys me terribly. So I will post a link of the most beautiful slideshow of our recent pics. The beginning ones are all of Pyper (her first photos), stay tuned to the end for pics of my Ethiopian beauties. You will see that it is totally worth the wait =)

Zoombug Photos

Click and enjoy!

And Pyper makes 5

2009-07-17T10:24:00.006-04:00

It has been a very busy few months for us at the Clevinger house. The kids are doing great, Cecily is AMAZING. Her English is coming along nicely. She has her stubborn streak but don't we all?? She is looking forward to going back to school in the fall. She did an ESL program in summer school that gave her some time out of the house. She loves the interaction with other kids. We are thinking that it may be best to repeat the 3rd grade. She seems to think that is a good idea too and we are hopeful that she will have the same teacher.

Ian is hilarious! He is starting to pick up on the "2 year old" fits and we have had some embarrassing moments in public =) All a day in the life of a toddler!

Did I mention we added another child to the mix??? Pyper Anslee joined the family July 12, weighing in at 8 lbs. 7oz., 21 inches long! Cecily and Ian are so happy to have her here. Ian's enthusiasm waxes and wanes depending on how much of my time she consumes! Cecily is the greatest big sister in the world. Everyone said that she would be helpful but she goes far beyond that. Yesterday she did the laundry. Switched it, folded it, put it away. I nearly fainted. She rocks, pats, walks, consoles Pyper as well as Cortney or me. She distracts Ian, keeps him alive, gets him juice cups, gives him bites of food....you name it, she does it. Just like a little mommy. I am amazed, thankful, and blessed. She is the most compassionate, precious little girl.

Some days I can't believe that our family has grown from just the two of us to a whopping 5 people in just 19 short months. Each child adds a new dynamic to the house and binds us all just a little closer together. Each child came into our family in a different way giving us rich experiences as parents and tapping on skills and emotions that have shaped us as people. My husband, my high school sweetheart, avid golfer, video game savant, perpetual child; does school pick ups, gymnastics, homework, bedtimes, toddler wrangling, diaper changing, nose wiping, and the millions of other fatherly duties just the way my dad used to do. We are there in our lives, parents, the one thing our hearts so desired. It is truly funny how drastically different the seasons of our lives are and how we transform into different people to accommodate those changes. Life is good. God has provided.

Happy Birthday 2 year old!

2009-06-04T21:31:00.000-04:00

I can't believe another year has passed. I can't believe how many changes our family has seen. I can't believe how blessed I am.

Life's Just Happening

2009-06-01T23:20:00.004-04:00

Almost 3 months have passed since we brought sweet Cecily home. Sometimes I look at pictures from those first few weeks and I am in disbelief at how much she has changed. She is not the same little girl that came home shy, scared, timid, quiet, and agreeable. Thank goodness! We love her strength (most times) and her voice about how she feels and what she wants. Her English skills are getting so much better with each day. School helped that tremendously. We still get caught up in the communication barriers sometimes but now she just huffs and thinks of another way to say it. I could go on and on about how smart and funny she is but that seems a bit boastful!
We have had so many families ask us about issues that we had or are having since Cecily is older. I think communication in the beginning was the most frustrating part. She withdrew tremendously in the first few weeks and said little to nothing. English that we were certain she knew, she wouldn't use. She tells me now that she was sad and scared then. Now she enlightens us daily with crazy stories. She knows we love to hear about her and she has helped us understand so much about her life. We never ask specific questions, I have just always asked her to tell me something funny or to tell me a story that made her happy. She is amazing. I love hearing her talk about Ethiopia and her time there. She has a great love for Ethiopia. She wants to hold onto her heritage often fearing that she is forgetting something. Our children are truly remarkable.
Ian is turning 2 this Friday =( I'm a little sad to see this next milestone (very thankful to be celebrating it) come and go. His little personality is just so endearing. He is so funny and intuitive that he catches me off guard most times. He is a great little brother. I'm not so sure what kind of big brother he will be in a few weeks...should be interesting. He's still our little baby and he will tell you that!
Wish I had more to update about. Life is good, too fast, and exhausting. The kids are beautiful, funny and smart beyond belief. Some days I can't believe this is my life, I a very blessed woman. As I hit the big 2-7 next week I will look back and thank God for the infinite blessings I have received.

almost at the 2 month mark

2009-05-06T08:06:00.004-04:00

I have been a horrible blogger these past 8 weeks. Life has exploded all over me like cake in the face. Wonderful, delicious, messy cake in the face. We have had the ups and downs that I did and didn't expect. Our transition to a family of four has been scary, amazing, and ever changing. Cecily, our quiet and reserved little girl who used to whisper and just smile when spoken to has turned into the little diva we all knew she was! We went for several weeks begging her to speak. We even had to limit her most favorite activity, television, because she wouldn't respond when spoken to. We weren't sure if it was shyness or stubbornness but she stopped using even the words she initially said freely. So, after an evening of limited tv, the vocab usage improved. There is nothing like asking someone a series of yes/no questions and having them roll their eyes at you for 2 weeks straight!! In the past 3-4 weeks we have seen such changes that I can't even grasp until I think back on how things were in the first weeks. She can express most any thought in English as well as tell us MANY odd stories from her time in Ethiopia. You have to wonder how much is true and if all is true...yikes. She seems to understand nearly everything we say. We still have the occasional language barrier...mostly when you are asking her to go to bed or turn off the tv! Typical 9 year old I hear! She LOVES Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody! Anything Disney channel or black and white shows. We have to limit tv and that is our most difficult task. In the evening we play outside until nearly dark then she gets her tv time before/after bath. That usually results in an ultra short bathtime!!!!

School is going great. Her teacher said that she has made a few friends and does well socializing. Her ESL teacher raves about her determination and how quickly she is picking things up. We are very pleased with school and she loves going. It is so scary taking her there and just leaving her not knowing what she is dealing with all day. I know that is normal but I worried about if she would tell them that she needs to go to the bathroom or if she would understand what was expected. I guess she is doing just fine.

She does really well with Ian. She gets a little frustrated with him at times and we have to intervene in their sibling fights. We try to make her room hers and keep him out as much as possible. Ian wants whatever she has, wants to be where she is, and do whatever she does. It can grow tiresome on a 9 year old.

We are on our first vacation as a family this week. This is the vacation that I dreamed of for years while we were growing our family. Last year we didn't really have vacation since we were in limbo about her travel date. This year we decided on Cancun for our first getaway, but due to many issues including passports and swine flu we decided Florida may be the better option. It has been amazing. Watching their little faces when they saw the ocean for the first time and played in the sand. We went to Busch Gardens and my fearless little girl rode the most daunting of roller coasters without any hesitation! It is perfection...everything I had hoped.

Life is continuing to change for us in many ways. We will welcome a third child into our home sometime in July! Yep...one last little Clevinger!

the new normal is very busy

2009-03-20T07:58:00.003-04:00

We are settling in here at the Clevinger house. Cecily aka Mekdes has decided she wants to be called Cecily now. That was a middle name that she liked but has since informed me that she is Cecily not Mekdes. We are trying it out for now. We won't do her official name change for a month or two so we have some time to decide which name will be first officially. We are so excited that she got an IR3 visa this time. I was complaining to our friends about filing for her citizenship certificate and they told me that it will just come in the mail!!! You mean I don't have to pay 500 dollars and agonize over the paperwork??? I thought we just got out of the re-adoption but this is excellent!
We have spent a good part of everyday at the doctors office getting bloodwork, checkups, skin tests, shots...the normal stuff. Our pediatrician is awsome and has been super cool with her not rushing into anything before he is fully informed. We have dentist and eye drs next week and throw in the rest of our appointments and she is soon going to be convinced that we go to the dr everyday!
She has really come out of her shell. Ian has made that happen almost all by himself. She loves on us and laughs with us but she really cuts loose with him and acts like the wild and crazy kid I know she is!!! He is the best little brother and she is the best big sister. They were meant to be together. Everyone is sleeping pretty well. I fall over usually after the last one goes to bed ;) They exhaust each other and me on most days. But everyone has been sleeping through the night for the past few days. Ian got back on his schedule 2 nights after we came home. He was an amazing traveler. For someone who asked, the only reason I wouldn't have taken him is if I hadn't had so much help. I had three women with me who helped tremendously as I transitioned with Mekdes. Also, the day I got sick they took over with both kids and let me lay in bed in a Phenergan induced stooper! Without them...having Ian wouldn't have been so easy.
So here we are...living a somewhat normal life with our two kids. No fits or anxieties to speak of yet. Overall everyone laughs more than they cry and loves more than they hit so we are considering week one a success.

Home Finally =)

2009-03-15T07:28:00.003-04:00

Home finally with our sweet girl! I am so excited to be blogging from Mekdes' bedroom while she plays a matching game on the other computer! It is early and we are all a bit jet lagged but slept pretty well last night. We were greeted at the airport by many excited family members and she was a bit overwhelmed. She came home, showered, and was ready for bed. I have tons of pictures that I haven't uploaded all of our pictures yet but I will very soon. If I had to sum up our week with two words they would be humbling and hilarious! I was in awe of my daughter who moved through the week graciously accepting me and Ian and my friends into her life forever. I was amazed at her strength and courage, her beautiful spirit, and her diva-ish style! Staying in a guest house with Laura, Andrea, Amy, Jamie, Mekdes and Ian....hilarious! We loved Ayat house very much. It is the true Ethiopian experience..yes indeedy (LOL for the crew). We have so many ridiculous stories to tell that would have you in stitches. Many involve asking someone to move so that someone could vomit or being asked to not vomit in that spot! Either way, we had so much fun and I wouldn't have changed a thing. As far as Ian goes... knowing what I know now...I would never have not taken him! He was a joy on the flight. He made the layovers seems short and slept a ton on the flights. It was love at first sight when he met Mekdes. I will post the video sometime. It was like he had waited his whole life to meet her and he wanted her undivided attention. He spent the whole week making sure she never got out of his sight and she cared for him and kissed on him as a big sister from the beginning. It was so nice to have both of my children with me, starting their bonding process as well. He made it easier for her to act like a child with all of us. He ran around like a little crazy man and so she followed playing too. It was perfect (except for the travelers sickness).
I have so much more to tell, so many more people to thank and a ton of pictures to post. I love my family and friends and thank the Bakers for keeping Cortney sane during the week.
I leave you with a few pictures...

T-24

2009-03-06T07:12:00.003-05:00

We are just 24 hours away from lift off here in KY. My group is thrilled and we have been gathering the last minute things and stuffing them into luggage! My niece's Girl Scout troop made bracelets for all of the older children at Gladney's foster center and are sending boxes of Girl Scout Cookies! I am excited to take pictures of the kids reciveing the gifts! It was a very kind gesture and I am so proud of her troop! I also have to give a little shout out to Mekdes' three very excited cousins! They are parting with their mommy this week so that I may be privy to her child whispering abilities!

I am so excited that Ian is going. I am thrilled to have this time with my children, together. Some have questioned this decision oddly enough but at this point it is the right one for us.

This will be my last post until you see the long awaited picture of us all united at last.

Signing off...

Speechless

2009-02-25T02:03:00.003-05:00

Last week is a blur. We got a new court date and passed court all in the same week. How does that happen? Now what you ask? We leave for Ethiopia in just 9 short days! I can't believe our travel is so soon. I have been packing and gathering things like a mad woman. So here are the plans. I am going to Ethiopia without Cortney. He is sitting this one out and staying here because of some health issues that came up after our last trip to Ethiopia. Nothing bad, just need him on his game when we return and not out of commission for a month like last time. Who is going in his place??? It is a lengthy list. Ian of course is going with me. We debated about this..it was short...I am taking him. I just cannot be without him for a week. Cortney feels the same way but I am persuasive and I won. He will be grumpy during the plane rides I am certain but a delight during the trip I am hoping :) My sister, Jamie, my best friend, Andrea, and none other than THE Amy Breedlove. Oh did I mention that we are sharing the guest house with Lara Byars and little Mercy too? It is going to be one giant sized slumber party at Ayat house!!!

Not much longer now and I will get to look at those beautiful brown eyes in person!!!

At Last

2009-02-19T16:43:00.001-05:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More to come later...

new look and a little hope

2009-02-17T23:16:00.003-05:00

I hope the next post you see on this blog has my little girl's face as the first thing you see!!! And that could be as early as THURSDAY!)!*#!*_)#(!)*$

Fingers crossed...praying it's official on Thursday.

Helping out...(this was recycle trash so not too heavy--don't call social services just yet!!)

Happy Birthday Dustin!!!! PS. That isn't Dustin's hair in the background!

Ian and Sophia hanging out in their pajamas.

no dice

2009-01-29T12:27:00.006-05:00

Court was rescheduled for March 10th. We are sad for us and upset for M*. We finally have power again after the horrible ice storm that hit a few days ago. Enjoy the pictures of the precious thing keeping my heart warm.

Yesterday as I unpacked her suitcase full of things I had packed I decided that we have to hand this burden over. I have to trust that God will be with her and help her to understand why we are taking so long. No more counting down and worrying with travel arrangements and planning when we will possibly travel. We have had her referral officially for 7 months and if you had told me we would still be waiting on court I would have laughed in your face. Guess the joke is on me.
Thank you to our dear friends Sean and Andrea who put us up last night, kept us warm, cozy, and very entertained on such a depressing night. Thanks for sharing your warm house!

Ian and Sophia waiting for a table
cuteness that happens while I'm at work

yummy snow (not the yellow kind that our dog makes!)

Just wanted to document for when Cortney wonders why he is sick?

not a yes but not a no

2009-01-27T17:59:00.002-05:00

After getting an email today from Gladney around 1:45 stating that they could not make contact with our in country rep due to communication issues I ended up getting a phone call. Natalie called a bit after 2 to say they had made contact with Belay via email and he was able to send limited information. MOWA did not have an opinion ready for our case today however the judge saw our daughter and her uncle and completed her relinquishment. The judge asked that the Gladney reps come back to court tomorrow to decide how to proceed. So, our case is remaining open until tomorrow when the judge will decide whether to set another date or leave it open until MOWA issues the opinion.

We ask that you continue to pray for all of the families who have been affected by this. Pray for my sweet daughter, that God will give her peace and make time pass by quickly.

Hope

2009-01-27T07:06:00.002-05:00

I guess all hope is not lost but it doesn't look promising for us today. Natalie told us yesterday that due to MOWA being closed for two days the opinion may not be issued for our case. It has all already happened so now I go to work and wait for Natalie to call and tell us what happens from here. If a miracle happened and they issued an opinion before court..we are through (unless something else holds us up). If not, our case may stay open and on the judges desk until the opinion is issued and then we are through. Or, we could have to wait for a new court date and do this all again in 1 to 1.5 months. I am saddened. I trust God's plan and I know that he has never left me or my sweet daughter in this whole process. I worry about her hopes and expectations. I did not know until yesterday that she will appear in court. Therefore she knows that court is happening and will subsequently wonder where the heck we are in the coming weeks/months. I know that she probably woke up excited and nervous and went to court where our case may not have even been heard. My heart is broken for her far more than for me.

We got an update yesterday. Kind of bittersweet I guess. She told us that she loves us very much and wants to know when we are coming. She said that she loves her brother and is so excited to meet him. She also hopes that we can find families for her friends.

I work 9-9 today so I will try to get some emails out when we get the news. Maybe my sister will put something on the blog for me. Take care and pray for my little girl.

At Last

2009-01-25T17:07:00.005-05:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More to come later...

Single digits

2009-01-18T23:20:00.003-05:00

We are now only 9 days away from our court date. I am about as anxious and nervous as any person can get. I am fearful that we will not pass simply because it just seems to be the norm these days. One week from a very historical Tuesday, a court will convene and a fate will be determined. I could be on a plane in just under a month to bring home our long awaited newest family member. Over a year ago the journey to her started and we pray that Tuesday, Jan 27th is successful.

Hanging on by a thread for 9 more days.

my favorite time is now

2009-01-12T14:38:00.004-05:00

I know this may be a shocker but I am living in the favorite time of my life. I will begin with a little disclaimer. I am aware that court has not successfully happened yet and I am waiting anxiously to bring home a beautiful person who will add more happiness to my life than I ever thought possible but I am talking about today.

As I look back at pictures from the past months and see what a tiny baby Ian has changed from I tend to get a little sappy. It seemed that our time with him as an infant was so short..too short. Before I knew it he was wiggling to get out of my lap and pushing my kisses away. I dreaded the transition to this toddler age because it meant an expression of his independence and I just was not ready. I knew that when the walking started and the bottles stopped, he was officially crossing over. How could I have dreaded that? It is so wonderful. I want to hang on to each day because I just know no other day could ever be better than this one. Then I wake up to this precious little boy who hugs my neck and gives me unsolicited kisses and realize that every moment is my favorite time. Every day is more perfect than the last and I am the most blessed person alive.

Life will continue to change very rapidly for us. I will continue to enjoy each change and embrace the moments I have with my wonderful children. Finally, the grass is not "greener" anywhere else on earth.

I leave you with pictures of Ian and his best friend forever!

A Very Merry Clevinger Christmas!

2008-12-31T14:56:00.002-05:00

Christmas was super special this year! This was Ian's first Christmas in the USA spent with many friends and family. It was very different from the Christmas we spent just one year ago in Ethiopia. I think that Cortney and I had deeper appreciation for the festivities and opportunity to celebrate the way we do. So many do not enjoy this luxury. We tried to impart that on my nieces and nephews as they opened the abundance of presents stacked high in front of the Christmas tree. It is not a reality for them as it has been for our darling M*. Many times we stood back and wondered what she will think of all this next year. The lights, food, singing, games, toys, trees, ornaments.... Most importantly I wonder what she thinks this year. As she celebrates another Christmas without a family. We know she is happy and healthy and we are thankful that she is in the fine care of Gladney. We know that she loves her friends and caregivers but my arms ache to hold her and I can't wait to be her mother.

Ian played and played...and played with his cousins. He had so much fun and he was so good! He ate tons of food, lots of ice cream at Nana's house and had the world's worst belly ache! It was my best Christmas ever! It was the Christmas I've dreamed about. Watching my son be amazed by the lights and pretty paper. Watching him enjoy our families and play with the train around the tree. This was what I had as a child and just what I wanted for him. Perfect...no other words.

We continue the count down to court. I have not packed or made a list of things to pack or stocked up on things or any of the neurotic things I did last year. I am too afraid of not passing court and facing months more of delays. We always hope that it will not be this way but with international adoption you just never know. We are bracing ourselves for the worst but praying for the optimal outcome.

Happy New Year!

Ian and Papaw playing 52 card pick-up!
Ian and Uncle TT tooting on the flute

My pretty baby

The toy of all toys...the one that made him screech in horror when he had to get off and go to bed...consequently the toy that was parked beside of our bed for 3 days.

1 year ago today...

2008-12-14T22:30:00.003-05:00

I guess every person has little anniversaries that stick out from the normal day-to-day. Things aside from birthday, wedding, holiday, proposal... As an adoptive mom I celebrate things like "Referral Day", "Court Date", and the most wonderful of them all, "In My Arms Forever day". I remember each event that led up to that moment when two very weary travelers, who had braved over 60 hours of missed flights, lay-overs, and airline changes and 10 pieces of perfectly matched luggage, arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was here that one tiny boy was waiting to steal us from the childless life we looked forward to leaving behind. With pounding hearts and tear filled eyes, our in-country rep handed this perfect little person to me, to be with me forever. I stroked his head and kissed his cheeks like I had been dreaming of doing since the beginning of the daunting paperchase. I squeezed him tightly and allowed myself to be mesmerized by his beauty. He was mine. Finally we had him.

Those days that followed were magical. We have watched him grow from a shaky, unenthusiastic infant to a grown up little boy full of life and love. I have spent 12 months toting him around so prideful I could burst. Proud of my beautiful, intelligent son...proud to be his mother.

We are thankful today for the opportunity to know Ian and to be his parents. We never knew what an amazing journey parenthood would be. Making the trek with him has made life very entertaining to say the least! I know each day that God's plans are perfect. Our family has grown and is continuing to grow in the way God planned. I am just so grateful that His plan included letting Ian be with us.

Here's to one year together!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2008-12-08T20:29:00.002-05:00

Since when does an 18 month old not need any sleep? We cut out a the second nap, put him to bed later and still for months he gets up at 2-3am and stays up until 5-6am. Once in a while he will throw us a bone and sleep all night...maybe 1 night a week if we are super lucky. He doesn't cry at night. Just screams in delight, claps his hands, jibber jabbers, yells mommy and daddy. You name it...at 3am he is doing it. We try to take turns getting up but really he will not let anyone sleep. Mystery. Today he had zero nap time. No nap. You would have thought that he would just fall over somewhere asleep..nope. He will not go to sleep unless I have adequately rocked, hummed, shook, juiced...ahhh. Sweet sleep...I miss it.

HOLY TOLEDO!!!

2008-12-03T14:02:00.002-05:00

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! January 27th is hopefully the day our sweet girl will officially become a Clevinger.

when cousins come to visit

2008-11-16T10:39:00.003-05:00

plenty of creative play
two tired boys

Cheese!

Twas the night before Christmas...

This weekend was wonderful. My sister came to visit, we did Christmas shopping (I am finished!!), got Ian's picture taken at the mall with Santa (not so fun for him), and ate at the Ethiopian restaurant with the Breedlove family.

I got a chance to reflect on how wonderful my life is this weekend. I am so blessed with amazing family and friends.

Pretty Pictures

2008-11-13T20:27:00.003-05:00

My little cutie in his sissy's room! Reading the paper...

Relaxing

Future scholar

Court date, you ask? "No", I say. Irked, you ask? "Yes", I say. Still no court date and as far as we know at this point we are no closer now than we were when our dossier arrived on 7-7-08.

We are looking forward to spending our first Thanksgiving with Ian. He is truly an amazing little spirit. I know that I am supposed to say those things because he is mine but honestly...amazing. He is saying everything. He will try to say anything at least once. He woke us up this morning standing in the bed singing the theme song to Sponge Bob Squarepants. He isn't allowed to watch that show but apparently it has a nice enough ring to it that he remembered the melody of the song from the few times he's heard it! He loves football...calls it buttball! Anything pertaining to football catches his attention and gets a loud buttball screamed out! Too cute for words. He says crazy things like doctor and Pacey and out, up, down, in, shoes,...you get the point. His personality is captivating and I guess I never expected him to be his own little person this early. He makes up songs where momma is the only word in the song and it melts my heart. This was the parenthood I was so ready and waiting for. I love this...every moment...even the nights when Ian thinks that morning has come at 2am and we don't go back to sleep until 30 minutes before I have to get up for work!!! Fun times.

Enjoy the pictures and have a blessed and wonderful holiday season.

a weekend of fun

2008-11-01T22:16:00.003-04:00

This weekend was packed with fun! Ian went trick-or-treating for the first time ever and he was a little pro! He didn't seem to understand why we didn't go in all of the houses. Eventually he got the hang of grabbing some candy and leaving! He also got to go to his very first UK basketball game!! He really enjoyed it but again didn't understand why he couldn't play with the ball too!

I wish I had an adoption update to give but even thinking about it at this point is too difficult. Soon, I will talk about the events that have transpired...for now know that we are waiting impatiently for our sweet love to be with us.

From the beginning

2008-10-13T17:10:00.006-04:00

One year ago today I was working on a busy Monday and a single phone call changed my life..past, present, and future. With a single sentence a voice on the other end of a phone dubbed us as...parents. Parents to an amazing little adventerous, Ian Parker Surafel. A little boy who was lying on a mattress in front of a foster center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia the first day I ever laid eyes on him. A perfect little face with big brown eyes who looked up at me for the very first time and fell asleep in my arms minutes later. All of these events stem from this day one year ago when I first heard of this 5 month old, 10lbs, baby boy named Surafel meaning seraphin and cheribum from the bible.

If you read our blog you know how much our lives have changed over the past year. Ian has blossomed from this tiny, little, fraile being to a strong-willed, smart, inquisitive, assertive little boy. He steals my heart with every look and re-confirms the power of love with each action. One year of knowing him has brought our family more joy than we could've ever imagined.

Inability to blog

2008-10-01T23:52:00.003-04:00

You may have noticed that I haven't updated you on our adoption or shared any cutsie pictures of my precious baby boy. There is a reason. I have resigned from blog stalking, "FBI" watching, sharing, catching up, and anything to do with timelines, time tables, courtdates, etc. I become physically ill at the thought of court being open and our file being out in Never Never Land. My daughter's room is finished, her picture is plastered on every wall of the house, my heart is prepared and we are ready for her arrival. I NEVER wanted to feel this feeling again. My heart racing, pounding, the anticipation of waiting on a phone call and a date that she will officially become ours. I set out to focus on Ian and not think so much about the wait. But Monday, the switch flipped and my ability to wait patiently diminished. So long voice of reason...hello full on panic mode. Pray it ends...soon.

Finally...the Clevingers meet the Bakers!!!

2008-08-30T21:03:00.005-04:00

This weekend we got to have a delightful dinner with two amazing people and their stunningly beautiful Ethiopian daughter. Having gone step-by-step through this process alongside this family made this meeting even sweeter. About a year ago we were so excited to find another KY family adopting from Ethiopia...The Bakers. We waited anxiously to receive our I-171Hs and then the tumultuous wait for a referral. We had plans to meet in Addis, as they left and we arrived, however the epic that was our trip delayed us so much that we missed seeing them. So finally, on Friday night, wet met the Bakers and darling Sophia! Ian was a little Romeo at first trying to get an keep her attention. Then he put on a squealing show, stole everything she tried to play with, and ended with some good natured toy throwing! We crawled around in the floor of the restaurant and took lots of pictures of the two of them. It was inexplicably nice to talk to these people. They know our plight. Not necessarily just the adoptive parent aspect, but the new parent aspect. The toddler parent aspect. The interracial family aspect. I am so thankful that Ian and Sophia will be long time friends but I am even more grateful that we finally have the Bakers in our circle to lean on for advice and support during this adventure called parenthood.

This boy knows his way around a computer and a Blackberry!

Dancing baby

2008-08-16T00:16:00.005-04:00

Spokesperson for Gold Fish crackers!

He is showing his strong face!

Ian is quite the little dancer these days! He knows its cute so he uses it as a way to divert attention when he is being mischievous!

We don't really have anything to report on the adoption front. The courts are closed and scheduled to reopen the last week of September. We will keep our fingers crossed that we get a court date and travel plans before Christmas. My optimistic side is absent these days. I try to remember that the blessings are the children not my time lines being granted. I was able to send two care packages to our little darling this month. I look so forward to getting some new pictures of her and finding out if she was happy. I know that knowing about us could possibly be taking a toll on her. As children leave the place she is now I worry that she may wonder why we aren't coming. In the letters I send her I tell her that we are trying very hard to get all of the paperwork together. It is a process that is difficult for many adults I know to understand much less a precious child waiting for parents. Where oh where did my positive attitude go??

We are trying to keep busy and doing a great job at it. Playtime around here is 24/7. Ian is trying to get over a nasty little ear infection and runny nose. I think it is mostly allergy related but I dread the coming months of winter sickness.

Ian is doing and saying everything. He is a total mocking bird so you have to be careful about what is said. If I am on the phone griping about something he walks around the room acting like he is fussing at someone. I am teaching him bad habits! Oops! He knows who we all are now and freely points everyone out in pictures. I finally get my own title now. Before I was either Sissy or Daddy. Thank goodness he throws me a bone every now and then! Ian is still sleeping in our bed. He starts every night in the pack and play (since the crib is all the way upstairs and down a hall) and about 1 am he wakes up (completely if I don't hurry) and wants in our bed, wants a cup of juice and wants his mommy to snuggle him up. I have learned to do things in my sleep that I never knew possible and not even remember that I did them until I find evidence the next morning. I have learned that intermittent sleep is better than no sleep. I have learned that the kitchen is a long way from the bed...come prepared for war. I have learned that Ian's back has a spring in it that prohibits him from laying in bed and going to sleep the easy way. I have learned that it isn't bedtime until I have broken a sweat, spilled juice all in the bed, and jiggled my leg until the muscle revolts in fatigue! I have also learned that if it can electrocute, fall on, or otherwise harm, it must be a fun toy, why else would mommy run and shriek every time I get near it?? My day is about keeping him alive and assembled. I am learning the joys of parenting a toddler boy. What a joy this child brings me and what a blessed mother I am. Enjoy the video.

Thankful for the many blessings

2008-07-22T14:51:00.004-04:00

Loving the view but needing a nap (note the favorite blankie that used to be mine)!
Don't forget me! Yipee!
All tuckered out after the Wacky Bear experience=)
Mommy and her sweet boy!

Where do I start? Bad news first. Belay informed Natalie that our dossier will not be ready to submit to the courts prior to the closure. That insures a Nov/Dec travel. This makes us very sad that we most likely will not be with M* on her birthday. The waiting will be very difficult but we are understanding of the immense amount of work the in-country staff is doing to help SO many families be united with their children. God's timing. Apparently He has something in store for us or our sweetie girl in the meantime. So we wait and pray.

The good news. I am thoroughly entertained by a world class comedian, actor, singer, musician, and A number one ham! The fabulous, amazing, Ian. He keeps my cheeks sore from smiling and laughing at the quirky little things that he never stops doing! Cute baby story: Last night I got Ian out of the tub and wrapped him up in a towel. Cortney was getting ready for bed in the bathroom. As we left the bathroom, un-cued, Ian says, "Bye Da-Da". He is 1, when did he start speaking in sentences??? Appropriate rhetoric at age 13 months? We were both laughing so hard and Ian started fake laughing because he wasn't sure what was funny! Amused I tell you...thoroughly amused!

We got an update on our sweetie girl. She said that she was a little scared about the adoption and to tell her family that she loves us. We also got her sizes and she is oh so small. Cortney's good cooking will put some much needed weight on her quickly I am sure. Since we were in the Smokey Mountains this weekend we got to do some serious shopping for our little darling. I went nuts! Girls stuff is wonderful! I loved each little outfit I put together and all of the accessories! It was kind of like some much needed therapy! Then I brought all of the clothes home and put them in the closet that will not be used for at least 4 months=(

Ok, so there is the update. The good, bad and not so ugly. I am counting my many blessings tonight and praying that God will love and keep our daughter, displaced by many miles. I have to admit that this is the feeling that I most dreaded of the whole process. Preparing the dossier is tedious, time consuming process but at least it takes your mind off of the fact that you have a child 9000 miles away.

Reading baby and why won't my book close?

2008-07-08T12:10:00.005-04:00

Seriously Mommy? Put the camera away=)

I think the video I have uploaded shows the benefits of reading to even the youngest of babies! We have always read to Ian and in the beginning a book was judged most on taste but now we are starting to look at content!!!

Last night was the first night since we came home that Ian slept all night without waking up any and in his own bed!!! I got up at 4am so startled because he was still asleep in his own bed! I ran over and checked to make sure he was okay then with a big smile stretched out in my bed! It was a good sleep for all of us!!

I tried taking pictures of Ian in his little Ethiopian outfit the past two mornings. He is less than amused by my photo shoots and tells me off while I'm chasing him around snapping pictures. I am inspired by the recent photos on the Breedlove blog. She does such a good job of capturing the true essence of her subject. I have always tried to get that picture that really stands out above all the other million snapshots I run around taking! I think 50% of my problem is me but I have to give some discredit to my camera...time for a new one!!!

Our dossier is in Ethiopia as of yesterday. It will spend the next few weeks getting translated into Amharic. In the meantime I am trying to put together a photo album with all of the things M* may see when she gets home. I read somewhere that it is good to send photos of everything so she can get familiarized with her new home even before she sees it in person. Hopefully there will be some families traveling before the shut-down and maybe we can send it by one of them if they aren't already overloaded with stuff!!!

Until next time...enjoy the video of Ian reading his book and figuring out why it just won't close!! I probably should have helped him, but it made a great video watching him figure it out!

Moving right along

2008-07-02T12:28:00.002-04:00

Our dossier is in transit to Addis Ababa and is scheduled to arrive on July 7th. At that point there is nothing we can do except wait. Unfortunately, I anticipate our travel to be in Nov/Dec due to the rainy season and usual backlog of cases after the government closure. I am prepared for this and I am trying to enjoy the final months of our family of three!

Ian is doing so many things now. I was watching some old video today while uploading this video and I was amazed at how much he has changed in just 1 month. He is so much more steady now when he walks and he is repeating and mimicking every single thing he sees. He is such a little chatter box!

I have been reading some books on older child adoption and I catch myself being very naive at times. I have never parented an 8 year old child so I guess I just don't really know what to expect. Our social worker was very persistent in making certain that we are aware of all challenges we may be up against, but I keep thinking how it just won't be like that for us. Don't get me wrong, I know that she will probably have many issues with boundaries and defiance. I also know that grief and loss cause a whole host of issues. But in my mind at the end of the day I picture her being loving and happy to be part of our family. Check back in 6 months and I may be singing a different tune!

For now, enjoy this video of Ian admiring a picture of his sister-to-be. Be amazed at my nearly 13 month old son acting like a big boy.

The Best Worst Day

2008-06-25T21:39:00.004-04:00

This is the day that tried to break me down. It all started at the brink of a new day...12am. I was sitting on the couch catching up with a friend whose ailing father is in ICU when I hear little squeaks of cry come across the baby monitor. I run into the bedroom and scoop my little bundle up out of the pack and play and crawl into bed with him as I do every night. However, Ian had a different plan for the night. He was awake...wide a-freakin-wake! So until nearly 2 am I rocked and cajoled my little pumpkin trying to use my special mommy powers to persuade him into sleep. Nothing doing. After two hours of playful slaps, not so soft kisses, and swift kicks to the head (all inflicted upon the poor, unsuspecting parents!)...he slept. My alarm started shrieking at 6:20am and I jumped out of bed and hopped in the shower. I am always late meeting my sister to drop Ian off but I was determined to be on time despite my 4 hours of sleep. Then the phone rings and it goes something like this...

Brother-in-law: Linds

ME: Jamie has a stomach virus (I knew this because she has three kids, 2 of whom had a stomach virus last week)

Brother-in-law: Yep

ME: Gulp..

Why did I gulp you may be asking? Because I knew that no one else was going to be available to watch Ian today and I was pretty sure that I couldn't call in sick because without a pharmacist the pharmacy would be closed for the day. So I call my boss and explain that I need to use one of my 16 personal days because of this situation. He politely tells me that we don't have anyone to come in and help me, so...I am just out of luck. Then I do what any daycare fearing mother does...take Ian to work! For 9 hours, until Cortney got off work, Ian worked with mommy at the drug store counseling patients and eating popsicles! I was sooo nervous about how he would do since he is the squirreliest of one year olds! He greeted customers, made their wait times a little more interesting, engaged in several games of catch with the balls he got off the shelves, and amused the heck out of our staff! At the end of the day I was thankful to know that he isn't quite as rotten as I thought and wow is he fun to be around!

You would think that it is over, right?

When Cortney got home I called and asked him to check my email even though I really wasn't expecting anything only to find...a letter from M*!! Natalie said that before she could even send our letter and picture that Ryan (Gladney in-country representative) had sent her a letter that M* had written. M* didn't know the specifics about us but she did know that she has been matched with a family. The letter was incredible. I needed to hear each word that she wrote. She put many of my fears of her not wanting or accepting the situation, to rest. I was very worried that she would be angry about getting a new family or that she would not want a new family. I understand that at some point she will probably have me eating my words, but she seemed really excited about everything! I have read the letter many times already and looked at every detail. I am thankful for this gift that we have been so blessed to receive. Somewhere this little girl is thinking about her family in America and all of the greatness that she associates with this ideal. Knowing that she knows makes this all seem very real. It also makes the wait just a little more miserable.

Get the bowl off my head!

Our family photos...the last piece of the dossier! See ya dossier!

Can I Get a WOOT WOOT??

2008-06-19T22:02:00.005-04:00

IT'S HERE!!!! We have I-171H approval to adopt one beautiful little darling girl! I quickly copied it, notarized it, certified it at the county level and shipped it off to the KY Secretary of State for certification today! One last document and we say adios to our SECOND dossier!!! Last night I spent over 2 hours scanning our certified documents to burn to a CD for Gladney. NEVER AGAIN! I was once again kicking myself for not using Kate Sproat (KBS Dossiers) for the dossier. I don't think that I really understood the amount of stress she took off of us until this time.

We are so excited that now we may get to have some kind of correspondence with our lovely little sweetie. They told us that they will be showing her pictures of us and reading her a letter written by us, introducing ourselves. I wrote the letter over a month ago but each time I read it I change something. How does one write such a letter??? A letter saying, hello, my name is...., and if everything goes well we will be the closest of family??? She is a little person with an opinion on what she wants and doesn't want. Do we make reference to being "mommy" and "daddy"? Should that wait? Is she ready to hear those things from us? We have spent months falling in love with pictures and notions of how she is and who she is. And she...hasn't had a clue that 9000 miles away two people were pining over her picture and praying intensely that she would soon join their family. As with many adoptive parents (not all so I hear) it is love/bonding at first sight. I know that legally she isn't our daughter yet but the bonding has already started. If for some reason, God doesn't have it in his plan for us to adopt this little girl (which I don't believe is so) I would want her to know that she was loved by us in the "mommy"/"daddy" way. I would want her to know that two people cared so much about her that we did everything we could with the tools God gave us to bring her into our family. So, that is the long way of saying that I want so badly to refer to myself as her mommy and Cortney her daddy. Still praying about all that.

Last weekend Ian went on his first boating trip. We had a great time with my sister, her husband and all of our kidos! Life is good. We are happy...a little happier today=) I am working hard to not rush things and to enjoy each and every day of Ian. These are the days I have waited all my life for and I want to remember each smile, word, and action forever!

SUPER EXCITED FAMILY!! It was a love/hate relationship with the tube!

Cuteness

Coolness
Sometimes you just have to have a pink fly swat with a big pink flower on it from the Dollar Tree.

And sometimes you have to carry that pink fly swat around all night until bedtime and mommy has to sneak it away as you go to sleep!

Some days are just better than others

2008-06-12T23:31:00.003-04:00

Today I hit the big 2-6. Twenty-six years of this wonderful life that I call my own. Twenty six years of freedom, food, shelter, and very minimal worries. All things that the starving orphans in countries all around the world will never have. The guilt I have over my many blessings continues to burden me. How could this life be so luxurious for me and so difficult for God's other children? I continue to seek answers.

I wish I could have my daughter home. I wish that she was in her bed, snug as a bug in a rug, getting up at 2am for drinks of water, and waking me up to make breakfast at sunrise! These are familiar feelings that I had this time last year as we waited for our I-171H to arrive. For my birthday present last year Cortney took me to Babies-R-Us and we bought all of the nursery essentials. This year, all of those beautiful things are in the pristine nursery while the true essentials are in my bedroom along with my sleeping one year old! Life is good. I smile more now than I ever have and I find myself being more thankful for the little things. I am in love with a little boy that has taken over my world and given me more purpose than I have ever known.

So, happy birthday to me and here's to many more!

Future baseball star!

Lounging with mommy in the pool!

Seriously...do you know how much I want to kiss this little face off???

Not just kinda walking...really walking!!!

2008-06-01T21:57:00.003-04:00

This weekend was great! We went to two ballet recitals and the Adoption Assistance picnic. The recitals were wonderful. My nieces were stunning and I am amazed at their growth as dancers each year. I get a little more sappy every year as Ema grows older and closer to those tween years. Cortney and I started dating soon after Ema was born over 9 years ago. He came to see my sister and Ema in the hospital one day while I was in school and we were all sold on him from then! It turns out that he just wanted to hold the baby without sharing her with everyone. We have been privileged to hone our parenting skills on these precious children and I am so thankful to have been in their lives!
The Adoption Assistance picnic was great! We got to meet so many adoptive families and share stories about the journey of adoption and parenthood. We met a great couple interested in adopting from Ethiopia and I could kick myself for not exchanging email addresses with them. We were able to give Gladney two thumbs up for Ethiopian adoptions! It felt good to recommend them to people and know for certain that even if the process gets bumpy, Gladney knows confidently how to navigate the bumps. I don't know where all our adoption journey will take us, but we will always be grateful to Gladney for getting us through at least our first adoption unscathed! I joked that we will never again be in a place where so many people know the meaning and pains of a foreign adoption dossier. It was a great time and we enjoyed it so much! I love to take every opportunity to celebrate Ian and his entrance into our family. We are one, one family, growing, learning and loving each day.

We ended up staying the night in Lexington so Ian could go swimming. This was our first night staying away with Ian since we moved into our new house. It was strange to break his routine and he definitely wasn't a fan. He appears to be a creature of habit just like me! It took some convincing for him to go to sleep at nearly 11 even though he had played outside all day and gone swimming! He wanted to go to sleep but missed the familiarity of home. I think I did too a little. We have moved a ton, traveled a little, but nothing replaces the coziness of your own bed!

We are slowly phasing out the bottle. We stopped giving formula last week, now it is milk only. We are down to 1-2 bottles per day, so this week will will transition to the cup. I am so sad to see the bottle go. Anyone who knows me, knows that I took my bottle until the ripe old age of SIX. Six years old and I would come home from school and suck my bottle of chocolate milk! I would throw it behind the couch if anyone from the neighborhood came in and caught me drinking it!! Very silly, but I was my mother's baby and at this point I can see what she was trying to preserve...babydom. However, for the health of my child's psyche, I will take the bottle at a less embarrassing age.

Finally I have added a video of my 12 month old walking all over, bending for a toy, and continuing to walk, following after his daddy. Last week he went from a shaky, tumbling, 4-5 steps, to walking across the yard! He has come such a long way in the past 6 months! When he came home he wouldn't even bear any weight on his legs (zero/none/nada) and now he is walking all over the place....amazing.

Cortney and Ian at the picnic

Ian watching intently at Chelsea's ballet recital

His brand new sandbox!

Ian getting a diaper change while we waited in the car for the rain to quit!

Me trying to keep Ian on the train with my foot to get a pic!

Cuteness Abounds

2008-05-28T00:22:00.002-04:00

It is 12:30am and I should more than be in bed with my sleeping baby. Instead I am finishing sending the revised dossier documents to Natalie for review tomorrow. I am missing Kate Sproat (KBS Dossiers) right about now and wishing I had splurged and spent the extra $275 to have her up late taking care of business for me. Oh well, next time for sure we will use her! We are impatiently awaiting our I-171H and my mail man has ceased making eye contact out of what appears to be fear of the stalker mommy lurking by the mail box! Oh help me make it through this wait once again.
M*s room gives me great comfort on these nights. I just walk in there and look at her toys and things and imagine her sitting in the middle of her bed. Soon, very soon, her smile and laugh will fill this house with even more love than we knew existed. Two children, born in my heart, birthed in Ethiopia by two women, will create one family, inseparable for life.

Enjoy the video of my little cutie pie as he entertains his faithful audience.

Happy First Birthday to Ian!

2008-05-17T22:47:00.004-04:00

Today we celebrated the much awaited, much dreaded event...the first birthday party! I dreaded the dickens out of this day because the turning of one seems likes the closing of a chapter. A chapter that I just was not ready to finish. So today, we celebrated Ian's birth, the day in which he came into the world with such a bumpy start but with will and determination that will carry him through this life. We celebrated the making of our family, the union of two people with a perfect little boy who was carried and birthed by another woman but entered this world with the fate of becoming a Clevinger. Today as I watched him assert his independence and show off his new skills I can be certain that a part of who he is...is because of me.

Ian and cousin Lucas
Cortney appears to be in pain

The bounce houses!

Ian, Star and Sam (our neighbors)
Ian's birthday present from Mommy and Daddy!

My beautiful son.

Officially IAN!

2008-05-14T15:09:00.003-04:00

Today was our stateside adoption hearing for Ian's adoption. When our court date happened in Ethiopia Ian's Ethiopian birth certificate was issued and his legal name at that point was Surafel Cortney Clevinger. It has been that officially until today!! He is officially Ian Parker Surafel Clevinger!!! We had some issues with his birth date and it looks as if from this point forward we will have to celebrate his birthday on June 5th instead of May 20th as we had originally thought. We have some conflicting dates on a few of the papers so the court went by his Ethiopian birth certificate. In reality that date was the day he was received into Enant Alam orphanage. So now, I am thinking we will be having four very special days each year to celebrate for Ian. His legal birthday, the original date they had given us, the day he was placed in our arms forever, and today, the day he was officially Ian!

While we were waiting for our hearing today I just stood there and reviewed the changes that the past year has brought to my life. I look at this amazing little boy and my heart melts. I am Ian's mom. As badly as I wanted to be a mother I could have never imagined the joy that he would bring me. I just can't imagine life without Ian, a little boy with a million smiles, precious kisses, and a personality that can light up a room.

Enjoy the pics of our super special day!

Today is my Adoption Day!!
Mommy and Ian before we went to the hearing.

Ian playing with the toys in the children's room at family court!

Time for us?
YAY Daddy!
Mom and Ian

Judge Thompson and Ian Parker Surafel Clevinger!!!

Mother's Day...finally

2008-05-11T23:40:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to say how very grateful I am to have joined such an elite group...mothers. Today I celebrated my mother, my grandmother and myself. But today I also celebrated the mother who helped me become a mother. God Bless her and we pray that she is safe.

Nearly ONE

2008-05-02T14:06:00.003-04:00

Just 17 more days until my little baby turns one. I have not wanted to plan for this party because I knew that it mean accepting him growing up. But, guess what? I have no choice...he is growing by leaps and bounds every day. His little personality catches me off guard. I just don't expect him to be so witty so young! Ian knows he is cute. He also knows that we all know he is cute. He uses this knowledge to entertain, get his way, and show off! Nonetheless, I am always amused and this he knows as well!

Good news about our paperwork. All clearances were received and our homestudy is at Gladney being reviewed. As soon as they are finished it will go to CIS thank goodness! Who knows how long it will take CIS to grant us an approval? We submitted our application on March 21st, got fingerprinted on April 11th but our homestudy won't make it to CIS until probably May 12th (long estimation I hope). It could be as little as a week or two or up to 6-8 weeks. So my secret hopes of being home before the shut down are quickly dwindling and now my worst fears of being gone at Christmas again are cropping up. No one panic...it is just my worst fear. That would be some kind of worst case scenario where EVERYTHING went badly for us.

We are still praying for our friends who have not made it through court despite many attempts. I would love to offer some words of comfort to them but I'm sure at this point comfort will come only when they are united with their children.

mouth FULL of water...

mouth EMPTY!!! Cute smile and two teeth!

Utterly Disgusted

2008-04-23T22:14:00.005-04:00

It has been about a month since we inquired about M* and submitted all of the things for our homestudy to be updated. As of today our child abuse checks are still not finished therefore our homestudy is has still not been reviewed by Gladney and is not on its way to CIS. I am very, very discouraged. I am trying to take all things in stride but I am getting a little irritated that such a trivial check (considering we had these done about 11 months ago and to date have not abused any children!!) is holding us completely up. Grr. I want to scream. Then I think about Eric and Tara who are still waiting for a successful court date and I feel sad for them. Thank goodness M* doesn't know about us yet so she isn't wondering where we are or when we are coming. Whoever said adoption is the "easy" way to have children, NEVER EVER adopted.
In the meantime here are pics and videos of Ian. He keeps me cracking up and on the edge of my seat (literally, chasing after him) every day.
In one video Ian is showing off his new cruising skills. He is so close to walking. He takes steps but loses his balance pretty quick so we are still working on it. In the other video he is just being his usual silly self.
Enjoy.

Do I have anything on my face??

Too precious for words.
Don't move Pacey...

Brothers

4 months together

2008-04-17T22:28:00.005-04:00

Dancing a little!

Fingerprinting Day!! We're coming for you sister!!

He wants out!

I am trying to keep our blog up-to-date with nothing to report on our adoption. =( We have someone on the inside working to get our child abuse checks by the end of the week for us. If this person is able to pull some strings I will owe her big time! Once we get these we will wait for CIS approval, once again. Gotta love the waiting.. BOOO.

In the meantime I have a little, tiny distraction. Who am I kidding, there is nothing little about this distraction!!! He has a big personality as you can see in his pictures. Tooth number two has broken through today and we expect to see 2 teeth by the weekend!

I read on someone's blog that said it may be obnoxious to brag about your child but she couldn't help herself. I must follow her lead. There is just something about this kid that steals my world. It could be the way he talks all day and acts like I am the fool for not understanding. Or maybe the way he judges all things first by touch then by taste! It also could be the way his little pacifier quivers when he is just too tired to object to bedtime and he pulls the covers over his head in an effort to halt my ability to continue dressing him. I can't put my finger on what is so captivating about Ian, but he is even more wonderful than the day they placed him in my arms 4 months ago.

The video is of Ian's cousins helping him out in a friendly game of tag.

Big Week for Ian

2008-04-14T21:42:00.003-04:00

This week Ian got his first tooth and started saying "Ma-Ma"! FINALLY!!! I got to hear him do it for the first time after I had been at work all day. He waited for me to get home to say it which makes me very happy that I wasn't the last to hear it! The tooth finally popped through this week after many months of chewing on everything and having a swollen spot where the tooth was coming.
Ian is growing up so fast I can't believe it sometimes. I made a DVD of our journey to him this weekend and when Cortney and I watched it we were both so surprised to see how little he was then. We are just a few days shy of having him in our arms for 4 months! I can't believe next month is birthday month. I don't think I'm ready.

We are currently completely held up on our second adoption. Everyone, even the USCIS, seems to be moving right along with our paperwork but our homestudy is still held up due to our child abuse checks. We had these checks done less than a year ago but for some reason the office that handles that is being so slow about getting the new report to our homestudy agency. This is the 4th week of waiting for a child abuse check to come back. A check that my social worker friend assured me takes only seconds to produce. I want to call and scream and yell at the lady in the Protection and Permanency office. However, that wouldn't be a very good thing to do so I am praying that the estimation she gave me is on the long side and that our checks will get to the homestudy agency sometime this week. There are days that I'm not ready for this again. I have said that many times but often I find myself not wanting to feel all of these emotions again. The constant state of hurry, trying to beat the clock (government shutdown), and no one understanding the urgency and dire need for everything to be perfect. Then I look at the pictures that tell a story about a little girl who needs a mother, father, and baby brother desperately, and I press on.

This week Cortney and I have also been thinking about all of the things our 8 year old daughter will need! What does an 8 year old need? EVERYTHING!!! I am looking forward to buying her bedroom furniture and decorating her room. My first purchase for her was pajamas. All very cute and very stylish since from the pictures we have so far and our first meeting, she appears to be quite the diva! I haven't bought any clothes because I have no idea what size to buy! But I am enjoying looking at little girl things!

We still aren't sure about the school situation. M* is in an all English speaking school but has only been there since Aug 07. She is said to be in the 2nd grade but I worry about the transition into the mainstream school system. I am not sure what we will do there. I have ready some interesting things about our options but my mind is not totally made up. Permanent homeschooling is not an option for us but possibly a good way to play catch-up. I just don't know yet.

I leave you with a video of Ian not quite using his table manners! He usually spits everything back at me at least once!

beautiful day

2008-04-09T23:29:00.004-04:00

Tonight as I watched American Idol gives back my heart ached for so many reasons. Largely my daughter, 9000 miles away, knowing nothing of a family awaiting her with as much love as she could ever want. I don't know how God steered my heart to Ethiopia but I thank Him every day for the opportunity to have Ian and M* in my life. As I watched the stories of poverty and despair tonight I saw one common thing...hope. Hope like we could never imagine, a will to make it, and appreciation for help.

Pray for the millions of orphans that cannot be saved, children who will die from diseases that could be cured without a mother or father to comfort them.

cute shoes, sweet smiles, and a beautiful boy

2008-04-07T22:34:00.005-04:00

I wish I had more to report on anything but the truth is we had a very relaxing weekend just hanging out with family! I continue to make progress on paperwork and I am proud of what I have been able to do while juggling many tasks. I have had some super help though. Cortney, my once paperwork fearing husband, is now the king of perfect documents! He searches through each document that he is responsible for making sure everything is perfect. He has had to have a few re-done but he fought those fights and I got to just sit back and watch! It is wonderful!

Some days I wonder how we ever get anything accomplished. Our lives have changed so drastically I don't even know how to begin to articulate that to all of the about-to-be parents. There are things that I never imagined would be difficult that now are IMPOSSIBLE! Running errands, shopping without a cart (for even just a few things), getting in the car in the morning (21 lb baby, 10 lb car seat, 15 lb diaper bag, 5 lb purse, 3 lb lunch, cup of coffee = scalded, broken down mommy). Don't get me wrong, the child is a dream to have! Anyone who can make me laugh at 3 am should get a prize or something! Just the way of life has changed. So as we approach this adoption and the preparations for M* complete organization has had to prevail.

On a side note, we got our fingerprint appointment for this Friday, April 11th. It has only been about 2 weeks since I sent in our I-600A. I was a little shocked to get an appointment that fast but I am not allowing any false hope of a quick I-171H. I am planning on being realistic, enjoying the process, not wishing life away, and praying that God will bring her to us as quickly as possible.

Crawling on all fours! Our latest accomplishment! Carrying a princess necklace...daddy's least favorite toy!

Cutest little shoes on the cutest little feet!

We had to keep the pacifier in to keep the rocks out!!!

Geez..I could eat his little face.

Kinda needing a nap! But still very happy!

Day by Day

2008-03-29T21:42:00.009-04:00

The past week has been so hectic! I had a stomach virus on Easter so we didn't go to church and I basically slept all day. Thank goodness for Daddy! I was drugged for the best part of the day and regular daddy turned into super daddy caring for mommy and child with the greatest of ease!

I have been trying to get some of our paperwork done so we can continue to move forward with the adoption of our daughter. Re-doing all of the paperwork seems a bit daunting and re-doing it while caring for Ian is dang near impossible! The ONLY time I have to work on it is after my sweet pea heads to bed and even then I can't relax because of his new crawling skills!! Daddy tends to not notice when baby wakes up and crawls out of the bed!! AHHH! One morning Cortney and I were getting ready and when we came into the bedroom Ian was rolling around on the floor!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!! YIKES! I panicked and snatched him up out of the floor, freaking him out worse than the fall I think. Would it make more sense for him to sleep in the pack-n-play? Yes, yes it would. Have I tried to put him in the pack-n-play to sleep? Yes, yes I have and if mommy intends to ever get sleep...Ian will not be in the pack-n-play! Spoiled? I'm sure he is. Rotten? Some might say. He leads and I follow...he never steers me wrong!
Ian is progressing really well. He has started really crawling in the last week. He gets up on his hands and knees and can go ANYWHERE! His favorite places to go are the ones we keep dragging him out of. Our poor doggie, Pacey, really hates that Ian is so mobile. Ian tries his best to steal Pacey's bone right out of his mouth! Pacey politely declines sharing and makes every attempt to shoo Ian away. Ian, being the persistent little guy he is, doesn't like being shooed away so Pacey has to get up and walk into another room where he gets a moments peace before Ian makes his way back to him!! It is an entertaining saga that basically never ends! Those two keep us in stitches! Ian is pulling up and trying to stand on his own now. He lets go of things, sometimes haphazardly, and gives standing his best shot. Sometimes it works, sometimes not but either way he always trusts that someone will be behind him to catch him before he knocks himself unconscious on the floor! So far...someone has been there!
Parenting this child continues to be the most amazing thing I have ever done. We have quite the little love affair going on! I live for those kisses and not-so-soft pats on the cheeks! Nothing I have ever accomplished makes me feel as rewarded as when he sees me in the morning and smiles that big gummy smile!
We can't wait until our family is complete with our sweet daughter. Even though I feel lost in the paperwork once again, knowing that she is waiting for us puts things into perspective. I can't wait until we are all under the same roof (hopefully not all in the same bed) and I can kiss her goodnight!
I leave you with some pictures of our little man.

PS. M*' picture has been removed from the Bright Futures Camp page. She is no longer available for adoption because she is on her way to becoming a Clevinger!!

Pulling up on the toy!

Enjoying the gifts from the Easter Bunny!

Happy First Easter sweet cheeks!

Pacey loves him...most of the time (meal time mainly)!

He knows that this smile makes mommy laugh and gets Ian away with ANYTHING!!!

Details

2008-03-22T09:57:00.004-04:00

Well, I don't know what to say other than...God is Awesome! He has placed another beautiful child, 9000 miles away, directly in our path once again. M* is 8 years old and she was all set to be a Bright Futures camper until just over a week ago. The moment we saw her little face we knew that God was telling us something. I contacted Gladney and asked if we could adopt her even though we cannot participate in the camp (because we live in KY). After a few days of making sure that we would be allowed to proceed we got "the email". All of the families who have gotten referrals or are waiting on one will get "the email"!!! The one with your future child's name in the subject line. The email said, "M*......more info..... Here are two books I highly recommend for you and your husband in preparing to adopt your daughter". AHHH, our DAUGHTER!

So now we start over with the paperwork. The dreaded applications and dossier but this time is a little different than with Ian. I already have this beautiful picture to help me get through the wait.

A little note about Gladney for any family lurking and trying to decide which agency to use. USE GLADNEY!! Adoption in general is a long and tedious process. It is full of waiting and uncertainty. I can say with total confidence that the people at Gladney love the children they are helping and care deeply for the families in the process. They may not know exactly how you are feeling in every step, but they truly care about you.

So this time around no pictures can be posted but if you are a Gladney family you probably know where the Bright Futures page is located and maybe you would like to have a look. (Hint hint)

My Heart's Still in Ethiopia

2008-03-19T23:49:00.003-04:00

It is with tearful joy that I report this news to my dear friends and family. For weeks my prayers have had a theme...provision and push. I have begged God to make the provisions necessary for us to do his work and to give us the push we needed to step out on faith. Since we returned home from Ethiopia with Ian my heart has been heavy for the many orphans we met while there. Today we got the okay to proceed with the adoption of our soon to be daughter. We were fortunate to meet her while in Ethiopia but had no idea that one day God may unite us as a family. I hope that you will pray for us as we embark on this wonderful journey once again and follow God as he grows the Clevinger clan by one remarkable 8 year old girl.

Muy Finito

2008-03-17T22:07:00.008-04:00

Finally our house is finished. Every part (except rain gutters) is finished. Well, we still need some grass too but that will come with sunshine! We just stood out there this evening looking at the yard, where the mess was just hours earlier, in amazement that finally we don't have a port-a-potty in our front yard!! YAY!!!

Tomorrow is round two of shots. Ian is just getting over an ear infection so tomorrow we will be back to fevers and a less than jovial baby=( I know that every mom says this but Ian really is the best baby ever! 99.9% of the time he is smiling, laughing, clapping, and playing. He has made this whole first time parent thing a piece of cake. I just never knew how much I could love this little person. I just look at him and get all choked up because I know how much I wanted him and now he is here..in person! (If you can't tell I still am in disbelief that he is really mine.)

Tomorrow also is the day that we can file the petition to re-adopt Ian in KY. I can't believe that we have to do this but here we go...adopting our son again! This is a process that we have to go through because of the type of visa that Ian was issued when we left Ethiopia. Since we did not meet him until after he was already adopted by us, he is not granted automatic citizenship in the US. All of this = more time at the local courthouse and more money! Our lawyer is a hideous man that is part of my company's free legal service. He has been rude, snide, and just plain hateful about the whole process. But...he is free, so we are enduring the pain for the sake of the wallet. I keep thinking that he can't mess this up hopefully he won't prove me wrong.

I have posted some pictures of Ian eating peas and carrots by himself! He is doing so much these days I can't even stand it sometimes. I want to sit on him and not let him grow up on me!!! I have also posted pics of our finished house! Enjoy!

Infectious Smile...

The hand is almost as good as the food!

Check out Pacey running through the mud! AHHHH

constantly evolving

2008-03-09T23:19:00.004-04:00

Life is good. Really good. I can remember (and sometimes look back on) my old posts. That deep longing can been seen in my words and I can even remember how it felt just a little for brief moments. That desire I had to roll over and see his face sleeping or even better, smiling back at me. The days that felt endless as we waited for the call and all of the unknowns. Ahh, but those days are behind us and life is more realistic now. I eat, clean, fold laundry, pay bills, brush my teeth, fix my hair, dress, use the potty...with only one free hand! If carrying a twenty pound wriggling child around for 14 hours doesn't snap you back to reality...nothing will!!! I am the guilty party who led Ian to believe that my body is his personal taxi around the house so now we are attached at the hip!

I have to say that I think I am slowly evolving into something that resembles normal behavior now. I may be alone here but I wanted to try to share some of the things I went through emotionally when we first got home with our little sweetie. While we were in Ethiopia I was able to fully experience Ian and motherhood. I had him mostly all to myself. Cortney was there but even when he had him I still had "them" all to myself. Then the moment we stepped off of the plane in the US, I knew that I had to share him with lots of people who had waited and wanted him for a long time as well. I am ashamed to say it but I would actually get upset if anyone took him from me or took him and walked away from me. I was so afraid that he would like someone better than me or even as much as me. I read the books and I know all of the ways children attach and bond and I knew that involving others in Ian's life would not keep us from bonding. However, I still chased anyone who held him around and sulked until they gave him back. It was especially hard for me to watch my sister interact with Ian because she is so good at it . She has three great kids and she just seemed to ooze mommy charm. Then there was that first day when I had to leave him and go to work. I was sure that he wouldn't love me when I got back. All I could think was that I had brought him here to this strange place and I had left him motherless all day. I wanted to call and check on him a million more times during the day than I did but just hearing him talk in the background made me very sad. I missed him so much that I wanted to quit work. (Then I remembered that I will have to work forever to pay off my student loans!) Anyway, on to the evolving part that I declared in the beginning. It is getting easier to let others hold him now. He loves me, I know it! I am getting more confident that he is mine forever and this won't all be yanked away from me soon. Work is still very difficult but we make it one week at a time.

Ian has started doing something that resembles crawling. I am trying to get a video up of his "inch worming". I think crawling isn't too far off from the looks of things. He is chattering up a storm but still just "Na-na" and "Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da". You get the idea...lots of "da-da" and ZERO "Ma-ma"! He enjoys being read to now. Until the past few days he just wanted to attack the book and stick it in his mouth but he actually looks at the pages now! He loves the Wiggles! I turn them on and and we dance and sing along.

X Marks the Spot!

2008-02-23T19:16:00.002-05:00

Need I say more??? He likes to kick back and relax when he has his bath! Tonight has been a rough one for us. Ian has a cold or something and has cried the biggest part of the evening. Not at all like him but right now he has decided that he will not sleep, eat, be held, lie down, sit, play, stand, or be happy in any way form or fashion. It is pretty funny how something so small and precious can get us performing like puppets! We have exhausted every game/toy/dance/song that we have in our arsenal and now we are defeated. He wins, we lose. But look at that face...in 10 minutes when it is my turn again (Daddy's turn right now) I will re-load and see if I can keep his tears at bay as sleep for us all becomes but a distant memory=) I love every moment.

Have you seen a bigger smile??

He is singing into his toy! My little superstar!

A MUST SEE!!!

2008-02-17T09:58:00.002-05:00

Here are the pictures of Ian that we had done a few weeks ago! Enjoy!!!
http://www.imagesbyjohnmichael.com/index2.php?ver=v1

Ian's First Valentines Day

2008-02-16T09:33:00.004-05:00

This has been a super fun week for us! I am so thankful that the Atwood family grew by one this week and they will see their sweet son in just a couple of weeks! The Breedloves and Jocelyn have their sweet angels and will all be home soon! My sister and I were talking about how all of the original families that we were in the process with will soon be all home with their babies! It is so amazing to watch everyone's story and the joy of finally being united with those precious little ones!!
Next Friday is our first post placement visit! I can't believe we are already doing those. It will be homestudy house cleaning all over again! It is always fun to bring someone into your home who actually will be judging you!!! We have changed social workers because our original worker left the agency. Hopefully she is as sweet and wonderful as our original worker!!
Ian is getting so much bigger and jabbering all the time now. He talks and looks at me like I should understand what he is saying! My living room looks like a Babies-R-Us showroom! We have anything a small child could ever want but his favorite activity continues to be licking the floor!!! He has a whole blanket full of very engaging toys but will roll off every side to grab a lick of the floor!
Below are some pictures of the big bear that Ganny and Poppy brought for Ian. He likes the big red bow!!!

Updates..

2008-02-09T16:19:00.000-05:00

Last week Ian and I tried to make the local version of "Mommy & Me" but we were running late and missed our time slot. I stayed a few minutes for the older kids time and he was more excited about this little girl's big hair bow than the 3 stories that were read!!! Anyway we had fun singing a couple of songs and chatting with other mommies. I wanted to try something fun with him because I think he gets bored with me. I sing the same songs and play the same games! I'm sure he is wishing I would switch it up for him but honestly I don't know any others!!!

I am proud to report that he is sitting up very well on his own now. He can reach for things on all sides and manage to come back to sitting without toppling over. I don't think he will ever crawl because he hates being on his tummy! I put him there and he stays seconds then flips over. I have tried everything to get him to stay on his tummy but nothing works for that little strong willed boy! He gets very ill with me when I don't behave!!! I'm learning that you just let the child lead!

We are still attempting to navigate our social life with a baby. I don't know how anyone does it! Ian goes to bed between 9 and 10 and if we don't go too, sleep isn't going to happen for us that night! How do you go out to dinner and have friends over but be home by 8:30 for the bath/winding down routine? So far sleep has trumped all social activities!!! Ahh, sweet sleep, a commodity that I didn't know I could have so little of!!

Enjoy the pictures of my growing precious boy! I hate to boast but I do believe he is a momma's boy!!

My sweet baby!

2008-02-04T23:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I feel really uplifted by all the positive comments I got from my back to work post! Thank you working moms everywhere for making me feel okay about leaving Ian. It is getting easier I think but I still have mornings that I weep around and cry when I look at him. It is so great to have my family keeping him while I work and it is nice knowing that they are as crazy about him as I am!
I can't believe how much he is growing and when I put something on him that didn't fit but now does...I get a little sad. I don't want my little sweetie to grow up on me!! Still no teeth, no crawling, and no sign of saying ma ma! He loves to play the repeat game though where he makes a sound and I repeat it. I have tried to slip a ma ma in there when he starts repeating me but he says..."Da". Oh well...at least I know he has a sense of humor!!!
We have tried to pin him down to a sleep schedule but he changes things up on us quite often. When we first got home he would sleep about 11 hours straight. Now we go to bed at 10ish and wake at 4am for a bottle. Sometimes the 4am bottle turns into when mommy gets up if I have to go to work that day!!! He is a load of fun when he wakes up so I am still taking it in stride! Daddy isn't so much fun at 4am so most of the time we don't invite him to play!! As you can see in the video he has noticed what a beautiful baby he is. He loves to kiss himself in the mirror. That toy has a mirror on one side and he enjoys admiring himself in it and then giving the occasional kiss! He has started giving me kisses too lately! There is nothing like that big open mouth, slobbery kiss while he has both hands twisted in my hair!!
We decided to put the baby in the bed with us early on and I am wondering at what point he will go into the pack and play. While in Ethiopia we didn't have a crib in the room so we just let him sleep between us. When we got home, we stayed with my parents so he just slept between us. Then we moved into our new house and the nursery is all the way upstairs and the house seems so big when I am that far away from him. Either way, he is in the bed with us for now and moving him to the pack and play beside the bed is going to be our first step. I'm just not sure when we will be ready to take that step=)
Off to bed I go, 4am comes early and my playmate doesn't like it when I fall over asleep on him!!!

Back to work=(

2008-01-30T13:27:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted in a while because I knew the back to work post had to come=( Last week I started back to work and left Ian for the very first time since he entered my life=( Needless to say it was a sad day in our house. Cortney had already gone back to work but the extra time off for me was a killer. I am sure that I needed him more than he could ever need me but just to think that he may wonder if I was coming back was more than I could stand. My first day back was an 8a-8p day and then the next was the same. I guess I called my dad (the wonderful sitter) every 2 hours and had my sister calling too! My sister has had sick kidos so she is on the alternate list for baby sitting. Cortney got home at 4 and took over and it was comforting to me to know that Ian had at least one of his parents even if it wasn't me. When I got home he seemed happy to see me...maybe not the reaction I was hoping for but I got a smile and a kiss! He reached for me but when I got him reached for a toy...broke my heart. Oh well, we made it through that day and that week. This week I am working just a few days and will try to maintain that schedule for as long as possible. I knew in the beginning that I am a working mom and it would have to be this way. But, I also never knew how much I would love my little baby! Tomorrow we are having his pictures made. I can't wait to get all of these empty frames filled up with that beautiful smile. He is growing so much and amazing me with how smart he is! He screams Da-da-da all day long! I won't lie...I am very jealous that we haven't had just one little ma ma. He is getting so strong. Over the past 6 weeks he has gotten so much stronger. We still don't have any teeth to report however, he is still chewing on everything he can get his hands on!!

So many families are getting ready to travel in the coming days to get their little ones. I am so excited that Jocelyn and the Breedloves will be in transit to Pacey and Nathan very soon!

The Wonder called Ian

2008-01-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

It is pretty funny how life has changed so quickly for us. We waited and wanted this day for so long and to actually be living in it has required some time for reflecting. I think back to all of those feelings that we had as we made this decision to adopt a child from a country somewhere thousands of miles away. As we prepared homestudies and dossiers; as we were formally accepted by Gladney to adopt. I think about the waits, often long and uncertain. And about the families with whom we formed forever bonds as we shared in the anxiety and heartache of not knowing or holding our children. I remember "the call" from Natalie and how it stopped my world and my heart. How my mind would not wrap around the notion that I had a son in this world who would be mine forever. Then we waited for court and travel dates. Then the day, when I held him in my arms for the first time. The way my whole body knew right away that he belonged to me. All of the firsts together as a family and seeing the adoration in Cortney's eyes for this little being that God led us to. Nothing could prepare us for what we saw while in Ethiopia. The sweet children young and old who may never know the love and security that Ian will never live without. So many times I wanted to run back and get in the car because their situation was too much for me, a 25 year old adult woman, to accept. I hurt for them because we could not save them all. They looked at us with innocent eyes and faces and I knew that they had to understand something that I couldn't; that they may never know a real family.

I have added some pics below of my beautiful, astonishing, amazing, intelligent...son! (We have become "those people" who cannot socialize because all we talk about is our child!!) He continues to steal my heart with every smile. I can't imagine how we ever lived a moment without him. He is truly a gift from God.

First Shots =...(

2008-01-15T16:19:00.000-05:00

Today was shot day. Boooo, we hate shot day. We went to the dr when we first got home but due to some lab work issues we didn't do shots until today. I went in for just a check up from the sick appointment and since he was fine they said, "We will start the shots today." AHHH, shots!!! I wanted to cry for him because he was being so happy and waving his hands around and had no idea what was about to happen! No fun...I know that every parent reading this has had to go through shot day so you know what I am talking about during that time between the first shot and the second when they are screaming and looking directly in your eyes. I wanted to cry.
After we had the shot experience we met my dear friend Becky, her mom and her daughter for lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Ian was a little sweetie. He was showing his very charming side and making himself irresistible!!!

We have finally moved into the new house. It is very lovely and we enjoy being here! Our outside is not quite finished but the inside is done and all of our things are set out mostly. We had friend come over and help us with dust removal! The dust is everywhere. We clean it and it comes back! Eventually Pacey will have dusted every inch of the house with his tail!

We haven't really gotten Ian's nursery set up but never fear...he rests well between his mommy and daddy every night!! He is such a little cuddle bug. He starts out in the middle and rolls to one side or the other and cuddles up! Did I mention I am in love with this little man?!?! He can make me smile just by looking at me! He is such a good sleeper too. He usually is in bed by 10, wakes up at 6:30ish, takes a bottle and is back asleep until 9ish. AMAZING!
We just couldn't be happier!!!

Settling In

2008-01-06T19:44:00.000-05:00

I would love to say, "Wow, this is new baby business is tough", but I can't. Somehow we got the most wonderful baby in the world and he has made getting adjusted a dream! We are just enjoying the food we love and missed so much and sharing our little joy with everyone!!! It is pretty amazing how unenthusiastic everyone is to see us and how excited they are to see Ian! I have been told it never gets any better either. We had our first trip to the dr as soon as we got home and got Ian's first round of antibiotics. He had a little bit of an ear infection, a cough, and a pretty bad fever. The dr ordered a ton of blood work and we discovered that our little one had elevated liver enzymes. I freaked out of course. The dr ordered more blood work to check for Hepatitis A, B, and C. Epstein Barr, cytomegalovirus...etc. We found out this morning that all of the tests came back negative so it must have just been some other virus or something? Who knows?? I guess the dr will let us know something later today. I guess we will start vaccinations after everything gets all cleared up. I wish we were about finished with the poking of the baby! I am not a fan of watching him scream and cry those huge sad tears. He rarely ever cries tears but when he does...he means it.

Day 12 & 13

2008-01-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

Day 12
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDDY!!!! Today is daddy’s birthday!! He is the big 29! What a present…the first birthday as daddy! We got up this morning…running late (having a baby seems to do that to us) and met Tafesse to go to Entoto Mountain. It is the highest point in Addis Ababa. It is about 10,000 feet above sea level. As we were going up the mountain we saw some of the most heartbreaking things. We saw women of all ages carrying very heavy loads of wood, leaves, and dried cow manure. The loads that they carried were from 150 to 170 lbs and they carried them about 18 miles a day. Most of these women weren’t more than 120 lbs themselves! It was so terrible, they used sticks to keep themselves from toppling over forward as they trekked down the mountain. I couldn’t believe the work ethic of these miraculous individuals! It was inspiring to say the least. I complain about standing at Rite Aid for 12 hours a day and in some places of the world these things are happening. I quickly got perspective. After our trip up the mountain we went to the Lion Zoo. The conditions for the animals were very inhumane. It was kind of like lions at the circus in cages. They had no place to roam or be out of the public sight. They were truly in captivity and they knew it. We watched them pace back and forth in their small concrete cage and they had nothing to look forward to until the daily feeding. I felt so sorry for those poor creatures. We went back to the hotel and hung out until dinner. Cortney had a massage at the Hilton for his birthday. Mommy and Ian stayed in the room and waited for Belay to call with the best news ever!! He called from the lobby where he was waiting with Ian’s passport, visa, and immigration documents!!! WOO HOO!!!! Nothing else left!!! Just get on the plane tomorrow!!! Cortney was very excited when he got back to the room!!

We had dinner with Renee and Geert and the children for Cortney’s birthday dinner. We had the best time and I am so thankful that we were able to meet up with our wonderful friends! The children stole the show for dinner. Everyone sitting near our table and the waiters just loved the kids and everyone has a smile for these little Ethiopian beauties!! A gentleman even paid our bill for dinner. WOW you’ve got to love this place!!!!!

Day 13
13 days. Thirteen days of being in Ethiopia, prefaced with 3 of the worst days of travel that we could have anticipated. As I reflect back on the news of Cortney’s dad having a heart attack, open heart surgery, and making it through I think of how horrific the outcome could have been. We stood there in the airport waiting to see if he would make it. Waiting as he fought for his life and for the phone call saying that he had made it through surgery. Cortney’s best friend was fighting for his life and his son was waiting for his parents. We were physically fatigued but emotionally exhausted after waiting for 4 long hours to hear the outcome of the surgery. Then after hearing the news that he did great during the surgery and everything went the best it could have gone, we were on an emotional high. Our next few days of travel were exhausting and then the climax…holding our son for the first time. Seeing his beautiful face and knowing that we were finally at the end. It was the end of months of waiting for him to be with us and years of wanting a child. We had him, his beautiful smile, his captivating laugh, and the most sincere eyes that his mommy has ever seen!
Now we were going to depart this country that gave us this most precious treasure. Saying good bye to the people who made us feel so at home and good bye to the only home Ian has known.
We went to the airport in Addis, hugged Tafesse and said our farewells. We stood in a very long line and got boarding passes for our family of three. We traveled to the states and were united with some very eager family members!

Day 10 & 11

2008-01-02T09:59:00.000-05:00

Time for the EMBASSY!!!! Renee and Geert were meeting the kids today too!!! I got up early and got everyone ready. We found out that they would bring the kids to the Hilton to me their parents. We all went downstairs and started to wait for them to come in. Then Belay called and said that they would bring them up to the room!!! So…we all went up to the room and waited impatiently!!! They brought the children in and everything was wonderful!!! After a few pictures we all left to get ready for lunch! What a beautiful family!!! It is amazing how the parental instincts kick it! Renee and Geert were like old pros!!

We had lunch with all the families and Belay and Ryan! I got spinach lasagna that looked like one of Ian’s dirty diapers on top of it! The embassy appointment had me kind of freaked out! I mean someone would decide if they were going to grant him the ability to come into this country…a little disconcerting. Belay assured us that everything was fine, we would be okay. So after lunch we drive over to the embassy. Note to families who will be traveling…take as little as possible into the embassy!!! A diaper, wipes, one toy, a bottle, and your passports…that should be all you need! The security is nuts and you will have to leave all electronic devices at the desk and go back to retrieve them. It is best to travel light! Belay, with us the whole way, tells us about the grounds of the embassy and leads us into the waiting room. He laughed and said, “Full house today”! I am not kidding when I say that nearly every seat in quite a substantial waiting room was taken! People everywhere!!! All I could think was, oh boy…I need another bottle and more diapers!!! The other family with us didn’t know about the bag checks so they got caught up a little longer with security tasting creams and emptying out their pockets!!! When they got in the waiting room they sat down and Belay came over and said..”Let’s go”. I’m thinking…what???? So she went and had her appointment, it took about 5 minutes or less, then Belay came for us! I grabbed up my little bundle of baby and off we went upstairs to the interview window. The very nice man went through all of Ian’s paperwork, had us sign some things, swear to tell the truth, and answer some very easy questions. Belay told us what kinds of things they asked and we were prepared for the interview which consisted of maybe 3 questions!! Then they guy closed the file, and said, okay he is approved!! Approved!!!! Approved to come to the US!!! Approved to get a passport and visa!!! He told Belay he could pick everything up on Friday and we started back to the car!!! I was giddy! I don’t know why, he was ours already but knowing that part was over was soooo great!!!

After lunch we went to the Holy Trinity Church and took a tour. The grounds were amazing and the inside was even more amazing. We took a ton of pictures and Ian puked all over Tafesse!!! That was pretty funny! We got in the car and went back to the Hilton. That night we had dinner with Renee and Geert and the children!! It was sooo funny that little Maryn could talk to the waiters in Amharic and none of us had any idea what was going on!! She ordered a Coke and Geert picked up on what was going on and we all had a good laugh!!!

Day 11
We got up bright and early and went to the Alert Hospital to see the amazing work of some very talented people. The people here had been affected in some way by leprosy in their lives and many had been crippled by the disease. They could spin yarn out of cotton, make fabric, and sew the most intricate of designs on the fabric. Most of them had disabilities that we could not even imagine and they still used their crippled hands and feet to make these crafty wonders. We met Renee and Geert for lunch at The Cottage. That night for dinner we went to a traditional Ethiopian restaurant called Fasika. The agency gave us the opportunity to have a nanny come to the room and keep the baby while we went out for the night. Thank goodness we declined (like I would leave my little man anyways!!) because he LOVED the music and dancing. I was concerned when we got there because it was loud but then the band got going and the dancers came out and Ian’s rhythm started to show!!!! He patted his hands and danced up and down!! He LOVED it!! He cried when the dancers would stop! He loves action…my little socialite! He passed out around 9:30 and we went back to the hotel!
Did I mention I love this baby to pieces!!!!!

WE'RE BACK!!!

2008-01-01T16:08:00.000-05:00

We are home sweet home...well almost! We came home to find that our home is less than ready. Our contractor apparently underestimated our move in date by about a week...or two! In the meantime we will be hanging out with Ian's Nana and Papaw getting some good home cooking!

I can't believe that we are actually here, and we actually got to bring our sweet boy home with us! The two weeks in Africa were very difficult but very amazing. As many of you already have heard Ian was sick and I was under the weather as well. Not fun to be sick with your new baby! We made it though and I was feeling better by week two! Good thing we were there for so long or else I may not have seen anything except the inside of our room at the Hilton!!

I will post info about the rest of our trip soon. I am so happy to be home! Ian started eating cereal today so as you will see in the pictures...he likes food!! To all the parents out there waiting to travel I have one piece of advice. Rest, rest, rest. Rest now, even if you are a parent already or have traveled internationally extensively. You will be tired..exhausted. The emotional high will end and you will be left with your actual energy level.

Day 8 & 9

2007-12-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

Day 8 was the first our first Christmas Eve as a whole family!!!! It
was such a great day! We got up, played with the world's cutest baby
and thanked God that we could be together on this very special day! We
watched a couple of Christmas movies, and went to lunch with all of the
departing families. Everyone was headed home and a new group was
arriving. Jennifer (Ethiopia Mama) arrived on this day and had dinner with
us all. We said our final good byes to some very wonderful people and
headed off to the older kids foster center. I got to take some
wonderful pictures of some wonderful little ones to send home to their
families on Christmas Eve! The older kids foster center was great! We got to
see a ton of smiling faces and happy smiles. We found out that not
all of the children here have been matched with families. That is sooo
sad because they are all wonderful! We headed back to the hotel. Ian
had been so sick the previous days and so had I. We used this time to
rest and enjoy our new family on this wonderful holiday!

Day 9 was CHRISTMAS DAY!!! We hung out all day and had lunch at the
Hilton! It was so crazy to be sitting outside in the beautiful weather
eating lunch on Christmas Day! We loved it but missed the cold dreary
weather of the KY Christmas. We met everyone for dinner at Top View in
the evening and had a great Christmas dinner! When we got back to the
hotel Renee and Geert had arrived and we got to meet them for the first
time!! I was so excited!

Days 6 & 7

2007-12-24T10:42:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning we got up and played around in the room with the baby.
He slept very well the night before, it was nice. We called our
driver and went to the Mercato. There are a bunch of outdoor shops there
that sell souvenirs. We got some really beautiful things for us and for
our family and friends. It was so hot out in the sun and the baby
fell straight over asleep in the Bjorn! We got back in the car...bought a
last minute map (for those of you who have been or will go to the
Mercato..you will likely buy a map also!), and headed back toward the
hotel. I had wanted a watch for Christmas so Cortney asked the driver to
take us somewhere to get a watch. We went to a very nice little shop and
I picked out my watch! I love it! We came back to the hotel and took
a little nap. We were supposed to meet Belay at 4 in the lobby to go
to Dreamland. At 4:00 on the nose, my eyes sprang open and I
frantically got Cortney and the baby up! We ran downstairs and they were
waiting on us. I'm sure we looked like we had just gotten up! So Belay
drove us and another couple in one car up to Dreamland. It was amazing up
there, I couldn't believe something that beautiful was hidden behind
the roadside shops and people. We all sat down to have dinner and Ian
became very fussy...time for a bottle, right? I get the bottle of water
out of my bag and start searching for the powder formula to pour
in....AHHHHHHHHHHHH I had made a bottle before we napped and didn't put it
back in the bag!!! So here we were 1 hour away from the hotel, no
driver of our own, with zero formula for our very hungry baby!!! I did what
any new mother would do...cry. LOL Another family had some baby food
that we tried. He liked it a little but it was not about to be his
whole meal. Then we tried just water...'no thank you' he said. So then we
tried to get him to sleep, he was having none of that! Then a
gentleman came into the restaurant with a can of formula!!!!!!!!!! I grabbed
the formula, hugged him, and told Cortney to pay him! Then I ran off
to make the bottle. Ahh, instant gratification for Ian! He was very
happy again. Belay had sent the man to get us some formula. How nice
was that?? I felt like a negligent mother but I'm pretty sure that will
never happen again. All I could think was, how are we ever going to
make it back to the hotel with him?

Sunday morning really early Ian started to get sick. I think it was a
stomach virus because I had it a couple days earlier. He would cry and
want a bottle then when he got it, he vomited the whole thing straight
up. It was terrible. As the day went on he refused to take a bottle
or drink any water. I started to panic. I called the hotel dr who was
out because it was Sunday. He said he would have someone take us to
the clinic in town. That made me scared so I called Belay. I told him
that Ian was running a fever and he would take a bottle, he hadn't had
a wet diaper all day and they he was very lifeless. He said that we
should keep his fever down and wait until morning and take him to the the
pediatrician who has been seeing him all along. He wouldn't drink
anything...I was soooo scared. I know that babies dehydrate so much
faster than adults and that no wet diapers was not good. So my sister
recommended getting a medicine dropper and filling it with water and giving
it to him that way. She said that her pediatrician said that if he got
an ounce an hour that he wouldn't dehydrate. So, we did that. With a
1ml medicine dropper I gave him 2 or 3 ounces so that he would not get
dehydrated. He got up 3 times during the night and gradually started
taking very diluted bottles. He drank 3 or so ounces at a time, had a
wet diaper and we kept his fever down with Tylenol. I had a bunch of
fears when we set out on this journey but being here, 9000 miles away
from my family, with a sick baby was among the greatest. On Monday
morning Belay called to check on us and we apologized for calling him on
Sunday and for being typical new parents. He laughed and said that he
would send over the Ethiopian version of Pedialyte and we began our first
Christmas Eve together.

More photos of a Happy BOY!

2007-12-23T13:37:00.000-05:00

Who is that KENTUCKY boy??? Ian P. that's who!!! 8)

Day 4 & 5

2007-12-21T08:02:00.000-05:00

The morning of day 4 we got up and went to the coffee ceremony at the
Gladney foster center. This is when I had a chance to meet and take
pictures of all of the babies who had referrals this week!! How exciting
that so many babies got referred to their families. And it was also on
this day that Renee and Geert Loeffen officially became Maryn and
Keller's parents!!! Congrats!! Can't wait until you all are here!!!
After the coffee ceremony we went to an Italian restaurant with the best
view. We had lunch with all of the other families, Belay, and Travis.
After we got back to the Hilton, we took Ian down to the pool and let
him splash his feet around in the really warm water. I got some
beautiful pics of him and his dad!! I started feeling bad around then and we
came back to the room. Then I was completely out of commission for
about 24 hours!! Cortney stepped up, took over and managed me and the baby
all by himself. Ian has had a nasty cough and some other issues since
we have been here and Cortney handled everything like a pro. I can't
believe how his instincts kicked in and he became superdad so
quickly!!! We missed the authentic Ethiopian night because I was not able to go
out but we will get another chance at it next week when Renee and
Geert are here!!

This morning was our appointment at the US embassy. Still feeling
poorly, Cortney got the baby dressed and ready to go! He got all of our
things together and helped me out the door! I don't know if I could have
not gone but not going was not an option for me! We saw the embassy
dr who gave Ian a clean bill of heath and then we went for the blood
test. Blood test?? AHH, I wasn't ready to see him cry like that!!!
Cortney held him and did his very best to distract him but he screamed and
we cried. He was so brave though. He only cried for a minute and then
he was back to his smiley self!!! I can't believe how amazing he is.
He keeps us cracking up!! We came back to the room and he is napping
now with Cortney. I am finally feeling like I may make it now, so I
am catching up on some emails. We may go back out and do something
tonight if my stomach will stay steady!! I want some American food so much
right now! I would love to have some Baked Lays and a sub from
Subway!!! And I would do anything for a Diet Dr. Pepper!!! Oh well, just
over a week and we will be on the plane home.

Day 3...

2007-12-20T12:33:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Lindsey wanted me to share some more pictures of her journey. I put together this montage for her, she hasn't seen it yet, but I think she will approve.

Please pray for Lindsey, Cort and Baby Ian. Lindsey's had a really, really rough day. (Not feeling well at all) and Baby Ian's cough is getting worse. I hate that they are so far away and I can't help them, but I know that God is taking care of them. (Big sister complex, ugh)

Anyway, I hope to send out some pics of beautiful baby at sometime today or tomorrow. The chat we're using allows us to send pictures immediately to each other without waiting on email. It's instant and I can talk to her constantly. You can download it at www.hello.com then you just invite the people you want to. It's really nice and I couldn't have stood not talking to her without it, lol. Anyway, just an idea =)

Day 2

2007-12-18T17:16:00.001-05:00

YAY BREEDLOVES!!!!!! I can't wait to meet your sweet boy!!!!

Day one is a blurr that I still can't believe happened. After we got back to the room, ate lunch, and unpacked we basically just played with the baby and sent some emails. He is such a joy! I can't believe how good he is. It is amazing. He never has a complaint about being carried around to the orphanages, sitting in the restaurants and being kissed, hugged and loved on by everyone around! In just two days we can tell a difference in his personality. He has opened up a lot and the smiles and laughs come more frequently and easily. I can't imagine what he is thinking about us. So much has changed for him and how does he have any certainty that he is going to be okay with us? So much trust to ask of such a little person. We are doing our part though. In just two short days he has learned that a subtle whimper will get two adults on the move before he can make it to a cry!!! He really doesn't ask for much. Bottle, clean diaper, and a burp! I think I can put a rush on those accommodations anytime!!! He loves to be talked to and held of course. When we get home from activities I try to put him on a pillow and play with him that way since I feel so bad about carrying him all day long. We are working on his sitting up skills. He loves to pull up and fall back into the pillow. It gets a good belly laugh every time (out of us all)!!! I can't tell you how proud Cortney and I are to be the parents of this precious baby. We are truly undeserving of something so miraculous.

Today we met Ryan and two other Gladney families for breakfast. I had my first experience with Ethiopian coffee. I love coffee so I was excited. It was very strong and delicious!! Then we all went to a school where we saw Maryn Tsegrida! She is such a sweetie. It is amazing how you know their little faces from looking at pictures so many times!! I knew that she is in the Kechene house but she was there today at school. She loves Ryan so much. The 3 drivers and Ryan are all so amazing with the kids. It really warms up your heart to see the children run to them and be scooped up in their arms! Cortney had a line of kids wanting to hold his hands. They would actually push each other to get to hold your hand. Most of the children there were just in school and lived with their family in the community. I think Ryan said that only about 5 were from Kechene and available to be adopted. The kids loved to rub the hair on Cortney's arm. That was pretty funny!! One little girl decided that she would hold both of his hands so that no one else could!! He was loving it!! Next we went to the Enant Alam orphanage. This is where Ian spent his first few days before he went to Gladney. They told us that the building has moved but it was the same people. The orphanage was full. We walked in and the older children (2-7ish) were singing "Welcome to Enant Alam". They sang many songs for us. We went to the baby rooms and they were very full. Full of tiny little babies, 3 to a crib. Most were sleeping, some were frightened by all of the adults walking into the room, and others were starving for attention. Baby Ash, who is traveling with us, was from there also. They remembered having him but did not believe that Ian was from the orphanage. I asked the director if she remember Surafel. She asked me country he was from. I said here. She said where did you bring him from? I said he is from Ethiopia, he came from Addis. I guess he looked a lot different from when he was there and he was only there a few days. With so many babies I don't know how they remember anything. There was a little girl there, probably 2 or 3. She had on a cute little purple flowered dress and rain boots! She had a smile that took my breath. Cortney fed her three packs of sweet tarts. She ate them 1 at a time and smiled each time like she knew she was beautiful! It is so hard to understand how so many families are in the US aching for children and so many beautiful, wonderful children are here...needing a family. Believe me when I say that Ryan, Abby, Travis, Joanna, and Belay are doing everything they can to get our children with us. They love these kids and want the best for them all! They have told us so many times how frustrating it is here to get things done. They said you run around all day trying to get one thing accomplished and the first time they are on a coffee break, next time gone to lunch, next time gone home early. They said it is impossible sometimes to get things accomplished. Gladney now has two baby foster homes and 1 home for older children if I understood correctly. I'm not sure if the home for older children is up and going just yet but it may be. Two of the families have adopted bright futures campers. It is hard to imagine how those kids feel. Yesterday they lived in an orphanage similar to the ones we visited today. But today they got into a car and drove to the hotel with their forever family. It is such a big change for them. These kids are amazing. I can't believe how sweet and kind and wonderful they are.

Tomorrow we will go to Kechene and Kolfe. I am looking forward to meeting sweet Keller. We are a still a little tired trying to adjust to the time and our stomachs are a little shaky. I think the thing that is most difficult to get used to is the diesel fuel when you are driving in the car. I have heard other families talk about it but I never imagine that it was this bad. Today we went out onto the grounds here at the Hilton and it was refreshing to breath some fresh air. Cortney said he had huffed his limit of diesel fuel for the day!!!!! Well, I'm signing off for the night, I had better catch some shut eye while my boys are!!! Even when Cortney gets up with Ian we are about 6 inches away from each other so I may as well get up and get some kisses since he's awake!

Day 2 Pictures

2007-12-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

One More pic and a comment from Lindsey

2007-12-17T14:50:00.000-05:00

" ok, well i am going to wash my face, brush my teeth, and lay down beside of my child. this night is the first night in many years that I will not pray for him to come to me."

I spoke with Lindsey tonight on "HELLO" it's a chat forum that lets you swap pictures. We didn't know if it would work or not, but so far it's a dream for keeping in contact. Something to think about for future travelers.

Meeting Baby Ian

2007-12-17T07:38:00.000-05:00

Hello From Africa

2007-12-17T07:34:00.000-05:00

Hello from Ethiopia...finally. Thanks to a million prayers Cortney's dad came through open heart surgery and is doing well. We finally arrived in Addis this morning at 5am. After 62 hours of travel (all but about 10 of which were spent at the airport) we finally did the seemingly impossible. After sitting in Chicago O'Hare for 12 hours on Friday, being waitlisted for a flight to Frankfurt and learning that Friday was looking like the only day there was even a possibility of leaving, we came back Saturday and did a bit more waiting. It was crazy. Friday the flight to Frankfurt was booked but the connection to Addis was wide open. Saturday, the flight to Frankfort was open but Luftthunsa had to service to Addis on Sun (when we would acutally be in Frankfurt). So, Lufthunsa booked tickets for us allowing us to get a connection flight with Ethiopian air in Tel Aviv with a 10 hour layover. So...needless to say we got no rest in the past three days. When we arrived at the airport this morning at 5:30am we called Belay and he sent a driver to the Hilton to get us and we met Ian at around 9am. All of the babies were laying in the front lawn of the foster center on mattresses getting some sun. They were all beautiful!! Ian looked right at us when we got out of the car and we snatched him up and haven't quit kissing since. I already have so many stories to tell but I can't stop looking at him long enough to type them. I will write more soon!!!

Posted by Jamie/written by Lindsey

Really Bad Day

2007-12-15T00:12:00.000-05:00

I thought about titling this post worst day of our lives but that sounds kind of like I am challenging God to show me the worst. I am not, simply saying that today was really really bad. We got up at 3:30 am, got dressed, drove 4.5 hours to the airport. Waited 2 hours to board. Arrived in Chicago at 12pm, ate, checked email, checked in for our next flight and waited...3 hours. 15 minutes before our plane to Frankfurt takes off, Cortney and I call the families one last time to check in. My call goes okay, Cort's...not so well. We are told that his dad is in the hospital getting a heart cath!! Heart cath??? We talked to him at 12 and he was feeling under the weather but for an emergency heart cath we knew something was really wrong. Well, there was. He had a heart attack and was having triple bypass open-heart surgery within the next hour. Needless to say we missed our flight. We were sitting there in the floor crying not knowing what to do. We couldn't get home for 8 hours and we have a baby waiting for us in Ethiopia. AHHHH!!! All we could do was cry. I cried all over the airport, to every ticketing agent we could find. We didn't want to do anything that would take us away from cell service so we could get the updates. So for 9 hours...we sat in the terminal, waiting for something. Neither of us really knowing what. We just sat there and cried. Then after 12 hours of sitting at Chicago O'Hare airport we got the news that Cort's dad came through the surgery with the best possible outcome. He is still in ICU but the surgery went well. We are kind of in a stand still right now not knowing what to do. I guess we will start trying to make decisions tomorrow. Please pray that this all works out and that Cortney's dad is back to his chipper self quickly.

First stop...Chicago

2007-12-14T14:43:00.000-05:00

Here we are in Chicago, waiting for our next flight @ 3:30 to Frankfurt. I cannot believe how relieved I am to be going....advancing toward my son! There has been lots of bad weather today delaying several flights. Our flight from Cincinnati was delayed about 30 minutes due to another flight being delayed. Ahh, the woes of winter travel!! I am still trying to digest this trip, this journey, the end of the journey. Everything we have done today, we keep saying, just think how it will be on the return flight. We ate our meal slowly and peacefully today knowing that day after tomorrow Ian will forever dictate the speed and degree to which we are able to eat meals. Cortney laughed and talked about how it would be "to go" from now on so one could walk/bounce/entertain and the other could eat!!! Kind of crazy how much things will change in just 1 day. We are ready. More than ready. I am looking forward to the next flight. I haven't slept in days and this flight is nice and long. With the help of some Benadryl I can get up to 8 hours!!! More than I've had any night in about 3 weeks!!! Ok, my next post will likely be from Addis! Renee, I can't wait to meet you guys!! I am looking so forward to seeing your sweet angels!!! Have a safe trip!!!
Take care everyone!!!

YAY FOR JOCELYN AND PACEY!!!

2007-12-09T20:37:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Jocelyn got the referral for her very beautiful daughter...Pacey Lomi Brody!!! YAY, I am sure that her heart is full tonight! Thank you God for this wonderful miracle!!!

1 week

2007-12-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

One week from about this time exactly, we will land in Ethiopia, go to the Hilton and prepare for a sleepless night before we meet Ian Clevinger for the first time. Due to the court date issues of last week our travel dates have been moved up a few weeks. I am so sad that so many very anxious families will not be traveling during that week but it is in God's plan for us to do it this way. Gladney gave us the option to be hosted the week of Dec 16th thru Dec 24th so we have decided to not extend our stay so that we can be home for Christmas with some very eager family members (most of all Jamie my sis)!!! We are so sad that Renee and Geert will not be there with us but please know that we will be kissing those sweet little faces for you and telling them how you will be there soon!!!! We were looking forward to a vacation in Ethiopia but because we have the opportunity to be home on Christmas Day we are going to take it and forgo the down time=( This weekend has been kind of crazy because we moved some stuff into the new house preparing for the real move in when we return. I work tomorrow and don't have another day off until we leave so I am thankful that I have spent the past month preparing for this trip! We will try to post again before we leave but no promises!! Hopefully my sister will be able to post for us while it Ethiopia since most people say they can't access blogspot while there. In just a week we will be there...at the end of a very emotion journey.

(The most beautiful smile I have ever seen!)

The Day of Court

2007-12-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

As you all know our court date went as planned and Ian is our baby officially. We are very excited because after all this is the day we have waited for. Waiting 7 long weeks for our home study to be written. Waiting impatiently 2 months for CIS approval, waiting 12 weeks for a referral for the most precious baby in the world, waiting 2 weeks for news of a court date. Then we waited, 4 weeks for the court date. Now we will wait 10 days to hold our son. Waiting is what makes this so hard. Uncertain waiting is what makes it nearly impossible. Throw in wanting, longing, crying, and hoping and you have some of the longest months of any person's life. That is why I know that while 13 days is a very short time to wait for anything I also know that in their mommy's eyes it may as well be an eternity. I am so sorry Renee and Geert that court was not a victory for you today. We are praying for you over here and hoping that God will give you peace during the next 13 days.

IAN IS OURS!!!!!!

2007-12-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

This is Jamie, Lindsey's sister, she wanted me to let everyone know that COURT WAS A SUCCESS!!!! Ian Parker Surafel Clevinger is officially adopted in Ethiopia! Lindsey is hysterical, lol . I'm sure she'll add to this when she gets her hands on a computer with internet connection. Thanks (from me) for all the prayers and support you've shown my baby sister.
Lots of love,
Jamie
aka Ian's Sissy
(A title I've wanted my whole life)

BTW, Lindsey.... "Happy Birthday Mommy"

Be my..be my little baby

2007-12-05T19:33:00.000-05:00

Please pray for us all tomorrow as many of us Gladney families have court dates. I will be working 8a-8p tomorrow but as soon as we hear something my sister will be posting. When I read Renee's post I was reduced to tears because I know that longing all too well...as many of us do. There is a yahoo group for Gladney families and one of the women talked about how we shouldn't claim these children as our own until court happens and how we shouldn't have any expectations because legally they aren't ours. She also talked about how we shouldn't name them and how she wasn't even going to share the news of her referral with anyone until court. Well, as an educated woman I understand that until tomorrow passes, legally baby Surafel is not a Clevinger. However, the day we received that call he was born in my heart and I began celebrating his life. Through months of prayer and long talks to his picture I have allowed my love for this child to grow. I have longed for his cries and hung on every word of every update anyone sends us. I have looked at his pictures 10 million times and my stomach flips every time I scroll through my emails and see the one that says, "Introducing...Surafel". When I hold him in my arms he will surely know my love but when he is older and we talk about this whole adoption thing...then he will know I loved him always.
Pray...please.

Maddness at the Clevinger house!

2007-11-30T12:41:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Keva, Trevor and Micah Atwood on their baby boy referral!!! He is beautiful!

Ahh as the time dwindles down and court rapidly approaches we are still trying to get the ground to steady under our feet! The house is nearing completion and so many things have to be picked out and picked up. I am working long days so that I can take time off from work for the trip and the time after the trip! Cortney has recovered from the appendectomy and we are trying so hard to get caught up before we leave. I am so hopeful that court goes well next week and Ian will be officially ours without a hitch. We are packing for so many different reasons that I can't find anything and maybe never will! All bags headed to Ethiopia are packed except the one for our clothes. We have 7 suitcases brimming over with donations and gifts. I agree with Renee that it isn't the space that has hindered us as much as the weight. We have lots of extra things to take since we will be in Ethiopia for 23 days. The diapers/formula/wipes alone take up 2 pieces of luggage! Needless to say we will be re-wearing many things while in Ethiopia!

I am trying to wrap my mind around the notion that (unless there is a disaster with the court date) I will be holding Ian in just a little over two weeks! Holding him, in my arms..kissing his sweet cheeks!! I am a little sad that we won't be with our families for Christmas and that they will not be spending Christmas with Ian. I wish that we could have all been home by then but my only comfort in this time of complete chaos is knowing that I will be snuggling him before I know it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Only 10 more days of work before we leave for Africa!!!!!

Travel Plans

2007-11-23T23:54:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks, heck the past few months have been so hectic that we hardly know if we are coming or going. I have worked an insane schedule and with my type A personality and lackadaisical contractor I have quickly become the project manager of my house!!! Poor Cortney has worked so hard too and tried to keep me happy during each little catastrophe! All that being said our trip to Ethiopia will serve as our much needed vacation. Our court date is December 6th (prayers please that all things go as planned) and our travel dates are Jan 1st thru Jan 8th. We have decided that we will travel to Ethiopia on December 16th and remain in country until Jan 8th. We are so thankful that Ryan, Abby and Belay gave us permission to come early! So, we will be spending 22 nights in Addis!!! We are looking forward to the time we have alone with Ian to begin our very special bond with him. I am very excited that I will have 3 weeks away from anything to do with the house and work!!!

If meeting my son for the first time isn't enough...we will also be having Christmas with the Loeffens!!! I am so excited to meet Renee, Geert, Maryn and Keller in person!!!

2007-11-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

Thank you Drew, Carey and Zoe!!! Oh my goodness, my baby boy is beautiful!!!! Enjoy!!!

Sweet kisses from sweet Carey!!! Thank you for loving on my boy!!!!

Perfect toesies!

BABY SHOWER!!!

2007-11-17T22:30:00.000-05:00

The CAKE!!

The diaper cake made by my mom!!!

My niece Emma...such a cutie pie!!!

Dorky hat but they tell me it is a shower must!

We had the best time at the shower! I can't believe how blessed we are to have so many wonderful friends and family! It was great to see how excited everyone is about Ian and how supportive they are of us!!! I hope in some way that Ian can feel how much he is cared about by us and our whole community! There is a shirt on cafepress.com that says "I'm kind of a big deal in Ethiopia". Well, today Ian was a huge deal in Elkhorn City!!! Thank you so much to my sister, her wonderful friends, my wonderful friends, Mary Anne, and my mommy!! You guys are the best!!!

Emergency Appendectomy!

2007-11-15T18:39:00.000-05:00

This day has been crazy! Cortney had what we thought was a stomach virus yesterday and this morning when I got up he was in so much pain that I took him to the ER. And from the title I'm sure you've guessed it by now...they took his appendix out!!! It was kinda nuts but he is doing well and home already. Thank God it wasn't any worse! Now he is loopy from the pain meds and saying the funniest things. Can you believe that they let you go home 2 hours after an appendectomy now???

Our nursery furniture arrived today and is sitting in a boxes in the middle of the living room floor along with luggage for the trip and all the boxes for moving! AHH, it is a good thing I handle stress well or else today would have been the day that took me out!!

Have a good night and keep my pitiful patient in your prayers!!!

New Pictures!!!

2007-11-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

Thank you so very much Drew and Carey!! Our hearts are smiling!!! Here is our very strong, handsome, precious, beautiful, sweet, adorable (love him) baby boy!!!

Here you go Lindsey/Courtney....
We have some more we will send in a few days when we get home...wetook a ton of pics for alot of families and are trying to get off afew to everyone here from ethiopia....
FYI...you're little guy is doing very well...very alert and happy andhe says to tell you he can't wait to meet you. Carey says he looksbigger in person than in pics and he feels and looks very substantialand healthy...
P.s. He also told me he is a Lakers fan....just so you know:)
Also...he loves to flash the "number #1" sign over and over
Best-
Drew/Carey

Ian with his first gifts from Mommy and Daddy!!! We love you sweetie!!!

We have a court date!!!

2007-11-07T18:03:00.000-05:00

WOO HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ian Parker Surafel Clevinger will be offically ours on December 6th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!! Can you tell I'm excited??? The Clevinger house is happy tonight!!! WOO HOO!!!

Finally did my letters...

2007-11-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

BEFORE...

AFTER!!!

Proud daddy and Uncle David stuffing baby shower invites!!! Of course it was a race and of course David won!!! Thank guys!!!

Poppy, Ganny and Daddy putting the swing, jump-a-roo and high chair together! They just couldn't wait till the shower!! (Thank goodness for Poppy's expertise in putting stuff together!)

Cortney and my sister Jamie put this one together. Very little assembly required! Thank you to Nana and Papaw who also couldn't wait for the shower!!!

Can you tell how excited they are about what they got baby Ian??? He is so lucky to have the best cousins ever!!!

The final product...a little more assembly than the travel system!!!

Continued Waiting

2007-11-02T17:27:00.000-04:00

As we wait for our son and pray that the Lord will have us united before Christmas, we continue to wait. So far in this process each bit of glorious news has been tainted with the sadness of the waiting that would ensue soon after the initial feeling had passed. I take solace in knowing that the next bit of news that we will have will allow us to know the exact date in which Ian will become ours officially. These weeks are so difficult as I try to put the urgency I feel on a back burner and deal with the resulting guilt for trying to do so. As I enjoy the luxuries of my life (my loving family) I could just cry for my son who is not experiencing these same things. I think forward to the holidays that are nearly here and I wonder how much joy I will have knowing that Ian is still waiting for the love and kisses I have to offer. I have to try to make peace with this wait once again because we have no choice.
Thank God that Renee and Geert received news of their court date today. Their children need them so much and I can't wait until they are all together.

2007-10-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

A letter and slide show from the world's greatest auntie...Ian's sissy. He will always be blessed to have her in his life. Thank you God for my wonderful sister!!!

Yesterday I got the call I've been waiting (not always) patiently for 5 months now. I had a feeling this would be the week, but never did I expect yesterday to be the day. Lindsey called and told me that there is a little baby boy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that is waiting for us to be his family.
His given name is Surafel and it means Seraphin or cherub. And to my sister and brother-in-law he is so much more than an angel... He is their hearts personified. We learned that he is 5 months old, which just happens to be around the time they began this process. She filed the paper work with her agency on May 21, approx 1 day after baby Ian was born. The night before we talked for hours about how drawn she felt to go with this country and how in love she fell with the idea of it. Neither of us knew that some where thousands of miles away a precious little cry was being heard for the first time. Thousands of miles, oceans and hours away, my sister's baby was born not only into this world, but into her heart. How WONDERFUL is GOD'S work that he brought a life and heart together across so many obstacles. My sister dealt with the initial skepticism of "why Africa" comments and "are you sure this is a good idea?" questions while miles away Ian waited. Lindsey and Cortney prepared and scrambled around trying to make things perfect for a tiny person that they didn't know and Ian waited... Lindsey's held fast to the notion that God knew Ian and that he was created only for her arms to hold and her heart to love, little did she know that all that time ago... The plan was all ready in place. Praise God for his Goodness!!! Praise God that the angel he sent us didn't have wings and words, but only a need for love.
I love you, Lindsey, Cort and Baby Ian and I will be forever blessed to have witnessed God's power through you...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Introducing...

2007-10-22T21:47:00.000-04:00

Ian Parker Surafel Clevinger

Ahh, this day is here and nearly gone. I am trying to take it all in and process that I am a MOMMY!!! A mother to a human person and Cortney the DADDY of that same human person!!! WE ARE PARENTS!!! Our God is soooo good!!

First I want to say thank you to our extended blog family. I promise that this day is extra special because I know that each of you were looking and waiting hopefully alongside us for this picture to appear on the Clevinger blog. I was so excited when Natalie called but all I could think was, "How am I gonna let everyone know that I have the referral??" So this is how the day went...

We got up this morning and we were having a house crisis so I knew that I had lots of calls to make when I got to work. We left this morning and honestly the referral has never been further from my mind. Work was crazy busy and I made a call to the drywall contractor and I was expecting a call back from him. I had only spoken with Cortney once today and we never mentioned Natalie or the referral (very rare!). The day dragged on I called my mom around 1pm to see if she had Cortney's sunglasses in her car. I even joked before I called her that she would think I was calling with referral news since I never call her at work!!! Then I called and left Cort a message to tell him to stop by and get the glasses. We got really busy at work and I was just checking prescriptions like mad. Then one of the girls who hasn't been working with us long answers the phone. She asked who was calling and put them on hold. She turned to me and said..."It's Natalie". She had no idea that Natalie would be delivering the news of our baby!!! I got weak, I started shaking and sweating and the girls and the customers flocked around me to see what the heck was wrong!!! I was crying and shrieking, "the referral"!! Then I finally made my way to the phone and answered. Natalie said, "Lindsey, I have some good news to share with you. I know that you have been so anxious." She told us that we had a referral and wanted to know when Cortney and I could be together. Before we hung up I asked if we had a boy or a girl!!!! I can't believe I had forgotten to ask all the way through the conversation!!!! So Cortney and I talked to her together and got the details about our sweet boy! Then both of our families came to our house and we saw him together for the first time!!!

He is 5 months old, 11 lbs and 24 in long. He is healthy and happy and beautiful!!! As a matter of fact he is the most beautiful baby my eyes have ever seen! He is my SON!! We have a son!!! We love him soooo much!!!

More to come soon!

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-22T16:08:00.000-04:00

This is Jamie Lindsey's sister, (otherwise known as IAN'S SISSY) Lindsey is at work with no internet but she wanted me to relay the message that we HAVE A BOY!!!!! He's five months old and we'll get to see his picture tonight at 8 when she gets home!!! There will be more to come! Praise GOD, HE IS GOOD!!!!!

11 weeks

2007-10-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

YAY FOR THE FREY'S!!!! They got their referral!!! I am sooooo excited!!! The people here at work don't understand why I am so excited for someone else's referral but we went on the list very soon after the Frey's and now that means that I have an abundance of hope that news of Ian is close!!!! 11 weeks, I really didn't think that I would make it that long but we have and we just keep on keeping on!!! God's sustaining grace is so amazing!

Our contractor says that we will be ready to move into the house in roughly 4 to 5 weeks. Everything seems on schedule but who knows when we will actually be ready to go. I love to see progress on the house. My poor contractor has had to endure my "type A" personality the whole time and since I can't control a single thing about the adoption I have bugged him to death trying to control that situation. He has been a good sport about it!!!

Ok, so pray that the referral flood will start today and we all get a quick call!!! YAY FREY'S!!!
Have a great one!!

3 Years Married to My Love

2007-10-15T16:01:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow Cortney and I will celebrate our 3 year wedding anniversary! It seems like just yesterday we were flying to Vegas and I had butterflies in my stomach. We stood in line nearly 3 hours to get a marriage license then we headed over to the Little White Wedding Chapel to seal the deal! It was a wonderful day, the look on Cort's face when we met in the lobby and he saw me in my gown for the first time was priceless. I love him so much!! I can't believe I'm married to my high school sweetie!!!
We had hoped that the referral would come on or before tomorrow but I guess we will be celebrating another milestone without knowing our precious child. Hopefully it will come soon. I pray that the end of the wait is near, and I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees the most beautiful sight of all...our baby.

10 weeks and a true loss

2007-10-13T19:28:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we said a final good-bye to a warrior and a legend. My uncle, the lt col., spent 26 years of his life fighting for my freedom and yours. He spent time in Uganda and Rwanda, assisting medical professionals in the genocide laden villages, placing sewage pipes and constructing buildings. When the preacher read his accomplishments at the funeral service I could have kicked myself for not asking him more questions about his life. He was always full of stories, and when we visited he loved to tell them. As a child I always knew he was in the army but he usually wore civilian clothes and I always imagined that he worked in an office somewhere on the base. I guess I never realized that he was a jump master, mediator between the Saudi Arabian and US governments, and a member of PSYOPS. Please keep my aunt and cousin in your prayers as they deal with this loss.

On a lighter note...I have been tagged by Jocelyn. It was so nice to read every one's posts!!

Jobs I've Had
1. Rite Aid intern then pharmacist
2. UK Medical center pharmacy tech
3. Nichol's Apothecary
4. Velocity Market cashier

Places I've Lived
1. Pikeville, KY
2. Lexington, KY
3. Winchester, VA

Food I love
1. vanilla ice cream with little chocolate chips
2. mexican food

Places I would rather be
1. Ethiopia for sure
2. if not there somewhere sunny

Movies I love
1. Dirty Dancing
2. Save the last Dance
3. Happy Gilmore
4. Christmas Vacation
5. Hitch

TV Shows I watch
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. ER
3. CSI (Miami and Vegas)
4. the Real World
5. Prison Break
6. The Unit
The list goes on and on because I am a tv junkie. You will see this when you see my book list.

Books I love
1. the two books my sister has published "Happiness Against All Odds" and "He Shall be Called Wonderful"
2. Black Baby White Hands a view from the crib

I'm tagging The Bakers and Renee and Geert

Now I've Had the Time of My Life....

2007-10-07T12:27:00.000-04:00

I love DIRTY DANCING!!! Mountain Lake was so great!! It was beautiful this time of year to see all of the leaves changing colors and the weather was pretty good too! We had a great time and I think the absence of technology was the nicest part! The wedding was so much fun. I got to see all of my pharmacy school pals that I have been missing so much! It refreshed me and prepared me to get back to the grind of things in the coming weeks. The past three months have been difficult for us and I am looking forward to the end of October. By that point we should be working on the inside of the house (the part I am looking forward to) and this is my LAST month to work like a crazy person. My hours have been crazy and I need a break so I have vowed to cut back and enjoy some of my time before the baby comes. I think I had forgotten how much fun Cortney is to be around!!! Anyway, here are some pics of our much needed trip!!

Mountain Lake Resort

The Beautiful Bride!

My cutie hubby!!!

My Pharmacy School BFFs Gretchen and Jessica!!

9 weeks...tomorrow

2007-10-04T23:03:00.000-04:00

After my post the other day I want to say that I am feeling better. I couldn't believe how many people offered their support at a time when we are all struggling with so many emotions. It was so great to read the encouraging words and it restored my hope and faith that despite my pessimism, this adoption will actually happen!

We are heading out of town tomorrow to my friend's wedding at Mountain Lake in VA. For all of you Dirty Dancing lovers, it is the place where Dirty Dancing was filmed. I am excited to see it, from the pics on the internet...and the movie, it looks beautiful.

We are giving up this being the week, even though tomorrow is friday I have decided to put the hope away for a few more weeks. Cortney is working on accepting that it could take a while longer but I think that I have come to terms with it. My co-workers will be so excited for my new found patience because I have taken off more than one head over the phone not being answered. I am sure that Natalie will not give up and go on to the next family if she doesn't get in touch with us on the first call so that is a goal for me to work on .

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Just trying to Make It Over Here

2007-10-02T17:10:00.000-04:00

Today has been rough. I'm working in a pharmacy that has internet and cell service so I have worn myself out over here checking blogs today!! I wish I could shake the hope that it could be anyday. I keep telling myself it could be a while but then somewhere in the early morning I start to say, it could be today. Poor Cortney has called me three times today and he sounds pitiful. He says hello then waits for the next sound I make to see if it is the shrill scream of excitement he wants to hear or the frustrated dissapointment that he doesn't want to hear. My sister is doing the same thing these days. When I call them I can actually hear them holding their breath until I say something one way or the other. Ahh, the wait is hard on everyone. I wish that I could brace myself for 4 more weeks of waiting. I have a nasty feeling that it could be that long. I think years of failed fertility cycles and negative pregnancy tests have taken their toll on my optimistic side. I wish I could be on the other side looking back at how I am glad the wait is over. Soon, I hope..soon.

While We Wait

2007-09-30T10:31:00.000-04:00

I am going crazy over here trying to find something to occupy my time while we wait for the referral. Below are a few pics I have of the nursery set in progress...

My other small project that occupies a little of my time is coming right along. Here are some pics of it.

Check out Pacey in full sprint by the port-a-potty!! He is so excited about his new yard!!!

This is a pic of the upstairs. We haven't decided where Ian's nursery will be but either way our master bedroom is plenty big enough for a bassinet/co-sleeper/or a couch for Cortney to sleep on!!!

This is a picture of the living room from upstairs. Cortney is liking this wall for the big screen!!

Ok, that is all I have people! Other than work, sewing, and making decisions for the house I have about 24 hours a day that I am concentrating on the referral. Pray it will be soon, please!!!

2 months of waiting for a referral

2007-09-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is 8 weeks of waiting over at camp Clevinger! I am beyond anxious. I spoke with Natalie today who assured me that she could not tell us how many families are currently waiting for a referral. You can call it forensic blogging, or WORAP (Waiting on Referral Adoption Psychosis) as Jocelyn so nicely puts it, but basically I have turned into some crazy, freaked out person obsessed with all ringing phones!!! I try every day to not allow all of the hope to creep in but somehow between the hours of 9am and 5pm (Gladney time) I find myself running over top of people to answer all ringing phones. At Rite Aid we have 7 lines and I have actually hung up on people if someone else wasn't available to answer a ringing phone! Does this make me a bad pharmacist?? Maybe, but the thought that Natalie may be calling to deliver the news of a referral makes me do crazy things!!! I'm sure it will stop...after we have baby Clevinger home! All of you blog stalkers out there rest assured that as soon as we have the referral I will certainly post ASAP!!
The optimistic side of me hopes that 8 weeks is nearing the end but I have to tend to the glass half empty side of me that says settle in for another 4-5 weeks of waiting=( Hope I have something good to share soon!

7 weeks..tomorrow of course!

2007-09-20T13:11:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure why but I always find myself in the mood to blog on Thursdays!! Mystery to me as to why!! I think that all blogging families have read the Daileader's blog and we have all instantly been filled with hope! Cortney and I know that Ian may not be one of the babies currently in the Gladney house but it gives us the reassurance that progress is being made. Needy babies are being identified, Gladney is locating these children, medical tests are being done, and families are being matched all during these days which are filled will hope that the phone will ring and Natalie will be on the other end. The wait is so hard and I think that any family will tell you that the hardest part is being in the dark.

The house project is moving nicely. We have walls...on the first floor at least!!! I would love to say that it is taking up some of my nervous energy but I don't think that any project can take the constant "what ifs" out of day!! What if today is the day, what if he is in the Gladney house now, what if it is tomorrow...ahh, exhausting to say the least!!!