Bags are packed and we are ready to go. There are 4 suitcases and two carry on bags. We are just about ready to head out. I can't believe it. We will soon be united with our daughter.

Where Was I???

OK, breath. I have been going non-stop since we got the news that we are leaving on September 23 to pick up our daughter. Plane tickets are boughts, suitcases brought up from the basement, laundry getting done, packing has begun, and somewhere in all this chaos I was even able to try some Ethiopian food, although I have to say I am not a huge fan. We have been extremely busy getting everything ready for this trip of a lifetime, but I have to say I am lovin' every minute of it.

What Speed Bump?

Just when I thought things were going to get delayed, they actually sped up. Today we received new travel dates. September 23. We are leaving to pick up our daughter in two weeks. TWO WEEKS!!!!

Turns out the blunder on our court decree really isn't that big of a deal, it was only a translation error and our agency is having it fixed. We were also notified of an earlier opening for travel and our specialist suggested we go for it!!!!! It all has to do with our expiration dates on paperwork at the US Embassy in Ethiopia and even though it seems tough pulling this trip together in two weeks, it could be more of an issue if we wait and go in October.

Needless to say, there are lists, lists, and more lists of things to do, errands to run, even a "honey do" list for Randy. My mind has been racing since we heard this news today.

Uh Oh...Speed Bump.

We were moving right along in the right direction to finally pick up our daughter. Birth certificate received, medical exam at the embassy cleared, we even received tentative travel dates; then we hit a speed bump. Friday our specialist emailed me a copy of the court decree which was issued by the Ethiopian judge and much to my dismay I noticed it used words like "he" and "his". I immediately contacted my specialist to see what this all means. Unfortunately, at this point, no one seems to know. Worst case scenario, the judge will have to issue a new court decree. However, they are still on their holiday until October so that means a definite travel delay. Best case scenario, it doesn't matter and we can leave it as is. Of course this had to happen on a Friday afternoon of a holiday weekend so we won't know anything until sometime later this week. I have never been so anxious in my life for a weekend to finally be over.

Moving Right Along!

YIPEE!!!! We received Nevaeh's birth certificate today. We are now waiting on her medical exam at the embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Should happen in the next couple weeks. Once she has cleared her exam, we should get tentative travel dates. Things are rolling right along. Here's one of my favorite pics of Little Nevee. I cannot wait to get a hold of this littly beauty.

Thank You!!!

Thank you Kim for the wonderful message about our beautiful daughter. Kim and her family just returned home from Ethiopia and her baby boy shared a room with Nevaeh. They were able to play with her somewhat and she gave us a wonderful update. Someday soon I hope I can do the same for a family waiting to travel.

Thank you Kate and Stefani. Kate and Stefani have helped me keep my sanity during this crazy and wonderful journey like only others going through it can. It's amazing how close I feel to these women and I haven't even met them in person. Some day soon I hope that will all change.

And thank you to all our family and friends who have given us so much support, listened to me ramble on about things I probably repeated a million times, and for just being there.

Introducing....

...Nevaeh Biruk. We got word today at 11:00 am that we passed court. Another step closer. Isn't she beautiful?

Court Date Tomorrow!!!!

Tomorrow is a huge day. Our case will go before the Ethiopian judge and if all goes well the judge will declare Randy and I the legal parents of Little Miss B. I'm not sure when we will hear the outcome, hopefully it will be sooner than later. I want to think that we may hear something tomorrow as by the time we will be getting up and heading to work, it will be the end of the day in Ethiopia. If not tomorrow, I hope Friday. I don't think I can make through the weekend not knowing.

We've Been Showered!

My niece Cassidy.

Cassidy getting ready for the festivities.

Lots of good eats!

Cupcakes in the shape of a baby and rattles.

Ethiopia incorporated into the decorations.

I have such wonderful family and friends. It was really fun opening all the gifts. I can't wait for Little Miss B. to use them all.

One advantage of adopting, you can have a drink at your own baby shower.

An enormous thank you to these ladies, Lori, Sherri, Jody, Aunt Becky, and Stephanie for putting together such a wonderful shower.

Unexpected Surprise

Next to holding her in my own arms, today we received the next best thing. Little Miss B's social report. It contained a ton of information about her including her latest measurements, temperament, sleeping and eating habits, etc., along with 20 plus photos. She has grown over 2 inches and gained 2 lbs since we received her referral. She is so beautiful, she has the biggest brown eyes and full pouty lips. I cannot wait to bring her home. Our court date is August 13, two weeks from today. I cannot post any pictures until the judge declares us as her legal parents, you will just have to take my word.