Referral Bonanza!!!

Wow they had 5 referrals today!!!! WoooHoooo, I'm getting closer and closer to my baby girl. This is just the news I needed. I've been battling the flu since Christmas and still haven't quite turned the corner.

Our Christmas Eve party was a success so to speak. All of hubby's family came, ate and were full. Lucky for me none of my collectibles were broken this year. Just a hole knocked in the wall by crazed, unrulely rugrats playing on my rocking chair. Moms were sitting in the same room of course but did nothing to stop the destruction. I didn't notice the hole until everyone was gone. Lord, please give me the strength to be a good Mom. Please don't let me sit idly by while my child destroys others property. This will be the last year for our Christmas Eve party for awhile. It's just not fun for me anymore. It's a hell of a lot of work and I have to constantly patrol my house to ensure it's not burnt down. So next year it will be Mommy, Daddy, Gracie and Big Momma, God willing.

That's all for now folks. Hopefully, I'll be back soon with some GOOD NEWS!!!

Chocolate Christmas

WoooHooo the Christmas season is upon us! Anyone who knows me knows this is my FAVORITE time of year. The decorations are up and it's time to enjoy. God willing, next year we'll have a little one running about or at least crawling. I can't wait to see my baby girl all done up in her holiday finery.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Sooooo the referrals are trickling in slower than a paraplegic turtle on qualoods. It's looking like I won't get my Gracie for Christmas after all. Well hubby says that will give us time to pay off some extra bills before her arrival. Hmmm I guess that's a plus. In reality though it's just giving me more time to obsess and buy more stuff for her room like the adorable teddy pictured. I feel so grouchy and out of control lately. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact I have absolutely no control over our fate or Gracie's. I am really trying to live by "let go and let God" but at times, most times, I fail miserably. What to do, what to do. I've got to get a grip. My favorite time of year is quickly approaching and at this point I'm only getting minimal joy from that.

Pretty is ?

So of course I spend a major part of my day wondering & dreaming about what my baby girl will look like. Will she be cafe au lait or a deep espresso with cinnamon accents. Will she have the huge glorious ethiopian eyes. I have looked at so many Ethiopian babies and for the most part they are extraodinarily beautiful. Is it shallow to want my Gracie to be easy on the eyes? Hubby's family is full of beautiful babies, all of them are of fair countenance. I just can't help but wonder if my sugar baby will elicit the same ooohs and aaahs that they do. We of course want her to be healthy, that is most important. But healthy and cute as a button would be good too. I dreamed of her last night or I dreamed of my idea of her. She was young, maybe 3-4 months old, fat, healthy with a gummy slobbery smile. In the dream I felt such happiness, it was so real. My, my, my I know that she will be perfect in our eyes. In the end that's all that really matters.

P.S. A special shout out to my girl Kitt who has to listen to these mindless ramblings on a daily basis but still cared enough to buy me this exquisite print for Gracie's room. I preciate ya homey!

Well the letters finally arrived! I think they turned out wonderful. So that's it, the nursery is finished. What to do now? Hubby and I were so focused on getting the nursery ready that I didn't stop and wonder what it would feel like to see it complete but empty. The referrals are trickling in, but someone 6 places in front of me received a referral for a baby girl the oher day. Just goes to show that He is in control. Ms. Gracie will make her way to us when it's time. Hubby and I are still discussing possibly traveling to bring her home. Outside of the fact that it's a scary trip, the cost are mindblowing. So we'll see.

More Nursery Pics

The nursery is pretty much done. I was waiting to post final pics after I received the letters that were to go over her bed. However, I'm getting the run around from the artist so we'll probably do something different over her crib. My hubby framed out the window but he had to take down my window treatment to do it. We put it back up but it doesn't look as neat as it did before, we'll take it back down and redo it tomorrow. Overall, I'm very happy with it. It feels warm and special when I walk into it and that's what I was hoping for. Now all we need is our sweet Gracie. One of my forum buddies is going to get her princess next week. Good luck Theresa & happy travels.

Baby Crissy

When I was around 6 or 7, I wanted a Baby Crissy doll more than anything. My big sister got one for me but on her way to Ft. Worth to give it to me, she had a carwreck. She was not seriously hurt but the doll was destroyed. I was surfing Ebay and came across this gem with only 3 mins. left in the auction. I bid, I won and I must say she's just as spectacular as I remember. We lost my sister to breast cancer in January. This doll brings up good memories of my big sis that I hope to one day share with Gracie.
Speaking of my sweet baby, referrals started back up Thursday but only 3 have come in so far. I must admit, I've been disappointed. Over the last few days the forum has been hot with a bunch of nonsensical ramblings about the ethics of our agency. Baseless rumors from bored women who already have their little delights home. Honestly, I wish they would all just SHUT UP! I've decided that I'm only going to check the forum twice daily and then only to scan for referral news. I won't ingest anymore of their garbage. I'm already on edge. I just want my baby girl in my arms as soon as possible. I'm betting on a December referral but hey an early Christmas present would be perfect.

Nursery

Well the nursery decorations have begun in earnest. Hubby and I are in full swing. The nursery has been painted & hubby finally finished the crown moulding a job not for the faint or heart or those short on patience. I'd secretly hoped that our referral would come sooner than later but it seems that the rumor of an August start up was just that. Everyone seems to think they will start back the first week in September, we'll see. The nursery is keeping us busy though and it's really neat to see Hubby so into it. He'll probably paint the bookshelf over the long weekend. We're going back & forth on what color to paint it. I think cream with pink & lavender accents. Hubby says it should be all pink or all lavender. I don't know, I don't want it to look too cartoonish. What do you think?

Lil Diva

I know, I know I just couldn't help myself. That's the cutest onesie I've ever seen! Well the clock is ticking. Lots of excitement on the forum. Many of the families are getting travel dates and will have their sweet babies home soon. Referrals start back up in 2 weeks so hopefully it will move quickly. Hubby and I are kicking up our efforts in the nursery. We picked out a beautiful mint green paint and I bought a lavendar crib set. We will start rearranging furniture this weekend and hopefully buy flooring next week. There was much discussion about which room to use for Gracie's nursery. Two of my BFF came last weekend and in the midst of gossip & giggles, I decided on what is now our computer room. They thought the back room would be better but I couldn't bear to be too far away from my munchkin. Wow this is really starting to become real. There are still times when I say to myself is this really going to happen? But I know that what God has for us is for us and I believe that he has a special baby girl out there just for us.

Piggy Behavior

Today after our work out my girlfriend and I were talking with our personal trainer. He and his wife have a 7 month old and I was asking him whether or not she slept in a bassinet while she was in their bedroom. He stated that she slept in the bed with them because she was breast fed. I stated that I was worried about that because I wouldn't want to roll over on Gracie. Do you know what this moron said to me?! He said "not to be funny or anything, but when you grow a baby in your body for 9 months then you are more aware of her and you won't roll over on her" WHATTTTTTT???? Are you freakin kidding me? What statistic did you get that from. I shot him an evil look and said "well that's just an ignorant statement, there are so many myths around adoption and that's just another one." My friend and I then continued talking and she was saying of course you wouldn't do that. Anywhoo, after I got home I told DH and he said I was making too much out of it and that I was just overly sensitive. Maybe, my personal trainer is usually a nice guy and probably just didn't realize what he was saying. However, he's made unfavorable little comments about our adoption before that I just let slide.
What's wrong with people? This will be my baby. I already love her so much, it's impossible that I could feel any more love because I gave birth to her. I feel so sad now I could just cry. Maybe I am being too emotional
UPDATE!!!!
I spoke with my personal trainer regarding his ugly comments. He apologized before I even could say my planned speech. He said it was an ignorant statement and that he definately didn't mean to hurt my feelings. I believed him. So all is well once again, I'm not losing any weight but hey he's my personal trainer not Jesus.

__________________

Beautiful Ethiopian Adoption video.

If I were financially able, I would adopt as many children as my home could hold. How heart wrenching to have to find new parents for your children because you're dying. Unimaginable

Gracie's Bedroom Digs

I found the perfect set for Gracie's room. It's just what I'd imagined. Elegant, sweet and fit for a Princess. I just LUV it. Hubby is having a fit over the cost but actually it's quite competitive with other cribs I priced and didn't like nearly as much. I think I'll paint the nursery walls a soft green and accent everything with pink. I love those cute little pink ballerina frogs. Hopefully I'll be able to find some. I tell you I'm soooo excited. I don't know how you can love and miss someone so much that you never even seen but my heart is just so full for this baby girl.

It's Raining Referrals!

Boy, the forum had an outstanding day! At least 10 families received their miracles today. So you know what that means? We are moving up on the list, YEA, YEA, YEA!!!!!!!!!

Hawaiian Paradise

Hawaii 977
Originally uploaded by Mrs. Blingle

Hawaii was beyond beautiful. It was truely paradise. We flew to Honolulu and then took a cruise to Kauai, Hilo, Kona, Maui and back to Honolulu. If you want to see a lot of Hawaii this is definately the way to do it. However, the service on Norwegian Cruise Line left a LOT to be desired. Nevertheless, the payoff was visiting several of the glorious Hawaiian islands. We did a lot of excursions but I think my favorite was the Road to Hana in Maui. The scenary on that trip was truely magical. Waterfalls, lush landscapes, tropical flowers, black sand beaches. incredible! We will definately return one day when Gracie's old enough to appreciate it.

Officially Waiting for Ms. Gracie!

Well our dossier was approved on June 15. We are officall waiting for our baby girl. Hopefully, God willing, we will have a referral by Christmas that would definately be the only present I needed. We got the news while in Hawaii which made the trip just perfect.
Now Hawaii was beyond awesome. Everything you hear or read about is true. It's like paradise on earth. I think my favorite was the Road to Hana which we did on Maui. The sites, waterfalls, tropical foliage, black sand beaches just too much. I will try to post a few pics later.

Dossier is on the Way!!!!!!!!!

Well at last I caught a break. I was able to send the dossier in after all. I'm so excited I can hardly sit still. They are going to send the forms from the Sec. of State straight to my agency instead of back to me. Everything will arrive on the desk Monday. Prayerfully, everything will be in order and we'll be officially waiting! This was the last paper step in the process. It feels so good to finally have something accomplished.

In other breaking news, we leave for Hawaii in less than 12 hours and my hair is a HOT MESS! I don't know what the heck I'm going to do with it. Oh well, no one in Hawaii knows me. Aloha!

So Close but No Cigar

I was soooo excited thinking we would be able to send in our dossier tomorrow before we go off to Hawaii. Well of course nothing is ever smooth in this journey. I mailed papers to Austin to have them certified. I overnighted them and they are supposed to overnight them back with the enclosed envelope I provided. I called today because I didn't receive it. I was told that they are behind and probably won't get to mine until tomorrow, which means it will probably get back to me on Saturday. We will be on plane to Hawaii on Sat. morning so that won't work. The lady I spoke with acted like "Oh well sucks to be you" This throws us back at least a week because I won't be able to send the dossier in until we get back. Not a big deal in the whole scheme of things but I had my heart sat on having everything done before we left. Oh well I guess the rude lady in Austin had a point, right now it does suck to be me!

Homestudy Approved - THANK GOD!

I can hardly believe it but this evening we got an email that our homestudy was FINALLY approved. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry it's been such an emotional rollercoaster. Hubby and I were out to dinner discussing what we were going to do. We'd just about decided to switch agencies when I checked my email and there it was. Hubby thinks we should just proceed on with our current agency as opposed to starting over with someone else. Perhaps he's right. Hold on Gracie we're making progress, slowwwww but steady.

Hey All

Hello blog family,

Well believe it or not we never received any word on our homestudy. Someone from the agency contacted me via email last Friday. They assured me they would have a definitive answer over the weekend or Monday the latest. It's Thurs. night, I never heard anything. I emailed the agency Monday evening and I received no response. Hubby and I were talking last night and he said we have so much already. We're madly in love with each other, love the Lord and we're financially secure. Maybe that's all we get, maybe we don't have the right to ask for more. I don't know. What I do know is that I am so tired of crying about this, so tired of feeling sad. We are considering other agencies but this has been so traumatic for us it's hard to continue the quest. I realize that nothing in life is easy and because Gracie would be our greatest gift perhaps it should be difficult. Prayers please.

Not Meant - What Now?

Well, it doesn't seem that our homestudy will be approved. It's been a month and the nomal time frame is a week. On our adoption agency's forum, there have been many to submit there's after ours and it's already approved. I spoke with someone at the agency yet again last week. They stated they were checking on something with the Ethiopian team in Ethiopia and they would know something in a couple of days. Of course that's been a week ago. They are just yanking my chain. Honestly folks, it is unbelievable to me that there are children DYING daily over there and hubby and I are two Christian, well adjusted, financially secure people and we are getting the run around. I can't tell you the despair I feel. Maybe it's not meant for us to be parents. My God, how can that be?! Hubby and I have talked and we are considering trying another route. Perhaps a domestic adoption will bring us our Gracie. I sure felt connected to Ethiopia and felt so sure that she was there. Tomorrow, I'm going to call our local agency and speak with the owner. Perhaps she has some advice or can at least steer us toward some agencies here. Pray for us and our Gracie.

Hawaii

Hello again, I thought I'd post some good news for a change. Hubby & I are going to Hawaii for our summer vacation. We will fly to Hawaii then take a 7 day cruise down all of the islands. It should be great & I can't wait. This is a big deal for us because we both HATE to fly. We haven't flown since our honeymoon 9 years ago. But it's time for us to step out on faith. Weeeeee, Yaaaaay for The Banks

Still No News

Well, we still haven't received any news on the homestudy. I am completely beside myself. I've called & left messages but no one will even call me back. Not a good sign. I'm watching another person's posts to see if her homestudy is approved. She sent hers' in after me. I'm so bummed. Hubby thinks I'm over reacting but I think he's worried too. Everyone please say a little prayer that all will go well and this is not an ominous sign.

HS Update

I spoke with someone from our agency on Monday and she apologized for the delay in my hs approval. She stated that they had a lot of out of state applicants and that they were behind. She promised to get started on it tomorrow(Tues). So I don't know if it takes a week after she starts on it or what. ARRRGGGGHHHH, I am trying so hard to practice patience. I know God's hand is over all of this and everything will happen when it should. I just want to get the paperwork part done with and let the real waiting begin.

I'm also attempting to diet so I can't self medicate with chocolate. Such a cruel, cruel world!!!

No news is No news!

Well it's now been 2 weeks since my homestudy was submitted. I called and left a message at the agency. No word yet. I am really getting my nickers in a wad because the approval normally is granted within a day or so of the agency receiving it. What on earth is in mine that's taking it so long. Hubby and I have a wonderful loving home, ready for a baby. The hoops that we have to jump through are just ridiculous. I'm feeling blue today anyway so this is just the reason I need to throw myself a big pity party. WAAAAAAAAA, Poor Me!!!

Another School Tragedy

Well by now you've all heard about today's tragedy at Virginia Tech. My God, my God, what kind of world are we living in? It seems that our children are not safe ANYWHERE. My heart goes out to all of the families and other students. How will I be able to protect my sweet Gracie in a world of madness.

Saturday Nite Blues

Another Sat nite and hubby and I are home watching the ole telly. I can't help but imagine how different our life will be once Gracie comes. I know it will be challenging but oh so, so rewarding as well. I was checking our adoption forum and reading about all of the new referrals (children). How I wish I could speed ahead 9 months and we would be posting about our prescious baby girl. Oh well, all in God's time. Once we finally get on the waiting list, I'm going to start buying a few things for the nursery. That will be FUN, FUN, FUN

Homestudy Hold Up

Hello All,
Well today I called our agency because we still haven't heard anything regarding our homestudy approval. I was getting very anxious. Turns out they were waiting for 1 document from our sw that I told her to send on Monday. She said THEY told her she could send it later. Come on folks, we've got to do better than this. We already have a several months long wait AFTER all of the paperwork is completed, I don't need unneccesary speed bumps now. She faxed it over and hopefully the approval will be given in the next few days. Then on to the dossier.

In other news. Check out my blog header. Cute huh?! My friend Kena made it pretty for me. I just love it. Shout out to Kena, Thanks Lady!

Nappy Headed Hos!

Thank God, they've fired that horse's behind, Don Imus!!!! I feel so good that for once this type of racist hatred won't be tolerated. A big thank you to CBS, MSNBC, & the advertisers that pulled their ads. I've just been beside myself ever since this story broke. As you all can see, I myself look like the young ladies he so viciously verbally attacked (with a few extra years on me of course) I felt personally offended as I'm sure many AA women and women in general for that matter. When my Gracie comes, I'm going to teach her to have an inner strength and beauty that can't be sullied by such ignorance. Also, I might get her some boxing lessons in case the inner strength doesn't work! (wink)

The Many Faces of Me

Home Study Wait

Well today I emailed sw regarding the status of our homestudy. She turned it in on Monday and I thought we'd have an answer right away. Turns out it takes about a week to hear back. Hopefully all is well and we'll be moving forward soon. In other news, I tried racquetball today and absolute loved it! I hope this can be a weapon in my weight loss war, God knows I could use some help. Goodbye for now.

Immigration blues

Today Hubby and I went to the immigration office to file our I600A form. We had an appointment so didn't have to wait too long, but after driving 45 mins. across town, we were told that the form had to be mailed not brought in. The lady behind the counter told us that she know the website says something else but oh well. AARRRGGGHHHH, so frustrating. I really wanted to get that taken care of. Oh well, now I have to call and find out exactly were to send the form. Let me tell you, adoption is not for the faint of heart.

Easter

Today was wonderful. We got up early & went to sunrise service & stayed for 0800 service. Jeff Majors the harpist performed and it was beautiful. I've been trying to upload photos and change the look of this blog without success. I'm close to giving up but I really want to chronicle our adoption journey. Well I'll give it awhile longer.

Hello

Today will be my first attempt at blogging. The purpose of this blog is to chronicle our journey to our daughter Grace. My hubby and I are adopting an infant from Ethiopia. We are at the beginning of the process and hopefully she will be home wih us by summer 2008. Sooner would be better but I don't want to drive myself to crazy with the wait.
At this point our homestudy is complete and we our waiting for approval with our agency, CHSFS. The homestudy was fairly painless although I felt our sw failed to show me as warm and fuzzy as I really am. I suggested a few changes and she made them but I'm still don't belive it's an accurate depiction. Well hopefully she know's what she's doing and all will be ok.
The next step is our dossier, after that's completed and approved we are officially on the waiting list.