I can't believe it has been two weeks already...

Well, many have been asking how things are going in my world now that these two little ones are home. BUSY!!! 24/7 as a single mom can get tiresome but we are all making huge strides. The boys seem to have totally accepted me as their mom and are bonding nicely. I love that they now recognize their sisters and are okay to play with them for a while to let mama have a few minutes to clean, shop, or run errands. I am pretty sure that Jacob still has an ear infection...calling the doctor back tomorrow...and Joseph gave me a scare with symptoms of an asthma attack. Good thing I am a pro at dealing with that, though he may have disagreed as I insisted on breathing treatments for a few days. We have been out a lot, to the doctor, Walmart, Target, church, and several restaurants. I am happy to report that they are both fans of Mexican food, which makes me very happy. 

Though he doesn't look it, Jacob and Joseph both loved the snow for the short time I allowed them to be out in it. Even though they were both sick I couldn't let them miss this big Nashville snow fall. Joseph loved throwing snow balls and Jacob...well, he just ate the snow and wandered around.

We are home!

Absolutely incredible week and a half is all I can say. The trip went of without a hitch as we arrived in Ethiopia on time, got to the guest house and showered and changed, and then headed to pick the boys up. Coincidentally Joseph was standing on the porch when we arrived. He flashed that big smile and grabbed me around the neck with a death grip. Jacob reacted with a brief cry but was very accepting after that. The embassy appointment was very low key and low stress and I had travel papers in my hands within hours. We made the most of our brief time in Ethiopia, visiting the orphanage daily, went to the lion park, playground, museum, and lunch at a fabulous Italian restaurant. The boys birth Mom visited on our second day and I was able to get some treasured pictures and history for them at a later time in life. After not arriving in Ethiopia until Thursday morning we were back on a plane Saturday night. The boys did good on the flight with only one crying spell each.
Back in Nashville we were greeted by family and friends at the airport. We went from there for a Mexican dinner and then onto the house. Kathy, Amy, Steven,Colten, and Kensley came back to the house and played with the boys until they were ready to pass out.
Other than a little difficulty with sleeping at night and wanting to be held 95% of the time, the boys have adjusted well. I hear Mama from both of them all day long which just makes me smile. They have been so fun to watch as they explore their surroundings and discover things they have never seen. Jacob has come a long way from crying when getting in the tub to crying when getting out! We have had the first visit to the pediatrician (who said they were the healthiest orphans he had ever seen). They will have blood work in a couple of weeks and begin immunizations soon after. Other than Jacob having an ear infection all seems well at this point.
Well that is all the time right now as I hear someone is up after an hour nap...going to make for a long rest of the day : )

It's a Merry Ethiopian Christmas

After a few anxious days yesterday I received that long-awaited e-mail from Sue announcing embassy clearance for this Thursday! Kathy and I had packed on faith the night before believing this would happen. The e-mail was only the beginning as better than half a day was spent securing airline reservations and confirming there is room at Grace Guest House. In just a few hours we board a plane to Ethiopia! We will arrive at 0110 in the morning on the 30th, travel to the guest house and await an early morning trip to Miskaye to get Joseph and Jacob. From there we will travel to the embassy for a brief interview and back later in the day to pick up necessary paperwork saying they are mine and can travel! Just two and a half days later we will begin the journey home. Arrival is scheduled for 5:41 at Nashville International airport on United flight 5924. There will be a group of family and friends gathered at the top of the escalators with a welcome home Joseph and Jacob sign if you care to join us.
I have also made an appointment for their first visit with the pediatrician and planned an Ethiopian Christmas celebration in the 7th. The tree is the only Christmas remnants left in my house..well, and the tons of packages waiting for the boys :) Oh, and I discovered that I had been reading the boy's birth certificates as month/day/year instead of as written day/month/year! This means I was in Ethiopia on Jacob's first birthday 11/7 and will celebrate Joseph's 4th birthday on 5/12. Everything about their development is right on target now that I have this straight!
God is faithful and true to those who wait on his perfect timing. I am so thankful for the prayers and support of so many through the past year and can only re-pay the kindness through the smiles of two little boys. Thank you all! and I am out of here!! Happy New Year!

Waiting for any news

It's been a while since I last updated. For those who don't know, the first anticipated embassy appointment was held up by something requested of the birth mother. So two weeks later I wait not so patiently for possible word of travel at the next embassy date. I know that God's timing is perfect and that Joseph and Jacob will be here as planned, but it is so hard. I fight the tears often as I think of my sons. I have three sons, none of which can I be with on this Christmas. Yet as was heard in church on Sunday morning, I should not grumble and complain at life's circumstances. So this Christmas my daughters and I will celebrate and be thankful for where we are, what we have, and what is to come. We'll remember those who can't be with us, and will look forward to the reunion that is coming soon. As I watch and re-watch the many videos and look at pictures from first meeting the boys I anticipate Joseph running to me with outstretched arms and that smile that lights up the night. Who knows, maybe there will even be a glimmer of recognition from Jacob (or at least a few less tears). So for now, I remember to praise God for this additional two weeks in which I prepared my heart and my home for the arrival of my sons.
Guys, I will be there soon. I love you with all of my heart and rejoice that God will be with you this Christmas despite my absence. Merry Christmas!

Third Day - Merry Christmas - Christmas Offerings

Fundraising activities

There were many events planned to help financially prepare for this journey. Yard sales, a cookout, benefit dinners, and a gold party were some of those I hosted with the help of family and friends. At the first yard sale Kathy held a raffle for handmade baby afghans while Anna Ruth and Rebecca manned a table of lemonade, brownies, and cookies.

The cookout was hysterical as a grill that normally has flames a foot high had but a tiny flicker. Thanks to Becky for inviting me to Big Lots for this fun-filled day!

Benefit dinners were held at the Dinner Bell and Chick-fil-A and attended by co-workers, family, and friends! I was blessed to have my son David home on R & R from Iraq to attend Chick-fil-A. Thanks to Allison and Jason for these events.

Missing these little guys like crazy

Just realized how awful I've been at updating the blog since actually being able to show pictures of the boys. I'll try and spend these next days waiting on word from the embassy to post some of my favorite memories of this journey. This video was made when Kathy and I went for court and depicts the boys personalities well. The waiting is hard but watching the videos and looking at the pictures just makes me smile. Joseph and Jacob, I'll be there soon!