WE PASSED!

Today was our day! I am overwhelmed with gratitude!

This is my son. Silas James Gedamu Parenti.

a new court date

So I had yet to even update my blog about my July 24th court case being cancelled, when I received the phone call with my new court date. 

FRIDAY, JULY 31

So it was just a little delay..a blip. Very grateful and thankful for that. And so very excited for Friday!

court date

I am amazed at how quickly things are moving with the adoption! It seemed like the wait was so long, it was so quiet, and now everything is happening at once! In less than 3 weeks following my referral for a beautiful baby boy I received my court date. Many adoptive parents share this same court date of July 24th. For those who don't know, the courts in Ethiopia close on August 7th and re-open early October. I am praying that all the families make it through who have been matched with their children before the courts close. 

My little boy will turn 5 months old this weekend. I received an update last week and he is doing really well. He seems to be a very happy, mellow little guy. He is healthy and absolutely beautiful! I stare at his pictures, examining every detail of him, wondering what he is doing and imagining what it will be like to have him in my arms! I am overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement!

Referral!

Wednesday, June 17th, 3:01 pm

4 month old baby boy!

Beautiful, healthy and happy!

Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy!

waiting...obsessing

So I am waiting, and obsessing...and than waiting...and than obsessing some more. Obsessing over "the unofficial list" and of course my phone which is attached to me at all times. Being #1 on the unofficial list is exciting and nerve-wracking! I also know that once I get past this stage and I get the call for a referral, that I am onto the next stage of waiting. However, knowing who my child is and having a connection to him/her will be just amazing. It so often seemed I would never get to this point. This whole process is definitely a lesson in patience, and most importantly that everything is truly out of my control. What will come will come, what will be will be, whenever it is supposed to. 

There are a few court dates this week as well and I am praying that all of those families pass and that parents are united with their little ones soon!

Now back to waiting...

8 Months

So I got a little nudge from one of my blogging buds to get blogging! Thanks Robbin - you are right. Its getting to the point where I can allow myself to get excited! The ups and downs of this adoption (like all international adoptions) have made me a little apprehensive. However things are looking good and I feel really positive! The end of this week will be 8 months on the wait-list. I am #4 on the unofficial, yet famous and often stalked by waiting adoptive parents FBI list. Congratulations to those who have recently passed court. Also congratulations to those who have received referrals—especially those who have waited so long. My fellow single adoptive parents. Robbin & Catrina I hope to meet you in Ethiopia when we are bringing are babies home!  

Five Months

Five months has passed since I was placed on the wait list, paperwork and documents complete and in Ethiopia. I am watching single women being approved in court and bringing their babies home which is encouraging. It's hard not to think that if the limitation on singles was not put into place at the end of last year, that I would be bringing home my baby this year—likely in the next 6 months. There has been no word on the laws changing and I continue to be hopeful that singles will not be eliminated all together from adopting in Ethiopia. So, I try not to focus on it, but I try to stay positive and know that what is meant to be, will be. I know that I was meant to be a mom. I know that I have a great deal of passion for adopting a child in need, particularly from Ethiopia. I know I will pray, hope, and think positively about this venture coming to an end with a trip to Ethiopia to pick up my son or daughter next year. The rest, I will leave up to my higher power and trust that he/she/them.... knows, and will do what is best for me.