We're officially "waiting"

So, I'm watching the DHL tracking site to see where our dossier packet is....as it makes its way to Ethiopia! We got the word, Friday, that it had been shipped. This means we are now "officially" waiting. The dossier has been approved by our agency, the needed documents authenticated by the Ethiopian embassy in DC and all the other boxes checked. It's funny how a 3.5 pound packet of papers can have such meaning.

So, now I'll bore you with what's in a dossier. Many folks ask. Our dossier is as complete a picture of us as the Ethiopian government and orphanage can have. It includes: authorized home study (social worker's lengthy report on our life, psychological state, ability to raise a child, approval for certain age, all our relationship issues, feelings about our parents, etc....no I'm not kidding)...about 12 pages, medical reports for all of us, financial statements, tax returns, criminal clearance, immigration approval, photos, deed of our house, proof of education (online classes, live workshops and reading of books on adoption), CPR certification, letters of reference, bank letter, verification of employment, letter from us to the Ethiopian govt, letter from us to the Board of the orphanage, power of attorney for the lawyer in Ethiopia, and more. Oh, and all of those things are notarized IN TRIPLICATE.

Now you know why this process is not for the faint of heart or those that are not totally dedicated. It's a lot of work and, even though this is our second adoption, we still have to do almost everything again! Crazy.

So, now we wait. I wonder when I should tell my work we're adopting another child? Always a perplexing question...

Oh, and did I mention that I'm going through phases of sheer panic and excitement? Panic seems to be winning lately but hopefully excitement will override soon. Many of the same feelings arise as last time. This is such a leap of faith.

Have a great weekend!

jen

Okay I can't contain myself...

Yup, the ticker has gone up and the countdown starts.....we've submitted our dossier for child #2. I realized my puzzle had a lot of "threes" in it but, no, we're not adopting two more. I would love it but I think my husband would fall over dead if we did that :) I remember mentioning that a while back and all I remember is this hysterical sort of deranged laughter.

Anyway, we've been working the process for the last months and we finally got it all together. I can't believe it really. Sort of surreal. We're excited, yes, but also scared &$%*@ -less. But, that's to be expected. So, hold onto your hats as the blogging will begin again soon as we start down this road again.

I have to say it's a little easier this time as I know what to expect and we have Amara to keep us more than occupied. But, it's still hard and all the same stuff comes up during the wait.

As you recall from last time, there's not much to post until we actuallly get our referral. But I'll be sure to bore you with my emotional ramblings. Our agency is telling us the wait will be 4-6 months from now. Of course we all know that could change but we stay hopeful. Then, like before, it's 6-8 weeks after that for our court date and another 6-8 weeks until travel. So, I'm guessing we'll be looking at the new year, approx.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Puzzle

Can anyone guess what the following clues mean?

Hairdos and other photos

So, I got brave and decided to bead Amara's hair. It took fooooorrrrever but worth it, I'd say. No hair dos for a week at least...ah. I think I'll get faster with time. She digs it, the way the beads sound when she shakes her head. Too cute. Anyway, here are some photos of it and other random moments of late (including one with her good friend, Lucy.) Happy sunny days to all!

She's growing so fast...and quite the little singer!

Do you think you are racist? Interesting article...

Okay, this is a fascinating article you must read. I like to think that those near and dear to my heart would say they're not racist. But we also all know there are times when even our most basic assumptions get challenged by an almost unconscious reaction to something. This is one of those times when we're required to review our own biases.

I've been thinking, recently, about the scenario outlined in this article. Isn't it interesting how different the reaction would be to an African American adopting a "white" child vs the opposite scenario, the one I live in...but why should it be that way? It's a great discussion to have. Lo and behold I saw this article today. Have a read and reply, if you like. How would you react if you saw this in your neighborhood park? Would you react? Do you know why you would/wouldn't?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/194886/page/1

I think this family is amazing. Can you imagine having to deal with this type of reaction or interaction on a daily basis? Could you do it, would you? I'm always humbled by this type of integrity and perseverance, in the name of love and care.

Happy Monday!
jen

Riding Cookie

We spent yesterday at my sister's house, hanging out with the horses. Amara really loves the horses and is getting good balance...she is a dare-devil, in case I had not mentioned that before. So, she wants to ride all the time and go "faster, please. So, we've been putting her on the mini-horse, Cookie. Perfect size. As you will see it's a total crack up as she just loves to canter and giggles, giggle, giggles. Love it. Enjoy!!

First Easter Egg Hunt

Words are not needed...how fun is this?