Details....

The decision for me was not to adopt but when to start the process. I have always been drawn to this path and knew I would persue adoption at some point. Timing is everything. The past half year has been a bit of a roller coaster ride so when I first mentioned my adoption plans to my mom she told me I should wait a bit before making any life changing decisions........... so........... I waited two weeks and called to let her know I was going for it. Life is short. There's no time to waste especially when starting a process with so many variables. My mind was made up and I was ready to be a mom. It took a whole two seconds for my mom to dive into the grandma role. She is now anxiously awaiting the moment she can see her grandbaby. I am fortunate that my mom will be traveling with me to Ethiopia. Hurray for grandmas!!!!

As I started to research, I realized there were a lot of decisions to be made; domestic or international adoption? what country? girl or boy? can I handle siblings? what agency will I work with?what age? am I prepared to deal with a child with an illness? I felt overwhelmed and wished I could simply call an agency, tell them I was ready to be a mom and have them make all the decisions. Unfortunately it is not that easy and there is a lot to consider. My decision to adopt from Ethiopia was made from the heart, the head and the wallet. I selected Ethiopia for many reasons including its: rich culture, beautiful people, quick timeline and simply knowing that there is a baby there waiting for me.

Since January I have been working on my paperwork. I finished this part of the process over a week ago and since have entered the next stage...the waiting stage. Gladney warned this would be the toughest part and of course I thought it wouldn't be that bad. I'm a busy girl. I have a lot going on. I'll stay occupied. Believe me, this is tough! The not knowing is a challenge. Should I buy a crib? start to rearrange? plan to miss work? what will she look like? how old will she be? Knowing your child is most likely born and is waiting for a mommy makes it difficult to think of much else. I am very ready to proceed to the next stage. Referral, please.

DONATE!!!!

I have added a Charity Badge (scroll down and look to the right) for those of you who are interested in giving financially to support the efforts to assist the orphans in Ethiopia. Simply click and donate. This money will go to Gladney, the agency I am working with. Be sure to designate Ethiopia when donating. For a list of recent humanitarian projects Gladney sponsored in Ethiopia go to http://www.adoptionsbygladney.com/html/services/human_ethiopia.html.

Another great site is http://www.nothingbutnets.net/. $10 will buy a family in Africa a net and significantly reduce their chances of being bit by a mosquito and contracting malaria. My sister recently donated in my name. Thanks Shelly.

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."-Maya Angelou

We Are Family

Wow. It's been quite a month. My mom, grandmom and Aunt Kathy were on island for a 10 day visit. We had a blast! It was so great to spend quality time with such strong women. We had time for quality conversation and lots of laughs. Uncle Hugh, thank you so much for the awesome night out. About a week later my cousin, Amy, arrived with her two friends, Laura and Lori. It was an awesome spring break and I had a terrific time playing tour guide and working on my tan. Amy, it was great to see you. Come back soon. Thank you so much for giving the baby her first book. I turned 34 on March 21st and had fun dancing the night away with family and friends.

On the adoption front my paperwork is complete and en route via DC to Ethiopia. The next step is to wait for a picture and paperwork on my little girl. This is called a referral and it seems other families working with the same agency have been receiving theirs in about a month's time. From that point it will be about another month before I travel. I may be headed to Ethiopia to pick up my daughter as early as June. I'll keep you all posted. Hope you all have a terrific Easter.