Word from Ethiopia

I received an update today from Ethiopia. Thank you so much Becky for checking in on my little girl and updating my mom and I. It sets my mind at ease to know Tsebay is doing well. She looks so happy and healthy in her pics. I have also been told by quite a few people about the awesome care these children receive at the care center. Thanks to Ryan and Abby and all the care workers in Ethiopia our little ones are loved on the other side of the world while we jump through hoops to bring them home. This time next week will be the real deal. I will have my little angel in my arms.

Tomorrow I leave for New Jersey where I will stay and regroup before taking off on Wednesday for Ethiopia. Today is my last full day on Maui to get things done and it promises to be a long one. I hope to get the final touches on the room, need to pack and gather all the documents for travel, and need to wrap things up at work. Many Mahalos to all my colleagues at KCS and families in the K-8 program for your ongoing support. I will be returning with a new little bambina for the KCS Ohana. My motivation to make KCS the best will become personal. Tsebay will need to go to a great school.

WOW! I can't believe it's almost here.
Tsebay is waiting for her momma and her momma can't wait to meet her.
What a special day that will be!

A few steps closer to Tsebay

Yahooooo!!! Court went well and Tsebay Grace is officially my babylicious. I am so relieved and exhausted. I didn't get much sleep last night knowing the court preceedings had taken place and waiting for official word on the outcome. My mom has secured our travel dates. We depart on June 13th and arrive in Addis on June 14th. I will be holding my little one on June 15th. We will leave Ethiopia on June 21st and will arrive in Philly on June 22nd. Tsebay and I will stay on the east coast for a month before returning to Maui.

This past week has been quite crazy preparing for Tsebay's arrival. This time last week I had a crib I purchased from Craig's list that didn't have all the pieces and not one other baby item. I managed to return that crib and purchase one that is functional. I've also added a changing table to the room and had the walls painted. Thank you Lon. Accessories should be arriving from Pottery Barn any day. Thanks to my Maui Ohana and Mulvey (one of my favorite friends who is visiting Maui this week) my house is now well equipped. What a difference a week can make.

Saturday was my baby shower. I was kidnapped, put in a new dress, blindfolded and led to a beautiful park with so many special people, yummy food and lots of presents for my little bambina. Everyone was so generous. Mahalo!!!!!

It's On.....

I'll be holding Tsebay (Seb-bye) Grace shortly. I can't wait!!!

Court Date--June 4th--God willing

Travel Dates--June 13th-22nd---assuming everything goes well in court


I have so, so much to do. I'm in the frozen state where I don't know where to begin. It's time to make a list and start truckin.

The Scoop

I woke up early Wednesday morning to get a head start on my day. It was going to be a long one including enrichment with my students in the morning and an orientation for parents in the evening. I looked at my phone and noticed there were a few missed calls. For the past few weeks I have thought it was Mary from Gladney everytime the phone would ring and since I emailed her last week and told her not to worry about the time difference and call at anytime I instantly thought it was her. I checked my voicemail and the shaking began. I returned her call and got her voicemail, called my mom and clued her in. Mary called back. She shared that she held Tsebay last week while in Ethiopia (how cool is that), emailed me the information and pictures and started sharing the details. It was love at first sight. I knew this little girl was my little girl. I called my mom, we called my sister. Rachelle had the best reaction ever--screaming, crying etc. Within a half hour I called Mary back to accept the referral. She shared how well cared for the children are at the Gladney Center and that she is quite hopeful we may get a quick court date. I should have more information early next week. This all happened before 7 am and I still had work obligations. Somehow I managed to make it through the day. Thank you to my friends at work for pitching in.


Thank you so much for sending so much love. It is overwhelming and I am so touched. It is amazing the power that a new life has. I am having a difficult time focusing and am on such a high. I took the advice given by Gladney and did not buy much for the baby. Now I have a purpose. I am not a shopper by nature but knowing that I'm buying for Tsebay will make it fun.

Babylicious Has Arrived!!!!!

Introducing Tsebay (the T is silent and I will find out soon if the bay is pronounces bay or by). I will be keeping this beautiful name as her first name. It means character. I love it. She is 4 months old and is beautiful and perfect. She's my little sweetie and hopefully I will be traveling soon to pick her up. I will post more details soon. This great news came on an extremely busy work day so I must get to work. Keep the love coming!!!

MOM--You are Awesome!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. ~Proverb


Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. I hope to be joining your ranks sometime soon.

Mom, I hope I can be a role model for my daughter like you have been for Rachelle and I. You are the strongest, most independent woman I know but are not afraid to show your soft side. You are so sweet and loving. You have always given us support and made us feel safe and secure yet have given us space to grow and explore. I know it hasn't always been easy. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made. I love you. Have a great day!

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty

There's No Place Like Home

I spent the last week getting over my jet lag, the previous week in Philly, and the week prior to that in New Mexico. Traveling is one of my favorite things, I even love to fly but there is nothing like landing back on Maui. It was wonderful to spend time with family and friends. I spent a lot of QT with my mom. She is crazy for the baby and is all geared up with a crib, high chair and toys. Thanks Michelle. It was awesome to see my two godsons. They are getting so big and are adorable, smart and funny! Babylicous will be surrounded with wonderful cousins.

Still no news on the baby although I have been assured I am getting close.
Keep those positive vibes coming.