Getting Closer

So what do you do 4 days before leaving for Africa? Well...
You makes list, lots and lots of lists!



You pack. Everyday you pack, until you can pack no more! Literally, we are filled up!


And of course make some time for crafts!

Wordless Saturday

 

more pics

 

Sorry for all the pics, but I got a new camera and so i'm playing a little bit!

Just some pics!

 

 

 

 

11 days to go

This was one of our referral pics, I love it. Just how I had pictured him!

I cant believe that we're off to Africa in two weeks! So far we have booked our flights, and our hotel reservations and now I'm starting on packing. I'm terrified about this flight, 15 hrs on a plane is not my idea of fun. Thats right, 15, not including our flight from Austin to Washington which is 3 with a FIVE hour layover. I am not a great flyer so on the way there I plan on self medicating however on the way back with a 18 month old I may freak out...wow wow wow! Maybe I'll just accidentally take an ambien and let Jason take over on the flight home :)

Lots of people have been asking where Ella will be staying while us and my parents are gone...she will be staying with the Potts family, or the potts, pans, spoons, and knives as she calls them. My sister only has three kids right now but Ella thinks its a heard! And when I say 'only has three' thats because she is adopting two girls from the Ukraine. Actually while we're gone the two girls will be coming for a short hosting trip! So thats right, you have added correctly, Stephannee will have SIX children while we're away. What a trooper she is! Ella may be in utter shock that week but I figure it will break her in for her new life with a brother! Thanks Potts!

Pay it forward

Here is another wonderful pic of our son! This pic was taken by a wonderful family that was my saving grace during a long long long wait. They were kind enough to take a camera card that I sent to them and fill it up with videos and pics of our precious son. It really was such a blessing to get to see some video of him, and to get a glimpse into his world. If there are any families out there that have gotten referrals, I would love do the same and get some pics for you and just love on your babies! Email me at ash_flo@hotmail.com and give me info and I will do my best!

Pack your bags...we're going to Africa!

Toufiq is officially ours!!!!!! I just got a call from Mary with the awesome news that Toufiq is our son, we got our opinion and passed through court. AMEN! Its lookin like we'll be in Ethiopia from Aug 4th-11th. We're calling the travel agent today and should have more news on the details later. For now, all I know is that we are approved, I have a son, and we are going to AFRICA!!!!!

Getting Close

Here is a little preview!!!! Does he not have the most beautiful eyes???

We got some fabulous news last week that things are moving yet again! We cant wait to hear that 'unknown' ring on my phone with some wonderful news. I know in my heart we're getting closer!

Another Monday

Another Monday, which means another conference call, which means another step closer to Bennet. I believe this was the fifth conference call. Actually they're kinda fun (hey-trying to be positive here). Its interesting all the different views on the 'hold up' in Ethiopia. I think I'm supposed to be extremely vague on the situation so that's about it, I suppose. I did learn something that was exciting to me, as we all know the rainy season is about to begin in Ethiopia so the courts will shut down from Aug. to the beginning of Oct., however if you get through the court process before they shut down you can still travel during those months and the embassy is still open. I thought that there was no hope for travel during those months, so yea! I'm staying hopeful that things will get rolling soon!

I do have some wonderful news about adoption, just not our adoption. My sister's family are getting SO close to bringing their girls home. They got their admission date for their dossier. I believe its August 9th (i was at the grocery store when she called so i cant really remember) and since the girls are older there is a great chance that they will get to travel quickly. Like September!!!! I cant believe they are going to be a family of 7, wow how much fun!!!!

On a different note, it rained today which if your in central Texas you know is a great thing! Rainy summer afternoons always makes me think of when I was a kid and lived in town in our childhood home. I just remember playing in our driveway and how it smelled. I love it when it rains during the summer, its so warm and peaceful.

Nothing New

This is about the third time that I've started a new post and then quickly realized that I had absolutely nothing to say! With that said I'm sure your thinking... wow this is going to be griping! Honestly I just dont have ANYTHING new going on. Our little boy is getting older and older and feeling so far away, and these 'dog' days of summer are dragging on and on! I did go to Dallas the other weekend. My amazing friend and ex-roommate from college, Emily, is getting married in Sept. so me and my other wonderful friend and ex-roommate from college, Robin, had a road trip for Emily's shower. It was really good to see my girls and get some good catch up time in. Emily is not only hilarious and beautiful but she is also incredibly smart and spent the last 2 1/2 years working to become a PT at Colombia in New York. She totally rocks-just a little shout out Em! Anyways, we are all headed to the River House for the 4th. Its so awesome that this is like the 4th year that we've attended the Wimberely Rodeo, it is sooooo funny there... we're talking clowns, bull riding, even a VFW dance at the end. Do you get any better???

Ok, I know this pic has nothing to do with my post but...this is the sling that we got for Bennet while in Ethiopia, Ella was kind enought to try it out. Is she too big???