Tonsils are Coming Out

Well, Sabrina is having her tonsils out on March 20th so, this will be something to pass our wait to travel, though NOT what I would have planned. My poor little girl has been so sick with strep throat over the past 3 years and after two back-to-back bouts of strep in December and January, I met with an E.N.T. on Tuesday and he recommended that she was definately a "candidate". The good thing is, two weeks after surgery she will be considered completely healed and so she will have no problem traveling to Ethiopia! Speaking of which, we got new pictures of our Princess waiting for us and I can't WAIT to show all of you one day hopefully very soon. I just can't wait to travel but while I'm home with Sabrina while she is recovering, we are going to start packing and organizing our donations to take with us so that will definately be fun!

Surviving the Wait to Travel

Well, this is definately the 'hardest part' so far for me during the adoption process. Waiting for the paperwork....not too bad. Waiting for the referral (probably because it was only 3 months) was definately not bad. But now, having this beautiful little face to look at every day, wondering what she's doing, worrying about everything she does in a day, and just praying to travel is definately something that could take a toll on someone. We got some surprise pictures in our email the other day and she has a gorgeous smile on her face! Which is so great to see. Last night we did some shopping for clothes for our little Ethiopian princess which was so fun! A couple of weeks ago we met about 30 other parents that have or are adopting from Ethiopia. We had such a wonderful time connecting with other local families to talk one on one about their experiences. The owner of the restaurant himself was an amazing man! We can't wait for the next get-together!!

T H E C A L L!!!!!!!

We have received our referral!!!!! We are beyond excited. When people told me the day will come, they were right! We have a beautiful 4 year old girl waiting for us and we can't wait to bring her home!!!

Pneumonia

Yes, that is what has hit our home, or at least my beautiful daughter. She started with a fever Thanksgiving night and after being diagnosed with strep throat, two days later an ear infection, and the final diagnosis of pneumonia on Wednesday after a night of erratic breathing patterns. I have taken a leave from work in order to be with her since she cannot go to school and is on round the clock breathing treatments. Today is the first day since Thanksgiving that she has had a little "pep in her step"! Let's pray she's on the mend. She and Zach turn 10 on Tuesday, we've postponed their birthday (swimming pool) party originally scheduled for this Sunday until next Sunday. Luckily I am done birthday shopping and nearly done Christmas shopping. I've been finishing up my shopping online which has been convenient!!!! Until next time -------Thank you for listening/reading. Jenni

**Officially Waiting**

We received an email today that our dossier has been officially accepted into the Ethiopia Program by WHFC. The email said our official wait-date is 10/17/08. I still can't believe it. Off to get the passports and immunizations and wait. . . . and I'm okay with waiting, at least for now! wink wink

Trick or Treat!

The kids had so much fun trick or treating this year. In our annual tradition we trick or treat with our friends and their daughter as we are the only people on our street with children. Sabrina was dressed as Sharpay from HSM2 and Zachary was the character Halo - Master Chief from the video game Halo!!!!! They received enough candy to open their own candy store!!!!

Waiting for Authentication.......

Well we are waiting to hear that our dossier has been authenticated. It has been 5 business days since they have had it and we were advised it would be 7-10. I just can't wait until we are officially waiting. Although, we are waiting, it's just a different kind, right? Well I started shopping for birthdays and Christmas today and that was fun! Zach and Sabrina will turn 10 on December 9th! I cannot believe my little peanuts are going to be 10! Boy does time fly. The way their life started out as premies in the NICU.....I am so blessed they are happy, healthy kiddos today!!!