Dossier to Ethiopia 6 weeks ago today

It has been 6 weeks since our dossier went to Ethiopia..which is not long at all. It just seems like we have been waiting forever to expand our family (since our dossier was in Vietnam for 9 months). We are so excited about Bella coming home to us. We have pretty much decided that we will have her escorted home and pick her up in Washington, DC. My sister would keep LiLi while we made the trip to get her..we think that will be best for bonding with Bella.

We are going to Myrtle Beach next week for five nights. We are really looking forward to it..we always have such a great time going to the beach, pool, waterparks, shopping, and so much more. We are meeting my friend, Kathy, and her family for dinner on Thursday night. We actually met because her dossier went to Vietnam on the same day as ours. We had planned on possible traveling together, etc. At least out of the Vietnam situation, I have made a great new friend. :) She lives in Knoxville and it just so happens that we are vacationing there at the same time.

SAD NEWS!

Today we received an email from our Vietnam Adoption Agency. We have not been matched with a child. What this means: You usually get matched with a child a few weeks before you receive your official referral (picture and info about your child). Since we are not matched with a child and adoptions are ending on Sept. 1st...we will not be able to complete our adoption from Vietnam. Maura will not be coming home to us. This is very heartbreaking. As you know, our paperwork has been in Vietnam since November and we started this adoption June 07. Please keep us in your prayers..as well as all the orphans in Vietnam affected by this horrible situation.

Dossier to Ethiopia (DTE) 1 month ago today

Today marks the day that our dossier left our agency for Ethiopia. The agency is stating that we should have a referral within 4 months. This first month has flown by...being summer we are very busy with family fun. We can't wait to see Baby Bella's face.

Our daughter, Anna, left today for a week long mission trip in New Orleans. Please pray for a safe trip.

We will keep you posted with any adoption news!

Dossier to Vietnam (DTV) 8 months ago

Today marks 8 months that our dossier was sent to Vietnam. Normally, this would mean that our referral would be here soon. Under the circumstances we have no idea. Our agency told me this week that there was a "slim" chance that we would receive our referral before the Sept. 1st cut-off date. There has been some talk of "grandfathering" in all dossiers that are in process. There also has been some talk of a temporary agreement between the two countries. What is so frustrating is that Sept. 1st is less than two months away and we have no clue what is going to happen. My heart aches for all the families having to go through this ordeal..but more important..the orphans that will suffer. Please continue to pray for a miracle.


On a happier note, my husband and I are hosting a huge party tonight. We will have about 120 guests joining us for some fun. George has many friends that have flown in for the party..some he hasn't seen in years. This will be a great night!!!

Baby Bella

Today LiLi and I went to Target so she could pick out a new doll. She picked out an African doll that cries, says momma, and moves. When we were leaving the store, I asked her what she was going to name her new doll. She said, "mommy..this is baby Bella..see it looks like her. Aren't kids wonderful?

Happy Independence Day

Mommy and LiLi at dinner at Downtown Disney!

Daddy and the flea on Father's Day!

Daddy outside the Ethiopian Restaurant

in Washington, DC. (June 08)

LiLi striking a pose in hotel room

in Chicago.

LiLi and the cast of The Itty

Bitty Show at American Girl

Store in Chicago.

June 08

LiLi at The Ethiopian Restaurant in DC.
June 08

LiLi drinking her Strawberry

Smoothie at pool in Orlando,

Florida. July 08

Happy 4th! Today George, LiLi and I spent the day with Grammy and Ava (our granddaughter). Kevin (George's son) and Michelle came over late in the afternoon to have burgers, corn, salad, and watermelon with us. It was a fun day. After everyone left, George, LiLi, and I went on a long walk. I hope everyone had a fun filled 4th!