Latest News and Next Steps

So, we just heard from Holt today. We need to begin putting together our Dossier, but that won't be complete until after the home study. Also, parenting lessons. I know. Funny. But there's 9 hours worth of stuff we need know about bringing an Ethiopian child into an already-established family. We're trying to schedule that now.

We're also gearing up for the garage sale. Already a lot of people helping us out with stuff. The garage sale is the weekend of June 18th. If you'd like to donate some stuff, just call Gabriel. He'll come pick it up!

We've Been Accepted!

Yesterday was a very painful day for me on a personal level. But when I sat down to read my email... What good news to learn that we had been accepted by Holt to adopt from Ethiopia. I was definitely a little nervous, but now it is all coming together! Gabriel and I are so excited to begin this venture.

Even the first step can't be easy!

So we even messed up our first step. Holt contacted us. We forgot to include some things (pics, tax statements, contract). The final thing (for this step) is being mailed out tomorrow! I'm so proud of Gabriel who has really picked up the slack during our crazy month of May!

Other news:

We have a follower on our blog (yay! Tracy) and our jewelry party was pretty successful. We're going to host another Cookie Lee Jewelry Party in December.

Our next fundraiser is the garage sale in June. So please contact us to donate your stuff! We are getting so excited.

Lots of ways to help out!

So when we asked the adoption agency how we're supposed to come up with $26,000 to fund this adoption, they suggested that we come up with innovative fundraising ideas. So here are a few coming up:

1. This Friday at our house at 7pm we are hosting a Cookie Lee jewelry party with 2 other adoptive families. Cookie Lee has over 100 pieces priced under $30. Stay for just a few minutes or hang out and socialize with some appetizers and friendly ladies. Don't forget Mother's Day!

2. We are hosting a garage sale fundraiser June 17-19. Have any stuff you were considering donating to Goodwill? Just give us a call and we'll be happy to incorporate your stuff in our garage sale.

On this page you'll find 2 links.

3. smartraise.com - This link will lead you to a web page where you can purchase from popular companies like iTunes, Under Armour, Target, Aeropostale, K-Mart, Macy's and so many more! A portion of your purchase will benefit our adoption.

4. chipin.com - Don't feel like making a purchase right now but want to contribute to our cause? This site (also found in a widget on this page) allows you to simply contribute.

Thank you to everyone for your love, support, prayers and contributions!

Our Donation Site

One small step...

So today we made our doctor appointments! It's just a small step but feels good to check something off the list. Expecting the welcome package in from Holt any time!

And of course this just can't all be about the adoption. Elijah and Christian started gymnastics last week. Today was their second class. They love it!

We've Only Just Begun...

So today we met with our Hillside Adoption Agency social worker. She seems really nice. But now the real work begins. I can't believe how much there is to do already.

• We need to schedule 9 hours of parenting classes... yes, I know we're parents already, but there are many issues we'll face when we bring this child home.
• We each need to write an autobiography. Of course, I think this sounds fun.
• We also need to each fill out a multiple-page questionnaire, and there's even a little one for Elijah to fill out.
• Fingerprints
• Complete physical
• $900 for the home visit (that's the 1st half).

I know. Crazy! There's more once we get our welcome packet from Holt International!