10 Days & Counting

Well, I can't tell if I'm making any progress or not. Ana's room is FULL of donations of clothing, diapers, bottles, etc. from our wonderful friends!! The children from the orphanage are going to benefit greatly!! I am waiting until Monday to start packing it all up, to see if any other donations come in. I've got Ana's bag packed!! I think I'll work on getting my stuff together tomorrow. Kyle's on his own!! But you know those men - he'll pack his 5 things and call it good!

I just know this week and next are going to fly by! And I KNOW that next Friday I'm going to be a basket-case, running around like a crazy woman!! Crazier I should say huh?

More later...

Ready, Set, Go!

We are making plans to leave Fargo the evening of March 27th to head to a far away place called Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!! We are so ready to have Ana home with us, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning and packing and stressing that I'm going to forget something important. Like a document we need for our embassy appointment or something that will cause us problems in bringing Ana home. But I have two wonderful friends that have traveled recently to bring their beautiful children home and they are emailing me lists and giving advice. So greatful!!
I picked up the last of our meds that we either need to take ahead of time or have along for those "just in case" instances - like the diarrhea medication. Oh boy, like I don't have enough to worry about!!
We will be home April 3rd - my birthday!! And I couldn't ask for a better birthday gift!! This years birthday is going to be very memorable that's for sure!!

Introductions

Now that we've passed court and Ana is 100% OURS, I can put her picture out here!!

This is little Miss Ana!! This is one of the very first pictures we received of her via email on September 18th. I began to cry the moment I looked at those dark brown eyes and wonderful smile. I knew she was meant to be in our family. God had chosen her just for us!!

We have been told by all who have met her that Ana is very loving. She laughs and giggles often and is very ticklish. She loves jewelry and purses and the baby dolls that we sent her.

I can't wait to pick her up and hug her!! I will probably spend the entire time on the plane ride home just staring at her!!

Still don't know when we can travel. Have been told they are making some changes in how the embassy dates are scheduled. Have no idea what that means right now. Will keep everyone posted.

WE PASSSED!! WE PASSED!! WE PASSED!!

If you didn't already hear...we passed court today!!! Our emotions are flying high!! Praise God!! Oh my gosh I don't even know what to write...we are working with a travel agent to see what our options are for flights. We are looking at traveling March 20th...possibly. Will know more in a few days. So much to do...so much to think about...and feel unbelievably blessed!! Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts and support!!
I will write more later as I have to go pick up Tina from preschool. Would be really bad if I forgot her there...which could happen as my mind is racing!!
Ok, gotta go!

Keep on, keeping on...

We have recently discoverd that Ana's birth father is deceased. The reason our case was postponed to March 5th is because they needed to locate his death certificate. Good news is, they have the certificate and hopefully our file will be complete and the judges will pass our case. WHEN we pass court on the 5th, we should be able to travel by early April. Keep praying until we hear those wonderful words, "You've passed court"!!

Andy turns 7 years old on Friday the 13th!! Hahaha! So we've decided not to chance it and have his party with friends on Saturday!! About 10 boys will be coming to our house for pizza, sledding and bouncing off the walls!! Can't wait!! Later that afternoon we are having Grandma & Grandpa Freier, Great-Aunt Laurie and Cousin Katelyn, Great-Aunt Joanie and who ever else doesn't already have Valentine's Day plans with their sweetheart, over for dinner. And I suppose a few more presents will be opened!!

At the end of the month we will be traveling to New Ulm for our niece's baptism. We always look forward to spending time with Kyle's brother and wife and cousin Luke and Avery!!

So the month will be busy and that is good!! Before we know it March 5th will be here. I believe once we pass court, I will be able to post pictures of our little Ana. So be sure you check back for the BIG REVEAL!! We are so proud of her and think she is just the most beautiful little girl we've ever seen!!

Hope you enjoy the new blog background. I've had so much fun playing around with this!!

Not yet you say??

That's right... unfortunately our case was not passed this week. Looks as though we are needing yet another document. Sooo ... our next court date is March 5th and with God's help we'll be going to get Ana by the end of March.

Yesterday was not a good day for either Kyle or I. I probably took it the worst as Kyle has his work to occupy his mind. Me, however, I ONLY have kid stuff to occupy my mind!! So I had a pity party for myself and told myself to enjoy it while it lasts because tomorrow is a new day! So I did - I cried like there was no tomorrow - filled the garbage with tissues - ate absolutely nothing (hard to believe I know) - and went to bed early (well I was already lying in bed, but I mean I went to sleep early). When I woke up this morning I thanked God for what he has given me - three beautiful children - a wonderful husband - a Mom who comes to my house to watch my pity party - and a Mother-in-law who takes care of my children so that I can have a pity party without being disturbed by "Mom, can you get me a drink?.

I appreciate all the calls, texts, & emails I've gotten sharing your concern and well wishes. I am so blessed to have so many friends and family that are just as excited to meet Ana as I am!
I will let you know of any other glitches, but I am praying that this is it and we'll be given the green light come March. We would really appreciate it if you would continue to pray, not only for us to be able to go in March, but for Ana and her caregivers as well.
Thanks and love to all,
Kathy

No News is Good News

Hi All!
Sorry I haven't written since before Christmas, but we really don't have anything new to relay to you. Our court date remains January 19th and we should find out that day whether the judges have passed our case or not. I have a good feeling that we will pass this time, as they just need to see the document we were missing last time. However, the Ethiopian judges have been a bit cranky as of late (so I hear through our agency) and you just never know what they are thinking. So we wait for the 19th! And we PRAY! Please, please pray that we pass court!! This is our last hurdle per say. Once we pass, the various agencies will produce Ana's birth certificate, passport, and visa. Dereje will pick up those documents once they are complete and then we will get a phone call saying we can book our flight. Now, just how long the agencies will take on producing that paperwork - you never can tell. Could be 1-2 weeks. If we are getting on a plane the first week in February, I will be very happy! If it happens earlier, I will be very, very happy!!
So your prayers are needed!! We appreciate all your inquiries and the excitement you share with us!!
Kathy