Details...

Yesterday was the 16 month anniversary of our Dossier being in Ethiopia.  So the day before, I was so sad.  I knew the day was coming and no call was in sight.  I also had my endocrinologist appointment that morning, that I had scheduled at an appointment in January.  The January appointment was scheduled at the November appointment, and so-on.

At each appointment, as I stood at the front desk to schedule my next visit, I would think, "Well, at least by then we'll have a referral and be closer to getting our baby girl home."  And then when the time for the next visit would arrive, I would be even more disappointed not wanting the reminder of how little control I had over this.

So, on the drive back to pick up my kids from my in-laws on Wednesday, I called Mr. Smarty with the details of the new plan of attack on my hypothyroidism.   Then told him I had to call him later because I thought I was going to cry.

It was as I was changing Baby's poopy diaper getting ready to leave my in-laws, that my cell phone rang in my back pocket.

Now, after 12 months of jumping at every ring, when the phone rings, I would think, "It could be the agency."  But as I was leaning over Baby, and listening to the phone ring in my back pocket, my thought was this: "Why bother rushing.  It's not the agency.  Finish the diaper, then check the caller id."  So I did.

When I checked it, even as I saw the area code, I was sure it was a sales call.

"Hello,"  [When I really meant: why are you calling when you're only rubbing in the fact that you are indeed NOT my agency]

"Kristen?  This is Merrily, with AAI.  How are you?"

"Uh.  Uh.  uh.  I'm good.  Really good, right?  I'm good, right?"

"Well, I would like to talk to you about a baby girl..."

So...long story long, The baby girl whose referral we are gladly and  gratefully accepting is a 1 month old cutie patootie.  Her name is Sorette.  She has loads of little black curls and teeny fingers.   I wish I could show you more, but that will have to wait until we pass court and her last name is the same as ours!

Now, about this weeks rulings and the next steps for our case:  We are now getting our case filed in court.  This should be done in the next 2 weeks.  If it is filed before May 9th, we will NOT be required to travel for the court hearing, only the Embassy date.  We will learn of a court date in a month or two.  I am also praying for our case to pass first time.  Once we pass, we will make travel plans, and likely pick her up a few weeks after court.  Clear as mud, right?

We're so relieved, but still have much to pray about.  Thanks for all the love and congrats!

Oh, and a little family trivia--We got to accept her referral on my dad's birthday!

Still smiling,