Yarn Extensions

We tried them...after two days of twisting them in...we got about 2, maybe 3 weeks of wear until I was sick of the fuzzy look.  I also thought I missed doing her hair every Friday and Saturday morning...

They were fun and she was really good about her beads so we'll definitely do them again.  Maybe just once she's better at sitting for long periods of time.  

I'm thinking they might be good/easy for camp this summer...

Tomorrow is her birthday, by the way!  We've been celebrating with cookies for dessert each night this week :)

Baby Girl's Hair

I think I may have made a New Years Resolution to do 

Baby's hair more intentionally and do more with it.

Enough being intimidated.  enough. right?

Here's this week's do:

  

update:

Have a great weekend!

Happy

To be honest (and truly grateful), I don't think there exists a better baby, and one more perfect for our family.  I pray that we are what she needs, too!  The other kids adore her, each in their own way.  

Belle is enjoying being a second mommy to BabyGirl, 

Boo is a cuddle-er and loves hugging on his newest sister.  

And BigBoy.  

BigBoy and BabyGirl are two peas in a pod.  They look at each other and laugh.  They speak the same language.  I love their relationship and pray it's always close.  

She is sleeping almost every night through the night, although now morning is earlier for us.  I'm wondering if waking in the middle of night really wasn't such a bad thing, when we got to sleep in a little more...

but it is a season.  

We had our readoption hearing Wednesday-everything went quickly and smoothly and now we wait for her new birth certificate.  Then I'll apply for her SSN and citizenship.  

Then we are done, right?  

I think so.

Baby Girl's Homecoming

At Baby Girl's arrival in Dallas we had Cassie of 

Twelve20 Photography meet us there to capture the moment.  

She did an amazing job, and I am so thankful that out of her heart for adoption, 

she offers her talent to adoptive families. 

You can see more pictures of our family's reunion on Cassie's blog. 

Thank you so much, Cassie.  What a sweet gift our family will cherish for a long time!

Our 10 day trip in 10 pictures

We began our trip with a stop in London.  

We took advantage of the layover, and stayed the night.  

A little babymoon...  

Hey hon, take my picture while I take a picture of the Abbey, 'k?...

The next evening, we boarded a plane to Addis, 

arriving early in the morning.  Not too long after breakfast, 

we took a short walk down a rocky street...

to Layla House, 

where some little people were waiting for us...

they loved getting their pictures taken...

and playing with the cameras...

When we weren't hanging out at Layla, we saw a little of Addis.
Like the silk factory.

This is what a restaurant table looks like in Addis.
Not very big.  This is a meal for about 10 of us.
Not complaining...I just wanted to make sure there was enough Shiro for me.  

While we ate, beautiful people danced...

On our final day, we grabbed a group photo before we all went home in different directions.  

It is amazing how adoption can bring such different but amazing people together.  

I loved this about our trip most of all.  

It is what leaves me wondering when we will back.

Thanks for praying us through the trip-it was an amazing experience.
And thank you all for your sweet comments.  I've so appreciated you all throughout our process of bringing home Baby Girl.

We're Home!

We're so glad to be home.  These pictures were taken by my brother on our layover in DC, where my folks, brother and sister in law and awesome friend Amanda met us.  Two flights later, we landed in Dallas, where we were met by our kids and Mr. Smarty's folks.  Both reunions were super sweet.  I will post more later, once my eyelids stop rolling in there sockets.  

Thanks for all who prayed-everything went as smooth as possible-quite amazing!   And Baby Girl is a doll!  Love her!!!!!

Ready, Set...

We're almost set.

On my list to-do this week, was write a card for each of our homegrown kids for each day we are gone.   I usually only had time to write while they were sleeping, and once they were asleep the idea of leaving them for any amount of time broke my heart.  Of course, the tone of the letters written while they were awake and roughhousing all around me is a little different.  Still sweet though.

With each envelope, I tucked a little piece of something special-a package of stickers, a box of cracker jacks, a sheet of button candy.  And on one special day the boys will be opening a package of spongebob briefs. yes, nothing says a mother's love like new underwear.   

If you pray, would you pray these things for our family:

• For Baby Girl, that she is  healthy (free from virus, disease, parasites, delays)

• That God prepares Baby Girl's heart for us. Please also pray for her transition, attaching quickly and immediately see us as mommy and daddy.

• For a safe trip, that everything goes smoothly (no glitches in paperwork, lost luggage, airlines, Guest Home, etc.) and that we are brought back together as a family of SIX. :)

• For our kids at home with their grandparents-that their time together would be a special time, everyone would stay safe and healthy and sane (the sanity is more for my amazing in-laws than my kids).  

•  That we are able to serve God while we are being blessed so deeply. That we glorify Him in all circumstances.

• For the biological family, that they know the peace only Christ can give.

Thank you, friends,

Big Families Pack Light

I'm so glad I got Baby Girl's car seat cover done a few weeks ago-when I thought I had ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD.

It's now in the van, and I'm officially declaring our van at maximum capacity.

The next road trip could be interesting, but now that I've been reading up on packing, I think I'm actually pretty good at packing light.  Have you heard of bundle packing?  Amazing!

Here are a few other articles I poured over in preparing for our trip:

• A to-do list by another AAI family
• How to pack a suit case for ET
• Packing for baby-adoption travel

Do you have any packing secrets?

DIY Shower Favors

We got our travel dates!

A million and one things to do, but the shower at our house on Saturday is pretty much taken care of.  I used Entemann's Cookies in small plastic zipper bags (in the beading section at craft stores) as fillers for these little pouches:

Decorations are up, now I just have to worry about that little trip coming up...

We're all set paper-wise, flight-wise, and accommodation-wise...all except for one pesky little paper that could ruin it all.  I am believing God is in control of everything, even Homeland Security.  But, if you think of it, could you pray that our approval for our I-600a shows up by tomorrow?  

*****UPDATE:  It came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Lord!******************

By the way, this was another Twig and Thistle inspired idea!

We Passed!!!!

She's ours!

Just got the email that said we could learn of our travel dates in 2-3 weeks, likely traveling in early August!

Yippee!!!!! Thank you, Lord!


By the way, if you're interested in the first chapter of Priceless-it's a free download at SheIsPriceless.com!

Books that make you want to do something: A giveaway

I love a good story.  Especially one that moves me.  Often I read stories that move me to tears.  Every once in a while I read one that moves me to act.


In honor of Sorette and our passing court tomorrow (call it faith?), I thought I would share a few books that have impacted me so much so that we will bring home our fourth baby a somewhat atypical way.


I read There is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Green and knew I could not ignore Ethiopia's defenseless.  I wanted to bring a dozen babies home before I finished the last page.  Read it.  I dare you not to be moved.


Not too long after we began our adoption process, I was sent a copy of Red Letters by Tom Davis.  He is the president/CEO of Children's HopeChest, a children's advocacy organization that helps churches and corporations around the U.S. adopt an orphanage and make a real difference in the lives of orphans.  This great book describes the reality of life for much of the world's orphans.  


A few years later, I heard Tom Davis had written a novel, and not just one.  But his first novel in particular was recommended by a friend.  Scared is the story of an orphan girl in AIDS-devastated Swaziland and a photojournalist who cannot do nothing.  It is a hard sad story, but one with hope and redemption.

And now, Tom Davis has continued the story of the photojournalist, Stuart Daniels, on another mission in a new novel, Priceless set in Russia.  It's gripping from the first page, all the while so eye opening and thought provoking.  Possibly, God-willing, even life-changing.  My heart has definitely softened to the many orphaned girls in Russia because of this story.  


So, now for the giveaway!  Tom Davis has offered a signed copy of Priceless to one commenter on Pajama Mama.  A winner will be chosen on Sunday, June 27th.


Thanks for reading Pajama Mama and caring about the story of our girl!
***************GIVEAWAY CLOSED-Congrats, Shannon!*****************************

A New Court Date

Now we see only an indistinct image in a mirror, but then we will be face to face. 

Now what I know is incomplete, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

I Corinthians 13:12

It's been that kind of week.  

On Tuesday, as I was flying to my aunt's funeral, I got the email that said our case was not heard in 

court.  It was a national holiday and offices there were closed.  Our new court date is Wednesday, June 23rd.  

A Dresser and a Court Date

We got our court date!  June 15th-one week from today.  I am praying that we pass on the first go 'round and am hoping to hear word that day, as they are 8 hours ahead of us.  Travel could be 8 weeks after court, so nesting is now!  

Sunday night, I found this beautiful chest of drawers on Craigslist just 4 miles from us!  Picked it up less than an hour after I saw it posted.  It's so beautiful-too beautiful to paint pink.  Really I was looking for something more shabby on the outside and still clean on the inside.  This was the closest I could find, but not shabby enough on the outside to justify a coat of pale pink.  It's staying the way it is. 

Dear Daughter,

Dear Baby Girl, 

We cannot tell you enough how much we love you already. The journey to bring you home is far from over and full of time for me to busy myself with very important tasks.  Tasks like securing your VISA, praying over every concern I learn about and finding the perfect tall vintage dresser.  And while I'm busy waiting, I thought I would introduce you to those who call you family.  

I'll start with myself:  You can call me Mom.  I am stubborn, opinionated, and impatient.  But I am also a dreamer, a doer, and a pray-er.  I have no doubt that at some point you will question why I am your mom.  But I pray that you will see past my flaws to see my heart swollen with love for our family. 

Next to me is my best friend and your Daddy.  Let me tell you my first and most lasting impression of him:  He is a man of the utmost integrity.  I am not saying that because this is read by other people.  It is the truth, which I'm sure you will know and agree with albeit when you are older, because I know realizations concerning one's parents come later than other life realizations.

This is your Big Brother.  He does things his own way.  But it is a kind way.  You can trust him to take care of you.  

This is your other Big Brother.  He considers it his job to make you laugh.  And he will. 

And this is your new roommate and forever sister.  She is an artist and a friend.  That is not a common combination.  But she is a very special girl who will love showing you beautiful things.

Well, back to those busy tasks...Look soon for a package from us with a few photos so you will know what we look like when we come get you-and a lovey from your aunt and uncle and a dress I fear you have already outgrown.

Love,
Mom