Slight Progress

I've made a little bit of progress on the adoption front this week. I sent the missing final reference letter to a friend to fill out. I also had my fingerprints taken so those can be sent in this next week, along with my background check release forms. I also have the forms that expired re-signed & ready to send to my agency. See - progress! This means we will start the homestudy soon, which is a big step in the right direction.

I think sometimes I have to remind myself of the smallest steps in the right direction in order to avoid feeling like I've failed. I know it will all happen in God's time, that every delay is going to make sure that my child & I are ready at the same time, but sometimes it still feels like I already have failed. When I started this process, I had thought I would at least have my dossier sent to Addis by now. Instead, I wait. I see families who started after me that are now waiting for their referrals. I am thrilled for them when they complete each step, but it still stings. I wish so badly that it was me. But I know it will happen, I just need to be patient a little longer. At least, that's what I tell myself something like 40 times a day.

Well, on a lighter note - how about a picture of my beautiful new niece? Since you all can't answer me, I will figure that you'd love to see her. So here you go - Lucca Marie (for those of you who don't know my family, that's my brother - her daddy)

Another DeKoekkoek!

I have another niece. My brother Dustin & his wife Jenae had a baby girl today, Lucca Marie DeKoekkoek. I've seen a couple pictures, and she's beautiful (oh no, no auntie bias here). I can't wait to meet her - congratulations Dustin & Jenae!

Contest Time!

I don't generally post things like this, but I love babywearing. I'm planning to do a lot of LB-wearing, once he or she gets here. I know, I know, the way I phrased that sounds weird - but it's actually pretty cool, and good for Mama & baby both. So anyway, if you are into the idea of winning a free carrier, check this out.

Win a Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier and Beco Toy Carrier from Along for the Ride.

I'm Back Again!

Not much to say lately, had a great vacation in Lake Chelan with the family - all 10 of us. My sister & her husband came out from Michigan for a visit, so we all took a few days off work to spend some time together. Other than that, well... work is work and gas is too expensive to go many places. So I have been knitting a lot, and watching a lot of movies with B. I finally finished a blanket for Evangeline, but forgot to get a picture so can't post that for you all. Now I'm working on Lucca's blanket (Lucca is my 2nd niece - she hasn't quite made her appearance yet, for those of you who don't know the family). Other than that, just trying to keep moving on the adoption. Speaking of, 2 of my online buddies just got travel dates - Congratulations to Beth & Holly (and Ben) who will be in Ethiopia in less than 2 weeks to pick up their children! Well, since I'm at work I better end this - so I'll leave you with a picture of Evangeline from our vacation. See - even she had fun!

Blog Makeover

I went here to find this background - check out what they have!