Tryouts complete!

Lauren took Mason to tryouts, both last night and today. Results come tomorrow, but regardless he's happy with how he did!

Oh and then she gave him a new haircut!

Science fair, soccer tryouts...and Mexico

This is a crammed week with science fair, soccer tryouts, soccer games...oh, and Cindy and I took off to Mexico to go to a wedding. Many of our friends and family are pitching in...we couldn't do this without our village of people who love the kids. We are having a great time...and trying to not feel too guilty about it.

Step 4 - busy while waiting

We have a bunch of work to keep us busy while waiting, including a 21 step dossier package. It is a bunch of paperwork, each with very specific requirements, that needs to be completed and notarized. I have 1 step done, and 1 step doesn't apply, so 19 steps to go.

Buzzed

I "fixed" the hole in the side of his hair and he now has a mohawk buzz. It's better but I still need more practice. Maybe even some training. He likes it tho, so it's all ok. (Although he was so annoyed with sitting while I buzzed and rebuzzed, he wouldn't smile for me.)

Toothless bobbing

Zander's birthday party with some games that didn't seem quite fair...but he managed just fine.

Back home!

Cheyenne and Kris are back home. It's been four years since the kids have seen Cheyenne. We went on a walk today, trying to ignore the cold and rain. Kenzie is very excited to have her cousin living right next door!

Not enough time

When you can't make it to the hairdresser but have clippers in the closet, Mom will step in. Only one minor mishap. It'll grow. Mason just says, "Mom, seriously?"

Old friend

Kenzie and Aaliyah were friends when they were babies. We went to the same church before we moved east. They're nine months apart and didn't remember each other, yet somehow reconnected and wanted a sleepover after about 5 seconds. A reminder that old friends are special...

Step 4 - Waiting

Today our homestudy was approved and we are officially waiting to receive a referral of a child. I talked to our agency who said "it shouldn't be long" until we are matched. But, with all things adoption-related, nothing is precise. So, we wait!

Our agency just posted this on their website: "This is an exciting time for the Ethiopia program! This program is currently open for new applications for children of all ages and abilities. This program has seen new growth over the last few months and our waiting list is dwindling fast. If you or someone you know is considering adoption from Ethiopia, now is the time to apply."

Quick Adoption Process

Wow! The adoption process has been moving along speedily. I am still trying to grasp what I am really signing myself up for. I have a pretty good idea, though. We have been watching videos and Mason is unsure on whether he is going or not. He is quite worried about the supposed"stench". I personally think it would be great for him to meet our new brother. It is very nice though because everyone is so supportive. Especially my friends, who are literally taking the journey with me. They keep asking for updates, and my amazing teacher is also getting involved too. Family is also a super support system, and everyone is just so great! David and Daniel were nice when we got to talk to them about how it was in Ethiopia, how they felt about coming here, etc. All of us have been watching youtube videos of Ethiopia, Ethiopian adoption, even just slideshows of everyday life. Mommy and I have also been watching  amharic(their language) videos that teach us simple phrases or words and have been trying to memorize them. We have a lot of time to do this.

Date night

After almost six years in Issaquah, it just hit me that we have been here nearly as long as we were in West Seattle. We truly love this community. Tonight we went out to dinner at the local brewery. The kids opted for the pizza joint next door. We gave them pockets full of quarters and they were fully entertained with video games, a treat for all of us.

Cindy and I sat down, ordered a drink, and soon Kenzie's soccer coach and his wife sat down next to us. We ended up sharing a meal with them. Their kids are the same ages as ours, so when our kids came back everyone had someone to talk to. It's this small-town feel that we never really sought, but somehow found. We feel good about this, especially as we are embarking on bringing a new child--one who won't physically look the same--into a great community.

Step 3.5

Our home study (which was started on March 20) gets approved this Friday, April 5. So, instead of two months it took 2.5 weeks.

That means we go on the waiting list! We need to hustle and complete our dossier, which they say usually takes months but some have been known to get it done in several weeks. I'm guessing we will fall into the second category. Once that is complete we can receive a referral. Yesterday I again learned that things are moving pretty quickly, but folks are hesitant to quantify that. Needless to say we are not making many plans for later this year.

Creepy nap

I love watching Mason sleep. But don't like it when he leaves his eyes open and can watch me back.