Adoption Update

It has been a while since we updated everyone about the status of our adoption. So we thought we'd do a little update.

* We received our home study and are approved to adopt 1 or 2 children

* We filed our paperwork (and $$$) with USCIS (US immigration) to give us the approval to adopt. We have scheduled appointment to get fingerprinted in mid-April.

* We are on the last few steps of our filling out our dossier (set of paperwork that is about 6 to 8 inches thick full of everything about our family, everything!) Once we have all of this compiled, we have to send it to our adoption agency to have it approved, then it goes to the Ethiopian Embassy in D.C., then Ethiopia to be translated, etc.)

* After all this is completed we are put on a list of people waiting for 'referral(s)' of a child or children.

We don't really know who read this blog regularly, but whether we know you extremely well or have never talked to you in our life, we would covet your prayers in the following ways.

1. For complete and utter dependence upon the Lord as He shows Himself faithful to us in this step of faith.

2. For our faith to be stretched (implicit requirement when seeking to adopt) and our love and affection for our Savior Jesus to grow and be our all-consuming passion.

3. The financial aspect of this adoption seems very daunting right now. We are currently in the process of applying for 4 different financial grants to help cover some of the initial cost of the adoption, but due to the economic times, all of the agencies have made statements that there are not a lot of funds to go around...but we're praying God would provide in miraculous ways!

Olivia turns 1 year old!

On Thursday, March 19th, Olivia turned 1 year old. It is absolutely amazing how fast this year has gone. Long gone are the days where she just laid on her blanket and whimpered & coo'd. At one year old, she has been walking since 10 1/2 months and last week started running around the house. She is sheer joy and full of spunk and life. She climbs on chairs, stools and small tables. If we turn away from her for more than 2.5 seconds, she is either climbing up the stairs without us knowing, running around the table or learning how to balance on a stool.

Olivia is a fan of chocolate cupcakes

The characteristic smile she gets when she gets on her stool and balances on her own. She is not content to just sit on a stool/chair...she wants to stand on top of it.

Two happy cousins who enjoy their picture being taken.

Olivia happy she is about to chow down her chocolate cupcake.
All the cousins together picture: If you look in the mirror in the back ground, you'll see that I am trying to entertain the kids to make them smile and look forward. (I failed)

Ezra's Happy Birthday tackle hug for Olivia

Olivia and Ezra playing their form of American Gladiator.

We had lunch with Mark and Amy Baker this weekend and here is a picture of Claire and Olivia with me.

Snowy March Day

Olivia didn't look too happy but she lightened up as I towed them around the block in the two inches of snow. Ezra is the typical big brother and kept throwing snow at her ,which perhaps is why she's looking at me like "How long do I have to put up with this?!"


Mommy and Olivia


This was me after I got the kids back inside and all their snowy clothes off. So much work for only 30 minutes of play!

Ezra was so excited to get to go out and play in the snow! He kept wanting to make a snow man and to help mommy shovel. He's quite the little 'helper' these days.

I have to admit, I'm a little bitter that we're getting snow in March but it sure was pretty and I'm thankful for a warm house. Everything is a gift from God and I often have to remind myself or I'll start complaining. (And at least it covers up all that dirtiness on the road!)

Ezra modeling daddy

Below is a quick conversation that occurred between Ezra and Heidi after Dustin left for work yesterday morning. Ezra has started to pretend he was going to work like Daddy does each morning.

Ezra: 'Mama, I'm goin to work'

Heidi: 'Ok, Ezra. Have a good day. I love you'

Ezra: 'Love you. I need lunch'

Heidi: (Smiling) 'Ok Ezra, I'll get it for you.'

Ezra: 'See you later. Where my keys? Where my wallet?'

Heidi: Laugh, laugh, laugh

Every few days Ezra does something new that we realize we are doing. The picture with this post is of Ezra sitting down crossing his legs as he sits on the chair. He did this one day and we just laughed because we realize he watches us do this.

Heidi's 'Humbling Sports Story'

Heidi's story posted today. Here is the LINK to read it.

The story begins, 'My most embarrassing moment...'

Enjoy!
Dustin

Heidi - The 'Humbling Sports Moment' contest winner

Sovereign Grace Ministries was running a contest for the most humbling sports moment and Heidi was one of the 10 winners. We don't know exactly when the actual story will be posted...but we'll keep you posted. It is well worth the 2 minutes it will take to read it when it gets posted.

Olivia is having fun walking