Christmas time with my little Elf!

This Christmas season is one of the sweetest yet, since it is the first Christmas for my Little Miss and our first Christmas together. I'm savoring every moment - decorating the house, making Christmas cookies, enjoying the first real snowfall, and celebrating with friends and family.

I hope everyone has a joyous, peaceful, and healthy Christmas season and New Year!

December days

Little Miss's first snow experience

"You expect me to touch that?"

"What exactly is it?"

Helping Mommy make cookies

"I love Christmas already!"

"I can't move a muscle in here,

but I am toasty warm."

Ringing in the new year

The wonder of Christmas

"Cheeeeeessse!"

Signs of the FIRST TOOTH!

My mom has been telling my Little Miss that she wants a tooth for Christmas, and as of December 9, 2008 it seems Grammie will be getting her wish!! There is just a tiny hint of white in the front, bottom left area visible only if I torture my poor girl by flipping her head backwards and holding her tongue up to the roof of her mouth. But there's no mistaking the presence of a budding tooth when you stick your finger in there. I tried to get a picture, but absolutely no luck. Seriously, the tooth is barely visible to the naked eye. Can't blame a girl for trying!

My little baby is growing up!

26 days since the last post

It took me about 2 and 1/2 years into the adoption process to start a blog, so 26 days to post again is not too shabby - ha! A lot can happen in 26 days in the life of a baby girl. Here are some of the things my Little Miss has been up to recently:

-belly crawling all over the house (if I let her)

-babbling away to herself, to me, and to her stuffed animals or other inanimate objects

-clapping her hands on command with gleeful self-pride

-moving into a size 2 diaper finally

-actually outgrowing some of her size 0-3 month clothes (at 8 months)

-sleeping through the night (well, at least a few times)

-beginning to put herself to sleep in her crib after we read a story or two together (too sweet)

-singing loudly with me at home (and with the congregation at church)

-laughing hysterically and heartily at any silly thing I do

-dangerously pulling herself to stand on her musical table (yikes!)

-raising her hand to wave hello

Well, the list could go on and on! She is an amazing little wonder who thrills me on a regular basis. I can't believe we've only been home together a little over 3 months - can't imagine life without her now.

Here is a random mix of pictures of our days together over the last month or so. We have some Christening pictures with mommy and Godparents, Halloween pictures with cousins, and playtime pictures.

Recent photos we had done

A little history

Being that I started this blog a little late in the adoption process, I'll do some back tracking to explain the beginning of this unbelievable process. Here are the basics of my adoption time line:

May 18, 2006 - began adoption process in China
August 18, 2006 - DTC (dossier to China)
September 12, 2006 - LID (log in date of documents in China)

many, many months of waiting . . .

January 25, 2008 - began the journey to ET (Ethiopia)
Feb 11, 2008 - Dossier to ET
Feb 14, 2008 - Dossier arrived in ET
April 9, 2008 - received referral of my baby girl (26 days old) - a day of complete joy!
June 2008 - received court date of July 2, 2008
July 2, 2008 - did not pass court, received new court date of July 18, 2008
July 18, 2008 - did not pass court again
July 21, 2008 - our case was not heard in court
July 22, 2008 - our case was not heard in court
July 23, 2008 - our case was not heard in court
July 24, 2008 - PASSED COURT!!!!!!!!
August 16, 2008 - left for Addis Ababa, ET
August 18, 2008 - the greatest day of my life: arrived at Hope's Place and met my beautiful baby girl! (exactly 2 years to the day from my DTC)
August 25, 2008 - arrived home with my angel

China - the wait continues . . .

At long last

Finally, I have succumbed to the "blog callings" I've heard from friends and family. So here it is, the story of my beautiful Ethiopian daughter joining my family. A long, and at times arduous, journey has culminated with this beloved child filling my days and nights with love beyond my wildest dreams! I hope you enjoy hearing and seeing some of our adventures together.