Hello My Love ...

My Sunshine Has Come!

2011-04-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've even looked at my blog. many wonder what happened? We went through the devastating loss of our first adopted child. She was found to have a severe special need which were not approved nor equip to handle. We found out 2 days before we were to travel to Ethiopia to bring her home. While our entire family was shook by this, we sought God and we found peace. God allowed us to love her and to advocate for this precious child. Though it was painful, I'm honored that God chose us because the reward was great! Shortly after the Ethiopian courts decided that the child would be better suited with another family and that we could adopt again, we were referred another precious baby girl! A few weeks before this referral, I had this overwhelming feeling of light and peace. I wrote in my journal that the next child would be as bright as the sun and light up our lives with joy. So to my surprise when we got the call and were told that the child's name meant She is like the sun, I felt as if it were a sign from God that every thing's gonna be alright!

We traveled in January and stayed thru the beginning of March. It was a blessing to stay through court and embassy! The time in country with our daughter was an opportunity of a lifetime. I truly felt like I was at home, most people were welcoming and hospitable. We met friends for life during our stay. I did have a few sick spells but nothing some cipro, and gentamiacin drops couldn't help;-) Now we are home with all of our children finally under one roof! After 3 long years our sunshine has come...Tsehay Justice is with us forever!

Thanks a Bunch!

2010-11-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks a bunch to those of you who showed your care and concern through your posts. Your prayers are valuable to me. Yes, we did go through a rough patch on the adoption road but things are looking up now! I thank God for His grace, love and mercy and I hope to post in more detail soon. Blessings to you all...Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I Just Want To Hold Her

2010-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

I just want to hold her, kiss her, and tell her how much I love her. Tomorrow will make 7 weeks since we received our referral and still we have no word of a court date! I'm not even going to front like I'm not irritated by this part of the process. It was different when I was waiting to find out who my daughter was but now that I know, I have to be with her! This feeling is almost primal...animalistic...instinct. To know your child is on another continent and you are dependent on the efficiency and diligence of someone else to unite you, is a very helpless feeling that makes me want to beat my chest and ROARRRR! Whew, but then my spirit man says to pray, make your request known unto God, cry out to the one who knows the beginning from the end...He is the only one who can bring you peace Toni. OK Lord I release it all to you, I trust in your perfect timing. We found out that there are now two court dates instead of one. The first, is for the birth relatives to give consent to the judge for the adoption. The second is where we are expected to appear in court to give our consent to adopt. From what we hear that initially trip will be about 3-4 days and the next trip is the embassy/visa appointment which is 5-7 days, and then we get to bring her home! Until then I'll channel my stress into pre-packing. A co-worker of my husbands lend us those space vac bags, so we can start packing up some of the things we will need to take on our trip. Keep us in your prayers. Blessings!

Time to Bond

2010-06-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of one of the coolest gifts that I've received in a long time. Well it's not actually my gift, it's a gift for my baby girl. A good friend of mine and fellow adoptive mommy sent these books on behalf of her 1 year old daughter (these happen to be her favorite); "Please baby please" and "whose toes are those". I love them and I know my daughter will too! Reading these beautiful books to her will just give the two of us valuable time to bond. I actually think the little girl in "please baby please" resembles my daughter, minus the hair...my girl only has a few downy feathers for hair, for now:-) We're still awaiting word of a court date keep us in your prayer please, thank you.

For The Glory Of Love

2010-06-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

My husband and I got our travel vaccines the day after we got the call for our referral. We went to a local travel clinic. It was a pretty cool experience, the walls had world map murals on them and there were corners of the clinic set up with vintage luggage...very cool. So we both got the typhoid, yellow fever, Hep A&B, and Tetanus. OUCH IE! OMG it felt like my arm was going to fall off. They said that there may be a possibility that we may feel a little fluish, but I wasn't worried about that, I was still flying high off of the day before. Well how about later that evening I felt flush, not quite like myself. Hubby made me go to bed early just to get some rest because I was a little sleep deprived. I felt worse and worse until I found myself taking cold and flu medicine that didn't quite alleviate the symptoms. I was seriously ill! I had almost every symptom that the discharge paper said I would have plus some! One night I realized that I had a tender lump under my armpit. It was so painful that I couldn't put my arm down I had to sleep with it above my head:-( I finally went to the doctor and she said that it was a moderate reaction to the vaccines. A week later I started to re-coop. Wow, I had to be the small percentage of people that gets sick, right!?!? I guess that was the exchange for labor...HA! It's all for the glory of love and I would do it all again . Oh yeah I have to go back for the next round of HEP and this time I'm getting the meningitis. I sure hope this time around isn't as dramatic. As far as the adoption goes, we are awaiting word of our court date. You may already know that Ethiopia is now requiring adoptive parents to appear in court along with a birth relative, so we will be traveling for that. I've heard that the court date usually comes 4-6 weeks after referral, so we are almost four weeks in...soon before courts close for the rainy season, please Lord! So for know we are contacting travel agents and inquiring about the journey ahead. The good thing is the kids are out for SUMMER VACATION, so our travels won't interfere with school. There are some really nice families that are ET now and they offered to bring back pictures of my sweet peach...Oh I can't wait! In the mean time for fun I'm filling her armoire with the cutest close, shoes, and let's not forget about accessories! Tomorrow my family and I are going to visit our two favorite Habesha girls. It's always a joy to hang out with fellow adoptive families. I can't wait until my baby girl completes the trio. I just thank my Father (God) for His many blessings. He is truly good!

PS: I saw this poster somewhere and I thought it was funny but true. Just know that the tears are more often tears of joy:-)

We Got The Call!!!

2010-05-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

Wow I know it's late, but I'm finally winding down from this whirlwind of a day. I'm going to take these last few minutes before I go to sleep to say..."We got the call"! This morning or should I say yesterday morning around 11:19am Ashley called with the news of an 8month old precious baby girl. After what seems like a life time of waiting it's finally my turn to post good news. She's as pretty as a peach...literally she has a round face with juicy cheeks and a brown sugar complexion with peachy undertones. I guess I will have to break out the headband because she doesn't really have any hair just a couple of downy feathers. I can't wait to send the acceptance paperwork off and get to waiting for my COURT DATE...which I hope and pray will come very soon. Tomorrow or shall I say today we're off to the travel clinic to get the vaccinations the we need to travel to Ethiopia. God is soooooo good. His mercy endures forever. The day when not one person in my house mentioned "the call" or fixated on a referral is the day the call came. I'll give you more on the details of the scene and how it all played out at a later date. Blessings to all of you who prayed and believed with us, please continue to keep us lifted in prayer as we walk out the remainder of this journey. Thank you!

Holding at #1

2010-05-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is me with my nephew/godson on South Beach. The Hubs and I needed an infant parenting refresher, so we took our 3 chickadeez plus our nephew with us for a day out. It was like riding a bike! I think we're going to do just fine when our turn comes around. We're still holding at #1 on the wait list for an infant girl. Last week there was a referral for a 26 month old boy, the family only waited 3months, can you believe that! We are going on 16 months of waiting, I guess anything worth having is worth waiting for, my precious baby is definitely worth waiting for. I pray that the wait ends this week...I hope you will pray for us. We are selling a nice sofa and 2 bookcases to make room for baby. It will be replaced with a crib an armoir and a few other nursery pieces. If you are interested check out Craig's list or email me @ TFchain@aol.com. The sofa is beige micro fiber with 2 multi color pillows, reds...($250) the bookcases are black-brown from Ikea, ($90) everything is like new! Pass it on to anyone you know that may be interested let me know. I can't wait to start putting everything together for the baby's room, it'll help me with this WAIT! Hopefully the next time I post I'll have more exciting news. Until then....

We're Number One

2010-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and yesterday we made it to number one on the official wait list for CHI! Of course I was hoping to receive a referral for my birthday but number one is nice too. I enjoyed the day by relaxing and later that evening I had cake and ice cream and pizza and this and that...I was stuffed! I've informed most of my friends and family that the birthday celebration will continue until the end of the week, so there is still time to get the "BEST GIFT EVER"!

The referrals that were given out yesterday were: A 2.5 month old baby girl and a set of 6 week old girl and boy TWINS! how cool. Last week there was a referral for a 4 year old little boy. I'm happy for the families who have waited and now they get to see the faces of their precious children. I hope to post the big news soon. Until then be blessed and keep us in your prayers.

Toni-

Giveaway!!!

2010-04-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

A fellow "adoption mama" is giving away a beautiful piece of jewelry. You could be the favored winner! Just go to: http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/ (It's a unique piece from junk posse jewelry) Check it out!

Walking out Faith

2010-04-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well there is no new news to announce as far a our referral goes. It's been about 3 weeks or so since our agency had any referrals. Everyday I think, "could today be the day?" but then 6PM hits and I stop hoping for that day. I'm hopeful but trying not to be anxious. It's got to happen at some point...right?:-)

Early this week we got news that those of us who haven't already received referrals or court dates will be required to be in court in order to finalize the adoption. When I initially heard that this was being considered I didn't know how to feel. I was concerned about the added costs and also having to leave my daughter and come back for another trip for the embassy appointment. Now that it's final I'm at peace about it. This is something that I can only rely on God to work it out for our good. Financially we are being wise but the full resources to complete this adoption debt free have not YET manifested in the natural. We are walking this entire adoption out on faith. Of course we have applied corresponding actions to the faith by cutting certain unnecessary spending and putting money aside in a separate adoption account. In order to help raise funds for the adoption, God has inspired me to hand make body products for men, women and children. The line is called "Konjo Beautiful" the signature product is our natural Shea body butter. So I've been getting rave reviews from people who have used it and seen a marked change for the better in there skin, people who have children with eczema and sensitive skin have been requesting larger sizes! We have lovely fragrances in addition to a fragrance free option. I will soon be introducing a head to toe oil and bath teas...To God be the Glory! I'm grateful for the inspiration to make something that will help people feel good while helping to restore the life of an orphan. If you are interested in purchasing a 6oz. tin for $12 please email me for more info. TFChain@aol.com . Pass it along to everyone you know who would be blessed by a product like Konjo Beautiful or who would just like to get in on the blessing of a family! Thank you for your time and support!
Toni-

Waiting by the phone

2010-03-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday marked our 14Th month on the wait list. 14 months ago I couldn't imagine getting to this point. I can't say that it's been a patient wait but none-the-less I'm here, we're here...my family and friends are with me on this journey. As we get closer to getting the much anticipated call I think about who I'll call first and so many people come to mind. I'm so grateful for everyone who has been genuinely interested in our adoption process. My husband and kids, who have encouraged me when I thought that I wouldn't make it. My girls...you know who you are, who assured me that it would all happen in due season and that I should never loose faith and to always trust in the perfect will of God. I thank you all. May God reward you for your loyalty and bless you more and more!

Today CHI referred 6 precious children! so I've been bumped up to #1 on the un=official wait list. I know that we're probably about #2 on the official list because I happened to find a family that is waiting for a baby girl and got on the list right before my family. Sooo ya never know...hopefully there will be good news for both of our families real soon.

My friend Jenni just got back with her baby girl! I can't wait to meet her...she is super cute. It's going to be so sweet once my little one comes home she will have some pretty cool friends to play with. The BFF's: Senait and Tsehaynesh and my little princess Shiloh. God is good!

13

2010-02-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

It's official! I am the parent of a teenager. My daughter and oldest child turned 13 years old. She is sooo beautiful and full of potential. For her birthday she went out on her first date with the nice guy in the picture. Her father my sweet husband was proud to have her on his arm that night. He actually picked out the cutest outfit and accessories for their date. They enjoyed a meal at Olive Garden and walked around Books-A-Million...how sweet is that! As my first born turns thirteen I realize that we have been on the wait list for referral for 13 months. Our adoption consultant says that it shouldn't be long before we get "the call", all we need is a good handful of baby girls. In the meantime we take care of documents that need to be updated as to not interfere with travel. Next month we re-take our fingerprints. I was surprised at how quickly we got an appointment. We already did an updated home study so I would say we are at a good point...just waiting.

Here's to Hope

2010-01-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a tulip for all of those families waiting for referral and to those who are waiting to pass court...Keep hope alive!

Keep the Faith

2010-01-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

There were 7 referrals given out this week...1 set of infant twin boys. I am happy for all the families. most of the referrals were given out to families that were under me on the list. The family that got the twin referral waited 15 months...I know that they are over the moon with joy. My friend Ailida passed court this week after a delay the first time around. My friend Jenni just got news that her baby girl will be home sometime in mid March. I love good news! To those who are waiting to pass court keep your head up! To those who have been passed over for referrals and you're wondering when will it be my turn?...keep hope alive! It's coming, she's coming, he's coming!
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not YET seen. Keep the faith.

Passed the One Year Mark

2010-01-24T13:02:00.000-08:00

Today makes one year and 3 days on the wait list. I feel like the moment is near, but I try not to get my hopes up on any given day. There have been no referrals reported in the past two weeks. I hope and pray that the next flood of referrals that come in is my baby girl. I feel a prayer coming on:
Father in the name of Jesus send (soon) the referral of my child. Arrest any hindrances that may come to try to hold up our family's adoption. Even now oh Lord, keep and protect her from all hurt harm or danger. Provide and meet her needs and the needs of her caregivers. Send hope to her birth-family, bless them for loving her enough to give her the opportunity to live the life that you intended for her. Lord I know this is your will and I know that you have a purpose for this adoption...order our steps, be a light unto our path. I send this prayer up, not only for me but for all the children and families waiting to be united...waiting for referral, court dates, travel, escort...I pray for all workers that are involved in the adoption process from agency workers to orphanage workers. Father let your grace be on each one of them. Let your grace be upon the judges in Ethiopia to do there jobs in excellence and let it be on the attorney's that they will work diligently to accomplish all that is needed to connect the children to forever families. Father-God grant traveling mercies to all who are going and returning with there little blessings. Holy Spirit intercede for the things that I don't see or understand.... In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray... Amen!

PS. Lord-God send now the resources,money...to complete this adoption. In Jesus' name. There is a song that we sing in church it goes:
My God is more than enough He will supply all my needs He is my Elshaddai He always looks out for me. Jehovah Jireh...He is my God!

My name is Toni and I'm and Etsy-O-Holic

2010-01-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

There should be an Etsy-O-Holic Anonymous or something...I'm addicted to the creative handmade items that I find on Etsy...especially the baby things! I don't want to go broke before I get a referral:-( It won't happen I'm a pretty good steward. I usually don't spend money unless I feel like I just can't let it go and even with that I may sleep on it. Hey if it's meant for me it'll be there right? Well not always, with handmade OOAK's you may not get so lucky. I bought a great ring sling to carry my little one around semi hands free. I got the last one of it's kind...red and cream old world print. I can't wait to see it up close and personal, i'll give a review on it when it comes. I'm going to start my own Etsy site for my natural, handmade body products...so you'll see me under Konjo Beauty real soon. Check it out and support the other creatives that are out there.

On another note I ask you to stand in agreement with me for the restoration of Haiti both physically and spiritually. We all have seen the devestation the land and it's people have experienced. Whenever you feel sad or depressed by the news coverage just use that energy to cry out to God the Father for healing in Jesus' name.

PS. I gorged myself on Ethiopian food this weekend. We had a great turn out for our post Genna celebration. Coffee was wonderful! The owner choose my youngest son to pass around the popcorn but he and his buddies stuffed their mouths and finished the entire basket! Coffee was goood...did i say that already? I took it overboard when I had a slice of Tiramisu...a slice of heaven!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Mine was celebrated with family and friends. It's wonderful just to watch the young ones tear through gift after gift and to listen to the giddy squealing of joy when they have gotten just what they wanted. Although I've allowed my children to unwrap their gifts, they were only allowed to choose 3 to open. If they do right and take care of their things they will be allowed to open another. This year I'm teaching the kids to be good stewards. I tell them if they are faithful over little they could be faithful over much. With our family pursuing adoption It only make sense to me that I inform my children of the needs of others in our world and teach them to be grateful for what they have. I want them to understand that the people who blessed them with such great things work hard in order to do so and they must appreciate and thank God for His many blessings.
We spent New Years Eve in church. Although my husband and I spent most of the night helping to ensure the smooth running of things it was great to be in service to Gods people. We had an unexpected turn out...Can you say O for Overflow?! So many people showed that we had to set up a flat screened t.v outside with a live feed of the service and set up chairs in order to accommodate all the people. It just amazes me that there are still some people that would rather bring in the new year in the house of God instead of a night club. Not everyone was happy about not getting a seat inside but you can't please them all can you?
2010 is starting out wonderfully as far as the adoption world goes. Today we had at least 6 referrals...2 sets of twins too! I'm sooo happy for the families. I know that every referral gets me closer to my own. I thought it would take some time for the agency to get cranking after the long vacation but they jumped in with both feet! We must be getting close...my husband called me twice today to ask me what else we needed to do tho get this adoption accomplished. I guess that's his fomr of nesting. He's a man...a provider...a good husband and a great daddy! I can't wait to see him with his baby girl. I myself am in serious nesting mode. I ordered the bedding and almost rearranged the room at two in the morning. She'll be here sooner than I know. Bless the Lord Oh my soul!!! sooner than I think.

Merry Christmas To All !

2009-12-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas. So many of my fellow adoptive parents have received early Christmas gifts in the form of referrals and court dates...I was hoping for one but hey it's not my time. My hubby thinks we'll get a February referral. Well, God only knows. I'm just grateful to have another year with my beautiful children and loving husband. I'm looking forward to meeting up with our Ethiopia Adopt Group and having a "Melkam Genna",(Merry Christmas in Amharic) celebration at our local Ethiopian Restaurant. I miss the food...craving sambusa's. Ethiopia honors the day on January 7th so we get to stretch out the season and the gifts LOL. Again, enjoy your holiday and have a happy New Year...see you in 10'

I won... I won... I won!

2009-12-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful morning it is. Today I recieved the "Kreativ Blogger" award. I am honored and humbly accept. I also thank Alida for nominating me. There are some ground rules for the recipent of the noble award. First, you must acknowledge the one who nominated you...did that. Then you must tell 7 things about yourself. And lastly award 7 other bloggers the award. Ok so here we go...7 things about me:

1) I am the first generation American in my family. My father and mother migrated to the states from Trinidad and Tobago which is a carribean island in/near South America. I had the best of both worlds; Trini food,calypso/soca music at home. In school or at my friends houses, cheeseburgers, pizza, and hip hop music. Interesting.

2) I traveled with my parents as a youngster because my dad was in the Army. Live in Germany a couple of times but I don't remember much of the language. If I could...traveling would be a frequent hobby of mine, even though there's no place like home.

3) I love being creative. Tutus with coordinating accessories...I love, love, love it! My baby girl gonna have every color tutu on the planet. I make natural shea body butter...some with yummy fragrances. Konjo: Beautiful is what I call it and if you like some just send me a message and I'll hook you up. All the procceeds go to benefit orphans in Ethiopia.

4) I married my highschool sweet heart. We have ten proud years together, 3 beautiful kids and 1 more coming soon (I hope) I'm so in love with my family and I'm grateful to God for His many blessings.

5) I am a leader in my church, an "elder" to be specific. I love my relationship with God and I'm am honored to serve his people. I am currently the department head of the greeters. We are the one who hug on the people and welcome them into the house of the Lord.

6) I am the oldest of 3 girls. So I was like a mama duck before I had children of my own. I wanted to adopt since age 7. I would hear the stories of how people would leave their babies in dumpters and would pray that God would make them bring the baby to our doorstep. Even though I haven't gotten my daughter yet I was inspired to go for it again and start the proccess for another adoption. I'm praying about it.

7) People meet me an think that I'm just a prime and proper princess (which I am that...sometimes) Once you get to know me you will realize that I have an eclectic personality. I'm ever changing. I love to laugh and have fun. I don't believe in taking yourself to seriously. I want to be who god created me to be and nothing less. I love good friends and I'm a loyalist.

And the nominees are: (drum roll)

Alida: She actually reads my blog and leaves comments. She is so supportive and I appreciate her blogs. She is the mother to an "Ethiopian Jewel". She inspired me to prepare for my child as she had her daughters room finished when she completed her dossier.

Angela: I appreciate her blog because she is transparent. She shares her heart with the readers. She and hubby are in the proccess of adopting too.

Nicole: she is adopting another baby girl from China. I admire her so much. She had 2 healthy bio boys and adopted 2 girls with spine abifida. Her blog is private though, but I still wanted her to get the honor. We also lived in the same neigborhood and our kids went to school togeher. We met on the bus stop and she offered to noterized my paper work for dossier.

Rejoice!

2009-12-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

My friend Jenni passed court for her precious baby girl. She got some updated pictures and I must say little "S" is a beauty queen in the making. I'm so happy for them, they waited for sooo long and soon they will be together forever.

CHI had 3 referrals this week...so far. That's great news! 2 infant girls and 1 little prince. Several families received court dates today...so we are progressing as an agency and individually. I pray that the referrals/court dates keep coming consistantly. Last week there were no referrals, I think that's because it was the Thanksgiving holiday and the agency offices were closed for a few days. I'm still hoping that my referral will come in by the end of the month. Someone said that the wait times are now 14-15 months. God only knows...I don't. I will stay the course. I must tell myself that and believe it. It's not easy...it's not, but I encourage myself and I look to my fellow adoption sojourners for strength. I know i'll soon be reporting my good news but until then I will rejoice with those who are rejoicing!

A Time of Celebration

2009-11-16T06:33:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful time of celebration I had this weekend. Saturday, a good friend of mine had her baby shower. She waited almost 16 months to get her referral for a baby girl from Ethiopia and she finally got it! Some women from her church put together a beautiful gathering...the food was delicious and the gifts were amazing. Her mother in law painted a beautiful portrait of there daughter and the big sister to be painted adorable butterflies on a canvas for the nursery. Someone else gave and adoption life book and another gave Ethiopian children's books. What thought and care they put into this event. What was new to me is that we didn't play any shower games. I mean it's an adoption shower, you can't really play the traditional games like: guess how big the belly is in toilet paper... I thought it was cool though. We ate, had fellowship and opened gifts (my favorite part) .
Then on Sunday, our friend who came back with her precious baby girl two months ago had a baby dedication. I didn't make it to the church for the dedication because of my own ministry involvement but we did make it to the restaurant to celebrate the blessed day! Mommy and daughter are naturals...it's like they've been together a life time. It was good to see how supportive the family and friends were. We went to "Nile: Ethiopian Restaurant". Yummy-licious. That food is the bomb! The service was excellent too. The setting was elegant and rich in Ethiopian culture. I think when my time comes around, I would like to have an event there also.
This weekend showed me to once again stay focused on the assignment that God has given. His word shall not returned to Him void but shall go forth to accomplish what it was sent to do. I know that I know that I know that our adoption is the will of the Lord and it was just an encouragement to be with like minded people who have seen their assignment through.

Another One

2009-11-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Yes! another referral came in yesterday for a precious 4 1/2 month old baby boy. So according to my un-official wait list, all the boy preferences are filled. So let's pray for girls (infant & toddler) and sibling groups to pour down, like fresh rain:-). Hopefully this means we are on a referral roll.

Oh Happy Day!

2009-11-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

This morning I prayed that God would send the referrals pouring in. I prayed that he would comfort those that have been waiting so long for their little blessings. Wow! God works quick when he wants to. We had 4 referrals yesterday and 1 today! Even though three of them were given to people below me on the list I'm still happy to see progress. A lovely lady that I have met through this process who was expecting her referral to come some time in Feb. got "The Call" for a beautiful 4 year old little girl. She is ready too, the room is complete closet is filled with clothes for a sweet little princess to inhabit. If my math is correct we are about number 12 on the infant girls (un official) list. The list just helps to keep you in perspective, as you can see you can be skipped if the child available doesn't match your preference. So for instance numbers 2 and 3 were skipped because they want infant girls (like me) and there was and infant boy that needed a forever family, so that bay boy was placed with number 4 who happened to be the perfect match. It's ok their baby (like mine) isn't ready yet. Don't worry be happy, it's gonna happen...before you know it!

WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG ?

2009-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

I try to practice patience as most will read in my previous blogs, but today I can't say that I'm not disappointed:-(. The weekly report from my agency is that there are NO referrals to report! You would think with 6 orphanages on the team and plenty of children needing forever families that the process would be consistent. I guess it it is consistently SLOW! My agency and most that work with Ethiopia is very ethical. So, I understand the all t's must me crossed and all i's must be dotted but my goodness, I never imagined it to be like this! My prayers and comfort go out to those families that have been waiting since August 08'. Keep your head up. It's going to happen soon. The good news is that court dates are coming in and a couple of families actually passed on the first try, congratulations! Our director gave some good advice to help ease the sting of the wait. She said to complete your child's room, learn some Amharic or even learn to cook some Ethiopian food. I'm going to try to do all of the above. To tell you the truth I don't feel the pressure of the wait until I hear others talk about it. So sometimes I have to take a break from any adoption talk at all.

Oh, I had one of my crazy adoption dreams again. I'm in a room and someone gives me the wrong child! I know it was the wrong child because the kid was 3 years old and my child will be an infant. Instead of accepting the mistake and loving the child as my own, like I usually do in the other dreams, I go looking for the person in charge to tell them that they made a mistake. " I was approved for an infant!" I tell her. I start pointing out other baby girls that haven't been matched, asking what's the deal? Why not her or her? Anyways, weird right? I've had some strange ones...I guess it's what I've heard people refer to as "adoption hormones." Have you or anyone you know every experienced this?

The Number Nine Is Fine!

2009-10-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today marks our ninth month of waiting for a referral. I'm happy that we've come this far in the process. When we first started, the wait was four months, then 6, 10...I don't know what their saying the wait is now. Someone mentioned 13 months. I know that it will happen in His perfect timing, so there really is no rush that I feel. What is affecting me is not knowing the time. I am a planner and I like to know what I will be doing and when I will be doing it and who I will be doing it with. I have questions...like what the weather will be like when we travel to Ethiopia. What size baby clothes to buy, you know the basics. But it's all good, it's part of the experience. I feel blessed to go through it and have these feelings and emotions to share with my daughter so she knows that she was much anticipated, loved and planned for. So I work with what I have and I leave the rest to God. I'm trying to stay focused on the assignment in front of me. Although people and circumstances try to steal my attention with foolishness, I quickly re-focus my attention on God and the assignment. Who cares if folks don't understand that you can't give your time and attention to this or that, they are entitled to their opinions. Because that is all it is...opinion, not fact! As long as I/we focus on staying with in the PERFECT will of God we will be just fine, as fine as the number nine!

PS. we got the crib a couple weeks ago and yesterday I got the travel system and found a chic diaper bag to boot! The diaper bag is usually on the high end ($299) but I was blessed to get it for $59 with a free tote! Getting a deal is always fun.

Finding Treasures 2

2009-10-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here is another treasure that I found a few years back before I even started the adoption proccess. It's a children's book by Blu Greenburg an Ethiopian Jew. This is an interesting children's book about King Solomon and Queen Makeda. It's beautifuly illustrated and even came with paper dolls to play dress-up. I think I got mine from amazon. com but Barnes and Nobles has it too.

Finding Treasures

2009-10-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

I bought this doll a year or so ago as a collectors item for my daughter( the one on the way) It's beautifully made and is a regal image of the history of Ethiopia. From what I remember, the clothing was actually made in the country. The doll is so detailed...even showing the tattooing around her neck that was common in that region and time. Mine came with a book and CD. Now you can special order her crown. I'll be calling to get that soon, what's royalty with out a crown right. www.ethiodolls.com for those of you who are interested in collecting this doll. It was only fitting for me because I have a doll that represents Jamaica (my husbands Mother) complete with knitted Kufi hat, braids, beads and all. I also have a doll that represents Trinidad (my parents homeland) outfitted with a beautiful black red and gold sari. Adorned with henna tattooing on her hands and all. The Queen Makeda Doll is a welcome addition to the bunch. I'm proud of my heritage and I want to fuse my daughters rich heritage with my own. It's interesting that some of the Ethiopian culture resembles my own. For example: Injera (bread) has a similar concept to Roti (bread) We stuff roti with yummy stuff like curry chicken and potatoes and they use injera to pick up the food and eat it, using no utensils...just fingers, like us. And the most treasured finding so far is that I found out my mother's name, great grandmother's name and several other females in my family are named "Keren". I've never met anyone other than my family members with the name "Keren". Well one day CHI announced that they were cleared to facilitate humanitarian work out of Tigray a northern region in Ethiopia. So I decided to do some research on the northern regions and to my surprise there is an area called "Keren"! Come to find out Keren is not so uncommon of a name in Ethiopia. What a connection! What an Honor! Who knows what else God will lead me to learn about myself and my precious Jewel.

Oh yes we nest.

2009-10-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

Nesting is an urge that most pregnant women get, starting around the 5 month of pregnancy. An overwhelming feeling to get the house in order. Cleaning, completing projects, putting together baby's crib... I had this feeling with all three of my pregnancies. Lately I've been feeling the same urge. Cleaning, wanting everything to stay perfect for the baby. God forbid the referral call comes and there are dishes in the sink! So for all you POP's out there (pregnant on paper) You're not the only one that's obsessed about preparing for your child. We're not only POP we are pregnant in our bodies too. Your heart is where this child was conceived and is growing, right? So go with it. Don't deprive yourself of the adoption experience. I was fighting the urge because I didn't want to be disappointed, but my S.W. encouraged me to nest. She explained that whether the baby comes now or later...she's coming! And when she does I'll be ready.

PS. Yipee! courts have re-opened. This means that those who have been waiting on their day in court, it's coming soon. I hope that you will all pass court the FIRST time around and that you will be united with you're children soon. CHI reported 2 referrals to 1 family today. Congratulations to them all !

Marriage...It's a good thing.

2009-09-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

This isn't the best quality picture. It was taken with a cell phone. But I love it so much! Hubby still thinks I'm the best thing since sliced bread and I feel the same about him. We were at a friends 25 year wedding anniversary and we had a blast! My kids swept and mopped the floor with their cool dance moves (stanky leg and all). Even me and the hubs caused a little friction dancing to reggae music. In a time when people marry and divorce just as casually as they meet, it is refreshing to see a husband and wife stay together through the good, the bad and the ugly. I pray that hubby and I will have a beautiful, long and properous life together. Ten blessed years and counting!

PS. do I look eight months pregnant to you? HA! gotcha.

New Beginings

2009-09-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

I didn't even realize that yesterday marked the 8th month of waiting for that call from our case worker to tell us that they found the perfect little girl for us. I'm believing that October will be the blessed month ! Yesterday I baby sat my god son Maddox for a while. I love him so much. He's about 15 months and into everything.

So I try to make some turkey sausage but I get all caught in a jam session on the guitar with him. All of a sudden I smell this smokey burning odor AAAHHH! I realize, my breakfast is burning. Oh no, am I rusty already. It's been about six years since I had a baby in my home. Well It was good preparation, I'm sure it'll be old had when she finally comes. Here's the joke, I'm sitting talking to his mom when my phone rings. I usually don't answer unrecognizable numbers but it's 314...314,314? Oh St. Louise, could it be CHI? So I answer, "Hello" .... nope, not CHI, my cousin who recently moved to St. Louis. It was good to hear from her though. I guess it was a test run. Stay ready, right?

Blessed 2 B A Blessing

2009-09-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Some of you who may see this blog may know me and know my heart for orphans. Some may not know me but can relate to me because we're in a similar process. And some may be curious or just browsing info on adoption. It doesn't matter why your reading this, it only matters what you do after you've read it. My husband and I have answered the call to adopt an orphan from Ethiopia. We have been blessed to have three children and now God has challenged us to open our hearts and our home to another. We are so humbled and honor that He trust us with His heart.

As we get closer to bringing our child home, we are faced with certain expenses that are required to complete the process. We have already invested a great deal of time and money, but we realize that we are going to need your help. We understand that not everyone can adopt a child but the word of Go say "Let every man give as it purpose in his heart." We would be overjoyed if you would be a part of this blessing with us. You can support us by clicking the "Donate" button on the right hand side. We ask that you give at least $10, of course we won't reject more :-)

We thank you in advance and may peace and favor rest on you and yours!

-Rowland & Toni

Habakkuk 2:3

2009-09-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

"But these things I plan won't happen right away, slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." Habakkuk 2:3

Oh how my Father in heaven loves me. He loves me enough to send comfort to me, or should I say instruction through His word. You know I have three children already, and when I was in labor with them I would envision a flower opening up in order for me to get through the labor experience. So for me to get through the adoption waiting experience I just remember Habakkuk 3:5 and envision a caterpillar waiting to become a beautiful butterfly. Butterflies often symbolize new beginnings, I am exciting about my new beginning! My new daughter, a new princess to join the royal court: Princess Neki, Prince Zion and Prince Noe`are all awaiting the announcement of their baby sister, In due season....Peace.

That's a NO NO!

2009-09-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Ok. by now any one breathing should know about the disrespect that Kanye WHACK showed Taylor Swift an upcoming country music singer who one her first VMA award. Well, Kanye went up during Taylor's acceptance of her award and took the mic and said that Beyonce's Single Ladies video was the best ever. That's a NO NO. Who gave him the authority to be sooo rude? After I called him a jerk multiple times, I thought to myelf, why, why would he do that? Was he not thinking? Why wasn't he thinking? So this was my revelation; We all know that he is genius at what he does. He is gifted by God, but if he is not living for God and giving God true glory for the gift...grace begins to run out, wisdom begins to fade. I know that it's alot for celebrities to deal with being public figures and on top of it all his mother passing away but Kanye must remember the Grace of God that saved him from an accident that could have killed him. We as humans tend to forget the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. It's a NO, NO to hurt another person, either physical (Chris Brown and Rhianna) or emotional (Kanye West and Taylor Swift). So I was compelled to pray for Kanye and Taylor. My prayer is that they both would be comforted by the Holy Spirit and that they would have true revelation of who they are to God. I pray that their identity would be in Christ and that they would live for Him and use the opportunity that they have to be celebrities with wisdom and discerntment. In Jesus name!

PS, I'm proud of the way Beyonce handled it. She apologized to Taylor and allowed Taylor to have her moment during Beyonce's acceptance of an award. Way to go Beyonce, you handled it with much grace.

Shea Butter

2009-09-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

This is a pure unrefined African Shea Butter. I don't remember where I purchased mine but you can check out www.Sheabutterhut.com Shea butter has great healing properties and is great for all skin types,especially those with dry skin or excema. Also makes a great hairdressing.

Crafty Mama

2009-09-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of myself. today I made (2) 4 oz jars of natural shea body butter for my husband and kids. Ohh, I already have plans to make tons more...especially when the baby comes, I'd know exactly what's going on her skin. The fragrance for him is called "Boaz" it has a kind of musky sent and the one for the kids is called "Happy Day" it sorta smells like birthday cake (hence the name).

My next project besides the more body butter (excellent for dry skin and hair) I'm going to make some sachets. These will be geared towards infants and toddlers. Hang it by their crib or stick in their drawer to make there clothes smell good. I guess putting my mind, and hands to creating something helps me to be a little more patient while waiting for my preciouse one.

Melkam Addis Amet!

2009-09-10T19:28:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year Ethiopia! I'm sure the people are celebrating and rejoicing to have made it another year. may God bless your land and people. Amen!

Last Year

2009-09-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Last year my youngest was in Kindergarten, now he's off to first grade! The boys didn't even want me to walk them to their classes. When they were babies at home with me I never thought that I would see the day when I wouldn't have to change stinky diapers on a regular. I'm actually looking forward to doing it all over again. I'm ready to add my baby girl to the threesome and make it even. Today was the first time since we started the adoption proccess that I felt disconnected. Maybe because my case worker resigned and it took three weeks to get a "weekly" report. Or could it be that I told God that I would not complain and he is testing me...giving me something that I would think is worthy of complaint. I'm dissapointed to say that I didn't pass this one. I sent an email to my new case worker COMPLAINING:-(...:-} Hey, I've been waiting since Jan.09 and have been in the proccess since Jan.08 and I can't get a program update? I just needed to know what the deal was. Needles to say it's Labor Day weekend, so I put myself in even more a FUNK be-cause everyone is out of office and won't respond until Tue. This...is my self inflicted punishment. When I made the "no complaint vow" a small voice inside said " you know I'm gonna prove you, right? At the time I was feeling on top of the world so I said "that's cool" HA! A few hours later, I complained to my girlfriend, who by the way is leaving for ET on the 12th yipee! I new she didn't need to hear it but I knew she would understand. Enty who...patience is a virtue that I will try to put into practice. PEACE

Happy Birthday Noe`

2009-08-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well for two weeks now there have been no referrals with CHI. I guess they're catching up on the abandonment cases. So there's not much to report. My 5 guy is now my 6 guy. Wonder Works was a great and not so expensive place to have his birthday party. He is such a precious gift to me and he's growing sooo fast...already going to first grade. It was great to have our out of town family come to honor him. I'll be sure to post some pictures as soon as I upload them.

ANTCM

2009-08-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here is my debut as Americas Next Top Christian Model. A minister in my church calls me "Elder Fashion Fair". I was so nervous but proud to represent how beautiful God is and how blessed we are to be created in His image.

Crazy man (with Cuban accent)

2009-07-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

The past couple of months have been CRAZY! First I should mention that Hubby and I celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss this month. My Yaya passed away just a few days before my anniversary, that would make the third death in my family that occured during my anniversary month (My Dad, His Dad and now my Grandmother). Oh and I can not forget the King of Pop, Farrah... Whew, what is the deal.

Happy news, a great freind through this adoption proccess got a referral for an adorable baby girl. Her wait was about 7/8 months. I'm so happy for her. Last month I got to strut my stuff on the runway at our church's style show for our annual women's conference. I was sooo nervouse but it turned out to be really fun. I even got an offer from one of the boutique owners to model for theie catalog and the photographer offered me a free phot shoot. HA! this could be the start of something new ( ANTCM) America's next top Christian model. and over the age of 30? hey it could happen.

God is alway working me through patience. Even when I would find out that I was pregnant I wanted to know what the sex of the baby was, go shopping for baby clothes...and was ready to hold the baby and behold his/her beautiful face. This adoption proccess can be a lil crazy man (Cuban accent) It's about to be seven months of waiting and I'm already on edge waiting to get The Call. I know that I need to get it out of my pretty little head and come to grips with the chance that it may be months before I get a referral. Hubby thinks it will be the end of Sept. begining of October. I'm hoping that it'll be more like the end of August begining of Oct. I know that courts close in Ethiopia for the rainy season so that realistically will take us to the very end of the year begining 2010! what do I do with all this time on my hands waiting for baby? I want to buy things for her in preparation for her arrival but I want to have the funds needed to bring her home and not be broke. I trust that God will povide but I need to be a good steward over what He has given me. I hope I'm not rambling on, I just have so much on my mind. It's all good:-)

What it looks like

2009-05-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

This is what my hope looks like today:) Purple water lilies...beautiful.

Giddy Girl

2009-05-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

I am sooo giddy right now! Today CHI reported that they had 7 referrals this week! I feel like doing the cabbage patch the running man and the kid & play (dance that is). Although we've only been on the waiting list for five months, I feel like at least I am seeing progress. I don't know where I am on the list but I know I move up with every referral. After the lull in referrals the past few months I sorta felt like I would be a geriatric patient before I saw my baby, but today a glimmer of hope came back to me. Congratulations to all those parents who waited patiently for a blessing to come there way. It'll be my turn soon. Since it seems like the average wait time is 8 months we are looking at an Aug./Sept. referral. I pray that no hindrances come against the adoption of my child or anyone else's in the mighty name of Jesus! Perfect those things concerning me... and... you. Amen.

So sophisticated

2009-05-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this nursery! This is truly a sophisticated and feminine baby room. Even though there is no pink, it is still girly. I love the birdie mobile because little birds remind me of all my chickadees. "My Love" will love it! Oh by the way I am registered at http://www.baby/beddingtown.com for these nursery items.:)

Baby's First Rocker

2009-05-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

This is an adorable rocker that we picked up for "My Love". It will go perfectly with the bedding and accessories for her nursery. I don't know if you can make it out but it's chocolate brown and white dots,luuuuv it!

My end of the bargain

2009-05-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

I guess i haven't kept up my end of the bargain. I know that I said that I would keep up with this blogging thing but the truth is I am skeptical about putting my life out there. I have come to realize that I am more of an voyeur than and exhibitionist. I am intrigued by the lives of others but only expose my life to my nearest and dearest. Is it selfish of me? Well what ever one might think it's my prerogative:)
Now that I have been inspired (once again) to step out of the bubble I will (once again) put on my blogger hat and "just do it"
Oh so much going on. The wait is on, referral wait that is. Almost 5 months. I'm tying to let patience work her perfect will, but like anyone else who has a divine vision , I can get a little antsy...ya know? In the meantime I will be posting pictures of some of the goodies that I have acquired for " my love". Oh for the sake of blogging I will refer to the baby girl that I am waiting for as "My love" because in the journal that i started for her I (9 out of 10 times) open it up with: hello My Love.

I'm baaack

2008-08-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

I know in my last (and only post) I said that I would try my best to keep up with this blog, but sooo much has gotten in the way. I finally opened the door to Cutie P' Tutti children and maternity boutique in Orlando (Hunter's Creek) Florida, http://www.mycutieptutti.com/ you should come visit me, you can also get the goods online. Any way I have mastered blog reading, I just have not mastered blogging. I'll give it a go, again.

To sum up what's been going on with Team Chain's adoption: We are waiting for FBI Clearance! Yes, Thank you Lord!( as my 6 guy would say) All of the dossier paper work is gathered and ready to be notarized. CHI will review and give me the thumbs up.

I have met so many wonderful people in the world of adoption. We attended our first Ethiopian potluck over the summer and it was great to see the beautiful children that have already come home. Soon my little chickadee will be home in my arms getting loved up my her sister and brothers and daddy of course.

I'd like to give a shot out to Nicole G. a cool mom that I met at the bus stop while getting our children off to school. She has a blog documenting her adoption journey and I figured, why not try again? My little princess will appreciate it later, shoot I will appreciate looking back on how far we've come.

Hope fully I will figure out how to make all jazzy like everyone elses:)

-T

Baby Blogger

2008-02-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

hi my name is Toni and I'm a baby blogger. My family and I have taken the first steps in our journey to adopt a daughter, the missing link to the Chain family:) . Latley I've been encouraged by reading other adoption blogs. Tami's blog inspired me to start my own. I've know for years that God called me to His children and that I was to adopt, so I started a journal years ago. I have entries to all four of my children (three biological and the one to come). Yesterday I started a journal just for her and today I start this for my family and friends who want to come along for the ride. Who knows maybe God might use my blog to divinely inspire someone else. Hey we're blessed to be a blessing, right! I'll try my very best to keep up with it.
Grace 4 u & me,
Toni