keeping busy

It's spring break for me, and I've been keeping busy, trying to keep my mind off of the sweet something missing...

I announced to my family that I was going to focus on being SO THANKFUL for such a blessing in my life that I wouldn't have room for any other emotions.  (Unfortunately, I got a little teary as I said it and ended up in a full-fledged boo-hoo over missing Lucy.  It was a really nice idea, though, don't you think?)

I've shampoo-ed carpets, cleaned windows, cleaned out my car,had the oil changed, read some baby books, and gotten Lucy's little corner of my room ready for her arrival (next week I hope I hope I hope!).

(Special thanks to Lynn and Lisa for the furniture, Susan for the cute letters, and Mom for the baskets!)

The best part of the room is yet to come...

                                                                        A sweet, sleepy Lucy for that bed :)

This is how I feel!

*Quick update:  It looks like it will be a few more weeks at least until I can go get Lucy.  The embassy is doing a more thorough check before it clears our case.  This is actually good for the integrity of the process in general (but bad for me!  It hurts my heart to wait!)  Please pray for Lucy that she's safe and healthy and feels LOVED, and for me for patience!  I cried in front of my students when I heard this news and they were so sweet!  Some of their suggestions to cope with the wait:  make a list, paint her room, get things washed and ready, write it down so that she knows how much I really wanted her here, and (from a boy) punch something.  I think I'll take (most) of these suggestions and try to be as ready as I can so that I can just enjoy her when she gets home!

a bit more waiting...

A quick update:  I didn't get the call today, so Lucy won't be coming home this week.  I'm hopeful about next week... I'll keep you posted!  In the meantime, we're being showered with love and goodies--thanks all!  I feel so blessed!

excitement

This has been the longest week of my life.  I'm not exaggerating.  I'm sure if you ask everyone around me, they'll vouch that I made it long for them, too.  I just can't wait to have Lucy here :)  I've watched her smiling video about a thousand thirty times.  I've counted weeks and thought about possible embassy dates.  I've held her clothes.  I even sniffed them, but I'd washed them so they didn't smell like a precious baby.

Here is my first glimpse of Lucy.  She is absolutly precious, and about a month old here. So sweet and tiny!

Sooooo, I heard that there is a possibility that I could go get Lucy next week.  DO YOU HEAR THAT??  Next week!!!  I'm trying not to get too excited, but you'd better believe that I'm going to have my bags packed and be ready to go.  I might take a sleeping bag and camp out at the airport (maybe not a good idea...).  I'll know for sure on Monday.  And if I can, I'll leave on... Monday!  I can't wait!  I want to hold my sweet little girl!  Please pray that our embassy date does come quickly and go smoothly so that she can come home for good!

Also, friends, thanks for your prayers!  God is faithful!  My first post asked you to pray for several things, which God has now given us (He's given me so much, you know).  Our case passed court--hallelujah!  AND... I recieved a grant from Show Hope (the adoption assistance program through Steven Curtis Chapman).  I'm so thankful, because it was just the amount I needed at just the time I needed it!  Praise God!!  He's taking care of us so well.

missing Lucy

Yowza!  I am MISSING my girl.  I am praying for her all the time and wishing she was in my arms.  I know things are moving on her case, which is wonderful!  They requested some papers and sent her birth certificate.  Her birthday is October 11, 2010.   This makes her 5 months old.  In fact, she shares her birthday with my twin aunt and uncle, Bonnie and Ronnie!  This also makes her 9 days older that Reagan, my friend Crystal's daughter, future bff :)  Please keep praying with me for a smooth and QUICK embassy appointment so I can get my precious baby home!

Last night I could hardly sleep (very rare for me).  I kept thinking about sweet Lucy...  I wish she was keeping me awake by BEING here and hungry :)  Believe it or not (those of you who know that I really REALLY like my sleep), I even loved night-time feedings :)  Look at her--how could I not?

Oh, hurry home Lulu! Your mama can't stand this being without you!

smiling and cooing

Lucy smiling--precious!

Lucy chatting it up :)

 

falling for Lucy

Thank you so much for your prayers while we were gone.  Our case passed court!  Lucy is officially my daughter.  Lucy Tesfanish Northcutt.  In celebration, now that I can finally post pictures of this precious child.... I will!  Enjoy (I sure did!).

She smiles!  I didn't have any pictures of a smiling Lucy.  It actually worried me... was she happy?  I quickly found out that she does indeed smile--a lot!  She likes to stretch out after she wakes up and smile and coo.  (What a charmer!)  I found out from other mamas at the guest house that they had all had similar concerns.  We were so thankful to see these precious smiles!

 She snuggles!  Another blessing, my baby likes to snuggle!  She's so little and sweet, and she just snuggles in to you.  She holds onto my hand, my arm, my neck with her little hand.  It was so sweet.

 Nana got in some good snuggle time, too! 

Lucy LOVED being outside.  Luckily, it was sunny and 75 all week :).  She stared up at the trees moving in the wind, taking it all in.  I'm thankful that I have a nice grassy yard and plenty of trees around.  I think she'll enjoy them (and I'll enjoy her enjoying them!).

We played dress up and experimented with little bows--so fun!  I'm sure there will be a lot more of this girly fun in our future!

I am so humbled that God would entrust this little treasure to me. 

 I am so blessed to have her in my life. 

 I love her, already, SO much!



road to Lucy

Mom and I arrived in Ethiopia late Saturday night, and went to pick up Lucy early Sunday morning.  She wasn't where I thought she was going to be, so we loaded up in a van and drove 4 hours outside of Addis Ababa to get her.  I was so anxious to have her in my arms, but I tried to pay attention to the countryside.  It was really interesting to see life outside of the city.  We saw so many of these traditional huts.  We stopped for cows, goats, and donkeys to cross the road.  We enjoyed the sunshine and talked with her orphanage director about how adoption works in Ethiopia.  It was a good trip.  The best part?

This.  Holding my daughter for the first time.  Wow.

The four hour ride back was pretty special, too.  Getting to know Lucy as we bounced along. 

Loving every minute of it!