Introducing

Beth is letting me the first one to OFFICIALLY post pictures of my precious niece!! I can barely stand myself I am so excited!!


This is the first picture we ever saw of Grace. I still carry a copy of it in my wallet.

The following were taken by parents that were going to get their children and were kind enough to take pictures of Grace for Beth. It really helped with the wait!

A Very Emotional Day

Beth had her birth family visit yesterday. It was a very emotional day, but so worthwhile and Beth is so glad that she had the opportunity to do it. She feels that she got information she can share with Grace when she is older.

She wrote a letter to her sister....

It seems like I've been waking up each morning to another email! Makes for a happy sister! The internet (dial-up)seems most stable in the evening for them, which is morning for me.

Today's letter told me of their Embassy appointment. It went very well and their case was approved!! Grace should receive her VISA later in the week. Later that night they were attending a cultural dinner. Both Kate and Beth were looking forward to it.

Beth mentioned that Grace is such a sweet heart! She is so thrilled at how well she is adjusting to her. She is on the tiny side -- Beth said more on the side of a 4 or 5 month old. Beth was able to get her to take 5 oz. at one feeding which was the most she had eaten since she got there. The nannies were very surprised and pleased! Grace enjoys the baby sling that Beth brought. It will also be helpful for getting through the airports!

Tuesday (which is already today for Beth and Kate) they will be traveling to meet Grace's birth family. I am sure it will be emotional, but it so important to Beth. I know Kate looks forward to supporting her.

Until the next email.....

A

Her Girl….

11.29.09 I got an email from Kate this morning. They are really enjoying their experience in Ethiopia. She said things have been pretty relaxed so far, but will start to get busier on Monday when they have to go to appointments and do paperwork. She said they are with a terrific group of people and the people in Ethiopia are wonderful.

Now for the BEST part…Kate said that Grace took right to Beth!! She said that Grace’s eyes are always following her and that when Beth walks into a room Grace lights up! In fact, Kate was sending the email because Mommy and daughter were taking a nap! I am so thrilled!!!

I can’t wait for them to get home. I really want to meet Grace, oh so much. But boy do I miss my sisters. I haven’t talked to either one of them since Thursday, November 26th at 9:00 EST. If you know any of the three of us, that is a life sentence. The emails are great, but I want to talk to them!!

Together At Last……………

11.28.09 This is what I would have posted on this day, had I not run in to some technical difficulties. I think I now have it all figured out, so we are back on track!

After a 2+ hour delay at Dulles airport, they were on their way! Who doesn’t love random TSA screenings of ENTIRE airplanes? From all accounts, Beth was able to see Grace right away. According to my brother-in-law Dennis, she’s still on the tiny side but GORGEOUS!! And of course Beth was in HEAVEN!! Kate was spending a lot of time loving on the other babies in the orphanage.

I'll be back.....

A