Sling Shot

Last night Tim and I watched the video that came with our Ergo Carrier. Tim and I looked at each other and at almost the same time said, "I sure hope we don't drop this kid." Seriously, I'm sure once we do it a couple of times it'll be easy, but watching those people in the video made me feel very inflexible and klutzy. It takes a lot of coordination to nestle a baby in there.

But watching it reminded me we also need to get a sling. One of my fave blog pals passed along some sage advice awhile back - pack a sling just in case the baby doesn't like the Ergo.

Buying the Ergo was a no-brainer, but I'm at a loss over the sling. There are SO many different kinds out there. I'm partial to this brand, but don't know anyone who's tried it. Since the ergo is kind of large and unattractive I'm thinking something more stylish and unassuming would be nice. Do you have a favorite? - Sarah

We're Finally in the 21st Century

Last Sunday, at the shower hosted by my pal Sarah, Tim's dad and stepmother gave us a digital camera! I don't consider ourselves that out of the loop (we do have a DVD player, cell phones and iPods), but when I told my youngest brother we finally got a digital camera he said, "Welcome to the 21st Century." Ok, so we're a little behind the times. Several years ago Tim gave me an AWESOME SLR film camera, so I wasn't ready to let go. We're still going to use that camera, but boy with this little guy come in handy. In fact, it already has... see below. We're really going modern in the next few weeks when we purchase a digital camcorder!

We took a slight step back in time this week, though, when I ordered a polaroid camera and film off of eBay. We're taking it all with us to Ethiopia so we can include some pictures of the baby and us in the album that we'll give the birth family. Can you believe that the camera was only $9.99 but the dang film was $55 for 40 exposures?!?!


This is what the nursery looked like after last week's shower. It's ordered chaos, I promise.



This morning we went to Lowe's and got shelves and hooks. My handyman, Tim, put them up!!!



After Tim put up the shelves I added some bins. I'm pooped, so the rest will just have to wait. The creatures on the right are little puppets. - Sarah

All In A Name

I've been meaning to write this post for awhile, and since I'm stuck at work waiting for a tow truck (dead alternator), here goes:

Tim and I are often asked about BabyM's name. Yes, he has a birth name (it's oh so beautiful), but no, we're not sure what his name will be once we've finalized the adoption here in the states.

Two years ago when Tim and I began this process we looked up Ethiopian names and fell in love with Mirtus, which means "he who is chosen" in Amharic. How fitting. So for two years we've been privately referring to our son-to-be as Mirtus. And when we were matched, we told family that's what his name was going to be.

In hindsight, we spoke too soon, as I often do. So, instead, we've decided to wait until we hold our little guy and see what fits. That might be Mirtus, but it might not be. One thing's for sure, we'll incorporate part of his birth name no matter what.

To you adoptive 'rents out there, if you adjusted your child's name at all, what all went into that process? - Sarah

*Updated* Not Our Turn

It seems I was configuring travel times all wrong. It's not based on acceptance date. There's a lot of paperwork (similar to the dossier we compiled ages ago) that has to be assembled for our child before the case goes to court.

So, as of today I'll try to stop playing the guessing game. I'll continue to be happy for the folks who are already scheduled to fly over and meet their babes. And Tim and I will get down to the business of getting ready for our trip minus the emotions. This is so much easier said than done, but detaching myself during the wait for a referral was the only way I made it through sane! - Sarah

Not Our Turn

Sunday my friend Sarah hosted a baby shower for our family and friends. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed seeing everyone and the baby has gotten some pretty cool stuff.

Yesterday, we had a major disappointment: Another travel group was announced, but we were not part of it. While we're so happy for the folks in our agency who'll be traveling July 11 (there's a 7/4 group, too) — including Katy — we can't help but wish it was us. Unless I'm way off, we'll for sure be in the next group... just don't know when that'll be. The good thing is that people seem to be getting through court pretty quickly in anticipation of the upcoming court closure, so there's hope! - Sarah

My Inner Redneck

Let me start by saying I come from "country." Both my mom and dad grew up on farms. And while my dad has very much a white-collar job, he still lives on a farm. I spent the summers with cows, listened to country music and love all things fried. I acknowledge my roots.

But a country girl I am not.... unless there are fast cars involved. Last night Tim and I went to an Indy race. My brother, who has gotten prime seats for the past few years, was in New York for his 27th birthday so he let us have his tickets. Tim had been the year before (they saw Gene Simmons and Ashley Judd), but I had not. But if my experiences with Demolition Derby at the state fair and a trip to the drag strip were any indicator, I was going to have a blast!

I almost didn't make it to the start of the race, though. For starters, it was hotter than all get out. And then there was the less-than-savory crowd. I don't know where I got this from, but I had always thought the Indy crowd was a little more, um, sophisticated than NASCAR. But then again, maybe not. From the get-go there were drunk, stumbling men with no shirts on. But the grossest thing was the people with no shoes on! It was all a little much for me. And to top it off, the guy that we sat next to kept trying to talk to me about stupid stuff and he wouldn't move his cooler so Tim and I were crammed next to each other. (Turns out he was seat hoping so eventually the rightful ticket holders came and resolved that situation.)

But as soon as the cars started up I was hooked! Right out of the gate someone spun out. By the time we left around lap 263 (out of 300) half of the cars had wrecked and were out of commission. Those guys are super fast!

But today I'm on to more girly things. My oldest friend, who's also named Sarah, is throwing us a shower for friends and family. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. Tomorrow we're attending the funeral of Tim's friend's father. This guy had quite an impact on Tim and his friends, and I know they'll all miss him! - Sarah

3 months old

Today our precious baby is 3 months old. Keep your fingers crossed that we'll be bringing him home very soon. - Sarah