Even though I'm in a bit of a holding pattern until my court date, October 8th, in Ethiopia, there are still things to do and things to look forward to.

 

On August 11th, another AWAA family from the Twin Cities was in Ethiopia picking up their little girl, and I was able to send a care package and have them take pictures of my daughter.  It was so amazing seeing my friend holding my daughter in her arms!  She reported my baby girl is healthy, happy and very smiley.  Oh, that does a momma's heart good :)

 

Each month after our referral, and until we go to Ethiopia to pick up our child, we get an update from AWAA.  They send a couple new pictures and updates on height, weight and general health.  We are also able to ask five questions of the nannies caring for our child.  I should get my first update towards the end of August. 

 

Another single mom adopting through AWAA, who I've been in touch with since we were both in the El Salvador program (we both switched to the Ethiopia Program at the same time) will be leaving for Ethiopia the end of next week to get her baby girl.  She will also be taking a care package for my daughter and will get to hold her and take more pictures for me.  Oh, I can't wait to get her personal report of my little babe!

 

I have to update my home study.  This means another round of paperwork, a new set of fingerprints for the State of MN, and one home visit from AWAA's social worker. Our visit is scheduled for September 14th, so I have to go in and get printed before then.  "Book me, Danno!"  The home study reports are only good for 12 months, and it must be active when I travel to Ethiopia.

 

There will be another travel group of AWAA families going to Ethiopia September 12th - 18th.  I am allowed to send a photo release form with one family per travel group, so yes, I have someone in that group set up to take MORE pictures of my daughter!  I sit here some days with the reality that I have a daughter--I am a MOM!--but I won't be able to see her in person for another couple months.  So the pictures and updates from traveling families are of great comfort and reassurance to me. She feels so far away, and this helps bring her closer to home :)

 

At the end of September I will get another monthly update from AWAA.  And then...

 

Court on October 8th!  I will not be present for this court date.  We send a Power of Attorney and a representative from AWAA goes on our behalf. Since Ethiopia is about 9 hours ahead of us, my court proceedings will happen during the night while I am sleeping, and AWAA will call me the morning of the 8th with the results.  If I pass, I will get ready to travel.  If I do not pass, which is the case 30-40% of the time, I will hopefully be assigned a new court date shortly thereafter and the AWAA staff will work to get the judge what he/she needs in order for me to be granted legal custoday.