Sweet Snowy Colorado

Over Thanksgiving, we went to visit John's sister et al. in the Denver area (along with the rest of La Familia de Juan), and here are the picture highlights:

They made me stand outside without my parka.


But I got pretty pictures of mountainous structures.
(once I had my coat back on)


And some with more trees and shrubberies.


The Aforementioned Familia de Juan

Yes, there were babies present. John has a lovely little niece. But alas, I didn't get any good pictures of her. So you'll just have to gaze from afar until such time as I have a decent picture lest I be forced to undermine your faith in my impeccable photography skills by posting the less than compositionally stunning ones I have.

Happy Thanksgiving

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

More of the Waiting Game. And Shots. And Ideas.

So there we were... still just chillin' and waitin' for court. Only 2 more weeks! Then we get to wait again, but I think with the holidays coming up that we'll be busy enough that it'll go fast. At least I hope so.

Anyway, so we are looking to get some shots here pretty soon.
Here's the recommended List:
Tdap or Td (tetanus and diptheria with or without pertussis)
MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever
Polio
Typhoid
Meningogoccus
Rabies
Flu

We've already had MMR boosters, and I think we are skipping the Yellow Fever one and the Rabies, and we'll do oral on the Typhoid if we can find it, since it gives you immunity for 5 years instead of 2. That gives me more leeway to go back for more babies before I need a booster! I actually have had most of those, so I only need a few. John's a little more immunization-naive, however. Bummer for him. He just loooves needles too. hehe.

Now, wasn't that just so interesting?!

In other news...Just to get you started thinking:

When we travel, if you would like to make donations for the orphanages (CHI's House of Hope Orphanage and Isaac's "home" orphanage) you can do so. I think we can each take two 50-lb bags on our flights, so we'll have some room. (I could be wrong, but this is consistent with what other families have said also.) Here is a list of things they recommend:
-Medical Supplies: vitamins, neosporin ointment, band aids, tylenol, thermometers, skin creams, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby soaps or lotions, etc.
-Formula and Cloth Diapers (they recommend donating money for these things to be bought in-country as they are readily available and heavy/bulky to travel)
-Developmental Toys: books/puzzles, rattles, teething rings, blocks, picture or board games, mobiles, coloring books and large crayons, jump ropes, trucks, basically any toys
-Clothing: (new or gently used) esp. coats, pajamas, sweatshirts, jackets, and underwear for toddlers and older kids
-Shoes
-Baby Care Items: diaper pins, nipples, bottles, wipes, diaper rash cream etc.

Shackle Me Baby, I'm Going to Court.

We got our court date! Woohoo!
And the chosen date is............

December 4!

Apparently these, as with all things in international adoption, have been known to change at the last minute for unclear reasons. But for now this is the day. And I think it's a good one, so hopefully they won't change it, and all will go smoothly, and we will pass with flying colors.

So what does this date mean exactly?
Well, this means that our case will be heard in front of the judge that day in Ethiopia, and we will be represented by a CHI representative who lives there in Addis. If, no- when! we pass court, then Isaac will be officially and irrevocably our SON in the eyes of the Ethiopian government. (At which time I can post and distribute his handsome little picture to my heart's content.) And then we get to wait one more time... for a visa appointment. That is when we swim to Ethiopia and bring him home!

When is your visa appointment?
Visa dates have not been released yet for the new year, so dates are up in the air, but probably somewhere around early to mid January.

And then we live happily ever after. (Apparently this involves some paperwork on the American side as well, but to date, I am a bit fuzzy on the details.)

So yay!

Moonshine and My Poetic Poetry

The Moon was shining spookily, casting an eerie glow.
For 'twas Halloween.
The Day Before Yesterday.
The end.