Friday, April 2, 2010

Have You Heard?

If you're not on either of our Facebook accounts, work with us, are in the know among our extended family, or attend our church, you probably haven't heard the great news! WE HAVE A SON!!! We got our referral call on Monday, March 22nd (a belated birthday gift for Kevin, whose birthday was March 20th). After exactly a 10 month wait on this waiting list and over 3 years and 3 months, since 1st submitting our application, we receive the news that there was a 5 month old boy who had been selected for us.

The day started out not that hot, liteally. We woke up to a relatively cold house, our furnace turned off over night and it as in the very low 60s when we awoke. Kevin stayed home and waited for the heating guy to make his service call. Since our furnace is only 6 years old, it turned out to be some small piece that broke and needed replacing. So, we got a new part relatively soon and Kevin as able to leave and be at work a little after 10.

We both were at work when we got THE CALL. Kevin got the call first. He was outside with the kids, so a co-worker got him. Then Ashley, our adoption consultant called me. Luckily, I had my cellphone out on the desk and it started to ring. I thought who the heck is calling me on my cell; then I looked down and saw that it was the adoption agency. Once I answered, Ashley put Kevin and I on as a conference call and told us she had our referral and told us all about our son. He was born October 16, 2009, so at the time was just a little over 5 months.

When we will pick him up is not yet known specifically, but we hope to have him home during the first part of the summer. There is talk of requiring two trips, but it now seems to be taking effect later in May. If we can get all of our paperwork translated, etc. and filed with the court before Mother's day weekend, it looks like there is a good chance that we may only have to travel once. This would be so much better financial -wise. Traveling once will be expensive enough. Also, leaving our son after the first trip would be so difficult since it might be 6-8 weeks or more until we travel again. One of the positives of 2 trips would be that he would be an automatic U.S. citizen when we landed back on American soil. So please pray that all the paperwork is submitted to the courts in early May and that we don't have to wait long for a court date. Once we pass court, we have to wait to get assigned an embassy appointment and then we'll learn when we travel.

By the way, we will call him Joshua and his middle name will be his Ethiopian name. We can't post his picture or e-mail any pictures untiil we have passed court and are in the eyes of the Ethiopian government, "Joshua's" legal parents, but if we see you in person, we will be happy to show you his picture.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so excited for you both!! I can't wait to read more of your journey!

Leslie

P.S. Which nursery theme did you decide on?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I've been following your story for, well, years now as I think we were very close to one another on CHI's ol' VN list. It always warms my heart to hear that a couple hoping for so long to be parents get their prayers answered.

--Shannon S.

Megan said...

That's is the best news ever! I'm so excited for you both. Can't wait to see pictures.

Jess said...

Oh wow! I just got tears in my eyes for you two. This has been quite the long journey and I am so happy that you have finally seen your son for the first time. Best of luck as you navigate the next few months and prepare to bring home your son.

Kel said...

Fantastic News!!! Only recently started reading your blog.. just wonderful news.. and a beautiful name!

Cant wait to hear more about your son!

Gigi said...

I keep my fingers crossed for all the paperwork to be completed and you guys only have to travel once. We did it twice for Russia and although had a good time overall, it was much more expensive and hard to leave our boy behind after the first trip. I cant wait to see you soon, so you can show me what your precious boy looks like !!

Family Salmagundi said...

Yay!!! Congratulations! You have waited far too long. I wish you have safe and speedy travels. I feel such relief for you and can only imagine how you're feeling. We were close to each other on the VN list and did our dossiers at the same time. We were somehow able to complete our VN adoption though and my heart broke for you that you had to wait even longer and endure yet another change in country, but it's all behind you now.

Can't wait to see pics.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you all. Congratulations! I believe I originally found your blog through the CHI Vietnam group, as our oldest daughter is adopted from Vietnam. The joy you all are about to experience is truly amazing, and I am thrilled for you! Congratulations on your son - I hope your travel approval comes through soon. I will pray for you!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! So happy for you. Before you know it your baby boy will be in your arms!

Amber said...

Congrats! How exciting to have a son

Mindee said...

Yippee! I can't wait to hear more.
Best wishes for quick travel!

Cindy said...

Congratulations on your referral! Very exciting!!
I have your family added to Ethiopian Adoption Blogs and I hope the rest of your journey goes quickly!!

Ann said...

Wonderful News for you, So happy FINALLY! One trip is nice, however if you have to take two, its like a wash financially, To readopt the cost was like $2000. I am voting on ONE trip. You need him home yesterday. best wishes. Kim

Unknown said...

Kathryn,
We've just started our adoption with CHI through ET. Clicking on CHI's link to your blog brings excitement and joy to think that someday, we'll be celebrating like you two are with your referral. Congratulations! What an incredible joy you must have! Enjoy the preparation for Joshua! -Kati

Casey and Carra said...

Congrats!! Can't wait to see pictures.

Carra

Connie said...

Congratulations! I can't wait to follow the rest of your journey and then to finally see pictures of you and your son together!