Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.  Proverbs 13:12

Friday, December 26, 2008

Sitina's First Christmas


Ho ho ho!  Santa and Sitina had an instant bond when they met last week.  Santa was kind enough to visit Papa and GeGe's house on Christmas Eve and left Sitina some lovely new gifts.  We love Santa and we love Christmas!  
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Friday, December 19, 2008

A Week of Firsts


Sitina and I have been home for a week.  Seven days.  That's it.  Seems like we've been together forever.  In the few days we've been back in the States, many firsts have taken center stage.  Here are a few, the pictures will have to tell the story. This new mama is tired. 

Sitina's first exploration of her cousin, Eve.

Sitina's first experiment with food
(rice cereal is close enough).

Sitina's first hat 
(that's she doesn't pull off--mustn't mess the hair, mama).

Sitina's first bath in her very own tub.



Sitina's first visit to her pediatrician, Dr. Alice.

Sitina being read to by her cousin, Mimi 
(in the very same chair I read to Mimi in just a few years ago).
And, Sitina snuggling in with her pups, Lander and Cleo.
More later, I promise.  As with all firsts, there are more that can't be captured on film and certainly not on the blog; but can be swallowed whole in person.  Time to go snuggle with my daughter and catch a few more firsts...
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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

There's No Place Like Home


Sitina and I are home safe and sound.  We are sharing a lovely cough that she picked up at the orphanage.  All is well and relatively quiet. We've stayed in mostly but have walked the pups each day--they are already protective over her--and have hit Target and Babies-R-Us.  She is so flexible and good-spirited.  No problems with new things so far: car seats, bassinet sleeping, formula change, visitors, strollers, carriers, cold weather, doorbells and telephones (she has a very curious look followed by a giggle with both), and a variety of other things.  She is simply a doll.

I am posting one quick pic--I have yet to upload my trip pics but they are forthcoming.  Thank you for all your prayers and love during this travel time.  It was an amazing experience and life-altering in so many different ways.  I will write more about the trip soon...
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So...what's next?

Below is an overview of an Ethiopian adoption process from the time my agency receives adoptive parents' completed dossier and home study.

Agency Sends Dossier for Authentication and Translation Check!
Agency will forward adoptive parents’ dossier to the U.S. State Department and the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication. Once processed, the agency will forward the dossier to our staff in Ethiopia where it is translated
Referral Process Check!
Once the dossier is in Ethiopia, adoptive parents can wait six to eight months for a referral of a child. Once referred, the agency will send the adoptive parents referral photos, medical information and the child’s background information, including any known family history. Upon acceptance of referral, the agency's foreign staff will submit adoptive parents’ dossier, with the referred child’s documentation to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA).
Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) Reviews Documentation Check!
MOWA is the branch of the Ethiopian government that reviews all documentation submitted by the adoptive parents and on behalf of the referred child recommends the adoption to be finalized to the Federal Court of Addis Ababa.
Federal Court Date November 11, 2008 Check!
Once MOWA recommends the adoption to be finalized, a court appointment is scheduled. At this appointment, the judge can either finalize the adoption or ask for further documentation and set another court date. Once the adoption is finalized, the court decree, new birth certificate and passport are issued, and the adoptive parents can travel.
Travel December 6, 2008 - December 11, 2008
Adoptive parents should be ready to travel within two to four months after accepting a referral. One parent is required to travel and the in-country stay in Ethiopia is five to seven days. During this time, adoptive parents will complete the U.S. Embassy Immigration appointment for the adopted child, which is necessary to bring the child to the United States. The agency's in-country staff will accompany each family throughout their entire stay in Ethiopia.
Post-Adoption- Until the child turns 18 years old In Process
In Ethiopia, an adoption is finalized before entrance into the United States. Upon arrival, post-adoption reports are due at three, six, and 12 months on the anniversary of the U.S. Embassy appointment date. After the first year, family authored self reports are due every year until the child reaches 18 years of age.