Show Your Adoption Support!

I'm a little belated in posting this, but my friend/fellow church member/fellow adoptee Amy has made some cool new wall/car decals to raise money for her adoption. Here are the details from her blog:

"Hey everyone! I am making available these vinyl car and wall decals. They apply easily to your vehicle or wall and look GREAT! I have both the China and the Ethiopia on the back of my van. People are already noticing. What an easy way to open a dialogue about adoption. Great conversation starters! I can do other countries as the need arises. They will be the same price. I can also do them larger or you would like to have a larger one for your wall.

These will stay on forever, but are EASILY removed should you decide you would like to remove it. They are not reusable though. They are like Uppercase Living products, if you are familiar with them.

If you are interested in one, and you want to use paypal, just click on the "Add to Cart" button at the right, after you choose the one you want. Shipping is $2.00, but if you want more than one, email me at and I will adjust the pricing for the shipping of multiple decals! Or, if you just have a question about the decals, let me know.

Thanks for looking and thanks for ordering!"

They are $10 each plus shipping. For more info, visit Amy's blog at amyrhood.blogspot.com.

No Blogging = No News

I can't believe it, but it's been 20 WEEKS since we were put on the wait list. When we first started the process back in April, I never dreamed we would still be waiting for our referral. At the time, five months was pretty much the max that anyone was waiting. But Chris and I have needed this time to get prepared. If we were to get the call tomorrow, I might panic! We have so much to do! I'm thankful for God's perfect timing. That's not to say that I don't have moments when I wish I could see our son's face, find out how old he is, learn his name, hear his story. Christmas was a little difficult at times. But, in exciting news, we've seen several boys get referred in the past couple weeks! Two today, in fact. Things are moving. Thanks for all your prayers! Hopefully we'll have more to share soon.

Nintendo Wii

I'm a Stroller Stalker

While we're waiting for our referral, I've been busily researching baby gear, since it's some of the only stuff I can purchase until I know our son's age/size. I bought car seats when they went on annual clearance, so my new obsession is strollers.

Other than the safety issues, I'm also considering: Full-size? Lightweight-plus? Cup holder? Snack tray? Weight? Ease of folding? Lime green or burnt orange? I've begun staring unabashedly at other moms' strollers. I've even been known to circle back to check a stroller out from different angles. My internal monologue about their choices usually goes something like this: "Ooh, Peg Perego! Fancy!" or "Oh my word, Bugaboo! I'd have to take out a loan for that one." I've also considered giving these moms 21 questions. "How are those wheels holding up?" and "Can that thing really fold up using only one hand?"

So, if you see me staring in your direction, no worries: I'm only checking out your stroller. I have my eye on a lightweight-plus stroller that's on clearance right now, but I'm not sure I'm ready to commit.

Next up ... the diaper bag!

What Do You Do With Your Wait?

Well, folks, we've been on the waiting list for seven weeks so far, and it really has flown by! To be honest, I sometimes forget how long we've been on the waiting list. This current easygoing attitude is really not in my nature, so I can only assume that lots of people are praying for me! I really haven't worried about anything so far—I've seen enough to know that one should have no expectations when it comes to international adoption. Check back with me on November 20th, however, when we enter the 3 to 6 month "window," which is the average waiting time to be referred a child.

In the meantime, my biggest concern has become, "What on earth are we going to name our son?" I'm tired of calling our son, "our son," "our kid," "our baby," etc. Chris and I have been talking about it this week, and I think we have a few contenders. We currently have about five or so in the running, and when we can narrow it down a little more, I'll post them.

I'm also trying to come up with a list of fun things to do while we wait to become parents. Some things we are/I am going to do are:
1. Have a last "family" portrait taken with our dog, Topher.
2. Shop for baby furniture.
3. (Dawn) Take up some kind of craft. (I am in love with paper of any kind, so I'd like to make notecards and stationery.)
4. Lift some weights. (Have you carried a 20-something-pound child for an extended period of time recently? YIKES!)
5. Sleep in/take naps. (I'm guessing this will soon become a thing of the past.)
6. Eat complete meals while they are still warm. (See note on number 5.)

Any other ideas for new/adoptive parents?

Final Garage Sale!

Saturday, October 4th
7 a.m. to noon
Adelaide Park subdivision
321 Stewart Springs Dr.

We have tons of furniture, home decor, and baby and kids items. Please spread the word!

Jump In, Jump Out, Introduce Yourself

It appears that we have quite a few lurkers out there! I'd love to know who you all are, if you have a blog, if you're an adoptive family, if you live in Tennessee, or if you're a dear friend or family member who just never comments (you know who you are!). :)

For those I haven't met, I'll go first. My husband, Chris, and I have been married for three and a half years. We met and married in Knoxville, Tenn., and now live outside of Nashville. Chris is a student minister, and I work for a magazine. We have a Lhasa apso named Topher. When we began thinking about starting a family, God led us to adopt before having biological children. We are now on the waiting list to adopt a 0-12 month old boy from Ethiopia.

Your turn! Don't let me down!