A Scare

No, this isn't a premature Halloween post, but rather a recap of our day yesterday.

I woke up to read some disturbing news on Facebook about Leul's orphanage, so I immediately called our adoption caseworker to find out what was going on. Without going into specifics, there was an incident at the orphanage. Some boys were hurt, the police got involved, and in the confusion at the scene, it's my understanding that many boys older than 9 were arrested.

It was difficult to try to piece together what happened, but thankfully we have several friends in-country who could fill in the gaps.

Leul wasn't involved and wasn't hurt. However, it became too dangerous for him to stay there, so our adoption agency was able to use our adoption decree to remove him and take him to their foster care center.

We are so thankful that Gladney acted so quickly and got him to a safe place. We also feel incredibly blessed that we passed court when we did so he was able to be taken out of this tough situation.

Please pray for the orphanage boys. We've spent quite a bit of time at this orphanage — we were just there two weeks ago — and the boys we've come into contact with are sweet, smart young men. They are really hurting right now.

Please also pray for Leul as he makes this unexpected transition. In another week and a half, we will take placement before our embassy date.

It's been a really tough decision for us, but just Chris will be returning for our embassy date. Myles had amazing care while we were gone, but he didn't react well to us being gone for so long. And though we would love to take him with us, he's a little too young, the flights are too long, and the turnaround is too quick. I am beyond bummed, and I'm really sad we won't get to see our travel friends again. But it's the best decision for us right now. Chris and I have another trip planned for Ethiopia next fall, so I at least have that to look forward to! More on that later.

"He's Yours"

We are back from Ethiopia! We had another amazing trip. I have so many stories to share that I hope I can remember them all.

But the big news is, we passed court! Introducing Leul Hollomon.



We got in Sunday night and were back at work Monday morning, plus Myles has been a little mad at us for leaving him so long. :/ So, we are tired and jet-lagged to say the least! I'll try to post more soon.

We're Back On!

We are cleared to travel! What a difference a day makes. Our agency worked some things out, and we leave Saturday. Lots to do! Very thankful and praising God!

Not Today

We did not pass today. I'm not sure if our case is still open or if we will wait to be reassigned another court date.

The Time Has Come

Tomorrow we find out if we passed our first phase of court and get to leave for Ethiopia on Saturday...please pray for us!

My husband is also turning 29 for the second year. :) Happy birthday, Chris!

18-Month Stats

Myles had his 18-month check-up last week, and here are his stats:

Height: 34 1/8 inches (90th percentile) — I think this is way off. We had to see a different nurse, and she measured differently than our usual nurse does. At M's 12-month check-up, he was about 29 inches and in the 17th percentile. I tried to measure him at home a few weeks ago for our post-placement update, and he was around 32 inches.

Weight: 24 lbs., 4 oz. (25th percentile) - Also up from around the 17th percentile last time.

Head: Don't remember the exact measurement, but I do remember it's the 97th percentile! This is consistent from previous measurements. Lots of brain going on in there! :)

Size: 12-18 month pants, 18-month shirts (that head!), mostly 4s in shoes

I know I've mentioned here before that Myles had some significant motor skills delays when he came home, and now a year later he's almost completely caught up. We've had several pediatricians comment how smart he seems, and of course we agree!

Myles has had lots of ear infections since he's been home, and after a visit with an ENT doctor, he will be getting tubes and his adenoids removed once we're home with L. I'm not looking forward to it. Myles had a rough wake-up after his circumcision, but at least now we are prepared for that. But I also hate having to put him on really strong antibiotics every month.

M's First Haircut

I didn't realize his hair had become quite this unruly.


Getting your hair cut is fun!


Or not.


Nothing a little "Yo Gabba Gabba!" can't fix.


This feels weird.


A little brush, brush.


Tada!

I let the stylist cut his hair much shorter than I would have thought. And I have to say, short hair is so much easier! No more battles over tangles. And M's hair looked much better than the final picture after washing. I'd post a picture, but my camera batteries are dead. I'll try to this weekend.