paper work - more and more - September 12, 2010

finally started to get through the paper work - realized I messed up when I went to my dr to get the home study stuff done - didn't' get the stuff for the dossier - argh!  Oh well - live and learn - she will help out.

Craig goes to see the social worker on his own tomorrow - so hopefully his honesty pays off. we both just decided honesty is first and foremost in all of this -we have nothing to hide.

enjoy the blog - I'll update more later.

Social Worker Visit #1 August 30, 2010

Well last week we had our first meeting with the social worker.  Needless to say I was freaking out - and Craig was nervous too.  WE think it went alright.  But now its all the paper work and all that.  The training will not be bad at all - honestly think she picked some really good classes for us to take.  And one of the books I had marked a star by that I wanted to read anyhow - figured it would be a good resource.  So now we just get all the stuff down.

Still very scared - but I know our child is out there waiting - they've been waiting longer than us.  I heard 5 families from the agency brought their children home this weekend - can't wait to hear from them.  And two more go next week!  SO exciting!  I need to look up their blogs and follow them all.

OUr next steps - one on one with the social worker - Craig goes first and then me.  Then its the home visit.
OUr friends Tammy and Michele really helped us organize the basement this past weekend - we now have a spot ready to move the office so that the current office will be Nate's room.  We just need to have some electrical work added down there - but that's not too big of a  deal.

Thanks for the prayers - we'll keep everyone posted
Gail

Just the Beginning - August 23, 2010

ok - I'm totally new at this - so this will be my first post.  I guess where to start -

My husband, Craig and I decided we wanted to grow our family of 3 to 4.  We currently have a beautiful son, Nate who just turned 6 years old.  We have done many fertility treatments and just didn't work out.  I personally have had adoption on my heart for many years as Nate was a true Miracle child - I had this plan way before he was here.  It took Craig a few years - but he agreed in 2009 this was a method for our family.  Originally we had thought a domestic baby that looked like us.  well more I looked into it - I didn't care.  So in May 2010 a friend mentioned a free seminar at a local church in Troy - I met people from AAI and other families that have adopted.  My heart opened to a transracial child.  Craig's did as well.

In June we went to AAI for the free seminar - Craig's heart then opened up to International Adoption.  I had already read about Ethiopia adoptions and was wanting to mention this to him.  In July we met with the agency and finally decided late July that Ethiopia was where our child is at right now - I can't explain really why - but I just felt a strong pull.  Craig felt that the kids are pretty healthy there and we just decided to take the leap.

In August we submitted our formal application and were accepted August 17, 2010.  Our first social worker visit is this week - Aug 26th.

The process is VERY early and we know it will be a long journey, but believe our child is just out there waiting for their forever home.  We're currently open to a toddler of any gender, but I do believe we'll be referred a boy.  So if I ever start talking about boys - you know why.

God's bringing this all togehter without him, this wouldn't happen.

Lilacs in our backyard. not quite at peak but close.

Surprise! Niagara Falls!

My big birthday surprise landed us in Niagara Falls. and we have tickets to the indoor waterpark!

Peace out!

hats ON for EmbroidMe!

i've got my custom hat ready! i'm ready to sell some hats now baby!

Gurneith Susan Wilcox (January 6, 1917 - March 13, 2009)

Gurneith Susan Wilcox, age 92 of Howell, passed away Friday, March 13, 2009. Born January 6, 1917 in Lapeer County, she was the daughter of Arthur and Arminthia (DeGrow) Shippey. A resident of Howell since 1975, Gurneith was a former credit department clerk for Hudsons and a member of the First Baptist Church of Howell. Beloved wife of the late Arthur C. Wilcox (10/12/1996) whom she married in Silverwood, Michigan on April 20, 1940. Loving mother of Darlene (James) Garver of Oxford, MI and Douglas (Mary) Wilcox of Howell. Also survived by her grandchildren, Renae Fox, Brian Garver, Gail Backus and Marcus Wilcox; great grandchildren, Travis, Nate and Justina. Funeral service Monday, 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 210 Church St., Howell with Pastor Herb Wilson, Jr. officiating. Interment to follow at the Rich Cemetery near Lapeer. Visitation Sunday 1 – 4 & 6 – 8 p. at MacDonald’s Funeral Home, Howell (517-546-2800). Memorial contributions suggested to: First Baptist Church of Howell or the American Diabetes Association.

Funeral Arrangements for Gurneith Wilcox

Visitation will be MacDonald's Funeral Home of Howell

(http://www.webfh.com/fh/home/home.cfm?&fh_id=10817&ck=1)

MacDonald's Funeral Home
315 North Michigan Ave.
Howell, Michigan 48843
Phone: 517-546-2800

Sunday, March 15, from 1p to 4p and 6p to 8p.

The funeral will be at the First Baptist Church of Howell (http://www.fbchowell.org/)

First Baptist Church of Howell
210 Church Street
Howell, Michigan 48843
(517) 546-2830

Monday, March 16, 2009

Visitation from 10a Service at 11a

Internment in Lapeer, Michigan for immediate family only.

Katherine Elizabeth Bottorff

I did confirm the spelling with Jennifer tonight.... It's Katherine with a "K" because she's going to call her Katie. The baby was born at approximately 6.30p last night and was 10lbs, 15 ounces, and 21 inches long. Pictures will be forthcoming in a few days.

Katherine Elizabeth Bottorff

I'm a proud Uncle! Katherine Elizabeth Bottorff was born a little while ago. She's nearly 11 pounds! My sister, Jennifer, and baby are doing fine.

Spiffy Hat!

Nate's many creations

Nate thought Ronald was pretty cool.

Who needs two front teeth once you have these choppers!