Me and my friend/co-worker Pam.

Me and my friend Darlene

Adoption Dinner

Me and my friend Tonya

Lessons from a Pup

How can one little puppy change our life so much? The other night I was trying to pack for the Activity conference in Columbus that I had to attend for work Weds-Friday. Franklin kept stealing my socks, picking on Kody, our 9 year old black lab, chewing on Ashleigh's stuffed animals and Barbies (Barbies don't stand a chance against puppy teeth!), and then peeing on the floor. I took him outside. As I sat there in the dark, a little chilled, under the starry sky, as the little guy romped around in the yard, I realized maybe Franklin is trying to send me a message. I like my life structured-you can ask Kory-I have a million to do lists floating around the house. It helps keep me organized-maybe a little too much at times. I realize as much as Franklin has upset my normal routine and changed my life, more changes are ahead. I am excited about the adoption, but I realize it will change our family forever. I'm anticipating it to be a good change, but none the less, there will be many things we will all have to adjust to in order to learn to live together and be a family. So, maybe this little puppy who just so happens to be sleeping soundly on the floor right and looking oh, so cute, can teach me a thing or two about living life more spontaneously. I'm sure Kory wouldn't mind one less to do list!

Keeping Busy

We're hanging in here-waiting. The social worker advised us to keep busy while we wait. And we are with work, coaching Ashleigh's soccer team, hobbies, that sort of thing. But, what has occupied a lot of time lately is this little guy. He entered our life Tuesday. Kory found him while he was mowing the yard. He was just wandering around the street and it was getting dark. So far, no one has claimed him, so we are taking care of him. It's a full-time job between him and our black lab Kody. The little guy, who my friend Carolyn named Franklin, likes to play a little more than the older guy. They are developing a fondness for one another, though. Time will tell what happens. At this point, we are all attached. And definitely keeping busy. I had forgotten how much endless energy puppies have. But isn't he cute?

New Friendships

Since we started our adoption journey in February, we have met so many wonderful people. People who have adopted, people who are somewhere along the process like us, and people who have an interest in adoption. Since we have chosen to adopt from another country, it is extremely important to us to help keep the Filipino culture alive for our child. One of the most exciting things along our journey is that we have met a wonderful group of Filipino people from our community who are excited for us and willing to help us. They have answered our cultural questions, introduced us to some Filipino foods, and welcomed us into their homes. What wonderful people and a wonderful connection for our child to his or her culture. We just got home a little awhile ago from a cookout at one of their homes. It was a wonderful evening. We feel so blessed to have met some new friends. Adoption is a wonderful thing in so many ways. Meeting new friends is just one of many blessings.

Officially Waiting Now!

We received a phone call today from the social worker at our agency. We've been officially approved by the intercountry adoption board of the Philippines! Yes!!! Ashleigh called me at work to tell me the agency had called and then she played the message so I could hear. I was so excited I had to leave work early. The feeling was similar to finding our you're pregnant-I can't really explain it any other way. When I got home, Ashleigh and I gave each other a big hug! She was so excited, too. In her prayers tonight, she thanked God that she would finally be getting a brother or sister even if she had to wait a year or two. We're all so excited. Please continue to remember us in your prayers as our family prepares for this wonderful addition to our family!