Our Cousin's story

I thought I would send a link to Scott's cousin's blog. She is an amazing writer...her blog entries have been an inspiration to me. Her latest entry describes the story that unfolded while we were waiting in the Embassy for our final visa appointment. God really has intertwined our families in an amazing way. Hope you enjoy!

http://teamnilsen.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/through-the-looking-glass/

Also...here is a pic my friend took of Hadi. Too cute!

His Mercies Are New Every Morning!

Just checking in! We (meaning me) are feeling a little bit more normal. Hadi is doing lovely...she is truly a happy baby. We are thankful for this precious girl. Thank you all again for your meals, calls, texts and support. As the saying goes, "It takes a village." Here are a few pics in her new home.

Her brothers are ALL over her. They are enthralled with our african beauty.

Bath time is the best. She could stay in there all day.

She is on the move.

We are home...we are surviving!

We are home! Yes, we are tired. Yes, this is all a LOT of change. Hadi is doing great with bonding which is our first prayer with her. She is having a little trouble at night with sleeping but other than that, she has adjusted pretty well so far. As for the rest of us, we are taking it day by day. It has been A LOT all at once and we are all expressing it in our own way.

I'm...well, I'm a train wreck. I figure being honest about it will be the best! My boys are dealing with me gently. Today I looked over at Luke through my tear stained eyes and with the innocence of a 3 year old (and a little nudge from God) he said, "Mom, you'll be okay. You're a good mom." I smiled and thanked God for that precious moment.

Thank you so much for all of your faithful prayers and support. We have been overwhelmed by everyone helping and loving us. Thank you! We will keep you updated.

We are finding our way into this new normal with "Hadi girl".

We also have a praise...Scott's cousins were cleared today to travel. They will probably leave next week. We are so excited for them and grateful we are in this adoption journey together.

Here is some pics of Hadi's arriving at the airport. We will update with more pics and videos soon. Just not quite there yet.

P.S. She is a little cutie with a great smile. She has had many "firsts" in the last week with us, including her top two front teeth and a double ear infection...always an adventure!

Coming to America!!!!

Jill, Scott and Hadi have departed Frankfurt and are enroute to America (Atlanta arriving at 4:30 PM ET!!! At this time, all their flights are on schedule and should arrive Panama City at 7:52 PM CT. The boys, Scott's parents and myself will all be at the airport ready for a "grand Hadi homecoming." If you are able, please join us at the airport tonight. I will update any changes in their flight arrival time.

I thank you for the tremendous blessing of your love and support to all of us, especially Jill and Scott during this beautiful family journey of bringing Hadi home!

God Bless,

Diane (Jill's mom)

Leaving tomorrow...I'm ready!

We have one more night here until we get to go home. Last time we were here I wasn't homesick but it has set in this time. I'm ready to be in our home and start this journey together. I miss our boys like crazy too. But...we are making the best of it and enjoying the last few adventures before we board the plane.

We had another good night last night. She woke up once but slept pretty well. She is a very happy baby. She only really gets crabby when she is tired. We have started a little bond together. She notices when i enter a room and prefers me to hold her. This is ALL good.

The people here call her "Conjo"...meaning beautiful. I love it. She really is a beauty. Hopefully I can keep up with her curls...I've got some hairstyle learning to do! We have been having dinner with the other couples here picking up their kiddos which has been wonderful. We are all in this together.

Thank you for your prayers. We continue to appreciate them...keep it up. Can't wait to see you all soon.

Happy Birthday Jon Jon!

Feeling bittersweet today as we are missing our sweet 5 year old's birthday. Makes my heart hurt to know I can't give him a hug today. We love you Jon Jon and will call you in a little while.

We had our first night with Hadi. Kind of feel like we are first parents again!! Crazy! She actually did really well...going to bed at 9 or 10pm and waking up at 6:30 this morning. Not too bad for usually being fed throughout the night. In the care center all the babies go to sleep with bottles in their mouths. I know...my American mommy instincts are kicking in saying NOOOO! But, really this isn't a big deal in the scheme of things. This is what she knows, this is her comfort. She has taken a few naps for us too. We are grateful as we are still pretty tired. Thank goodness we are in the land of coffee.

She also has a little cold like ALL the other children in the care center. Can't wait to get her to a doctor to get some medicines to help her get rid of all the congestion. Overall, she is doing good. She grips onto me and peers at us with with her big brown eyes when we go anywhere. She has seen more in the last day than she has ever seen.

Today we have Embassy at 1:00pm. Should be a quick process and pretty uneventful. Please also keep our cousin's family in your prayers as their birth mother interview is today. The Embassy has the power at that point to pass them. Pray it is TODAY!

We thank you again for your prayers. I find myself longing to be home in my space with my precious little boys and their new sister. It just isn't the same here. We have felt your prayers though more than ever...they are carrying us through.

Love you all and Happy Birthday sweet Jon Jon...

We have arrived...she is in our arms!

Hi everyone -
For so long I have pictured what it was going to be like to walk out of the care center with her in our arms. No fireworks went off. We said goodbye and just walked out with her in our arms. She came with just the clothes she had on. Surreal.

She is precious as can be. Her huge eyes looked up at us as we got in the van to go back to the hotel. She looked apprehensive and held on tight...then fell asleep in my arms.

Tomorrow we have our Embassy appointment. We will be there the same time as our cousin's birth parent interview. We will praying over that Embassy like crazy! Please continue to pray for rest and no sickness. Good so far! We now begin the journey of bonding with sweet Hadi. We will probably spend the rest of the time doing a little shopping and going to the care center one last time to say goodbye.

We love you all. We also miss our boys like crazy. Trevor, Jon and Luke....you will LOVE Hadi!