tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78903656198863907402024-02-08T13:11:16.969-05:00The Engen's JourneyThree Countries, One Family!
Korean~Ethiopian~American'sJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-91094454291771241422008-12-17T14:55:00.002-05:002008-12-17T15:00:29.116-05:00We are back!!! I know I made a New Year's Resolution to be better at this, but now settled in our new bigger house with high speed capabilities I may just get this done. My kids literally have grown overnight, especially by looking at my last post to current post. Zada now 28 months old, yes the terrible two's, is talking maniac. She is a busy little girl and is so much happier now that she can communicate with all of us. Melt downs are further apart, but she still likes things her way. Luca is still our mad scientist. He just got his progress report and was very excited to count all the S+ marks his teacher made. I hope it stays that way. With the holidays fast approaching we are excited to have our families over to entertain in our new home. We finally have the room!! So, if anyone still checks out this blog of ours we are glad to be back!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-68575470250376922652008-01-19T18:21:00.000-05:002008-01-19T18:25:42.363-05:002008 and All is WellI know many people have given up hope that I will ever update this blog, but I am going to try and be better. Zada had a rough first Christmas. She was very over whelmed with all the people, presents and commotion. She was also dealing with fighting off pneumonia, double ear infection and yes cutting her first teeth. But, now all are fairly healthy and big plans ahead. We have decided to try sell our house and buy something bigger with more running room for our kids and the extras we love to share time with. We will just have to hang in there to see what happens. I am posting some new pictures and share with you my growing flowers!!<br /><br />JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-23755916340528694262007-10-18T14:37:00.000-04:002007-10-18T14:49:20.574-04:00The Lost Has Been FoundSorry for the loss in time with the Engen Family. We have been so busy adjusting and growing and trying to once again regain control of our schedule.<br /><br />Luca is in school and loving every minute of it. Zada is growing and changing day by day and is ready to walk. We are so ready for her to walk because she will be much happier to try and keep up. Work is work for mom and dad!! <br /><br />We are hopefully going to be able to do a charity drive in the next month to help aid people in Ethiopia. It's seems like a lifetime ago that we were there, but yet my feelings of a loss are everyday that I look back at our pictures. My social worker explained that someday Zada may have what is called survivors guilt, and it was at that very moment that my feelings were put into words. I am so thankful to have this amazing little girl in our lives, but I still feel the heavy heart that I first experienced during our van ride back to the airport as we were leaving Addis. Why were we chosen to have this miracle and why were we chosen to be the ones to be able to leave and live what we consider as a better life. I don't want to have a pitty feeling for African people because they are a wonderful people and are very proud of what they have and who they are, but I just wish I could erase the bad as far as poverty and disease and let them all have the opportunities that we are given in life. Part of me doesn't want to return to that scene for many years and a part of me wants to go back tomorrow. Either way this amazing little girl is ours forever and we are so thankful that we were chosen to be hers. If you would like to contribute in any way to our donation drive please do not hesitate to let me know. We will get the info out as soon as we are finalized on our plan and dates. Blessings to yours from ours!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-81529273622899779782007-08-10T14:28:00.000-04:002007-08-10T14:50:34.017-04:00Good Morning, Afternoon or Evening!Miss Zada is starting to get her clock figured out, but mom's jet lag is definitely kicking in. Thank goodness Dad will be home for the weekend so we can all get caught up from the excitement. Now, about our trip. First off, our flight out of GF got cancelled delaying our arrival into DC as well as us landing at the wrong airport. So, in the middle of the night we got to take a cab ride across DC with a driver who had no idea where we were going. We ended up getting to our hotel in time for a three hour sleep and off to Africa. That flight was 15 hours and really not that bad. I had a great incentive keeping me going.<br /><br />When we arrived the airport as well as the outside scene seemed very modernized, until we actually started driving. Every picture that we had in our head of Ethiopia was in front of our very eyes. Beautiful people lined the streets five people deep. Children with no parents around, no shoes on their feet and washing in any dirty mud puddle they could find. Young mothers carrying one or two children begging for money to be able to feed them. When we arrived at the house, we found our room, got our packet of our child and we were off for orientation and then to meet our baby. There are so many details in those few hours, but to make a long story short, Monday when we went back we did find out that we were given the wrong baby on our first visits. Everything got straightened out, we got to take Zada with to the embassy appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday was our farewell party and she was going home with us. We had her for two nights with us before our big departure to Minnesota. She did amazing with a couple of melt downs (yes, both of us had melt downs). Then finally, we awaited our last flight to Fargo. We were just getting ready to board and an announcement came across that our flight had been cancelled. So, all our family is waiting for us in Fargo with a plan of landing at 6:00 PM. We were able to hang around for a bit to find a later flight into GF and she got to lay eyes on her Dad and Big Brother around midnight. I think all three of them were in shock. I was just to tired to think, but the hugs Luca had were the best in the world.<br /><br />Monday was Zada's first birthday and welcome home party. She had so much company and we are so thankful for all the people that already love this little girl almost as much as we do. Now, we just want her to be secure and sleep!! Yesterday was her first photo shoot!! They both did great. Then, her first trip to the Pediatrician. She is doing amazing, but they are going to set up a pediatric evaluation clinic for her so that they can monitor her with PT, OT and a dietician. She will be on track in no time at all.<br /><br />We were very fortunate to recieve a lifebook video for Zada that has an interview with her birthmother as well as footage of where she was born and lived for the first 6 1/2 months of her life. They are amazing people and we will be able to send back photos so they can see that the little girl we both love is safe, healthy and the gem in our hearts. If ever anyone were to ask me about international adoption I would direct them to Ethiopia. There are so many wonderful people and children that are just waiting for the experience of love. We have had so many people say what a wonderful we have done, but it is not that at all. Zada is our blessing and we thank God for directing our path to bring her home. Yes, I am glad that she will experience a life of security and health as well as receive an education, but we are not her savior - She is ours!! I know that we will learn together on many issues of life, but her culture and her soul has already taught me more than any course I have been through in life.<br /><br />We did share our week with seven other families whom we already miss dearly. They are part of our Korean-Ethiopian-American Family. Many hugs and kisses to them and their babies. Also, a little note to Miss Layla and Auntie Jolene in Guatemala, we can't wait to meet you and welcome you home. Please call us as soon as your plane lands!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-24649212373423570822007-08-08T16:14:00.000-04:002007-08-08T16:18:15.090-04:00I'm Home, I'm Tired & She is Beautiful!!Cancelled flights, baby switch and all emotions in between finally got us all home. We had a remarkable experience in Addis. We were among 6 other families that really have become part of our family through the trials, tribulations and joys the last few months have sent out way. Zada is an amazing little girl. She is a little out of sorts today. Maybe a little separation anxiety, ear issues and jet lag. No matter what it is, she is ours and we love every moment. However, we are looking forward to a good nights sleep. I am off again and promise to share more when time allows.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-60051047690031788222007-07-25T11:17:00.000-04:002007-07-25T11:22:15.182-04:00My last post before we leave!! Happy Travels - See everyone soon!<div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">The Chosen Heart</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Longing for a child to love, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">I'd wish upon the stars above.<br />In my heart I always knew,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">A part of me was meant for you.<br /><br />I think how happy we will be,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Once I adopt you, and you adopt me.<br /><br />I dream of all the joy you'll bring,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Imagining even the littlest things.<br />The way it will feel to hold you tight,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">And tuck you in every night.<br /><br />The drawings on the refrigerator door,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">And childhood toys across the floor.<br />The favorite stories read again and again,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">And hours of games with make-believe friends.<br /><br />The day you took my outstretched hand,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">A journey ended but our lives began.<br />Still mesmerized by your sweet face,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Still warmed inside by our first embrace.<br /><br />I promised to give you a happy home,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">And a loving family all your own.<br />A house you've now made complete,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">With laughter, smiles and tiny feet.<br /><br />A parent is one who guides the way,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Know I will be there everyday.<br />Rest easy as each night you sleep,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">A lifetime of love is yours to keep.<br /><br />Longing for a child to love,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">I'd wish upon the stars above.<br />In my heart I always knew,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">A part of me belonged to you.</span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-90824701152135865532007-07-24T20:34:00.000-04:002007-07-24T21:05:04.670-04:002 DAYS TO GO!!!Busy day tomorrow! Work a bit, back adjustment, final pack review, get my travel money, Luca - swimming lessons, parade, county fair, cry a little in between everything because we are so excited but not wanting to leave my boys. Then, the final moment, off to experience something that we can only try to imagine. A world that really can teach us all about how having the necessities of life really are enough and that getting up each day and you so be proud of who you are and grateful for what you have. I will probably be so glad just to have my washer and dryer and a cold glass of milk when I get home.<br /><br />Thank you to all who have sent donations for the children and for our journey. Thank you so much for the prayers because we can never have too many of those. We do ask that those continue not only on our trip, but on our journey of making sure this little girl is given every opportunity our world has to offer. We are so proud to be bringing her into our family and community, and I know she is going to shape the people we are about to become. Life changes with children!! Luca has lots of room for love in his little heart and he says almost daily, "Mom, she is going to love me so much, and I will teach how to do everything". Little do they know that these two little people will teach us all so much more than we can ever teach them.<br /><br />I will try update while I am gone, but know that we will be home to share her with all of you in just 11 days!! Lots of hugs to all, and if you see my boys while I am gone, please make sure Luca is fed more than lunchables and orange pop and that he does get a bath and teeth brushed daily. Other than that, I hope him and his Dad/Grandpa have a great time. He will also get to see his cousins Reid and Paige from Virginia Beach. We wish we could see them too, but they will have much more fun with Luca and Zada is getting impatient waiting for us to bring her home.<br /><br />Love to all - JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-52615218301603292672007-07-23T19:05:00.000-04:002007-07-23T19:08:47.755-04:003 Days To Go!!<strong>Yes, we finally got all our paperwork and this is the photo appearing on Zada's birth certificate. It looks like a mix between I want to get up and play and an extreme close up. She does have a little hair, but the distinct brown eyes are stealing our heart already. We just have to teach her to bat the lashes and Dad will give in to anything. We are so anxious. I didn't sleep real sound last night. Maybe then I will be able to sleep on the plane. I can't wait to see the whole her. This picture isn't really giving a good view on how she is growing, but Saturday morning I will know for sure!!!</strong>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-50008280181466496552007-07-18T17:49:00.000-04:002007-07-18T17:52:35.150-04:008 Days To Go!NO PICTURE YET! Still waiting. Travel confirmed though. Leaving Thursday out of G.F. so I at least get to take my boys to the fair for one night and off I go. Suitcases are ready - and last night a finally had a dream and the baby in the dream was Zada with cheeks. That is my sign that I am really, really going! Let the countdown go fast and the trip even faster. I am so excited to share her with our world. Especially with her Dad and Big Brother! Hopefully I will have her photo by Friday.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-23991134806523711932007-07-16T20:08:00.000-04:002007-07-16T20:16:16.099-04:0010 days and counting!Yes, our travel date is set again for Thursday the 26th. I had a little mishap in the whirlwind of stress. Last week I blew my back out once again and I am realizing that there is a reason for our travel delay. I truly am blessed to work in an office with people who are truly the best friends a person could ask for and did I mention it is a chiropractic office!! So, thank you Judy for being my personal driver, to Dr. Mark and all you girls for helping me out and for reassuring me that all will be fine. I just couldn't imagine traveling in the shape I was in and you all kicked in high gear for me. I don't know if I can ever repay all the people who have helped on this journey.<br /><br />For all who read our blog, there is going to be a birthday party for Miss Zada on Monday the 6th at Grandma Pat's house. All invited - my dad did say that we will do anything for a party!! I am hoping to get her new picture and update this week so stay patient!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-7578217174421346512007-07-06T16:11:00.000-04:002007-07-06T16:23:14.265-04:00Today is BetterAs most of you know, we have had quite a mix up in the world of adoption lately. I have not posted because I was taught that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. To shorten things up, Zada's paperwork got mixed up with another child's and therefore our travel arrangements are delayed until the 26th of July. It hasn't been that cut and dry, but I am at the point again of realizing that there is a reason for all of this. A good friend explained to me last night that I am suppose to be in Africa two weeks later for a very important reason. Whether someone or something is going to have an impact on my life or if for some strange reason we can have an impact on someone else's, it will all be presented in due time. God is giving me this time to prepare mentally I think. I just hope that the next set of tears is for pure excitement and happiness instead of frustration and chaos!! We should get a photo of Zada early next week (I HOPE).<br /><br />Looking back we did have delays with Luca coming home, but the difference is us doing the traveling this time. And, once he was in my arms, all the let downs along the way seemed to disappear. All I can say is this little girl is going to have the biggest 1st birthday party ever. EVERYONE INVITED!!<br /><br />Thanks again for the emails and prayers - we truly appreciate everyone's thoughts and concerns. We will stay strong and continue to do whatever it takes.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-87810648118275589522007-06-22T14:53:00.000-04:002007-06-22T14:59:34.347-04:00Oh goodness - Auntie Diana brought over the cutest clothes last night and Gretchen bought a shirt that says, "Everyone loves a brown eyed girl". This is sinking in and we are officially under 3 weeks wait. We also are so excited to share that little Layla will be home from Guatemala probably a week after Miss Zada arrives. These little girls have stolen the hearts of many and I just know they will have the charm their big brothers have to continue melting hearts. We have gotten to be a very diverse family and we wear a certain amount of pride on our sleeves because of that. But, what it comes down to is we are all so lucky to have friends and family that love our children as much as we do and they are so excited to share each step of this journey as well as the adventures that await. Thank you to all for that!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-41504933938795049392007-06-21T20:20:00.001-04:002007-06-21T20:37:26.771-04:00Booked, Purchased - But, Not Packed Yet!!A day of all days!! The tickets are booked with some minor changes. We are now going to be flying in and out of Fargo instead of Minneapolis. Closer for my boys and a quicker ride home for three tired ladies. We will leave the 12th and return on the 21st. Company welcome the 22nd - after a shower and at least a couple hours sleep in my own bed. <br /><br />There have been so many emotions in the last couple of days. For anyone with children, just imagine the child you tuck in each night being a world away. I am so <em><strong>anxious</strong></em> to hold her and smell her baby smell, I am <strong><em>worried</em></strong> that she will make strange when all I want to do is cuddle her, I am <strong><em>sad</em></strong> that we live in a world where families don't have the means to feed the children they love so dearly and they have to surrender to making a lifetime plan for them with people they may never know, and <strong><em>mostly I am so thankful</em></strong> to be the mom of a vibrant 5 year old and a 10 month old that is going to make our home complete. So, tonight as you tuck in your children, be thankful that they are in your arms and Luca and I will continue to say our prayers with an ending of, "please keep everybody safe, and bring us our baby". Goodnight!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-14169742429144932172007-06-19T18:56:00.001-04:002007-06-19T19:06:13.227-04:00SHE IS OURS!!!!Each milestone in the adoption process is measured by the much awaited phone calls. And yes, today the good news came that my baby will finally be placed in my arms. We have gotten clearance to travel on July 13th and arriving in country on the 14th. THAT IS ONLY 3 WEEKS AWAY!!!! This is so much like when we got Luca. He came home on the 9th of July and we got to show him off a week later at our county fair. How much fun is this!!! Thanks to all the prayers for a speedy trip home. We really didn't think we would be going until the 28th, so for once we are spinning as we prepare instead of always waiting, waiting, waiting. Now, we hope Mom has all the paperwork done correctly and that our trip is smooth and healthy. Oh, Baby Girl - I just can't wait to see who you are. Her new picture should be here in about a week. I'll keep you posted. AMEN!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-23888908079286898892007-06-11T21:04:00.000-04:002007-06-11T21:19:09.506-04:00Sociable is the WordI guess we have another social butterfly entering the Engen home. We got a developmental update on Miss Zada today and that is just what it says, "Sociable". She is fitting in a little more each day!! She is showing great facial expressions and talking her own talk to people and toys. She is creeping on her belly and pulls to get her toys. She is no longer taking the fully loaded formula because she is in the upper 85% weight for length category!!! Go Zada Go!!! She also has her four front teeth. She'll be ready for "honkin hunks" of steak at Florian Park in no time at all!! It says she also has a favorite object or toy - Dad hopes it isn't a credit card already!!!<br /><br />I have to share a story about Luca too - we were watching some track and field events on TV yesterday and a young lady from Ethiopia won her division. He was so excited cheering her on, and when it was done he says, "do you think when she gets back to Ethiopia she is going to visit Zada"? I just giggled and said, "if she does, I hope she tells her to come home soon". Ethiopia must be like Argyle, you just go visiting when you want to visit!!<br /><br />Have a great evening - and if we could ask for an extra prayer of a speedy, safe trip home for Miss Zada and all the babies in the world waiting for their Forever Families!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-41805151025626398732007-06-06T13:47:00.000-04:002007-06-06T13:57:41.720-04:00A much needed Update!!We received a weight update today on Zada and she sure is growing. When she went into the center the end of March she weighed 9-lbs, 1-oz. and as of June first she is already 12-lbs, 5-oz.!!! I just wish we could say that she is getting so big right before our eyes, but soon. Each week we get closer. Our passports are here and we are going to our shot clinic on Friday so each step means it is coming. Oh how I wish I could just have a peak at her, but then I would want a squeeze, and then I know I couldn't ever let her go, so I will wait until all that happens. <br /><br />I was so excited to meet little Ari that just joined our world from China. She is just a week older then Zada and precious as an angel. Thanks for sharing her and getting my excitement level back to knowing the wait is so worth it. <br /><br />Have a good one!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-74094631737304068052007-06-01T16:52:00.000-04:002007-06-01T16:58:47.826-04:00Another Happy Friday - Off to Fargo for the weekend with Zada's necessities list!! Girls are all about necessities!! Look good, smell good and feel good all in one bottle hopefully. No recent updates except that there are currently 77 families waiting to travel to Ethiopia to bring home their children. We should have a few families traveling with us with numbers like that. Still taking about 12 weeks total so that brings us to July 30th. Hopefully we will go around the 28th or earlier, but should have a 4 week notice of our travel date. Luca informed me that he has already traded her for Charlie - (Heidi's dog). This could be quite the transition. I am having to take Zada's photo off the site because being we are in paperwork stages we should not be posting it on the web. I am still having crazy dreams and I just know eventually she will love us as much as we love her. Hopefully as quick as Luca did - or at least I think he did. Take care and keep counting down the days!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-10388752865147437862007-05-25T14:35:00.000-04:002007-05-25T14:36:01.417-04:00Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-91333785012972432742007-05-25T14:24:00.000-04:002007-05-25T14:42:10.672-04:00Another Week Down!!Hello all - I guess I am what everyone calls "Nesting". Amos is making fun of me packing Zada's suitcase, repacking, washing and repacking again. This is how I deal with waiting. I am somewhat of an anal person and yes I know I will continue to do this for the next 8 weeks, but if it keeps me sane, go with it!! I have been having awful nightmares about our arrival to find my little girl doesn't care so much for us. I never had dreams like that with Luca, but my friends assure me that I am doing this because I am a much wiser individual now!! (I think it is their way of saying, "chill out".) You always hope that connection will be instant and it definitely was with Luca. Maybe I am just realizing the female attitude that tags along with me and I am worried that she has already been blessed with that characteristic. Either way Zada, you are mine and you are coming home with me!! Besides, Luca has big plans for you!!<br /><br />Right now we are just waiting for her paperwork to be marked as our child and for her travel clearance to be issued. We will be gone from Saturday to Saturday (no definite date, just the end of July). We will arrive Sunday evening, meet Zada on Monday, Embassy meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday Zada will be with us for the rest of the week, we will travel home Friday, arrive in Minneapolis Saturday. It will be here before we know it. AMEN<br /><br />To all, Have a fun, safe Memorial Weekend!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-46697750736123153982007-05-15T18:58:00.000-04:002007-05-15T19:06:38.058-04:00Another day closer!Hello all - I just visited a blog of some friends who are sharing their first moments with their daughter in China and I have tears and chills for them. Congratulations to the Kuznia Family!!! How it makes me so excited for that meeting and how I remember the warmth of holding Luca for the first time. It is such a relief the first time they look up at you with a smile that says, "we are all going to be just fine together".<br /><br />We are still expecting our travel to be the end of July and we received the paperwork to get us started for our journey. It will take mom and I both to figure this all out so we end up in the right country!! Luca is so excited to get a picture ready to send to Zada. She will be able to have by her crib and that is exactly where it will be when she comes home. I wonder if she will be as excited about our picture as we were for hers!!<br /><br />Many hugs and hello to all who visit our blog. Have a great evening.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-83301328690295839182007-05-10T10:14:00.000-04:002007-05-10T10:20:55.049-04:00They are both growing up fast!!!Hello all - what a big day we had yesterday!! Luca graduated from Preschool and is sharing his last day today with his preschool friends and teachers. We sure were busy with balloons and planning a big celebration for the first five years that flew right by. I did really good and didn't become the weepy mom at the preschool graduation. We are just so proud of him and are so happy that he has such a great group to grow up with.<br /><br />We also got a little update on Zada yesterday. She has gained almost 2 lbs since she has been in the care center. It is such a reassurance that she is in a great place until she comes home. This week has gone so fast, we just hope the next 8 do too so we can start preparing our travel.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-10728958647472511122007-05-07T14:15:00.000-04:002007-05-07T14:29:50.931-04:00Another MondayShopping, Shopping, Shopping!! We have had a busy weekend!!! No additional info on Zada just yet, but we sure know that she is going to be stylin' with her new clothes. I just wish we could have her here already. I'm sure I will repack her suitcase once a week until we travel!! Grandma brought Luca home a shirt that says, "I'm a Big Brother". He's pretty proud of that. He is getting a little more curious and starting to piece together the puzzles. He asked me the other day if I got a picture of him when he was a baby, so we took out his little book with his first three pictures when he was in Korea. Yes, we were just as crazy then as we are now with the shopping, crying, and shopping some more. I would move the furniture around in his room (like it made the room bigger, or the time go by quicker), I also had a whole suitcase packed just for a day trip home from Minneapolis (which, yes I repacked for 5 months)!! It's hard to describe all that we feel, but reality will be when they place her in my arms and I know she is mine to protect for the rest of our lives!! We are hoping for a physical update soon, but that could come a week before she comes home. We just know that she is in great hands until ours get there for her. <br /><br />Luca and I went on his preschool year end class trip today and had a great time. His Graduation is Wednesday and we will be having a little party in honor of all his hard work this year. I suppose I'll cry then too!! <br /><br />The book of life always has one more chapter of living and learning. We are so blessed for what we have been given and to have a great community and family support to share all this with. I'm sure after Zada gets home he will be more than happy to go to all day kindergarten!! What a helper he will be - we hope!<br /><br />Take care and we send extra blessings to little cousin Layla as she waits for her homecoming from Guatemala and the Kuznia family that will be traveling this week to bring their daughter home from China. You are in our thoughts and prayers of safety and a quick trip home!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-51947986017725626222007-05-04T15:10:00.000-04:002007-05-04T15:15:07.896-04:00Another day with a little more sleep last night. We are realizing how unprepared we are as we make arrangements for passports and shots. We have been told now that it will be about 10 weeks to travel so that will take us to approximately July 23rd or so. WHO KNOWS!!! I hope we will have her h0me so her big brother can celebrate her first birthday with her, which is August 6th. I guess that gives us more shopping time!! Take care and again we will update as we can. Thanks!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-4016160051954838942007-05-03T17:08:00.000-04:002007-06-19T19:13:14.068-04:00Our New AdditionLIFE IS GOOD!!! I never expected to be writing so soon with news like this, but how happy we are to be!!!! Tuesday afternoon Amos received a phone call that he felt gave him the ultimate upper hand in life!! We were given a few details, and her picture came yesterday (on Amos's birthday of all days). So, we will hopefully be able to travel late June or early July to bring home Miss Zada Tsehaynesh. So, thanks to all the prayers because they worked faster than we could have ever imagined.<br /><br />Luca is absolutely bouncing off the walls and is sharing his picture with everyone he sees - even if they don't want to see it!! I'm trying to get the photo to transfer so that I can post it so be patient it is coming.<br /><br />Keep Zada in your thoughts and pray that she continues to grow until we can bring her home.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890365619886390740.post-65862744430786060642007-04-26T10:45:00.000-04:002007-04-26T11:00:17.811-04:00Day two of figuring this out!!!<span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">We watched the American Idol Gives Back episode last night and I went to bed even more excited to travel to Africa. It was a very eye opening show and it puts life back into perspective on what necessities are. Luca said, "mom, we have to bring our baby home so she has food to eat and a nice house to live in. WOW, that helps us realize that if you have that at the end of the day, I guess things are pretty good. I know this trip is going to be a very emotional experience, but I hope it changes us as a family for the better. I think Amos is just hoping we stick to the plan on bringing <em><strong>one</strong></em> home. How anxious we are!!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868506380370583795noreply@blogger.com0