Baby Shower Photos

Here are some photos from the awesome shower that Amy, Darlene, and Janet threw for me. My dear friend Kyndra and her daughter Cassidy flew in from Denver for the shower and that meant so much. These photos show the amazing love and support that Caroline is coming in to.

I'll post again as soon as I get my travel dates.

COURT HEARING SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK

Great news. I received word today that my court hearing is scheduled for this week. I will not have to make 2 trips - God is good! After the court hearing has taken place this week then I will be given my travel dates which will be about 5 weeks from now. Holy Cow - 5 weeks - I know that will go so fast. I will have my beautiful daughter finally in my arms in 5 weeks. I will let everyone know as soon as I have the travel dates.

Amy and a few friends threw a beautiful baby shower for me this past weekend. It was amazing - Caroline is going to be so lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love her. I need to download pictures from the shower and will get some of those posted in the next couple of days.

STILL WAITING

Wanted to let everyone know that I am still waiting to find out when I will travel to get Caroline. I received a bit of potential bad news over the weekend but am praying that it will not effect me. Kyrgyzstan is changing their trip requirements and are now requiring 2 trips for families - 5 day initial trip to meet and spend time with the baby, then they will set a court date and then back for 10-12 days to finalize the adoption and bring the baby home. I don't know yet if this will apply to me since I have already accepted a referral but I have a feeling that it will. I am anxiously awaiting to hear. This sucks for many reason but I will do whatever it takes to bring Caroline home. Send some prayers my way that I will be grandfathered into the former 1 trip requirement.

I'll keep you posted.

I am a mother!

Wanted to let everyone know that I have accepted my referral. Until I have the court date set I cannot post her picture on the blog but she is absolutely beautiful. I can not express how happy I am. I already love her with all my heart. She is a dream come true. I have named her Caroline (obviously) - her birth name is Nagima - I will keep this as her middle name.

My paperwork will now go to the Ministry of Education and once they approve then my court date will be set (I do not have to be there for court). Once the court date happens then I will wait 30 days before I travel to go get her. I can't say for certain but I am hoping that Amy and I will be traveling in early September. We went and got our first round of travel shots yesterday - my arm is slightly sore today. I won't complain because I can only imagine all the shots that Caroline will have to get once she is home.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Love to everyone.

A Little Bit About Kyrgyzstan

Here is a little history about Kyrgyzstan for those of you who have never heard of it.

Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia, it's neighboring countries are Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tadjikistan to the south and China to its East and South-East. The former Republic of the Soviet union became independent in the year 1991 and since then is a democratic Presidential Repbulic. Beshkek is the capital with about 1 million people. The country as a whole has about 5 million people (about the size of her new home of Phoenix).

The ethnic group of the Kyrgyz people were traditionally nomads - they make up about 50% of the population. The other two important ethnic groups are Russians and Uzbeks.

More pictures to come when Amy and I are there.

EXCITING UPDATE:
On Thursday last week I received a referral. It is a baby girl - born April 17, 2007 - not even 2 months old yet. She is absolutely beautiful. I have pictures of her and received a video yesterday. I have limited medical information as she was abandoned at the hospital. What I do have I am having reviewed by a doctor in CA who specializes in international adoption. I will make a decision by Friday but as of right now I know in my heart she is the one - she is perfect. I'll post more info as soon as things are more finalized. Once I accept this referral there will be a 30 day court approval process in Kyrgyzstan and then I would travel within 30 days after that if everything goes smoothly. Please keep praying that things go as smooth as they have so far and that I get her home soon.
Thanks for all the love and support.

I am just learning how to use this blog spot so hopefully it will continue to get better and better. I want this to be a resource for my friends and family so that all can be up to date on the latest and greatest develepment with my adoption. I have a very strong feeling that things are getting close. Please continue to view the blog and I will update as I have information.

I am attaching some pictures of the baby's room - it is certainly ready for her. I will have to say that the closest is full of clothes - those who know me well would expect nothing less. I'll have to take some pictures of some of the cute outfits. This girl will be the best dressed baby in Arizona.