HAITI OR BUST

New Blog

2011-05-01T18:25:00.003-04:00

Here is the link to our new blog. I had forgotten all the time it takes to get one together, so it will be a work in progress :) Thanks for stopping by ! Estep Express

Long Time, No Post

2011-04-24T15:30:00.008-04:00

I love to wear moms glasses !

It's been awhile, but we are still here ! Life never seemed to uncrazy after the New Year. We are doing well, just living life. An update on Vania... At her annual doctors appointment they said she has grown 6 inches and gained eleven pounds in a year. The doctor was quite impressed and even took her out to remeasure her to make sure the nurse was right :) That's what 3 meals a day,exercise and a loving family will do for ya. She said the sweetest thing on the couch the other day. We were talking about how big she was getting & then she asked " But why am I getting so big ? " and I said " Because you are eating good and exercising... " And she interjects " Doing my flips! " ( translation , gymnastics ). ". " Yes", I agreed. " She was quiet for a second and then said "You take care of me. ", Very seriously.
And my heart melted For sure :)

We have had our civil surgeon appointment and really need to get on the ball finishing the paperwork for citizenship. But, it'll get done. We have filed our taxes attaching a w-7 and just got word back that they need an adoption decree and receipts from the adoption process in order to receive the adoption tax credit, which we faxed over Friday.... So sounds like we will not need to get her SSN before we get the credit. PRAISE GOD !

I think I will be starting a new blog. More of a family blog now that our adoption process is coming to an end. It has been a wild ride, but well worth the journey. Thank you to all who have followed. Now, it's time to move forward on our new adventures. This last year has been a blur & I finally feel like we are settled as a family unit. So hopefully you will pop over and check out our adventures. I haven't got it together yet, but when I do I will let you know.

Today, Easter 2011

What a Year !

2011-02-01T15:01:00.005-05:00

Rising Park

Lake Erie

Build A Bear

Creekside

Feeding Goats , Pumpkin Patch

On the way to Put In Bay

COSI

Our beloved Park

Feb 1st, 2010

· Headed for home!

· After two flights, we arrived in Columbus with you and were greeted by your new brothers Zane and Carson and your new sister Zoe – who was jumping up and down when she saw us! They love you so much! A lot of our family was there, and some friends, to witness the moment. Even the local TC news was there to capture the moment! Your new life with your new family begins today. Thank you God. You have truly amazed me.

Love, Poppie

Gotcha Day, 1 Year Ago

2011-01-30T16:59:00.004-05:00

January 30th,2010

· We went to the “His House Children’s Home” in Miami today to meet you. We started the paperwork and the worker that reviewed it said we’d have no problem getting you released today. Then we got to see you! You looked good. You had a blister on your hand and a little problem with your earlobe by your piercing. Otherwise, you look perfect. They said you were wild, which doesn’t surprise us, but you were quiet for us at first. You let us hold you and hug you and kiss you. In less than an hour, your true personality came out! Giggling, laughing, talking, eating beef jerky! We were so glad to see you. Then we went back to the office and they finished your paperwork and released you to us!

· Late today, we talked with Chareyl. She told us a little about your circumstances after the earthquake. From what we understand, your Birth Mother came to get you after the earthquake to make sure you were okay. Then she took you into the hills. Eventually, you were located with her. Brent told us that your Birth Mother is beautiful. This doesn’t surprise us because you are too! Chareyl said that your Birth Mother was very concerned about you and wanted to know for sure that you would still be adopted. Your Birth Mother loves you so much that she gave you to us. She wanted a better life for you than she could give you herself. We intend to deliver for her. She gave you the gift of a better life and us the gift of another beautiful daughter. I want you to know that your Birth Mother’s decision was motivated by love, nothing else. We thank God for her and for you. We thank God that he protected you during the earthquake that killed so many people in Haiti and that he gave your Birth Mother some time with you before you came to us. And also that he was able to give her assurance, through Chareyl, that there was still a loving family in the U.S. ready to open their home to you. I pray that we’re able to get a picture and an update to her about how you’re doing soon.

· Now, tonight, you’re sleeping in our hotel room. Unbelievable! The day after tomorrow we take you home. Zane, Zoe and Carson and so many others are so excited to meet you! You talked to them on the phone today. It was funny to hear you say their names!

Love, Poppie

Unexpected Beauty

2011-01-19T20:48:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I took Vania to the library. I can't remember if it was rainy or cold ( or both ) but I had her all bundled up from head to toe. Seeing that my hands were full with Vania & a backpack full of books a nice man held the door for us. Once inside I pulled Vania's hood down and put her down to walk. "WHOA!!!! " I heard the man say. "I wasn't expecting that !" Apparently we had just rocked his world by the unveiling of our ebony & ivory relationship. I just had to laugh to myself. This poor guy needed to get out more :)

Adopting a black child was totally something that came unexpected to Adam & I. When we were first looking into international adoption we had considered a few different countries but had decided that adopting a child of black ethnicity would be too hard for us as far as social acceptability goes. What ? I can't even believe we had that thought. But that's how we felt. It took God growing our hearts through many different avenues to realize that God would build our family the way he wanted it & it would be beautiful no matter what the world's opinion was. & it is. And she is. And I love everything about her.

Thank you Dr.Martin Luther King for opening the eyes of a watching world. Thanks to you the world is definitely a more beautiful place :)

A Rescue Plan

2011-01-13T08:07:00.006-05:00

The children, waiting & ready to fly home
(Vania is in the middle with blue stripped dress)

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti. Many times over Haiti has suffered natural disasters this time bringing the country to her knees. I remember seeing the breaking news on the TV that evening not fully aware of the intensity of the journey that lay ahead. Our daughter along with many other children & people we had met in Haiti were there somewhere in the aftermath and no one had answers for what seemed like an eternity. We clung to every news story we could get our hands on. Prayed and prayed some more. Listening for the phone to ring or an e-mail to pop into our in box. The days were LONG waiting & waiting with a sense of helplessness & desperation being so far away.

For us it was a happy ending . Thanks to Team Hope we were able to eventually fly down to Miami and pick Vania up under Humanitarian parole. A few days later we boarded a plane and flew, home sweet home. And in August we were able to finalize her adoption.

Like everyone else my day was pretty normal yesterday. I went through my busy day with Haiti on my mind but not really pausing to reflect on the day of the earthquake too long. Why? Well, honestly it hurts. Adam & I like so many other families wallowed in days of sorrow & anxiety. Adam actually made a journal entry for Vania every day until we picked her up. He has tried to share it with me since then, but I can't get through the first few entries with out bawling. Those emotions are still lingering even after a year.

Last night my family & I gathered around & watched the documentary "Adopting Haiti " which premiered on Hulu yesterday. It featured a couple orphanages & their plight to get the children evacuated after the quake. I remember seeing a lot of that footage as it unfolded on CNN. But this time it was nice to actually see what was going on behind the brief broadcasts that would appear live on TV. And, we didn't have to wait through a whole flurry of stories to see what was going on with the children.

I went to bed with the documentary fresh in my mind. It was apparent that the ticket out for these children , who were obviously suffering, was that they were in process of being adopted.
That really hit home with me because throughout this whole adoption journey I have really connected more closely with what it means to be an adopted child of God.

This was God's physical RESCUE PLAN. Now , let me make it clear that I am NOT implying that he caused the earthquake as part of his plan. What I am implying is that God being omniscient already knew that an earthquake was going to hit Haiti & guess what ... he had a rescue plan for our children. ADOPTION.

This is a great picture of God's spiritual rescue for us in this broken , suffering world. A year later Haiti is still suffering after world wide monetary pledges and TV coverage. I'm not sure what God's plans are for Haiti & I may never understand their continued suffering this side of Heaven. But I know God has a plan & sees their pain . I do know that God has an eternal rescue plan for each & every one of us if we just ask .

In John 1:12-13 it says this...."Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name , he gave the right to become children of God.-Children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbands will, but born of God.

I find that to be very comforting. Especially in the midst of suffering & unanswered questions in this life. Thank you God that you are all knowing. Thank you that you love us and made a rescue plan for us.Thank you that in the midst of suffering you are faithful to stand by our side and grieve with us. Thank you for keeping Haiti in our thoughts & prayers.Thank you for rescuing our children.

Prayer Request

2011-01-11T12:28:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine from our local Haiti group has been working on finalizing the adoption of their little girl Sendy. Sendy has special needs and was here in the USA at the time of the earthquake for surgery. They were told today that they would not be able to finalize because she was here on a medical visa instead of humanitarian parole. Julie, her adoptive mom has been doing everything possible along with Sendy's orphanage to compile the needed paperwork to complete the adoption. As we all know too well satisfying the judge's sometimes seems impossible. Please pray for their family. As you can imagine their hearts are breaking knowing that she may have to return to Haiti. Her medical visa expires in a week.Please pray that the attorney would be able to fully satify the judges requests in a timely manner. Please pray for strength for Julie & her family. Please pray that God would move mountains to keep Sendy here. Sendy is so happy here. She is just flourishing & loving her family.Please keep this family in your hearts & prayers !

Adopting Haiti Documentary

2011-01-10T14:27:00.007-05:00

A friend of mine from our local Haiti group sent this e-mail today. I'll be watching hope you will too :)

Hi all!

Just wanted to send out an email letting those of you know that are interested and have not seen it on Facebook that a documentary on Gracyn's orphanage evacuation will air on Hulu.com January 12th. I am not sure of the exact time, but my assumption is that it will be available at any time starting on Wednesday, the one year anniversary of the earthquake. I would love to have as much support shown for this film as possible, given that it is a new producer who did an excellent job and brought light to the plight of these children that helped bring them home. The orphans that are still at Maison des Enfants de Dieu continue to need support as well, so I think this is an awesome way to help bring awareness to the needs of the orphanage. I also have friends who were interviewed for this film, and have previewed it personally at their home. Gracyn does appear in the footage several times (you may not recognize her as her hair is short and you will not see her beautiful smile), and yes, it is hard to watch. She appears sad and afraid, but this is her story. Please watch if you can and feel free to pass along the info! Thank you, Katy

Recipe for Haitian Spaghetti

2011-01-07T15:14:00.003-05:00

Originally I got this recipe from googling it. Here goes.......
Olive oil
Spaghetti noodles
Diced onions
Minced garlic ( fresh /dried )
Cloves
Thyme
Ham
Spaghetti sauce
Boil the spaghetti until al dente. While cooking your spaghetti , in a large frying pan sautee the onions, garlic, thyme and cloves in olive oil. Once they have cooked for a few minutes add diced ham ( we cut up a ham steak ) and brown with the other ingredients. Lastly, drain the spaghetti noodles ( I tossed them with a little olive oil before putting in the pan ) and add them to the pan with the other ingredients. I added 4-6 Tbsp of traditional spaghetti sauce to the mix and cooked for a few more minutes. Wha La !

Happy Belated Haitian Independence Day

2011-01-06T17:15:00.006-05:00

Our New Years Day is Haiti's Independence Day. This was our 2nd attempt at Haitian Spaghetti to celebrate the day. We are not a sauerkraut & pork family so this was an easy transition for New Years. Easy, quick, simple & yummy. Thanks to my new Christmas pans ( thanks mom :) this batch turned out perfect ! It brought back the memories of our hotel stay in Haiti & not being able to get enough Haitian Spaghetti at breakfast ,lunch or dinner. So far this is the only Haitian food we've learned to cook . But, it's a keeper. If anyone would like to give us quick
easy fav's to try we'd love it.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T19:15:00.007-05:00

Today we took the kids ice skating. For most of us it was the our first time ( all but Zoe & I ) and I have'nt been ice skating since I was probably Zoe's age ! We knew this adventure could go really good or really bad. Lucky for us as soon as we laced them up & sent them out on the ice,they were natural pros :) I helped Vania along and Adam was a good sport taking it slow & steady. No injuries & no major collisions. Everyone had a great time !

Can you believe that it was 60 degrees here today ?No coats for us ! We left the rink and got blasted by the warm breeze from outside. The snow & ice have melted & the kids are glad to finally be able to ride their scooters outside.

Now we're settled in for the night. Just hanging out, ready to bring in the New Year. I can't imagine a year more eventful than last year. But hey, you never know right ? Happy New Year !
Bambi

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T19:13:00.004-05:00

She got her scooter :)

Holding onto dad for dear life !

Merry Christmas !!!!!

Vania is still buzzing around like a little bee after her first Christmas. I can tell she is totally over stimulated because she can't focus on anything but sorting through all the new Christmas treasures. A minute ago I found her lounging in the laundry basket with my new shoes on,Various items of clothing under her, her new Hello Kitty Scooter a water bottle she was chugging and her baby doll. That lasted all but five minutes then she was onto something else :)I may find her sound asleep under wrapping paper somewhere before I am done posting this. Everyone is tuckered out !
She has absolutely loved the Christmas holiday. She loves all the Christmas songs and performed with the other kids in our church Christmas program. She picked out her very first official ornament for the tree. A pink Christmas bulb with a little bow on the side that says Vania Anne 2010. Made chocolate covered pretzels with the kids. Saw Santa for the first time in which she was terrified at first. Now, every time we see a Santa ringing the bell for the Salvation Army she wants to go over to say hi. Then she says,"see mommy I'm not afraid of Santa anymore!" And the joy of opening her Hello Kitty scooter was priceless. "My Hello Kitty Scooter , My Hello Kitty Scooter, yes finally !" I believe were her words.
My favorite moments of the season..... putting -To :Vania Love, mom & dad -on her presents ! & hearing her wish everyone a Merry Christmas in her tiny little voice :)
GOOD TIMES!

Santa Clause Is Coming To Town

2010-12-17T16:01:00.003-05:00

Oh Christmas Tree !

2010-12-11T21:03:00.004-05:00

Vania was very excited to put up the Christmas tree. Much more than the rest of us this year. I'm glad to have her young energetic spirit to get us in the Christmas mood :) All she is asking for is a "Hello Kitty Cooter (scooter ) " for Christmas. And she reminds me about 100 times a day :) I finally told her that she would have to take it up with Santa, since he'll be the one bringing it. Unfortunately for her, we have skipped all the outrageously long lines to sit on Santa's lap so far this year . But she will get her chance to give Santa her list next weekend at our church Christmas party. We'll have to keep you posted.

She was excited to find an ornament we made for her last Christmas with her picture inside.

Taking her picture in front of the tree started out well until.........

.......She decided rolling her eyes back in perfect time with the flash was much more fun :)

She just cracked herself up !

This is the morning after we put up the tree. She had to count all the candy canes to make sure they were there.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T19:04:00.004-05:00

Thankful to have sweet moments with grandparents

Thankful for new cousins

Adam runs his first race since high school ( The Flying Feather 4 miler)

Thankful for new Thanksgiving traditions

Thankful for the miracle of a little girl brought home safely

Thankful for Christ & our eternal salvation
Phillippians 4: 6-7 " Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God , which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus . "

Friends

2010-11-16T20:22:00.006-05:00

Since the weather has turned colder we have moved our Haiti play dates inside at McDonalds. The girl's had a BLAST. The best part was that they were able to play along with all their sibs too while the mom's ( & Adam :) got to chat. I am so thankful to have this group to connect with here locally. It is awesome ! Thank you Lord for blessing us with more friends . Thank you for bringing these girls home safely into loving families where they are sure to have their bellies filled on Thanksgiving.

The whole gang & their sibs

Graceyn

Vania & Jo Jo

Emma

Yarn Braids

2010-11-15T16:09:00.006-05:00

Beaded beauty

ponytails

Vania falls asleep on the side of the tub after the long process of removing the yarn extensions :)

back to natural

Well, I have to say I loved the yarn extensions. They lasted about 2 1/2 weeks. Easy to take care of, versatile with styling & easy to keep all the "stuff " out of her hair. The last week I trimmed up the yarn to her shoulders and added beads. She loved flipping her hair back & forth to make noise with her beads :) We probably could have gone for a third week , but I wanted to get a trim in before Thanksgiving and knew it would not hold up that long with all the flipping & wrestling etc . that a three year old likes to do :) I also don't think it would be a good style for summer with all the dirt, sweat & swimming. Maybe we'll try it again in spring. Hopefully her hair will grow a lot over the winter so we can just have all natural longer braids.

Bambi

Bug Lady

2010-11-09T16:40:00.005-05:00

Zane holding a preying mantis

This is actually only the exoskeleton of a tarantula. Oh yeah, she brought a live one too !

The infamous hissing cockroach
(according to the bug lady, a great pet)

Vania is a very brave little girl ! The home school co -op had a pets class & invited the " bug lady" to visit. She had all sorts of interesting creepy crawly critters. And where was Miss V? Well , right beside the bug lady of course. Zane enjoyed them too . He was there to take pictures for his Current Events project. It was fun watching all the little eyes getting as big as saucers and the squeals every time the bug lady pulled a new bug out to show them. She will have to kill spiders for daddy in mommy's absence :)

From Haitian Roots » Adoption » Content — SixSeeds.tv

2010-11-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

From Haitian Roots » Adoption » Content — SixSeeds.tv

Please take the time to follow this link & post a comment. Haitian Roots is truly a wonderful organization that is making a difference in the lives of children in Haiti & SixSeeds has generously offered to make a $2.00 donation for every comment posted on the Haitian Roots site after the article you will read following the above link. Take the time... Make a difference!
Bambi

Trick Or Treat

2010-10-29T08:53:00.003-04:00

" WAIT FOR ME !!"

Zane helped a friend of ours in her scary porch theme. He is the scary clown.
No pics of Zoe . She was off with her friends this year.

My little Vamp Carson !

Waiting impatiently for trick or treat to start

Miss V & her first jack o lantern

Well, we are a little hung over this morning from Trick Or Treat :) I'm working on my second cup of coffee trying to get through the last day of a very busy week. Vania woke up this morning and couldn't get the words " where is my candy ?" out of her mouth fast enough ! I'm the mean mom who made her have breakfast before she plunged into her candy. I've already had to cut her off until after lunch :)

Vania had a great time trick or treating. Daddy pushed princess V around in her stroller house to house. Every time we stopped Carson & Vania would race to the door to be first. Carson was very good to help her navigate her way through the crowds & then you would hear her squeal " WAIT FOR ME !!!" as she ran down the driveway back to her carriage. Adam & I were cracking up . As if pushing her highness around wasn't enough , when we stopped Adam would say "if you want candy you have to get up & go get it." Vania would huff in disgust ,pop out of the stroller & retort "GOSH dad !" Such a DIVA :)

Inspired by my fellow adoptive parents I put yarn extensions in Vania's hair. It was a LONG process ( about 6 hours ). If I do it again I think we will break it up into 2 days.I think it turned out really cute & great for her princess costume. It makes her look about 5 years old. Hopefully the 6 hours of work will pay off & the extensions will last for awhile. By then I'm sure we will be ready for something different. I just love all the fun stuff you can do with her hair !!!!

One quick story. As we were 5 1/2 hours into the extension process. Zoe & Carson were also playing with yarn making bracelets. So we were passing the scissors around. All of a sudden I hear SNIP SNIP. I look down & two braids lay on Vania's highchair tray. Yes, Vania had gotten a hold of the scissors. I could've passed out at that point. Luckily , since they were bangs I was able to just trim them a little higher. The thought of having to take them out & re-do 2 more braids at this point was enough to make me crazy.

Happy Halloween everybody !!!!!!!
Bambi

Fall Fun

2010-10-16T16:38:00.002-04:00

The kids were all off school yesterday so we took a trip to Pigeon Roost farm for some fall fun.Vania has been asking everyday when we are "going to Halloween ". I keep forgetting this is all new to her. Pumpkins, hay, all the fall decorations. Whispers of trick or treat. It is fun to watch her excitement. For the last week I have had her hair in puffs with little Halloween rubber bands. She kept telling everyone that Halloween was in her hair :) This week we went with the orange & black beads to kept the Halloween theme going. So much fun ! Here are some of our pics ....

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

2010-10-12T20:45:00.002-04:00

Too cute not to share ! Gotta love Sesame Street. It is still my favorite kids show. Timeless !!!!

OOPS!

2010-10-08T15:01:00.003-04:00

For a couple of months now Vania has become a back seat driver. Just like all my kids :) Whenever I stop at a light she shouts " Mommy, why are you stopping ?" . Whenever she feels I need to go faster she lets me know that too. Sometimes I wonder if she remembers riding in the tap taps in Haiti. Or just the craziness of the busy streets there. She may have been wondering for awhile now what's up with my driving but has only been able to express her opinion in the last few months :)

Anyway, Adam has been gone this week for work & I have been trying to hold the fort down. It has been good but rather crazy.I had to laugh today since it's Friday. I've held it together thus far & the craziness of keeping things together came to a head.

Zoe & I had eye appointments today . I had to have my eyes dilated during my checkup. So that means my pupils are HUGE, my eyes are bright yellow feeling funky, sensitive to light & a little blurry ( appointment complete, check ). I speed home ,with my slip on sunglasses they give you( very fashionable,NOT) to grab Zoe's homework she forgot before I return her to school (grab homework, check). She then reminds me she is missing lunch. So I grab Zane while I'm at the house and get them into the car to take them to Wendy's ( lunch provided Check ). I check my cell phone for a phone call I've been waiting for from the Jr. High. There is a message from the guidance counselor about Zane starting gym class, the one I've been waiting for ( VM check complete ). Must return call. So...... as I'm on the phone leaving the guidance counselor a message a big truck ( thanks Mr. Truck driver ! ) decides to cut me off so he can park in the berm & walk over to Taco Bell for lunch ! My response....s@%@$! Yep, right on the school counselors VM.( returned phone call, check ). I couldn't even walk away from this one because I had just left all my information. So, I called back apologized & left the rest of my question. I wonder how long I will have to wait for a return call this time? Oh well, what can you do right ?

I always tell Vania that mommy's van is not a tap tap. But today it may have well come pretty close to one !!!! TGIF

Eight Days

2010-10-05T18:54:00.003-04:00

I wanted to put a plug in for this great book , Eight Days ( a story of Haiti ) by Edwidge Danticat. My sister in law gave us this book a couple weeks ago & it is a really cool keepsake for Miss V. Do you remember the story of the little 7 yr. old boy who was pulled from the rubble 8 days after the Haiti earthquake ?The one with a really big smile ! Well, this story is based on HIS story of what was going on in his head while he waited for help. One part always shakes me up a little & reminds me of the many people who lost their lives that day & the many days to follow. It is definitely worth the read. It has become a favorite of Vania's :)
Bambi

Preschool & Babies

2010-09-29T11:17:00.002-04:00

Miss V started preschool yesterday ! She is so cute with her book bag that is as big as her. She seems sooo much tinier than my other kiddos when they started preschool. She will go 4 days a week for a couple hours in the morning. which I am looking forward to, because this will give her much needed playtime with friends while I am working with Zane in the morning. All last week she was determined she was going to HIGH SCHOOL. I'm not sure where she picked that up but it was too cute coming from a 30lb little stinker ! Friday she will dart riding the bus. Which is also too cute. She has a little harness (since she is a preschooler) that will hook into the bus seat. Hey I'd like about 3 more of those for the older kids in our van :)
Aunt TI TI also had her baby yesterday morning ! Desmond Patrick. Weighing in at 7lbs. 5oz & 21 1/2 in. long. He is SUPER cute ! Congrats Tiff & Tony !!!!!!!! & welcome to the family baby Desi :)

From the hills of Ohio to the hills of Virginia

2010-09-10T14:58:00.004-04:00

Vania and new distant cousin Juliette. Vania loves babies !!!

The Christmas Cabin at Bittersweet Farms

We are still making the family rounds ! A couple weekends ago we went down to my Aunt Toni's house to introduce Vania to my Cousin and her family that were in from Boston.My aunt owns a bed & breakfast In the Hocking Hills area. So we spent the night in one of the cabins and made it a mini weekend getaway. The kids had a ball. Lots of room to run & play! Rides on the tractor with Great Uncle Steve. A bonfire and a hot tub ! Vania kept asking to go into the bath tub ( hot tub ).Which eventually we got around to & then it became hard to lure them out :)
On our way down Adam loves to go super fast over some of the smaller hills so you get butterflies in your stomach. The kids LOVE it too. Vania hasn't quite caught on to the fact that dad can't just make the car do that fancy trick. Like a hoopdie lowrider or something. So every 5 seconds after the first hill she'd squeal "Daddy do it again, do it again". We were glad when a perfect hill would finally show up on the horizon as to not disappoint.

Hillbilly Waterslide

Last weekend we went down to Virginia to Adam's family reunion. Also a blast ! Vania was held & hugged for two days solid . She loved the fireworks and hillbilly waterslide butI have to say her favorite part was BINGO. At the reunion the kids ( and adults too :) play until everyone wins in the round. Her little face lite up every time she called out BINGO and went over to receive her prize.By the end she had a whole pile of loot in front of her.Can't wait until Christmas !

And finally we got a picture of Adam's beloved sign we see every year & never stop to take.

And discovered a new sign, in my honor to look for every year. I could barely get a picture since it was on the other side of the road. It was Bambi's Farm Market :) Maybe if it's there next year we'll stop in.

That's all I got for now ! Later.
Bambi

Officially Official

2010-08-31T17:48:00.005-04:00

At 11:50 am today Vania officially became an Estep !
I was going over vocabulary words with Zane yesterday & one of his words was ADOPT. The definition given was CHOOSE. I thought about how powerful & simple that definition was. I truly believe that Vania was CHOSEN for us long before we had decided to adopt. I believe that by CHOOSING to open our home& heart to a child God has continued to be faithful by unlocking doors & removing obstacles that laid in the way to complete her adoption & bring her home. We are very honored to be her forever family!!!!! We love you sweet Vania Anne Estep XOXOXOXOXOXO

Back to school

2010-08-29T19:38:00.005-04:00

There is a reason why I enjoy the back to school commercials where the parents are skipping along filling their baskets with school supplies. Yep, by the time we reach the end of the summer we are ready to go back to school ! Myself & the kids included. Although the school year will look a little different for us this year. we are at an even split. 2 at home & 2 at school.

We decided to keep Zane home this year & try homeschooling him. If you would have told me this just six months ago I would have said you were crazy. But after talking with some of my homeschooling friends this summer,prayer, & my partner in crime ( Mr. Adam ), we thought this would be a great opprotunity for Zane to focus more on his academics & less on his social network. & probably the most important thing which is to make learning FUN for him again. We've picked out some awesome curriculum & are joining a local co-op where he will take three enrichment classes once a week with other 7th graders. Plus he will continue with football, basketball through the fall & winter.

Miss Zoe started the 5th grade, Carson the 2nd grade so far so good. Both are enjoying seeing friends again and their new teachers. They are both in soccer & have practice on the same field this time. Which helps out A lot !

Miss V hasn't quite figured out why Zoe & Carson are leaving on the bus every day & asks over & over where they are during the day. she is my bus spotter in the afternoon. Her job is to keep an eye out for the bus while I try to wrap up the chores for the day. She is being assessed next Friday for a preschool program. If she does not start preschool through this particular program , I will be working with her at home this year as well.

Most importantly, this week is Vania's finalization. Tuesday at 11:00am we head to the court house. Please keep us in your prayers !!!!!!! The attorney seems to think we have everything in place. Our fingers & toes are crossed .
Bambi

Trailer for Unstoppable

2010-08-09T19:24:00.001-04:00

This is the official trailer for the movie Unstoppable . A movie based on a true story involving my brother in law. His character is played by Chris Pine. Check it out. It's rated PG 13. Looks like a great action/suspense movie . Coming out this November !

Ahoy Mateys

2010-08-07T13:36:00.005-04:00

Many of you know my sister " Aunt Ti Ti ".She went with me last October on the parent trip to Haiti. Well........ She is having a baby boy. We went to her pirate themed baby shower last weekend & it was a blast. The kids loved dressing up as pirates & running a muck :) Tiffany is 36 wks along & doing great ! Please keep her in your prayers. We will let you know when the little ( or according to the doctor , not so little ) land lubber makes his debut :)

Congrats Marlin's

2010-08-05T12:11:00.006-04:00

The coaches picked a nick name for every kid on the team. That is 150 plus names !
Did I mention we have awesome coaches !! :)

We wrapped up swim team last night with the end of the season swim banquet. The JV team were runners up in the SESL & Varsity were grand champions ! We are super proud of all the kids & were glad to have enjoyed another fun summer of swim team :)

Her are some pictures of what the other 2 fish are up to at the pool ........

Can You Believe It ?

2010-08-01T20:57:00.003-04:00

Vania has been home six months ! Yikes.. time has roared by us :) Everyday she was in Haiti felt like a lifetime. Just waiting & waiting by the computer for mail. Now I hardly have time to check it. And that's a good thing !
I was trying to think about what to put as an update, but really nothing to major to report. No more doctors appointments until December. She has been healthy as a horse ! Eating awesome ! Playing, running ,jumping, swimming & swimming some more. Her language has EXPLODED. She amazes me with how clear and well she can express herself. She is funny, smart as a whip and ornery as can be.
We took her for her second trip to the beauty shop today to get her hair trimmed. It had become quite apparent that she had two toned hair. Orange ( about 1 in ) at the ends and the rest dark brown. I was sad to see the length go. But her hair looks much healthier now and one thing is for sure... it will grow. So hair time will be easy for awhile. We stopped at Walmart & got some new bows & barrettes to tide us over :) Back to the fro & we LOVE it !
Bambi

Stalled

2010-07-28T09:35:00.003-04:00

UGH !!!!!! Our finalization date has been moved to the end of the month. Apparently the letters from the government aren't fully satisfying & the judge would feel better if he had a signed affidavit from the lady who helped draft the letters. Can we get through 3 more weeks without more paperwork being requested ? We will see.
Bambi

Busy Busy

2010-07-19T12:18:00.005-04:00

splash pad

the splash pad

hunting for crayfish

water falls

paddle boats

Summer is still in full swing . We wrap up swimming this week but add football. This week they will overlap, so as they say when the going gets tough the tough get going, right ? Or maybe they just make it on lots of coffee & diet coke :)
Here are pictures of some other summer fun we've been up to ......

Super Z B Day

2010-07-18T16:13:00.002-04:00

I can't believe Zane turned 12 today ! Holy smokes, it has been a fast twelve years ! I vividly remember starting to go into labor with him. Adam & I had decided to go out one last time for dinner & a movie before being parents for the first time. I was looking at being induced because I was 1 week over due & miserable. We went out for steak then headed to the movies to see Something About Mary. Not very far into the movie I started having horrible back pain and as Adam laughed his rear off next to me, I winced in pain. Until finally I couldn't sit any longer and we needed to leave. We went home and things calmed down once I went to bed. Then at 1am I woke up to more contractions & we headed to the hospital. At 6am my my little 6 lb. 3oz. baby boy was born. And now I think 12 years later it will be one good growth spurt & he will be as tall as I am ( maybe taller ). Happy birthday big guy! Thanks for making me a mom for the first time:) ! We love you soooo much!!!
MOM & DAD

We've got papers !

2010-07-11T17:23:00.003-04:00

So... we haven't talked much about what is going on with the adoption process itself because really nobody seems to know. A lot of theories but nothing concrete, until recently. Our agency told us that we should be expecting a letter from USCIS (immigration ) & HHS ( Health & Human Services ) outlining the steps needed by each adoptive family to complete their adoption . & Wha La ... We received them Saturday. It clearly states to the local/state courts that we have consent from the above parties necessary to complete Vania's adoption. Way cool ! We are waiting word from our attorney, but she had stated in an earler conversation that she thought this would satisfy the judge with his earlier request of an affidavit from the orphanage approving the adoption of Vania. We have a finalization appointment scheduled for August 3rd. Keeping our fingers crossed !!!!!!!!!!
Bambi

Mini Va-Ca

2010-07-04T14:05:00.003-04:00

Playing at East Harbor Beach

Riding Miller's Ferry

Cruising Put in Bay in our stylin' golf cart

Gem mining at Perry's Cave

This weekend we decided to go on a mini vacation to Lake Erie. It was a great getaway. Not to far of a drive. Beautiful weather !!!! Just enough activity to keep busy not not want to pull our hair out :) I think we will look into a longer stay next summer. The kids kept saying it was the best vacation ever. So there you go :) I'm sold !

The funniest story of the trip would have to be Vania at the beach. She would stand at the waters edge ( Dry sand ) and try to dive head first arms & legs flailing into the water pretending to swim. It gave the expression a fish out of water new meaning. I wanted to get it on video but you never knew when she would decide to try to ride the surf :)

Then as we tried to eat dinner on our blanket she kept yelling across the beach at the other kids " NO TOUCH MY STUFF ". The beach was CROWDED and I think every other kid had about the same sand toys as us. So... even though nobody was touching her STUFF, it apparently looked like they were to her :) What a hoot.

GOOD TIMES ! GOOD TIMES !
Happy 4th of July :)
Bambi
Bambi

Imprints

2010-06-29T22:11:00.004-04:00

Vania has been asking a lot of questions about her friends from the O. We are trying to explain to her that they are not in Haiti anymore but at home with their mamas & papas in the USA. While we were riding in the van one day talking about her friends she started talking about Papa Brent. Papa Brent happens to be a fellow adoptive parent from our orphanage & a part of Team Hope who went down after the earthquake to get the children out. As a matter of fact the first picture we have of Vania after the quake is a picture of Brent holding her.

After thinking about the conversation in the van it struck me how much of an imprint he had made on Vania's young tender heart. A very loving & lasting imprint at such a vulnerable time. Thank you Papa Brent :) and all of Team Hope for taking good care of our children & bringing them home !By the way the next day she kept saying " Me go to Papa Brent's house NOW !" :)
Bambi

Good Enough ?

2010-06-25T11:18:00.007-04:00

Earlier this week we made our usual trip to the pool in the afternoon. We arrived just after a large group so I motioned to the kids to follow me around the line so I could flash our passes & not have to wait in the long line. We passed the front desk & I whipped out my 5 passes. The lady looked at us & said Day Care Huh ? & I said" no, actually they are all mine. "The comment took me by suprise at first because it is not unusual to have 4 kids. But after giving us a good look she followed up by saying" Wow, you are a GOOD person ". Which led me to believe she was referring to our adoption of Vania. Nothing she said was wrong , it just made me think about the statement that I was a GOOD person. We hear that statement alot when people find out we are adopting Vania. It's true that ADOPTION is a GOOD thing for soooo many needy children. Our part is more of a willingness.The fact is that there is no measure of goodness required to open up your heart & home to a child. I think more people could do it. Of course legally all adoptive parents are put through the wringer of home studies & back round checks etc. etc. But trust me our family is just as mucked up & messy as a lot of others & quite frankly poor. I remember when we first thought about adopting calling the agency to have them re- assure me that when they came out for the home visit they were not going to do the white glove test :) Or the scariness that Adam & I would have to under go psych evaluations as part of the criteria for Haiti.( no worries, we passed :)The fact that we started out & continue on this adoption journey has nothing to do with us being such GREAT people . But more of the fact that we serve a GOOD GOD. Who went through far greater lengths to adopt us as his children. So I appreciate all the wonderful comments, don't get me wrong. It does feel good to have people say nice things. But we cannot take the credit. We are willing participants who have opened up our lives to be the eyes, ears & body for some one much bigger to work his plans through. We could never be GOOD enough to do this on our own. It is in much better hands THANK GOD :)

Happy Father's day

2010-06-20T09:17:00.002-04:00

We celebrated Father's Day a little early this year. Yesterday we took the kids out to Rising Park . It is called Rising park because you can hike up to the top of a natural cliff which over looks the city. We all made it to the top. Some with a little more coaxing than others :) It was a beautiful sight. And a little scary being up so high with just a bar keeping you from the edge. Then we hiked back down had a picnic & played at the park. After everyone was done we took the long route to get ice-cream (mandatory naptime for some ) and ate at Ye ole Mill, Home of Velevet Ice-cream.

Happy Father's Day ! Thank you Adam for being a wonderful Father to our kids !! This parenting thing is definitely a team effort & I am so grateful to have you by my side :)
Bambi

Go Marlins !

2010-06-18T19:08:00.005-04:00

Zoe getting decorated for battle
Eat My Bubbles

Zane on the middle block . Ready to swim !

This week was our first swim meet of the summer. Long & hot. There were 250 kids total between both teams. So it started at 5:30 pm & ended at 10:15 pm. Vania fared pretty well in all the action. by the end of the night she ended up exhausted in poppies arms. The good news is the other meets should be much shorter :)

Vania LOVES the pool though ! The first day of swim practice she pointed to the pool & said "ME TOO ! " She still doesn't quite understand why she can't swim during practice :)

She has been coveting the other kids inflatable swim rings at the pool. So today we stopped at the store & picked one up .Didn't bring my camera to the pool. Of course ! She was in heaven. She played non stop with the floaty in the big pool & the baby pool. Lounged back with her eyes closed like she was sunbathing. She toted the ring & a splash ball around every where she went. On the guard for prowling children who might take it :) She has been really good about other kids touching her stuff at the pool. She always makes sure to make eye contact with me when it happens though. I think it reassures her that it will be given back . And then if they have touched it too many times after they are done playing she will just take it & carry it around to make sure they don't go for it again.This also made me realize that this could be a good sign of attatchment as far as understanding family/home Vs. strangers/public. Because let me tell you, at home she is way more comfortable in letting you know that she is not happy you have touched her stuff. There is no patient waiting. It is definitely BACK OFF my stuff NOW !

I am so glad she enjoys the pool. I know we do. It is our little oasis in the summer & full of friends to hang out with & cool off. Oh by the way, Giant pixie sticks at the pool, not so cool. Too much effort to keep the pixie powder flowing after all the slobber & too much sugar for the babe. She had fallen soundly asleep on our way home. I eased her into bed . But as soon as she touched the covers her eyes darted open and she shouted " WHERE"S MY PICKY THICK !!!!" Darn that pixie stick ! No nap today.

Bambi
The girls warm-up

Mini- Marlin

Carson in charge of decorating Miss V

Carson. I Think by the end of the night he looked like he had been to the tattoo parlor :)

Wedding Bells

2010-06-17T19:07:00.005-04:00

The happy couple Erin & Terry

Vania Anne

Zoe, the beautiful flower girl

Carson

Zane & cousin Tyler

Congratulations to Erin ( Adam's sister ) & her fiance Terry. They tied the knot last Saturday .It was originally supposed to be outside in the gazebo but....... eventually we gave up on the rain cooperating & stayed inside. It was a beautiful ceremony despite the weather :) Welcome to the family Terry !

One Year Ago

2010-06-14T21:06:00.006-04:00

One year ago today Adam & I flew into Haiti to meet the little girl in this picture who we had fallen in love with :)

Later that afternoon we were eating lunch in the cabana at the hotel ANXIOUSLY awaiting her arrival. A small little girl in a pink coral dress was lifted up & handed to us over the banister rail. She was quiet & frightened. Her dress wet from a small bag of water she was holding to drink from on her ride in the "Machine ". She cried most of the afternoon, trying to find the hotel exit with shoes in hand:( By the end of the evening she started to open up to us & by the end of the week WE were the ones crying as we handed her back to get into the "Machine " to go back to
the orphanage.
Not in a million years did I think due to a devastating earthquake I would be chasing Miss Vania around our house a year later. Watching her enjoy playing with her brothers & sisters and tucking her into bed every night knowing she is safe & sound. How grateful I am that she is healthy , happy & a little spit - fire today. We love you Vania Anne & feel privileged that God's plan for your life included us as your family.

Vania's Diner

2010-06-07T11:26:00.007-04:00

Open for business !!! This reminded me of our meals at the hotel we stayed in Haiti, La Plaza Rue . Just a little quicker :)

3 years old !

2010-06-06T17:32:00.004-04:00

Vania Anne turned 3 Years old today !!!!! She is soooo excited that " JUNE SIXTH !" is finally here :) We love you Vania Anne & so grateful that you were able to be home for your third birthday !

Haitian Girls U17 Soccer

2010-06-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

This is a touching story of the Haitian Girls Under 17 Soccer team and their attempt to qualify for the World Cup.
VIDEO:E60 – Haiti Soccer (ESPN.com)

White Woman ...Black Baby

2010-06-03T12:10:00.007-04:00

Yesterday Vania & I headed to the Zoo with some of our friends. It was really busy & crowded due to the end of the year field trips. So as I was navigating through the crowd with Vania in her stroller I heard a little girl about 5 yrs old announce to her teacher" look a white woman with black baby!"..( pause ) " that's different !" Her teacher just rolled her eyes & shrugged her shoulders. I just smiled & replied " Yep, It is different " A totally innocent remark & very observant child. We have become a multi-racial family which is different. But different isn't a bad thing. It's unique & special.
On the other hand.... While we were in Miami picking Vania up we were at McDonald's and I had taken Vania to the restroom. Adam said as I passed the counter an employee remarked, " What is that white woman doing with that black baby !?" Okay..... RUDE ! The 5 yr old was way more tactful. When we got to the car I came up with all kinds of smart remarks I could've blasted back. But that type of comment doesn't even deserve an answer.
Vania is really into matching up everything. She has a mommies & babies matching game she LOVES to play. And she is always coming up to me with things and asking if they match. Hopefully we can convey to her how special of a match she is with HER family. A unique & special match made in heaven:) More than just what meets the eye.

Vania's favorite animal at the zoo

Baby Beco & his mommy Phoebe

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T17:01:00.005-04:00

Zoe chillin' in the deep end

Zane keeping cool

Papa & Vania playing at the pool

Carson building a fort for shade at the pool

chowing down at the church Memorial Day picnic

learning to fill water guns

Vania showing off her flowers she helped plant

Zoe graduates from elementary school

Great weather continued all week here. A little spotty with light showers this morning. But by noon lots of sun & time for the pool ! 3 more days of school left. Then time to switch gears again. Zane & Zoe will be doing swim team. Carson is joining the summer playground program ( kinda like a day camp through out the week ) & little V & I will be getting things done around here so we all can enjoy the pool in the afternoon. No big vacations planned this year. Just hangin' out :)

We do have a prayer request. Our friend & adoption coordinator from Wasatch will be traveling to Haiti this week. While she is there she will be trying to get some much needed documentation that the judge here in Ohio is requesting in order to finalize Vania's adoption. Some states are finalizing the Haitian adoptions with just the humanitarian parole papers. Our judge is saying that is not enough & needs an affidavit from the orphanage giving consent for Vania's adoption. We know that God has not brought Vania this far to pull the carpet out from under us. But we also know that getting consent from the O in Haiti is no walk in the park. Not that the O wouldn't agree to sign the affidavit but that getting the paperwork done takes some time & effort. Especially after the quake. Please pray Chareyl would be able to come home with the consent. Please also pray for her safety & for the work she will be trying to accomplish for the building of the new orphanage called Bel Haiti.

Hope everyone has a great finish to the long holiday weekend!
Bambi

The Heat Is On

2010-05-24T21:11:00.002-04:00

85 degrees today & sunny ! Whoo Hooo !!! Bring on summer !

Graduating

2010-05-23T17:41:00.005-04:00

No pomp & circumstance for us for awhile. Even though I do have a few graduation cards to send out. But we have officially graduated in the care of our hair '' STUFF " ! Ever since we came home all of the combs, brushes , clips, spritz's, bows , headbands etc etc. have been thrown into a Sally's Beauty supply bag I purchased about 1 week after bringing Vania home. Big zip loc bags were home to a zillion barrettes , snaps, ballies & bows. I new change was a coming every time the bag of goodies was dumped on the shag carpet needing to be picked out or eventually swept up in the vacuum or between my toes :) I've gone back to the caboodle of old days. Sadly enough it is already filled. But it has been very helpful in organizing everything and much easier to send someone to find something in the middle of styling. My Sally's Bag still holds the brushes , combs & some products. I have become what I have heard some people refer to as a PJ ( product junkie ). We eventually may need an extra closet !!!! I LOVE her hair.

Haitian Flag Day

2010-05-19T08:09:00.001-04:00

Haitian Flag Day was yesterday May 18th. I LOVE this song ! Thanks to another adoptive mom for sharing this on her blog.

The Grudge

2010-05-18T13:55:00.003-04:00

No, Not the scary movie but what a 2 1/2 year old does when she wants her way :) Today is my birthday. Vania & I went to Sam's club to pick out a cake for tonight.
I should tell you that all day when I say "Happy Birthday to Mommy " She squeals " Me June, Me June !"." Yes, I reply. And when it's your birthday mommy will have a party & a big cake just for you. "
We made our way back to the bakery & I selected a big chocolate cake with white butter cream frosting. YUMMY ! Then little bit decided she wanted her cake too. So again I reminded her of her upcoming party but that mommy was going to share her cake with everyone tonight. "NO!" she replied. So I left Sam's with my disgruntled princess and headed home.
Sound asleep on the way home . I figured maybe she just needed the sleep. ( And grateful for the break in action). I gently put her to bed, and 1 1/2 hours later this is how she woke up..............

Still Mad

pouting

holding a grudge

Maybe It's all the rain & clouds today. I'm sure all will be well after we cut the cake tonight. And might I add I am super excited for her birthday in 2 wks.It will be very special, and ALL HERS!

Video Update

2010-05-14T17:04:00.004-04:00

I realized I haven't posted any new video of Vania for awhile. So, since it is a slow week for news I took this short video this afternoon. Short because some of the videos I do have tend to run long & won't upload to blogger. I chose to keep this short & sweet. Just like little V :)

Haitian Playdate State Side

2010-05-11T16:34:00.002-04:00

Last night Vania & I had a great opprotunity to meet with three other mothers & their new daughters who just arrived from Haiti. You could call it our first Haitian play date here in the USA. We were so fortunate when we traveled to Haiti to have a great group of parents & kids to hang with at the hotel. It is definitely something we miss. Fortunately God is always faithful & has given us a new group of friends to get to know here locally. I am super excited to get to know them & share the unique journey and common bond of adopting from Haiti.
Bambi

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:02:00.003-04:00

And then there were 4

Happy Mother's Day 2010!

Why ?

2010-05-05T21:51:00.003-04:00

This is Vania's new fav word for the last couple days . I have to say I'm a little tired of trying to explain " why " every time, but she's so darn cute when she says it. Her English is really coming along. She says a lot of 2-3 word phrases. Another favorite is "Just a second . " Which apparently I must say a lot:)It's her new favorite phrase when you are asking her to do something like... please unlock the bathroom door Vania. " Just a second" her little voice squeaks out :) Too cute.
She is also eating like a horse ! Loving the spaghetti & sloppy joes . The 2 yr old is giving her brothers & sister a run for their money in the food department. I find myself repeating "if she can finish, so can you " almost every meal time..I'm hoping she will start putting on some weight. She is growing up but not out.
We also had some friends give Vania a tricycle. She was a litle frustrated at first. But practice makes perfect. She is zooming now. I just can't get the song from the wizard of Oz out of my head... you know the one where the mean lady is haulin' tail on her bike with the little dog. Because Vania is all buisness when she gets the wheels moving :)
I can't believe she has already been here 3 months. Time is flying by & she grows up a little more every day.I'm glad she's here so we can catch every minute. We were at the orthodontist again today & one of the ladies said " WOW she has really blossomed " & That she has. She is one healthy happy little girl.

One Week

2010-04-29T20:41:00.002-04:00

Ready to go on the fridge !

It has been 1 week since Vania's surgery . She is doing great ! Her appetite started to come back yesterday & she has been way more active & giggly the past 2 days. The hard part has been weaning her off her staples of potato chips, 7-up , popsicles & Ramen Noodles that she has been living on. And getting her back on track from the pampered princess program :)
I am so relieved to see her running around and full of energy. Part of me wondered before surgery ... " Is this necessary ?" But After what they found& the difference in breathing now, I'm sure it was. I layed her down for a nap yesterday & questioned whether she was asleep or not because I couldn't hear her breathing . The swelling & drainage are really clearing out so her breathing is relaxed & quiet. What a blessing. The snoring before just made me cringe to think how difficult it must be to get any rest or for that matter any air. If I laid beside her I would constantly be repositioning her trying to relax her breathing.. Well no more of that. Sleep well my little angel. The flood gates have been opened !
Bambi

Big Brother Turns 7

2010-04-26T21:18:00.002-04:00

2 Babies ! That was our new normal for awhile . & some days it still is. My youngest boy and my youngest girl.
Carson has had the roughest time of all 3 kids adjusting to his new little sister. He did not like being ousted from his throne of being the baby. So when people would tell him he's not the baby anymore, I would just say..... I can have 2 babies :)Which it has definitely been like at times these first 2 1/2 months.
He has been slowly adjusting to sharing his toys, his house & his parents attention. But Now they are both playing together more than competing & whether Carson realizes it or not , he is becoming a great big brother! He just needed a little time.
So today my little man turned 7 yrs. old. It's hard to believe.
As much as i like seeing you be the BIG brother Carson, Don't grow -up too fast ! We both need a little time :)Happy Birthday !!!! We love you !

Surgery

2010-04-21T21:38:00.002-04:00

Guest Blogger:

Hey, Adam here. Just wanted to drop a quick note regarding Vania's surgery. It went fine. In and out...so to speak! The Doctor said that her tonsils were so big (all together now: "how big were they") that they were nearly touching the uvula (or, that thing that hangs in the back of your mouth for those of us that can't pronounce "uvula"). He also said that her adenoids were blocking nearly 70% of her nasal passages - something like that.

That's a relief to know that her airway will be clearer now. Maybe she'll get some better sleep now!

Later - and thanks for all of the prayers!

Open Wide

2010-04-20T09:56:00.006-04:00

Not to much to report this week ! Just another busy week where I couldn't really point to exactly why it was busy , I just know it was :)

Zane got his braces on last week. The first few days his teeth were very tender and had trouble eating due to his palate expander, but he has adapted . Adam & I laugh because he takes better care of his teeth NOW than he ever had before.After 11 1/2 years no need for reminders or tooth checks. He is the master of brushing and flossing ( for now :) You know, It only took 5,000 dollars worth of braces to get him motivated :)

Vania has her tonsils & adenoids removed tomorrow. Please pray for her. I expect the surgery to be pretty routine. Hope the doctors have that extra cup of coffee in the morning. I am a little worried about her being anxious waking up in the hospital attached to an I.V etc.Please pray that God would just calm her anxious heart , or keep her somewhat sedated :) We are supposed to being staying over night but I am praying she would being doing so well that we would be released tomorrow evening. I'm sure she can rest better at home, but I understand the precautions they are taking.

Not too much new on the adoption process. We are still working on getting what the judge needs to process her case. If any one would like to share their adoption process after the quake that would be great ! You can e-mail us or leave a comment here.

It sounds like there are a lot of new positive changes coming to Hope for little Angels of Haiti. You can read the updates on our friend Lori's blog !

I'm also still working the hair. Trying different styles and products . so if you have any feedback on favorite products or styles I'd love to hear them :)

I had to add this....
So the nurse calls for a pre-op hx on Vania after I get done writing this.. You know how it is with kids. She's bouncing around the furniture climbing my legs, etc. etc. I'm trying to keep her occupied why listening at the same time. Then she decides she wants to walk Cleo. So she gets the leash down And I help her put it on the dog. Then she starts running around the room yelling " Cleo CHIT Cleo CHIT " Which sounded as if she wanted cleo to use the bathroom right there in the living room. In Creole the word for sit is Chita, pronounced SHEE-TAH. Good lord, I know Cleo was thinking" I prefer the back yard thank you" & I don't know what the kind nurse thought on the phone. She asked if Vania was in speech therapy early in the conversation & I said no. But she was probably thinking " What is she teaching this kid! "

Bambi

Our Spring line- up

2010-04-13T13:30:00.003-04:00

Soccer is in full swing . Which equals = 3 players, 2 fields a practice or game almost every-night of the week , soccer for most of Saturday & 2 tired parents :) But the pay off is that we have come out of our winter hibernation & are getting our bodies moving. The kids are having fun & I certainly enjoy watching them play. A little too much sometimes( as I've been told :) Adam has been coaching Zane's team which requires a little more juggling between the other 2 but I'm glad they get to spend the time together & I know Zane enjoys having his dad be THE COACH !

Vania has been tuckered out lately with all the running. She has been letting us lay her down at 8:30 or so with out needing the kids to lay down too. The weather has been nice so I've been trying to get out with the joggong stroller more often which means more naps & a less grumpy 2 year old ( & mommy )in the evenings. We have been working on re-potty training Vania. She was potty trained when we met her last June in Haiti. But after picking her up in Miami I was afraid because of the stress & new environment not to have her in pull -ups. I think that because the diaper is super absorbent she doesn't mind the " portable toilet " if you know what I mean. Although she does mind going #2 in her pull up & has only done that 1x. We started the sticker chart & she has been excited to get her stickers. She is telling me more when she has to pee pee but not quite getting the fact that I don't just want to know WHEN she's peeing but that I would prefer it go in the toilet.

We had yes ANOTHER shower Sunday. This time by our church. We have been so fortunate to have all this support & great friends. One of the coolest things was a scrap book made by a friend of Adams, Dawna, who he used to work with. It has pictures from when we first met Vania last June until we brought her home. Vania loved it & just giggled on our laps as we flipped through the pages. & of course she carried around her loot just thrilled that it was HERS !

Adam is teaching our home church this week & it never fails that we have some sort of appliances break every time he teaches. So this time it was our desk top computer & the kids cell phone! So i have more pics to share but for some reason I can't find the pictures easily on this lap top & I'm running out of time anyway. So bye for now .
Bambi

Eggs & Candy

2010-04-06T14:38:00.006-04:00

My first Easter:)

This is hard work !

Ready to help Papa with my new bubble blower mower !

Sorry for the belated Easter post :) By the time Easter Day ended this bunny was too tired to type !

Which are how a lot of my days end . We had a great Easter & end to spring break. Awesome weather here !

Vania was a little confused about coloring the Easter Eggs. She thought I meant we were going to scramble some eggs to eat & said NO!. She was loving the scrambled eggs for breakfast, but that wore off after awhile. Once she saw the other kids coloring the eggs she caught on quickly & had a good time. Then for breakfast the next morning we discovered she likes hard boiled eggs :) Oh , and also CANDY ! She hasn't had much of a sweet tooth but... that's all I heard on Easter . Everything we asked her to do.... "CANDY?". Like okay, I'll do it if candy is involved. I'm glad we only bought a little this year . Short & sweet candy madness ! No pictures of her pretty Easter dress. It was too chaotic Easter morning & by the time we got back from church her sweet yellow dress was covered in chocolate :) Then I put a second out- fit on & it too became covered with chocolate before going to my mom's for Easter dinner. The Easter bunny can stock me up on Shout or spray & wash next year .

As I mentioned in my other post she is in this hiding phase. The night before Carson wanted to play hide the Easter eggs & find them like the Easter bunny. She did not like that game because she was sure he was stealing them :) The neighbors came over to play and she immediately went and gathered up her Easter Basket and hide it in the kitchen , along with her new bubble blower from Grandma & Grandpa :) She is so not used to having things that are HERS ONLY. She is always sure someone is trying to take her stuff. But she was glad to share her Cheeto's & animal cookies. So I think she's just a matter of teaching her the difference between sharing things that are for everyone and knowing which things are for her only. Like the toys at COSI vs. her bubble blowing lawn mover.

My next door neighbor came over and offered to braid Vania's hair. Of course I jumped at the chance. It only took her about 10 min. At first I was a little hesitant that Vania wouldn't let her.
But with Easter basket & lawn mover in hand we sat down together & she didn't make a peep.I was amazed at how fast our neighbors fingers were moving. She got her hair done lickity split. Too bad she was just visiting her mother in law for the holiday weekend. I would love to learn more from her. Hopefully she didn't mind my 20 bazillion questions about hair & comes back over to visit soon:)

I forgot to mention in my last post about Vania's Hematology appointment. They think that she may have a hemoglobin disorder. Her red- blood cells are smaller than usual , which may be why on her original medical report from Haiti they had marked that she had" sickling of cells"that should be followed up in the US. So ,they took more blood & are having it sent to a lab in Boston to determine the exact Hemoglobin disorder. The results will not change her care or really have much impact on her general health. The doctor said it is genetic & is something Vania will need to know in the future for surgery or family planning. Her iron may always be low & that will just be HER normal. She said it should not impact her having her adenoids & tonsils out. And she feels any type of blood transfusion is not necessary. All good news. She asked if Vania seemed tired all the time & I had to laugh. I wouldn't know since that is the reason she needs surgery. She has such a hard time sleeping anyway. But I'm sure having chronic low iron doesn't help.

Enjoying the sunshine !
Bambi

Spring Break...AWHHH

2010-04-01T15:31:00.003-04:00

The Family at COSI ( Center of Science & Industry )

More COSI The favorite part for little ones. Getting wet :)
I'm glad they provide raincoats !

Yeah ! We finally moved back into our rooms !

Blogging has become so sporadic now that I need to go back & look through my pictures on the camera to see where I left off :) We are on spring break this week & it has been GREAT ! No big vacation or anything but it has been wonderful to not have anything big going on & Adam being home. We have not had any down time as a family since Vania came home. So we've done a little work finishing the girl's/boy's rooms & getting them moved back in & as we speak Adam is working on our room. The goal to get it done this week so the carpeting can get done & we can get the house back in order.

We've also had some fun taking the kids to COSI, hanging out with family, starting the soccer season ( the 3 older kids are playing, Vania thinks she is too though & wears the extra set of shin guards to practice :) , having a picnic tomorrow & of course the Easter Bunny comes this Sunday.

I have a short Vania story. Of course , this was Vania's first visit to COSI. They have an awesome little kids area with tons of stuff to do. Anyway she had decided to start taking the toys and putting them in a little hideout which I was instructed to sit in & guard I suppose,. Every time I tried to leave she would point back to the spot she wanted me to sit while she went out & found more toys to hide. Anyway this went on for awhile & then a little boy found the hideout of toys & decided he would take some out. You know she only had THREE large riding toys in there. Anyway I gave him one explaining to Vania it was okay , look you still have TWO. She looked at the boy blinked several strong blinks & grunted in disgust. I just had to turn my head & giggle. This little boy had no idea he had just been told off by this little 2 year old girl. & neither did his parents :) In Haiti blinking is a sign that someone is not happy with you. The grunt is something a little extra , I think :) I figure it could have been worse... hitting biting etc.

On the adoption side, not much is new. Our post placement appointment went well. It felt weird seeing as I always pictured having it when the adoption is final. IBESR requested a letter about Vania's adjustment & pictures which we took care of & forwarded to Wasatch. Our attorney is asking for more info for the courts as they try to figure out the adoption process for the children on Humanitarian Parole. I just long for the day when the paperwork is DONE. Please pray they would get the legalities of these Haitian adoptions sorted out & these children's adoptions finalized SOON.
Duty calls :)
Bambi

Thoughts By Carson

2010-03-27T09:06:00.004-04:00

The Morning Milk Drinkers Club

Vania Deraval she is 2 years old she is very small she is Haitian her family knows some Creole do you know some Creole? From Carson.

Carson worked very hard on typing up these sentences this morning. At final reviewAdam explained to him that Vania's family spoke all creole (thinking he was talking about her Haitian family) & Carson was quick to correct him in saying that "dad WE are her family & we speak LITTLE creole". I think that is probably one of the most asked questions we get & my response is always we know a little Creole, enough that is to get by .He asked me to post this on my blog so he could be famous :)

Bambi

Babies & Birthdays

2010-03-23T12:40:00.005-04:00

A GREAT big sister !

Zoe turns 10 ! Double digits baby !!!

Out for birthday dinner with her friend Emily.

BFF
Vania & cousin Kylah

This past week we got to visit my new little neice Leia. She is now 21/2 months old & truly a miracle. She was born with Gastroschisis. which is when part of the intestines form outside the body. She spent about a month and a half at Children's hospital but is now home & doing great ! She is so teeny tiny & cute. Vania absolutely loved her. She immediately wanted my sister Cory to put her on her lap , made sure she had her pacifier & hugged & kissed her over & over. We also got to take cousin kylah , Leia's older sister, to the park with us to play.Vania loves to play with Kylah. They carck me up & act like like they have been best friends FOREVER !
Zoe turned 10 last Saturday. It still is hard for me to believe she is that old. She took her friend Emily to see Alice & Wonderland & then out to dinner. It was a lot of fun watching the girls have a great "girl's night out ". Zoe is a wonderful Big sister to Vania as well as a big helper. Having an extra willing set of hands around here is always a plus:)
Vania has her first cold going on, which hasn't helped with the sleeping issues. It is so cute how she worries about her nose running. She is very good about asking for a tissue & has to use a new one EVERY time she wipes her nose :) She has her Hematology appointment on Thursday & then we have a break from doctor appointments for awhile ( knock on wood ! ) The social worker comes out next Tuesday for our post - placement visit. So please shoot an extra prayer up Tuesday morning for " Shalom in the home ". No we are not Jewish, I just like that phrase .

Vania with baby Leia

Spring Has Sprung !

2010-03-16T18:56:00.009-04:00

Whoo Hoo !!! We have had some excellent uplifting weather this past week :) It is so refreshing to get outside.so what has been going on besides the great weather ?

We have started to completely redo the bedrooms. Everything is moved out & we have started painting & carpet is on the way. Thanks to Grandma Brenda who has been leading the effort in getting the work done. Spending time through out the week & weekend helping us paint. Thanks to my mom for letting us hang at her place to keep the kids out of harms way while painting !Hopefully this will get us just that much closer to getting the house ready to sell. Yes... we need more room ! The way the market is for now we figure we have a little time before we will be able to put our house on the market. In the meantime we will do things to improve our house in order to sell.

Vania has really been enjoying the outside. We love to take walks in the stroller & she usually falls asleep :) Double YEAH!!!!

Last Friday she had her eye appointment & all is well. Monday she started her immunizations. Yikes! She was mad about that for the rest of the day.

The whole way home she cried off & on and held her little legs :( The rest of the day her legs "wouldn't work" & she showed everyone her boo boos. But today she is fine & running & jumping around as usual .
Last Sunday we had our family shower hosted by my sister in law Julie. THANKS JULIE ! It was a ton of fun. Vania had a great time. She put on ALL of her clothes at the same time and strutted around. She kept them on & I patiently took them off & on as she needed a diaper change. UNTIL... she cried CA! CA ! MOMMY ! Then it was a race to the toilet. From then on we were only aloud to wear 1 outfit at a time.

We joined a local mom's club & have had fun meeting some other mom's & kids & going on outings. Today we toured Trader Joe's. It was alot of fun.Until...... Vania had been playing with mom's keys. So I put her in the Car seat, threw my keys to the front seat, closed the door & went to put the cart back. To my surprise when I returned my doors were locked. AWWWWWH ! Thankfully my friends from mom's group were still with us & able to call for security. Hats off to Trader Joe's too. The manager came out too make sure we were okay & waited with us until the doors were unlocked. They weren't able to get the door unlocked but were able to fish my keys off the front seat & through the crack in the door. My fear was that Vania would panic. But no, she was just smiling & waving from her seat eating the bag of dried strawberries we had just bought. WHEW!

Anyway ,I will go for now. Gotta run :)

Bambi

Life In The Fast Lane

2010-03-06T13:42:00.007-05:00

Carson moved up a rank to Tiger at the Blue & Gold Banquet. Yeah Carson !Thank you Boy Scouts for your generous donation to Hope for little Angels of Haiti!

I love my princess nightgown & new earrings !

Thank you Tammy for my beautiful blanket!

My new favorite thing ! Trying to jump rope :)

What a week ! I'll try not to drag this post out but I'm limited on posting time so when I get A chance I throw it all out there. I'll try to hit the big parts of the week first !

We met Thursday with an adoption attorney to start Vania's domestic adoption process. The meeting went well & it feels good to lay everything out to someone who's experienced & say here's what we have help us figure this out. This is so new for everyone in the adoption arena that I think the challenge will be up to the attorneys & the courts & the rest of the powers that be to figure out how to process these children with so little info. & documentation. We are working from a small white envelope given to us when Vania was released to us in Miami our home study & any other info we could find in our filing cabinet. Our attorney said that the proof of relinquishment by Vania's mom is something she feels the judge will request. All we have is a monthly update with a check mark by " relinquishment by parent to orphanage ". Even though we know this to be true, we have no formal document. So our attorney is looking into seeing what we can get from our placing agency. All though the process is still vague for us I'm glad to have a professional to help & share the burden in figuring out all the STUFF out to get this adoption completed !I'm definitely a person who likes a checklist . And when there isn't a checklist or guidelines I am LOST !

The next thing is that we had Vania's ENT appointment Friday. That was pretty easy except for the wait . No procedures or blood draws = no crying :) Long story short her tonsils are HUGE & she will be getting them out ! She is a little anemic so they will have to wait until her iron levels stabilize. Unfortunately we have not been able to sneak her iron supplement into anything. That stuff is just gross !! So I'm going to start trying to crush a multivitamin and sneak it into chocolate pudding :) Once her iron levels are fine she will have her adenoids & tonsils out at Children's Hospital. Just a one night stay & estimated 2wks for recovery.

I also wanted to give a BIG thank you to Boy Scout Pack #277 for their donations to Hope For Little Angels of Haiti Orphanage. We were able to send Hope $200.00 this past week from collections taken up by the pack after the earthquake. Very awesome guys !!!!!

Some fun things to mention.... I finally got my Talliah Wiijahd Black Earth ( I'm sure I butchered the spelling :) products in the mail for Vania's hair ! I absolutely LOVE to play with her hair ! It is sooooo fun. Haven't a clue yet if they work better than any other hair product but it's fun experimenting :)

Adam & I took Vania to Wendy's after our attorney appointment. A very nice lady came up & asked if we had adopted her from Haiti. We replied yes & she said that she was also Haitian. Her mom had grown up in Haiti. She was born here in the U S . What was so cool was that she thanked us for adopting Vania. Little does she know that we are truly the ones blessed to have an awesome little girl joining our family but it was nice have her give us her "blessing / Acceptance " of some sorts.

I have to tell you this.. right after I got done writing this post a person 32in tall with big brown eyes came over & turned the computer off ! AHHHH :) Luckily it saved itself ! Did I mention she's FAST !!! Until next blogging time..... ( probably when she's fast asleep ) !
Bambi

2010-02-25T11:52:00.003-05:00

Grandpa Steve's Butt- Cream
AKA : Aquaphor & Maalox blended to perfection !

Last Monday Vania has a diaper rash going on so Grandpa Steve , who is also a pharmacist called our local CVS & asked them to make up some special cream for Vania. We went in to pick it up & as soon as we got into the store I received an important call from the pediatrician. So just dropping by to pick up the diaper cream turned into trying to keep Vania occupied in CVS & out of harms way while trying to soak in & listen to the doctor give me lab results for some of the additional blood work they had ordered. There really is never a good time for phone calls :) CVS was very patient. As soon as I was done talking to the doctor, I grabbed the diaper cream, put back the 1o pairs of gloves I let her put in & out of the cart to keep her occupied & headed for the door ! Once we were all buckled in I read the front of the container & had a good laugh !!!!
I wanted to thank CVS . I know a lot of employees have been praying for Vania & for Hope Of Little Angels from Haiti. Grandpa Steve says they call & ask for updates sometimes 2x a week ! They had also sent down a lot of supplies for the Orphanage with Tiffany & I when we went to Haiti last October !!
There is some new info from the doctor. According to Vania's bone x-ray they think she is anywhere from 24 months to 30 months. So the original birthdate we were given of 7/21/07 would be the more accurate one. He will send all the info to the pediatrician so it is on record if we decide later on to try to legally change the birth date.
As far as adjustment, our biggest challenge has been naptime & bedtime. We have decided not to give her a nap. It takes just as long to lay her down as the time she spends sleeping :) We have also decided to let her stay up & lay down with the kids who have all been bumped to a 9:00pm bedtime. She seems to do better when all the kids lay down. Although we still lay with her for about 10 min. before she falls asleep. But the last couple days this has worked well & she has not gotten up at 4am :)
We have an ENT appointment March 5th . We are still concerned about her snoring & coughing through the night & have gotten her snoring action on video . Mama wants answers !
We have received a little info on where to proceed with the adoption from here, but I'm still a little confused so I won't post details until it's clearer. It looks though like we have 2 options. 1) through Haiti or 2) through the State. More on that as it unfolds.
Here are more fun pictures of our sweetie .......

I love to play with my cousin Kylah !

I love Grandpa's Bacon & eggs & Grandma's dress up clothes !

I love Grandma's yellow hat ! It makes me look like the Gorton's Fisherman :)

I love eating cantaloupe with Grandpa ! And know if i smile I get to look at myself on the Camera :)

I LOVE MY POPPIE !!!!!!!!!!

Boogie Down

2010-02-21T08:28:00.003-05:00

I don't know what makes me laugh more. Vania trying to imitate Beyonce's moves or her back up singers ! :)

Fan Mail

2010-02-19T12:43:00.003-05:00

I hope Vania is ok because of earthquake in Haiti. If shes going to be ok I hope she likes America. I heard this of you guys because my mom's friend is your sister Erin. These other cards that are coming are for Vania from me & my class.

Sincerely,

Wade Cowan

There are so many people to thank for praying & supporting our family to get Vania home. On the top of my list is Wade Cowan. His mother Christie is a friend of Vania's aunt Erin & she had shared pic. of Vania & our family's experience with her family. So as the quake unfolded Wade decided to get his class to make cards for her & sent them to us from Iowa. It was very uplifting & touching to know that someone whom we had never met was rooting for Vania to come home ! Thanks Wade !!! We will keep all these cards & someday I will tell her how excited everyone was for her to come home :)

Kids Gone Wild

2010-02-16T21:23:00.007-05:00

Yes, we were off of school again today due to the snow ! It is still snowing & I'm hoping that the snow plows are able to keep up so school can resume tomorrow :) I know bah- humbug right ? The fact of the matter is , we have not had one week where their has been any regular schedule since bringing Vania home. This is the second week in a row the kids have had 2 days of during the week & we are all driving each other crazy. Not to mention our options of getting out are limited due to the weather . This mama likes routine & warmer weather :) So today was not such a good day. Many tantrums & bickering from all parties here in the Estep household. Snow day or not tomorrow I am heading up to my mom's for some much needed adult conversation & COFFEE !!

Vania had her appointment at Children's Hospital International Adoption Clinic last Friday. It was indeed a long appoinment. She fared well for the first half which was just a basic medical exam, Denver Developemental Test, meeting with physical therapist & meeting with nutritionist. Then the doctor did a PPD test to test for tuberculosis . That sent her over the edge. She was highly offended and cried the rest of the trip :( After I settled her down we made a quick bathroom trip which resulted in her getting her fingers pinched in the door. So.. back to tears.
Next stop the lower level of the out patient clinic for an x-ray of her hand ( to determine age based on bone growth ) & MORE bloodwork. More tears :( We had some done initially through our pediatrician. Which by the way all came back normal, INCLUDING the one for Sickle Cell ( which had been marked as positive on her inital medical report from Haiti ) ! The only thing low was her iron level, so she is on an iron supplement. Her stool cultures have also all been fine.
Only three more appointments to go. We did ears yesterday. All good. In March we have Hematology, ENT & eyes. Whew !

Anyway to the pictures.......

Her first homecoming party .Thanks Cathy ! Love the cake
Vania loves balloons & chasing/ hitting :) people with them !

She loves reading her picture books & can repeat most anything !

Making cookies with Mama. Any time I am cooking she tries to eat all the dry ingredients. Yesterday it was dry potatoes for the scallop potaoes I was making. She ate them like potato chips. Then wasn't to fond of them when served on her plate :)

Playing with cousins Eli & Kylah

Aunt Lindsay showing her how to take a photo

Lots of sweet kisses !

Well, off to bed for now. Bon -Wit !
Bambi

Vania Homecoming Video

2010-02-14T15:46:00.002-05:00

Finally the homecoming video ! Thank you to Heidi Garinger for getting this on DVD for us :) It was 1 year ago this February that we got the referral for Vania. Never did we think she would be home in just one year or that an earthquake & many miracles would speed up her homecoming. So grateful for our little Valentine. Happy Valentines day !

1 week

2010-02-09T12:33:00.006-05:00

Can you believe it has been one week since Vania came home ? I can't. On the other hand it feels like she has always been a part of our family :) We are in the middle of another winter storm here. It is supposed to snow all day today through tomorrow. Kids are off school. Adam & the kids built an igloo last Saturday & with it being so cold it is still standing. I'm sure they will be out in it sometime today.Vania has enjoyed going out as well. That is...... in & out ,in & out , in & out !

Our Igloo

Vania has learned how to get water from the fridge . Now we are training ourselves to keep it locked :)

Zoe , Carson & Vania in the igloo

Vania thinks this cut off pant leg that Carson learned to sew on A button in Cub scouts is a jean skirt. She likes to squeeze herself into it & then can't walk :)

She has gotten used to her car seat& likes to have her glasses on when in the car. She loves to ride in the van & often goes to the door saying "machine ".

Still likes to hide when she knows I'm trying to get a cute picture !

As far as eating she has stopped the obsession with every wrapped granola bar / cereal bar. She is mostly just eating at mealtime. Chewing gum though has become her new favorite thing. she does really well with it though & it works as a good bribe :)

Speaking of bribing I've decided it is time to figure out how to do her hair. That way maybe by the time she is old enough to REALLY care, I might be decent at braids. We are keeping the short afro for now.Just had it trimmed the other day. The lady was very patient & kept her entertained with every comb & brush in her drawer. Vania loves to pick out bows & barrettes . So that is what we are going with for now with maybe some flat/ spiral twists in the front to keep her hair pulled back. seriously I had her up in her highchair bribing her with everything I could think of just to comb out her hair & put in a few twists. The twists she didn't mind. It was the combing out of the hair !Today she did much better with that :)

Today is also the first time she laid down for a nap with out a tantrum. Mickey mouse , a rocking chair & boom she was out :) We have been getting her to bed around 8pm & she will usually sleep until 4am. Then she wakes Zoe up & Zoe brings her to us. ( they share a room )Then we are back to the rocking chair for about 10 min. Then off to sleep again. She usually gets up for the day around 6:45am. Most likely because that's when we all start getting up & getting ready.

We are starting to get things on track here. Our heads I think are slowly coming out above the water after feeling like we had been knocked down by a huge wave:)Still can't seem to catch up on sleep. I just can't believe she is really here ! We love her so much.She is so comical & fun to have around ! I love snuggling with her & hearing her say " pick me up mama, pick me up "Speaking of Vania i hear her calling.Naptime is over.60 min today, Not bad.
Bambi

First Snow

2010-02-05T21:31:00.003-05:00

We got a lot of snow today ! The sky just opened up & within the hour that Vania & I were in Walmart grocery shopping about 2-3in. covered the ground. I could barely push the heavy cart through the snow covered parking lot. Vania thought the snow was funny at first, but was not fond of the cold wind taking her breathe away. Luckily Walmart had 3 pairs of boots left in her size. We picked the ones that actually had a price tag so we wouldn't get held up in the check out line. She wanted every pair of shoes we passed & every pretty dress she saw hanging :)It was fun grocery shopping with her. We passed the peanut butter section & I heard her squeal & point. She rode the rest of the time with a big jar of "mamba" on her lap.Every one seemed to be out stocking up due to the winter storm warning. Let me say that is a bonus having a cute little girl babbling in the cart when going to check out. A nice lady from the express check out came over to our line & asked if she could help us. Absolutely ! She must have known I was looking desperate after opening the bag of sweet hearts to try to keep Vania occupied in line.

After getting home from picking the kids up from school we put on the snow gear & headed outside. No one lasted too long. But we had some fun watching Vania experience the cold snow.She kept running back into the garage to keep the wind from blowing the cold snow in her face. Carson braved the cold & was able to make a quick snowman.

Team Hope has a blog page at www.hlahteamhope.blogspot.com . Check it out ! We were looking at it earlier today & Vania shouted out JEAN TONY as loud as she could. She loves seeing the pictures of her friends from the O. Last night she had all the baby dolls out naming them after all her friends. I think we have a Jessica, Abbie, Fabrice & Collin doll. It is very sweet. I know she misses them :)

Bambi

catching up

2010-02-04T21:49:00.006-05:00

Wow, I don't even know where to begin. I feel like I'm on one of those " When life comes at you fast"" commercials. We are home & doing well. Still in survival mode for now. Trying to establish some sort of routine & finally putting away our luggage today :)

Vania is a joy ! My oldest son Zane said it best the night we brought her home."We are so lucky to have her in our family ! She is just a perfect fit. I am so happy. "

I thought I would post some pictures of the last few days to share a little of what Vania has been up too. She also had a pediatrician appointment last Tuesday. Weighing in at 22lbs. 5oz and is 32 3/34 in. tall. After all she's been through since October she has still managed to gain a little weight & height. We have a referral to the Columbus Children's Hospital International Clinic Feb. 12th where they will do a more thorough assessment of health, development , nutrition etc.

The kids are doing great with her ! I love to sit back & watch them play together. It is still hard to believe that she is finally here. Her name ( which is her given name ) means God's gracious gift & that she truly is !

Once we actually get sleep & get better at multitasking our now family of SIX I'll try to update more :)

Okay ... one funny story. I was making Vania rice today in our rice cooker & when I went to add my 1 3/4 cup of water she snatched the measuring cup out of my hand & there it went down the hatch. Lov'in the H2O :)

Re-United

2010-01-30T20:26:00.002-05:00

It has been a long but awesome day. I can already start to feel my stress level decreasing :) We arrive in Miami at 10:30am. By the time we got our luggage & rented a car it was 12:00pm. We arrived at His House Children's Home at around 12:30. We did a liitle bit of paperwork which had not only been faxed to ORR (Office Of Refugee Resettlement) but we had also filled out & brought ourselves. This made things go very quickly. While they reviewd our paperwork we went to visit Vania.She was quite at first, but again no tears. In about half an hour she was back to her fiesty little self. She looks good, is eating well No diarrhea. She does have large blister on her right hand which we don't know what happened but it is healing.And her left earring hole looks like it may have been infected recently but that is also healing.Our paperwork was done in a couple hours & we are now her "sponsors". this means we have legal custody of her until our adoption is finalized in the State Of Ohio. YEAH!!!!!!!!!! We hung out a little longer at the Children's home to see all the parents coming in before we left. Totally awesome to see the children re-united to their forever families.They are all doing SUPER. And also awesome to see our fearless Team Hope! We cannot thank them enough for being our hereos & getting these kids home. We are forever grateful!Thank you for all your prayers & support. Please know that God has used all of you to play a part in bringing them home. That's how he operates. He uses the Body of Christ. The family buisness.

NBC Nightly News

2010-01-30T06:46:00.003-05:00

This is a video with our kids getting ready to get on the plane. We're getting ready to leave for Miami. (CLICK ON THE POST TITLE TO VIEW VIDEO)

P.S. An angel left our luggage that had gone to Salt Lake City the other day on our porch last night! All is good!

Going To Miami

2010-01-29T21:45:00.002-05:00

We head out to Miami early morning. We should be there by 11:00AM .Then we will be heading to a the shelter where they are bringing the children tonight. Visiting hours are 10-5pm. We are able to visit, eat & play with Vania during those hours. Once our documentation is cleared we can bring her home. Right now we have a flight for Monday to bring her back ! We will keep you posted. Thank you for all your thoughts , prayers & support:) Please pray for the kids as they arrive in Florida. I know they have had a long , long day ( weeks ) ! Pray for safe travels for the parents & for protection of the families they are leaving at home while traveling . GOOD NIGHT !
Bambi

2010-01-29T17:43:00.002-05:00

from Lori....
I'd ask that you wait 2 more hours before booking flights. We should know by then if they're letting them stay on the plane in Miami while USCIS agents process paperwork (which is what we're hoping and praying can happen SOMEHOW) or if they are forcing them off the plane and into the shelter process.

Congratulations! One way or the other they'll be on American soil and well cared for tonight!!

I'll keep you posted.

From Lori....

2010-01-29T17:08:00.002-05:00

CABIN DOOR IS LOCKED .

FLY BABY FLY !!!

Granted travel papers

2010-01-29T14:41:00.003-05:00

Congressman Pat Tiberi's office called & they said they just received notice moments ago that Vania has been granted her travel papers ! Right now they are still waiting to board the plane .

Still wating to board

2010-01-29T13:38:00.001-05:00

From Scott an adoptive dad with the children.......

We are waiting again. We are sitting in a tent - 100 feet from the plane waiting for something. probably the embassy to bring over our paperwork.

Keep Praying !!!!!

On Their Way

2010-01-29T11:45:00.002-05:00

They are on their way to a plane !!!!! The question is Florida Or Utah ? We should know soon where we will be flying. Praise God !! They are coming !!!!!!!!!!!!

Hopeful

2010-01-29T10:38:00.002-05:00

WAITING ( Vania is in the middle , blue/white dress )

Haitian children may be headed to Utah after all

By Dennis Romboy
Deseret News
Published: Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 8:10 a.m. MST

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — About 60 Haitian children appeared to be on their way to the United States this morning after Utahns say they obtained permission from the Haitian government to move them off the island.

Highland resident Steve Studdert, who arrived in Haiti late Thursday night with the 130-member Utah Hospital Task Force, met with Haitian government officials this morning. The meeting was the latest piece in a severely jumbled puzzle that may finally have come together in a way that will allow the children, most of whom are being adopted by Utahns, to join their new families.

The Army's 82nd Airborne Division was slated to transfer the children from the Foyer de Sion orphanage in Fontemara to the Port-au-Prince airport, where the plane that brought the task force to Haiti sat overnight. The early plan was for the children to fly to Miami for processing. The children had or were in the process of obtaining the humanitarian parole status they needed before Haitian and U.S. government decisions effectively froze the exodus of children from the quake-torn country.

It is unknown how soon the children would be united with their adoptive parents in Utah and other states. Parents had earlier hoped the children would fly directly to Salt Lake City, but word came Thursday that the children would have to spend a few days in a shelter in Florida.

The children's planned arrival at the Port-au-Prince airport this morning would end a weeklong, back-and-forth negotiation between the two governments. The final talks began as soon as the Utah Hospital Task Force touched down in Haiti late Thursday night and continued Friday morning. Parents and task force officials planned all along to have the children fly to the States on the same plane that brought the task force.
Studdert, a former Reagan Administration official, and orphanage leaders met with Haitian officials at about 8:30 a.m. local time.

Many of the children have been sleeping on a concrete driveway and in tents under banana trees at the orphanage overrun with children who lost their homes in the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Chareyl Moyes, a Wasatch International Adoption program manager for Haiti, has been at the orphanage since last week trying secure all the government-required paperwork.

From JCICS........

2010-01-29T07:42:00.002-05:00

Haitian Government Issues No Travel Approves Since Announcement

Posted in Uncategorized on January 29, 2010 by Be The Answer

On January 24, the Haitian government announced that all children exiting the country on humanitarian parole must be approved, on an individual basis, by the Haitian government. It is our understanding that to date, no agreement has been reached on the process by which the approvals will be issued. It is also our understanding that to date, the Haitian government has not begun reviewing individual cases and has issued no travel approvals.

Joint Council strongly supports reasonable efforts to ensure the protection of children and encourages the Haitian government to protect children with great urgency. The the review and approval of individual cases should begin immediately. Children who have or will qualify for humanitarian parole yet have not received travel approval from the Haitian government continue to be at significant risk. Inadequate safe shelter, food, water and medical care combined with the risk of aftershocks places children in unnecessary danger. Children should be protected in a holistic manner. The protection of one right at the expense of the right to safety, food, safe shelter and a family invalidates the legitimacy of current child protection measures.

____________________________________________________________________

The sun rises on another day in Haiti. Hope our children are safe & sound. Hope the Embassy is up and running. Hope the Prime Minister & Ambassador meet today. Hope our files ARE their priority.

Bambi

Staying Put

2010-01-28T21:05:00.003-05:00

Our plane was delayed about a half hour. We were stressed because it looked like we weren't going to make it to our connecting flight out of Dallas. So we boarded. They were packed & trying to get everyone quickly seated . I asked Adam to check the e-mail one more time and we got the news.No kids flying tonight. Then I said we have to get off this plane NOW. So after trying to be patient with people pushing to get on the plane we decided to go for it." Sorry we have to get off this plane!" we kept saying. I'm sure we caused a slight scene but.....we got off the plane. Our luggage went to Salt Lake. But hey, it should be here by afternoon tomorrow. Yes we are frustrated& drained but have moved on. One thing that this process has taught me is not to give up. We will hang tough, be resilient, rise to the occasion & we WILL persevere. We have not been told she will never come home. It is a matter of when. She is in good hands. Thank you to Lori & all of Team Hope for your passion for these children & hard work helping to get them home. You inspire us all:)

Plan B ... we are staying put . If the Prime minister signs the papers they could be flying them to Miami soon.

All,
I don't even know what to say. We have done everything we could think of to try to make this smooth and efficient and easy on our families and, especially the children. We've found out in the last few hours that it isn't enough.

Here's the latest.

1. We all have Humanitarian Parole. Now we need the Prime Minister's signature in order for our children to be authorized to leave the country.
2. While Chareyl was at the Embassy this afternoon, they announced that the Prime Minister was leaving - for Canada. What Chareyl told me was that unless you could take someone to wherever he was immediately and stand in front of him until he chose to sign your papers, there was nothing they could do.

3. Additionally, we have been trying to make this transition as painless as possible for the children. We've been working for days with all the different agencies and departments trying to make sure we have every T crossed and I dotted.

I cannot even begin to tell you what we've been through in the last week and a half, trying to wade through the marsh of bureaucracy so that you wouldn't have to. We've tried to prep agencies and groups and make everyone aware of these children and this group and their plight. I have made the comment several times in the last week that I could not see how it was possible that I could be doing this as my volunteer full-time job for so many days and still have gov't departments give me new "requirements" and processes and signatures needed for each department to be happy.

Just a couple of hours ago, we were notified.... well, I won't even go into all the random stuff that we've been notified.

Here's the short list:
If you Child is Category II (which nearly all of us are)

When the Prime Minister or other appropriate Haitian official finally decides to sign the paperwork and our children are finally released to travel, we have no say in what happens to them for the next 2-3 days. The child will be taken to Miami and will be taken into custody of the OOR. They will take your child to a shelter in Miami. They have suggested that we do NOT arrive at the Miami Airport as you won't be able to see them there. The children will be taken via back ways to ensure that they aren't a media spectacle.
When the OOR knows when our children are arriving (because the PM has finally signed the paperwork) we'll be notified of which shelter will have them. They said they will send me out a "Welcome Letter" to tell us which hotels are in the area of the shelters where the children will be. You will be able to go and visit them and play with them during the day, but at night they will be staying at the shelter and you will be returning to your hotel. They said it typically takes 2-3 days for their process to confirm all is well with the child and that you are who you say you are, etc, etc, etc.

I tried. I really did. I am still sending them the packets that they said they could preprocess and I'm hoping that they will actually do that and that it will shorten the time your children will be in a shelter.

At this point, we have esclated to Senators Hatch and Crapo and Congressman Larsen as well as anyone else that would listen to my friend Brian at Utah - DHS. We're demanding that the US government find an alternative to the signature of a Prime Minister who obviously doesn't put the children first.

I would suggest you stay where you are for the moment. If they fix the signature fiasco and get someone else to authorize the files, we'll be on the next plane to Miami and you'll need to know which shelter your child(ren) wil be at. If they don't fix the signature fiasco, you'll need to be able to escalate and rally your local elected officials.

I think I'll start to send you some of the emails that outline what we've been through these last days. I feel like we've tried - all the way along - to do what we were asked to do and be "good citizens" and because our children weren't lucky enough to have the lousy Haitian process get them "far enough along" that our government could consider them Category I orphans. Those kids skip all this OOR shelter crap.

These poor kids have been the victim over and over and over again. They just can't catch a break. And neither can their families.

I'll keep you posted if I get any news. I wish this had worked out. We are still going to send the packets down, as I mentioned and I hope that will make things easier for your families when you do hit a border somewhere.

L
________________________________________________

afternoon update

2010-01-28T16:15:00.000-05:00

All,
I just spoke to Chareyl from the Embassy. They have told her that all of your children are in the "first batch" to be signed by the Prime Minister. We need this signature to allow our children to get on the plane.

We have been working diligently with the people trying to arrange the flights in and the custody and the transfer of things between different agencies. We still need some miracles there as well. Sometimes it seems like every department has their own checks and balances that they are trying to confirm and follow and, while we appreciate order, we need things to work out as well.

Please continue to pray. If the Prime Minister doesn't sign these papers today, they're not getting on a plane tonight. The good news is, whenever he DOES sign the papers, they'll be on the next plane.

Many thanks to Brian Hyer at Utah Department of Homeland Security, Laura Trinnaman at For Every Child Adoptions and the Utah Medical Task Force for all the work they have done and continue to do to try to get this plane in the right place for these kids. When this is all over we'll have many, many stories to tell you.

I'll call you as soon as I get word about which plane they're on and their clearance for travel. KEEP PRAYING - we need these last few things to line up.

Please contact me with any questions.

Lori

Update

2010-01-28T11:24:00.002-05:00

update from Lori,

All,
See below from Senator Hatch's office.

Marie at USCIS told Chareyl said last night that "if" Haiti started approving files, our groups would be at the top of the list because we've been in queue so long.

I'll keep you posted as I get more information.

Seriously.... PRAY.

We have done EVERYTHING we can do and somethings we didn't know we could do. Everything from here on out is gonna be Divine Intervention....

L
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Lori,

Thank you for your e-mails and updates. Moments ago I just heard from the USCIS Headquarters. They indicated that the Government of Haiti has begun reviewing the cases. That does not yet mean that the kids can leave; however, USCIS and State Department are hopeful things will move forward very soon.

Sincerely,

Sharon Garn

Office of Senator Hatch

Thursday Jitters

2010-01-28T08:57:00.002-05:00

The plan is to press forward & catch a plane out of Columbus at 6pm tonight that will take us to Utah late evening. The children are STILL waiting for approval to travel. And EVERYTHING possible is being done to make sure they are able to get on the plane arriving to pick them up in Port Au Prince tonight.

I am trying to tie up loose ends here to leave & finish packing. It has been much easier to pack for a trip to Utah than a trip to Haiti :) No worries with bed bugs , clean water , hairdryer or whatever :)

We are fired up today ! Anxious & Waiting. Please PRAY LIKE YOU'VE NEVER PRAYED BEFORE that ALL the kids would get on the plane TONIGHT! Pray for the Haitian government that God would inspire them to rise to the occassion & have the same goal of getting these children onto the plane that will be arriving for them .

Bambi

Team Hope on Nightly News !!!!

2010-01-27T17:21:00.002-05:00

Team Hope, from Hope For Little Angels Of Haiti, was interviewed by NBC and will air tonight on the nightly news . That means 6:30pm here in Ohio. For other states it will be earlier than usual due to the State of The Union Address tonight.
Bambi

Sorry , thought we might have seen where they are staying. But no interview :(

Love her new braids !

2010-01-27T10:42:00.004-05:00

Vania at Fontamara

Thanks Michelle for the pictures ! I was able to go back through the news article and catch glimpses of her playing. She was much easier to pick out now that I know what she had on. I think she must like this handsome boy in the green shirt. She seems to be hanging out with him. The pictures are #22 behind the little girl and next to boy in the green shirt. And #23 way in the back to the left in front of girl in pink & next to lady in yellow walking. Handsome boy in green shirt not too far away :)

To Fly Or Not To Fly ?

2010-01-27T09:09:00.003-05:00

Well ,we are less than 24hrs from our flight booked to Salt Lake City. The question being , what will unfold today in Haiti. Please pray that God would give us clear direction in making decisions regarding our travel plans. Pray that we would know clearly whether to leave on the morning flight or stay put. If push comes to shove please pray we would have confidence & peace about any decisions we have to make.

Below is a link to an article about our O. They made the paper ! If you go to the picture beside the article and click on Gallery it has lots of pictures of the kids . Haven't seen any with Vania in the pic though.

FINGERS CROSSED !
Bambi

Deseret News in Haiti: Plans yo-yo for Haitian children headed to Utah

FONTAMARA, Haiti — A group of 70 children headed for adoption in Utah and other states are sleeping on a concrete driveway and in tents under…
Full Story: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705361327/Deseret-News-in-Haiti-Plans-yo-yo-for-Haitian-children-headed-to-Utah.html

2010-01-26T18:46:00.002-05:00

Another short update ! I just can't go with out showing you how God is continually moving ! We got a call back from Congressman Tiberi's office & they said they talked to USCIS about our file & " Everything is in place , Vania just needs travel papers released" So i'm taking this as she has been granted Humanitarian parole . We were one of many who hadn't gottten " THE CALL"Thank you God for this reassurance :)

Update

2010-01-26T16:19:00.002-05:00

2 quick updates... Then off to a dentist appointment. The plane scheduled to fly into PAP has changed so now it will be late Thursday that it will be arriving into Haiti. Getting the kids to Utah Friday.We see this as a blessing. First of all because details still need worked out on the paperwork side & even better news that Lori has gotten word that Jess is alive & with her birth father. Praise God. Now let's find her & get her back to the O !!!!!

2010-01-26T14:36:00.003-05:00

Send Me Home PLEEEEEASE !

The adoptive parents were able to listen in on a conference call today between DHS ( Department of Homeland Security), USCIS ( immigration ), HHS ( Human services ) & the powers that be . It was all very encouraging & I have no doubt that they are working hard to bring our children home. They also wanted to make it clear that it was Haiti's intention as well to get the kids home & that the 2 parties were in full agreement on this. Our children will come home. In the meantime we wait for the details of the process to unfold. and did I mention..... WE HAVE A PLANE TO CATCH !

We have had 2 representatives call us from Pat Tiberi's office today to see how we are doing and ask if they could help. They are trying to see if USCIS or DHS has record of our files & if we have Humanitarian Parole. We have not gotten the confirmation e-mail or phone call. But it would be nice reassurance. The coolest thing was that they said they had received several calls or e-mails from family & friends about our case. So Thanks everyone, they are listening !

We will keep you updated :) Pray for a miracle !
Bambi

Tuesday

2010-01-26T08:24:00.003-05:00

Today Chareyl will be heading down to the Embassy again to check on the status of paperwork for Humanitarian Parole. Please pray that they would let her into the Embassy today & that the hold on Humanitarian Parole for the children would be lifted. Pray that God would move yet another mountain & she would be able to return today with Humanitarian parole papers for EVERY child from Hope For Little Angels of Haiti. We continue to pray that God would soften the heart of All the Government leaders involved & we can all work together to bring these children to safety & into loving homes.

Adam & I are still booking flights today to travel to Utah Wednesday. Lord please calm my anxious heart :)
Bambi

I had to add this great praise. On Lori 's blog she has noted that all 10k was raised yesterday to cover the plane fuel. That was done within 24hrs folks :) God is GOOD !!!!!!

ATTENTION PRAYER WARRIORS !

2010-01-25T14:49:00.002-05:00

All,
Because we haven't been on enough of a rollercoaster....

Chareyl arrived at the Embassy today and was notified that the Haitian government has put a freeze on everything.

She said they told her that they cannot even give her the paperwork that has been approved until the government gives her direction.

She said that Secretary Clinton and DHS and President Preval, etc, etc are in a meeting right now trying to negotiate things.

The Embassy is turning away all people for appointments and telling them to come back tomorrow.

Chareyl says this is all very political. Haiti had lifted their exit requirements and now they've revoked that and they want to approve every child leaving.

I believe this explains why we stopped getting phone calls yesterday from DHS regarding file approvals.

I also believe there is a reason our miracle flight was arranged for THURSDAY when we wanted TUESDAY.

We need to continue to pray, folks. We need some leaders' hearts softened. We need them to be inspired to find a way for them to process their Haitian Government approval that will make them happy and that our files that are down there will meet.

We have approved I-171Hs, we have pictures of parents and passports and pictures of parents with the children. We have the proof of relationship.

Chareyl says there is NOTHING that anyone in any US government can do. This is a HAITIAN GOVERNMENT decision. It won't matter who is there. You can't fly there and make it any different than what Chareyl is getting. I know you want to DO because that's what PARENTS do.

This time all parents can do is PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. You can get mad. You can cry. Just make sure you move on to PRAY.

We need PRAYERS. WE NEED MIRACLES STILL.

I think we still move forward with faith and book flights (with insurance in case we have to make a change) and move forward trusting that God will DELIVER.

I will keep you posted if I get any more information. Chareyl is going to continue to try to get into the Embassy so that the instant Haiti has a decision we can pick up our paperwork.

I'll keep you posted.

Lori

Getting Closer !!!!

2010-01-25T13:30:00.001-05:00

I love updates ........

All,
We have a plane, we have a plane, we have a plane!!!!! Please stop and say a prayer of thanks.

A group that would prefer we don't mention their names has arranged a flight going into Haiti with humanitarian supplies. They have been given a slot to land on Thursday. They will unload their cargo. They will check off and load the kids. Then they are coming home to SALT LAKE CITY UTAH.

They have some doctors and nurses going down on the plane to return with the children to make sure everyone is getting everything they need as soon as possible. I told them, "They all look really healthy" and he said, 'Then they'll snuggle the children who are scared".

And then I cried a little bit more.

Chareyl is at the Embassy now. She will be there all day long picking up Humanitarian Paroles. We will be notified as she gets each child's paperwork.

They're coming home, ladies and gentlemen! They're coming home!!

PICTURE!!!!

2010-01-25T10:30:00.004-05:00

Brent holding Vania

So glad to see this sweet face ! I can't wait to get my arms around her :)
Thanks Team Hope for the picture!

Monday

2010-01-25T08:09:00.003-05:00

Last nights update from Lori....

All,
Here are the recap from today: 1. We were thrilled to see that nearly all the children have been rounded up and arrived at Fontamara. For those of you not familiar with that location, it's one of the three branches of Foyer de Sion. Guesno Mardy has taken all the kids in and they're basically living in the yard. They are still getting aftershocks and people are very wary about staying INSIDE the buildings after what they experienced in the last 12 days. 2. We're still working on the specifics of a plane. We have found a benefactor who has the capacity to get over 100 people to a destination and his group is working to see which plane, which pilot, which destination, etc, etc are best going to meet the needs. 3. You should be aware that you can't land a plane in PAP unless it's filled with humanitarian supplies on the way into PAP. We've been working with the LDS Church Humanitarian Services and it looks like they will be able to fill the cargo hold for us. 4. Coordinating these things leaves us with a few loose ends still. It may possibly be WEDNESDAY before they can leave because we have to get the plane to where it can be loaded with humanitarian cargo and we have to make sure all the children have Humanitarian Parole. My contacts tell me it may be tomorrow morning before they can give me specifics. I promise you I will get the information out as soon as I have something you can book tickets against. 5. Because so many of our group have not heard from DHS, we have escalated to someone who is helping us on this end (Utah end) of the Department of Homeland Security and they are looking into each of the files that have not received "the phone call" yet. We just want to make sure we have as much notice as possible that all the paperwork is in order so that if there is an issue we can fix it as expeditiously as possible. 6. We have raised a little over $6000K TODAY for the "jet fuel" fund. I can't tell you how different the "can we use your plane" conversation is when you tell them that you've been gathering money for fuel. Obviously, until we know a) exactly which type of plane we're going to be using and b) exactly where they will be flying us, we won't know the full fuel costs. But it's coming together. Thank you for getting the word out and for your own donations as well. Please let me know if you have questions and I"ll do my best to answer them. Thank you for all your prayers.

L

Jessica

Please pray specifically for Jessica today! That God would soften her birth father's heart & that she would be reunited with her adoptive father Brent & the rest of her O family.
Please continue to pray that all the children would get humanitarian parole.That the logistics would be worked out for travel. And continued protection over the children & the team working to bring them home. Thank you for your continuing prayers :)