what's new?

So I know, I know, I said I would try to be better. I really stink at this consistency thing. Sorry guys! I know it's frustrating. We've had an interesting Christmas season and things are just now starting to get back to normal.

To update you all, we are still on the paper trail. We really thought we would be finished before now, but we ran into some snags with needing some documents translated and a couple of other things so we are still working on getting our dossier completed. I am hopeful that we will have it complete by the end of the month though. Jared is out this morning trying to get the documents translated and we have received our missing employment letters and I have been assured that the final reference letter will be sent in soon--so hopefully by the end of the month we will have all of our documents ready!! Will you all pray with us for this?

I'm starting to compile lists of things that we need to buy when the time comes--it's kind of fun to shop online for swaddling blankets and baby carriers and bags--I've had a good time! Of course I'm just window shopping right now-- when I have to think about the money it won't be quite as fun :-)

Also, we are running into timing issues as our time frame gets extended. We have teams lined up to come and work with us in June and we need to be settled back in Rome before that time. This means that we would really love to be finished traveling before the end of May. For those of you familiar with the waiting times for medical and court dates, etc. you know what an impossible request this is. We are confident that our God is in control of our timeline, teams, travel, etc. He knows what is best. We want the perfect timing even if it's not what we think is best--but please join us in praying that God will work things out miraculously!!

Continue to pray for our daughter! She has probably entered the world and I have been really burdened to pray for her health and safety. Please join us in this!

Okay, these pictures have nothing to with our adoption, but just for fun, here you go!

Our kids at Christmas


Judah after opening his birthday presents--roaring like a dinosaur!


Blowing out his birthday candles--he is 3 now!



Elijah with his big birthday cookie!


Waiting for all of his friends to get to the party--playing calcietto!


They all sang 'Happy Birthday"--we were prepared with "Tanti Auguri" but they thought it was fun to sing it in english!


They really know how to do birthday candles here!