We have officially been submitted to the US embassy and are awaiting for the United States government to approve our adoption. This has been an exciting journey that got so quick-paced in the end. We were hoping for a quick movement through the US side of things but it seems like staffing changed in the last 2 months, which might slow the process down just a bit. We were submitted to embassy on the 28th of August and still have not received notification that our case has been looked at. With our fingers crossed we still hope that Micah will be home within the month.
On a lighter note, Micah turned 1 on the 6th of September so we had a nice little birthday celebration for him. Both my parents and Jana's mother are in town, so we sang him happy birthday and had a small cake with the colors of Ethiopia for decoration. It was a tough day for both Jana and I, but it was softened a little by an update from our agency and some new photos of Micah. He is doing well. He caught a small cold and was seen by the doctor just to make sure there was no pneumonia. He looks happy and heathy in the photos they send, even in one sporting some pink ruffled pants. As long as he is warm and happy; that is the most important part.
Just the day after Micah's birthday, Jana's aunt Bev and mom threw us a "virtual baby-shower." Now picture this, here at our house we had all the gifts along with myself, Jana, the kids, Jana mother, my parents, and Jana's aunt and uncle. We then Skyped in 3, (that is right), 3 different groups of people from various parts of the country to watch us open gifts in honor of Micah. Everyone was so generous as we got clothes, toys, a new double stroller, and gifts for Callie and Elena. We feel so fortunate to not only have such generous family and friends but also a support group that has really embraced Micah and our adoption. Special thanks to Bev for organizing and suggesting the party.
So now we continue to wait some more. All you can do is keep busy. Jana worked hard on a projects to get laminated posters of normal infant/toddler development for the nannies caring for the children. Literally in 18 hours Jana was able to get donations from 9 different people to support this awesome project. That is the kind of support we have gotten throughout this whole process and Jana and I couldn't be more grateful.In closing all is going well with the girls. Callie keeps asking when her brother will be coming home. She has been so patient. More so than us really. Jana's cousin Hannah also made a video montage of our first trip. Now let me warn you, I didn't make it but 15 seconds before I was balling like a child so get some tissues ready. Hannah has a gift for not only taking photos but photo editing and developing things like this video. You should be able to check it out by going to www.youtube.com and putting in Micah Mitik Esden for your search. Happy Crying!
Eric
