Tuesday Topics

Topic #1:
Surprise, surprise, ADOPTION!!  Unfortunately, we still really have no new news!  Again, after putting together an e-mail to embassy about Eden's case and basically asking for approval for her to be escorted to the US, I didn't sleep very well.  I think it was a combination of things, though.  One being caffeine!!  I tell myself every morning that somehow I will find time for a little shut eye when Bella is doing the same, but it just DOESN'T HAPPEN!!  Partly because Bella is going through a stage where she gets panicky if she can't see me or hear me!!  I don't really know what set this off.  I hope it is just a stage and according to Aleesha, Claire is going through the same thing!!  Therefor, Bella just hasn't really been napping well.  She wakes easily and when she does, often times she starts screaming, "MOMMY!!"  Therefor, coffee becomes my good friend in the afternoon!!  Anyway, back to the topic of adoption.... well, what do I say?!!  I am just really nervous that embassy has not responded to our agency or us yet about Eden.  Illien has e-mailed them days ago.  Our e-mail just went through last night, but before they have been so prompt in their response!!  I was glad that once again our coordinator and the Illien rep. in ET both like my letter.  We will hear more news tomorrow about Eden's case since Tsedey (the Illien rep. in ET) is going to Embassy for an interview and she will talk to them about our case. 
We did get an e-mail about Bereket's case, just that his case is indeed going on to UCSIC in Nairobi and it could take two months for them to even get in touch with us.  There was actually a letter that was attached, though, that is more disturbing.  80% of cases that were filed to embassy in recent months were incomplete, contained inconsistencies or errors, or did not contain sufficient evidence to document the child as an orphan under US law.  In addition, the Embassy continues to see cases which involve abandoned children but do not include sufficient evidence to document the abandonment and/or evidence of appropriate efforts to locate a child's birth family.  Now, for our situation, where Bereket's case has been forwarded to Nairobi, they are telling us that the USCIS there will notify us that the case has been received and issue any requests for additional evidence if necessary.  Bottom line here is that we are hearing of a LOT of other cases (none from our agency though) that have had their cases forwarded to USCIS in Nairobi.  We are definitely not alone.

Topic #2:
Crafting.  I have been continuing to have some projects to help with my sanity (keeping it, that is!).  Last night I tackled ripping apart a pair of jeans that I bought in Bella's size because this girl is loving her long skirts this time of year and she only has a couple.  I am no Delarosa (for those of you that know Delarosa Custom Jean Skirts, she basically does the same thing, only 10 times better and more creative) but I did make a long skirt for Bella out of the jeans!!

Doesn't she look rather pleased with her new jean skirt?!!  Yep, she is!!

I have also been making more shirts!!  It is just so much fun and I am having a good time experimenting with shirts I have found from goodwill, hand-me-downs, or just cheap Walmart shirts.  Today I made three for Eden.  She actually needs some long sleeved shirts, so it's a win-win!!

                                                     Up close of the birdie!!

                             This turned out looking a bit like Christmas!!  HA! 

Ethiopia shirt for Eden.

 A birthday shirt for a sweet niece that I made a couple of weeks ago.

              Had to try out this elephant!!  I love it - isn't it cute?!

Topic #3: Monthly Updates on Eden and Bereket.  Last week after our discouraging news on Bereket, we received the cutest ever pictures of him and Eden!!  Since I am out of time, though, I will try to post another time!!