Boy Names and Board Books

We are still trying to get all of our paperwork done..waiting on a few last pieces and then we'll be able to send off for all of the appropriate stamps. There's a LOT of steps! We recently met a couple who are adopting from Ethiopia and they have recently received their referral. They have a six month old daughter and the adoption should pass the courts in another month or so and then they will be able to make arrangements to go and pick her up. It's so inspiring and motivating to hear how close they are! We are so happy for them! I hope to get some pics of her to share..as she is beautiful! Unfortunately they are not able to "share" any photos until after the court date, that is when they are officially recognized as her parents. That is a precaution that the Ethiopian adoption system insists upon, in an attempt to protect the privacy of the child.
Although we don't yet know him, haven't even been put on the list yet, we don't know where he's from exactly or what day he is (or will be) born, we can't see his smiling face yet...but we Roy's know we have a baby brother out there somewhere. His sisters talk about him as if he is here but away on some extended vacation. It's very sweet really. M has a gift bag she is recycling in her room. In it she puts any book or toy she thinks her baby brother may like to play with that she is no longer playing with. So far she has collected board books, musical books, her favorite crib aquarium toy and various toddler toys. We have bought him a few items...a bath toy (that it is still in it's package is a miracle as his big sisters really want to try it out), some shoes and a few pieces of clothing that my friend was selling and I couldn't pass up! Anyone who knows me knows that I am doing well to not have a closet full of clothes for him already! I'm trying to save that for the end. I'll call it a Celebratory Mission, and shop like crazy!!! K continues to pray for him during her bedtime prayers, for his safety and sweet dreams. She has started listing names that she would like for us to consider for him. One of our neighbors loaned us a baby names book and K immediately took it to her room. About once a week she brings down a list for us to discuss. The last name was Bobby...uh....momma wasn't feelin' it... but she liked it so it stayed on the list. Once we get a true list then I'll blog the names, but until then I'll let her keep the list of names. A few of her faves are Alexander, Aaron (both of these are her cousins names by the way), Billy, Bobby, Brady (her dad likes this one), Colin, Cooper, David, Drew and Deven. Slim pick'ins for her mother's taste! Good thing we're still on D's!

As for B and I, well we just keep pluggin' away at the everyday stuff. We know He has a master plan and we'll keep looking for His direction.

Princess Ball

Once, while watching the tube, I caught Gwenyth Paltrow talking about her dad. She was sharing a special memory. From what I can remember...Her dad had flown her to Paris, took her to the most elegant restaurant and reserved the table with the most beautiful view. He then asked her if she knew why he brought her there. Curious, she admitted that she did not. He explained that he wanted to make sure that she was able to experience the most beautiful city and share it with the man she who she would know always loved her. I loved this. So..being the romantic that I am I told my hubby he would have to do the same thing with our girls. Although he understood the importance, I think he decided that perhaps flying them to Paris would be over the top. We'll see. But this definitely made us both begin to think of ways that he could be purposeful in his quest to be very active in his daughter's lives. Creating a great bond and also giving the girls high expectations for the men they choose in the FAR OFF future.

He recently had the opportunity to take my oldest to her first dance. They attended the Princess Ball hosted by the Girl Scouts. Mothers were only allowed if daddy's couldn't make it, so I was banned from attending. Thank goodness I was able to grab a few pics of the beauty and her date before their carriage pulled away. The girls had a great time and the dads seemed to be thrilled with the night too. Catered meal, a DJ, crafts, pictures and dance contests left these princesses with many wonderful memories! One of K's best friends won the Twist Dance Off with her daddy...proud moment I'm sure. For me, my favorite moment was watching my husband give K a charm bracelet. He himself picked out the charm..the hand sign for I LOVE YOU. Very special to them both as that is a sign often shared between the two. K's delight at the sight of the shiny bracelet was priceless and melted her date's heart (and her mom's too). Brian's favorite part was dancing with his little girl to Butterfly Kisses which has always been a favorite for him. K loved it all, from beginning to end!

Who knew such a simple concept could make such a huge impact. The Princess Ball will definitely be a night they will always remember.