Huge Praise!!!

Josie Marie is in my arms!!!!  And literally, that's about the only place she is.  She's had a little bit of a rough transition, but she definitely knows that I'm her mama. :)  She is absolutely beautiful!!  I got my first look at her in person as we were driving thru the gates at the foster home, she was chilling out in her walker in the doorway just checking things out.    She's got a little flare for drama and I'm detecting a little bit of a strong will  : )  She is all about things on her terms.  So far, she's not so much into eating, I did get her to drink some water this morning and am hoping she will eat something at breakfast.  She cried quite a bit yesterday, but would always calm when she snuggled up into my chest.  She slept pretty well last night, only woke up a few times and would go back to sleep if she was laying on me.    The most precious time came this morning...she woke up next to me and we just looked at each other for 5 min, she did not take her eyes off of me.  I even got a smile out of her this morning  :)    I'll update as I can...we didn't have power yesterday....just all part of this amazing experience!!!  I'm going to try and post a pic when I can.  Thanks again for all of your prayers...please pray specifically for her transistion with me.  She's not a big fan of change and she's all about her terms.  Also pray she will start bonding with Kelly so the 16 hr plane ride home will be a little better if we can share the responsibilities.  Right now, I'll be happy if she eats today and hopefully some more smiles!!!  :)

we made it to addis!  on the way back from the airport i saw cows, sheep, goats, roosters, and donkeys on the side of the road.  it is amazing they don't wander into the street.  i also saw three people going to the bathroom.  don't see that every day!

 

we went shopping this afternoon....that was an experience.  the people are amazingly nice....even when they are begging.  :)

 

i get to meet josie tomorrow afternoon!  yeah!  it will be about 4am your time.  i can't wait.

 

i am hoping to post some pictures tomorrow!

 

 

first leg of the trip is down.  12 hour lay over in dubai.  we just took advantage and took a tour of the city.  this will probably be my only time to be in dubai!  lots of money floating around this place. the plane ride was bearable.  i watched alot of movies but did not get a lot of sleep.  we are about to eat dinner (11pm) and have to be back up to the airport at 6am.  yikes!  not good getting eight hours of sleep in 48 hours!  oh well, we are getting to experience things that i have never done or seen before.  the muslim prayer in the airport, emirates mall with indoor snow skiing and the atlantis resort (8 star hotel) were all firsts for kelly and i. hopefully tomorrow we will get to love on josie and kiss those cheeks for the first time....if not, for sure on monday!  :)  thanks for your prayers!  i will update as i can.

today is tylers birthday. i had a great with him celebrating his fourth year of life. i love that little guy. it was hard for me drop him off with his dad. kelly and i are just about to board the plane for our fifteen hour flight. ugh. i cant wait to get there. thanks for all your prayers. i hope to update you from dubai.

if you see tyler next week please give him a hug from his momma.

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I found out yesterday that I will be traveling this weekend to pick up Josie! I leave on Friday....taking a direct flight to Dubai....spending the night (Saturday night) in Dubai (hotel paid for by the airlines!) and going to Addis Ababa in the morning. Very exciting! :)

learn something new everyday!

i now know how to post from my e-mail. you can teach an old dog new tricks! :) i am now ready to travel....

does this work?

I have set up this blog for people to follow me while I take my trip to Ethiopia to pick up my little girl....Josie Marie!

More to follow!