TODAY STINKS...

Maybe it's just that it's been pouring rain all day, but this crazy process is not my friend today. I hate it! I hate that so much time and so much money stand between me and Art right now. I hate that we have to go to great lengths to prove that we are good people! I hate that we have to eat stroganoff every night and pinch pennies when we were otherwise in a great spot financially. And... why does everything take 2 months longer than you think it will? I know that Arthur is worth all this trouble and I know that I'll get my positive attitude back, but today... just stinks.

LITTLE ART'S ROOM!

It's probably a little soon for this, but we can't wait to put Arthur's room together! Currently his room is still very much the guest room, but we've been picking up things here and there to make it more kid friendly. Aaron and I actually have pretty similar taste which is nice, because we both want to have some say in what his room looks like. Aaron found some great art prints last night, and this train track illustration by Toru Fukuda was my favorite!

LITTLE BUMBLEBEE

Many times throughout the day I'll think to myself "I wish Art was here". One time was when Aaron and I were unloading groceries from the car and I thought about one day getting him out of his car seat and taking him inside. And just the other day we were walking the dogs and I said "I wish Art was here. You know in one of those backpack things." Ha! Ok just looked it up. A "Baby Bjorn". Anyway we have these little moments a lot. Well, today I got this sweet email from my husband. I just think it's so cool that we have one of those moments in writing. I know one day he'll get to see it and know our excitement and anticipation for his arrival. We cannot wait!

...oh and Aaron calls me Herdle. If you couldn't tell he's big into nicknames

PART OF AARON'S EMAIL:

I thought of a nickname for Art.
For some reason I wanna call him Bumblebee. :)

I can't wait till he's here. I wanna hold his little hand and put on his

little shoes. We're gonna be a great little family, Herdle. Think of

how much we love him already and we don't even know him.

He's gonna feel like one special little guy.

Our Little Art.

My little Bumblebee! :)

TEGEGNE

Kristyn and Michael brought this little guy home in January. He is adorable! And such a lover! It seems he's adjusting to life in his new home well. We hope to get to hang out with these sweet people again soon! Read more about their story here...

NEW FRIENDS

I am loving this adoption community that we've tapped into since we started this journey. I think I've said that before, but it's just so exciting! It's encouraging to find people out there that share our passion for adoption. I just feel we have friends to lean on when things get tough. One of my newest friends, Rebekka, has just announced that they are adopting a little girl from Ethiopia and want to name her Beda! so sweet :) To help raise money, she's making these adorable aprons especially for little girls. Go get one and help bring little Beda home!

MAKING PROGRESS

Remember that wall I mentioned earlier, with the water damage? With help from some friends, and a trip to IKEA, we fixed it without having to spend a ton of money. And... just in time for our final home visit tomorrow!

LETTERPRESS PRINTS FOR ARTHUR

Aaron and I have been brainstorming different ways to make a little extra money to help pay for the adoption. These are some ideas I've been playing around with for letterpress prints. What do you think?