Brief Update

Several people have asked for an update. Sorry it's taken us so long. The boys have kept us so busy non-stop. There just hasn't been time to get on the computer until late at night and by then, we are exhausted. Adjusting to a new country, a new family, a new home, a new language and learning boundaries is hard work for the boys which makes hard work for Mommy and Daddy too. Last week was really difficult, but things seem to be quite a bit better this week. We are starting to get into a routine and things are going more smoothly most of the time. We are still having challenges at bedtime and it's taking awhile for the boys to get to sleep which keeps us up later than we would like with no time to rest or get anything else done around the house. Mikaele is really picking up the language so quickly. It is amazing to watch him learn new words every day and hear him use them correctly. Little Ephrem has started repeating words this week. Overall, I think the boys really are doing well. We are enjoying getting to know them. I'll try to update more often now that things are settling down and we'll try to post some pictures soon too.

Ready to Go!

Our bags are packed and we're ready to go meet our boys! Please pray for us, for health and safe travel. Most importantly, pray for Mikaele and Ephrem as their lives are about to be turned upside down. I imagine it might be a scary time for them not really understanding what is going to happen next in their lives and that this is really forever. Pray for all of us as we become a family.

I'm not sure how to put into words how we are feeling right now, so many different emotions all at once. I'm also not sure I really believe it is time to travel to bring our boys home. I wonder when it will finally sink in. Maybe when we are on the plane tomorrow, maybe after we meet the boys, maybe not until we are all home. Right now it just feels like a dream.

Finally, we are so thankful for the overwhelming love, support, and encouragement we have received from so many people over the past few weeks. Every hug, prayer, e-mail, blog comment, phone call, etc. has meant so much to us. We are blessed.

Family of Four!!!

Introducing Mikaele Graham Ivy and Ephrem Charles Ivy!

We are so thankful that we passed court today! We will travel to bring our boys home in about two weeks!!!

New Court Date!!!

We got a call from our caseworker this morning that we have been granted a new court date. It is THIS Thursday! We cannot believe it is so soon! We are so thankful and so excited! Please pray that all goes well this time around. We are ready to go meet our boys and praying that the time is soon!

Playroom Mural Done

We finished the mural this weekend by putting a clear coat of polyurethane on the wall. That should give it a little protection from little hands.

The finished mural

Another Update

Our updates have been coming about four to five weeks apart so we were pleasantly surprised to have another update this morning. It's only been about two weeks since our last update. The updates are such a blessing during the wait. It's always nice to see new pictures and hear how the boys are doing.

“M is one of my favorite boys at the older kid's house. He is very easy going and doesn't demand attention. Yet he isn't scared of me at all and loves to play. M is getting quite good at catch. A couple weeks ago he dropped the ball more than he caught it, today he hardly dropped it at all. E is doing well. He is a typical two year old in temperament. He loves to play catch and play with the cars. E is not at all shy and runs up for attention as soon as I walk in. He likes to play by himself, I think it’s easier for him to maintain possession of his toys that way. ” –Emily :)

Showers

We were blessed with two showers for our boys last weekend. The first was hosted by my good friends Pam and Carrie whom I taught with at my most recent school. The shower was attended by dear friends from both schools that I taught at over the last ten years. The second shower was hosted by another good friend Ricki and my cousins Dawnette and Clarissa. The guests included family and friends who go back as far as kindergarten. Both showers were delightful and I enjoyed celebrating our growing family with so many special people. The boys now have plenty of toys, lots of books, cute towels, their own little dishes, and so much more! We are so thankful for all the friends and famiy who are making this time so special for us.