So it's not official-official, but we got an encouraging call from our agency yesterday! In addition to the application, photos, tax documents and contract, we had to have a medical letter sent from my doctor that outlined some medication, treatment, prognosis, etc...Thankfully, they received all the information they needed, on the proper letterhead, with proper signatures...Whew!
And so, yesterday, they called...well, I'll be honest, they returned my call--I might be a total freak when it comes to aiding the process as much as I can--So, they returned my call to let us know that they had all they needed, and they would continue to review all the information and send it on to the Ethiopia Program, whom we should here from "in the next few days." Agh! (I've never been so thankful for concrete dates and times for the pre-natal appointments I had with Ellory Sue and Ezra.) At that time, they will pass on all the information and document checklist of the things we need to complete and gather to compose our dossier.
I should note how thankful we already are for the way this process is stretching us and growing us. First and foremost, we are blown away as we reflect daily on our own adoption through Christ Jesus, as God's children. Not kinda of children, or second thought children, or children-for-now-but-don't-you-mess-up children, but really really God's own. It's one of those things that as Christians we've "known," but are now being blessed with the parable of our own lives.
I had similar feelings when Ellory Sue entered into her 2nd year of life. I felt like I was bombarded by pictures of our Father's perfect, gentle, gracious parenting. On several occasions, I'd set out a "station" of shiny new toys and books for Ellory Sue to play with, and walk to the back of the house to switch the laundry, or prepare lunch. Inevitably, I'd reenter the room to here rumbles and baby talk coming from the bathroom, where Ellory had forgone my "good gift" and opted to play in the bathroom trash. I'd flip, and then beg God for forgiveness, as clear images came to mind, of how I was doing the same--seeking garbage, wallowing in filthy, when His good gifts were before me.
Three weeks into this adoption process, God has been so gracious in showing us that while we have the best intentions and desires, and we are fighting hard for our child, we are still sinful humans. God, however, and His love, desire, intentions and fight are nothing but holy and pure. And he really did wage war to complete our adoption!
We are also learning that even though this child, in our hearts, is already really our baby, as much as Ellory and Ezra were in those first hours we knew they were growing inside me, people will say, or insinuate, or in some other way communicate doubt. The same way we doubt that God could really save "that person." The same way we think there is something we can do to be more of God's child that we already are. As we venture down this road to our child, I am all the more confident in God's free gift of grace on our lives, unwavering in our screw ups and our own doubts, or the doubts of those we encounter--we REALLY ARE GOD'S CHILDREN!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
I'm not barfing...
But we are expecting a baby. Or child.
We think.
We've submitted all our application work, pictures, tax documents, contracts...
Basically we've taken the "test" and now we wait. Wait for 1 line or 2. Wait weeks, not minutes to figure out if we are "expecting."
We eagerly await to shout it out, but for now we cautiously pray, that the desire to grow our family through adoption would move forward. We trust that our great God, our own adoptive Father has given us this desire!
So we ask that you join us too, in hopeful expectation that our baby, already born, or perhaps yet conceived, somewhere in Ethiopia would someway know that they are loved, prayed for and hoped for, and we that we can't wait to bring them home.
I've always wondered why a blog in the process of adoption, and 2 weeks in, I know. It's a lot of information. There are many questions from all our friends and family...and (although we really have nothing to share at this point) we are happy to share this adventure with all those who love us. However, the reality is, I can't be on the phone 30 hours a day sharing every detail with every friend and family member. So, we have revived this blog to consolidate all the information and all our thoughts here.
We welcome comments and questions. And we covet prayers as we embark on the unknown!
In every joy and in each heart ache along the way, we pray that all glory be given to Christ Jesus our Lord, who made our own adoption into God's family, our reality.
More to come!
Terri for the Coffeys!
We think.
We've submitted all our application work, pictures, tax documents, contracts...
Basically we've taken the "test" and now we wait. Wait for 1 line or 2. Wait weeks, not minutes to figure out if we are "expecting."
We eagerly await to shout it out, but for now we cautiously pray, that the desire to grow our family through adoption would move forward. We trust that our great God, our own adoptive Father has given us this desire!
So we ask that you join us too, in hopeful expectation that our baby, already born, or perhaps yet conceived, somewhere in Ethiopia would someway know that they are loved, prayed for and hoped for, and we that we can't wait to bring them home.
I've always wondered why a blog in the process of adoption, and 2 weeks in, I know. It's a lot of information. There are many questions from all our friends and family...and (although we really have nothing to share at this point) we are happy to share this adventure with all those who love us. However, the reality is, I can't be on the phone 30 hours a day sharing every detail with every friend and family member. So, we have revived this blog to consolidate all the information and all our thoughts here.
We welcome comments and questions. And we covet prayers as we embark on the unknown!
In every joy and in each heart ache along the way, we pray that all glory be given to Christ Jesus our Lord, who made our own adoption into God's family, our reality.
More to come!
Terri for the Coffeys!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday Lunch
I revised/added to/took away from/ was inspired by a recipe on the back of a pasta box, and came up with a delicious Sunday lunch.
First, in case you don't know my cooking style it's this. EASY, cut corners, quick. I'm not really proud of that, I'd like to be the chick who can pull Sunday dinners from the pages of magazines, but in reality, I usually find a recipe like this:
recipezaar.com
search: "Easy ____" fill in the blank. I actually preface all searches with "easy."
Okay, so back to the yummy lunch:
Make 1/2 to 3/4 box of whole wheat linguine. I threw in 2 chicken bouillon cubes, because you need chick broth later, and this seemed easier.
In the mean time, chop up a couple pieces of bacon, I think I used about 5...and cook them in a LARGE skillet until your desired crispiness. Then add a cut up onion, and 2-3 minced garlic cloves and cook 3-4 more minutes.
When the pasta is finished, drain, reserving 1-1 1/2 cups of the now broth.
Add the broth to the skillet, and cook another minute, getting all the good bacon and garlic and onion goo off the bottom, then add about 1/2 a bag of spinach--more if you want, until just wilted. Next I added a cup or so of chopped up tomatoes, because they were in the fridge left over from tacos...good idea Terri!
Add the pasta and toss...
Take off the heat, and throw in a handful or, let's be honest, as much Feta as you can. I topped it with pepper and this really good roasted garlic and sea salt that my mom got at Costco--but just salt works.
I should have taken a picture, but I was too busy putting it in my belly.
Make it, then tell me what you think.
First, in case you don't know my cooking style it's this. EASY, cut corners, quick. I'm not really proud of that, I'd like to be the chick who can pull Sunday dinners from the pages of magazines, but in reality, I usually find a recipe like this:
recipezaar.com
search: "Easy ____" fill in the blank. I actually preface all searches with "easy."
Okay, so back to the yummy lunch:
Make 1/2 to 3/4 box of whole wheat linguine. I threw in 2 chicken bouillon cubes, because you need chick broth later, and this seemed easier.
In the mean time, chop up a couple pieces of bacon, I think I used about 5...and cook them in a LARGE skillet until your desired crispiness. Then add a cut up onion, and 2-3 minced garlic cloves and cook 3-4 more minutes.
When the pasta is finished, drain, reserving 1-1 1/2 cups of the now broth.
Add the broth to the skillet, and cook another minute, getting all the good bacon and garlic and onion goo off the bottom, then add about 1/2 a bag of spinach--more if you want, until just wilted. Next I added a cup or so of chopped up tomatoes, because they were in the fridge left over from tacos...good idea Terri!
Add the pasta and toss...
Take off the heat, and throw in a handful or, let's be honest, as much Feta as you can. I topped it with pepper and this really good roasted garlic and sea salt that my mom got at Costco--but just salt works.
I should have taken a picture, but I was too busy putting it in my belly.
Make it, then tell me what you think.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
What just happened?
All of May, that's what.
So, it's true that I had lofty ideas of being an awesome blogger and spilling out the stories of my life here. But it seems like this has become a digital format of my physical journals, and hot dang it's been weeks since I've recorded all that life has thrown my way.
The thing is, all these events, that I am going to catch you up on in a second, demand much more than I am going to give them...but perhaps it's all these big things that can't really be over explained or written about....so I am going to stick with that saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words..."
May 16
Lachlan and I woke up on May 16th ready to get away for the night to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary. Are you wondering why Ellory Sue is in the picture?
So, it's true that I had lofty ideas of being an awesome blogger and spilling out the stories of my life here. But it seems like this has become a digital format of my physical journals, and hot dang it's been weeks since I've recorded all that life has thrown my way.
The thing is, all these events, that I am going to catch you up on in a second, demand much more than I am going to give them...but perhaps it's all these big things that can't really be over explained or written about....so I am going to stick with that saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words..."
May 14
Ellory Sue got her very first haircut, which I thought might make me cry, but it just made me proud that she's growing into such a beautiful girl. She did great, and so did Jenn Quillo who did the cut and gave me time to talk with a friend.
Ellory Sue got her very first haircut, which I thought might make me cry, but it just made me proud that she's growing into such a beautiful girl. She did great, and so did Jenn Quillo who did the cut and gave me time to talk with a friend.
May 16
Lachlan and I woke up on May 16th ready to get away for the night to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary. Are you wondering why Ellory Sue is in the picture?
It's because when she woke up that morning, she looked like this (but worse...)
Yep. Hives. And apparently a "terrible ear-infection." We sorta got that, you-are-awful-parents-because-there-is-no-way-you-couldn't-have-known-something-was-wrong-look from the pediatrician. After she told us the plan of action for the hives and ear-infection, which including calling the doctor in 6 hours, we really got the no-seriously-you-are-the-worst-parents-ever look, when we informed her, my mom would be making the call, because we were heading out of town for the night.
No big deal, we started off the romantic weekend with a trip to the pediatrician. Ellory was all cleared from the hives within a few hours. And my very capable mother took good care of Ellory Sue while we went here, and stayed here.
I am oh so sad that I left my camera at home. Especially while at Woodford Reserve, which is maybe the most beautiful place I have ever been. If you live around here and have not gone, scrounge up $5 and make the trek...it's a really cool tour, and the drive is gorgeous. The place that they house all the barrels to age is the most romantic atmosphere...imagine the combo of this and this and a misty rain beating down on the roof while you take in the scent of bourbon and yeast.
The following day we went here.
It was so good to get away with my husband and just talk. We always like to reflect on the past year, and all the trials and blessings God has given us. It was definitely a year worth reflecting on and celebrating. The Lord is so faithful to us and we are quite thankful to be journeying through this life together.
The days following our return would prove a good start to next year's reflection time.
May 20th
Ellory Sue and I were spending the day at my sister-in-law's in home day care. I was subbing while she and my brother took our niece for some routine follow up tests, because Bella was having problems having bowel movements. However, it was all but routine when we learned that Bella had a tumor, and it was cancer.
The next 2 weeks were rough! But let me first tell you that Bella is TOUGH!! This girl handles the trials of life the way I pray we all would...with faith. This story is ongoing, but PRAISE OUR GOD!!! What was assumed to be stage 4 aggressive, has at this point been deemed stage 2b non-aggressive. Bella had surgery to remove a tumor on her kidney, and will continue receiving check-ups to make sure her body is fighting the few remaining cancer cells. We covet your prayers for God's will to be done.
May 21
Ellory Sue turned 2! This blows me away. We spent the day doing all things Ellory.
Eating breakfast with Nanny, Momma and cousin Eliza at Waffle House.
Swimming in her new pool from Pappy.
Eating at Ellory's choice: Cracker Barrel with Momma and Daddy
And visiting her cousins and eating cupcakes in Bella's hospital room at Kosair.
We were thankful to learn over this busy week, that baby Xavian's chemo is fighting off the remaining cancer in his body! He's got a ways to go, but any victory in the fight is welcomed. The Lord is gracious and both the Coffee's and the Hall's are an amazing example of CHRISTians as they trudge though earthly trials with God's will ever on their hearts and in their prayers. You can read about Xavian here.
The plan was to have a blow out 2nd birthday party at my mom's house on the 23rd. But with the shock of Bella's cancer, we wanted to focus our family's attention and care on her. Bella is a lot of things to Ellory: cousin, best friend, idol-Rock-star-celeb-extraordinaire...so we knew we couldn't go ahead with the big party with out her. Instead, we celebrated with our EY cousins (we call my side the EE's and Lachlan's side the EY's) at Lachlan's mom's home. It was a sweet time to remember the blessing Ellory has been to our family. Ellory had a blast! We plan on celebrating with the EE's next weekend. And although we are bummed that we had to forgo the blow out with all our buddies from Sojourn...we know that it has turned out to be exactly as it should be. Next weekend Ellory will get to draw out her celebration to one more week and we'll get to celebrate God's mercy and healing in Bella as well!
Here are a few shots from the EY party, and all things Yo Gabba Gabba.
...And we planted a garden that we can take with us to our new house when we move (In less than a month!!!).
ahhhhh....breathe....
Now, time to get off my butt and face a busy and amazing June!
Yep. Hives. And apparently a "terrible ear-infection." We sorta got that, you-are-awful-parents-because-there-is-no-way-you-couldn't-have-known-something-was-wrong-look from the pediatrician. After she told us the plan of action for the hives and ear-infection, which including calling the doctor in 6 hours, we really got the no-seriously-you-are-the-worst-parents-ever look, when we informed her, my mom would be making the call, because we were heading out of town for the night.
No big deal, we started off the romantic weekend with a trip to the pediatrician. Ellory was all cleared from the hives within a few hours. And my very capable mother took good care of Ellory Sue while we went here, and stayed here.
I am oh so sad that I left my camera at home. Especially while at Woodford Reserve, which is maybe the most beautiful place I have ever been. If you live around here and have not gone, scrounge up $5 and make the trek...it's a really cool tour, and the drive is gorgeous. The place that they house all the barrels to age is the most romantic atmosphere...imagine the combo of this and this and a misty rain beating down on the roof while you take in the scent of bourbon and yeast.
The following day we went here.
It was so good to get away with my husband and just talk. We always like to reflect on the past year, and all the trials and blessings God has given us. It was definitely a year worth reflecting on and celebrating. The Lord is so faithful to us and we are quite thankful to be journeying through this life together.
The days following our return would prove a good start to next year's reflection time.
May 20th
Ellory Sue and I were spending the day at my sister-in-law's in home day care. I was subbing while she and my brother took our niece for some routine follow up tests, because Bella was having problems having bowel movements. However, it was all but routine when we learned that Bella had a tumor, and it was cancer.
The next 2 weeks were rough! But let me first tell you that Bella is TOUGH!! This girl handles the trials of life the way I pray we all would...with faith. This story is ongoing, but PRAISE OUR GOD!!! What was assumed to be stage 4 aggressive, has at this point been deemed stage 2b non-aggressive. Bella had surgery to remove a tumor on her kidney, and will continue receiving check-ups to make sure her body is fighting the few remaining cancer cells. We covet your prayers for God's will to be done.May 21
Ellory Sue turned 2! This blows me away. We spent the day doing all things Ellory.
Eating breakfast with Nanny, Momma and cousin Eliza at Waffle House.
Swimming in her new pool from Pappy.
Eating at Ellory's choice: Cracker Barrel with Momma and Daddy
And visiting her cousins and eating cupcakes in Bella's hospital room at Kosair.
We were thankful to learn over this busy week, that baby Xavian's chemo is fighting off the remaining cancer in his body! He's got a ways to go, but any victory in the fight is welcomed. The Lord is gracious and both the Coffee's and the Hall's are an amazing example of CHRISTians as they trudge though earthly trials with God's will ever on their hearts and in their prayers. You can read about Xavian here.
The plan was to have a blow out 2nd birthday party at my mom's house on the 23rd. But with the shock of Bella's cancer, we wanted to focus our family's attention and care on her. Bella is a lot of things to Ellory: cousin, best friend, idol-Rock-star-celeb-extraordinaire...so we knew we couldn't go ahead with the big party with out her. Instead, we celebrated with our EY cousins (we call my side the EE's and Lachlan's side the EY's) at Lachlan's mom's home. It was a sweet time to remember the blessing Ellory has been to our family. Ellory had a blast! We plan on celebrating with the EE's next weekend. And although we are bummed that we had to forgo the blow out with all our buddies from Sojourn...we know that it has turned out to be exactly as it should be. Next weekend Ellory will get to draw out her celebration to one more week and we'll get to celebrate God's mercy and healing in Bella as well!
Here are a few shots from the EY party, and all things Yo Gabba Gabba.
...And we planted a garden that we can take with us to our new house when we move (In less than a month!!!).
ahhhhh....breathe....
Now, time to get off my butt and face a busy and amazing June!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Wheels on the Bus...The words that Ellory has been looking for to express her love for Daddy
Our sweet and silly Ellory Sue. May 1, 09
House update
That's Lachlan to the right of the house, giving the house a good look over during our inspection on Tuesday.Nothing will freak you out about buying an 80 something year old home like an inspection. There were plenty of things to add to the weekend project list...but only a few super concerning things, which we submitted to the sellers, requesting them to take care of. We were happy to find out that they accepted all our requests, which makes the final decision to go forward with this little cutie easy.
While we were there on Tuesday, I walked out my front door to give something to our friend and new neighbor, Beth...what a great feeling to be so close to a sister. I am looking forward to coffee and muffins on on front porch with Ellory and Beth and her girls...maybe the girls should stick with milk though.
The sellers are going out this week in search of their new home. Pray they find a wonderful place to continue to make their family. We hope to know what our closing date will be in the next 2 weeks or so...we'll keep you updated.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
sunday prayer.
God thank you Matt, Cassie, Dante. My families. Daddy, thank you date with Ellory, daddy. Amen.
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