Hope Mahelet Griffith

Today has been a great day. Our agency called us this morning to let us know that the Ethiopian courts approved our adoption. We are now the proud parents of Hope Mahelet Griffith, and we can finally relax and begin to get ready for her arrival.

Our next step in the process is to go to Ethiopia and pick up our daughter. We will travel once we get an embassy date, which should be between 6 to 8 weeks from today.

In the past, our agency allowed us to share pictures after court approval; however, they now ask that we wait until coming home. I must say that I am disappointed not to be able to show off our adorable little girl, but we need to do what is best for adoption. So, everyone will have to trust me when I say that she is absolutely beautiful.

Court date #2...let the torture begin.

"The Rack" courtesy of the Tower of London

During the night, tonight, the Ethiopian courts will be reviewing our case. I know comparing it to the rack might be a bit extreme, but the wait to hear the decision is a mild form of torture. Hopefully, we will be receiving good news soon.

E-A-G-L-E-S....Eagles!!!

Shorty can't believe it!! Go Birds!

2009...off to a good start.

I'm going to start off the new year by doing a little bragging about my husband. The two of us have been really bummed about not passing court, so Evan decided that a "babymoon" was needed to cheer us up. He booked a last minute trip to London, and pulled out all the stops. We flew first class, we saw all the sites, we got reservations at Nobu (it was delicious), and this was our view of the fireworks on New Years Eve. It was the perfect remedy for my blues. I am very lucky to have Evan in my life. He is a wonderful husband, and will be a great father. The two of us are eager for this year to get underway, and to begin our lives with Hope.

We wish everyone a very Happy New Year!