It's been so long since we've updated our blog, but I promise that we are alive! We are SLOWLY trudging through the process of round two to bring another little person in the the Ferg Fold... thanks to everyone who checks in with us and who links to Amazon through this website to help support us in the journey. Blogger has been having technical difficulty and is linking to another page. Jimmy is working on getting it fixed.... we'll keep you posted!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Thankful
Well, we've become those people who never do anything with their blog. We meant to update, but well, life just gets busy. As our minds turn to Thanksgiving, we can't help but remember how appreciative we are of all of the people who have helped to build our little family.
Thank you to everyone who has given financially and prayed for us and other adoptive families. The process of adoption is expensive and trying. Because of your generosity and faithfulness, we've always had just what we needed... usually on the exact day that we needed it.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and been patient with us as we've begun to figure out what it means to be first time parents to an incredibly lively 10-year-old little girl. Most people are amazed at how well-adjusted she is. Most of that is thanks to the amazing friends and family around the world who have cheered us on and given us guidance and grace over the past few months. And the people who loved and cared for our kiddo before she came to us.
As we think of people for whom we are thankful, we can't help but think of the love and sacrifices that women on the other side of the world made to ensure that our daughter had a hope and future. We are forever grateful for, Wude, Annie's Ethiopian mommy. She raised this kid to think critically, act kindly and generously, to be joyful, and to work hard. We are also immeasurably thankful to Annie's aunt, who had the courage and faith to trust strangers to raise Annie well.
For those of you considering older kiddo adoption, it can be beyond words hard. But, for us, every hardship has been outnumbered countless joys. For this, we are thankful.
With love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Thank you to everyone who has given financially and prayed for us and other adoptive families. The process of adoption is expensive and trying. Because of your generosity and faithfulness, we've always had just what we needed... usually on the exact day that we needed it.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and been patient with us as we've begun to figure out what it means to be first time parents to an incredibly lively 10-year-old little girl. Most people are amazed at how well-adjusted she is. Most of that is thanks to the amazing friends and family around the world who have cheered us on and given us guidance and grace over the past few months. And the people who loved and cared for our kiddo before she came to us.
As we think of people for whom we are thankful, we can't help but think of the love and sacrifices that women on the other side of the world made to ensure that our daughter had a hope and future. We are forever grateful for, Wude, Annie's Ethiopian mommy. She raised this kid to think critically, act kindly and generously, to be joyful, and to work hard. We are also immeasurably thankful to Annie's aunt, who had the courage and faith to trust strangers to raise Annie well.
For those of you considering older kiddo adoption, it can be beyond words hard. But, for us, every hardship has been outnumbered countless joys. For this, we are thankful.
With love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Friday, October 11, 2013
We're Alive!!!!
So, it's been over four months since we've posted anything on our blog. It turns out when you move across the country, bring home a 9-year-old kiddo who needs to work through some serious culture shock, and start new jobs that life gets a bit nutty.
There are a million-and-one firsts that we've experienced over the past few months. But mostly, this post is just to say, we're alive and doing well. Annie is doing well. She's a happy and well-adjusted and intellectually curious second grader.
And we are slowly coming out of our cocoon. But we're still figuring out life with a little person, so we still reserve the right to blame our growing family on forgetting things that normal people remember :)
And we are slowly coming out of our cocoon. But we're still figuring out life with a little person, so we still reserve the right to blame our growing family on forgetting things that normal people remember :)
Friday, June 28, 2013
Bringing Annie Home!!!!
We are beyond excited to announce that we'll get to bring Annie home soon in the next few weeks! We have had a whirlwind of a month moving, getting re-settled, and doing all that comes along with updating home study and immigration documents to make this possible in the past few weeks. We couldn't have done it without an army of people behind us making it happen. Seriously, thank you... all of you.
So, we should be home mid-July with Annie. As for after we get home, I'm telling you we couldn't make this stuff up. It's real. Google it: adoption + coccooning.... we're not lying... besides, I'm running on about 10 total hours of sleep for the past few days, so their blog posts on this will be way better than ours :)
Adoption experts suggest "coccooning" with your new kiddo for six weeks to three months. Lots of kiddos who have experienced difficult experiences when they were young have a tough time knowing what it means to have healthy family connections. This often means that they'll sporadically form attachments with about just about anyone for no apparent reason.
So, we will JOYFULLY celebrate Annie's arrival at the airport when we arrive home, but then we'll scale back big time - at least for a while. Cocooning is just what it sounds like - creating a calm and stable home environment where a kid can transition and connect with mom and dad.
Cocooning works differently for every kid, so we'll adjust our plan as we get to know Annie better, but please know that we're not so much in hiding as we are taking the time needed to set Annie up for a lifetime of knowing that we're her people... her tribe (see: Seth Godin ;).
Based on the tiny bit we've read and know about Annie, here are a few things that we'll focus on once she does begin to make her debut out into the BIG world...
We'll ask that you limit physical contact. For quite some time, Jimmy & I will be the only people to hold or comfort her. You can hug her, but please let her see you ask us first- every.single.time - until you hear us say, "Seriously, it's okay. You don't need to ask anymore." This teaches her that we're her protectors and that she should have physical boundaries.
We'll be the only people who feed her or give her snacks or treats. Candy is a big deal for her and we'll be working on setting limits and teaching her that she can trust us to meet her needs. (I know who you are and I know you're going to try to sneak her candy... I'll catch you. I see everything ;)
Finally, when she does something clumsy and hurts herself in front of you, please send her to us. For the time being, let us be the people who make the "owies" better.
In the meantime, we will NOT be people without a kid bedtime. We might not be good at it, but we will work had at having A in bed every day at the same time. PUH-lease for everyone's sanity, please call, visit, stop by, and bring ice cream.
Thank you for your continued support through this nutty journey of adoption!!!!
So, we should be home mid-July with Annie. As for after we get home, I'm telling you we couldn't make this stuff up. It's real. Google it: adoption + coccooning.... we're not lying... besides, I'm running on about 10 total hours of sleep for the past few days, so their blog posts on this will be way better than ours :)
Adoption experts suggest "coccooning" with your new kiddo for six weeks to three months. Lots of kiddos who have experienced difficult experiences when they were young have a tough time knowing what it means to have healthy family connections. This often means that they'll sporadically form attachments with about just about anyone for no apparent reason.
So, we will JOYFULLY celebrate Annie's arrival at the airport when we arrive home, but then we'll scale back big time - at least for a while. Cocooning is just what it sounds like - creating a calm and stable home environment where a kid can transition and connect with mom and dad.
Cocooning works differently for every kid, so we'll adjust our plan as we get to know Annie better, but please know that we're not so much in hiding as we are taking the time needed to set Annie up for a lifetime of knowing that we're her people... her tribe (see: Seth Godin ;).
Based on the tiny bit we've read and know about Annie, here are a few things that we'll focus on once she does begin to make her debut out into the BIG world...
We'll ask that you limit physical contact. For quite some time, Jimmy & I will be the only people to hold or comfort her. You can hug her, but please let her see you ask us first- every.single.time - until you hear us say, "Seriously, it's okay. You don't need to ask anymore." This teaches her that we're her protectors and that she should have physical boundaries.
We'll be the only people who feed her or give her snacks or treats. Candy is a big deal for her and we'll be working on setting limits and teaching her that she can trust us to meet her needs. (I know who you are and I know you're going to try to sneak her candy... I'll catch you. I see everything ;)
Finally, when she does something clumsy and hurts herself in front of you, please send her to us. For the time being, let us be the people who make the "owies" better.
In the meantime, we will NOT be people without a kid bedtime. We might not be good at it, but we will work had at having A in bed every day at the same time. PUH-lease for everyone's sanity, please call, visit, stop by, and bring ice cream.
Thank you for your continued support through this nutty journey of adoption!!!!
Monday, May 27, 2013
A Guide to Planning the Court Trip
Usually our posts are to update our families and friends, but this one is for anyone trying to keep their sanity while planning your first trip to Addis for court.
Preparing for Culture Adjustment: If you've traveled or lived in the developing world, Addis will seem familiar. If you haven't, do everything you can BEFORE arriving in Ethiopia to prepare yourself for what you're going to experience so that you're trip can be about bonding with your son or daughter rather than sorting through your emotions because you're seeing true poverty for the first time. And while you'll see a dichotomy of wealth and poverty, keep in mind that Ethiopia is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations. They've done just fine without western intervention and they'll be just fine once you're gone. They don't any of us to save them. I'm just saying... no offense.
Anyway, a few things to read that might be helpful:
Cultural Adjustment: An article that gives a quick overview of the phases of cultural adjustment
A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne: Outlines commonalities found in the culture of poverty; helps identify unspoken class traits.
Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn: A worldwide look at oppression and opportunity and what many women are doing for themselves in the developing world to improve their communities.
Arranging Travel: Use. A. Travel. Agent. We've never used a travel agent before. We judge people who do. Travel agents are for the faint of heart. But, seriously, you're going to meet your kid and traveling to the other side of the world, and you probably had less than 14 days to plan the trip. Let someone else deal with the details and focus your energy somewhere else. We had 2 days notice before traveling, I called Lindsey at Golden Rule and he arranged everything for us - including a hotel for our layover- for less than I found (because I looked) on any website. There are other travel agencies like Golden Rule who specialize in not-for-profit travel, I've heard lots of families use Susan Parr; however, we couldn't have been more happy and will definitely go back to Golden Rule for our Embassy trip. Other than that, if you're working with AWAA, you don't need to do anything. They arrange everything from the moment you land in Addis til you leave.
The Essentials: You'll want other things; however, if you walk out the door with only these three things in your hand you'll be fine.
- Passports for everyone traveling
- $20 cash for each person to pay for your visas in Ethiopia
- CASH you'll be more than fine with $20 per day for two adults; don't count on your ATM or credit card because many places in Addis don't take them
Essentials When Meeting Your Older Child: Sorry, if you're adopting a toddler or baby, I've got nothing for you. Unless you just want to take extra cool stuff for the older kids - who will definitely be around.
- GUM! You can take sugar-free or whatever healthy version of gum makes you feel good about yourself, but seriously, gum is like gold. Eventually you'll want boundaries and a schedule or something, but early on, we believe that filling her want for gum was good for bonding, so we were gum dealers. Sorry to anyone who is sad that we gave your kid gum :) After we set some boundaries and got to a place we were comfortable with, we averaged 3 packs a day- we'd keep give our daughter one pack to share when we arrived each morning, keep one pack handy to give out one piece at a time when kids asked us for it (we really only did this sparingly; otherwise, kids are hunting you down all the time and stalking you for gum), and one full pack to leave with our daughter when we left at the end of the day. I ended up having to buy gum in Ethiopia. No offense, it's just different and more like chewing gum and the kids don't like it as much. Pack bubble gum and lots of it.
- Snacks: Bring lots of different kinds of snacks for yourself and to share with your kid so you get a good idea of what they like. You'll want to bring extras because you're kid is going to want to share with their friends.
- iPad: Before this, I was staunchly in the camp of, "My kid isn't going to play with the iPad. She's going to read and color and play like a really kid." You're at the TH with your kid in chunks of 3-4 hours two times a day. There is only so much reading and coloring and playing that YOU can do without wanting to die of exhaustion. We did monitor the amount of time she was on the iPad, but it was a sanity saver for two jet-lagged parents. And, because I need to redeem myself from this epic parenting fail, most everything she did on the iPad she did with us or with her friends, so she was still being social and interacting with other humans. It was really a community event. That makes it okay.
- Playing Cards: The kids loved card games. They know how to play way more games than you do.
- Toys: Jump ropes, bubbles, bouncy balls, crafty things, beads, paper, crayons, markers, tops... go to your local party supply or craft store and buy in bulk. We ended up taking one or two activities to do each day and had plenty to do with all of the kids.
- Clothes: We took a t-shirt or pants or an outfit every day or so. My original plan was a new outfit every day, but we ended up realizing that it was too much. She was so content and most kids wear the same outfit for a few days in a row.
- Socks and Shoes: I didn't pack socks for her and I almost didn't pack shoes. It was a HUGE mistake! She asked for both of these things.
- Swimsuit and water wings: After you pass Court, you can get permission to take your kiddo out for a field trip. Some people take them to Entonto Mountain, which is cool, but we really wanted to take Annie swimming. We were so glad we did. First of all because she ended up asking if we were going to go swimming. Secondly, because it was AMAZING. Most people go to the Hilton, but we had heard that the Sheraton was nice, so we went there. It was 750 birr for the three of us (the conversion at the time was about 1 USD: 20 EB). This Sheraton is a resort; it is NOT your local neighborhood Sheraton. Bring swimsuits for everyone AND water wings for your kiddo - just in case s/he wants them.
Not So Essential Stuff:
Camera: Take lots of photos... but if you forget to bring one, it's totally fine because someone else will be around with one :)
Clothes: You don't even need enough for every day; the Guest House has a laundry service. You probably want pants and skirts... Shorts - not so much. You can wear them, but you look silly :) Bring one nicer outfit for Court. By nicer, I mean, not shorts.
Shoes: Whatever is most comfortable for you. If you're a freak about your toes, bring closed-toe shoes; even in the city, it's pretty rocky.
Medicine: aspirin or ibuprofen, Benadryl, pepto chewables, some sort of sleep aid, band aids, and Neosporin. There is a pharmacy right down the street from the guest house where you can get ANY medicine that you need.
Watch: You'll need to know sort of what time it is and it's annoying to have to check your phone all the time.
Converter: The one that we used for Spain worked just fine... we got it at radio shack years ago for like $5. The guest house has one in the lobby that you can use if you forget this.
Oatmeal & Mac and Cheese: You end up eating out for almost every meal. We didn't need these, but on someone's suggestion packed them. We ended up eating most of what we packed.
Ear plugs or sound maker: If you're a light sleeper, you'll want these. There are roosters and donkeys all over. They do their thing all night long.
Stuff to Know:
- If you have an overnight layover, you probably aren't getting your bags, so pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.
- When you fill out the forms to arrive in Ethiopia, they told us to put that our primary purpose visiting was for travel or vacation... it doesn't matter that you're there for court or adoption.
- If you arrive in Addis before 4:00 p.m., you'll probably go straight to the TH to meet your kiddo. It's fine if your ugly and jet-lagged and haven't showered for days.
- The I600 and I864 or whatever those papers are called are actually for Embassy so you don't HAVE TO have them for court. If you forgot them or don't even know what I'm talking about, just ask your FC and don't worry about it for now.
- The I171H is also for Embassy. We took ours on this trip and didn't need it. I'm guessing we need it for the next trip.
- If you do arrange travel through a Golden Rule or some other company that does non-profit travel, you are supposed to have a letter from your agency. No one asked us for ours.
- Donation Letter: If you're taking donations - you're supposed to take at least 10 packages of baby wipes- you're supposed to take a letter from your agency. No one asked for ours. They've asked other people for theirs. I think they ask if it looks like you could sell the stuff that you're bringing.
Seriously, I have no idea why you're still reading. All you really need is passports, money for visas, and money for food. Don't worry about anything else. Just breathe.
Preparing for Culture Adjustment: If you've traveled or lived in the developing world, Addis will seem familiar. If you haven't, do everything you can BEFORE arriving in Ethiopia to prepare yourself for what you're going to experience so that you're trip can be about bonding with your son or daughter rather than sorting through your emotions because you're seeing true poverty for the first time. And while you'll see a dichotomy of wealth and poverty, keep in mind that Ethiopia is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations. They've done just fine without western intervention and they'll be just fine once you're gone. They don't any of us to save them. I'm just saying... no offense.
Anyway, a few things to read that might be helpful:
Cultural Adjustment: An article that gives a quick overview of the phases of cultural adjustment
A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne: Outlines commonalities found in the culture of poverty; helps identify unspoken class traits.
Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn: A worldwide look at oppression and opportunity and what many women are doing for themselves in the developing world to improve their communities.
Arranging Travel: Use. A. Travel. Agent. We've never used a travel agent before. We judge people who do. Travel agents are for the faint of heart. But, seriously, you're going to meet your kid and traveling to the other side of the world, and you probably had less than 14 days to plan the trip. Let someone else deal with the details and focus your energy somewhere else. We had 2 days notice before traveling, I called Lindsey at Golden Rule and he arranged everything for us - including a hotel for our layover- for less than I found (because I looked) on any website. There are other travel agencies like Golden Rule who specialize in not-for-profit travel, I've heard lots of families use Susan Parr; however, we couldn't have been more happy and will definitely go back to Golden Rule for our Embassy trip. Other than that, if you're working with AWAA, you don't need to do anything. They arrange everything from the moment you land in Addis til you leave.
The Essentials: You'll want other things; however, if you walk out the door with only these three things in your hand you'll be fine.
- Passports for everyone traveling
- $20 cash for each person to pay for your visas in Ethiopia
- CASH you'll be more than fine with $20 per day for two adults; don't count on your ATM or credit card because many places in Addis don't take them
Essentials When Meeting Your Older Child: Sorry, if you're adopting a toddler or baby, I've got nothing for you. Unless you just want to take extra cool stuff for the older kids - who will definitely be around.
- GUM! You can take sugar-free or whatever healthy version of gum makes you feel good about yourself, but seriously, gum is like gold. Eventually you'll want boundaries and a schedule or something, but early on, we believe that filling her want for gum was good for bonding, so we were gum dealers. Sorry to anyone who is sad that we gave your kid gum :) After we set some boundaries and got to a place we were comfortable with, we averaged 3 packs a day- we'd keep give our daughter one pack to share when we arrived each morning, keep one pack handy to give out one piece at a time when kids asked us for it (we really only did this sparingly; otherwise, kids are hunting you down all the time and stalking you for gum), and one full pack to leave with our daughter when we left at the end of the day. I ended up having to buy gum in Ethiopia. No offense, it's just different and more like chewing gum and the kids don't like it as much. Pack bubble gum and lots of it.
- Snacks: Bring lots of different kinds of snacks for yourself and to share with your kid so you get a good idea of what they like. You'll want to bring extras because you're kid is going to want to share with their friends.
- iPad: Before this, I was staunchly in the camp of, "My kid isn't going to play with the iPad. She's going to read and color and play like a really kid." You're at the TH with your kid in chunks of 3-4 hours two times a day. There is only so much reading and coloring and playing that YOU can do without wanting to die of exhaustion. We did monitor the amount of time she was on the iPad, but it was a sanity saver for two jet-lagged parents. And, because I need to redeem myself from this epic parenting fail, most everything she did on the iPad she did with us or with her friends, so she was still being social and interacting with other humans. It was really a community event. That makes it okay.
- Playing Cards: The kids loved card games. They know how to play way more games than you do.
- Toys: Jump ropes, bubbles, bouncy balls, crafty things, beads, paper, crayons, markers, tops... go to your local party supply or craft store and buy in bulk. We ended up taking one or two activities to do each day and had plenty to do with all of the kids.
- Clothes: We took a t-shirt or pants or an outfit every day or so. My original plan was a new outfit every day, but we ended up realizing that it was too much. She was so content and most kids wear the same outfit for a few days in a row.
- Socks and Shoes: I didn't pack socks for her and I almost didn't pack shoes. It was a HUGE mistake! She asked for both of these things.
- Swimsuit and water wings: After you pass Court, you can get permission to take your kiddo out for a field trip. Some people take them to Entonto Mountain, which is cool, but we really wanted to take Annie swimming. We were so glad we did. First of all because she ended up asking if we were going to go swimming. Secondly, because it was AMAZING. Most people go to the Hilton, but we had heard that the Sheraton was nice, so we went there. It was 750 birr for the three of us (the conversion at the time was about 1 USD: 20 EB). This Sheraton is a resort; it is NOT your local neighborhood Sheraton. Bring swimsuits for everyone AND water wings for your kiddo - just in case s/he wants them.
Not So Essential Stuff:
Camera: Take lots of photos... but if you forget to bring one, it's totally fine because someone else will be around with one :)
Clothes: You don't even need enough for every day; the Guest House has a laundry service. You probably want pants and skirts... Shorts - not so much. You can wear them, but you look silly :) Bring one nicer outfit for Court. By nicer, I mean, not shorts.
Shoes: Whatever is most comfortable for you. If you're a freak about your toes, bring closed-toe shoes; even in the city, it's pretty rocky.
Medicine: aspirin or ibuprofen, Benadryl, pepto chewables, some sort of sleep aid, band aids, and Neosporin. There is a pharmacy right down the street from the guest house where you can get ANY medicine that you need.
Watch: You'll need to know sort of what time it is and it's annoying to have to check your phone all the time.
Converter: The one that we used for Spain worked just fine... we got it at radio shack years ago for like $5. The guest house has one in the lobby that you can use if you forget this.
Oatmeal & Mac and Cheese: You end up eating out for almost every meal. We didn't need these, but on someone's suggestion packed them. We ended up eating most of what we packed.
Ear plugs or sound maker: If you're a light sleeper, you'll want these. There are roosters and donkeys all over. They do their thing all night long.
Stuff to Know:
- If you have an overnight layover, you probably aren't getting your bags, so pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.
- When you fill out the forms to arrive in Ethiopia, they told us to put that our primary purpose visiting was for travel or vacation... it doesn't matter that you're there for court or adoption.
- If you arrive in Addis before 4:00 p.m., you'll probably go straight to the TH to meet your kiddo. It's fine if your ugly and jet-lagged and haven't showered for days.
- The I600 and I864 or whatever those papers are called are actually for Embassy so you don't HAVE TO have them for court. If you forgot them or don't even know what I'm talking about, just ask your FC and don't worry about it for now.
- The I171H is also for Embassy. We took ours on this trip and didn't need it. I'm guessing we need it for the next trip.
- If you do arrange travel through a Golden Rule or some other company that does non-profit travel, you are supposed to have a letter from your agency. No one asked us for ours.
- Donation Letter: If you're taking donations - you're supposed to take at least 10 packages of baby wipes- you're supposed to take a letter from your agency. No one asked for ours. They've asked other people for theirs. I think they ask if it looks like you could sell the stuff that you're bringing.
Seriously, I have no idea why you're still reading. All you really need is passports, money for visas, and money for food. Don't worry about anything else. Just breathe.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Meeting Aynaddis
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We are happy to announce that we've been able to hang out with her for the past few days. She is an absolute perfect fit for our family! Today, we passed Ethiopia court. So we went before a judge, answered a series of questions, and Aynaddis was officially made a Ferguson!
More to follow with the details from our trip in a later post!
Much Love,
Jimmy, Celeste, and Aynaddis
Saturday, April 6, 2013
April Update
This past month has been filled with excitement and waiting. Thanks to a few friends in Ethiopia and other traveling adoptive families, we've received so many photos, videos, and adorable anecdotes about A. We can't wait to share photos and videos with you! (We'll get to share her name and photos after we pass court in Ethiopia :)
In one video, A shows off her counting and alphabet reciting skills. The teacher in me jumps for joy that she self-corrects when reciting the alphabet :) She's going to be such a voracious reader!
We've also been able to send a few care packages to A with other families who are traveling to meet or bring home their kiddos in Addis Ababa. Families who are delivering the packages usually take take pictures of the kids receiving the packages. Seeing our little girl's face as she receives these insignificant gifts from us is PRICELESS- her personality is beginning to shine.
Our care packages usually just have stuff like photos, rubber bracelets, hair bands, crayons, gum or candy, and an outfit - really nothing that exciting. Apparently, other families are sending toothbrushes and toothpaste... clearly we haven't figured this healthy parenting thing out.... we can start that later, right?
Just yesterday, we received our updated USCIS documentation approving us to bring home an older kiddo. So, from this end, we are all set. We are now waiting for the Ethiopian equivalent of social services to review and approve the case and give us a court date. Once we hear from them, we'll know when we FINALLY get to travel to meet our little girl.
As always, if you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to support adoptive families, please visit: http://adopttogether.org/thefergusons
Thanks for your interest in our family and indulging us in our first-time parent blabbering :)
Much love,
Jimmy and Celeste
In one video, A shows off her counting and alphabet reciting skills. The teacher in me jumps for joy that she self-corrects when reciting the alphabet :) She's going to be such a voracious reader!
We've also been able to send a few care packages to A with other families who are traveling to meet or bring home their kiddos in Addis Ababa. Families who are delivering the packages usually take take pictures of the kids receiving the packages. Seeing our little girl's face as she receives these insignificant gifts from us is PRICELESS- her personality is beginning to shine.
Our care packages usually just have stuff like photos, rubber bracelets, hair bands, crayons, gum or candy, and an outfit - really nothing that exciting. Apparently, other families are sending toothbrushes and toothpaste... clearly we haven't figured this healthy parenting thing out.... we can start that later, right?
Just yesterday, we received our updated USCIS documentation approving us to bring home an older kiddo. So, from this end, we are all set. We are now waiting for the Ethiopian equivalent of social services to review and approve the case and give us a court date. Once we hear from them, we'll know when we FINALLY get to travel to meet our little girl.
As always, if you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to support adoptive families, please visit: http://adopttogether.org/thefergusons
Thanks for your interest in our family and indulging us in our first-time parent blabbering :)
Much love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Bringing Beauty to Our Family
We FINALLY have been approved to move forward with the adoption of a BEAUTIFUL little girl!!!
We aren't allowed to share too many specific details, but we can already say that we know that she is kind and sweet and generous and joyful and hard-working and smart and perfect in every way. Her given name means that she brings beauty to our family(Thanks Chelsea!!). Already, she does.
Thanks to a few traveling families and a strange twist of fate with a family friend from West Virginia who was traveling to Ethiopia, we've gotten pictures, videos, and some reports of how she's doing.
She already knows how to count to ten in English and say the alphabet. She loves playing and singing with other kids. And, when she got her first ever care package, right away she asked for permission to share her treats with the other kids.
Even from afar, I'm convinced she'll be a perfect fit for our family. One of the traveling families who met her said that one day she went to the nurse because she had an upset tummy(probably because of all the candy she had just eaten :) ... within a few minutes she was back out with the other kids and asking for a lollipop. Sounds just like somebody else I know :)
As far as our timeline goes, now we wait for the Ethiopian government to assign us a court date. The first court date will happen while we're here and they'll review the case and hopefully approve us to keep moving forward without any drama. Once, we're approved, they'll assign us a second court date with the Ethiopia court. This is when we finally get to travel and meet our little girl!!!!
During this time, we get to send pictures and care packages to her and we should get letters and some fun stuff back to help us get to know each other. We also get the joy of more paperwork and parenting classes while we wait. Fun times.
We can't thank everyone enough who has supported us along the way! We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our friends and family from around the world. One day, I hope this little girl really grasps the strength and love of her community. Already, her story marked by faith, hope, and love.
If you are interested in supporting us or other adoptive families in our quest to make sure that every kiddo in the world gets to grow up in a loving home, please consider making a tax-deductible donation at: http://adopttogether.org/thefergusons/
Beyond words joyful!
Jimmy and Celeste
We aren't allowed to share too many specific details, but we can already say that we know that she is kind and sweet and generous and joyful and hard-working and smart and perfect in every way. Her given name means that she brings beauty to our family(Thanks Chelsea!!). Already, she does.
Thanks to a few traveling families and a strange twist of fate with a family friend from West Virginia who was traveling to Ethiopia, we've gotten pictures, videos, and some reports of how she's doing.
She already knows how to count to ten in English and say the alphabet. She loves playing and singing with other kids. And, when she got her first ever care package, right away she asked for permission to share her treats with the other kids.
Even from afar, I'm convinced she'll be a perfect fit for our family. One of the traveling families who met her said that one day she went to the nurse because she had an upset tummy(probably because of all the candy she had just eaten :) ... within a few minutes she was back out with the other kids and asking for a lollipop. Sounds just like somebody else I know :)
As far as our timeline goes, now we wait for the Ethiopian government to assign us a court date. The first court date will happen while we're here and they'll review the case and hopefully approve us to keep moving forward without any drama. Once, we're approved, they'll assign us a second court date with the Ethiopia court. This is when we finally get to travel and meet our little girl!!!!
During this time, we get to send pictures and care packages to her and we should get letters and some fun stuff back to help us get to know each other. We also get the joy of more paperwork and parenting classes while we wait. Fun times.
We can't thank everyone enough who has supported us along the way! We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our friends and family from around the world. One day, I hope this little girl really grasps the strength and love of her community. Already, her story marked by faith, hope, and love.
If you are interested in supporting us or other adoptive families in our quest to make sure that every kiddo in the world gets to grow up in a loving home, please consider making a tax-deductible donation at: http://adopttogether.org/thefergusons/
Beyond words joyful!
Jimmy and Celeste
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Getting Closer!!
We have been amazed at how many things have just "fallen into place" over the past few weeks. We are still waiting final approval from our social workers to be able to move forward with our referral. However, we're pretty confident that this is the week :)
We are so excited that we have the funds to accept a referral much quicker than expected! It's amazing how all that we've needed has come in at just the right time.
If you are interested in supporting our adoption, you can make a tax-deductible donation through American World Adoption Agency's Eternal Family Program. Just click there, fill out the form, and include Eternal Family Program: Jimmy and Celeste Ferguson in the notes section. Any donations above our needs will go to other adoptive families.
Also, to help reduce the cost of travel, we're hoping to gather enough Delta Skymiles to cover the cost of at least one of our trips. If you have any extra unused Delta miles that you'd like to get rid of, just email me :)
Happy Oscar's Night!!
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
We are so excited that we have the funds to accept a referral much quicker than expected! It's amazing how all that we've needed has come in at just the right time.
If you are interested in supporting our adoption, you can make a tax-deductible donation through American World Adoption Agency's Eternal Family Program. Just click there, fill out the form, and include Eternal Family Program: Jimmy and Celeste Ferguson in the notes section. Any donations above our needs will go to other adoptive families.
Also, to help reduce the cost of travel, we're hoping to gather enough Delta Skymiles to cover the cost of at least one of our trips. If you have any extra unused Delta miles that you'd like to get rid of, just email me :)
Happy Oscar's Night!!
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
What if I Titled Every Post, "Still Waiting"
So I've heard that it's a great way to build traffic to your blog is to forget to write for months on end. Good thing I've got that take care of. Next thing you know, our little blog will turn into a NY Times best seller... or something.
So really, there has been ZERO news on the adoption front for so long. Between Ethiopian holidays and orphanage renewals (evidently there's a season for that sort of thing), the only news we've seen is news about people WAITING.
Then over the past few weeks, totally out of the blue, we have been in a mad frenzy to learn more about adopting older kiddos. Before you get all judge-y, and think we're crazy or just looking for a shorter wait. We're still waiting a relatively long time- not as long as some, but plenty long enough. We've spent hours talking with other families who have done this and couldn't be more excited!
We are - with fingers crossed, prayers, and warm fuzzy thoughts- nearing the home stretch. There are all sorts of rules about what we're allowed to say, and neither of us are particularly good at paying attention to details or following the rules. So, you will have to live in suspense.
Happy Waiting!
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
So really, there has been ZERO news on the adoption front for so long. Between Ethiopian holidays and orphanage renewals (evidently there's a season for that sort of thing), the only news we've seen is news about people WAITING.
Then over the past few weeks, totally out of the blue, we have been in a mad frenzy to learn more about adopting older kiddos. Before you get all judge-y, and think we're crazy or just looking for a shorter wait. We're still waiting a relatively long time- not as long as some, but plenty long enough. We've spent hours talking with other families who have done this and couldn't be more excited!
We are - with fingers crossed, prayers, and warm fuzzy thoughts- nearing the home stretch. There are all sorts of rules about what we're allowed to say, and neither of us are particularly good at paying attention to details or following the rules. So, you will have to live in suspense.
Happy Waiting!
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Winter Break in Southern California
As we settle into winter break and get nearer to Christmas, we definitely are so excited. We are so thankful for everyone who has supported our AdoptTogether fund. You raised money an international adoption specialist and family visas! Thank you for joining us in this!!
On the not so exciting front, we have decided to stay put for the holidays. We have made the 5,000 mile trek between Pasadena and Columbus or Charleston and back for the past number of years. This year we were geared up and ready to go, but at the last minute, we realized that being as high as we are on the list means that we could be getting a referral pretty soon. So, we are thankful for time to rest and get on top of the stuff that needs to be done to prepare to bring kiddos home, and we are trying to find ways to make this winter-less wonderland feel a little more like Christmas.
If you are still wanting to find ways to make tax-deductible donations before the end of the year, you can still donate to us or other adoptive families through AdoptTogether. The next step for us to secure resources for airfare to Ethiopia for our first trip.
Thanks for checking in on us! Enjoy the holidays. We'll keep you posted on how to find Christmas in the place with no snow :)
Much love,
Jimmy and Celeste
On the not so exciting front, we have decided to stay put for the holidays. We have made the 5,000 mile trek between Pasadena and Columbus or Charleston and back for the past number of years. This year we were geared up and ready to go, but at the last minute, we realized that being as high as we are on the list means that we could be getting a referral pretty soon. So, we are thankful for time to rest and get on top of the stuff that needs to be done to prepare to bring kiddos home, and we are trying to find ways to make this winter-less wonderland feel a little more like Christmas.
If you are still wanting to find ways to make tax-deductible donations before the end of the year, you can still donate to us or other adoptive families through AdoptTogether. The next step for us to secure resources for airfare to Ethiopia for our first trip.
Thanks for checking in on us! Enjoy the holidays. We'll keep you posted on how to find Christmas in the place with no snow :)
Much love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Great Reads
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So, this is clearly the most random posting, I really only intended to mention the Kristoff book because it's awesome and on sale, but then I saw a FB post remind me of There is No Me Without You and then I remembered this awesome book. So, I had to squeeze in one last book. This is technically book for teachers, but as I read it, I couldn't help but think that it should be a book for parents. In Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8, Debbie Silver addresses the need for adults to not only let kids fail, but encourage failure as a way to build resiliancy and critical thinking skills. Happy reading!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Just a Little Freaking Out....
Preface: Like we've said before, the list that other people with our agency use to keep track of who's where in line is unofficial and could be completely wrong.
This week there have been about five or six referrals. We were super-excited for everyone and still prepared for a L-O-N-G wait. Then, today, another family who had a request similar to ours announced that they received their referral. We looked a bit more closely at the list and realized that there are only a handful of families- like three to five- with our exact request ahead of us.
We were definitely prepared to get our referral sometime in like June or September. But, if things keep moving like they did this week, there is a good chance we may recieve our referral in the next few months.
Early on in our journey to start a family, we had a list of everything we needed. Organic diapers and all natural everything and the perfect stroller and a million other tchotchkes. Now, we're in no way prepared for this. No crib... no kid clothes... no toddler bed... no bottles or sippy cups...no organic anything. Here's hoping that our belief that it all works out for good really holds true :)
So, we still have no news, and you shouldn't get your hopes up, but chances are good we might have news way sooner than expected... and we should definitely buy a few sippy cups.... or bottles.... or something.
This week there have been about five or six referrals. We were super-excited for everyone and still prepared for a L-O-N-G wait. Then, today, another family who had a request similar to ours announced that they received their referral. We looked a bit more closely at the list and realized that there are only a handful of families- like three to five- with our exact request ahead of us.
We were definitely prepared to get our referral sometime in like June or September. But, if things keep moving like they did this week, there is a good chance we may recieve our referral in the next few months.
Early on in our journey to start a family, we had a list of everything we needed. Organic diapers and all natural everything and the perfect stroller and a million other tchotchkes. Now, we're in no way prepared for this. No crib... no kid clothes... no toddler bed... no bottles or sippy cups...no organic anything. Here's hoping that our belief that it all works out for good really holds true :)
So, we still have no news, and you shouldn't get your hopes up, but chances are good we might have news way sooner than expected... and we should definitely buy a few sippy cups.... or bottles.... or something.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Moving, Giving, and Winning!!
In the past two days, at least three families from our organization have received referrals. Three families who were in front of us in line now have referrals for their babies... we are now three spots closer. We've still got a way to go, but it's exciting anyway.
In honor of referrals and the end of the fiscal year, Jimmy and I are engaging in a bit of friendly competition. We're working to raise money through AdoptTogether, a non-profit organization, for adoptive families that's the equivilant of some of our adoption costs. When a family receives a referral, they pay about $400 for the file to be reviewed by an international adoption specialist. They also end up paying about $400 for visas for parents and kiddos.
So, between now and December 31, we're asking others to join us by donating $5, which is tax-deductible, to AdoptTogether. To help Team Jimmy, type International Specialist in the memo section. To join Celeste's winning team, type Family Visas in the memo.
Here's to more referrals and lots of movement!!
In honor of referrals and the end of the fiscal year, Jimmy and I are engaging in a bit of friendly competition. We're working to raise money through AdoptTogether, a non-profit organization, for adoptive families that's the equivilant of some of our adoption costs. When a family receives a referral, they pay about $400 for the file to be reviewed by an international adoption specialist. They also end up paying about $400 for visas for parents and kiddos.
So, between now and December 31, we're asking others to join us by donating $5, which is tax-deductible, to AdoptTogether. To help Team Jimmy, type International Specialist in the memo section. To join Celeste's winning team, type Family Visas in the memo.
Here's to more referrals and lots of movement!!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Two Months DTE
Actually, in the meantime, we are working and saving and planning and doing all that we can to be ready. Well, as ready as you can be for your once normal life to be completely turned upside down by another human being. We applied a few months ago to AdoptTogether, an organization started by an adoptive family to help other adoptive families through the journey of adoption. They've been great at providing support and cheering us on as we worked to finish our home study and dossier. The other thing they do is provide a way for people to make tax-deductible donations to support our adoption... well really, anyone's adoption who's part of the AdoptTogether network... so if you go to their website, you can actually shop for families to support if you're in the end of year giving mood. So, visit their site and give generously to us or another family before the end of this tax year :)
Happy November!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
One Month (Almost) DTE
On Monday, we will have been officially waiting for one month. They say we have about 23 more to go; however, I looked at the list. There are only five other families with requests exactly like ours. So, I've decided it's like the Fast Pass, or whatever you call it, at Disney. Everyone thinks the wait will be long, but somehow, magically, you're at the front of the line before you know it.
Luckily, while the rest of you are breathing a sigh of relief and sending your kiddos off to school with nothing to do but catch up on day time television and eat bon bons, Jimmy and I have been crazy busy working at school taking care of some pretty amazing kiddos. This means, no time to think about the 23 possible months of waiting ahead or debate the validity of my Fast Pass theory.
Enjoy your television and bon bons!
:)
Luckily, while the rest of you are breathing a sigh of relief and sending your kiddos off to school with nothing to do but catch up on day time television and eat bon bons, Jimmy and I have been crazy busy working at school taking care of some pretty amazing kiddos. This means, no time to think about the 23 possible months of waiting ahead or debate the validity of my Fast Pass theory.
Enjoy your television and bon bons!
:)
Saturday, September 8, 2012
DTE
dossier \ˈdȯs-ˌyā, ˈdäs-; ˈdȯ-sē-ˌā, ˈdä-\
(n.) a file containing official paperwork on a person or persons
to \tə, tu̇, ˈtü\
(prep.) used as a function word to indicate movement or action
Ethiopia \ˌē-thē-ˈō-pē-ə\
(n.) Officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, with an approximate population of 73 million people (2005) in just over 471,000 square miles in Northeast Africa. Bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Solmalia to the east and southeast, Kenya to the sourth, and Sudan to the west. Adis Ababa is the nation's capital and largest city. As of 2006, UNICEF says there are over 4 million orphans living in Ethiopia - of those, over 800,000 were orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.
On September 7, 2012 our adoption agency Fed Ex'ed our dossier to Ethiopia. Last I checked - and I'm checking every time I pick up my phone- our little pile of paperwork was in transit to Memphis, TN.
Our agency doesn't do an offical waitlist. It makes sense, there are too many different sorts of requests, and their people working in Ethiopia know the kiddos really well and get to have voice in which kiddos get placed with which waiting families, and I'm sure they have lots of other reasons, too, but those are the two that make the most sense to me. Anyway, even though there isn't an official waitlist, there is a group of waiters who share information and keep an un-official waitlist. So, unofficially, we are anywhere from #88 to #15. So, who knows how much longer we'll actually wait, but at least we know that the part we could control is on its way to stand in line for us. Next up, our referral.... at which point we will begin to gladly announce that our baby is cuter than your baby :)
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
(n.) a file containing official paperwork on a person or persons
to \tə, tu̇, ˈtü\
(prep.) used as a function word to indicate movement or action
Ethiopia \ˌē-thē-ˈō-pē-ə\
(n.) Officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, with an approximate population of 73 million people (2005) in just over 471,000 square miles in Northeast Africa. Bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Solmalia to the east and southeast, Kenya to the sourth, and Sudan to the west. Adis Ababa is the nation's capital and largest city. As of 2006, UNICEF says there are over 4 million orphans living in Ethiopia - of those, over 800,000 were orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.
On September 7, 2012 our adoption agency Fed Ex'ed our dossier to Ethiopia. Last I checked - and I'm checking every time I pick up my phone- our little pile of paperwork was in transit to Memphis, TN.
Our agency doesn't do an offical waitlist. It makes sense, there are too many different sorts of requests, and their people working in Ethiopia know the kiddos really well and get to have voice in which kiddos get placed with which waiting families, and I'm sure they have lots of other reasons, too, but those are the two that make the most sense to me. Anyway, even though there isn't an official waitlist, there is a group of waiters who share information and keep an un-official waitlist. So, unofficially, we are anywhere from #88 to #15. So, who knows how much longer we'll actually wait, but at least we know that the part we could control is on its way to stand in line for us. Next up, our referral.... at which point we will begin to gladly announce that our baby is cuter than your baby :)
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Sunday, September 2, 2012
What a Week!!!
This is the week that I've been waiting on for at least the last three years- the first week of the last year that ECP is growing into a full-fledged middle school. I couldn't have dreamed up a better week if I had tried. Getting to be part of a team of AHmazing and joyful first-year and veteran teachers (for added fun, Jimmy and I are on the same teaching team this year) and receiving notice that our dossier is under one last staff review with an estimated date of 9/7 to be sent off to Ethiopia are just two outstanding memories of this monumental week.
Looking ahead, the next BIG week at ECP will be the week when we end our offical middle school journey with the class of 2017 (Garbs, can you believe we've been with these kiddos since fifth grade and they're leaving?!!?!?) and send them all off to high school.... the next BIG step of our adoption journey should be when we recieve our call from the 703 area code to let us know that they have a referral for us.... still, waiting patiently and enjoying both of these journey; we couldn't feel any more hopeful and excited about the year ahead.
Here's hoping your week was as eventful as ours :)
Looking ahead, the next BIG week at ECP will be the week when we end our offical middle school journey with the class of 2017 (Garbs, can you believe we've been with these kiddos since fifth grade and they're leaving?!!?!?) and send them all off to high school.... the next BIG step of our adoption journey should be when we recieve our call from the 703 area code to let us know that they have a referral for us.... still, waiting patiently and enjoying both of these journey; we couldn't feel any more hopeful and excited about the year ahead.
Here's hoping your week was as eventful as ours :)
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Celebrate the Waiting
Hi all!
Since our last post, we have been practicing the fine art of waiting with purpose. You know where you do stuff to make the waiting seem worthwhile. Like getting a great bed for a kiddo who you've never seen or building the world's greatest picture book library for kiddos who may or may not love the same kinds of books you do.
Today, though, we get to celebrate! We just received notice that our I-600 thingy-thing was accepted so we now have a very plain piece of paper that says that we are approved for visas to bring home up to two kiddos. We couldn't be more excited! (Well, we could - like when we our actual referral or when we get to bring home our kiddos. But, for now....) And what other way would paperchasing-parents-to-be celebrate except by going to see our notary? Yes, we have our own personal notaries - that's right, not one, but two. One that travels and one that makes us go to his office. At the end of this process, I think we will have made a thousand new friends. The best part of getting to visit our notary today is that I think we might be officially done with paperchasing! Later this week we'll send everything off to AWAA, wait for their official review of our documents, wait for them to do their stuff, and then get put on an officail list of waiters.
Thank you all for continuing to check on us and our process. And thank you for the support and love that you continue to show as you shop through our Amazon link. We can't wait to bring our kiddos home and let them meet the wonderful community that has supported them for so long.
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Since our last post, we have been practicing the fine art of waiting with purpose. You know where you do stuff to make the waiting seem worthwhile. Like getting a great bed for a kiddo who you've never seen or building the world's greatest picture book library for kiddos who may or may not love the same kinds of books you do.
Today, though, we get to celebrate! We just received notice that our I-600 thingy-thing was accepted so we now have a very plain piece of paper that says that we are approved for visas to bring home up to two kiddos. We couldn't be more excited! (Well, we could - like when we our actual referral or when we get to bring home our kiddos. But, for now....) And what other way would paperchasing-parents-to-be celebrate except by going to see our notary? Yes, we have our own personal notaries - that's right, not one, but two. One that travels and one that makes us go to his office. At the end of this process, I think we will have made a thousand new friends. The best part of getting to visit our notary today is that I think we might be officially done with paperchasing! Later this week we'll send everything off to AWAA, wait for their official review of our documents, wait for them to do their stuff, and then get put on an officail list of waiters.
Thank you all for continuing to check on us and our process. And thank you for the support and love that you continue to show as you shop through our Amazon link. We can't wait to bring our kiddos home and let them meet the wonderful community that has supported them for so long.
Love,
Jimmy and Celeste
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Biometrics
We just received notification that we have our biometrics appointment next Friday. The timing is perfect since that's the last day of work for this school year and we can scoot out early! This is part of the requirements for the adoption visa. So, I guess that means our paperwork is being processed and we should be ready to submit our dossier soon.
Happy almost-summer vacation!
Jimmy and Celeste
Happy almost-summer vacation!
Jimmy and Celeste
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