We are Home!!!

Upon arriving in Ethiopia on Saturday, April 6th we settled in to the hotel and then headed over to the care center with another family that was there.  We would both be leaving with our children that day from the care center!  When we arrived Miles was sleeping so we headed over to the baby room and loved up on some babies for a while.  After about an hour and a half, I went in and tried to wake up my little man.  He seemed very tired, but in an effort to leave the care center I went ahead and woke him and changed his clothes so we could head out.  I have to say I was a little nervous that he was going to get upset, but he didn't.  It was all a little weird.  I just changed his clothes, picked him up and off we went to the hotel. 
All in all he has done extremely well.  I couldn't have asked for it to go any better.  We were able to sight see a little more on this trip because we hired a tour guide to take us around.  That was really the way to go!  Miles was a trooper.  I am also very thankful that there were two families there on this trip.  Having other people around to walk out this experience with you is always the best.  We were blessed with two great families to do that with.  Thanks Davis family and Coates family!!!  You guys are the best.
Miles did great on the plane.  We left at 10:30 pm Ethiopia time, so Miles fell asleep as soon as we took off and slept for 10 hours.  He woke for a while and played and ate and then fell back to sleep for the last hour and half of the flight.  We landed in DC and then had a short 1 hour flight home to Charlotte.  My mom and I had not sleep at all, so needless to say it was exhausting trying to stay up until 8 when the kids went to bed.  But, we did it and Miles actually slept through the night.  I can't believe that we did not have to deal with jet lag at all!  That is truly a miracle in itself.
Morgan, Mason, Lily and Liam have accepted Miles with open arms and have had so much fun getting to know their brother.  Morgan couldn't wait to have a little photo shoot with them, so Saturday we took them outside in our neighborhood and she took some pictures.  Enjoy!!!

Ethiopia Bound

The day has finally come.  In approximately 14 hours I will leave our home, head to the airport and board a plane bound for Ethiopia.  It is a little surreal to be honest.  Our son will be in my arms forever in 2 days.  Our lives will change in a moment.  From a family of 6 to a family of 7 in a moments time.  I have looked at his face through the computer screen for almost 6 months now.  Yes, we were fortunate to meet him in January, but the time was so brief and only a limited amount of bonding could be done.  So, needless to say, I can't wait to have him in my arms for good on Saturday, April 6th. 
Please keep Miles in your prayers. I have been praying that his heart would be ready to invite us in and that God has given him a peace beyond all understanding.  I pray that fear would not last long and that God has prepared me for what he will need.  I also pray against any sickness while we are away and for God to protect us and my family that I will leave behind.  Please also keep my husband, Fred, in your prayers.  He will be staying at home with the kiddos this time.  My mom will be traveling with me to Ethiopia. 
Miles we are coming.......really, really, soon!!!