New seasons of life

So, I have decided that I do not want to limit my blog to things specifically about adoption.  I figure since that process may take about 2 years I do not want to miss out on other happenings in between.  Such as Selah beginning kindergarten and watching her grow and mature in that part of her life, or the fact that I am now seriously working with Eli on potty training.  These are things that I want to chronicle and remember, and maybe someday when my kids are older they will ask me how they fared in a certain season of life.

Selah began kindergarten yesterday, as noted in the previous post.  As the day approached I found myself getting more and more nervous.  I was sending her into an environment outside of the safe bubble I had created for her.  I was afraid of school bullies, her being afraid of such a "big" place, a schedule unlike what she is used to, and so on and so forth.  The idea of homeschooling crossed my mind more times over the course of the weekend than any time before.  However, I gave myself a reassuring pep talk each time knowing that the school Selah was able to get into is top notch.  It's ranked 2nd in the nation among charter schools for Pete's Sake.  What am I worried about?!  It's a new season of life for my girl.  She is growing up and I have to relinquish some sort of control, and allow her to experience heartaches and victories, to spread her wings and discover what vast treasures life holds for her.

As I mentioned above, Eli has become quite excited about using the potty.  I have been a little apprehensive about this whole experience, because it was really difficult with Selah.  We would sit in the bathroom with her for the longest time reading books and playing with dollies, before she finally went.  Not Eli.  He gets on, does his business, and asks for his treat.  Apparently m & m's are a great motivator.  So with disinfectant wipes and a jar of m & m's in hand, I feel pumped up and ready to tackle the beast that is training a little boy to pee and poo in the toilet.    

First Day of Kindergarten

I miss her already...I hope the day goes by fast.

Happy Birthday Selah!

I know this has nothing to do with adoption, but I wanted to share a little about my daughter.  My sweet girl turned 5 years old this week.  Today we celebrated with friends and family at her My Little Pony themed party.  It was a great reminder of how much love and support surround my children.  

This past year has been an incredible year of growth for her.  She entered preschool last Fall very timid and reserved.  She stood on the sidelines and observed while everyone else played and participated in the activities.  By the end of the school year she was communicating and engaging very well with her teacher and classmates.  A good example of the transformation that has taken place is the experience we had at the nursing home visits at the beginning of the school year and again at the end.  The first visit was filled with tears, wailing actually, and being very clingy to me.  We had to leave part way through the singing, because she was having such a hard time.  Fast forward to Spring, and you would have seen my precious daughter right up front, in the middle, singing as loud as she could.  I have to admit I got teary eyed, and I was so proud of her.  Her teacher and I talked afterwards and she said she too had tears in her eyes, because of the dramatic changes that had taken place in Selah.  She has grown to be a more confident girl for sure.  I am thankful for my closest friends lifting Selah right up to the throne of God in prayer.  I love those ladies.  I know that the Lord will continue to grow in Selah.

Some of what I love about Selah is that she is very encouraging and compassionate towards others.  If Eli is upset about something she will hunt all over the house for his Elly or special blanky to help him feel better, without being asked to do so.  She easily gives compliments after someone has completed a task.  She continues to do well in her role as big sister, and plays so well with Eli.  They do have their moments of contention, though.  We've talked about how important her role is as the big sister and that we want her to set a good example for Eli to follow, as well as for baby bro/sis when they come home.  Selah is also very creative.  She makes up new lyrics to a familiar tune.  She most enjoys drawing or coloring, and will sit for a long period of time making new pieces of art to give away.

I Love you, Selah!  

Reaching a milestone

We have now completed the first phase of paperwork!  This Friday we will meet with our social worker for the first home study visit.  It is a bit intimidating...okay a lot intimidating.  The thought of someone coming into our home and analyzing the functionality of our family, critiquing the way we parent is making me nervous.  Imagine if everyone had to go through the same processes in order to have a biological child.  I am not saying I would want that kind of control or intervention, but we would probably have a lot less orphans in the world.
Please pray that we can just be genuine and real, and not try to put on a show and be the people-pleasers we try to be sometimes.

We are trying to come up with some new fundraising ideas.  Have you or anyone you know participated in a fundraiser that was successful?  I am pondering the idea of preparing meals or baked goods for others.  I thoroughly enjoy cooking and baking, food of any ethnicity, and would be willing to prepare meals or baked goods for whomever in exchange for a donation or flat fee.  If you or anyone you know are interested in this fundraising idea let me know.
I am also making hair clips for little girls to wear.  I sold quite a few at the yard sale.  I am selling them for 1.50 each or 2.50 a pair.  Here are a few I have made for Selah:

Here are a few of the ribbon choices I have:

Let me know in the comments section if you would like to purchase any.  If so, leave the following information:  how many, favorite colors, and if you want any little jewels, bows, or resin appliques added on (I have ladybugs, cupcakes, flowers).  Or if you want me to just surprise you I can do that too. ;)

I hope your summer is awesome and you are having a blast in the sunshine just like we are.

Blessings,

Sonja 

Yard Sale

We held our yard sale last Saturday to help raise funds for our adoption.  We were blown away by how many people donated their unwanted items for our sale.  As a result of your generosity we were able to raise $605!  Thank you again for coming alongside us and being a part of our adoption journey.

The Great Paper Chase

The stage we are in has been dubbed as "The Great Paper Chase" by many adoptive families.  The process is long.  It's a hurry up and wait kind of situation.  By the time our dossier (dos-ee-ey) is sent to Ethiopia, that is a package of all the necessary documents,  we will have been fingerprinted 3 times, 3 background checks (local, state, and with the FBI), logged over 30 hours of education, two doctor's appointments for us and one for the kids, home study with a social worker, plus numerous other stops along the way to ensure we will be the best fit to bring a child into our home.  Every document has to be a notarized original, placed in the proper order, and free from any and all errors.  It is definitely overwhelming and has caused me to quietly doubt this is the path we are supposed to take.  However, I have found this quote and verse to be good reminders, "Don't worry about high costs or long wait times.  If God has given you a heart for adoption he will open the right doors at the right times," and Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  I know that the God of the universe goes before us and prepares the way.  As I look back I can see his footprint on certain events that have lead us here.  So, we go forth, putting our trust in God and asking that He grant us peace.

Fundraisers

**We are going to have a fundraising garage sale on July 21.
We would be so thankful to you if you had anything around your house to donate.  This is a great opportunity to get rid of your unwanted things, help a friend out, and you don't have to organize or tend the garage sale.  Yay!  All proceeds will go to our adoption fund.  Also, if you have large items that you cannot transport, let us know and we will find a way to come and get them.  Spread the word!

**We have set up our online coffee shop with Just Love Coffee Roasters.
Our specific shop is called, "A Whole Latte Love."
For every bag of coffee you buy $5 goes towards our adoption costs.  Again, spread the word!  If you purchase coffee for your office, consider purchasing from our store.  I am not a coffee drinker, but I have been told it is really good, and it's fair trade.  Can't go wrong with this one!
Check out our store's link here 
If the link does not work type this into your search bar up top: justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/thenewcomerfamily/