Coming and Going

That is what I can’t figure out…. whether I’m coming or going.  I barely have time for one blog, let alone two.  So please go read the other one:  www.MySistersJar.wordpress.com

Nora’s Gotcha Day is Nov. 25!  We have BIG things planned!  Stay tuned!

1 comment October 24, 2011

Adoption Updates

…. at my other blog.  www.MySistersJar.wordpress.com There are two new adoption blogs coming in the next two days! One on fundraising and one on friendship!

Add a comment May 17, 2011

Three Months Home

Yes, it’s been three months that we’ve been home from Colombia with Nora.  It seems like WAY longer.  They (the adoption people) told us that it would be four months when she started speaking English.  Well, counting the one month IN Colombia, we are at four months, and they were right.  She is mostly speaking English now, with a decidedly Spanish accent.

Just last night we had a major breakthrough with her opening up to me and talking about her previous life for the first time.  She talked non-stop for over 2 hours including a trip in and out of the bathtub.  What a blessing that we have earned her trust.  What a LOT for a little girl to shoulder and NOT talk about for over 18 months!  She is a trooper and I know that our prayers for the last four years protected her.

We have a neighborhood shopping mall that is searching for local kids to do their next advertising campaign, so we took our kids.  Hey, if they can work for a living at these ages, BONUS!  Out of our four kids, Nora is such a natural, tilting her head slightly and smiling so sweetly.  We’ll see!!

Blessings to all those still waiting for your angels to be in your arms!

Add a comment March 27, 2011

First Post-Placement Visit!

Yesterday was our first post-placement visit since we’ve been home from Colombia.  There are four all together.  The social worker who comes to visit lives in Tuscon, two hours away, so she fits in two or three Phoenix visits together when she can.  She asked us a whole long list of questions about Nora’s adjustment and ours.  It was good for us to review how things were when we first got home, and how much better things have become in less than two months. 

One thing that surprised me was how often Nora has contact with Spanish-speaking people.  It’s at least twice a week, if not more.  (That’s not counting Winn Dixie in Spanish.)  This was not entirely on purpose, but God placed people regularly in our lives to give Nora a taste of home.  :o)

One down, three to go!

Add a comment February 21, 2011

Neglect Warning!

Yes, I’ve neglected this blog.  Not that adoption work is over…. at all.  We just started our re-adoption in the State of Arizona this week.  It includes, but I’m sure is not limited to: new doctor physicals, new sets of fingerprints, court filing, more cashola, four home visits, five family photos ready at each visit and more paper work.  Why do we bother?  Because the courts in Cali wouldn’t let us change Nora’s name to the name we chose.  In Colombia the children take both the mother and father’s last names.  So the name Nikander has risen again in my life.  I thought I put it to rest 23 3/4 years ago!  But no!  Also, Nora will end up with an AZ birth certificate… WAY more easily attainable when you need original copies.  There will also be an adoption trail of court papers in America.  I’m told we will be thankful for that one day.  In AZ, the child has to be in your home for six months before the case goes before a judge.  So we’re looking at July or August for Nora’s name to be officially changed.  She doesn’t know that it isn’t Nora Linda Crosby at this time……  that’s all we’ve told her since more confusion was not necessary!  So off we go…. for more fun and paper work!

1 comment January 14, 2011

Once Again….

I blogged adoption news over at my regular blog….

http://mysistersjar.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/hindsight-is-2020/

Advice for those coming to Colombia in the future!

1 comment December 4, 2010

We got HER!

Go read details and see photos at my other blog:

www.MySistersJar.wordpress.com

Add a comment November 28, 2010

It’s a Done Deal!

We have accepted Nora’s referral!  We sent off the fax on Nov. 19th.  YAY!!!  We are shocked that we are able to go and come home with our little angel BEFORE Christmas!  Oh, this mother’s heart is full of joy unspeakable and full of glory!  Presentation day is Nov. 23rd… NEXT Friday!  I can hardly believe the whole thing is real!

Here are a FEW of the cool God-instances that have become apparent to us….  God moments where His hand was all over this adoption:

1.  Nora was placed into the care of ICBF on my birthday!

2.  We are traveling to get Nora on Thanksgiving Day!  It was Thanksgiving Day 2006 when we announced our adoption plans to our families.  Four years to the D A Y !

3.  Her name is Nora, but she asked us to change it.  Eleanor is my mother’s middle name….. and for purely quirky reasons, we wanted her to have a name starting with E…..  we hope she likes Eleanora.  It means ‘shining light’. 

4.  I have been making a little play kitchen for Nora with a sink and stove top.  In the new report it specifically said that she “especially likes playing with a kitchen with a stove…”     Awwwww.

See?  God moments.

Please stay tuned for adorable little girl photos….

10 comments November 21, 2010