Travel Approval

We received our official travel approval today. Now we can get our flights and visas and be ready to fly to Ethiopia on September 24/25th. We will get to see our daughter on the 27th and 28th. Our court appointment is in the morning on the 28th. So sometime around 12-4am in the USA we, as well as Kiera's birth-mom, will be in front of the Ethiopia high court (time is 8 hours ahead of here).

While we are there, when we can't be with Kiera, we hope to get to tour Ethiopia a little. We know that the 2nd trip we will get custody of Kiera and will be unable to travel with her. So, we hope to learn as much about the culture and country as we can in this first trip. We are working with a travel agent to set up all the details.

 We are so excited and cannot wait to meet our daughter. Thank you all for the prayers. They are definitely working.

Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

"Beautiful Dark Hair"

We received another health update on Kiera today. One of the first things they said again was she has "beautiful dark hair." We cannot wait to see all her hair. They keep commenting that she is big for her age and has a "big belly."

According to the staff she continues to grow and lifts and holds up her head, laughing, smiling to her name and copying sounds.

She is also showing attachment to her nannies, such as smiling when they play and crying when they leave the room. This is really great news as she is learning how to love and accept love. The nannies say she is easy to manage, makes a "unique sound" when she needs milk, eats about every 3 hours and has a good pattern of sleep.

We cannot wait to experience and learn about her ourselves.
Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

Baby Shower

Thanks to everyone who planned and came to my baby shower this weekend. Kiera's room is now fully stocked and ready for her. It is such a blessing to have such wonderful family and friends. We love you all and Kiera will too. Please continue to check this site for updates as I try to post after any significant news or updates. Feel free to become a follower or leave comments. I love to read them and see who is reading my blog.

Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

"Angelic Smile"

That's right! That is what our latest update said about our little girl.

We received an update today (no pictures though). Kiera was moved to the Care Center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on July 2nd. That day she was evaluated by a doctor, who said she is healthy, with "beautiful dark hair." She has good reflexes and movement of all extremities, good grasp and good sized. She had her basic shots and all reports look good.

The orphanage nurse also wrote part of the update. She said Kiera is  looks big for her age and is reacting appropriately compared to other children in the orphange. When asked about her personality, she said Kiera has "an angelic smile."

What a great update. Now I just wish we could see her. Although in my dreams she is beautiful.

Blessings!
Mandy