Today we are perfect! God has completely exceeded our expectations and blessed us beyond our dreams. We went to the transition home at 7:30 this morning so we could meet Easton together before our 10am court date. The weather was absolutely beautiful so we had our "Meetcha Day" moment outside. Our driver, Samuel was our videographer and Leeanne, a fellow adoptive mom, was the photographer. Easton was brought out to us, wearing a brown zip up jacket and brown pants with puppies on the feet. He looked precious! As soon as he saw us he started smiling and laughing, Ryan held him for the first time and I cried, and cried, and cried!! =) It was the official moment we became a family, it was priceless.
Our court appearance was also a success. We were in a very crowded room and waited to be called into small side room. (It wasn't an actual courtroom, as I anticipated). We sat down and the judge, a beautiful Ethiopian women, asked us if we had children, why we chose to adopt from Ethiopia, if we had training in adoption and transracial family challenges, and if our friends and family were supportive. Ryan answered each question confidently and the judge nodded in approval. Then she asked, "Have you met A*****?" We both shook our heads "Yes" and smiled big. She then said, "After meeting him are you sure that you want to adopt him, this decision is irrevocable." We both immediately and simultaneously said "YES, Absolutely YES!"
Duni, our Africa Adoption Director, told us that we should pass on the 21st!!! After that we believe it will be about 4-6 weeks to get Easton and I home!! Please be praying that the US Embassy works efficiently to allow our paperwork to pass through and issue a Visa for Easton!!! There is an Embassy appointment on August 18th or September 1st that we could possibly have.
After court we went back to Easton and spent over 4 hours with him. Ryan held him and studied his every move and feature. We are both amazed at how incredibly sweet and happy he is. He doesn't even spit up!!! He is a thumb sucker though! Ryan was holding him and Easton made a little scream. Then Ryan realized he had his left hand pinned against his chest. As soon as he moved it Easton found his thumb and was completely content again! He definitely has an obsession with his left thumb! I can't wait to be able to introduce a pacifier! (We've decided not to introduce a pacifier or our formula until we are closer to going home. We want to keep things as consistent as possible for him right now.)
We thank you so much for your love and support. Today wouldn't have happened if it weren’t for all of the support we have received through our journey to parenthood.
We love you all, Ashlie and Ryan
Hello Everyone! I'm Luke.
1 year ago
7 comments:
I cry every time I read an update. I am so happy for the both of you. I will continue to pray for your family and for a safe mission trip as well ASh. Love you. Thank you for the updates, love seeing them!
We are so happy for you all to be together! Sounds like you had a great court date, Praise God!
How absolutely beautiful. You made my heart sink with joy when you cried when Ryan held Easton. How precious. Praying things go well next week.
So I'm confused? you have to appear before the court together on the first trip but that is not your official 'court date'? Just a time to get your testimony? I was under the understanding you went on your actual date.
Can't wait to see little Easton's pictures with his mommy and daddy!
How precious to be a family TOGETHER!!! So happy for you that the court date went well. Praying for ease and expediency with the embassy. Your story is a very sweet one ~ I love following it! May God continue to bless each one of you beyond your wildest imaginations! :o) Love from Idaho!
How wonderful!! Thank you for sharing this precious time together meeting Easton. We pray that everything goes well and that the process happens much sooner than expected!!
I had three children who suck their thumb, one from China and to be honest I think you will find that they are so much more content as children. Our firstborn son had a pacifier because we wanted to do everything by the book but he would lose it in the night and woke us up. Then it would get lost in the day. We were forever buying new ones. Then my second son came along who sucked his thumb and it was pure contentment for us all, and thus it was the same with the other two. I know many of the concerns are the teeth but I married into a big family of dentists and orthodontists and they told me not to worry until the big teeth come in. Before that happened they were all finished with their thumbs!!!
I can only imagine how adorable he looks sucking his thumb!!!
The Lemanskis are so excited for you! We are praying for the rest of your time in Ethiopia and for your health and energy as you take care of BOTH your boys! :)
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