This Little One Is What Kept Us Going

Introducing Our Daughter Annsleigh Lynn Tihune Hoagland!

God plans adoptions from Heaven,

and He searches the world...you see,

for people who long to be parents,

people like Daddy and me.

Then, in his own time, he answers,

the prayer thry've been praying so long,

and he finds a child who is waiting,

to fill their lives with a song!

You are THE child who we prayed for,

so special, so precious, so sweet!

The one who we'll cherish forever,

the one who makes our life complete!

Bad News About Court....AGAIN!

It is very difficult to put into words (that are not obscene) how I feel right now. Feels like Im on the sinking titanic waving goodbye to loved ones who are going to "make it". Because of one orpnanage director (from Holy Savior....look out if thats where your child is from ) that just doesnt seem to get it, Annsleigh sits and waits. SOME MORE! This guy shows up to court AGAIN without signatures on important paperwork. Signatures that require his leg work to get done. He needs to be fired! Our agency is frustrated with this guy also, and is considering not using this orphanage anymore because of him. An in country agency staff person is literally going to take him by the hand and get these signatures done, but we dont know when. The judge did not even set another court date, just told him to GET IT DONE! and bring it to her. Sounds like she will approve it as soon as she gets it, but now we have NO DATE to plan on. I did hear from the agency today that if it does get done this week, we will still be able to get Annsleigh by the end of July. She sounded real positive in that manner. But, if not....we are looking at August. I give all the families all the respect in the world that go thru this process, and turn around after their baby is home and start it all over again for another child. I know I could not live thru something like this again. I am getting too old for all this. And remember, none of us can be on any antidepressants or nerve pills during this process, or we are deemed bad people. Guess I 'll just have to go eat a gallon of ice cream chased by a pound of raw cookie dough with a side of fries.

No News

I cannot sugar coat this message at all at this point, for all the families in the process. This blog is about our adoption journey, all the good and all the bad. Will leave out the cuss words because one day my sweet angel will read this. And I am not an impatient person. But this has been THE MOST agonizing part of the entire process. Knowing you are #1 top of the waiting for a referral list and not getting a call used to be my most agonizing part. But, at least we could some how go and do things and try to not think about it, and just feel peace that it is in Gods hands. Now, we have a little face that we have been staring at for months. Her little face in plastered all over the house and on my dash. Looking at me like" momma, where are you?" Brought to tears at this point. Its not fair to any baby/child to have to wait any longer than necessary. So, at this point, I am like, "Why God? Why couldnt our case pass last Friday? For that matter, why couldnt ours pass the first go around like so many others did? Why wasnt our case the first to be seen last Friday, before power went out, especially because we have unfinished court business from June 5? Why should Annsleigh have to wait any longer?" Im just sick of it and cannot function anymore. Today, we heard no news because our agency tried all day to get through to Ethiopia but due to power outtages there, they were unsuccessful. So, tomorrow, they say, tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow is good news and not bad because I have a feeling if we do not pass court this week, we will not get to bring her home until August.

Forgot to Pray the Power Stayed On!!!

Note to self.....Dont forget to also pray the power stays on long enough in Ethiopia for them to see your case!!! ARGGGGHHHHHH!!!! Our case goes to court again on Monday to try to #1 Be seen with power on. And #2 Make sure all paperwork is in order. By the way, power outages are at least a daily event there.

Court Date Tomorrow = No Sleep, No Nails Left, No Hair Left, Just 1 Frayed Nerve Sticking Straight Up

Yesterday we finished all of our immunizations with the yellow fever vaccine. Bradley went along with us. He was all concerned that his daddy was going to get hurt with the shot, but not me!?! Whats up with that? Well, I just love that little fella. I have posted before about the prayers he says every night. Every night since we started this adoption journey, he has prayed for Annsleigh so we can bring her home one day. Last night, his prayer was "....and bless Annsleigh and we hope we can bring her home real soon...cuz my parents got their shots now." Too cute! Tomorrow is our second and, God willing, final court date. Please pray that all the papers are in order tomorrow. I feel I must get more specific with my prayers at this point. Then, not to be pessimistic, but if it doesnt pass tomorrow, pray that I dont go psycho and snap!

We Got An Update!

Yay! We got an update about our baby from the adoption agency. She now weighs 17 1/2 pounds and is 26" long . Thats 4 pounds up from when we got our referral call, and 2 inches taller. We are expecting pictures also maybe next week. Just in time to pass court and post pics! I have peace knowing she is thriving and growing. And also that she is rooming with several friends whose mommas I've come to know through the adoption world. All of them are about the same age and have been together f0r some time now. Its good to know there is some stability in her life at least for a time.