Baby's First Christmas

Everyone here has an ornament collection. Riley's collection started the year she was born. Ellie's collection began the year she was born. Each year we add to it. This year, Grandma started another collection for you....your first ornament. You are in our hearts and home. Even though our adoption journey has taken a slight turn, our paths will cross at just the right time and we will welcome you home! We love you ever so much!!

Holiday Cheer!

The days before Christmas are priceless...kids are happy, Mom and Dad are busily preparing for The Big Day, spirits are lifted and peace seems to flow through the air.  Tonight we are getting ready for Riley and Ellie's Christmas Piano Recital at a nursing home.  Their smiles are beautiful and their songs are well practiced.  Hard to imagine it getting any better than this.  Happy Holidays to our wonderful friends and family!

Giving Thanks

Our holiday was wonderful.  Thanksgiving Day was quiet, we slept late and the girls stayed in their pajamas all day long.  We really enjoyed the company of one another.  Eric and I put the perfect touch on the turkey this year...BACON!!  It was delicious and so juicy! We finished decorating our Christmas tree and reminisced about past holidays with each ornament.  We thought about how different and wonderful NEXT year's Thanksgiving will be!!

Speaking of WONDERFUL...our Home Study was approved and we received a copy of it!!   It is so interesting to read what other people think of you.  I guess Sophie's potty accident didn't have an effect on the outcome after all:)   The words make us smile each time we read them, 

      "...happy to approve Eric and Tina Grills as excellent candidates for the adoption of a child..."   

(smile)  NOW, we can send the completed and approved Home Study for approval through Homeland Security.  As soon as we are cleared (again), we can send our already completed Dossier to Ethiopia for a lifetime match!  We have worked really hard to be where we are now.  To feel excitement is an understatement.

Our Christmas cards are sealed and ready to send.  I am already thinking about next year's card and the great effort at trying to capture the spirit of one more smile.  I can't wait!!!

Giving More Thanks Than Ever,

~Tina~

Home Study Submitted!

Our home study has been submitted for approval!!  Yes, after waiting 3 long months for one piece of documentation, this step has been checked off our list.  Thinking this document came from far, far away, I recently learned it had been held up in Columbus...OHIO!  We will wait a few more days for a thumbs up from our adoption agency in Eugene, Oregon.  Hopefully they will accept our home study without further delay.  Our dossier will be next.  I already have it completed and ready to go.  Hang in there, BABY, Mama's coming!

The Home Visit

The most feared night of the adoption process happened last night.  Our social worker came to evaluate house, kids....and everything in it!  I was so nervous that I cleaned out cabinets, closets, air filter, drawers and even gave the dogs a bath.  They even had their teeth brushed! Our social worker is a very sweet, well spoken and naturally relaxing person to talk to.  Riley and Ellie (who are very shy around new friends) sat on the deck with her and talked openly (AND POLITELY :) ) about our family.  Each had time to talk  and even argued over who went first.   It went very well.  We showed her around the house, including every closet and closed door.  Showed her where our formal dining room USED to be and that it is now a play area for the kids. Walked her back to the kitchen where she and I sat to begin my interview.  All was going well. Then Ellie yelled, "Mama, Sophie pooped in the office!"  I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry, but it was what it was.  "Thanks, El, I'll get it later!"  The social worker laughed and is a dog lover, too.  Whew!  It was a long, but very wonderful visit.  I sure hope we passed...

Health Checks

Part of the adoption paperwork includes physicals for all family members. Today big sisters, Riley & Ellie had their physicals. Ellie was very concerned that she would receive a "pinchy" (immunization) but was willing to endure the pain just for the chance to be a big sister. As it turned out, Ellie is current. Riley, on the other hand, needed one booster. Girls are healthy and growing off the charts. We left the pediatrician's office with smiling faces, lots of stickers and 4 forms signed, notarized and dated. With all of the gown twirling, good thing they gave us the big room. Next physical appointment...DADDY!!!

Our Story

 

"Two different lives, Shaped to make yours one....... One became your guiding star, The other became your sun...... The first gave you life, And the second taught you how to live it........ The first gave you a need for love, And the second was there to give it."

--MOTHER'S BRIDGE

Baby Grills!

We have made the decision to adopt a baby!!! It was a family decision that was discussed months ago. Riley and Ellie have been bursting with pride and are anxious to share it with all of you. We welcome you to follow our journey to the sweet soul who awaits us in Ethiopia.