the whole reason this blog was created. . . .

. . . was to announce our referral when it finally came.

It finally came.

On Monday, September 10, 2007, we received THE call that presented us with the opportunity to become parents to a 3-year-old girl and her 14-month-old baby brother in Ethiopia. With one phone call, we have tripled the number of children we parent. We couldn't be more excited or happier.

Due to Ethiopian law, we are not allowed to post pictures or give identifying information until the children legally become ours in Ethiopian court. Unfortunately, courts are closed for the rainy season until early October. (Yes, Ethiopia has a rainy season.) I imagine that we'll be able to travel either by the end of the year or the beginning of 08. Just my guess; no official word on that.

While I can't post any pics or info, I can tell you how absolutely beautiful they are. Yes, we are biased, but it's the truth! With big, gorgeous brown eyes and smiles that melt your heart, we tend to turn into puddles of emotional goo with each picture we receive. Even J isn't immune. Upon hearing the news of his new siblings, he jumped around yelling, "Yes! Yes! That's exactly what I wanted!" He's even excited to have a sister! He is sooo happy to finally become a big brother.

So, after prepping for China for 5-6 months, sitting in line with China for 14 months, taking about 4 months to get our dossier to Ethiopia, and then waiting a whopping 2.5 weeks for our referral of two beautiful kiddos, I think we made the right move. What do you think??

The spirit moves in mysterious ways. . .