A candle (Gina's suggestion)...

SURPRISE!

So I was plain mopey today. Seriously, just feeling sad and frustrated. It will be 10 weeks on Monday and we still don't have a court date. I think this week was particularly difficult because we were kind of expecting one (I'm thinking Monday is our new day). I was grouchy and was having trouble pulling myself out of it...then...guess what!?
A SURPRISE baby shower! Yes, it's true! I'll say it again for those in shock. A SURPRISE baby shower! FOR ME! My friends from Bunco orchestrated a super top secret extravaganza. FOR ME! (But I plan to share the great gifts with Jude). I had absolutely NO idea and suddenly it was blue frosted cupcakes and presents galore. It is safe to say that Jude is going to be the best dressed little dude ever. The festivities couldn't have been timed more perfectly. It was such a great reminder that although I wish so badly that he had his mom and dad loving him up, he has such a great support system when he gets home and so many people that are thinking of him and loving him. I just don't have words to describe how much this meant to me. I'm a very lucky girl. Since I didn't know that I was having a SURPRISE shower, I didn't come camera ready. So, I'm going to have to coerse others to give me pictures to post. I would love to share my super special night. THANK YOU FOR TONIGHT! It was perfect!

Tesfahun, my hope

Our beautiful little one's Ethiopian name is Tesfahun, which means "be my hope"...Translated, it's quite a big job for a 4 month old, isn't it? As Carey wrote, and I completely agree with, he is "an old soul." I'm sure the name is fitting. The most common compliment given to him (besides how amazingly cute he obviously is) is how he looks smart. I completely agree.
Speaking of names, Tommy seems to prefer Judah, I'm leaning toward Jude. We don't fight over this and are ok with the dispute. You can feel free to call him either Jude or Judah. I won't be offended. If you would like to call him Tesfahun, that's ok too.
The name (which I actually like very much) Tesfahun, got me thinking, what is "my hope" for Jude? I hope that he loves life. I hope that he makes amazing lifelong friendships. I hope that he makes the world a little bit more beautiful. I hope he has passion, loves to learn, and the confidence to try. I hope he loves his family. I hope he loves adventure. I hope he feels proud of his roots. I hope he feels he is always loved. I hope he gives. Most of all I hope he doesn't take himself too seriously and laughs often. Tesfahun, I love you already. You are my hope.

On a different note, I heard from our agency that they were expecting "some court dates early next week"...I'm thinking that since it will be 9 weeks tomorrow since we received our referral that we should be in that "some" group...I will let you know the moment I hear. I just can't wait to get my hands on all that goodness- all that hope.

8 weeks and waiting...

GRRRRRrrrrrr....Where are you court date? I need you court date!

Tommy's first time ...

Happy Birthday, Judah! I can't believe you're already 4 months old! My how you're growing up so fast! Pretty soon now, you'll be a man. You'll head off to college and start a new chapter in your life, and we'll miss you when you're away. But until then, let's just concentrate on getting you home for the first time! We miss you and love you. -Dad

Dreaming...

On a random note, every night I dream about Jude. We have gone on a zillion adventures together. We just have the best times. I've even spent time with him when he is all different ages. I'm very lucky.
A few nights ago, Tommy said I was laughing really hard and saying "oh, people are going to laugh at you and Jude, but do what you want!" Obviously curious, Tommy asked me "Why, are they going to laugh at us?" Waking up, I immediately got irritated and sternly replied, "Don't wake me up!" (By the way, I'm much better tempered than that in my dreams). The next morning, I remembered my dream and told him about the ridiculously mismatched outfit Tommy had dressed Jude in. I feel badly for Tommy because he only has super hero action dreams. I just can't believe they haven't met.

I want it. I need it. The 7 week itch?

When my adorable two year old nephew, Darrigan, has a high interest level in an object (such as a menu) he clearly states the obvious "I want it." If he is met with any resistance he looks you straight in the eye, and with a serious look he says, "I need it."
Well I feel as passionately about a court date as he does the menu. I need it.

Our tribute...

There's this nasty rumor that has circulated which I feel must be addressed. It has something to do with after becoming a parent, the obsession with your furry friends will fade. Well, I thought I'd take my mind off our nonexistent court date to pay tribute to two of the most spoiled pups on earth. The little Whippet is named Scarlett (O'Hara - Gone with the Wind, she's very fast and has a very similar personality...all spunk). The Greyhound goddess is named Annabelle aka Big Baby. She's a southern belle, born in the South, and raced there and in Mexico. At 3 years old, she is taking her retirement VERY seriously. When she cries, I believe it is equivalent to a unicorn dying...for she is the only pure soul (sorry Baloo, after the Animal Control incident you officially lost your title). Therefore, we obviously try to avoid Annabelle crying at all possible costs. I was forced to reprimand our friend Bryan (an animal lover and self proclaimed lurker on this blog) this week when I felt he just wasn't making her feel special enough. No one puts Big Baby in the corner.
We just got home from the dog park and now it's time for their spa treatments...long luxurious spa treatments. Seriously, people act like I won't have the time after our actual baby gets here to spend full days making sure all of their emotional needs are being constantly attended to, those people are just crazy. :P

Showered!

Last Saturday, our friends threw us the BEST baby shower! It was just perfect (the mom-to-be could still have wine!). We were just so happy to have our close friends join in all that we have to celebrate! Thank you! We love you!

I realize I am not a slide sharing genius. Therefore, the presentation may not be up to the standards I was eluding to during my last post. But, I'm still shamelessly basking in the glory of what I was able to create. I'm not good, but I did it! Proud, proud, proud!

Seriously.

Where oh where is our court date? Tommy has waited patiently for over 6 weeks (I will not discuss my style of waiting).

Oh, but I do have some great pictures to share from last Saturday (which was one of my very favorite days so far)! I'm going to work to put them together in some presentable way. I'm thinking about one of those onetruemedia.com extravaganzas. No promises, but I really am considering something THAT spectacular. If I pull this off, I'll be the talk of my household for a good week or two (while I'm talking, that is). Good stuff. Here's to hoping I can pull this off :)