10 months waiting for our sweet girl....

These flowers have brightened our home and today I am dedicating them to our sweet girl.  We have now been on the waiting list 10 months!  This period is winding down and hopefully in a couple months I can write that we have a referral and know who our sweetie is.  But for now I know she is out there somewhere...whether she is born or not can't be known, but she is definitely out there and on our journey to us, just as we are on our journey to her.  I am also thinking of her birth family and what they might be feeling.  My heart is heavy for whatever they are going through that will bring our daughter to us.  Their loss and grief will be our gift and joy.  It is difficult to reconcile, but it is my hope that they have hope for her and that is what brings them to this decision.

In the meantime, I will continue to nest...her room is half painted and will soon be all "cotton candy" pink!  Painting her room and creating the space that we will bring her home to makes it all feel more real than ever.  We reman stagnant on her name.  I have my favorites and Andy hasn't really been able to determine a favorite yet .  I shouldn't be surprised as it wasn't any different with the boys.  Once they were born, Andy was really able to be present in the naming process.  I think he needs to be able to place the name with the child and has difficulty with that any sooner.  So, I suspect that while I love the fun of discussing names that we won't really be able to narrow it down until we see our daughter's photo.  For now I love Elodie, Olivia, Ruby. 

I think her given name in Ethiopia will likely be her middle name.  I can't imagine taking that away from her, especially if her mother named her.  I feels so important to me to carry that with her.    More to come in that department as well.  ;)

That is today... February 17th., 2009.

3!

These three beautiful candles represents the wonderful number of 3...  Marcie is expecting her #3 very, very soon.   We just celebrated with a shower where these candles light the dining room.  This little baby boy is so very loved long before he has arrived.  I wish every child had the love and nurturing surrounding them just like this little one does...the world would be nearly perfect then!

Below are my three sons... silly Jack that can't get enough of his nuk!  Judson at his first Blue and Gold Boy Scout ceremony with his pine wood derby trophy in hand.  And Drew snuggling with Jack on the couch.  

Life here is messy, noisy, full of giggles and love...

Waiting 9 months, 10 days

We have officially been waiting 9 months and 10 days today...but who's counting!  I am!  As the wait time lessens the anticipation intensifies!  She is out there somewhere and hopefully in April we will have the news of who our sweet girl is.  I can hardly wait.  The waiting thus far has been manageable.  I suspect it worsens terribly once we have the referral, with her photo and information!  Imagine!  Then we wait for the court process in Ethiopia and for our travel next summer (hopefully).  In the meantime, I feel like I have been nesting like crazy!  Decorating, painting walls and furniture, ordering the fabric and bedding for our sweet girls room and even transitioning Jack to his  big boy bedroom.  The last is not an easy task.  I am sleep deprived from his night wakings and constant escapes from his room.  This too shall pass, right?!  He is a our spirited 2 year old, but also so darn adorable and lovable!  Of course, at the moment he is napping, otherwise he would be climbing on my lap trying to touch these keys!

 

Last week President Obama was inaugurated!!  Jack and I embraced the moment together.  Check out this photo of Jack.  I was so excited that it was contagious to a 2 year old!  What wonderful hope there is in the spirit of our country.  Truly a moment to remember.  I am proud to be American and that our daughter will be coming to this country during this time of hope and change.

A Merry Christmas to you!

It is Christmas time and there is such excitement in the air at the Rikkers!  It looks like a beautiful winter wonderland outside and Santa is on his way!

We "believe" and it is really magical!  Judson told me the other day, "Mom, did you know not everyone believes in Santa?"  I said, "That's true.  How do you feel about Santa?"   Judson said, "Well, I know that even if they don't believe in Santa, that Santa ALWAYS believes in them".

Judson says he is hoping for "spy gear and a guitar" this Christmas.  Drew wants a "power ranger game and a superman talking car".  Jack, well, he doesn't really get it just yet, but I think this year he will start to understand what all the excitement is about!

We feel so very blessed with love of family and friends this Christmas.  Much love to you and yours.

Merry Christmas!!!

Snow Day!

Today was one of those beloved snow days....no school and lots of snow fun!  The boys and I had a great time sledding with our neighbors in our backyard!

Message from Swaziland Debut Show!

My art series "Message from Swaziland" debut at the Freeport, IL library gallery!  The works look amazing in the space.  I am very proud of the message they hope to inspire and hope the viewer will feel something when viewing them.  It is my hope that this will be the first of many shows for this series.  

My parents and Auntie Cheryl came into town for the debut.  This made me feel very special on this special night.  Many of my friends from Monroe drove down to Freeport to see the show which was wonderful to have their support.  It is a great venue for the work and I hope many will learn and feel inspired when in its presence! 

To see the series up close, go to my website www.jenniferrikkers.com

Changing Seasons

One week it is autumn in our yard playing in the leaves....the next it is catching snowflakes on our tongues!