Every day the fact that we are adopting is becoming more and more real. This last week I went and bought a security blanket and one of those soft-sided photo albums to send to our child. We're putting in photos of us as well as him so he can become familiar with our faces before we meet him. We actually put the blanket in our bed for a while because many books have suggested using scent as a way to help a newly adopted baby feel more at ease. Here's how it works: hopefully the blanket will pick up our scent, our baby will log that scent into his brain as he uses the blanket, and when we go to get him there will be something familiar about us-our smell. Hhmmm...sure hope we don't pick up any strange scents along the way to Ethiopia - airsick scent, hot smelly plane scent, strange morning breath scent. That could throw the whole thing off! Any ways, we are mostly trusting in the Lord to give us wisdom into what he needs, even if we are total strangers to him at first! We've also recieved much wise counsel from others who have gone before us.

There are loads of articles, books, websites, blogs, etc. that we look into here and there too, but mostly we are busy right now applying for grants to help with the costs of fees and travel. Many people cringe at the thought of adopting when they think of the costs involved. We used to as well. Now that we're in the process and see the loads of legal and government paperwork that has to be sorted through plus the necessity of having a reputable agency, it makes a lot more sense. But still, it is a lot. So we're applying for grants - some of them are outright grants while others are matching grants. Basically people we know can donate to our adoption fund through the grant program and they will match the amount donated. This would be our most pressing prayer request for now. Many of these grants run on a quarterly system, which means they will be reviewed in the next month. Please pray for wisdom for the people that will be looking at our applications. More on this, and how you may be able to help, soon.

We continue to talk with our kids about our baby coming home. Aaron is still excited about having a roommate, as he says "because I won't be alone in my room anymore." Of course he's going to want to be alone once there's crying and poopy diapers, but we've talked about that too. They both have a plan for when the baby is crying and its annoying to them. Aaron: "go in the other room!" Audrey: "go get him a toy and try to help him!" Now isn't that a sweet little mommy in training?!

Thanks for your prayers and interest in our family!