Final adoption decree issued in family court today. It is done!!
The law firm representative walked us thru the (very easy) process. Into the courtroom, very nice judge, gift from the court to the baby. Paid more money (about $500). Court issued documents certifed. And onward to celebrate!!
Congratulations Hana Janet Gadu!!
8 comments:
Yeah! Celebration!
Congratulations!!! She is so pretty.
Congratulations! Shes beautiful:) We are still waiting for our referral but i really enjoyed reading your blog and shutterfly site. It was very informative. We too are taking our bio boys with us and were debating between a guest house and the Hilton. My husband has been to Ethiopia several times and wants us to stay at the Hilton for security reasons but so many families say the authenticity of the Ethiopian experience is better at a guest house. Thoughts?
Thanks again for sharing your journey!
If we had to do it again...we would absolutely stay at the Sheraton. See, the thing for us was:
1) we'd never been out of the US as a family...and going to Ethiopia with a toddler and a tween, to get a sick infant...was quite an experience. We wanted access to healthcare, safe food, security...and my husband thought that the US Embassy/Governement would be more likely to "save us" in an event of adverse situation if we were at a major hotel, vs. "somewhere in town."
2) We didn't quite desire the "entire Ethiopian experience," you know? We wanted to go out and explore...but return "home" to Western-style amenities. We wanted it to (also) feel like a vacation...and have all the creature comforts of "home."
3) We had a big group with my sister, our two kids, me and hubby, plus the new baby. Not sure how that would have worked at the guest house.
4) We wanted to be independent.
5) We wanted the kidlets to have activies...such as swimming, playground, access to arts/crafts, Santa Claus, etc. We knew these things existed at the Sheraton...unsure of what to expect at the guesthouse.
6) I read Christy's blog...and that added weight to a decision that was pretty much made anyway.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for your thoughts.... Did you see the Hilton when you were there? I'll check out the Sheraton. Im kind of a freak about cleanliness and honestly cant imagine being comfortable in a guest house. I hear you cant even flush toilet paper at small hotels/GH! My husband works for the US State Department and his contacts in Ethio all say stay at a chain hotel. Thanks again for your perspective!
I did not get a good look at the Hilton. I hear the Hilton is okay...old...a bit run-down...etc. The Sheraton is the icing on the cake. A bit over the top...but we love over the top :o)
If you have Starwood, or some other sort of "points/rewards" coupons, etc...the Sheraton is a great deal!! We actually got 2 rooms for the price of one...with free breakfast everyday, butler, etc using Starwood points.
Something to look in to.
Seriously - how do you not eat her up everyday? Or maybe you do!!
She's so cute - congratulations!!
We should be getting our referral sometime very soon for our China adoption...whew! (only 4 years later...)
xo
She's absolutely beautiful. Hana is a great compliment to your already beautiful family. I enjoyed reading your blog. Can't wait for my turn to adopt 2 little tots (girls).
Congratulations!
Post a Comment