"Essie"

Mommy is missing you today sweet baby girl... almost more than I can bear. Mimi made this for you yesterday. Gavin and I hung it up in your room. Oh how we long to hold you tight!

Daddy and I decided to give you the nickname "Essie" instead of "Ellie". I guess that's what happens when we have years to think about it:) We think it will suit our little princess just fine. Now if we could just get you home so we could begin our life together...

Praise the Lord!

Jean Marie is home!!! Praise the Lord! It still seems crazy to look at a pic of him with Gavin instead of Esther. They really weren't sure what to think of eachother. I'm sure they'll be best buds before we know it:) There's just enough space in this photo to plop Esther in the middle to complete the "3 Musketeers". I can only imagine the mischeif they will all be getting into together soon enough!

One Less Orphan:)

Esther's cousin, Jean Marie, is coming home!!! His Daddy left early this morning for Haiti. His family is excitedly preparing for his arrival tomorrow evening! It all seems so surreal. He will celebrate his 4th birthday on January 15th. What a wonderful celebration that will be!!! We're looking forward to the day when these 2 precious babes will reunite here in the US. I know one lil girl who will surely be missing her friend until that day comes!

Dear Jesus

Merry Christmas sweet baby girl. I know you won't see this today but someday when you do read this you'll know I was thinking of you. I hope you know you are loved beyond measure and held very dear to my heart. This is the 3rd Christmas we will spend apart since we started the adoption process. Dear Jesus, please make it the last. Love you sweet darling! Missing you today more than you know.

Love forever and always,
Mommy

Merry Christmas!!!

Daddy's Trip

pretty girl:)

silly!!!

Esther & Sophiana:)

sweet baby

Daddy took Esther and Sophiana to a restaurant. They had pizza, french fries and coke! What a treat:) It was even air conditioned... but the girls froze since they are not used to that. Imagine when they get to Maine!
Overall, it was a good trip! Esther wanted Daddy to hold her lots which was nice. She was sick for some of the time but feeling a bit better by the end of the trip. Sophiana spent most of the time with them as well. She made sure Esther towed the line:)

Esther Florial Short

It's official... we have legally adopted Esther in Haiti. Praise the Lord! Her name is now Esther Florial Short:) We have to wait for her passport and visa to be issued so we can legally bring her into the US. The process will still take several months but we are headed in the right direction and for that we are thankful!