It's official. We are heading back to Addis Ababa to pick up the triplets and bring them home! It feels so surreal - especially since we've spent years dreaming about this moment.
It's hard to believe it's finally happening!
We got the email Friday morning from the U.S. Embassy saying "Cases are cleared; request for visa interview." I honestly thought it was a mistake. I didn't think we were going to travel until mid to late October. But here we are, running around like crazy people, making travel arrangements and trying to figure out what exactly we have to pack for our babies.
I've gotten as far as LOTS of diapers, wipes, formula, snacks and of course several changes of cloths (in case of blowouts, which are probably inevitable, on the 16-hour plane ride home.)
As one mother of triplets said - who also adopted from Ethiopia - "just remember the plane ride is just one day out of your life. If the kids cry the whole time and things are insane, who cares. You'll never see those people again anyway."
That made me feel better. I also feel better because we have three fabulous women traveling with us to Addis and back. So there will be plenty of hands to hold the babies.
Like I said, I can't believe this is finally, FINALLY happening.
We are leaving as a couple next week and coming back as a family of five. Pretty damn amazing!
Wow, that's fantastic, Karlie. Best wishes to you as you begin this amazing journey. I know you will have your hands more than full with your three, but I would really appreciate it if you could please love on my little one a bit, too.
ReplyDeleteKelly! I will definitely give big hugs to Baby K. Plus, we will have three other people with us, so there will be plenty of love to spread around. Did you want me to take some updated photos for you? I would be more than happy to do that. Just let me know.
DeleteSo excited for you and Ken!! IT'S HAPPENING!!! I can't wait to meet these little ones. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! So excited for you! Being a mom to triplets is amazing!
ReplyDeleteSo amazing. Can't wait to see pictures of them in that beautiful room (and life) you've made for them!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! We met your triplets when we were there for court the end of June - they are adorable. We hope to be right behind you. We were also submitted to the embassy on September 4. We are now waiting on our birth family interview. What date is your embassy appointment?
ReplyDeleteHi Katie - SO glad you got to meet the triplets! I can't wait to see and hold them again. We were submitted to the embassy on August 31st and our court date is Oct. 1st. We wanted to make the court date Sept. 24th - but they couldn't arrange the birth family meeting in time. Fingers crossed that you get your court date soon!! Where is is your child/children? In the baby room or the big kid house? Let me know and I will be sure to check in on them and give them a hug!
DeleteOur son was in the big kid house but they closed that house about a month ago and moved all the children to the guest house. Please do check in on him for us. His name is Umer. We were kind of hoping to leave next weekend if all goes well on the 26th but I think we may run into the same issue of not being able to set up the birth family meeting with that short of notice. Have a great trip.
DeleteI will definitely seek him out! Good luck on the embassy appointment. Hopefully everything goes well on the 26th!!
DeleteKi! You and Ken will make amazing parents, this is such an amazing story, good luck with everything and I hope and pray for a smooth transition. Love you lots old friend!
ReplyDeleteYippee!! Great news. As for the blowouts, I was one of the moms with a Giardia baby on the plane ride home. My advice...if you see ANY signs of diarrhea during your trip, ask Sister Tirhas to have the poop tested. We started Lucy on medication while there (our pediatrician said it was the same thing she would have prescribed here), and even with that, we had foul diapers at least once an hour all the way home. I can't imagine it times three! Good luck...I can't wait to hear more about your trip and to finally see the babies!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! I will definitely keep an eye on the diaper situation while we're still in Addis. Can't wait to finally posT some photos of them when we get home!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!! Triplets really are not as crazy as they sound, lol... I'm sure you will all do great during your travels & how wonderful to have help!!! I can't wait to hear that your FAMILY OF FIVE are all home & I'm looking forward to photos!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah! Steve and I were just talking about you all, so decided to check your blog to see...WHAT great news!! --Elaine
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