Life with Fin and Joon

A year has passed

2012-02-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well I dont even have to explain, there are many reasons why we have not gotten the call after a year, many reasons that need to be investigated in Ethiopia. We are hopefull and know our little lady is there, and we will one day meet her....On a exciting note, this little darling is turning 3 soon, cant even believe it...Signed up for preschool for the fall, and tumbling starting monday, wow how she has grown, and Ive have loved watching her grow, she is one sweet, silly, little lady

Melkam Genna

2012-01-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

We are so lucky to celebrate Melkam Genna with this wonderful community in Portland, it honestly makes my heart flutter, we are so lucky...and the friendships we will have forever, they are so special

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

Can we all believe the time is here once again, well I can't believe it.....I do love the Holidays, it makes it extra special seeing it through Finley's eyes..This year we made wishes and put them in our ornaments, hoping maybe a few of them come true....this may be our new tradition...

Thankful

2011-11-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

thankful for so many things in my life....Honestly could not ask for more....I asked Finley what she was thankful for, she said taking walks, hugs, and her baby sister in Opia......Thought that was pretty special, since she has not met her yet but is already thankful for her.... May that always be in the years to come...I may have to remind her...

On the adoption front there where many referrals last week, which got me all excited. I know a couple families who received them and they are just a few weeks a head of us the list..Which means nothing really, it could happen in the next few months or next week... I am day dreaming a lot more, of how my life will be with 2 children, I'm embracing the alone time with Finley knowing her days are numbered as the only apple of my eye. I look forward to it and the next adventure of our life, but for now I have a full plate and am so thankful.....

Ethiopian cooking class

2011-11-15T22:17:00.000-08:00

Super fun cooking class with a few adoptive mama's and a couple dad's. I learned a ton and can't wait to make a wonderful Ethiopian meal for the holidays.....Great night out

Playing Catch up

2011-11-14T21:00:00.002-08:00

Busy few months, we have just entered 10 months waiting for baby Sager number two. Three referrals in the last couple weeks, after a very long, few months with no referrals....

Our little peanut is so big, I just can't believe it...Here she is doing what she does best, posing for her mama. Our baby girl will be three in Feb, where has the time gone......we love you little lady...I was reminded just a few short weeks ago, while showing Finley her blog, how horrible I have felt not blogging about her as much, facebook, pintrest, has taken over my life....But Im back

two years ago

2011-08-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, Keith and I where waiting to meet our daughter, I remember feeling so nervous, sick to my stomach with anticipation. Wearing many beaded necklaces in hopes that she would find it interesting and want to maybe get to know me a little better, and then there she came, and when she was placed in my arms, I could finally breath a little better, her heart beating right against mine, I have my daughter. What a glorious day, that we will always celebrate for many years to come...

2 1/2

2011-08-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Our baby is 2 !/2, slept in her big girl bed last night, so proud of her....She wants to go to school, and Im not ready for that either, never thought Id say that, but its true, she's growing to fast and I don't want to miss out, but soon, I will send her off on her own......The courts have closed until Oct, so there will be no action on our second adoption for many more months to come, we prepared ourselves, just maybe should of waited on telling BIG sister, she's asked daily about her baby sister.....

Here is a wonderful Link for anyone interested in donating for the Horn of Africa, there are many organizations out there, and here is one to share http://adoptivefamiliesforfaminerelief.weebly.com/index.html

RECAP

2011-07-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

We had our 7 year anniversary (picture below of us is where we had our first date, my husband proposed to me two years later at the same place in the same outfit he wore ,last night he pulled that shirt out once again, I love this guy) saw HUGE fireworks on the river in Woodland with some great friends, had a night away to our selves, just met two beautiful darling babies that have entered this world this year, an incredible summer so far, except not much SUN

On the adoption front we are moving right ahead, things are still moving, yes at a slower pace but that is apart of the ride. Our social worker did contact us to tell us where we were sitting on the good old list....And I was pleasantly surprised, for 6 months waiting. I do find myself thinking about her lately and us becoming a family of four. And so we wait and enjoy what we have and day dream as often as I want, while we wait...

something is missing

2011-06-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Last week we said goodbye to my sisters family (they are heading to ST.L) we are

a little sad around here

One of Finleys many favorite Aunts.

I love this picture for so many reasons, its a love hate cousin bond... I remember the day Finley met all her cousins at the airport for her arrival, all Ian could say, (he was 2) She is so cute..Definitely a love for Finley, we get a a lot of hammie downs from Ian, so on any given day if we are not wearing something of Ians, lets just say its not a good day , we will miss you all

I just noticed all the pictures I posted, Finley isn't smiling, here's the smile we get to see everyday

(This was from a visit from grams and gramps last week, we miss them too)

all in one day

2011-05-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

2 years ago today

2011-05-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

blessed

2011-05-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Mothers

2011-05-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

         I always carry you in my heart, not a day that goes by I don't think of you and wish I could be in your presence for just a few minutes longer, I wish you were here by my side, I wish you could see with your own eyes what a beautiful, precious, lovely soul Ms. Finley is..

                  I will always remember the day I met you,. holding each other so tight as though we were sisters and did not want to say good bye to each other, I remember the last kiss on the cheek the last time our hands came apart and we waved goodbye, I just want you to know how loved you are and how blessed I feel to have your loving soul live through our daughter....... We love you so very much

                                          Finley's Mom

Easter

2011-04-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Easter, so lucky to have 2 sisters who live here, missing my other sister and both our parents, wish we all lived closer, you were missed.......

What a week

2011-04-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

What a week, opened up the refrigerator to find this, and ended the week sitting with a friend on my kitchen floor chatting, lets just say I had not sat at the angle to see the things that were growing under the cabinets, maybe because the sun was shining, who knew.....

Today after work, came directly home to paint a piece I had been dying to paint since I bought it last year at a garage sale, it was warm and sunny so I took full advantage.....All we need now is for more sun, so we don't have to hide this coat rack with all our coats.......

and now for my little bunny

who then was found talking on my cel phone to an old friend of mine, who knew she could actually call someone....

Thankful for these moments.....

2011-04-18T22:33:00.001-07:00

Loves

2011-04-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

Could not live without these, we use them every day and have not had to buy plastic Ziploc baggies in months, go check them out, they are having a sale for Earth day....http://www.etsy.com/shop/MojaCreations?page=4

WAIT

2011-04-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

No one knows how long it will be before we will see our second daughter for the first time, the call, the email, the picture, the travel plans, figuring out where she will sleep and how old she may be...It will happen, its an inconvenience but we believe it will happen. We are coming on three months waiting, I have to say it goes very fast when you have a little one at home keeping you busy.

Whats with the waiting, the boring blog post all about my one precious, funny, sweet daughter and of course darling dog.. HAHA....I'm even sick of it. Not going to do the countdown of our adoption that may take years, but instead change the blog up a little. Our first chapter has ended and we are moving onto the next chapter, Im hoping to spend a little more time on this blog about things I love to do, places I like to go, good food and funny things people say (including people I live in the house with)...It leaves this space for me to be more free and not so restricted on our second adoption, which we are super excited about, but we have so many other loves I can't wait to share...

Stay tuned

Random song on here but somehow the beat makes me happy

Sun

2011-04-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

We see sun, it has been over 30 days, it only comes out for a few moments and I'm loving every second of it... This year is going to be such a great summer. I can feel it...Getting the itch to start painting furniture again, hoping I can still swing a tennis racket, and I really want to grow the biggest vegetable garden this year.

As for our future with our second adoption, it is still uncertain. Our agency has received court dates and many referrals for families, we have moved up on the list as they say, but as we wait with many other families, your heart breaks more for the children in Ethiopia as they wait for there forever families.... So we wait and pray. And enjoy the child before us as she becomes this little girl....

Believing

2011-03-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been very painful for our family...Our sweet Benny (Dog), who was only 4 years old and very much apart of our family got very sick and within a week had passed....This was just the start I guess for us, and shortly dealing with our loss, I received the news about adoptions in Ethiopia......http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/ethiopia/ .. Im ready for a new start, we are hopeful and we pray for all those children and families affected by this....We are there with you and you are all in our prayers..........

                One could only take so much, so I started looking for a new pup...I knew right when I found her on craigslist......she was our girl, and what a great fit she has been to our family, It made me start believing again, that things will get better and we will get through this, it already has.

                 Introducing JOON , had to change her name since I know Benny sent her right to us

Finley reading to Joon after she got home from being fixed.....Already such a great big sister

2 year old check up

2011-02-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

Went to the doctor today for 2 year check up..Im not big on discussing potty training, how tall our child is, what measurements we all are, wouldn't want to share mine with you either......Lets just say Finely is growing like a weed......She may even look a little older then she is and act it too. I will tell you this brave soul had to get shots and blood drawn, 2 nurses came in to prepare for this 2 year old to get really upset and cry, as she sat on my lap and smiled at the cute nurses (both men), she must have been distracted with there beauty, not one peep, she was actually amazed watching the blood come out of her arm, I will say I was a proud of her bravery. We walked out of the office holding hands, she looked up at me and said,"I do it, I BRAVE"....I bent down to scoop her up, to kiss her, "all better mama", I hope kissing her to makes it better, will never go away, even when she is 30......

Happy Birthday

2011-02-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday sweet baby girl........Its amazing how much you have grown in the last year, we are blessed to have you in our lives and I treasure every moment of it.....Love you

Beach weekend

2011-02-14T20:57:00.000-08:00

50 mile an hour winds, wet, hurt dog, no sleeping, to small of a space, tums, no shower, great clam chowder and great company....Happy Valentines

Let the ride begin

2011-02-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

As we wait the second time around, it is different...Well its only been a week, but seems different already. We have our Fin home with us keeping us busy and days quickly passing as they do when you become a parent. I look back at the time I spent finishing Fin's room, gathering clothes, emptying drawers, reading books, trying to figure out what is going to happen to me once I became a mother. Well nothing can prepare you, the good and the bad. It has been an amazing ride and we are look forward to getting on the roller coaster once again. As my daughter said to me tonight "Are you kidding me"....Nope I'm not kidding, I'm ready. There will not be as much planning going on with the second time, I have learned to look at things when they come and then figure it out, not planning to far ahead of ourselves. I am excited for the next months ahead and planning for an arrival of our second child, summer of 2012. I remember being very surprised with our wait with Finley so this time I'm prepared.......

Today there were 2 referral's given out to families that I'm sure were very surprised..Congrats to those families

room to grow

2011-01-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to announce that we were put on the wait list today for baby number two. It has been a long, long road this time around gathering paperwork, I m embarrassed to even say but we started in May and just got on the list, but we could not be happier and more excited to add to our family and have Finley be a big sister. We keep telling Finley she is going to be a big sister, she says "I excited mama", we will see when that day comes..... My heart was racing when I heard the news, just like it did the first time, just hope the wait doesn't bother me this time around. We are so excited to be going on this journey once again.........

almost 2

2011-01-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

Next month our baby will be two, cant believe it.

Ethiopia Christmas

2011-01-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

What an amazing night, I had tears going most of the night. The owners of Enjoni Cafe put this together for all the adoptive families and local Ethiopians. From the time we walked into the celebration from the time we left to go home, the smiles on every one's faces, the laughter, the love, the culture that we are blessed to have in our lives. It was a night I will never forget. Many friends we have been on this long path with and many new friends we met. The moment that moved me the most, was when an Ethiopian priest from a local Orthodox church came to say a prayer, the kids all sat around the stage to listen, the room became quiet, Amharic was spoken and translated." We are here for each of you, you have our support, we want as much as you do to keep the culture alive in each of you children and family,we can all make this happen, you are blessed , thank you for opening your hearts." these are just some of the words spoken, looking around the room at each of the families, it was beautiful to watch.

Just another reason why I love living here in the NW.

We danced, yes even I grooved a little. We ate a wonderful Ethiopian dinner, I met some local older Ethiopian babysitters I hope to use soon, and help me with Fin's gorgeous hair, I teased them and said I would love to learn some dance moves to, wow there great dancers.....We left at 10:15, Finley kissing her buddies goodbye until next time. Melkam Genna everyone

Melkam Genna

2011-01-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

Face painting, out to lunch, and hanging with her favorite guy Ian. Merry Christmas Ethiopia, we are getting ready to celebrate BIG tomorrow night

2010-12-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

Finely shouting to everyone Happy Halloween, even though it is Christmas. The magic in her eyes when she see's all her cousins, the running around with Christmas cookies saying "so so yummy, mama", this year was special. So fun to decorate the tree and add some decorations, I finally have someone who appreciates it. We are looking forward to celebrating on Jan 7 Melkam Genna with some local Ethiopian adoptive families. We can't believe it will be 2011, but many exciting things are headed our way in the next year, we are looking forward to it. We hope everyone enjoyed being with loved ones, it means more and more to me every year. Im blessed beyond words...

making memories

2010-12-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

Scary Santa

2010-12-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

No go this year with Fin and Santa, she kept telling us how scary he was, maybe next year. One of these days I will sit down and blog about all the happenings in our lives, just can't seem to find the time or words.

Great job to everyone who has bought decals, we are still hoping to sell a few more, its never to late. So spread the word

Get you decal on

2010-12-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

This month we are donating all our decal sales to a family who will be traveling soon to get there child. We have all been there before and now it has changed to traveling twice. I know personally it can be a struggle to find those last minute funds.

Every year around this time we have chosen to donate our sales to Gift to Adoption. This year we are changing it up and want everyone to be included in giving the gift to bringing a special child home. I hope everyone including me shops with a purpose this year, it feels really good and it is one that can change someone lives. We have had so much fun with these decals being on our cars, and I actually saw a car driving by with one on, it made me smile, we have even been stopped by parents in the beginning stages of adoption curious about our decal, so everyone get your decal on and lets raise some money for this incredible family you will want to be apart of.... Fun colors and sizes go check them out...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/erbare74

Gooble Gooble

2010-11-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

my baby is 21 months today

2010-11-23T18:17:00.000-08:00

My little funny girl is growing up, we celebrate you today little lady. Fin when I here you shout from your crib in the early morning, "mama I want to hold you", it melts me.

HAppy Halloween

2010-10-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

another reason

2010-10-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

another reason why I feel so blessed to live in the beautiful NW and have these amazing connections. Old friends and met some new friends. Looking forward to many years seeing these children grow up together....

my big pumpkin

2010-10-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

growing machine

2010-09-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

As I watch my daughter lift the toilet seat up and pull her pants down standing perfectly in the middle saying I go pee pee mama, I realize my baby is no longer a baby and maybe she needs to stop watching daddy go potty. My little lady is growing up. I just don't remember when it all happened, was I there.... We had a busy summer with lots of family visiting from all over. It went by way to quick, but it could of been we had little sunshine and lots of gray days. Finely turned 19 months today, she talks non stop, some people are surprised because she comes across shy, until you have a conversation with her, you think likewise. She is a do it yourself er, no help, the typical one and half year old.

My 81 year old Aunt, I wish everyone could have and Aunt Kay in there family as we do, she is an incredible women, and I feel so lucky to have her.

Benny and Fin, truly a magical relationship

I Was excited to finish Finley's Kitchen made by one of my old nite stands, Ill have to get better pics, it turned out really cute and she loves it..

Today she officially became Finley Melat Sager on Sept, 23 2010

one year ago today

2010-08-17T01:30:00.001-07:00

One year ago today, I was a scared mama to be...I remember that day as if it was yesterday, waking up from not sleeping, electricity out, dripping wet hair, heart raising, shaking, putting on a beaded necklace in hopes that she wouldn't be as frightened to come to me, tears coming down my cheeks and air filling my lungs, heart slowing down, she's here, she's in my arms, I did it, we did it, we are together at last, what a gift she is to us and everyone who knows her. Today we celebrate with a heavy heart as we think of her family and there sacrifices, and the wonderful life they gave us...our daughter.... Happy One year together lovey

celebrations

2010-08-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mezmur, best party hats ever, made by Autumn.....

Camping with Fin for the first time

2010-08-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well lets just say we are not jumping up and down to go camping again, maybe next year...It was cold!!!! And there was no sleep. But we had a good time, a dusty, windy,cold good time, and I think Fin had fun, here are some pics of our adventure....

summer so far

2010-07-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

Wow this is pretty bad, it has been awhile. Trying to catch up on all my blogging buddies. We are busy, I feel like I woke up and Fin became a teenager. Or maybe just 17 months. Her little feet running past me, her loud voice saying NO! Energy level at high extreme and I even find her giving me the EYE once in awhile. You know the "eye" testing me. Toys thrown every which way, food crumbs found everywhere but the kitchen, bags of shoes and clothes that she has outgrown after wearing just 2 weeks. Cars that we own looking like the dump truck dropped a big load in each of them. Getting to work and finding I have a shovel and measuring cups stashed in the pockets of my purse which are then stuck to a fruit roll up stuck against my wallet.

I take a glance at myself in the mirror, wipe the mascara under my eyes, pull up my hair, grab my little lady and give her the biggest kiss, (have you seen her lips) and think to myself, she dosen't care what I look like. (those days of caring are long gone)

Thats about it in a nut shell. We have many summer plans and lots of family visiting, Finley's first summer with us has been one of many first, it slows us all down when its through her eyes. We love you BIG GIRL!!!!

sweet happiness

2010-07-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary Keith.... Still having the time of my life....Love you

summer is here

2010-06-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

before heading to the water in all her clothes
And after, our little toga girl

The sun is shining finally in the Pacific Northwest, it was so warm our little lady went right into the Oregon Coast...I still have never done that.....Finley is now 16 months, we have had her in our lives for 11 months, I just can't believe how fast she has grown, my sweet baby girl...

so many blessings

2010-06-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

cuteness

2010-06-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

iron on vinyl, wash and dry. This is just the beginning of many things to come...

If you love this go check out my ETSY site. Boys,and big T's are up next...Any color ideas for mama's of little baby boys....

$7.00 purchase and happy customer

2010-05-31T21:00:00.001-07:00

What great day at GW. $7.00 bucks

A little paint, and new fabric
equals a happy little girl........

Red Tent Project

2010-05-27T15:23:00.001-07:00

Anyone who sews a little and would love to help, please visit this blog to help , thanks http://loveisspokenhere.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/red-tent-project/#comment-6211

New decals

2010-05-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

fun personlized decals for me and my lady, go check them out here http://www.etsy.com/shop/erbare74

Florida

2010-05-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Our first trip since coming home from Ethiopia. Flight was a little different. Less hours and more smiles and apologies from us. Finely is a talker and a mover. A little social butterfly(like her mama) even at 6:00 a.m

We headed to Florida to see my sister and her 4 children. It was so great to see Fin with her cousins. She is the 10th and youngest grandchild so everyone loves to baby her, until you hear in her own words, I do it, I do it!!!!!! Where is my baby girl, she is 15 months going on 12, learning way to quickly. Just trying to take it all in, minute by minute, trying not to miss one moment, because it is gone so so quickly. I honestly believe a fairy comes in at night and sprinkles something on our Finley at night, and when we get her in the morning she is one inch thicker and one inch taller, I just wish she would stop doing that....Here are a few pics of Finleys first time at the beach, she is a water girl.

one year ago

2010-05-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

One year ago today we saw our daughter for the first time on a little computer screen, I can remember the feeling like it was yesterday, the day we became parents..... Shouting to the world, WE HAVE A DAUGHTER.

We love you Fin

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

To all the mothers out there, I hope you celebrate yourself everyday, because you deserve it. I have been blessed with this daughter of mine, and feel honored to be her mother. All those things I looked forward to are all coming true, just a little faster then I hoped.

Here are just a few of my favorite things.....Hearing her say Wings, Wings, when we get close to the park with swings, greeting everyone with a big smile and hand waving like a princesss on a float, (wrist, wrist, hand ,hand). Finding myself singing a song and hearing her in the background trying to copy me, her sticky fingers, and milk breath pressing against my cheeks as she gives me a big kiss, Oh I love her so. I could go on and on, just like Im sure we all could, but Mothers day to me is somethhing I treasure everyday, a gift of life that I am blessed to be in.

For this could not happen without Finley's other mother. I always struggle saying birth mom, she is a mother, she is a mother to Finley and she is a mother to Finleys sister. I realize she is not mothering Finley any longer, but she is still a mother and I will always share everyday in my heart with her. I would not be here today as blessed as I am without her

When I met Finleys mother, she whispered in my ear, I love you mom, and I whispered back I love you to mom.....

Just take a moment and think about all the mothers in this world and all the sacrafices they have made for there children's lives. May we keep them all close to our hearts everyday...

14 months

2010-04-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

well missed it by a week or so, but she won't know.....8 months in our lives, and its never been better..We love you lady

Weekend away

2010-04-21T15:45:00.001-07:00

Keith and I went to Seattle for the weekend...Ahh it was so nice, the weather was perfect, saw many of my old friends, (lived there for 14 years) It was perfect..And best of all Finley got to spend it with Papa and Gram Sager...They came all the way out from Green Bay in there car!!!YIKES...Just look at all the fun they had....We wished they lived closer, Finley is going to miss them lots...... I wish some days I had more time to post, its just not possible lately. But we are all doing great, I know I always say it, but I feel so so blessed to have these two people in my life.

can you see any resemblance between Keith and his dad, pretty funny!!!(twins)

Spring is coming

2010-04-11T10:11:00.001-07:00

We see the light....The grass is growing and the sun is shining....This is when I just love living here in the NW. So fun having Finley discovering a little something new everyday. She just loves being outside and so do we....

daddy and Fin

2010-03-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

After enduring many colds, stomach flues, many falls, and lots of teeth coming in. WE ARE ALIVE!!!!! Yes I feel lately we have been hit with everything but also enjoying every minute of it. Our little Finley is a character. Talking non stop to every stranger we see, repeating everything Keith and I say(we need to be careful with this one) And has officially become a walker, it seemed to happen so fast, right after her birthday she lost her fear and went for it and has not looked back. Some days I just look at her and can't believe the the big girl she has become.
Our lives have changed oh so much since Finely came into our lives, but one thing that is for certain, is the love she has for her daddy. Oh I just love seeing her face when her dad comes through the door...She screams as loud as she can and goes running right to him, wrapping her arms around his legs and jumping for joy...Its really the sweetest. Its moments like this that I feel so so lucky that our employers allowed us to rearrange our schedules at work. Allowing Keith to stay home 2 days a week with the lady and and me 3 days, I really can't imagine a better situation. As for now Keith and I only have one day off all together, but we always seem to find time in the evening or mornings all together. There's no better way to start the day or end the evening then with these two people. How did I get so lucky???????

Happy St. Pattys day

2010-03-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

reaction

2010-03-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

This was Finley's reaction when she heard the news about the new requirements by Ethiopia. Hang in there dear friends...Our thoughts are with you....

wobbly walking girl

2010-03-08T22:35:00.000-08:00

CAKE

2010-02-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Finley

2010-02-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

18 things

2010-02-22T16:00:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow my baby will be one.....And no we can't believe it!!!! We got to celebrate with some wonderful friends yesterday, and looking forward to celebrating it once again with family tomorrow. I had almost forgotten until now all the little treasure's I got for Finley while in Ethiopia, I bought her 18 little momentum's from Ethiopia, each year she will get one on her Birthday. They are special to me and I hope to her one day. We always want her to be reminded where this beautiful places lives in our hearts. We hope by doing this she will always have a piece of Ethiopia close to her heart too...So this year, on her first birthday she will get this little fellow....It will be perfect size in her little itty hands.........

6 months ago

2010-02-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Six months ago this sweet baby girl came into our lives.....The day we will never forget. The day we met our darling daughter.....Looking back I was so scared, nervous, worried, the whole nine yards...But when she was placed in our arms....I could once again breath, feeling her heart beat next to mine, we were forever changed. We became parents. This is one day that we will always celebrate in the coming years. The day we got to look into your beautiful eyes....Happy 6 months Finley Melat, we love you

little lady

2010-02-05T12:06:00.001-08:00

One of my girlfriends gave this to me as a hammy down. LITTLE LADY.....All those long long months of waiting I would call her my little lady. And here she sits right in front of me, my sweet sweet little lady. Just a few more weeks she will be one. I can't believe how time flies.....

On another note, some of you had already posted about the movie ADOPTION. Please do rent it. It was incredible to watch. It meant a lot more to my husband when he recognized one the families as being patients at his hospital that he works at. Small world. One family lived in Oregon. There is another one coming out soon, that I have seen clips about called Out side looking in, not sure if its out yet, but be looking for that as well. Every adoptive parent should be watching these, so that we can change what happened in the past on how they raised there adoptive children. To never forget who they are and where they come from.

There is still not a day that goes by that I don't think about Finley's birth mom and sister...They are my family too, and they are living through Finley. When Finley smiles I see her sister all over her face...Its sweet, but very painful too. I want to never forget the pain, I don't think I should......

rent these movies, read many books, surround yourself with much much information and wonderful people in your lives who have been through what you have been through... It makes me feel Im not alone......I don't want Finny to ever feel alone....

Happy 11 months

2010-01-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Happy 11 months sweet girl....I can't believe it was 5 months ago you were placed in our arms....We will celebrate every day with you....Love you Finny

counting my blessings

2010-01-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

We are alive and well....Just been pretty much speechless with all the sadness in Haiti...Our hearts just break for all of them.....Please continue to help and pray anyway you can....We have amazing people in our lives that are doing everything they can to provide help in Haiti and we know ever bit helps....

On a happier note, we are enjoying every minute of our little lady...She has grown so much and is a little busy body....Crawling 100 miles an hour, talking, laughing, and a dancing queen...No matter where we are, in the car, grocery store, or when a car drives by with loud music at a park, my little one starts shaking a move...It is so funny...I have many video's just have to figure out how to get them on here...Its pretty cute....She has rhythm.

I feel so greatful that when I do go to work three days a week, Keith gets to stay home and watch her...And the same goes for him when he goes to work....I don't know how we got so LUCKY to have this situation...I count my blessing everyday that we get to see her grow....My little dancing queen.....

And yes I have leg warmers in every color for Fin, I just can't get enough of them......And they keep her socks from falling off....

Coco and Finley go nite nite

2010-01-05T22:13:00.001-08:00

Every nite we change who will be her friend for the night, tonight it was Coco, I just could not resist taking a picture....

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T11:49:00.001-08:00

So much to be thankful for and looking forward to 2010 with Finley Melat....

We had a wonderful Christmas and headed to the mountains the day after, with my whole family for some fun in the snow...It was so wonderful to see Finley with all her cousins, they just adore her, just like we do...Finley is keeping us on the go, she dances like no other baby Ive ever seen..And her smile just melts me....I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year

10 months

2009-12-23T18:57:00.001-08:00

Happy 10 months baby Finley...You are such a Joy to have in our lives...We love you so much!!!!

Gift of Adoption

2009-12-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Every year we like to donate from our decal sales, and this year we will be donating to Gift of Adoption. We have all struggled, including Keith and I to raise money for our adoption, this is an organzation which works with families that want to adopt but just do not have the funds to move forward. This is a foundation no child should live without, a family. If you interested in helping out with grants or want to read more imformation you can visit there website at http://www.giftofadoption.org/.

Here are some new decals for the Holidays, thanks for all your support.....

Etsy sitehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36364651

Finley meeting Santa

2009-12-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

Great day!!!!!! The pictures say it all....

Finny girl loves her daddy

2009-11-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

Our little Finley just loves her daddy, found him on the roof trimming some trees, she just could not understand why she could not go out there, it was about an hour of banging on the window so daddy could say hi to her..... Its the little things that give mommy 5 minutes to sit.....

We are just having a ball with her, she amazes me every day.....We are looking forward to visiting Santa this weekend making bets on tears or no tears...We will keep you posted!!!! Finley's first Christmas.....

Nine months today

2009-11-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

my little lady is 9 months today...She cracks me up with her giggling and dancing syle...She loves to move to music and will be walking soon, she is one determined strong girl....We love you

more blessings

2009-11-13T17:17:00.000-08:00

What can I say except that everyday is such a blessing....There are days that I say to myself how did we get so blessed to be Finley's parents... I feel like the luckiest mommy ever. I remember the first day meeting her with so much anticipation and when she was placed in my arms, it was just pure peace and comfort...She was ours....We waited over three years and I finally new why we had waited so long...Because we were waiting for her to enter this world...I would of waited 10 more years, maybe with a little therapy, but I would have...

One thing that has been a constant on my mind was our Orphanage visit in Ethiopia. When we arrived we were not sure if any of the birth parents were going to arrive at the time. Keith and I spent our time hanging with the amazing children, each of them just a pure joy. I was taking some photos and came across this beautiful smile and snapped a photo.....then said to myself you look just like my daughter Finley..And went on my way...About an hour later we were told Finley's birth mother was there and wanted to meet us...We rushed out....Met the most amazing person who will forever be in my heart.....As our meeting was ending and people were loading up to head back, this beautiful smiling girl who I had taken a photo of a few hours prior came running towards us, some words were exchanged and then translated to us...My knees became numb, and heart started raising....We were told this was Finley's sister... I was confused, my first instinct was to say we will be right back to get you, we will sell our house, I will get another job. But you too must be together....And then she grabbed a hold of her mommy who is Finley's birth mommy... And then there was peace once again. I was happy to know she was still with her mother and that her mother was taking very good care of her, but could not handle having 2 children. She was a child herself.

Is this really happening, Keith and I standing there, the bus is loading up to leave, and I am now having the feeling that I never I want to leave these two. They are my family too. In those moments, those precious tender moments we exchanged many kisses, hugs, and promises...We had to go, they were both so strong, Keith and I were a mess. I headed back to the back of the van where we were sitting and opened up the window, so that I could see them together one last time, they were blowing kisses both of them to us. I just kept telling them how much I loved them and that Finley will be so loved....And we drove off.

These are stories I have floating in my head all day and night. When anyone talks about there hero or someone that inspires them. It is these two girls...They are my heart and soul and they are living through my daughter... and this is why I feel so lucky to have this little lady be our daughter.....

a tooth

2009-11-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Baby Finley has a tooth.....My sister noticed today while she was smiling a sparkling white tooth peaking through her gum.....Oh our baby is growing up.....Happy tooth day Finley!!!!

happy halloween

2009-10-29T22:52:00.001-07:00

my little piggy!!!! Who would of thought pigs would be so popular this year!!!!!

Happy 8 months Finley

2009-10-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

You are magic, you light up anyone who meets you....You are so precious to your daddy and I. We love you.

ever changing

2009-10-10T21:17:00.001-07:00

Wow I have been a bad blogger but I have a very good excuse....My lovely daughter that is growing so fast I can barely keep up....We are having a great time and each day that passes she is changing so much. We just adore her.....
With each day that does pass I very often think of her birth mother and her family we met in Ethiopia. How they are coping without her, how often they are thinking about her. Are they thinking about her as often as we are thinking of them and there sacrifice they made.
To be honest I did not think about this journey as being so attached as I am to her birth mother, it was brief but life changing. I wish I would of told her more things and asked more questions, but when I look back it was perfect, just the way it was. Her and I hand in hand the whole time, taking in all that she did for us. I will always hold her so close in my heart, and talk to her often in hopes that she here's me so many miles away....We are blessed in ways unimaginable.

My job now is to teach Finley all that I know about the wonderful country she came from and her beautiful birth mom's love for her... It will be a story I will be telling her all through her life, the incredible love we both share for Finley Melat.........

Packers

2009-10-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

We have a Packer cheerleader in the house...My husband who is from Green Bay is on edge tonight for the big game......So we are throwing a Packer party.....This will be the first of many for baby Finley...Go Packers

Finley is 7 months

2009-09-25T22:34:00.001-07:00

My baby turned 7 months this week, crawling, babbling, eating up a storm, she's hard to keep up with...But we are loving every minute....She is so special....We are just in love.....

buds

2009-09-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

best buddies.....Benny is there for every spit up....And Finley thinks its the best....

Finley

2009-09-15T19:49:00.001-07:00

We have now been home one month...and Finley has changed over night....Crawling, talking, eating up a storm....She is just so much fun.....
Well going back to work has been hard. I should not complain since I am only working three tens. But it is tough, juggling them both.
I used to think I knew what tired was...Well I was never really tired. But now I am one tired girl, but enjoying every minute of it...It all goes so fast, I don't want to miss anything...
Finley is a sweet sweet joy...

LIFE WITH FINLEY

2009-09-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

We are having the best times with Finley. She amazes me everyday. She is strong, loving, and every day changing. Our life has just began with her and I still can't figure out what we did before we met Miss Finley. What a blessing she is to us. And I hope we show that to her daily how much we love and adore her.

She is crawling all over already, slowly but it is happening. All went well with her second check up with the doctor. the doctor did suggest we get ready with the baby gates, so we are preparing. Our big pup Benny just loves her and Finley loves to get those wet kisses from him as well.

Tomorrow will be my first day back at work, I am not looking forward to it at all, but she will be in the hands of her Daddy, which makes this situation so much easier. I am working 3 days a week and Keith is working 3 days, that way either one of us will be able to watch her. We are lucky to have this work out for us with our jobs, so I am thankful.

I can't believe I am a mom, I thought it would never happen. AND IT IS THE BEST !!!!!

What a wonderful feeling

2009-09-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

More pics

2009-09-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

Pictures of the faces I always will have close to my heart...The beautiful children of Ethiopia

the last days of our journey in Ethiopia

2009-08-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

It was Friday the day we would drive out to see our little ones orphanage, it was a good 2 1/2 hours away. There were 2 other families traveling with us and we looked forward to sharing this with each of them. After the beautiful drive out in the country side, we arrived, stomach in knots, this was also the time where our daughters birth mother could show up to meet us. We were all anxious.

When we pulled up to the orphanage I was a little taken back, it was hard to see. The kids came running out one by one, smiling little faces waiting for us. One by one the families were reunited with family members, there was a not a dry eye in the place.....We were all in the same room sharing this wonderful but emotional moment. Keith and I waited and waited, not sure if she would show up. I continued to take pictures of all the beautiful children, I could not get enough of them, they were incredible. Then our moment arrived our driver told us she was here and wanted to meet privately in another room, I could not get there fast enough, yet my legs would not move. We walked into the room and there she was standing in the corner, the most radiant women. I grabbed her and did not let go, she held on just as tight. It was truly the most wonderful moment of our lives. The strength she had was remarkable, and I will be forever grateful to her. She will always have a place in my heart, I Love her. We spent the rest of time getting to know each other, and our bond was incredible, and that is why it was so hard for us to leave. I did not want to leave her, we held hands until it was time to leave, as I waved goodbye through the window of the car, I was filled with so much emotion....I knew this would be the last time I saw her, and there is not one day that goes by that I don't think about her.

As our trip was winding down, It became hard. Saying goodbye to the nannies, having 2 incredible coffee ceremonies, sharing many great moments with the other traveling families, I was sad to leave where my daughter was so loved......Sunday night arrived, we packed our bags, headed to the airport, and off we went, back home. Finley was great on the flight, we got a bassinet seat, which was a huge help. She slept most of the flight, while Keith and I stared at her while she was sleeping. We feel so blessed to have her in our lives, every day I am reminded how lucky we are. This journey has been really tough at times, and some days I did not want to go on, we could not handle another delay or bad news. But it does all disappear when she was placed in our arms, she is our daughter, our sweet, beautiful daughter

starting to feel rested

2009-08-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ethiopia guest house

We are settling in, Finley just amazes me everyday...Her tight kisses and big smile's are just a few of the joys I get to experience daily.
I know everyone wants to here all the details of our trip...To be honest I really don't know how to put it into words. I'm going to brief, but my pictures will be able to tell a bigger story as I write many more post on our trip to Ethiopia.

We arrived Sunday night very late, headed to the Ethiopian Guest House. We loved staying there the people who work there are unbelievable and are now considered family to us. We did sleep very little that night, knowing what tomorrow was going to bring.......The next morning we headed to the HOH to meet Finley......I was a wreak, really hoping she wouldn't be scared of us.......We arrived at the gates.........We were greeted with many many hugs...It calmed us. They lead us up the stairs into a room and told us to wait...I knew that room, I had seen many pictures of families in this same room, we had our driver recording every move......And then there she was, my sweet sweet little lady, I couldn't get to her fast enough....then she was in my arms, and I was in heaven...I kissed her, touched her beautiful skin...There she was right in my arms, Keith and I passed her back and forth, never getting enough of her......And she did really good....

We spent the day at the HOH, loving each and every child.....I couldn't get enough of them either....It was one of the best days of our lives......Playing games, getting so many hugs, kissing on all the babies...While my baby took a big nap in my carrier...Feeling her little breathing so close to me........I felt so blessed.

We went back to the Guest house for some dinner, put our darling to bed, and counted our blessing of the day......We couldn't believe all what had happened in 24 hours....

They have a very busy schedule when you get there, we did not do every event, we wanted to bond with our daughter. So we did. We flaked out the whole next day and spent it with each other...It was great. We were the only family in country at the time, so it was pretty flexible....

The next few days were filled meeting new families who had arrived, embassy appointments, Lunches, Dinners, Shopping, Zoo, Museums, waking up early and being gone all day until dinner....I have to admit our Finley was a trooper, dragging her here and there, with no naps etc...could of been really tough, but she did really well. Sleeping in the van to and from is all she got for napping....

Then Friday came, 3 families including us were going to do the long journey to the Orphanage about 2 1/2 hours away........I was really looking forward to getting out of the city and seeing the country side....And oh how beautiful it was.....The air was clean, it's raining season, so it was nice and cool.

Here are some pictures of our trip thus far, need to go to bed and then I will continue on what unfolds the last few days of our trip.......

We are home with our little lady and it feels so good

2009-08-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Just got in last night....We have been up all night, now we are very tired....I can't wait to share our Ethiopia trip......It is like you all said.....you can't put into words........I had a hard time leaving all the friendships we had created while there.....but am happy we are home.....Our Finley is amazing, slept the whole way home....Im pretty sure she loves her new parents too....We are over the moon in love with her.......Can't imagine life without her.......here is our welcome party at the airport.....

Bags are packed

2009-08-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

We leave tomorrow, well actually 4:00a.m in the morning. So tonight we are ready and going out to dinner with our family for the last time as the two of us....We just can't believe our time has finally come. Thank you for all the imfo and support, it has been overwhelming and I feel blessed. Please keep us in your thoughts this week, that we safely arrive and stay healthy during this journey. We can't wait to meet Finley and have her in our arms...........

Next time you here form us we will be home, all three of us. Ethiopia here we come.......

Three more sleeps

2009-08-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I can't believe it....Three more days and we will be off. It has been really hard to work this week, my mind is somewhere else. Packing little outfits, bottles, and things. Donations everywhere, and my heart beating faster and faster as we get closer. Not a whole lot of sleep here at the Sager's.

We leave Sat. morning 6:00 am. flight, head to Chicago, off to WA. D.C, and then off to Ethiopia arriving Sunday night. We will not be able to get our little Finley until the next morning. I just can't believe its finally happening. Then we head back to the states the following Sunday night arrive PDX Monday evening....And we will be home.....All three of us.

We leave in 8 days

2009-08-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Yes we just got word our embassy appointment is Aug 20th......We leave the 15th, we are so crazy excited, I can hardly work. In just 2 weeks my baby girl will be in our arms.......

Baby Finley here we come..........

Any travel advice I would love.......

Thank you

2009-08-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for all your kind words...It means so much to us. I really don't know how anyone gets through this journey with out a blog.

We are waiting on confirmation to travel, it could be in just 10 days or next month. We should know by Friday. I think one week to get tickets and a place to stay is enough time, Right? Wow!!

This is all becoming so real now. After waiting 3 years there are many days you think it will never happen and then all of a sudden you have travel plans to go pick up your child. And I'm totally freaking out...I keep telling myself, your a mommy....But I really won't feel that way until she is placed in my arms. I just can't wait to kiss her and run my fingers through all her hair...

We will keep you posted on Friday as to when we travel......Please do pray for many families tonight, they have court this evening and have waited a very long time.....They all need to pass and bring there children home......

We passed court

2009-07-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here is our video, not sure how to post, but here the link, we feel so blessed,
video down below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6UL2XTUyh0

Finley Melat Sager

2009-07-30T09:56:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is our court date

2009-07-29T11:51:00.001-07:00

Please join us in sending your good thoughts for our court date tomorrow, we are nervous, scared, excited...hoping tomorrow we can share her with you all.......

Great weekend

2009-07-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

Our garage sale was a huge success. Lots of great items donated by many friends.... And lots of happy shoppers. We had posted our sale on craigslist explaining this is a fundraiser for our adoption. There were so many wonderful people that came out that were adopted them selves and wanted to help out in any way, we were so touched by them all. We had a great time. We were able to raise a lot of money which will be a great help. My niece Megan sat outside in the the almost 100 degree temperature selling lemonade, and Popsicle's. Towards the middle of the day we were passing out some cold beers.....It was HOT one.

Just 4 days to go to see if we pass court the first time. We will praying hard Wednesday night in hopes that we here great news Thursday. We just can't wait to get our hands on our little lady. I'm really hoping my next post will be filled with pictures of our daughter, our beautiful, sweet, daughter.

5 months

2009-07-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Happy 5 months little one..... In just one week we will here if we passed court, we are praying for a miracle that we pass, but are preparing ourselves for the worst. It's not looking promising right now but things can change......

Keith and I are having a huge garage sale this Sunday for a little fundraiser and a great excuse to clean out the house. Why do I have 15 table runners? Geezzzzz Less is more right now in my life. I want my house to be filled with the sound of lullaby's, little fingerprints on the windows, bottles on the counter, and little onesies hanging to dry.

We have been through so many up and downs and I just want to be done and go on with my life. All three of us. So today I am wishing my sweet baby girl Happy 5 months. You are loved so much already and we can't wait to meet you. Love mom and dad

this is the first time I wrote love mom and dad and it feels really good.........

a gift

2009-07-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

a gift from a friend of mine...Her grandmother knitted this sweet, sweet get up. Oh I can't wait to fill it..... It stretches which is a good thing when your going through the adoption journey, you just never know when she will be in our arms and at what age. But we are hopeful it will be very soon.

Some good news for us

2009-07-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

We received an email today stating our court date has been rescheduled for July 30Th, and not tomorrow. I think everyone on here knows why. So we just have 17 more days to go, if all goes well our embassy appointment could be the same Aug. 20 or get moved to Sept. 3. We are just happy to have a new court date to look forward to the next process to begin. We want to meet our little lady. Hoping for more good news to arrive soon.