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Adoption Makes Hearts & Families Whole The O'Connor Clan Eliza Catherine Yu (Lizzie) Egan Patrick Chaka & Elinor Margaret Mengyi (Ellie) Home Pictures Stories Family Guestbook |
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Updated: Jul 29, 2010  |
3/2/09- Two more days until court!!!!!!
We had grand plans to spend our snow day off of work checking things off of the to-do list, but thus far we have just been enjoying the day with Lizzie... A yummy brunch of creme bruele' french toast, a mid morning viewing of The Lion King, frolicking as a family in the snow, followed by lunch and a hot bath before nap time.... what a way to spend the day! 2/23/09 - 9 days until court! The countdown continues as we enter the single digit zone Whooohoooo! And my cyber buddy Kim got her travel call today to travel to ET to get her precious daughter Savannah- we are sooooo very, very excited for her. Her court date was 1/29 which continues the trend of about 4 weeks between court and travel. But she has to be in Ethiopia by THIS Friday, so she is flying our on Wednesday! How crazy is that? Two days between travel call and flight! I am overwhelmed by the possibility, especially since (unlike China) we have to make all of our own travel arrangements! I am just so excited for Kim and can't wait to hear all about her trip. Yay! Go team Savannah and come on court date!!!!
2/17/09- 15 more days until court!!!!!
2/10/09- 22 more days until court!!!!!! Not that we are anxious or excited (hahaha!!!) 1/23/09 - What an exciting week! We join the millions of Americans who were ecstatic and speechless by the historic inauguration activities held on Tuesday. It is hard to explain how moving and exciting it is to have the embodiment of potential, acceptance, and support in the leadership of our country while we anxiously await bringing home our African son to our transracial family. It just makes your heart happy to know that anything is possible for our children. On an even more personal note, we received updated/corrected information about Egan today! While we did not get pictures (we still hope to get updated pictures in the future), we did get a corrected height and he is still consistently in the 50-75 % in height, weight, and head circumference on the American charts! We also found out that he understands the word "no," is crawling, and is picking things up in a pincher grasp. Lizzie was not able to do any of those things at the same age, so we are really encouraged by the report that he is getting quality interactions and stimulus in his orphanage/foster setting. He was also described as "very affectionate, and loves to give hugs!" Oohhh, I just can't wait for an Egan hug! What a wonderful way to end this hectic and memorable week. Hope everyone else feels as excited and optimistic as we feel in the O'Connor house! Enjoy!
12/30/08 - We got our court date today: March 4th. I was actually hoping for a January court date and travel in February, so this was a bit of a disappointment, but I am trying to look at my cup as half full. We continue to move forward in the process, our little guy is chubby and healthy, and hopefully we will travel before Spring Break so that we can use Spring Break as part of our maternity/paternity leave. So now we have 2 long months with no official updates or progress, but we hope to receive some occasional updates, hopefully with pictures, as we continue to wait. And of-course where as before I was hoping for lots of snow days (which they are actually predicting for this winter) so that I could get some "free" maternity time off- now I hope for as little snow time off as possible so that we will start our summer and our free family time with Egan as soon as possible- Gosh how things change with one day and one phone call!
12/23/08 - So it is official.... after much deliberation and many a conversation (not to mention polling and surveys that did not lead to a real front-runner), we finally placed our big name decision in the divine hands of the big sister, Miss Lizzie O'Connor. And after repeated questioning Miss Lizzie repeated her same stance over and over... her new little brother is named Egan! So Egan Patrick it is! I guess when you and your spouse are at a stand-off it is nice to actually be part of a family of three! And now Egan can blame Lizzie if he is ever teased about his name (the internet suggests EE-gore is the most common teasing endured by children named Egan, ah, the odd facts you can find on the net!) I am just excited to call him something besides "the baby." Each step seems to make it more real and gets us closer to having him home! Happy holidays, have a blessed Christmas! Shannon, Sean, Eliza, and Egan
12/12/08- So with a night of sleep under our belts our excitement and giddiness over our referral is really starting to kick in. I have been scouring the net to find out some more info and while it is slow going, here are some new details I have been able to find: Shalom orphanage is in Awassa, a city about 4 hours south of the capital, about midway between the capital city of Addis Ababa and the Kenyan border. It is unclear, given this distance, if we will be able to visit the orphanage or the city of Awassa during our trip. Awassa seems to be considerably lower in elevation than Addis Ababa and much more arid, even though it is known for having a large lake. It is not an uncommen travel stop for Americans and Europeans traveling Kenya and Ethiopia and the pictures are lovely. The weather in Addis Ababa should be between the mid 50s and 70 when we travel- a nice change from the snowy winter we are expecting here this February. Of the two African names our little guy was given, one is a very common African name (an uncommon, though not unheard of American name) and the other is an uncommon African name- possibly a surname. This second name is the one that is fairly close to the name Egan. My wonderful school nurse, who is from Ethiopia, is doing some research for me to find out more! Again, we are so blessed with the amount of love and support we have! (UPDATE: Translated his two names mean Mighty King of the Frontier! And our agency is interpreting his paperwork to read that the name that sounds like Egan is in-fact his first name.) I believe three other families were matched with us, two of them getting sibling groups of slightly older children. It would be nice to travel with other families, this was a wonderful part of our China trip and we would love to have a similar experience this time around.
12/11/08: We got another one of "those calls" today- with the wonderful news of a referral. Our new little guy is just about 8 months old and 19 pounds. Not too much known about him but he is super cute in his photos- a little on the chunky side (which we are THRILLED about!), with a curious, inquisitive look to him. So now we begin again, waiting for a court date, approval, travel- probably another 2 month wait total. Other families have been getting updates so we certainly hope that is the case. This is such a releif as we head towards the holidays, really putting our hearts and spirits at ease so we can fully enjoy the upcoming weeks to the fullest. Again, we covet your prayers during our wait and thank everyone for their tremendous support. Finally,we are still at a loss for a name (though the wild card names of Balthazar and Chauncey are now off the list!!! You may now breath a sigh of relief), so please lend us your feedback....we need to start calling him something!
NAME ALERT: We have narrowed it down to the following names (with the first three being Shannon's favorites): Emmett Thomas (follows our theme of E names of favorite book characters), Kellan Thomas, Keegan Patrick, Finnegan (Finn for short) Sean (? not sure on the middle name, but Sean sounds good), Kieran Patrick, Seamus (pronounced Shay-mus) (not sure of a middle name on this one either) On the original top 10 list was the name Egan (pronounced Ee- gan) and since this is actually very similar to his African name Egan is also a top contender again. Ugggh! And now that we are adding names back onto our "short list" Sean is adding Eamon (pronounced A- min) back to the list! Of course, if we keep on adding to the short list, it will be anything but! But please keep Egan and Eamon in mind as well as you are considering our top 8 choices (Shannon thinks Egan more than Eamon!). Feel free to let us know your opinions via the comment section below or by email, but try to be kind since one of these names will eventually be attached to our sweet baby boy!
12/9/08 The months are flying by, barely leaving as a second to catch up and reflect on the holidays and day to day blessings that we get to experience. While we are still struggling with "The Terrible Threes," the upside is that three is a terrific age for holidays and celebrations. Everything is Exciting! Wonderful! and our newest adjective: Cool! and all comments seem to end in an exclamation mark. Halloween was super fun as Lizzie perfected her Mulan stance and the cry of "I've got your back Zhang" (straight from the Mulan 2 video). Nana and mommy created a picture perfect Mulan costume complete with Geisha wig that Lizzie really loved. She was able to proudly adorn it for her Halloween party and parade at school as well as the Fullerton's annual party and of-course Trick-or-Treating. Unfortunately Liz was enjoying herself so much, it was difficult to get her to sit still to capture her enthusiasm on film! After spending Thanksgiving with all of our cousins on the Korink side, we have been busy preparing for Christmas. Through the magic of preschool, Lizzie seems to be very aware of all things Christmas related and we can't go to Target or Costco without going down the tree aisle multiple times to oooh and aaahhh. As if that weren't exciting enough we put up several trees at home (with lots of "help" from Liz) and hung our stockings with care. Clearly there are some carols being learned as well- but I am hoping to find out for sure on Thursday when Mommy will attend Lizzie's pre-school Christmas Pageant!!! But by far, our favorite activity is taking the long way home each night to ride around the neighborhood and look at the lights. Who couldn't get caught up in the spirit when someone is squealing with glee- each and every time- as if it was the most amazing and extravagant sight they had ever seen. 10/21/08 We are incredibly saddened to let you know that Quinn William Samuel O'Connor passed away very suddenly on Saturday, October 18th. The other two boys were rushed to the hospital on Friday as the virus reemerged in the house and attacked their poor systems. Quinn must not have been symptomatic on Friday since he was not hospitalized. But then Saturday he passed so quickly, they could not even get him to the doctor. We know that he probably had lost weight during his last hospitalization, it is not hard to imagine how harsh this virus must have been on his poor little body. Those are about all the details that we know. Debby called us Saturday afternoon with the heartbreaking news, and we know she struggled to tell us, just as we were struggling to hear it, wishing it were not true. Luckily we were in the middle of an O'Connor family weekend up at the lake and had the entire O'Connor family to help us with Lizzie and to support us through one of our toughest days we have ever had to face. We are trying to take solace in the fact that we know he is with our heavenly Father and that he is no longer struggling or in pain, but it is so very hard to make sense of this situation, especially after our good news on Friday. We were so close to bringing him home, and now we are left with an empty crib and empty hearts for the second time this year. We heard today that the other boys have been released back to the transition house. Of-course I think that everyone has fears now about the conditions and safety of the house, a concern I know Bethany is looking into. We keep them in our prayers, hoping that they can make it through the next 5 weeks to be joined with their families. We will get another referral, however it is impossible to say when, and it is impossible for one baby to "take the place" of another. Sometimes it seems like it is too much to take, but we are trying to allow this experience to strengthen our faith instead of shake it. Right now it is easier not to talk about it outside of prayer, but I know that when the time is right we will be matched again and allow ourselves to hope once more with a renewed vision of our family. 10/17/08- We got the call this morning about our court date. We were beginning to worry because we hadn't heard anything, and we knew that if we didn't get a court date in November that December travel would be unlikely. BUT, our court date is set for November 4th- which is AWESOME! Sean and I were both home when Debby called with the news so we were able to hear it together on speaker phone with big goofy grins on our faces. Most families have been traveling 3-4 weeks after court which puts us in Ethiopia sometime around Thanksgiving or the beginning of December. We are sooooooo ready to get Quinn and bring him home. We had heard earlier in the week that they were now classifying him as "recovered," but that a nanny at the transition house was now ill. Also, four new babies were referred this week (including one for Shadley's family for which we are so thankful). We are so excited for all of the Bethany families but know that more babies at the transition house probably means less one on one attention for Quinn. So this news lights a fire under us to finish cleaning the nursery and finishing our last minute home projects: Quinn is the BEST incentive to get our rears in gear! Yay Team O'Connor! 10/9/08 - We just got word that Quinn was released from the hospital yesterday. They are still worried about him since he is so tiny, but he is definitely showing improvement and continues on medication. We are very thankful that he seems to be on the mend and are trying to maintain a "cautiously optimistic" stance as we await further updates. Thanks to all who have spread the word and kept us in your thoughts and prayers- we feel very fortunate that he seems to have made it through this emergency. Meanwhile we are trying to focus our attention to Lizzie as she continues being her sassy self. We have had several dinner time dance recitals in the kitchen lately and she can still be heard singing any number of songs from Beauty and the Beast throughout the day. Since her birthday Candyland is a big fav. so we try to work in several serious tournaments each week. But our favorite thing is hearing all about pre-school each day. Lizzie is so excited about learning all of her letters, using the computer, and of-course all her new friends. It is amazing the growth and development that is so appearant from week to week. It truly is a fun time. 10/5/08- It has been a tough weekend. We were up at Deep Creek Lake enjoying the beautiful fall colors, picking pumpkins, finding acorns, and even riding cows (yep, you heard that correctly). But unfortunately in the middle of all of this amazing family time we learned that one of the 3 other babies that were matched with Bethany families when we were matched with Quinn, passed away from severe dehydration. We then learned that another had been rushed to the hospital for the same condition but was currently stable. After several frantic phone calls to Debby, we learned that Quinn too had been hospitalized on Saturday, but was doing "good." We are struggling with one of the many hardships of international adoption in that we are powerless to help or even find out more details at the moment. We are devastated for Shadley and her family at the loss of their new son and are trying to remain prayerfully optimistic that the other little guys can pull though. We still have not yet gotten a court date so we know that we are still many weeks away from being able to go get Quinn as we quickly approach him turning three months old. Unfortunately all the boys are still so tiny and it doesn't take much to upset their little systems. We just ask for your continued prayers for his health and well being while we wait, and for the other little guys as well- that they may all remain strong while they wait for us. 9/5/08- WE GOT THE CALL!!!! (3 months, 1 week and 6 days after our paperwork went to Ethiopia!) I can't believe that only days after posting our contest we got THE call from our social worker that we have been matched with a tiny, heavenly little baby! Unlike China, we are very limited about what information we are allowed to post about him until the adoption is finalized. This includes pictures, which we have seen but are not allowed to post or share. But take our word for it- he is a cutie! Very thoughtful and wise looking! We are allowed to share that he is a little boy, born July 10th, 2008 and is currently 8.8 lbs. We will be calling him Quinn William _________(Ethiopian name which we cannot yet share). We are stunned and elated and feel very, very blessed. We now have to wait for a court date in Ethiopia where we will hopefully be approved officially as his adoptive parents. This will clear us to travel and finalize everything. So I am hoping very much that we can travel before Christmas, but we will know more about our court date in a month or so. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we await court approval and as we hope and pray that the baby stays healthy and gets enough love, food, and attention while he waits for us. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and is sharing this joyful time with us. CONTEST TIME! Contest one: When do you think we will get our referral? We are anticipating anytime between now and February-ish. Contest two: How old do you think the "baby" will be when we get the referral? We have requested a "baby" from newborn to 24 months. Two separate contests with two separate prizes (goodies from Ethiopia). Auntie Lauren cleaned up with the Lizzie contest, who will have the lucky answers this time round? Log in your guesses in our guestbook! 7/31/08: What an amazing summer! I can not believe the speed at which it has flown by, but none-the-less, it has been one fun adventure after another. Right after school let out we spent a week and a half visiting Nana and Papa John in North Carolina. Shannon and Sean were even able to sneak away for a few days to visit Charleston, SC (by themselves!) while Lizzie hung out at the pool and golf course with Nana. We think Papa John might even be training her to be his cady! Lizzie also added the phrase "Ladies Lunch" to her vocabulary after her many outings with Mommy, Nana and even Miss Dee. Another highlight of the trip was that Uncle Chris and Auntie Lauren were able to join us for several fun days in the sun (and at least one Ladies Lunch!). We were only home for a few days to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday before packing up the car again and heading in the opposite direction to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Cape Cod. After some initial apprehension, Lizzie decided she was a huge fan of the beach, and we visited daily to enjoy the sand and surf or at least the famous Skaket Beach sunsets. Sean's cousin Allyson's three children were able to join us along with Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Ed for an early birthday celebration for Lizzie. We also enjoyed biking, a musical outing at the library and lots of bird watching with Grandma and Grandpa. Oh, and we can't forget the Pirate Cruise! We were VERY busy "relaxing" and having fun. Mom was only home for one day before heading out for a "girls weekend" at Deep Creek. Luckily Lizzie and Sean as well as Miss Beth's whole family were able to join her at the end of the weekend for a few days of hiking and marshmallow roasting. Lizzie loved hanging out with Beth's three boys, who were very patient as she followed them everywhere calling, "Wait for me guys!" Again, we were only home for three days before it was Lizzie's big Pirate Birthday Party for turning 3! We had so much fun with Paige, Riley, Dylan, Evan, Austin, Lewis, Sid, Izzy and Vincent. The biggest hit of the day for the kids was the "Booty Hunt" in the back yard where everyone searched for treasure filled golden eggs, though I think Lizzie loved the cake and Mommy liked taking everyone's pirate picture. Auntie Susan surprised us when she showed up with an exquisite Octopus cake that she took 6 hours to make by hand. It was almost too pretty to eat (though we did several days later!!!). Now that we have had a whole week back at home Shannon has had to learn to cook and clean again. Lizzie started going on the potty like a big kid and wearing underwear (she might have heard "somewhere" that it was a requirement to turn three and have a Pirate Party!). Lizzie has been in Princess Dance Camp all week and has only had one accident. She comes home everyday and shows us her new tap dance moves and gushes about how much fun she has had with her friends. We even met Poppy one day after camp in our full blown princess outfit for a special Princess lunch! Tomorrow is the last day of camp and Mommy and Daddy have been invited to attend the Grand Ball, so you better believe we will be there with video camera in hand. Well now that there are only 2 weeks of summer left before going back to work, I am ready for some down time- Ha! We will try and get pictures posted soon, the problem is that there have been so many "photographic opportunities" and moments of cuteness that we have too many to sort through! Oh the curse of having a talented and beautiful daughter! 6/11/08 - Our adoption agency received their very first referrals from Ethiopia yesterday. Our agency has only recently started working with Ethiopia, so this was very exciting and says a lot about what we can hope for as far as time-lines go. Because of the newness of the program we were told to anticipate a 12 month wait for our referral, but the families that were matched yesterday waited 6 months and 4 months respectively. So, we now are very hopeful that we could actually receive our referral next fall or winter instead of next spring or summer. There are in fact very few families "in front" of us, so we are actually allowing ourselves to get a little excited about this new development. Like China, there will be several months in between our referral and our ability to travel to Africa, but Sean and I were surprised how quickly that time passed when we were waiting for Lizzie so we are hoping the preparations will keep us busy this time round as well. I have emailed Debby to try and get her opinion and predictions about timelines and will try and update everyone as we get more information. For now, we are busy wrapping up the school year and getting ready to enjoy a summer relaxing and playing with our little Lizzie-bug. We are so grateful for all of those that have kept us in your prayers....It seems to be working! 5/8/08 - We just heard from our social worker Debby. Grand Rapids has reviewed our dossier (They said it was the best Ethiopian dossier they had ever received!!!). There was a slight delay in the review because our Bethany team was so busy hosting the Bethany officials from Ethiopia these past 2 weeks, but because our dossier was so clear and well organized they were able to review it very quickly once they had the time. They are mailing to the Ethiopian consulate tomorrow! We our so lucky that our social worker is so precise and thorough. She has trained us well in dossier preparations! Yay!!!
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