A Few More Details About the Referral

Here are a few more details about our adoption (a very few details, because we don't know much right now):

• What happens now that we've accepted the referral?
  Our dossier has been sent to Ethiopia where it is prepared and submitted to court for processing. You might hear us refer to this step as "getting through court."
• When will we travel?
  At this time our guess (and it is a guess) is January 2009.
• What did the kids say when we told them?
  Abby was thrilled that our referral was for a 3-month-old baby girl. She was hoping for a young one!
  Ethan was initially a little defeated at the idea of another little sister. I said, "Remember, it will be years before she's a real girl (read: a seven-year-old dictator who constantly bickers with him and tattles on him. Someone, shall we say, with blond hair?) He is great with babies and loves little kids. When he imagined having a baby sister again he was enthusiastic.
  Gracie expressed excitement about her new sister and promptly asked for a snack. She's happy now, but I don't think she's going to relinquish her spot as the baby in the family very happily when the time comes.