Finally, We are Official!

08/26/08 Application submitted
11/18/08 Adoptive Parenting Workshop
12/31/08 First Home Study Visit
02/17/09 Third and final home study visit . . . . APPROVED
04/09/09 Dossier Submitted
04/16/09 Officially WAITING!!!!!!!!!!

Wow it has taken way too long to be official! Dan and I are waiting for a referral for a child, boy or girl, under the age of 12 months at referral. After referral it might take up to 4 months for court approval and travel. Currently CHSFS is quoting a 12-18 month wait for referral (YIKES!)
Next steps include CIS (immigration) approval and figerprinting . . . . more paperwork. and then more paperwork.
So I have been trying to keep very busy, trying to pass time. The last few nights I have been clearing out room for a 'new' hand-me-down sewing table and working on a beautiful crib quilt. I really love the bold vibrant colors, I hope to finish it up soon and put it up on the flikr site. Anybody in need of a crib quilt let me know, I would love to put one together for you, and it keeps me busy.
Thanks for keepnig us in your thoughts and prayers, it has been a long road already and we have so much further to go!!
Laurie

Drumroll please...

After what seems like much anticipation, I have finally got a few necklaces done using my metal stamping technique. Check out the photostream on "Val's Jewelry" slideshow for samples on the right side -->. Please email valariesmithdesigns@yahoo.com for a custom order!

New Baby Gift Sets

I have been sewing up a storm and have come up with some gift sets for new moms, I usually use give them as baby shower gifts. I include a nursing cover ('hooter hider'), a coordinating towel, burp cloth and even coordinating onsie. If you would like to custom order a set email me and I will get right to it! Check out my new fabric finds and other great gift sets by clicking on the 'Sisterhood2Motherhood's Photostream' on "Laurie's Cute Baby Stuff!" slideshow on the right side

I Need Africa More Than It Needs Me

From Sisterhood To Motherhood: Two sisters share their journey to motherhood by way of international adoption.

Hi there, we are the youngest and the oldest Hemphill sisters on our journey into motherhood! We are so excited to share our journey with our friends and family. We hope to post our thoughts, experiences, and milestones during our journey. Laurie and her husband are adopting from Ethiopia and Valarie and her husband are adopting from South Korea. During our wait we also hope to do a little education and fundraising here and there. We will post our creative designs here for you to check out.