[Jackobanzi]

Hey, look at me! I'm a mom! I suppose I'd better be sure now...

I finally piled up enough paperwork that it turned into a baby! Eloise Djeneba came home from the orphanage on Friday. I'm thrilled to bits, but also scared witless. I just keep looking at her and saying, "Oh, crap. You don't know what you're in for, kid!"

My friends have been WONDERFUL, and I think hand-me-downs are the greatest invention ever.

I just wanted to thank you guys for all of the wonderful support you've given in the last year. I'm not sure I'd have had the guts to do this if I didn't know there were so many single parents out there doing it - and doing it well. Thanks!

[Howdy]

Congratulations Jackobanzi!!! And welcome home Eloise!!!

[waitinginnj]

Congratulations - what exciting news. You can do it!

[sienna5]

Wow - way to go. I am sure you will do great. I have been pursuing an international adoption and know just what you are saying. Some days I think the paper chase and work involved means I focus on what I need to do and sometimes forget or don't focus on the end. Then I think, gee, if I keep doing this sometime I will "suddenly" be a Mom. And now I have been working on it so long that there are days I just can't wait and feel so ready. Then there are days that I still think it will really feel "all the sudden".

When you come up for air in a week, two weeks or a month, maybe you could write back to us and let us know how it is all going. You give all of us heart to keep going.

[dawnmei]

Congratualtions! How exciting!

[nawlinsmom]

Congratulations, and I remember how scared I was when I first came home with my son, no sleep, not sure of what I was doing and just knew that I was going to die and my baby would be in the house by himself until someone found me, oh I sound really crazy, but thank good ness it passed, I really think now looking back it was Post Adoption Depression mostly caused by sleep deprivation, but what joy it all brings. Good Luck and keep us posted, would also love to see a picture of your new baby. How exciting to be a new mom.....

[frida_94601]

Congratulations!!!!! Your going to be a wonderful mommy!!!

Lillian

[Jackobanzi]

Oh! I forgot! My photo software wasn't working the day I posted, but has since decided to work long enough for me to get the pictures downloaded. Here's my precious girl.

As if I wasn't freaked out enough, I actually broke my baby after the first 5 days. She had to go into the hospital for dehydration last week, but she's A-OK now. Of course, it IS West Africa and the doctor DID admit she was probably sick when she came home from the orphanage, so I guess it's not all that bad. I'm doing less and less beating myself up over it.

She actually slept 5 hours last night. Woo hoo!

[ocracoke]

She is absolutely adorable!

Samantha

[jaenelle]

Wow! She is beautiful! Congratulations!

[hotspice58]

Congratulations to you both!!!

[AwaitingBeloved]

Oh, what a happy little baby! Beautiful! Congratulations.

When DH and I were first home alone with DD, after the inlaws left, etc. We were scared out of our minds! Like, oh, crap, what do we do if... fill in the blank with any nightmare you can think of!

Every day is more relaxing and fun.

Congrats!