Today we spoke with the doctor at Riley's Adoption Clinic. We sent her all of Noah's information and asked her to review it and everything looked OK. There were a few motor skill developmental concerns but nothing serious. So Scott immediaetly went to FedEx to send in our referral acceptance. It's so exciting to take another step closer to bringing our baby boy home. Now we wait for American World to schedule a court date in Ethiopia. That will then determine when we travel.

Over the last week the waiting has become much more difficult.  It's amazing how a picture of a little boy thousands of miles away can become your own.  We both (especially Courtney) feel a bond to him that must be similiar to what a pregnant woman feels as she grows attached to a baby growing inside her.  Courtney has been taking Noah's pictures around with her everywhere she goes and she's been talking to him like he was right there with her.  Seems kind of weird when I write it down like that, but as I watch her think, pray and picture her life with Noah I know she is going to be an oustanding mother.  It has been a tremendous joy watching this girl I married, transition into a woman who is ready to be a mother.  God is doing a tremendous work in her life and heart as He prepraes her for motherhood.

There have been many difficult times over the last week as we cry thinking about our little boy and how bad we want him to be home with us.  We are ready to go now to pick him up... but we must wait and pray.