9 months old....

A family traveling last week sent us this sweet picture of Carys and I just had to post. I noticed in this photo that she has another tooth popping through! We also received word that our paperwork was successfully submitted to the US Embassy last week. They sent us her new birth certificate and passport. It melted my heart to see her cute little innocent face on such an "official" looking document. Right now her name is Tsehaynesh Lucas Nieuwenhuis....ha ha! She's going to love that when she gets older, but we have no say in that. It's customary for Ethiopians to give their children the first name of their father for their last name. So, when she gets to the states, she'll be given her "girly" name. We also received word this week that her metopic suture is open. Although we are still not in the clear until she is examined here in the states by "our" doctors, this was a huge positive sign and we are so grateful. We miss her more and more each day and are so grateful for the families traveling who are keeping us updated with photos. We hope to know this week whether or not we have been "cleared" for travel, and if so, expect to return in a few weeks to bring her home! Hang in there baby girl, we'll be there soon!