We Passed Court!

Our preliminary court hearing was held on October 29 (late night October 28 Pacific time).  While Matthew, Grandma and I were our way to visit my sister, we received the call from our Case Manager - the paperwork was in order, everything went well, and we passed!  We are one step closer to bringing Isabella home. 

Aunt Kristen and cousins L., D., and G. gave us these presents:

How cute is that tutu?  I can't wait to see Isabella crawling across the floor in it! The story behind the bib:  4-year old cousin G. saw it and was convinced that Isabella had to have it.  When G. resorted to tears, Aunt Kristen relented.  I love it!

Our celebratory dinner included lasagna and pumpkin pecan pie:

Next steps: leave November 25 (Thanksgiving) to travel 8,471 miles to Ethiopia...

...to hold Isabella for the first time on November 28, and attend our second and final court hearing on November 30!
 
Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.  His mercy endures forever.  Psalm 107:1