Is that you Ethan-O?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls -

It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Samuel (pronounced Sam-Well). Our case-worker called last night around 6 p.m. to share the good news with us. Samuel just turned 5 in November, loves to build things, enjoys school, is gentle and playful, and did I mention quite possibly the most handsome boy I've ever seen? Obviously we are on cloud 9.

We officially accepted the referral this afternoon. The next step will be for our case to be placed on the court docket in Addis Ababa. Once the court approves our petition, we will make travel arrangements and bring Samuel home to us.

The entire referral process is so surreal! A call comes, you sift through numerous papers and documents, visit with your physician (thanks Peter!) and then share the news with your family.... the entire thing has become such a blur to us.

Although we haven't decided on a name yet, we are certain about this, "Life doesn't get much better than this!"

Samuel - we can't wait for you to meet Grand-Den and Grand-Dave...They already have toys waiting and a room that you will absolutely love to play in! We can't wait for you to meet Nana and Papa who are looking forward to cooking and building with you. Grace, Maggie and Will will finally have a cousin, and Tricia and Peter will be the best aunt and uncle you could ever imagine! I know you will enjoy spending lots of time with the Reed family. Just don't let Will teach you to head-butt....

You will also have 3 older cousins, Elizabeth, Kristen and Kathy, whom I know will shower you with adoration. And of course, Mama Lee and Papa D. will be anxious to meet you, along with the entire Jeter/Trevino clan!

You don't know it yet, but you're going to have a lot of names to remember! We are excited to introduce you to our family and can't wait for you to learn more about us. Hopefully you will think we are as wonderful as we know you are going to be!