American

Living in our nation's capital makes the Fourth of July an extra special holiday. However, we didn't really plan extravagant activities this year... giving birth and preparing for a big move may have something to do with that. It didn't take a big fireworks show or a trip to the beach, though, to make it extra special..... Our sweet Judah became an American citizen last week on July 2nd! The timing was coincidental but could not have been more perfect.  This was the final step in his adoption finalization on the U.S. side of things~allowing him to obtain a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, and legal name change. I'll now be applying for DC birth certificates for both of these cuties at the same time!

It was a very special day, and we could not be happier for our little Ethiopian-American :)

with the judge who declared finalization 

Addition

Look who finally made her debut....

Josie Kathleen Nix 

June 21st, 2013

6 pounds, 15 ounces/ 20 inches

She is a precious angel and we are in love....and deliriously exhausted! We could not be more grateful for this amazing gift. I'm humbled that the Lord yet again has entrusted us to care for another of His miracles. 

And our first miracle is the best big brother ever! Of course, he has his moments of needing 10 times our attention, now that it's divided, but overall he is doing great. I will never forget the sweet moment in the hospital room when Judah broke the silence and said, "I love you baby Josie" out of the blue from across the room.

He loved that he was watching over her in the hospital :)

Josie Kate was named after three of her great-grandparents. Although she will never have the chance to meet them on this earth, I can only hope she has qualities of them all. My Grandaddy Joe (Joseph) is no stranger to this blog. Funny, energetic, and gracious...we were so close and I love that she will carry part of his name. Ella Jo ("Josie") was my precious Nanny who I spent so much time with during my childhood years. She was compassionate, care-free, and selfless, and I miss her so much. Kathleen is the middle name of Jeff's grandmother...a gentle, kind woman with a servant's heart.

Best of all, we had chosen the name Josie long before I looked up the meaning. My heart stopped when I read it...."the Lord will add." He certainly did.