Waiting Mommies Dinner #5

Last night we had the fun of enjoying our 5th Waiting Mommies Dinner! The group continues to grow and it was wonderful to meet so many new people last night! Here's the gang from last night: (back row l to r) Tammy, Karen, Suzanne, Kelly, Chris, Andrea and Paula.
(middle row) Nicole, Cari, Tracey, Leslie, Karen, Dolores and Julia.
(front row) myself, Liz and Ava and Michelle.

There were many of our group who weren't able to make it to the dinner because it's summer and prime vacation time. Please know that you were missed! We also have 1 mom who is currently in China (meeting her daughter tomorrow!) and also Tracey, who was new this time is anticipating receiving her referral Monday!! Congratulations Tracey! We can't wait to celebrate with you!

As I sat and enjoyed the company of so many waiting moms I realized what a neat, assorted group we have become. We are made up of moms who are home with their babies, those who have their files overseas and are waiting for referrals and others who are currently working on their home study or waiting for ministry approval. The other thing that is so neat is that we're quickly bridging out of just a China moms group and now have moms who are waiting for their babies from Vietnam and Ethiopia too! It's an ever changing, ever growing group and inclusive of all moms in the area who are somewhere in the process on International Adoption. We are made up of ladies who have blogs and... *gasp!* those who do not! ;o) (We're working on them though! :o) Yes, it's a fun, open, supportive group who basically get together every-other month for an evening of fun, food, laughter, chatter and then for most of us it's the last time we see one another until 2 months later. Each time it's fun to catch up with those we've met before and meet the new gals that have joined!

Last night we once again headed to the Pickle Barrel (which is now our standard location) and enjoyed our evening together. We were even blessed with the presence of adorable, beautiful Ava who had her initial cleft lip surgery only 2 days prior to our dinner! She was too cute for words and still an bundle of energy! Her mommy says she's a great weight loss plan so I'm looking forward to trying that one! I think it's one of the only ones I haven't tried and I'm more excited about the 'Mommy Diet/Chase a Toddler Diet' than any of those other ones I've endured!

Each month we choose a gift theme and have a mini baby-shower. Last night's theme was 'Beach Baby' and people were so creative! Each person brings 1 gift and takes a different gift home. Last night Hannah received some adorable Baby Gap clothes and little hat! Thanks Nicole!

Another treat last night was that Paula's mom knit each of us an adorable little teddy bear! How thoughtful! I chose pink for Hannah (I know you're surprised!) and look forward to adding it to her collection of little, huggable toys. Thanks Paula's mom!

If you're a waiting mommy and you live in our area and want to join us next time, please feel free to do so. Our next dinner is on Saturday, September 8th. Please email me for more details. Also, if you're a bloggy friend who doesn't live in the area and can arrange to be here that day please know that we would love to have you join us! Rumour has it at least 1 mommy from afar is hoping to make it to the September 8th dinner. Hopefully more will come. We would love to meet you!