Sugar & Spice
The day we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! All the prayers and good wishes and crossed fingers have been answered! We are now OFFICIALLY the parents of our two beautiful twin daughters - just under 3 years old. We have FELT like their parents for quite some time now, so it’s a very affirming and up-lifting day! They have to be two of the cutest little kids that have even been… and now they are ours. What a fantastic amazing day!
We had a bottle of champagne in the fridge for our referral day (watch those magic moments here), but we never opened it since we opened the referral email late in the evening. So we said back in October “we’ll just open it when we pass court…” Well, who knew that bottle would be dusty! But this morning, that cheap bottle of Henkl Trocken will be dusted off for celebratory mimosas!!!! Yahoo!
FAQ: Of course, the next thing you will want to know is when do we pick them up? HOPEFULLY in 10-17 weeks from now. My rough guess is3 months. Cross your fingers for us as our immigration paperwork is processed!
Click the photo below to watch a movie of all the pictures we have received of them so far… enjoy!
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July 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 am
Your girls are BEAUTIFUL! congratulations!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 am
Yes I knew hitting refresh over and over again would work!!! So beautiful!!! I am crying for you as I type this, how crazy is that? But I am so happy, they are finally yours, now let’s hope for a speedy visa!!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:19 am
THIS is what i came to the computer for!!!! HOORRRAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!! I must be about as happy for you as i was for us yesterday! Your girls are absolutely adorable! You can see (kind of sadly since it wasn’t at your house) how they have grown and changed! I hope the sadness of the wait disappears when you finally get to meet them in person and bring them home.
Anyway, i am SO HAPPY for you! Maybe we’ll meet in Ethiopia!
karen
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 am
Hi Nicky and Jrock,
I’ve been following your journey for quite some time (the better part of a year now?), and I think my heart stopped when I saw the pictures of your daughters a few minutes ago! CONGRATULATIOSN - I’m so, so, so happy for all of you!!!
Nicole in PEI, four months into my wait for a referral for a baby girl(I also have a blog - if you’d like to follow along, just let me know and I’ll send you an invitation to do so.)
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
Oh my gosh, this is such wonderful news! I have been hoping to read this for a long time! Congratulations to all 4 of you. They are absolutely adorable. This fall won’t come soon enough, thank goodness the summers always fly by! So happy for you and thank you for sharing the beautiful photos!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
Oh my goodness, they are SO beautiful! SO SO beautiful! It’s funny, I woke up this morning, my birthday… and I thought, July 2nd… the Rowan family’s court date… must… go…. check! I wanted to make sure everything went through this time! LOL. Didn’t I say July 2nd is a lucky day? ;P Hehe.
Congratulations, they are wonderful in every way. Crossing my fingers for a quick processing of the next phase of paperwork, and hopefully you’ll be travelling in Sept/Oct!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Congratulations…this is such wonderful news. They are so adorable. The long awaited court day finally over…..it won’t be long now.
Blessings
Debbie
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
SQUEEEEE!!!! HOORAY HOORAY!!! Congratulations!
What absolutely beautiful little girls. Enjoy the bubbly! Savor this sweet day…
And thanks for sharing your lovely slideshow. You made us very teary!
Shawn and Jill
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
I just knew it!! in my bones like magic waiting to explode…..oh…sheesh I am bawling like a baby and my kids were asking what the heck was going on when I started clapping like a mad women. I am so, so, so, so happy for you guys!! seriously, can’t even contain it!
They are beautiful, stunningly so. (daddy take a deep breath and get ready, lol) It amazing to see how much they’ve changed and grown. How wonderful that they have each other..sisterly love?
Sugar and Spice…you are loved more then you can imagine!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 am
Oh wow! Congratulations you guys!!!! I’m SOOO pumped for you! They are absolutely GORGEOUS. Seriously. Come on visa!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:32 am
The first thing I thought of this morning was “I wonder if they’ve passed court” and had such a good feeling about it (7 is a special number you know!) and then to come down and see their sweet faces…WOW! They are so precious! And I am so happy for you to finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate your two daughters!!! I guess maybe I’ll see you in Ethiopia!
Enjoy your champagne and the glow of motherhood! Congratulations mommy of twins!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:50 am
Congratulations!! That is fantastic news! Thanks for sharing your slide show, Sugar and Spice are adorable. I’m crossing my fingers that you get to travel quickly to bring them home.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:55 am
Oh yahooooooooooooooooo!
Congratulations Mommy and Daddy!!
Your girls….YOUR GIRLS…are gorgeous!!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:55 am
Oh my goodness! Your good news and beautiful girls have left me in tears!! Wow! Congratulations, mommy!! Enjoy your preparations for travel! I am so happy for you!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:55 am
Oh Nicky, they are simply beautiful!!! Congratulations! I am so so happy for you both!
Let’s hope you are on the speedy end of the immigration time frame. Something HAS to go quickly for you!
Do we have names for the lovelies?? I was pretty sure I remembered reading their names at some point, but I could be wrong…
Enjoy your wonderful, happy day, and those mimosas!!!
Claire
waiting a mere 2 months for a referral of a daughter under 2
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:56 am
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so happy for you! I haven’t seen photos since the girl’s hair has grown in. They are sooooooo beautiful!!! What fun little grins they have too.
Congratulations!!! I can’t wait until you get the photos of when they find out about their family. They are magical.
Michelle (and David)
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Yay!!!!!!! This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time! Finally the last of the 2008 referrals have gotten through court, and not a minute too soon! I’m so thrilled that #7 was lucky for you as well. Soooo exciting!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:08 am
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! So so thrilled for you! You all were my first thought when I went to the computer this morning, and my heart pretty much leaped out of my chest to see you finally passed court!
Elsha climbed up on my lap when I played the video, “Who dat, Mommy? Friends for me?”. Yes, sweetie, those girls can be your friends! They’re the same age as you!
Big cheers ringing through the Valley!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Amazing, congratulations. I have been following your journey and am overjoyed that you are going to be with your girls soon! Wishing you a speedy trip.
Liz
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:25 am
They are beautiful!! I can’t wait to see pictures of them in your arms!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
The video keeps freezing on me right at the transition house pics, but what I did see was awesome! They are soooo flipping CUTE!! May the next leg of the journey be unbelievably quick!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:31 am
Congratulations, a MILLON times! My husband and I are OVER The MOON for you! I actually cried when I heard you had passed court today!
We have been following your journey for so long as we are in the process of waiting for a referral of siblings (4 months in tomorrow) from Ethiopia with Imagine.
Court date after court date we prayed you would pass and when we finally heard you passed and saw your lovely children we just wanted to say Congratulations to your family!!!! You will be together very soon!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
YIPPEE YIPPEE FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL
Laura
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
Congratulations Mom & Dad!!
There are no other words.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:07 am
FANTASTIC NEWS! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 4 OF YOU!!!!!!
T
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 am
Yay!!!!!!!! I’ve been checking all day for the great news…..I am soooo happy for you guys!! What an amazing slide show….your daughters are gorgeous!! Can’t wait to follow the rest of your journey!
Steph
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
Oh, how awesome! For some reason I had it in my head that it was tomorrow that you would find out, but this is so much better! They are sooooooo beautiful! Just wow!!!! You’ve totally made my day, even though I’ve never met you! Isn’t the internet weird like that?
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:32 am
Holy CUTE! Congratulations! Your patience during this has been inspiring. Everyone celebrates with you today. My daughter to be is the same age. Speedy travel dates to you!
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
WOW WOW WOW and WONDERFULEST!!!!!! AFTER SUCH A LONG WAIL A DELIGHTED SIGH OF RELIEF AND SUCH JOY WITH TWO SUCH ADORABLE SMILING FACES!!!The girsl are lovely and such personalities shining through. Oh Happy Day.
Enjoy the new few moments as life will never be the same again….
Carol
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Haha..that was WAIT but I guesss that Wail is not too far off the angst of waiting!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Oh Nicky… Thanks for the tears of joy! I’m so, so happy for you guys. Your girls are simply beautiful!
Congratulations!!!
Heidi
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 am
Finally!!! So happy for both of you.
They have beautiful smiles and very bright eyes! I think you are going to have so much fun with them once they are home.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
CONGRATULATIONS!!! They are soooo beautiful!!!! We are praying that everything goes quickly and smoothly from here and you will be together very soon!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Ahhhhhhhhh! WONDERFUL! At last your time has come. Congratulations!!! I’m so completely happy for you!!!
Dianne
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Congratulations mom and dad! Your girls are precious!! I am so happy for you and your girls.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
So happy for you! Congratulations!
Thanks so much for sharing your girls’ photos - your daughters are incredibly beautiful.
Hope the next steps happen super-quickly.
Karen T.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
So happy and relieved for you both!!!!!
Can’t wait for fall!
hugs
nathalie
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Until I entered this adoption world I never knew that I could feel so much pure joy and happiness for otherwise total strangers. I am thrilled beyond belief for both of you today… mom and dad!! Your girls are so incredibly beautiful - thank you for sharing. Enjoy everything about this moment (including the dusty champagne!). A
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
They are so beautiful. Wonderful, wonderful news! How blessed you are.
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I am so happy for you. It’s been a long stressful journey but now the end is in sight, and hopefully this part will go faster. Your girls are absolutely beautiful, and judging by the photo, bursting with personality.
hug hug hug
Christine
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I am so happy for you!!! What a day worth celebrating:) The girls are absolutely stunning…just gorgeous…and I love the description of their personalities!! Yeah!!!!
Mary Catherine
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Congratulations to you! They look like they are full of personality. Beautiful.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
THEY ARE GORGEOUS!! Congratulations- what a beautiful, wonderful, fantastic day!
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Finally! Congratulations to all of you; they are so adorable and precious. I’m so excited for you “Mommy and Daddy” Yay, Yay, Yay
Tracey
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH! well for all 4 of you really!!! THANK HEAVENS!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
A huge congrats. I’ve been following your blog for ~18 months and am just starting my process, in the middle of the home study. It is so great to see that even when things are not smooth, they can still work out in the end. My heart swells with happiness for you!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
The are very, very cute and sweet. Amazing how fast their hair is growing, a true testament to the care they receive. I hope the next wait is a lot quicker.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
HOORAYYYYY!!! What beautiful girls you have!!! Congrats on the lucky #7!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Me again. I just had to come back to ask if you could feel the love for your family coming from all corners of this country today. I really thought I was the only one who woke up this morning and instantly wondered about your court date, but apparently I was not alone! When I shouted your headline out loud this morning, my husband started shouting from the kitchen “Did they pass? Did they pass???” and he came running to the computer too. It’s just wild how many people who have never met you are so thrilled for you today. Your blog is so thoughtful, positive and enouraging and it has been an exceptional inspiration for so many of us. Thank you.
Congratulations again. Hope you get a good night’s sleep tonight!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Congratulations on passing court!!! I checked first thing this morning with crossed fingers for you. YAY! Your girls are absolutely the cutest things I have ever seen. And I love the hair puffs.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Seriously!!!! They are the cutest EVER!!!!!! I am SOOOO happy for you both- you deserve all the happiness in the world. Enjoy planning for your trip- we cannot wait for you to bring those beautiful girls home!
Carolyn and Adam
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Congratulations! They’re beautiful. My husband and I will be starting our adoption blog soon. We’re in the very early stages of adoption, so it’s encouraging to come across other blogs that are nearing the end of their journey! All the best!
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Congrats you guys… fabulous news! And they are just TOO CUTE for words!
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
CONGRATULATIONS on this oh so long awaited day!! What amazing news for the four of you!!
I’m on a blackberry with dodgy reception surrounded by cows but wanted to see if seven had been your lucky number. Now of course I can’t see the slideshow and am DYING here!!
Hold the phone! I just scrolled down to hit send and this crazy device has put your banner down below. OH MY GOSH they are absolutely stunning!!! The sweetest faces!!! So happy for you!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
This is wonderful! Like so many others, you have been in my thoughts so much lately. And oh how happy I am to NOT hear there has to be another court- THEY ARE YOUR DAUGHTERS!!! And they are beautiful. So Beautiful. I hope the next step goes smoothly so they can soon be in your arms
Ramona
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
WOOHOOO!! We were at the lake, and I was thinking of you guys wondering how it went and it went AWESOME!! CONGRATULATIONS!! Your congrats is so very over due!
Your girls are gorgeous and finally you can be on an “actual” countdown! Start the packing lists
Rhonda
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I have been following your story and am ecstatic for you guys!! - I think you failed court the day we passed our 2nd court date December 31st 2008 - I am so very happy that you finally passed - your girls are so beautiful - your video brought tears to my eyes - CONGRATS MOMMY AND DADDY!!! Cynthia
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
They are BEAUTIFUL!!! Congrats and hope those visa’s come quick
shirley
*cranbrook
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Wonderful, fantastic, excellent news! So happy that those gorgeous sweet girls are finally yours!
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Woo Hoo!!!! Congratulations!!! They are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Cheryl
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
We couldn’t be more happier for you two, and your two adorable girls! At last, you can now send pictures and care packages! Wishing time flies for you the next few weeks…
Cory, Joyanne, Sylvie & the kitties
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Congratulations…they are cute, cute, cute! I’ve been following your journey. My son and daughter-in-law just passed court (2nd try) on their second child from Ethiopia. How exciting for you both!
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Oh! Congratulations! I have been following your journey for a few months now and I feel so relieved on your behalf. Your daughters are so sweet and I love the “blog names” you have chosen for them.
As a fellow BC-er and hopeful prospective adoptive mom, your experience has been so helpful to me in understanding some of the challenges of the adoption process! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Melissa
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
YEAH!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! they are two very beautiful girls! So very happy for you! I hope visa comes fast for you. And you are together soon!!
Blessings
Noelle
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
So very happy for you!!! Finally!!! And those girls are absolutely beautiful!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
WHOA… Congrats this is awesome news. Daniel and I have been keeping you in our thoughts /prayers for the past while and are so excited for all of you.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
tears of joy, my cyber-friends, tears of joy… what gorgeous, spunky, sweet, beautiful, and most importantly, YOURS girls you have there!!!!!! I’m not sure exactly when I’ll feel ok putting our little girlie up on our blog, as it won’t be official until we’re standing there in court with her, but I bought a stroller, so we must be getting there, right?
anyway, congratulations on your big day!!! hoping time flies for you and for us both!!
hugs,
tiffani
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:01 am
Congratulations!!! Your girls are adorable and beautiful. I am so glad this day has finally come for you. I hope that you visa process is quick and you will be in Ethiopia before you know it!!
I have been following your blog for awhile now. I am in NL and waiting 7 months for a child under 12 months.
Alicia
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Last night I was speechless and teary eyed but this morning I can string some sentences together. I’m so happy for you. I’ve been waiting to hear this good news. Sugar and Spice are so adorable. Enjoy!!
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:52 am
OMG. Congratulations, I’m so happy for you all. The girls are absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to hear more.
My glass is lifted to you and your family.
Natalie
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Congratulations! I am Emily’s sister and have been following your blog
I have a 2 year old daughter, and I cannot begin to express the joy that she brings to me; you are going to have SO much fun with TWO toddler girls! They are absolutely gorgeous, and I am so thrilled that they are FINALLY, officially yours.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I am so VERY VERY happy for you guys. What a wonderful day after so many disappointments. I wish you all the best in planning your trip to pick up your daughters. I am crying now because I know that one day soon we will have the same news to share.
July 4th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Thank you for sharing your news! My congratulations to you. You are an inspiration for us waiting families. All the best as you prepare for travel. Sincerely, Cara
July 4th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
What a wonderful video! They are truly beautiful!!
Huge congratulations to you both!!
July 5th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Congratulations, your little girls are absolutely adorable! I hope they are in your arms very soon!
Donna
July 6th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
This is definitely the news I was hoping for after getting home from camping in Golden, B.C.!!!
WOOOOOHOOOOO! I’m so so so so so happy for you!!!
The girls are BEAUTIFUL! Absolutley gorgeous!
Let’s hope for a fast Visa so you can see their sweet little faces in person!
July 6th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Ok, you have to get back to me. Your girls are UNBELIEVABLY cute. I am in love. How cute are they?
My TWIN Ethiopian girls just turned 3. Tomorrow we are celebrating their one year anniversary of being home. It was July 7, 2008 that they arrived in the US.
I am sooooooooooo excited for you. Let’s talk!
July 7th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Congratulations, what fantastic news! Next year you’ll be at Harambee too with your twin girls. Yippee!
July 7th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Yeah!! Oh my goodness I am so happy for the 6 of you!! I’m sure even the pups were celebrating. Enjoy all of the shopping and preping for your travels and the ARRIVAL of your daughters. Can you imagine your house yet at Halloween or Christmas?? Filled with laughter and squeals and hussling with activity. This will be an amazing Christmas!! Congrats to you all. The universe has aligned.
Barb
July 8th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
yah!! Finally, it was so much fun watching the video of your girls. You must be over the moon with joy. Congrats!!
July 16th, 2009 at 9:10 am
By now I am sure that you have met your two beautiful daughters.. I am sorry that this meeting came in the midst of such stress, but I am sure that the meeting was very special for you all. Congratulations to your whole family.. I hope that your stay in Ethiopia is wonderful, beautiful, and brief and that you will all soon be on the plane home to start your new life together as a family of four!!
Will be thinking about you and sending good wishes to you all..
take care,
Robyn
August 21st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Wow, Amazing photos! I am so so so glad that you are all together now, finally. The months apart probably seem like distant past already. All the best as you now grow together as a family.