Just Beautiful...

The adoptive couple that gave us the wonderful update on Anna yesterday, was able to get us a picture of Anna today. It is wee hours of the morning, but I was awake and decided I might as well check, "just to see" if they had been posted. Well, to my very pleasant surprise - here she is...

She looks so good. Healthy, happy and well-cared for - perfect with the exception that she is not here, asleep in her crib where I can gingerly tip-toe into her room to watch her breathing. But, oh the day...my heart leaps for joy to think of her being here, where I can touch her, smell her, hear her and her know, that she is ours and we are hers. But, until then, I will gaze at a picture and recognize my many blessings - that God has His hand upon my children, all my children.

Going to kiss my sleeping boys once more as they sleep and sending love to my Anna.

Update, Update, Update...

We have been so fortunate to receive another update on Anna. A couple from Ohio is currently in China adopting their daughter from Foshan Nanhai SWI, Anna's orphanage. Erin, the new mommy, has been so nice to me and has gotten an update on Anna. I have posted her message so you can read what she has to say about her.

Hi-
I saw your little girl today. She looked fine and happy. I showed the
director my paper with the names on it and they went and brought all of the
kids to me to take pictures of. Very nice caretakers that really seem to
care about the kids. She was in her crib when we got there and I spotted her
right away. She was the first one I recognized. I took a picture of her in
her crib and then later they brought her out to me in the playroom to take
another picture. I talked to her and told her that mommy would be coming
soon to take her home. One of the caretakers asked me if I knew her mother.
I told her yes and I would send the picture back. She thought that was good.
All of the babies stand up in their cribs when someone comes in the room.
They really liked the attention, in fact they were craving us to come over
to see each of them.
I will download the pictures later, just wanted to let you know she was
fine.
Erin

What exciting news for us. To know that she is doing well, being cared for, and that the caretakers are asking about us, just thrills me. I hope that they show her the photo book that we sent back in December and she will recognize us from the pictures when we travel to get her. Many, many thanks to Erin, her husband and new daughter, Ella, for taking time out of their adoption journey to get an update for us. The kindness of those that have done this can never be repaid, except for us to do the same for those waiting when we travel. Cathy, Kenny & Erin - thank you!

We are so blessed that Anna is in Foshan Nanhai SWI. I have only heard good things about Ms. Tang, the director, and the caretakers. The photos and videos that I have seen show the orphanage to be clean and in good repair. Many parents have to not only deal with the fact that their child is half a world away, but that they live in a run-down, poorly equipped facility without necessities. The orphanage may not have many children adopted from the orphanage and therefore, they may never get any updated information or pictures. My heart goes out to those that must also deal with these worries.

So happy to hear wonderful news about our daughter, and sending love to my Anna.

Happy Easter...

Every holiday that passes I have moments of sadness knowing that Anna is not with our family, but the fact that "this" is the last Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. that she will not be here is my comfort. Easter is a time to remember the most miraculous event in history, the resurrection of my Savior. It is the basis of my faith and the hope of my eternity. I hope that you all had a wonderful Easter and that God gives us all a clearer picture of who He is.

We had a great, busy day. We started our day with the traditional Easter Bunny treats at the front door, Sunday School, Sunday Message, Egg Hunt, Lunch at my Parents-in-laws, Egg Hunt, Kids playing and finally home - only to clean the kitchen from Sunday morning and to do some laundry for the next day. My mother-in-law is a great cook and lunch was delicious. Rodney's sister and husband were also there, as well as friends of ours and their two kids. We have known them for a long time and our kids love playing together. I have posted some pictures of our day.

Have you ever tried to take a family picture with three rambunctious boys? Not possible.

Happy Easter to you all and sending love to my Anna.

A Heavy Heart...

We don't see the big picture many times. Nor do we understand all God's plans. But, if we believe in Him, we have to believe that He knows what is best for everyone involved. His plans are perfect, I know that, but it doesn't mean that I understand it. My heart is heavy for my dear "Friend in NY" and a little boy named KC. God knows and He is in control. I pray His will be done and for Him to comfort all those involved.

Praying for peace and sending love to my Anna.

L - I - D !!!!!

Finally!!! Our dossier arrived at CCAA on February 14, but we didn't know about our Log In Date (LID) until today!!! We received LID on February 25, which means that we are on day 27 of our LOA/SC wait!

I guess you can tell from my use of exclaimation points (!!!) that I am just a tad bit excited today. We received a call from Terri at CHI this morning. It is so funny how that every step of this process is laden with emotion. Another major step taken and closer to Anna than we have ever been. We hope that we will travel in May, but it is likely that it will be June...but I still pray for May!

We are ecstatic today! We are very thankful for what God has done in our lives and what He is doing. We know that we are so blessed to be a part of this miracle and to love this little girl a half a world away. What a blessed woman I am. Sending thanks above and love to my Anna.

No News Is Good News?

It has been a while since my last post, but honestly nothing has happened. Well, we haven't heard anything. Our dossier is in China, but no word on a Log In Date (LID).

LID is the next step for us before our SC/LOA (Seeking Confirmation/Letter of Acceptance). Once we receive this, sign and return to China, it is "suppose" to be about 2 weeks before TA (Travel Approval). The SC/LOA is basically a letter from CCAA saying "we are processing this adoption of this child to you - do you still want to adopt him/her?".

So, hopefully we will hear of LID within the next week or so and have a better idea of where we stand. Of course, all that is subject to change at any given moment. There are poor adoptive parents who have waited 150+ days for SC/LOA after their LID and others that waited under 60 days. There really doesn't seem to be a reason, that we/agencies can tell, why some get skipped and others go faster, but we are really hoping we end up on the faster end of the spectrum.

I will keep you posted as news becomes available. When I know - I'll let you know. Hoping for some good news soon and sending love to my Anna.

Our Anna...