Monday we found out that Matt was going back to work and the first thing I did was call our agency to let them know. They have been worried that since he was not working that we could not provide for Drew. Luckily, we were able to assure them that no matter what, Drew is our son and we WILL provide for him no matter what.
So, since I had them on the phone I also asked if by any chance they had heard anything about a LID (Log in Date) for our dossier. Unfortunately, they had not. I was getting a little worried because starting October 3, China begins a week long holiday called Zhongqiu Jie (or Moon Festival), also known as Mid-Autumn Festival.
During the Moon Festival all of China pretty much shuts down for an entire week. So I have been hoping and praying that we would have out LID before the Holiday began. You can imagine my disappointed when she said, "sorry no we haven't heard anything."
I was certain we would not hear anything until mid-October about our LID however, as I was checking my e-mail this evening I noticed an e-mail from our agency. Yes, it contained our LID. We have a LID of September 28th. So, now the the official countdown begins. Typically the average wait time between LID and LOA (Letter of Acceptance, this is China saying that they have reviewed our complete dossier and are without a doubt allowing us to adopt Drew) is 90 days. If it takes us the 90 days we will not hear anything until after Christmas. However, I have seen LOA's come in as little as 52 days and as much as 120 days. So, obviously we are hoping and praying that we will get our LOA in less than 90 days.
We also know that we are not in control of this journey we are on. God led us to Drew and He will unite us in His timing. We are confident that no matter how long it takes, 50 days, 90 days, or even 120 days, His timing is perfect. In the end, it doesn't matter how long it takes, the important thing is that we know without a doubt that we WILL bring our son home. We know that it is God's will for Drew to be a part of our family, and we also know that with Him on our side, all things are possible.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Answered Prayers
After 53 very LONG days of Matt being out of work, he finally got a call this morning to return to work tomorrow bright and early. Not only is he going back to work, but starting Friday he will be working massive overtime (7 days a week, 12+ hours a day). PRAISE GOD!!!
Although at times it has been nice having him home, it is way past time for him to go back to work. He has been a big help in getting the kids moving in the morning, getting odds and ends done around the house, plus, I have been able to get errands run during the day which has been really nice. But as much as I have enjoyed him being home and will miss him once he goes back to work (especially working 7/12's), it will also be nice to see a check in the bank once a week again.
So, thank you to ALL who have been praying that he would get called back to work. He heard your prayers and answered them.
Weekend update to come.
Although at times it has been nice having him home, it is way past time for him to go back to work. He has been a big help in getting the kids moving in the morning, getting odds and ends done around the house, plus, I have been able to get errands run during the day which has been really nice. But as much as I have enjoyed him being home and will miss him once he goes back to work (especially working 7/12's), it will also be nice to see a check in the bank once a week again.
So, thank you to ALL who have been praying that he would get called back to work. He heard your prayers and answered them.
Weekend update to come.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Look Out Yao Ming
This picture of Drew was on New Day's Blog this morning and Matt and I got quite a chuckle out of it so I thought I would share it with all of you.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
147 Million Minus 1
Did you know there are over 147 million orphans in the world? That is 147 million children who have no one to call family. That is 147 million children who have no one to love them or to love themselves. That is 147 million children that may not know where there next meal is going to come from or how they are going to stay warm now that the weather is changing. That is 147 million children too many. Do you want to know how you can help turn that 147 million into 146, 999,999?
JUNKPOSSE that is! What is JUNKPOSSE you ask? Well, it is a line of jewelry designed and handmade right here in the good ol' USA by a lady named Tracy. Tracy has a huge heart for orphans and adoption because she is the proud grandma to a little girl from Ethiopia. Because Tracy knows how financially difficult it is to raise money for adoptions, she donates 30% of her proceeds to a specific family. And you know what is even cooler than that? For the next couple of months, Tracy has chosen us to be one of those families.
All you have to do is click on the button in my sidebar, choose the design that best fits your style and order it. Simple enough. Oh, and if you mention my name during check out, you will also receive a FREE, yes FREE pair of sterling silver earrings.
The holidays are just around the corner and before you know it they are going to sneak up on us. How about getting a jump start on your shopping this year by heading over to Tracy's Etsy shop JUNKPOSSE and ordering a gift for someone, or even yourself. I myself love the Dream Come True necklace (hint, hint). Just think, not only will you be getting an awesome piece of handmade jewelry, but you will also have a hand in giving a child, a child of God, a home with a loving family. By purchasing one of Tracy's pieces, you will have changed a child's life by leaps and bounds. You will be decreasing the number from 147 million to 146,999,999. That is one less child that will be called and orphan and instead will be called a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, etc.
So, what are you waiting for? Go on over to Tracy's Etsy shop and help to change life of a child, a child of God.
~THIS CHILD, OUR CHILD
"For I helped the poor in their need and the orphans who had no one to help them." ~Job 29:12
JUNKPOSSE that is! What is JUNKPOSSE you ask? Well, it is a line of jewelry designed and handmade right here in the good ol' USA by a lady named Tracy. Tracy has a huge heart for orphans and adoption because she is the proud grandma to a little girl from Ethiopia. Because Tracy knows how financially difficult it is to raise money for adoptions, she donates 30% of her proceeds to a specific family. And you know what is even cooler than that? For the next couple of months, Tracy has chosen us to be one of those families.
All you have to do is click on the button in my sidebar, choose the design that best fits your style and order it. Simple enough. Oh, and if you mention my name during check out, you will also receive a FREE, yes FREE pair of sterling silver earrings.
The holidays are just around the corner and before you know it they are going to sneak up on us. How about getting a jump start on your shopping this year by heading over to Tracy's Etsy shop JUNKPOSSE and ordering a gift for someone, or even yourself. I myself love the Dream Come True necklace (hint, hint). Just think, not only will you be getting an awesome piece of handmade jewelry, but you will also have a hand in giving a child, a child of God, a home with a loving family. By purchasing one of Tracy's pieces, you will have changed a child's life by leaps and bounds. You will be decreasing the number from 147 million to 146,999,999. That is one less child that will be called and orphan and instead will be called a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, etc.
So, what are you waiting for? Go on over to Tracy's Etsy shop and help to change life of a child, a child of God.
~THIS CHILD, OUR CHILD
"For I helped the poor in their need and the orphans who had no one to help them." ~Job 29:12
From Nanjing Sisters to Nanjing Siblings
Yesterday all the Nanjing moms and their kids came over for our monthly playgroup. Notice I did not say Nanjing sister? Why, you ask? Well, we now have a new member to our group. Although he is not a girl, he is a Nanjing sibling to our beautiful daughters. Sammy just came home less than two weeks ago and is doing amazingly well. He is so cute, but way cuter in person. Sammy just turned 3 and seemed to feel right at home with all the little ladies.
Mylee was at school when everyone first arrived but as soon as she walked in the door and spotted Sammy she had a very puzzled look on her face.
Mylee: "Uh mom, that Drew?"
Me: "No, honey that is not Drew."
Mylee: "Who is that?"
Me: "That is Sammy."
Mylee: "Oh."
And off she went to play without a care in the world.
So you all know Mylee can be a tad bit persistant, well, I think she has met her match with Sammy. He was definitely not taking any of her "crap," in fact, he was giving it right back to her. All the kids got a fruit snack (Mylee was outside at the time) and when Mylee came in and saw this she was trying to get Sammy to give her one by sticking her hand in the bag. As you can see from the picture below he was not having it. In fact, he was "yelling" at her in Mandarin. It was the funniest thing. We moms were laughing so hard because 1, Mylee had no idea what he was saying and 2, Sammy did not seem to care that she didn't understand, he was going to make sure she got the picture that those were his. Too funny. I am so looking forward to many more play dates with Sammy. And I am also looking forward to bringing Drew home so Sammy will have another boy to play with.
This was taken after all the drama of the fruit snacks. Aren't they cute???
Here are four of the Nanjing Siblings. Clara, Mylee, Sammy, and Ava. Unfortunately Millie was unable to make it because her mommy is sick and you all know that Elsa is battling cancer right now. Because of the chemotherapy, she has been readmitted to the hospital and will hopefully be back home soon. Please remember to keep Elsa and her family in your prayers.
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Mylee was at school when everyone first arrived but as soon as she walked in the door and spotted Sammy she had a very puzzled look on her face.
Mylee: "Uh mom, that Drew?"
Me: "No, honey that is not Drew."
Mylee: "Who is that?"
Me: "That is Sammy."
Mylee: "Oh."
And off she went to play without a care in the world.
So you all know Mylee can be a tad bit persistant, well, I think she has met her match with Sammy. He was definitely not taking any of her "crap," in fact, he was giving it right back to her. All the kids got a fruit snack (Mylee was outside at the time) and when Mylee came in and saw this she was trying to get Sammy to give her one by sticking her hand in the bag. As you can see from the picture below he was not having it. In fact, he was "yelling" at her in Mandarin. It was the funniest thing. We moms were laughing so hard because 1, Mylee had no idea what he was saying and 2, Sammy did not seem to care that she didn't understand, he was going to make sure she got the picture that those were his. Too funny. I am so looking forward to many more play dates with Sammy. And I am also looking forward to bringing Drew home so Sammy will have another boy to play with.
This was taken after all the drama of the fruit snacks. Aren't they cute???
Here are four of the Nanjing Siblings. Clara, Mylee, Sammy, and Ava. Unfortunately Millie was unable to make it because her mommy is sick and you all know that Elsa is battling cancer right now. Because of the chemotherapy, she has been readmitted to the hospital and will hopefully be back home soon. Please remember to keep Elsa and her family in your prayers.
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Young Love
I intended on this post being about something totally different, but after seeing New Day's blog post today, I had no other choice than to postpone my original post (which by the way is about a conversation I had with our Priest yesterday about adoption and starting an adoption ministry at our Church).
Anyway, the below post is straight from The New Day blog and brought me to tears today. It is no secret that Drew and Adahlynn have a little "thing" for each other. We have several pictures of Drew and Adahlynn together. But for some unexplained reason, this post with these pictures really choked me up this morning. I am so thankful they have each other, but soon they will be separated when they are each united with their families. Although I have not seen them firsthand, it is obvious in their pictures that they love each other very much. I am hoping that Adahlynn's family and ours will be able to keep in touch so these two can continue the friendship they have formed from their time at New Day.
Little Lovebirds
On the way to Beijing for a preschool field trip today, it quickly became apparent that Drew has a crush.
Unfortunately, he didn't plan his moves very carefully, so he ended up sitting in an entirely different car than the apple of his eye, so the whole way to Beijing we were regaled with cries of "Where's Adahlyn? Where's Adahlyn?" Our reassurance that she was simply in another vehicle left him unconvinced; he seemed worried that we'd left her behind. But when he caught a quick glance of his beloved through the window of her car when we made a quick stop at a gas station, he was satisfied that they would be reunited soon.
And reunited they were. As we strolled through the park on a warm autumn afternoon, the two young lovebirds couldn't have asked for more. Adah wore a beautiful purple dress and Drew sported some pretty cool sunglasses. Butterflies danced in the wind and the aroma of sweet flowers filled the air. The "atmosphere" was clearly more than Drew could handle, and against his better judgement, he succumbed to a temptation many young boys do when they first desire to express their affection to the fairer sex.
He tackled her.
That's right, ladies and gentlemen, he took her down. A simple hug couldn't possibly express his love adequately; even a bear hug wouldn't do. In an effort to show just how powerful and strong his feelings were for her, he pinned her to the ground.
Let's just say it didn't go over well.
But like most lover's spats, this one ended happily. They made up quickly, and soon walked away hand in hand. Drew even planted a kiss on Adah's little hand, and when he saw that she didn't mind this expression of his affection, he did it again. Because what boy wouldn't steal two kisses when he had the chance?!
Don't worry... We now know we better keep an eye on these two.
Anyway, the below post is straight from The New Day blog and brought me to tears today. It is no secret that Drew and Adahlynn have a little "thing" for each other. We have several pictures of Drew and Adahlynn together. But for some unexplained reason, this post with these pictures really choked me up this morning. I am so thankful they have each other, but soon they will be separated when they are each united with their families. Although I have not seen them firsthand, it is obvious in their pictures that they love each other very much. I am hoping that Adahlynn's family and ours will be able to keep in touch so these two can continue the friendship they have formed from their time at New Day.
Little Lovebirds
On the way to Beijing for a preschool field trip today, it quickly became apparent that Drew has a crush.
Unfortunately, he didn't plan his moves very carefully, so he ended up sitting in an entirely different car than the apple of his eye, so the whole way to Beijing we were regaled with cries of "Where's Adahlyn? Where's Adahlyn?" Our reassurance that she was simply in another vehicle left him unconvinced; he seemed worried that we'd left her behind. But when he caught a quick glance of his beloved through the window of her car when we made a quick stop at a gas station, he was satisfied that they would be reunited soon.
And reunited they were. As we strolled through the park on a warm autumn afternoon, the two young lovebirds couldn't have asked for more. Adah wore a beautiful purple dress and Drew sported some pretty cool sunglasses. Butterflies danced in the wind and the aroma of sweet flowers filled the air. The "atmosphere" was clearly more than Drew could handle, and against his better judgement, he succumbed to a temptation many young boys do when they first desire to express their affection to the fairer sex.
He tackled her.
That's right, ladies and gentlemen, he took her down. A simple hug couldn't possibly express his love adequately; even a bear hug wouldn't do. In an effort to show just how powerful and strong his feelings were for her, he pinned her to the ground.
Let's just say it didn't go over well.
But like most lover's spats, this one ended happily. They made up quickly, and soon walked away hand in hand. Drew even planted a kiss on Adah's little hand, and when he saw that she didn't mind this expression of his affection, he did it again. Because what boy wouldn't steal two kisses when he had the chance?!
Don't worry... We now know we better keep an eye on these two.
Friday, September 11, 2009
We Will Never Forget
I remember when I was little my parents talking about where they were on the day JFK was shot and killed. My mom was in school, and my dad was working. I remember them both talking about how that day and the days to come were one of the saddest days for America.
Unfortunately, I now have a story like that to tell my kids. I remember just as if it were yesterday where I was on 9/11/2001. I had just dropped of Blake at pre-school and had returned home to lay back down because I was pregnant with Emma and wasn't feeling well. I had just laid down when the phone rang. It was Matt calling from work to tell me to turn on the T.V. By the time I turned on the T.V., they has already confirmed that the United States was under attack. I remember feeling sick not from being pregnant, but from the tragedy that was unfolding before my eyes. I remember looking up in the sky later that evening on my way to work, scared that a plane was going to come out of nowhere. I remember watching the news (on every channel) over and over and over. I remember the excitement I felt when someone was found alive and the sadness when someone was not.
I REMEMBER...
Please take a moment today out of your busy life and remember those that gave their lives for another, or for those who were brave enough to fight back. Pray for those who did not make it and for the family they left behind. Pray for those who continue to give to keep our country safe.
PRAY...
Unfortunately, I now have a story like that to tell my kids. I remember just as if it were yesterday where I was on 9/11/2001. I had just dropped of Blake at pre-school and had returned home to lay back down because I was pregnant with Emma and wasn't feeling well. I had just laid down when the phone rang. It was Matt calling from work to tell me to turn on the T.V. By the time I turned on the T.V., they has already confirmed that the United States was under attack. I remember feeling sick not from being pregnant, but from the tragedy that was unfolding before my eyes. I remember looking up in the sky later that evening on my way to work, scared that a plane was going to come out of nowhere. I remember watching the news (on every channel) over and over and over. I remember the excitement I felt when someone was found alive and the sadness when someone was not.
I REMEMBER...
Please take a moment today out of your busy life and remember those that gave their lives for another, or for those who were brave enough to fight back. Pray for those who did not make it and for the family they left behind. Pray for those who continue to give to keep our country safe.
PRAY...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Clean Freak
It appears that Drew is a bit of a clean freak. We have had several updates that have described Drew as having good hygiene (brushing his teeth, showering, helping to clean up, etc), but apparently he is now taking on the title of "The Clean Patrol." For complete details go here.
Oh, and speaking of Drew and his concern for hygiene, he recently got a new haircut.
I LOVE his eyes in this picture.
Oh, and speaking of Drew and his concern for hygiene, he recently got a new haircut.
I LOVE his eyes in this picture.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Something to Laugh About...
I had not planned on posting today however, when I was catching up on the blogs I read, I came across this and could not help sharing. This is too funny.
ENJOY!!!
ENJOY!!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thankful Thursday
Today I am thankful for knowing that although the wait is long and hard on us, Drew is in a wonderful, loving, caring, Christian environment. We are so close to having our dossier done and sent to China. We just have a few more hurdles to jump over and then it is off. From the time our dossier goes to China it will probably be 4-6 monts before we travel. I am not expecting to travel until at least February, but hoping and praying it is sooner. As long as we get there before Drew turns 4 (March11), I will be one happy mommy.
Below is the monthly update we get from Drew's foster family along with a picture. ENJOY!!!
Drew (Jeremy) is 3 Years 5 Months Old.
Drew’s foster mom wrote this update:
One morning, Drew got up early and said to me, "Mama, I am going on a bus today. We are going to swim in Beijing.” After finding his toothbrush, he brushed his teeth and washed his face. Then he ate breakfast and put on clean clothes. I took him to the foster home, and he sang children's songs the entire way. When I came to pick him up in the afternoon, he was so excited! He said, “Mom, I’ve returned from swimming. I am so strong that tomorrow I will carry you."
If you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings,
New Day Staff
Below is the monthly update we get from Drew's foster family along with a picture. ENJOY!!!
Drew (Jeremy) is 3 Years 5 Months Old.
Drew’s foster mom wrote this update:
One morning, Drew got up early and said to me, "Mama, I am going on a bus today. We are going to swim in Beijing.” After finding his toothbrush, he brushed his teeth and washed his face. Then he ate breakfast and put on clean clothes. I took him to the foster home, and he sang children's songs the entire way. When I came to pick him up in the afternoon, he was so excited! He said, “Mom, I’ve returned from swimming. I am so strong that tomorrow I will carry you."
If you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings,
New Day Staff
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
ELSA
Many of you have asked for an update on Elsa. Her older sister Katherine has created a blog to keep family and friends updated on Elsa's condition. I have spoken with Susan and she has given me permission to share the blog so that all of you can get the updates, but more importantly, so you can pray for Elsa and her family.
www.specialelsagirl.blogspot.com
www.specialelsagirl.blogspot.com
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