For those who have asked for an update on where we are at with bringing Drew home, here you go.
As of Tuesday all of our paperwork has been signed, sealed, and delivered (I hope) to our agency's in country advisor. Because of Chinese New Year almost all of China is "shut down." Luckily everything opens back up Monday which is when our paperwork will make it's way to the US Consulate in Guangzhou. Two weeks later on March 8th, our paperwork will be picked up from the US Consulate and be forwarded on to the CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs). Once it is in the hand of the CCAA we will wait for them to issue our TA (travel approval).
So, we are expecting our TA sometime in March and hoping and praying for an early April travel date for two reasons. One, since Blake is going with us, his spring break fall during the first week of April (that way he doesn't have to miss as much school) and two, there is a big trade show in China beginning on April 13 and running into the first week of March. Because of the trade show the flights to and in China as well as the hotel rates are more than double. There is NO way we can afford that so we would have to delay travel until sometime in May. UGHHHHHH!
Which brings me to my title, "It's Up and Running." I want you all to go here for a chance at winning some pretty incredible prizes through an online fundraiser we are holding to help us bring our son home. If you follow the directions to a T, you should walk away with several entries, most of them FREE!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Black and White Wednesday ~ 4
Once again it is time for Lisa's Black and White Wednesday. For more great black and white pictures, go here.
Mylee turned 4 on Monday February 15th. I wanted to post about her then, but things here have been so crazy that I just did not get the chance. I did manage to post a slide show of pictures yesterday. Oh, and for those that asked, I did not make her cake, but I do take full responsibility for the design.
It is hard to believe Mylee is now 4. I think it is hardest for me to grasp simply because I missed the first two years with her plus, she is the tiniest little thing, she does not look 4 at all. Mylee is an absolute joy and such a blessing to our family. Mylee is smart, happy, spunky, spirited, affectionate, determined, and she can be very stubborn. She loves to craft and scrapping paper (her version of scrap booking). She loves to dance and sing and play with her babies. She loves to go into Blake's room and dance to his stereo. She adores Emma and tries to anything Emma does. When Emma is at school Mylee asks about her constantly. Mylee and Gabe are the best of friends one day and each others worst enemy the next. They are truly brother and sister in every way. Mylee is definitely a mommy's girl, but here recently she is ready and waiting to go with daddy (which is SO nice). Even though Drew is not yet home, Mylee is one proud big sister. She loves to tell anyone who will listen about Drew, her "Chinese brother."
Mylee is an amazing little girl and I am so blessed and lucky to call her my daughter. I cannot imagine our family without her. For years I dreamed of Mylee, I dreamed of her almond shaped eyes, her light brown skin, and her silky black hair. For years I wondered if my dream would ever become a reality. On a hot, sunny July afternoon I sat at my computer staring into the eyes of a beautiful little girl. She had almond shaped eyes, light brown skin, and hair as black as the night's sky. She sat in a walker dressed in yellow with the most serious look on her face and beads of sweat on her forehead. Staring back at me from my computer (I have to say that I have chills as I am typing this) that day was not just my daughter, not just any little girl, but THE little girl from my dreams. It was the same face, the same eyes, the same skin, and the same hair. It was then, through the tears in my eyes, that I knew without a doubt that she was our daughter and we were about to begin the journey of a lifetime.
Mylee has only been a physical part of our family for 21 months, but she has been in our hearts always. It is hard to realize that she has only been with us for 21 months because it feels like she has been with us forever. It is hard to think of a time when she wasn't a part of our family.
I don't think I can end this post without thanking the two people I admire so much, Mylee's birth parents. We know very little about the first few days of Mylee's life. We will never know the circumstances of her birth, or why she was abandoned (we can only assume), but what we do know based on the information we do have is that Mylee's birthmother/father loved her very much and only wanted the very best for her. It is because of their love for their child that we are able to call Mylee our daughter. It is because of their selflessness that we were able to turn a dream into a reality. So, I ask you today to say a prayer for Mylee's birthparents that they have peace in their hearts and are some way aware of the decision they made 4 years ago has not only changed Mylee's life for the best, but for the lives of those she has and will touch.
Mylee, we love and adore you more than you may ever know. You are an inspiration to us, and a dream true. You brighten our days with your smile, you melt our hearts with your hugs, kisses, and multiple "I love yous."
For more birthday pictures scroll down to the previous post. If you haven't already seen it, you must check out the cake, it was gorgeous.
Mylee turned 4 on Monday February 15th. I wanted to post about her then, but things here have been so crazy that I just did not get the chance. I did manage to post a slide show of pictures yesterday. Oh, and for those that asked, I did not make her cake, but I do take full responsibility for the design.
It is hard to believe Mylee is now 4. I think it is hardest for me to grasp simply because I missed the first two years with her plus, she is the tiniest little thing, she does not look 4 at all. Mylee is an absolute joy and such a blessing to our family. Mylee is smart, happy, spunky, spirited, affectionate, determined, and she can be very stubborn. She loves to craft and scrapping paper (her version of scrap booking). She loves to dance and sing and play with her babies. She loves to go into Blake's room and dance to his stereo. She adores Emma and tries to anything Emma does. When Emma is at school Mylee asks about her constantly. Mylee and Gabe are the best of friends one day and each others worst enemy the next. They are truly brother and sister in every way. Mylee is definitely a mommy's girl, but here recently she is ready and waiting to go with daddy (which is SO nice). Even though Drew is not yet home, Mylee is one proud big sister. She loves to tell anyone who will listen about Drew, her "Chinese brother."
Mylee is an amazing little girl and I am so blessed and lucky to call her my daughter. I cannot imagine our family without her. For years I dreamed of Mylee, I dreamed of her almond shaped eyes, her light brown skin, and her silky black hair. For years I wondered if my dream would ever become a reality. On a hot, sunny July afternoon I sat at my computer staring into the eyes of a beautiful little girl. She had almond shaped eyes, light brown skin, and hair as black as the night's sky. She sat in a walker dressed in yellow with the most serious look on her face and beads of sweat on her forehead. Staring back at me from my computer (I have to say that I have chills as I am typing this) that day was not just my daughter, not just any little girl, but THE little girl from my dreams. It was the same face, the same eyes, the same skin, and the same hair. It was then, through the tears in my eyes, that I knew without a doubt that she was our daughter and we were about to begin the journey of a lifetime.
Mylee has only been a physical part of our family for 21 months, but she has been in our hearts always. It is hard to realize that she has only been with us for 21 months because it feels like she has been with us forever. It is hard to think of a time when she wasn't a part of our family.
I don't think I can end this post without thanking the two people I admire so much, Mylee's birth parents. We know very little about the first few days of Mylee's life. We will never know the circumstances of her birth, or why she was abandoned (we can only assume), but what we do know based on the information we do have is that Mylee's birthmother/father loved her very much and only wanted the very best for her. It is because of their love for their child that we are able to call Mylee our daughter. It is because of their selflessness that we were able to turn a dream into a reality. So, I ask you today to say a prayer for Mylee's birthparents that they have peace in their hearts and are some way aware of the decision they made 4 years ago has not only changed Mylee's life for the best, but for the lives of those she has and will touch.
Mylee, we love and adore you more than you may ever know. You are an inspiration to us, and a dream true. You brighten our days with your smile, you melt our hearts with your hugs, kisses, and multiple "I love yous."
For more birthday pictures scroll down to the previous post. If you haven't already seen it, you must check out the cake, it was gorgeous.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Miss Mylee is 4!!!
Mylee's birthday was yesterday but we celebrated on Saturday with family and friends. Whenever anyone would ask her what she wanted, her response was always "Chinese party with a Chinese Barbie."
The cake turned out better than expected and Miss Mylee was more than pleased. All in all she had a great day/weekend especially since Sunday was not only Valentine's Day but also Chinese New Year.
Enjoy the pictures.
The cake turned out better than expected and Miss Mylee was more than pleased. All in all she had a great day/weekend especially since Sunday was not only Valentine's Day but also Chinese New Year.
Enjoy the pictures.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Calling Anyone and Everyone...
This is pretty much going to be short, sweet and to the point. Many of you know the struggles we have had these past few months in bringing Drew home and many of you have stepped up and helped us out. There is no way that Matt and I can thank you enough for all your thoughts, prayers, and donations. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful support from friends, family, and some we have never even met.
If you are new to our blog you can go here to read how God opened our hearts to adoption once again.
I am once again calling on you, my family, my friends, and my fellow adoptive parents to lend a hand. I am in the process of putting together a fundraiser for Drew to help with the remaining costs to bring him home. Unfortunately, like so many other adoption fundraisers, we simple don't have the money to offer elaborate prizes such as cameras, laptops, or gift cards. So, that is where you all come in. I have been contacting several Etsy shops and have been surprised at just how many are willing to donate and help us out. As of now I have about 10-12 great prizes for the fundraiser. But, I want/need more. Since we are not able to go all out, I want several prizes for people to get excited about. So, if you have a talent, a hobby, or know someone that does, please contact me at: mmyag@verizon.net.
I am hoping to have the fundraiser blog up and running by next week. I should probably also mention that payapl no longer allows raffles to be used, so the wording will be a suggested donation. And this time, each suggested donation of $10.00 will get you one entry, or you can get 3 entries for $25.00. And as always, you will get bonus entries for 1. posting about our fundraiser on your blog, and 2. for leaving me a comment. Oh, and if you do happen to donate something, well that will also automatically get you an entry.
Just to let you all know where we are in the process of bringing Drew home, the only thing we are waiting on now is our Article 5 and our TA. Thankfully (and I cannot believe I am typing this) Chinese New Year starts Sunday which means most of China shuts down for about 2 weeks. Why is that a good thing you ask? Well, as much as I want to get on a plane and fly to China to bring Drew home, we simply don't have all the money we need. I have estimated that we will probably receive our TA sometime in March and am really hoping to travel the first two weeks in April. One reason is that since we are taking Blake, his spring break falls during the first week of April. The second reason is that there is a trade show in China beginning on April 13 and the hotel costs are more than double during those three weeks. There is no way we will be able to travel during then so please, say a prayer that 1. we are able to raise the amount needed and that 2. we are able to travel BEFORE the trade show.
Happy weekend to everyone. This is going to be a busy weekend for us. Saturday Emma makes her First Reconciliation, then Saturday afternoon we are having Mylee's birthday party (I can't wait for you to see the cake). Oh, and lets not forget that Sunday is Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day.
If you are new to our blog you can go here to read how God opened our hearts to adoption once again.
I am once again calling on you, my family, my friends, and my fellow adoptive parents to lend a hand. I am in the process of putting together a fundraiser for Drew to help with the remaining costs to bring him home. Unfortunately, like so many other adoption fundraisers, we simple don't have the money to offer elaborate prizes such as cameras, laptops, or gift cards. So, that is where you all come in. I have been contacting several Etsy shops and have been surprised at just how many are willing to donate and help us out. As of now I have about 10-12 great prizes for the fundraiser. But, I want/need more. Since we are not able to go all out, I want several prizes for people to get excited about. So, if you have a talent, a hobby, or know someone that does, please contact me at: mmyag@verizon.net.
I am hoping to have the fundraiser blog up and running by next week. I should probably also mention that payapl no longer allows raffles to be used, so the wording will be a suggested donation. And this time, each suggested donation of $10.00 will get you one entry, or you can get 3 entries for $25.00. And as always, you will get bonus entries for 1. posting about our fundraiser on your blog, and 2. for leaving me a comment. Oh, and if you do happen to donate something, well that will also automatically get you an entry.
Just to let you all know where we are in the process of bringing Drew home, the only thing we are waiting on now is our Article 5 and our TA. Thankfully (and I cannot believe I am typing this) Chinese New Year starts Sunday which means most of China shuts down for about 2 weeks. Why is that a good thing you ask? Well, as much as I want to get on a plane and fly to China to bring Drew home, we simply don't have all the money we need. I have estimated that we will probably receive our TA sometime in March and am really hoping to travel the first two weeks in April. One reason is that since we are taking Blake, his spring break falls during the first week of April. The second reason is that there is a trade show in China beginning on April 13 and the hotel costs are more than double during those three weeks. There is no way we will be able to travel during then so please, say a prayer that 1. we are able to raise the amount needed and that 2. we are able to travel BEFORE the trade show.
Happy weekend to everyone. This is going to be a busy weekend for us. Saturday Emma makes her First Reconciliation, then Saturday afternoon we are having Mylee's birthday party (I can't wait for you to see the cake). Oh, and lets not forget that Sunday is Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Black and White Wednesday ~
Well, it is Wednesday, and you all know what that means, Lisa's Black and White Wednesday. To find out more about Black and White Wednesday, go here.
I was going through some pictures this past weekend and came across this picture of Matt and Mylee. It was taken last spring at the baseball diamond during one of Gabe's t-ball games. The quality of the picture is not great, but I LOVE it anyway. I love how you can see that Mylee is really hanging on to Matt. I love that because Matt's hands are so big Mylee is only able to hang on to one finger.
Go check out Lisa's blog for more great Black and White Wednesday posts.
I was going through some pictures this past weekend and came across this picture of Matt and Mylee. It was taken last spring at the baseball diamond during one of Gabe's t-ball games. The quality of the picture is not great, but I LOVE it anyway. I love how you can see that Mylee is really hanging on to Matt. I love that because Matt's hands are so big Mylee is only able to hang on to one finger.
Go check out Lisa's blog for more great Black and White Wednesday posts.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Black and White Wednesday ~ Sisters
Once again it is time for Lisa's Black and White Wednesday. I was going through some pictures the other day and came across the pictures of when Mylee met everyone for the first time at the airport. Mylee loves her big sister and has looked up to her from day one. Emma is a great big sister to Mylee. As soon as Emma walks in the door Mylee is running to her. Just the other day as Emma was walking in the door from school Mylee ran to her and said "Hi Emma, how was your day? What did you do today? I missed you." Emma got down on her knees and told Mylee all about her day.
Emma is such a big help with Mylee. If I need to get something done I can always count on Emma to occupy Mylee either by reading her a book, playing school, or whatever else they can find. When Emma has homework, Mylee will find her notebook, climb up next to Emma and do her "homework" as well.
Mylee and Emma share a room. Many nights I will go in to check on them before I go to bed and I usually find them in bed together. Just last night at 3:45 a.m. Mylee came in our room and the first thing she asked was "where is Emma?" I told her she was in bed and Mylee said "no, she not in her bed." Well, Emma had gotten in Mylee's bed last night and Mylee didn't even know it.
I look forward to watching these two beautiful girls share a lifetime of memories together. I know not every waking minute is going to be blissful, they will fight and they will become annoyed with each other. But, at the end of the day no matter how many tears may be shed, they are and will always remain sisters. As they get older the tears will turn into laughter and the fighting will turn into bonding. They share their secrets with one another, their hopes and dreams. They will share a bond like no other because they are SISTERS.
Meeting for the very first time~
Emma is such a big help with Mylee. If I need to get something done I can always count on Emma to occupy Mylee either by reading her a book, playing school, or whatever else they can find. When Emma has homework, Mylee will find her notebook, climb up next to Emma and do her "homework" as well.
Mylee and Emma share a room. Many nights I will go in to check on them before I go to bed and I usually find them in bed together. Just last night at 3:45 a.m. Mylee came in our room and the first thing she asked was "where is Emma?" I told her she was in bed and Mylee said "no, she not in her bed." Well, Emma had gotten in Mylee's bed last night and Mylee didn't even know it.
I look forward to watching these two beautiful girls share a lifetime of memories together. I know not every waking minute is going to be blissful, they will fight and they will become annoyed with each other. But, at the end of the day no matter how many tears may be shed, they are and will always remain sisters. As they get older the tears will turn into laughter and the fighting will turn into bonding. They share their secrets with one another, their hopes and dreams. They will share a bond like no other because they are SISTERS.
Meeting for the very first time~
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