Expecting from China

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T17:25:00.000-05:00

Kylie Grace,

Your gift to your daddy was perfect, and he loved it. We can't wait for you to come home. Your room is waiting and we still have lots of shopping to do to get prepared for your arrival, but we are taking it slowly and enjoying the journey. Zoe, Casey, and Josie are excited, too. They received all their squeaky toys and treats - we can't wait to see you with them!

Daddy is going skiing in a few weeks, so you'll see in the video later that Santa brought him new skis and ski boots. There were a few other tricks up mommy's sleeve, too - like a new beard trimmer, some clothes, and a subsciption to XM radio for his love of sports. Santa brought mommy a new planner with matching tote bag, some clothes, perfume and a new Wok she's wanted for a long time. Your Mimi, Aunt Julie, and Cole were over for the morning and we had a nice lunch - a casual one this year.

We hung another Christmas ornament in honor of you and of Baby Collins. We aren't sure which one of you will be here first, but you can be sure you are loved just the same. We prayed for both of you at the candlelight service at Church last night. It was beautiful - I only wish I could have taken pictures for you to see, but you'll be here soon enough with us... we love you.

Christmas with Tracy

2007-12-24T22:24:00.001-05:00

WE MADE IT, WE MADE IT!!

2007-12-20T22:23:00.000-05:00

"The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before October 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 14, 2005."

Whew... This is the info posted on the CCAA's website. Basically, we made it through "review" without any further questions or clarification. This is a HUGE milestone, in our eyes. We are "clear" to adopt our baby girl (or twins!!) in China. Woohoo!!

Perfect timing. A few days ago, we decided NOT to move forward with in-vitro again. And, if Baby Collins (our domestic attempt at adoption) doesn't come before KGC, that is ok, too.

We're making lemonade out of the lemons.

What Christmas Ornament are YOU?

2007-12-13T21:52:00.001-05:00

You Are an Angel

A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Birthday Wishes

2007-12-12T21:49:00.000-05:00

Of course, if anyone asks, I say " a baby" to the question ... " What do you want for your birthday?" It is actually the same answer for Christmas - and it will be until... well, you know.

Today was a great day. The day started with lots of "Happy Birthday to You" songs from Tiffany, Julie and Cole, Tracy and the girls, Lane, Jane, and Kathy. My mom, Anne, Paula (mom in law), and Pam from my office called with birthday wishes. Paula and I went to a sewing class and we created these great purses/diaper bags/laptop bags - whatever your fancy. The fabric is from the Amy Butler line, which I love..its lots of fun. It really wasn't too hard, and I think I'll make it again. Very versatile, about 11x17, and I can make them with any fabric we want! maybe I should consider them for fundraisers? What do you think?

Front and a pic of the inside with pockets (oh yeah, I have to finish putting buttons on)

and the back with another pocket...

We went to lunch with Tracy at Donny's. Ok, not the best food I remember, but the company was the best. Tracy "surprised" me with a pair of shoes she knew I wanted (haha, actually, she had them in her car last week and I saw them, so I knew they were coming, but I was still really excited - it was an inside joke), and Paula surprised me with a briefcase, purse, and charm bracelet. Brad surprised me with a new bluetooth headset for my cell ( no, honey, I will not take yours tomorrow now). Julie and Cole brought me a beautiful arrangement of flowers and a BBB gift card (which will totally go to great use asap). AND, we went to eat Mexican tonight... my favorite.

Last night I finished Amber's quilt for Christmas...

And, here is a better picture of Kylie's

It really was a perfect birthday. I am so thankful for all of my friends and family.

"Waiting for Kylie Grace"

2007-12-09T20:55:00.000-05:00

I made ornaments again this year for our family - "Waiting for KGC", and on the back is "2007". I never thought in a million years we wouldn't be sharing our referral around this time, and we'd be making the ornaments a tradition!

I've been out of the loop for while, but here's the latest update:

We are patiently waiting for KGC, as best we can. I went through quite a slump - from anger to resentment, sadness, and even hopelessness..something I know most of my friends out there understand first hand.

As most of you know, I am in the real estate business - our local market isn't as bad as the press is making it out to be, so I am relatively busy. Busy enough, I should say. The press has hurt us, so this also hasn't been a real positive area of our lives either. And remember Hubby is also in the industry. No stress there, right? Ha!

I've really enjoyed decorating the new house ("new house" - I'll get to that), and have been keeping busy outside of work with the house, quilting, photography, spending time with friends, and babysitting. Here is one that I am making for my best friend's daughter who just turned 13. You can't really see it here, but there are shoes, purses, and keyboards - all things she loves. Along with lots of flowers and bright colors. I hope she loves it. I am making one for her sister, too, but it's not ready.

I've enjoyed meeting a few of the Moms that blog in our new state. I followed their blogs for so long while we were in FL, so it is nice to actually get to know them in person. I've decided not to say what state we've moved to since we have also decided a few other things... I'll get to that.

Oh, right, I haven't really talked about moving. So much has happened since my last significant post in March of this year. We decided to relocate just after that post, and moved into our new home in June/July. We sold our previous house in record time considering the market change. I love our new house and we are staying put for a long time.

What else are we up to? DH is working more than lots of hours. He is also traveling, which is very interesting to him right now, so I am all for it. I'm glad he isn't going anywhere this week since its my BDAY!!

Ok, the new decisions we've made. We are going to pursue another adoption. And just a few minutes ago, we also decided to POSSIBLY pursue IVF again. Do you think the birthday coming up has anything at all to do with all these new decisions?? Time is flying. (Except for of course with the wait for KGC). We know we want to build our family with atleast two children. The reality is KGC won't be here for another 2 years - maybe longer, so we can't just continue to float around with our heads in clouds. AND, before you ask, yes, we are still adopting from China. KGC may not even be thought about at this point, but we will not let her go!

Enough for tonight - one step at a time.

Halloween Party 2007

2007-11-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

Slowly ticking...

2007-10-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

5 years, 54 months and 9 days. It feels like our match day is that far away.

When we started the process, the timeline was 12-14 months for the wait time between our LID and match day. 12 months is only 9 days away, and if the referrals remain on the track they are on today, that would mean a wait of 10 years. Nope, not a typo - TEN years.

So, this is why I haven't posted to our blog for several months. I have remained hopeful for change in the amount of time it is taking the CCAA to match waiting families to their children. Today, I am having a pity party. What caused this sudden reaction? I've been distracted with so much since March - some intentional, some not... and yesterday, I received an email from our agency with what they call "Family Support Packets". There is a lot of information regarding what we should expect on Match Day, travel etc... and I realized that our timeline is so extremely indefinite, that I, too, have become detached from the reality that we will have our child at the end of this long journey.

Tomorrow will be a better day - I won't allow myself to stay in "this place" for long. Tonight, I think I will go into our baby girl's nursery (which by the way hasn't been set up since our recent move - that is another story for another day) and spend some time there. I almost feel like I am experiencing grief for a loss ... again.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

Wish You Were Here...

2007-03-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

Yep, seeing is believing - that is me on the left...Tiffany on the right. This was taken on the slopes at Boulder Lodge at Lake Tahoe, our first day out. This was my first attempt at snowboarding. I decided to give it a whirl with Tiffany. It really was a lot more fun than I expected, since I am not really the athletic one. Tiffany and I both took private lessons, and after almost 3 hours of lessons, I could actually make it down what they called "the magic carpet" without falling - and I learned how to do this "falling leaf" stuff, where I basically went down turning to the right, back to the middle, and to the left! About 3/4 of the way through my lesson, I was determined to keep going even though my body was quite exhausted, and twisted my arm. Joel, the instructor, helped me determine it wasn't broken, so I kept going. I think I either sprained the area around my elbow, or pulled a muscle. Brad stopped in every once in a while to check in, and of course when he did, and I tried to show off, it didn't work out too well. I do have witnesses, though - Tiffany's husband, Warren, took a rest at the bottom of the mountain where I was practicing, and he saw me. That's our story, and I am sticking to it. I really did do better than I ever thought I would be able to! In fact, I really am interested in learning how to ski so Brad and I can go together - and bring little Kylie with us..there were lots of little kids bundled up, having a blast out in the snow, on one of the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen.

Tiff, who is much more experienced, collided with a skiier during her lesson, and we ended up at the emergency clinic - we really thought she broke her collar bone or something, but thank goodness, she "jammed" it, so we will both be recovering for a few days.

This picture was taken at the top of the mountain at Heavenly, on our second day. Tiff and I took the Gondola up to meet Brad. More pictures to come.. I am off to enjoy another day..

Quilt #2

2007-03-16T21:08:00.000-05:00

My nephew, Cole, loves lions and tigers - I finished the quilt top last week, put the border on Wednesday night, backing together yesterday, and I pinned it together tonight. Cole is 8, so this quilt is almost the size of a twin, rather than the crib sized quilt I made for Lila.

Lexie with Mom and Dad

2007-03-12T19:33:00.000-05:00

Forever a family. Congratulations, Amy, Greg, and Lexie. And to think a week ago today, Mom and Dad didn't have any idea you would be together on this perfect day, March 12, 2007! We are so happy for you all, and will be following you every step of the way. Amy..if you are out there, I am waiting with my tennies on to help you go grocery shopping when you come home. I can shop with the best of 'em!

The "Brown Envelope"

2007-03-10T18:48:00.000-05:00

Who would have thought one could be so happy to see a big "brown envelope" hanging out of a mailbox. I had written off the receipt of the envelope, just in case, because "they" said receiving, or not receiving, this "brown envelope" wasn't a big deal. "Don't be alarmed if you don't receive the "brown envelope", but if you do, let us know that you have." Ok, seriously, how could we not be alarmed, atleast a little bit? with the ups and downs of the whole process, in general, every little thing is exaggerated - it's just a part of the life. I know that, in the past, there have been successful adoptions without the "brown envelope", but still. Seriously.

So, what is the "brown envelope"? Here it is!!

See, I knew you'd understand...heehee. In a nutshell, we have the paperwork that is necessary to bring with us to China, to apply for our daughter's Visa. From what I understand, they have officially acknowledged that we are, in fact, waiting in line to adopt (or, maybe my very convincing mind has made that determination). Yes, I know, I know, that milestone tagged "LID" meant we were officially waiting in line to adopt, but this is... another... officially waiting in line designation. Hey, I will take what I can get! BTW - The letter was dated October 31,2006. Our LID is 10/27/06. We received it 3/10/07.

March 10th

2007-03-09T22:58:00.000-05:00

Our new friends, Amy and Greg, are leaving for China TOMORROW morning!! The last week was so crazy for them..one day they were told they were leaving on March 20th, the next minute it was not going to be until mid April or even May.. then it was going to be March 12th.. then, on March 8th, they found out they were leaving in TWO days!!

The roller coaster just never seems to end..but the most important thing is they are packed and getting ready to leave for the 3 weeks in China they have been looking forward to for over 2 years. Congrats, Amy and Greg..Lexie is almost home!

Busch Gardens with Cole and Julie

2007-03-09T22:35:00.000-05:00

Cold Weather from Atlanta

2007-03-01T08:55:00.000-05:00

Why does it work this way?? We planned Julie and Cole's visit right around the warm weather. Of course we made the best of it, and Cole still managed to have a day in our pool (brrr..), but while in Orlando, we had to cut our trip short because Sunday (Feb 18th) it was in the low, very windy low 50's - much too cold to watch shows at Sea World. If the wind wouldn't have been whipping around, we probably could have made it, but we decided to go to the FL aquarium, instead. We had a great day at Disney on Saturday, spent the night at the Wilderness Lodge on disney property, and Cole had so much fun at the aquarium on Sunday,watching the sharks and the cool fish.

Pooped out at the lodge...

Chillin'..watching cartoons, of course!! (I'm looking a little like I am going to fall asleep any minute)

Nitey Nite!!

At the Florida Aquarium.. what is that through the glass??? Gators?? eek.

How freaky is this?? It looks like a model or painting, but it is REAL!!

Catching Up

2007-02-15T23:35:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize it had been so long..here's a quick update on what's happenin' in the Collins family while we wait for our daughter (which by the way, we're at total peace about, for now).

Let's see. Bullets are the easiest, so here we go:

Brad came home from his ski trip in Utah, safe and sound.

I have almost finished my first quilt for Lila. Actually, we'll be finishing up the binding tomorrow, in class. I've learned I'm not great at sewing looonnggg straight lines without some kind of special foot apparatus. Thank God for the little things ;-)

I've finished squares for another quilt top (oh, and this happened the weekend Brad was out of town). No peeking, no pictures, tee hee.

I've learned how to make pillows with piping around the edges, and window treatments. The pillow is a surprise for someone, so no pictures for that one, either. But, here are my first panels.

We went to Tiffany and Warren's house last weekend for dinner..and we were over late enough to play with their Sugar Gliders! I need to get pictures, but they are nocturnal, so I think it might just be cruel to flash them.

And, then there was Valentine's Day. Bradley brought these beautiful flowers home that he hand picked himself from a market - but he brought them home as a surprise the night before Vday. Wasn't that sweet?

I've been very busy working with the real estate business, too.

Oh, and...my sister in law (Brad's sister, Julie), and my nephew (Julie's son), are coming into town tomorrow. They are coming to visit for a week. I'm very excited - they haven't been down to visit since we moved, and we are taking Cole to Disney, Sea World, the Lowry Park Zoo, maybe the Big Cat Rescue, and probably the beach (even if it is just to get his, not my, feet wet..bbrrr!) I bet Cole will also want to get in our pool... eek!

Oh Where Oh Where is He?

2007-02-05T20:43:00.000-05:00

I am really ready for my DH to come home.
He left on Thursday morning (yep-I had to get up at 5am for the only direct flight to Utah), and is coming home on Wednesday.

This is the "picture of the day" from the Park City website...could it be? Could it be? He is, afterall, with two friends...

I know, I am reaching, but just let me think it is them. K?

Now, I am off to watch 24. Love that show.

PS. Also, why is it that I always seem to get sick when Bradley goes out of town. He's the one that has been in the cold, wet, snow and is fine..here I am in FL with headaches, chills, and a good ole sore throat - kinda stinks. mmm..

Sneak-a-peek #2

2007-02-03T15:25:00.001-05:00

Class #2... we finished our blocks and sewed them all together, and started adding the borders.

Here's the quilt top... our next two classes, we will put the quilt together and add the binding.

I hope Lila loves it!!

Introducing Lexie Harrison

2007-02-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

Our friends, Amy and Greg, received the referral of their daughter from China today. After 15 long long long months of waiting (a total of 2 years from the start), she's finally on her way home! Lexie is 13 months old, stands up, loves to babble, had two teeth at 9 months old and weighed in at 15 pounds. Amy and Greg will go to China, to the Guandong province to pick up their daughter in 1-2 months.

Isn't she just beautiful and as precious as can be? Her eyes speak her story, and she is already so loved and adored.

My First Home Decorating Class

2007-02-01T21:04:00.000-05:00

I'm tellin' ya, I will be so well prepared when Kylie Grace gets here. Just in case she wants special placemats (teehee), I will be able to make them for her...now, of course, I'm not real sure about the time factor exactly, but we'll figure it all out. Here's my first placemat and napkin...
Over the next three weeks, we'll learn pillows, window treatments, and something else I can't remember right now. Who said my machine was just going to collect dust?mmm...

Ay! Mate

2007-01-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

A big thanks to Tiffany and her Aunt Vivian for the invite, Warren for driving (scary) and Security for safety :) We had such a blast at Gasparilla. This was my first experience, and Tiff's right, I wouldn't have done it any other way.. nor will I want to go unless we are lucky enough to be invited next year to Kirk and Vivian's house. We were gated in, which was the best, and we had great "seats" right on Bayshore Blvd., where the parade went rollin' by. The streets were filled with people - I must say, that people watching was a huge part of the experience. Since we were behind the fence (whew!) , it was perfect. The kids could play without worry, and we just had a fantastic day.

Tiffany's Dad, Tiffany, and me

The long time residents of Tampa really go all out decorating for Gasparilla! So much fun..

Tiff's cousin Cameron was SO cute, and he was given more beads than anyone else in the family. Who could resist this face?

And One More Makes Three

2007-01-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

We have been logged in to China for THREE months, today. Sometimes it feels like forever, and other times, I can't believe we are maybe a quarter of the way there? I am the raving optimist.

We are spending the day at Gasparilla. It's a really big deal in Tampa. I'll post later!

Another Step in the Right Direction!

2007-01-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

I was very surprised to see our Travel Packet I come in from our agency today. With the wait times extending, I wasn't expecting it to come until next month-CCAI mentioned that it could be anywhere from 3-4 months. Some friends who are logged in for Sept 06 just received their's less than a month ago, so I am thinking its going to speed up :) There I go again.

PS Travel Packet I is just lots of info about preparing for travel.

"Winter Fun" in FLORIDA!!

2007-01-26T17:03:00.000-05:00

Since I can't seem to post onto our group blog to show my appreciation to my October LID group Secret Pal, I just couldn't wait to show off the cutest galoshes (sp?) EVER!

I can just see Gracie wearing these around..and trust me, she'll get to wear them a whole lot because it likes to rain around here!

Thank you, bunches, SP!

Oh, a Quiltin' We Will Go!

2007-01-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

I have our 100 Good Wishes Quilt for Kylie Grace to attribute to my new found love of quilting. Remember, dear hubby gave me a wonderous sewing machine for Christmas (of which, thank you, Anne, for your help:). And, the big joke was that either my sewing machine was going to collect dust, OR, I was going to be the Sewing Queen. Well, I wouldn't say I am the Sewing Queen just yet, but darn if I am getting close (hehe)! Anyway, I attempted a little fun project just after Christmas. I thought for sure I was doomed, and it just wasn't meant to be. But, then, I decided to take a quilting class, and my first project was going to be a quilt for Lila (our friends Jen and Scott's soon to be daughter from China..well, not SO soon, but hopefully sooner than all the nasty rumors are expecting). So, today was the day I started my class at KMIS - just around the corner from my house. Anywho, here is a sneak-a-peek to the start of Lila's nine patch quilt.
And, guess what, we have homework we must complete before our next class on Friday of next week. I asked the instructor, Linda, (just leave it to me to be the talkative one) if she had a 24 hour hotline for assistance in case of emergency.

A Touch of Love

2007-01-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

You were six months old and full of fun,

With a blink of my eye, you suddenly were one.

There were so many things we were going to do,

But I turned my head and you turned two.

At two you were very dependent on me,

But independence took over when you turned three.

Your third birthday, another year I tried to ignore,

But when I lit the candles there weren't three, but four.

Four was the year that you really strived,

Why look at you now, you are already five.

Now you are ready for books and rules,

This is the year that you go to school.

The big day came; you were anxious to go,

We walked to the bus, going oh so slow.

As you climbed aboard and waved good bye,

I felt a lump in my throat and tears stung my eyes.

Times go so fast, its hard to believe

That just yesterday you were home here with me.

And tomorrow when the bus brings you home,

And you jump to the ground,

You'll be wearing your cap and graduation gown.

So I'm holding to these moments as hard as I can,

Because the next time I look, I'll be seeing a grown man.

-Anonymous

Updated News on China's One Child Policy

2007-01-23T23:05:00.000-05:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070123/ap_on_re_as/china_population_controls_1

My Secret Pal

2007-01-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

So, after a pretty hectic day, I came home tonight to my first secret pal gift for the January Cyber Shower. I love everything she included for us. The theme this month was "bathtime fun". Gracie now has her first set of "necessities", a fun toy for the tub with a rubber duckie, an adorable towel set. All "wrapped" up in this cute little "congrats" bag. I hope that the pal I surprised this month loves her gifts as much as I love mine! Thanks so much, Secret Pal, if you are "lurking :)" You made my day.

Oh, and just in case, I'll fill you in if you are reading this and have no earthly idea what this is all about. I am a part of a group of Christian, waiting adoptive moms, who share similar log-in dates. A log-in date is the date ALL our paperwork was logged in with China, which just means we are officially on the waiting list. Our group (aka Ladybug/Redthread Believers) has decided that one of the things we can do to pass the time is to have secret pals we spoil. I am SO enjoying spoiling my pal, and Gracie will love her presents!!

Time flies..

2007-01-21T20:36:00.000-05:00

Sitting Room view from the kitchen, BEFORE

and AFTER !!

(gotta go shoppin' for the walls)

when you are having fun. It's an old cliche, I know, but the wait for Gracie is a whole lot more bearable when I am busy - and, what I have found, is that it can't just be "busy", it has to be something I am passionate about. Busy work doesn't really do it for me..there is plenty of that to pass around, right? So, I really love making our house our home, and anything I can do to improve that, is so much fun to me. Since we changed the furniture out in my little sunroom/sitting room, the khaki paint didn't really work for me anymore, so Brad helped me paint the room "humble gold". I have this color in our foyer, too - I fell in love with it in our last house. It's just so cheery, but not too bright..a nice mix between cheery and warm. This project was in lieu of another I wanted to work on, which was..are you ready? Re-paint KG's room. Well, add somes wainescotting and yellow stripes, but somehow keep or add to the stenciling. But, as I really thought about it, I decided to wait to make the changes because if I do it now, and we have another 2 years to wait (eek), the room could potentially have 15 layers of different color paint on those walls. So, I acted with my head a little, instead of simply my heart, and the sitting room project was a success. (Atleast we think so!) And, by the way, we might as well call the sitting room the computer room, because between the computer and the tv/radio on for noise, that is what we (me, Josie, Casey, and Zoe) do in there!

So, I am excited to say that my new endeavor with "Precious Family Treasures" is also taking off like crazy! My website is finally set up completely (sorry to those that tried before tonight, but it is now in my favorite links section in the sidebar). The get-togethers have great take-aways for friends and family, so we are going to have a client party in Atlanta to start off with..another reason to see past and current clients for fun, and of course friends and family. MiMi wants to have one at her house with her tennis friends and co-workers, Aunt Julie wants to have one at her house for her employees/co-workers, 2 friends here in Tampa want to have them for a dinner party, and "moms during superbowl" party, respectively, and I want to have one with my closest friends/clients in Atlanta. What is so awesome, is I envision the deeper family connections and all the people we will touch in the process, while just having FUN. And, at the same time I'm building a business that is inheritable to Gracie, it relocates with me if DH gets relocated again in the future, and I get to do what I really love most, and that is to connect with people, and spend time with my family and friends. AND, all of this with perfect timing, as our company is going to be promoted with a movie that is being released called "The Ultimate Gift"... so, over 40 million people will be touched by our venture.

I just can't wait for Gracie to get here. The ideas and systems to teach values with positive reinforcement are so exciting, and simple, so we can play a lot, too!! :)

Chloe Grace

2007-01-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

OMG - I just checked in with our friends who are still traveling in China, and they posted this gorgeous picture of their new daughter. I hope that Chloe and Gracie will be friends one day (remember Michelle and Neil, the proud parents, live in the Tampa Bay area, too), so I wanted to post her picture. Chloe is almost 13 months old. I cannot wait to see her in person when she gets home!!! Chloe is adjusting very well with her new Mommy and Daddy..ok, I am crying again.

Gracie's first pair of shoes

2007-01-15T15:36:00.000-05:00

So, I decided to go shopping for my secret pal today. The secret pal I am shopping for is a part of our Ladybug/Red Thread Believers group. We are having a "cyber shower" this month, with a theme of "bath time." How fun, huh? I had so much fun looking for bath stuff, and I love trying to be as creative as I can! I did accomplish what I set out to do, but of course, as I made my rounds through the baby department, these little shoes caught my eye, and I just had to have them for Gracie! (I hope they'll fit her at some point in her life, and if not, we will donate them, so no love lost!) NOTICE THE LADYBUGS!!

#56/100 Quilt Squares/Blessings

2007-01-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

Our 56th "Squish" is from Jessica S, who is a moderator for my adoption online community board "Ladybug/Red Thread Believers".

Thank you, Jessica - your inspiration through the journey thus far has been a blessing for our family!

Visit Jessica on their journey to Emma Ruth

MLK Tribute

2007-01-15T05:56:00.000-05:00

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example -- the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.

On this day we commemorate Dr. King’s great dream of a vibrant, multiracial nation united in justice, peace and reconciliation; a nation that has a place at the table for children of every race and room at the inn for every needy child. We are called on this holiday, not merely to honor, but to celebrate the values of equality, tolerance and interracial sister and brotherhood he so compellingly expressed in his great dream for America.

It is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation and sharing. No other day of the year brings so many peoples from different cultural backgrounds together in such a vibrant spirit of brother and sisterhood. Whether you are African-American, Hispanic or Native American, whether you are Caucasian or Asian-American, you are part of the great dream Martin Luther King, Jr. had for America. This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples' holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream.

This holiday honors the courage of a man who endured harassment, threats and beatings, and even bombings. We commemorate the man who went to jail 29 times to achieve freedom for others, and who knew he would pay the ultimate price for his leadership, but kept on marching and protesting and organizing anyway.

Dr. King once said that we all have to decide whether we "will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life's most persistent and nagging question, he said, is `what are you doing for others?'" he would quote Mark 9:35, the scripture in which Jesus of Nazareth tells James and John "...whosoever will be great among you shall be your servant; and whosoever among you will be the first shall be the servant of all." And when Martin talked about the end of his mortal life in one of his last sermons, on February 4, 1968 in the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church, even then he lifted up the value of service as the hallmark of a full life. "I'd like somebody to mention on that day Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others," he said. "I want you to say on that day, that I did try in my life...to love and serve humanity.

Profound

2007-01-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

Because others can't, and we can...

2007-01-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

one of our charities this year will be for the Shaohannah's Hope foundation, through the Stevey Joy Club. This foundation has a wonderful, inspiring history, and we will be providing direct assistance to other families who feel the calling to adopt, but need assistance financially. Of course, this is in honor of our daughter, who will hopefully be born very soon, our sweet Gracie.

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, or what sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little different place because I was important in the life of a child." -Unknown

#55 in honor of ...

2007-01-10T20:23:00.000-05:00

Chloe Grace, Michelle and Neil Robinson's daughter-tomorrow is their Forever Family day in China!! Thank you, Rebecca, for the awesome "squish" for KG..it is serving dual purpose today!

Photography is another one..

2007-01-09T21:44:00.000-05:00

another one, meaning hobby. I was kind of playing around with depth of field and aperture yesterday at the Culture Center in our neighborhood. Brad's favorite pasttime (and present-time :) is playing soccer. He traveled to Europe to play while in school, and continues to play, now, too. I am also trying to learn how to use this Photoshop Elements 5.0 for digital scrapbooking and KG's lifebook.

I'm thinking of putting some photos together for a collage in our family room..just haven't decided on the theme, yet. I know what it will be when KG gets home!

Guess what, Guess what??

2007-01-08T23:13:00.000-05:00

I am doing some research on the upcoming Chinese New Year, and I'm so excited because I was also born in the Year of the Pig!! Woo hoo! (Between January 27, 1971 and February 14, 1972)

Ok, I know it might sound a bit strange to be excited about this (especially to those not so heavily involved in the Chinese adoption community or those that just haven't spent a lot of time studying the true Chinese calendar, not just the one on the placements in our favorite Chinese restaurants ;) , but I feel like our daughter(or daughters) will be born this year, too. She just must! :-) So, you know there is much more to come on this Year of the Pig revelation. I have the time right now, and with time comes exploring!!

In tribute, I think I will do a bloggy countdown to the New Year (the Chinese New Year is February 18, 2007), or I will celebrate like they do in China - for 15 days beginning on the 18th, and end the celebration with our own little Lantern Festival. I'll do something each day..a little fact, or something, don't know yet. Doesn't that sound like fun?

ps. this cute little piggy drawing was emailed to me, and we don't know where it came from, but isn't it cute?

The Ladybug has landed

2007-01-05T21:04:00.000-05:00

Isn't it cute? And, she will stay with me wherever I go. It's Crocs jewelry - never even heard of it before today, if that tells you anything. I went to lunch with my friend (and client) Stephanie and her girls, and they surprised me with it. I am so thankful for their friendship. We've really hit it off, and I feel like I've known them forever!

More children have been matched!

2007-01-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

The Chinese Center of Adoption Affairs posted this update today. Translation: Families who have log in dates (LIDs) of September 9th through September 27th, 2005 have been matched with their children, so these families will be receiving pictures and details about their daughters (or sons) today and over the next few days, depending on their agency processes. Congratulations!!! I have lots of family blog following to do!

I'm just going to share the facts, and try not to get caught up in what this could mean to us because at any given time, things could change. It is the unknown that we live with every day that can be all-consuming, so I just try to stay busy and know that God's gift will come when He is ready.

Basically, there were 19 days worth of matches this month. Last month there were 14 days. In November, there were 16 days. So, its safe to assume that all families who were logged in (officially on the waiting list) on or before September 27, 2005 have received their matches, or of course, have brought them home.

We have 396 referral days to go for our LID of 10-27-06. Since our LID, we have been waiting 69 days. It has been 224 days since we made application to our agency for the initial approval.

Now, for those that ask, when do you expect to have your daughter? If you do the math with the current trend of lets say 15 referral days per month, that is approximately another 26 months, which would be March 2009. Ouch. Our agency predicted (the best they could based on past trends) that we would have a wait of 14-16 months for our referral from LID. So, then that would be December of this year through February of 2008. We are all praying that there will be a miracle speed up at the CCAA, and that we will at least know of our daughter by Christmas of 2007. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Want the good news? This is also based on assumptions of past trends/actions, but as of right now, its rumored that the CCAA is reviewing dossiers for April of 2006. The "review" room does just that..they review the adoptive family "applications", for lack of a better word, with ALL that info we provided, in order to ask any additional questions or request further information. It is in the review room that we feel our last "approval' mark takes place. As it stands, I think our dossier will be in this review room by May/June of this year.

I feel like if we can make it out of the review room, we will at least know that we are definitely going to be matched with our child (that's called the "match" room, which is totally separate and on a different time schedule). Typically, there wouldn't be much concern about making it through the review room ,but since the CCAA recently made a lot of changes to their guidelines, there is still some uncertainty... will we truly be "grandfathered" in with the most recent guidelines, or will they begin judging the applicants based on the new ones??? Our agency seems to think we will be "grandfathered", but China has the right to do whatever they want, so you just never know. Of course we know there are never any guarantees, and I chose our agency because of their reputation ("if you are approved with CCAI, you can feel confident you will be granted a child"), but at least I could sleep a little more soundly at this point.

So, the way I am trying to look at this is-we are on pins and needles until June of this year. That's 6 months, which is a whole lot more bearable than 26 months. And during this time, I will find strength through my faith, my family, and my friends.

New Year, New Hair

2007-01-03T19:54:00.000-05:00

Hair Before

Hair After

Whatcha think? Less hair for KG to pull out!! ;-) Before she gets here, I am sure Tiffany and I will change it again, several times!! (Thanks, Tiff - love ya!)

My first quit block

2007-01-03T09:05:00.000-05:00

Front Back

Don't laugh, but here it is. I was just dying to put my new sewing machine to work and begin to explore the world of quilting. What I learned?? That piecing is much harder than it looks. I cut the strips, sewed them together (with the help of my first quilting book that Anne helped me pick out, thank goodness), and voila, I had several pieces that didn't even come close to being the same size. So, I had to really work to get them together! A little crooked, but it's a start!

Diaper Bags - A whole post dedicated :) !!

2007-01-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

and I am sure I will be editing this a lot over the course of the wait for KG!

http://www.kecci.com/cgi-bin/TLSstore.cgi?kvar=home (Blackberry)

http://www.henrybrownbags.com/baby.htm (a little pricey, but love love them)

My first diaper bag for KGC

2007-01-02T21:20:00.000-05:00

For my Believers yahoo group of friends, we are posting pictures of any/all of our diaper bags. Since KG will be our first child, this is my first and only for Gracie! I had it monogrammed at the Arts/Crafts gift sale at the church. I just had to have it, it was so cute. I am interested in finding the perfect backpack style diaper bag,too. But, I think I have plenty of time for that!

Brad picked out this PB Kids diaper bag for himself (how cute, huh?). We made this purchase the weekend we bought the nursery bedding. It is a very nice size, and has lots of pockets with a changing pad!

So, that is it for us right now... with the purse obsession I have, I can only imagine what is in store for the diaper bag collection! I'll have to have a part time job just to cover the added expense :)

Michelle and Neil travel Jan 6th!

2007-01-01T18:55:00.000-05:00

Where are they now??

Michelle and Neil are traveling to pick up their daughter, Chloe Grace, next weekend. We met them in November at the CCAI FL reunion in Orlando - they are from St. Pete, and we can't wait to meet Chloe!!! Michelle and Neil waited 15 months for the referral of their daughter, which they received on December 5th.

Happy New Year, everyone! (Did you eat your collard greens - pew wee, and your black eyed peas?? :)

My Daily Prayer for 2007

2007-01-01T08:44:00.000-05:00

A Waiting Mother's Prayer:

Oh my Father, I ask that you would be with my daughter tonight. If she is unborn, give her needed physical nourishment. If she is born, Father, give her loving hands that will nurture and care for her. Bless my daughter's birth mother and help her through her emotional difficulties. Father, bless the nannies and the orphanage officials at my child's orphanage. May they know the love of Jesus, so that His love will tranform lives in that place. I pray that the you will provide the orphanage with sufficient, healthy food for my daughter and the other children; that you will provide needed medical care, and that you will provide all that is needed to properly care for the children. Thank you God, for your goodness to me. Father, please hasten the day that I hold her, and until I do, I ask that you will hold her for me.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Reflection of 2006 for KG

2006-12-31T23:08:00.000-05:00

As the fireworks are starting in the neighborhood, and Casey is hiding because she REALLY hates the loud noises, I am finally sitting down for the day and in possession of my laptop now. Someone was hogging both laptops today for the last day of Fantasy Football. (Who could that be???) Fantasy Football is over now, and Brad won!! Woohoo! ( What will he occupy his weekends with, now?! eek!) I'd love for him to buy the Plasma T.V. he's been drooling over for a while now. 2007 is going to be a great year, its off to a great start! But before the year begins, I thought I'd spend a little time journaling our year for Kylie Grace.

The first part of the year, up until about April, is a bit foggy for me because of all that hormone therapy for the second in-vitro attempt. Don't think for a second that because the drugs stopped I was immediately back to myself...not even close. I started to drop all the weight I gained a couple of months after the last injection. And, as I said in my little fun survey for 2006, I didn't regret any part of it. I look at it as just a part of the path that lead us to where we are today, and that is in a much better place-both spiritually and with each other. Of all the choices we made, and those that were made for us, we decided to move forward with our adoption in May, and what a journey that has been (with a long road ahead). Of course there are so many details that fall in between ,but we started our year with our eyes on the wrong "goal" if you will; and we are ending the year with our eyes wide open and on the "right" things. It has been a spiritual journey, and an educational one, with so much love along the way. The year is ending perfectly with our decision to join Idlewild Baptist Church, and our decision to be baptized together. God is so good.

On the family front, my Mom's health has stabilized. No more signs of cancer, but she did decide to stop working part time this year. Mom spends a lot of time cooking for herself (she can only eat little meals at a time, so it requires lots of meals). Mom still lives in Decatur-the same house where I was raised! Paula, my other mom (Brad's mom), retired from AT&T this year, after over 30 years of service. I also helped sell her house and we moved her back to East Cobb from Alpharetta. Paula is now working part time at the bank my sister in law works for, and she also passed her real estate exam for GA, and joined Prudential. Tom, my other dad (Brad's dad), finished his contract at the nuclear plant in AL after 3 years, and is back in CT, for now...he is considering a contract in South Africa for next year. Julie, my sis (in law), is managing a Fidelity branch in East Cobb, and still lives in Woodstock with Cole and her husband Clark. Cole is growing so much, and still continues to be such the sweet boy. Tracy (my BF), has a new boyfriend, Steve, who is from Jacksonville. In fact, they are in Jacksonville visiting his Mom right now. Amber turned 9 this year, and Kylie is 12. Yikes. Time flies when your eyes are on the children. Speaking of children, Lauren Kate turned 2, and Gibson was born. Kathy and Larry moved from Woodstock to Atlantic Station to plant a new church, so Larry is changing careers from being an evangelist to a pastor of his own church, the Midtown Bridge. I'm thrilled for them! Jane is still working from home, and is as fun as ever. Amy, Margie's daughter, moved back to Atlanta for her residency at Emory(I think that's what it is, I'm forever confused about it all). As far as our family pets, we lost Miya (the Collins family cat for 18 years), and we lost Julie's cat, but we gained two Bischon Frises' and two cats (one each for Paula, and one each for Julie), Josie came home with me, and Zoe isn't adjusting well to the Florida critters...she is allergic to everything, and now has a thyroid problem which requires twice daily medication for the rest of her life :-( We had a scare with Casey this year; the specialists thought she might have cancer which developed in her bad leg that was reconstructed in 2003, but it turned out to be a bacterial infection around the pins in her legs, thank God. She just wasn't moving around well at all. Now, I think she's doing better than Zoe, and Casey is 13 - Zoe is 4! (And oh by the way, Zoe has an ear infection, right now, too)

On the work front, the real estate market has slowed this year. It's just balancing itself out, and that's ok, but with both of us being in the same industry, it can be kind of scary. At one point this year, we thought we might be moving to NC, after a short few months in FL for another relocation for B. This of course was after I took my exam, passed, and received my license in FL, with plans to work both markets. That changed rather quickly, as I decided that I really didn't like the business in FL, so I chose to focus only on Atlanta. I did just that, and rather aggressively from around May through the end of the year. I just enjoy the people I work with, and the clients/friends I've made through the years. Starting my business was pretty tough, and I just couldn't let it go. I managed to close almost 4 million in sales and am still producing at the Masters level. The market in Tampa slowed tremendously, and across the board, the developers/builders were starting to reduce their staff. Brad had to let some people go, which is never easy. The company let some other Regional Managers go in other cities, but thankfully, Brad was/is ok. We're still here, and Tampa is doing as well as could be expected. That doesn't mean that Brad didn't have much to do..it just meant that with a shortage in staff, his workload increased and he was (and still is) waking at 5:30a/6a and getting home after 7p/8p. He's always been a very hard worker, but I was actually worried about him this year. The stress of always trying to push to be your best, provide as a husband, and worry about our future and his employee's futures, was a lot to bear. Not to mention our plans to bring a child into our world in 2007 and our plan for me to stay home with her, rather than work for a while!! Whew..

New/Renewed friendships: We spent some time with Shannan M and Jason this year, while we were both in town (Tampa). I met Tiffany, my new hairstylist and friend in Tampa, and a new nail technician, Michelle, who has also become a new friend. I met Amy Harrison, from our FCC Tampa Bay adoption related group. We met Michelle and Neil, and Nicole and Drew from St Pete and New Tampa, respectively, through the adoption community. Michelle and Neil will be traveling very soon for Chloe Grace, their new daughter, and Nicole and Drew were logged in for the wait on Sept 11 of this year. Both of these couples are using CCAI for their adoption services, also. I have enjoyed getting to know Jen S., better this year - as she and Scott are adopting from China, too! I have enjoyed getting to know many people through my business, and have met another family, the Denihan's who adopted two beautiful girls, Chloe and Hillary. They live in Tampa, ironically enough, and are relocating to Atlanta. The journey has brought perspective, appreciation, blessings, and friendships. Even more so, our relationship with God and the church has grown, as well. I wouldn't have it any other way. And the friendships we've had with those that we care so much about have become fuller and allowed for closeness we wouldn't have otherwise enjoyed.

Other 2006 tidbits:

we finished our 5 month paperchase for a daughter (or twins) from China on 10/27-LID
I incorprated my business this year, and met lots of great people
Tracy and the girls came down to visit in Tampa over New Years 2005/2006, and for spring break
Tracy and I took our annual trip to Orlando for our business conference
We also traveled to San Diego for our business/personal growth trip for the second time, and spent time with Virginia and Laura
I spent most of the year traveling back and forth to Atlanta and Tampa, dividing my career with my marriage, but can say that I actually did a pretty good job at keeping my priorities in perspective
we made other new friends through Brad's work...John and Jamie, Mike...
I made a leap and changed my hairstylist and nail technician, which was huge for me ;-)
we missed our relationship with James and wish things could be different - we hope to meet Madeline some day
we didn't get to go on any trips with Matt and Erin, but Erin should be finished with school soon, and Brad is planning a ski trip with Matt next month
Paula came to visit in Tampa just before Thanksgiving
Dad came to visit a couple of times, and Linda was able to join him over Labor Day weekend

There are probably so many things I'd love to mention for Kylie Grace, but I'm sure they are included in my personal journals. I can't wait to meet you, KG, and I long to have you in our arms. You have so many people that love you already!

Happy New Year, everyone... Brad and I are trying to stay awake for the countdown. It's 11pm, now, and we are struggling. The pups are all asleep, trying to figure out why we are up so late. Casey wakes up every so often when she hears the firecrackers - we love her so much - she is laying under her daddy's feet.

In 2006... another fun survey

2006-12-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

In 2006 did you?...

..lose any friends? nope
..that count? if they're friends, then they all count
..make any new friends? yes - lots through the adoption community and a few clients ..who have also become friends
..make any new enemies? not that I know of?!
..develop any new hobbies? of course, because I can't sit still - blogging, sewing and soon to be quilting, digital scrapbooking - to name a few
..get older? no, at 34 I started going backwards
..do anything you regret? well, I definitely made some mistakes, but I don't regret them, because they are a part of the journey
..go to any parties? a few that were football related
..accomplish anything? always
..make much money? ask Uncle Sam his opinion
..attend a wedding? uh oh, no - we attended so many over the last few years, which means that we are getting older, I guess
..attend a funeral? Yes
..get any new family members? yep - Gibson Grays and there were two new puppies added to our family (Rhett and Scarlett), and oh yeah, Poppy, mom's kitty, and Morgan, Julie's kitty
..gain any new perspectives? since my mid twenties, I think I gain a new perspective daily
..get into a verbal fight? Major disagreements, does that count?
..get into a physical fight? never, ever in my life
attend any sporting events? Soccer and football, oh, and a baseball game or two..
..get arrested? nada
..wreck your car? not this year - I was hit twice last year, two different cars, and if you consider my overall driving record, I should be accident free for atleast another 20 years
..get a new car? Hubby did
..make any big purchases? another in-vitro attempt, adoption fees, homestudy, down payment on hubby's car, furniture in foyer, furniture for nursery
..get kicked out of a store, restaurant or any other kind of business? No..
..fired from a job? Nope
..get offered a job? Yep
..get a raise at a job? I work for myself, so I gave myself more time off this year to be in town with my hubby - still managed to do ok
..learn anything? if that's not a loaded question for someone who reads and is an explorer by nature
..dump your bf/gf? na
..get dumped by your bf/gf? na
..develop any new health problems? No, I am thankfully healthy outside of the baby stuff
..change as a person? Probably.
..get any new piercings? no
..get any new tattoos? no, we couldn't decide on anything new
..attend a concert? at church
..travel out of state? yup. CA, FL, GA
..read any books? the question for me would be how many
..travel out of the country? in spirit, I have been to China with my baby girl
..spend much money? See above for purchases..
..download any music? mmm Steven Chapman
..try out any new looks?almost every time I get my hair done
..sign up for a myspace? yeah, but I didn't do anything with it
..sign up for a facebook? no...what is facebook?
..eat a food that you had never eaten before? probably
..go golfing?? if you count showing homes in golf communities..haha
..go bowling? I had a dream about it, does that count?
..start to resent something or someone that you used to like? I was dissapointed, but got over it

In 2006, how many....
..different places did you work? lots, since I sell real estate
..did you have health problems? couldn't get pregnant
..times did you go to the movies? not enough
..concerts did you attend? 2
..crushes did you have? 1, my husband, isn't that sweet
..times did you attend church? more than last year, which makes me very happy
..bad habits did you pick up? i am little addicted to the computer at times when i am bored
.."rough nights" did you have? don't have those anymore, the best it gets is when i stay up watching tv really late because i can't sleep

In 2006, what was?

..your favorite day of the year? there are so many, but the top two would be our LID for Kylie Grace on 10/27 and 12/31 when B accepted Jesus as his Savior
..your favorite band? that's a toughy - I like so many
..least favorite day of the year? when we found out the in-vitro didn't work for the second time
..your favorite movie? mmm.. Devil wears Prada, MI:III, Davinci Code, Facing the Giants
..your favorite song of the year? Christmas song by Third Day right now, but there are many more
..the biggest event you attended? our adoption agency reunion
..something that didn't change at all this year? where we live, wow, I can't beleive it
..favorite holiday? Christmas, as always

Misc. questions about 2006 A.D.

..were you in a hospital this year? with my step, grandfather in-law
..were you in an ambulance this year? no, thank goodness
..did you make any big confessions in 06? yep
..embarrassed about anything you did this year? there has to be something because I laugh at myself frequently..oh, I just thought of a good one that involves our pest control company (we live in FL now, so this is a normal occurence)
..what's the best thing to happen to you this year? the best thing was also the worst thing that happened to us this year
..did you meet anyone that you could see yourself marrying? not even close, unless we renew our vows
..didyou vote this year? oooh, no, that's embarrassing
..did you bring sexy back this year? hhmm.. I don't remember sexy leaving?
..was 2006 a great year, an average year or a bad year? more than great year
..what goals did you set for 2007? I still need to think about that one, I guess, but the only one that comes to mind is to bring our baby home this year

Christmas 2006, waiting for Kylie Grace

2006-12-30T21:04:00.000-05:00

The birthday celebration for Jesus and the joy of giving were enjoyed in Atlanta for the short time Brad was able to get away from work. I spent the days before Christmas preparing and seeing loved ones, but worried about Brad being under so much pressure to get all the houses closed before the end of the year. I can talk about it now, because his "year" was over yesterday, and the three houses scheduled to close yesterday, did in fact, close yesterday. Whew. My last client of the year that was scheduled to close, also closed on time and without incident. All is well. I can breathe!

MiMi, Brad, and I made it to the candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve. Keeping the season in perspective, after all the crazy hustle and bustle to plan the perfect Christmas day for those we love, is best complete with gathering at church with those who share the appreciation of it all. We can never top the greatest gift of all, and through the service, as I reflected on the story of the birth of Jesus, I was quite humbled and thankful for so many things. And so, I cried, imagine that:) I can't even begin to list ALL of the blessings I am thankful for, because I will surely leave one out. But, I will say that I am so thankful for my renewed relationship with God, the family and friends that we have, our health, and the gift of our adoption journey to Kylie Grace.

Brad fell asleep rather early, so it made putting his stocking together with Santa quite easy. I always have so much fun with this, because Brad is just like a little kid when he sees everything laying out...he goes through his stuff just like I remember I did when I was little. Santa brought the perfect gifts for such a good boy :)

Since Brad and I spent the night at his Mom's, we started the day with a yummy breakfast and exchanged our gifts. Casey and Zoe (our boxer and Dobie) had to stay behind in Tampa, which we really hated, but we saved their gifts for them, of course. Josie (our Westie) was with us, and we gave her two of her favorites..those crazy dogs from Petsmart, you know the ones... from the commercial where the wiener doggy gets scanned at the register with his toy because he won't let it go. Yep, those are the ones. She really, really loves them, but they don't last long because she is the expert at getting the squeaky's out, and then comes the stuffing all over the floor.

I went and picked up my Mom, and Julie, Clark, and Cole came over to Paula's for the rest of the morning and the afternoon.

Daddy gave me the sewing machine I wanted for my new hobby - quilting. And I had an Annie Moller GA bulldog painting signed and framed for Daddy. Those were the big surprises. We shared others, too, and with lots of love. From Kylie Grace, Daddy got a plaque for her room that said "My Prince has come, and his name is Daddy". And from Kylie Grace, Daddy gave me a plate that was painted with a little dress and the verse " We prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted what we asked of Him." Both for her room. I also made ornaments for our family and closest friends that had "Waiting for Kylie Grace, 2006" painted on them with red ribbon (lots of fun, by the way, and we'll have them forever!)

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20 squares in 12 days..54/100!!

2006-12-22T19:26:00.000-05:00

Lots of catching up to do!! Thanks to all of my fellow adoptive parents and friends for the contributions to KG's quilt. We have 54 out of 100 squares and good wishes!

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Mommy's 35th Birthday

2006-12-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

The day started as usual with Brad waking me with goodbye kisses, with my eyes barely open and still in a sleepy stupor. I said Happy Birthday to myself..taking the words right out of his mouth! I guess you had to be there to appreciate the humor, and you have to know me well to appreciate how out of it I am in the mornings. Especially at 6am. In fact, my Mom used to call me around 12am in the morning since that was when I was born, but she has since changed that tradition because I'm long gone that late at night/early in the morning.

The day was pretty quiet, and I was getting ready to pack up for Atlanta, too. Julie was the first to call me around 7:30a (with coffee, I am good to go). Paula (MiMi) and Anne were next, and Tracy followed very shortly thereafter...loved all the phone calls that came in all day. I have such great friends and family! Brad kept asking me what I wanted before the big day, and really all I wanted was some time with him for dinner, and of course our daughter (who will be here with us, maybe next year?)

I asked to go to Viscaya - this really yummy, quaint Spanish restaurant around the corner in Carrollwood. Brad took me to this restaurant for the first time last year for my birthday, but the circumstances were SO different. We were waiting to find out if the in-vitro fertilization worked, so Brad was administering the HUGE syringe full of progesterone to me every evening... at that point there were so many drugs/hormones raging in my system, hot flashes etc., that I think I might have been in someone else's body for the season. I had also cut out ALL caffeine, wine, you name it, I cut it out. I know I definitely wasn't myself, and looking back, I am so thankful I still have friends.

So, anyway, needless to say more, I wanted to go back and experience it again in a different light. And, as expected, it was perfect. And, I had a glass of Sangria for fun. Then, we when finished dinner and got back into the car to go home, Brad surprised me with a gift. I really wasn't expecting anything because I really have all I could ever need, and I didn't give him any ideas.. not to mention he had been working from 6am until 7 or 8p every night, I wasn't sure when he would have even had time. Beautiful, huh?

Family Day!!

2006-12-11T15:06:00.000-05:00

I am so excited, so I just have to post the links to the two journeys I am following - they are both couples from the Atlanta area.

Lisa and Eammon on their journey to Maisie

Jodi and Dave on their journey to Ava Mei

Both are celebrating Family Day in their posts!!

Lookie, Lookie

2006-12-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

http://www.wesselsworld.nl/ccaa.htm

Here are pictures of the "matching" process in China. Amy Eldridge was kind enough to share them with us! It's comforting to see all that paperwork - as strange as it sounds, because when we mailed our final certified and authenticated documents that included everything but the kitchen sink, we were kind of "in the dark", after that. Thank God we chose an agency we totally trust. And, I am reassured every day that the decision to choose CCAI was a godsend. Whew!

Want to travel to China?

2006-12-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

The first waiting Mom I met in Atlanta is getting ready for travel on the 7th...yes, only 2 more full days, and she and her hubby leave for Hong Kong to meet their daughter, Maisie. Follow along their journey, travel to China... they will be returning on Christmas Day! Merry Christmas, Lisa, Eammon, and Maisie!!

Another family that I have been following, Jodi and Dave, are also leaving for China on the 7th. They are actually returning on the 22nd. Follow their journey, too!

Michelle and Neil's Daughter!!

2006-12-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

Introducing Chloe Grace Jun Li Robinson..

Michelle and Neil are our new friends that we met at the CCAI FL Reunion in Orlando. Here is what the proud parents had to say about their precious daughter!

Hello Everyone!

We are overjoyed to introduce our daughter Chloe Grace Jun Li Robinson.

Chloe is 11 months old and was born December 22, 2005. As of September 20, her weight was 16.5 lbs. and her height was 28 inches.

Her birth name is Nan Jun Li. Her first name is Jun, which means gentle and her middle name is Li, which means beautiful.

She currently lives in an orphanage in the city of Maoming in the province of Guangdong. This is located in the far southern region of China, relatively close to Hong Kong.

We were told that she laughs a lot, loves to tear paper, loves music and toys that make sounds, always has a ready smile, has two teeth, and is a deep sleeper. She also loves to watch TV, which may fit in well in this household!

We will send you another email after our website is established at www.myadoptionwebsite.com so that you can follow our journey to China in January.

Love,
Neil, Michelle, and Chloe

Perspective for the Season

2006-12-01T17:04:00.000-05:00

Music Video:ALL I REALLY WANT (by Steven Curtis Chapman)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

Read about The Chapman's and their organization.

Ladybug/Red Thread Believers Secret Santa Revealed!

2006-12-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

Cindy Napier...thank you SO much! I love the ladybugs, and what an adorable little hat for little Gracie!! I have seen this ladybug discovery toy around, and wanted it for her, so this was so perfect! (As I eat the Hershey's Kisses in the cutest little ladybug cup) You were so thoughtful with your choices, and I am extremely greatful.

My Secret Santa gift should be arriving to my pal any day now. I can't wait for her to open her presents..what fun, and how perfect to help pass the waiting. Cindy, I have been following your journey, and I hope that this enhanced your Christmas cheer. I know she'll be in your arms at just the right time~please have peace about that and enjoy your boys! :-) You have positively impacted my wait with these great gifts for KG. Thanks again!!

Quilt Squares to Date...34/100

2006-11-30T15:33:00.000-05:00

Wow, I am so impressed by the creativity. We're on #34..well on our way to 100 good wishes!

*If you'll hover your mouse over the picture of each "sqwish" (like that? square and wish all rolled into one!), I've added captions that include the contributor's names. (The first time you try, you may have to left click the mouse one time.) There are 15 slides.

KG will treasure this keepsake for her entire life..and I'll come up with something snazzy to encourage her to pass it on to her children, too!

| View Show | Create Your Own

Thanks to all of you for helping me create something so special for our daughter.

TAG, You're It!

2006-11-29T17:54:00.001-05:00

TAG, You're It!

In reading Kelly's blog today, I've decided to play along for fun.

Did you know…

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Realtor (currently)
2. Mortgage Consultant aka Loan Officer
3. Director of Financial Operations
4. Sales Manager at Best Buy

Four Movies I have watched over and over:(this could go on and on..love, love, love movies)
1. Gladiator (hubby's favorite)
2. Stepmom (love Julia Roberts)
3. The Notebook (for the days I need a good cry)
4. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (it's been a while, I should watch that tomorrow)

Four places I have lived:
1. Tampa, FL
2. Alpharetta, GA
3. Atlanta, GA
4. Orlando, FL

Four TV shows I love to watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy (of course)
2. Bringing Home Baby
3. House
4. Without a Trace ..ok, hubby wants me to add the others, Boston Legal, football, and Sportscenter (yeah, right lol)

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Hawaii
2. Bahamas
3. Newport, RI
4. Japan

Favorite foods:
1. Chips and Salsa

2. Chinese
3. Mac & Cheese
4. Fried Okra/Grits (yes, I am from the South)

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. China
2. Home from China with KG
3. Hawaii
4. all of our family together, doesn't matter where

Four people who will respond:
1. Tracy
2. Anne
3. Nicole
4. Amy

Now, here's what you're supposed to do... And please do not spoil the fun. Copy and paste this to an e-mail or your blog. Delete my answers and type in your answers. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know INCLUDING the person who sent it to you or post it to your blog.The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about those who know you. Let me know if you do it and where to look for your answers.

Decorating for Christmas

2006-11-28T12:12:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love this time of the year. It is my favorite holiday..the celebration for the season is such a thrill, and I get so excited, I come close to forgetting my own birthday. Which, that's ok too, since this year I am celebrating the big "35". I know that doesn't sound like that big of a deal to most. It is to me, not because of the number or the age necessarily, but because "35" was a milestone that I had set in my mind for our first child. And, as we know, it's just not up to me.

We just aren't the only ones that have plans for our family.

This was from Ruth Clark. Thank you, Ruth - your gift couldn't have come on a better day. (Ruth's family shares the same LID.) It is "one of those days"... and for anyone who has been through the adoption process, or going through it, you know that some days are harder than others. It can be a test of faith - or a testimony to it, which is how I choose to look at it. But, without fail, some of the days are still hard. It doesn't help when I decide to listen to rumors that our wait for our daugther could be 18-20 months from LID, which for us would mean summer of 2008. And it doesn't help that at this time last year, we were still extremely hopeful that my surgery would help us get pregnant, and the in-vitro procedure would be a success. I am keeping Ruth's gift on our foyer table to remind me, and keep me strong. Thanks again, Ruth!

Back to where I started, I have enjoyed decorating for Christmas this year! Last year, we were so focused on recovery from surgery, visits to the doctor, tests, drugs/shots, more shots, going back and forth to Atlanta, so I didn't really do too much to help us get settled in for Christmas. (Not to mention I was not really myself for quite some time ;-)

We finally got the "snowballs" up in the front of the house during football game halftime, of course, (we only bought those around two years ago), and I even put up lights in the windows! I still have the details to work on, but its a start.

The Nutcracker looks awesome, I think, with the garland in the foyer (I bought him last year around Christmas). I put Santa up in the breakfast area (below) .. I just love him! (Still working on replacing the candles in the lanterns) And the fun lighted "present" was a gift from Eileen and John (thanks again!)

Still working on the tree, so no picture, yet.. but I even put up lights in the kitchen that lead to our front office/to-be playroom. That was fun, and since the kitchen opens up to the family room, we can really enjoy them. If you know much about our family, we don't really like a lot of overhead lighting - we tend to lean more towards lamps and if we use the overhead lighting at all, it is dimmed pretty low. So, the Christmas lights are perfect for the ambience.

I can't wait to do this with KG. We will have so much fun. I bet anything that Brad will not only get more involved, but he may even turn off the football ?! Or, will KG watch football with Daddy? Probably a little of both, and I'll take that any day.

Thanksgiving in Tampa

2006-11-25T21:39:00.000-05:00

No pictures, but I promise I cooked a feast big enough for the neighborhood to have seconds. I cooked a turkey breast (gravy turned out great, believe it!), a ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato souffle, deviled eggs, and chocolate mousse for dessert-which Brad ate much later, I might add. All of Brad's fav's. Amazing how I started cooking on Wednesday after a few trips to different grocery stores, got up early on Thursday and cooked until we sat down, and several hours later...it was over in 15 minutes. Well, maybe 15 for me, but less than 10 for Brad because he eats faster than anyone I know!

It was kind of quiet this year, since the rest of our family stayed in Atlanta, and we just couldn't travel. I arrived in Tampa from Atlanta on Tuesday to be with my hubby and our pups. Brad has just been so busy and working like crazy, he just couldn't take the extra time. Maybe this will be our last without KG!

Brad also took me out on a date to see Casino Royale. It was actually better than I thought it would be. I think I might have stopped breathing a few times in the movie-on the edge of your seat kind of stuff-but it was pretty good! We really did have a good time. Zoe had a good time while we were gone, too... and I know it was her, because I know my babies-we accidentally left the left over sweet potato souffle tupperware dish out on the counter, and apparently she got made at us for leaving. You guessed it, I came home to an extremely cleaned out tupperware bowl. Not good. Not good for her at all. But, she sure did seem to enjoy it. She also knew she was in trouble as soon as we walked in the door-ears back and no tail a waggin'. No more sweet potatoes for Bradley, either!

So, the reason for the season-all of the things we are thankful for. Could we even list them all? We could, but here's just a peek ;-) our God and all His grace, our family, each other, our health, our friendships, this journey... of which I am learning more and more each day to just appreciate all the moments. KG will be here when it's the right time. I can only pray for continued patience and strengthened faith. Time flies by us so quickly - if I continued to want this next year to fly by us, that would mean I would be discounting the beautiful journey, and that's just not something I want to wish for. Sure, of course, we want our daughter to be with us now. Don't get me wrong on that one. But, I also love every moment of the time I have today. If I wished it all away, I would have missed Zoe eating all the sweet potates, and who would want to miss that! Tee hee.

Wishes from Daniella, Joe, and Joseph

2006-11-25T21:20:00.000-05:00

For those of you following along, remember Daniella? Daniella is a new friend that I've met since the start of our journey. Daniella and Joe had fingerprint appointments the same day we did with the USCIS..we hit different bumps in the road along the way, but we always felt we would be on the same path... and, we now share the same LID! Daniella, Joe (her hubby), Joseph (their son), and Boo (their precious pup) were also at our adoption agency reunion in Orlando. They live in Ft. Myers and we look forward to getting to know them even better! It is likely we could travel together because we also live close to one another!!

The Stark Family Wish for KG

2006-11-25T17:11:00.000-05:00

We consider them family. This wish is from Jen, Scott, Jake, and Cade..and soon, they will have Lila. I met Jen about 6-7 years ago, just after I met Brad. Brad has known Jen much, much longer... Jen has a brother, James, who was Brad's best friend through school and after college. Jen and Scott are also adopting from China..and we're hoping that we get to travel to meet our daughters together, too! Jen and Scott are so much fun, and their boys are precious!!

Blessings from Ladybugs/Red Thread Believers Group

2006-11-25T15:47:00.000-05:00

I'ts been too long since my last post - bad, bad, blogger I am. Anyway, in my attempt to catch up, here are the blessings I've received since I left for Atlanta last week...they are from members of my yahoo group of other adoptive parents - also waiting for their children from China! We all agreed to share scriptures and/or blessings rather than simply wishes, just as something a little extra special for our children.

A Wish From the Fawcett's

2006-11-15T23:37:00.000-05:00

There is no question about it. Gracie is SO loved, already! Isn't this the sweetest fabric and wish for her scrapbook?! Laura is a VERY dear friend - she has a very special place in my heart. Laura is so thoughtful, kind, loving, intelligent, warm, the list could go on and on... and we have shared some great times together over the years.

I met Laura during a pretty difficult time in my life. I was just getting started in my real estate sales career (very green), so committed and anxious to make it work (as we all know it is much harder than the average person thinks it is!!!), when my Mom was diagnosed with stomach cancer-very suddenly. (There is a happy ending...) Of course my life, as I knew it, changed like the wind. I dropped everything. I am the only child, and I wanted to do everything I could for my mother- I was also the only person she had to help her through it. (KG's Grandaddy passed when Mommy was 19 yrs old, and the rest of Grandma's family is in Japan). I don't want to discount the fact that we have cousins from my Dad's side of the family in Atlanta, by any means, but they each have their families and jobs, too.

Anyway, after taking a few weeks away from my new career, my Mom came to live with us for a month or so. I can truly say this was the most frightening time of my life. Reality hits HARD when you are all of a sudden taking care of the one person who took care of you as a child. Whew..its hard to talk about, so I'll make it shorter-maybe a story for Gracie another time.

When my Mom started getting better, I was at a crossroads with the career. I had obviously lost steam, and wasn't sure if I had the energy to start a new business on my own. We went to a conference together, and Laura was instrumental in encouraging me to "just do it". She knew I could do it, and be successful...so here I am. Laura continued to follow up with me, and was just there when I needed someone the most. Thank you, Laura, you are amazing. Thanks for the confidence and the words of encouragement. When I see your sweet face to this day, I remember those things you said and did. You have been a constant light in my life - never fading or changing in any way.

Afterall, its not the things people say that make the difference, its the things that you do.

"Some Daughters Come by Plane"

2006-11-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, this cookbook is absolutely awesome. At the CCAI FL reunion, these were for sale - a fundraiser for the Wilson's in their pursuit of adoption funds. I bought one for us to try out first, and now I am considering buying them for gifts, too (maybe, maybe not, for those who are reading this and we exchange gifts... I'd rather it be a surprise - if I decide to do it ;-)

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to update this week-busy and on my way to Atlanta for work (for Gracie, of course). But, I will say that I do try to make dinner for hubby when he gets home, and we tried two yummy recipes out of this book this week.

Ok, I will go ahead and tell you, the Pasta Figoli, p.96, is SOOO good. It's much better than Olive Garden's, so I will have to agree with the author of the recipe. And, the Dutch Pork Chops were excellent, as well. Both of which I have never attempted before, so I was quite proud of myself (I can follow directions pretty well most of the time)

So, if you want to follow Kelly's journey, and are interested in an addition to your cookbook collection, click here!

Quilt/Wish from Jan Byrd

2006-11-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

KGC is how the envelope was addressed. I love it! Inside the card was a story, if you will, written by Constantine P. Cavafy, entitled "Ithaca":

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon-do not fear them: You will never find such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a find emotion touches your spirit and your body. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the fierce Poseidon you will nevr encounter, if you do not carry them within your soul, if your soul down not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long. That the summer mornings are many, when, with such pleasure, with such joy you will enter parts sen for the first time; stop at Phoenician markets, and purchase fine merchandise, mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensual perfumes of all kinds, as many sensual perfumes as you can; visit many Egyptian cities, to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind. To arrive there is the ultimate goal. But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let itlast for many years; and to anchor at the island when you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage. Without her you would never have set out on the road. She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what these Ithacas mean.

Thank you, Jan! This is very special to us. You are a very dear friend.

Our Love of Chinese Food

2006-11-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

I really do cook, I promise. I know, no more excuses, but we worked on this presentation Brad needed to have completed for work, so we ordered from China Garden. Love that place. This time, it was my fortune that brought insight to "the wait". Of course, we know these things, but it's still pretty cool to crack the yummy cookie, and read your fortune. I think this one speaks for itself.

Now, the less obvious is the group of tiny little lucky numbers. Does the first number ring a bell? You may not remember, but the 27th is our log-in day!! 10-27-06!! Daddy had to see it to believe it ;-) Lets see, now how could I make the 15, 34,16,28, and 49 work for us...mmm.. I was 15 when I was let loose on the road in a real, moving, automobile (with supervision of course). I am currently 34 years of age. Brad was 16 when his parents gave him his favorite jeep. It wasn't until I was 28 that I started figuring out what "I" wanted for me, instead of what everyone else wanted for me. I'll possibly be 49 when our darling daughter starts to like boys. AARRGGHHHH. I can't even imagine it! Eeeks.

A Wish from Your Grandpa

2006-11-08T18:28:00.000-05:00

Gracie,

You'll never know just how excited your Grandpa is about you coming home to us. Grandpa and Linda sent this wish for you. It is a contribution to your quilt.

Your Grandpa adores your Daddy. When we met, he was so warm, and welcomed me with open arms. He loved me because your Daddy loved me, before he even knew much about me. He already loves you so very much! Grandpa has a huge heart and you'll get a big piece of it for the rest of your life!

China's Current Statements on the One Child Policy

2006-11-07T12:54:00.000-05:00

Click here for a recent article from China Daily
** Click Cancel if asked to install Chinese and it will appear in English **

National Adoption Month

2006-11-07T10:14:00.000-05:00

Please watch this (get ready, it made me sob) - You need quicktime to see the video.

November 20th is National Adoption Day. In an effort to increase awareness, and hopefully encourage parents to adopt more beautiful children in need of homes (if there heart is in the right place, of course), I have been wearing this great T-shirt we received at the reunion. I've already had someone in the grocery store line ask about the agency, and since I am a huge advocate of CCAI, she is going to contact them. She and her husband have been considering adoption from China for some time now (she is actually Chinese), but they were unsure of how to get the process started!

CCAI FL Reunion 2006 in Orlando

2006-11-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

So, on Friday, while I was still obsessively checking out all the referrals coming in for friends like Lisa , we traveled to Orlando for the annual family reunion. Our agency puts together this awesome event for families who have already brought their children home, and they were nice enough to invite the waiting families, too. Next year, we'll (hopefully) have Kylie Grace, and she'll get to meet some lifelong friends.

Of course it is never fun to be in I-4 traffic to Orlando (especially with a very small bladder), and on a Friday at 3:30pm, it was like riding on the back of a snail. But, with that being said, we still made it to the hotel in time for registration, checking into our room, and a little "freshen up" time. Low and behold, Nicole and her husband Drew, were helping out at the registration desk. I met Nicole at one of our FCC Tampa Bay monthly gatherings (we were standing in the chinese buffet line together). Nicole and I have been following each other's journeys since we met. They live relatively close to us in Tampa. It was so great to see she was there!!

The reception was out in the courtyard, and yes, I knew that it might be chilly, but because my OCD kicked into overdrive with knowing referrals were coming in, I didn't pack accordingly with something a little warmer for the evening. So, dear hubby (dh) Brad and I had to run across a very busy street to the local tourist attraction to find a sweatshirt. It was quite amusing, because we had this bag that we received when we registered, and the little man in the shop kept following us to make sure we didn't steal anything. Frankly, there wasn't much we would consider buying anyway, even if it was free..that was even more amusing. But, in desparation, I found one that would work. Will I wear it again? Maybe when we go to Orlando again. Or not.

One of the many things I love about our agency is the Chinese Children's Charity fund raisers. The money goes back to the orphanges and/or facilitates the ability for children to be placed in foster care. The silent auction that was held at the event was so much fun, and thousands of dollars were raised for this charity. Of course we all know how much I love to shop, especially for our daughter, so I was enamored by lots of unique items. I bid on original art, a handmade diaper bag, a scrapbook kit, a now very famous "Bitty Baby" with silk outfit (you'll see why so famous in a minute), and a vacation package. It was kind of funny because the bidding started Fri night, and Brad kept seeing our names on these lists, wondering just how much we were obligating ourselves for, poking fun at me...he has such a great sense of humor and lets me just have good time. Once I realized that I was really bidding against myself by not waiting until the end of the auction on Saturday, I pulled myself away and tried some self control. (haha)

We met up with Daniella (above), Joe, and their son Joseph, in the auction room. It was the first time I met Daniella in person, although I felt like we knew each other already. Daniella and her family live in Ft. Myers. What a small world it really is... we have been following each other's journeys over the past few months. Our fingerprint appointment was the same day, and even though we both had different challenges during the final stages of the "paperchase", we ended up with the same DTC (10-5-06) and LID (10-27-06) dates! We had been saying all along that we just might end up traveling together and how we felt like it was just meant to be..and here we are!!

Funny enough, all of the waiting families ended up at the hotel bar for a few glasses of wine, some laughs, and some not so discreet stalking of the beautiful children running around. (See the slide show below for more pics!)We felt like it was the one place we could stare and dream about our children and the parents wouldn't look at us like we were nuts. We also met Michelle and Neil (from St. Pete), who are next in line for their daughter!!

Create Your Own!

We really had a blast. It was so nice to spend some time with, and get to know, a few other families that shared the same interests - we had SO much in common, and it was so easy to relate to one another. Even the hubbys were getting excited, too! (I find it amusing though, that Drew and Brad felt the same way about Mulan...didn't have a clue who she was). It just felt so great to know that a lot of the emotions Brad and I feel are shared by the other waiting families, too. It truly brings some comfort, and our relationships will help make the wait a bit less painful!

Saturday morning, I was so anxious to get downstairs, so worried about my auction items, and really looking forward to spending more time with our new friends. I totally forgot to even eat breakfast, but I definitely had my morning coffee. So did Tom Cavano...he is a director at the CCAI FL location - here he is!(Tom is the fabulous person who called us to tell us our initial application was approved with CCAI!)

Lily and Josh, the co-founders of our agency were also going to speak, and Mulan was coming in for a visit. (So at this point, Brad and Drew finally knew who Mulan was and just how popular she is with all the little ones! haha)

I volunteered to be our group photographer, so I was quite the butterfly. Brad and I were able to have our photo taken with Josh and Lily (the photo is in this slide show). And, look at these precious children! (We had more stalking to do before we left!)

Create Your Own!
As the auction was coming to a close, I really thought it might get ugly... a fellow adoptive mom had her eyes on a doll next to the "Bitty Baby" and we decided to sit right next to the dolls just in case someone decided to bid against us. It was quite the discussion about how we would handle it if all of us were trying to make the last bid at the last minute of the auction. My competitiveness came shining through and reared its ugly head... I ended up paying more than the value of the doll for our precious daughter, but that's ok because it all went to charity! I also surprised Brad and bid/won a 3 hour business coaching package for managers (I got a great deal on that one, so it's a wash, right?) Can you blame me for wanting this precious asian doll with this gorgeous outfit?

Create Your Own!

How about the picture where I am holding on to her for dear life?! I managed to get myself so worked up that it was a bit anti-climatic because I didn't have to put up the dukes (haha). You don't even want to know what I paid for the doll, but I can tell you that I am not in the least bit regretful because Bitty Baby will forever have a story..and the orphanges in China ( o ur daughter, maybe??) now have more food and/or necessities.

All in all, I am so glad we crawled like snails through traffic, almost got ran over crossing S. Apopka for a screaming loud tourist sweatshirt... my only regret is that we didn't stay longer on Saturday after the event was over. Nicole and Drew hung out at the pool with all the little darlings and their families. And you aren't going to believe it, but they were lucky enough to spend more time with Sophia. Nicole, you didn't have to "grab" her afterall!!

A Mother's Love

2006-11-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

( I found this poem on a fellow-blogger's website )
http://chinaprincess.blogspot.com/

A Mother's Love

She left you one morning
She had no choice
In a country of millions
She had just one voice

The law made it clear
One child would do
To obey it would mean
No hope for you

As she laid you down
Her eyes became blurried
On saying goodbye
Said don't you worry

Another will come
To take my place
A mother will come
From a different race

She'll hold you and love you
As if you're her own
She'll take you away
To a brand new home

She then ran away
Her heart broke in two
Don't ever forget
Of my love for you

Tom Fisher

This will touch your heart!

2006-11-03T09:58:00.000-05:00

This is what "Match Day" is all about.

After you click the link below, scroll down to view the slide show. Turn up the volume and hit refresh in your browser to start from the beginning! Then, hover your mouse over each picture to see the captions.

Click here for Jodi and Dave's little girl

This little beauty is only 7 months old at the time of her match with her mommy and daddy! How sweet!!

11/2/06 Referrals Are In!!

2006-11-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, for those that aren't very familiar with the adoption process from China, this is a joyous day for SO many families. This photo to your right originated from the Chinese Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA), which you can check out via the link from my home page.

All of the adoptive parents around the world, whose log-in-dates (LID's) were Aug. 10, 2005-Aug. 25, 2005, have been matched with their children!! This includes Lisa and Eammon, in Atlanta! Congratulations, Lisa... Baby S is on her way.

That's a full fifteen days worth of applications. Which equates to a 15% increase over the last group of matches. * This is VERY positive because there has been a recent slow down of referrals, so we needed the boost of confidence with more matches this time around... maybe, just maybe, the process will speed up a bit (and stay that way :-).

So, lets see. Without getting extremely technical, there are approximately 400 days worth of matches to go until we "meet" Gracie through the receipt of our referral. The thought gives me chills, and brings tears to my eyes. We could still get twins, too, ya know!! It's very possible. Who really knows what God has in store for us. Check out the Salsa twins... they are in China now http://salsainchina.blogspot.com/ and will be bringing their twin girls home soon! (Make sure to watch their video of the call from the agency with news about their referral!)

Congratulations to all the patient, and loving parents who are only 4-8 weeks away from kissing and hugging the newest addition to their family!

*No, I don't come up with all of these statistics by myself. A lot of the adoption community refers to the "Rumor Queen's" websites for the numbers. If you are up for some light reading (and remember this is all rumor), her websites are also listed under "Links" on my home page.

"All children come from God. For some, the journey home just takes a little longer."

The first wish for Gracie

2006-11-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

The Parekh family contributed their fabric to Gracie's quilt last week. I met Shona and Mayank last year when I assisted them with their first home purchase in Atlanta. They were relocated to our city all the way from Singapore. The Parekh's have 2 precious girls, a beautiful son..and one on the way - due around my birthday! Thank you for your contribution. I am starting the scrapbook and can't wait to watch the quilt unfold.

Halloween

2006-10-31T22:19:00.000-05:00

Create Your Own!>

We hope Gracie will be here next Halloween! This year, we baked apple cakes at MiMi's for friends (and one to take home to Brad, of course). Aunt Julie and Cole brought Max, Murphy, and Scarlett over to visit. So, we had a house full... Macy, Josie, and Rhett had to share their toys. Cole helped me mix the ingredients in the mixer for the very first time. Wow..that batter gets really, really thick! It took the both of us to hold the bowl :-)

I returned home from Atlanta on the 30th, and on Halloween, we gave candy to all of the trick-or-treaters in Carrollwood. We had a great turn out..lots of cuties, and all ages, too. Original Carrollwood is the perfect neighborhood for holiday festivities. Gracie will meet lots of new friends. We had a parade on Carrollwood Dr., and most of the neighborhood participated. I am so excited about the fun we will have together as a family. Gracie, you are SO loved already...

WE ARE OFFICIALLY WAITING!!

2006-10-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

We received our email at 10:42a from Jack Song in the China Dept today... we are LID 10/27/06!! So.. exactly 22 days from DTC, October 5. And approximately 5 months from our initial application to CCAI. I almost can't believe we are finally here. I know we have a long wait in front of us, but we are closer than we have EVER been in this journey (including all the in-vitro related time). So, we are elated!!

Here's something funny... for all of our family and friends, if you've been following along, or have read any of the previous posts, do you remember when I got the call that our adoption petition needed to be changed during critical review?? I was with clients?? Well, I was with the same clients today... they were so excited! And, we found them a house, today, too. I always keep in touch with my clients - they become friends, so we will celebrate this day with lots of memories!

I've been in Atlanta for the last couple of weeks, so I will catch up on the updates to our blog next week... We're on our way to get you, Gracie, hang in there - we love you!!! MiMi is so thrilled, too!!

Lunch with a fellow adoptive Mom

2006-10-25T16:37:00.000-05:00

Today, I had lunch with Lisa Shanahan www.babyshanahan.blogspot.com . I met Lisa while learning to create this blog for our daughter. Lisa was so thoughtful and her willingness to help encouraged me to brave the world of blogging. We live in such a small world... Lisa lives in the same general area as MiMi. Since I was in Atlanta, we met for lunch at Ritters in East Cobb. We talked for almost 2 hours (and lunch was yummy).

Lisa and Eammon are due for their referral any day now. We thought maybe it would be today - every time the cell phone rang, we jumped! How exciting... Lisa gave Gracie this cute little giraffe. If you check out Baby S's blog, you'll see her nursery is decorated in a safari theme. Perfect gift. Thanks, Lisa!

Not my flesh

2006-10-14T16:37:00.000-05:00

Not my flesh,
nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously
My own,
Never forget for a
single minute:
You did not grow
under my heart,
but in it.

by Fleur Conkling Heyliger

Chasing Lizards

2006-10-14T13:39:00.000-05:00

So, I am practicing with our new camera and caught Casey chasing Lizards again! She has this routine when she goes outside... she's always circled the perimeter of the fence/pool to make sure all is well. Then, she checks for lizards, and she's very systematic about it. She never hurts them (atleast not that I have seen, anyway)..she just loves to chase them around! Casey is 13 years old and still running strong... she holds her own even when the "little one" below play bites her back legs to get her to chase her around the pool.
Zoe is our other baby; she is almost 5 years old. She has a very sweet personality and just loves to be with us. It is absolutely gorgeous outside today (and no bugs flying around), so we have the double doors open that lead out to the pool from the family room, and Zoe is just hanging out. I think she misses KG. And, she's sad that Georgia isn't playing so well today against Vanderbilt. We are losing by 7. She also probably senses that I am getting ready to leave for work in Atlanta again. They are very smart and curious...

Hilary and Chloe

2006-10-12T12:33:00.000-05:00

This morning, I went to the Ice Skating Forum to meet Stephanie D. and to watch Hilary and Chloe (her girls) during their lessons and freestyle session.

Above: This is Hilary, and this is my first time using the new camera. Both Hillary and Chloe have only been skating such a short time, and they are both very impressive!!

Right: And, this is Chloe. They both love the ice, and the sport. Maybe one day when Kylie Grace gets old enough, they can show her how to skate!

Things to Do While Expecting

2006-10-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

I like to plan, I like lists, and I like to get things accomplished. Here is another "working" list of things to do while we wait for Kylie Grace. This "pregnancy" is expected to be much longer than the traditional 10 months. As of today, it's already been 5 months with approximately 6-12 more months to go... so we have plenty of time to get these things done. You are going to think I am crazy, when you see the massive list below. I have compiled the list from advice from experienced parents, and adoptive parents who have been there.

Again, not necessarily in order of priority, and items "grayed" out are accomplished!

Create a website for our journey to Kylie Grace

Purchase chinese videos and music for familiarity when she arrives

Choose an adoption website after we receive our referral through coming home

Organize all of our pictures and put them into albums

Finish Brad's childhood - highschool scrapbook

Compile list of friends/family and send out request for good wishes for the quilt

Have 100 Good Wishes Quilt assembled

Clean out and reorganize the 2nd guest room "stuff" to prepare for the nursery

Order furniture for the nursery and have the crib assembled

Read "Twenty Things Adoptive Children wish their Adoptive Parents Knew"

Read " Raising Adopted Children"

Subscribe to Parents and Adoptive Families magazines

Read "Attaching in Adoption", Gray
Read "Adoption Parenting"
Read "Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother"
Read Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China, by Jung Chang
Read Waiting, by Ha Jin
Read Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, by Dai Sijie

Read the Babywise series

Read "What to expect the First Year"

Read " The Lost Daughters of China"

Read "Coming to America"

Read about typical medical conditions in China

Watch atleast one program a week from the chinasprouttv list

Prepare list of questions we want to ask her caregivers

Prepare care package for our daughter, in shoebox size plastic container, when we receive the referral to include:

..clothing

..toy

..blankie

..questions in Chinese for caregivers that they will hopefully answer for us when we pick her up

..small album with photos of her new family (with descriptions in Chinese since the caregivers will show them to her before we arrive)

..1-2 disposable cameras with instructions in chinese

Send care package for our daughter and orphange or foster family at referral (get address)

Choose announcements

Prepare and address announcements

Choose thank you notes

Join agency yahoo groups

Join lifebook yahoo group

Create lifebook for our baby

Compile and have questions handy for the referral call (since we'll be so excited we probably won't remember what we wanted to ask)

Research and choose specialized pediatrician

..and schedule an appointment to meet with him/her before we go

..schedule an appointment with the pediatrician before we leave to see us immediately when we return to the US

Research and choose car seat, buy it, and practice safely taking it in and out

Research and choose carrier for China,...buy it, and practice!

Research and choose highchair, buy it

Research and choose stroller, buy it

Research and choose new digital camera that will take photos without delays, buy it soon so that we'll know exactly how to use it for the best photos.

Research and choose video camera

Take parenting safety course at Babies R Us or firestation/hospital

Wash all clothes/bedding in Dreft before we leave

Research child's province at referral

Educate ourselves with holidays celebrated in China

Find and choose babysitter (chinese to be bi-lingual?) for our date nights in Tampa

Practice for those blatant questions that may come for Brad in the grocery store line..."is she your real daughter?"

Buy and fill our diaper bags (one for each car, and one to carry?)

Stock nursery with the essentials (unscented, keep it natural)

Finish the details in the nursery

Get forms to process re-adoption in our state to obtain US birth certificate

Apply for her social security number

Get visa photos done

Have Paula get her passport and visa photos done

Update our will

Research and start process to get her covered under our health insurance policy

Plan for all the paperwork and necessary requirements in FL post adoption and arrival in the US

Find play group in Tampa and in Atlanta

Join DTC/LID yahoo group

Find and communicate/stay in touch with adoptive families in the area

Set up all bills for electronic payment and pay in advance of our trip

Set up college fund

Create budget and start sticking to it, now!

Update life insurance policies

Get Paula's house ready for visits

List and prepare gifts for China officials per agency recommendations

Choose godparents/guardians

Get hep a/b and dpt immunizations

Have Paula get immunizations

Make arrangements for someone to stock our house with essentials for when we arrive home so we don't have to worry about the grocery store right away

Freeze mail with our postman

Learn essential mandarin (order cd/book from agency) and share with family

Order translation vocabulary cards from chinaconnection or chineseforadoptiveparents

Research and practice the sign language we want to teach her

Start stashing the required "crisp" bills for orphanage donation

Arrange for Casey and Zoe while we travel

Register

Make a list for gifts from China for family/friends

Shop and pack from agency list of required travel items

Research packmates at QVC, purchase?

Purchase power converter

Find out what the luggage weight requirements are and plan

Start list of books/music/videos we want to have for her
Look for local meal services
Call HOA re childcare recommendations
Find Mommy/Baby exercise classes
Schedule housekeeper for when we return

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

2006-10-07T00:44:00.000-05:00

Today, we celebrate this Chinese holiday (translated to our calendar). I've included the Wikipedia's explanation below, with links to more detailed information. This holiday is one of the two most important holidays from the Lunar calendar, the second being the Lunar New Year. It is relatively new to the U.S., but has been celebrated in China for over 1000 years. On the night of the full moon, the Chinese rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the Mongolian government. It is also a time of celebration, and one of the most beautiful holidays, and is a time for thanksgiving.

At times, I think one of the reasons why the wait times are so long for us to meet our little girl, is because we have a lot to learn about her heritage. We want to educate her, and enrich her life with knowledge of her culture.

Here is a poem I found that I thought was really sweet...

I See the Moon...

I see the moon and the moon sees me,
Down through the leaves of the old oak tree.
Please let the light that shines on me,
Shine on the one I love.
Over the mountains, over the sea,
I have a love who is waiting for me.
Please let the light that shines on me,
Shine on the one I love.
(from "We See the Moon" by Carrie Kitze)

So, as we gaze at the moon this evening, we celebrate in the spirit of the holiday, and for you, Kylie Grace. Just maybe you are being born at this moment, and maybe you are already waiting for us. Either way, you are almost home, baby girl. We love you!

The Mid-Autumn Festival (Traditional Chinese: 中秋節, Simplified Chinese: 中秋节; pinyin: Zhōngqiūjié; Korean: Ch'usǒk or Chuseok 추석/秋夕; Vietnamese Tết Trung Thu; Taiwanese Tion Chhiu;also known as the Moon Festival, Mooncake Festival, or the August Moon Festival. In Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia, it may be referred to as the Lantern Festival, similar in name to a different festival which falls on the fifteenth day of the Lunnar New Year) is a popular Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty.

The Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Lunar calendar (usually around mid- or late-September in the Gregorian Calendar), a date that parallels the Autumn Equinox of the solar calendar. At this time, the moon is at its fullest and brightest, marking an ideal time to celebrate the abundance of the summer's harvest. The traditional food of this festival is the moon cake, of which there are many different varieties.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the two most important holidays in the Lunar calendar (the other being the Lunar New Year), and is a legal holiday in several countries. Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date. Traditionally, on this day, Asian family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon cakes and pomeloes together. It is also common to have barbecues outside under the moon, and to put pomelo rinds on one's head. Brightly lit lanterns are often carried around by children. Together with the celebration, there appear some special customs in different parts of the country, such as burning incense, planting sweet-olive trees, lighting lanterns on towers, and fire dragon dances. Shops selling mooncakes, before the festival, often display pictures of Chang'e, floating to the moon.

Here are the next several year's dates (this is tough since we are adjusting to a new type of calendar...can't just set up a repeating holiday every year :)

2007: September 25
2008: September 14
2009: October 3
2010: September 22
2011: September 12
2012: September 30
2013: September 19
2014: September 8
2015: September 27
2016: September 16

Shhh..it's a Surprise for Daddy (the Nursery)

2006-10-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked a milestone in the journey, twofold. We were notified of DTC, and the furniture we ordered was ready for pickup. Today, I am surprising Brad by having the furniture delivered, and the crib put together, before he gets home.

This is Willie. He was referred to me from the store...what fun to be a part of setting up rooms for babies coming home. Willie has two daugthers of his own, 23 yrs old, and a sophmore at USF.

I can picture KG in her crib, sound asleep and peaceful. The nursery is coming together. We still need to decide if we like the armoire and the dresser/changing table where they are placed. We have some time to feel it out. Not sure I love the lamp. Lots of details to work on, nowhere near complete. But for now, we are completely satisfied with the progress!

What a fun room to sit in while I am journaling for our daughter.

Moon Cake Recipe

2006-10-06T09:43:00.000-05:00

Chinese Mooncakes- Home Style

Ingredients:
1/2 cup salted butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 can red bean paste or 1 cup jam

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar and 1 egg yolk. Stir until creamy and combine completely.
2. Add the flour and mix thoroughly. Form the dough into one large ball and wrap it in aluminum foil. Put this in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Unwrap the chilled dough and, with clean hands, form small ballls in the palms of your hand. These are the moon cakes.
4. Make a hole with your thumb gently in the center of each mooncake and fill with about half a teaspoon of your favorite jam or red bean paste.
5. Brush each cake with the other beaten egg yolk.
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake the mooncakes for about 20 minutes or just until the outside edges are slightly brown. Makes about 24 moon cakes.

Enjoy!

DTC Milestone

2006-10-06T00:55:00.000-05:00

What a fortune to receive in Brad's fortune cookie tonight.

" Be patient. Good things come to those who wait."

We also received the DTC email today from our adoption agency!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, Brad & Theresa,

Here’s the news you’ve long been waiting for—your dossier was sent to China today (10/5/2006)!

Here’s what to expect for the next month:

The CCAA will receive your dossier in approximately 3-5 days. Our China Department will contact you by email once your dossier has been received by our representatives in China and hand-delivered to the CCAA.

The CCAA usually logs in dossiers within 4 weeks of their receipt. This Log-In Date is called your LID, the date that you may “count down” to your referral. As the CCAA is the ultimate authority in logging in your dossier, we are unable to estimate your LID. The CCAA should notify us of your LID within the next 8 weeks. We will e-mail you as soon as we have confirmation of your LID and will then give you instructions on how to download your LID Packet. Your LID will also be posted on your personal online Parent Access Network (PAN) page of the CCAI website, www.chinesechildren.org, the instant we are notified of it.

Again, congratulations! If you have any questions about this e-mail, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Congrats on hitting this milestone,
Kim

Update on the Referral Timeline in China

2006-10-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

The CCAA is the acronym for the Chinese Center of Adoption Affairs. In a nutshell, the CCAA is the place where our adoption requests/dossiers are reviewed and where we are matched with our daughter.

Here is the latest:

"The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before December 31, 2005.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before August 9, 2005."

So, if the timeline were to remain the same, we would be 14 months out from LID (Log in Date). That would estimate our notice of referral in December '07, and traveling to China to pick her up and bring her home in Jan/Feb '08. We are hopeful that just as the timeline can extend, it can also shorten, so it just might be possible that she'll be sent to us in April '08. We would then bring her home at the start of the summer, here in the US. Which would also mean that Kylie Grace is either being born right around now, or she could even be a few months old, just waiting for God to do his magic!

If you ever want to visit the website to the CCAA, the link is on my home page. (Choose the English version at the top right on the home page, or you will definitely be lost)

Nursery Progress Day 3

2006-10-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Paula and I stenciled the dragonflys and ladybugs above the window today. It truly took both of us because the paint jar was hard to hold during the process, and I couldn't let go of the stencil once I started painting or it would have been a big mess! I got a work out, and we loved the result.

We decided that Paula was much better at sewing (you could say my experience is slim to none), so Paula hemmed the sheers and the panels, and helped iron all of them, too. I think I ironed one of the four (another weakness...I was a bit too slow)!

I am so excited about hanging her first name on the wall. I was the painter today, so I painted the letters and attached the ribbon. I couldn't wait to see the finished product! We tried sponging the letters first, but it really didn't look great, so we decided to use the same solid mulberry color we stenciled with for the ladybugs and dragonflys.

Daddy's home! We needed to measure, level, anchor, and drill the rod for the panels, and add the tie back bars to each side for the days we want the light to shine in. The drapes are heavy and lined for the afternoon naps...

The first picture on the left really shows the truest shade of the paint color in the room. And, since we have been in this room most of the day, Macy has found her corner. Window treatments are done, and the letters are hung with care :-)

Now, the furniture should be here over the next week or so. I am picking up the mattress tomorrow. Still looking for a lamp to place above the armoire, and a rug that is just perfect. That will take some time, and we have it, that's for sure!

We can't wait to see you, Kylie Grace. We hope you'll love your new room as much as we've loved putting it together (if that is even possible)!

The Start of Something Beautiful

2006-10-02T19:50:00.000-05:00

Paula and I cleared out the 2nd guest room, that was thankfully painted in preparation for the nursery while we were going through the fertility treatments. It is a very pale green with ivory trim. Brad and I bought the bedding for the crib over the Labor Day weekend at Pottery Barn (that is the quilt on the floor beneath the window, and the bumper is in the rocking chair).

We also found the window treatments today!

National Day

2006-10-01T16:37:00.000-05:00

http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_focus/node_3143.htm

This year, 2006, marks the 57th National Day in China. The link above includes all sorts of interesting facts. This holiday is like our July 4th holiday. It marks the founding of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese celebrate the holiday by taking a full week off!

How did China's national day come?

The Council of the Central People's Government at its fourth meeting adopted the resolution on the National Day of the PRC on December 2, 1949.

The First Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) passed the proposal that the Central Government shall establish October1 as the National Day of the PRC to replace the old on October 10.

The Council of the Central People's Government believed that the proposal conformed to the reality of history and represented the will of people, and as a result decided to take it.

The Council of the Central People's Government proclaimed: October 1, proclaiming the founding of the People's Republic of China, is adopted as the National Day of the PRC as of 1950.
On October 1 every year, the Chinese people celebrate anniversary of the founding of the PRC from then on.

Home to Hubby

2006-09-30T19:38:00.000-05:00

Back to Tampa today, but this time I have companions... MiMi and Macy! This is Paula's second visit to our house, and Macy's first road trip. What makes this visit different? We are planning to start the nursery. And as always, I can't wait to see Bradley.

Here's Macy checking out Zoe from under the table. Macy is definitely not accustomed to such large friends!

Dossier to Translation

2006-09-27T17:29:00.000-05:00

Our agency received our addendum, and we received notice that we are off to translation!

The CCAA is closed for the National Holiday for a week, so it looks like we'll be tied up a bit because of that, but atleast we passed through critical review...FINALLY!

Waiting Patiently?

2006-09-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

So, we should have everything we need to send to CCAI CO tomorrow. That means that our addendum to the petition will be complete, and per our conversation on Friday, we should go directly to translation. This will be a HUGE milestone in our journey.

In the meantime, here are some gifts for our little girl. Top right is from MiMi - we found these cute little "bloomers" at a consignment shop in Roswell. The bottom, far left, is MiMi's first clothes purchase. The second is her first gift from her soon- to- be Aunt Julie. The third is another great find from MiMi.

JFBC

2006-09-24T18:34:00.000-05:00

Love one another. Not just romantic love, not just brotherly love, but love even to those that we struggle with loving.

In the spirit of the message, Paula and I came up with a new "habit" if you will. Rather than having several choice words for those we lose our patience with, we will say "love you" and smile (it turns out being a giggle, too). Almost as soon as we left church, on our way to lunch, I came close to saying some of the same old things as someone pulled out in front of me while I was driving. Of course, it was meant to also be humerous, and we got some good laughs out of it, but we decided it might be a way to change the way we tend to think(more times than we want to admit).

So, it happened again, at the infamous T.J. Maxx, buying books for baby - and if you've ever shopped there, you know what I mean. There was a VERY upset woman behind us because we were all being ignored, complaining that the employees really didn't seem to care much.... so, I came real close to joining her. Instead, Paula and I looked at each other about the same time and said "love you" and laughed. It truly turned the outcome of the situation. And although it was very funny, it makes you stop to think. What a great habit to have for our daughter, too!

Tracy's "Last" Birthday Without Our Daughter

2006-09-24T01:28:00.000-05:00

Join the party! We all went to Tracy's for her 33rd birthday dinner. In attendance? Kylie and Amber of course, Tracy's boyfriend, Steve, Jane and Joe, Kathy with Gibson, Lauren Kate, and Sarin (sp?), and me. Brad and Larry aren't in town - we missed them!

Lauren Kate and Gibson Grays...

Another Bump in the Road

2006-09-22T23:46:00.000-05:00

I was expecting to hear that our Dossier was on the way to translation from critical review. As I waited for my clients to come back from a walk at the lake, checking out their potential neighborhood, I thought I would make a quick call to our agency. My heart sunk. Long story short, they wanted us to change some wording on our Adoption Petition. Of course, here come the tears in my eyes, and my clients towards my car.

Now, keep in mind, this is a document that I sent via fax for review in June, before we had it certified and authenticated, so that it would make it through the process smoothly. All they could do was apologize, and all I could do was keep as calm as possible. Afterall, this was just the second mishap since our Dossier was received at the agency on September 13. So, while writing the recommended phrase changes for the "Addendum to Adoption Petition" and driving with clients in the car, I held it together the best that I could.

I finished up with my clients (emailed Brad to call me "now", and Paula to vent), went straight to a computer, typed up the addendum and sent it to Brad via email. I also sent it to the agency again, just to double check since we had already been through this before. My class was starting and he was so patient with me - I have to say I was very upset, and stressed from a very busy week/day. He is the rock, for sure. He re-arranged his schedule, and sent it Fedx immediately-this was about 4:30p. We would have had it to the agency on Monday. Notice I say "would have".

So, then, I get an email on my Blackberry while I am in a class from the agency. Guess what? Yes, you'll believe it. There was another recommendation to change it again. This time it was my fault. We didn't restate the age of the twins we wished to adopt, after we stated the age of the female we wished to adopt. Apparently, through translation, this would be necessary. No room for assumption in this document. It's 4:58p at this point, and Brad is no longer at the office, and I don't have a way to get another revision to him in time.

During our break around 6p, I called Bradley and explained what happened because up until then we were communicating via email. He was so great at calming me down, and he's right - in the big picture it is a very small thing. I just needed some time to throw a tantrum.

So, really, what do you do, but run over the "bump" and keep on going. It just gets frustrating along the way, when all you want is your daughter. We've tried, and we've waited, for so long, and at times, it just doesn't seem it will be a reality. That is why, with every prayer, I ask for patience. He'll give us the miracle of our child, but in His own time, not ours!

Nursery at MiMi's

2006-09-19T21:43:00.000-05:00

So, the nursery at MiMi's is taking shape in the room where Mommy and Daddy "move in" during visits.

"Lasts"

2006-09-17T15:21:00.000-05:00

We are looking forward to so many "firsts" with our child.

First smile, first kiss, first steps... but, we can't forget to celebrate the "lasts", too! This weekend, we went to the "last" East Cobber" parade and festival without our daughter.

Scarlett and Rhett

2006-09-16T16:48:00.000-05:00

There was a surprise waiting for me when I arrived in Atlanta. We have two new members in our family. Meet Scarlett and Rhett...they are bischon frise puppies! You guessed it, one is a female and the other is male. Paula inherits the boy and Julie inherits the girl. They are sooo adorable.

Cole, our little girl's soon to be cousin, and her Mimi.