39 Month LID Anniversary

Oh boy, in all my excitement over hoping that July will be the month that we receive Marissa Renee's referral, I missed Monday, June 22nd, 2009, which was our 39 month LID anniversary.

39 months ago , (3 years and 3 months) ago, our dossier was logged in with the China Center For Adoption Affairs. So much has happened in that time, both happy and sad.

I've also gotten the opportunity to meet some awesome people on this journey. Friendships have been forged that I know will last a lifetime, not only for us, but for our children.

I am still hoping and praying that we will receive MR's referral before our 40th LID anniversary.

I've been attending a bible study at my church about the book of Ruth, and this past Tuesday night, we discussed patience and waiting on the Lord to work things out. Ruth listened to her mother-in-law Naomi who told her ...."Sit still my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out;" Ruth 3:18a. Well, that's exactly what I've done over the last 4 years. I am "sitting still" and I know that my Lord is in control of everything.

Oh My Goodness......I Think We're Next!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my.......referrals have arrived and it appears that the LID cut off is 3/20. It's not official yet, but that means......only 2 LID days left till 3/22. And, since the CCAA has assigned 6 LID's per month over the last 2 months, I am cautiously optimistic that...........

We're Next!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't express what I'm feeling at the moment. Happiness, anxiety, glee, and relief that this long wait is almost over.

Now it's time to break out the legal pads and the many "To Do" lists to be created.

Over the next 4 weeks, it's time to get our home "baby" ready. I intend to clean and declutter this house from top to bottom. All except the garage....that project will belong to John ;-).

Where's my pen??

The Rumor's Have Started!

Latest rumors on Rumor Queen state that the CCAA has completed matching and the referral cut off may be either the 20th or 21st. Maybe a slight chance that the 22nd will be included, but the 21st and 22nd were high volume log in days, so I am preparing myself for next month, so as not to be disappointed should we miss the cut off this month. But any way you look at it, the excitement is building. We will see our daughter's face before the summer ends. We will travel to China sooner rather than later.

So much to think about... so much to prepare for...so much to do.....

I can't wait!!!! Bring it on!!!!

Surprise!

Surprise! and Congratulations Kim and Mike!

Yesterday was Kim's surprise baby shower and I am so happy that I could share the day with Kim, Mike and their family and friends. I had such a great time.

We played fun games: I was able to identify strained carrots (baby food) blind folded, yum! Well actually it needed salt :). I didn't win in "baby gift bingo", but it was awesome to see the great gifts Kim and Mike received. Not to mention that the food was absolutely delicious!. It was well worth going off of Weight Watchers for the day :).

Kim and Mike will be leaving for China in less than 2 weeks to bring home beautiful Annie! The new pictures Kim had are so precious, Annie now has "peach fuzz" hair. I'm in love!

Kim, it's been a priviledge to share this journey with you! I look forward not only to our continued friendship, but the friendship that our daughters will share.

Hurry Up and Wait...

That's what our wait feels like right about now. June referrals haven't yet arrived.
There is still a possibility we could be in June's batch, but I am still thinking at least July. But based upon my friend Kim's experience over the last several weeks, it sounds like once we receive our referral for Marissa Renee, things start to roll, and roll quickly. Once travel approval (TA) is received, things go into high gear and travel to China isn't far behind. Kim and Mike received their referral for beautiful Annie,three weeks ago this Thursday and just received travel approval three weeks later on Thursday. They now leave for China in less than two weeks....
Wow, Yippee!!
So...in preparation I've visited Human Resources at work to begin the necessary paperwork for my family leave. I have the form needed to be completed, but can't do anything yet because we haven't received our referral. I need official documentation. So again I said......

Hurry up!!!! and.......wait!!!!

Thank you Lord for granting us your peace throughout this long journey!!

"Be not anxious but in all things with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Phillipians 4:6-7

The First Rumor....

Yesterday, on Rumor Queen, the first rumor of June finally surfaced. It is that the CCAA may have completed matching all of March 06. Have to admit that when I first read it, I got anxious and excited. Don't know when the June referral batch will be received, and don't know whether we'll be included. And so we wait....patiently.....well, maybe not that patiently, but as patiently as possible!!

Congratulations Dana

Today was my niece Dana's Holy Confirmation.

As my friend Pat pointed out the other day, it seems that time has flown by in all things in our lives, except for our adoption wait. Here is a picture of my Dana at the beginning of our adoption journey as compared to today. My has she grown into a beautiful young lady. (And hopefully a great babysitter too!!! ;-) ).
Note also how handsome my nephew Anthony has gotten too!!!!! Karen and Anthony, you look awesome too!!!


In regards to our adoption, no new rumors to report yet.