Sweet, Sweet Baby

WE ARE MOVING!

2008-01-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

After much thought, I've decided to move my adoption blog over to our family blog: GREEN GRASS GROWS. The merge comes after I decided to start a THIRD Blog(password protected--please email me if you are interested in following this blog). I knew I needed to condense and merge the family stuff into one blog. As far as where we are in our adoption process, we are waiting for our dossier to come out of translation...then we just WAIT. SO, this is the perfect time to move. We hope you all continue to visit us--please bookmark our site and we hope to see you there as we continue our journey to Sweet Baby!

FYI:

I know I posted about this before, but wanted to share how I will document this blog. I plan to use BLURB to turn this blog into a hard bound book. Cool, huh?

Happy 2008!

2008-01-01T18:30:00.001-05:00

Our holiday season, like many, has been so busy! We have spent the last few weeks entertaining and visiting family and friends. Our Christmas was wonderful and we are praying that by next year, our sweet baby girl will be joining us! I will continue to keep those in prayer who are waiting and "oh, so close" to bringing their little ones home. Prayers also for a 2008 full of resolve, promise and unity for the Vietnam adoption program. Happy New Year and God's Blessings to you all! Here are a few pictures of my family over the last few weeks. The Santa in the video is my Dad and the new baby is our niece, Cate!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We're DTV!!!

2007-12-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

After four months of piles and piles of paperwork, social workers, fire marshall, doctors, police stations and government buildings--our dossier is officially DTV "Dossier To Vietnam"! Having those precious documents sent to the country where our daughter will be born makes it seem so much more of a reality. We have prayed for this child for months and long for the day that we are able to see her sweet, sweet face!

Gotcha Day Anniversary

2007-12-05T10:53:00.003-05:00

December 5, 2007

Today's the day, two years ago, that this little darling was placed into our arms. She brings so much joy to all who know her. Luci has flourished into an amazing little girl and we can't wait to see what the future holds for the beautiful child. We thank God every day that she is part of our life.

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day Anniversary Luci! We Love You!

Homecoming December 2005

Our Special Day

2007-11-29T00:57:00.002-05:00

My Sweet Luci Bella,

You're three today! I can hardly believe how fast the year has gone. It's November 29th. This day is so important in both of our lives. Not only is it my birthday, God decided to place you on this earth on this day, too! On 11/29/2005, I boarded a plane and flew to the other side of the world to meet the daughter I longed for. God gave me the best gift I could ever ask for the day you were placed in my arms. You bring great joy to our family. Daddy and I will never be able to tell you enough how much we love you and how proud we are to have you for our daughter. I love you baby girl!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Making Progress

2007-11-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

We've been so busy the last week or so. Our three boys are in the heart of basketball season, so we've been running non-stop to try-outs and practices. We love it and can't wait for games to begin.

In adoption news, we feel like we're making progress. Our agency sent our documents back to us to have them county and state certified. Normally the agency does this step for us, but because our state (Maryland) requires county authentication in addition to state, we asked to do this ourselves. Our agency is located in Oregon and we didn't want to risk our dossier being lost in transit by going back and forth from county, state and agency. Anyway, we were able to authenticate all our documents on Wednesday (11/21) and had them sent via overnight mail back to our agency. Our documents should be sent off tomorrow to the Vietnamese Consulate in San Francisco for authentication. After that, our dossier finally gets sent to Vietnam where it will be translated and logged into the DIA (Department of International Adoption). From there, we get our official "number" and the wait begins!

Taking Chances

2007-11-16T09:41:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions within Vietnam adoption community. I follow several adoption blogs and chat rooms--frustration, anxiety, and panic fill people's posts. I'm not here to defend my adoption or add to the issues at hand. I respect those who have chosen to speak out about their feelings on the current problems with this program. I have decided to keep my opinion on this topic private. I will not defend my agency or criticize others about the agencies they have chosen. I will say that I pray that we all find peace within our own journeys and keep our hearts pure and open.

I've been trying to roll with the punches and be as optimistic as I can. From the start of this process, I have felt such assurance from deep within that our sweet baby will be home. Day after day, my assured confidence slowly started to chip away with each new piece of unsettling news. The fact is, we don't know how this will all unfold. It's up to our government and a country that is culturally different than the US. We all feel so vulnerable and willing to grasp at the littlest piece of good news that comes our way--dissecting it and making it much bigger to give us that peace that everything will be all right.

I'm not proud to say that over the last week or so, I've been feeling like our baby from Vietnam will not come home. Instead of digging for that assurance trapped somewhere within, I chose to come up with a "Plan B". My Plan B consisted of spending hours on the internet looking for waiting children from different agencies, different countries. I know there are so many children out there "waiting" to come home. My own daughter, who we adopted from China in 2005, was on such a list. My panic button was telling me to jump ship and head towards higher ground....adopt a waiting child. As I combed through the lists, looking at the beautiful faces of children in need--I suddenly realized that although I have a heart for all orphans...MY CHILD is in Vietnam. For the first time in weeks, I feel confident that God will continue to see us through this journey, as He has done from the very start. My husband and I never thought we'd be going through this process again. We have three amazing sons and a beautiful daughter. Our house is busting at the seams! God laid this fifth child on our hearts and we know she is meant to be here. So...

I'm back to Plan A! I'm taking chances. Putting full faith in God that He will bring home the child He designed for our family. The stakes are high, but we're pushing all our faith to the middle of the table...taking our chances that everything will be just fine.

I love the song in the video clip below. My daughter's latest music interest is Celine Dion...she just loves her! I thought it was fitting that the song is about taking chances, jumping off the edge--not knowing if there is solid ground below...perfect.

Without A Mother

2007-11-08T15:22:00.000-05:00

Did anyone see Kellie Pickler (from American Idol fame) on the CMAs last night? Poor girl, it broke my heart! She performed a song written for her mother that left her when she was two. Watching her pain as she sang made me think about my daughter and sweet-baby-girl-to-be. Although they will have the love of their mother, I hope and pray that not knowing their biological mothers doesn't create a devastating hole in their hearts. I will do my best to be the best mother I can be...which includes finding the right words to help fill that void.

Here's the clip from the CMAs.

Let's go to the movies...

2007-11-07T21:49:00.000-05:00

I saw the trailer for this movie a few months back and it looks really good. I love John Cusack! It looks like a great movie to see for those of us in the adoption or foster care community. Maybe I can drag my husband to see it this weekend. Here's the trailer---it's called Martian Child.

It Came!!!

2007-11-06T13:25:00.000-05:00

Oh joy!!! It Came!!! The form that confirms that we are officially "PAPER PREGNANT"! When the form came in the mail today, I wasn't certain that it was what we've been waiting for. It took less than a week to get here! It stated that it was an I-797C...which I found out is the same as an I-171h! Anyhow, we have it...and we are doing the SNOOPY DANCE!

Here it is! It's official!

Let's see what is says....

Good For One Baby Sister

See...right here in black & white!

I can't wait to be a Big Sister!

Weekend Getaway

2007-11-01T10:47:00.003-04:00

Hubby and I have not gone away ALONE since we brought Luci Bella home from China. We are sooo long overdue for a getaway (at the beach!) and we're excited to do this:

Festival of Marriage
3-Day Weekend Retreat

"Fall Festival of Marriage is a Christ-centered enrichment weekend sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources. Events are held at 12 locations throughout the country, packed with workshops to help couples focus on their relationship with God and with each other."

No two marriages are the same. Sure, there are common problems in each, and similar joys. But every couple has specific and unique areas that need attention.
LifeWay's Festivals of Marriage enable you and your spouse to retreat to a place where you can focus on each other, your marriage, and your relationship to God. Each weekend offers:

*Time to concentrate on your marriage, away from jobs, kids, and the daily grind
*Several "hot topic" workshops of interest to you and your spouse
*Worship sessions with speakers, drama, and music

Plus, there are special events at 3-day Festivals of Marriage retreats, including Saturday afternoon date time and a Candlelight Renewal of Vows ceremony.

Visit the LIFEWAY website for more information on Fall Festival of Marriage and other events.

Pause to Pray

2007-10-30T09:51:00.000-04:00

To the dear friend that pulled me aside at church before Sunday School to pray for our adoption...

Prayer. I often feel I don't pray enough. When I do, I feel at times like I rush through prayer, much like I rush through my busy life. As a mom, focusing on one specific thing is near impossible. Multi-tasking becomes a mastered craft and my brain is fast-forwarding to the agenda next at hand. You can't multi-task prayer in fast-forward. Through this adoption process I've taken on one of my favorite verses from the Bible, "Be Still and Know the I am God--Psalm 46:10". Stillness is an important ingredient in order for me to pray...really pray. When I accomplish this, I feel a closer connection to God; I'm able to actually listen instead of rattling my checklist of prayer requests. "Being Still" has helped me through the last 8 weeks of this adoption journey, trying not to stress over paperwork and still maintaining focus on my family. My prayers have slowed down because I have slowed down. I'm able to pray with an open heart and mind and for the first time, feel God's hand on my shoulder...it's indescribable.

Which leads me to the beginning of this post. My dear friend--who is known to be as fast-forward as I, THANK YOU for taking time out to pull me aside to pray. You came to me wanting to pray over our adoption because it had been on your heart. Meanwhile, I feel God sent you to me for these reasons:

Pause Life.
Be Still.
Pray.
Listen.

Isn't He amazing!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Adoption Video Friday

2007-10-26T09:31:00.000-04:00

To pass the time, I thought I'd post my favorite adoption videos every Friday. I found this video through a blog that belongs to a couple who are going through a very difficult time. Please visit their blog and keep them in prayer. I also want to put a prayer out there to the families who are affected by the new USCIS procedures and hope that the first families involved in the change have smooth adoptions. My heart also goes out to those that were hoping to have the children home for the holidays and are now facing a extra two months without their little ones. I promise, God will not disappoint and His love will shine brighter the day your baby is placed in your arms.

Have a great weekend!

Yard Sale

2007-10-23T22:51:00.000-04:00

Our yard sale on Saturday turned out to be a huge success! We were able to raise over $1500 in six hours! I must admit, it was hard work preparing for the event...but so worth it. If you are looking for a fundraiser for your adoption, a yard sale is the way to go. We had generous donations from friends and family and even a few from perfect strangers. One lady stopped by because she saw our ad in the paper and donated a truck load of items...already tagged and ready to sell! Thanks to Amanda who showed up at 6:00am with coffee, donuts and a smile on her face. More thanks to Linda, Will, Terri, Greg, and of course My Boys...we couldn't have done it without you!

A Few Tips:

1) Put an ad in the paper.

2) Ask anyone and everyone you know for donations.

3) Arrange for a charity to pick up items you do not sell. (We didn't do this...but wish that we had)

4) Make small signs that say "Please Haggle/Barter Lightly, Raising Funds For Adoption. (This was a Biggie! People will talk you down over a 25cent item. Those professional "yard-salers" are vicious!)

5) Slash prices in half during the last hour or two of your sale. Exclude high-price items. (Another Biggie. We made quite a bit of money towards the end)

Busy Week Ahead

2007-10-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

Over the last few weeks, we have been planning an Adoption Benefit Yard Sale. We've collected so many donations from friends and family. The out pour of generosity makes us feel so blessed! So now...it's time to get busy. Sorting, organizing, pricing all the items for Saturday's event. We've cleaned out our attic, our closets, boxes that have remained sealed for the past sixteen years of our marriage--it's quite amazing what you accumulate in a lifetime. Stuff. Well, let's just hope this "stuff" will make our yard sale a success!

Not too much going on with the adoption. Now that the paperwork part of the process is complete, I feel so useless. At least when I was filling out paperwork, running to get forms notarized, going to doctor appointments--I felt like I was accomplishing something. With it being out of my hands, it feels like time has slowed down. Now...we wait. As of now, we're waiting for our home study agency to finish the hard copy of our home study. Once that is complete and reviewed by our agency, it'll be sent to USCIS to obtain our I-171H form. An I-171H states that you are approved to adopt a child from the foreign country you specified. We're hoping we get this form quickly. Issue time in Maryland has been running under two weeks. So for now, we wait. Guess we better find a comfy chair...

Sweet Baby Shoppe

2007-10-10T01:32:00.000-04:00

COME VISIT OUR NEW ADOPTION STORE!

We've decided to design a few adoption related items to raise money to bring Sweet Baby home. In the upcoming weeks, I will start to add country specific items. Please leave me a comment if you have any suggestions or ideas. Hope you like what you see! Pictured below are a few examples.

God Bless!
~Kate
Sweet Baby Shoppe

Luci Bella's adoption journey

2007-10-09T10:32:00.002-04:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Where is baby sister?

2007-10-04T22:47:00.000-04:00

**Pause the music playlist at the bottom of the blog before viewing**

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Cinderella

2007-10-02T14:34:00.002-04:00

I love, love, LOVE this song! It's sung by Steven Curtis Chapman. For those who don't know him, he's a Christian artist...but more importantly, a huge advocate for adoption. He has three daughters adopted from China. Anyway, this song is written for his daughters and it reminds me so much of my husband and his relationship with our daughter, Luci Bella. She is certainly the apple of his eye and I enjoy witnessing the love affair between daddy and little girl. I can't wait for our Sweet Baby to get here...another Cinderella to step in and dance with her Prince Charming!

Almost Done! Well, sort of.

2007-09-28T15:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a big day. I mailed out all paperwork required by our home study agency and most of the paperwork for our adoption agency. It was so nice to see my little file box empty--at least for a little while. Our dossier is almost complete. We have a couple of things to do: passport photos for forms, pictures of the family...but mostly we are just waiting for our home study to be complete and then the coveted I-171H--the lovely form that everyone so eagerly waits for from USCIS. Then onto translation, authentication and sent to Vietnam. I'd love to be DTV (Dossier To Vietnam) before the end of the year--I shouldn't place a time frame on things that are out of my hands...but it's good to be positive, right? We're so proud to be "almost done" with paperwork...in just under 6 weeks!

By the way, I found this really neat site that I'm sure a lot of you will be interested in. BLURB allows you to turn your blog into a hardcover book printed on archival paper! Prices are fairly reasonable...especially since a lot of us put so much time and energy into our blogs! I've already mentioned to hubby that I would love this for Christmas. I plan to "book" my blogs every year. So how cool is that!!??? I am so excited about this product and can't wait to see what it'll look like! :o)

What A Man!

2007-09-24T10:57:00.000-04:00

Trust me...it's not an Urban Legend. There are fantastic husbands out there who are thoughtful! For those wives who have them, please share your "hubby story" with me. Here's what Brian did for me:

Typically, Sundays after church are called, "Kitchen-Pass Days". Since Brian nor I get out often...ALONE, Sunday is our time to remove ourselves from our hectic life and do something for ourselves. We alternate Sundays so one of us is home with the kids. Brian and I have close friends (Will and Amanda) that we spend time with and usually I'll go shopping or see a movie with Amanda and Brian will golf with Will. This Sunday's Kitchen-Pass belonged to the guys' and it was sweetly offered to the girls'....thanks Will. Amanda had a bad week as well, and it was nice for our men to notice and hand-over their day. Oh, and by the way, yesterday was gorgeous...a perfect golf day! We took it graciously and made a mad-dash to the outlets for retail therapy. Oh and shop, we did! Gotta love outlets! I bought a few things for the kids, including Sweet Baby. It's hard to guess what size to buy, as well as not buying anything too seasonal.

Here is what I got for sweet baby:

Well, if getting the coveted Kitchen-Pass wasn't enough...guess what my hubby did for me? This morning I woke up and found this:

Hubby headed down to the local craft store while I was gone yesterday --yes, a craft store--and made this little flower arrangement for me. Do you see the little dragonfly!?? For those of you who don't know, the dragonfly is a lucky charm for Vietnam adoptions...much like the ladybug for China. Isn't that the sweetest? What a man!!

Record Time...

2007-09-22T11:14:00.000-04:00

We did it! We were able to be fingerprinted--no appointment required--in RECORD TIME! I'm proud to say we drove into Baltimore, found parking...which is a miracle in itself, made it to the government building--was printed and back in our car in Less Than An Hour!!!

So, okay...my week has ended very nicely. Thanks God for lightening my load!

A New Day Makes A Difference

2007-09-21T14:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes all you can say is,"Well, it is what it is...there's nothing you can do except to put it in God's hands." So with that, I move onward. Thanks to everyone for giving me scripture and warm wishes, it made a difference in my outlook and has helped me remain focused on our goal...bringing our daughter home. Who would have ever thought that blogging would be a nice little support group! :)

We're still continuing to make progress. We had our final home study on Tuesday (9/18) which included the tour of our home and interviews with each of us, including our children. It was short and sweet. Hopefully, we will have our home study in hand within the next week or two. Today, hubby had the day off and we had our physicals for home study and dossier. We also completed our education requirements needed by our agency. Tomorrow, we will be heading to Baltimore to do our fingerprinting (USCIS). I'm not sure how that will go. When we received our "receipt" from our I-600a, we also received a letter stating that our fingerprints were paid for and to report to the Baltimore office during stated hours. No appointment was assigned. I know most of you have waited and were given a certain date to be fingerprinted, so this in a bit confusing. Maybe it's different in the state of Maryland. Sadly, neither one of us can remember if we had an appointment for our last adoption. Like labor pain, you quickly forget the process and the details. Sooo, we'll head down to Baltimore and see what happens---without an appointment. I'll fill you all in on what happens. So, we're moving along--making our lists...checking them twice!

Well, I have to say...I'm looking forward to the end of this week and ready to start a new one! I'll leave you all with another video clip. This one requires a tissue (or two) and will make you ready to jump on the next plane to get your little one!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

**You'll have to pause music playlist at the bottom of blog before viewing**

Breathe, Kate. Just Breathe.

2007-09-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like God is that little speaker you talk into at the local fast-food drive-thru. You give Him your order, speaking clearly...telling Him what you want. Most of the time, you NEVER get what you order. My order this week was completely wrong and super-sized with "stress"! I am COMPLETELY aware that He is in control At All Times. I get that...I really do. BUT, I'm also the type that feels that I have to have every little thing is place, right down to the last detail. Especially when I'm bogged down with lots of "to do lists"--trying to keep everything in order AND complete them, it drains me physically and mentally. Don't get me wrong. I love to multi-task! When it comes to paperwork and organizing, arranging, sorting...I'm there! BUT..the slightest little glitch can set me off if I'm at the point of explosion--which is what happened to me this week. I won't go into detail about the needle that burst my balloon, but I will say that through it all, I needed the "gentle-shove" to be reminded that God has planned out everything for me and even though I may not understand why, I will--at some point. And when I do, the feeling of love I will have knowing God has mapped this all out for me will truly knock me to my knees. Until I understand His reasoning, I'll continue to love Him more every day for setting challenges in my path and making me a stronger person.

Praise to the Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
~Isaiah 25:1

Here is a song that has stuck with me this week...I love it and it's a reminder to stand firm, stand strong.

**You'll have to pause music playlist at the bottom of blog before viewing**

Jeremy Camp "Walk By Faith"

Wow, that was fast!!!

2007-09-12T22:14:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, we headed down to our local CJIS to be fingerprinted for our clearance checks. Today, I opened my mailbox to find none other than the very clearance check forms we thought would take a few weeks to receive! WooHoo!

I've been very busy gathering documents and filling out paperwork since our first home study visit on Sept. 5th. Now, just over a week later, I'm about 85% complete with required forms. We basically just need medical forms filled out for all family members. Oh, and we need a visit from the Fire Marshal. When our social worker comes back on Sept. 18th, I will proudly hand over my stack-o-papers and say to her, "I told you that I was an efficient, multi-tasker!"

For those who are curious as to what goes into a home study (through our agency):

1.) Protective Services Clearances

2.) Child Support Clearances (N/A!)

3.) Police Clearance: Any criminal history through state and FBI

4.) Sanitary Survey

5.) Fire Safety Inspection

6.) Medical Reports on all family members

7.) Statement of Net Worth

8.) Verification of Employment

9.) Tax Returns

10.) Copy of Birth Certificates of family members

11.) Copy of Marriage License

12.) Adoption Decree from our adoption of our daughter from China

13.) References (3)

14.) Driving Records from MVA (certified)

15.) Home Safety Checklist

16.) Guardianship Statement

17.) School Adjustment Report

18.) Home Study Agreement (contract)

WHEW!!!

Now..more good news! Since we adopted Luci Bella from China in 2005, we are able to have a subsequent home study done this time around. They will use a large part of our old home study and require less interviews. Which means, that it should take no time at all to get this completed!

After our home study is complete, we'll start compiling our dossier and waiting for our fingerprint appointment to get our I-171 H Form. Fortunately, most of our home study documents can be used for our dossier. I'm hoping we continue to move at a steady pace.

So far, so good!!!

Operation Babylift

2007-09-06T14:25:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons why we are adopting from Vietnam is because I am half Vietnamese. My mother met my father during the Vietnam war and they came to the US in 1972. I was born shortly after. During that time period, many Vietnamese children were left without parents...a country in total despair. The history behind Operation Babylift has always fascinated me. I love to hear the stories of the children, who are now my age, and how they've faced adoptive and racial issues. This is a movie trailer clip about Operation Babylift, which should be released sometime in 2008.

For more info, go to www.thebabylift.com

**You'll have to pause music playlist at the bottom of blog before viewing**

I think I'll join the circus...

2007-09-06T13:34:00.000-04:00

...I am a master juggler. We had our first home study visit last night and our social worker gave us "the packet". Forms to fill out, copies of this or that, clearance checks and fingerprints with the FBI and local government, fire marshal, references, financial statements, a sanitary survey (is my home "sanitary"...hmmm)...the list goes on and on! Lucky for me that I have OCD tendencies and welcome the challenge! Is it sad to say that I love to fill out forms, file and organize?!!?

Bring it on...

Oh my! It must be fate...

2007-08-31T09:25:00.003-04:00

Okay, I thought,even if it was for a micro-second, that I'd be practical, nay...frugal, and re-use Luci's crib bedding for Sweet Baby. I planned on slip-covering the bumper, adding new pillows...that sort of thing. Plans have changed my friends! Lookie, oh lookie what I found! I can hardly stand it! The bedding is from a brand-new company call Kukunest. Crib bedding will be available soon. The girls will eventually share a room, so this was clearly meant to be. I MUST purchase this bedding....sorry hubby!!!

Tagged Again

2007-08-31T09:16:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged by BabyGirlSmith (April)! She'll have to tag again...hee hee! I've already done this one! Fortunately, I get the easy way out and have linked my answers from my other blog: Middle Name Mime

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day Weekend!

Baby + House = Remodeling!

2007-08-28T10:53:00.002-04:00

We've been hard at work the last few days. We received our packet from our agency, so we have been busy filling out forms and getting appointments all lined up and ready to go. We are still waiting to hear from our social worker to set up appointments for our home study. In the meantime, we have started home projects to get ready for our new addition. First, a place for baby. This may sound odd, but we are putting baby in our closet! Our master bedroom closet is more like a bedroom. It has a window and is about the same size as Luci's room. So, with a little rearranging, we have turned our closet into "the baby suite". It will be beautiful! I've already begun to paint her room. I know, I know, we still are about a year out until we bring sweet baby home...BUT for those of you who know me, I never drop the opportunity to paint something in my house! Anyway, the color is beautiful and I can't wait until it's all put together. I'll post pictures of progress another time. We are also constructing a new main bathroom. Hubby and father-in-law tiled the floor this weekend. First tile project for both and it looks amazing! Again, I can't wait to see it completed!

As part of our adoption process, we have to complete adoption classes. Seems odd to do so since we have adopted before, but it's our agency's requirement. It hasn't been too bad...our agency is in Oregon, so our classes consist of reading a book written by the director--filling our summaries on each chapter, and listening to a set of 5 classes on cd and filling out summaries for that. So, pretty harmless--just time consuming.

Well, until the social worker calls, we will continue to push to get things done on our end. Oh, did I mention that our home phone line isn't working....nice. Thank goodness for cell phones and email---how did we live without technology? On the flip-side of that....I just took my oldest son's cell phone away--for now. Over 600 text messages (in six weeks) at 15 cents each---nope, we do not have unlimited text messaging! Kids...sigh.

Why Sweet, Sweet Baby?

2007-08-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

I decided to name my blog "Sweet, Sweet Baby" when I recently found a website that specializes in adoption photography. They have a song by Michelle Featherstone that plays throughout their site. Since we started the process, I haven't been able to get the song out of my head. I've recently found a few blogs that have Sweet Baby playing on their site. It's such a beautiful lullabye. When I hear it, I think of my baby girl being placed in my arms for the first time. I also think of my other children...no matter how old they get, they're still my sweet, sweet babies! So, when you stop by and visit this blog, you'll hear the song playing. To stop it, scroll down to the end and hit pause!

Here is the site I mentioned: Celebrating Adoption lists professional photographers who lend their services (free or at discounted rates) to families who have recently adopted. Many are listed and I'm sure you'll be able to find one in your local area. We plan on doing this once our sweet baby is home.

Why ask why?

2007-08-21T08:52:00.000-04:00

People who adopt internationally come from all walks of life, and we each have our own unique story. There will always be someone who will judge us and not agree with the decisions we make. This simple fact exists regardless of what your family looks like to the outside world, whether you are married or single, have biological children or not--or in our case a large family...which, by the way, we are QUITE AWARE that when this process is done, we'll have FIVE children! I'm sick of having to rationalize to people the reasons why we chose to adopt again. Isn't it reason enough to say that we felt led by God to adopt?

We all have a tremendous desire to complete our families. There is so much soul searching in making the decision to adopt. We all have different reasons and life experiences that bring us to the point of carrying through with the adoption process.

So, we're trying not to focus on what others think. There will always be an ever-present voice of disapproval, jealousy, prejudice, or just plain old not understanding. It is part of being human and living in this world of ours. You move forward and never look back. It is about us and completing our life with our family. Regardless what other people think or feel; we will welcome a precious child into our lives. The experience enriches us in ways we could not imagine and in the end we know we'll find unspeakable joy and happiness!

On a spiritual level, God has a plan for us. So many of us think we know or try to convince or will ourselves to form a plan that's "God-Like", but to be still and truly listen to God and His will is a difficult task. We heard His call. It's hard for us to explain that to some people...but maybe that's part of our journey-- helping others understand Christ.

Adoption is not for the faint of heart. It is truly a difficult and emotional journey...a journey that is welcomed with an open heart and an opened mind--and a softened heart (mine) learning to be patient.

“But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness.... Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23

App, App, and Away!

2007-08-17T15:34:00.000-04:00

Well, we finally picked an agency and sent out our application to get things underway. I feel it's so OFFICIAL! We are adopting...YIPPEE!!! I sent the app. out via Priority Mail. Leaving the Post Office, I got in my car and this song came on! Not a typical wishy-washy sentimental song--but a feel good, Let's Get This Weekend Started song. Feeling celebratory, I cranked it up--and rocked out. Yeah, I'm one cool mama! :o)

**Amanda, we don't have a Sonic to cruise around in, but I'm sure a mighty fine Chick-Fil-A will do! Tee Hee***

Who can resist Toby Mac...gotta love him! Have a good weekend!

(*Note: You'll have to pause the music at the bottom of this blog before you play the video...unless you like the sound of utter chaos!)

We Are Blessed...

2007-08-16T09:09:00.000-04:00

This week has been filled with so many blessings. Sometimes I sit back and think, "Okay, how much of this was me being persistent, how much of this is because of God's good graces?". Of course, I know the answer. It sometimes seems hard to decipher our influences over His when you are making important decisions in life. With this adoption, we have questioned timing, being able to handle this financially, providing for the family we have now--all the while feeling the pull from God to bring another child into our lives. There's no question in our minds, we will adopt again. Over the course of the last three weeks, we have waited, prayed, planned, researched--all the things most adoptive parents go through in this process.

Within the past few days, we were given the green light to proceed with this adoption. We've had a few HUGE examples of God saying it's time. First, we were offered financial help from a family member that we just can't turn down. I count my blessings daily for the love and support of my family. Second, our Pastor has agreed to allow us and another family to host a benefit concert/adoption fair at our church. We are completely thrilled with this! All proceeds with be divided between our families to help with adoption expenses. A popular local christian band will preform at our event. We also plan to contact various adoption agencies and foster programs to raise adoption awareness. We hope to make this a community event, which is something I've always wanted to do. God has blessed our church through adoption. We have so many families that have felt the need to save a child. It'll be a great day to celebrate and hopefully lead a family to a child in need.

So with that, it's time to get to work. I'm amazed that this is moving quicker than we anticipated. We are currently deciding on an agency to use. It's been a difficult process. You hear good and bad with every agency. I guess it's better to sometimes go with your instincts and keep outside influences at bay. It can be overwhelming.

I look forward to journaling through this process. It's an adventure of a lifetime and God has chosen us to walk this path, yet again! What an Awesome God!

And so it begins...

2007-08-14T22:49:00.003-04:00

(Entry taken from our family blog, Green Grass Grass, July 28, 2007)

Well, I'm sure to some of our friends and family this may come as a surprise that we are adopting again. After bringing Luci Bella home from China, we were fairly certain that she would be it...plus our three sons, of course. As time went on, we would bring up the subject of adoption, sit on the fence about it for a little while, and then put the notion back in the closet for another day. I struggled with the idea of Luci being the "only" child--meaning, the boys are so much older than her...our youngest son is 12. Luci would be 8 by the time Tyler graduated from high school. With that, I couldn't lay to rest that fact that she didn't have a close sibling--in particular, a sister. I know the importance on having a sister...I have two. I'm by no means bashing all you singleton/only children out there-- knowing Luci has someone to share her childhood is comforting to us. So partly, our decision to adopt again is to give Luci Bella a little sister.The main reason? God. We feel He has led us to do this. He has shown us the blessings that adoption brings. Within the last few months, there have been "God Moments" that have made us stop and realize that this is something that we are supposed to do. Our hearts and our faith are completely behind this. Financially--well, that's another story. But as most folks realize, sometimes things like this can't be completely "planned". You take a leap of faith and know that God has got your back. He always provides and will continue to hold this family up, as He always has. We have plenty of time to fund raise, save money, pay off bills, etc. The typical wait for a child is around 2 years, which seems like such a long time--we realize that it's really God's time and it's completely in His hands as to when our daughter comes home.So with that, another journey begins. Our family continues to grow and we feel so blessed that we've been given this mission. Brian and I never thought we'd be here, with the family we have. God is good!Thanks to all for your love and support and please keep our family in prayer.