The Third Trimester

As much as I want to be witty as I begin to update ya on our adoption news, I honestly am in shock and disbelief accompanied by writers-block.    We are going to China......like SOOOON!   Where did the time go?  Thrilled that we've made it to the third trimester - yet scared out of minds as we add another addition to the family dynamics.   Even though it's SUPER wonderful, it was really, really hard last time and we're hunkering down praying for the best but preparing for the worst.  We are praising The Lord with arms raised high for a generous grant we received and many friends who have given and at the same time pacing back and forth waiting for 3 other grants to give us their letter of decision.  Have I mentioned that I'm not a patient waiter??

On Monday,  July 28th (on day #67.7) we finally received the document that I lovingly call "The Precious".   Our Letter of Approval!   This is where China agreed for us to specifically adopt Zhou Yin Chan.   Here she is:

In order to keep my mind off the dreadful wait for that stinkin' letter, we spent the summer letting my OCD go into over-drive organizing the house, working some overtime, splashing in the kiddie pool, sleeping in past 9am as often as possible and even  just a few days away in the Smoky Mountains.

I even decided to can and/or freeze as much summer garden veggies I could.  Freezers are stocked full and pantry looks like we're preparing for Armageddon or something.   Maybe it's just a deep psychological realization that with FOUR kids, I may never ever be able to do "extras" like that again.  Or shower. Or breathe.

Another thing I've realized is that my filter is officially broken. I'm not sure if it's just stress, my age, or that the 2nd adoption has thickened my skin, but I noticed that most everything that goes into my mind these days comes out of my mouth.   Not usually a good thing.   *sigh*

On another note, the girls started back to school a couple of days ago.

Liam is starting to recover from yet another surgery..

And even little Emmajane has her own backpack packed and ready for kindergarten!

So, the big question we get asked all the time:  When will you be leaving to get her?    Well, we don't know when we'll be traveling to China just yet.   It all depends on how fast some of these forms move along.  It could be as early as September (OMG, that's NEXT month people!!!!!) or October at the latest.  With some big holidays coming up in China, I'm pretty certain that it will be October.  The days just go so doggone fast that we'll be boarding that plane before we know it!    And all I can do is squeal in delight and then stand in place paralyzed with that deer-in-headlights-look.    Again, bear with me, people.  The shock is likely to get worse before it gets better.

I want to thank ALL of you for supporting us thus far!    Whether you've been praying for us, donating time or money toward the cause, hugging on us, showing up for fundraisers and 5ks or delivering chocolate in times of need, know that we love each of you and are forever grateful!

Be on the lookout and stay tuned - our final update on Emmajane should be here soon!