Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Wishes Came True






We all had a very merry Christmas this year. Everyone got their most favorite gift from Santa's wish list. The boys both got iPod touches that they seem to play with constantly. Shelby received her new AmericanGirl (Walmart) doll with matching outfits and of course the panda Pillow Pet. Faith did score some cotton candy that she told Santa she wanted every time she visited him (from afar of course). CJ got a new portable TV for his big truck, and I finally broke down and got an iPhone! Here are some pics I have taken on my new toy and posted on FB. Hope all your wishes came true as well :)

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!





Wishing you and yours a wonderful time spent remembering the birth of our Saviour and the real reason for the season. Make a memory with your family and friends this Christmas, for no one knows what tomorrow might bring. Enjoy each and everyday that you have with your loved ones!! Merry Christmas :)

Thursday, December 23, 2010

All About Santa

It has been fun this year watching the girls visit Santa. Shelby is absolutely in LOVE with the big guy. Faith-not so much! As you can see, Faith isn't so sure about the man in the big red suit. This was as close as she has come to him all year, and as you can see she never took her eyes off of him-LOL. This year Travis thinks he knows all about the "real Santa Clause", so unfortunately the magic is gone from his perspective. Good thing I will have another little believer in the bunch next year!!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Horsing Around

Faith had her big Christmas performance at school the other day. She was supposed to dress up as a "manger animal". Yeah, I know?!?! Anyhow we had choice of coming up with a camel, donkey, cow, or horse outfit. After a dash out to the Thrift Store, we were successful. She did a fabulous job and sang loud with all the hand motions. I was a proud mommy for sure.


I must confess she was the most adorable little manger animal I have ever seen ;)

Monday, December 20, 2010

Missing Her Already

This is my first time experiencing Christmas by "knowing" who my child is, yet not being able to be with her during the holidays.  We first saw Shelby in May, then we had her home that same year for Christmas.  Then with Faith, we found her in July, and still managed to get her home to celebrate the holidays at home with her family.  With Elise, that is not going to be the case :(

Unless you have been there, it is very hard to explain to someone what it is like to have a child that you can't get to for Christmas.  On one hand, you try to be happy and excited to be blessed with her coming into your life in a few months.  Yet on the other hand, each time you gather the kids for a family portrait you feel an ache in your heart that one of your littles is missing.  I just grin and bear it of course, and just try to remember that we will be with her in a few months.  Merry Christmas Elise, we miss you already!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Officially There

 

Found out today that our paperwork has made it to China and has been officially logged in to their system as of 12-14-2010.  We now sit in among these stacks of files waiting for a review from the China adoption peoples to give us our official Letter of Approval (LOA).  This usually takes around 60 days to get.  We are still on track to hopefully travel early May for our baby girl :) 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Pizza Party

It only took two years, but by golly she did it...FAITH EATS PIZZA!!
 


Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas Fun

It's hard to beat the fun this time of year!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Goodies Sent

I asked Ann with http://www.redthreadchina.com/ to send Elise a package for Christmas. I had originally requested a Christmas Tree, Santa hats, decorations, etc.  She quickly reminded me that they really do not celebrate Christmas in China.  Ann didn't think that the orphanage would use those items, so I agreed.
Instead I asked Ann to go ahead and send some toys and shoes that all the kids could maybe enjoy.  Sad to know that Elise won't be "celebrating Christmas" this year, but I know it will be nice to have her true 1st Christmas at home with us next year!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Two Year Gotcha Anniversary

Go check out this post to stroll down memory lane with us 2 years ago today-Faith Day!  Sometimes it is hard to remember what a little baby Faith was when we got her.  Boy has she come a long way.  She fits into our family like a glove.  She is the female version of my Travis for sure. They are 2 peas in a pod, and make for a double-trouble duo ;)  Faith is talking more and more now, and she sure loves her Nana. I am so blessed to get to be her mommy!


And now my big girl!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Updates on Elise

Ann at http://www.redthreadchina.com/ was able to get me some updates on Elise last night.  I think the pictures were taken on the same day as the last update, but hey at least they are ones I have never seen.  Also, they did not answer the questions I had about her being in foster care, which leads me to believe that she truly is NOT in foster care.  Her file states that she is not either; however, since speaking with other parents who had adopted children from her orphanage, I really thought she would be in foster care.  Apparently she is not, which makes me sad to know that she is not being loved on by a family every day :( 

Elise just turned 16 months old (same age as when we got Faith), and it will be about another 5 months until we can get to her.  Living in an orphanage without a foster family for 21 months can really take its toll on a little soul.  I so hope she at least has a "special nanny" that favors her and maybe-just maybe- loves on her everyday. 

Here is the update:

Hong Xin Fang`s nick name is Fang Fang

She can not walk by her own,but she when she touch something such as the walll or table or little chairs ,she can move pretty well and she can stand by herself for a little while .

Xin Fang means gentle and sweet girl

Main food for xin fang : rice ,noodles ,vegetables ,meats

Milk 2-3 times/day ,She needs to eat deserts two times/day too,she eats fresh fruits sauce ,bread ,egg,cake ,all kinds of soup ,ect .

Xin Fang`s udpate measurements below :
weight :9kg
height :77cm
head :43.5cm
chest :44cm
foot:11.5cm
teeth:6/6

Monday, December 6, 2010

It's Beginning

 
to look a lot like Christmas!!  I love this time of year spent having fun with all my babies.  Hope you are enjoying your Christmas as well :)

Paperwork Pics

 
Forgot to post the official pics of our dossier headed to China!

Friday, December 3, 2010

DTC Baby

Our paperwork is officially on its way to China today!  DTC BABY!! 
D (Dossier=paperwork) T (to)  C (China)

We are now waiting for our next acronym...LID  L (Logged=recorded)  I (In)  D (Date)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Almost There

Just received this email from my agency:

Dear Donna:

I got both packages and will let you know after I send your dossier to China tomorrow.

Xiaoqing

Wednesday, December 1, 2010