Anna Grace turned ten months old yesterday. It was three months ago today we sent our LOI (letter of intent) to China. We are still waiting on our LOA (letter of acceptance from China), seventy-two days and still no word. The wait has been one of the toughest things I have ever done. My heart aches so bad to have our baby girl home. Each day that passes is a day we will never have back. All the new things she is doing and experiencing we will never experience together. She is growing and we are missing it! She knows not of the love that overflows in our hearts for her. Her forever family aches to experience each new day with her. I know there are a lot of hard days ahead and that it will take her time to learn to know, trust, and love us. I am so ready to tackle the hard, to endure the tough and to love our baby girl. I look at her pictures and I am totally blown away by the love that over flows my heart. I am waiting for the day that the Lord turns my pain into beauty.
The boys are even starting to get anxious for Anna Grace to arrive. We continually pray for her health and safety. The boys will mention small things about how things will be better once she is home and we can finally be whole as a family. Ben made a bracelet in Sunday school for his little sister and couldn't wait to rush up to her room when we got home. Mitchell said he was ready to have pictures of Anna here at home and not from the orphanage. Andrew plays with the little ones at church and says can't wait to play with his little sister.
Mitchell is recovering well from his shoulder surgery and is hoping he will finally get out of his sling next week when he sees the surgeon again. He started physical therapy this week and said it felt good to stretch his arm a bit. He's signed up for track but I'm not sure if he'll get to actually participate or not.
Andrew signed up for track too. He loves to run the long distances, if he'd only learn to run out of season so he doesn't hurt so bad in season from lack of training. Seriously, what do his parents know? He's getting excited about his eighth grade Washington D.C. trip in June. We are hoping and praying to be back from China by then so Ken can go with him. Although I think he may be more excited about the fishing trip with his Uncle Blake when he comes back from D.C..
Ben has a big day tomorrow, he gets his braces on! We really debated on waiting another six months for him to get them. He has been trying hard to do a good job brushing and when the orthodontist said his brushing was good what could we do? That had been the main reason for waiting, hard work and dedication needs rewarded. I'm just praying and trusting God will deliver all the funds where they are needed when they are needed!
I am so thankful for all the prayers and support for so many of our friends and family. There are many days I believe the only thing that keeps me going is the prayers of others. My heart cries out to Jesus and one day soon he will give me the desire of my heart, our baby girl. I know it's going to be scary and I know it's going to be tough but it was really scary and really tough when we brought Mitchell home from the hospital as new parents. Much of life is unknown and the unknown usually is scary but so many of unknown scary things are the things that has made my life full. As long as God is for us, no one and nothing can stand against us.
God is good all the time. All the time God is good! With God all things are possible, even the hard. No matter how hard this is, God did hard when he allowed Jesus to be put on the cross for me. He knows my pain, he knows my heart and he loves me. He loves Anna Grace and until I can hold her in my arms I know he will hold her for me.
One day soon Lord, one day soon you will grant me the desire of my heart, Anna Grace.
Anna Grace
Our Precious Baby Girl
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Anna's Nine Months Old
Yesterday Anna had her nine month birthday. I pray that in some small way she received a little extra loving from her nannies. Ken and I are pretty sure that with all the Chinese New Year celebrations our paperwork will be delayed a week or two. Wednesday will mark day 50 for waiting on our Letter of Acceptance (LOA) . Ken read some place that the average wait is 50-70 days, we are getting close!
Mitchell met with a wicked spot of ice and did a number on his truck. Thank goodness he and Ben were okay and the truck, well with a little help from the fine people at Marshall's Bridgestone its back on the road. Mitchell on the other hand, will not be on the road for several more weeks. He had surgery on his right shoulder last Monday, due to an injury from track last spring. We didn't realize it was that bad until he started working with a personal trainer this winter. He had his first follow up today with the surgeon, Dr. Quinn, and everything looks good. Mitch is anxious to get back to "normal" and we keep trying to remind him it takes time and he has to do it right, nice and slow. He's been sleeping in grandpa's old recliner and is really ready to get back in his bed.
I've had several people ask me if and when we were going to have a baby shower. I have to admit, it makes me a bit uncomfortable. I'm not sure why, but I hate to be in the center of attention. I have to remind myself that I can't be selfish, I have to give others a chance at blessing us. I love to be a blessing to others and I have to allow them to return the favor. So I guess there will be a baby shower in our future. I'm not sure when but I think the plan is to wait until our LOA comes and we are closer to going to China, and getting Anna.
I've been trying to read up on what to pack for the trip and yes, I have the luggage out and there's items in it. I've also been trying to read up on clefts. I joined a yahoo group for adopted parents of cleft children. It has some good discussions and it's awesome to see how willing everyone is to share in their experiences good and bad.
Ken and I sat down last weekend and made sure we have all of our immigraton paperwork completed so when our LOA comes, we'll be ready to put them in the mail the same day!! We have so much love for our baby girl and pray everyday she is healthy. It's so hard to continue to wait, but we know God's timing is perfect, Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." so we wait. I'm thanking God everyday that we have this amazing opportunity to be parents to this precious child, our child.
Mitchell met with a wicked spot of ice and did a number on his truck. Thank goodness he and Ben were okay and the truck, well with a little help from the fine people at Marshall's Bridgestone its back on the road. Mitchell on the other hand, will not be on the road for several more weeks. He had surgery on his right shoulder last Monday, due to an injury from track last spring. We didn't realize it was that bad until he started working with a personal trainer this winter. He had his first follow up today with the surgeon, Dr. Quinn, and everything looks good. Mitch is anxious to get back to "normal" and we keep trying to remind him it takes time and he has to do it right, nice and slow. He's been sleeping in grandpa's old recliner and is really ready to get back in his bed.
I've had several people ask me if and when we were going to have a baby shower. I have to admit, it makes me a bit uncomfortable. I'm not sure why, but I hate to be in the center of attention. I have to remind myself that I can't be selfish, I have to give others a chance at blessing us. I love to be a blessing to others and I have to allow them to return the favor. So I guess there will be a baby shower in our future. I'm not sure when but I think the plan is to wait until our LOA comes and we are closer to going to China, and getting Anna.
I've been trying to read up on what to pack for the trip and yes, I have the luggage out and there's items in it. I've also been trying to read up on clefts. I joined a yahoo group for adopted parents of cleft children. It has some good discussions and it's awesome to see how willing everyone is to share in their experiences good and bad.
Ken and I sat down last weekend and made sure we have all of our immigraton paperwork completed so when our LOA comes, we'll be ready to put them in the mail the same day!! We have so much love for our baby girl and pray everyday she is healthy. It's so hard to continue to wait, but we know God's timing is perfect, Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." so we wait. I'm thanking God everyday that we have this amazing opportunity to be parents to this precious child, our child.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Anna celebrated her 8 month birthday yesterday and I had an incredible afternoon shopping for her. My sister, Lucy, and her daughters Brittany and Lindsey, and my best friend, Jenni had a blast shopping for new clothes for our new princess. I am so ready to have my baby girl in my arms! It's been one month since we accepted our referral for Anna, one month down, and several more to go. We have most of our paperwork ready to send as soon as we receive our LOA (letter of approval). Ken wants all the paperwork finished so as soon as we receive our LOA we can get the next set of paperwork in the mail. We are praying that we will have our precious baby girl in our arms by her first birthday! That's four months away, I have faith that its very possible and I am standing on that faith! God has carried us through this far, he will see us through to the end!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Friday, January 18, 2013
It's hard to believe it's been a week since we received our PA (pre approval)! What does that mean? It means we've crossed another line, one step closer to bringing Anna Grace home! I was doing some grocery shopping last week when my phone rang. I don't usually have my phone on ring when I'm in the store, usually it's on vibrate and I never feel it. Anyway, when I looked at the number my heart froze! I recognized the number to our agency. When I answered the phone, I heard the familiar voice on the other end, she said she had good news! I honestly heard something like," You've got your PA, you've been pre approved, you've got your letter! I'll send you an email with the letter and the... LOA..blah, blah, blah."
My oh my, I had been waiting three long weeks to hear those words, any words telling me we were still on track, that Anna would soon be ours. My heart soared high over the clouds and I was thrusting myself in into the arms of our great God hugging him in relief, okay my physical body was standing in the cereal isle but my soul was far away in the arms of my heavenly father. I don't recall very much of the conversation. Ken said that for now on it would probably be wise for our agent to call him since I didn't get all the information, (it was in the email). Just day before, I had a complete melt down! We were told it would take two or three weeks to get our PA and we were getting ready to pass the three week mark. My mind began to fill with doubt and my heart ached for our baby girl.
Since the PA news, we've started the next series of paperwork to submit once we receive our LOA (letter of acceptance). Once we receive the LOA, we can start making our travel arrangements! Thank you Jesus! The LOA means China has given us the final approval we need to go get Anna! We were told to anticipate an approximate wait time of two months. I'm glad we have an approximate time frame, it makes the wait a little more bearable.
I am utterly in love with a beautiful baby girl half way around the world! She invades my dreams, she's captivated my heart. I remember telling my mom after the birth of Mitchell that I always knew I would love my child, but I never realized how much I would fall in love with him. The love that bubbles from my soul for our baby girl is amazing! My arms ache to hold her, my heart aches to show her love. Ken and I are probably going to be like two little kids with a new puppy, fighting over who gets to love on her the most.
Over the holiday break, Brittany, my niece, and I and went shopping. We put a big hole in our pockets, but we had a lot of fun! When I asked Brittany if she had any idea how much money we spent, she simply smiled and said if anyone was worried about the amount of money we were spending, well, they should have went with us. We got all the essentials to bring Anna home. A wonderful blessing from Heaven, we used money from my parents estate. I know my mom and dad would be thrilled! The nursery looks great and is now ready to receive our precious baby girl. I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given us.
I am so thankful for the incredible amount of support from our church family. They share in our excitement and I am humbled by their faith in us. It means so much to share in this experience with them, especially now that both my parents are in Heaven. It's refreshing to have young and old alike sharing in the thrill of a new child.
Counting down the days until we can finally hold our baby girl in our arms. I find myself wondering into the nursery daily. Walking through the baby department at the store, looking at all the items and wondering what we will need to care for her. Trying to find information to know what to expect with a cleft. Knowing all the while, God has this under control. Confident that in all things, He is the master, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Praising God knowing he is holding and loving our baby girl until we can get to her. Praying that God blesses and protects Anna, that he keeps her safe and healthy and that one day soon we will have her here, in her forever family. A family who loves her and looks forward with great anticipation to being together.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
What awinter show and each time he's on stage, he getsopportunity to explore the arts.
My oh my, I had been waiting three long weeks to hear those words, any words telling me we were still on track, that Anna would soon be ours. My heart soared high over the clouds and I was thrusting myself in into the arms of our great God hugging him in relief, okay my physical body was standing in the cereal isle but my soul was far away in the arms of my heavenly father. I don't recall very much of the conversation. Ken said that for now on it would probably be wise for our agent to call him since I didn't get all the information, (it was in the email). Just day before, I had a complete melt down! We were told it would take two or three weeks to get our PA and we were getting ready to pass the three week mark. My mind began to fill with doubt and my heart ached for our baby girl.
Since the PA news, we've started the next series of paperwork to submit once we receive our LOA (letter of acceptance). Once we receive the LOA, we can start making our travel arrangements! Thank you Jesus! The LOA means China has given us the final approval we need to go get Anna! We were told to anticipate an approximate wait time of two months. I'm glad we have an approximate time frame, it makes the wait a little more bearable.
I am utterly in love with a beautiful baby girl half way around the world! She invades my dreams, she's captivated my heart. I remember telling my mom after the birth of Mitchell that I always knew I would love my child, but I never realized how much I would fall in love with him. The love that bubbles from my soul for our baby girl is amazing! My arms ache to hold her, my heart aches to show her love. Ken and I are probably going to be like two little kids with a new puppy, fighting over who gets to love on her the most.
Over the holiday break, Brittany, my niece, and I and went shopping. We put a big hole in our pockets, but we had a lot of fun! When I asked Brittany if she had any idea how much money we spent, she simply smiled and said if anyone was worried about the amount of money we were spending, well, they should have went with us. We got all the essentials to bring Anna home. A wonderful blessing from Heaven, we used money from my parents estate. I know my mom and dad would be thrilled! The nursery looks great and is now ready to receive our precious baby girl. I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given us.
I am so thankful for the incredible amount of support from our church family. They share in our excitement and I am humbled by their faith in us. It means so much to share in this experience with them, especially now that both my parents are in Heaven. It's refreshing to have young and old alike sharing in the thrill of a new child.
Counting down the days until we can finally hold our baby girl in our arms. I find myself wondering into the nursery daily. Walking through the baby department at the store, looking at all the items and wondering what we will need to care for her. Trying to find information to know what to expect with a cleft. Knowing all the while, God has this under control. Confident that in all things, He is the master, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Praising God knowing he is holding and loving our baby girl until we can get to her. Praying that God blesses and protects Anna, that he keeps her safe and healthy and that one day soon we will have her here, in her forever family. A family who loves her and looks forward with great anticipation to being together.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
What awinter show and each time he's on stage, he getsopportunity to explore the arts.
Well the holidays are officially over and Ken is back to work after having much needed time off. It was wonderful to have him off with the boys. We welcomed the snow storms, what better excuse to put in a movie and cuddle up in a few blankets and have family time. Tomorrow the boys return to school and the house will be all quiet again. I look forward to Anna Grace coming home and having an good excuse to be behind in my chores.
Mitchell made an appointment to take his driving test today. He was pretty excited he passed, now he can take his special girl out and drive her around instead of her driving him. I'm having a problem, he's slowly letting go of my apron strings and I want so badly to rein him back in, yet I know that is not God's will for us. I continue to pray that God will continue to guide him and that he seeks God's will for his life.
Ben resumes practice today and the next couple weeks are sure to be "Crazy". Thank goodness he doesn't start back to dance until after the production of "Crazy For You" is over. I'm not sure when choir will start back up for him, but I'm sure we'll find out when he returns to school tomorrow. He's so busy and loves every bit of the hectic schedule. I just feel extremely blessed that I'm home and able to run him to and fro so he can fuel his passion. I don't know what God has in store for him, but I know it's going to be amazing.
Thank goodness Andrew took the winter off! He thought about basketball and we would have supported his decision but it sure makes life easier with one less kid to rush to and fro. He's done a wonderful job at helping out when asked.
I am so thankful to my mother-in-law for teaching my husband how to be self-sufficient! Ken has always shared the daily responsibilities with me, even when the boys were babies. I want the boys to be just as qualified whether in the kitchen or laundry room, or in the nursery. I guess when Anna Grace comes home they can get some practice in the nursery.
I am so excited I'm going to take my neice this evening and go shopping. We don't have anything for the nursery and well, it's time to get it ready! I have Anna's picture hung on the wall along with pictures of the boys. I find myself thinking of her so often and praying for God's protection over her. I can't wait to hold her in my arms and just love her.
Mitchell made an appointment to take his driving test today. He was pretty excited he passed, now he can take his special girl out and drive her around instead of her driving him. I'm having a problem, he's slowly letting go of my apron strings and I want so badly to rein him back in, yet I know that is not God's will for us. I continue to pray that God will continue to guide him and that he seeks God's will for his life.
Ben resumes practice today and the next couple weeks are sure to be "Crazy". Thank goodness he doesn't start back to dance until after the production of "Crazy For You" is over. I'm not sure when choir will start back up for him, but I'm sure we'll find out when he returns to school tomorrow. He's so busy and loves every bit of the hectic schedule. I just feel extremely blessed that I'm home and able to run him to and fro so he can fuel his passion. I don't know what God has in store for him, but I know it's going to be amazing.
Thank goodness Andrew took the winter off! He thought about basketball and we would have supported his decision but it sure makes life easier with one less kid to rush to and fro. He's done a wonderful job at helping out when asked.
I am so thankful to my mother-in-law for teaching my husband how to be self-sufficient! Ken has always shared the daily responsibilities with me, even when the boys were babies. I want the boys to be just as qualified whether in the kitchen or laundry room, or in the nursery. I guess when Anna Grace comes home they can get some practice in the nursery.
I am so excited I'm going to take my neice this evening and go shopping. We don't have anything for the nursery and well, it's time to get it ready! I have Anna's picture hung on the wall along with pictures of the boys. I find myself thinking of her so often and praying for God's protection over her. I can't wait to hold her in my arms and just love her.
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