Bunch O' Bloomers

For many years we have picked up items for our child that we just couldn't resist.  Here are just a few of the things we have purchased.

UNC Tarheels Sweat Suit

Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Dish Set

Purple Cabbage Patch Tennis Shoes (size 3 so these may not fit)

Golf Onesie with Pants

The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh
Disney's Treasury of Children's Classics

Flannel Diapers

Layette Sets

Blankets

And Tons More Stuff over 20 Years

It was so hard, but we had to put the breaks and stop buying. But now that we know we have a little girl and she will soon be in our arms, it has been even tougher not to pick up the cute little things we see.

Soooooo.....

We had to indulge while on vacation this year. We just could not turn these down! We can just see our little one crawling around in these looking all cute and stuff. Not sure what shirt/dress she'll be wearing with them, but that little behind of hers will be precious.

We've Moved to the Next Phase

Well our prayers have been answered once again.  The adoption officer with the US Citizens and Immigrations Services that our paperwork was assigned to was absolutely wonderful.  Once our paperwork hit her desk, she turned it around the same day and returned it to us via overnight package.  This made it possible for us to send all of our official paperwork (Letter Seeking Confirmation for Chelsie) to our placement agency.  They received our information this past Friday; turned it around the same day and sent it to China.  What a blessing!

Now that China has our paperwork we have moved to the "Travel Phase".  The first part of this phase is called travel approval; this is where China approves us to travel to their country.  Our placement agency has told us that this step in the process can take 2-8 weeks.  Once the travel approval is received, the second part of this phase is where our agency will make our appointments with the Civil Affairs Office and the US Consulate in Guanzhou.  These appointments will dictate when we will travel to pick up Chelsie.  Stay tuned we will keep you posted.

Thanks for all the prayers,

Happy Mother's Day

WOW what a special day!  I received my first Mother's Day card from my daughter.  The card is absolutely beautiful, my favorite colors - pink and purple.

The verse inside the card is written on flower printed paper, folded in half showing pink on one side and purple on the other.  After reading the card and tearing up (did I mention that is was signed "To my Mommie, Love Chelsie"); Jeff told me there was something else in the card.  I couldn't tell but tucked inside the fold of the flower printed paper was a note from my baby girl (I think she had a little help from her daddy).  While trying to read the note the tears were rolling down my cheeks! 

Note from my baby girl.
(Click to Enlarge)

Okay, so now that you have seen the note, you see that our little one now has a name.  We have tried out many names, tossed several around and even thought we had settled on one, but that was not the case until this weekend.  Our daughter will be named Chelsie Ann Lindsay.  Her middle name Ann is after her maternal Grandmother.

Also, today we were invited to the home of our niece and her husband for Mother's day lunch.  Oh my goodness what a lunch!  We had steak, potatoes with cheese, broccoli, rolls and fruit salad.  Then for dessert...homemade peach cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream.  Can you say YUMMY!  On top of all the wonderful food and great visit, my niece gave me a sweet Mother's Day card that yes made me tear up again.

Such a special day!  Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers.

Thank You and Paperwork Update

First and foremost, we want to let you know how much we appreciate each email, blog comment, text message and facebook message.  The love and support each of you have shown us warms our hearts.  We had hoped to be able to respond to each one, but have not had the opportunity.  Please know that we have read each and every one.  We have also saved all of them to share with our little one some day.

Some of you have asked about posting comments on our blog.  Please feel free to post as you do not need a log in to do so.  Simply type your comment in the Comment Box and under the pull down arrow beside "Comment As" click on Anonymous.  If you comment as anonymous, we ask that you please put your name in the comment box so we will know who has commented.

Paperwork Update

On Monday of last week we received our updated home study.  On Saturday we received the letter from our placement agency stating that the home study contains all components required by the Hague Convention.  Earlier today, we sent these documents overnight along with copies of all prior approvals to USCIS requesting an update on their approval to adopt and bring a child into the US from China.

Please pray that the USCIS Officer will review and re-approve as quickly as possible.   Pray for patience for us as well as it is so hard knowing that our baby girl is sitting there and we are sitting here waiting all because of paperwork.

The photo below gives you an idea of all the paperwork we have had to complete and keep updated since 2007.  Because we both have only lived in one state, have no children or other adults living with us, and have minimal records and documents that have to be checked and supplied; our paperwork is considered simple compaired to some of our fellow adoptive parents. 

No Hill for a Climber!  We appreciate all of your support.