Travel Dates

We just booked our flights to China last night! Although I don't have our exact itinerary in front of me, we fly out on Friday, June 8th and will return Sunday, June 24th. And, the most important date of all, we will get to meet Alina on June 10th, the same day we arrive in China! In case anyone doubts that the CCAA can be expeditious, let me restore your faith. Here is our time line:

Requested referral: April 24th
Received referral: April 27th
Letter of intent: --
Seeking Confirmation Letter: April 27th
Letter of Acceptance sent to China: May 2nd
Travel Approval: May 23rd
Adoption Day: June 11th
Consulate Appointment: June 21st

SO, we now have just under 2 weeks to finish baby-proofing the house, finish our yard projects that were started weeks ago (we have a mound of mulch in our drive-way that has now become a mound of WET mulch) and complete a detailed Meagan and Guinea Pig daily schedule/care manual for the 17 days we'll be gone. Oh, and pack. Then it's China here we come!

Alina An-Ni

We just received word that our travel approval is officially 'in transit' to pick up our newest daughter, Alina An-Ni. A few weeks ago, we decided to begin what could have potentially been a lengthy wait for another referral from China. After 3 days, our agency called with pictures and medical information for this lovely little baby. Needless to say, we were a little caught off guard and wondered if we were emotionally prepared for this so soon after losing Mayah. At the same time we felt that this was so obviously God's timing. So, here are the pictures and the bio information we received about her. We are still waiting on our travel dates but we should be leaving in the next 1-3 weeks!

Chinese name: Shan An Ni (means peaceful little girl)
DOB: January 26, 2006
Lives in: Shantou City, Guangdong Province
Weight: Approx 19 lbs
Height: 28 inches

Happy Mother's Day

As I'm typing this, I can catch a view of the flower garden we have in our backyard in memory of our second-born, Mayah. Although our hearts still ache for her, we know that she really is the lucky one. She has what we all dream of...no pain, no fear, no disappointments. Just limitless joy and kisses from the Father every day. In all of the pictures we have of her, there is not a single one of her smiling. I bet she's smiling now. One day we, too, will kiss those little cheeks. Until then, I talk to her in my prayers. In a way, I feel like SHE is the one comforting ME now. Reminding me that God is trustworthy. Assuring me that I have enough love in my heart for a dozen daughters (though I don't see that happening anytime soon!) I think that must be what motherhood is all about... choosing to love what God has given us, whatever the length of time that it's ours to hold. So, in honor of Meagan and Mayah, I thought I would share just a few of the lessons motherhood is teaching me:
~There are so many more important things in life than 'getting stuff done'
~Don't guard my heart. Disappointments are sure to come, so I might as well enjoy the moment while it lasts
~Have people over, even though the house is messy...and don't feel guilty about it!
~Really relax on my days off ... and 'relax' is not equivalent to 'work a little less'
~Little ears and eyes are always listening/watching
~Love is never wasted