Another Change....

So ladies.....I must be in labor! My new blog has changed. It is http://www.loveandhugsforlily.blogspot.com/ There was an issue with the other one. (and I like this new name better, anyway!) The awesome Danielle is going to customize it for me soon. Sorry for the confusion.

I really need to get a grip! I am just so scatterbrained right now. I went shopping yesterday and got the most adorable outfits for Lily...(I'm really into the swing tops and leggings right now) but I really should have been shopping for the practicle things, of which I don't have much!

Sorry for my rambling.This is probably the last post on this blog. See you at the new one!

so much to do....and a few changes

My life has changed so much since August 14th, when I first saw Lily Fan's sweet face. I told a friend of mine that nothing has prepared me for how intense this all is. I am still so overwhelmed with emotion. This past week, I have been doing things that I had only dreamed about!

Today, I am sending her a care package. My agency gave us very helpful information on how to do this. We are so hopeful that it will get to her, although there are no guarantees. I was able to fit all of it in the recommended shoe-box sized box. We included a blanket, a lovie, a soft toy, a sweater, a photo book, a disposable camera, candy for the nannies, socks for a few of her little friends, and a translated letter to the orphanage telling them that she has a family who loves her very much and that we will be coming to bring her home soon. I sealed it all with a kiss!

While waiting for LOA, I am keeping very busy (although not being able to sleep very well!). Yes, the shopping has begun! I'll post pictures of her room soon, it is very close to being finished. Mike and I sit and there at night and cannot believe how very blessed we are. We've been practicing our Chinese phrases, and I'm afraid to say that we still need a lot of work! I joined the yahoo group for her orphanage and that has been so helpful. The boys are giving me lessons on how to use Skype and how to post to my blog via email, since you cannot access blogger in China (so I've been told).

You may have noticed that in my posts, I am spelling her name Lily. For reasons that are important to us, we have changed the spelling of her name. I also wanted to say that there is an unbelievable red thread connection...her finding date was a very special and hugely significant day in our lives last August, 2009.

One more thing, I am going to start a new blog, it isn't customized yet, but here is the address. http://www.loveandhugsforlily.blogspot.com There are a lot of new people who will be following it, and this one feels personal to me. There is some sadness in this blog too, and I feel like I need to move away from that. I also feel like Lily needs her own special and new blog.

Finally, I'm going to re-post her picture, because I can't stand the thought of it not being at the top!

Thanks so much to all of you. I know I don't have many followers, but the ones I do are so dear to me. You all have supported us every step of the way, and for that I am so thankful.

Our Joyful News......

We just heard from our agency that this little miracle is going to be our daughter! She is 13 months old and is from the Province of Henan. She was on my agency's designated waiting child list. We first saw her precious face on August 14th, and I've been breathless ever since. We sent in our letter of intent last Friday, and this morning we received our pre-approval. I've thought so much about what I would say when we got our baby girl, and now that we have, the words are not there. It is such an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and love. As I close my eyes and begin to pray, tears of joy stream down my face.

I'll post more soon......

still waiting.....

......but there is sunlight on the horizon.

still waiting....

I think we are in our 44th month, but I don't count anymore. We are getting ready for our summer trip to the lake. Woody is already ready! He is of course coming with us. Hope everyone is having a fun summer.

still waiting.......

still waiting......

It's been awhile since I've posted. I'm really trying to live life and not focus on anything other then what's right in front of me. Mike, the boys and Woody are good! We've been skiing a lot this winter. We are going to Florida next month for spring break. William and Peter are loving highschool, and Tyler is on a path where grace and blessings abound! Our renewed I171 arrived, so we are good thru 6/23/11. After that, we'll see.......We did turn in our MCC in November 09, so that door has been opened. God willing, one day Lilly will be here. I feel a little bit like I'm watching this adoption from the sidelines right now, but I quess that is how I am coping right now. It's feels ok.

Hope anyone who still checks in here is having a happy and healthy 2010.