Update on Our Current Adoption!

Okay, it's driving me crazy to be several months behind in blogging and as an organized and orderly person, it's going to drive me even more crazy to have postings on the blog that are out of date order but can't hold back any longer to share an update on the adoption of our 2 boys!

I sent off the I800A application a few weeks ago, literally 3 weeks ago and already, we have a fingerprint appointment!!!! YEA!!!  I tell you, we've already been through this process 3 other times and never, did we receive such a quick fingerprint appointment! 

Our appointment is on April 7 in the afternoon!  Today at work, I put in for 1/2 a day so that a substitute could be found to cover during my absence.  YEA!!!  It's exciting that we are down to the very last step(s) prior to sending our Dossier to China!!!!  Hooray!!!

We recently learned some disappointing news about Elijah.  Elijah, our youngest soon-to-be son, is being removed from his foster family and returned to the orphanage.  We learned that he is being removed since he has a family (us) coming for him but what's sad; is that it will be another 5-6 months before we can bring him home.  My heart is heavy.  If only he could remain with the foster family until closer to his adoption day.  Our little fellow has been tremendously blessed to have been lovingly cared-for by "Love Without Boundaries."   He has never spent time in an orphanage. He was near death when found at one week old, and Love Without Boundaries stepped up to care for him the very evening he was brought to the orphanage.  So, he's never had to spend time in an orphanage.  I pray for him, it will be a very tough transition.   

Our other son Ming, there is no new information to share.  Since he is much older, we don't want to attempt any communication with him, just yet.  Six months is a long time for a little boy to wait until he can be united with his family, so we are waiting until further along in the process before initiating any communication or even attempting to contact his orphanage.  He's such a precious boy with a joyful spirit and a smile that will light up any room. 

Now, here on the home front we are slowly beginning to make changes and transition our upstairs  from 2 children to 4 children.  Fortunately, we have the space but does require a lot of switching, painting, re-arranging and moving our study from upstairs to downstairs.  We had bunk beds delivered last weekend and Sterling is LOVING IT!!  He is able to share a bedroom with his sister, who is also very happy to be sharing her space with Sterling.  Those two are best of friends!!  Sterling is not only thrilled to now have a bunk bed but he understands it's another step closer to bringing home his brothers!  Sterling is having a difficult time waiting and doesn't really understand why we can't just, "go get them."  :-)  He is always asking, "when is my baby brother and Ming coming home?" The boys will all share a bedroom, at Sterling's request.  Fortunately, we do have a backup plan and another available bedroom, should the plan of 3 boys in one room not work out. 

Christmas 2013

Well, it's almost 3 months since Christmas but better late than never!!!

 Christmas was a tough season for our family this year, which is probably the reason this post is coming 3 months late.  Sterling became very ill, just prior to Christmas and it took 3 weeks for him to recover.  Sterling has typical allergies and colds here and there, so didn't think anything of his sniffles and a bit more tired than usual.  Just thought it was all the homework, speech therapy, running around and school that was draining his system.  Well, as it turned out, we took him to the doctor and he had bronchitis, that didn't get better and developed into pneumonia which then developed into an ear infection.  Our doctor visits started early December and ended with an ER visit on New Year's Day.  Poor Arabella had a horrible case of eczema and both Earl and I were down for the count, as well.  I woke Christmas morning, sick with the flu!!  (Well, I didn't go to the doctor but given the very high fever, aches and pains, no appetite and feeling as though I'd been run over by an 18-wheeler truck ...I self-diagnosed myself with the flu and remained in bed for days)  Felt sorry for the kids because Christmas day is always such a delight but this year, it was all Earl and I could do to make it through the morning while the kids opened their gifts. 

BUT, we did have a wonderful evening a week prior to Christmas with our family!  We had everyone over for Christmas dinner.  It was great!  Arabella and Sterling enjoyed spending time with their cousins and just like Thanksgiving, the house was filled with laughter, love and joy!!!  We especially enjoyed ending the evening with a late night walk around the neighborhood to view all the Christmas lights and decorated houses.  We are blessed with neighbors that really get into the spirit of Christmas! It was wonderful to be together as a family and enjoy the spirit of the season!!!  We also had a Christmas Open House with friends and once again, our home was filled with the warmth and love of dear friends!  So, despite all the sickness & doctor visits that hit our family during the month of December, we were extremely blessed with the company and love of family and friends!  What more can we ask for during such a blessed holiday season!!

Here's our Christmas in pictures:

The morning of their school Christmas party!

 

 

 

Kicking the Christmas season off decorating gingerbread men

More pictures to come.......................................stay tuned.............

Where Has Time Gone?!?!

Wow, it's hard to believe we are quickly approaching the end of March and not a post to the blog in months....since before Thanksgiving!!!  Holidays are always a big, big deal in our home, so I'm very disappointed there hasn't been a posting before now.  It's always best to post at the time and capture all the emotions and joy as it's happening but life happens and here I am in March, making up for lost time.  :-)  Never know quite how to do these type of posts to keep it all in proper organized fashion. 

Thanksgiving was great, we had family over for dinner, which included 4 great boys along with Sterling and Arabella, all laughing, running and having a great time together!  I love it when all the kids get together because there's so much energy, laughter and joy in the house!!!  Really helps bring to reality, a glimpse of what it will be like when we bring our 2 sons home from China, later this year!  Looking forward to all the extra love and joy in the home!  Awesome to think that when our family gets together, there will now be the laughter and love of 8 children....plus one big grown son who doesn't exactly "run" around the house any longer, bringing the grand total to 9!  What joy!!!