25 Months & Waiting for Rumors ..

Today is officially 25 months since our paperwork was accepted into the Chinese adoption system.

The waiting is just a way of life.  Rarely do I tell new people in my life that we are adopting 
from China.  Someone asked me tonight how many kids I have & I just said "one" ... I couldn't even 
get into the "one & waiting for #2 from China" discussion.  Once we have Lily's referral,
I will tell anyone that wants to listen.  

It looks like China will refer through January 4 or 5, 2006.  Bummer b/c that is the "horrid case" scenario but on the other hand, I will be thrilled to finally see referrals for January 2006.  It looks like it might finally be our month.  If the Jan. 4th or 5th date plays out, we will probably get to see Lily's picture in July & travel in September.  

It can all slow down or speed up (ha.ha.) at any time.  

After all this time of waiting, September literally feels around the corner.  It will be here before I know it.  I just need to hang on & keep hoping a little bit longer!!!!!  

So much going on ...

My wonderful parents!!


Karate Kid: Hannah!




I am feeling a bit giddy about the CCAA almost getting into paperwork from January 2006 .. can it almost actually be OUR month????
There is so much happening & in the next several months that I just know the waiting will fly by. And ironically, when we finally do get our referral, we will probably be completely unprepared. I do better under pressure so I think the whole crib set-up thing is not going to happen for several more months.

In the past month or so --

* My parents came to visit for 12 days of fun, eating, movies, shopping & just being together. We had the best weather & enjoyed many afternoons outside in the California sun. It was so relaxing that I felt like I was on vacation, and I was home!

* Hannah started karate this month & she is SOOOO completely adorable to watch!!

* My dad had back surgery last week & it looks like everything went great ... we are all so thankful to have my dad on the mend from almost a year of terrible back pain.

* I am officially a co-leader of Daisy Girl Scouts for Hannah's troop. To my co-leaders, Wendy & Shay - I CANNOT believe we are doing this! Have we lost our minds? Wendy, don't answer that :-)!

* So many other things going on -- I can't type all the activities or you will all be more exhausted than you already are with all of your own activities. Needless to say, the days are FULL. But I am thankful for so many blessings from God -- life, health, friends, family and friends that are truly like family.  God is so good & I have so much to be thankful for!!!

The Happy Chart

This little chart put a big smile on my face today!!

This chart is put online by the China "Rumor Queen" (www.chinaadopttalk.com) and it gives projections for the next several months of referrals.

Do you see something on that chart that I see???? JANUARY 2006!!!!!! I never thought China would finally get to our month but it looks like they will get into January 2006 paperwork by the beginning of March 2008. Thank you, Lord!

Bad case scenario we get to see Lily's picture (referral) in May, Horrid case scenario we get to se Lily's picture in July. It really feels like there is light at the end of this seemingly endless adoption even though I know we are still months away. Of course all of this could change over the next few months ... but for today I feel hopeful that we are making progress to our sweet girl!