Congratulations are in order for Charlie and Heather!!

In the midst of all my "funkiness" I got an email from my dear friend Heather saying that they received I600 approval and would be leaving in about a week to go pick up their dear daughter, Samantha, from Vietnam.

You might remember my posting back in February about the intense prayers we were all offering for their first referral, sweet angel Linh, who passed away on February 22, 2008. Heather and I have shared some very intimate feelings about adoption and she has always been a person I can be very open with, laugh with, cry with and know that she is going to shoot straight with me and I will her. I remember a conversation I had with her when I was in the Dollar Tree when we were laughing about hoping when we got our referral photos we didn't go, "Oh!" and think our babies were ugly. Isn't that awful?? But, that's just how real and honest we can be with each other. Neither of us thought less of the other for our honesty. I have not met anyone more real than she is. She is also an adoptee, like me, and we share the same faith. She is going to be a wonderful mom to Samantha. She has been an inspiration to me!!

I remember walking through a Goodwill store on that same day and talking with Heather about our adoptions. We have BOTH been through the ringer trying to bring our daughters home and I remember saying, "God has PROMISED that He is giving me a daughter. I know this time is the time." She asked me, "But what is He saying about me?" I paused and told her that I didn't know, but that I felt like it was really going to work for both of us this time. And, it is. I'm certain of it. She is my proof that this time we are both going to bring home our daughters.

I cannot WAIT to follow their story. Their blog is partially private/password protected, but for those who are interested, it can be found here.

Congratulations, my friend. I am so happy for you. Let the shopping begin, well, continue!!

Sad

I am sad today. I just received an email from our agency indicating the judge who will hear our case is on vacation until July 28. After he returns, IF he hears our case the week he returns, the earliest we will be able to return to pick up Ellie is September 8 (by my calculations -- not by anything anyone has told me). She will be almost 6 months old before we can bring her home. After having seen her at two months old, this is really, really hard to deal with. Granted, we can do nothing to change it and have to accept it (I feel like repeating the Serenity Prayer right now). Please keep us, Ellie, and all the families caught up in this judge drama in your prayers. I keep reminding myself she won't remember any of this and we are very lucky to be getting her as young as 5.5 - 6 months. I'm trying hard to look for the positives, but it's hard.

Even more sad are the families whose babies/children are in Bishkek. Many visited back as long ago as January and still have not had court to pick up their babies. At least we have somewhat of an end in sight. I SO hope they get the court issue in Bishkek resolved very soon for these babies and families.

I am also sad for the four families who were supposed to leave today to go pick up their babies. Now, their return will not be until after the judge returns to work.

It's hard all around, I suppose. I just want to go pick up our baby.

Kung Fu Panda

Yesterday was Josh's first day "out" since his surgery. Fortunately, it was a day he didn't ask for any pain medicine and his tongue is apparently on the mend. I had to work but told him if he could make it from 9-1, we'd go see Kung Fu Panda afterwards. He was a great trooper and made himself a "nest" in the backseat and watched movies we got from the RedBox.

I highly recommend the Kung Fu Panda movie. I'm not impressed a lot with movies these days but this one was very, very good. I think what I liked most of all was the message. If you haven't seen the movie and don't want any spoilers, just don't read any further because I will be talking about the movie, including it's ending.

Panda (Po) gets chosen "by accident" to be the Kung Fu Dragon -- the "big cheese" of Kung Fu, to fight some really bad Kung Fu warrior, Tai Lung, who is the best in the land and currently in jail. The Turtle Oogway (head Kung Fu dude) tells Kung Fu Master Shifu there are no accidents. YAY!!! No, there aren't. There is a God who is in charge of all things. It's Po's lifelong dream to be a Kung Fu Master.

Poor Po appears to have no skills and the other kung fu warriors tell him he is fat. Ahh... now, there's a story we've heard before, unfortunately. Po is also very ungraceful, falling down a lot, breaking things -- typical boy fashion. Master Shifu says he can't train him. Finally, after the Turtle Oogway dies and Kung Fu Master takes over, and realizes he has to try to train Po. Ironically, he realizes that Po has talent as long as he is motivated by food. He then says, "I am sorry. I just have to use a different method to train you than I did the other Masters." Well ... another truth. All people learn differently and that doesn't make you stupid.

Finally, Po is trained and is set to get the Dragon Scroll (it has been closed for 1000s of years). When he get it, it is blank -- or so they think -- and so the entire town is evacuated because the evil Tai Lung, a snow leopard Kung Fu master gone bad, is escaped from prison and coming back to wreak havoc and kill Master Shifu.

Po, forgetting the Kung Fu skills he learned, leaves town with everyone else because he thinks he didn't get the powers he expected from the Dragon scroll. Then, he looks at it one last time and see that it's a mirror -- reflecting his imagine -- and realizes that the power to do everything is already inside him. AWESOME.

And so he and Tai Lung have their big fight and we can all guess who wins. Tai Lung gets the scroll from him and sees there is nothing on it and Po explains to him that he "didn't get it" at first either, but that the power comes from within.

My favorite scene in the movie -- where it finally dawned on me that Po OBVIOUSLY has ADHD is this one:

Po: [checking to make sure Shifu is okay after his fight with Tai Lung] Master! Shifu! Shifu, are you okay? Shifu: [coughs] Po, you're alive. Or we're both dead. Po: No, Master I didn't die. I defeated Tai Lung. Shifu: You did? [Po nods and smiles] Shifu: Wow. It is as Oogway foretold, you are the Dragon Warrior. You have brought peace to this valley and... and to me. Thank you, thank you Po. Thank you, thank you. [slowly lays his head back down, assumingly dead] Po: [Po looks disbelievingly at the red panda] No! No no no, don't die, Shifu please! Shifu: I'm not dying, you idiot! [he catches himself] Shifu: Ah, Dragon Warrior, I am simply at peace. [lays down and folds his hands together, smiling] Shifu: Finally. Po: Ooh, so um, I should.. stop talking? Shifu: If you can.

Poor Po, of course, can't. *smile*

After the movie, I tried to talk to Josh about the lessons he could get from the movie about learning different ways, how the power to do well is within you, how it doesn't matter what size you are, etc. He looked at me and said, "Mama, it was just a movie."

Ahh... yes.

The scenery and Chinese references in the movie were also very beautiful and well done.

One interesting fact that I kept thinking was going to be explored in the movie, but it wasn't, was that Po's father was a goose, who owns a noodle making business and keeps talking about telling Po that he is going to tell him the secret ingredient in his noodle soup. Toward the end of the movie, Po says to his dad something like, "Sometimes I don't feel like I'm like you" or something to that effect. His dad says, "Po, I have a secret to tell you. It's something I should have told you a long time ago." At this point, I'm thinking he's going to reveal that Po is adopted, but he simply tells him there is no "secret" to his "secret noodle soup." So. It would have been nice to have seen that explored a bit, but maybe they ran out of time -- or maybe it was just for comedic effect. Who know?

It's a movie I WILL want to see again -- not something you hear from me often. Skadoosh!

The Pendulum Swings

I am always amazed at how God can swing me from one place to another, like a clock pendulum, during a day. It was a crazy morning. I was anxious from the time I awoke because I knew this was the day that my friend Suzanne, who is in Kyrgyzstan, said she would be sending photos of Ellie today, if she could. I had great plans to work in the field today as I knew Kevin would be home writing reports. And then, the printer, the one I bought ink for last night, ran out of another color -- one I didn't have. No problem, I think we have another printer -- Kevin's. I download the software for it and it won't feed paper. Fine, I think, I have the portable printer I use to take with me on project trips. HA! Yes, HA! to me, the ink had dried up in it. So, another trip to Wal-mart is in the making. Before I leave, however, the pictures come!!!

I call Josh and Kevin over to see them as we open them and there she is, our daughter and sister, staring back at us from the other side of the world. We all kind of squealed (well, truth be told, I think I was the only one who did), "Look at her cheeks!" She has fluffed out in the cheek department since we were there. After much careful deliberation between the last photos we took and these, her cheeks haven't gotten that much bigger, but enough that it was noticeable. She had her eyes open. She wasn't smiling or anything (ha!) but looked ok. I was so excited for a little bit and then the pendulum swung the opposite way again -- I was just distraught that she was there, I am here and we cannot be together yet. I am her mommy, you see. I should be with her, and yet, I can't be. I wanted to get on a plane and just go there, be there with her until she can come home. But, I can't. So the joy was bittersweet. I am, however, so very appreciative that Suzanne took time out of her visit with her sweet baby to take photos of our little Ellie.

And Josh. We think he's doing better and that silly pendulum swings again and he just isn't. I'm not sure what is "appropriate" to expect regarding recovery, but he says it really hurts a lot -- still. His yeast infection in his mouth is still there. We called the doctor's office today and no one called back. Now, it was after 5:00 when I got home, but tomorrow I'll call again. I'm a bit frustrated by this. We have started him on a homeopathic remedy for his yeast infection. Hopefully, tomorrow we will see an improvement. He's still telling us that he needs pain medication about every four hours. He says it's just not working too well. I know he's got some "cabin fever" going on as well. I want to take him out, but know he doesn't need to be exposed to a lot of germs and possibly pick something up. Poor little man.

And then, the big thing today was that I was so anxious that we would possibly be having our adoption case heard in court today. We were not sure if we would be included with this group or not and thought, FOR SURE, we would know this week. And then, the pendulum swung and now, I'm not anxious anymore. Seems the judge in Tokmok is sick and could not come to work. And while this affected families whose cases would be heard in court this week, it postponed the trips of four families who were slated to leave this week to pick up their sweet babies. Adoption is so not for the faint of heart. Now, court might/should happen next week. We are told our coordinator is going to ask the judge to hear our case with the others, but no guarantees. Would you please remember us in prayer during the next week? Just a quick word to God that 1) His will be done, 2) that I realize it's HIS will, not mine, 3) that Ellie won't have to spend one extra day without her family than has to be. Selfish me wants to ask you to pray that we go to court next week, but God has really been talking to my heart about HIS will and not mine. I keep asking why those can't be the same. *smile* I would HATE to be God and have to deal with me on a regular basis.

So, it's been a day of juxtapositions. Yes-no. Hurry up-wait. Better-sick. Pictures-delays. Excitement-disappointment. The good news is, much like the weather, if you don't like the way things are around our house, hang around a few minutes and it will change.

In positive news, I managed to get four storage tubs unloaded tonight and put into the cabinets Kevin installed over the weekend. I was feeling all proud of myself for getting some work done out there and then I looked around and realized what a TOTAL MESS it still is and I was a bit discouraged. It will come along and be nice and orderly, but WHEW, that's a long way off, I think. I also managed to sort some of Ellie's clothes into those tubs (Jennifer, you are getting off the hook, I think!) based on sizes so I can get her closet cleaned out to paint inside. My mom said that I'm getting this extra time to get all the work done around here before she comes. I think she might be right on track there.

And, Sunshine, the dog, is still crazy as ever. We are giving her ear drops and antibiotics, but she just continues to follow someone everywhere they go. Poor Joshua locked himself in the bathroom to get away from her earlier. Hopefully, she will feel better soon, as well.

What a CRAZY day!

This post should be titled, "Two people who don't have a clue cannot have an intelligent conversation." That statement is worthy of printing out and posting it on my refrigerator or somewhere where I will see it frequently.

I was on my way home from the vet (see below for that story) and decided I could call my doctor's office to try to schedule our hepatitis shots. I'm big on multi-tasking, you see. I said to the person who answered the phone, "Hello, my name is ... and I see .... My husband and I are adopting and will go to pick our daughter up soon (nothing like positive thinking, right?). We told ... that we needed hepatitis shots and she said we could go to the health department, but we would like to come there to do it. Do we need to make an appointment?" She replies, "Is it for a child?" Huh? I say, "No, it's for my husband and me. We are adopting a child." She says, "Oh, yes, we have C here." I say, "Is that what we will need?" She says, "I don't know. We'll have to do a blood test you to see if you have it." I'm confused now. I say, "Well, no, we don't have hepatitis, but we want to make sure we don't get it as some adopted children come home with it." She says, "No, we need to draw your blood to see if you've had the shot." I pause, again, confused, and say, "Well, we haven't had shots, that's why I'm calling you." She said, "So, did you not get the immunization as a child?" AHHHH... light bulb. So I say, I'm not sure if we did or not. I am 40; my husband is 43. Were they giving those immunizations then?" She says, "I don't know." Ahhh... again. I said, "Well, I guess we'll need to check on that." She says, "Ok, well, we have B here." HUH? She said she had C. Which does she have? I'm confused again. So I just said, "Ummm... I'm going to check with my husband and get back with you." I'm still confused. I'm going to try again another day -- right after my mom checks to see if I was immunized as a child.

So... then there was the vet story for the day. Our dog, Sunshine, is old as dirt. She found us back in September 1999. She will have been with us nine years this fall. When she found us (we were out for a walk and she rambled home with us), she wouldn't hold her head up, her teeth were all ground down and I thought she was old then. Apparently not. We named her Sunshine because she is yellow and we thought she needed a name to sound happy since she didn't look so happy herself. In the past year, we've been thinking it is only a matter of time before we might have to make a hard decision about her future or that we'll find her dead one day. So, the past few days she's been acting crazy as a bug. She wants in; she wants out. She paces round and round the living room, making us tired watching her. She's been drooling like a teething baby. So, I look up the symptoms online and decide she is near the end. Now, Kevin is out of town; Josh hasn't left the house since his surgery on Wednesday and I'm wondering how to make this happen. My mom came to the rescue staying with Josh while I went to the vet. It was also Punch's day to have her stitches removed from her ear so I was doing double duty. Josh and I said our good-byes to Sunshine at home. I just knew she wouldn't be coming home. The joke's on me as she had an ear infection which is apparently causing her to be in pain (pacing and restless) and confused due to the ear thing. So, it was back to get her this afternoon.

Thank goodness Kevin is now home. I'm tired and ready to get some sleep!

Good News

I got an email from a "blogger buddy" who is currently in Kyrgyzstan visiting her daughter at the same orphanage as Ellie is in (Tokmok). I had asked her, prior to her leaving, to see if she could get permission to take photos of The Princess Ellie. She did and they said she could take some tomorrow. I am SO EXCITED that tomorrow I might get to see my little one for the first time since the end of May!!! And, next week, another family is going to pick up their little man, so I'm hopeful to get some more photos next week. It just might be enough to tide me over until time to pick her up ---- then again, nope!!

Hopefully, I will know by week's end if we went to court this week. It's driving me NUTS!!! *smile* I just want to bring our little sweet pumpkin HOME!!!

Six words

Ok, so my friend, Terri, has tagged me, so to play I need to capture my life right now in six words. Oh, Terri, don't you know that's a fate worse than death for me? ONLY SIX WORDS??? Ok. So I've put it off for a few days. So... since I could only have six words, I chose to make several phrases. :-) There's always a way around these things!!

Forgiven and blessed beyond all measure.
Wife of one, mom to two.
Fearfully and wonderfully made and blessed.
One blessed, yet tired, loved woman.

See... this isn't hard. :-) Yes, I broke the rules, but how fun!!

So, now I have to tag six folks who will blog their six words. I choose:
Michelle D.
Jeff L. (it will involve the words Reed and CVS, right?)
Betsy
Allison
Andrea
Dee Anna M.

There are so many more I could choose, but, I'm sure these six will spread the love. :-)

Enjoy. Thanks, Terri!

Recovering, Waiting and Working

So, I'm having some trouble coming up with titles as it seems like my life is in a bit of a holding pattern. If I were a plane, I'd be circling the airport, waiting to land.

On the Joshua surgery front, we are making two steps forward and one back, so there is progress being made. Yesterday, I thought we were on the road to mend, but he was moaning/snoring a lot this morning and very restless in his sleep. He's been sleeping in my bed and so I'm very aware of his activities. I got up and came downstairs to start the day early since I couldn't sleep, and bless his heart, he came down right after me. He'd only had 7 hours of sleep and most nights he's been sleeping 12-14. His body needs the rest and healing. He was very upset and handed me his medicine spoon. Because he developed a yeast infection on his tongue, I wasn't sure if it was his throat or his tongue. At first he said it was his throat, then he started to moan and cry and said it was his tongue. Poor guy. He got both medicines and I told him there was no TV and that I'd get his pillows and blankets and he could sleep on the couch but that he needed more rest. It took maybe five minutes and he's back out. He's sleeping more soundly (medicine, I'm sure) this time. We are only four days out, and we are making progress, I just feel bad for him. He's eating more -- he even tried a bite or two of steak last night (chopped up really small). Mostly though, it's pudding, jello, potatoes, mac n cheese or spaghetti-o's. I think he's a little stir crazy as he has not left the house since Wednesday when he had surgery. Today, we are going to the vet to have Punch's stitches removed. I told him we would get him a milkshake and rent some movies while we were out. I think the vet's office is close enough and the procedures will be quick so that he will not tire out before we can get back. Maybe a change of scenery will do him good.

I really couldn't sleep this morning after I was awakened by the cat who was screaming that he wanted breakfast. My mind knows that our coordinator is back in Kyrgyzstan and back at work today. Technically, she's already finished her first day as it's 6:30 p.m. there. I'm beside myself to know if Ellie's case will go to court this week (either tomorrow or Wednesday is when we think court is this week). I don't know when we'll know and if she doesn't go this week, I don't know when she'll go or when we will return. I look at her face every time I open the refrigerator, every time I look at the TV (hanging on the wall) and when I walk out the door (sitting on the sofa table). I try to push it to the back of my mind, and I've done fairly well until the last day or two when I knew the time for answers is drawing near. And, while I can do nothing, save pray, to change any of it, I just would like to know when we are going back.

Yesterday, I worked all day on Joshua's baseball team's books. Since I take so many pictures each season, we compile them into a book using Blurb. They are a nice hardback book, four-color book with a dust jacket. All the coaches get one and the kid's families can buy them if they want one for their kids. I started it with football during Josh's eight-year-old year, and it's carried over. This is the fourth book now. Josh loves to look at his and I'll see him drag it out every now and then to look through. It does take some time, though, so I was glad to put that project to bed. We still have some proofing and corrections, but overall, it's done. Yay! Something I can check off my list.

Kevin made major progress on the office/craft room this weekend. All the cabinets are on the walls, the counter top is installed and most of the wires for computers/plugs are run into the cabinets/counter. I will try to start, this week, on putting things up in the cabinets. Double YAY!!! It will be so nice to be able to get to my crafts things again!! Josh is excited about "his space" where his computer will be set up and his craft stuff (paint, pencils, etc.) will be and where he can do his homework. When it's done, I'll have to post some pictures. Kevin has done a really, really good job. I couldn't have begun to do this project at all.

And, it appears that I will be doing one last project for my friends over at State Farm. We needed a bit more money to be able to make trip 2 happen, so I'm off to Macon, Georgia sometime in July, after Josh gets healed up, to complete about 500 inspections. Every time I say it's the last time, it's not. So, maybe, this time, I shouldn't jinx myself and say that. I'm working really hard to make sure all things are caught up (work wise) so that when I go back to pick up Ellie I won't leave anyone (basically my friend/replacements, Susan and Denise) in a lurch like I did last time. So far, so good.

Happy 4th of July and Happy Birthday Punch

Happy 14th Birthday to my cat Punch. She, and her sister Judi, who has left us already, were born on the 4th of July, 1994 at the home of my friend, Stoney. They were a housewarming gift from me to Kevin. Kevin did NOT want one cat, much less two. God love him, we now have five. Granted, that's about five too many most days, but we love them all. We are awaiting natural attrition to occur. Punch had a hematoma on her ear a few weeks back and has stitches in her ear right now. She goes Monday to have those removed. She is the most loving cat in the world. She loves all people, but absolutely HATES Lucy Grey, another kitty we have. She loves to drink from the bathroom faucet any time you are in there. She's a snuggler who likes to sleep close to you. If she wants you to move, she sticks out one claw and gently pokes you with it until you move. Here are a few photos of the Birthday Girl.

It has been a very quiet 4th around our house. We are living in the land of recuperation. Josh is still pretty out of it. We had this great plan of doing his pain meds for two days and then just letting him ask for it when he wanted it. Today was two days post-op and I'm not seeing him slacking up on his requests for pain medication. It's pretty well clock work for him -- every four hours. When he eats, it seems to be worse for him -- as I'm sure it is. The doctor told us to let him eat pretty much what he asks for. While I thought that was crazy at the time, I didn't realize he won't ask for much. Since surgery he's had mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, potato cheese soup, pancakes and ice cream. He works on the smallest portions for the longest time. I feel so bad for him. As I write, he is clean, after just taking a good long bath and is snoring beside me. He moans a lot at night. Finally, this morning at 7, I asked Kevin to come lay with him so I could get some sleep. All of us fell back asleep and didn't wake up until 10:30. We might not have awakened then except the phone rang.

And now, here it is five minutes after midnight and people are STILL shooting fireworks. This really wouldn't bother me so much except that the poor neighbor's dog has been barking ALL day. How he has a voice left is beyond me, but he hates fireworks. I'm sure they scare him. People are so inconsiderate. Alas, I must be getting old. No, that's not it -- I'm just not rude enough to think that just because I want to shoot fireworks all night long that other people should have to listen to it and stay awake because of it. Anyway.... I'll step down off my soapbox now.

Speaking of fireworks, we missed most fireworks this year. We did see a lot of the ones shot around here (and I'm still seeing them out my bedroom window), but we didn't get any or get to go see any. Next year, we are going to get back into the 4th of July celebrations. We usually have a party at our house, complete with fireworks. Last year (was it last year??), when we nearly burned the neighbor's barn down, singed a few hairs on some heads and almost killed the neighbor's dog (same one that barks about fireworks) due to an incorrectly shot batch of fireworks, we decided to call that quits for a few years (and give folks time to forget the bad memories of it all!!). Looking back now, it was pretty fun; then, it was pretty scary.

In three more days, our coordinator will be back in country and hopefully by Wednesday we will know whether our case was included in court this session. In all honesty, I just don't think it will be -- I'm not trying to be negative, but I just don't think it will be. It makes me very sad because I REALLY want to get back and pick up Ellie, but I have no control over it.

Football games start the last week of August and run every weekend until November. It is my favorite sport that Josh plays and I don't want to miss the games. If we get court this upcoming week, we will be home just prior to the first games.

Kevin has been working on installing the cabinets out in our office/craft room. He has all the wall cabinets hung and is working on running all the cords behind and up through the counter top. Then, he will secure the rest of the base cabinets and the counter top. I'm SO excited to get that done so I can get out my scrapbook supplies and hair bow supplies. I want to make a few hair bows to match Ellie's outfits. I also need to get to my scrapbook supplies. There have been several occasions where I wanted my card stuff and couldn't find any of it and gave up and bought a card. It could take days to get it all organized, but I can't wait!!

That's pretty much it in Latham world. We are going to spend next week recuperating. Kevin has to go to Pennsylvania and Texas this next week so Josh and I will pretty much be a home. I've bought him a Slip n Slide for when he is better. We are looking forward to some time with that. We might head out to the free movies next week -- depending on how he feels.

We are gearing up for one of our final fundraisers. On July 18th and 19th, we are holding a yard sale. We have lots of items in our storage building and anticipate getting more soon from folks who have told us they have things for us. We need to raise a few more thousand for the return trip. I see a project trip in my future. I'm going to be honest. I hope I NEVER have to fund raise again. I want to just go back to normal life after this adoption is complete.

So, Happy Fourth of July. Thank you to all who have served our country and continue to make this day possible. Happy 4th of July, Ellie. Get well soon my little man Josh.

Tonsils-Adenoids - OUT

We have just arrived back home after Josh's tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (is that right??). He came through it like a trooper. I will post more details this afternoon (along with some photos), but wanted to thank everyone who has prayed and offered words of support.

UPDATE:

Today was Joshua's scheduled tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. We arrived at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital at 8:30. We completed our paperwork and all got wristbands, including Joshua's Kitty (who goes everywhere with us) who got a name band to wear around his neck. We were taken back around 9:00. Imagine our surprise when they told us that the doctor was running ahead of schedule and instead of an 11:00 surgery time they would be taking him right on back. THAT never happens. Josh's first nurse's name was Mimi. That was cool as that's what he calls my mom: MeeMee.

Josh and his nurse Mimi

Josh still looks happy here - getting vitals checked

In the hospital gown -- waiting.

We weren't quite sure what to expect as far as the procedure, but the anesthesiologist came in and let Josh pick the "smell" for his mask and then told him that he would not get an IV until after he was asleep. Josh was quite glad about this (as were we!!). I said a little prayer with him, and then his doctor came in to talk to us. After we spoke with Josh's doctor, another doctor (who looked a LOT like Donnie Osmond) wheeled Josh on back. As he was about to leave, he looked like he might cry.

Josh with Dr. Donnie Osmond *smile* - getting ready to leave

MeeMee and DeeDee arrived to sit with us while we waited. A short 30 minutes later, the doctor was back to tell us that it was over and went well (thank you, God!!). His tonsils were "medium-large" and his adenoids were "medium". He felt like this would clear his airways a lot and take care of the strep issues we've had in the past. We were taken back to the recovery area and SURPRISE, Josh was already awake. He said his throat was hurting really bad. They told us that he'd had some Sprite already. They were giving him pain meds and some meds for nausea. Right after that, Kevin brought my mom back and went to sit with my dad and Josh had his breakdown. He burst into tears and wanted to know, "WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME??" Well, before this breakdown was over, I was in tears, my mom was in tears and so was Josh. I tried really hard not to let him see me cry, but it was so hard. Once his pain medicine kicked in and he had downed a blue Icee (awesome hospital, huh??), he quieted down and started to drift off to sleep. Fortunately, we were then moved to a "holding" room that was private and quiet. Josh slept most of the time in there. We were in some sort of recovery mode for about three hours (and a total of three blue Icees) before he was released around 1:30.

Sleeping it off in the "holding" room

Still sleeping it off while DeeDee waits

Josh and Kitty - still sleeping

After a stop at the pharmacy to get medicine, we are now home with him on the couch, watching TV. I've giving him his pain meds and have made him a milkshake. I'm hopeful that soon he'll be able to rest some more as I know his body needs the rest.

At home on the couch with his milkshake

Last night, before going to bed, Josh confessed he was afraid he might die. It's not a conversation a mom wants to have with her ten-year-old son, but one that I knew I had to address. I wanted to blow it off and say, "Oh, honey, you're going to be fine." But, in my heart, I knew he deserved more than that. Because he accepted Christ as his Savior almost two years ago now, I knew I had to reassure him of that. I said, "So, what happens if you die?" to which he replied, "I go to be with God." I said that yes, he would go to heaven to be with God and that God loved him even more than even I did. He said, "No, I think it's a tie -- you both love me the same." I told him that while I loved him with all my heart, God loved him before he was born and would love him for all eternity. I reminded him that God loved him enough to have HIS Son die on the cross so that they could be together forever. "So," I told him, "IF you die, you will be with God and while our hearts will be absolutely broken and it will be nearly impossible to go on, we know that you will be in a better place with no pain, no tears and no sin. BUT... I think God still has LOTS for you to accomplish before it's time to come home. You have a sister to teach all sorts of things to; you have to grow up and do things for God. So, I'm certain you are going to be ok tomorrow." After that, he seemed calm and went on to sleep. I'm so glad God gave me the opportunity to be this little boy's mom. He is such a wonderful kid!!

The Princess Turns "3" (Months, that is)

Even though it is 10:00 p.m., here in the states, it is tomorrow in Krygyzstan and our Ellie has just turned three months old -- legally able to go to court now. I spend a lot of time wondering about her and today is no different. At her two month birthday, Kevin took video of Josh and I singing Happy Birthday to her. Today, there will be no one to sing to her. We will also miss the four month birthday singing as well. Our comfort is in knowing that hopefully we will not miss anymore of them.

So, as I sit here, I sing a quiet version of Happy Birthday to Ellie-belly, The Princess and hope that today there is a breeze to cool her sweat, a warm bottle to fill her tummy, someone to hold her and possibly take her for a walk outside, someone to sing to her, someone to change her when she is wet or dirty, a pacifier to soothe her and a moment in her heart where God reminds her that the wait time is drawing shorter and soon -- very, very soon -- her mommy and daddy will be back to get her.

Josh Is Learning to Work

Today's post is a "guest" post from an email I received from my mom. Josh went over to her house on Thursday to do some yard work. He is trying to earn money to buy a cell phone. Now, keep in mind, he has an cell phone that uses when he goes to someone's house to spend the night, or if we're out (in case we get separated), so he doesn't NEED a cell phone at all. He has seen a cell phone that he wants. When we got to the store to get it, they had changed the style and he no longer wants that kind. We have debated about the price on another one he wants and I told him that if he wants it, he'll need to pay for it himself. We thought each of our lines got a $100 credit at the end of two years. Turns out only the main line (mine) gets that credit. Because I only get that credit once every two years, I told him that I couldn't give it to him because this is my work phone and that if something happens to it, I'll need to use it to get another phone for me. So, he is working to earn the money to buy this phone he wants. Amazingly enough, the one he wants has changed several times now that he has some of the money. He has earned $30 working for MeeMee. DeeDee gave him a "donation" of $50. He earned $5 for working really hard to clean his room. He gets allowance and has $10 of that. So, we are sitting at $95. Plenty for a phone, but the "FANCY" one he wants is more than that. It remains to be seen how this will all turn out, but, I know that if he has to pay for it, he'll take much better care of it and appreciate it. So, on with the "guest post" from my mom:

I thought you would have blogged about his first big job of cutting down a tree in the hot sun all by himself. He worked very hard all day to buy something he wanted really bad. This was very important to him and he would love to read about it some day in your blog. I know he will never forget how hard he worked. He told me that he wanted to be a landscaper when he grows up that he liked to do this type of work. Even as hard as he worked, he said he had fun and that he had never cut a tree down before. He was so proud of himself when the two trees fell over. I cautioned him how dangerous it is doing that type of work and if you don't pay attention you can get hurt very badly. I remembered my daddy teaching me how to do the same thing I was teaching him to do. I told him that I liked doing that type of work too and maybe I should have been a boy instead of a girl. He kept telling me how good it was looking, and when we finished the fence row I watched him stand back and look at it and then he said how much better it looked. I could see how proud he was of what he had done. He is very smart and can figure things out on his own and has some good ideas on landscaping. He wanted us to set some flowers and I told him I would get some and we could set them later, and yes, that would give what he had done some color. Yesterday I saw a little boy growing into a young man thinking things out for himself and knowing what looks good and what doesn't and even though it was hard work he loved it.

DeeDee got them a new wheelbarrow to carry their limbs in

I asked him why he didn't have a shirt on. He said, "It was HOT!"

Cutting the limbs down to put on "the pile".

Cleaned out fence row

The end of the day pile

Court (and a Bikini)

Can you tell I'm doing a lot of combining topics for posts? I've just got a lot going on so if I can save time ... well, I'm all for that.


I called Brent at our agency today and we played voice mail tag before I finally got him "in person" to ask, again, about our court date and if we could possibly be included in the July 8th or 9th court date that is coming up. Apparently, he knows that it was mentioned to the judge while he was here, but the judge didn't say anything. My understanding from him is that we won't know anything until Ludmilla (the in-country coordinator) returns to Kyrgyzstan on July 7. Well, by my calculations that is only the day or two days before court. *sigh* I asked Brent if he doesn't ever get frustrated about how hard it is to get information. He said that he does, but that he has learned that it is the way things work there. I suppose we are just used to a different way. My mother reminds me that it is God's timing, not mine and that I need to be patient. I just don't DO patient. God keeps trying; I keep arguing. My understanding is He will continue to teach me until I learn. Wouldn't it JUST be easier to give in on it? *smile* I feel like a ten-year-old boy I know.


I continue to remind myself that no matter when we go back each day brings us a little closer to her. I think of her EVERY morning when I first awaken. I calculate what time it is there throughout the day and try to think what she might be doing. I hope she's not just laying in her crib. I hope SOMEONE is taking her outside for sunshine and to hear the birds. I hope that someone is holding and talking to her and giving her a pacifier to suck on. I wonder every day if she is healthy. What is she is sick? How would I ever know? All I DO know right now is that God is holding her close to Him. She is His and was His before there was a me to be concerned. He will care for her better than I ever can. I have faith in Him.


I'm praying each day that God's will will be to have her court date with the others so we can return to get her in August. I'll wait another week. I'll be busy most of next week fretting over the little man who is HERE and having his tonsils out.


Today, after our trip to the movies, I stopped into the Gymboree (conveniently located across the street!) to see if they still had bathing suits. I'm thinking it will still be warm enough in August and September to swim. I'm SO hoping Ellie will like the water. We did find a bathing suit -- the only one in a 3-6 month size -- and I snapped it up. It was on clearance, which is EVEN better since I don't know if it will get much use. Here's a photo of it. It's too cute and All-American!! The hanger doesn't quite do it justice as it's not very "cute" at all.

Wall*E (Walmart Spoof??)

Today I took Joshua and his friend Braiden to see Wall*E, the new Disney/Pixar movie. We all left agreeing it was a bit slow but enjoyable. It is a very earth-friendly show, with a not-so-subtle message about all the garage we are creating and how it could take over. The "big business", named Buy N Large could easily be a spoof of Wal-Mart. Do you think there is any connection to the downfall of the world being too many people "BUYING LARGE?" and creating so much waste? And, the "clean up guy" being called Wall*E? Anyone else talk about going to "Wally-world"?? And his "co-star" if you will, Eve, first woman, pure earth??? So, that's my movie review, short and sweet. It was cute -- worth seeing, but not worth a second viewing unless it's on DVD.

It did remind me that we all have to do our part to keep our earth's landfills from continuing to fill up. To that end, our family has chosen to go CLOTH DIAPERS. I ordered them and they arrived today. Here are some reasons we are choosing this route:

ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS:

• In 1988, over 18 billion diapers were sold and consumed in the United States that year. Based on calculations it is estimated that 27.4 billion disposable diapers are consumed every year in the U.S.
• Over 92% of all single-use diapers end up in a landfill.
• In 1988, nearly $300 million dollars were spent annually just to discard disposable diapers.
• No one knows how long it takes for a disposable diaper to decompose, but it is estimated to be about 250-500 years, long after your children, grandchildren and great, great, great grandchildren will be gone.
• Disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills, and represent about 4% of solid waste. In a house with a child in diapers, disposables make up 50% of household waste.
• The manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than cloth.
• Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feed stocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR.

HEALTH REASONS:

• Disposable diapers contain traces of Dioxin, an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process. It is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. It is banned in most countries, but not the U.S..
• Disposable diapers contain Tributyl-tin (TBT) - a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.
• Disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, a type of super absorbent polymer (SAP), which becomes a gel-like substance when wet. A similar substance had been used in super-absorbency tampons until the early 1980s when it was revealed that the material increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

COSTS:

• The figure, of course, depends on the number of diaper changes a day and the age at toilet training. But assuming an average two and a half-year diapering period, and an average of eight to ten diaper changes a day (based on every hour for newborns, every two hours for toddlers) this translates to 7,000 to 9,000 diapers over the diapering period. At an average price of $.24 per disposable diaper (premium diapers cost closer to $.33 apiece), the price tag for disposable diapering is around $2,000.

Home diapering, on the other hand, can be done for as little as $400, or as much as $1,200, depending on the type of products you buy. (With what we plan to buy, it will be around $400). Figuring in detergents and energy costs of about $.60 per load, the average parent will spend well under $1,000--usually more like $500--for home diapering.

We anticipate saving around $1,000 in diapering expenses as well not adding diapers to the landfills of the earth AND not putting potentially harmful chemicals on Ellie's bum.

We have ordered 12 diapers initially. I think we'll get a few more right before we go to pick her up. We went with BumGenius. Another adoptive mom that just came home with her little one is using these and I got good feedback from her about them. They came in the mail today -- I have to say the company, CottonBabies are on the ball with their shipping department. We chose to go with the One Size variety and they will fit "The Princess" up to 35 pounds. They are the CUTEST things (for diapers, that is). I'm sure they won't be "so" cute when we are getting the "used" version of them. *smile*

Now, I'm not saying there won't be some occasions when we won't use disposables, but I think, overall, we are going to try to be as environmentally conscious as we can be.

18 Months - LID for China

Today marks our 18 month wait since we were logged in for China. Will we continue with this process after Ellie is home? I don't know. I remember a funny story with my grandmother one time. She had been told in the hospital that she had colon cancer and had to decide if she wanted to have surgery or not. As she lay in the hospital bed, we asked her what she had decided. She said, "I don't know, I'll have to ask the Lord." Later we asked again and she said, "I don't know. He hasn't answered." That's pretty much where I am right now. I think we will know if/when it's time to throw in the towel on that process. My understanding is they are still doing referrals for families logged in during January 2006 and have been doing this month for the ENTIRE 2008 year. That's pitiful. If that continues, no, we will not be able to continue -- we'll be too old!! That does not preclude other avenues with China, but as we have to wait until we are home a year with Ellie, it is not a decision we will need to make. To be real honest right now, I'm tired of adoption -- it has taken over our lives for SO long that I am ready to be done. Not that I don't KNOW that Ellie will be worth it, that's not what I'm saying -- I'm just tired of the roller coaster ride. I got my ticket's worth and I'm ready to step off the ride onto more solid ground.

So, happy anniversary China. You are still in our hearts.

Tonsillectomy - Scheduled (again)

After two previous unsuccessful attempts (Fall Break and then Christmas break), we have scheduled Joshua's tonsillectomy. I became quite concerned yesterday when I called and was told they had NO openings because some doctor had left the practice. She "hmmmm'd" and "wellllll'd" until finally I couldn't stand it and I said, "He HAS to have these tonsils out before we go back to Kyrgyzstan to pick up his sister in August!" Now, no, I do not KNOW that we will go back in August, but the power of positive thinking has to count for SOMETHING. Then, we spent a while talking about "all that" and she said, "I have a note that there is a family who wants to re-schedule on July 9. I will call them tomorrow and see and call you back." I told her I would take whatever she could get for us.

When she called today she said, "How about Wednesday (you know, like a WEEK from today??)?" I said, "That will be fantastic." I didn't check the calendar; I don't care. He HAS to have them out. While he was at camp, he thought he had an ear infection. The doctor who looked in his ears said he did not, but that it was "awfully tight" in there and that he needed to get those tonsils and adenoids out. Yes, we've heard that before -- several times.

So, I've not told Joshua. Any suggestions on when to tell him? I'm thinking Tuesday. *smile*. He is a worrier and a fretter and if I tell him now, he'll just spend the next week worrying, alternately crying that he doesn't want to have this done, and then worrying some more. Am I doing him a disservice by telling him the day before?

I'm just glad we'll have this behind us -- another big thing marked off our list and a little man who can sleep well, not be so tired from sleeping poorly and have fewer ear and throat issues. This is not to say I won't be a wreck that day, but ..... I'm just a mom.

Crazy Things About Me ...

I thought I might veer away from adoption for a bit (although, I'm certain there will be an update at the bottom of this post) and talk about some of the things about me that are just crazy! :-) Now, those who know me well will tell you there are a LOT of things about me that are crazy, but even they might not know some of these.

1. I like to eat canned asparagus straight out of the can. I LOVE it and can eat the whole can.


2. I'm addicted to The Young and the Restless and tape it to watch. While Kevin and Josh were away at camp, I watched the two weeks' worth I missed while in Kyrgyzstan.


3. My car is attracted to mailboxes and I have hit (read: TAKEN OUT) two this year alone. My insurance company thinks I'm crazy.


4. I used to eat Lima bean sandwiches when I was little.


5. I failed "White Gloves and Party Manners" and had to re-take it when I was a little girl. Technically, I suppose I didn't fail, but I guess I didn't "get it" so my mom signed me up for another session. I still don't have a clue where the fork and knives go and have a photo/cheat sheet in my utensils drawer.


6. I love office supplies and remember as a kid that I LOVED going back to school just to get new office supplies. When I worked in a "public" job, my favorite thing to do was to go to the office supply store and buy things.


7. I like the smell of bookstores.


8. I don't "understand" north/south/east/west. I get the concept but if you were to put me in my yard and say, "Point north" -- I couldn't.


9. I loose something almost every day. It's ridiculous.


10. I wanted to be a journalist when I grew up.

So, there you go, ten crazy things about me. If you are a blogger, why not write 10 crazy things about yourself?

And, as promised, an adoption update. We still don't know about our court date. I've sent another email to our agency, who truly has promised they will let me know as soon as they know. Patience is not one of my strong suits -- I guess that's why God has made me wait so long -- hoping to improve that area of my life. *smile* I have the name of a local pediatrician and I'm going to call them tomorrow to see if he has openings. While we have a pediatrician for Josh, we just feel that because Ellie is a preemie and because she is an international adoptee, we might need someone who specializes in those areas more than our doctor does. We LOVE her for Josh so it's not about that. My friend Jennifer is coming over Tuesday afternoon to help me go through the piles of clothes I've bought through the years and find out what I actually have that will fit The Princess. I suspect it will be embarrassingly little as I NEVER thought she would be a) this young or b) this small. We are going to put the clothes in storage containers based on size so that I'll be able to get them out as she grows into them.

I have ordered a Peanut Shell sling. I liked the look of Gen's from her blog and she recommended it. I love the color. I got the pink/brown reversible microfleece. Now, if I looked like this MODEL, we'd be in business. In my mind, I do!! That might be another one of those crazy things about me, I'm not sure.

BEST NEWS of the day: Kevin and Joshua have returned from Centri-kid church camp. Both of them are really tired. Several days of 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. have exhausted them both. I'm so glad they are home so my life can be back to normal -- it's odd not having them around. Josh couldn't wait to watch Camp Rock that he taped while he was gone, so as I post, he is watching. I really thought he'd be asleep by now. I know I'd like to be.

Here are photos of Josh and his cousins on the day we went to the movies and the park. The other photos are "Golfer Josh" on that same afternoon when we went to the golf course for him to hit a bucket of balls.

These photos are from the day Josh and Kevin left for Centri-kid church camp. Can you tell I'm a LITTLE behind in uploading photos? Note Kevin's Twizzlers. That's another crazy thing about me -- I HATE chewy candy like that. Must be a texture thing.

Princess Ellie has her own book series

A friend I met through adoption, Julie, emailed me tonight to let me know that "The Princess" apparently has her own book series. It is a series written by Diana Kimpton, a British author, who wrote the Pony Mad Princess series. In the U.S., the series is called the Pony Crazed Princess. It includes such books as:

Princess Ellie's Snowy Ride

Princess Ellie's Summer Vacation

Princess Ellie's Treasure Hunt
Princess Ellie to the Rescue

Princess Ellie's Camping Trip (oh, I hope hers was better than my last one!!)

Princess Ellie Takes Charge (I can see this happening!!)

Princess Ellie Solves a Mystery

Princess Ellie's Royal Jamboree

Princess Ellie's Secret Pony

Princess Ellie's Starlight Adventure

A Surprise for Princess Ellie

Princess Ellie's Christmas

Princess Ellie's Secret

Puzzle for Princess Ellie

Princess Ellie and the Moonlight Mystery

Princess Ellie's Summer Vacation (Holiday in UK)

Princess Ellie and the Enchanted Fawn

Apparently, the Princess has an exciting life. However, titles that might be more relevant to what we might experience might be:

Princess Ellie Keeps Her Parents Up all Night

Princess Ellie Throws up on her Brother

Princess Ellie Pulls the Cat's Tail

Princess Ellie Exhausted from Trying on So Many Clothes

Princess Ellie Hates Carrots

Princess Ellie Runs on the Football Field during the Game

Princess Ellie Throws a Fit in Church

You know -- some reality based books. *smile*

While I was looking at these books, I noticed the following sign:

Since I guess she's not going to be DRIVING anytime soon, I suppose we won't need this. Thank goodness!

Tomorrow "MY BOYS" come home. I have missed them terribly. Josh sounded SO tired on the phone tonight when I talked to him. Kevin says they are all so tired that if you look at them wrong, they'll cry. Oh, Joy!

Baby Ellie Presents

Yesterday when I returned home from taking my Punchie (the cat) to the vet (she has a hematoma on her ear that has to be removed Monday), I saw a box on my front porch. My friend, Terri, had told me she was sending a gift for Ellie, and this was sent out before we knew that OUR ELLIE was coming home. What perfect timing!!


I got in and ripped it open like a mad woman and found a treasure-trove of goodies. Terri (from WAY back in high school) recently bought an embroidery sewing machine and she had embroidered a diaper bag, a bib, two wash cloths and a blanket. I wish I could describe for you how soft the blanket is. I found myself rubbing it against my face, envisioning her wrapped in it and just began to cry. It's just all been so emotional and now that it's all decided and good, it was just too much. However, you women know what a good cry can do for you, so I was much better afterwards! Here are some photos of the WONDERFUL gifts she sent. I'm so happy to have them; they are all just beautiful and I can't wait to use them!!


Terri and I were re-connected about a year and a half or two years ago when we "found" each other on an adoption board as we were both adopting from China. Imagine our surprise!! She has since brought her baby, Teagan, home. She has been such a source of support for me during the last few years! I'm so glad we found each other again!!


Thank you, Terri!!!!

Isn't it all beautiful?

I can't WAIT until I can show you all photos of Ellie aka "The Princess". I just printed several of them today and she is SO CUTE!!!! I am so hopeful to get some new pictures of her in July when several families are traveling to visit or pick up their little ones.

"The Princess" is NOT sick and is coming HOME!

Do you know how WONDERFUL it feels to write that title???

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

For His loving kindness is everlasting.

I Chronicles 16:34 and Psalms 118:1 and Psalms 118:29 and Jeremiah 33:11

As I was researching to find the verse that fit how GOOD our God is, I found it interesting that in three places in the Bible the SAME words are used to convey the goodness of God. I think it should be no surprise that this statement should be written by people through the ages and I am so glad to be able to share that information with you all today. For those of you who have shared with me (and there have been many) that your faith is not my faith, I do not make light of your faith and your belief, but let me share that the God that I serve, love and worship is ONE MIGHTY BIG GOD who loves me a whole lot. My wish is that everyone could experience the magnitude, the love and the grace of my God.

As you all know and have followed along, we were given a referral of a BEAUTIFUL little one and travelled to Tokmok to visit with her and came to find out that she allegedly had a medical condition that we felt was way beyond our ability to handle. Through prayer and soul searching and with great heartbreak, we decided to turn down our referral and wait for another one. We came home and began moving on with our lives. And, actually, I had a conversation with my preacher that I was a bit disturbed that I wasn't more upset about this than I was.

On Wednesday this week, I was out with my son, my two nieces and my mother-in-law after we had taken the kids to see the free movies in Nashville. We had stopped at McDonalds and gone to the park. I noticed I had a voicemail on my phone and checked to see who it was. It was our agency calling and asking me to call back. I was a bit taken aback as I was not expecting to hear from them until after July 7. I called back and talked with Brent who told me that they had had the records reviewed by a very well-known, well-respected doctor who specializes in that medical condition and who is an international adoption doctor and that she said our little one did not have this issue. I stood, silenced for a bit. I asked if we could have an international adoption doctor from our area review the files and conference with the agency and orphanage doctor (who is in town, luckily) and he said he would facilitate making that happen if I could get it together by Thursday or Friday (no pressure -- one day!). The conversation with the agency was a long one and I walked away with wounds ripped back open and the pain all fresh and new. I called Kevin, who was out in the field behind a drill rig and unreachable -- JUST MY LUCK.

After I got home, I managed to make contact with Vanderbilt's International Adoption Clinic, told my story, explained our situation and the urgency of quickness. Josh asked if we could go to the golf course for him to hit balls and I agreed so I could have some quiet time to ponder this information. I will not say that I was able to accept, agree or process this information right away. It was just too -- odd. I called and left a message with the doctor that our agency had talked with and asked if she would call me back as well.

I got NO calls back on Wednesday. Probably best as I was still just in a state of shock and confusion (as can be evidenced by the post that night). I didn't believe it and thought there must be some mistake. The waiting and soul and mind searching were so incredibly hard. To be back in this place I thought I was past and had left was really hard.

On Thursday, Josh had a doctor's appointment and we were getting our hair cut. I got calls back from the Vanderbilt doctor and got the conference call set up. She spent about 30 minutes going over the information I had sent her and about the condition and possibilities. After that, she was scheduled to make the conference call. While I was getting my hair cut (great timing, eh?) I got calls back from both the Vanderbilt doctor and the specialist. I spent at least an hour on the phone with the specialist and about 30-45 minutes on the phone with Vanderbilt with them both explaining everything in her file and how they both came to the same conclusions -- independently -- that she did not have the medical condition we were concerned about. They were, in fact, both more concerned with her prematurity and small size and growth than anything else. That is something that just doesn't concern me at all -- when she is home, she will be "fluffy" like the rest of us, I'm certain. However, we were asked to get new measurements to see if the little peanut was growing.

I didn't expect to get the new measurements until next week, but on Friday, I got a call from the agency with new measurements. I immediately called Vanderbilt to share them as I was expecting an additional call back from them between 1-2 after they had reviewed her photos. After that phone call with her and the information she shared, both Kevin and I agreed that we had no reservations accepting her referral.

SO..... long story short -- we are back in the adoption process!! We don't know exactly when we will return to pick her up. I know there are those who are returning mid-August and I am hopeful to be able to return with them. I am still waiting to see if they will be able to get the paperwork done in time for her to go to court the week the staff returns to Kyrgyzstan.

So much to do now -- arghhh!! :-) But, we are SO excited. God has returned our joy to us; He has given us back our daughter. What an incredible blessing -- what a miracle.

"The Princess" is coming home. Thank you, God!