Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Most Wonderful Christmas gift

Introducing Miss LynnMarie Chun Ai Christopher Born 3-13-08
PA TODAY!!!!


About 2 years ago Amy and I started a journey.
Today, the end is in sight!

Two days before Thanksgiving Amy received notice that a few babies had been added to the CCAI waiting child list. It was pretty late at night, so she took a look at the website and sent an email requesting to see the file on one of these children. The next day I was at work when Amy called me and said we had a referral. She promised not to open the email until I got home which would be about 2 hours later.

So here we are, the night before Thanksgiving. We gathered together at the laptop and opened the email and the files upon files upon files... there were about 20 pictures and several medical documents. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, we were given until the following Monday to accept or decline this child. It did not take long to decide.

Our referral is for Lu Chun Ai, born March 13 in the Henan province. She is in the care of an American-run orphanage where she is being treated for two different physical special needs. We have researched these needs and feel the prognosis is excellent for Lu Chun Ai to grow to be a fully-functional independent child. If all goes as planned, she will officially become LynnMarie Chun Ai Christopher in March or April. She will be a year old on March 13th. We would LOVE to be in China by that day, but we'll take what we get.

We ask that you continue to pray for our family, for the people caring for our angel until we can come and bring her home, and for LynnMarie herself.

Here are a few more pictures!






105 comments:

comingaroundagain said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! No Christmas/gift could be any better! She is the cutest thing! So very precious!!

Robyn said...

CONGRATS!!! Such a wonderful blessing for your family. I can't wait to follow your journey to China.

She is beautiful!!!

Rhonda said...

Congratulations!

The Evans Family said...

Congratulations and what a Merry Christmas! 2009 is sure to be a fantastic year for the Christopher family!!!

Special K said...

Hooray!!!!!! Congratulations on your wonderful announcement. We are beyond thrilled for you.

Anonymous said...

I'm teary.

Kristy said...

Oh my gosh, this is great news. congrats to you both. Merry Christmas

Cristy said...

YIPPEEE!!!! I am so happy you got such a quick PA!!! Love the new photos of her, she is beautiful! Merry CHristmas!!!

Linda said...

Congrat's on your Beautiful Baby!! So happy you received an early Christmas gift this year...What could be better... Linda

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Congratulations... this is so great and unbelievable... and you kept this a secret... That must have been hard... OH how cute she is... once again... congrats to you both... hugs...

Lennah and Delylah's mom said...

She is beautiful. I have been waiting to hear all about her. I am not sure if you have been getting my emails. I cannot wait to meet her.
Cathy

Chris said...

CONGRATS!! Oh my!! My mouth dropped open when I saw a new post and opened your blog!! She is so adorable!!! I'm so happy for you!

Lisa~~ said...

Congratulations!! Such a wonderful surprise to open your blog and see such good news. She is adorable and you must be on top of the world.

Mary said...

A GIANT congratulations! She is beautiful! I hope you travel very soon...you guys have waited long enough! :-)

Unknown said...

Congratulations to your family! What a beautiful, perfect miracle for Christmas! So happy to see you make the official announcement!

Anonymous said...

I'm just over the moon for you both!!!!!!! Congratulations 1,000 times over! What a wonderful holiday blessing!

Don and Be said...

We are doing the Happy Dance .... it ain't pretty, but it's from the heart. Lynn Marie rocks!

Laurie said...

She is BEAUTIFUL! What an amazing Christmas gift...congratulations to you all!

Kim said...

OMW...
CONGRATULATIONS..
This is the best Christmas present you could ever ask for..
Happy Holidays..
Hugs..

Jennifer said...

Congrats - she is so precious!!!

Unknown said...

so excited for you glad to see her picture on here :) Can't wait to meet her!! Congrats again.

Melessa Gregg said...

Oh WOW! What a little beauty! Congratulations!

Michelle said...

Oh my goodness. This is such wonderful, fantastic, exciting, fabulous news!!! Huge congratulations. She is a beauty.

Merry, merry Christmas too!

Dori's Mommy (Diana) said...

Congratulations! She is such an adorable little peanut!

Meghan said...

What exciting news!!!! SHe is so cute:) Congratulations!

frogglet said...

Congratulations, She is so sweet and tiny! What a wonderful Christmas this is to know you will meet your daughter soon.

4D said...

What a surprise! Congratulations!

Keep smilin!

Christie said...

Girl, this is incredible news! I can't believe it!!

I'm so happy for you both!!!

Whahoo!!

Hug

Angie said...

Congratulations! She is beautiful!

Merry Christmas!

Heather said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Big hugs to you both!! She's so adorable! What a wonderful Christmas present!!

Jen & Bill said...

Congratulations! I heard a peep from a nurse when we were at the hospital that you had a referral. Been waiting to hear! I saw this cutie on the list and wondered who snatched her up.

Football and Fried Rice said...

OH, Amy - smiling today!! Heart FULL as I prepare to return from China. From Henan..I pray for your LynnMarie, for you & Michael as you prepare to become her parents!!!!!!!!!!

I am workign on a list of things I wished I had done/taken. I will share with it with you :) I know that everyone has different preferences on what makes them comfortable...but you can make your own conclusions!!!

OK, Let's pray that baby home!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

OMG Congratulation, She is beautiful.
Donna

Kiy said...

Oh my gosh! I am completely bawling, oh Amy and Michael! She's too precious, so beautiful. I am completely smitten. Such a long time waiting, and finally it is coming to be. If anyone deserved this, it was you. Amy you were do positive for so long, for so many people. I cannot express I thrilled I am for you both, - and for little LynnMarie!

The Merriest of Christmases, thinking of you always,

Kiy

redmaryjanes said...

Congratulations my dear friends. I am so happy for you! Sounds like we need to schedule a baby shower :)

Margaret M said...

Merry Christmas! I am so happy to see your sweet LynnMarie's face. She is so cute. Wishing you speedy LOA and TA so you can get her home to celebrate her first birthday! We received our PA on Christmas Day last year....what a blessing! Hugs to you both! M-

C.C. said...

Congratulations!! She is just beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

She will be a beautiful Aries just like my son who is 16. I went to high school w/ Michael and have been following your journey via facebook. My sister adopted 2 years ago and she and my brother are both adopted. God bless you and your journey. It will be amazing!!!!
Melanie Black Hollifield

k1 said...

Congratulations Amy and Michael!
What a Merry Christmas present.

Beth and Ryan said...

Wow! What a blessing to open up your blog today and see your REFERRAL! Awesome! We are so happy for you and we will pray for your journey into parenthood. She is beautiful! Can't wait to follow along!

Shelly and Family said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Words can not express how HAPPY & EXCITED we here at the Leonard household are for you!

Oh what a Christmas you are going to have!

Noemi said...

CONGRATULATIONS! What a surprise! The best Christmas present ever for you both!

She is beautiful!

God Bless!

The Princess's Mommy said...

Oh Amy! What a wonderful surprise! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She is adorable! Merry Christmas!!

Love,
Monica

Kelley said...

HOORAY!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so happy for you!

Daniella said...

Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful. What a Christmas present.

Laura and Erik said...

Congratulations, we are so happy for you and cannot wait to meet your precious little girl!
the Kjeldsen family

Gail said...

Amy, I just read your comment on Facebook referring to this and came right over...Congratulations!!!!
I'm so happy for you all, she's beautiful. I am teary, this is the best Christmas gift you could have ever received.

I'd be happy to help later on if you have questions about China, travel, packing etc.

Merry Christmas to you and Michael! You are a mommy and daddy now!

Operationtigerlily said...

I couldn't be happier for you!! A wonerful Christmas gift, indeed. Have a wonderful. Have a wonderful holiday.

Jennifer said...

Amy,
We are LID April 07 as well. So excited for you and your husband!! We recieved our referral in Nov. as well! So happy for you!!!
Jennifer Wescott

Jen said...

Oh, you are so right. That is a wonderful Christmas gift. My Christmas is going to be even brighter knowing that you know who your daughter is now. I am so thrilled for you. And, I must say that she is so cute!!!!! Oh happy day!

Melissa said...

Congratulations! She is beautiful. What a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas present. I will be praying that you are able to travel quickly.
Melissa Morgan

Amy said...

Oh my goodness!!!!! She is BEAUTIFUL! I have chill bumps running up my arms. What a wonderful Christmas gift.

erin said...

AMAZING!! Congratulations! God is SO good! She is beautiful!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Had to come back and check her out with what she will be like with girly hair... it was fun talking... the movie I promised you is up...

Unknown said...

OH!!! Here I am Christmas Eve blogging and am so happy for you! What a lovely precious peanut.

God bless you all & I wish you the most peaceful and QUICK process to meet her.

Janelle

Briana's Mom said...

OH MY GOSH!!!!! She is beautiful! I am sooooo happy for the both of you! Congratulations! Merry Christmas!!!!!

Angela and Jay said...

Congratulations!!! She is adorable and we are so happy for you!!

Karen said...

A long time lurker posting my congratulations!! Definitely a Christmas blessing for you.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and Merry Christmas! God Bless all 3 of you!

Susan and Dan said...

Ain't that a BIG Christmas blessing!! As always, worth the wait!! We are so thrilled and can't wait to see the Christopher 3!!!!

Kelly said...

Woo Hoo, Merry Christmas and we are so happy for you!!!

Tymm said...

Congratulations!

Donna said...

SO happy for you guys. What a beautiful little girl I get to play with soon :) Congratulations!!

RamblingMother said...

congrats!! what a wonderful Christmas!!

Kim :) said...

WOW! Congratulations on your thrilling news! Your baby girl is beautiful... I look so forward to following your journey! :)

Tammy said...

Praise the Lord! I have been following your journey and she is a beautiful treasure. I cannot wait to follow you as you travel to get her and then see you safely home! Boy, next Christmas will be much different for you!!!! :)

the mommy said...

She is beautiful Congratulations

awaitingmissemily said...

Congrats!!! She is a definate beauty!! I could not be happier for the 2 of you...I mean three of you. LynnMarie is one lucky little girl!!

bbmomof2boys said...

She's beautiful!! Congratulations!

Hugs,
Carla

Gwen Oatsvall said...

oh my word ... i had no idea you had this blog ... what a cutie ... an answer to many prayers !!! so excited for you guys ... i will add her name to your picture for prayer !!!!

love ya ..

Kelly & Todd said...

Ohhhh how WONDERFUL!!!!! We are so happy for the both of you and Lynn Marie is beautiful. Best wishes to you both as you prepare for her arrival. Congratulations!!

Deb said...

Oh! My Gosh! What a surprise!
Congrats! She is adorable!
I was on facebook and I seen this little cupcake face on your profile and I had to come over to check it out!!!!
By far the most wonderful gift this Christmas.

Jamie said...

Congratulations to the both of you! I pray for your daughter and for fast travel. YEA!

4 Lettre Words said...

She is just beautful! (And, only one week younger than my Luke.)

I am so happy for all 3 of you!!!

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

She is SO beautiful! I can't wait to see you bring her home!!!!

Lynn said...

She is absolutely adorable!

So incredibly suprised and overjoyed for you! Such a wonderful Christmas gift! I am so happy to see people 'succeed' in this crazy adoption world!

LynnMarie will be a very very lucky girl!

Alyson and Ford said...

Congratulations!! Wow, such a cutie, adorable baby!! We are so happy for you. Can't wait to read all about your journey! Wish we could meet you guys!
We know you will have much joy and happiness in 2009! Happy New Year!

Alyzabeth's Mommy
Forever Family Day 09/16/08

Ellen said...

Congrats! How amazing and exciting. I wish you a speedy trip to China, hopefully before her first birthday!

Joanne said...

Oh what a wonderful Christmas gift!! She is just precious ~ I am thrilled for you and cannot wait to see you with your daughter! I had been feeling a little sad for all the babies without families during this special time of year - your news has brightened my day - congratulations!!!! (As you know WC have a special place in my heart too!)

kitchu said...

Congratulations, she's beautiful!

Baba said...

Good morning Amy, a SPECIAL GIFT FROM GOD!!!! Congratulations on seeing your precious LynnMarie for the first time..she is a baby doll and will have the best parents....

This year 2009 is going to be a great year for you and Michael bringing home your child to love forever!!!
Hugs, Baba

kitchu said...

hey don't forget to announce to our yahoo group!! :O) you know they'll be so happy for you and we get so excited about our "A's"!!!

Truly Blessed said...

OMW, Amy & Michael, she's BEAUTIFUL!!!

Congratulations to you, Mama & Daddy!

Can't wait to follow your journey to your darling LynnMarie!

Katherine said...

That is SO awesome-congratulations!! What a beautiful gift-I can imagine this has been quite a journey, and cannot wait till you get to bring her home!! What a blessing you will be to her, and her to you!! :)

Adoption is a very special thing, and close to my heart-I was adopted as a baby and have been blessed. I also hope to adopt whenever I get the opportunity :)

Congrats again and many blessings~

Kim said...

Oh Amy! What a glorious Christmas gift! She is absolutely gorgeous and I look forward to reading more about her and your journey to bring her home in the months to come.
Wow! March/April really is not all that far away.
*smiles and hugs*
Kim

Joannah said...

Oh, wow! Congratulations! She's darling.

Unknown said...

Congratulations, she is just precious! I can't wait to follow along on your journey.

Thanks for stopping by our site and posting a comment :0)

Pete said...

Oh my goodness, we had no idea! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! We are so happy for you guys! Can't wait to meet LynnMarie. Congratulations, mommie & daddy!
Julie, Pete, & Nate

Brandi said...

OH...Merry Christmas to the both of you!

Such a wonderful surprise to read your good news!

She is adorable! I'll be praying for a speedy LOA/TA and that you'll have her home before her 1st birthday!

Congrats!

Linette said...

Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful. What a blessing from God to your family.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Congratulations!! I guess I am a little late, but better late than never!! She is beautiful!!

Happy New Year.....it is going to be an amazing year!!

Lisa

Steffie B. said...

Kimberley told me about your news.....I am so happy for you....what a blessing....your incredible journey is about to begin! ;)

Hugs,
Steffie

Susan said...

Congratulations on your sweet referral!

JMCS said...

Oh Amy!!!!!!!!!!! How did I miss this??? Your daughter is gorgeous and what a wonderful, wonderful surprise! I just hopped over to RQ and saw your link over there, so happy for you my friend. You are a mama and your daughter is beautiful. So happy for you both. C'mon TA... :)

Hugs,
Jonni

Christi and Abbey said...

Congratulations! I share your heart for all the children who don't have families...so glad this little one now has all of you to love and care for her!!

Jenn said...

Wonderful! She's adorable.

Anonymous said...

Yea! I'm so glad you found your daughter - here's to safe and speedy travel!

Sincerely,
Amy B.
(Lisa's friend, also with CCAI, and in Acworth)

Dawn S. said...

Congrats!!

LaLa said...

She is BEAUTIFUL!!! Huge Congrats...I have been so out of touch..how did I miss this!!!!

Anonymous said...

That is a wonderful Christmas gift! You will be so blessed when she officially becomes part of the family!

Keisha said...

OH MY WORD!!! Precious!!! I know your heart is OVerflowing with JOY!!!!!!!
CONGRATS!!!! And ((hugs))!!
:)
Keisha

Ronnie and Becky said...

Oh Amy...I am so very happy for you guys. This is so wonderful. May God Bless you as you prepare for your journey to meet your precious baby.

Love
Becky
China Hope

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

OMG you guys! I totally missed this. Congratulations!!!!!! I'm so excited for you. She is g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. I'm so happy for you both :)

Mercy's Maid said...

How exciting that you've finally seen your daughter. She's beautiful.

Annette said...

Amy, I've been so out of the loop... congratulations!!!! So exciting!