Special purchase

Today, I (Amy) went to the Yellow Daisy Festival here in Atlanta (actually Stone Mountain) and had a blast walking with friends and looking at hundreds of vendors.

2 interesting things happened. In the early afternoon, I was looking with friends at something and someone tapped me on the shoulder and asked "Are you Amy"? I said yes and she said I am Pam C. You see, Pam is a waiting family in Roswell and we have been visiting blogs and sending emails back and forth for months. The plan was to meet at First Friday tomorrow but I got to meet her early. How cool was that? There were thousands of people there, and the 2 of us wandered in the same place at the same time. I can tell she rocks and cant wait to visit with her.

We keep wandering and see something that looks a bit Asian. I notice that a man has a beautiful display of prints. He has different names written in Chinese. Of course I looked. Now, my plan was to buy the names Lynn and Marie and combine it. He asked me what I was looking for and I wrote down her name and he said come back in an hour. Then he said wait. Then, he proceeded to do the piece you see below. Is it not beautiful? The best part of the day was not the artwork but the conversation that went with it. He asked me about LynnMarie. He wanted to know if she was in an orphanage or a foster home and I explained that we were waiting. He then told me " Good for you. Daughters from China love their mommas. Doesn't matter if they live in China or America, Chinese girls love their mommas and LynnMarie will love you. He told me that adoption is a most wonderful gift and my life will be changed forever. He said he was sorry the wait was so long, as if this was his fault.This sweet man touched my heart. Now, my coworker that went with does not know a lot about China adoption but boy was she excited about this story and the artwork. This man touched two lives that day. He told me he is from Guangzhou and I asked him about the White Swan (since I really do not know much about the place). He said " Yes I know the White Swan, it is very old but has lots of heart". He laughed and said there was much more to China than the White Swan. My coworker thought he meant pandas. Oh dear.
I hope I see this man again. I do have his card if anyone is interested in his work.

I can not imagine my life if we had not said Ok God regarding adoption. I would not have as many heart warming stories to share. My life would be incredibly different.

and my friend Lauryn (after hearing about China and ladybugs) said she would be okay if she did not see a ladybug again for a very long time. Apparently I spotted a lot of them.

Monday Meditations

I am pray for those who serve our country who are not with their families.
I pray for those in the path of the enormous storm
I pray for LynnMarie
I pray for myself.
I pray for those who are waiting
I pray for all of China
I pray God will continue to mold us into the parents He created us to be

Your turn. Join me, won't you?

Our Day at Celebrate Freedom Atlanta 2008

We're Getting a Chinese Baby!

Well... I suppose clarification is in order.

The We I referred to is the greater Atlanta community.

The Chinese baby I referred to will be a son or daughter to Lun Lun, the female Giant Panda at the Atlanta Zoo.

So even though it's not what you thought, it IS cause to celebrate!

Monday Meditations

What's on your heart today? The past 2 weeks the world has been watching China. I am praying for the people of China, our LynnMarie, travel mercies for those who are in China now, and those of us who are still waiting. I pray that God will transform our hearts during the weight and will do something incredible during this time.
I am also praying for those who are making huge decisions regarding their China adoptions. I am thankful that because of their decision to adopt to China, God opened doors to other countries.
I am thankful for the friends who have encouraged me simply by obeying and adopting. Their decision has greatly impacted my life and its the coolest thing.
and I will praying for each pair of eyes that reads this post this week.

LynnMarie's Book #16

This is one that I remember from my youth. We had a copy of this story in a book I assume is no longer in print because it looked nothing like this book, but the story has to be the same.

Mike

16 down

16 months down. and what should you do on your 16th LIDversary? Go get fingerprinted of course? We were 5 minutes late and still got in and got out in 17 minutes. Hopefully that was the last time visiting the place before China. After that we finally visited the Marietta Diner. Holy Cow, it was so yummy!

Here ya go! Vacation pics and I know there are a lot of them. Check out the manatee pics and the ones of the moon.

Thanks to our families, Don, Be, Joanna Mei, Dannye and Mom, Fliss and Mike and our other friends for making this is a very rockin trip!

Monday Meditations-a bit late

Oh I did not forget. Today is a day for giving praise. Nothing special happenned, its just the attitude. Sometimes I get tired of asking. Im going to let God do the asking of me. I will wait. I will have hope. I am so thankful for each pair of eyes who reads this. Some of you I do not know, some of you I know pretty well. I am thankful for this journey.. Join me today, won't you? and yes Sara, for you I am so thankful. God is good and through your story, I saw a glimpse of sonshine!!!!!

Meeting Joanna Mei and the lightbulb going off

This will be the first of many posts over the next few days just because I have so much stuff to share with you. I got to get this one out of the way before my heart explodes

We are back from vacation and more pics will be posted. Michael posted the pics of meeting some friends below. Some of you have read Dannye (LayDfrog) and Don and Be's blogs before. This was the second time of meeting these beautiful people.

Once again, God chose vacation to have a few words for me. Saturday was different. My passion for LynnMarie has been renewed. What I am finding funny on this adoption journey are that these little people are helping to change my life. Sheridan, Shelby, Micah, Gianna have helped in this process.

I think back seven years ago when I chose the floor in the hospital I am working on. God has been orchestrating events and they are sooooo falling into place.

Anyway, Saturday we spent time with these wonderful families who have been encouraging us for so long. We got to meet Joanna Mei who has been home from China less than a month . I spent some time with her parents and they were so very honest with us. Joanna Mei is considered "special needs" but honestly I would never have known. Its an obvious visual need, but my heart simply looked and played with her as I realized something. This is the first time in my life that I think I have done this. I really did look past anything that makes JMei different and just loved her and played with her. I will forever look at special needs in a different light. Adopting a SN child is not about me. Its not about Michael. This kind of hit me hard. Its not about what we can handle. I know for a fact, God will not give us something we can not handle. I am not worried about that at all anymore. Its more about what we can do to give this child the best, happiest life possible! I want that. I want to give her memories that make her heart smile.

God has been doing some amazing, wonderful things during this wait and I would not change it for the world.

I am so ready to love LynnMarie. I need a child that needs a little bit more extra love. This makes me excited.

Don and Be shared their story.Once again, I know that God places the right child in your home. No matter how you want to change the wait and everyone's wait is different, I do not want to fight God's plan. This in itself, is a whole other post. JMei is so right for this family. We have seen that with Sheridan and Shelby and Micah. I can't describe it. These children have been so perfectly placed. I can not believe I have been given the opportunity to be on this journey.

Joanna Mei, you my friend helped turn the lightbulb on and for that you are etched in my heart. and by the way, your parents rock!






Don, Be, and J-Mei

Mike, Amy, Don, Ellen (Dannye's mom), Dannye, Be, and J-Mei!

Monday Meditations

Good morning friends

What are you praying for today?

Praying for LynnMarie and her care givers
China, the world is watching this country
I am praying for those who are serving our country around the world
Adoption friends. Some of our blogging friends are going through some really hard times. These are friends who have encouraged me and helped this wait go by faster. Please pray for those who are struggling with some important decisions
You
the Chapmans- the world has been invited to hear their story. May we all be encouraged and may God continue to comfort this family that is a part of many of our stories

What am I thankful for?
Friends- We have made some awesome new friends
China
Family
Adoption
the blogging community

What about you? What are you praying for? What are you thankful for?

another post

So, I really did not want to blog about the Olympics because a) everyone is blogging about them and 2) I am just now watching the opening ceremonies.

I hope my friends and family watched the Olympics and I may possibly buy the dvd of the ceremonies. You, my friend and families are going to have a huge impact on LynnMarie and I hope you take the time to learn a little bit more of where she is from.

This ceremony has gotten me thinking but what doesn't? Our adoption wait has helped me reflect on my past, our present and our future with LynnMarie. We are adopting her from a country of great history. I am afraid. Not afraid of China. Afraid of not being able to do a good job about teaching her of her birth place. What if we fail? What if she does not grow up with a passion and knowledge of an amazing culture. I think this is why it is so important to learn what we can during the wait so that we can be as prepared as possible.

While watching tonight, I found myself in tears. Both happy and sad I guess. I was moved how wonderful the ceremony was, how much time was put into it, how much passion the performers had. The world is watching China right now. China has become much more personal since pursuing adoption. This is where my daughter is . Our daughter. How real is that? What will she be like? I am listening to stories of people overcoming things and pursuing their dreams? Will LynnMarie have her dreams come true? I see these Chinese women in traditional costume and I can not help but think of my daughter. I dream of her friends and even wonder what Shelby, Micah, Sheridan, Gianna, and all of my other little friends will be like when they get older! Will they be great friends! I so hope so and am so thankful for the First Friday community.

Friends inside and outside of the adoption community and family, LynnMarie will be home one day. I pray that you will help us teach her about who she is and love her and help her fulfill her dreams. I hope that you will learn a little bit of Chinese culture. Once we know when she is coming home, we will share some of the things we have learned.

I really missed her tonight!

China

This week on the Travel Channel, has been China Week. We were able to record most of the shows ( they have repeated many of the shows). I hope we are able to visit some of the country before we meet Miss LynnMarie one day. We just a glimpse of this amazing place that contains so much history. I had no idea how long the Great Wall was or that are restaurants that serve just dumplings. I totally recommend you watch any and all of these shows. Family, hope you get the chance to see where you niece, granddaughter is from. Its just beautiful.


We did learn that for 150.00 you can feed a panda and for another hundred or 2 they will bring out a chubby panda for you to hold. If that is possible, I am so up for that. We will have another laundry container set up for the "Amy wants to hug a Panda fund at our house if you ever visit. Just kidding.

Check out the Wild China series. We still have so many shows to watch but I want to learn more.

For family and friends, we have no news for you. But it blows me away that we are going to China to meet our daughter one day. How exciting!!!!!!!!

Monday Meditations

Morning! I am soooo thankful for my adoption community around the country. From the blogging community to my First Friday group (see post below), its been the most amazing wait ever!

What are you praying for? I pray that families will be united soon. Shelby and Delilah will be with their families soon and that's sooo cool. I pray that seeds are being planted for adoption in general across the world. Each one of us has the power to make an amazing difference in people's lives simply by our attitude. I pray I maintain an attitude of hope and joy! I pray for those who are discouraged. I pray for LynnMarie and that she gets an extra hug today! I am praying for you.

Let me know if you stop by today please!

First Friday Beautiful Blessings

Man oh Man, was I blessed again. I had so much fun last night. First Fridays is our monthly Atlanta Support group and if you ever want to come join us the First Friday of the month, I will clear the weekend for you!

We had a large turn out (over 20 people) for dinner before hand at La Dolce Vita and was able to visit with new and old friends. Always a good thing! Donna had some blogging friends from Augusta visiting so they came as well and I got to see some pics of Miss Faith who will be joining her forever family soon. Lennah's mom is heading to Ethiopia to get Delilah soon and it was wonderful to hear about her plans as well. I was able to visit with Christy and her family too! Fun times and this was just dinner! As you can tell, a lot of these families have blogs as well!

So we headed to the church and we first set up our box for Starfish. We collected some things for Amanda at the Starfish Foster home and learned she would be visiting First Friday early in 2009. August is a slow month for First Friday so we were hoping for at least a few items but FF friends did not disappoint! See the pictures!

We were able to visit with some amazing people there. We have a new friend who is fundraising for her adoption. She wrote a beautiful poem, has it framed and will personalize it with pics from you. You need to see these. If not only for yourself, these are great gifts.

We started with introductions as we had new kids to meet. There was Meron, who has been home from Ethiopia for 5 weeks, Nicklas, who came home from China the same day as Meron and baby Nate who has an amazing story of his own. I love this group!

Next up Michael Perry and Susan Chapman talked about opportunities. We talked about Annabelle's Wish, Starfish Foster Home, G2 Girls and China Tree which is an amazing Chinese school in Kennesaw to teach your children about Chinese culture and language. I can not wait for LynnMarie to get home so we can take part of this. Michael also reminded us about the Starfish story. The more I am reminded, the more I want to help, one child or family at a time! Love that story, the fact that each one of has the ability to help someone is amazing!

Then time for more socializing and meeting new people. We had so much fun we were one of the last families to leave!

Honestly, we do not deserve this community. These are some of the people who will be welcoming LynnMarie home. They love us and have such a love for children and international adoption.
We also had the promise of what is the most unselfish,giving gift from some wonderful friends. I can not wait to share it with you.

First Fridays

Tonight is First Fridays, who is going to join me? If you live in the Atlanta area, check out www.firstfridayschina.com for more details. I have never NOT been blessed by this awesome community. Dudes, it sooo rocks!

recent thoughts

I have really enjoyed reading a lot of blogs lately. You guys have been so honest and that is awesome.

I have also spent some thinking about LynnMarie. I do pray for her and hope she gets hugs and cuddles. I wonder what will be going on in her head during Gotcha Day. I know if will be rough but I wonder what its like when everything that is comforting to you and everything you have known is taken away from you. I can not imagine and can not get these thoughts out of our head. I pray we will be able to comfort her and will be able to give her the love and the things she needs.

It's a very scary thought. Did any of you guys ever dwell on things like this?

I still have a lot of anxiety in the whole preparation for LynnMarie thing. We need to get Operation Christopher Clean up in action. In regards to her room, I have no idea where to even start. Truly. Now its funny, before we turned in our MCC, I knew exactly what I wanted. Now that our wait has probably decreased ( we still may have a year to go) I have no idea. Really. its still overwhelming. Goodness, it's still fun to dream!!!!

I shared our "story" with a new online friend this week. As a read it back, I remember thinking we don't have a story. I was wrong. Everyone has a story. Everyone is different. But as I told my new friend, I look back and smile. God's hand has been on our adoption so long ago. We saw seeds planted and God's plan growing all over the place. I can not believe He allowed us on this journey. I have said this before. Although we are still "waiting", adoption has changed our lives forever. I see things with my heart and not just my eyes anymore. Because of this simple thing, I will cherish these times forever!

Monday Meditations-

Good morning friends! What's on your heart today? What are you praying about?
Me?

I am praying for China, the world is about to watch them intensely! That's a lot of pressure!

I pray for LynnMarie and whoever is giving her hugs today!

I pray for her birth family, I just can not imagine

I am praying for all of you whether you are family, blogging friends or others. You have made me smile on a daily basis and have helped fill my heart with happiness and hope. God adores you and I am thankful that you are such a huge part of my life.

I am praying for Don and Be and Joanna Mei as they continue to bonding to be the family they were created to be. Can I tell you how excited I am to get to Florida and meet you?

I am praying for Amanda at the Starfish Orphanage today!

I am praying for those who will be matching us with LynnMarie and those who make "the phone call", how cool would that job be?

I pray for myself. That I can continue to be real. Once again, adoption has been etched in my heart and has made me open up in ways I never could have imagined

1 year ago

This was my post 1 year ago and thought I would remind myself about the things I we are looking forward to!


Hello friends! What wonderful news to hear that that the CCAA is done reviewing all of JUne 2006. That means there is less than 12 months to go until they review our dossier!

Thanks for all of your wonderful comment on the post below. You guys are wonderful.

There are times when someone says something that really sticks with you. We have been attending our First Friday group for almost 10 months now at the Chapmans and have found such wonderful support and encouragement. The one thing that I have heard is that what we are going through is not just adoption. Adoption takes an hour, parenting lasts a lifetime. We are not just preparing our homes and looking forward to our referral and going to China, we are becoming a family. When I really think about it, its really quite surreal.

The idea that in a few years (hopefully sooner) life as we presently know it will be forever changed. Our priorities will no longer just be on Michael and I, but our child. This has already started. My mind wanders on what life will be like. We are going to be watching everything through her eyes and that is simply amazing.

We are still in the early waiting part and I am having so much fun! My dreams have changed and only for the better. A lot of you know me simply from this blog. My craziness can be found over at my personal blog

I thought I would add a few more things I am looking forward to.

I can not wait to take LynnMarie for walks around the mall.
I can not wait to take her on a picnic.
I cant wait for her first pictures.
I cant wait until that first family Christmas card and portrait
I cant wait until I buy her first Halloween costume.
I cant wait to get her pictures taken in a pumpkin patch.
I cant wait to see her feet in the sand
I cant wait to make her breakfast
I cant wait for her to be able to pick out her own book bag
I cant wait to make Christmas cookies with her
I cant wait to go see Christmas lights around town and have a contest on who ever finds Santa first wins ( I did this with my cousins)
I cant wait to see what she is interested in whether it be dance, singing, piano or whatever she can dream up
I cant wait for her to teach us things

LynnMarie's 16th Lidversary book

15 months down

15 months down, how much longer until LynnMarie comes home?
Only God knows and we WILL wait on HIS perfect timing.

Hakuna Matata

Monday Meditations

Praises

1) Joanna Mei is with her forever family. Oh we can not wait to meet her!!!!

2) Families are still being united

3) My friends have found their Faith!
Prayer

1) The wait- enough said

2) That God will make us the parents He wants us to be during this time

3)The biological families of our children. It's not too early to pray for those who gave our child life. I can not imagine the circumstances that led to our children being adopted

4) All the caregivers in China

5) LynnMarie and her friends

6) Amanda at Starfish Orphanage. What an incredible lady. I pray for her, the children, and the needs of the orphanage.

How are you today? Feel free to be honest!!!!

someone needs your help

To the right of out blog, you will see a sweet face with a Starfish logo. Amanda at Starfish orphanage is an amazing ladies. She keeps several babies in her home and loves on them and even stays with them when they have their surgery. Miss RMJ from Seventh Diamond ( who hosts the Saturday morning chats) asked me to help and do a book drive. Amanda stays at the hospital with the kids and only has old newspapers and magazines to read.

So we are collecting books for Amanda along with other supplies. If you go to First Fridays, there will be a box there in August. If you live in Atlanta and would like to help, I would love to meet you an take what you have and if you would like to just help with the postage that would help as well!

Besides books, we are also going to collect some needed items. I got an email from Amanda this morning and these are her current needs!

Motrin (2 to 11 year olds) I prefer the regular kind and not the concentrated.
Nexcare 3M waterproof bandages all different sizes
Digital thermometer with F and C settings
Goldfish
Cheerios
Desitin Original
Butterfly closures (Small)
Shaklee VitaLea infant vitamin mix

preemie diapers

Email me at amyschristopher@comcast.net and I can give you the needed info to help! Thanks!!! I am going to try to mail to China the second week of August!

blah

I am going to start talking nursery stuff over at my personal blog.

As we continue to wait, we hope to take 2 small trips in the next few months. One will be up in the Ga mountains to celebrate our anniversary in October and the other one will be in August to Central Florida to meet a new nephew and visit friends and family. If any of you want to hang out, let us know. We are looking forward to seeing some old friends any maybe meeting new friends and hopefully get to see Joanna Mei!!! I know there will be at least one China adoption gathering!!

If you have any ideas on where we should meet in Orlando, let us know!

Amy and Michael

Monday Meditations

Is it just me or has your prayer time just gotten awesome and more personal since your adoption experience began? It truly is amazing.

Praises

Don and Be will be with their sweet Joanna Mei oh so very soon!
We have met amazing friends all over the country during this process
Meron is home from the hospital!
Everyone who has prayed and encouraged us especially after my last post! Haha

Prayer

Meron's continued health

The Chapman family- they still need our prayers as they have difficult days ahead of them

the birth mom's of our children- LynnMarie is probably born now and I wonder how her birth and the circumstances surrounding her birth have affected her.

Our agency and the CCAA as they continue to bring families together

Families with SN children. Some of you may need surgery or therapies or other things and I pray you find the right treatment

LynnMarie's caregivers. I hope she gets an extra hug today


Myself. Forgive me for being a bit selfish, but I would love to have your prayers. I am getting a bit stressed and finding myself worrying about things I can not change. I have started taking things way too personally and I think its starting to get to me. Even some blogs are starting to get to me. I just love reading your blogs and stories and have found so much encouragement through them.
***** Update, its not the wait getting to me. I am loving the wait right now. Its more person, relationship stuff that has gotten me down!

You. I will be praying for everyone who gets online and happens to read our blog today!

emotions

Its a little scary. Its been cool. Once Michael and I sent our MCC (Medical Conditions Checklist), I joined several yahoo groups Its been really neat to see people who turned in their dossiers the same time we did, get referrals and watch the beginning of an amazing journey.
At the same time, its make me start to realize that our wait really may not be as long as we thought at all. Then I started a to get a bit worried. A bit excited. My mind started racing but in a good way.
Once we get a referral, time will fly fast. Seriously,I have no idea what we are supposed to do. Truly. Really. This is when I wish my mom and sister lived closer (no attempt at making you feel guilty if Mom and Kelly are reading).

Packing for China, a trip to China, decorating her room, buying furniture, figuring out what kind of furniture to buy, making a decision about her room, looking for good deals (thank God for Kim and Donna), buying clothes, adjusting work schedules, redoing the budget, getting the house clean.Then I went a bit further and thought about savings accounts, and college tuition's and private vs public schools. Wow, its a really big deal! Our life will change. Oh I am looking forward to it but boy am I little bit afraid. No, wait, I am completely overwhelmed but would not change this excitement for anything. We really do not know how long until we get a referral. Its fun to think about, fun to dream about and fun to pray about.

God has brought us into this amazing journey. It is so indescribable! Can you believe all the things that have happened? Wow!

So now, I will take a deep breath, google some stuff , dream some more and read some amazing blogs. I have had the most amazing encouraging emails this week who have really lifted my spirits.

the parent you want to be

Lots of you gave us some great ideas on books to read. Last week I was waiting for Michael while he was working in the church bookstore and found this book and decided to read it.

Neat book, easy read. Will be reading again. This helps you figure out what traits you need to work on to become a better parent . It talks about how kids watch your behavior, hear your words and develop behavior that matches your own. It has several "tests" that you use to figure out the top traits you want to work on and then takes several topics and goes over ways you can better yourself. I look forward to Michael reading it as it also encourages spouses to communicate on the different traits!

I think both waiting parents and parents who have their children will get some great info. It helps you see the kind of parent you want to be and how to get there! I have read several marriage books by this couple and they are good as well!

Monday Meditations

Hi friends! Its Monday although I do pray for all of you and our LynnMarie daily, this is the day that I share my requests and thoughts with you!

I hope you will share with me as well! I have enjoyed this Great Adventure of adoption. I really have. It has been smooth sailing and just an eye opening experience I am thankful that I have followed some of you on your journey, the ones I have met in the hospital and just this blog thing in general. I am thankful that the China adoption program has led people to bring children home from other countries. I am thankful for the support system we have in Atlanta.

What are you thankful for?

Today I am praying for LynnMarie. I am praying for the people who are caring for her. I pray she gets an extra hug today as she very well could be born. I pray for her birth mom and her circumstances. I hope that if you have your children home with you, that you will pray for those who cared for your child..

I pray for each person who touches her paperwork and that is a lot of people. I am praying for those who have tried to steal our joy. I pray that I will respond if needed in a way that is loving and respectful.

Thanks for reading!!!!!

Unfortunate News

Today we discovered that my father and his wife will have no part in LynnMarie's life. It is unfortunate, but it is his choice.

We went out for a cookout at his place, and out of the blue, as we were leaving he said he needed me to do something. What he needs is for me to rename my daughter because he can not have his mother's name associated with my mother's name.

You need to know that my father left my mother for another woman, and eventually married that woman. I have struggled over the years as they have used me as a ping pong ball of sorts. I got past the fact he abandoned his family, that my mother put me through college all on her own and that my father only paid child support when threatened with jail time if he did not pay for my younger brother.

Only in recent years has he started bad-mouthing my mother, making her out to be a selfish, uncaring person.

When we announced our decision to adopt, he told us he would recognize any child of ours as his grandchild, no matter how or where she/he is born. Last month Amy posted here about the anniversary of our name choice. Many of you have been praying for LynnMarie and we have even received some quilt squares with her name embroidered on them. Her name is not going to change, and we will not allow my father access to her, not that he would want to as her name is so evil in his eyes.

friends,lunch and books

So yesterday I was able to have lunch with a very sweet friend who I have not had the chance to get know much and had a great time. This friend has had a great impact in our adoption. Anyway, we chatted and talked and although I was incredibly sleep deprived, she got me thinking.

When we got logged in we started reading books, books on China and parenting. Now, that our wait may be shorted than expected, I think it is time to get back to the books and this is where we need your help. I need some book recommendations. I'm talking parenting, attachment, special needs, adoption, China. The first book we are going to get is called Babywise! I know that James Dobson has some great books.

So my friends, tell me what we should read and why? Bring it on!

Monday Meditations

Adoption rocks! We do not even have LynnMarie home and this thing called adoption has drastically changed my life. I've witnessed God's love all around me for that I am thankful. This week, I pray that God continue to give all of us a sense of peace. We decided to adopt to start a family but man, I have gotten so much more than that. I do not mean to sound simple or a bit cheesy but most of the time its really hard to put into words how my heart feels. What are you praying about? I want to know. I want to pray for you. I am sooo enjoying this. I want my heart to be a praying heart. I want to go to God for you. 5 years ago, I would have found this quite difficult and now I find so much energy and peace but having some real intimate conversations with our Father..


I do not have a list this week. Let's just talk to Him!

While we wait for LynnMarie, this is how Amy keeps busy

Friends

I want to hug you Micah

Cheese! Check out my smile!

I want the camera!

Sheridan and Micah

Kim and Sheridan

Kim, Karen, Micah and Sheridan


I had the honor of having lunch with Kim and Sheridan 2 weeks ago and I was completely entertained. We then went to the mall and met Karen and Micah and had fun. These ladies gave me sooo much information and I had a blast playing with the boys. Boys are fun!!!!!

Special Day

Today is the 23rd of June. We have been on the list having logged-in 14 months ago. Today is the day we add the 15th book to LynnMarie's LID Anniversalibrary. Today was something more too. We spent 6 hours together working on things around the house and this evening we had a visit from our social worker to update our home study with our special needs options now being considered. The update went very smoothly, and then we went to trivia where we were in 2nd place before the final bonus which we missed (but came ver close to getting right). Now that we are home, it came time for me to pick a new book as it's my turn (Amy and I alternate). I decided to check the NY Times BEstseller list for children's books and this title caught my eye, and then the cover made it a lock, especially with a cartoon version of Lucy the Basset Hound being on the cover.

Hey, check this out

Not many thing really get under my skin, but as a future mom to a child from CHina, this did it.

Read this and tell me how you feel. I know his mailbox is full!

Monday Meditations

Whats going on? Today I am just thankful for all thats around me. I am thankful we are having our homestudy update done today ! Need some prayer? Please share with us and I know other blogging friends would be happy to today!

Dear little people

Dear Sheridan, Shelby, Micah, Laney, Lena, Lily, Marissa, Reece, Mimi, Ricky,Glenys, Allie, Noah, Emily, Cacki, Giana, Aria, Maren, and to all those I have met in the hospital or have forgotten,

You may never know this but in your young lives, you have greatly impacted mine. You have made Michael and I smile, and given us a glimpse of our future. Just by simply being you, you have helped grow our hearts.
YOu have made my life just a little bit brighter. I have developed some real relationships with some of you and I consider it an amazing gift and blessing and I treasure the time I spend with you and your families.

Thank you for being you. One day I hope your parents tell you how your little life helped bring encouragement to so many. The red thread is an amazing thing!

To your parents, thank you for adopting. For had you not followed that voice of God's I would not be experiencing what I am experiencing. Your decision years ago is impacting more people than you will ever know. I can not express how my heart feels about the past 2 years! Its been so incredible. Its been road all right, I could never have imagined this amazing thing called adoption. Its soooo much more that that, isn't ?

To hear Micah say Aunt Amy rocks made my day!

another one of those questions

Now we start the house cleaning for a few reasons

1) Our house should always be clean
2)The SW will be visiting
3) I can not wait to bring LynnMarie home

One of the questions I have gotten in the past that has started to bother me is the, aren't you going to miss being pregnant? Actually this bothers me a lot because this is none of any one's business. Hope I am not being rude, but I think the question is rude. The fact is that for some women, you become obsessed with being pregnant. Once you get married, the biggest question from people is "So when are you going to have kids?" Ya gotta be careful not to let that identify who you are. I am so grateful for the spirit of adoption and that my heart for adoption has changed in the past 7 years! I'm so thankful for being a part of this amazing journey which has literally changed parts of my life and brought some amazing people in my life, and made working even better.

First of all, we have not ruled that out at all. In fact Michael and I have never done the infertility stuff. That is the end of that question.

Will I miss it? I previously may have said yes but not any more. When you find the ultimate peace with adoption, its not even in your mind (until someone brings it up, ha!). This is the coolest feeling. Michael and I are starting a family. Its just a different way but the love we already have for LynnMarie is the same you have for your child.

Not many questions have bothered me and this was a question that was asked months ago and I figured if I wrote the post out, I may feel better.

This is better written than done. If you are in the same boat, do not let anyone take your joy. It may not be their intent but do not let those questions get you in a bad mood. I have done that in the past and wasted so much energy letting those questions bother me.

Okay, I will get off of my soap box now.

more paperwork

Getting ready to get a new 797 before the present one expires so I had to make a run to our agency today. I was able to turn in everything but medical forms but my physical is tomorrow so I will mail those in tomorrow. Now we get to have a home visit and get the home study updated..

Time for Operation Christopher Clean up!!

I did update the Quilt Blog, added 2 more so we are now up to 62 sqaures!!!

Monday Meditations

******* Hey guys, say a prayer for this little girl that I read about on another blog************

Today I am thankful for
1) Meron is with her mom and dad Tymm and Laura. Meron has the best "gotcha day" picture ever in the history of adoptions!

2) our MCC is with our agency

3) God is watching over LynnMarie until we get her home and the people who are praying for her

4) the amazing people I have met through this adoption community and blogging

5) the family with Chinese girls I met this weekend at work. I learned, I laughed, I cried. Awesome

6) that we are peace about the MCC. Its really a cool thing!

7) 8 days for the CCAA

8) for all of my friends who are paperchasing

9) for those who continue to encourage me!

What are you thankful for today?-

Happy Father's Day

To all the dads out there, a happy father's day. My Amy got me something special today, my first Father's Day gift! Granted, we are childless at the moment, but our hope is that LynnMarie will be with us at this time next year. Below are some pictures of my gifts, and I'd like to send out a special Happy Father's Day to Tim and Tymm. Tim is my younger brother, who became a father twice over 3 and a half weeks ago with the birth of his second son, Cameron. Tymm is a friend of ours from church and the international adoption community. Yesterday he and Laura met their baby girl when they made it to the orphanage in Ethiopia where she has been living.

Poker can be good for relationships

So this afternoon (Saturday) Amy is sleeping as she got in from her second of three days working in a row. I had some time to kill, so I went to Winston's to play cards. When I got there I found out the tables would all be in the smoking section today, so I went in to non-smoking to eat my lunch.

There were only 2 or 3 tables active, but one had a couple with two girls and when the mom was passing my table I asked if the girls were from China and explained my interest being based in our adoption journey. I was right and I got to meet Mike and Molly and their daughters Eve and Janie Grace (I hope I got the younger daughter's name right).

They are not originally from Atlanta, having been in TX and OK before, so I told them about and invited them to First Fridays and exchanged business cards so we could be in touch. I love the joy that comes with meeting fellow China families and being part of such a special community.

On another small world note, I was playing cards at a friend's house last night and discovered that one of the guys I know from Randy's game is the ex-step-father of a high school classmate of mine. In fact, Ken, his ex-wife, and Kelly lived FIVE houses down the street from us for about 7 years back in the 80's. Pretty cool, except he has no contact with Kelly or her mom, so no way to say hi or anything.

joy restored?

SO this morning at work, I sent out an email update on the Christopher adoption. (let me know if you are interested in being on the list or on the prayer update list). Its always fun to share whats going on with people you do not get the chance to talk to or see.

Since turning in our MCC, my eyes have opened to new things. Kind of amazing, kind of scary. I think, hope, dream, and pray about LynnMarie. When I take care of Chinese kids at work, my mind races. Happened again last night. Obviously I can not give details, but I watched a mother love her child and it warmed my heart.

I can not wait to love her more. I can not wait to protect her, plan things for her, pray over her. Someone came up to me the other day and said. "So I hear you are getting a special needs baby?". That is totally false. Perhaps the maternal part of me coming out.But we will not have a special needs baby. She will not be labeled.She may be a beautiful, wonderful child with a special need, but she will not be a special needs baby. I know I need to check my words sometimes but this really rubbed me the wrong way. That's one of the things they teach you in nursing school. You say she has cancer rather than shes a cancer patient because theses diseases and disabilities do not own you. I think that I am beginning the glimpse things that I never thought about before.

So, my joy was restored again this week as I look forward to loving more and watching our hearts grow even more. I watch these moms watch their children suffer and as I walk with them, my heart is heavy.

I so enjoy this journey of adoption. I can not believe the things about myself I have learned. I have seen the good in people, even strangers. I have experienced community. God has whispered to me and I have listened. I can not wait to see where this takes us! I am so excited to get myself and my home ready for a child..WooHoo!

For those adopting families in blogs, you have helped created my dreams, my prayers. I have to tell you that the Miracle (that's actually their name) family is in China getting their son and she still had time to send me an encouraging note!

Man you guys rock!

Thank you Secret Pal

These are really bad pictures but what a wonderful secret pal I have had the past year. She is awesome and has put so much heart into each gift. Once again I was surprised. My encouraging note explained my new t-shirt. She noticed I tend to say things "rock" on my blog so she got my a shirt that says 'Adoption rocks'! Way cool!

She also got me a puzzle, wonderful magnets with words like hope, faith, joy, believe and a celebration plate with a wonderful explanation! The plate is to be served to someone celebrating something whether its adoption, birthday, graduation. This was a very cool gift and I can not wait to pass this down in our family! and I had not idea who you were!!!!

Thank you Lisa B from New York! You rock!!!!!!

One year ago

One year ago we decided on LynnMarie Christopher.Click here to see the post and the amazing comments from family and friends everywhere. One year of praying for her by name!

Monday Meditations

Okay, so there is a lot to be thankful for. The Miracle family is in China getting their son. Tymm and Laura and heading to Ethiopia this week to being their sweet girl home. Referrals are on their way. Life is good! People are adopting domestically. Children are finding homes. Families are meeting each other for the first time and when you think about that, your heart has to smile! I am thankful for this thing called blogging. I have really enjoyed getting to know so many of you.
Lots to pray for as well. I loved both of these pics, this week. I continue to pray for our sweet LynnMarie and every hand that touches her and every set of eyes that sees her. I pray for our agencies. I know this is a hard time for all of them. I pray for our families who keep asking when our babies are coming home, and you know they feel bad when you give them the same answer.

Pray for the baby who is in crib # 18. Our First Friday group is sponsoring this crib through Love Without Boundaries.
I pray for you. I pray that as you read this, you know that you rock. Even if you are not in the adoption community (haha)!!!! I pray that you will find some peace today and that you will stay encouraged.

So what about you? Whats on your heart today?

adoption plans have changed

Haha! We are not dropping out, if that's what you are thinking!!!!!

We sent in our MCC (Medical Checklist)!!! This means we are in line for a child with special needs. As Kim P told us, we are kind of in 2 lines now. Things haven't changed with our LID (the date China logged in our paperwork) but we are also in line for a child in special needs. This really is a big deal. Someone asked me if this was because of the wait being so long. Honestly, that does have something to do with. Pride kept me from pursuing this or asking Michael because we didn't want people to think that's the only reason.

The truth of the matter is that it really does not matter what people think at all. Each family has to do what is right for them. I am a pediatric nurse. I specialize in cleft lip/palate, other plastic surgeries and neuro conditions. I am surrounded by wonderful resources in one of the best children's hospitals in the country. We did check off cleft lip/palate along with several other things. What does this mean? It does mean we may not have to wait as long as we thought about for LynnMarie to get home. But it does not guarantee anything. We still have a good wait ahead of us.

Now, some of you might say, okay you sent in your checklist. Lots of people have done that. True. But since we are not getting our daughter the old fashioned route, I will celebrate anything we do that may impact her coming home. I am excited. This could be a new journey. Who knows? I have emailed several friends about pediatricians. I do work with a lot and will get feedback from those, but we do need to find one in our insurance group that will look at the file before we accept our referral. This is cool isn't it?
This is both scary and wonderful This means that if you were waiting to turn your quilt square in, don't. Turn it in. We have 40 left to collect and we want you to be a part of it.

When I put the checklist in the mail, I found myself praying over it. I do not normally do this, but this could be the beginning of something wonderful. I prayed over it, reviewed it and mailed it. I prayed for our social worker, our agency, our sweet girl and those who are caring for her.

God is good and I have such a sense of peace. You know whats fun? To think that God is working in us right now and planting seeds and one day we will see those seeds grow.. God rocks! This adoption community rocks.

First Friday

After many months, we went back to our First Friday group and we had a good time and had some yummy cookies.

We started the evening at La Dolce Vita with friends and watching Sheridan, Lili and Micah was fun! Micah is awesome and I am so glad we finally met. Karen and Bruce, you rock as parents and I hope I am half as fun as you guys!

Then we went to the church to meet our group. It was just a really nice time. Mr. Dan, thanks for showing the video and speaking. No matter what you say, there is always a phrase that always sticks in my heart and I so grateful for you and your family.

We met some new people and visited with old friends. This group is completely amazing. We have families adopting from China, Vietnam, Ethiopia (very soon) and domestically. We have seen pregnancies (some were surprise pregnancies) and have rejoiced and celebrated with them.

Check out the sidebar. First Friday group has a trip planned to China and the Starfish Orphanage was mentioned. Many of us have been praying for Amanda and the children in her care..Let's continue!!

If you are in Atlanta, I hope you will be at FF in August!!!!

The Week So Far

Well, you all know what our news and struggle this week. It's been tough, there's no doubt about that and we both appreciate the comments and emails and prayers you have offered.

We have something good to look forward to this week and that is First Friday. We haven't been to a First Friday meeting in about 4 months I think. I could look it up based on the history of the programs they've had, but it's not that important. We had months where we were out of town or where one or both of us had to work. The thing is we will get to spend time with friends we haven't seen in a long time and we'll meet some new babies. I'll be trying my best to focus on the other people and keep it from being about us and our loss. The purpose of the meetings are to learn, celebrate and socialize, so we're definitely looking forward to that evening.