Monday Meditations

Wow! The CCAA has picked up on the reviews!!! June 2006 has been completed in almost record time!
This morning,

I'm praying that I will be patient. God's timing is so much better than mine. He will fill the desires of my heart.


I'm praying that my family and friends will continue to encourage me. When they hear 2-3 years, I see their expressions change.

Praying that LynnMarie will be a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with.

Praying for everyone who handles our dossier. Our agencies, the postal systems, the CCAA review, the matching room, etc. Thats a lot of people!!!

What about you?

Specific requests

1)Lisa and Doug- Today is their Gotcha Day

2)Michael and Kim- they leave for China in just a few days

3)CJ and Donna- will be travelling to China in the next few months to go get Shelby

Also, check out this new family! Paisley joined her Forever Family today! I have loved this blog!

More thoughts

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

Traditions

One of the things that I (Amy) most look forward to are starting family traditions. Vacations, holidays, etc.

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. From Thanksgiving until Christmas Day, I sooo love this time of the year. I cant wait until LynnMarie can experience that with us.

I cant wait to get up on Sunday morning, and go to church and then spend the day as a family.
I can not wait to get her ready for church.
I cant wait to take her to our First Friday group
I cant wait to get her ready for school.
I can not wait for her to see the magic of Christmas.
I can not wait to hear her say her first prayer
I can not wait to hear that first giggle turn into a belly laugh
I can not wait to see her on Grandpas boat!
I can not wait to see her on Michaels lap in the recliner reading a book!
There are more......
I can not wait to take LynnMarie on her first Disney Cruise! In case, you did not know, I LOVE THE DISNEY CRUISE and I am thrilled they are building 2 more ships!

Do you have any favorite traditions?

I can not believe how many blogs I am reading now. I love it and I am learning so much. If you are not on my blogroll, let me know so I can add you. I am really trying to find some June 07 LIDers!!

Our LID book

This is the book I chose for this months LID book! Michael gets to pick next month! Scroll down for Mondays Meditations!

Monday Meditations

What on your heart and mind today?

Today,I am praying for

1)paperchasing families will stay encouraged rather than discouraged
2)our marriages during this wait. I hear it can be stressful (smile)
3)our babies in China- that all who have contact with them will be blessed
4)that we are patient and know that God's timing is perfect

Specifically
1) Shelbys parents- they will be travelling this fall to bring her home
2)Michael and Kim-they are travelling in the next few weeks to bring Sheridan home


For those new here, each Monday a group of us pray specifically for the adoption process

3 months down

happy 3 months to us!!
stay tuned to see what book we get today! We buy a book each LID anniversary each month. It seems more practical than buying baby things and you can not have enough books. Any suggestions? It does not have to be adoption related!

finally my thoughts on infertility and adoption

Just a normal post.. We will soon hit the 3 month mark and its been pretty good, mostly because of you guys. Thanks for all of your nice posts and encouragement on this blog.

I love to read blogs. I read happy ones, sad ones and those who are discouraged. I read the ones that say "maybe God doesn't want me to be a mom" and it makes my heart hurt because I have been there. I have not shared our infertility issues on this blog because well,there aren't that many. We have not spent a lot of money or time on this issue. One day maybe, but not now. To me, deciding to adopt and paperchasing was my way of starting our family.

I have been there friends. I have felt that jealousy. Lets be honest here. My younger sister got married before, and had her first baby before me. Boy, was I jealous. It was hard. But then Janie was born and that jealousy feeling died. Janie was just my niece but I remember crying the day Kelly left her with a babysitter when she went to work. I told you I was psycho. and then she had Seth. No more jealousy because I wanted Janie to have a playmate and what a playmate he is. Then, there is Owen, the baby. I remember Kelly showing me the picture of Seth with a big brother picture on it.. I dont think I have ever been more excited about a baby than when Owen arrive. Have I told you how beautiful they are?

So, then I get married and go to work at a Childrens Hospital. Not a good place to work when you want babies..Its not the patients that get to you, its the staff. One by one a staff member gets pregnant. Sometimes you are thrilled and other times you just don't want to hear about it. Mind you, I do celebrate every birth because every baby is just so fun, but dang, it gets hard to hear about it.

I am at the point in my life where I am just excited about people having babies. Perhaps its because I am more mature, perhaps its because, I now know I have no control over when God places a baby in our heart or arms. I do know that the feelings I had overwhelmed me. I wasted a lot of time being jealous. What a horrible, terrible, yucky feeling that is.
Now, as much as I want to be happy for every pregnant person, there is always that one that just bothers me. I love her to death outside of work, but when she got pregnant, I just wanted to ignore her. So what do you do when that happens? You throw her a shower! Haha! And we had a great time.

So, for those who are discouraged regardless if its just the long wait, or if its infertility, or if its jealousy, I have been there. You can not stay in that place. Find some encouraging friends. Pray. Stay positive. Its hard, but once you let go of those feelings (and yes they do come back and visit) you enjoy this beautiful gift. I am so glad I have you guys on this long wait. I am blessed my husband is okay with the wait.

I remember one night we were talking after we had been married a bit and realized that we may have a problem getting pregnant. He promised me a baby. He didn't care if it was biological or adopted and that was a most wonderful moment!!!

God is so amazing. 6 years ago I thought people who adopted were cool and full of so much love and look where we are!!

I dream of the day we see LynnMarie!!!

and on another note to anyone who is not adopting but has friends who are adopting, please don't ask your friends if they plan on breastfeeding their 9 month old daughter from China! I don't care what the books say. That questions is just weird!!!

Personal Identity

This is just a post to demonstrate my successful effort to be able to post with my own account and icon so you guys will know when it's me instead of Amy.

Our first secret pal gift!!

How cute is this????
Thanks Secret Pal!!!

Just stuff in general

No I am not buying anything. In case you did not hear, Michael accepted a job offer at Walgreens this week. You can read about it over at his blog!

Yesterday, Michael had something to do, so I walked around the mall. I visited the Childrens Place and Gymboree and went somewhere new. I went to my first children's clothing visit at a department store. I went to Macy's! Wow! I did find their 50% rack but still. Definitely not in our price range right now, but they had some really cute outfits. I have learned that there are certain types of outfits and material that I prefer..Its really really fun to window shop!

I think we have decided to use the spelling LynnMarie for now. Still getting lots of questions. I went to a shower this weekend and a stranger knew we were adopting and asked what the proper term was,. Do you say 'Good luck on your adoption' or good luck with the process or good luck with your baby? I explained that all were acceptable and it was just a nice sentiment.

I'm enjoying my yahoo groups. I have joined 3. One is for April DTC (dossier to China), one for March/April LID and I moderate a group for April LIDers! These should keep me busy for a while. I have been assigned my secretbuddy and my LID buddy! These should all be fun!

Monday Meditations

Morning!

Today, I am praying for our

1) our babies- that they will be loved and will be a blessing to all they come in contact with
2) our spouses- most of us are moms or moms to be (like me) and the daddies and daddies to be sometimes do not get the support and friendships like we do
3)our family and friends- that they will understand and support us during the wait
4)our hearts- that God will use this time to mold us into the parents he wants us to be. Its easy to write that but sometimes its hard to remember that His timing is so much better than ours
5)I am always praying that things go smoothly with matches and referrals and that anything that can go right will be right and that things will speed up


Specific prayers
1)my hubby (head over to valtool.blogspot.com) has an interview today at 1pm. Pray that he will find the right job.
2)Michael and Kim- they will be travelling to get their son very soon. Pray for travel mercies and a smooth adjustment. I just can not wait to meet him
3) my attitude- that it will stay this positive. It truly is by the grace of God I have not gone crazy over fears, time frames and such. Usually I would be freaking out about the stuff

Do you have something you would like to add?

Quilt and questions

More squares have been added to the Christopher Quilt Blog. I am mentioning it because our first square from our family is here and I want you all to see it!

BTW, scroll down to see answers to the questions you asked about! We are still taking questions!

Amy's Answers to questions you asked

1) Michael answered this below and yes we did meet online and I am glad we have an unsual story!

2) I hate to start with the worst parts of marriage because there are few but its the change. When you wait as long as I did to get married, you have your patterns. There is a period of adjustment which has lasted a while.. The best thing is you have a permanent best friend. YOu have someone that wants to do thing with you, someone that knows you so well, its crazy..I love it. Being married to Michael has brought our both of our strengths and weaknesses Believe me, Michael and I have had some struggles but I think we come out stronger. Marriage rocks!

3) I think he answered this I am 32, he is 36 physically.Mentally I am quite younger

4)My favorite book of all time is a piece of Christian Fiction called Pretense by LOri Wick. I give copies out during my contests on my other blog. Its very long and it is a great story..Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is another good one!

5) Why is the wait so long? FOr what I have heard and read, its not the amount of orphans or babies in china its getting the paperwork done for them.

YOu have heard me mention paper ready babies and this is what I am talking about. I do not know whats taking so long in getting the paper work done!!

6)OK~will I EVER finish nursing school?? And, will I EVER get to take the NCLEX...and PASS??

this is from Eric and Heather-- OH I hope so, its best job and you have so many options

7)How many children total would you like to have?

My desire was to have 3-4 but I think MIchael and I would like 2. I really want LynnMarie to have a sibling. Praying for that now

8)Are there particular chores in your house that are assigned to each of you?

Not really. I tend to do the kitchen more and MIchael does it while I am working. Michael is really good at cleaning bathrooms..At the moment, its pretty equal

9)What did you like least about living in Orlando?Which area of nursing is your preference? Do you prefer working in a hospital or privately?

a) the traffic plus all the Disney stuff was nearby and I did not go much

b) I work in pediatric craniofacial/neuro now and I love it

c)I have only worked in the hospital but would love to try hospice sometime

10)Who does most of the cooking and grocery shopping in the house?When you go somewhere who normally drives?Who sits down and pays your bills?
We both share cooking and grocery shopping but I think I do the most cooking. Michael always drives. We talked about this once. Still dont know why. Michael pays all the bills. I really should be involved but I am not (yet)

11)Will you go back to China for your second child?
My heart is open to anything. I do desire 2 children and I the doors are opened to that, then I will walk through them. I have learned not to fear or worry. I think about the wait, the money and things like that. It is an option

Keep the questions coming!

First set of answers - by Michael

Amy and I met online. It was in the late Spring of 2000. She had just graduated from nursing school and had moved to Orlando to start working. I was living on Orlando and she emailed me based on my profile on an online matchmaking service that had a Christian sub-area.
We spoke on the phone and exchanged email for a few months finally going on a first date in mid-late August. Amy was looking for someone who knew orlando and could offer advice on churches/shopping/etc. So we did the first date and her thought was "Nice guy, could be a friend."
We got engaged the first week of November. I had planned to wait a bit longer, perhaps to January at our birthdays (we have the same birthday). As it was, I had a job where I traveled a lot and I had taken a weekend to party with Parrothead friends in Key West. I got home, did laundry, saw Amy and asked her that night, spur of the moment. The following morning she took me to the airport for another work trip and she told me yes.
We were engaged for 11 months, getting married in October, 2001.
As for Gymboree, I liked the nautical theme red/white/blue but it was the 1920's/1930's white sailor suit with the puffy marshmallow hat that I have no taste for.
As for the time to wait for China, that is simply a matter of beaurocracy. We have it here in the USA, and they have it in the People's Republic.

Our weekend I want your questions.

We are heading to a shower this weekend for some friends of ours. They will bringing their son home from China in a few weeks and we can not wait to meet him. These are such special times. On another note, MIchael and I walked the mall today and walked into Gymboree and no, we did not buy anything. I learned that Michael does not like little sailor girl outfits..HAHA!

Okay. We both blog. Michael blogs here. Amy blogs here. This is our family blog. I want you to ask us some questions. Anything. Get to know us. Make us think. I did this on my personal blog and got some good questions. The questions don't have to be about adoption. I haven't told Michael this so I hope he does not mind. We will both answer these throughout the day

All right. I am ready. Ask away!

Don't forget to stop back by on Monday for weekly prayer group!

Adoption Thoughts

Do you know what I was thinking about today? As much I might complain or explain the wait to people, I hope I am not discouraging anyone from pursuing adoption from China. I have been wondering about what I am passionate about and perhaps my passion will be encouraging others to adopt (regardless of being domestic or international). This has truly been the coolest process. We have seen families being made and it just makes my hear smile when I see pictures of Gotcha Days and referral days!

On another note, I am taking care of a sweet little 6 year old named Rebecca Claire tonight who is from China. Her parents used CCAI and gave me so much information. Its been quite cool to talk to this family!

Thank you all for all the love, encouragement you have given Michael and I. As we continue to wait, we dream about LynMarie (orLynnMarie or Lynmarie or Lynnmarie) and what it will be like to hug and kiss her..What a fun day that will be. Until then, we will pray for her and those who will be surrounding her.

We both have new posts over at Amys and Michaels blogs. I am having people ask me random questions to see how honest I am. I have had some great questions. Feel free to visit!!

Monday Meditations

Morning everyone, from work!! Its officially Monday so I look forward to going home and having my prayer time before going to bed. Does anyone have anything specific they need prayer for?

This week,
I am praying for
Michael and Kim. They will be heading to China in a few weeks and picking up their little boy. Pray for travel mercies and a smooth adjustment for this new family! They are precious.

Friends who need to be logged in before September 1st.

Pray for more paper ready babies. Pray for a decrease in wait time. Also, pray for all of us that are waiting. Its Gods timing but it's so hard to be patient. I know that I just can not wait to get my hands on Lyn Marie (or however we spell it)

Pray for those who care for our babies. I pray that all who come in contact with our little girl will be blessed. I know God is at work right now. I love to think about that.

I am thankful for my First Friday Group. I am thankful for my Yahoo groups which are keeping me busy. I am very thankful for each one of you who has ever posted here regardless if you are adopting or not. Each one of you has been such an encouragement to Michael and I and I am loving this time in our lives, although I of course wish the wait was not so long....

Dinner,Friends, Support, Quilt Squares

Tonight was our monthly support group at the Chapmans or as its called "First Friday". We started the evening with dinner at a Mexican restaurant with the Kim and Michael and Tymm and Laura. Its amazing how many friends we have made during this process.
Next off we headed to our gathering and who did I see at the door? It was Miss Laney! Yes Miss Laney was there, after only being home for a few days. Many of you have read me talk about her and some of you read her blog over the past few weeks. Call me emotional, but I felt some tears when I saw her with her mommy. You see..Laney is the first baby we have seen come home after watching the process..Seeing her was precious. A fun time was had by all, starting to really get to know some friends and even got 2 new quilt squares!

There were actually several babies there and I wish I had been able to meet them all. I met some new people and visited with other families.

There is one lady who always encourages me. She is a mom and is happy and positive and loves Jesus. Just talking to her brings me a sense of peace.

Visiting with these families is such an encouragement each month. Families who attend are in all stages from those paperchasing to families who are home with their children!!!

A lot of families saw their baby's face for the first time today. Congrats to you all!

Perhaps a picture tomorrow...

So, I like pollls!!

OK, I like polls. I like to hear what everyone else likes. I love your opinions!! So, tell me what nursery ideas you like. We cant guarantee we will use the winner and we have a long time until we even decide but its still fun!
BTW, new quilt squares were added today..Click here!

What nursery theme do you like best?
	lady bugs
	fireflies
	Disney
	baby animals
	ivy and or flowers
	Ocean theme
	primary colors
	black and white
	other cartoons
	Noahs ark
	teddy bears
	precious moments
	other-tell me your idea
	Hello kitty
	butterfly
pollcode.com free polls

Names and such

Now that we have chosen the name, there are more questions. How should we spell it? Do we need a middle name or possible use part of her Chinese name?
What do you think?

Lynn Marie or Lynnmarie or Lynmarie or Lyn Marie

Do we do an American name or Chinese name? Mind you, we have plenty of time to think of this but I think name idea posts are fun..
She will be called Lynn Marie and I am just loving it..It does seem classy and when I think of her name, I think of the color burgundy. Isn't that odd?

Hope all of you are doing well and let me just say, bloglines is saving me a ton of time and good news from the CCAA is that May 2006 is out of the review room. Woohoo!!!!

The ladybugs are out!!!

As you can see the lady bugs were out and Lynn Marie got her first outfit yesterday. I had never been to Gymboree but BIL and SIL took us in there and we found a wall on sale! How precious is this. They even bought Lynn Marie her sock! Seriously, there is reason I had not been into this store before!!! They have a 2.99 bin! Holy Cow! That rocks!!!!
Just thought I would share

Monday Meditations

Hope you will join me in prayer today. Now I know those of you on the waiting game pray daily, but its nice to know a group of us are lifting up the process in prayer each Monday!

As always, I am praying that the wait will decrease! I am waiting that more China babies will become paper ready. I am also praying for every family whose wait has reached a year or more! those families need some encouragment!!


Anything that you need prayer for?

my day off

A full day off. Michael had an interview! What was I to do?
Hmmm
I went here and here! Mind you, it was to window shop, but I had a stinkin good time and cant wait for Michael to visit with me! The first place had amazing ideas for nurseries and although way out of our price range, it was fun to dream!!! Then off to Babies R Us which was having a great sale..Don't worry, when you don't have money, you cant spend it!!!

I ended my journey at Rooms to Go for kids where I was looking for a bookshelf. Now, once again, I know I can find it somewhere cheaper but I was just getting ideas.

The first piece of furniture that I want to look at and is actually needed to is a pretty, girly bookshelf. Any ideas, let me know!!!

Lynn Marie will be a well loved child and is prayed for daily, that's for sure!

blogs, baby names and such

I swore I would not post on this one everyday but I am having fun! You guys have given us both such encouragement


You may remember earlier this month, Michael and I came up with our daughters name! If you forgot, let me remind you:

Lynn Marie Christopher

Now, I knew when we announced our name, there would be some drama. We had one family member tell us he/she didn't like it. My favorite person at work doesn't like it because her mother in laws name is Marie and she does not like her. No matter what name we pick, someone wont like it..Honestly, there is nothing wrong with so I don't care!!!

the more I write it, the more I love it. I love to play with fonts and such and my friend Kim gave me the name of a website to get personalized labels for her.

I think Michael and I are going to call her LynnMarie for her first name. If we do a middle name, we will probably use her Chinese name! It just seems so classic.

I have wondered whether to change it or not but Miss Kim said NO WAY! Aunt Kim will always think of her as LynnMarie..She said it sounds kind of southern!!

To clarify yesterdays post, I just went window shopping at the consignment store!! No buying anything yet!!!

Hoping to get Michael to post again soon!!!

Looking forward to hearing about the next referrals!!!

the answer

How did I become so weak? Today, for the first time, I went here, to a Childrens Consignment Shop before Jury Duty. I had the best time. We dont plan on buying things besides our monthly kids book, but this is a place I will visit..They had the cutest things......

Why? Why had I not visited before?

I am weak..I can not believe I did it. More on that later.

For those so frustrated with the wait, you may want to read what one mother to be did..She wrote a letter to her daughter.

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get through this!

Check her out here!

Baby Bargains and etc

Our friends gave us this book the other day and during trivia last night I went through it a bit.How fun was this? I learned a lot and although there will be a newer version or 2 before we head to China, looking at this stuff is fun! With Michael out of work, we are not buying anything but dreaming is really fun. Lots of idea went through my head. For those of you who are mommies already, I will be asking you lots of of questions in the upcoming months.

Even Michael looked through it and read me the best clothing to purchase and the clothing you should just skip!!!!

If I do not have jury duty today, I hope to clean the house, hit a fabric store (just to look) for fabric for more quilt swaps and check out the cutest consignment boutique!.

Yesterday I spent some time reading the very early posts of some of the blogs I read regularly! Oh my, everyone has a story! God is awesome! It is so cool to go through this journey with so many new friends!!!

On another note, check out The Hoffmans site. Tymm made an awesome post that really encouraged me!

and I forgot, we got our first international quilt square yesterday..Check it out here!

Tuesday night surprise

Thanks to our friends Michael and Kim for their friendship and encouragement. They knew we were having a down day and called and took us to dinner.

I tell ya when I prayed for new friends 2 years ago, I did not know that God would answer that prayer with international adoption..He is awesome!

When you want this whole thing to seem real, visit a home that's getting ready for a new child. They will be travelling this summer to bring their son home from China.!What an encouragement they were. They shared some experience with us and just made us feel loved. I learned more about adoption resources and websites to find things with Lynn Marie's name. Apparently, Miss Kim likes the name Lynn Marie! Thanks for being so kind to us tonight. We both needed it!!!
This was the most enjoyable evenings I have had in such a long time!!!
Kim mentioned something at dinner and said " I think Amy will be okay during her wait as long as she can see the babies and hear about referrals at First Friday" (forgive me Kim if I misquoted you). Apparently, I am easier to read than I thought. She is sooo right! We have not gotten the chance to spend a lot of time with Michael and Kim, but they really seem to know us well.

I am pretty optimistic regarding this adoption. I know the wait is going to be long. It could be 3 years. The way I think about it is, Michael and I have been trying to have a baby for 3 years so we are half way there. I know many people have been discouraged and I pray for my friends daily. I do not know where my positive attitude comes from. Actually I do, God!!!!! Seriously, He is the only one who knows when our wait will end. His timing is so much better than mine!!

Thanks again to our friends! We both ended our days feeling blessed!!

We need your prayers

Michael is getting discouraged and is having a hard time finding a new job. If you have any advice or encouragement, please visit Valtools Box

Please keep him in your prayers!

Please also pray for me that I may remain positive!

On a happy note, we got 2 new squares this week! Check them out here!

Monday Meditations

Good morning!!!
Anyone have anything specifically prayed for this morning?

I am reading Wanting a daughter, Needing a Son right now and its really an informative book.

This morning I am praying for
CCAA- to have more paper ready babies
The birthmoms in China
Adoptive daddies- a lot of us mommies are into the blogging and getting as much information. I pray that the China dads will also find support and encouragement!

Have a great day!

Two Months, a New Book!

Today was the two month anniversary of our LID, and it was pretty much an adoption-themed day.



We had our yard sale today, actually part of a neighborhood yard sale that Amy organized with one other lady in the subdivision.



We did okay, making about $275 for the adoption fund. A lot of that came from the $90 sale of CDs I decided that since I had never listened to them in 3 years or more I ought to sell them. I wanted to make more, but the only offers I got were from people wanting to buy the whole lot with minimal pricing.



We had a mid-morning visit from our friends the Hoffmans. They are also on the waiting list and they enjoyed meeting Lucy, and I gave Tymm a book I liked and thought he would enjoy, Ted Dekker's Blink.



After cleaning up and resting a bit, we went to dinner at Stevie B's Pizza (knockoff of CiCi's) where we both ate the pizza and salad buffet for $9.19 (with our coupon) including drinks and tax.



After dinner we drove across the parking lot to our Barnes & Noble and Amy picked our third book for Lynn Marie....

2 months down baby!

Question of the day

As I look at Jay and Angela and baby Laney at work, I hear "Is that your baby"? Then I have to explain that our baby is not here yet and wont be for quite a while. Its hard to hear their disappointment.

I'm not sure why. I don't know if its that they feel sorry for our long wait or what.

I know that admitting you have a problem is the first step in the road to recovery. Lets get it out! I'm not a neat freak, far from it. I have saved things for years that are so not needed. This weekend is the first step in getting our house ready. Everything I don't want or need is going to the garage. If its not sold Saturday, its being donated. Mind you, we really are doing this to make some money but we are also ready to get organized. Our messy room is quickly emptying out and next year we can start looking at it as a baby's room!!!

Adoption- I dont want to compare Michael andI to the grinch but do you remember the part of the movie where his heart grows 2 sizes? I can not wait for our hearts to grow in love for this precious little one.

Arent yall excited??

Adoption is emotional

I have never rejoiced for other people like I have done since we started this process. I am just thrilled, really thrilled for my friends getting babies and other good news. Laney is with her family and Sheridan and Shelby are hopefully right around the corner.

I love to imagine the moment when our baby is place in our arms. Im sure pregnant families feel the same way.

Oh, our wait will be long, but it will be worth it. I hope our little Lynn Marie will touch many lives. I hope in the process we do to. We have experienced more since last October than we did our first 5 years together. Its just been awesome!

Whats next?
More waiting ( I know that the obvious answer)
Many First Fridays ( an awesome time of encouraging other adopting families)
Continue working on our quilt
eventually start the nursery

Lurkers come out!!

A lot of people visit here and dont post and thats okay!! I have turned on the anonymous posting for those who feel more comfortable with that!

So I ask, if you have visited here before, or have prayed for us before, please post a comment today and let us know what state you are from!!!!!

Thanks for all the prayers

I am work and am continuing to check on Jay and Angela. Today is their Gotcha Day! and I cant wait to see that first family photo!!!!

UPDATE: I can quit hitting the refresh button..Lanie is with her mommy and daddy! How awesome is that??


the Christopher Quilt has been updated

Monday Meditations

Hope you guys like the new look, I do!!

Monday meditations,
Whats on your heart to pray for today?

Today, I ask you to pray for Jay and Angela who are in CHina getting ready for Gotcha Day with baby Laney tomorrow. This is first family we have seen wait for their referral, get the referral, and get their baby..Cant wait to read their experience. This was the family who showed us the referral call video..Happy tears!!

Pray for the wait. Pray the wait shortens. Pray that we will all wait because God's timing is perfect!!!

Hope you love it. Susie over at Bluebird Blogs did it..Doesnt she rock?? More posts to come when I am more awake!!!

BTW, I signed up at bloglines..Can anyone tell me how to add blogs to my list and how to figure out which ones have been updated...thanks

THE BLOG

CHANGES ARE COMING TO A CHRISTOPHER FAMILY BLOG NEAR YOU. HOPEFULLY LATE TONIGHT, EARLY MORNING, THEY WILL BE HERE!!

light bulb went off or something

I'm not sure what happened but..... After we decided on Lynn Marie's name it happened. What you might ask? I immediately started noticing things, baby things. Its crazy. It really is like a light bulb went off. I am now aware of discount clothes. This wait is going to be stinkin fun..Oh now, I am not buying anything, I promise, but looking sure is fun. I spent 2 hours at Kohls and found the 70-80% off rack...That was fun. By the way, Kohls has a whole bunch of pretty ladybug dresses on sale right now (9mo-24 mo). After Kohls, I went to Target and now I am searching for bedding that I know we won't need for a long time. I just can not wait to get her room cleared out. Hopefully I will get a lot done during this garage sale preparation.
Also at Kohls are some beautiful framed prints of Chinese letters with the words love and kind and such..

So no, I am not buying. Looking is fun. Dreaming is fun. Imagining is fun. We are blessed.

Someone had commented that perhaps we should call our daughter Lynn Marie as in a first name and that's really pretty. Gotta talk to hubby about that!!!

BTW, I forgot to mention that my old college neighbor is adopting from China. They are 9 months into the wait!!!

a sock drawer

Baby Lynn will be living in the "white room" which is presently filled with boxes and uhm, junk. We plan on getting rid of everything it that room before our garage sale on the 23rd. I walked into the room this afternoon to get some boxes and had a new mindset when I looked in. All of a sudden I started thinking about colors and where to put the furniture and themes and wall paintings and how we make the closet more useful and for some reason I started thinking about baby socks. I dont know why. I think its because when I used to babysit and would change the babies the first drawer was always full of socks for sweet little baby feet..

I want a full sock drawer!!!

Its cool to have a name. I mentioned to some that I wanted to keep this blog uplifting, joyful and encouraging. I want to be careful with what negativity is on here. I do not want to sugarcoat anything and want this to be as honest as we can.

We are so thankful for the personal emails and posts from today..

We are still a long way to preparing Lynn's homecoming but we are getting ready!!!! Yipee~

Michaels story

I will be composing a post on my blog, www.valtool.blogspot.com in the next few minutes. As much as it brings joy to share our daughter's name with you all, it has also brought pain.

the name annoucement..sorry

Ok, after thinking about this for 6 years and then changing our minds at the last minute, Michael and I 100% agree on what our daughters name will be!! Should I tell you, or make you wait the next 2 years? Hmmm, let me think about it!
Lets start with what we ruled out

Elizabeth
Rachel
Rebecca

All of these were very close possibilities..


So, where is the drumroll.. Baby Christopher's name is (I dont say will be because she is already in our hearts)

Lynn Marie Christopher

Now for the explanation

Lynn - I always said I would never use it as a middle name but we think its very lovely. Michaels moms name is Linda and her mom used to call her Lynn. My beloved sister is Kelly Lynn and I can't think of a more beautiful person. My friend Rebekah is Rebekah Lynn and she is a very special person to me.

Marie- Both of Michaels grandmothers had names of Mary. Mary and or Marie have a meaning of "wished for child" How could we not use it? You know how sometimes a name can make you smile? I got to know a special family while working at our hospital. A very special girl named Catherine Marie quickly entered my heart along with the rest of her family. these names we have chosen are special. The more I say this name, the more I love it..

Come on China, bring us baby Lynn!!!!!!!! I dont think you can come up with any nicknames, let me know if you can think of some!!!

Monday Meditations

Hello prayer warriors! What are you praying about today? I am praying for all of us in this waiting stage.. Stay encouraged!!!!!!! What can we pray for for you today?

You thought this was the name announcement, didn't you? haha! Michaels not awake yet, Ill let him post.

The Christopher Quilt has been updated with 2 new pieces

The name.....

.... is coming later today, it's 1:30 in the morning for Pete's sake!

A statement about an announcement

Amy and I have a big/long day tomorrow with church, a trivia tournament, and a walk around the neighborhood to finish passing out fliers for the yard sale. We will talk. We will make a decision. On Monday we will post our daughter's name.

-Michael

more random thoughts on this journey

I am finding more and more websites with referral pictures. Oh how they make me smile! I cant wait until next month now! Yippee!

We received 2 more squares yesterday and I will try to put a new picture up soon.

There are a lot of blogs that I visit that are going back to China for baby number 2. That's another thing that makes me smile.
I have noticed that I see a lot more China items and ladybugs since our LID. Just another random thought. I see them everywhere..I must be careful with this.

BTW, I am sitting here watching Johnny Depp in Willia Wonka. Am I the only person who thought he was a bit odd in this?

Adoption

Hey, why China?
Exactly how expensive is it?
Oh, do you have apicture of your baby yet?
DO you get to pick her out?
Do you have to call her by her Chinese name?
American babies are good too.


These are just a few of the comments I have heard. Most people are interested in the whole process and I enjoy telling them.
I do agree with everyoneho has been talking about this week. Referral times are fun. There is a lot to keep you busy during this wait. Celebrating your LID each month, enjoying the referrals and GOTCHA days of our friends, the different projects our yahoo groups are doing and meeting new friends.

THis is definitely an experience I would not have guessed we would be in 5 years ago. I know our lives will change completely the day we see our daughters picture. I love to imagine that day and how we will celebrate but I also think of ways to get myself out of the sad times, which I am sure will pass by.

Michael and I were able to spend a lot of time during the paperchase together..Doing the autobiography was interesting and I think we both learned a lot about each other. Friends.. We needed friends, not that we were friendless. But, we have met some incredible friends that we now share a common bond with forever..Its so neat! The whole idea just makes me smile..The quilt thing is going well. I am in the middle of a swap and have gotten some squares from different states.. I love getting mail!

Our first garage sale is in a few weeks and its turned into a neighborhood sale. I have met a new friend and walking buddy because of this.

Michael and I have been attending a neat church that we learned about from our adoption support group.
Great things are happening to the Christophers. Sure, there are going to be some trying times. we are blessed beyond measure and this great adventure is going to better than we could have imagined!!!

THanks for your prayers and support!!!!

Quilt

Check out the Christopher quilt. 2 new pieces arrived yesterday!!!

A new family celebrates

Welcome baby Paisley!!!

Its so much fun to celebrate with these families..

they got their call today!

another family celebrates..Michael and Kim are out of the review room and found out they are approved and will be bringing little Sheridan. We can not wait to celebrate with you! THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!

I will try my hardest not to post rumors on this blog. ON that note, I hope referrals come this week. This is a fun part of the month for me (im sure once my wait is almost over, it wont be).. Reading other blogs has helped me pass the time. As you can tell, I added a lot more to my blogroll last night at work.. I still need to clean it up, but there is a lot to read.

We are looking forward to our garage sale and getting the house ready. We have so much time ahead of us, we are really not in a hurry.
I did add the latest quilt square to the blog..Check out the link to the right. Collecting the squares will be another way of keeping me preoccupied.


I hope. I pray. I know that our baby girl will be waiting for us one day. This wait will end. I have not gotten discouraged by what I have read. I will not post the different guesses or estimates.. I know our wait is long and could get longer, but we have been given this time!!!!!

Monday Prayers

Looks like we know what it will called but I will give the poll a chance until later today before we finalize a name?

Every Monday, a small group of us are lift up the entire adoption process in prayer. Want to join us???

Whats on your heart to pray about today? There are so many things and I want to know what you are praying about. A girl at work started talking to me about the adoption and has been so supportive. She said, "What do you know about the attachment process? You realize you are ripping her away from her comfort zone, everything she knows will be gone?" I know this was not meant in a hurtful way but this something I have been reading about..

My list for today

1) our babies- that they are loved and that everyone who is a part of their care will be blessed
2) the families that are getting referrals this month and families that are travelling this month
3) families that are in the review room

My Specific prayers
Michael and Kim- they are in the review room and these are wonderful people. They are adopting a sweet little boy and we cant wait to hear they are out of the review room

Susan and Dan- they are the hosts for our monthly support group and have many couples through the wait period

Can I add you to this list!

Poll

What should our Monday prayer group be called
	Merciful Monday
	Mondays Mercies
	Monday Meditations
pollcode.com free polls

Im cleaning up my blogroll. If your site isnt listed or is listed twice or if its not correct, let me know..Also, let me know if there any other sites that are must reads !!!!!!

Also, we added out next square to the Christopher Quilt blog..Click here to view!

Third Day - Live At Brisbane, Australia (2007)

First Friday

Tonight was our First Friday adoption support at the Chapmans. We began with dinner with the Ladmans and the Perrys. The Ladmans were so encouraging and funny. The Perrys have received a referral but are awaiting a final review. Please pray for Michael and Kim as I know they are very stressed regarding this review. We had a very nice dinner and it was nice to add another couple to our dinner group!!!

To our meeting place we go. We were one of the first to arrive and visited with the early folks. We saw pictures of Shelby, who will be placed with her forever family late this fall. We celebrated with Laneys family as they will be leaving for China in a few weeks to make Laney a permanent part of their family. Laneys mom has a joy that is contagious. I cant wait to read their journal in China and to meet Laney when she gets home

I was able to visit with Laura and Tim, the first friends we met that have log in date near ours.
After visiting for a while, we shared what stage of the process we were in and had the opportunity to ask questions from those who just returned from China and others..It was a nice time. The wait has gotten longer and it seems that this is starting to get to people.

We are still so early in our waiting stage, its impossible to predict when we will get a referral. Until then, we will keep ourselves busy getting our home and lives ready for our new addition. God has a plan for our family. He has guided us to this place, and he knows the perfect child for us. This is such a special time for us, a time of preparation. I pray we use this time wisely.

What now? Well, we have our garage sale here in Kennesaw June 23rd. We are working on collecting quilt swaps for our 100 Good Wishes Quilt. Michael and I are both involved in a yahoo China Wait loss (get it?) group and we are both part of yahoo groups on our own. There is a yahoo group for China dads out there..Just go to http://www.yahoogroups.com/ and type in china dads. We are looking at our finances, working on finding a church and getting our priorities in order. Its an exciting time and although our wait could increase, I want to treasure this time. God is working. Sometimes we do not see it immediately, but I know He has promised me to never leave me and to give me a future!!!

I am going to post a video above this..The song is by Third Day and I am posting the words below. Someone mentioned tonight that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I hope we can all continue to encourage one another!!!

Light at the End of the Tunnel by Third Day!!!
Well I won't pretend to know what you're thinking
And I can't begin to know what you're going through
And I won't deny the pain that you're feeling
But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you
Just remember what I told you
There's so much your living for
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you For you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
So keep holding on You got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
Well it brings new life for your eyes to see
So remember what i told you
There's so much your living for
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
So keep holding on Keep holding onSo remember what i told you
There's so much your living for
There's a light at the end of this tunnel

Names, books, and First Friday

Anyone attending the First Friday meeting tomorrow is welcome to join us for dinner at Applebees on Barrett Parkway at 530!

Just when I think I have names I really like, I start to change my mind.

Our Yahoo April LID group is starting a book discussion. We are going to be doing the book Wanting a Daughter, Needing a son!. I read the first chaper today (all 40 pages) and its so interesting. I dont know what else to say but the author really did research and really describes what she saw in the orphanages when she visited.So far, I really recommend this book.

Its starting to get real that we have a lot to do before heading to China. its a bit overwhelming but such fun. I am really enjoying reading blogs of families that are so close to getting a referral. Apparently many of them will be seeing their babies faces for the first time in the next week or 2..How awesome is this!!!

I had a few readers ask about the garage sale. If you want to join us, we would love to have you. June 23rd at 8am. Hoping we have a good turn out!!!!!

baby names and such

We have really narrowed it down to baby names and hope to be able to announce it soon.

My plan was to have a garage sale as a fundraiser on Saturday June 23rd. Its still going to be 6/23/07 at 8am!!! It would be cool if some of you near Kennesaw could stop by. Our fundraiser looks like its turning into a neighborhood garage sale and it looks like we are going to be the organizers..Could be fun, could be stressful..Hopefully fun stress though with a good turnout..Any suggestions from those who have done this would be appreciated.

I am looking forward to reading about referrals soon. I cant wait to add my November blogroll families over to the blogroll of Families that are home, how cool will that be?

Still praying for each person that stops by here..

Feel free to post our garage sale info to other Atlanta readers...

Love,
Amy and Michael, Samson, Delilah, and Lucy the bassett hound

Monday Mercies or Monday Mediations

Every Monday, a group of us are going to pray daily for China adoptions. We know God hears our prayers and as a group, we think its a wonderful thing we can do for our families and future babies.

On this Memorial Day, not only do we lift up the families of those fallen heroes and pray for those who are serving our country, but today I pray for blessings for each person who touches our dossier.Thats a lot of of people if you want to be specific. Think about it!!!

Prayers make a difference. Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Stuff

Well, we are past our one month date and have lots more going on! We have a new header for the blog coming out soon, and I am excited to see what BlueBird Blogs comes up with.

We are going to have a HUGE fundraiser/garage sale Saturday June 23rd. It will be nice to make some money towards the adoption, but we also really need to get into organizing the house. If you live in Atlanta and would like to join us, let me know. It would be cool to have a multi family garage sale. If you cant participate, we hope you will stop by and say hello! More details on that will follow.

What else? As you can see, my links to other blogs has grown and I love it!!! I'm enjoying reading early posts from a lot of my new blogging friends!!!!!

I was able to spend some time at work talking to a mom of 2 China adopted girs. One she adopted 10 years ago, and the other she adopted last year at the age of 10 years. She is a special needs child with a benign brain tumor. I was able to watch some Chinese cartoons and hear the honest truth about the toilets in China, HA! It was nice to see them again.

Also, someone gave me the idea for counting down (or up) our dates until our referral by finding large Chinese numbers , attaching them to decorative papers and hang them on our wall. Does anyone have any suggestions on any of this material????

Also, names for our Monday prayer group that were suggested are Monday Mercies and Monday Meditations.

Was anyone else interested in swapping squares? I got my material yesterday and I am ready to go. A few people asked about it and I dont want anyone to feel left out. I got our next square onto the quilt blog over at www.christopherquilt.blogspot.com

100 wishes quilt piece number 5

Please check our 100 Wishes quilt blog for a new update (when Amy takes and uploads the pic tomorrow).

The 2nd Book

Today was the 23rd of May, the 1st monthly anniversary of our LID. We had an impromptu date afternoon going to see "Lucky You" at the movie theater and to Barnes & Noble to pick our second special baby book. From the author that brought us I love you like Crazy Cakes....

MONTH 1 IS OVER

ONE MONTH DOWN, HOW MANY TO GO?

一個月

TODAY IS OUR ONE MONTH LID ANNIVERSARY!!!!!! WE ARE GOING TO PLAY TRIVIA TONIGHT AND HOPEFULLY I CAN FIND A BOOK. WE ARE GOING TO BUY A CHILDRENS BOOK EACH LID ANNIVERSARY DAY SINCE YOU CAN'T HAVE TOO MANY AND I LOVE BOOKS. ALSO, I JUST NOTICED THE BEST PLACE TO FIND ANYTHING WITH LADYBUGS ON IT IS THE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL AND OVERSTOCK.COM, IM JUST SAYING. HOPING TO CATCH UP ON A LOT OF THINGS TOMORROW!

ANYONE HAVE A ONE MONTH BUTTON OR SOMETHING I CAN USE? WANT TO MAKE IT SPECIAL!!!

There is a lot of things Michael and I need to do in order to get our home and house ready for baby Christopher (who will be named shortly). This is the one advantage of having a long wait ahead of us.

We really need to clean and organize our house and get rid of a lot of stuff. We are looking at holding a BIG garage sale sometime. We can attempt to get rid of a lot of stuff., make enough money to pay a small bill or 2, and we will donate the stuff that does not sell to charity.
Has anyone done this? Do you have any hints or suggestions? Are you in the Atlanta area and want to join us? The more the merrier!!!!

Can anyone send me a link to a photo I can use for our one month countdown?

Thats really it for now. Tonight at work, I chose a friend from my blogroll and caught up on old posts! I am so glad I did! I'm off to find another one!!!

Monday Prayer Time

Every Monday, everyone is invited to join us in praying for our adoptions. Our God hears us and loves to hear us come together in prayer.

Feel free to share with us what is on your heart.


List of prayer topics

Us-the parents. Pray that God will use our waiting time to make us the best parents we can be
Our babies- that everyone that comes in contact with our babies will be blessed
Our agencies- they have a lot on their plates. Pray for each member of the staff
Everyone who touches our dossiers-
Pray for those who are matching families with their babies
Pray for those people who review our dossiers
Pray for those who organize the travel
Adoption finances

Specific prayer requests (feel free to add a prayer request in the comments. I will make sure it gets here)

Michael and Kim- they are in the review room now and faced with some questions regarding Ki ms health
Families that are travelling soon-pray for sweet reunions and travel mercies

Any creative ideas on what I can call Monday prayer time? We will be doing this every Monday or at least the Mondays I can remember and hope you join us!!

If you are not on the blogroll. let me know your LID so I can follow your journey!

the first month is almost over

This is bad. Not even a month in the waiting and I don't have much to say. I have had 2 coworkers ask me about international adoption is pretty cool. Its just amazing how God has opened our eyes and hearts to adoption. Its just so exciting. I love my April yahoo group and cant wait to get know them more!!!

Looking forward to some China adoption groups coming up. Always nice to meet new friends with similar interests. I love to read my blogroll. I love reading the Nov 2005 LIDers because they are almost through with their wait and then they will be added to a different list..Thats pretty cool. I love to add more to more to my site? Do you have a recommendation?

We have been enjoying looking at names and hope to start the beginning of the our major house cleaning soon. I am getting ready to quilt swap with some ladies and that makes me happy.

I would love to get to know more of you. If you are in the Atlanta area and would like to have lunch, let me know!!!

Also, dont forget about Monday. Every Monday a group of us are going to life the adoption process before God in prayer. If you would like to join, let me know!!!

stuff

hello all! Yesterday I bought my secret pal gift and I hope to get that in the mail by the end of the week. Okay, I have tried not to go to the Rumor Queen, but I like what I am reading.

I have enjoyed reading the blogs on my blogroll. If you are not on there, will you please tell me your link and your LID?

For those who have been waiting a while, I was wondering if anyone has found a waiting dads yahoo or other support groups for the guys in our group!!
Im praying for all of you and look forward to the next Monday prayer time.

My sister Kelly and I went to Pottery Barn Kids and I loved what I saw. Wish I could afford it!!!

This weekend cont...

Here is what I got this weekend!

I thought this was too cute.. Our first China Doll!

I love to find books for a quarter!!
In case you came over here to read about the prayer opportunity, click here!

Here is what I got this weekend!

SECRET PAL

I AM INVOLVED IN A YAHOO GROUP FULL OF LADIES WHO WERE HAVE CHINA LOG IN DATES FOR APRIL. WE ARE DOING SECRET PALS AND I GOT MY GIFT THIS WEEK. ITS FROM HOUSTON!!!

CHECK IT OUT! THANKS SO MUCH PAL! YOU KNOW I HAVE A NEW COLLECTION, HAHA! AND THANKS FOR THE SWEET CARD!

details on the foot in the upper right corner come tomorrow!

this weekend andand a prayer opportunity

Hey guys! This weekend was great. Drove to Fl to surprise the parents and had a nice bit of rest. Saturday morning, mom and I went to some garage sales and found the cutest Asian doll. I will post a pic when we get home. My parents and Michael's mom were able to watch the Lost Daughters of China video. I was the first one crying both times..Try watching it with no sound! Amazing! it has been months since we watched it and it was awesome.

We talked about names, but nothing definite. Fridays mail brought our next wish for our quilt and I will update that blog this week!!

My yahoo group has decided to pray every Sunday for those involved in the adoption process and our wait. I want to do more.

Starting today, Monday, I want to start a group that will lift China adoptions in prayer. The birth moms, the babies, the foster moms, the workers in the orphanages, the agencies we are working with, the people who organize our travel and the CCAA. Pray for Gods will to be done and for the wait to shorten. God can do all things. His hand has been on this process the whole time and I know that if the wait stays this long, He is really preparing us to be parents to the perfect child!..

We know that God listens and wants to hear from us.The greatest gift we can give our babies right now is a prayer!!!

Please leave a message if you would like to be a part of this. If you would like a reminder (email) on Monday mornings, please email me at amyschristopher@comcast.net

Quilt

I started a website for our quilt where we will be sharing the squares we receive. I have also added some links to other quilts so that you can see some examples.

Anyone else up for an exchange? Rebekah, i emailed you may address..

Also, any other Atlanta people interested in lunch?

Oh yeah, the website is www.christopherquilt.blogspot.com!!!

More thoughts on Adoption

I haven't posted a while since our entries regarding last Friday night. There was a reason. It was such an emotional, wonderful experience, its been on my mind, A LOT. I can't believe where this journey has taken us so far, and we are still in Georgia

Michael and I have been talking about names. I have no idea where this will take us, but its pretty exciting.

Adoption. I never thought I would be experiencing this. If you have friends who have mentioned it or if you are thinking about, please look into it. I can not explain this experience. The orientation, the paperchasing, the DTC, the LID and now THE WAIT. Its been awesome. Its been incredible. God's hand has been over us since we began. Has it been hard? No!!!! Has it been time consuming and sometimes frustrating? YES!!! Would I do it again? yes, if we were financially able.
Adoption; domestic or international? closed or open? Which agency? There are so many questions. But there are also so many resources.
If you are thinking about. If its crossed your mind, PRAY about it. Its amazing what one prayer can do. God listens, and He answers!!!

She Said-He said Our thoughts on First Friday

Warning: this could be long and emotional. You may need a tissue!!!!



As most of you know, Michael and I attend a monthly support group meeting called First Friday which was last night. The meetings are encouraging, and we have the greatest support!..


So, we met up with the Ladmans for dinner at Bahama Breeze before heading over to the Chapmans. Karens husband is home from an extended assignment and we finally got to meet him and it was wonderful.

We got there early and wandered around. I spotted a few new people so I said hello. A lady turned around wearing a blue shirt. I immediately got the chills. On the right hand corner of her shirt it said Owen T. Wheeler Foundation. I almost cried immediately. You see, I was Owens first night shift nurse after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. I took care of him every night I worked. Owen passed away New Years Eve 4 years ago. I attended Owens funeral and it was the second funeral I had ever attended. It was one of the most beautiful experiences. This lady is now a part of Owens family and it was nice to hear about them. Clearly this was the beginning of most emotional night.

During the evening, one of the professors from Kennesaw who is Chinese, played the Chinese violin (cant remember the name of of it) and sang some songs.

Next on the agenda, the announcement of a referral. Baby Laney will be joining her parents in a short time. Her picture was shared with everyone Jay and Angela video taped their referral call let me say that everyone had tears the entire time, even the men. I don't think that some of the daddies realized what actually happened when you get the call, so this was a great thing for our guys to see. I know that Michael really enjoyed it.

Next up, Rob from North Metro Church spoke for a few minutes. He is a daddy to 2 girls from China and teared up as he talked about their wait and journey and reminded is that this is our time to do great things. God is doing amazing things and we may not see what he's up to until we get home. But how wonderful to know that God is working on our perfect family and developing Michael and I to be the best parents we can be. What a testimony for us. It was God. Rob said every word I needed to hear and it was precious.

Next the man from Kennesaw got up ( were not expecting this) and thanked everyone here for loving the China babies. i wish I could remember everything he said but he ended with a song that talks about the beauty of a person..Another crying moment.

Seriously, if it wasn't obvious that God was a part of every moment, keep reading.

Another mom to be shared a picture with us. She is going to be getting a chid from the special needs list. Baby Shelby has a cleft lip and palate and will have the palate repaired here in Atlanta. I work with almost all the cleft lip/palate babies and was able to share my experiences as a nurse with her..It was wonderful to see relief on her face. I can not remember her name but I am praying for her..Shes in Disney now! Yeah!!!

We drove home and talked a bit before going to bed.

This morning, I went to the store and to a neighborhood garage sale. I was mostly looking for childrens books because a) I hear you can not have to many and b) they are stinkin cheap at garage sales. As I approached my last house, I spoke to the lady who also sells Mary Kay. I asked her where she was from and she Atlanta, right here, this is my house..I then asked her where her beautiful accent was from and she said Hong Kong. I explained what we were doing and tears started flowing and she said Thank You, Thank you!. YOu see, she herself, gave up a daughter and she herself worked in an orphanage. She speaks Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese and would like to teach Michael and I some words before we leave for China!

HOW GREAT IS MY GOD!!


Michaels Story:
As part of our adoption process, Amy and I attend a monthly support group with people ranging from those with questions about international adoption to those in the process and those who have completed their trips to China. They are held on the first Friday of each month.Tonight was the best one I have been to as we learned about another couple's experience getting the phone call with details of their "match." They videotaped the call from their agency with the director telling them about the baby, name, height, weight, physical exam, birth date, etc. They then were emailed their first picture of their baby and the parents with grandparents and other relatives all crowded around the computer to see baby Laney. I cried through most of it because I had no idea that a call like this would be part of the process and I was filled with a joy and excitement about the day this happens for us.Also, I finally got to meet a friend's husband. He is in the Army and has been in Kuwait for the past six months while she has been waiting for him and for their referal. We enjoyed dinner together before the meeting and he's a neat guy that we look forward to becoming close friends with.

My emotions are high and I am ready for this wait because I know God has something for Michael and I that I can not right now comprehend. For those also waiting, be encouraged. Our time will come. We are not missing out an anything right now. God is cooking up something thats going to be out of this world!!!! How exciting is that!!!!