HO-HO-HO! Computer Meltdown

I am using my cell to try and post that our computer bit the big one and getting here is very, very hard. We had a Wonderful Christmas & I pray that you did, too. I will try to post more ASAP.

He found another Family

I saw myself falling in love, he was a beautiful little boy. But God had other plans for him. Before I could get information on him, a family in Taiwan chose him for their own. So while I am sad for myself, I am happy that he will have his 'right' forever family.

On a bright note, this has shown me that there IS a child out there for us. And there are many, many options open that I never knew existed.

So now we wait again. But this time, the waiting is a little easier. There is Hope!

Maybe............?!

Shhhhhh! Nothing more for now.

Oh Yeah......I forgot.

We recieved our updated I-171H. We are good for another 18 months. Hopefully, we will be done and home by then.

Please pray for all those who wait ~

To listen to the wonderful song, please scroll down and turn off the music player.

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I remember in 2005, when we were waiting for our Natalie, we had been told that we might receive our referral in October and be home for Christmas of that year. Well, October came and went, then so did November. As Christmas drew nearer, with no referral in sight, I was devestated that we still did not have our daughter. How could we celebrate the most Holy time. But GOD saw our struggle and got us through this sad time. We did enjoy the holidays, celebrating our LAST Christmas as a 'couple'. And then 25 days into the new year, we were blessed with a photo of our new daughter. GOD is GREAT!

Now we wait for our next child. We do not know where or when we will see him, but I trust in GOD to give us the courage and strength to wait until we see that new liny face. All in HIS time.............

Dear Santa...........

....All I want for Christmas is a REFERRAL wrapped in a Blue Bow!

Fingerprint Day...........Again!

Today Jon and I drove to Detroit to be re-printed for our I-171H renewal. On the way home, we were listening to Paul Harvey (I know, I'm so square!). He said that changes have begun in Washington. Heads are beginning to roll. The first to go was the head of INS. As Mr. Harvey put it, this is the person in charge of immigration and deportation! Maybe this will be the first of many changes that will help us bring our baby boy home! Only GOD knows.

More Paperwork.......An Exercise in Futility?

Well, we were down to the wire on our I-171H. Should we re-new it or not? After some thought, we decided that we might as well, since we get a one-time free renewal. So we made it in the nick of time. Just before it expired! Now we get to go to Detroit again to be fingerprinted on November 6th. Hopefully our new I-171H won't expire before we get to finish this adoption.

Faith

I do not know the reason, or even begin to understand the whys. But I do know that I have put my trust in the Lord and whatever HE has planned for our family, I will accept.

A New Day......A New Disappointment

Today, it became 'official' that the US Dept. of State and the Dept. of International Adoptions in Vietnam have decided that there will be no Special Needs adoptions processed after September 1st. So the country of Vietnam is now completely CLOSED for international adoptions to the United States until an agreement can be reached between the two countries.

Where does this leave us? At the head of the line as the doors slam shut in our faces. I do not know what to think or what to feel. I am angry because I thought that our government was on our side, that they were working for us. We elected them, we pay their exorbitant salaries. Silly me.

As more and more obstacles are thrown in my path, I become more determined than ever that someday, somehow, I WILL bring our child home from Vietnam.

Waiting.......

I talked to our agency again and they are beginning to get Special Needs children for placement. I told Dick that I wanted to change our preference from Girl to Boy. He laughed and said that what I was requesting was very rare. Most families switched from boy to girl! He said that boys are far more plentiful than girls so we should have no problem getting a referral! I again told him that we would like a child as young as possible. And then I added that we were approved for two children, so twins would be nice. We got a huge chuckle out of that. LOL I just want to hold a baby again. Dick said that we should hear something positive in the next few weeks!!!!!!!

I pray that we hear something soon. I would love to show Jon's grandfather a picture of his great grandson before he passes. It is still in GOD'S hands.

A New Start

We were asked yesterday by our agency if we wanted to try for a Special Needs child. It seems as though this type of adoption is still open in Viet Nam. So we quickly filled out the appropriate form and submitted it.

Is this the path that was meant for us?

Now we wait and see...........

I have decided to keep this blog, just in case.... We might be able to go the Special Needs route, or maybe our dossier will be 'Grandfathered In'.

So IF anything happens, I will leave this blog.

Just In Case..........................................

I Guess that God has Other Plans for Us

I e-mailed our agency this afternoon to inquire about the little boy and ask about our chances of adopting him. In the email I received back I was told that he is in critical condition and they suspect that he may have CP. He is not available for adoption. They did not appear too hopeful about our chances of getting a referral by the deadline. I am numb.

Our Miracle Butterfly

A couple of weekends ago, when we were at Jon's grandparents house, Auntie Peg found a pretty striped caterpillar and gave it to Natalie. We put it in a jar to take home. A few days later, it began to shrivel up. Oh NO! It can't die! But NO, it wrapped himself up in a cocoon! We waited and waited, not so patiently until.....this morning Jon noticed that the cocoon was getting transparent, you could see yellow and black through the membrane. He told us to check it often because it was going to hatch today then he left for work.

A few minutes later, Natalie came to me and said "Mommy, a butterfly". "No Honey, the butterfly will come soon, but not yet". "NO MOMMY, BUTTERFLY!!!!!!" I went and looked. She was right! It opened and was in all it's glory. Never doubt a kid.

Presenting Natalie's Butterfly ~




There have been a few 'signs' lately (this caterpillar and then, one of Jon's aquarium plants is getting a flower bud even though that rarely occurs with this type of plant). But I think that this one is really persuasive. Neither Jon nor I have ever had a caterpillar turn to a butterfly. Maybe there are good things about to happen in our family.

Clarification to Prayer Request~

In Vietnam there is a little boy, only a couple months old, that is lying in a hospital bed stricken with pneumonia. IF he can get well soon, IF his medical reports can come back before Septmber 1st, and IF they can get his 'Official' referral letter sent ~~~~~ Then we will be receiving his referral~!

That is what I was asking for in my previous post. I am just so scared and worried for him. But I am secure in knowing that GOD is watching out for him and there are so many people praying for him, too. Get well soon, Tiny Jake, your family already loves you very much.

Begging You for Extra Super-Duper Prayers

I just found out that we are NEXT in line for a referral!!!!!! I am humbly begging for your prayers that we may receive the child that is meant for us.

Babies, Babies, Babies!!!!!!!!

No ~ not ours! Three of my best on-line buddies have recieved their referrals. Teri received hers a few weeks ago (she is with a differant agency). And yesterday, Yash and Kathy (both using our agency and before us in line) received word of their new little baby girls! I am so very, very excited for them that I could bust! I can't wait to see photos of these sweet, tiny babies.

To Those of Us Who Wait~

"But these things I plan won't happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches
when the vision will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow, be patient!
For it will surely take place.
It will not be late by a single day."
Habakkuk 2:3

I hope this brings some peace to all the families waiting, hoping and praying. I know that it has helped me. Thank you Yash.

No News

Have you ever had a stupid song playing inside your head and you just can't get rid of it? Lately, all I can hear is the song "Tell me something good" wah-wah. Does that tell you how old I am? I not only remember disco, I DID disco!

I was told by someone else using our agency that our agency e-mailed those waiting parents that for sure would not receive a referral and confirmed their worst fears. My heart goes out to those families, I may be in your ranks soon enough. So far, THANK GOD, we have not received any such e-mail. Maybe no news, right now, is good news.

We are all praying very, very hard. If you feel so inclined, I would greatly appreciate it.

Do you like to Gamble?

This was the e-mail from my agency today......

"You are still just on the edge where it is 50/50 for getting a referral. I wish I could tell you for sure but I just can't at this point."

God help us.

Happiness for three families!

This past Friday, we received an email from our agency announcing that they referred three baby boys to families. Hopefully this is the start of many more happy referrals (dare I say, including ours). One can only hope and PRAY!

I would like to congratulate all of the lucky families! I am so very happy for each and everyone of them.

Tighten your seatbelts ~

I hope that you are hanging on tight because things are getting bumpy! From what I can gather from other clients of our agency, our agency does not want to have families switch from one gender to another, it is not fair to the families that have been waiting in that line. I agree, though it does put us back in jeopardy of not receiving a referral at all. And I was really liking the idea of a baby boy. Ah well, at this point even a baby monkey is starting to sound good!

Soooooo.........the emotional rollercoaster ride continues.

Parenthood is not for Wimps!

WOW! Sorry it's been so long. I guess that since there is nothing new with our adoption, I haven't felt like posting. As the days count down to Sept. 1st, I am getting more afraid that we will not be getting our referral. All I can do is hope and pray that things will be as HE wants them to be. And I pray for the courage and strength to accept whatever HIS will is for me.

On the homefront, Natalie is completely potty-trained! Day AND Night! WOO-HOO! I never realized how nice it would be to not have to buy diapers. I can go out now with a purse instead of a diaper bag - novel idea!

She is growing up so fast. Her latest favorite saying is "I don't want to". This is her response for just about everything I ask her to do. One day, I was really, really tired. I had asked her to do something, and she responded in her cute little way. Before I knew it, I said "I didn't ask you if you WANTED to do it......just DO IT!" She blinked, and then went and did it. SCORE! I found that if I stand firm, and don't take any of her guff, she will do what I ask. Lately, Natalie has been acting like a teenager.....sassing back, refusing to do what I ask, demanding attention, and setting her own limits. I was flabbergasted. Where did my sweet, strong-willed baby go? I was at a loss. Nothing I did seemed to get through to her. Then, in a moment of frustration, I snapped and let her know that I wasn't negotiating any more. We also brought out the 'Time out Rug'. This also seems to work, she does not like time outs.

Parenthood.....it's not for wimps!

In the Hands of God

At first I was a little thrown off kilter with the thought of having a baby boy. But after saying it outloud a few times and talking about 'Him'. I am actually excited. We have chosen his name, this time Daddy got to pick. And I am busy planning what his bedroom will look like. No, I have not started buying boy stuff. But I do have planned what I want when and IF the time comes. LOL

I have not given up all hope of a baby girl, but I will be thrilled if we get a boy. It is now in the hands of someone far wiser than I. His will be done.

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I'm a Big Kid Now and little toy Trucks!

Well, since I last saw you.......Natalie is a graduate of Baby Potty Camp! I was told by a dear friend about a method of encouraging pottytraining that seems to work really well. So we tried it. I am excited to say that we have been "DRY"(even at night!) since July 4th!!! OK, one or two accidents but who's counting. We began in earnest on June 23rd, Daddy's B'Day and it's been smooth sailing since then. But it is sure weird to have to wait for your 3 yr. old to 'finish' just so you can go. We NEED another bathroom.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

On the Adoption Front......I talked to our agency yesterday to ask where we were on the waiting list for a baby girl. He said that we were the 5th or 6th family in line. Then he said that, as the deadline approaches, some families are changing their request for a girl to either. He also said that we are right on the line, so to speak, for receiving a referral by Sept. 1st. So the next thing I remember I was saying what any other waiting mother would say......."Well, we really want a baby girl BUT if that is not an option then we would be happy to have a boy". A Boy? I also told him that we would take an older little girl as long as she was near Natalie's age. I had never even considered the thought of a baby boy (not that anything is wrong with boys - I planned on adopting one when the dust settled from this adoption). But.... a BOY? I don't have ANYTHING for a boy! So now, another thing is left in GOD'S Hands. Do I make room in Natalie's room for a sister or clean out the spare room for a brother. We'll know by Sept. 1st!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

As I get ready to celebrate with family, I think of all the family holidays that I share with family and friends. What a joy it is to have such great people in my life. There was a time when I thought that I would be alone for the rest of my days. But God had other plans for me. He gave me a wonderful man to spend my days and nights with. And through that union, I have a precious daughter. Granted, we had to go half way around the world to bring her home, but we would gladly have walked every inch to get to her. She is the joy of our lives. Another gift that my husband gave me was the gift of an extended family. They are not with out a quirk or two, but what family is perfect? Besides, they accepted me, so that can't be that bad. LOL No - really, they're great people to have in your corner.

So, as everyone is watching the fireworks and enjoying a hotdog or two, give thanks for wonderful family and friends. Cuz without them, you'd be eating that dog alone. I know I would be.

Christopher, We are very proud of you and pray that you stay safe.

GOD IS GOOD!!!!

After much stress and worry, I took some great advice and e-mailed our agency again. This time I received a response immediately. It was the response I was praying for.

WE ARE LOGGED IN!!!!!!!

We can now breathe a sigh of relief, I do not know WHEN we will get our referral, but at least we are one step closer to it.

The DEADLINE Looms...........

Today is June 24th. In 7 days, The Department on International Adoptions in Vietnam will stop receiving dossiers from perspective adoptive parents. Our dossier went to Vietnam on May 23rd, but we still have not received word that it was logged in at the DIA. When a dossier is sent over, the first thing that happens is translating, which could take days. Then it is sent over the the DIA. I am not sure how long it can take to get logged in.

I have been able to remain strong till now. As the deadline quickly approaches, I find myself getting more and more apprehensive. I can't bear the thought of some snafu keeping us from our future daughter. I need to pray harder for peace about this. I know that it is in GOD'S hands, and I accept that.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!!!

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Still Waiting............

Hopefully we will hear something soon. It seems like we are running out of time. If our dossier is not logged in at the DIA (Department of International Adoptions) in Vietnam by July 1st, we will be S.O.L. I am waiting for word from our agency, but so far - no news. Is that good or bad? Well, since there is less than 2 weeks left to be logged in by, I guess we will know then. I am keeping the faith and believing that our adoption will work out as it is supposed to. But a little encouragement now and then would be nice.

Riding with the 'Big Boys'

The past week-end, Jon took part in a National 24 Hour Challenge Bike Race. There were riders there from all over the world. Jon rode for 24 hrs. straight!!!! And went 228.4 miles! I am in awe and could not be prouder of him.

He did have a couple of mishaps...... on the hilliest part of the course, his gears got stuck in a middle gear and he had to pedal harder than ever to climb the hills. This course had 5,000 ft. of incline, whatever that means. LOL Then, during the night time part of the course, he lost visibility on the road, it was after a rainfall and the road was mud covered, he went over the edge of the blacktop and his bike went out from under him. Thank God for his great helmet (it is toast - but his head is fine!).

Jana, Natalie and I stayed most of the day on Saturday and we came back Sunday morning just before he went out for his last lap. We were all in tears as we watched him cross the finish line. Even Natalie was super-excited for her daddy. This will be a Father's Day that none of us will ever forget.

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Before The Race

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The START

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24 Hours later - Nearing the Finish

(He's the one on the far left)

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Crossing the Finish line!

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Jon and his Coach

UPDATE

Jon checked the Final Results of this race. Of approx. 375 racers starting the race, only about 100 finished. Jon finished 61st in the total number riders and 13th in his age category. WOO-HOO!!! DADDY!!!!!!!

A Moment of Cuteness!

Fun Times

Grandma bought Natalie a climbing toy for the backyard. So if course, Natalie had to supervise Daddy. And lend a hand when necessary!

Looking for Baby Nora

Natalie didn't want anything to do with the playset after Daddy spread the mulch. She said that she didn't want to get 'Dirty!' This is a kid that was swimming in a dirtpile 2 weeks ago! KIDS!!

EWWWWWW!

Led by HIS hand (or a boot in the butt)

Last week, Natalie and I went with Jon's mom for her post-surgery follow-up visit (she had her gallbladder removed). As we approached the Dr's office, I noticed that in the office across the hall was one of our state senators offices. Hmmmmmm.... I wonder if I should go in and talk to them about the current situation in Vietnam regarding the adoption shutdown. Of course I when in! I had a great talk with one of her assistants (you never get to see the big kahuna), she was very interested and said that she would relay all the info to Ms. Senator. AND Miss Natalie was there being her sweet, charming self. She is my International Adoption Goodwill Ambassador. One smile from her, and I have everyones attention. LOL

Anyway, I digress. After we left the office, I received an urgent e-mail from our agency asking that we contact our state senators and representatives to discuss contacting the US Department of State. It seems that Dr. Long, from the Vietnam Department of International Adoptions, is willing to consider grandfathering in ALL the dossiers registered in Vietnam before July 1st - the cut off! That means that if you make the July 1st deadline, you would still receive a referral, even after the September 1st shutdown. I know a lot of families that have been told that even though they have been registered for quite sometime, they will not be receiving a referral. If we had not switched agencies, we would be looking at no referral, too!

I got on my hot little computer and composed a letter to my senators and representatives, and the members of the committee that are working to try and get things on track again with VN adoptions. While I was at it, I sent a fax to my governor, Mr. Vice President AND the Big Guy himself....Mr. President. I figure what could it hurt - they ARE supposed to be working for US! Right?!?!?!

Yesterday, we went back to the surgeons office to pick up some papers, so I stopped in at my friendly, neighborhood senators office. I just wanted to check to see if they had received my e-mail (or make sure that they read it - lol)and while I was there I was ushered in to talk with their constituency liaison. We talked for about a half an hour. Turns out that she is also in process of adopting (domestically) and is very informed on adoption issues. She took all my info and said that she would see what she could do. "Hey - it's something."

Last evening, I received an e-mail from one of VP Cheney's assistants requesting more info and names of the people that he should contact! I sent a very detailed e-mail back this morning. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Now, I do believe in 'signs' but I firmly believe that I was shoved into action. Normally I would not go with Jana for one of her Dr's appointments just because of trying to keep Natalie quite for who knows how long. But this time when she asked I said yes without thinking. Then yesterday, I thought that she was going to her work office, not the Dr's office. If I had chosen not to go on either of these two occasions, I would never have had the opportunity to talk to one of my senators staff. And they would not have seen how beautiful and well-adjusted (ha-ha) adopted children are.

Guess who's 35.....Again!

This past Thursday was my B'day. Usually it's a day, lost among any other. But this year I was surprised with a birthday cake made by my daughter (and a little help from Grandma). Natalie even learned the words to the "Happy Birthday" song and sang me a rousing version. I was more touched than words can say. It was definately a day that I will never forget! And again, THIS was what all our waiting, worrying and praying was all about. GOD is good!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Natalie!

Here are a few pics from our celebrations with Natalie! We went to our favorite Chinese restaruant where they all sang "Happy Birthday" to her in Chinese.

Then Sunday, we went to see Poppy and Grandma B. Good times were had by all!!!!!

Good News and Frustrating News!

I received an e-mail from our agency today. Seems that our updated police clearances and medical reports were lost at the Vietnam Consulate in San Francisco. So....we need to re-do them ASAP! We must have them to our agency by May 26th, so that they can get to Vietnam and translated to beat the July 1st deadline. And I had thought that they were all ready there. Sheesh! BUT the Good/Great news is............. Drumroll, please.........We are in the group that they expect to recieve a referral before the shutdown on Sept. 1st. Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!

What's a little running around to gather a few documents, we're getting a baby!!! Besides, I could do this in my sleep. I think I'm at our sheriff's office more than most bad guys!

Chongqing China hit by earthquake!

Our dear Natalie came from Chongqing and we travelled there when we received her. We spent a wonderful week there, loving every minute. I pray for all the people that lost their lives and those that lost loved ones. I will be forever connected to Chongqing, thru our sweet Natalie. Thank God, I found out that the orphanage where she lived was safe and there were no injuries to any of the children there. God is Good!

This is a photo of our travel group, with Jon and I, walking in downtown Chongqing. I wonder how many buildings are still standing.

Please pray for the little children in Vietnam

Over the last few weeks, adoption from Vietnam has imploded and Vietnam has decided to end their relationship with the US. Long story short ..... if we do not have our referral by September 1st, we will not be able to adopt from Vietnam. I believe in my heart that we will have our referral, but in the adoption world there are no absolutes. Anything can happen, and usually does. Jon and I both know that our daughter is out there. The new question seems to be.....WHERE? I have placed this in GOD's hands. I trust in the LORD and in my adoption agency. This will work out. But I ask that you pray (or think good thoughts) for us. And for all the darling children that will never see a loving home because of this shutdown. My heart aches for them. I will post more when I know something.

We have POOP!!!!

I have said for a while now, that Natalie 'knew' what to do regarding going in the potty, she just chose not to comply. I even bought a pottychair and put it in the living room so it would be right there IF she decided to try it out. Well, Monday, I was out of the room, and Natalie came in to me, naked as usual, and said "Mama, potty poop." So I jumped up and followed her, hoping to get something on her before we had an accident. But, lo and behold, she pointed to the little pink pottychair and it had been used! For BOTH!!!!!!!!

I almost fell over. OK, OK! I calmed myself down by saying (to myself) that one time does not mean it's a habit. Yesterday, we had another poop and two more potties!!!!! I think she's got it!!!!!!!

Sorry it's been so long ~

Life with a preschooler is very hectic. Natalie keeps us on our toes! Now that Spring is here, keeping her inside has proven to be quite a chore. I have to bribe her to come back in the house after playing outside. I am a dyed in the wool, INDOOR person, give me a book and I'm a happy camper. I HATE the smell of dirt, worms and grass! I don't mind going for walks, but don't ask me to touch anything - eeeewwwwww! Natalie, on the other hand, is a true nature girl. She loves everything about the outdoors, everything! Personally, I think she is GOD's way of making me get off my butt and enjoy life - outside!

After long thought and discussion, we have decided that I am going to homeschool Natalie and Nora, when the time comes. I looked into preschools in our area, there are a few really good ones, but they are cost prohibitive. In other words, expensive. So, I thought - what the hell, let's give it a try. Natalie already knows the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors and can recognize her name. She knows the sign of the cross, and is learning the "Hail Mary". She LOVES church and seeing Jesus. Yesterday at Mass, she took it upon herself to hand out the prayer books to everyone entering the church. She greeted all who came in with a big smile.

On the adoption front, the last remaining documents have been authenticated and our finished dossier should be on its way to Vietnam for translation. I can't wait to post that we finally have a log in date! I have been pretty good about waiting this time, too busy I guess! But now it seems to be getting harder and harder to have patience. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long now.

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day!!!!!!!

Can it only be 2 years! The reason that I say this is because Jon and I feel as though our lives began on March 28, 2006! We don't seem to be able to remember life before Natalie! All we can recall is a world in black and white.

This picture below is of the nannies bringing in our precious soon-to-be daughter.

Here Natalie and her buddies are cruising in their walkers, just moments before we arrived!

And THIS is the moment in time that we waited for for SO LONG!!!!

GOTCHA!!!!!!!

It's so amazing, I didn't think that our little baby could get more beautiful.

But yet she has!

We LOVE you with all our hearts, Natalie Jade HongHu.......our Forever Daughter!!!!