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!!!!