Xie Xie (Thank you)

These sweet friends threw a little mini "sprinkle" for us last night.  To be surrounded by adoptive mommas one week before leaving for China was a HUGE blessing.  We looked at travel/adoption albums and talked endlessly about China, Ethiopia and the tremendous blessing that adoption is.  Through all these years, we have celebrated the adoptions of friends.  To now be on the receiving end, is a surreal experience. 

Even though I wanted for us just to hang out and celebrate, they all brought gifts for us, for Claire and for Sophia. 

Angela made this beautiful keepsake for Claire.

Laura found this amazing Chengdu charm for me.  I could not love it more.

Thank you, friends, for the blessing of last night.  Even though we don't see all of you often, you mean a great deal to us.  Your support has been a major gift to us on this long, long journey.  You have cheered us on, and we are so grateful.  Each of you has inspired me to have a bigger faith, to be a better mother, to fight for the cause of orphans, to live more simply, and to love more freely.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Xie xie. 

We missed you, Julie! 

Article 5

On Thursday, July 22nd, or "Article 5" was picked up and overnighted to Beijing.  This was our last big government hoop prior to TA (Travel Approval).  We are hoping for our TA in three weeks, with travel a couple weeks after that. 

Emotions are running high and planning has kicked into full swing.  Keep us in your prayers as we near the end of the wait, and start the real (and finally physical) journey to Claire. 

Supper Club "Sprinkle"

Our sweet supper club friends hosted a Chinese themed "sprinkle"/celebration for Claire this past weekend!  It was clear that much love and thought was put into this special night, as every detail was perfect. 

The food was delicious, with everyone bringing Chinese dishes to share.  It was quite impressive!  Our crazy awesome hosts, Ashley and Jessica,  made a huge ladybug themed diaper "cake", and guests placed donations (toward a double stroller) in red envelopes in it.  It is much too amazing to take apart anytime soon, so it is now serving as a gi-normous centerpiece on our table!

One of the coolest things of the night was our cake, which had Claire's smiling face on it!  It got lots of "oohs and aahs".  Sophia quickly said, "That is my SISTER!  We aren't going to eat her, are we?" 

We had a great, great time hanging out with our friends and cousins!

The favors were adorable little take-out boxes with ladybugs on them.  Inside were fortune cookies and Chinese candies.

The littles got these adorable little Chinese ducks. 

It was such a fun night.  The littles and adults played hard late into the night!  We were so totally grateful for all of the love and support.  Someday soon Claire will be another little one adding craziness to our monthly dinners!  Thanks, friends!

Cuteness

Just when we thought we couldn't bare another day without updated photos, these three sweet images arrived in our inbox from Chengdu, China.  We are mush, and totally in love.  Is she the cutest thing ever, or what?

"Doing Well"

We received an update on Claire.  No new pictures (extra, extra long sigh), just a tiny morsel of information ...

At 13 months:

Weight 16.5 pounds (below the 3rd percentile)

Height 26 inches (below the 3rd percentile)

6 teeth

"She is doing well." 

We ache for our teeny, tiny little daughter.  Four years, friends.  We have waited for over four years since application.  This part of the wait is not for the faint of heart.   Still, we are grateful that she is ours, and that, "She is doing well."

For the vision is yet for an appointed time,
but at the end it shall speak,
and not lie: though it tarry,
wait for it;
because it will surely come,
it will not tarry. 
Habakkuk 2:3

Log-In, Baby!

, Chin

We received word that we got our new log-in date in China. We are LID April 15th!
Next step Letter of Acceptance (LOA). We're coming for you, Claire!

Happy Birthday, Claire!

Happy Birthday, Claire! You may be in Chengdu, China (and we may be a house full of sick people), but we are celebrating the gift of you today. We'll have a big party when you come home.