Tuesday, June 29, 2010

"the things you do for love"

Ok, so here is the latest...
We were required to update our paper work with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") on May 12 and have been waiting for an important document called a I171-H ever since then. China requires to have this document before they can schedule our consulate appointment...which will then determine our travel dates. While we were visiting my family in Georgia, we received word from our adoption agency that we needed to correct a mistake that had been made before we could receive our I171-H. Our signature was needed before the papers could be mailed, so we got up at 4:30 AM to get on the road early enough to make it back in time to sign the papers and overnight them to USCIS. It has been very ironic at times during the adoption process that we have needed to act so quickly and then come to a complete stop and wait for "the other side" to take their time (at least that's what it feels like to us). But there is true comfort in knowing that every detail of this adoption is totally in God's hands and His ways are perfect!
I have joked about this being my longest "pregnancy" by far! And right now I feel like these are the days leading up to my "due date". Knowing it could happen anytime, while trying to stay focused and carry on with life, working on the mile long "to do" list that needs to be completed before the baby comes.
Please keep praying!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Introducing "Emily Love"...






These are the first photos of our baby girl. The small photo was before her cleft lip repair (we are amazed every time we look at the "before and after"). We will schedule her bilateral cleft palate repair surgery 2 months after she is home.
Take notice of her "split pants"...these are very common in China and are used for potty training...so funny!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Hurry Up Already!!!

Lately, my days have been centered around the mail arriving...waiting for a document from USCIS. Once we receive that letter (I171H), we should receive travel clearance and then our travel date. The time seems to slowly pass by from one mail arrival to the next. I try not to think about it, but the harder I try to get my mind on other things the worse it is! Hurry up and wait....the motto for over 3 years. So we wait...only 8000 miles to go.