Thanks!

Thanks to my Mom and Dad for giving up their weekend to help us get Amelia's room together. I had no idea how much work I had to do! Who knew hanging wall letters was so difficult? We are very pleased with how her room turned out and really appreciated the help. It felt so good to be able to celebrate.

Introducing Pu Min Chen (Amelia)

We are so very grateful to announce the referral of our daughter Pu Min Chen (Amelia Eleanor) she will have a chinese name too, but we haven't decided on that yet.
She was born on Nov. 12 2008 in the Henan Province of China. We have no idea when we will get to bring her home. We are hopeful it will be soon!

We don't have words to express our Joy. We recieved PA today. It has been really hard not to post this for the past 28 days! We are so blessed and cannot wait to complete our family.

Emotional Roller Coater

The past few weeks have been a little rough to say the least. I think that about sums it up.

Another little anniversary.....

I had a really hard time choosing a picture for this post. I finally decided on something that looked calming because that is what I really need at this time.
Today marks three years of starting the adoption process for us. We never imagined that three years into this, we would still be at the beginning.

As usual I type a long, revealing entry and then delete it. If I told my true emotions, I would have to admit them to myself. At this time, I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me from many different directions. I will leave it at that.

Trying to stay positive....

The past couple of weeks have been a little rough. The adoption process is much more difficult than I ever imagined.

Working in a rehabilitation hospital, I have the good fortune to be reminded of how blessed I truly am on a daily basis. I think this helps me forget about the "little things". Having reasonably good health, and a supportive family are two of the most important things in life. I have those, and I am blessed.

I could go on and on about how difficult it is to wait, but I am reflecting on some of the things I have seen at work just today and can instead say, how difficult it would be not to have something so wonderful to wait for.

I often think I am sad or worried about the adoption. I am often reminded of what it really means to have no hope. I am so grateful to be full of hope.

I saw this on another blog I follow and had to borrow it (Thanks Ashley!)
This has been floating around blogland, and I just had to add it to my blog. If this wait wasn't so heartbreaking, I'd be laughing.

* You know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways
* You've been expecting a baby for over 3 years
* You understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world
*You've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S
*You know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes
*Your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4)
*You never know how many days next month will have
*You know that babies come in batches
*You've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime
*You automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl(most of the time)
*You own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big).
*You look twice when you see a lady bug
*You know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 day months
*Your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years
*You know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather
*You've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed. Trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles
*When you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals

And finally...You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Okay they say no news is good news but that isn't always true. We have recently come to the conclusion that every month that passes, we don't really get any closer. Every time we talk to the adoption agency, the adoption news gets a little less promising. We are still hopeful that we will get a referral. We are not optimistic that it will be anytime soon. We are very discouraged, but we will get through it.

On a positive note, we found out Brian's brother will return from Afghanistan in early March. We can't wait until he gets back home with his family.

Best wishes to all.

Melody