Fuling SWI

This is where Jadyn is currently living, but not for long.

If These Walls Could Talk...

Here is a couple of pictures of the beautiful mural on the wall above Jadyn's changing table. Let me just say that I am THRILLED with the outcome. The mural was painted by a dear friend, Roseanne Peppers, who I have come to know and love through working at City Hall. She is an incredibly talented person that pulled the image that I had in my head and put it on the wall. What a feat! I sit and look at it and my mind travels to China, where Jadyn waits. I hope that it gives her a connection to the heritage that is hers. Developing a sense of pride in who she is and allowing her to see the beauty of the land where she was born makes me feel that I am giving something back to the country that gave us this child. Thank you Roseanne for the hours you spent and for each loving stroke, for I know that when you paint, you paint with love. Jadyn thanks you also!

Welcome Home Jadyn Grace...

No, she's not home yet, but this is the print that my sister and brother in law got for her. It says "Welcome Home Jadyn Grace" in Mandarin. It looks perfect in her room and I am so excited to have it. Anna Ruth asked a friend of hers who is Chinese if she would write it for her and she went one better. She had a cousin, who is an artist, paint it for her. Benny, then ran all over the East TN picking out a mat and frame and etc. Well, this is the outcome of that labor of love. It is just beautiful and will be so meaningful to Jadyn. Keeping her culture is very important to us as she will always be Chinese. Thanks Benny and Annie for loving our little girl and blessing us with this picture.

On Saturday, we went to Jeremy, Manda, and Will's for a family shower. They were kind enough to host the shower and have lunch for us. It was a wonderful family time together. We received some great gifts and can't wait to get Jadyn here to dress her in all those pretty clothes, wear her bracelet, put money in her bank, potty in her new potty, listen to her music box and play with her new toys. We also received a great hand painted picture from Annie and Benny that says "Welcome Home Jadyn Grace" in Chinese. It is beautiful and I will take a picture of it and post it next! Until then, enjoy the slides from that very special day!

Excuse me, but do you know where I can find...

...Amy Hood?

Well, one would think that I had fallen out of the blogosphere, but alas, I am still here. What a whirlwind 2 weeks it has been since we got the call. I can't even begin to describe what the last 2 weeks have been like. That's the reason for my lack of blogging, I have been able to form words. Our minds have been reeling and our eyes are constantly drawn to the picture of that sweet face that has melted our hearts. Did I mention that we are in love?

When Seth and Zac were born, the same exact thing happened. They placed both boys in my arms wrapped tightly in a blanket. In order to get a good look at them, I had to unwrap just to get down to the real thing. Those were grand and glorious days. On Tuesday, March 6, 2007, Jadyn Grace Hood was placed in our arms for the first time. And it was a grand and glorious day. It was a LOOONG labor, but the delivery was much easier - no staples - well, there were actually staples, but they were in the corners of the paper and not in my belly! The only difference in the three experiences is Jadyn came wrapped in a Fed Ex envelope instead of swaddled in a blanket. Everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING else was the same. The feelings of complete dependence on God coupled with extreme gratitude and thanksgiving were the same. The feeling of instant love, the kind that you would lay your life down for this child was the same. The feeling that I have never loved my husband more than I do right now was the same. The feeling that I have just laid my eyes on the most beautiful baby in the world was the same, and I have experienced it three times in my life.

Pat told me last night, in his very sweetest way, that he was "glad to be having another baby with me". Wow. What a feeling, we are having another baby and after many years of praying, we are seeing the perfect plan of the Father carried out at just the right time. It just leaves me speechless...

For anyone to understand a tiny bit of how adoption has touched our lives, you must understand one thing, if you don't understand anything else. Adoption is a calling. We have been called by God to adopt. If it were about us, then we would have never adopted. It took 3 years for God to reveal this to Pat. It is also not about my desire to have a little girl and it took God 2 years to reveal that to me. Or maybe, could it be, that it took us that long to figure it out? You hear questions throughout the process like why adopt, why international adoption, why don't you just have another child of your "own", can't you have children, why china, and on and on. Some people just don't get it. It is not about whether I can have children, whether I choose China, Vietnam or Ethiopia, or any other question. Adoption is too expensive, the wait is tougher than either one of my pregnancies combined and at times, the stress is near unbearable - but it's not about me. It's about the Creator calling a family to step out in faith and completely trust His plan. What a beautiful plan it is. If it were about me, I would have skipped all that and just spent my money on a pool. But God chose us to parent that little round faced, tulip lipped, fuzzy headed girl with black eyes that melts you heart. And God chose that round faced, big eyed, little Chinese girl to be our daughter. Before the very foundation of the world was laid, she was chosen to be ours and we were chosen to be hers. And for the plan of a very creative God, I will be eternally grateful.

Thank you for walking this walk with us, and if you were wondering about all the "whys", wonder no more. We are humbled to be chosen by God to adopt...it is an honor and a priviledge.

My Favorite Picture of All!

This is my favorite pictue of all. This picture was taken in November. Is that not the sweetest face that you have ever laid eyes on? We cannot wait to kiss those sweet cheeks. I am so humbled that God has chosen us to parent this child.

It Just Keeps Getting Better!

I received an email from a lady asking me about Jadyn's birthday. I emailed it back to her and she sent me this wonderful present. Jadyn is in the infant nurture program at the orphanage and this picture was taken in February. We are so blessed. I promise, I will blog more soon. I am just having a really hard time forming words at this point. Until then, enjoy the newest picture of my sweet angel. With all her layers, she sort of has my Uncle Robert's belly! :)

To God Be the Glory...

Finally, our prayers have a face. We think that she is the most beautiful baby on this earth and we are speechless. We are in awe of God's goodness and His faithfulness. We cannot believe that He saw fit to match us with such a beautiful baby. She is truly beautiful, for her sticking up hair to her little tulip shaped lips. WOW, pretty much sums it up. I will post more later. We have so much to enlighten you on. Until then, you will just have to stare at these two pictures. I have been for the last 10 hours. Life is so sweet!

WE HAVE A BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are praising God for this wonderful news! We have a daughter!

Name: Fu Bao Jun
DOB 4/13/06
Fuling Social Welfare Institute
Chongqing

We are absolutely beside ourselves and still cannot believe that we have gotten "the call". We go down tomorrow to Bethany and pick up the picture and the rest of the translated information. We stand in awe of the God we serve.

Breaking News!

100% confirmed that the package that has been mailed IS referrals. Also, the confirmed cut-off date is 10/24/05. Unless there is some fluke, we are IN! Referrals are in the states, one agency has received their referrals today. Stay tuned.

Shower Slideshow

Here is a link to the shower slide show. This will have to hold you over for now. Alison did the pictures and they are GREAT, which is no huge surprise. Thanks Alison for your talent and for being my friend. Click on shower slideshow above in the title.

Here's The Scoop!

Well, it looks as though 10/24/05 has been confirmed as the cut-off. I always hesitate to say this as it has not changed on the main CCAA site. Apparently this is from the "internal" pages that can only be accessed by log in. So I guess until I see it actually change on the CCAA website or get "the call" I won't hang my hat on it until then.

Now, the question is, what does the package that was mailed from the CCAA on Friday 3/2 contain. Could it be referrals? Yes. Could it be TA's? (travel approvals) Yes. Both are a possibility, but with the rumors of a cut-off date floating around, I can only believe that there is a strong possibility that there is referrals in that package. Time will tell. Stay tuned and check frequently. I will blog as soon as I have news of any kind.

Also, I will blog about the shower we had yesterday as soon as I can. WOW. It was great!

Am I Prepared?

Today I have been reflecting on all that is about to take place. Things are about to kick into high gear and I wonder if I am really ready. Not, ready to get Jadyn, because believe me, we are past ready (not a huge surprise) and are we REALLY ready. It's the little things like a day or so ago I realized that I have nothing to send for her care package. Once we find out the orphanage that she is in, I can prepare and send a care package to her. This is a common occurance. Most families send things like a soft blanket, a photo album with pictures of her new family labeled in Chinese, a small toy, some candy for the nannies and a couple of disposable cameras. The idea in sending the cameras is to ask the nannies to snap a few pictures of the orphanage and the caretakers, cribmates, orphanage life etc. I do actually know of people that the camera is returned to them and the pictures have all been taken up. This, in most cases, is the only link to that past life that our daughter would have. Those that have received these camera back have had them developed and realized what a treasure they really are. Most of the time, if you get anything back, it's the cameras. It is not unusual to see any of the rest of it, which is okay. Maybe some little baby will get the use of the rest of the stuff. So, I've got to get that stuff together. I fully believe that one day next week, we our prayers will have a face.

Hello March!

Well, this is it, officially the first day of March. My hope is dwindling that we will see referrals this week. Not that I really had much hope anyway, but you just never know. Now, if we don't start seeing something happen next week, then you can officially place my name in the very disappointed column. I think that this week was really a little to early to set your expectations too high. Today has been a pretty good day and we have a big weekend coming up so we are excited about that. I have family coming this weekend and I am sure that we will shop til we drop and then all shower on Sunday. Hee hee! That just sounds funny to me! It's going to be a great weekend and I am sure that we will squeeze in a little Chinese food at Pei Wei at some point. Woo Hoo, a good time will be had by all.

A Better Day!

The excitement is building! Rumors are beginning to float around and right now they are all over the place. We are seeing everything from late this week to mid March referral arrival and nothing close to narrowing a cut-off date. This is very common for early referral rumors. This is where great patience is required.

One thing that I have to keep in mind is that they are exactly what they are and that is rumors. Nothing to bet your house on, just rumors. But when you have been waiting for almost 2 years, you grasp at anything that you can and hold on for dear life, especially if it is positive. And, with that, if it is not positive, you let it keep you awake at night. As I have been reminded almost on a daily basis since we began this whole journey in 2005, guess who is NOT in control and guess who is.

So, that is really all I have, which is pretty much nothing. Thanks for your concerns on my crying day yesterday, today is actually better. I still look quite tired, probably because I am. I was at the Y before 7:00am today and haven't stopped yet. Wednesdays are a little crazy for us, like most every other day. I have family coming this weekend and that IS exciting. Our church shower is Sunday and they are coming Friday so we can get in a little shopping before the shower. Ooohh, now that sounds like fun. Thanks for checking in on us and hopefully, I'll have a little more news tomorrow. Goodbye February, Hello March! This IS our month! Stay tuned, same bat time, same bat channel!

Try Not to Make Eye Contact!

First of all, let my offer my humble apology for not blogging yesterday. Yes, I am well aware that I said that I was going to post everyday until we get our referral and already, I have failed. The day just got away from me and my "little" project of completely redecorating Zac's bedroom in 5 days is making me crazy, or crazier I guess I should say.

Secondly, let me just warn you, it will probably be in your best interest to avoid eye contact with me today, I am a bit weepy. Okay, a whole lot weepy. So far I have cried twice at the Y today, not because anyone made me, just because I felt like crying. Pat, this would be a good time to remember that I don't always have an answer for why I am crying. I then proceeded to WalMart where I cried once in the van on the way there and once in the WalMart. The episode in the van was brought on by that blame Pedigree commercial that obviously makes me cry even when I think about it, and the one in WalMart I suppose could be pinned on the fact that I could not find the Herbal Essence Pin Straight Shampoo that I was looking for. At least that's the only thing that I can figure out that I was doing when the tears began. Oh, I didn't utter a sound, so there was no wailing, just some rolling tears and a little snot, if you will.

So, yes, the month of February is about over and we are next! Just know that if you make eye contact with me, I could just cry.

What am I counting to?

I was telling Pat something about the blog today and he said that he was wondering what I was counting down to. So, I guess that I will have to change my post titles to no count down since I don't know for sure when we will get our referral. I was counting down to the end of February, but since there is no guarrantee that they will come March 1, I suppose I need to change my counting ways!

We have began a huge project and that is trying to get Zac's room ready upstairs. He is moving into the bonus room, which was Seth's old room. We are going to make Seth's old room an office/guest bedroom so the pressure is on. We went Saturday and purchased paint and it is looking great. It will be a sweet room. So now, our "spare" time is spent on painting. It's a big room, lots of angles and lots of trimming. Pat and Zac helped do the rolling, but I am the only one that can trim, or that's the story and everyone is sticking to it.

Consider Yourself Warned!

February is quickly passing and we are about to be at the end of it. I can't help but feel in my gut that we will hear something very soon. Call it instinct, call it a gut feeling, or call it the chicken stir fry that I had for dinner, who knows? We have worked so hard today on Zac's new room. He will be moving upstairs to the bonus room and we are trying to "cool" it up a little bit. Jeremy, Manda and Will came yesterday to enjoy the festivities of Elijah and Macklin's birthday party and stayed all night with us. Manda and I worked this morning in Jadyn's room, putting things in drawers, in the closet, etc. I have mush for brains and I couldn't make a rational decision as to where to put her socks. You see, I have a chest of drawers and a changing table and I want to put everything in the most efficient locations. I think there may have actually been a tear or two shed on Friday morning when I was facing that all important decision that all expectant mothers must face - "do I put the socks, tights and leggings in the same drawer in the chest, or do I seperate them and put the socks in one of the drawers in the changing tables?" I just couldn't decide what the most efficient location would be. Anyone want to come help get things situated? I might cry - consider yourself warned! Our church shower is next Sunday, so I'll have some more things to put up after it!

To Work or Not to Work-That is the Question!

Wow, what craziness! I read this morning that the CCAA is opening back up on 2/24/07. If that is true, it's a little quicker than I thought. It was my understanding that they were to return to work on 2/26. I hope that this is true, it could only speed us up. I anticipate that referrals will be sometime in the first 7 days of March. So I guess I should have started the countown at T minus 11 or 12, but 7 sounded like a good number. I am counting February out of here. Next week is our shower and we are SO excited about it. We are beginning again, which is crazy to me. People ask "what do you need?" and I just say "mostly everything!" because I got rid of everything. If I did not get rid of it, it would be dry rotted anyway. Zac is 14 you know! That's what I mean by craziness. Oh well, I am already not sleeping, so I guess I am preparing to get up with a baby again. It's been along time since I have had to do that too. Stay tuned and be sure and check out Pat's blog which is listed above. He has been talking about the adoption and how God has dealt with him on this subject. Now that's craziness!

Well, We're Another Day Closer

Every morning when the clock goes off Pat says, "well, we're another day closer." I just love the way that sounds. He is so encouraging and is so excited. He cannot wait to have a little girl. I have been trying to get him to put is in a pool and he has refused for years. I told him that I am going to have Jadyn ask him to put her in a pool when she gets old enough to talk. :) He said that I had better not and gave me "the look". Life with a little girl, he has no idea what he is in for. But, I want Pat to experience what it is like to be loved by a daughter. It's the sweetest kind of love. I can't wait for him to know this kind of love. We are another day closer and I fully expect to begin to hear some rumors the beginning of next week. The CCAA is closed all this week for Chinese New Year, so there is not much out there. The countdown is on, we're ready to see that face, and this will be the first place that her picture is posted for public viewing! Check back often, you never know when we might get "the call".

Counting February Outta Here!

Today is February 21, 2007. Officially, we have been logged in for 16 months today. That's a long time in case you didn't realize! :) I could have carried and given birth to an elephant by now. But let me just say: LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN! Most of the time referrals come the end of the month, so I am counting down the end of February. I will be posting a message everyday until we receive our referral which should be the end of February/first of March. Pray that it is closer to the end of February. Finally, we will have a name, picture, birthdate and our prayers will have a face. Our hearts are filled with joy and anticipation and especially love. Join me as we count down these next few days until we see the face of Jadyn!

Lesson 2 - How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count ...

What a fitting day to talk about love. So many things have rolled around in my head during the past two years and one in particular is thoughts of love. How important love is to our lives. I was fortunate to grow up in a very loving family. Saying "I love you" was something that was spoken sincerely and spoken often. That is something that has carried into my marriage. I love to hear the words I love you. One of my favorite children's book is Guess How Much I Love You and it warms my heart. It is the story of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare and there debate of which one loves the other the most.

"I love you all the way down the lane as far as the river." cried Little Nutbrown Hare. "I love you across the river and over the hills," said Big Nutbrown Hare. That's very far, thought Little Nutbrown Hare. He was almost too sleepy to think anymore. The he looked beyond the thornbushes, out into the big dark night. Nothing could be farther than the sky. "I love you right up to the moon," he said and closed his eyes. "Oh, that's far," said Big Nutbrown Hare. "That is very, very far." Big Nutbrown Hare settled Little Nutbrown Hare into his bed of leaves. He leaned over and kissed him good night. Then he lay down close by and whispered with a smile, "I love you right up to the moon - and back."

I use to tell my dad "I love you up to the sky and down to the ground" and that's alot of love. When you experience that kind of love, it gives you a glimpse into the love of God. How can I love a child that I have never seen and that another woman carried and gave birth to, but yet the love I feel for her is as deep as the love for my boys? It is a love that can only be placed in your heart by a Holy and loving God. I cannot even fathom how much the Father loves us, but for this love, I am forever grateful.

How Deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannon give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom.


Love... How thankful I am that I cannot possibly understand how much God loves me but one thing I know for certain, I do love Him "up to the moon - and back" I thank Him for teaching me more every day about love.

Jadyn's Quilt

Here is the quilt that goes with Jadyn's bedding. I still have a little work to do on the bumper pads and they will be finished also. I had them made, but I have to add some extra ties on the sides to help them to stand better. Everything matches so well and I love it.


The mural is almost finished, one more visit from Roseanne will do it. I narrowed the mural down quite a bit and made a few changes. Roseanne is now painting the curtains to look like the real curtains on the window and it looks so good. I am so excited about it. It is all coming together. Here is a picture of the mural at this stage.





And finally, here are all of Jadyn's friends waiting on her to come home.

The View From Down Here-Lesson 1

You asked for it, so here you go. What have I learned during this long journey of adoption? A journey, that I might add, that is not over. We are still traveling that road and looking for a place to rest. Sometimes, we need the rest more than others. Sometimes, we find ourselves running and other times we are simply dragging our feet. What a journey it has been!

From the time that we began this journey almost two years ago, I held onto a picture in my mind of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus while everything else is going on around her. That is precisely where I have found myself and how I have coped with the increase wait times, the disappointments along the way, and quite frankly, the thought of my daughter being in an institution in China and my inability to get to her. At the feet of Jesus, that is where I have stayed. Never before in my life have I ever been forced to rely on Him so much. Isn't that exactly what He wants us to do? So what's the problem? How hard can it be to completely and fully rely on Him? How hard can it be to trust Him completely? How hard can it be to sit at his feet and focus on Him, rather than everything that is going on around me?

It's hard, very hard. At times, I have found myself, sitting at His feet, yet looking at the giant that I was facing. The giant of increasing wait times, etc. It was during those times, I realized I was no longer focusing on Him, but the other things and they were huge from where I was sitting.

One of the verses that God has repeatedly given me during this time is this...

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

From where I am sitting, it's looking pretty sweet right now...

I See The Moon and The Moon Sees Me!

I got up Saturday morning and one of the first things I do is look out the front door to "check the weather" as my Dad use to do. My eyes immediately were drawn to this beautiful moon that was shining so bright in the daylight. The picture does not capture how bright the moon really was. You could see the surface colors and it was so vivid. So many times throughout this journey I have looked at the moon and it is one of the few things that links us to Jadyn right now. As she is in China and we are on the other side of the world, it's the same moon that shines over both of us. When I see it in the daytime, my mind always thinks that maybe a very loving nanny is walking Jadyn outside to see the moon. She points and shows it to her and they look at it, just a few seconds and at the same time that I am standing on my front walk in my pajamas, looking at the moon and thinking about my little girl. Maybe a stretch, but somehow it give me such a peace. I really needed to see that daytime moon Saturday morning and I thank God that He put that moon in the daytime sky just for Jadyn, her nanny and me. I see the moon and the moon sees me...

How I Am Feeling Today

Today is one of those days where my emotions have been "running crazy". Here is my post from the babyjellybeans site that pretty much sums up what I am feeling in my heart...

When I think of the whole process, it overwhelms me sometimes with raw emotion. I don't understand why God chose for us to be in this place, at this time, but He did. And for that, I will be forever be grateful. It is so hard to describe how you can love something so much that you have never seen, felt, smelled, touched or held. Hmm, much like my love for God I would say. We are in love with a child we have never seen and that boggles the mind. How can I love something so deeply that I have never seen? That, my family and friends, is the overflowing of the love of God in my life. It is a love that is so real it consumes you, yet so tender, you just want to share it with the world. Isn't that what it's really all about. Sharing God's love with the world. When I think of the complexity of it all, it always leads me to the God I love and His grace. He has chosen to entrust us with this gift of undescribable love in our hearts. A love that can only be placed there by the Creator. Wow.

October 13, 2005 - The New Cut-Off

The CCAA has officially revealed the new cut-off date. The website was updated tonight and they managed to get through October 13, 2005!!! This means they are in October and it is SO good to finally see that month on their website. Now, what's next? I'm glad you asked. WE ARE!!! This leaves us in the position to almost be a shoe-in for the next batch of referrals!!! This sounds unbelievable to me and I think that reality is beginning to sink it. I guess you could say that I am pretty much a wreck!

My sweet friend Becca gave us this plate for Jadyn's room and I think it pretty much sums it all up. "We prayed for this child and the Lord has granted us what we aked of Him". From the very beginning, Jadyn Grace Hood has been bathed in prayer. We don't have too far to go now. Continue to pray daily for Jadyn, her birth family, her health, her country and her new parents who are so anxiously waiting for this baby girl. We are almost there Jadyn!

Coming Soon - What I have Learned

I am attempting to put together my thoughts on the lessons that I have been taught over the past two years and even beyond. I am going to post some of the things that God has taught me during this very difficult time in hopes that someone, somewhere may benefit from those lessons. So, stay tuned for the real truth, some of which is pretty and some of which is not so pretty.

When you gotta go, you gotta go!

I ran across the picture and it just cracks me up. What a great and creative angle. It really sums up how I feel right now. I have been somewhat preoccupied yesterday and last night after reading a thread of the Bethany Board about attachment. I keep going over and over in my mind, what if I don't get it right, what if I miss something, what if Jadyn has attachment issues that I don't recognize, and every other question rolling around in my head. I guess you can say that I feel like I'm "freaking out" on the inside. For those that know me well, you know that I wouldn't show it on the outside. Is this normal to feel this way coming down to the wire? I have waited so long for this and I just don't want to mess it up. I read of severe attachment issues and I read peoples blogs that say their issues are very minimal. I think that it is safe to say that all instutionalized children have suffered a break in the attachment cycle and will have some issues and I recognize and believe this, but I can't help but be worried about missing something. Maybe I just need reassurance, maybe I just need encouragement, maybe I just need to use THAT bathroom at the Great Wall!

Anyone for Sushi?

For those of you that know me well, you know once I have something in my mind there is no stopping me. I will drive 500 miles just to find one thing. Well, one of my most recent missions has been the Great Sushi Set Search of 06! I saw this "Melissa and Doug" wooden sushi set on line and felt in my heart that Jadyn "must" have one. It was way too much on line so I began my hunt. I had a few shops that I knew that sold Melissa and Doug toys but I kept coming up empty handed. Just when I had resolved that I was going to "have" to pay that ridiculous price, I found it at the Peanut Gallery in Murfreesboro. Woo Hoo! It is so cute. The sushi rolls velcro together so you can put the together and then "cut" them apart to serve. The chopsticks have velcro on the ends of them so you can easily pick the "sushi" up. It also has a bowl of soy sauce, wasabi and ginger slices. It really is too cute for words. Guess you can tell that it don't take much to excite me these days.

Fun with Addie!

Just before Christmas, we got the priviledge of keeping Addie Mei for Dick and Leslie. She was a blast. I told Pat that we must look ridiculous as we sat in chairs (all three of us, Pat, Zac and myself) just watching her eat in her (actually Jadyn's) highchair. Can you imagine? Oh well, here are a few pictures from the night that I am just now blogging. What a great time we had. It was a true joy and she loves egg nog. I don't think that they served it back at "the home" :)

A Little Bummed!

Well, the new cut-off date is 9/27/05. I really had hoped for the rest of the month, or at least through the 29th of September, but no go. I am not at all surprised, but I guess a little disappointed. This means that we will probably not get our referral until sometime in February or even into the first or March. I don't look for the next cut-off to go much into October. Even though there is more days in this batch, this is still considerably less LID's that they have previously been processing. I am still searching for the lesson that God is teaching me!!!!!

What do I Know?

Nothing, absolutely nothing at this point. I am still diligently praying that 9/29 is included in this batch that is due to hit the states today. We need it to and we need it to BAD!!! Keep on praying. This is HUGE for us. There are conflicting rumors, but it's not looking too good right now.

Happy New Year!

Yes, I know that I'm a day late, that is usually how it works for me. But, here's hoping we hear some wonderful referral news today. There is a European agency that has already confirmed that their 9/27/05 people are in. We REALLY NEED for this batch to go through the end of September. Get busy praying! More later as the excitement unfolds! Just a thought, what if we get a call today and our LID has been changed? Stranger things have happened you know! :)

Stop the Madness!

Things continue to be crazy in the world of adoption. There have been several families who had LID's past 9/8/05 who have received their referrals in the last batch. I have seen one as late at 9/15/05. Talk about a surprise. How wild would that be? I really think that we are on target for February. However, there is a slim chance that we could get ours in January. This has been a crazy process and just think, the fun is just beginning.

CCAA Update

Well, here you go, hot off the press. We're through September 8th. Not where I expected to be this month. I'm pretty disappointed, but, not much I can do. We are getting closer, inch by inch.

No news is... No news

Nada, zilch, nothing. Lots and lots of conflicting rumors (I emphasize the word rumors)that are pointing to a million different directions. Once again, we are up in the air. We'll just have to wait and see for ourselve when referrals arrive. Oh, and the rumors about the arrival of referrals are all over the place too. So, the moral of that story is "don't pay attention to rumors". Right?

No news is good news? Right?

Happy Monday! It's the beginning of a brand new week and boy was it hard to get out of bed this morning. I don't even think that I set the clock last night. I can't remember. There is nothing new on the adoption front this morning, we are all waiting not so patiently for any bit of rumor that comes our way.

I am praying that we know something soon and if you need something to pray for, pray that all of September is included in this next batch of referrals. Now, that would be excited. Maybe they are still matching and we just haven't heard yet because of that. One can dream!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, what I am thankful for? The list goes on and on. I am thankful for my wonderful husband, who is my best friend. I am thankful for our boys. I am thankful for the little girl who waits on us in China. Our life is getting ready to be turned upside down. We can't wait.

So, today, as I reflect on Thanksgiving past, and look forward to future Thanksgivings, I pray that now, as our daughter sleeps somewhere in China, that God will warm her heart today, whisper our voices in her ear, and hold her in His arms while she sleeps. We love you Jadyn, sleep well sweet daughter, we will come get you soon. For you, I am forever thankful.

Hey, we got one!

There is a great rumor on RQ this morning. I woke up to some exciting news. She says that there are some agencies that are saying we will see either all or almost all of September in this next batch. Now that's exciting! Pray that it happens, although, I am not getting my hopes up. I have been on that roller coaster before and it's not a fun ride.

Yesterday, all my troubles seem so far away!

Yesterday was the 13 month anniniversary of our LID. We were actually logged in for 13 months. WOW, that is just hard for me to believe. I can't help but think that good news is right around the corner. I can't wait to find out about the next batch of referrals, which by the way, there is no rumors floating around about at all.

I really might have my expectations a little high, but who knows. I think we will see sweet Jadyn's face the end of January. Yep, that's what keeps me awake at night (see the posted time) and that's what motivates me during the day. The thoughts of seeing her sweet face. God, love on her today and she waits for us in China.

At Last! Can I Get an AMEN!

Ladies and Gentlemen: We have a cut-off date! The CCAA website is updated and they have processed through August 25, 2005. This is pretty significant. According to the word on the street, August 24th was a HUGE day of LID's so to have gotten through this day alone is BIG. And, besides that, they got through one more day past it. I'll get a little information later (like when the sun comes up) that will let us know exactly how significant. Until then, I think I will go back to bed and try to sleep a little tonight, just because it's dark outside and that is what NORMAL people do this time of the day.

Can I get an AMEN!!!

Can I Have a Do-Over?

We have managed to wait so long that we are having to redo our paperwork for the immigration service. Out I171H, which is our approval to bring an orphaned child into the states expires on 2/15/07 and it must be valid through travel. Quite frankly, I don't think that ours will be, so here we go again.

We must be refingerprinted (FBI), which we have already done, to the tune of $210.00 and then onward to more papers. We are required to have an update on our homestudy, new police clearance letters, new financial statements, new medical exams (all of us), and report of our taxes from last year. We are required to have a face to face meeting with our social worker, which Pat and I are doing Wednesday morning. We have to go downtown to Bethany's office, with paperwork in hand, give her our updated information, a check for $545.00 and when our updated paperwork returns from immigration, we're good for another 18 months. Lord, please don't let it take that long!!

Yes, I am awake again in the middle of the night, and tonight I am thinking of everything that has to be redone. Random, huh? Maybe one day I will sleep normally again, who knows? I guess I'll sleep better just in time to be awaken by a 1 year old.

help

See how weak that cry for help was, no capitalization even. I have absolutely no clue what is going to with referrals. There is no information and nothing on the horizon. All I know, is that I am going nuts. I am stumped by the CCAA as to what is going on. I don't know if this is a good sign or a terrible sign. What I am so afraid of is that we are going to wait and wait and wait and then the update will be only through August 12th or 15th or something absurd like that. I am clueless, speechless, and every other less that you can think of.

Pray that we will get good news. I am so discouraged and frustrated. It is a tough road and I know that you have all heard it before, all the time in fact, but it really sucks (I hate that word but that is the best one to describe it) and I can't help it. Oh well, there is not a whole lot that I can do, except continue to pray. Thanks and I will post when I have new info.

Whoda thunk it?

Well, here it is 3:32 in the morning (which of course begs the question "why are you not asleep?") and there is still no word on referrals. What is up with that? I cannot believe that we have heard nothing. There has been a REALLY good rumor floating around that said that a European agency has told someone with a 10/24 LID that they would have their referral by Christmas. I can't even let my emotions go there. I got a lump in my throat and choked up a little when Pat first read it to me, but then I had to get my emotions and my racing mind in check. Oh well, I guess we will see what this batch holds.

They are going to have to do some major speeding up and catching up for that to happen. But, stranger things have happened. Wouldn't it be amazing to have a picture of our sweet Jadyn's face for Christmas. Wow, it leaves me speechless.

Long time, no post!

Well, I would love to have something to update, but there is just nothing out there yet. The word on the street is that COP lists are in the states, but of course our agency don't know any thing about it. There is talk of some moving and shuffling of LID's, but again, our agency hasn't heard anything about it. Referrals are expected to hit the states sometime this week and there is no real idea about the cutoff except that it is going to be sometime between 8/23 and 8/28. So, there you have it, like I said, nothing real to report. I'll post as soon as I know something and begin hearing about referrals. We do feel, however, that we are getting closer and that we are on the down hill side of this now. Keep praying.

Time is ticking!

Well, time is passing and it seems to be passing a little quicker these days. We are very busy and this weekend was no exception. I directed a wedding on Friday night, left for Knoxville after the wedding and stayed with Amanda, Jeremy and Will in Knoxville. We went to Asheville on Saturday evening for my niece Stacy's wedding, went to Church Hill after that wedding, Pat preached at FBC Church Hill on Sunday morning, went to a birthday party for Will after church and came home (FINALLY!) to eat dinner and sleep in my own bed (WOOHOO!). It was a whilrwind weekend but it causes the days to go by quickly. Today, it's back to our regular routine. Check out the picture of the beautiful bag that my friend Terri Fleming made for Jadyn. She sent it to me a few weeks ago and I am thrilled beyond measure. I can't wait to carry it everywhere I go with Jadyn of course!

Have a great day all!
Amy

CCAA Update

Well, it's official. The CCAA has updated their website and the cut off date for this batch of referrals is August 9th. It is not as many days as I had hoped, but I guess that it could have been worse. I still think in the next month or so, we will start to see things pick up somewhat. Anyway, that is where we are. Looks like we still have a ways to go. Keep praying, it won't be as long as it has been.

After

Here is the "after" picture. Roseanne worked on mural on Tuesday afternoon. What do you think? I think it is pretty incredible. I am so excited about it. We've got a few more things planned. It's going to be really cool.

Before

Here is the before picture.

Click on the link to the right that says "Jadyn's Website". It has pictures under Jadyn's Room.

Never mind about the pictures.

I have no idea what is going on, but I can't get one single picture to upload to blogspot. I will try again later. Until then, just close your eyes and imagine a really great mural on the wall. :)

The painting on the wall.

Well, it is coming along. Roseanne worked several hours and I did a whole bunch of watching. I tried to pay close attention to everything that she was doing. It was just one big art lesson. It is beautiful already and she is not even finished. I can't wait. I have my quiet time in Jadyn's room in the morning and spend alot of time in there praying for her. I feel already like I can look at her mural and seem somehow a little closer to her. It really does look like China is just out the window. I can't help but think that things are about to pick up. Maybe just wishful thinking, maybe just a gut feeling. But, I am hopeful. Enjoy the pics.

Return of the Living Dead!

Hey, what do you know, I made it through the worst tooth issue that I have ever had in my life. Let me just say that I pray that I will never have to go through anything like that ever again. It was nuts. I am STILL taking antibiotics and they make me terribly sick, but only a couple more days of those.

I am SO excited about tomorrow (well, considering that it is 3:44am I guess you could say that I am excited about today). My friend, Roseanne is coming to work on the mural in Jadyn's room. Here is a picture of the wall where it is going to go. Stay tuned for the progress. It is going to be AMAZING!

The pain! The pain!

Wow, what a tough couple of days. A few weeks ago I started waking during the night with terrible jaw pain and my teeth hurting. I thought that I was clenching my teeth at night and this was making my jaw hurt. Well, 2 days ago I started having pain in my teeth on my upper right side. This was followed by marked swelling of my cheek and face. All of this was accompanied by the most excruciating pain ever! I went to the dentist and he was afraid to do anything with it. The tooth had an old root canal that was either failed or the root was fractured and on top of that, he said that the bone looked "funny" on x-ray. I went that same morning to an endodontist in Murfreesboro and she said that there was an abcess in my jaw bone and that the root canal had failed. No wonder I was in pain.

I had to go back on Thursday morning for a retreatment on the root canal and to try and get some relief. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but it was the worst thing that I have ever had. It wouldn't numb because of the infection (pretty huh?) and it was terrible. She did a great job and apologized everytime that a tear rolled from my eyes into my ears. Well, I am at home, with a still swollen face, a prescription for Percocet, Lortab, and two antibiotics and she said that I may have to go into the hospital for IV antibiotics. Yikes! I have gotten some relief but I am still taking the pain medicine and of course the antibiotics. Nothing is ever simple or cheap when it comes to my teeth. If I had all of the money that I have invested in my mouth, we could adopt 12 Jadyns, all with good teeth, of course.

When Love Takes You In - Steven Curtis Chapman

Get out you tissues!

Addie's Home!

Welcome to America Addie Mei Overby! Dick, Leslie, Sarah and Addie Mei made it home on Saturday evening. Praise the Lord for safe travels. They missed their connecting flight in Chicago but caught the next one and was only delayed about 30 minutes. Addie is doing wonderful. She is so precious and seems to be adjusting to her new life very quickly. I spoke with Leslie today and she said that she just looks at everything and is mesmerized by the television. Just look at the look on her face. It's amazing what a little love can do.

Happy Birthday Gege!

Today is Seth's 20th birthday. WOW! I really can't believe that I have a child that old. It don't seem like it's been that long ago that I was 20. I guess it has though. Gege is chinese for big brother. Happy 20th Seth, we love you!

Curtains, Rugs, and Ribbons, Oh My!

Finally, I found a rug to go in Jadyn's room. I ended up getting it at Pottery Barn Kids at the Green Hills Mall. I looked and looked and went back and got one of the first ones that I looked at. Even Pat said "it matches perfect". He was quite impressed. I am just glad to have that step behind me.

I am working on the curtains as you can see. I have one panel made, but I am not satisfied with the way they attach to the rod. I used wood rings with clips. I don't like the space between the wood rings and the top of the curtains. I think that the space is too big. I have some ribbon that I plan to use on the top of the curtains, but I have to figure out a cute way to attach the panel to the rod. Any suggestions???

Love Makes the Difference

Here is a new picture of Addie Mei. This is just a few days later. Look at the difference. It always amazes me how just a day or two can make such a difference in the look on their little faces. They have a look of "yeah, this is the way it's supposed to be". I am so happy for Dick, Leslie and Sarah, but especially for Addie. They will be home Saturday night, pray for safe travels for them.

It's Official

I just checked the CCAA website and it is now official. See post taken from the CCAA site itself. I really was telling myself that it wasn't true, but I guess when you see it in black and white, you know that it really is.

Here is the official post:

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before October 31, 2005.


The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before July 22, 2005.

Do you Hear What I Hear?

What we are hearing is that the cut off date for referrals is going to be July 22. Remember last month's cut off date was July 13. That is not very many days, but who is counting? (me, for one) It really stinks to be quite frank and that is probably all I should say at this point as it is 3:31 in the morning, I can't sleep, (so what else is new) and I am teetering on the edge of a meltdown. (3rd one today)

If you have not heard me say this before - ADOPTION IS NOT FOR SISSIES! I am thinking about making T-shirts with this printed on it. :)

Safe in the arms of love!

Leslie and her family have Addie. What a relief. We are so excited for them and she is absolutely precious. She is a beautiful little girl and we can't wait to see her. Pray for her health as she is struggling with some respiratory gunk and is having a great deal of trouble being comfortable. She is quite congested which is common in babies from her province. Here is a picture of her, just look at those eyes. All babies seem to have a hollow, empty look through their eyes. Stay tuned and watch that look disappear before your eyes. It a day or so, she will look completely different. Amazing what a little love can do huh?

Zac's Will!

This past weekend we enjoyed Will being with us. (and oh yeah, Manda and Jeremy came too) Zac especially enjoyed his time with Will. He can't wait to be a big brother. He is so excited. He mentioned yesterday that he was glad to have his room next to Jadyn's room in case she cried during the night, he could get up with her. The way I've got it figured, the only thing that I will have to ever do for her is pay for her college!

Eyes Wide Open

Here I sit, eyes wide open. My friend, Leslie and her family are leaving this morning for China. WOW - that's about all I can say. Pray for them as they travel. They will be getting their daughter on 8/21. It just all seems so surreal, I can't even imagine how they must be feeling.

Soon, those empty little eyes will be full of laughter and love. Hold on Addie, they're coming for you!

Rock-A-Bye Sweet Baby J

I finally have a place to sit in Jadyn's room. I have been looking forever for a rocking chair. Just when I thought that I found one, Babies R Us discontinued it and it was nowhere to be found. But, I found this one in Franklin. I am even more excited about it. It is great fabric and it fit's perfectly in Jadyn's room. It is exactly what I have been looking for. Now I just need a baby to rock in it.

OOOOOHHHH, AAAAAHHHHHH!

The fireworks were pretty spectacular. The neighborhood fireworks that is. We were very impressed with the people around us and the purchases that they made. Of course, our small group out performed them all. Ours were "bigger and higher" than any others is the comment that I heard from one of the guys. Of course they were!

It was sad to go to a celebration and think of Jadyn in China. We SO want her here! Happy 4th of July Jadyn, we are coming to get you as soon as we can get there !