MY ultrasound!

Over the last month, several of my friends have shown me the ultrasound of their baby. I know that my process is different than that of a pregnant woman, but the waiting must be exactly the same. There are times when you worry, times when you are so excited you can hardly stand it, times you wonder about your baby's health and development and times when you feel completely at peace with everything. I am certain that I have felt each of these emotions in the last several weeks. I also know that I continue to be thankful for all of the support I receive from others. I have received gifts for Lillie and know that she is being thought of and prayed for everywhere from family in Switzerland to Kids Club in Glasgow, Kentucky. I can't wait for her to meet her fan club!

Lillie's Bedroom

Several of you have asked about Lillie's bedroom. It is still not complete, but here is a sneak peek! The walls are Lemon Chiffon...thanks to my brother, Erik! The picture on the wall is the alphabet...with each letter being a city from around the world! It was a gift from several dear friends at school. (My first "baby gift") The picture is what all other colors have been chosen to match. The black and white photos are from different countries around the world and the ribbons are to add some color. I decided an international theme was perfect for our little international family. There is still much to do, but at least everyone gets a chance to see the beginning of the transformation! I will post more pictures as the room progresses.

New Rules for CCAA

In the last few days, several of you have contacted me about the new CCAA regulations. Here is what I know and how it will affect Lillie and I. I know that there are new regulations saying that China will no longer allow single people to adopt, along with several other new restrictions. They will ban disabled people, families with net assets of less than $80,000, people whose ages do not fall between 30-50, those whose BMI is over 40 and those who have been divorced numerous times. They will set new minimums on the length of marriage for couples who want to adopt. The China Center of Adoption Affairs has shared all of this in a Dec. 8th meeting. The rules, which have yet to be finalized, will most likely take affect in early May.
The changes shouldn't affect my adoption process, but I am definately now on a tighter timeline. Now I am waiting for my I 171H from US Immigration. When talking with Grace yesterday(my family advocate at AHH), she felt like it was possible I could recieve this by the end of January. (At least that is our hope...please pray!) Once it arrives, I will have to quickly get it notarized, authenticated, etc. so that my Dossier can be sent to China. I am hoping the entire Dossier will be off to China no later than mid March. (It will hopefully be much sooner, but the AHH goal is March 16th) This will allow about a month and a half for China to receive the Dossier and log it in to their system. I must have an LID of May 1! After receiveing my LID, the time line could be up to 100 days before travel, which means that it could be August or September before I go to China!
All this is to explain that I appreicate everyone's questions and concerns and gladly accept the prayers being sent Lillie and my way. I know that it is scary for us all, but I must trust that God has a hand in all of this and that Lillie and I will soon be together. Thank you again to each of you who continue to be a source of support and love. You will never know how much it is appreicated.

Care Packages...Here We Go!

It has finally arrived! The CCAA has finally sent their approval...They think this match is as perfect as we all do! I am going to see Grace today and get the paper, but I could not wait to let everyone know! We can send care packages now, so be thinking about things we can send. I already have one started of course! I will write more soon!

Michelle and Lillie were neighbors!

I received a few more pictures from Mimi today, icluding pictures form the SWI. She and her husband had a chance to meet the nannies and see the orphanage, including Michelle's previous bed (which already had a new child assigned) The head nanny told her that Bao Yun (Lillie) and Bao Ming (Michelle) had beds right next to each other. Mimi even got a picture! I so hope that the girls will be able to stay in touch once Lillie is home. I also was able to see the vidoes they took of Lillie. They are wonderful to see! I have asked Mimi if there is a way to download them from her secure site and am hoping I can post them by the end of the day. She is walking while holding an adult's hand. There is also a quick video that shows her smiling, which is wonderful to see. I am attaching a picture of Michelle and her family with the SWI Director, along with a few pictures of Lillie and Mimi and friends. What an amazing gift!

Waiting for News...

Although I expect to hear from Mimi upon her return to the US, she was unable to send the video clips from any of the hotels in China. She did, however, let me know that her daughter, Michelle, is doing well...although she and her husband were sick during part of their trip. I also have had a chance to communicate with Grace at AHH. She is my family advocate and has been wonderful during this process. She let me know that she and the agency are also waiting for information from their liaison from the CCAA(China Center for Adoption Affairs). she let me know the forms I still need to turn in to complete my dossier paperwork. The home study has been sent off and we are still waiting for our I-171H. In other words...things are still moving along...slowly, but surely.
I am finding that as I plan for the holidays, I am unable to pull my thoughts away from Lillie and the other children who are waiting for families. I also think about the children I have met that are without a family and for whom a prospective family is not identified. As we all plan for the holidays, I ask you to pray for Lillie and for her safety during "the great wait". I ask that you pray for the other children who are without a family...in China, in the US, in Swaziland, in Kazakhstan, in Guatemala.... these children are all over the world and they are heavy on my heart. I will post again soon.
(The picture at the bottom of the blog is one of the many children I met this past year in Swaziland. He is one of the many orphan children in that country.)

Lillie meets Mimi at the SWI

Here they are...the pictures I have been hoping to receive for the last week! My new friend Mimi Backhausen, who is presently in Fuling to meet her new daughter, took pictures of Lillie YESTERDAY and sent them to me from China! (She also has some video I will try to share, but she can not send it until they reach Guangzhou on Saturday.) The woman in the pictures is, of course, Mimi. Mimi said she told Lillie that her mommy was coming soon and also said that Lillie was adorable (of course)! She said Lillie didn't want to let her go and loved the attention...I can't wait until the day when we are the ones smothering her with affection! The last of the 4 pictures shows Lillie clinging to Mimi's leg.
This it yet another blessed event in this process, and I am reminded that there are so many people in this world who are good, kind and thoughtful. I know too, that there are so many things that can connect people...whether the love of a child, similar interests, happenstance or faith. I know that Lillie and I have been greatly blessed and hope that I/we can be a blessing to others.

What Are You Waiting For?

I love this picture and just had to share it! I think Lillie's expression says how I am feeling....WHEN will I hear from the CCAA? When can we send a care package? I am certain her thoughts in this picture are "Where are you Mommy!?!" Hold on sweetie, I will be there as soon as I can! Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive through this process... and thank you ahead of time for the support you will provide as I continue to wait!

Where is Lillie?

For those of you who wonder where in China our Lillie lives, it is a town named Fuling. Fuling is situated along the Yangtze (or Changjiang) River in what (until the late 20th century) was part of Sichuan Province but is now the Chongqing Municipality, a region set apart to accomodate the construction of the Three Gorges Dam Project. Once the Three Gorges Dam is completed, part of Fuling will be flooded. The outlying landscape of the city is mountainous, argricultural, fairly temperate (although hot in summer!) and gorgeous. Most people living in the area are farmers. Since the orphanage opened, there have been additions to the origional SWI. The Lily Orphan Care Center, built at the site of the original orphanage, was provided by Chinese Children's Charities, an American-based non-profit. CCC also provides support staff as well as medical and child development training for the caregivers. There are currently over 250 babies and toddlers being cared for at the Lily Orphan Care Center, and about one hundred of those are in foster care. Approximately 16 children over the age of three live at orphanage. The Fuling Social Welfare Institute is also home to children with disabilities and senior citizens.
Here is info on the new SWI as quoted from the Fulingkids site. "Anticipating the day when most of China's orphans will be primarily children with disabilities and unlikely to be adopted, Fuling Orphanage Directors and Chongqing Civil Affairs Authorities have come together to develop a plan for a premiere facility for the kids. In 2008, the first children will move to the new site, which will eventually include a large clinic, physical and occupational therapy facilities for the children, a preschool, and sleeping and play rooms for up to 800 children of all ages and abilities. Half of this 16 and 1/2 acre plot of land is to be devoted to parks and play places for the kids.This (is a) gorgeous piece of land, with views of the Yangtze River and neighboring mountains (one home to a Daoist temple & monastery).
I am attaching a map that shows the different provinces. The province in which Lillie lives is in the lower central area along the river. It is a brigher yellow color. If you would like to see the map a bit larger you can go to http://china.scmp.com/map/ I know this isn't a lot of info about Lillie personally, but it tells you a bit more about her life before she arrives in Kentucky!