It has to be a God thing

I am not a writer.  Times like this I really wish I was.  I know I can't adequately explain all that God has done for our family during this adoption.  It has truly amazed us all!

This adoption has flown by.  Every step has been faster than normal.  This rarely happens in the world of adoption.  There is no explanation we can give except that this is God's will. He led us to the boys and for some reason wants them home quickly.

At the end of March I started getting really concerned that we weren't going to be able to come up with the rest of the fees in time.  The largest amounts were still to come.  I was almost at my breaking point when the IRS website showed that our refund would be deposited that week.  Praise God!

This last week once again I was getting worried that I would have to get a cash advance on a credit card to pay the fees we have to pay in China.  My prayers became very specific.  Guess what showed up today?  Our refund from the state of North Carolina.  For some unknown reason it was over $1000 more than we thought it would be.  Praise God!

Along the way there have been many other little things that have happened that surprised us and confirmed we are following the correct path.  God is good, all the time!

I have posted this verse before but I am posting it again.  This is definitely the bible verse that best fits the boys' adoption.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Travel Approval

Our travel approval arrived at our agency yesterday, 4/29/2013.  We also received a confirmed Consulate Appointment of 4/23 a few hours ago.  Mixed feelings about this because it means two extra days in China.  The bright side of it is the boys will be with us not in an orphanage.  We still have to wait until May 2 for the provincial offices to open.  The government usually likes 2 weeks notice to process an adoption.  Due to the holiday we are a few days shorts of 2 weeks.  So we can't book flights until it is confirmed on May 2.  I am eager to have everything confirmed.

Secret Pal

The boys received the cutest bears and photo albums in the mail yesterday from my secret pal.  When you press the bear's tummy it lights up and plays music for 10 minutes unless you press it again.  The boys are going to love them.  I need to put a few photos in the albums for the boys.  They will be great to take to China.  The card will looked great framed with the boys' photos.

No TA news yet!  Hoping it will be soon.  If it doesn't come in the next few days then we won't be leaving until May 16.  We would still like to leave May 9 but May 16 is still much sooner than we originally thought we would travel.

Specific Prayer Requests

A few months ago there was a guest pastor preaching at our church.  One of the points of his message was when you pray that your prayers need to be specific.  That is exactly what I have been doing.  God has showed up big time in our adoption of the boys.

I am compiling a list of some of the things I will be praying for over the next few weeks.  If you feel led please pray for us.  I will probably being adding to the list.

1.  The boys
Their whole world is about to be turned upside down.  Please pray for a smooth transition, their hearts to be open to us, and good health.

2.  My sister, Zachary and Me
It will be the three of us traveling to get the boys.  Please pray for good health, strength, and safety.
I am extremely nervous without Dallas going this time.  I know I can do it, I was in Russia with Julia for almost 2 weeks by myself.  I am an introvert and it is difficult for me to be the one in charge.  I will have to be the leader of this pack.  I am confident with God's help I can do it but nonetheless I will be nervous.

3. The nannies at the orphanage who cared for the boys
The boys have been on the Show Hope floor since they arrived at the orphanage as babies.  There are specific nannies they have formed special bonds with.  It is going to be very difficult for them to see the boys leave.

4.  Alyssa
She spends everyday with me.  It is going to be very difficult for her without me here.  This is the first time she would have been away from me for more than a couple of hours.  When Mommy comes home she will have two little boys about her size with her.  This is going to be hard for Alyssa.  Her world is being turned upside down too.  Praying for her to accept the boys and that they all get along.

5. Julia, Grace, Nicholas, and Kristopher
They will be without Mom for 2 weeks.  Dallas will do a great job but it just isn't the same without Mom there.

6.  Dallas
He will have all the responsibilities on him while I am gone plus working full time.  He will also be concerned about all of us in China.

Six Months Ago...

Hard to believe it was 6 months ago that we received PA for the boys.  Can't believe in less than a month we will be a family of 10 with 3 three year olds.

A year ago today we were in China adopting Alyssa.  It was our third day in Guangzhou.  We had Alyssa's TB test checked, did a little shopping with Elvin, and then headed to Shaiman Island.  The day before I remember showing the other families in our group the boys' photos on my phone and telling them if the boys were still available we would be back.

Praising God that he chose us to parent the boys as well as our other children.  We really did think we had lost them last summer.  We know our lives are about to change in a big way but we know God will be with us every step.

   This is one of the photos we received when we requested an update from a third party late June, 2013.

Article 5 Pick Up

Yes, it happened.  I was a little down yesterday about this two weeks taking so long and this morning I woke up to an email that it had already been picked up.  I have never heard of that happening before but I will take it.  Five days doesn't sound like many days but it is when you are talking about the TA wait.  That could mean the difference in traveling May 9 or May 16, the difference between traveling May 16 or May 23, or in the end it may make no difference at all.  We will have to see how it all plays out but I definitely feel better.

God has amazed us every step of the way during this adoption.  I think we have been on time or ahead in every step.  He must really want the boys to come home.  It really does confirm that the boys are meant to be part of our family.  Not that we need confirmation but it does affirm it.

Now if I would just stop stressing about the small things.  God has definitely got this.

The wait for TA has begun.

Gift Exchange

So excited to receive a gift in the mail today.  It was one of those days that it just seems like it will be forever before we get to the next step.  It is next Tuesday but it seems to be taking so long.

Love these shirts, hats and cars my Pal from the Gift Exchange sent me.  I will be packing them for Guangzhou.  My pal this month is hoping to travel in May too so maybe she will get to see the boys in them.

Tidbits

Lots of little things happening so I think I will just list them.

-My sister received her visa today.  We didn't need visas because for some reason last year we got 2 year visas.

-Found the boys' bunk beds off Craiglist today.  They are in their rooms. We just need to get bunkies, mattresses, and some screws.  We will be using them as single beds until the boys get older.

-Alyssa officially became a Braxton 1 year ago today.

-We are half way to Article 5 pickup.  It has been a long week.  I can't decide whether it is more difficult to know nothing will happen until a certain date(April 23) or to be anticipating and hoping everyday that the next step will happen.

-We finished all the rearranging of rooms last week.  All of them were also painted.  Slowly getting them all back in order.  I will post photos once we finish.

-We are still hoping to leave one month from today, May 16.

Alyssa Day

A year ago today we met Alyssa in person for the very first time.  I still remember opening our hotel room and this unhappy little girl walking into our room.  She did not cry or make any noise.  She just stood there.  We talked to the orphanage director and his wife for about 15 minutes.  Alyssa just stood still while we tried to engage her with toys.

To be honest my first impression was laced with fear.  Alyssa  couldn't stop scratching herself, she held one arm differently, and her head was very odd shaped.  I knew I would love her no matter what but I was concerned of what the future might hold for her.

Alyssa never cried that night, the next day or the next.  She did begin to smile that first evening she came to us.  The first time she cried was when we were leaving her foster family after visiting them a couple of hours.  After about 30 minutes she stopped.  Alyssa never looked back.

Alyssa is a happy child.  She still goes to bed with a smile and wakes up with a smile.  She can entertain herself for hours.  Alyssa loves life.  While in China the other families kept teasing us that we were going to have a loud house with Alyssa's arrival.  They were pretty much right.  Alyssa is loud but a happy loud.  She is always talking and singing.  From the time she wakes up until the time she goes to bed she is a busy little girl...our energizer bunny.

We go to church on Saturday nights and Alyssa refers to the nursery as school.  She loves school!  The teacher said just last week that she loves when Alyssa is there.  Alyssa truly is a fun child you can't but help to love her.

As for my initial fears, they were unfounded. I think Alyssa's behavior was due to living in a foster home where she wasn't able to play on the floor and she always wore 5 layers of clothes so she couldn't move around.  As for her head the doctor said he thought it was due to laying in her crib for too long.  Now that her hair is longer you can't even tell.

Alyssa's favorite toys are Little People, Mickey Mouse, Kai-Lan and Cars.  Her Little People are probably her absolute favorite.  Our family room has been invaded by them.  They are often having conversations with each other.  All voices done by Alyssa.

I thank God everyday for this child!  She brings so much joy to our family.  We had no idea what we were missing.  I am so glad we trusted God and followed his plan for our family and Alyssa.

Dallas wanted to write something to so here is Dad's perspective:

I can't imagine my life without God's precious Alyssa as part of it. As I can't imagine my life without any of the children God has blessed and entrusted us with. While I also can't imagine life with two more here in the next few months, in a couple more months I won't be able to imagine life without two more. God is truly good!

                                           Alyssa with her siblings her first morning with us

Alyssa the first time we saw her and after she had been home 6 months.

March 2013 Alyssa bowling for the first time

Alyssa today- 4/15/2013

Alyssa Day

A year ago today we met Alyssa in person for the very first time.  I still remember opening our hotel room and this unhappy little girl walking into our room.  She did not cry or make any noise.  She just stood there.  We talked to the orphanage director and his wife for about 15 minutes.  Alyssa just stood still while we tried to engage her with toys.

To be honest my first impression was laced with fear.  Alyssa  couldn't stop scratching herself, she held one arm differently, and her head was very odd shaped.  I knew I would love her no matter what but I was concerned of what the future might hold for her.

Alyssa never cried that night, the next day or the next.  She did begin to smile that first evening she came to us.  The first time she cried was when we were leaving her foster family after visiting them a couple of hours.  After about 30 minutes she stopped.  Alyssa never looked back.

Alyssa is a happy child.  She still goes to bed with a smile and wakes up with a smile.  She can entertain herself for hours.  Alyssa loves life.  While in China the other families kept teasing us that we were going to have a loud house with Alyssa's arrival.  They were pretty much right.  Alyssa is loud but a happy loud.  She is always talking and singing.  From the time she wakes up until the time she goes to bed she is a busy little girl...our energizer bunny.

We go to church on Saturday nights and Alyssa refers to the nursery as school.  She loves school!  The teacher said just last week that she loves when Alyssa is there.  Alyssa truly is a fun child you can't but help to love her.

As for my initial fears, they were unfounded. I think Alyssa's behavior was due to living in a foster home where she wasn't able to play on the floor and she always wore 5 layers of clothes so she couldn't move around.  As for her head the doctor said he thought it was due to laying in her crib for too long.  Now that her hair is longer you can't even tell.

Alyssa's favorite toys are Little People, Mickey Mouse, Kai-Lan and Cars.  Her Little People are probably her absolute favorite.  Our family room has been invaded by them.  They are often having conversations with each other.  All voices done by Alyssa.

I thank God everyday for this child!  She brings so much joy to our family.  We had no idea what we were missing.  I am so glad we trusted God and followed his plan for our family and Alyssa.

Dallas wanted to write something to so here is Dad's perspective:

I can't imagine my life without God's precious Alyssa as part of it. As I can't imagine my life without any of the children God has blessed and entrusted us with. While I also can't imagine life with two more here in the next few months, in a couple more months I won't be able to imagine life without two more. God is truly good!

                                           Alyssa with her siblings her first morning with us

Alyssa the first time we saw her and after she had been home 6 months.

March 2013 Alyssa bowling for the first time

Alyssa today- 4/15/2013

Baby Hip Sling

When we adopted Grace in 2007 I had a hip sling that I loved.  A couple years after we came home we got rid of lots and lots of things.  Unfortunately that sling was amongst those items.  Last April when we traveled for Alyssa I bought a carrier from the thrift store and a hip sling online but didn't really like either of them.  I used the hip sling in China but it just wasn't very comfortable and it kept slipping.  

For the last few months I have been researching slings as well as carriers.  I prefer hip slings.  For me it is easier with a toddler.  The slings online were so expensive.  I didn't have the money to spend on one much less two.  So I decided I was going to make two slings.  I found a pattern I liked and got to work. 

Here is the finished product.  Alyssa and Julia both sat in it for me to see if it would work. I think it will be perfect.  It is light weight and easy to adjust.  Final cost for one was only $12.00.   I need to go buy the fabric so I can make a second one.  If I never use them again when I come home from China I have not wasted a ton of money.

Fashion Show

There are advantages to Alyssa being 4 months older than the boys.  She weighs a few pounds less than them but is a few inches taller.  Tonight she did a fashion show of their clothes for us.  She had so much fun we hope she is not going to be upset when she sees the boys wearing "her clothes."

Over the last few months I have been buying clothes as I saw good deals.  I had a tub full and thought I had enough.  After going through them tonight I realized that I don't because there are two of them.  Definitely enough for one child but not two.

The good news is Zachary and I have a list, we will be hitting the yard sales tomorrow.  One of the big items is a dresser for Julia.  We tried everything we could to get her wardrobe up into her new room.  It was not happening.  We also need beds for the boys.  Dallas really wants a bunk bed that converts to two twin beds.  Besides that we need various shorts, pajamas, and shoes for the boys.  It should be a fun day!  Hope it is productive.

Coincidence or Not?

I am a numbers person.  Numbers are constantly going through my head.  Some of you may have figured out I am not a word person.  I often struggle to find the right words for what I want to say especially face to face.  I do a little better writing because I can write, read, rewrite, repeat.

I obviously realized that we received I800 approval on March 28, my grandmother's birthday.  I could tell you we received the news that our agency had our LOA on March 11.  What I had never looked at was what day CCCWA issued our LOA.  I finally looked the other day.  It was March 7, my dad's birthday.  How odd is that?

Atlanta

After leaving Columbia, South Carolina we headed to Atlanta for a couple of days.  We usually go once a year so the boys can go to a Braves game or two.  The girls and I decided to just hang out at the hotel this time.  Friday we went to Stone Mountain.  We hadn't been since May of 2005.  We had a great time!

Tonight while we are sleeping our Article 5 will be dropped off at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China.  If I remember correctly it will be 3:00 a.m. our time, 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, China time.  It will take 2 weeks to process and then we will be waiting for TA.

Leigh-Anne's Graduation and Cabled

Great morning in Columbia, SC.  My niece is officially a U.S. Soldier.  The rain did not deter us from having a good time.  My brother was there too.  I have not seen him in 3 1/2 years.  After a short graduation ceremony my niece was allowed to check out of her barracks and go off base for the first time in 2 1/2 months.  Red Robin was her celebration place of choice.

Later in the afternoon once we were on the road again to our next destination the email came in from the National Visa Center.  We have been cabled.  I would go into more details but since no one knows what I am talking about I won't.  The important thing is on April 23 as long as there are no problems we will be waiting for Travel Approval.  TA could take from 7-21 days.  I am guessing it will come in around 10.  Time will tell.

GUZ#

We are the proud recipients of 2 GUZ#s.  I know this means nothing to those not in the adoption community.  To us it means we are one step closer to the boys.  The light at the end of the tunnel is almost visible.  We are waiting on a PDF and then our Article 5 can be dropped off at the U.S. Consulate in China.  Have I lost you yet?

We are still on track for May travel but it is very unlikely that it will be May 9.  I am okay with that even though it would have worked out much better with Zachary's school.  Still thinking May 16 is a good possibility.  Just need Dallas to call Zachary's school next week to beg, plead, and do whatever it takes for Zachary to be able to go with us.  My sister and I need his help!

Oops!

I mailed a package to the boys today. Sending it to Ann at Red Threads. I want confirmation that it arrived. Just remembered I forgot to take a picture of its contents. It included a blanket I made for each boy, 2 coloring books, 2 photo albums, 2 stuffed dogs with a sound chip of our voices inside, and 2 Cars cars. Hopefully we will get photos when they get it.

Update on the Boys

We got an update on the boys yesterday.  Left off question one because it included chinese names.  We are very excited to be so close to traveling.  I still can't believe they are going to be ours.

2.  Are they potty trained?

They are still wearing diapers now. But they understand go potty. After they go home, just need a little training, we believe they will no longer need diaper.

3.  What are their favorite foods?

Both of them are not picky. They have good appetite. They like crackers, bread, etc.

4  Do they have a favorite toy?

Toy car, blocks, etc.

5.  Do they play well with other children?

Yes, they both play well with other children.

6.  How many words can they say? What      are some of them?

They can say many words now. They have no problem making simple communication with people and they can sing a few simple songs.

7.  Are they scared of anything?

We have not found they are scared of anything.

8.  Can they kick, throw and catch a ball?

Yes, they have no problem kicking, throwing and catching a ball.

9.  Do they know how to draw and color?

They are not really drawing or coloring, but they like to scrawl.

10.  Can they follow directions?

Yes, they can understand and follow most of the directions.

11. Shuang Cheng’s height: 98cm; Weight: 15.88kg; Foot: 15cm;

Shuang Quan’s height: 98cm; Weight: 15.4kg; Foot: 15cm.

Happy Birthday, Kristopher!

Today our oldest son turned 21.  It is hard to believe it has been 21 years since he was born in Richmond, VA.  I still remember clearly the day we came home from the hospital...all 10 lbs 6 ounces of him.  So many wonderful memories through the years and just a few trials.  Kristopher is our son that will never grow up.  He still loves Spiderman and comic books.  He tells his brothers that he is going to be the cool uncle.  He may just be right about that!