LOA Baby!!!!!

Today at 12:35 pm our agency called to tell us that we got our LOA!!! I can't believe this wait is finally OVER!! I am so over the moon happy about it. Now I have to get busy and get all our stuff done! And get ready to bring our girl home!!!!

2 Year Forever Family Day!

Two years ago today, in a hot, stuffy Civil Affairs Office in China, a smiling nanny brought in the tiny est, sweetest, baby girl I had ever seen. I walked over to her and held out my hands. She reached for me, I reached for her, and we have not let go of each other since. Alenna has brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. I can't imagine what life would be like if she wasn't a part of it. I feel blessed every day that I am able to be her mom.

New old pictures..

Earlier this week my friend Deanna told me that they had disposable cameras that they had sent to Lauren before they adopted her. She was going to take them and get them developed and see what was on them. Last night she scanned and sent me a couple of the pictures that were on there. Arianna was in them! These were taken many months ago, and maybe even before we started the process to adopt Arianna. So it was pretty exciting to see this little snippet of her life. On a sad note I noticed the older girl that is standing behind Arianna and Lauren. She looks so sad and without hope. She is probably too old to be adopted, so I wonder what will happen to her. It is so important to find homes for these children before it is to late. I really hope that our story will help someone who might be thinking about older child adoption.

I'm trying to figure this out...

I'm trying to figure out how to take this blog private. I think that I know how to do it now. What I need is for you all to send me your e-mail and then I will send you an invite to read this blog. I have my e-mail listed now so you will not have to leave a comment. Thanks for understanding!

CCAA and changes

Because of the many changes in the China adoption process and the new requirements from the CCAA I feel that I need to change my blog to be more protected. So, starting next week I will change my settings to invited viewers only. If you would like to be added to that just e-mail me and I would be happy to add you. Thank you for understanding. Christy

What a wonderful weekend!!!

This last Saturday I had the chance to drive up and visit Arianna's best friend Lauren and her family. It was such a great visit! We had the hardest time leaving. Lauren is such a sweetheart and it is amazing to see how well she has adjusted. Deanna, Lauren's mom and I have become very good friends and she was the one that has put in all the hard work to give me new pictures and video of Arianna. I feel so blessed to know her. We got to meet all of their family and friends and I really enjoyed it. I am just so thankful that Arianna and Lauren will be able to continue their close relationship after Arianna comes home. I can hardly wait to see the girls together again. Annika and Alenna really loved Lauren also, Annika was carrying Lauren around and Lauren was carrying Alenna around. It was just too cute!

Slideshow of Arianna