Friday, April 26, 2013

Any News?

Number one question we get asked all. the. time:  Any news?

I LOVE that people are interested and ask.

Most of the time the answer is no.  Today is no different. No news.

Here's the way our China special needs process works:

Last August, we filled our a Medical Conditions Checklist with our agency, that specifies the types of special needs we would consider.  That went on file, behind all the other MCC's filled out before us.

(At that time we said we would consider needs such as:  cleft lip/palate, limb difference, and heart condition.)

Since then, we jumped through the looonnnngggg and tedious paperwork hoops.  China now has our paperwork.  So we are basically just waiting our turn for our MCC to be at the top of the list when the next baby with one of those needs becomes available.

Adoption agencies hate it when you ask THE question, which if course is the main question on all our minds:

"How long do you think that will take?"

They are always careful to tell us that every adoption is different and there is no way to really predict.

BUT, based on previous families timelines, our agency told us that they are hopeful we'll be matched sometime around this coming August.

We've heard of families getting matched much quicker, and others much longer.

August seems so far away right now, but I keep reminding myself that it will be here before we know it!

Once we are matched, then we wait again.  Travel approval from China typically takes between 4-7 months. Again, no way to know for sure.  So we could travel by the end of this year, but maybe not.

Not an easy process to endure for a control-freak like me!

We'll get there.

Oh, and the other question we get asked all. the. time:  Age and gender?

We have requested a girl younger than Allie.  We'll see who we end up with!

Thanks for asking, some day we'll be able to say YES!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

These Boys

These boys.  How are they so big?

They just turned 5 and 7.  Oh my.

Seems like just yesterday that we brought Sam home from the hospital and Ben wasn't quite 2 yet!

Made me think what on earth did I get myself into with two boys so close in age!

But those diaper days are gone for them and they are such a DELIGHT now.  

I just want to push pause and enjoy.





Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A Win-Win Way to Help!

 
My dear friend Christine Chappell, along with Elizabeth Barna, is hosting a Noonday Trunk show both at her house and online.  Noonday is a fabulous company, with beautiful fair-trade products made by artisians in poverty around the world.  Shop at www.elizabethbarna.noondaycollection.com from tomorrow (Thursday the 18th) thru Saturday evening and a percentage of the sales will go to offset the costs of our adoption! There are FABULOUS ideas for Mother's Day.  Its a win-win-win! Artisans living in poverty will be supported, our adoption will be one step closer to being funded, plus you end up beautiful new things for your mom, family, friends or yourself!
 
Be sure to choose the show ambassador's name, Elizabeth Barna, from the pull down bar at check out that says "Choose your Ambassador".  That way your purchase is connected with the home sale.  You can email me at jcoleman48@cinci.rr.com if you have questions!
 
Christine and Elizabeth, we are SO grateful for what you are doing for us!!!