Half-way around the World...

...a little angel is looking at us.  That's right!  Our package has finally arrived!!

On April 11th, we found out from Adele that Liuliu's orphanage had received our package on April 9th.  On that same day, her caretakers took new pictures & videos and wrote an update for us!!  We received all this information from our agency on April 14th... and are completely thrilled :)  Well, we still have not received the videos (they're coming via snail mail), but we are loving the new pics and information we learned from the update!

My favorite portion:

"We read the letter to Liuliu and told her that her parents sent to her package

and photos.  We also told her that she will have baba, mama, and two big sisters

and two big brothers.  She did not understand all, but we can tell she is happy.

We showed her the photos one by one.  We will let her see the photos everyday 

and teach her to know you from the photos."

What a huge answer to prayer!  They truly love her so much (and told us this again!) and are doing their very best for her.  I often ask myself if I could love someone with that kind of selfless love... being willing to really love and care for these children... knowing that they are not your own, and never will be... I cannot imagine it.  My heart just breaks to think about it.  But I praise God for them!  I praise Him that they are willing!  I praise Him that they are giving her the nurturing she needs in order to grow... and to give her the stepping stones she needs to step out into the love of a family... our family. Oh, how I thank God for her special Ayi (auntie)!  Dear Lord, please bless her.

Wow.  I wasn't expecting to go there tonight.  I was just going to write a simple post and show some fun new pictures.  But nothing's simple when it comes to adoption... is it?!?? 

Onto lighter things...
Here are the newest pics of our little pumpkin at 25 months :)

If you look carefully, you should see someone else you recognize in this picture!
Hint:  she's holding onto our photo book :)

Then, I had a little fun playing with her pics in "color effects" & "photoshop express" (oh, how I love free apps!).  This last picture wasn't a close-up and was decidedly my least favorite of the 4 new pics.  But with a little cropping and tweaking... it's competing for the position of "all-time favorite Lily pic" :)

Isn't she a little heart-breaker?  

So then I decided to play with 2 of my other favorites and I have to say they're stinkin' cute :)  Maybe a little over-the-top artsy-fartsy... but, what can I say?  I completely enjoyed every minute of it :)  The subject is just way too adorable!!!

I can hardly contain myself.  Positively pre-cious. 

Before I get too carried away with myself... too late, you say?  hmmm... well, moving on!  There's one more important thing we learned about Lily I want to share with you all.  Our baby is moving!  In May, she (and everyone else with her in the orphanage) is moving to a new facility which is huge (four stories high and nearly 54,000 sq. ft!), very nice and has new therapy equipment.  I am glad for her, but I'm apprehensive about it at the same time.  That's a big change.  Right before we get her.  Which will be a huge change!  It's just an awful lot for her to deal with in such a short amount of time. 

I pray for her heart all the time... and this is just one more reason to continue persevering for her.  But on the bright side, this may mean we have a better chance at visiting her orphanage... though now that I write that out, it won't mean as much anymore either.  Obviously, I have mixed emotions on the whole thing.  But I know God is working and He will be preparing each of us for the changes to come.  I trust Him.

Lily's new room

We began working on our house last fall.  Feverishly.  Lily's room was torn up and put back together over a few months.  Mostly, anyway :)  The ceiling, built-in bookcase, built-in bed... all but the walls and flooring were replaced (though the walls were painted... and the floors will hopefully be replaced soon with wood! but that's a whole 'nother post!).

Also, Andy blessed me hugely in saying "yes!" to new bedding.  We've had the same bedding since I first became pregnant with Sammy (11 years ago).  It was Pottery Barn Kids and I loved it.  It was neutral and a classic.  However, I'd seen it for 11 years.  I haven't had a baby girl for 7 years.  And I wanted to see some pink :)  The biggest problem was that I couldn't see myself going for anything less than PBK again.  But Andy did not say yes to a huge budget!  So, I got creative and started searching eBay.  Finally, I found it.  Adorable.  Pink & polka-dots... what could be better?!??  So, I bid and won!!  For $40 I was able to score the whole set ~ bumper, quilt, and 2 sheets (one cotton and one luxurious chamois)...

And, yes, it is all Pottery Barn Kids :)

The last picture is of the new built-in bed with fun bedding from Land of Nod.  There may have been a tiny splurge here... but I used a coupon, got free shipping, and found coordinating sheets elsewhere.  I love it!

You may have noticed in the middle picture a hot pink blanket.  It sorta sticks out like a sore thumb (kinda like the dark jenny lind crib... but I digress).  I realize it doesn't go perfectly with the pink pastels everywhere else in the room, but I absolutely adore it!!  The story of my kids' blankets is a long one, so I won't go into it here and now, but suffice it to say it's been an ordeal.  Basically, I didn't want to stray too far off of my first 4 kids blankets, but on the other hand, didn't want to repeat any "regrets" I may have had in how I chose what their blankies would look like.  As I relayed this all to Andy, I stated that if this child was being born to me biologically I would do what I want and not worry so much about their blanket "fitting in" with the rest... but these are the added stresses added with adoption.  Small? yes.  Foolish? maybe.  But still things which cause me to think and rethink a situation.  I want to do it right!!

Finally, he said ~ "Do what you want. Just as you would have. And she will love it."  It was very freeing.  The reality is, I chose this blanket especially for her, with lots of love.  It may not be exactly what the other kids have, but it's not off in left field either... and not everything has to be identical in order for her to know our love.  That's really what it comes down to.  I was trying too hard to make sure she feels like she "fits in" and if I'm doing that... she won't.  I need to love on her as best as this momma can to meet her individual needs... just as with all my children.  It means I will love her fully... without looking behind me first.

So, without further adieu... 

a close-up picture of a very special blankie for a very special girl :)

It might as well be Greek.

This statement has become a little more real in our house lately, because Andy actually is.  Learning Greek, I mean.  Anyway, while he's learning Greek, I'm trying to learn Chinese.  And lemme tell ya... there's not much difference!! They are both completely our of our normal range of thinking and challenging us both.  And both will help our family.  The only difference is that Andy started earlier and is doing much better than I am :)  But let's not dwell on that thought.

Here is what I'm using...

It is an awesome resource!  I looked at many different "language programs" to learn some Chinese while we wait, to help our little toddler in this huge and difficult transition.  Some for adults.  Some for kids.  All seemingly impossible.  And requiring WAY more time than I've got.  Until I found this!!  It was made for our family (literally!).  It is what you need to know:  how to spell it in pinyin correctly and how to pronounce it correctly (written & oral... it came with a CD which I promptly put onto my iPod touch).  No Mandarin characters necessary :)

I love you Lily Liu!!  I can't wait to wrap you up and assure you that "wo ai ni" :)

Sending our Love...

I started collecting items for a care package to Lily many moons ago... just waiting to know who she was and where to send it :)  Of course, once we found out her specific favorites and "likes" we added/changed a few things.  Then, we needed to find a reputable facilitator to make sure her package gets there (which our agency cannot help us with... nor can they just give us her orphanage's address). We finally found blessedkids.com and I am thrilled that Adele is taking care of us!  We are also using her translation serives to send a letter to Lily's caretakers.   Each item was handpicked and prayed over... repeatedly... that it would be a blessing to her and that our pictures would help her to become at least familiar with our faces.  Finally, on March 30th, I packed it all up and headed to... Wal-Mart, of course!  I still needed to purchase some chocolates for her nannies and finally settled on a cute springy package of Ghirardelli squares.  And now ~ off to the post office (thinking this would be a fairly painless ordeal... man, was I wrong!).  30 minutes later I finally exited the post office with a tracking number in hand... my only remnant of that precious box sent half-way around the world to a sweet little pumpkin, her friends, and her caretakers.  

Today, Andy & I decided to check the status of our little package.  And to my utter amazement.  It arrived. Today. In China!!!  We're talking delivered.  Not sitting in customs anymore.  Which can take up to a month!  We opted for express mailing in hopes that it would help... and it did :)  However, it is NOT to Liuliu yet... it was sent to Adele's dad who will find the orphange address and forward it on to her... via a UPS-type express mail.  Anyway, it's really close!  I should think it will be there by the end of this week or early next week at the latest... I hope :)

Here is a sneak-peek at what she's going to find...

A family photo album filled with 12 pictures of us and her...
and  a squishy ball (she seems to like carrying one around!)

Cliff Kids twisted fruit for her and her friends (I just couldn't get myself to send candy!)

A "hunny bunny" doll (her favorite toy)...
 and Plum tots fiddlesticks ("foods of finger shape" are her favorite treats!)

A baby Gap black leopard outfit (less than $5, thank you very much!)...
and a silky security blanket with zebra stripes :)

  

The whole kit-and-caboodle (minus Ghirardelli for her nannies)

Honestly, I kinda miss seeing them around the house.  I liked looking at this box of goodies just for her... and the photo book, in particular, hoping that Lily would love it too.  But I've got her pictures to keep me company ~ and many more sweet items we've gotten for her to tide me over 'til that day :)  Like for instance, the cutest bows ever made by our dear friend Amanda... THANK YOU so much!!! 

Every time I look at them... I smile :)

You've got to admit it.  They brightened your day too, didn't they?!  I thought so :)

The "Flu-It"

I love my buddy, Wil.  He cracks us up - a LOT!  Here is a conversation we had last week which is a perfect example of what keeps us smiling :)

       Wil-  "Mom, I think I've got the flu-it."
       Me-  "What's the flu-it?"
       Wil-  (with a shocked look of, how can you not know?!)
                "I don't know, but I think I've got it."
       Me-  "What makes you think you have it?"
       Wil-  "Well, I went to the bathroom, and I've got the scoops."
                (translation= the "scoots")

At which point, I completely cracked up!!  He had the cutest little smile during this whole innocent session of concern which added even more to my absolute delight during our talk :)

However, despite his concern that he was coming down with the same awful flu his daddy was experiencing, I think for the most part of that day he felt a little more like this...

And that right there, is my Wil in a nutshell!  So full of life!!

little MIRACLES

Today, I am reflecting over more miracles we've witnessed this past week.

     1.  Zip codes.  Our agency was going to overnight our LOA to Alabama (we were starting our trek back to IL).  Andy gave them our friend's address... but he accidentally typed the zip code incorrectly!!  We did not realize this until Monday evening and quickly called Alison (our adoption coordinator).  She e-mailed us the next morning and said she wasn't sure how, but the correct zip ended up on the package and would be at the house by 10:30 the next morning (which it was)!!!

     2.  Our I-800.  First off, our I-800A expires 3/15/2011... the fact that we received a referral AND our LOA before this expiration is amazing!  However, we still need to update our I-800A with Lily's special needs and appropriate age-range... this could take 6 weeks to approve before filing our I-800.  Instead, Alison called USCIS (and e-mailed us with the good news while we were in Alabama) that we can file them concurrently!!!

     3.  Updates.  We were given an extensive response to our initial request for an update on little Liuliu... it was definitely "above and beyond" the norm!  Since then, we have already recieved TWO unsolicited updates on Liuliu's progress (today's came with pictures and another video!!).  This is unheard of.  Our agency wrote and said, "The family is blessed to have such caring caregivers for Liuliu!" We are praising God for His goodness to us!  She is truly loved and they are now giving her 3 hours of physical therapy each day to improve her walking ability.  Here is my favorite portion of the update:

"Our staffs have told her that she will have new home, and her own mama and baba. She smiled and is happy to hear it though she is little. She is a happy child and has a ready smile."

     4.  Timeline.  I have been praying that we could travel to China late spring/early summer (after we've completed this school year!).  It would give our entire family time to concentrate on each other and our relationships with Lily before starting the next school year. Alison has always been careful to give us "worst case scenario" as far as timelines go; but when we had to write down estimated dates on our I-800 form, she instructed us to put in June 2011!!!!  A lot is going on in June... the 3rd is Zoe's birthday, the 13th is our anniversary, and the 23rd is Wil's birthday!  I think bringing home our sweet daughter for any of those would be the perfect gift :)

Below is a picture taken today!!!  She appears to have a touch of sass here, but I really think her stance may be a result of the weakness on her right side (which her caregivers have noticed).

Here is another from 3 days ago with a little walker they went and purchased just for her to use since we were blessed with her referral.  They are doing their best for her! I honestly think they are trying to please us... and they are succeeding!  We are so blessed and honored with their special care and attention to her needs.

If there could possibly be any negative to receiving these wonderful updates it is this.... they are causing me to run out of patience!  I want to love on her so badly!!  I want her to know her mama and baba NOW!  I want to kiss those cheeks and squeeze her little belly :)  Only now is not our time.  Though I can't help but feel our time is coming soon... very soon.  June would be if things go at the "average" rate.  But our LOA was far beyond average.  I mentioned earlier it should've taken a few weeks to months to receive, but there was something I didn't take into account.  Normally, one receives a PA (pre-approval) first... which generally takes a few weeks... and we completely by-passed that step, receiving our LOA in 2 DAYS.  I stand in awe of that.  And now, we are blessed with filing our I-800A update & I-800 concurrently.  God is hugely blessing us!  He is bringing our family together much more quickly than we could've imagined!!  Thank you, God :)

I am STUNNED.

Today, right as mom and I drove up to Waterside III at the end of our voyage... Andy was receiving an e-mail... from our agency...

WE RECEIVED OUR LOA (LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE) FROM CHINA!!!!!

Ok, for those of you who have no idea what that means, let me try to explain.  It means a TON!  First of all, it means China has accepted Andy & I's petition (or "Letter of Intent") to adopt Liuliu ~ SHE IS OURS!!  Second, it means that we are ready to file for our I-800 before our I-800A expires (March 15th)!  Third, it means we are now (very likely) in the 3-4 month time range before travel!!!  Last, and most importantly, it means we are CRAZY blessed because this normally takes SEVERAL weeks (to months) to receive and our adoption specialist said the quickest she'd seen was 1-2 weeks.  Ours came in 2 DAYS.  Let me say that again. TWO! DAYS!!!  Our adoption specialist had our LOI in hand last Tuesday, but it did not get to Grand Rapids (the main office) until this Monday... which is still in the states, in case you didn't catch that.  And China had already mailed back our acceptance TODAY!!!  Absolutely amazing!!  Only God could cause that to happen!!! 

Ooh!  And the LOA means one more thing... we can start sharing pictures of our little pumpkin :)  Oh happy day!!!!!

Here are a few of the pictures which were taken only 2 weeks ago!

I realize I'm quite biased (as with all my children), but I think she's the cutest thing ever!!  And I can't wait to meet our sweet little girl :)