Most Recent Picture

This picture was taken in February when Amy (Samuel's mommy) was in Ninh Thuan. Our little guy looks quite chunky in this photo. Looks like he's got some wild hair. Also...the little boy in the background is Sam (Shelley R's little guy)...he looks precious too.

Thanks so much Amy for taking the pictures. Can't wait to get my hands on this little guy....I'm just dying to kiss those chubby cheeks.

More December Pics

Thanks to Kim (Isaac's Mommy) for sending these pictures to us. These were taken when Kim was in Ninh Thuan picking up Isaac. She said the her Dad (who's the sweet man holding Drew) called Drew his little buddy. It just warms my heart knowing that they loved on our little guy.

Step 8

Finally we received word that we are on Step 8 of the 12 step process. We are thrilled. Hey...at least it's movement.

We had a great meeting with Jynger last week. We felt much better after talking with her. There was just so much stuff flying around out there and we were really, really concerned. But, bottom line...Drew is ours and we'll get him very soon. Now...not soon enough for me...but soon.

Today was a good day. It's Ian's 3rd birthday and we found out that we're on Step 8!! Woo, hoo!!!

Ten Things I've Learned

Looking back over my posts from the last few weeks, I see a common theme.....misery. So, I'm trying to think of something positive to post. Nothing is really coming to mind. But, I thought I'd try to come up with 10 Things I've Learned during this adoption process.

1. Don't compare time lines...it only causes heartache and frustration.
2. Expecting things to go smoothly all of the time is unrealistic.
3. Relax and enjoy the small triumphs...there have been a few.
4. Take time for your family because it will never be the same again.
5. Ask questions and if you're still unsure...ask again.
6. No matter how much I think I'm in control, I'm not.
7. Don't buy baby clothes early because by the time you actually travel, they may be too small.
8. Prepare for the long end of the estimated time from log in date to travel. Then if it happens earlier....woo, hoo...celebration time.
9. Pray for my children more and more.
10. Submit to God's will. This is HIS plan and it WILL happen when HE says it's time. Boy that's a hard one when you're in the thick of the frustration and delays. But, we have some wonderful friends around us that pray and support us through this.

Surprisingly, I'm amazingly calm this week. Not sure exactly how that's happening. Who am I kidding? I know precisely what's going on. Many prayers are going up on our behalf and God is putting his loving arms around us and keeping me calm.

Those same loving arms are also wrapped around little Drew. God also has wonderful nannies that care for and love Drew until his mommy and daddy can bring him home. How awesome to think that God's arms are wrapped around me, the nannies and Drew all at the same time. Pretty powerful stuff.

8 Months Old

Today our sweet Drew is 8 months old. We thought for sure we'd have him home by now. Guess that wasn't in God's plan. We're praying and praying that we have him home very soon.

Trying To Remain Positive

It's not working. I'm trying hard to see the positive side in all of these delays. It's not happening. I can't understand why it's taking so long. I know that it's in God's perfect timing....I KNOW THAT. But....that's not helping this mommy's heart that's breaking right now and it's not helping a sad, sad daddy.

Yesterday we received word that our I-600 paperwork had indeed been returned to our agency staff in Vietnam. Today....we heard that our 60 days for approval will start when the paperwork is resubmitted. What? It's already been there since October 29th...now it has to start all over again? Unreal. So.....instead of what we thought would be a March...maybe April travel date is looking more and more like May or June. I can't believe this and I can't get my heart around it. We got Drew's referral when he was a little over 2 months old. We had so hoped we'd have him home by the time he was 6 or 7 months old. But now...geeesh...I'm just praying that we have him home for his first birthday.

I'm incredibly disappointed, sad, mad, irritated and just totally beat. We just want our baby!!!!

What A Day

It's Monday...a cold rainy Monday. That's enough...but no...it got worse. This whole I-600 nightmare is still not resolved. There's much confusion at the Embassy in Vietnam, which in turn causes lots of confusion for the waiting families. BUT....I think everything is going to be fine. We're not at a point, where we're actually missing document yet...since we're not on Step 8 yet. Once that step is completed, any missing document can be forwarded to the Embassy. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's just part of the process. It's just been one of those days when it seemed like the sky was truly falling.

We did get our travel packet today. Not that it means anything really positive at this moment...but it's giving me something to focus on.

I'm praying that God will guide the folks at the Embassy and help them get organized. I also pray that Jynger (who is in Vietnam right now) can get some clear answers.

How do you miss a baby you've never met? It's funny to think about it that way...but I miss my baby boy. This mommy needs her baby boy.