I have so many thoughts...but I am at lost for words. Today's post I will keep short and sweet. We are preparing for travel. On May 23, 2014 we received travel approval (TA) and were given two dates for our possible travel, June 11 and June 18. Today we found out we will be traveling on June 11 to get you Kai!!!
I am so excited. And I can honestly say, I am sooo ready for this next step of our lives, to become a family of four. I feel like I've known you forever. And I believe that's because you have already been in my heart for some time know. Now I'm ready to have you in my arms.
Love you Kai! We are coming for you. Let the count down begin, 20 days.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Oceans
Today I found the need to refresh a zillion times, just to make sure I didn't miss a very important email. Unfortunately, not today. But soon, this I know for sure. Today as I drove home from work, I thought about you. I thought about the moms that are coming this week and will get to lay their eyes (and hopefully embrace) you next week. I thought about how amazing and unique and genuine of a bond I've developed with ladies across the US, all with one passion, love, drive that is focused oceans away. There are no boundaries that separate our love of our daughters and sons in China. Then I did what I do most days while driving alone, I talked to God. I asked for strength, and prayed big for the Travel Approval this week- May 23. Right then, Oceans by Hillsong United came on. And all the I could hear in the song today was "I am yours and you are mine". And was over come with peace. This song is what peace sounds like to me. Followed by my other recent favorite... Hold us Together by Matt Maher.
http://youtu.be/-he2DohfwWE
Monday, May 12, 2014
Happy Mother's Day!
Getting closer! And what a wonderful present for Mother's Day. Just found out today that our Article 5 was picked up on May 11, 2014. So what's next....
You guessed it, we WAIT. But the good news is that it's our last wait for paperwork, and then we start packing. I am praying for a June 9th Gotcha Day, and right now, that seems pretty realistic.
Mother's Day weekend was so wonderful. We celebrated Uncle Brad's birthday and spent the weekend on the boat. Time with family is so precious and I am so grateful we have been blessed with the opportunities we have to be with family more and more.
Last week was the hardest for me yet. Not sure if it was due to the approaching holiday, or if I just finally couldn't hold all my emotions in any more. What I do know is that you have an amazing dad. He is our rock! And between the "just right" words of your grandfather, the weekly check-in from your nana, and a grandmother that gets as emotionally charged with each up date (or lack there of), as me; it's been a wild and amazing ride. This truly has been a family journey in faith and love. Wow are we all blessed.
And then, came one more present....
This morning we recieved a message from another mom. She doesn't get to come for her little guy as quickly as I hope to come for you; but she was traveling on business and came for a visit to your orphanage. She sent us lots of pictures, videos, and even a personality update on you. You have no idea how wonderful this info was...and guess what, you didn't have on pink monkey pjs...I giggle as I type this.
She said:
Kai, we are coming for you...and it is starting to seem REAL...as in, today, it finally feels real.
Love, Mom
You guessed it, we WAIT. But the good news is that it's our last wait for paperwork, and then we start packing. I am praying for a June 9th Gotcha Day, and right now, that seems pretty realistic.
Mother's Day weekend was so wonderful. We celebrated Uncle Brad's birthday and spent the weekend on the boat. Time with family is so precious and I am so grateful we have been blessed with the opportunities we have to be with family more and more.
Last week was the hardest for me yet. Not sure if it was due to the approaching holiday, or if I just finally couldn't hold all my emotions in any more. What I do know is that you have an amazing dad. He is our rock! And between the "just right" words of your grandfather, the weekly check-in from your nana, and a grandmother that gets as emotionally charged with each up date (or lack there of), as me; it's been a wild and amazing ride. This truly has been a family journey in faith and love. Wow are we all blessed.
And then, came one more present....
This morning we recieved a message from another mom. She doesn't get to come for her little guy as quickly as I hope to come for you; but she was traveling on business and came for a visit to your orphanage. She sent us lots of pictures, videos, and even a personality update on you. You have no idea how wonderful this info was...and guess what, you didn't have on pink monkey pjs...I giggle as I type this.
She said:
i have to tell you Kai is such a happy kid! I brought some toys and he gravitated towards this little farm house toy that he would not let go! he also can climb in and out of his crib fairly adeptly .. very coordinated and knows what he wants. HE is really good friends with our little guy... you may need to scroll down in the folder to see the videos that are near the bottom. When are you traveling? Happy mother's day!
Kai, we are coming for you...and it is starting to seem REAL...as in, today, it finally feels real.
Love, Mom
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Bring on May!
I believe this is going to be a big month for all of us. As I watch Kainan play, and see your cousins play with K, I think of you. I am thinking of the little crew becoming 5. I think of how busy our play room will soon become. I think of double the hugs, double the kisses, double the little boy love!
Soon to be a crew of five.
Needing a partner in crime.
No news this week. Just lots of thoughts and prayers that this is the month we meet you! We love you Kai! We're coming for you soon!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Counting the Weeks
We've made it to the home stretch...and in the process have squeezed a lot into the month of April. We are now down to three more "waits" til we come for you Kai. On April 6, signed and returned the hard copy LOA that came in the mail. Then on April 16, we received the I-800 Provisional Approval, and on April 21, we received the National Visa Center pdf were told our Article 5 was dropped of on Thursday, April 24 and filed your DS 260. And now...we wait. We are waiting for the Article 5 pick up from the China Consulate. We were told this document is the one date you can count on, an exact 2 weeks; however, there's a China Holiday in the middle of this wait; so we are told to expect May 12. Then from there we begin the wait for our TA (travel approval). This is the last document, China's invitation to come get you, and then we begin to plan our travel and wait for our departure date to come get you. I am still praying Big for a May departure date - Memorial Weekend, May 23 - to be exact, though the more practical and logical side of me does tell me to expect early to mid-June for departure. In this case, I am putting logic aside, and will continue to pray BIG.
So what's been going on the last month that has kept us so busy?
April 2 we celebrated Grandma Kathy's birthday
April 3 I had PRK eye surgery - a much more difficult procedure than expected, but nevertheless, it's done, and it was a success. I am now glasses and contact free! And your grandma worked on your dresser for your bedroom.
April 4 we celebrated Grandma Terri's (nana) birthday
April 6 we celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Hefferon's 35th Wedding Anniversary
April 12 our family bought the family boat for our time at the Lake
April 20 we celebrated Easter in Eolia
April 27 we finished your room
April 28 sending in our Visa applications
Wow! So many dates...so many experiences, so many emotions, so many prayers, so many tears, so much LOVE.
On April 18, the Friday before Easter, was another special day for us too! Bittersweet really. We received our last update from CCAI about how you are doing... and learned a little more about you. We know you wear 24 month clothes, size 6 toddler shoes, weigh 27 pounds and are 33.5 inches tall. We also learned you have had your palate repaired. You still use a bottle. And this update said you don't say much and are an introvert.
And now, this weekend, April 26 and April 27...
Yesterday we spent the day with Kainan. We went for a long walk, spent time at the neighborhood park, and enjoyed spending time together as a family of three. We talk about you often Kai. And Kainan is excited to be your big brother. He asks us when we are going to get you all the time now. I want you to know how special you are to all of us. And how proud and special Kainan is too. We want him and you to know that our love is great and genuine and unconditional. You both mean the world to us. We love you both and always will.
Today was truly an amazing day today too. We started the day off at Westside Family Church, and Pastor Troy's message today was spot on for what Jason and I both needed. The message I took from today was:
Leaders lead in Spirit, and the verse that accompanied this teaching...one of my favorites.
Pastor Troy then went on to share another verse...one that has a very special meaning.
Finally, we ended today working on your room. Putting on the finishing touches! I finished your dresser. Your dad assembled your crib, hung the shelves and pictures. I have posted pictures below.
Kai...we are getting so close. The proximity actually makes each day harder than I could have imagined. We are coming for you...soon!
So what's been going on the last month that has kept us so busy?
April 2 we celebrated Grandma Kathy's birthday
April 3 I had PRK eye surgery - a much more difficult procedure than expected, but nevertheless, it's done, and it was a success. I am now glasses and contact free! And your grandma worked on your dresser for your bedroom.
April 4 we celebrated Grandma Terri's (nana) birthday
April 6 we celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Hefferon's 35th Wedding Anniversary
April 12 our family bought the family boat for our time at the Lake
April 20 we celebrated Easter in Eolia
April 27 we finished your room
April 28 sending in our Visa applications
Wow! So many dates...so many experiences, so many emotions, so many prayers, so many tears, so much LOVE.
On April 18, the Friday before Easter, was another special day for us too! Bittersweet really. We received our last update from CCAI about how you are doing... and learned a little more about you. We know you wear 24 month clothes, size 6 toddler shoes, weigh 27 pounds and are 33.5 inches tall. We also learned you have had your palate repaired. You still use a bottle. And this update said you don't say much and are an introvert.
And now, this weekend, April 26 and April 27...
Yesterday we spent the day with Kainan. We went for a long walk, spent time at the neighborhood park, and enjoyed spending time together as a family of three. We talk about you often Kai. And Kainan is excited to be your big brother. He asks us when we are going to get you all the time now. I want you to know how special you are to all of us. And how proud and special Kainan is too. We want him and you to know that our love is great and genuine and unconditional. You both mean the world to us. We love you both and always will.
Today was truly an amazing day today too. We started the day off at Westside Family Church, and Pastor Troy's message today was spot on for what Jason and I both needed. The message I took from today was:
Leaders lead in Spirit, and the verse that accompanied this teaching...one of my favorites.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. - John 14:26We are not alone. He will give you what you need, when you need it, wherever you are. Lead with love.
Pastor Troy then went on to share another verse...one that has a very special meaning.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7Such peace comes over me with these words.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Finally, we ended today working on your room. Putting on the finishing touches! I finished your dresser. Your dad assembled your crib, hung the shelves and pictures. I have posted pictures below.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Birthday wishes from Dad
Luke 6: 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Everyday is a flood of emotions; happy or sad some old and some new. You are ours and we are yours; standing still while running to you. Longing to hold you, yearning to comfort you and craving how much you'll enrich our lives. When I close my eyes I imagine all that life has in store as I am blessed to now father two handsome boys. I project my love to you and pray that you feel our love; may this grant comfort today until we can cling to you. We hunger for you embrace and thirst for the laugh that all your nannies endear.
Every morning we greet you hello and every night we sing you a lullaby (though be it Rudolph or Santa Claus-Kainan's choice) and pray that the moon casts our love back to you. Today we wish you a very Happy 2nd Birthday; may you know that you are not alone be assured that we will soon be there for you.
Everyday is a flood of emotions; happy or sad some old and some new. You are ours and we are yours; standing still while running to you. Longing to hold you, yearning to comfort you and craving how much you'll enrich our lives. When I close my eyes I imagine all that life has in store as I am blessed to now father two handsome boys. I project my love to you and pray that you feel our love; may this grant comfort today until we can cling to you. We hunger for you embrace and thirst for the laugh that all your nannies endear.
Every morning we greet you hello and every night we sing you a lullaby (though be it Rudolph or Santa Claus-Kainan's choice) and pray that the moon casts our love back to you. Today we wish you a very Happy 2nd Birthday; may you know that you are not alone be assured that we will soon be there for you.
Happy Birthday Kai
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Kai, we wish you were here!
Boy do I wish you were here so we could hold and cuddle you on your special day...but I can assure you, we have plenty of hugs and cuddles for you when you do come home.
Yesterday it was my birthday, and this year seemed extra special. This year I celebrate with two beautiful boys. I was able to spend a birthday weekend filled with family. And your dad surprised me with a reminder of how lucky I am to get to be a mom to you and Kainan. Your dad had me a superhero cape made, similar to a Batman or Superman cape, but mine is purple and teal, and is marked with a M for SuperMom. Such a super special gift from my awesome husband and TWO boys. Thank you Jason for making me feel super special on my special day, and for being by my side through it all. You make me a better person, better mom, better wife...I do believe we were meant to be, stronger together, forever and always.
We also got our hard copy LOA. Absolutely amazing! If you recall, we receieved our soft-copy last Thursday, and were told to expect our hard-copy in 1 - 3 weeks. Talk about an under-promise, over deliever SUCCESS! We decided to hold off signing it for today - for your birthday! Although we sent your birthday gift to you, and pray it did make it to you, we also have some gifts from us and your grandparents. We all love you very much!
Happy Birthday Kai! You are all ours and we are coming for you!
Next step, waiting for our I-800 approval. (Expected timeframe is about 2 weeks.)
Boy do I wish you were here so we could hold and cuddle you on your special day...but I can assure you, we have plenty of hugs and cuddles for you when you do come home.
Yesterday it was my birthday, and this year seemed extra special. This year I celebrate with two beautiful boys. I was able to spend a birthday weekend filled with family. And your dad surprised me with a reminder of how lucky I am to get to be a mom to you and Kainan. Your dad had me a superhero cape made, similar to a Batman or Superman cape, but mine is purple and teal, and is marked with a M for SuperMom. Such a super special gift from my awesome husband and TWO boys. Thank you Jason for making me feel super special on my special day, and for being by my side through it all. You make me a better person, better mom, better wife...I do believe we were meant to be, stronger together, forever and always.
The birthday surprises didn't end with one of the coolest mom gifts ever....
We also got our hard copy LOA. Absolutely amazing! If you recall, we receieved our soft-copy last Thursday, and were told to expect our hard-copy in 1 - 3 weeks. Talk about an under-promise, over deliever SUCCESS! We decided to hold off signing it for today - for your birthday! Although we sent your birthday gift to you, and pray it did make it to you, we also have some gifts from us and your grandparents. We all love you very much!
Happy Birthday Kai! You are all ours and we are coming for you!
Next step, waiting for our I-800 approval. (Expected timeframe is about 2 weeks.)
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