"She's not a replacement for Pearl"......

No, never to replace Pearl, but loved EXACTLY the same. Meet PANDA

DTC BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He is growing up without us....

Comforting to know SOMEONE is hugging him.

We received updated photos of our precious one today. He has grown so much. I love that he had more hair in these pictures and he is SMILING....his last update he was very unhappy and looked sullen at best. These are sweet boy summer pictures. They were taken last weekend. No new measurements but he looks to be on track for a normal sized 2 yr old boy.

One more time for good measure.

WOW!!! Opening Ceremonies

This was our faces after watching the opening ceremonies of these.....

I love how the Chinese people really showed us what they are made of.

I love how the USA looked in their cutie uniforms.

Can't wait to see what the next 2 1/2 wks hold. I am somewhat of an Olympic groupie. I don't sleep alot during the summer/winter games. I love to watch the obscure sports like curling (winter) and ping pong (summer). Just my luck those things are shown at 3 am....those might have to wait for reruns on some obscure cable channel. I love the spirit of the athletes and I guess I love to watch the wonder that is Michael Phelps.....how cute is that one??

Back in two weeks...hopefully our camera will be fixed by then.

Sleep well silly girl

Hannah found Pearl in her favorite sun spot. She had peacefully gone to doggy heaven. Hannah will miss her terribly. Pearl was her constant companion and faithful protector. She loved to play and would enjoy walks in our neighborhood. She will be missed, but we know she is playing with her friends in doggy heaven. I am sorry Hannah had to find her, that isn't easy when you are an adult....much less a 12 yr old.

Referral anniversary

NOW..........

Then.........

2 yrs ago today our lives were changed. We saw her beautiful face for the first time. It looked as if she was unsure of life and where her path would take her. We were instantly in love and wanted to reassure her that all would be ok and her family would soon come and get her. She has since filled our lives with laughter and fun with learning about life along the way. We won't ever be the same....thank goodness. I believe she loves us as much as we love her. She greets each day with a smile and a hug for each one of us. She now has started saying "I promise I won't ever leave you" I make the same promise to her.

My sweet Clairebear....thanks for letting us be your family.

One more time

I sent the paperwork back to the office it came from after speaking to homeland security. I can only hope it will take 2 wks. Still somewhat sad, but knowing I am not the one in charge. I must learn to let God finish his wonderful plan His way, not mine. I am too stubborn for my own good.

WOW...what a roller coaster

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!

I was elated when my husband called and said the I171 was here. Imagine how good I felt this afternoon, knowing that the last dreaded piece of paperwork was safely at home to begin it cert/auth journey tomorrow. I was almost giddy the rest of the afternoon.

I raced in the door to find that he had opened the brown envelope and laid the paperwork out nicely on my side of the bed so that I would see it first thing upon entering the bedroom. I looked lovingly at the paperwork with a peaceful mellow feeling, and immediately became filled with sorrow.

Our fingerprints were to expire in Sept. of 2009 and they put the same date....except they put 2008. I know you can't believe there would be a mistake on paperwork that we have WAITED FOR 90 DAYS to receive. I went to the kitchen for a glass of wine immediately. I could see our travel dates slip farther and farter away. The only silver lining I see in this.....we had a misspelling on our I171 with Claire and I remember they were fast at correcting that and resending. Maybe it will only take a couple of weeks. I have to go back to the wine bottle now....I will let you know more after I speak to someone at Homeland Security tomorrow. Please pray that I remain calm for Kevin's sake and appeal to the person's human side.

Early birthday present

She is SOOOOOO happy. Her name is Eva Longoria (12 yr old humor....get it....she is loong...) Hannah has wanted a ferret as long as she can remember. Silly old mom said when you turn 12 you can have one. Who knew she would remember?????? We will call her Eva and hope that the dogs don't eat her. Claire HATES her.

Our 4th weekend

Waiting to go into the local amusement park.

More partying with the fam

Hi from the fam

Dancing with Daddy

Cousins dancing and having fun

Claire helping move chairs around.

We had a great weekend celebrating our nation's birthday. Claire loved singing happy birthday to America. We went to hubby's family's big celebration and had a blast. Tyler and Hannah were certainly missed. There was lots of laughing, fireworks, and singing Kareoke. We hope to do it every year. It always takes Claire a litle bit to warm up but then loves dancing and being with her family.

Hannah has been at my sister's this week and having a blast there. This is the longest she has been away from us. She went to church camp one week and then a week with my sister. I guess this will be good practice for our China trip. Claire has certainly missed her. She will be glad to have her back. Hannah's dog has been looking very lonely lately too, she will really be glad to see her. I didn't realize how much I would miss her. I guess my baby has really grown up.

News from the adoption front.....NOTHING. We are still waiting on the ever elusive I171. We got fingerprinted in 6/13....I wish they would hurry along with ours. I am ready to send my dossier in!!!!!!!

Glad to know everyone had a safe and fun 4th.