Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Ladybugs

That seem to be the theme at the Flowertown Festival this past Saturday. I go every year with my best friend Bonny and her dd Ashlee. This year her SIL also joined us. We had a great time as always. My legs are still sore, I'm really getting old!

I have been unable to decide how to decorate Gracie's bedroom, well it's official, now I just have to pick which Ladybug pattern I like the best.

Here is the first thing I bought her. It's a growth chart. Yes it has ladybugs on it.

The next thing she got is a sign for her door. How cute!

Then she got some hair bows, and yes the ladybug is a hair bow! My Darling sweet husband asked me, "what if she never has hair" WHAT? Only a man could come up with that.

My mom got her some stuffed animals. The frog giggles and the little girl says a prayer.

This is a poem sent to my LID group.

We Are So Blessed

We have the opportunity to pray and wait and plan and hope and dream and work for our child.
Circumstances don't allow us to take our child for granted - ever.
We do all these things for so long and at such great emotional cost, that when our child is finally in our arms, we truly cherish every minute.
Every second...We are blessed to be in our child's life.
We are blessed that God planned for us to be a family, and that we were given the opportunities that brought us together.
We get to see all the best parts of mankind in our wonderful children.
All the goodness and potential and innocence and ambition and confidence and love.
And what a beautiful sight that is...
We are blessed to have run this race.
It is long and, very often, it is practically impossible to complete.
But we run anyway, and believe in ourselves and our child enough to do the impossible.
We run, knowing that at the end of this great race, a child is waiting for a chance at a wonderful life.
And we get to be the ones to give her that life.
We are blessed that when our child laughs, we are the ones to hear it.
And when our child cries, we are the ones she looks for.
When our child feels pain or joy or accomplishment or excitement, she shares it with us.
We are so blessed to have had the chance to see life from a different angle.
To see that things don't always go as you planned them out in the 5th grade- but that better things are in store.
To be part of the few who feel constantly misunderstood.
To be one who always has to be on guard against the rude and ignorant comment.
To feel the frustration of not having the perfect comeback to that comment until three hours later.
Our kids can use those experiences and lessons we have learned.
We are deeper, stronger, more compassionate people because of this journey. And the world our children live in is better because we have grown in these ways.Our child is blessed.
She is patted and hugged and nestled and rocked and kissed and squeezed and taught and tickled and corrected and praised.
She is told of her value in God's eyes.
She is certain of her value in our eyes. And she never wonders if she will be cared for tomorrow or the next day...she sleeps comfortably each night, safe in our care.
We should tell our children we are proud.
We have saved and scrimped, prayed and begged, planned and schemed, worked and worried, and hoped endlessly for them.
We have dedicated years of our lives to finding them and bringing them home to their forever family.
And we have given our whole hearts to them even before we ever saw that precious face.
Now that is love.
And parents who adopt know all about that...Author unknown

Gracie's Nursery

I'm trying to decide what her room will look like. I'll post the ones that I like and you let me know what you think!

I found one site that had some beautiful pcs, but when I saw the $612 price tag (for the bedding), I assumed my life would be in danger for even looking! My husband would kill me for sure, for even thinking it!

I want something that will be appropriate to grow with her, at least for a few years.

I'll keep looking and posting!
ladybugs
http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/kli/kli7001beds.html

1. Camelot by Kids Line (Burlington Coat Factory)http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatSectionAndProductView.process?Section_Id=33886
2. Chloe by Glenna Jean (Burlington Coat Factory) http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatSectionAndProductView.process?Section_Id=18063
3. Froggy - Pink by BD Baby (Burlington Coat Factory) http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatSectionAndProductView.process?Section_Id=27350
4. Ooh La La by Kimberly Grant (Burlington Coat Factory) http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatSectionAndProductView.process?Section_Id=34206
5. Vintage Teaberry (Toys R Us) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266567&cp=2255986.2256244.2256251.2256261&parentPage=family
6. La Petite Bebe (TRU) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265512&cp=2255986.2256244.2256251.2256261&view=all&parentPage=family

Her room will have to have a large chalkboard somewhere, I remeber as a child writing on any wall I could with chalk!

Today started out not so great, I had to call the eye doctor, my vision has changed and I've had alot of bad miagrains. Everything is ok, just need bifocals. Dont I feel old now! Went home afterwards, couldnt see anyway. Good thing I've got a good boss. Vision was back to normal around 3.

OK, the day gets better now.

We have 42 days until our ship sails out ` guess what was in the mail today ` Our Docs!!!! They have been filled out, our luggage tags are done, we've completed our funpass and I am ready! Just need to pack.

All filled out and ready to go!

Gracie's quilt. . . . .

Hopefully we should be getting close to finish at collecting square. I joined the fabric swap with our CCAI LID Group, so we'll see.

We've gotten some really cute ones in. Go to past posts (or Labels - Quilt) to see pics of the latest.

We recently got one from Shirley Gleaves, Nashville TN who works with my husband. She is so sweet, thanks Shirley!

Thanks to my Secret Pal

from our CCAI Jan/Feb LID group. My package just arrived today! I am so excited. Gracie got a ladybug book (which is too cute), ladybug stickers, a fact sheet and a very nice note.

Thank you so much.

A few ladybug facts.

• There are nearly 5000 different kinds of ladybugs worldwide. (400 of them are in North America)
• A female ladybug will lay more than 1000 eggs in her lifetime
• Aphids are a ladybugs favorite food
• A gallon jar will hold 72,000 to 80,000 ladybugs
• It is the state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hamphire, Ohio and Tennessee.

For us in the Chinese Adoption World, it is just a sign of good luck. In case you are wondering March was ladybug month.

Borrowed from a fellow yahoo China adoption member. . . . . I thought it was beautiful and speaks volumes!

lilyspickle <lilyspickle@ yahoo.com> wrote:

No we don't have (our wives) belly's that get bigger by the minute.
No we don't have elbows, feet and little fists pounding our (wives) insides.
No we don't have ultrasound pictures showing us our child's development by the month.
But we are Moms (Dad's).
We are Moms (Dads) when we are getting to know our child in a country where no one speaks the same language as us.
We are Moms (Dads) the second they hand us our child in a hotel conference room.
We are Moms (Dads) when we are carefully packing medication, clothing and diapers for the child we haven't met yet.
We are Moms (Dads) when we receive the phone call that we have been matched with a baby and view the first picture of our little girl.
We are Moms (Dads) when we celebrate our LID.
We are Moms (Dads) when we are excited to FINALLY receive our I-171h or I-797c in the mail.
We are Moms (Dads) when we tirelessly collect, notarize, certify and authenticate every aspect of ourselves.
We are Moms (Dads) when a Social Worker inspects our home, and spends hours asking us about our personal lives.
We are Moms (Dads) when we make the decision to adopt.We are Moms (Dads) the first time we even have a thought about that child who will someday be ours.
We are Moms (Dads) even though most of our friends and family around us don't understand why a piece of paper or a Fed Ex package is as exciting to us as an ultrasound, or a positive pregnancy test.
We are Moms (Dads) who are madly in love with a baby we have not met.
We are Moms (Dads) who excitedly check email, Yahoo Groups and Blogs everyday to share this experience with other's around the country and world who are doing it too.
We are Moms (Dads) that cry in front of our computer screens when we hear that someone is DTC, LID, has gotten a referral, is leaving for China, or has experienced Gotcha Day!
We are Moms (Dads) to some baby out there who may be in a foster home, an orphanage, in her birth mother's belly growing, or that hasn't even been conceived yet.
WE ARE MOMS (Dads)!!!

Today is ONE month being LID!!!!!!! Only God knows how many of these we will have to endure. My heart is set on her coming home next January. Now I know in the China adoption world, that may not be right, but that's me!!!!!!! One day at a time baby girl!!!!!!

Today is also my parents 40th Wedding Anniversary!!!!!!! They are coming over for dinner tonight.

Happy Anniversary Momma and Daddy!!!!

Gracie got another gift in the mail today!!!!

On Tuesday, she received a package from Lynn Bellomy. I worked with Lynn at D's, she was the admin in WV for the longest time. She sent her a little teddy and a care bears night light.







On Monday, we got more material. There were two pieces from Linda Brindley, who was also a longtime admin with D's. Linda loves Mickey Mouse and Disney world, so I knew we would have a Mickey for her quilt.







I love the path that God has lead me on, I have made lifelong true friends and these are two of them.

Look What I Found!

I went to Butchies (wallpaper place) with Bonny today. She just moved into a new house and is decorating and painting everything!!!!

Anyway! This is the boarder for Gracie's room!!!!!! Now I have to find a bed set to match it. How cute is this!!!!! I love the soft pink in it. The walls will either be a cream, or a green to match the leaves, I THINK. I would love to put hardwood floors down, (I'm still trying to talk Paul Ray into putting her in the dining room downstairs anyway)

What do you think?

Here is a site so you can get a better look.

http://www.decoratetoday.com/products/wallpaper/product_detail.asp?ptn=DZ885F2&gensearchby=1&quantity=1&si=4

Would # 5 on my list ( see old posts) match this, it is the Vintage Teaberry from Toys R Us. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266567&cp=2255986.2256244.2256251.2256261&view=all&searchSort=TRUE&s=D-StorePrice-TRUS&parentPage=family

Well its official! Lets Sail Away Together!


We can mark one more thing off our list. Paul Ray and I have planned our little getaway before our Baby Girl comes home. Our last adult vacation, by the time this one is grown, we'll be too old to travel.


I'm so excited, I love to cruise, just put me on a ship, doesn't matter where it's going!

We're leaving out of Port Canaveral on May 7 aboard the Elation.

Tuesday is at sea, Wed is Grand Turk, Thur is Half Moon Cay, Fri is Nassau and back home on Saturday.

Something else we love to do is ride horses, check out the excursion we will be doing in Grand Turk! Yes! How cool is that. You ride along the beach then into the water you go.

February 26

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ! ! ! ! !

Devan - Happy Birthday Devan. You are in our hearts forever. We love you and miss you so much.

Payton - Happy Birthday Payton on your first birthday. We can't wait to meet you.

Lots of Love

Uncle Paul Ray

Aunt Peggy

Brandon

PaulPaul

Balloons for Devan

My fortune cookie said "You find beauty in ordinary things. Appreciate this gift."

Dinner was good, the company was great! I'm thinking, we'll be packing lots of snack food!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today is the Chinese New Year! If Gracie is born this year, she will be born the year of the Pig just like her daddy!

PIG 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Well Paul Ray and I are on our way out the door to celebrate the event. Our first trip to a Chinese restaurant with new friends! I'll let you know know how it goes!

Not much going on. We've settled down for the long wait, sorta like the bear in the winter! I really hope the wait is shorter than what some say. I still see her coming home next January, not sure why, just do! My best friend Bonny is already planning my shower, I think she is excited as I am! I do love her.

Paul and I are planning a little get away before Gracie comes home and our vacations go back to Disney World and such. PaulPaul will turn 18 this year, can you believe it. My baby is wanting a tattoo! I'm not impressed, and have offered him several things if he promises NOT to get one. He is currently in Washington on a field trip with the ROTC, it sure is quiet without him, except his dog Nelli keeps looking for him. Brandon, my sweet child is still trying to find his way in life. He is going to make someone a great husband one day. We've also got to do something with our yard. We cleared almost 2 acres when we built the house, and every time it rains, it's like we live on our own swamp! Not to mention, we have to get our baby girl a room ready, a room fit for a princess.

We've also got our nephews to keep us busy and help pass the time. Paul's baby brother and his family come over every couple of weeks. Now those that know our family wouldn't have thought of Chris with a family at such a young age! But this once "Wild Child" has turned into "Daddy". He was one of those that you just knew God was going to give him a child just like him one day, well let's hope not. (You know I love you!!!!) I love watching his kids grow, it seems like yesterday that Christopher was born. We spent the entire night at the hospital waiting on him to be born, he decided to enter this world early that morning. Little man (as I call him) is now two and one of the true loves of my life! Hunter boy just turned one in January, he came 3 days before my birthday, (I still say his mother could have waited 3 days). He cries whenever Aunt Peggy tries to hold him or get near him. He'll come around, but I think he may have to be old enough to be bribed first. He did let me hold him for 5 minutes last Sunday, but once the chocolate was gone, so was he!

I was an only child growing up, but not any more!
Let me introduce you to Gracie's Uncle Chris, Aunt Erin and cousin Hunter!

and here is my Little Man - Christopher

Friday, 02/16/07

I received a phone call while at work from my former employer, Dr Etheridge, who is also Paul Pauls pediatrician (and Gracie's once she is home) I immediately thought something was wrong since my child is in Washington on a field trip! Turns out he was calling to let me know he finally found the fabric for Gracies quilt. He knew what he wanted, but said he had to find it.

I worked for Dr E for two years, he is a super great guy and an even better doctor. His logo was a big oak tree, the name was Little Oaks. Little acorns grow up to be big oak trees. His fabric has acorns on it. I thought it was extremely sweet.

I'll post a pic but its hard to see.

Paul and I have decided that since some family and friends weren't sure how much fabric to get, the ones that we have extra of, we're going to make Gracie a small quilt, one just her size.

It's Official!!!!! Everyone up and shake your booty!!!!!!!!

I need a picture of the dancing baby here!

I owe PaulPaul a cookie cake. We're LID as of 02/11/07. That seems quick, let's hope it is a sign of things to come. It is time to celebrate It wont be long now baby girl and so much to do before you get here. Your dad and I are going out to dinner for Valentines, now we really have a bigger reason for celebration. You are in my every thought, I love you more each day! I know God will keep you safe until it's time for you to come home.

Happy Valentines!!!!!!

This is Valentines week and it's one of my favorite days! Paul Ray and I had our first date on Valentines 1987! Can you believe it's been 20 years! Who would have thought, from our first date at Pizza Hut in Moncks Corner and a ride to the lake (his grandparents lived out there) that we would be here today. I was smitten with him from day one! Yes, I thought he walked on water and was so totally handsome at that!!!!!

He was and is my biggest dream come true! Not to say our marriage has been perfect, far from it, but we made it and our life together is great today!



He has really made all my dreams come true, well the last one is in the works!

I love you Paul Ray! Gracie is going to be such a daddy's girl, I know you and know what's on the inside! Mark my words. :)

Friends

I'm so excited! I'm finally going to get to meet Penny. I feel like I've known her for ever. In addition to the fact that she is also adopting a little girl, Norah, from China, she was also involved with helping tend to our niece when she was in the hospital. I foresee a lifelong friendship!

Anyway, for the Chinese New Year, Paul Ray and I will be joining Penny and her husband for Dinner at the Red Orchid. I am so excited, did I already say that! She also has the cutest little boy who will fit in perfect with our crew of handsome nephews.

Does everyone realize, it is really happening, I'm going to have a little girl (not that I don't love my boys, but they are grown and don't need me). Every once in awhile it hits me, hey this is really happening. In about a year, I'm going to have another one, one I can dress in pretty little pink dresses complete with bows. I love having little ones around. I missed out on so much when mine were little, I was young and stupid, what can I say. I wont make that mistake again. I plan on cherishing and treasuring every minute God gives me with this beautiful little gift.

To all you young moms, it goes SOOOOO fast, don't miss it!

YES!!!!! IT'S REALLY TIME FOR A HAPPY DANCE NOW! WE'RE DTC!!! YES! YES! YES! Our DTC is 01/26/07

I have been waiting to hear that our dossier was sent off, hoping it would go off this week. We've been moving our office and I have not had access to a computer today, well low and behold look at the email that was waiting for me. Even better than hearing it was sent, is hearing it is there.

To: Paul & Peggy Winge
From: CCAI Dossier & China Departments

Congratulations! Your dossier has been delivered to the China Center of Adoption Affairs.

We will notify by email as soon as we receive your official log-in date (LID) from CCAA, and then you can go to the CCAI website to download Dossier Log-In Date Packet. This can take approximately up to 5 weeks from now. Please notice that this wait time can vary due to CCAA’s LID processing speed.

Sincerely,
CCAI Dossier & China Departments

Payton Update (My newest niece)
My sister in law and her mother are in Russia. They are on their first trip to meet Payton, she should come home in about two months. Please keep Donna and Myrna in your prayers, it is extremely cold right now in Moscow and lots of snow.

01/22/2007

It's Happy Dance Time!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!! Can you feel the excitement!

Our Dossier passed critical review, Jamie from CCAI called me at 3:41 pm today, I was on the way home from work. I was so nervous, I think she laughed at me. (In a nice way)

Our Dossier is now on the way to the main office in Colorado for translation and binding, then off to China we go!!!!!

Praise God! Its been in his hands from day one and will continue to be. Gracie will come home in his time.

01/23/2007 UPDATE

Our dossier was delivered this morning to the Colorado office at 9:19 am!

Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles.

Isaiah 40:31

My dear friend Bonny and I always do breakfast for our birthdays. Saturday we ate at Cracker Barrel. It was a great day. Look at the cutest little hat that she bought for Gracie. (They have several more I want to go back and get)

She had also bought Gracie a couple of things from a Chinese restaurant.

After breakfast we went shopping, look at these little rain boots! Every where I turned I was seeing ladybugs today. Clothes, piggy banks, purse, one right after the other!

It's Official, we are finally done with our paperchase. Our dossier will arrive at CCAI tomorrow morning!!!!!! It's been 5 months, 2 weeks and 3 days since signing the application!

It's a Happy Happy Happy Day!!!!!! We're holding out on the celebration until we pass critical review! Oh and my son told me last night as I was doing the Happy Dance, and I quote, "Don't ever do that again"! The nerve of that child!

Update: Our Dossier arrived at CCAI at 10:10 am this morning!

We just took some more pictures to finish up for our dossier! I really take horrible pictures! Here is one of the betters ones! Our dossier should hopefully go out on Tuesday and arrive at CCAI on Wednesday!

Time for Another Happy Dance!!!!!!!

Our docs arrived safe and sound from Carol at "Dependable Adoption Courier Service" this morning. She received them from us Monday morning and I got them back this morning, safe and sound! Now we can put it all together and send it to CCAI next week! I'd recommend her to anyone.

One step closer baby girl!!!!

Paul III

I wanted to post some pictures of my youngest son. Paulpaul (as we call him). He got a camera for Christmas, he and his friend were testing it out! I think the pics turned out great, and How Handsome is this child!

Gracie's First Bible!

My DF Trina is at it again, she got Gracie her very first bible.

Thanks Trina

UPDATE: The adoption community sent enough letters/emails that CNN/Paula Zahn did another show on Monday night regarding the subject!

CNN / Paula Zahn show on China changing their rules.

I just finished watching CNN's Paula Zahn show tonight. She was discussing the new rules for adopting from China. I could not believe she and her 3 guests made the remarks they made. They made presumptions about why "we" Americans are so fascinated with adopting Chinese Girls. According to them, we think they are smarter and work harder. They went as far as to ask why we could not adopt a "Black foster boy" from here instead. It was ridiculous. They honestly do not have a clue about the Chinese Adoption system and how it works. I'm sure they will be getting a lot of heat over this show from the Chinese Adoption Community!

http://adoptioninfoaccuracy.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to Glory and Kurt!

They are one of our church families that are adopting from China. They just got their referrals for a little boy! They are hoping to travel in March. We'll pray they have a safe and speedy trip.

I didn't want to post until Donna told everyone first, (even though I've already showed her off to all my friends), the day after Christmas, Donna received her referral for her daughter.

She is a beautiful little thing, in her pictures, it looks like she has brown hair and the biggest brown eyes you've seen.

Donna should be able to go and meet her in January and then bring her home 2 months later. I can't wait to meet little Payton, I'm sure she will help in the long wait for Gracie to come home.

She was born February 26, 2006 (born on her sister's birthday)

I haven't been an "Auntie" to a little princess since Taylor! What a cutie she was! I never get to see her. They are currently living in Clemson country! I certainly hope that Payton and Gracie will be close.

Let's take a ride. . .

I drove to Columbia today to have our papers certified by the state! I get to go back tomorrow because 3 of them were not worded correctly! Thank goodness I am on vacation this week!

One document I have to send to Nashville, lets pray it makes it back and does not sit on someones desk.

How Cute is This?

It's a Christmas present from Adam & Payton (Aunt Donna & Uncle Matt). She is gonna need a room soon, really soon.

My mom also gave Gracie books for Christmas, she got several books of color and 3 other books.

I'm going to Columbia tomorrow, and then Thursday I will send them UPS to a courier service to have them hand delivered to Washington. I am so excited, we'll soon be DTC, unless our agency finds a problem with them, lets hope not, lets hope all is well with them.

Dear Gracie,

It's Christmas Day, and although I don't think you are born yet, I wanted to wish You a Merry Christmas. I pray that things speed up in China and you never have to spend a Christmas alone.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers, and I can't wait to have you home.

Maybe this is a sign of good luck, Granny Winge gave us a ornament this morning, a Baldwin Ladybug, it is so cute!

I love you baby girl.
Momma

Our family will be here today for dinner at 5:00, the room never seems quite complete anymore. Time goes by and this is our second Christmas without you Devan. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day but especially today. Merry Christmas Devan, we love you!

It's Christmas Eve and I wanted to post what my oldest DS just gave me for Christmas. He is so sweet and thoughtful! Take a look . . . .

He got me a Chinese cookbook (I'm really gonna try) and a Chinese Dictionary.

Then he also gave me 2 pcs of fabric for Gracie's quilt. He found 2 things that he knows I love - Frogs and Elvis. How sweet is my child! Brandon I love you!

It's almost Christmas . . . . .


My Dear Friend Trina gave Gracie a really cute gift (we both love frogs). Both are for the tub, one is soap and the other one is a puppet!

My best friend Bonny and I do breakfast together with each other and the kids each year, well that was today! Look at my gift, I just love it. My first diaper bag! How Cute!

That's Bonny's daughter Ashlee Gail holding the bag!

Friday, December 22, 2006


My DH is another year older! But with each year he is getting sweeter and sweeter. Happy Birthday Paul Ray! I LOVE YOU and YOU ARE STILL MY BIGGEST DREAM COME TRUE and you always will be!

I really feel that Gracie's "birth mom" is pregant with her right now. I pray for her safety during this time and that she is taking care of herself. There was a big discussion on one of my yahoo groups about what they tell their children about their birth mothers and if they loved them. I personally will tell Gracie that her "birth mom" loved her but was unable to keep her.

The following is an article from China.org.cn It doesnt relate to that topic but with being pregant in 07!

'Golden Pig Year' Baby-Boom: Auspicious or Suspicious?

Maternity hospitals in Shanghai have been busier than usual over the past few months as many young women try to have babies next year, an especially auspicious time according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

"I found there are many pregnant women this year," said local resident Jiang Yan. "I know friends, co-workers and other people working in my office building that are all going to have kids. Some of them did tell me they want to give birth to a 'golden pig baby' for the good luck."
The lunar calendar gives each year one of 12 zodiac signs with years rotating through the five elements - gold, wood, water, fire and earth.

Children born when the Year of the Pig coincides with the element of gold, occurring once every 60 years, are said to be blessed.

However, the expected baby boom is causing headaches for doctors.
"Pregnant women will be given a number first every morning and wait for a check-up," said a doctor from Changning District Maternity and Child Health Hospital, adding that every day the hospital had welcomed 20 newly pregnant women coming for their first check.
Normally, women don't need to take a number to get a health exam, the doctor clarified.
A pregnant woman identifying herself as Yueyue said she learned about the "Golden Pig Year" from her mother. "I cannot tell whether it is true or not," Yueyue said. "But I chose to believe it rather than miss a good opportunity."

The Shanghai Population and Family Planning Commission predicted that 131,000 babies will be born in the city this year, up from 123,901 last year. This number will rise to about 137,000 next year and peak in 2015 at 160,000.

City officials are concerned that this baby boom will trigger a spate of generational social problems, such as over-crowding in schools and in the job markets, problems that could stay active for several decades.

(Shanghai Daily November 8, 2006)2006-11-08 16:28:10'Golden Pig Year' Baby-Boom: Auspicious or Suspicious?

IT"S HERE!!!! OUR I171H ARRIVED TODAY 12/19/2006!!!

I am so happy it is finally here! I will drive it to Columbia next week and then overnight it to Washington DC after that. You know I am on vacation, its only a 8 hour drive, we'll have to see???? It will be at our agency's office early January.

On another note, I opened my email today to find a note from our agency saying they are concerned with my medical history (?) and we need to have our dossier in by April 13. Well that is not a problem but now my nerves are working overtime, and what if the CCAA decides at the last minute not to grant us a daughter. I don't think they understand, this child is a part of me. I am still waiting on a call from our agency.

UPDATE

I just got off the phone with Jamie in the Dossier Dept, she is working overtime tonight. I just love her to death. I would have never slept tonight. She answered all my questions, and we are good! She had sent the email just to make sure!!!

WHEW!!!! Now, where does that dance line start? My DH told me all day not to worry, I should know to listen to him by now.

Latest Update:

Here is the latest info from our Agency. We hope to be DTC first part of Jan (depending on how long it takes to get that magical form) and LID should follow in a month. Either way I think we will be ok!

My nerves will be much better once we are LID (log in date)!

The China Center of Adoption Affairs held their 2006 Adoption Agency China Liaison Annual Information Meeting at its office on December 8, 2006. At the meeting the CCAA announced some upcoming adoption policy and practice changes.

According to our Beijing staff who attended the training, these changes include the following:

Effective Jan. 1, 2007, the CCAA will raise its service fees: $820 for a traditional program adoption (a $210 increase), and $590 for a Waiting Child Program adoption (a $170 increase).
The following non-retroactive restrictions will apply to applicants whose dossiers will be received at the CCAA after May 1, 2007:
Adoptive applicants must be under the age of 50 at the time the dossier is logged in at the CCAA.
Applicants must be married for at least two years at the time the dossier is logged in. If either applicant has been previously married, the current marriage must be at least five years old at the time the dossier is logged in.
Applicants’ Body Mass Index ( BMI) must be under 40.
Applicants’ net worth must be at minimum $80,000.
Applicants must have no criminal record or history of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, or substance abuse.
Applicants must have no severe health concerns such as cancer, mental illness, or physical impairment, etc.
Applicants must have a minimum education of high school or equivalent.
Applicants must be a married heterosexual couple.

Single applicants will not be accepted.
We have not received any official written documents from the CCAA on the above restrictions. Therefore, the information we received and interpreted so far may not be 100% accurate. We will keep you informed as soon as more information is made available to us.
Once again, we believe that these qualification changes should have NO impact on families whose dossiers have already been logged in at the CCAA. For families who are still in the dossier compilation process, we will contact every individual family should any verified changes affect your adoption. Our goal is to help you get your dossier to China before May, 1, 2007.

Villanueva Christmas Dinner . . . .



We had my dad's side of the family Christmas Dinner last night.



First, Congrats to my cousin Jarrett and his wife Dolly. They just found out they are expecting in Aug. No one knew when they arrived, and Dolly asked if I would read a poem to my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Moe (Jarrett's parents). I was trying very hard not to cry. It was a beautifully written poem thanking them for all their help and how exciting Christmas 07 will be since they will have a new grandchild!



Second, My Aunt Mary and Uncle David gave us some things for Gracie. How sweet!

She got 3 pcs of fabric for her quilt, and a really cute bow holder. Thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle David.

Paul Ray is back safe and sound (until Monday morning when he heads off to Nashville).

Here is the first thing that he has bought for our Gracie!

He bought the boys hats! They look a little goofy (boys not hats)!

PaulPaul has the phone stuck to his ear as always!

Update. . . .

Our agency just posted an update from CCAA(China Center of Adoption Affairs) which just held their annual meeting. They are suggesting that everyone get their dossier in as quickly as possible. All we are waiting on is our I171H form, I'll call that office again on Monday. Once we get that I will have to get it to the state and then to the Chinese Embassy before sending it to our agency. We still need to take pictures, so over the next week, Paul & I will be visiting people to take pictures.

There will be some changes.

1. Beginning 1/1/07 the CCAA is raising its service fee. (OK, not a problem)

2. No single dossiers accepted after 5/1/07 (does not affect us)

3. Changes to the waiting child program (does not affect us)

4. There is no date listed and there was not a lot of detail to go with any of this. I hope that none of these will affect us. They are:

a. weight restriction

b. minimum net worth requirements

c. substance abuse

d. health concerns

The CCAA also predicted that the child match wait time will not get shorter in the foreseeable future due to the influx of adoption dossiers. However, the CCAA did not say how long the wait will become.

Let me say, my daughter is in China, I can wait as long as it takes (as hard and painful as it is)

but until my dossier is logged in I may be having issues, serious ones. I love this child that I don't know, so please don't suggest that I look at another country.

Time for another happy dance! I got a letter in the mail from DSS today. It was a copy of their approval letter they sent to the immigration office on Dec 1.

OK, now once we get the form from immigration it goes with the dossier to the state first, then I believe to Washington and then to our Agency. Once our agency gets it, it is there for about 15 days, it goes through critical review and then translation. Once all that is done, they will send it to China. Then once we are logged in, we begin the wait!

Gracie, we are another step closer babygirl. I'll continue to pray that God will keep you safe and that the wait time will decrease.

On another note, my DH comes home tomorrow, I cant wait to see him!

I have to share this, I have the best boss ever!

My DH is coming home early, he is arriving on Friday at 930 (he has to go to Nashville Monday, but he is home for 2 days) I am so excited, I have missed him so much! Did I say, I have not been sleeping well. Anyway, I called my boss to see if it would be ok to leave and pick Paul up at the airport. He said, Do you have to ask? Then he said I could take the rest of the day off! A year and half later, I'm still amazed at what a great job I have.

Update:

I just heard from our SW. DSS called her about 5 days ago needing something else on DS since he is an adult. She faxed that over to them the same day. She said I should be getting something from them anyday now, which means my I171H should not be tooooooooo long in coming. Hopefully my agency can send off our dossier first of the year. I was really hoping to be logged in by the end of the year.

Cybershower - One of my Yahoo Groups did a Cybershower (my first).

Whats a Cybershower - A group of people sign up and the moderator hands out names. You send one gift and receive one gift.

I'm so excited. I got my gift today! I have made a lifelong friend. She took the time and included a letter telling about herself, a gift for the cybershower and another bonus gift that I can put up for Gracie. She seems like such a sweet person. I wont be able to thank her enough.

On to the gifts . . . . .

She got the cutest outfit (its pink), some food containers, nail clippers and a Princess picture frame!

Now for the extra one . . .

It was a purse with her very first pair of chop sticks (PaulPaul wanted to try them out), a fan, a necklace, a bracelet and a bookmark. How Awesome. I will put this up for Gracie and put the letter in her book of wishes.

A very BIG Thank You to The Weaver Family! Randy, Laura, Nell and Ann

There is another CCAI family in Goose Creek! Glenda & Bo / They are leaving on Thursday to bring home their daughter from China. They will be home on Christmas Eve. What an awesome Christmas Present. Let's keep them in our prayers for a safe trip. God is gonna have Gracie surrounded by little playmates that look just like her.

I just left Homeland Security a message as well as our Social Worker, trying to find out our status! I guess my patience has worn thin.

There is another CCAI family in Goose Creek! Glenda & Bo / They are leaving on Thursday to bring home their daughter from China. They will be home on Christmas Eve. What an awesome Christmas Present. Let's keep them in our prayers for a safe trip. God is gonna have Gracie surrounded by little playmates that look just like her.

I just left Homeland Security a message as well as our Social Worker, trying to find out our status! I guess my patience has worn thin.

Our youngest son is so funny! This past Saturday, he and I (and my mother) went to Myrtle Beach to do some more Christmas shopping. This is the second year we've gone and he seems to enjoy it, and it's nice spending time with him, he'll leave the house before long (he's in a hurry to spread his wings). Our first stop was at a little gift shop in Pawleys Island, I have been wanting to stop there for 2 years! I found Gracie another book - Ruby's Wish. It is a true story! Paul Paul decided then for everything I bought for Gracie I would have to buy him something! She only got the book and 2 pair of PJ's. (That was only because they gave me a coupon the week before)

I was having Paul Paul hold up Gracie's PJ's and Peanut saw the camera, he is so funny, he knows when its time to take a picture.

Notice the PJ's on the right have cute little frogs and their PINK!!!! A girl's favorite color.

This is a song on "Third Day"'s new Christmas CD! It will make you cry!

Merry Christmas

by Third Day

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn

Crying for mama's arms

At an orphanage just outside a little China town

Where the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire

And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone

So tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in His arms

And tell you from my heart

I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights

I'm warmed by the fire's glow

Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white

And make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears

And hope that Heaven's Angels come to carry you here

Christmas is the time we celebrate the Holy Child

And we celebrate His perfect gift of love

He came to Earth to give His life and prepare a place for us

So we could have a home with Him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home

Your family is here so you will never be alone

So tonight before you go to sleep

I'll hold you in my arms

And tell you from my heart

I wish you Merry Christmas

I know that most likely Gracie is not even born yet, but the thought of her being alone just breaks my heart. I pray that God will bring her home soon, with his help maybe she can be home for Christmas next year.

On the picture above, do you notice how many stockings are hanging?

Update . . . .

I have really fallen behind on Gracie's site. I've had some kind of bug now for 3 weeks. Paul Ray was thrilled when I lost my voice over the weekend.

We are in the process of WAITING. Right now we are waiting on our I171H form!


The Sunday before Thanksgiving each year, Hospice has a Memorial Candlelight service at Colonial Lake. Donna gets a candle for Devan and Josh each year, so this is how we bring our Christmas Season in each year. Merry Christmas Devan, you know we love you and miss you!

The day after Thanksgiving, Bonny and I go shopping (long standing tradition). This year was a special treat as we took her daughter Ashlee with us. We went to Myrtle Beach. What a day it was! It got started with Bonny getting stuck in the mud coming to my house! An hour later we got her out and were on our way!

This first picture is something that Bonny bought for Gracie. She is so cute. Ashlee Gail named her "Sophie Gail". So here is Gracie's first real doll baby that she can actually play with. It was in a really neat Doll Store, that we will be going back for a doll that was out of stock (this one she wont be able to play with). Thank you So Much Bonny, I love you! Gracie will have so much fun with her Sophie Gail.

This next picture is Gracie's ornaments so far.

Now those who know me, know I love frogs (not the live kind), check out this outfit!!!! I cant wait to put it on her.

Well the only other new thing in our lives is my dear husband has left me for 2.5 weeks. He's in Trinidad opening a new Captain D's. I miss him already!!!!!!

Now I need to update her quilt section and we'll be good! I promise to do a better job at keeping up with her site!!!!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! Please keep Gracie in your prayers.

We have such great friends!

Our friends Ralph and Trina Wilson gave us this book today, 11/06/06. Trina bought this from her church (Seacoast) and it is actually signed by the ladies who did the book. I continue to believe that God has special plans for our baby girl!

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you, Lord, alone made me dwell in safety and confidant trust. Psalm 4:8

When Love Takes You In

by Steven Curtis Chapman

I know you’ve heard the stories

But they all sound too good to be true

You’ve heard about a place called home

But there doesn’t seem to be one for you

So one more night you cry yourself to sleep

And drift off to a distant dream

Where love takes you in and everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

When love takes you home and says you belong here

The loneliness ends and a new life begins

When love takes you in And somewhere while you’re sleeping

Someone else is dreaming too Counting down the days until

They hold you close and say I love you

And like the rain that falls into the sea

In a moment what has been is lost in what will be

When love takes you in everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

And this love will never let you go

There is nothing that could evercause this love to lose its hold

When love takes you in everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

When love takes you home and says you belong here

The loneliness ends and a new life begins

When love takes you in it takes you in for good

When love takes you in

Gracie,

We cant wait to bring you home!