Nursery Update

I think this may be it - (You know I still have a long time and could still change my mind) :)

Its at Toys R Us. It has plenty of pink and some red. I really like it.

What do you think????

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!