Travel Packet II

We got notice this afternoon to download Travel Packet II. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What does that mean you say, well its means that the CCAA has now moved our Dossier to the match room to be matched with our sweet baby girl!

Hold on Gracie. I continue to pray that God's keeps you safe. I hope that you have someone to hold you until I can get there. I promise to always love you more than you'll know. It wont be too much longer now.

My shower for you is this Saturday, good timing, its time to get busy now, not that I wasn't already. We've also hired someone at work, she starts next week, so training will start then. There is just so much to do that I am over whelmed! I think I may need something to calm my nerves. (before I drive everyone around me insane)

Taken from "Waiting to Asend" blog

I have come up with an idea for a swap as I have been walking around at the Mall lately. I think it would be fun to do a bow swap. I think it would be nice to trade names with 2 or 3 other people and send a couple little bows totalling no more than $10. I don't think the postage would be much either.

If you would like to participate, or if you would like to let others who read your blog about it, please send me an e-mail at npoellot24 at yahoo.com. My goal is to get names out and try to get this going be early Febuary.

I am also thinking about doing a swimsuit swap for the summer.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year starts on 02/07/2008.

There are 3 ways to name a Chinese year:

1. By an animal. There are 12 animals. 2008 is the year of the rat.

Gracie was born year of the monkey.

2. By its formal name 2008 is Wu Zhi

3. Current year is Year 4705 by the Chinese calendar.

Parties / New Puppy / Registered

Happy Birthday Hunter Boy!!!! He just turned 2, and to say this little fellow is obsessed with Thomas Trains would be an understatement. Every gift he got had to do with Thomas the Train.

His chair and Little Mans Chair

You may think he wants the cake, but he wants the train on the cake.
Hmmm, but the cake was good to.
And Yes, he is using his train as a spoon.
Nope, not ours. Chris & Erin finally got the boys a puppy of their own. They love dogs. Meet Tana (Short for Hannah Montana). She is a sweet dog.


Now, I finally got registered for my upcoming shower which is on 02/02 (my Daddy's birthday)I don't know how long Bonny and I were in the store, the day was wet and cold. We thought we'd be the only person in the store on that kind of day, WRONG, but you could say I was the only mom registering that didn't look like she was ready to pop!



Some things on the list I plan on getting myself (the big things) but it took me so long to pick those out, I had to make a decision and be done with it, so when I go back I can just order the furniture and not look anymore. Do you know how many choices you have in a store like that. Whew!


Babies R Us

http://www.babiesrus.com/ControllerServlet?registryNumber=71411773&target=search





I need to get to the store and get some books to get started on her baby (life) book and her quilt book. I was hoping to have her quilt done before the shower, but that's not gonna happen. I need to start that. I was hoping to have some time to breathe before we go get her, but I don't see that happening. Hopefully I'll be able to take a week off before we go to China, but we'll see.



Paul Ray starts his new job tomorrow, lets everyone say a little prayer for him. I know he'll be happy there once he learns his way around.



Now, I've really got to start exercising and loosing some weight!



Have a great week.

Mardi Gras at the Omar Shriners Ball

Last Saturday, we attended the Omar Shriner Ball. Paul's Uncle Roy was installed as the Potentate and my best friends Bonny's brother was installed into the Divan. I think everyone had a great time, I know we did.

Paul and I.
Chris & Erin
Best Buds! Peggy And Bonny

Bonny's sister in law Debbie took these pics, she did a great job. We also took pics there with Chris & Erin, so I'll post those when we get them. This was most likely my last "nice night" out before our Gracie comes home. I'm going with Bonny, Ashlee and Stacy Nicole tomorrow to register for my baby shower. I'm really excited.

Today is also that dreaded birthday, I must say it has not really bothered me too much! Paul Ray is taking me to dinner tonight, maybe even a movie but I wont hold my breath. I'll have our traditional breakfast with Bonny tomorrow and Sunday night my mom will cook my favorite!

Oh I almost forgot!

Happy Birthday Hunter Boy

Lots of Hugs and Kisses to you

His birthday was the 15th and his party is Sunday at noon!

Our To Do List Before our Baby Girl is Home!!!!!!!!!!!

(Those in Blue Are Done)
I'm sure this list will continue to grow.

1. Finish the Paperchase YEAH!!!!!!
2. Print out and put at every phone "The Referral Call" questionnaire
3. Child Proof our House
4. Continue to shop for "Princess Gracie" This is an ongoing thing, It wont ever end.
5. Continue to gather fabric for her "100 Good Wishes Quilt" Have Quilt put together
6. Buy things for the orphanage (my mom just bought 5 very cute outfits for this)
7. Decide on theme for her room
8. Paint, Decorate, and Supply her room
9. Learn Chinese
10. Learn the lullaby "Mama Hao" ("Mama is the Best" in all the world)
11. Prepare a Care Package to send to Gracie (if possible) after referral, make sure to include Family Album and Disposable Camera
12. Order Adoption Magazine
13. Design/Find/Order Adoption Announcements
14. Decide on a Pediatrician, Dr. Bruce Etheridge, he is so sweet, in case you're looking for one
15. Find a babysitter/caregiver and a backup when I'm at work (3 days a week)
16. Continue to read about International Adoption
17. Once we get a referral, track down and buy copies of local/international newspaper
18. Prepare a list of questions for caregiver or foster mom
19. Join and get involved with local FCC
20. Stock up on diapers and wipes - Wont Be Needing These
21. Get in shape. Loose 20 lbs. Start carrying 15 (BETTER MAKE THAT 20 NOW) lbs weights
22. Start a Journal
23. Build a website for everyone to follow
24. Start a lifebook for Gracie
25. Learn how to use camera and video camera BEFORE leaving, Mama got us a new one for Christmas
26. Research, choose, and buy a car seat, learn how to use it
27. Research, chose, and buy a stroller, LEARN how to use it (the first time I took little man to the mall, I seriously could not close the thing. Good thing I was in the Explorer or his mommy would have had to come resue us!!!! They have changed since mine were little.
28. Buy an EXTRA special outfit for her to wear home
29. After Referral, Research Graices province
30. Research post-adoption tasks (birth certificate, re-adoption, SS card, child's new passport
31. Join adoption networks (I am on 13 Yahoo Groups-lost count now )
32. Address baby announcements before leaving
33. Make a list of everything we need for Gracie!.
34. Register at Babies R Us, Target and Amazon for her books
35. Get a Rocking chair (leather recliner) for front room and a Glider Rocker for her room
36. Take a Vacation with DH before Gracie comes home.
37. Practice reposnses to Dumb Questions "Is she your Real daugher?" I hope I never have to deal with this.
38. Choose Godparents/Guardians
39. Start a list of what gifts to take to China (officials, caregivers, etc)
40. Put a stop on mail and newspaper
41. Make sure we have lots of crisp bills (This is Aunt Erins:) Job)
42. Take a seminar in Adoptive Parenting
43. Set up appointment with Dr. Etheridge/Dr Boatwright for a few days after return
44. Send out Thank You's
45. Make a list of what gifts to bring back (Tea Set for Gracie)
46. Start a packing list (make sure have enough of meds)
47. Start / Finish packing for us and Gracie
48. Make arrangements for bills to be paid (online)
49. Make sure house is spotless before leaving.
50. Service Car before leaving
51. Make arrangements for food to be in house upon returning

Ramblings and Such

I just found the most amazing blog site, Mama's Fixins, she has the most wonderful receipts, not that I'm anywhere near being a cook, let along a good cook. But I do know a few who are that could give a few of her receipts a try.

Lets see, just to update everyone. My DH had the flu and was nice enough to pass it on. I still don't have my tree down.

We've submitted a request to have our fingerprints redone since they expire this month. I failed to include a copy of PaulPauls birth certificate, I'll call them back first thing Monday. They left me a message on Thursday and I failed to check the machine until today.

I also received our Home Study Addendum from our SW today, that will go off Monday to CCAI. So now we just wait, the next thing will be our dossier is moved to the match room and we'll get travel packet 2, (I haven't gotten travel packet 1 yet).

We had a surprise birthday party for Pauls Dad here last Saturday, Happy Birthday Grandaddy! I think he really enjoyed it.

Paul Ray and I are attending the Shiners Ball next Saturday, he uncle his being installed as Potentate. I'm really excited, DH usually declines those kinds of events.

The following weekend is my birthday, DH is taking me to dinner on Friday, I'm spending all day Saturday with Bonny and Ashlee (we're going to register and find some stuff for Gracie). Then Sunday, my mom will cook my birthday dinner, Lasagna, my favorite and I get this every year.

Then for the very biggest news, my DH has made a very BIG, difficult decision. He is leaving the company he works for after 24 years. He is going to work for some very good people and will be much better for him, a much better quality of life. I'm so excited for him.

Our Timeline to Gracie . . . . . . . .

1. (March, 2006) Paul Ray, "Well you can adopt" Joking ???? Maybe
2. (March, 2006) Adoption is on my heart!!!!
3. (April, 2006) Momma & Daddy discuss Adoption, Baba needs lots of prayers!!
4. (May, 2006 - Mothers Day) Mom chooses an agency CCAI, Daddy still iffy!
5. (July 4, 2006) Daddy gives me your middle name. Noelle
6. (July 30, 2006) We signed the application
7. (August 3, 2006) We mailed the application (UPS - Overnight)
8. (August 7, 2006) Daddy gets a phone call from Kathi at CCAI, We're Approved!!
We mailed our announcements that we are adopting.
9. (August 9, 2006) We mailed back our Orientation Packet (UPS - Overnight)
10. (August 11, 2006) We received Password from CCAI
11. (August 23, 2006) Took Passport Photos. Meet Penny online (Summerville CCAI Family)
12. (August 24 & 25 2006) Moma & Daddy apply for Passports
13. (September 6, 2006) Our SW, Linda (From Child of the Heart) called
14. (September 30, 2006) First Homestudy Visit
15. (October 7, 2006) Second Homestudy Visit
16. (October 20, 2006) Filed our I600A and had our Fingerprints taken!!!
17. (October 28, 2006) Our Last Home study Visit
18. Received rough draft of home study report.
19. (December 7, 2006) Received approval letter from DSS. They sent to the report over to immigration on 12/01/06.
20. (December 18, 2006) I called immigration again today! (called last Monday) Our home study was received and approved on the 11th and approved on the 15th. The very nice lady said it most likely went out on Friday, if not it would go out today!
21. (December 19, 2006) OUR I171H ARRIVED TODAY!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!
22. (December 27 & 28th) Drove our documents to Columbia to be certified by the state.
23. (December 27, 2006) Sent Paul's employment paper to TN to be certified by the county and state.
24. (January 4, 2007) Received Paul's papers back from TN.
25. (January 5, 2007) Send all certified documents (13) to courier to deliver to Washington!
26. (January 12, 2007) Received all documents from Washington!!!!!!
27. (January 16, 2007) Mailed our Dossier to CCAI!!!!!!!
28. (January 17, 2007) Our dossier arrived at CCAI at 10:00 am!
29. (January 22, 2007) Passed critical review, on the way to Colorado.
30. (January 23, 2007) Delivered to CCAI in Colorado at 9:19 am.
31. (January 26, 2007) Our dossier is sent to CCAA.
32. (January 29, 2007) Our dossier is DELIVERED to CCAA!!!!
33. (February 11, 2007) WE ARE LID!!!!!!!!
34. (July 11, 2007) We decide to submit a Medical Checklist for the Special Needs Program
35. (July 16, 2007) Mailed our Medical Checklist to our Social Worker
36. (July 19, 2007) Received faxed copy of MCC from our SW
37. (July 19, 2007) Faxed our MCC to the waiting child program
38. (Fri, Nov 30, 2007) Today I seen the most beautiful little girl on our agency's website. I immediately called and requested her file. They had a list of families wanting to see her file. But this little girl was made for our family. I would worry about her all weekend long. Paul Ray said if it's meant to be, it will happen.
39. (Mon, Dec 3, 2007) Received a phone call from Pam asking if we still wanted to see this file, I said are you serious, yes we do. She told me again that her vision was poor, that's ok, my heart already belonged to her. We sent her file to our eye doctor.
40. (Wed, Dec 5, 2007) We called Pam around 11:30 am to let her know, this was indeed our daughter, how do we bring her home. Our beautiful little girl, Lu Xin Ming born 6/10/04.
41. (Thur, Dec 6, 2007) Received our referral package from CCAI.
42. (Mon, Dec 10, 2007) Sent our LOI to CCAI
43. (Tue, Dec 11, 2007) Our LOI was sent to China
44. (Tue, Dec 25, 2007) We received our PA (pre approval) What a Great Christmas resent!!!!
45. (Sat, Jan 5, 2007) Received Home Study Addendum
46. (Mon, Jan 7, 2007) Sent CCAI Home Study Addendum (by Wed it was sent to China)
47. (Wed, Jan 9, 2007) Received Travel Packet 1
48. (Thur, Jan 24, 2007) Being Re Fingerprinted (received notice 01/14/08)
49. (Mon, Jan 14, 2008) Received Adoption Travel Training CD from CCAI
50.

Gracie's Care Package

I haven't sent her package off yet, but I hope to get it sent tomorrow (I guess that is today, it is 1:15 in the morning). I still need to put some more pictures in her book and label everything. I haven't been able to fit what I want to send in a regular size shoe box, so I'm going to use Paul Paul's size 13 box and hope that she gets it. Since there is no way of knowing.

We're sending her a blanket (that I slept with for 2.5 weeks), a hat and pair of gloves, a dress with a pair of leggings and a par or shoes, a Minnie Mouse doll, a Disney cell phone, a disposable camera and her photo book. I'm also enclosing some candy for the nannies and children.

Hunter Boy with his Thomas, he LOVES Thomas. He just kept pushing the buttons, I think he really liked it.

Uncle Paul picked this one out. Here is Little Man with his dad. He got a shotgun (no its not real) he loves to go hunting with his daddy. This one kinda favors the Benelli his dad has.
Little Man opening his baby brother, Noah's gift. He got his backpack and a camo bottle and pacifier. Little man thought that was too cool, a "hunting pacifier".

Christmas at our house

We got some luggage tags with Gracie's pictures in them, along with a small travel pillow and blanket. Thanks Santa.
Paul Ray looking at the gift Brandon gave him. I think Brandon gave him that to annoy me!

Brandon and Lyndsey, she spent most of Christmas with us. We love having her.
My baby with his letterman jacket. They haven't finished putting everything on it yet.

Paul Ray gave me a leather backpack for our trip. Granny gave me a very nice Lady Bug charm that when you open it up, it has an angel in it. My mom gave us a new camera. We have been so blessed this year.

Christmas for Gracie

I didn't expect Gracie to get anything for Christmas, well other than what I had for her. I was wrong, besides Linda's package. My mom gave her a inchworm and a Lilly the frog (it teaches letters, colors, etc).

Then when we got to Granny's, she got the following:

From Aunt Donna, Uncle Matt, Adam and Payton

• A book, Every Year on Your Birthday
• A bear that tickles, it sounds so cute. Paul Ray would like to make it quiet
• A jewelry box, you know that kind that we all had, when you open it, the doll turns

Granny gave her 2 dolls from Russia, they are very nice and will be put up out of her reach.

Next Christmas, we will have our little Princess with us. I can not wait to bring her home.

Thanks everyone for the great gifts.

Christmas For Gracie

A day or so before Christmas there was a notice from the post office that we had a package. In the sender slot, it just said Brindley. I'm thinking, now what has she sent that wouldn't go in the mail box. So on Christmas Eve, PaulPaul went and got it.

I was so thrilled to open this box and find presents for Gracie. Linda, (we worked together at D's, many years ago) I cant believe you sent her a package. I was overwhelmed. Thank you so very much.

In the box, there was, a Ladybug Tea set, Gracie's first. There was a ladybug key chain and there was a ladybug necklace, oh so cute. (we can match, Granny gave me one for Christmas).

She also included Graham crackers and chocolate bars, I'm assuming she read the blog, where Chris would not eat roasted marshmallows because I didn't have those items.

Linda, I left you a message on Christmas eve, I hope you got it. I hope that you and Brandon had a nice Christmas. Thank you so very much. I love all of it and cant wait for Gracie to play with it. Love, Peggy

Her Books. . . .

1. Guess How Much I Love You
2. Goodnight Moon
3. Gigi God's Little Princess Devotional Bible
4. Gigi God's Little Princess
5. Gigi Gods Little Princess, The Royal Tea Party
6. Gigi Gods Little Princess, The Pink Ballerina
7. Gigi Gods Little Princess, The Perfect Christmas Party
8. I Am
9. A Quilt of Wishes
10. Shaoey and Dot
11. Shaoey and Dot, The Christmas Miracle
12. I love you like Crazy Cakes
13. Just in case you ever Wonder
14. Counting Katie's Gifts
15. Tootle
16. Noah's Ark
17. My Little Golden Book about God
18. Cinderella
19. The Poky Little Puppy
20. Prayers for Children
21. I love you Mom
22. Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges
23. Shaoey and Dot, A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story
24. Orange - boardbook (mama)
25. Blue - boardbook (mama)
26. Green - boardbook (mama)
27. Red - boardbook (mama)
28. Yellow - boardbook (mama)
29. Purple - boardbook (mama)
30. Slide and Find on the Farm - boardbook (mama)
31. Playdoh Cicus of Colors - boardbook (mama)
32. Rainy Day Friends - boardbook (mama)
33. The Beginner's Bible - Timeless Childrens Stores
34. Dear God Help Me Make Friends (mama)
35. Dear God Why Are There so Many Stars (mama)
36. Dear God Help (mama)
37. My Bible Songs (mama)
38. Bible Stores - In the Begining (mama)
39. My Prayer Book (mama)
40. Parables (mama)
41. Moonbeams, Dumplings and Dragon Boats
42. My First Signs
43. Lovebug by Elizabeth Elias
44. Adeline by Bobby Strickland, illustrated by Kathryn Rathke
45. My Adopted Child, Theres No One Like You, by Dr Kevin Leman & Kevin Leman II
46. Every Year on Your Birthday, by Rose Lewis and Illustrated by Jane Dyer

Now Thats A Christmas Present!

We received an email from Sarah at CCAI today! We got our PA (Pre Approval) for Gracie. Its dated 12/25/07!!!!!!!! This just means they have received our LOI (Letter of Intent to adopt). The next thing we will here, will be that our dossier has been moved to the match room. This can take 3 months from LOI. Wow, we're just moving along now.

I'll post Christmas stuff soon, still have alot of work stuff to do first, so maybe tomorrow! Hope everyone had a Great Christmas.

From Our House to Yours

We'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I hope that God has blessed you this Christmas.

Please keep our Gracie (and all the children who do not have families) in your prayers. I pray that God keeps them safe and warm, and that they have a pair of loving arms to hold them.

Baby Girl

This is our last Christmas without you, we love you and cant wait to bring you home Gracie.

Christmas Breakfast with Bonny

We had our traditional Christmas breakfast with Bonny and her family today. We've done this for many years. We rotate houses, this year we went to her house.

Bonny has been my best friend for many years, and she is more like family. She is the sister I never had. Her daughter Ashlee Gail is a true joy to be around. Here are some pictures from this morning.

This first picture is with Ashlee and her Atlanta Braves Crocs, I think she liked them. Behind her is Mikey, her brother. We gave him a John Deere "Country Boy" tshirt.The second pic is all four of our kids. Don't my two just look thrilled. They did have a good time, they then spent the next several hours with me running errands. It's a rare day when I get them both together. I tried to get them to take a picture with Santa, but they declined.This third picture, is one of the girls. Bonny, me and Ashlee Gail. Bonny is planning my "Gracie Shower". We hope to do it the first part of February. After we left Bonny, we went around the corner to visit Erin and the boys for a little while. Sir Master Noah would not wake up for me. I think he opened his eyes twice. PaulPaul let me hold him a little while after he held him first. Little Man is wired up and ready for Christmas. Hunter boy has a cold, but he let me hold him. It's always a special day when Hunter boy comes to me on his own. How cute is this little boy. Erin said he is eating VERY well. He may be the football player.

Whats Next

What's next you ask?

• We submitted our Letter of Intent on December 10 (its just a letter expressing our desire to adopt Lu Xin Ming)
• Our agency translated and forward our LOI to China on the 11th
• Several weeks later we may receive a pre-approval (PA) or they may skip that step. They will move our dossier to the SN section. Remember that is with the Feb 07 group. They are currently through October 31, 2006.
• Now we wait. We've learned all about that! They will review our dossier and issue a Letter Seeking Confirmation, (LOA). Once we sign and return the LOA, three weeks later we'll get our Travel Authorization (TA).
• After TA we can schedule consulate appointment and request our visas.

Happy Birthday Paul Ray

Tianjin Municipality

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 21: Conjoined twins drink milk at a Air Force General Hospital on December 21, 2007 in Beijing, China. The two male babies from Tianjing Municipality, born as conjoined twins of triplets on 5 November, 2007 will receive an operation to separate them at the hospital. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Tianjing is where Gracie is.