Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Another Big Event!

Lucy's not the only one we're excited for in the Mac house. Today was our little man's second birthday! We were able to have a really great family day with lots of surprises and singing. (Big Bro J must've sung to him 15 times)

This is how we ended the day. Happy Birthday sweet boy, I love you like crazy.




Another Big Event!

Lucy's not the only one we're excited for in the Mac house. Today was our little man's second birthday! We were able to have a really great family day with lots of surprises and singing. (Big Bro J must've sung to him 15 times)

This is how we ended the day. Happy Birthday sweet boy, I love you like crazy.




Another Big Event!

Lucy's not the only one we're excited for in the Mac house. Today was our little man's second birthday! We were able to have a really great family day with lots of surprises and singing. (Big Bro J must've sung to him 15 times)

This is how we ended the day. Happy Birthday sweet boy, I love you like crazy.





Lucy's First Video!

After lots of trial and error, I figured out how to post video! Here's Lucy in June at 4 mos.

Lucy's First Video!

After lots of trial and error, I figured out how to post video! Here's Lucy in June at 4 mos.

Lucy's First Video!

After lots of trial and error, I figured out how to post video! Here's Lucy in June at 4 mos.


Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The Official Acceptance...

Today, we went to our agency to sign the paperwork in order to get our file sent to Taiwan. It will take a few weeks to translate and get into the hands of the right people. Then, they'll bring our case to court and away we go! The court process could go quickly or take as long as six months. It all depends on the judge we get, so I'm told. Keep your fingers crossed for a fast one!


The Official Acceptance...

Today, we went to our agency to sign the paperwork in order to get our file sent to Taiwan. It will take a few weeks to translate and get into the hands of the right people. Then, they'll bring our case to court and away we go! The court process could go quickly or take as long as six months. It all depends on the judge we get, so I'm told. Keep your fingers crossed for a fast one!


The Official Acceptance...

Today, we went to our agency to sign the paperwork in order to get our file sent to Taiwan. It will take a few weeks to translate and get into the hands of the right people. Then, they'll bring our case to court and away we go! The court process could go quickly or take as long as six months. It all depends on the judge we get, so I'm told. Keep your fingers crossed for a fast one!


Monday, September 24, 2007

One Tough Cookie...

Apparently, no one has told Lucy that she was premature. According to a development update we got today she's rolling over, sitting up, and crawling?! Is that possible?

New photos and hopefully video will be coming soon. We're sending a care package off to Taiwan tomorrow. Everything is supposed to fit in a one-gallon ziploc bag. We bought her a few outfits, some onesies and a blanket. We are also going to put a disposable camera in the bag and a family photo album so she can see us! Not sure all of that is going to fit. We'll see!

One Tough Cookie...

Apparently, no one has told Lucy that she was premature. According to a development update we got today she's rolling over, sitting up, and crawling?! Is that possible?

New photos and hopefully video will be coming soon. We're sending a care package off to Taiwan tomorrow. Everything is supposed to fit in a one-gallon ziploc bag. We bought her a few outfits, some onesies and a blanket. We are also going to put a disposable camera in the bag and a family photo album so she can see us! Not sure all of that is going to fit. We'll see!

One Tough Cookie...

Apparently, no one has told Lucy that she was premature. According to a development update we got today she's rolling over, sitting up, and crawling?! Is that possible?

New photos and hopefully video will be coming soon. We're sending a care package off to Taiwan tomorrow. Everything is supposed to fit in a one-gallon ziploc bag. We bought her a few outfits, some onesies and a blanket. We are also going to put a disposable camera in the bag and a family photo album so she can see us! Not sure all of that is going to fit. We'll see!

July/August Update Photos


July/August Update Photos


July/August Update Photos


Lucy in Taiwan With Smiles!


When we got Lucy's referral, it came with updates from May - August. Here she is in June.
Could she be any cuter?

Lucy in Taiwan With Smiles!


When we got Lucy's referral, it came with updates from May - August. Here she is in June.
Could she be any cuter?

Lucy in Taiwan With Smiles!


When we got Lucy's referral, it came with updates from May - August. Here she is in June.
Could she be any cuter?

It's a Girl!

We are thrilled to announce that we've accepted the referral of a 7.5 month old baby girl!

Lucy Mei Janice Mac was born February 1, 2007 at 9pm weighing in at 3lbs 7 oz.

Our original plan was to keep her given name (Yu-Ting) as her middle name but decided instead to honor her birth mother (Mei) and my mine (Janice). Without those two women, we wouldn't be the family we are today. We will be forever grateful!

From the second we saw her, we knew she was our little sweetie. And we do mean little!
She's a little under 13 lbs but steadily growing month-to-month.

Here are photos her first photos, taken in May when she was 3-months old.





We're coming to get you, Lucy!

It's a Girl!

We are thrilled to announce that we've accepted the referral of a 7.5 month old baby girl!

Lucy Mei Janice Mac was born February 1, 2007 at 9pm weighing in at 3lbs 7 oz.

Our original plan was to keep her given name (Yu-Ting) as her middle name but decided instead to honor her birth mother (Mei) and my mine (Janice). Without those two women, we wouldn't be the family we are today. We will be forever grateful!

From the second we saw her, we knew she was our little sweetie. And we do mean little!
She's a little under 13 lbs but steadily growing month-to-month.

Here are photos her first photos, taken in May when she was 3-months old.





We're coming to get you, Lucy!

It's a Girl!

We are thrilled to announce that we've accepted the referral of a 7.5 month old baby girl!

Lucy Mei Janice Mac was born February 1, 2007 at 9pm weighing in at 3lbs 7 oz.

Our original plan was to keep her given name (Yu-Ting) as her middle name but decided instead to honor her birth mother (Mei) and my mine (Janice). Without those two women, we wouldn't be the family we are today. We will be forever grateful!

From the second we saw her, we knew she was our little sweetie. And we do mean little!
She's a little under 13 lbs but steadily growing month-to-month.

Here are photos her first photos, taken in May when she was 3-months old.





We're coming to get you, Lucy!

The Longest Weekend...

The best plan of action for us was to step back and assess the situation. Jeff and I talked endlessly. We saw pictures of the most beautiful baby girl. We discussed what may lie ahead if we accepted the referral. We were terrified about what may lie ahead if we didn't accept the referral. How could we say no?

We pushed our emotions aside long enough to call a pediatrician who specializes in international adoption. She's in Michigan, referred by another member on the Yahoo Adoption Group who was sweet enough to send the names of a few doctors who might be available over the weekend. The doctor offered to look at the baby's records, review and get back to us within 24 hours.

The loooongest 24 hours ever.

21 hours later, she called back. She spoke with me for almost an hour and spelled out every potential risk and statistic for a premature baby born several weeks early.

It was now our decision to make.

The Longest Weekend...

The best plan of action for us was to step back and assess the situation. Jeff and I talked endlessly. We saw pictures of the most beautiful baby girl. We discussed what may lie ahead if we accepted the referral. We were terrified about what may lie ahead if we didn't accept the referral. How could we say no?

We pushed our emotions aside long enough to call a pediatrician who specializes in international adoption. She's in Michigan, referred by another member on the Yahoo Adoption Group who was sweet enough to send the names of a few doctors who might be available over the weekend. The doctor offered to look at the baby's records, review and get back to us within 24 hours.

The loooongest 24 hours ever.

21 hours later, she called back. She spoke with me for almost an hour and spelled out every potential risk and statistic for a premature baby born several weeks early.

It was now our decision to make.

The Longest Weekend...

The best plan of action for us was to step back and assess the situation. Jeff and I talked endlessly. We saw pictures of the most beautiful baby girl. We discussed what may lie ahead if we accepted the referral. We were terrified about what may lie ahead if we didn't accept the referral. How could we say no?

We pushed our emotions aside long enough to call a pediatrician who specializes in international adoption. She's in Michigan, referred by another member on the Yahoo Adoption Group who was sweet enough to send the names of a few doctors who might be available over the weekend. The doctor offered to look at the baby's records, review and get back to us within 24 hours.

The loooongest 24 hours ever.

21 hours later, she called back. She spoke with me for almost an hour and spelled out every potential risk and statistic for a premature baby born several weeks early.

It was now our decision to make.

Head Spinning!

Let's see... as of last Monday, my biggest question was the pros and cons of "virtual twinning". That seems like a hundred years ago now.

Friday went something like this...

Ring Ring
Jackie: "Hello"
Kerry: "Hi Jackie, it's Kerry"
Jackie: "Hi Kerry - why is it I stop breathing when I see the call is from you"
Kerry: "Well maybe after this call you won't lose your breath anymore when I call"

Huh?

Oh!!!!!! Because you're about to tell me that you have a baby girl who's just perfect for our family!

But things aren't that simple.

The baby Kerry was calling about isn't just any little girl.

Yu Ting came into this world several weeks early weighing in at 3.7lbs. And with premature babies comes potential challenges.

Are we up for those challenges?

Head Spinning!

Let's see... as of last Monday, my biggest question was the pros and cons of "virtual twinning". That seems like a hundred years ago now.

Friday went something like this...

Ring Ring
Jackie: "Hello"
Kerry: "Hi Jackie, it's Kerry"
Jackie: "Hi Kerry - why is it I stop breathing when I see the call is from you"
Kerry: "Well maybe after this call you won't lose your breath anymore when I call"

Huh?

Oh!!!!!! Because you're about to tell me that you have a baby girl who's just perfect for our family!

But things aren't that simple.

The baby Kerry was calling about isn't just any little girl.

Yu Ting came into this world several weeks early weighing in at 3.7lbs. And with premature babies comes potential challenges.

Are we up for those challenges?

Head Spinning!

Let's see... as of last Monday, my biggest question was the pros and cons of "virtual twinning". That seems like a hundred years ago now.

Friday went something like this...

Ring Ring
Jackie: "Hello"
Kerry: "Hi Jackie, it's Kerry"
Jackie: "Hi Kerry - why is it I stop breathing when I see the call is from you"
Kerry: "Well maybe after this call you won't lose your breath anymore when I call"

Huh?

Oh!!!!!! Because you're about to tell me that you have a baby girl who's just perfect for our family!

But things aren't that simple.

The baby Kerry was calling about isn't just any little girl.

Yu Ting came into this world several weeks early weighing in at 3.7lbs. And with premature babies comes potential challenges.

Are we up for those challenges?

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The "Virtual" Reality...

Virtual Twinning.

It's a term I had never heard before. But as soon as I posted about the potential of adopting an "older" child close in age to one of our little guys, the virtual twinning opinions came oozing out of the woodwork.

Virtual Twins are children very close in age who, although not biologically related, are welcomed into the same family. In many cases, families adopt children at the same time (or even at separate times) who are the same age. Some are 6-8 mos apart but some are even just a few weeks apart. Others (like us) have a biological child or children and then adopt a child the same age as one already at home.

The controversy surrounding virtual twins is enough to make your head spin. I've been warned about competition between kids, jealousy, one feeling the other gets more attention, etc. Uh, isn't that what being a sibling is? We have two boys 16-mos apart and definitely see that with them but they also play and love each other more than anything.

It's given us a lot to think about anyway. But I can't say that if we got a call saying there's a little girl out there who needs us as much as we need her, that we'd be able to turn our backs.

Anyone out there adopt a toddler close in age to a toddler at home? I'd love to hear from you.

The "Virtual" Reality...

Virtual Twinning.

It's a term I had never heard before. But as soon as I posted about the potential of adopting an "older" child close in age to one of our little guys, the virtual twinning opinions came oozing out of the woodwork.

Virtual Twins are children very close in age who, although not biologically related, are welcomed into the same family. In many cases, families adopt children at the same time (or even at separate times) who are the same age. Some are 6-8 mos apart but some are even just a few weeks apart. Others (like us) have a biological child or children and then adopt a child the same age as one already at home.

The controversy surrounding virtual twins is enough to make your head spin. I've been warned about competition between kids, jealousy, one feeling the other gets more attention, etc. Uh, isn't that what being a sibling is? We have two boys 16-mos apart and definitely see that with them but they also play and love each other more than anything.

It's given us a lot to think about anyway. But I can't say that if we got a call saying there's a little girl out there who needs us as much as we need her, that we'd be able to turn our backs.

Anyone out there adopt a toddler close in age to a toddler at home? I'd love to hear from you.

The "Virtual" Reality...

Virtual Twinning.

It's a term I had never heard before. But as soon as I posted about the potential of adopting an "older" child close in age to one of our little guys, the virtual twinning opinions came oozing out of the woodwork.

Virtual Twins are children very close in age who, although not biologically related, are welcomed into the same family. In many cases, families adopt children at the same time (or even at separate times) who are the same age. Some are 6-8 mos apart but some are even just a few weeks apart. Others (like us) have a biological child or children and then adopt a child the same age as one already at home.

The controversy surrounding virtual twins is enough to make your head spin. I've been warned about competition between kids, jealousy, one feeling the other gets more attention, etc. Uh, isn't that what being a sibling is? We have two boys 16-mos apart and definitely see that with them but they also play and love each other more than anything.

It's given us a lot to think about anyway. But I can't say that if we got a call saying there's a little girl out there who needs us as much as we need her, that we'd be able to turn our backs.

Anyone out there adopt a toddler close in age to a toddler at home? I'd love to hear from you.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Deep Breaths...

The cell phone rings... I look down at the screen and there it is. Any and every time our adoption agency calls, it's like being knocked over with emotion. Although we know that we won't hear anything for several more months, there's something inside that says "is this it?" when I see that phone number on the caller id.

I let it go to voicemail since I was in the middle of the meeting. But a minute later, I excused myself to listen to the message. I just had to know what was up!

The message went something like this:

"Hi Jackie, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, we have some new information (or did she say changes?) about the Taiwan program, give me a call."

My heart sank. For those of you who don't know, the adoptions through Guatemala have been facing tough times. Who knows if the program will stop there. I feel so much for the parents-to-be who've been waiting and know have to deal with such unknowns. Was this now happening in Taiwan? Of course not -- but my head went immediately to something keeping us from finding our little girl.

I called back and after a little bit of phone tag, I talked to Kerry. She told me that they're starting a new program and will have some older child referrals coming up in the days or weeks ahead. She is calling all of the Heartsent families to inform them in case they were open to an older child. Get this - some of these "older children" are toddlers. So by "older", they just mean not infants.

So what does this mean for us? Well, anyone who knows me knows that since I was a little girl, I saw myself adopting a girl who wasn't an infant. I was three when my mother passed away. What would've happened if Mary didn't join our family because she only wanted an infant? I was given another chance at a normal life. I will forever be grateful for that.

I called Jeff and told him about the conversation. We both agree that our biggest concern is that our daughter remains the "little" sister. J is three and B will be two next week. We'd like her to be younger than her brothers. The research I need to do now is more on the "birth order" psychology and determine how much younger is young enough to be considered the youngest. One month? Three months? A year?

I can barely see straight right now. Our little girl may be in Taiwan right now waiting for us. If that's the case, she could be here much sooner than we ever expected. Or is someone pregnant with her right now and we'll meet her sometime next year? One thing is for sure, the child we are meant to have is the one we'll have. And we can't wait to love her. I think I already do.

Deep Breaths...

The cell phone rings... I look down at the screen and there it is. Any and every time our adoption agency calls, it's like being knocked over with emotion. Although we know that we won't hear anything for several more months, there's something inside that says "is this it?" when I see that phone number on the caller id.

I let it go to voicemail since I was in the middle of the meeting. But a minute later, I excused myself to listen to the message. I just had to know what was up!

The message went something like this:

"Hi Jackie, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, we have some new information (or did she say changes?) about the Taiwan program, give me a call."

My heart sank. For those of you who don't know, the adoptions through Guatemala have been facing tough times. Who knows if the program will stop there. I feel so much for the parents-to-be who've been waiting and know have to deal with such unknowns. Was this now happening in Taiwan? Of course not -- but my head went immediately to something keeping us from finding our little girl.

I called back and after a little bit of phone tag, I talked to Kerry. She told me that they're starting a new program and will have some older child referrals coming up in the days or weeks ahead. She is calling all of the Heartsent families to inform them in case they were open to an older child. Get this - some of these "older children" are toddlers. So by "older", they just mean not infants.

So what does this mean for us? Well, anyone who knows me knows that since I was a little girl, I saw myself adopting a girl who wasn't an infant. I was three when my mother passed away. What would've happened if Mary didn't join our family because she only wanted an infant? I was given another chance at a normal life. I will forever be grateful for that.

I called Jeff and told him about the conversation. We both agree that our biggest concern is that our daughter remains the "little" sister. J is three and B will be two next week. We'd like her to be younger than her brothers. The research I need to do now is more on the "birth order" psychology and determine how much younger is young enough to be considered the youngest. One month? Three months? A year?

I can barely see straight right now. Our little girl may be in Taiwan right now waiting for us. If that's the case, she could be here much sooner than we ever expected. Or is someone pregnant with her right now and we'll meet her sometime next year? One thing is for sure, the child we are meant to have is the one we'll have. And we can't wait to love her. I think I already do.

Deep Breaths...

The cell phone rings... I look down at the screen and there it is. Any and every time our adoption agency calls, it's like being knocked over with emotion. Although we know that we won't hear anything for several more months, there's something inside that says "is this it?" when I see that phone number on the caller id.

I let it go to voicemail since I was in the middle of the meeting. But a minute later, I excused myself to listen to the message. I just had to know what was up!

The message went something like this:

"Hi Jackie, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, we have some new information (or did she say changes?) about the Taiwan program, give me a call."

My heart sank. For those of you who don't know, the adoptions through Guatemala have been facing tough times. Who knows if the program will stop there. I feel so much for the parents-to-be who've been waiting and know have to deal with such unknowns. Was this now happening in Taiwan? Of course not -- but my head went immediately to something keeping us from finding our little girl.

I called back and after a little bit of phone tag, I talked to Kerry. She told me that they're starting a new program and will have some older child referrals coming up in the days or weeks ahead. She is calling all of the Heartsent families to inform them in case they were open to an older child. Get this - some of these "older children" are toddlers. So by "older", they just mean not infants.

So what does this mean for us? Well, anyone who knows me knows that since I was a little girl, I saw myself adopting a girl who wasn't an infant. I was three when my mother passed away. What would've happened if Mary didn't join our family because she only wanted an infant? I was given another chance at a normal life. I will forever be grateful for that.

I called Jeff and told him about the conversation. We both agree that our biggest concern is that our daughter remains the "little" sister. J is three and B will be two next week. We'd like her to be younger than her brothers. The research I need to do now is more on the "birth order" psychology and determine how much younger is young enough to be considered the youngest. One month? Three months? A year?

I can barely see straight right now. Our little girl may be in Taiwan right now waiting for us. If that's the case, she could be here much sooner than we ever expected. Or is someone pregnant with her right now and we'll meet her sometime next year? One thing is for sure, the child we are meant to have is the one we'll have. And we can't wait to love her. I think I already do.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Chokers rejoice: We're CPR certified!

Jeff and I attended a couple of classes Saturday given by our adoption agency. The first was called "Welcoming a Sibling". It was nice to meet some other families adopting from a variety of countries. Knowing there are others out there who share some of the same fears about blending a family was much more comforting than I had expected. We were so happy to meet Marina and Wes, who have three biological boys and are 4 months or so ahead of us adopting their little girl from Taiwan.

We stuck around for the Child/Infant CPR class. Although Jeff and I acted like silly teenagers at first, making each other laugh while we should've been "saving lives" - we really did get a lot out of the class. I feel like we could actually make a difference if we're even put into a situation that warrants it. But I pray that NEVER has to happen!

We also met Judy and Steve at the CPR class. They are waiting to travel to pick up baby Eric. As tough as it is to be on waiting list, it can't be nearly as difficult as having photos of your child but not be able to be with him/her! We're so anxious to be at that point right now. Wishing you speedy and safe travels, Judy and Steve!

Chokers rejoice: We're CPR certified!

Jeff and I attended a couple of classes Saturday given by our adoption agency. The first was called "Welcoming a Sibling". It was nice to meet some other families adopting from a variety of countries. Knowing there are others out there who share some of the same fears about blending a family was much more comforting than I had expected. We were so happy to meet Marina and Wes, who have three biological boys and are 4 months or so ahead of us adopting their little girl from Taiwan.

We stuck around for the Child/Infant CPR class. Although Jeff and I acted like silly teenagers at first, making each other laugh while we should've been "saving lives" - we really did get a lot out of the class. I feel like we could actually make a difference if we're even put into a situation that warrants it. But I pray that NEVER has to happen!

We also met Judy and Steve at the CPR class. They are waiting to travel to pick up baby Eric. As tough as it is to be on waiting list, it can't be nearly as difficult as having photos of your child but not be able to be with him/her! We're so anxious to be at that point right now. Wishing you speedy and safe travels, Judy and Steve!

Chokers rejoice: We're CPR certified!

Jeff and I attended a couple of classes Saturday given by our adoption agency. The first was called "Welcoming a Sibling". It was nice to meet some other families adopting from a variety of countries. Knowing there are others out there who share some of the same fears about blending a family was much more comforting than I had expected. We were so happy to meet Marina and Wes, who have three biological boys and are 4 months or so ahead of us adopting their little girl from Taiwan.

We stuck around for the Child/Infant CPR class. Although Jeff and I acted like silly teenagers at first, making each other laugh while we should've been "saving lives" - we really did get a lot out of the class. I feel like we could actually make a difference if we're even put into a situation that warrants it. But I pray that NEVER has to happen!

We also met Judy and Steve at the CPR class. They are waiting to travel to pick up baby Eric. As tough as it is to be on waiting list, it can't be nearly as difficult as having photos of your child but not be able to be with him/her! We're so anxious to be at that point right now. Wishing you speedy and safe travels, Judy and Steve!

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

A Life Filled With Firsts



How does life fly by at warped speed yet drag at a snail's pace simultaneously? It's impossible to believe that my little one went to his very first Meet the Teacher Day at preschool. Of course, he's only in the 2-year-old class but he was such the little man walking down the long school hall this morning. It's bitter sweet seeing both boys move into a new chapter of their still-short lives.

It seems like yesterday I was pregnant for the first time, never mind the second. I really thought I would be pregnant forever. Does this mean I'll look back at this time waiting for Lucy and it too will be a faint memory? It's hard to believe that's true at this point.

A Life Filled With Firsts



How does life fly by at warped speed yet drag at a snail's pace simultaneously? It's impossible to believe that my little one went to his very first Meet the Teacher Day at preschool. Of course, he's only in the 2-year-old class but he was such the little man walking down the long school hall this morning. It's bitter sweet seeing both boys move into a new chapter of their still-short lives.

It seems like yesterday I was pregnant for the first time, never mind the second. I really thought I would be pregnant forever. Does this mean I'll look back at this time waiting for Lucy and it too will be a faint memory? It's hard to believe that's true at this point.

A Life Filled With Firsts



How does life fly by at warped speed yet drag at a snail's pace simultaneously? It's impossible to believe that my little one went to his very first Meet the Teacher Day at preschool. Of course, he's only in the 2-year-old class but he was such the little man walking down the long school hall this morning. It's bitter sweet seeing both boys move into a new chapter of their still-short lives.

It seems like yesterday I was pregnant for the first time, never mind the second. I really thought I would be pregnant forever. Does this mean I'll look back at this time waiting for Lucy and it too will be a faint memory? It's hard to believe that's true at this point.