7 Days and Counting...

It is 11 a.m. in Tainan right now... one week from this second, I will be the happiest mom in the world. Can you believe we've actually gotten to this point?

Tiffanie is with Gracyn as I type... AMAZING! And Lucy and Noah are the next to come home. The three of us moms have certainly spent enough time waiting.

The first glimpse of our daughter almost a year ago.

Speaking of waiting... for those of you who only know your kids via photos and monthly updates and feel like it will never happen——it will! And you know what? If you're anything like me, you'll wonder why you wasted so much time worrying and obsessing about moving forward when you could be doing all the things you said you'd do. Have I learned enough Mandarin? Uh, no. Did I freshen up on my sign language to make it easier? Hmmm, nope. Is my house completely organized from top to bottom before she gets here? Now that's just funny.

Someone said to me many months ago that I should not focus on when it's going to happen, but that it is going to happen. And that is the one thing that kept me going. It will happen for you, too. In fact, the wait—for me—has been like being pregnant... you wish it away at times but it's drawn me closer to Lucy, helped me look within myself for something I didn't even know I had, and has grown a love for the little girl who was meant to be with us.

That being said—kick, scream and cry when you need to. You deserve that too.

7 Days and Counting...

It is 11 a.m. in Tainan right now... one week from this second, I will be the happiest mom in the world. Can you believe we've actually gotten to this point?

Tiffanie is with Gracyn as I type... AMAZING! And Lucy and Noah are the next to come home. The three of us moms have certainly spent enough time waiting.

The first glimpse of our daughter almost a year ago.

Speaking of waiting... for those of you who only know your kids via photos and monthly updates and feel like it will never happen——it will! And you know what? If you're anything like me, you'll wonder why you wasted so much time worrying and obsessing about moving forward when you could be doing all the things you said you'd do. Have I learned enough Mandarin? Uh, no. Did I freshen up on my sign language to make it easier? Hmmm, nope. Is my house completely organized from top to bottom before she gets here? Now that's just funny.

Someone said to me many months ago that I should not focus on when it's going to happen, but that it is going to happen. And that is the one thing that kept me going. It will happen for you, too. In fact, the wait—for me—has been like being pregnant... you wish it away at times but it's drawn me closer to Lucy, helped me look within myself for something I didn't even know I had, and has grown a love for the little girl who was meant to be with us.

That being said—kick, scream and cry when you need to. You deserve that too.

Two Weeks From This Very Moment...

Need I say more?

Two Weeks From This Very Moment...

Need I say more?

11 Months Waiting

It was (one month shy of) a year ago when we nervously walked into our agency office to see the photo of the baby girl who would become our daughter. While every month after that was met with sadness, this is the last time we will commemorate the month-i-versary with longing.

As you may recall, 11 is, in fact, my lucky number. So it's fitting that we would finally be united as a family after 11 months waiting.

It's also fitting that we become a family of five during September. All my life, September has been symbolic of sadness and loss——not only is it the month my mother was born——it's the month we lost her.

But the month of sadness changed that September in 2003, when I discovered I was pregnant with J. In 2005, it was the month B was born. And in 2007, we received the referral of our little Lucy. Now, we'll all be united in September. I know there's someone up there looking down and saying, "see, stop all the whining——September should be your favorite month."

Speaking of September, something compelled me to open up Lucy's referral file the other day to see when her own biological mother's birthday was. And there it was in black and white——September 5th...the day we leave for Taiwan.

I've learned throughout this journey that there really are no coincidences——just signs that we're moving in the right direction. After all, don't forget this one.

Oh, and get this one... my bro-in-law, Lucy's Godfather, has never been to Taiwan. In fact, I don't know that he ever goes out of the country on business. BUT he's going to be in Taipei on business the exact same time we're there. How crazy is that?
Two weeks from tonight, we're on our way!

11 Months Waiting

It was (one month shy of) a year ago when we nervously walked into our agency office to see the photo of the baby girl who would become our daughter. While every month after that was met with sadness, this is the last time we will commemorate the month-i-versary with longing.

As you may recall, 11 is, in fact, my lucky number. So it's fitting that we would finally be united as a family after 11 months waiting.

It's also fitting that we become a family of five during September. All my life, September has been symbolic of sadness and loss——not only is it the month my mother was born——it's the month we lost her.

But the month of sadness changed that September in 2003, when I discovered I was pregnant with J. In 2005, it was the month B was born. And in 2007, we received the referral of our little Lucy. Now, we'll all be united in September. I know there's someone up there looking down and saying, "see, stop all the whining——September should be your favorite month."

Speaking of September, something compelled me to open up Lucy's referral file the other day to see when her own biological mother's birthday was. And there it was in black and white——September 5th...the day we leave for Taiwan.

I've learned throughout this journey that there really are no coincidences——just signs that we're moving in the right direction. After all, don't forget this one.

Oh, and get this one... my bro-in-law, Lucy's Godfather, has never been to Taiwan. In fact, I don't know that he ever goes out of the country on business. BUT he's going to be in Taipei on business the exact same time we're there. How crazy is that?
Two weeks from tonight, we're on our way!

I Went Right!

For 4+ years, I've walked into kids' clothing stores and gone directly to the boys section. I always glanced over at the girls clothes and felt a pang... not to say I don't LOVE how fun it is to shop for boys... all that khaki and navy blue... but I always dreamed of stopping by the little ladies area too.

Today, in our local over-priced-yet-adorable kids' clothing store--where the boys are to the left and girls to the right--I walked in, bee-lined for the boys section...stoppped and exclaimed, "oh my God, I can go right!

And boy did I ever.

I Went Right!

For 4+ years, I've walked into kids' clothing stores and gone directly to the boys section. I always glanced over at the girls clothes and felt a pang... not to say I don't LOVE how fun it is to shop for boys... all that khaki and navy blue... but I always dreamed of stopping by the little ladies area too.

Today, in our local over-priced-yet-adorable kids' clothing store--where the boys are to the left and girls to the right--I walked in, bee-lined for the boys section...stoppped and exclaimed, "oh my God, I can go right!

And boy did I ever.

Here Comes the Sun...

After months and months of waiting, crying, praying--and more waiting, crying and praying--things have started to move forward. This week has been such a whirlwind... with rulings and signatures and the court case starting. Last night was the first time that I lie awake actually thinking about the GOOD things coming up--taking off for Taiwan, Jeff meeting our baby for the first time, bringing her home to meet her brothers. It's finally starting to feel like this is really going to happen. And when I gave up on sleep and went downstairs at 5am, this was what soon appeared outside our kitchen window. And I couldn't help but think that yes, the sun is rising...and we're ready for what the day brings.

Here Comes the Sun...

After months and months of waiting, crying, praying--and more waiting, crying and praying--things have started to move forward. This week has been such a whirlwind... with rulings and signatures and the court case starting. Last night was the first time that I lie awake actually thinking about the GOOD things coming up--taking off for Taiwan, Jeff meeting our baby for the first time, bringing her home to meet her brothers. It's finally starting to feel like this is really going to happen. And when I gave up on sleep and went downstairs at 5am, this was what soon appeared outside our kitchen window. And I couldn't help but think that yes, the sun is rising...and we're ready for what the day brings.

Here Comes the Sun...

After months and months of waiting, crying, praying--and more waiting, crying and praying--things have started to move forward. This week has been such a whirlwind... with rulings and signatures and the court case starting. Last night was the first time that I lie awake actually thinking about the GOOD things coming up--taking off for Taiwan, Jeff meeting our baby for the first time, bringing her home to meet her brothers. It's finally starting to feel like this is really going to happen. And when I gave up on sleep and went downstairs at 5am, this was what soon appeared outside our kitchen window. And I couldn't help but think that yes, the sun is rising...and we're ready for what the day brings.

Guess How Many Months We've Been Waiting...

7's lucky in Vegas... will it be lucky for us?

I got a call this morning from a friend whose daughter is in J's preschool class. She dropped off her daughter a few minutes after I dropped the boys off today. She just had to tell me that when she walked into the classroom, J was drawing a picture of a boy and a girl and at the bottom of the page were two names...

J and Lucy.

Guess How Many Months We've Been Waiting...

7's lucky in Vegas... will it be lucky for us?

I got a call this morning from a friend whose daughter is in J's preschool class. She dropped off her daughter a few minutes after I dropped the boys off today. She just had to tell me that when she walked into the classroom, J was drawing a picture of a boy and a girl and at the bottom of the page were two names...

J and Lucy.

Guess How Many Months We've Been Waiting...

7's lucky in Vegas... will it be lucky for us?

I got a call this morning from a friend whose daughter is in J's preschool class. She dropped off her daughter a few minutes after I dropped the boys off today. She just had to tell me that when she walked into the classroom, J was drawing a picture of a boy and a girl and at the bottom of the page were two names...

J and Lucy.

She Hits Like a Ballerina

Today's the day Alex, Lucy's buddy, was united with his parents. Congratulations to the happy family! You can find them here. Alex was said to be Lucy's pal so I feel sad for our little girl that she's had to say goodbye to another one of her friends. We'll have to have a little reunion when we get her home.

Alex's Mom was so sweet to find Lucy and give me a progress report.

"We walked through the door, and all of the babies were asleep except two--and one of them was Lucy (I definitely believe in miracles)! She was going all over the place in a yellow walker. I talked to her and held her hand when she nearly ran over me. She is so beautiful.

I noticed she was wearing a white one-piece outfit with small words and pictures in different directions all over it. Right below her face in the center and right side up were the words, "a home." I thought, "Soon Lucy is going to have her home and her family." In other places, the jammies said, "Happy."

Spring, one of the nannies took her out of the walker, and she stood on her own. She walks like a little ballerina--on her toes. She is still a little unsteady. The nannies said Alex is the king of the nursery, and takes toys from everyone and makes them cry. So Lucy hits him. I think she'll be ready for her big brothers!

She started playing a little game with Spring, where she put her foot up, and Spring would pretend to try to hit it, and Lucy would move it away. She seems very playful."

She walks on her toes like one brother and hits like the other... sounds like she'll fit in just fine!

She Hits Like a Ballerina

Today's the day Alex, Lucy's buddy, was united with his parents. Congratulations to the happy family! You can find them here. Alex was said to be Lucy's pal so I feel sad for our little girl that she's had to say goodbye to another one of her friends. We'll have to have a little reunion when we get her home.

Alex's Mom was so sweet to find Lucy and give me a progress report.

"We walked through the door, and all of the babies were asleep except two--and one of them was Lucy (I definitely believe in miracles)! She was going all over the place in a yellow walker. I talked to her and held her hand when she nearly ran over me. She is so beautiful.

I noticed she was wearing a white one-piece outfit with small words and pictures in different directions all over it. Right below her face in the center and right side up were the words, "a home." I thought, "Soon Lucy is going to have her home and her family." In other places, the jammies said, "Happy."

Spring, one of the nannies took her out of the walker, and she stood on her own. She walks like a little ballerina--on her toes. She is still a little unsteady. The nannies said Alex is the king of the nursery, and takes toys from everyone and makes them cry. So Lucy hits him. I think she'll be ready for her big brothers!

She started playing a little game with Spring, where she put her foot up, and Spring would pretend to try to hit it, and Lucy would move it away. She seems very playful."

She walks on her toes like one brother and hits like the other... sounds like she'll fit in just fine!

She Hits Like a Ballerina

Today's the day Alex, Lucy's buddy, was united with his parents. Congratulations to the happy family! You can find them here. Alex was said to be Lucy's pal so I feel sad for our little girl that she's had to say goodbye to another one of her friends. We'll have to have a little reunion when we get her home.

Alex's Mom was so sweet to find Lucy and give me a progress report.

"We walked through the door, and all of the babies were asleep except two--and one of them was Lucy (I definitely believe in miracles)! She was going all over the place in a yellow walker. I talked to her and held her hand when she nearly ran over me. She is so beautiful.

I noticed she was wearing a white one-piece outfit with small words and pictures in different directions all over it. Right below her face in the center and right side up were the words, "a home." I thought, "Soon Lucy is going to have her home and her family." In other places, the jammies said, "Happy."

Spring, one of the nannies took her out of the walker, and she stood on her own. She walks like a little ballerina--on her toes. She is still a little unsteady. The nannies said Alex is the king of the nursery, and takes toys from everyone and makes them cry. So Lucy hits him. I think she'll be ready for her big brothers!

She started playing a little game with Spring, where she put her foot up, and Spring would pretend to try to hit it, and Lucy would move it away. She seems very playful."

She walks on her toes like one brother and hits like the other... sounds like she'll fit in just fine!

How Do You Like Me Now?

I was thinking I would start a new blog when Lucy comes home—one that showcases the family adventures a bit more. I'll keep Taiwan Lucy going as it pertains to adoption and adoption thoughts, issues, progress, etc. but the new one will have even more features and fun.

I happened to mention this to Sarah at Blogovers with Love and suddenly a new blog was designed! Seriously, this woman knows her stuff! If you aren't familiar with Blogovers with Love, you need to check it out. She designs fantastic blogs and the proceeds are donated to various orphanages or other organizations that help kids. From the Blogovers with Love site: "Blog designs completed in April and May 2008 will go to Half the Sky, benefitting thousands of children in Chinese orphanages." Even if your blog is not adoption related, Sarah can help and you can make a difference. Who doesn't want to do that?

Without further ado, I now present Taiwan On!
(content currently under construction)

How Do You Like Me Now?

I was thinking I would start a new blog when Lucy comes home—one that showcases the family adventures a bit more. I'll keep Taiwan Lucy going as it pertains to adoption and adoption thoughts, issues, progress, etc. but the new one will have even more features and fun.

I happened to mention this to Sarah at Blogovers with Love and suddenly a new blog was designed! Seriously, this woman knows her stuff! If you aren't familiar with Blogovers with Love, you need to check it out. She designs fantastic blogs and the proceeds are donated to various orphanages or other organizations that help kids. From the Blogovers with Love site: "Blog designs completed in April and May 2008 will go to Half the Sky, benefitting thousands of children in Chinese orphanages." Even if your blog is not adoption related, Sarah can help and you can make a difference. Who doesn't want to do that?

Without further ado, I now present Taiwan On!
(content currently under construction)

How Do You Like Me Now?

I was thinking I would start a new blog when Lucy comes home?one that showcases the family adventures a bit more. I'll keep Taiwan Lucy going as it pertains to adoption and adoption thoughts, issues, progress, etc. but the new one will have even more features and fun.

I happened to mention this to Sarah at Blogovers with Love and suddenly a new blog was designed! Seriously, this woman knows her stuff! If you aren't familiar with Blogovers with Love, you need to check it out. She designs fantastic blogs and the proceeds are donated to various orphanages or other organizations that help kids. From the Blogovers with Love site: "Blog designs completed in April and May 2008 will go to Half the Sky, benefitting thousands of children in Chinese orphanages." Even if your blog is not adoption related, Sarah can help and you can make a difference. Who doesn't want to do that?

Without further ado, I now present Taiwan On!
(content currently under construction)