Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!! 2008 rang in with a fanfare at Joe's sisters house. There were horns to blow and crowns to wear. Heartbreak is what we felt initially as the new year came. Originally this would be the year for us but now we know that won't be happening. We then thought of how thankful we are for all of our family and friends, their health as well as our own. Cheers to 2008 and hoping someday all of our dreams come true!!!

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! We had a fun Christmas this year but now for the first Christmas something just seemed to be missing. It was alittle bittersweet this year. We now have this image of our child in our minds, but each month meeting this little one keeps getting further and further away. It was alittle hard to be happy and silly knowing what is happening with the wait. We tried to push through. My grandma had made us a stocking which we laid by our fireplace this year. We won't hang it until our baby comes home. She did recieve some gifts-a rolling ladybug suitcase, a teddy bear, and a hand made sweater. These gifts made what we're going through more real and it felt good. We ended the day in better spirits than when we began. At church the lights were turned off as the choir sang Silent Night. It was so peaceful and beautiful. As Joe and I sat there holding hands by candlelight, I thought that tonight Santa will fly over China and USA, maybe he can give me a ride? For now I'll stick with my hopes and dreams

December 2007

December 5th celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary!!!! Happy Anniversary!!! We still remember that day with such joy-we just had the best time. To celebrate this year we went to a B&B in NH (one we've stayed at before). The weather was cold and snowy and just too romantic. We took a sled ride and did other things which were fun. Our inn was vacant (except for us) on our last night so we had the place to ourselves. We had a great time and we're hoping to be snowed in, but no such luck. The storm came alittle late so we were able to make it out ok. Boooo. We wanted to stay another night!!!
More adoption updates. 8 families saw their child's face this month from our agency. Thats better than last month, but still not moving at lightning speed.
It was 1 year ago that my grandpa passed away. We take his patience and try to hang onto it during this difficult wait. If we could have half of the patience he had, then we'll be ok.

November 2007

This month our monthly update from our agency was alittle different. Due to the slowdown and the snails pace that referrals are coming in, our agency did not receive any referrals this month for the first time!! This is a little discouraging. So, instead of the usual newsletter our director emailed us all a personal letter explaining her visit to China and what info she found. Well, the letter was again specualtions as to the slowdown and trying to encourage all of us to remain strong and positive. I know that my agency is committed to bringing families together and I know their hearts are breaking along with ours. I know they're frustrated too and truly believe they are very good people who care deeply. Thats what makes this even more difficult. If we didn't truly believe this is meant to be it would be easy to walk away but we just can't. We'll continue to hold out hope and keep our hearts and minds open.
This month celebrated a Happy Thanksgiving!!! We had a quiet lunch with my grandma and then went to Joe's sisters later and to my parents also. At the lunch table there was one seat empty. Behind the chair on our sliding doors was perched one ladybug. I guess our baby was here after all. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!