Sunday....

Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I posted...for a couple reasons. Been fighting this funk that I have been in for a few days now. I dont know if it's because I still do not remotely feel like myself or maybe I'm coming down with something? Not sure...ugh! Hubby thinks I'm nesting...I wish! I wish I knew something more definite...school starts in a week and a half. Which means I'm back full-force there as well. There are a couple more items that need to be addressed in C & C's room. Nothing serious, moreso Mommy being the weirdo that I am, has this huge issue with completion. That all would be fine and dandy if we were loaded but I think having to come up with such large amounts of money here lately and just all of the stuff that needed to be done here at home has finally took it's toll on me...Overwhelmed, I think that is the term that describes me to a "T" at this point. Me a planner? Oh my gosh yes! I am in charge of all family vacations and activities from start to finish. I just do things the way I do them...and this whole adoption journey has told me that regardless of how in control I think I am, the Big Guy comes in and shakes things up a little just to get me back baseline. Paitience, Faith, Servitude, Compassion, Obedience these are just a few terms that keep things in perspective for me.

Trying to get some rest...I just want to feel better!!!!!!!

Night all...

Day 1---Post OP

Hello all...so glad this computer doesn't have a live webcam on it or you would think I've been backed over by a dumptruck! Na, not really but maybe that's how I'm feeling! The pain meds and anesthesia officially worn off last night-early morning...around 3 am precisely. After fighting all afternoon with Percocet, I figured I would try to get something more solid on my tummy and take 1/2 of the pain meds....so, I am as of 932 am EST, checked out of the hotel and headed to feed my lil ones some decent breakfast. I'm sure yesterday it consisted of nabs & soda....
I also learned that trying to yawn too early after jaw surgery is not the most comfortable move to make. I'm soo ready to get home in my old lumpy bed and rest. Well, praying for rest...
Catch ya'll later!

T

A Surprise For This Morning!!!

Well this is a total shocker! Woke to an email from our friends who are in China now...I have new pics of Nat and her doll we sent her. So now I'm sooo excited and more certain that she knows we are on our way! She is the sweetest little thing...what a smile!!!

Waiting to hear back from Chapel Hill this morning. I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning at 9. Since it's a university hospital, got to double-check they have the sedation meds on hand for my procedure. I sure hope so!!! I took off this whole week at work to have this done and I'm ready to go and get it over with!!! I am not a procrastinating person, never have been so therefore I don't do well with hurry up & wait...let's get there, get it done and get home...so please be in prayer for me that we can move this little obstacle out the way and move on!

Enjoy our new pics of Natalie!!!

Happy Monday!

T

Rainy Thursday!

There's nothing more I love than thunderstorms and rainy days! I'd trade a bright sunny day anytime for a snuggly bed and a roaring thunderstorm with a few candles around...But today my thunderstorm experience consists of about 20 3 yr olds and Play-Doh...accented with un forgiving flourescent lighting..but they are my little darlings and I can't imagine not having them as part of my day.
Only two more days and my oldest is heading to Pensacola Fl for cheerleading camp. You would think after 2 years of this I would be emotionally prepared but this time I am coming up a little short. Granted, we have our moments...but it's these moments that I think we are at our closest. The little two are still camping with Gma & Gpa...everytime the chance of them going anywhere with the grandparents the girls are gone....Claire has learned to crochet this trip and Caroline is learning how to use a crab pot...those are great skills to add to their resume..however the time with my parents is invaluable and that is most important.

Happy Thursday to all!

Hang in there---Friday is just around the corner!

T

Saying Goodbye To A Friend

Hello all...just wanted to update you guys. The world lost an awesome friend, mother, Christian and just all around wonderful person. Goodbye Dawn...may you rest peacefully in your Holy Father's arms. I promise to keep an eye on your children for you while you're gone...see you again soon friend...


T

Most Recent Pics of Natalie...

Well yesterday was horriblefor me. Found out about a high school friend who is also a parent at WCA where the girls go to school, was involved in a terrible car accident Friday night and is clinging to life as we speak. One of her daughters is my Caroline's age and is such a sweet soul. By working at the school, I see her all the time as well as her kiddos. To know what her family is facing and moreso her children has just really hit home. I just know that either way God has control of this whole situation and making peace with that is coming, slowly but surely. But at the same time for me it has completely reiterated the fact that life is so precious. Of course we have our daily struggles with the unimportant things that at the time seem so unbearable. We get frustrated because things are not happening when we want them to. But it's not in our time to decide but God's time. And if anyone understands that now more than ever, I do. Especially going through this adoption with Natalie. It's just amazing to stand back and see how things handle themselves and to know that He in all His glory know what we as his flock can endure. Ashton, Claire & Caroline please know that you are Mommy & Daddy's reasons for existence. You are truly blessings from our Heavenly Father. We are nothing without you....

On to a brighter note, our friends are officially parents to their 2nd Chinese daughter as of Tuesday morning China time. L & L are adopting Natalie's best friend Bridget. It seems our two girls have been in foster care together for quite sometime now. L is trying to get a package to Natalie from us to let her know that we are on our way! Not even sure at this point if she knows she's being adopted. I know it's hard to tell exactly when the officials tell the children. I get that---I honestly do. But I also understand how difficult it may be to see your best friend leave and you get left behind. So for her sake, I hope they have said something. Bridget is headed to Evansville Indiana, which is only about 3.5-4 hrs from Dayton where Todd's family is. So keeping them together once they get home is going to be our goal.

Tomorrow is the big day!!! Our agency's rep in China should be heading over to the US Consulate office in Guangzhou to pick up all of our US documents and have them hand-delivered to the CCAA office in Beijing. This is the final destination for our file until we get travel approval, which hopefully will come early August. Hoping to travel late August-early Sept.

So...gonna go do some work..girls are camping with Gma & Gpa at Ft. Fisher and Mommy & Daddy are busy hanging shelving and transferring wardrobes of the little gals!

Hope all is well...

T