It's Friday, October 31st. And we've still got roughly 41 business days left. It's a hard, long wait. However, last night we got a reminder that we aren't the only ones. We went to Babies R Us to pick up the last few items we needed, including Katelin's crib. While we were in line to pay for these items, a lady in the line next to us asked the normal question, "is your daughter from China?". Of course we said no actually she's from Vietnam. This woman proceeded to say that she was to get a call any day now to leave for China for her little girl. She and her husband waited 4-1/2 YEARS for their precious angel. WOW! Here we are complaining that it's been over 2-1/2 years and this woman has had to wait twice that. Kinda makes you think. Does it make the wait easier, of course not. But, I don't think I'm going to be nearly as quick to complain about it as I have in the past. So when you have a difficult time with the wait, remember this story, it's humbling. Until next time. Kristi

The Beauty in her Smile

I just can't help but to keep looking at her smile. She is more beautiful than I could have imagined. God has truly blessed us. This report could not have come at a better time. Kristi, Lilli and I now have something to hold on to and pray for until the government says we can go bring her home.

I can't wait to hold her.

We Received A Letter!

Hi everyone! It's me. I wanted to share that we received yesterday our letter from USCIS. YEAAAAAAAA! This is one step closer to our precious Katelin. We now have that horrible wait of 60 business days (or more as our agency keeps reminding us) to find out when we travel or, God forbid, if we don't get to adopt her at all. I am, of course, praying that the 60 business days doesn't take as long now that the program has closed out. I know I'm asking alot from the government so I'm not holding my breath. We also received updated pictures of Katelin. I will post them a little later. We are amazed at how quickly she is growing. She is a big girl. If their scales are right, our precious little angel is weighing in at 16.3 lbs. and she doesn't turn 4 months until Oct. 15th! She's almost out of size 6 month clothing! WOW!!! She's absolutely beautiful and just the cutest thing too. And my Wonderful Saviour gave me peace yesterday. I know the process is moving forward, I know my Katelin is being taken care of and loved and I know He is watching out for her and us. THANKS BE TO GOD!

Well, that's the update for now. I'll get back atcha later! KRISTI

YEA! We got an UPDATE!

After a month since we accepted the referral, we finally got some new news today.

First we got an update from U.S. CIS dated October 7, that they had received our paperwork and that the investigation will be completed in about 60 business days. Ouch. That means January/February, but at least it is news.

We got the best news a few hours later when we got a medical and picture update. She is looking very healthy, and is definitely growing. She is;



Weight: 7.4 kg (16 1/2 lbs)
Height: 64 cm (25 in.)

The pictures are perfect. It looks as though she is developing nicely. She is sitting up with support behind her; She is holding her head up; She is grasping things (note her left hand); She is focusing on something; and most of all...WHAT A SMILE!

Let's pray that is doesn't actually take 60 business days, and we can bring Katelin home soon.
RICHARD

Is No News Good News?

Well, my husband decided that I should take over the blog now since I'm the more vocal one these days. Am I patient, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Is no news good news? I'd like to think so. Our agency said they'd send us updated info at the end of September. Well it's October 1st and we don't have anything yet. What's up with that. LOL Alright, so I'll give them a little longer. Is tomorrow long enough? LOL Alright, really, I'll give them a week or so before asking.

Things have been busy around our house since hearing about our referral. Although we're very cautious about this situation we're trying to get some things done. For instance, we are slowly cleaning out the den so we can turn it into a nursery. Since we weren't expecting this, we had given most of our baby stuff away. We were able to find some things and my best friend is throwing me a baby shower. In a way it's kinda fun cause I can do something completely different this time. I found the most beautiful bedding that is very Asian themed and it's something my husband and I can use in our room as decoration when Katelin decides she wants her own style.

Now on the flip side, one of the things I'm going through right now is feeling a little guilty. I mean, how is it that my family is blessed with a second child and there are others out there that were waiting for their first. I know God has a plan and that comforts me. I just pray that those who have not come out of this process with a beautiful child will not give up hope but will pray and ask for guidance. There is a precious angel waiting for you!

Well, maybe next time I write on this blog there will be more information to share. Until then!