I-800 Documents Sent!

We got word today that our 1-800 documents were sent to NBC and now we are waiting for “I-800 Provisional Approval". It is almost funny how much paperwork (most of it just reiterating what they already know) this entails. Our visas are at the consulate right now and we should have them back next week sometime. We are in the process of working on a visa for Jacob to come home. That is the update on our paperwork. I know - not too interesting, but it is nice to have things to do that make you feel like things are moving along. I think the next few weeks are gonna fly by. We are trying to finish up the school year, paint Luke and Jacob's room, go to the doctors, and start packing.

Jacob enjoys McDonalds

50 kids and 20 staff, guests and adults enjoyed McDonalds at Shepherd's Field today. Check out the photo of Jacob - looks like he is enjoying that burger.

GIVE ME AN ------ L --- O -----A!!!!

We got an email yesterday (Day 92 of waiting) from our agency that we will be getting our LOA "FedExed" to us today!!! Yea, this is what we have been waiting to hear! We have been told to expect to travel in 6 to 9 weeks. In the meantime, we will be doing MORE paperwork and getting our Visa's for China. Ric being in Florida on Reserve Duty for the next three weeks is complicating the paperswork a bit! Some things have to be signed and notarized, so there will be some "overnighting" some paperwork back and forth. We are thrilled to be able to know that we will hopefully travel to pick up our son soon. There was much celebrating in the house yesterday. The kids did a "LOA" dance and chant and we of course had to have some Chinese food too! God continues to remind us of his presence in this whole process and we praise Him for his timing and plans.

Easter at PHF

The kids at PHF have been busy celebrating Easter. They got to color eggs and go on an Easter egg hunt today! Looks like they had lots of fun. We are close to day 90 waiting for LOA and hope that we will hear SOOON!

Cute - don't you think?

He is so cute, I can hardly stand it! Don't you feel that way about your kids sometimes? There are moments that I just want to kiss their cheeks off, squeeze them till they pop, and tickle them till there is no tomorrow!!! Well, I haven't even met Jacob yet and these photos make me feel that way about my son.

Sunshine

One of my yahoo group friends is in China now spending a few days at PHF where her daughter spent the first few months of her life. She and her family were able to interact with Jacob! How cool is it that God blesses us over and over with tidbits of information about our son?! In the midst of waiting for our LOA, dealing with the flu, and saying goodbye to our best friends, God sends these beautiful rays of sunshine! Praise HIm!
"Hi,
Here are some pictures of your boy. He is very friendly and loves to get his picture taken and to see it. During a movie yesterday all of the kids were sitting to watch so I sat down kind of on the side to take pictures and he decided he wasn't having anything to do with the movie and sat in my lap to look on my screen and announce to the nannies who I was taking the pictures of. Very precious. A happy little boy who loves affection and has a great laugh. First day he wasn't so sure about me taking pictures and didn't offer many smiles but can't capture how great his laughing was on the second day!"

Getting Closer!

Well, we are on Day 67 of our wait since our dossier has been logged into China. I have started to gather items for our trip (medicines, toiletries, a backpack and some small toys for Jacob, etc...), get the boy's room ready to "share" space, and do some reading on "Toddler Adoption" issues. The last month has gone by more quickly than the first. We continue to be blessed with photos of Jacob from various sources. I have often seen him with one particular caregiver that he seems especially close to. It is reassuring to know that he is getting good care!

Lantern Festival Outing

Jacob got to go on an outing to a Lantern festival. I just love the photo of him with his mouth wide open in astonishment at something he sees. It looks like he enjoys eating McD's too!