waiting for TA

I am not sure who is out there...... but I thought I would sign in and tell you all what has been going on. We are waiting for our Travel Approval (TA). Once China sends the approval, things should happen fast - at least we hope. The TA will come, then our agency asks for an appointment at the US Embassy. Once we are given that date, an appointment in Nanchang will be set up to meet our daughter a week prior to the embassy date. I am still hoping and praying that I get to meet her and be with her for her first birthday on Aug. 11. We would have to get our TA next week and all would have to go SUPER smooth for that to happen but I am going to keep hoping........

We have not gotten any updated information. I am also hoping for that soon. I really need for these travel plans to go smooth so Howard is back for an easier start for the school year and Bennett is able to be taken care of with our "plan A". Please all, cross those fingers and keep us in your prayers. Xoxoxo

Gotta love the shoes

Bennett wearing his first pair of bowling shoes. One and a half sizes too big but you wouldn't have known. His first game he bowled a 99! He enjoyed it.

Bennett in CO with his new best buddy

These are photos from CO. Bennett and I are visiting my friend who is vacationing here at their second home. We are having a great time.

This is a picture of Bennett and Darwin. Darwin is my friends dog and he is amazing. Soooooooo tolerant of Bennett. Bennett is doing a pretty good job for him.....

The next photo is Bennett holding the ball chucker. He likes to carry it around. Not good at chucking balls but CAN throw a pinecone with it!

title says it all......

Whew! Very busy day.

A teacher meeting for Bennett. Big UPS run with official papers going to China saying we are accepting the referral! Errands. Computer work amd copies galore. Pediatrician appointment for Bennett. Tons of phone calls, and I mean TONS! Everything from shots for travel to visas to enter China. My girlfriend Cevil's birthday today. All that done while trying to escape the horrid temps here.

And the biggie: my niece AUBREY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!! She is just cute as a bug in a rug. Love her so much. Wish we could have been there to celebrate and see the cake eating but the meeting this morning has been scheduled for eons. Her birthday is one day, one month exact to Xiao Yue's first birthday next month. I can't wait for them to meet and grow up together.

........bring on tomorrow!

yin / yang week

yin / yang
happy / sad

This week has seen very strong emotions in my family.

happy
We got the referral of our lovely daughter. We are still amazed when we look at her face and love her more each day. We can't wait to see her. Today Bennett finally said mama to me. Clear and definitely referring to me. It melts my heart, I have waited a long time for that.

sad
My brother in law, Thuy, passed away suddenly this morning. We are still in a bit of shock. He was one of the fittest people I know. Ate well, no drinking or smoking. Worked out at the gym five days a week at 5:30 a.m. He passed away at the gym, a massive heart attack. He leaves a very grieving widow, four wonderful kids, and family and friends. All will miss him forever. He was a good man.

Say what?

He doesn't have a clue that his world will be rocked soon. I am so excited for my two lovies to meet.

No new news,will not have any for a bit. No travel news, won't have that for a good while.

Thank you all for the wishes. Going to go now and try to get back to sleep, it's 2:30 a.m. and I am up.