DA has received Phuong Lan's paperwork

The DA has received the paperwork for Phuong Lan from the orphanage.  We are waiting for the formal proposal, which we anticipate will happen soon.  The DA needs to approve the match.

I had thought that we would be able to travel once we were formally proposed Phuong Lan, however, I have discovered that this is not the case.  After we accept the proposal, we need to send paperwork back to Vietnam.  Then a Giving and Receiving ceremony needs to be scheduled.  (This is where we sign paperwork in Vietnam to make everything legal and official.)  Once the ceremony is scheduled, we can book our flights and apply for our Visas.  

It looks like we won't travel for another 2 months minimum.  Waiting is the hardest part of the process.  I know God works in His perfect timing.  I guess on the positive side, I can work full time (if the teacher's strike ends) to help pay off our adoption debt.

Trusting God! :)  I just want to hold my baby girl.  

Looking at old photos

I'm in the middle of making a baby album for Adam (yes I know, he's already 2 1/2 and I haven't made one).  With baby #3 coming, I decided I should get this album done.  I don't want all the middle child stereotypes to come true.  Adam, you will have an album...and it's going to be great!

Looking through old photos brings out so many emotions.  I can't believe how fast time has gone.  I love my little boys and love all the pictures I have of them.  They love each other so much.

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A family who has adopted from Vietnam...twice!

I was searching online, trying to find other families who have adopted from Vietnam.  I came across this link.
It turns out that this family used the same agency that we are using!  I've been in contact with the mother of these two beautiful little girls and it has been so encouraging to connect with someone who has already been through the adoption journey.  I also appreciated the posting from June 10th.  There are so many children in need of families.  I encourage you to read it.

Don't look so innocent

Look how much he's grown!

Last day of preschool

First day of preschool

IT'S A GIRL!

We were matched with a baby girl!!!  Although the match is only a "soft-proposal" and things could fall through, we still wanted to tell everyone because we love to be transparent about the ups and downs of life.  

She was born on December 24th, 2013 in Thai Nguyen Province of Vietnam.  We do not yet have any information on the circumstances of her being placed for adoption but hope to find out very soon.  We have pictures of her but will not post these until the adoption is official.  

We are so excited and can't wait to bring our little girl home.  We were told that travel to Vietnam will not likely take place until October.  This is the most difficult part of the process because I know she's there and I know these are critical months for a baby's development and bonding.  I know God is watching over her and I trust His perfect plans for her life.  I can't wait to hold her in my arms!

Please pray that the process would be expedited!!

Quick update

Isaiah and Adam are doing very well!

Adoption:

We were told today that our dossier has been translated (and for those who didn't know, is in Vietnam).  We were told that we could be matched any day!  Exciting!