Still waiting

The waiting is definitely the hardest part of the adoption process.  We first received news of a possible match on May 23rd with photos of our little girl and her medical report.  Now, here we are in October and are not yet able to travel to pick her up.  We are still waiting for the DA's approval that we can legally adopt our little girl.

We've named her Victoria Jean.  Her middle name is after my grandma who was a foster parent her entire life.  She only stopped when she was dying of cancer in her 80s.  She was an amazing human being and an example to me that our lives should never be lived for ourselves but instead in service to others.

Jesus is our ultimate example of this.  Matthew 20:28 "even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Isaiah's first day of Kindergarten

On Tuesday, Isaiah had his first day of kindergarten.

Later in the week he had chemo.  He was throwing up last night (which I think was caused by the increase in his chemo dose).  In the morning he was feeling better and insisted on going to school even though I gave him the option to stay home.  

I'm so happy that he loves school.  The teacher is so sweet and the kids in his class seem very nice.  He's looking forward to the great year ahead.

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