Two Months Home!

Wow! I really can not believe it's been 2 months. Sophia is doing amazing! She is a doll and continues to find her spot in the family. I am learning how to me a mommy to 4 kiddos...all 6 years of age or younger. It can be crazy around this house and I have to really take some deep breaths with all the noise and chaos that can happen at any given moment. I have been really trying to make a conscious effort to stop being so busy and to instead sit and play dolls with Sophia, or color with Julia, or have a time of cuddling and talking with Drew, and making it a point to talk with Samuel about his school day. I have found that I really, really like things tidy and organized. I never was so preoccupied with things being in their place, but it seems every time we add a child, my desire for things to be organized grows. But, I have to just relax and focus on really enjoying my kiddos...they won't be this young for long...and I can guarantee I will miss this stage one day in my life. Well, here's a little list of what our Lil Miss Sophia is up to these days:

1. She loves to follow Mommy around EVERYWHERE!

2. She loves to follow Mommy around EVERYWHERE while saying Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!

3. She loves pretty much all food. She actually cheers when I give her those Natural Cheese Puffs...so maybe that's her favorite! It's pretty darn cute!

4. She is very obedient.

5. She loves her Daddy very much and wants him to toss her around in the air...she's an adrenalin junky! uh oh! :)

6. Her English is taking off! She will say things like "Please help Mommy", or "I love you too", or "Cup Please" or "Up please Mommy". I am so impressed with her!

7. She adores her Grandpa!

8. She only drinks water. She doesn't like juice. She will have a little bit of milk on her cereal, but she doesn't really drink much of it.

9. She loves to "mother" her baby dolls

10. She could care less about tv. Not interested at all.

11. She loves to sing and dance and it's pretty darn cute!

12. She can run, jump, crawl, do somersaults.

13. She's learning how to ride a tricycle and is catching on pretty well!

14. She loves to go in the car and she loves her carseat.

So grateful for this little girl!

Fun in the Sun...

We have had some beautiful weather in our neck of the woods. So we hit the park yesterday and had a blast. I put Sophia in the swing and she was digging it! It hit me while pushing her that this was the very first time she had ever been in a swing. She was unsure when I first put her in, but as soon as I let it soar...she was LOVING it! So cute!

Depraved Indifference

I have posted this video before, but I came upon it again and it reminded me why we choose to do something about one of the many injustices in this world. Adoption was our calling, but I hope by watching this you are stirred to do something that you feel is "beyond you". I hope that this inspires you to be brave and courageous to continue fighting the good fight...for those who don't have a voice...whomever that might be. There are so many heartwrenching needs out there and each of those needs represents real people. For me, this video is such a good reminder to keep in perspective what this life is about.

Fun at Cherry On Top...thanks to Grandma and Grandpa!

Daddy helping his littlest princess finish the last of her yogurt!










My cutie Drew enjoying the moment!











Samuel sneaking into the picture with Sophia!











Julia being silly!

This Christmas Grandma and Grandpa sent some "Cherry on Top" money for all of us to get a yummy yogurt treat at one of our very favorite places! If you don't have a Cherry on Top near you, boy you are missing out! Here's a few pics of the kiddos all enjoying their treat!

YEA!

She's flourishing!!

Goodness! It's AMAZING what God can do when He places an orphan into a family...who then becomes an orphan no more, but simply part of the family. I am in awe of how much Sophia Joy has changed in just over a month of having her (our Gotcha Day was Nov 21st). She's only been home for a little over 3 weeks and it is truly a blessing to watch her transform before our eyes. The nannies who took care of her said she didn't speak much only said about 2 or 3 words. I was a little concerned over that, but she was ours so it didn't really matter. Well, I am so happy to report that this girl can chatter with the best of them now! No, she's not fluent in English, but she can say quite a bit for only hearing English for a month! She can say Daddy, Mommy, Odie, Up, No...No...No, Yea, Help Mommy, Night-Night, More, and quite a bit more, but I can't remember them all right now. Sheesh...for only speaking 2 words in the orphanage to a list of over 10 English words in a month...I am impressed. When my good friend and I traveled to China to get Sophia we felt she was developmentally between 12 months and 18 months old in most things (she is 2 1/2 years old). For example, she walked just like a 12 month old who had only been walking a few days or so. She fell a lot because she was so clumsy. She had ZERO concept of stairs and would have walked straight off the top step if we had let her. Now, only a short time of being in a family she can run around the playground, climb the steps like a champ and go down the slide all by herself. Then she's ready to do it over and over and over again! The girl can jump up and down with both feet coming off the floor. This really may not sound like a big deal, but the girl could barely walk at 2 1/2 years old a month ago! She has also gained about 4-5 pounds since her medical check up in China. In China with her clothes on she weighed about 22.5 pounds. Last night, naked after her bath she weighed in at 27.5 pounds!! Of course that was right after dinner, but still!! Speaking of baths...Sophia had no idea how to play in the bath. This was evident the first day I gave her a bath. She let me wash her hair and her body and then immediately stood up for me to take her out. Now....she is swimming like a fish in the bath! She plays and plays and plays some more and would stay in until she pruned up if we let her. Daddy did a fabulous job the first week home with her. He bathed her every night and literally encouraged and taught her how to play. I am sure I can go on and on, but I will just leave you all with some great before and after pics. I was trying to upload a video, but haven't it doesn't seem to be working. I will keep trying though.

Wearing Daddy's Shoes!

Update and Pictures

(One picture is of all the kiddos eating popcorn after picking up Samuel from school and the other picture is of Sophia hugging her new doll and blanket from Grandma...she loves them both!)

UPDATE:

Well its been 12 days home and Sophia is settling in beautifully! The first few days were very hard on both of us. Although, I think she did better than me. I must have been really exhausted because I had the worst attitude when I was home the first few days. It was so strange, because instead of feeling overjoyed to have Sophia home...I was wondering what in the heck did I just do to our family. I couldn't eat for 5 full days...lost about 7 pounds and was just downright depressed. I am so glad to report that we are all back to our happy selfs...I guess it was the jetlag and stress of the trip that did me in. Those first days home were TOUGH! But, God atleast gave me enough sense to know that I truly did not feel the way I thought I felt. We are all doing so well now. And in case you are wondering...my appetite is in full force and I am pretty sure I have gained it all back. lol! All the kids are getting along wonderfully. I do not mean we do not have our struggles of sharing, bad attitudes, or pouting...we absolutely have that. But, to me...that's normal! The boys STILL hug and kiss Sophia ALL DAY LONG! Poor girl can't even eat her eggs without someone laying a big ol' kiss on her. She and Julia are slowly getting closer. It's actually pretty comical to watch them...I think I remember going through this when I was about 5 and my mom brought home my sister Lori. I wasn't too happy about this new person in our family, but or course I can't imagine life without her...or any of my siblings for that matter! So, just wanted to fill everyone in on how we are doing. We love this little girl with all our hearts and are thrilled she is home with us!

Urgent need for a young boy.

I follow a blog called No Greater Joy Mom and today I read about a soon to be 16 year old boy. His birthday is approaching and once he turns 16 he gets about $30 and his small bag of belongings...and he is off on his own. Out the orphanage door and into the streets...alone. I can only shake my head at the thought of one of my precious sons being out on the streets, with no one who cares for them. The future of this boy is bleak. It doesn't take much thought to figure out where his life is heading. It's so sad. You can read about him here. He needs someone to step forward for him within a few days. Maybe you are that family???

Please pray for this young boy...I can't even imagine how frightened he is knowing what lies ahead.

Giggles!

Today was so sweet. Sophia is adjusting wonderfully. And now that we have gotten some sleep under our belts, we are all doing so much better. She is finding her place in our family perfectly. Not too long ago, George took the kids downstairs to play while I cleaned up the kitchen...and all I heard was giggle after giggle after giggle. It really is sweet to see her mold into her family and for all of us to get to see her bloom! She has just started calling me Mama and really knowing it's me she's talking about. She makes kissey faces when she wants a smooch from mommy or daddy and she loves it when daddy throws her around! She is fearless! The boys continue to love her to pieces and Julia is becoming more and more lovey towards her new sister. She even said "I love you Sophia". Drew mentioned at dinnertime that Sophia is very pretty. It's so nice that they are loving her so much and she, in return, is loving them back.

We are blessed.

5 days HOME!

I am thrilled to be home...I missed being home very much...missed my hubby, the kiddos, my bed, the familiarity, ENGLISH and a whole bunch of other stuff. However, being home brings along a whole new set of challenges. Yesiree...it sure does. Like....recovering from jetlag, being so very tired, acclimating Sophia to the other children...her room...the dog...pretty much everything. She has done really well when I remember that she is 2 and that her entire world has been turned upside down. If anything, I have to be more grace giving and remind myself to be more patiend and understanding and loving. It's easy to "expect" Sophia to act a "certain" way, because the other 3 acted a certain way at her age. However, the other 3 never lived in China, in an orphanage, with little food and no family...so really it's a completely ridiculous expectation. I am aware of my ridiculuous expectations and I am keeping that at the forefront of my mind. I really didn't know what to expect after I brought Sophia home, but I don't think I was prepared. Not sure if you really can prepare for it until you do it. But, it's been so rewarding and so challenging all at the same time. I think Sophia is a very brave little girl. She is transitioning into our family very well. I am thankful for her and I am really looking forward to what she will be like and how she will have grown in the next few months. Just as I am proud of the other kiddos, I am equally proud of lil' Miss Sophia for how strong she has been. Daddy just thinks she's so adorable and they are bonding well. We've had a little jealously between the girls, but again it's only been 5 days...God will work it out. I have no doubt!

Last Post before I leave and Link to follow us in China!

Hi all! Well, I have been busy just finishing up a few details before I leave. It's strange leaving my other kiddos behind while I am gone. I am so used to being the one that takes care of all the household and school stuff. I am trying to make this 2 weeks that I am gone as seamless as possible. Anyway, today I plan to finish up any errands or packing that needs done. Tomorrow is all about hanging with my kiddos! I am heading to my friend Kirsten's house and spending the night. That way we will be much closer to the airport for our Friday morning flight around 7:00am. So, I say bye to my sweet family tomorrow at 5....sigh. I will not be posting on this blog while in China. I won't have access to it. So, my friend Kirsten set up a shutterfly account and we will blog on that. I did post the link on the right of the page...it has given me a little bit of problems. Sometimes instead of going straight to our blog with Sophia's picture on it, it just goes to the main shutterfly page. If I just try it again...it works. Strange... Anyway, I will post it on this post too...maybe between the two of them it will work! The next time I or Kirsten blogs...we will be in route to China or in China! Would love your prayers for safe travels and great bonding!
http://sophiagraceadoption.shutterfly.com/

Itinerary!

Here's the breakdown of our stay in China!

November 18--Leave Chicago for our 17 hour flight to Hong Kong
November 19--Recoup in Hong Kong
November 20--Fly from Hong Kong to Changsha (our daughter's orphanage location)
November 21--Meet Sophia!
November 22--Adoption Paperwork--This is when I sign the papers to legally adopt her!
November 23--Local Sightseeing
November 24--Local Sightseeing--waiting for Sophia's paperwork to be finished.
November 25--Local Sightseeing--Receive all the documents I am waiting for.
November 26--Fly from Changsha to Guangzhou
November 27--Local Sightseeing
November 28--Photo for Sophia, Medical Check for Sophia, and TB test for Sophia
November 29--Local Sightseeing
November 30--Get Medical Check Results Back
December 1st--Apply for Sophia's visa and appointment at the Consulate
December 2nd--Pick up Sophia's Visa and head back to Hong Kong
December 3rd--Fly out of Hong Kong to head home sweet home!

Sophia will be a US citizen as soon as we land in Chicago!! Awesome!

Only 3 days until I leave...so ready for this!

It's the final countdown!

NINE days to go until we fly the friendly skies!! So many things I am looking forward to, but the one thing I am not looking forward to is the oh so long flight....UGH! I think we have a 16 hour non stop from Chicago to Hong Kong. That's gonna be a tough one. But, hey...it's all going to be worth it in the end. I am not so much worried about the going, but the coming home with a toddler that is worrisome! I better bring a lot of goldfish to eat! The last thing I am not looking forward to is being away from my family for 2 full weeks...this momma's heart is breaking. Again, so worth it in the end! They get to have a lot of time with Daddy and Grandma...so life is pretty sweet. Well, off to pack and finish up the details of this trip! Please pray for all of us...we will need it.

WE GOT TA!!!!

Woohoo!!! Today, just 4 days after our Article 5 was picked up....we have Travel Approval!!! Shocked! I don't know why I am shocked. I've been praying for something miraculous to happen and this is certainly not above anything the Lord can do, but still I am in AWE! Soooo excited! I most likely will be in China with my newest love over Thanksgiving, missing my hubby and kiddos here, but praising and thanking God for my new daughter. What a wonderful Thanksgiving it may be!

Such a wonderful post

It is orphan awareness month in many churches. I enjoyed reading this post...heartbreaking as it may be...it is REALITY. Please check it out.

Waiting for TA!!!!

Yea! Our Article 5 should have been picked up today...this is something that has to do with Sophia's visa. So, now we are officially waiting for Travel Approval (TA). Our agency said it's about a 2 week wait. However, I have seen some families from our agency receive TA in 10 or 11 days. So, it is a possibility that by next Friday, Nov 11th we may have our TA. So the countdown begins! I have started to pack...slowly, but surely. I've been picking up things as I've been out and about and been putting things in the suitcase. My poor little Drew is having a bit of a tough time with Mommy going to China. If he sees me packing he immediately gets teary eyed. I feel awful. I know it's for the best...I gotta get our little girl home, but it does break this momma's heart. Pray for him. I just love that little dude.

I will keep y'all posted!! It's really getting closer!!

Article 5--Dropped off!

Well, I received our much awaited pdf from the National Visa Center this past Monday. I quickly forwarded it to my adoption coordinator and she sent it along to her China contact. So, my paperwork for my Article 5 should have been dropped off Tuesday! Now I just count forward two weeks from October 18th, which will be November 2nd, and my Article 5 paperwork should be picked up that day! After that we wait for our Travel Approval. Travel Approval is China's invitation to us to come get our daughter. Some other adoptive parents from my agency have been receiving TA a week to 10 days after their Aricle 5 pickup....and they are traveling just a week after get their TA. If we follow that same schedule we could be traveling in a month from now. It's starting to feel like it's really going to happen! Believe it or not, I've already started packing. I'm trying to take as little luggage as possible...I'm pretty low maintenance (a ponytail is my favorite "hairdo"), so I think that should be somewhat easy. I'll keep you posted!

Don't Forget!

There have been more prizes added to the giveaway at www.nogreaterjoymom.com

There are some super fabulous prizes!!

Check it out!!!

PICTURE UPDATE!

Sophia and a friend (Sophia's on the left looking at the camera)




I think she's ready for a mama!




I love the outfit!



This one has got to me my favorite picture of her!




We're coming!!!

I am so thrilled to see our sweet Sophia's face...she is getting so big...which does make me a bit sad. And in 2 of the pictures her eyes are all watery from crying. I wish I could hop a flight to get her right now! I know children cry, the ones at home here like to do it all the time! But, it's so heartbreaking when I can't even hug her. C'mon Travel!! Bring it on!

Hope you enjoy these pics as much as I am!!