Journey to Emma Grace

Withdrawl

2011-09-09T20:01:00.002-04:00

Sorry to say we have withdrawn our dossier from China. A very hard choice we made but, in the end we know it is the best for us. The economy was real tough on us and we have to think of our immediate family right now. Tears I have had for a month but, feel in the end it was the best decision we could make for her and us. Goodbye Emma Grace!!!! How we loved you for 5 years!!!

MOVED

2009-10-17T21:04:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Sorry its been such a long time. We moved to another location. More secure and pretty much everyone is on Facebook now. Just wanted to catch everyone up. We had our baby Dec 2008. NOt as bad as I thought it would be (the pain) ended with a c-section. He is adorable. Hard to believe he is almost one. Pic's on new site. If you want to see up dates of our lives visit us on facebook.com.

We still are waiting on China. Cannot believe its been over 3 years. I am not sure if they will ever reach us. ha! Its amazing how you think your going to adopt and wait for years to end up getting pregnant on your own. Just when we were starting a new adoption in another country we got pregnant. I think that god thought we waited enough for a baby and blessed us with the most beautiful child ever.

Hope to see everyone on face book. Take care and thanks for taking the time to follow our journey to emma grace.

Visit us on our journey with our son. Its been so much fun so far!!!!!

Computer Fixed

2008-08-06T08:19:00.002-04:00

Finally our computer is fixed. I have been so lost with out it. big virus. I have had no computer to check blogs. I can use work to do emails but, they block all sites out I need to visit. Ha!

Work is going well. One of my good friends from work is leaving. Ugh! She is going over to another OB/Gyn office not too far away but, she will be missed. We are going out on Sat to celebrate her new job. Our hours have gotten so insane and she wants to go to school, here at our office you cannot do that with our extended hours. bummer!

I cannot believe its Aug already. Wow! Time is flying. I hope that after the olympics the referrals from china will speed up. I wont hold my breath but, I am hoping. NO other news from China and the referrals.

Monday

2008-06-02T21:24:00.002-04:00

What a day at work today. Everyone was all upset and on the verge of quitting. We all thought our new schedules were going to suck. thankfully they did not! At least for me they didn't. I am still in the same office with the same people. Yeah! Not that I don't like the other 6 that are in the other offices but, I like the group I work with now. :-)

Saturday we did the Breast Cancer Walk with my friend Michele and her family. That was a perfect day with great weather. I guess we miss Dr. R by minutes of his visit with Michele. Too bad! Just kidding.
That is so in the past. :-)

We saw the Strangers on Sunday. Dumb movie! Not even scary. oh well. I cannot believe movies are now $10. That is crazy.

an old friend is coming to town so I will be away from the blog for a few days. Sorry!!!

Have a good week!

Okay Okay Okay

2008-05-27T21:48:00.002-04:00

Okay Angie I am finally writing on the blog. I just have been so busy with finishing school and getting certified for billing.

I cannot say how much it means to have my certification and we can finally work from home. I am excited to get billing going from home. Yippie!

Are you happy now silly! :-)

No news on China! The children are all safe from the quake. That was a good sign. I wonder if this will slow things down even more??? the waiting game. :-)

We will learn the sex of Mark's baby in June. I hope its a girl! I love Jackson to death though. He is such a cutie pie.

Work is going really well. Finally found a good job with good people. Hopefully once the business from home starts off I can work just part time at the hospital. Wishfull thinking.

Angie! did I tell you thanks so much for all your hard work and for dragging me to classes at night? Thanks so much!!! You are a blessing! now for the really hard stuff eh? :-)

Well, I will post soon. I have much to say but, am so beat! Take care everyone!!!

Its April already

2008-04-11T19:35:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe its April already. Time is flying. No news on China as you can see. I have been so busy with work its been so crazy.

So much you learn when you work with women. I thought I left behind a biotch of a woman at my last practice to find out that someone we all trusted was a nark. She left and went to another job with the hospital but, we found out from the doctor there that she lied in the interview about her work experience and then found out she was a nark. she liked to stir the kettle they said.

I never would of expected it ever! You think I would of learned from that crazy biotch I worked with in the internal med office. but, doesn't look like I can pick them out in a crowd. Funny!

Now the office is calm and fun. Its amazing how much I like work now that she is gone!

An Evening with Jackson

2008-03-01T13:42:00.002-05:00

John and I got to babysit Jackson last night. Our first time too. He is such a cutie pie. He really does love John! We finally remembered to bring the camera for updated pictures. To the family! we will send them on over once we download them. He is growing so fast.

Their new home is just beautiful. Huge! I love their kitchen family room combo area! Nice open floor plan.

Scary Day at Work

2008-02-28T19:52:00.003-05:00

Today was a very scary day at work. The doctor next door had a death threat on him. They shut the building down and can you believe the guy actually showed up and tried to get into their office. Dumb ass!

The cops ended up letting him go because he didn't have a weapon. we were pretty freaked out.

Still no word on if Maggie and I are transfering to the new office. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

A Trip to the Past

2008-02-28T19:38:00.003-05:00

Made a trip to my old job to visit my friends Michele and Kathy. It was really nice to see Michele and Kathy again too.

I didn't realize how much I missed Dr. Snyder. It was really nice to see and talk to him. I did speak to Dr. Robertson too. I also realized I did make the right choice on leaving there. I have finally found a place that I love. I miss working with Michele and Kathy but, seeing my old co-worker made me realize how much I hated it there and am glad to be with people who are not back stabbers. Its hard to believe I thought we were friends when I worked there for all those years but, in the end she turned out to be so two faced. I am finally free from that hell! Its just a shame that he thinks she is a saint when she is so two faced. If only he knew all the things she said about him and all their private talks they had. I think she just needs attention and hates when she isn't the center of the attention. Some day he will realize that she is his downfall. I am glad I am out of there!!! Its nice to work with friendly people! I guess you have to work through crappy places to get to the best place. Finally! Enough about all that mess from the Past!!!

Michele and I went to lunch at Alibi and it was really nice to catch up on life. Its been a few since we last went to lunch. Life has been so busy with the adoption and new little guy in the family.

Rumor Queen

2008-01-25T21:38:00.000-05:00

I again have checked RQ site. Not good news for referrals from China. The 22nd! Iknow its not for sure or a cutt off date but, this is pathetic. ugh! I see NO speed up here! Frustrating!!!!

Packing

2008-01-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

We packed away Emma's clothing and toys. It was very tough! Its so strange to change your journey. You have your mind set on something for 2 years and then to change it is hard to adjust at times. We needed to put her things away so we could figure out the room for a boy. I am happy we are going to get her a brother!

No good news!!

2008-01-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

Not much news out there about a speed up. Our agency has started a new Special Needs program for their site. They are now posting pictures of the children. John and I did have a talk about maybe taking a look at the list and we both decided to take the path to Kazakhstan and wait for our daughter for 2009/2010. She is in China and when that time is right for us to go and bring her home we will. Our China dream is still alive and just taking a little longer than expected. I sure hope that after the Olympics there is a speed up but, even if there was... our referral will not happen till end of 2009 beginning 2010. Emma, when you come home you will have a big brother waiting for you!

A New Journey

2008-01-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

We have chosen to travel another path while we wait for our little Emma.

We have chosen to travel to Kazakstan to adoption Emma a big brother. Follow our journey with the link on the left. Our journey to Kazakstan to adopt our Son!!!

ITS A BOY!!! WELCOME JACKSON KENNETH!!!!

2007-10-23T19:40:00.002-04:00

OCT 18, 2007 AT 4:00AM My brother and his wife Lina welcomed their first born into the world!

Jackson Kenneth Miller

7lbs 6oz and 20 1/2 in long!!!

November Finally Done!!!!

2007-10-08T06:12:00.000-04:00

November is finally done and all the families LID for November have their referrals. I wish CCAA had gotten into December but, they didn't. I am afraid that doesn't look good for a speed up any time soon. Hopefully this month they can get through more than 5 days.

What do you do about the wait......

We have talked back and forth about another adoption but, where? International? Domestic? Is it even possible? If we wait to adopt after we get Emma it may not be possible with our ages for a younger child. It just doesn't seem fair that China or Agencies do not let you do concurrent adoptions because, with the wait so long and you want to build your family what else are you supposed to do??? It looks like our wait will be 3 yrs! I never thought we'd wait 3 yrs but, I don't see any way for CCAA to just start doing months or even 2 wks at a time. ugh!

Alone on a Saturday!!!!

2007-09-22T20:27:00.000-04:00

Its been 6 months since my darling hubby came home from deployment with the military. Today was the first day we didn't spend together since he has been home. Its been really lonely. I must admit I am so glad he is home. It was a long 2 yrs when he was gone. You don't really realize how lonely you are until he is home and takes a day to go to a U of M game. ugh! I am pathetic aren't I? Today just seemed to be bad only because all of my friends had plans today and so it was me and the puppies.

My sister-in-law did stop by to check out Neka. She hadn't met her yet and she was around our area so she stopped by. We don't hang out too much with her and John's brother Pat. We should try to spend more time with them in the future.

My brother's wife is due to have her baby in 3 wks. I cannot believe how quick that went by too. I am so excited to be an aunt. If only we knew what they were having! In 3 wks we should know! This is the first baby in our family. It was pretty tough finding out she was pregnant when I found out. I have wanted to be a parent for as long as I can remember and on their honeymoon she got pregnant. I am happy because I hope spending time with my niece or nephew will pass the time till Emma comes home. :-)

tomorrow is Pat's birthday and we are watching the Lions game at my mother-in-laws and having Chili. Two of my NOT so favorite things inthe world man. Chili (yuck) and the Lions game (football....boring). What can you do!!!! There will be cake! there is alway a positive in ever situation :-)

Have a good weekend everyone!!!

14+ months down

2007-09-22T20:24:00.000-04:00

I was reading another blog today and they had all these tickers for each month that had how long we have been lid. I couldn't believe that we have been lid for over 14 months (going on 15). I read mine daily but, seeing it on another blog just threw me for a loop. I must admit that time has gone by fast. I know that the next yr will fly too. I just hope that china will begin to speed up a little bit! No I hope they speed up alot.

Fight Night

2007-09-22T07:54:00.001-04:00

Went to my first Fight Night (boxing)! I wasn't really interested in going but, it turned out to be so much fun. My brother in law's friend is a boxer and he had an event at Meadowbrook theatre last night. I think the people that were around us were the most fun. When Darryl got into the ring all his fans were shouting the funniest things man. It was alot of fun. I must admit that the fight after Darryls were girls and they were much better than the men. They threw more punches then any of the other fighters. I guess we watched a real CAT fight! ha ha ha! We didn't stay for the main event (too late) but, the 8 events we saw were good. See what you can experience if you just make yourself go??? Trying to be more open with sports events. Its so hard. I still cannot do football. That game takes forever!!!!

Bad Choices

2007-09-18T17:31:00.000-04:00

Having a very blue day! I just wonder what I have been thinking with my life. I haven't been good at picking new jobs. The past two have really been bad. I am glad I got this new job with a hospital but, the clinic where I work sucks! I was told some lies about the hours and how the office works. I thought my manager was nice (used to work with her at my last job) but, she turned out not to be so nice in the end. The people who work there are actually looking to transfer out of our clinic. That is not good news for me as I am new!!! I have to wait 6 months to transfer out! I think the hospital is a great place but, this clinic I work at through the hospital is aweful. They do not like it if you call in if your child is sick. They believe your job comes first and family and you last. NOT my cup of tea man! What will I do...... try to make it 6 months and transfer to another office. Yep!!! or ........ win the lotto! yeah! right! :-)

More Bday fun pictures!!!

2007-09-14T19:41:00.000-04:00

John's brother Pat and his wife Kristina! Oh, and Lilly!! It was a fun time at Susan's party!

Happy Birthday Susan!!!

2007-09-14T19:36:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday Susan! We celebrated John's sister's birthday. We bought her the tiger Jersey and so did his brother and his wife. Way to funny!!!!! She was happy anyway! :-)

Introducing NEKA!!!!!!

2007-09-14T19:26:00.000-04:00

Finally pictures of our little Neka!

JULY OUT OF REVIEW!!!!!!

2007-09-10T20:34:00.000-04:00

Yippie! July is finally out of review. What a relief. Now just the long long long wait. I am just happy knowing that we are out of the review room! I can finally breath!!!!!

TGIF

2007-09-07T17:41:00.000-04:00

THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY!!!!
Do you ever wonder what fate has in store for you?? We have been wanting a child since we planned getting married. With years and years of trying we realized we needed to looking towards another path and decided on adoption. We researched domestic and international adoption. Weighing the pro's and con's of each. We decided on China and made our way through the paperwork and finally after all the ups and downs we finally had our paperwork in China. Yippie! Well, that was over a year ago and my have things changed in China. The wait has gone from 8 months when we signed with our agency to a possible 3 yr wait. Wow you must think! :-)

We have been questioned by friends and family about the wait and how we should go on another path. We have decided that we are meant for Emma and she is in China. When we will get her...only god knows. We have to believe this is our path right????

Just when you think you know everything, a light shines in the darkness with a possible path that we never even considered. A path that could possibly give you what you have always dreamed of having and have waiting so long for... a child. We are NOT abandoning or even thinking of abandoning Emma at all. We love Emma and know that one day next year or in 2009 we will be flying to China to bring our daughter home. We just think god might also have another plan for us too. Only, do we do this? What are the risks? Its scary to even think about it. What if someone offered to have a child for you?? What would you do? Or could this even be a possibility? All questions we need to search deep within ourselves. Wow!

Referral Update from CCAA

2007-09-03T07:49:00.000-04:00

Well, according to the CCAA website they only got throught Nov. 25, 2005. Again, RQ was wrong about their being some of Dec in this batch. She is always wrong any way and that is why this month I am not so upset because I do not believe a word she says. :-)

I am seriously looking into another adoption path. If the CCAA continues to do just 4 days we will be waiting over 3 yrs. We won't give up on Emma we just will be taking another path while we wait for her. Hopefully she will have a brother when she comes home. :-)

2007-09-02T14:10:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day!

Shower

2007-09-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

My sister-in-law (my brother's wife) had her shower Wednesday night. It was so nice shopping for them. John and I had the best time looking at all the baby items. We just cannot wait to do our own registration. Just wish we knew the sex of the baby. they didn't want to know at all. I couldn't wait! I like suprises but, that is a long time to wait for one. :-)

They got alot of really nice gifts. I think they got everything they registered for at Babys r us. I could of bought them everything but, we will wait until we find out if its a boy or girl and buy tons of clothing for them.

New Job

2007-08-24T13:34:00.000-04:00

I found a new job! I am so excited. I think it was meant to be! I thought I regretted leaving my other job when I got my last one but, I think things happen for reasons. I cannot believe how much this new job offers in benefits. We were worried about daycare for Emma and the Hospital I got my new job from has daycare included as a benefit (small cost). I think things are just rolling along. If only we would get out of the review room. :-(

New Secret Pal Gift

2007-08-24T13:33:00.001-04:00

Thank you to my new secret pal! You are the best! We loved the gifts you sent. We loved the buckets filled with all kinds of toys Emma will be able to use. We cannot wait to help Emma draw on the cement with the chalk. Thank you so much for your gift! It was a great suprise! I will post pictures when our Camera is up and running. :-)

Referrals!!!!

2007-08-02T21:20:00.000-04:00

Referrals came today and the cut off date is 11/21/2005. I am very upset that I read Rumor Queen and that she post such crap about CCAA getting into Dec. I know its just a rumor site but, to be honest I think she does what she does no purpose to make this ride such a sucky roller coaster. I know I can just not read it but, its addictive and I cannot help it and should learn. But, why would someone month after month put such lies on her site. If you ever read it you will notice that early rumors are never correct. She shouldn't post anything until they are sent out. It just gets peoples hopes and dreams up. I know I shouldn't believe her site but, its just a glimmer of hope you want to find there. Enough for me!!!!!!!

FINALLY IN REVIEW!!!!!

2007-07-27T09:01:00.000-04:00

CCAA has finished review of dossiers logged in June! This means that finally we are in REVIEW!!!!!!!

You have no idea how much this means! To finally move in China. Its been a long time waiting to be in review.

I now just hope for no phone calls! Please god! let us just pass through! Please!!!!!

Our new addition to the family

2007-07-16T12:07:00.000-04:00

We have a new family member. We decided to get another dog. We have been thinking about this for some time now but, I just couldn't find one I really liked at the shelters or rescues. Long story made short is we had a mix dog that was a pitt mix (didn't know at time of adoption) and she attacked our other dog one day and that is not a memory I like to bring up. I have had the hardest time looking at dogs at the shelters and rescues due to the fact I have no idea what they are mixed with and get freaked about adopting one. We decided to look into pure breed dogs. We started with Goldens and somehow ended up very interested in Siberian Husky. We found a breeder and went to check out the puppies. She said she had a few pups (more like 30) we could check out. How do you decide on a pup from 30! We fell in love with 3 and took the time to decide. John wanted the black and white with blue eyes and I wanted the white, black and tan pup. We decided on the one I liked. She was ready to go and the other pup had another 4 wks left till she could go home.

Introduction to Avery went much smoother than we expected. Then a day later he hated her! He wanted nothing to do with her and growled at her. I was freaked and wanted to send her back but, our vet and the breeder said this was very natural and that she was a pest to Avery right now and when she was older he would love her. It took about a week and now they are the best of friends. There are times he needs his space (she is a pest) but, other than that they are cute together. Her name is Neka. Picture to follow soon.

Home Study Update

2007-07-16T12:05:00.000-04:00

We have to do our Home Study update. Our SW is no longer with the agency and we will have a new one. A little nervous but, we have already been through this before and a new person won't really be a big deal I guess. It's only an update!!!

Places Everyone Email

2007-07-16T12:03:00.000-04:00

We got our "Places Everyone" email today. We are still pending review. I was so hoping to be in the Review Room. A move would have been nice. I hope June gets out as quick as May did. It would be nice to be out of the Review Room.

1 YEAR LID ANNIVERSARY

2007-07-04T12:50:00.001-04:00

I can hardly believe its been 1 whole year since our dossier was LID in China. I really thought we would be much closer to bring our Emma home but, we are not. I keep positive thinking (every now and then) that we might have a speed up but, its very hard to do. I can only hope and pray that next year this time we will be closer. :-)

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!! Have a fun day! the weather in Michigan is raining and humid. Yippie! :-)

HOT SUMMER

2007-06-18T15:21:00.000-04:00

Well, we had a very busy and hot weekend. On Saturday we did the 3 mile Breast Cancer Walk in Downtown Detroit. It was much hotter than last year and it seemed much longer too. :-)

This was John's first time walking with us (he had been deployed for 2 yrs) and it was fun. We walk for my friend Michele who is a Breast Cancer Survivor. There was about 30 people that were walking with her. We then had a little picinic in the parking lot. I was so bushed man. Every bone in my legs hurt.

We then went to the mall and shopped. We played with a couple of puppies at the mall. They were so cute. We do this every time we hit the mall. Its fun to pull a few out of their cages to play. I would love to buy one but, they are way too much money.

We, well actually my husband did alot of yard work. We are trying to do some new landscaping in the back yard. He dug up an area on the side of the house in back. Now we just have to plant the flowers and plants. Yeah! there are alot of bee's out there this year. I am NOT a bee person at all. I see one and I run in the house like a child. :-)

We are doing some work on the house too since we are not going to China this year to pick up Emma. Its tough to say that. I am just hoping that next summer is the longest we will have to wait. I don't know how much longer I can take this wait. ugh.

We are planning a vacation too since we won't be going to china. We might go to the Condo (john's family has a condo on Sanibel Island) or go to Disney World.

I am starting to diet too, I might as well work on better health while we have another year ahead of us. Its tough to diet. I am doing actually pretty good. Its really hard because my loving hubby can eat anything and not gain a pound. Nice!!! I just keep thinking of Emma and how much we are going to be running around so to lose a few pounds will be a good idea.

I have started thinking of doing a shower for my sister-in-law. Her baby is due Oct 15th! The time has flown by. I didn't realize we need to do a shower already. I love showers. The games, the prizes and the presents!!!

Well, I am trying to do much better about posting. Its hard when you get so depressed from the wait time. Positive attitude is what I need to get me through this long long long wait.

Till next time!!!

Secret Pal Gift

2007-05-23T18:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much SP for the wonderful gifts and all those cute cards. I look forward to your gifts each month. I just loved the cute little t-shirt and cannot wait for Emma to wear it. I also loved the chew keys and the soft sounds book. Just cannot wait until she comes home. You are the best. I needed this today. It helped lift my spirits. Thank you!!!!!

Another Weekend

2007-05-12T14:40:00.000-04:00

Its another weekend. Things have been crazy here in Michigan. Darling hubby is back and we are adjusting pretty nicely. Our Avery was sick and acting funny last weekend and that was a little freaky. We found out it was due to the medicine the vet put him on. Now he is back to his normal self. Yeah!!!

We have been pretty busy getting everything organized here at home. John brought alot back home with him and we have to find places to put it. We are trying to just throw things away we haven't used in years. Hard!

Now if we can just get the wait to speed up a bit that would be just GREAT!!!!!

Its just so hard to see people with babies or that are pregnant.

I want to say congrats to Tracey on her soon to be SON. I think its just wonderful that you've chosed a SN child. The whole idea is to give a child a home that doesn't have one. No one said our children were or were not on SN list. I think when its meant to be its meant to be!!! Good Luck and Congrats!!!!

THANK YOU SECRET PAL

2007-05-12T14:37:00.000-04:00

Thank you secret pal for the beautiful picture frames. I am sorry it has taken me a while to say thank you. I cannot wait to put a picture of our Emma in them.

Thanks so much!!!!

End of the weekend

2007-04-15T19:17:00.000-04:00

We bought a new car today. A Ford Escape in Kiwi green. I love it. I test drove it and just fell in love with it on Friday. The sales guy said he knew I would come back and purchase the Escape over the Edge. Said he saw it in my face when I drove it. Funny!

We finally found a rental car for hubby to drive home. It is amazing to me that the military won't fly the soldiers home. Okay, not a big surprise!! :-) He should be home Saturday evening. I am beyond excited.

Everyones been talking about signs they've had about the adoption and whether they should stay with China or not. I have to admit we had a sign. Hubby has been kind of out of the loop when it comes to the adoption. I tell him about it of course but, with him being away he misses out on alot. He told me last night that he had a dream we got our referral right before Christmas and it was the best Christmas gift we got this year. I was just so surprised to hear him say that he dreamed about it. To me it felt like a huge sign for us. I am beginning to have faith again for hopes of end of year referral for us. A small candle is still burning in the background for end of the year. :-)

Happy News!!!!

2007-04-13T23:43:00.000-04:00

Good news is that my hubby is coming home for good from deployment. Yippie!!!! The bad news..... we have to get him home! You think the military would do this but, nope!!!

I am very happy he is coming home. Avery (our puppy) is very depressed from hubby's last visit. He misses him so much. Its makes me very sad. I know that in a week he will be home and we both will be VERY HAPPY!!!

Big decision on a car!

2007-04-13T23:39:00.000-04:00

Well, we are looking at cars. We haven't had to pay a car payment in about 3 years. Its not looking good. I looked at the Ford Edge and Escape. I like them both but, am leaning on the Escape because its a 2008 and has some more extra's then the Edge which is a 2007. I was so suprised to find out the payments! They have gone up man! Just not sure what we are going to do now. Yikes!

When will Emma come HOME

2007-04-13T23:29:00.000-04:00

Today is a blue day! Actually all week has been a blue day. I was very upset to learn CCAA had only sent 2 days. That really stinks!!!!!! I have tried to stay positive about this process. I am finally admitting that Summer 2008 might be when Emma comes home. I do have a little hope that some how and some way she will be home sooner! One can only hope!

I know people are trying to figure out whether to hang in here with the wait or to try another path. You cannot blame people at all. Do not think that I myself have not had those thoughts. I have many many times. I just always come back to knowing our daughter is in china. I would feel like we abandoned her and I cannot turn away just because of a wait. I have waited my whole life for a child. I have wanted to be a mom since I can remember. What is another 12+ months? Its hard and sad and makes me very angry at times but, I think in the long run when we are handed our daughter, all this will fade away. (I hope!) I am waiting for you Emma! How ever long that is honey!

Me in a Panic with the Adoption and Hubby chilling with Celeberties!!!

2007-04-13T23:23:00.000-04:00

Darling hubby chilling with The Rock! Must be nice. I am freaking out over this whole adoption while my DH is chilling with Celeb's! ha! I am just jealous I am not there! He has met so many celebrities its not funny!

2007-04-06T19:20:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!!!!

LAST DAY AT WORK

2007-03-29T21:21:00.000-04:00

Today was my last day at my job. It was both sad and happy! My husband told me yesterday that just maybe it wouldn't be such bad day. That maybe to my surprise it would turn out better than I thought. He was right. First, my loving hubby sent me a dozen roses for my birthday! That just made my day!!!! and they did throw a party with pizza and cake (for my bday). It was really sad because I have made several friends with the other doctor and staff we shared offices with and they will be missed alot! I now can move on to my new job. I just hope my new job has great people too! :-)

March Secret Pal Gift~ Thank You!!!

2007-03-29T21:18:00.000-04:00

Thank you secret pal for the wonderful gifts again this month. I just love getting your gifts each month. It sure helps pass the time during our long long long wait. I cannot wait to play some of the toddler games in the book you sent and to play the CD while we travel. I just loved the card too!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful gifts!!!

Daddy has been returned back to his Military Unit!!!

2007-03-24T20:07:00.000-04:00

On Thursday John was released back to his unit. Its been almost 2 years since he was deployed with the Army. I cannot believe its been so long. Okay, I can believe it since I have been living it. I am glad that everything worked out and he will be getting his retirement. John has been in the Army for over 20 yrs. I am so excited he is coming home soon. We have to wait for final paperwork and with what we have already learned with the lovely Government is that it takes forever! I am just happy to finally have him at home and he can now feel a part of the adoption and not so out of it. WE plan on starting the nursery. We have to paint and buy all the furniture. That is once we are out of the REVIEW room. I think things are finally coming around and with all this positive stuff happening I only hope that it rubs off on the adoption. :-)

New Job

2007-03-24T20:05:00.000-04:00

I met with my new employer yesterday to check out the new office. After meeting her and checking out where I will be working I have no second thoughts. I know that this move is a GOOD move. It provides security and a future for our family. The benefits themselves are awesome. I think this might be the start of good things!!!!!

RESIGNATION DAY

2007-03-19T13:21:00.000-04:00

Today I gave my 2 wk notice to my employer. Not the reaction I expected. I thought he would ask if there was something they could do to keep me but, NOPE! I guess some things our just meant to be. I had a hard time coming to this decision. I love my job and some of the people I work with. I just couldn't deal with one of my co-workers. For the past 4 years I have had to deal with a very back stabbing person. I tried ignoring her and just doing my job but, in the end I made myself sick with headaches, stomach issues and starting to really hate going to work. I decided that I needed to move on. It was a very hard choice. I am both sad and happy. I will miss the friends I have made. I do know that our friendships will not end with my leaving.

I know that this new change will help pass the time until Emma comes. Whenever that is!!!!

Another Weekend Down

2007-03-09T21:56:00.000-05:00

Another weekend ahead. We got news that CCAA had added another update on where they are with dossiers. I think people thought that meant a speed up but, as pointed out later today it did not. I wish they would speed up.

Have started to look at paint for the computer room. Thinking of an orange color? not quite sure yet. Need a project to keep me busy. It looks like my darling husband is going to be a bit longer deployed then we thought. It will be 2 yrs this summer that he went away. Its been hard and long. Kind of like the wait for our Emma. I am looking for projects to keep me busy.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Stork has landed at GWCA

2007-03-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

Well, referrals came today. Unfortunitally it wasn't a big batch. Which makes me think that the 24 month rumors might actually be right. October is such a big month and our agency still has 4 more LID dates to get referrals for Oct. Its scary to think that we won't have Emma until summer of 2008.

I see alot of posts about people switching to other countries. I can understand why and it is each families choice. I think everyone stating these families are selfish are not seeing the whole picture. Its supposed to be about providing a family for a child that doesn't have one. If China has too many couples wanting to adopt and there just aren't enough babies then maybe it is best for families to provide a home to a child in another country. Its what adoption is all about, providing a family to a child that has none. Another note on this is that if families do switch to another country, just maybe it might speed up the wait in China. Only if they are switching ahead of our LID that is. :-)

Well, I guess its time to plan a vacation for this year. No use saving the money to travel to china. I really am beginning to realize that a trip to China in 2007 is NOT going to happen. Sad, but true.

No word from CCAA

2007-02-23T21:08:00.000-05:00

Starters! Happy Chinese New year!!

Another weekend! I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have had the blues. I hate to admit I am having rumor queen withdrawls. I never thought I would say it but, it sucks the site is closed. The site mad me mad all the time but, it was nice to have a heads up on referrals. I didn't pay much attention to the other stuff. So, now this will be very hard to go forward without the RQ site. But, we will do it.....

This weekend doesn't hold much. I went to see my hubby last weekend. That was so much fun. We went to a mall in Maryland and they were celebrating the Chinese New Year. It was so wonderful to see so many families there with their children. Made us long for our Emma even more. We talked alot about the adoption process that weekend. Its been hard with my husband being deployed for almost 2 yrs. I keep saying once were out of review I can just relax. I am beginning to wonder about that.... Ha!

Hopefully he will be home soon and we can concentrate on Emma's room.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Secret Pal for February!

2007-02-23T21:03:00.000-05:00

Thank you Secret Pal for the hair pretties and socks. I love the Disney set (Thank your daughter for picking these out, I love Disney Princesses) and the socks are so cute. I am sure Emma will love them all as I do. Hopefully soon she can wear them all.

February Cyber Shower Gift

2007-02-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much Jo Brabham for the beautiful piggy bip and sleeper. I love it! I cannot wait to dress Emma in the sleeper. Thank you so much!

Emma will have a cousin

2007-02-09T15:00:00.000-05:00

We just found out that my brother and his wife are expecting. Looks like late September!! Our little Emma will have a cousin when she gets home.

Congrats to Mark and Lina! Its a very exciting time for both families. John and I are very excited about becoming an Aunt and Uncle. My parents have waited a long time for grandkids. Looks like they will go from none to 2 in a year! They are very excited!

I am hoping that this will help the time fly by until we bring Emma home! We can all concentrate on Mark and Lina's new addition.

Thinking of you best friend!!

2007-01-11T19:43:00.000-05:00

You know who you are bf! I am thinking of you and hoping your are doing better. Its funny how you realize just how much people mean to you at times like these! Keep your spirits up and think positive! You have a great support system. Like I told you earlier I am having withdrawls! :-)

You take care and know that we think of you often and hope your doing much better! We are here for you!

A Tough Time

2007-01-11T19:38:00.000-05:00

Its a tough time right now. There is the new rules from China and how the US is taking it. I just don't understand how our country can be so concerned with another country and its rules. We should concentrate on our own country and why people do not want to adopt domestically. I just hope that all this hype doesn't cause China to close their program. I really hate all this press talk. There just is no need for it. I just start freaking out that China will have just had it with our country! We need to really keep out of other countries stuff!!!! ugh!

Welcome to the Family Lina!

2007-01-04T22:31:00.000-05:00

December 29, 2006
Wedding day!

Mark and Lina's Wedding!

My brother Mark and Lina were married over the Christmas/New Year Holiday! It was a wonderful ceremony and the reception was beautiful!

Welcome to our family Lina! We wish you both lasting love and happiness together!

Hopefully 2007 will bring us both the joy of being parents!

WOW 6 months!!! and Thanks to my support group!

2007-01-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

I cannot belive its been 6 months since we have been logged in! I was suprised at christmas that it had been a year since our Home Study was done. The time is flying by and I am sure the rest of the long wait will too. It's going to be a long journey but, along the way I have met some really nice people! If we hadn't decided to adopt from China, I wouldn't of met Tracy from New York. I have to say a BIG thank you to you Tracy, for keeping me sane over the past few months. Its a hard journey with ups and downs but, it has been a fun time so far!

I also want to thank my very good friend Michele for being there for me too. She know's how much she means to me and how thankful I am to her for being here with me in the beginning stages of the paperwork and when our paperwork was lost in UPS land! :-) Like I said, a very fun and up and down journey.

Thank you all for your love and support!

Our Song

2006-12-08T22:57:00.001-05:00

Snow Patrol Videos | Movie Clips | Phoenix Property

November Secret Pal Gift

2006-12-07T21:37:00.000-05:00

Thank you Secret Pal for the wonderful LadyBug gifts. I love them! Sorry took me so long to post them. I just figured out my camera and computer hook up.

Referrals from CCAA!!!!

2006-12-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

I am happy to report that our agency has received referrals from CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs). CCAA has finished up to Sept. 8, 2005. Our agency received referrals for Aug 30 &31. I was hoping the CCAA would of finished past Sept 12 since our agency only has Sept 12 LID for the whole month of Sept. Let just hope next month we have Sept and some of Oct. One can only hope right? I can say we are moving along even if its just baby steps!

A wonderful Family Member!!

2006-11-29T21:50:00.000-05:00

As we wait patiently (ha ha) I am trying to figure out the whole blogging world.

I would like to introduce a member of our family. Avery.

Oh, I see our kitty Jasper has made her way in to the photo too.

Avery is very excited for the dayEmma comes home.

He loves to play and we hope she can wear him out!

He is still a puppy and loves to play 24/7.

As we wait the long wait, I shall learn about this blogging thing.

I have managed to get a photo or two attached.

It looks like I will have plenty of time to figure this all out.

BROWN ENVELOPE

2006-11-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

Today I went to the mailbox and there it was! We finally got our "Brown Envelope" today! This was a wonderful suprise!!!!! Yippie!!! Finally!

Here is the Chinese name for Emma:

2006-09-18T18:45:00.000-04:00

2006-09-15T20:13:00.000-04:00

This blog has been set-up for our family and friends to follow our journey to adopt our daughter from China.