Ask me the same question as yesterday.....

NO, I'm still not packed! Andrew is taking tomorrow off, so we can get down to business. It's so hard getting ready to be gone for 8 days and getting a hubby and kids ready as well. We have to tomorrow........there's no choice!

I can't wait to see my baby girl! Andrew and I are so excited. I am trying to think of my favorite American foods to eat before we go. I think we're going to go have fried chicken tomorrow. That's my fav.

We are supposed to go into PGN either tomorrow or Friday. Our attorney's office is finishing up the preparations for our dossier. I'm glad that they are so specific with our paperwork. That will mean less obstacles later!

Post more tomorrow!

Ask me if I'm packed yet......

And the answer would be NO! I know that I have to get busy TOMORROW. This time I'm not taking nearly as much as I did in January. Anne Pearce will only have 1-2 outfit changes per day instead of 3-4. Mommy only has so many pennies! I'm so tired right now, so I'll try to post more tomorrow. Hey, by the way, I will be in Guatemala in 2 days!!!!! Hooray!

AP's new shelf and lamp.

I bought this shelf unfinished and did it myself! I was so proud. Of course all I didwas paint it and cover it with fabric.

My mom and I found this lamp this weekend. It is perfect for AP's room!

I should be packing...........

But I'm not....not yet anyway. Daisy and I are going tomorrow to wrap up the last minute shopping. I'm sure we'll find SOMETHING that AP HAS to have. My friend, Karen heard from her passport today, so she is Guatemala bound!! I can't wait for her to meet her goddaughter. I keep threatening Daisy that I'm going to stuff Maggie in a suitcase and take her with me too. The boys are alright with this trip, since they are going on pick-up. Much better moods than last time from my little men! Andrew hasn't packed either, but men can get together in 5 minutes or less. With me, it's a process. I have been feeling horrible the last few days, but I feel my energy coming back just in time for our trip. I can't wait to see AP's first tooth and what her hair is doing. I ordered her tons of bows, but they haven't shown up yet! Let's all cross our fingers!!! AP must have bows. I'll post some more later. Daisy and I are on the great highchair chase tomorrow. I haven't found one that I really love yet. Does anyone have any suggestions??

The sign on the right says it all!

We will be back in Guatemala in 4 days! I can't believe that I will be holding Miss AP once again. Last night I told Andrew that I am more nervous about this trip than the last one, because I know now how hard it will be to leave her. Also on the last trip I knew I would only have to go 6 weeks until I was back. This time will be it until pick-up (we think). We enter PGN this week. I would love to go early April by myself to have some bonding time before she comes home. We'll see. I'll have to check that money tree in my backyard to see if we have a new crop yet! For now I'm going to focus on spending an entire week with my little angel! One whole week of PGN we'll be with her! That is such a blessing! God is so good to us, and I know He will give me the strenth once again to leave her.

Today I'm resting up. We had an exhausting weekend. I'm going to leave you guys with a picture of me and Andrew marching in the Chinese New Year Parade our agency has every year. Parents and children from all countries walk together. Next year AP will be in the parade herself, not just in pictures!

Maggie is waiting for her best friend to come home! She rode in the parade too!

I'll try to post more later as I'm getting ready for the trip.

Love to all

Very special people....

During this adoption process God has introduced us to some very special people. Through my Christian faith, He has led me to those who also love Him. Andrew and I feel so blessed to have SO many wonderful supportive people in our lives. We all know that God wants us to do things for His glory, not our own. I prayed for peace with AP's adoption, and He has given it to me, because I BELIEVE Him! Several people have commented on the strength of my faith. It's very important to me that you all understand that I also have moments of weakness and sadness. It's at these times that the Lord wants me to lean on Him and be held. I have learned this lesson late in life...., BUT it is such a valuable one. When I have the courage to let go and let God, He truly takes care of everything. Sometimes it's so hard to give it all to HIM. I want to fuss and moan and worry sometimes, but He has shown me that all that is useless. I'm choosing to spend my time and energy praising Him instead. All of you have helped give me the strenth to do that, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I mentioned earlier that God had spoken to me about taking my sons on our pick up trip. We didn't have the money but didn't doubt that He would provide. In this week alone He has already worked through 4 Christian families. We now have enough to expedite passports and also have almost 1 entire plane ticket paid for. These precious people do not want public praise or glory. They heard the Lord and responded. He will bless them for this. To D,W,M,E, and W; know how much we love you and appreciate what you did. Andrew and I want you to know that we fully intend to do the same thing to help someone else in the future. How blessed you must have felt to be able to do that for us. We look forward to the day that we have the opportunity to pass it on. God is so good!

Lovealee!

No PGN today, but that's ok.

I just heard from Guatemala that we aren't being put in PGN today. Here is an excerpt from the email:

"I'm afraid to let you know that our assistant just told me that it was not possible to submit it today to PGN as it is missing some documents required for the birth mother from the Civil Registry. This documents are required to the Civil Registry and they take some days to get issued. Our assistant thinks the dossier will be submitted to PGN around Thursday next week. "

I am praising God right now for this delay. I know He has a reason for it, and I will not worry or be depressed. I remember how I fretted over not being in FC and when we made it there we flew through!!! God knows everything, and I pray He is waiting to submit us to the perfect PGN worker!

Thanks for all your prayers and support!!

My baby got her first tooth today!

I heard from Carolina that our little AP got her first tooth. It's the bottom one on the right. It's such a bittersweet moment for me. On one hand I'm so thankful that we even know this happened. On the other hand, it hurts, because I wish she was here with us. Andrew and I both feel very strongly that AP will be home in April, and we cannot and will not let our faith falter! It is sad knowing that we're missing so many "firsts".

When we were on the web cam today I was making funny faces and blowing kisses to AP. She smiled and said MAMA! I know she's only 4 and a half months old, but Carolina swears she says it every night when she shows her our pictures. My heart desperately wants to believe that my little girl remembers me and knows who I am. We are so blessed to be returning to our little precious next Friday! Then we can make some new memories. Our next trip there will be to bring our little one home! Keep praying, my warriors!!!

Happy Birthday, Karen! We love you and can't wait for you to be in Alabama!!

Our prayer chain....

OK guys, it sounds like several of us are wanting to start our prayer chain. We need to designate a certain time and day that we will all stop and pray SPECIFIC prayers for our babies. Send me an email with your baby's name and what stage or situation we need to pray for. Also throw out some ideas for times and days of the week. I am thinking Thursday either at 9:00am or 6:00pm. That should cover everybody, or we could do it on Saturdays. I'll compile a list and email everybody the specifics.

Send me your info to lou0728@yahoo.com .

Prayer Works!
Lou

I'm back to Blogland!!!

This is Anne Pearce squealing, "Mommy and Daddy you'll be able to come get me soon!"

Ok, my husband is some big technical dude for a living, and I had to sit without being able to post all day on the day we get out of Family Court! Of course, as soon as he just SAT down at the computer it worked just fine......


Anyway, I am still on the getting out of Family Court high! God is so good isn't he? I have learned that when I just let go and let God wonderful things happen. I am actually excited to enter PGN, and I have no worries. I truly believe that Anne Pearce will be home by April. Andrew and I have both felt this since the beginning. Whatever happens we are just along for the ride. God has given Anne Pearce so many miracles since we started this process. In a future post I'm going to tell the entire story. He has surely blessed our daughter and our paperwork. He is hearing all the prayers from all the wonderful people praying for us and our daughter.

What do you guys think about making a specific prayer list with each baby's name and one specific thing to pray for like DNA, FC interviews, PGN, or whatever. We can all committ to praying at a certain time. Let me know what all of you think. After I talked to my hubby, Daisy, and Alisha I was obsessed with letting you guys know our news!! Thanks to Alisha for blogging when I couldn't. That is a real friend, pinch hitting in the blogging world!!!!

WE ARE OUT OF FAMILY COURT!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!

This is Alisha Madden.....I am currently on the phone with Lou!!! She can't post to her blog, but we had to tell you all.....AP IS O-U-T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She will post later!!!! Bring it on PGN!!!!!!!!

Our contact in Guatemala told her that she should be in PGN by THIS Friday!! YIPEEE!!!!!!!


:):):):):)

A Special Thanks!!

Hello everyone!! Many of you have come to know Lou quite well, and I know that she has become quite fond of many of you. God has blessed us in so many ways, and I cannot thank Him enough for all that he has done for Lou, myself, and our family. We have- somehow- been exceptionally blessed with the people that He has surrounded us with and placed in our path along our way. Lou and I both have wonderful families who have been so supportive to us. We also have accumulated our own entourage of friends that are so incredibly wonderful and dear that we could not now imagine life without them. I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your continuing support and encouragement. Thank you and God bless you all!

I also want to take a moment to send a special token of appreciation to Lou. She has been my number one cheerleader through so many trials and tribulations including our current journey towards our daughter, Anne Pearce. She is always here to remind me of the great things that can come out of life. Lou, Logan, and Hayden have brought so much joy and happiness into my life, and I know that there is no one else that will be as good of a mother to our daughter as she will be. I’m not quite sure how I have come to deserve such a wonderful woman, but I thank God everyday that He brought us together. To my wonderful wife and best friend: I hope you realize what an incredible blessing you are to me. With never-ending love, Andrew.

Little Olivia.....

How pretty is this child?
Moms..... can you guess what she's doing? The itsy bitsy spider!

When I first began this adoption journey I searched the internet constantly looking for information. I found Carolyn. Carolyn is a single mom who is a teacher. As we emailed back and forth we learned that we had much more in common. Carolyn allowed me to follow along on her journey to adopt Olivia through her website and email. She explained things to me and always has a sympathetic ear. I rejoiced when sweet Olivia came home. I remember seeing a picture of her sitting in the airplane seat and just crying knowing she was REALLY coming home. Olivia has had a wonderful transition. She is doing really well except for one thing.......ASTHMA. She has developed severe asthma and has had to have several emergency treatments. This is very hard on her little body. Carolyn says that all the meds make her hungry, cranky, and unable to sleep. I have bragged on all my prayer warrior blogging buds, and I promised this sweet baby's mama that we will go to war for Olivia. Will you all join with me to "pray this baby well"?

Check out this site!

It's about a young Christian artist!
http://tinyurl.com/yxewot

I had a web cam conference with Anne Pearce!

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful foster mother. Carolina took Anne Pearce to the internet cafe so I could see her. I took these pictures with my digital camera, so they aren't that clear. I was just SO happy to see her. 12 days and counting until this precious girl is in my arms again!

Look at the smile on that face! I was talking to her, and she had the headphones on. "Hello, Mommy!"

Look at those lips. She does that often.

Mommy, I hear you, but I can't see you! Where are you? Come and get me!!!

Miracles happen every day!

A few nights ago my youngest son, Hayden, came to me a little distressed. He explained that he didn't want anyone to come to the airport or by our house for a few days after the baby comes home. He said that he wouldn't let anyone else hold her. He said that he and Logan would need a chance to get to know their new sister before everyone else "got their hands on her."I thought and thought about what he said, and I began to see how important it is that they be able to go with us for the pick-up trip. After all, they are a huge part of this family, and this affects them as much as it affects us. I guess it would kind of be like me having a baby biologically and them not get to come to the hospital. The down side of this is that it will cost a lot more to take 2 more people as all my adopting friends know very well. I prayed that night and asked God to show me if He wanted them to go. Today my mom and I went to lunch then stopped in a little shop in town. This shop has been very supportive in our adoption. When we were in the middle of our fundraising we made handmade crosses to raise money (that story is on an earlier post). This store sold our crosses and gave us all the money. The store clerk was asking about the progress in AP's adoption, and I started telling her the story about all of us wanting the boys to be able to go. A complete stranger was in there, and she joined in our conversation. We all discussed how good God is, and I described some of the miracles the Lord has shown us in this adoption. I could feel God's presence as we were talking. I knew in that moment that He would provide the means for the boys to go. As I was leaving the store the clerk came up and gave me a big hug and an envelope. In that envelope was $25 from her and $100 from that complete stranger! I cried, she cried, and my mom cried. God spoke to us all right there, and showed us what he wants us to do. We have a lot more money to raise, but this is a wonderful start. I intend to start the paperwork and get the boys' passports. I know the rest will come. I have learned that when I put all my faith in God and give Him all the glory wonderful things happen. It was no coincidence that we just "happened" to be in the same shop as that kind stranger. God puts us in situations all the time and gives us the opportunity to give Him praise and share our Christian experience with each other. All this is part of my Heavenly Father's plan to bring my daughter home. I can now see how important Logan and Hayden being there is to Him! It's not about doing what WE want...it's about listening to Him and doing HIS will. I love seeing God working in all our lives. The things that we all go through during this adoption journey are difficult for us, but our faith and trust gives others the strength THEY need in their lives. We touch so many lives through this process, and let's give HIM ALL THE GLORY!

Love and blessings to you all,
A very happy and humble mommy, Lou

It was one month ago today that we met Anne Pearce.....

Somehow, it seems a lot longer than that. It seems like it's been forever since we've seen her. Be prepared my blogging buds....you will have to start the countdown with me tommorow for our next trip. BTW, it's 2 weeks from tomorrow! I am past the sadness of leaving her. Now I'm onto the excitement of being with her once again! My emotions are like a roller coaster...up.....down......curve......around! It never ends. I know that you all know exactly how I feel. I find such comfort in that! Why don't we start the secret blogging business? I don't even know where to start, but it seems like a fun thing to help pass the time. Karen (Abbie's mom) may be coming to spend her spring break with me in Alabama! I am so excited. We both decided that it would be a great distraction to spend some time together while we are waiting to pick up our girls. Our contact in Guatemala told me that in all probability we could be picking up AP in late April or early May. I know that things aren't predictable down there, but it was nice to hear! Of course, I pray that will happen. I have felt in my heart that she will be home in April since the beginning. God has been so good to us, and I know He will continue to hear all our prayers. Daisy found a verse for me that reads:

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:22-24

Let's all choose our prayers and believe that they already received. God wants us to put all our faith in Him. Sometimes my mood falters, but I remind myself that I am sitting in the palm of God's hand, and that he loves me and Anne Pearce. He takes care of my every need!

Here's to some precious Guatemalan babies coming home,

L

Message from Anne Pearce!

This message comes straight from Anne Pearce. She told me to tell you all that she is praying very hard and will be home soon. Please keep praying that we exit Family Court VERY soon. The quicker we're outta there, the quicker we're in PGN.

Happy Valentine's Day

This post is dedicated to my wonderful husband, Andrew. I am so honored that God chose ME to be his wife. Andrew is such a wonderful father to my boys. Many of you don't know this, but my boys are from a previous marriage. If you were ever in the same room with Drew and the boys you would never guess it. He loves them completely and totally. Now I have been blessed to share another child with him. Look at that picture of him with Anne Pearce. Can't you just see the love pouring from his eyes? He is such a godly wonderful man. It will be such a pleasure to raise another child with him. Any child would be blessed to have him as their daddy. This adoption journey has been a wonderful and exhausting one. Andrew is always there to hold my hand, cry with me, and tell me that everything will be ok and that Anne Pearce IS coming home! His faith never wavers, and he is such a source of strength. God truly blessed the broken road that led me to Andrew.

We all love you my wonderful husband,

Lou, Logan, Hayden, and Anne Pearce

We have Pre-Approval!

I just got the email from the US Embassy that we have been issued Pre-Approval!! That means that as soon as we exit Family Court we will enter the gates of PGN, the final court. Thank you, God for taking care of Anne Pearce. Thank you, God for doing wonderful things that we don't even know You do! You are an awesome loving God, and we thank You!!!

This is such a happy day! Thank you all for prayers and your support. Now we're just praying for a speedy exit from Family Court. Our contact in Guatemala said last night that he thinks we will be in PGN at the end of Feb. or early March! I pray that we are in PGN when we go visit AP in March!!

What a happy day this is!!!!

I just talked to Anne Pearce on the phone!

And her foster mom, of course! We are so blessed to have the foster family that we have. They are definitely a gift from God! More about the baby: Carolina says that the interview was wonderful. We all prayed for a speedy social worker, and Carolina says ours was so nice. She said that many of them are angry people, but ours was so sweet. They all said how beautiful Anne Pearce is, and Carolina said several foster mommies said that they wanted her! Carolina told them, "No, her mommy is dying for her." Carolina also said that the social worker told Anne Pearce that she would do her work fast for her, and said "ok baby, you go to U.S. very soon. Don't worry you be with Mommy very soon." Talk about answered prayers. I have been so distraught lately, and then I see how God has been taking care of us all along. We had to wait to get into Family Court, but when we did we got the perfect worker! I know it's hard for all of us waiting every day to hear about our children, but God is doing things even when we don't know about them. He is truly taking care of our children! Thank you God!!!!

Carolina had a chance to talk with Anne Pearce's birthmom. She said that she was very quiet and normal. She kissed Anne Pearce and told her how much she loved her and said you will be happy daughter, and have a good future. She also told Carolina that she would be thankful to us for the rest of her life. That we were a blessing to her, and that sending her to us was the best decision and gift she could ever give her daughter. How unselfish is that?? Anne Pearce is so loved by all her mommies. God has blessed us all in so many different ways, and he brings us all together for His good work and perfect plan. I will always be thankful to all the women who care for my daughter until I can. They deserve my lifelong love and respect. Please pray for all of them.

Anne Pearce weighs 14 lbs. and 7 oz. Carolina said that they changed her formula....I couldn't really understand why. She has also started eating bananas and apples. She is rolling over, and they said she wakes up laughing and playing in her crib. What a happy baby we have! We can't wait to be back with her. 2 weeks, 3 days, and counting! Thank you all my wonderful friends. I feel like I have my very own personal therapy and support group. You ladies rock!

Love to all,
Lou

I turn into a screaming fool at a Mardi Gras Parade!

Pre-Parade

Throw me something mister! Boy, did I rack up tonight. It sure doesn't hurt when you have a cute baby like Maggie to hold up! We got tons of stuff. I had to warn Daisy and Wyatt that I become a different person at a parade. I whoop and holler like a possessed person. Daisy caught the fever too! She loved it. Maggie loved it too, but I think she was in shock. Daisy said she didn't blink the entire parade. It was so great to spend time with such good friends and have such a good time. I felt almost normal tonight. I have to admit that it felt good to get my mind off the adoption for a little while at least! Anne Pearce is never out of my mind or heart, but tonight was a great distraction!

This monkey is the best thing I have ever caught! I was thrilled, and Maggie loved her monkey!

Here are my McVays. I promise Maggie was having a great time even if she doesn't look like it!

Daisy and Wyatt are so sweet to share Maggie with us. We love her so much! Check out her beads.

Mardi Gras, Fairhope style!

I was too busy screaming to take too many pictures of the floats!

Happy 4 month birthday, Anne Pearce!

Our baby is 4 months old today! We sure wish we were there with her, or better yet that she be here with us. Her foster mom said she would be in contact today, so maybe we'll get to see her on the web cam. All of you were so sweet when I was having a bad day yesterday. Your comments mean so much to me, and you all keep me semi-sane. I'm sure Andrew appreciates that. I think that after all our babies are home all your girls need to load up those babies and head to Alabama. We could all go lay on the beach with our darlings! Wouldn't that be a happy day?

Tonight is Mardi Gras in Fairhope, AL. Andrew and I will be screaming, "Throw me

something mister!" Our little Maggie is going with us (her parents, too) for her first Mardi Gras parade. Our boys are off hunting with their dad, so they're not here. I'll let you know what Maggie thought. I love the parades!

Thank you all again for being my cheerleaders. What would I do without you?

Anne Pearce's boyfriend....

This little darling is Anderson. He belongs to my best friend, Dana. These are his 3 month pictures that she just emailed me. He is 2 days older than Anne Pearce. He was a 5 pound peanut at birth, but he has passed miss almost 10 pound at birth AP! He weighs almost 17 pounds! He sure has caught up!!!!

Enjoy:

I'm having a tough time today....

Poor Andrew and Daisy....they catch the brunt of my negativity! I am just so SAD. First of all, let me say that I am so happy for all of my friends who hear great news. I pray for all our babes every day, and I can't wait for them ALL to be home. It's just difficult when others are flying by and AP is still sitting still! I saw a post on the boards today. A baby girl over 2 weeks younger than AP just got out of PGN! We are still in Family Court. I know that God has a plan, and that He will bring her home. My faith gets me through this, but there are times when I just want to bang my head up against the wall. I know that AP has probably seen her birthmom by now at her interview. My stomach is in knots!!!!

Our little angel will be 4 months old tomorrow. I just want her home. Nobody ever told me that this adoption process would be easy, but sometimes I can't believe just how difficult it really is. Don't you all freak out......I am ok........I just miss the baby! I continue to pray for good news for ALL of us. YOU guys out there help me get through all this!

L

You all know that Anne Pearce NEEDED some more clothes for our next trip!

For those of you who don't know me that well, I am the queen of all flip flops. I do live in southern Alabama after all. Anyway, I just couldn't resist these flip flops for Anne Pearce. Her daddy said they look just like something Mommy would pick out!

Hayden and Maggie had a photo shoot....

Maggie looks mad at Hayden for some reason.

Hayden caught Maggie smiling...no small feat when you're holding a camera!

Stomach Bug has been squashed!

Thank goodness! I thought I was dying this time yesterday. It's funny what a little salmonella will do to you.

Hayden had a school project due today. It was called a parade of books. For those of you that don't live on the Gulf Coast, Mardi Gras is huge around here. We even get out of school for 2 days!! The 4th grade at Hayden's school all made floats from their favorite books. Hayden did his on The Cay, by Theodore Taylor. I thought it was great. Maggie and Daisy went with me to watch the parade. You could tell the kids that had no help, the kids whose parents did it all, and kids like Hayden who had a little support. I have to say that Hayden did the majority of the work himself and was very proud of it. We were all proud of him too!

I am waiting (impatiently) for the FC interview to be done tomorrow. Stephanie reminded me what a sad day it HAS to be for Anne Pearce's birthmom. I pray that our foster mother gets a chance to tell her a little bit about us, so she will know how much AP is loved. Let's all pray for them all tomorrow. Let's also all pray that the social worker is "Speedy Gonzoles" and gets the report written pronto! I know all our prayers will bring all these babies home.

Love to all,

Lou

I got food poisoning today!

For real! I went to Daruma in Daphne which USED to be one of my favorite restaurants. Today I thought I was dying!!!!! On a brighter note, maybe I lost some weight....hahaha! Anyway, I am better but not up for much. We did hear from our foster mom via email, and from what I can gather she says that they will be in contact with me Saturday. Remember that the Family Court interview with AP's birthmom is Friday. Please pray for all of us.

More later,
Lou

One more of Maggie.....

Maggie loves to play in my purse. She does it everytime she's with me. I was trying to take her picture today, but she was too busy playing to pay me any attention. I can't say much....I love purses too!

I got a new bag today, too!

My good friend, Dea, brought Anne Pearce a new bag today! It is SO ME!!!!! I was so excited. I can't wait to buy something for her baby, Sandra Grace, who is SOMEWHERE in China. Thank you, Dea!!

Me and my friend, Maggie

LouLou trying to steal a kiss. She usually gives them freely.....

This is one of Maggie's many faces.....

Maggie lives across the street from me, and is one of my best friends (as is her mom, Daisy). Our entire family loves Maggie to pieces. She calls us Anjuu and loulou. Logan is Logie, and Hayden is Haynen. She is so precious to us. It amazes all of us how close we have all gotten in such a short period of time. We are so blessed to have Maggie, Daisy, and Wyatt in our family. These pictures were taken today on a "Maggie Visit".

Maggie and LouLou

We got new pictures today!

Look how sweet I am!

Andrew and I can tell that she's squealing in this one!

Look how cute my hair is!

Click on the Lullaby Link: This song IS Anne Pearce!

06 Lullaby.wma
Free file hosting from File Den

We have finally heard about the birthmother interview!

It is scheduled for Feb. 9. I'll tell you what....so far on this case our stuff takes SO much longer than everyone else's. We have been in FC since Jan. 18. Most people have their interview the next week! I just have to believe that God will make up this time later! After the interview it usually takes 2-3 weeks for the social worker to write the report, then on to PGN. Atleast we know now that we will actually have an interview, since we thought it would be LAST week. Can you tell I'm a little bit snippy this morning???
Poor Hayden is still home with me today. He is running a low grade temp and just feels crummy. He has missed more school this year than he ever has before. He seems to be catching everything!

One month from now I will be holding Anne Pearce, and I PRAY that we are in PGN.

Lou

By the way.....

Have you guys looked at our counter lately??? I am amazed by the number of people who check us out. Of course, I do check it myself several times a day, and those count too!

Happy Sunday!

Hope everyone has had a great weekend. We didn't get to go to church today, because my Hayden is sick. His tummy has hurt and he has a low grade fever....just enough to make him feel yucky. I hope the kid makes it to school tomorrow. He has a couple of projects due!!! A mother's work is never done!!!!!

Monday is always a good day in adoption......We wait all weekend for MAYBE some news on Monday. Our translator is back home in Guatemala now, so we should be hearing from him sometime tomorrow if not from our agency.

I would love to get some good news!!!

Later,
Lou

Some of my favorite pictures...

I love pictures of Anne Pearce's hair when it's wet!










Look how cute and happy I am!











Some people say I look like my mommy!








I actually held Abbie while we were waiting on Anne Pearce to come meet us! Isn't she tiny?





This is my friend, Karen, loving on Abbie. I think this picture is so sweet......

Wish I had ANY real news to post.......

Unfortunately, I still don't have any news about our interview at the Family Court. I keep expecting to hear something. I check my email about 200 times a day. Whew! This adoption is hard business. I was talking to my dear friend, Dea, today. We are very close friends and met at work. She USED to be my boss! We are glad that is behind us, although we enjoyed working together. She is in the process of adopting from China, and she started the process over 18 months ago, and she still has atleast 6 more months to go. It's very difficult for her. We were discussing how most people are interested in adoption and they want to say "something". It seems the most common thing to say is "When will you bring her home?" and "Why does it take so long?". I'm sure all of you other adopting mommies hear the same thing. I wish I had something to say to all these people. I get tired of trying to come up with answers and not get frustrated or impatient with answering the same question over and over again. I feel like having a button made that says "Ask me about Anne Pearce in May". Dea and I both know that our girls WILL be home one day soon, and all this will be a distant memory. We can't wait to have both our little women in strollers shopping somewhere or just playing at the park. THAT will be a happy moment.

God has blessed me with so many wonderful women in my life. He has given me the most fantastic friends on this planet, and I am so thankful for that.

Lou

Another normal day......

Not much going on here. I would be embarrassed to tell you all how late I slept today. There was no way I could brave shopping in the rain. As much as I love to shop, I don't love it that much. Karen braved the rain and bought her "Guatemala" wardrobe. Four weeks from tomorrow I will be back with Anne Pearce. I pray that her case has had A LOT of movement by then. I haven't heard back from the attorney regarding our birthmother interview date. I should hear from our foster mother either tomorrow or over the weekend. Hopefully she'll have some news. I am not good at being patient. I want things to happen NOW. I know, I know, God has perfect timing, and it's not MY timetable. I do trust HIM, and I am doing better. I know that all your prayers for me have been heard.

Please leave comments on the blog. I see that we have lots of hits, but not many of you leave them for me. You don't have to have any kind of special account......just sign in under anonymous. It would be great to have someone talking back. Otherwise this is a one sided conversation!!!

More later,
Lou