Movement

The magic document that I have been waiting for arrived today.  I received my I  797approval!   I have my dossier documents all ready to go.  Next they must be authenticated by the state.  I have one pile ready to ship to the Office of the KS Secretary of  State  and another ready to ship to the Office of the MO Secretary of Sate.  I am praying that the turn around will be quick.  This is the journey of the Dossier:

Notarize documents
Send documents to Sec. of State for certification approval
Documents are sent back with gold seal of approval
Send documents to Chinese Consulate in Chicago for authentication
Documents are returned with stickers from the Chinese Embassy
Send documents to Holt for final processing (up to 2 weeks)
Dossier sent to China

My goal is to have my Dossier in China by the first of the year.  It seems like a lofty goal, considering it is mid- November, but I know that I serve a big God!

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

A lot of people have asked what happens next.  Now that my home study is complete and I have been FBI fingerprinted, I have to wait for an official notice of adoption approval (I 797)l from the USCIS- Department of Homeland Security.  Up until now, things have moved along nicely.  Waiting for the USCIS has seemed endless.  I submitted the forms eight weeks ago, so they should be coming any day now. 

Everyone who knows me well, knows that I am a planner.  Its hard for me to just sit still and wait for things to happen.  This is definitely a period of growth for me- God is using this to develop the patience I will need when I am a mom.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases t he power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and ewary and old men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."  Isaiah 40:29-31

Story Time

One of my favorite things to do is read to the kids at school.  I hardly have opportunity to do it enough.
I love children's books and I am looking forward to making story time special for Yi Mei.  Now I have an excuse to spend money on children's books :)

My friend 'sDebby and Wendy bought some lovely books to start her collection. 

Yi Mei's Playroom

Gina came over to help me paint the playroom.  Now Yi Mei has a bright room to express her creativity.
I can already envision herpainting, drawing and playing dress up.  I think this will be her favorite room!

Little dresses and such

I have been up all night putting away Yi Mei's clothes.  My friend Nancy's sister has donated the most beautiful sun dresses.  I have been waiting all week to go through the boxes!   I also picked up some wonderful clothing from Joy today.  The clothes originally came from a Prairie Star family and it is all name brand clothing that I could never afford.  All the jeans have these adorable embellishments and the leggings have matching tops.  It purposefully waited until Saturday evening to unpack my treasures.  As I put the clothing away, I dreamt of Yi Mei in all these fabulous outfits.  She really is going to be a stylish girl- just like her mother.

A Very Special Day

It was a day I will never forget!  Bette, Gina and Genene hosted an event to celebrate Yi Mei.    It was the most perfect day.  Genene planned some wonderful games.  My favorites were guess the Chinese word and pin the bow on Hello Kitty. 

Bette ordered these darling bite-size cupcakes in pink and lime green. Gina was had everything decorate so nicely, also in pink and lime green The girls had everyone bring a hair bow as an entry ticket.  Yi Mei will have plenty of fun hair accessories. 

 Yi Mei received some very personal gifts such as children's books from Debby, a stuffed labrador pup and darling knit cap from Genene and a portrait sitting from Sue- gifts that I will always treasure.  Amazingly, Jennifer  managed to pick out the exact outfit that I have selected for my registry.  Kim got Yi Mei a little lap top to help her learn English and Bette/Kathy got her the portable DVD player for our long trips to Chicago.  I was thrilled that Wendi and Jenny were able to join us all the way from Topeka.  Jenny and Wendi are hand designing a Jenny Lu piece of art for Yi Mei. 

Yi Mei, you are so loved already!

Garage Sales

I made $500 from a two day garage sale this weekend and I am wiped!  God is good!  Even the rain was not a hindrance.  Tim's amazing  four feet signs also helped!  Having Tim help with the sale was a great blessing.  Once again, I an in awe of how everybody has their own unique gift offering.  Thanks to Neil and other friends,

I think I am addicted to garage sale shopping. Due to my own sale, I had to take a break and my weekend just wasn't complete.  I have had more fun garage sale shopping this month!  I have already got Yi Mei two bikes, a jogging stroller, a kitchen along with table and chairs, a crib and highchair, numerous toys and a fabulous learning game system. My favorite purchases have been the dress coat, party dresses and shoes that I have found.  Each weekend of sale shopping has produced a lovely treasure.