A New Baby Sister

Walking!

2009-10-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

2009-05-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

"He gives children to the woman...and makes her a happy mother." Psalms 113:9

Third Time's a Charm!

2009-04-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Cash will be six months old next Monday and Ruby will be FOUR on June 2nd...so hard to believe! Cash is the happiest baby ever and his biggest source of entertainment are his two sisters. He laughs at them whenever they are near! Ruby is my little helper and can pretty much feed and diaper Cash by herself. Ila has taken up song writing and is too busy composing to bother with anything else (see video)...unless it has to with "science school" that she says she will be attending some day or how she wants to make friends with the dolphins and according to daddy's computer, you have to move to Florida for that. One thing I know for sure, there's never a dull moment. Now, how can I get Scott to agree to four...?!

Before and After

2009-02-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love as much as having kids and being a mom is decorating the nurseries! We decided that we would convert our loft into a room for Cash so that all three kids can be on the second floor and have their own room. Here's some before and after picts along with some new photos of the little people...enjoy!

Happy (belated) New Year!

2009-02-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

My New Year's resolution was to be a better blogger...how am I doing so far?! Life with three kids is great -- it's amazing to me that you have more time in your day to fit another child especially when I thought I was so busy with just two. It takes us awhile to get out of the house and I am usually five minutes late (or a month with this post!) to where ever I go but you just can't wipe the smile off my face. My little boy is the sweetest, best baby that is so happy all the time. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. I won't complain if he is a mama's boy!

We went to Indiana for Christmas and had a wonderful vacation. I flew home alone with the kids and they were all very well behaved. The girls are getting so big and can carry their own back packs and get buckled in by themselves... sometimes I forget Ruby is only three. Cash didn't mind flying at all. He slept the entire time both flights. I am embracing every moment with him (cause Scott says this is it!) and the time is going by so quickly. I can't believe he is already 3 months old. He is so precious!

Joy, Joy — It's a Boy!

2008-11-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

Introducing...

Cash Lloyd Nimerfro
November 4, 2008
9 lbs. 3 oz.
22 inches

Has it really been that long since my last posts? Fortunately, this post has good news...a new baby brother! Born on election day by c-section (since he was a rather large boy and I was completely miserable!) At my 37 week ultrasound, they estimated his weight at a whopping 9 lbs, 12 oz. so a c-section was scheduled a few days later. In the end, he was a little smaller than they thought, happy and healthy!

Portis 1997-2008

2008-09-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

Our dear Portis,
May you have endless fields to run in,
countless squirrels to chase,
and a constant wag in your tail.

We will forever miss you, loyal friend.

Four Months and a Funeral

2008-02-26T07:27:00.000-08:00

Needless to say the last four months have been busy for us. Starting with the 1st of November and the writer's strike. Since my husband is a writer, he has been home and out of work for the last four months. Not so bad though because in the end, its been a huge blessing for our family. Ruby and Ila have LOVED having daddy home all the time. Scott has been out of town since Ruby came home in June and they needed that time to catch up and bond. And that they did! I picked up some freelance work this last month and Scott stayed home with the girls during the day -- his premiere as a stay-at-home-dad! We even made the local news and newspaper regarding the strike. And Ila was super excited for daddy to be home and tuck her into bed every night. We have spent so much great, quality time together as a family that I kind of believe the strike was a blessing in disguise.

Then Scott's dad developed some blood clots in his legs around Thanksgiving. Being a barber and standing on his feet all day, we didn't think it was anything serious. Sadly, he passed away three days before Christmas from cancer. Some days are really hard. And others I can't help but thank God that Scott was home and able to be with his family the month of December and be there for his mom. I don't know how we would have gotten through if Scott was in California still working. I also realize that God's plan included us moving back to Minnesota 2 years ago so this time could be spent with our families. Ila and Ruby are so lucky to have gotten to know their Grandpa Smokey who loved them so much and that brings me such peace.

In difficult times, kids can always bring a smile to your face. They are so smart. And so honest. Laying in bed one night Ila asked Scott when God was going to die. Scott said, "God isn't going to die". She looked at him with a big smile and said "Yeah! I am so proud of him!". Both kids were very aware of what was happening with Grandpa and they never forget to include him in their prayers at night and send their love to heaven.

Ila also was very aware of her 4th birthday on December 14th! She was so excited and had been talking about it for weeks. We had a party for her at the Mall of America's Underwater World. We had cake and played games and even got a "behind the scenes tour" where we could see the sharks, turtles and fish from above. We also had a princess party for her at home with family.

Ruby has been sick a few times throughout these winter months. At first I thought it was just a bad cold and flu season. Then one night when we were walking up the stairs to get ready for bed, she had to sit down to catch her breath and she was wheezing really bad. I took her into urgent care and found out she has bronchiolitis and we were sent home with a nebulizer. If this patten continues, it may be asthma. I am glad to have this nebulizer so when she does get a cold, we can treat her ourselves. Ila and Ruby both had a horrible flu bug over the last few weeks which included 3-day fevers of 103 degrees for both of them. Thankfully, Ruby's didn't turn into the cold and breathing difficulty she had in the past. So maybe she is outgrowing it and it won't develop into asthma...fingers crossed!

Ila's preschool class performed a Christmas program in December and she was assigned the role of Mary. I was so excited when she casually mentioned to me one day that she was playing this part. I asked her all kinds of questions and what she was going to be doing and she said, "Mom, I am just going to be watching over the baby!". As I told all the grandparents that Ila was playing Mary, she would overhear me and say, "Mom, stop telling everyone. I don't want to be nervous!"

Christmas didn't seem like Christmas this year but with a 4 and 2 year old in the house, it wasn't going to pass by unnoticed. It was Ruby's first Christmas with us and she definitely had fun. Ila showed her the ropes and together they had a great time. Santa brought them Star Station and they can put on quite the karaoke show! Ruby has been sleeping in her bed for months now but she still would wake up in the middle of the night crying for me. Not only has she out grown that now, but she also doesn't wear pull-ups at night anymore either!

Valentine's Day was a big hit this year. We melted old crayons into heart shapes and the girls gave them to their friends and classmates with cards that said "You brighten my world!". They turned out so cute! The girls got matching pink rain coats thanks to Grandma Lulu and most of the candy made it into the trash can before they got too attached :) I took Ila ice skating for the first time and she was a star! She liked it so much that I signed her up for lessons. She also had another pajama day at school and was beyond excited to get to wear her cozy pj's to school again. And this year, we also celebrated Chinese New Year by going to a lantern festival where the girls got to dress up in their Chinese outfits, make paper lanterns and watch a dragon parade. Ruby was paralyzed with excitement taking it all in. Ila had fun playing tug-of-war and signing songs. They both have been brushing up on their Chinese watching "Ni Hao, Kai-Lan" on Nickelodeon -- their new favorite show! I better catch up quick before they are able to speak it without me knowing what they say!!

Peace, Blessings and Happy New Years!

Scott, Ruby, Ila & Grandpa Smokey - July 2007

Sisterly Love

Ila's Thanksgiving Song

Thanksgiving at Grandpa Bruce's house

Going to preschool

Ruby in her Big Girl Bed

Ila's 4th Birthday at Underwater World

Girls in their Christmas dresses

Ila playing Mary in her school play

Ruby in her Nebulizer mask

My brother's 40th birthday

Ila's first ice skating experience

Valentine's Day

Pajama Day at preschool

Lantern Festival

Let It Snow...But Next Month!

2007-11-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

This morning we got our first sprinkling of snow! It seems too early to me but then again, I am never prepared. I remember when I was little and we had snow on Halloween. We would have our costumes on under our snowsuits, hats and scarves. Ruby hasn't seen snow yet...until today. She came into my office this morning and said this: "UH-OH, Mama, LOOK IT!" as she pointed out the window...she went on to say, "Um, I don't know about this...!" I was laughing hysterically! She is SO funny. She definitely is the comedian in the family.

Halloween was a hit this year for the girls. It is the first year we really went trick or treating. Ila dressed up as Super Girl and Ruby did wear her bee costume after boycotting it all month. She still wasn't up for the hood part though so I created her own antenae with a little creativity. Once she realized what it was all about though, (i.e getting lots and LOTS of candy) she was game for anything. We went to our church's "Trunk or Treat" and the girls LOVED it...then we did some neighborhoods and they both were completely exhausted by the time we got home. Here's some pictures...

Peace,

Lani

Happy (Almost) Halloween!

2007-10-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that October is over. The girls are looking forward to Halloween tomorrow. Ila is going as Super Girl and Ruby has a Bee costume but most days refuses to wear it. Most things that are confining to her, even having the covers over her at night, are things she is slowly getting used to. We have been practicing wearing winter hats around here since it will be a frozen tundra outisde very soon. Something she's not crazy about! It will be interesting to see how she reacts to snow for the first time. And Ila had "Camping Week" at preschool and they got to wear their pajamas to school. She is doing so well and learning so much. The other day she came home signing "The Days of Week" song and I was so impressed! Here's some pictures...

Pre-Halloween Fun

Wear Your Pajamas to School Day

More Pre-Halloween Fun

Fashion Girls

Learning to Wear a Hat in Minnesota!

Making (and eating) Cookies

Ila's First Day of School

2007-10-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Ila started preschool this year. She is going two mornings each week for two hours each day. She is loving school...and of course, loving wearing dresses EVERY day. Not that she has to, it's just that she pretty much refuses to wear pants these days. And not that I'm complaining because she looks so darn cute in all her dresses.

Ruby gets pretty excited too on days Ila has school. She gets dressed and puts on her backpack and yells "preschool mama!" all the way there. She looks a little confused when she doesn't get to stay. I keep explaining that she gets to go next year. Potentially, they could be in the same class next year if I choose to do that since they will be 3 and 4 years old. Hmmm...maybe three or four days a week from 9-3? Lots of "me" time sounds good right now! Here's some pictures from the first day.

Home Sweet Home

2007-09-23T20:26:00.001-07:00

We ended up coming home a week early from California but the girls had a blast and were getting anxious to go home. It gave us a week to settle in before preschool started for Ila. More importantly we got to go to the Minnesota State Fair! The best place on earth. In California, Disneyland was a huge hit...Ila loved seeing the princesses. We didn't wait in line for 2 hours to get our picture taken with them but Snow White did read a story and then three princesses did a dance and both girls could hardly blink. It's so awesome to watch the world through their eyes. Every day is such a blessing. Second to Disneyland was the ocean. Once Ruby got over sand being on her feet, we all had a great day playing in the ocean. It was so hot while we were there but we still got in all the must-sees...Los Angeles Zoo, Universal Studios, Long Beach Aquarium. Three weeks is a long time away from home and we are glad to be back.

Ruby is doing so amazingly well. She has picked up english so fast and can communicate effortlessly. She amazes me every day. We get some one on one time while Ila is in school. Her and Ila have a love/hate relationship (mostly love!) with typical sibling rivalry stuff. I can't believe she's only been home with us three months -- it seems like years.

Here's some pictures of the trip...

Peace.

At the beach with my girls

Ruby and her love of sunglasses and handbags

Ila and her love of Ruby

DISNEYLAND!

Universal Studios

Los Angeles Zoo

Always the Bride

2007-08-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

We've been in California for two weeks now...we are enjoying our stay and it's good for the girls to see so much of Scott. Ruby is really bonding with him and both girls love it when he comes home from work at night and they both race to the door yelling "DADDY! DADDY!". It's the first time we have all been together since Ruby came home. However, being the creature of habit that I am, two weeks away from the comforts of my own home is a long time and I am looking forward to getting back to Minnesota. We'll see if we last another two weeks. I'm betting on one more... Not to mention that I miss my dogs and cats. I almost don't know what to do with the responsiblity of taking care of pets...so we bought Ila a fish! He is red so of course she named him "Red". And she now tells me "she" is pregnant and going to have a baby. I have visions of trying to get a fish through security at the airport in less than three ounces of water...

The other day, Ila picked out a bride costume at the store complete with gloves and a veil. She LOVES playing "wedding" and her and Scott do the "wedding dance" all the time. I usually smile and laugh and play along until the other day she threw in a twist and wanted to pretend she was pregnant in her wedding dress. Where does she come up with this stuff?!? I was frozen in terror. Anyway, here's some pictures of her all dressed up that I thought were so cute.

Peace.

Days of Summer

2007-08-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

We've had lots going on these last couple of weeks. We've been to the new Minnesota Trail exhibit at the zoo and Ila loved it. She also has been into painting and lots of art projects. Ruby pretty much just does whatever Ila is doing. They both love the water and have had fun in the sprinkler and at the pool. Ila's dance classes and swimming lessons are finishing up for the summer and she starts preschool in September! I can't believe it!! She is very excited about it. She asks me when it is going to be fall so she can start school. And today we went to a wedding...the first one for the girls. Ila picked out a new dress with awesome silver clogs for her and Ruby. They were adorable! We leave in a week to go stay with Scott in California. I'm excited to visit and catch up with friends.

Here's the latest photos...enjoy!

Lani

Ila the Artist

A Day at the Park

Ready to dance

Helping Mom with laundry

The Minnesota Zoo

Backyard Fun

Hiking with the dogs

Graduation Party

The Wedding...and the silver clogs!

Life is Good

2007-07-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

We have been home three weeks now and it seems like this has been our family forever. Things couldn't be sweeter. Life couldn't be better. The girls are having so much fun together and I feel so blessed each and every day. Ila is the best big sister and she is so grown up and I am so proud of her. She watches over her baby sister and takes such good care of her. Even if Ruby left a perfect bite imprint on her arm! Ouch!! And Ruby is adjusting better than I ever hoped. She walks around singing her ABC's and repeats most everything we say. Of course there are moments (which sometimes seems like hours) of competition and whining and the classic "SHE'S TOUCHING ME!" but that goes with the territory.

Scott is working out in California and we are packing up and going to visit for a whole month. That will give him a break from coming home on weekends and we can have dinner as a family every night (yeah!). Ila asks every day about going to Disneyland and meeting the princesses. She is also convinced that "Sparky" the seal at Como Zoo has moved to California to be with her sisters and she is going to visit them on the beach while we are there. She is SO excited!

Here's some highlights of our last few weeks...

Peace, Lani

Sisterly Love

Swimming at the pool

Going to the Mall of America

Bedtime Popcorn Party

Fun with Daddy

Going to feed the ducks at Grandma's house

Sisters!

2007-07-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures of Ila and Ruby playing on their new favorite toy! Plus, a look at Ruby's haircut. Enjoy!

Last Day in Taiwan

2007-07-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

We've been home a week and a day now, and things are falling into place. We continue to adjust and learn about one another. Each day gets easier. Ruby is speaking alot of english and is doing really well. Ila always wants to sit by Ruby even if she sometimes says she "doesn't want a little sister". She is the first to help out if Ruby needs something. It's not easy keeping up with a 3 1/2 year old and a 2 year old, but when you hear them laugh together and see them play together it warms your heart. Some days it's like I'm in the middle of a tornado and I can't remember my own name...like the other day when I put my camera on the bumper of my car thinking "I'll remember to grab this before I go into the house" ...and of course didn't. Luckily I had already taken my trip photos off of it. So pictures of our first week home are a little scarce. They're probably laying in the ditch somewhere...

On our last day in Taiwan, we went to the National Palace Museum and the traditional Chinese gardens that surround it. These are some of my favorite pictures from the trip...especially of Ruby. She was getting more comfortable with us and smiling and laughing alot. Many people have mentioned that I "went alone" on this trip and I just want to say that even though Scott wasn't able to go along, my dad was there with me and was a huge help. It would have been extremely difficult without him. So I just want to thank my dad and let him know how much it means to me that he was there. Thanks Dad!

Transitions

2007-06-30T21:11:00.001-07:00

Finally, an update. I've been to Taiwan and back. I wish I would have had a laptop along to blog while I was there because it was too hard to have a 2 year old in the hotel lobby on a computer. We have Ruby at home now and we are all adjusting...slowly...to our new family. The trip had its ups and downs. I am glad to be home. Ila and Ruby are having fun and playing and laughing with an occasional fight over a toy. But for the most part there isn't anything out of the ordinary happening. Ruby is a sweet, smart little girl -- that gets a little wild in public sometimes. We just plan to hang low for awhile and continue to transition into our family of four.

Here's a few pictures from the day we spent with the foster family at St. Lucy's and the first few days together. The first day we got there, we went straight to St. Lucy's to pick her up. It was really hard on everyone, especially the foster family and of course, Ruby. She had a lot of people that loved her for so long and it was hard to say goodbye. The first night was the toughest but each day has been getting better. I know we have alot of people praying for our family and it helps tremendously and is greatly appreciated...thank you to everyone who is so kind and supportive...you know who you are!

Peace, Lani

Final Countdown!

2007-06-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a clip from our visit in March. It was taken within the first hour of us meeting Ruby. She is holding onto some candy and her foster mom is asking her to give it to me: "Mommy"...and she does!

I have less than a week to get everything ready. I think that I have things under control...I hope! Scott is working out-of-town and can't go to Taiwan this time. It's such a great blessing that we went already and he got to meet her because it is required that happen if only one parent goes to pick up your child. God works in mysterious ways! So my Dad is going along this time to help out. It should be fun! I am hoping we have time to go the the zoo in Taipei and do some other sightseeing. We will be in Tainan for two days and Taipei for three days.

Here at home, Ruby's room is officially complete! I have a double stroller. I have two car seats. I have two of every dress Ila owns. Now I just have to start packing and let the countdown begin!

Daddy's Little Girl

2007-06-12T10:27:00.001-07:00

Ruby's Closet

2007-06-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Before...

...and After!

Dinner with the Goslings

2007-06-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

We finalized all our travel plans today. We leave in two weeks! Booking flights and hotels is about my least favorite experience ever. Especially since we are traveling in "high season" and its draining the bank account! The remainder of the day I spent frozen in fear that I have too much to do yet and I feel what I have learned so far, I have forgotten. Tomorrow will be a better day!

Here's a video clip from our trip to Indiana. We went to dinner one night and sat on the patio overlooking the lake and its inhabitants. Needless to say, Ila was in heaven!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2007-06-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

One thing I remember very well from my childhood is this blue and white checkered dress that I seemed to wear on many occasions. When we visited my mom recently, she brought out this dress and Ila couldn't wait to put it on. I was just over three in this picture about the same as Ila is now. It fits her perfectly! It's so hard to believe that's me twenty five years ago...isn't it?! Anyway, I hope that I have learned to have more fun at parties...

Lani

Happy Birthday Ruby!

2007-06-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ruby is two years old today. Although we are not with her I know she is in good care and we will all be together in a few short weeks. I received update pictures yesterday of her opening the presents we sent...she is even wearing one of the outfits I bought her. I sent along some Minnesota Twins t-shirts and hats for the foster family too. I am just counting down the days to be with her again. Ila is so excited and her face just lights up when we talk about her little sister coming home. We are making cupcakes today to celebrate. Happy birthday to my little girl!

Lani

FINAL RULING & Barnyard Boogie!

2007-05-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today we received our final ruling from the judge. Yippee! This is what we have been waiting for this past year and now we are only weeks away from bringing Ruby home. We will be reunited with her on June 23rd! I can't wait to see her and hold her again. I have alot to do yet but surprisingly I don't feel overwhelmed. I really feel like this whole experience has been just as it should have been and I wouldn't change a thing. I have learned to be patient and to trust my intuition. Our first trip to Taiwan was amazing and I can only imagine what this next trip will bring! Now, I must start making lists...

Here's a clip from Ila's first dance recital. Camcorders weren't allowed so I got this bit on my camera. Also, here's a few pictures. Enjoy!

Some Highlights

2007-05-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

No news. No updates. Still waiting for our final ruling which could come any day. From there, we will probably travel in about two weeks. I have plenty to keep me busy. Our service plan is due before we can bring Ruby home. It includes research, reading books, watching dvd's and answering questions on it all...I better get started! We sent off Ruby's birthday package and we are hoping she has a wonderful 2nd birthday on June 2nd. My dad reminded me it is her golden birthday! Hopefully this time next month she will be home with us.

Here's some pictures from our trip to Grandma Lulu's house in Indiana. We went to the zoo, my cousin was confirmed and Scott golfed. We had a great time catching up with all the relatives. I am consciously taking in these moments before our family becomes 4 and life changes forever. I know I will look back on this and wonder what I did with all my time! I can't wait!

Peace, Lani

Cutie Patootie

Ila and cousin Jake at his soccer game

Going to the Indianapolis Zoo

Happy zoo face...

Sad zoo face...

Relaxing at the zoo face

Lounging by the pool

Ila and her Great Grandpa Jake

The three of us

First Ruling!

2007-05-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Three months to the day that our paperwork went to Taiwan, we got our first ruling! Scott got the phone call yesterday from our coordinator that it had happened...yippee! That is BIG news and we are so excited to be in the home stretch now. We will be traveling in the next 4-6 weeks to bring Ruby home. Unfortunately, it looks like we won't be with her on her 2nd birthday on June 2 but I'm sure we can make up for it once we are all home together.

Ila and I left on Wednesday to go to grandma's house in Indianapolis and will be here for 10 days. Once we are back home, we can finish up the final details in preparing for Ya-Ya! We have lots to look forward to in the next few weeks -- its our 5-year anniversary on May 11th, we have Ila's first dance recital, and its Mother's Day so hopefully the time will go by quickly.

Peace,
Lani

Ten Reasons

2007-04-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the top ten reasons why I haven't blogged in a while...

10. It took me 13 days to get adjusted back to Minnesota time. It truly does take a day for each hour of time difference...Taiwan is 13 hours ahead.

9. The temperature has been above 50 for two consecutive weeks allowing us to go outside again and thus making it possible to raise children in Minnesota.

8. Taxes. Need I say more?

7. Easter. Family gatherings. Need I say more?

6. Ila has been practicing riding her new bike and learning her routine for her first dance recital to a snappy little tune called "Barnyard Boogie".

5. Not that there's any money left after paying taxes, but why not build a deck and fence in the backyard?

4. Halle Berry pissed me off. When asked in an interview if she was going to adopt, she replied, "I'd like to have my own". One week later Penelope Cruz said the same thing. Does that mean that Ya-Ya belongs to someone else?

3. We've been praying for our first ruling.

2. Oh ya, Scott got a blood clot in his leg after the long flight back from Taiwan and spent the day in the emergency room and now is on blood thinners for the next 6 months. Good thing we got that life insurance policy squared away before the trip.

1. Ruby Ya-Hui Nimerfro. Yes, we have decided on a name! And, yes, our parents don't like it. And we are busy finalizing everything for her arrival.

Here's some new pics and video...

Enjoy!

Some Highlights

2007-04-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

The gate of a Temple we visited on our last day

Outside the Temple

Inside the temple

At the night market

St. Lucy's Grand Opening

Dinner with David, Tien and Mei Ru

My Dinner -- a beef hotpot

We are home. Safe and sound...and sad. Here's some highlights of our last few days in Taiwan. It really is great to be home because I missed Ila so, so much but I can't wait to go back and do it all over again. I am hoping that we will travel again by June...keep us in your prayers!

Peace.

Saying Goodbye...For Now

2007-04-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today is our last day in Tainan. The last couple of days have been great -- we made it to the night market (yeah!), had dinner with Tien and David, and the grand opening at St. Lucy's was amazing.

We get to spend our last day seeing some sights with Ya-Ya and her foster mom. I know it will be hard saying goodbye, but at the same time I am so comfortable with the foster family that I know she will be well taken care of. Hopefully, within a few months we will be back to bring her home. Here's a clip from the grand opening...enjoy!

More With Mei Mei

2007-03-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

Spending our second day with Ya-Ya was just as good as the first, if not better. It was my birthday and the foster mom brought me two beautiful Chinese outfits and the interpreter that is helping us also brought me a top and a skirt plus an outfit for Ya-Ya and one for Ila -- even one for Scott! I am so touched how sweet and gracious everyone is. They brought in a beautiful cake for me and many people from St. Lucy’s came in to sing Happy Birthday to me – in English and then in Chinese.

Ya-Ya is getting more comfortable around us and interacted with us a lot. She wore the backpack we gave her and she was wearing the Minnesota t-shirt too. They brought along the the foster mom’s mother who is 89 years old and so sweet. Ya-Ya is really taking to Scott and even let him hold her while she had a bottle. She laughed and smiled a lot and showed more of her spunky personality. She let Scott put her shoes on her when it was time to leave and gave us hugs. Tomorrow St. Lucy’s is having a pre-celebration before the grand opening so we will all be there again. Adoptive parents like us will have the opportunity to be interviewed if we want.

After we left, I struggled to stay awake (it’s been so hard to stay up past 5 p.m. for me!) and we went to the department store Mitsukoshi that happens to be right next to our hotel. They have the most unbelievable children’s shoe department I have ever seen! (Thanks Val!) Then we made it back to the hotel and crashed for the night. We are going to try and stay up tonight to make it to a night market…wish us luck!

Peace, Lani

Meeting our little girl!

2007-03-30T01:49:00.001-07:00

After 24 hours of travel we arrived in Tainan yesterday. It wasn't as bad as I expected since flying isn't wasn't one of my favorite things to do. It took 3.5 hours to get to San Francisco, from there 13.5 hours to Taipei, then another one hour flight to Kaosiung and finally a one hour car ride to Tainan. Our hotel is wonderful and so far the hardest thing has been not knowing the language. Oh, and also deciding what to wear when it is 90 degrees and super humid when I brought jeans and tennis shoes! I feel like we have adjusted fairly well to the time difference but maybe I am too tired (and excited) to know how tired I am.

On the first day, we settled in at our hotel, napped and had dinner. I realized I forgot my camera cord to download pictures to the computer and we had to go buy one. I slept pretty good the first night and woke up this morning at about 5 a.m. We had an appointment at St. Lucy's at 10 a.m. to meet Ya-Ya. We got up and had breakfast and then got in a cab and attempted to make our way to St. Lucy's. The cab driver got lost and at 9:58 we were just driving in circles. We didn't speak Chinese and the driver didn't speak English. By the grace of God, somehow we ended up at St. Lucy's. People off the street were helping and our driver ran into a school and got some help. We went in and met Jessica, our host, and Mei Chun, our interpreter. They are both so nice. We went into this room and sat and had tea and talked about our day and what would happen.

Ya-Ya, her foster mother and a social worker all arrived at about 10:30. When they appeared through the screen door, my heart almost stopped. I tried so hard not to cry! She was smaller than I expected and more adorable than I could have imagined. It was such an amazing moment. Ya-Ya is so beautiful and such a wonderful little girl! Her foster mother loves her so much and you can tell she is very well taken care of. She has been telling her of us and that she will be moving to the United States. It didn't take long and Ya-Ya noticed the bowl of candy on the table and wanted a piece. Scott offered her one and she took it from him. She didn't seem scared just a little shy. I gave her the backpack and stuffed dog we had brought along for her. She had brought along a backpack of her own that had her blanket in it...she has a worn out corner that she rubs her nose with...this is amazing because Ila rubs her nose with the corner of her blanket too! At one point, she put the corner up to my nose. She was shy at first and didn't say much, then I brought out the bubbles! (Thanks Cari!) Before long, we got a smile out of her. Then a giggle. We were on the floor blowing bubbles and trying to catch them.

Her foster mom brought along a photo album for us. It has pictures from the day she was born until now. This is such an amazing blessing to have parts of her past that we can cherish forever. Everyone in the room was snapping photos. Her foster mom wants to hold onto the album until we come back to take her home...she wants to add more pictures and complete the album. Then she wanted Scott and I to stand so she could see our height and weight because she wants to give us traditional Chinese outfits when we see her next visit. This woman is amazing and Ya-Ya is so lucky to have her. For the next couple of hours, with the camcorder rolling we talked and played. We went over so much information and got such a great idea of what Ya-Ya's days are like and saw her personality starting to emerge. We feel so blessed to have this time here with these incredible people that is is hard to put into words. We talked about the future and asked the foster mom if she would want pictures and updates and of course, she does. Then I mentioned that we plan visit and she just started crying. Our interpreter said they were tears of joy. It was such a wonderful moment. Then as they got ready to leave, we blew kisses and Ya-Ya put her hands on ours. We made plans to see her again tomorrow at 11:00 and maybe we will get to spend some time alone with her.

After they left, we toured St. Lucy's and saw the nurseries where the babies are. We got to take some pictures and meet the director. They are all very busy for the big celebration and grand opening in a few days. Tien and David from Journeys of the Heart will be here tomorrow and we will get to meet them as well and have dinner with them. This has been a day in my dreams for so long and it is hard to believe it is now reality. Happy Birthday to me!

Peace, Lani

Up, Up and Away!

2007-03-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

This time tomorrow we will be on a plane to Taiwan. It's hard to imagine what the next week will bring. I am so excited to meet our little girl. I hope everything goes well. I am bringing a couple of things for Ya-Ya. I bought her a backpack and in it I am bringing a Minnesota t-shirt, some bubbles and this dog I made at Build-a-Bear. I recorded a message that's inside so when she pushes on the paw she will hear my voice. I said "Hello Ya-Hui...We love you!" The first part I said in Chinese...hopefully I did okay! Then I got a little t-shirt for the dog and ironed on a transfer of a picture of us. I hope she likes it!

Of course we can't forget Ila Marie! We bought 7 presents for Ila and each day we are gone she gets to open one. When she gets to the last present, she will know Mommy and Daddy are coming home. I pray that she does well while we are gone. (This is only the second time we have ever left her...and the longest!) I know she is in good hands with Grandma LuLu! Actually, I pray that we all do well with this and the big changes coming our way.

Talk to you all soon from Taiwan!

Lani

...Out Like a Lamb!

2007-03-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Check out my post for March 1st and compare...it's hard to believe that was just a couple weeks ago!

Gotta get packing...we leave in FIVE days!!

Lani

Ya-Ya UPDATE!

2007-03-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought that we wouldn't be getting an update on Ya-Ya this month -- we got more pictures! I can't believe how much she has grown -- and how darn cute she is! She is changing so much and I can't wait to meet her. We leave in 8 DAYS! I feel so blessed to be able to see her face again...I can't wait to have her in my arms!

Lani

A Care Package, A Poncho, A trip to Taiwan

2007-03-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

So much news to report!
First, I have sent off Ya-Ya's care package.

Here's what I included:
• Teddy Bear (that Ila picked out)
• Doll
• Photo album (with pictures of us, our house, her room, our pets)
• Panda peek-a-boo toy
• Stuffed panda toy (that Ila picked out too)
• Terry-cloth hoodie, pants and t-shirt
• Capri pants, t-shirt and sweater
• Footed pajamas
• Socks
• Disposable cameras
• Small, soft blanket
• Tea, truffles & almond cookies for the foster family & orphange

We slept with the blanket and teddy bear so it will smell like us. Hopefully between that and the pictures, she will recognize us or we will be somewhat familiar. I am already planning the second package and I want to make a cd of us reading some books that we will send to her.

Next, Ila got a present from her babysitter, Sari -- a poncho! Ila LOVES, LOVES, LOVES it and even wants to sleep in it. She puts it on and does princess shows for us in it. Of course, I think she is the cutest thing in the world!

And hmmm...what else? Oh yeah, we are going to TAIWAN! Two weeks from today. To visit Ya-Ya for a week. We have bought our plane tickets and are in the process of booking a hotel in Tainan, which is in the southern part of Taiwan. This is the city where St. Lucy's is -- and the foster home where Ya-Ya lives -- and they have opened a new orphanage and are having a big celebration and open house. We couldn't pass up this opportuniy to go and meet our little girl and learn about her country and culture. I have told people for some time now that I had a feeling we would be traveling in April. And in a previous post I wrote that we may have to plan a vacation to pass the time. Two birds, one stone! I can hardly think straight and often wonder what people do on a plane for 14+ hours...I guess we will find out! We fly from Minnesota to San Francisco to Taipei to Kaosiung, then drive 45 minutes to Tainan. I'm sure it will take 24 hours to finally get there. The best thing about it (how can you top having your little girl in your arms for the first time?) is that I will be holding her on my birthday on March 31st. What a wonderful world!

Peace, Lani

P.S. Happy Birthday Grandpa Bruce!

Cutie Patootie

2007-03-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

In Like a Lion!

2007-03-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

These pictures -- and video! -- pretty much sum up the last week for us. Lots of snow. Lots of shoveling. Lots of fun. But seriously, it is March 1st and time to start thinking about spring. We are ready! (Sorry for the video being sideways...I haven't mastered my camera yet!)

Ya-ya will be 21 months tomorrow. It has been 3 months since we got pictures of her and we are hoping and praying to get some more next week. I can't hardly think about her turning 2 years old without us -- so here's hoping that a lot happens in the next 3 months. We miss her and can't wait to have her home! Plus, we'll need someone to help Ila shovel if this keeps up!

Peace, Lani

The Excellence of Love

2007-02-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;
never selfish, not quick to take offense.
There is nothing love cannot face;
there is no limit to its faith,
its hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things
that last forever: faith, hope, and love;
but the greatest of them all is love.
1 Corinthians 13:4

Ila made the perfect Valentine date since Scott is in Los Angeles. We went to dance class, had lunch with Grandma and rode the merry go round at the Mall of America. Ila wore her t-shirt that says "love" in Chinese. We had such a great day! She is the sunshine of my life, my peanut, my Ila Marie -- and I couldn't love her more. The other day she asked why pictures of her baby sister's room were on the computer and there wasn't one of hers...here's my response:

We are really missing Ya-Ya and just found out that we most likely won't be getting an update on her this month. With Chinese New Year happening, it looks like updates won't go out until March. We are so bummed! We picked out a special teddy bear for her today and will be shipping a care package to her soon. The good news is that our dossier was sent to Taiwan on February 1st! Yippee!! TECO is done. Legal paperwork is done. So now we are literally just waiting for some news... February isn't the best month to be bored in Minnesota especially with temps below zero. We may have to plan a vacation to help pass the time!

Peace, Lani

Ya-Ya's Room

2007-02-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." -- John Quincy Adams

Today Ya-Ya is 20 months old. It is becoming increasingly difficult not to be with her. I am grateful that time seems to be moving along but patience is something I need more of. On Monday, I finished all the legal paperwork, had everything authenticated by the Secretary of State and then sent it all to TECO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Office) in Chicago. So we are finally done with paperwork! We wait now to enter the court process. And wait to get word that we've had a first hearing (although I hear that St. Lucy's often skips this step!) or possibly move right to the first ruling.

I am almost finished with her room -- complete with her Ling doll that speaks Mandarin and English! From time to time, Ila wanders in there and finds a toy that she hasn't seen in a year and decides it is her new favorite. The closet needs to be filled but I am waiting to get an update on Ya-Ya to better guess what size she will be wearing. I hope to get more pictures of her in the next couple of weeks. I want to get the girls some of the same outifts too and hope that will help the two of them bond. My friend Joan already help start the project by sending us two adorable dresses! (Thanks Joan -- SO cute!!) I am also waiting to find out if Ya-Ya is in a bed already. Most likely she is in some sort of family bed situation which we definitely will be doing with her at home as well. So the crib may never get used! And since the windchill here in Minnesota is -24, it will be a while until the dresses get used too!

Peace, Lani

Zoboomafoo and Rudolph Too

2007-01-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

Ila and her hermit crab, Pearl

Ila, her friend Lauren and the Shark at the zoo

Ila petting the Snake at the zoo

I'm not sure why I expected Ila to like princesses. When I was her age I just wanted a kitten or a puppy. Eventually I got into frogs, snakes and turtles. Well, she is definitely following in my footsteps. She has a closet full of princess dresses but she would much rather play with her hermit crabs (yes, we have 2, to go along with our 2 dogs and 2 cats...) and she never has seen Cinderella or The Little Mermaid. She is just crazy over Zoboomafoo and can tell you all about a macaroni penguin or a ring-tailed lemur. Her favorite outing by far is going to the Humane Society with daddy for an afternoon (I refuse to go because our 2 dogs and 2 cats would become 3 dogs and 3 cats). She knows all the animals names there and talks about them often. When a certain cat or dog isn't there anymore, she reassures me that they have gone to a good home. And if it's not the Humane Society she wants to go to, it's definitely the zoo. We recently went and she got to pet a snake and see the sharks. Another love of Ila's is singing. She does it often and does it loud...and ALWAYS makes it her own. Enjoy!

Let it Snow!

2007-01-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

Finally! WE HAVE SNOW!!! Ila has been anxiously awaiting our first substantial snowfall and we finally have it! She was able to bundle up, go sledding and of course, shovel the driveway with daddy. And to top it off, it wasn't below zero so we could actually enjoy it!

Lani

The Good, The Bad, and The Pig

2007-01-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

Not to mention my little chef...

Good news! Our dossier has been completed and sent off to Journeys of the Heart! Hooray!! Also, we received our CIS approval -- a.k.a. I-171H. These are big steps for us and it feels so great to have these things completed. I am now waiting for the legal paperwork to be sent to us and after that we will wait for our first hearing of the court process.

So, how am I holding up? Glad you asked. After a visit to the doctor, I have found out that I have shingles! Of all things...!?!? Shingles...!?!? Who even knows what that is? Well, now that I am enduring the worst pain since child birth, I sure do. Ugh. Not so much fun. Supposedly it can come from stress. Hmmm...I knew January was going to be a hard month. But this is painful!

Finally, I talked to our Taiwan coordinator and found out that Ya-Hui means "elegant grace" in Chinese. We are still discussing name options with no winner quite yet. Ila has changed her mind too and now wants to name her baby sister "Wilbur". Not sure if that is a compliment or not. She does have a new stuffed pig named Wilbur that she just loves, so you never know.

Ya-Ya LIVE!

2007-01-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a video we received of Ya-Ya! She couldn't be any cuter. At that age, Ila wasn't walking as well as she is. I will definitely have my hands full. Lately, Ila and I have been shopping for things to put in a care package to send to Ya-Ya. I am buying 2 of everything -- one to send and one to bring along so Ya-Ya will have those items when we travel to Taiwan to bring her home. Chances are we won't see the items again that we send there. So when Ila sees two of everything she is convinced of her original theory of getting a baby sister AND a baby brother. The brother, of course, she has named Punky. I think she also is starting to have some jealousy that the new baby sister is starting to have a pretty cool room with some great toys and books. I asked her if someday she would like to share a room with her sister. She replied, "No. But she can stay over sometime." If anyone has any recommendations for books on siblings and adoption, I'm definitely open to suggestions!

We are really stuck on the name game. For some reason, I can't commit to one. Ila has decided on one but we are still thinking about it. I thought girl names were supposed to be easy! In the mean time, I am completing our dossier documents, having everything notarized and hope to send them to Journeys next week or so. Next we will have some legal paperwork to complete and then we will wait for the court process to take place.

Happy New Year to you and your families!

Peace, Lani

Santa has left the building...

2006-12-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that for the first time I am glad the holidays are over and I think the dogs are too! Our Christmas was wonderful and spent with our families. Ila had a blast and Santa of course, didn't let her down! We went to see Santa on his sleigh the night before Christmas. He gave her TWO teddy bears -- one for her and one for her new baby sister. He knows everything! Now she is obsessed with Rudolph and walks around singing the song constantly -- even to strangers in the grocery store.

We are making progress with the adoption. Our home study has been finalized, notarized, translated and sent to Taiwan along with our photo pages. We are now working to get our dossier documents done. I am getting a care package ready to send to Ya-Ya with a blanket, doll and a photo album with our pictures in it. I am starting to really miss her and the days are starting to slow down. I pray that we get a quick judge and the court process happens quickly.

We still don't have snow in Minnesota but that can't stop me from wearing a great hat! Happy New Year to everyone and may 2007 be filled with all our dreams coming true.

Peace, Lani

Ya-Ya

2006-12-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a few more pictures of Ya-Ya. She looks happy -- and SO cute! I can't wait to have her in my arms. Our home study has been finalized and now we are working on our dossier which are the legal documents sent to Taiwan. We need to put together photo pages of our lifestyle for the judge. They would prefer to see pictures of activities and vacations that Scott and I have done -- but without your children in the photos. Hmmm....I've looked through the 900 pictures I have on my computer and in the ONE vacation we've taken Scott and I aren't in the same picture -- because HE took the photo. And lets see, out of the remaining 899 pictures, Ila is in about 890 of them. (the remaining 9 are of Portis, Simon, Maxine and Ludwig -- and can you believe I am trying to talk Scott into letting me get a Chihuahua -- !?) Anyway, I may have to work some magic in Photoshop to get the photos they want.

Ila went to see Santa again this year and LOVED it. Last year I had to be in the picture with her but this year she did it all by herself. She told him that she wanted Candyland. She was concerned that Mrs. Claus wasn't with him though and she thought he had alot of work to do and didn't know if he could get it all done by himself. She told me that Santa is a very nice man!

I hope your holidays are filled with love and happiness.

Peace, Lani

Our Referral!

2006-12-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

“May the love hidden deep inside your heart find the love waiting in your dreams. May the laughter that you find in your tomorrow wipe away the pain you find in your yesterdays.”

It is with overwhelming joy that I announce to our family and friends the referral of our new daughter! Her name is Ya-Hui and she is waiting for us in Taiwan. She was born June 2, 2005. She is 18 months old and incredibly beautiful! From the first time I looked at her picture she captured my heart.

Today has been such an incredible day -- December 14, 2006. We celebrated Ila's 3rd birthday today at the Minnesota Zoo in 50 degree weather and we were able to make this referral news official and share it with all of you! Ila is so excited to be a big sister. She has been carrying her picture around for days. We have even received a video of Ya-Hui (we've been calling her Ya-Ya) that is so sweet it makes me cry. I will continue to update you all as we receive information. Scott and I are hoping to travel to Taiwan within the next 4 months or so to bring baby Ya-Ya home. This is by far the best birthday present Ila could have ever received and the best Christmas present for us we could ever dream of!

Birthday Girl

2006-12-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Ila's 3rd birthday today by having a big party at Pump It Up. The place was incredible! The kids bounced, jumped and played until they were exhausted -- and hungry! Then we had pizza, cake, ice cream and presents. A perfect day for our little princess. Did I mention the crown and throne? She loved it! A good time was had by all -- even Grandma who took a turn on the big blow-up slide. I can't believe three years have passed and how blessed we are to have such a wonderful daughter.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2006-12-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest. I was confused on the list thing. Friends of mine in another program are on a list so I was expecting the same for us. With our program, there really isn't a list. We seem to be the only family right now in our program, or at least the furthest along in the process. So a list doesn't really exist. But if there was one, we would be first. From what I understand, our home study has to be reviewed, changes made, translated and sent to Taiwan. That will happen over the next couple of weeks. Once it is in Taiwan, the orphanage will know we exist and start the process to match a child with our family. This next part is unpredictable and it could happen fast or not. Journeys of the Heart is telling me 4-6 months wait time but I am open to good thoughts and prayers for a faster referral!

Winter has officially hit Minnesota and it is 20 degrees colder this week than last. Although we haven't gotten any snow yet, Ila is eager and ready! I am thankful for this busy holiday season though and know that in a blink it will be January. Ila turns 3 on December 14th and we have a big party planned this weekend. I'll keep everyone posted as we get more information!

Peace.

So close...

2006-11-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

The home study has been sent! Hooray!! That's the good news. The bad news is that our contact at Journeys of the Heart is out sick today. But I see nothing stopping us from getting on the list tomorrow. I plan to follow up with Journeys and get the official okay. For now, I guess we can say we are unofficially official!

Waiting to Wait

2006-11-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

Technically speaking, our social worker has until November 30th (which is tomorrow!) to complete our home study. I never imagined it would take a month. But it has. And until now I would consider myself patient. Very patient. But now I am ready to scream. I am so ready for the next step. I saw a rough draft of the home study and some minor changes are being made so I am really counting on seeing it completed tomorrow. When this happens we will be on the official list! There is no one ahead of us in our program because we are hoping to adopt a toddler around the age of two. Most people are in other programs adopting infants and that's where the waiting lists are. So once we have our home study turned in, we could receive the referral of our daughter any day after that. Most likely the wait could be around three months but I am remaining optimistic.

On the home front, Ila went to dance class today. Complete with leg warmers. I was really expecting potty training to keep me busy for the next month or so. But she has graduated. I'll have to come up with something else. In the mean time, I will just continue to spend money and gain weight. Scott is going to kill me. But what else is a girl to do?

Progress!

2006-11-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

But not on the adoption front.

The Thursday before Thanksgiving I received an email from our social worker telling me it would take another week to get our homestudy typed up. And with Thanksgiving being the following Thursday, I was wishing, hoping and praying that the typist that had our home study sitting on their desk would get the urge to go the extra mile and get the work done before Thanksgiving break. Well, I was wrong.

So, to pass the time and keep my mind off of the process I decided to potty train Ila. I pulled out her little potty on Wednesday evening and put it in the kitchen. We ran to the grocery store and when we got back Ila sat on her potty. I was putting away groceries and she asked me to come and look. She had done it! Not potty -- the OTHER! I was in complete disbelief! We sang songs as we danced around the kitchen and celebrated with M&M's. I was so proud of my little girl. I mean, what a way to start!

The rest of the weekend included dragging the porta-potty to Grandma's house, asking Ila every five minutes if she had to go potty and countless bribes. We had an accident here and there. But by day 3 she was doing it all by herself. Then on day four while out at Target she asked me if they had a toilet. We went to the restrooms and she went potty! My sweet little lla! She totally comes through for me in time of need. I needed something like that to get me through this weekend. There's nothing like a little pee in the potty to make me forget about all else and put a smile on my face! Thank you sunshine.

Baby Steps

2006-11-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

"Mommy, is my new baby sister coming on Saturday?"

"No honey, we'll have to wait a little longer."

"Oh, pickles!"

Throughout the adoption process, any little piece of the puzzle that you can complete is a milestone. Whether it's a phone call from your social worker or something that comes in the mail, you feel like you are actually doing something and you feel accomplished. Even if it's the smallest baby step. Today we received our appointment for our fingerprints (yes, we did fingerprints once already at our local police station) but these are the ones done through Citizenship and Immigration Services that will be cleared by the FBI. We go in next Friday...yeah! In the meantime, we wait. I'm thankful for the holidays coming because we all know how it will be January before we know it. And since it's 68 degrees outside in November in Minnesota, I have nothing to complain about.

Big-Sister-To-Be Ila Marie

2006-11-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Our Adoption Journey So Far

2006-11-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

"The family is one of Nature's masterpieces." ~George Santayana

For anyone who knows me, you know that I have always had it in my heart that I would someday adopt. I have known since I was a little girl that I wanted children, I wanted to be a mother, and I definitely wanted to adopt. Thankfully I met and married Scott who shared those feelings with me.

One Sunday last April while in church, I looked over at a little boy playing with his mother. The image stuck in my mind and I came to the realization that the time to adopt was now. As we left church, Scott and I discussed the possibilities regarding adoption. I made some phone calls (thank you Andrea!), started collecting information, and we started planning for another child. We have decided to journal our experience here so that family and friends can stay informed with the latest information and more importantly, experience this journey with us. We know it will be filled with emotion, excitement and love.

The initial steps of the adoption process included lots and LOTS and LOTS of paperwork. We had to provide copies of our birth certificates, marriage certificate, fingerprints, letters of reference (thanks to those of you who did this for us!), doctors reports, background checks and family photos.

Next we had to attend a two day seminar at our adoption agency. It was two long days filled with so much great information that we were overwhelmed and even more excited. We had to make a decision about which country we would adopt from. After some soul searching and restless nights, we decided that Taiwan was the country for us.

We then had homework to complete which consisted of writing a paper about yourself. In the end, mine was about 12 pages long and Scott's about 10! The questions covered everything -- from your childhood and upbringing to your coping skills and parenting styles. It took us ten days to answer all the questions. Once it was turned in we were assigned our social worker. We met with her twice. Once at the adoption agency and once in our home. Now that our home study is complete, we are waiting for it to be written up and turned in to our placement agency, Journeys of the Heart. Our social worker has until November 30 to complete this step. Of course, we are hoping it happens sooner. The next step will be to get on the waiting list. And I guess that sums it up because then we wait. It should take about 3 months to get a referral for a little girl from Taiwan. We will receive her picture and medical information and once we get the referral, there will be more waiting. It takes about six months for the court process to take place in Taipei. We will then travel to Taiwan to bring our new daughter home.

We have been talking to Ila a lot about her new baby sister and she couldn't be happier. We have been working on the nursery together and every time we go out she wants to buy something for her new baby sister's room. She has already picked out a name for her and can't wait to teach her to dance and share her M&M's with her. She has been wonderful through this whole process and we know that she will be an amazing big sister!

Thank you to all our family and friends that have been so supportive of us. We couldn't be happier or more excited about this new chapter in our lives and we are glad to share it with all of you.

FROM GOD WITH LOVE

Children are a blessing sent from God above
For us to care and nurture and most of all to love.

God calls us to be parents and gives us all the tools
And when we feel like giving up, our strength He will renew.

Children are a gift from God that He so freely lends
To make it through the childhood years, on Him we must depend.

From childhood days to a child full grown
Their joys and hurts are a parent's own.

Times of joy and laughter and those times of tears
The times spent raising a child are surely the best of years.

There comes that time in life
when a child will leave the nest
We must send them off with love and a prayer
and leave to God the rest.

We've shared the Word of God,
we've taught them right from wrong
Now it's time to let them go
and let them write their song.

The faith instilled, the examples lived,
and the lessons taught
All gifts that we've given our child,
which will never be forgotten.

There are many paths a child can take,
right or wrong will remain unknown
But rest assured that in the end,
they all lead back to home.