We have a tween!!!

My Jacob turned 12 today!! I just can't believe it. First thing this morning he asked what time it was, then he asked what time he was born. It hit me like a ton of bricks...OMG you're 12! !! I welled up with tears (don't ask me why) and told him he was born sometime between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning. Seeing as how I was flat on my back in the middle of an O.R. I can't really say for sure what time he was born....the time was the last thing on my mind.

Jacob has come so far since his rough start in life. He's a strong, brave, kind, patient, active, bright young man. Although I'm nervous about the whole teenage thing, I have so much confidence in Jacob. I'm really excited to see what the next few years will hold for him.

I told Jacob I would put his favorite song on the blog this week....he can't seem to decide on one, so Sheryl Crow will have to remain for now.

The picture above was taken off my cell phone, so it's not the greatest, but Jacob sure is!!!

We love you Jacob!

Bye Bye Bird's Nest

Well, the Olympics have officially come and gone. We have really enjoyed tuning in each evening and catching some of the events. The boys have become little Olympic addicts. I, of course, have mostly just enjoyed all the coverage of China. It's been so nice to turn on the TV, almost anytime of the day, and hear talk of China. For that, I will miss the Olympics. There is, however, another side of me that is excited to see it all end. Although I don't personally believe the hosting of the games in China has had anything to do with the "slowdown", I feel peace of mind in knowing that soon things will return to "business as usual" in Beijing. I don't expect some big speed up, I just desire to see them continue to move forward with their 6/5 day average. Knowing that the Olympics are behind them makes me feel all the more confident that they will do just that.

Other than that, life is moving right along. The boys are doing great in school and I am really enjoying my work there. It's been a busy couple of weeks, but that's OK. I love it when time flies...well, kind of. Jacob will be turning 12 on Friday...I'm not loving that so much! He's a great kid and I love watching him grow, but 12..really?! That's 1 year away from 13!! Where did that time go?!

I went ahead and took the Olympic theme song off the blog....I know you're all going to miss it, but the games are over and it's time for us all to move on. (tee hee) I've added a Sheryl Crow song for now. Since everyday that passes is shortening this winding road to our baby girl, I thought this one would be fitting. Benji has been begging me to put Sheryl Crow on the blog, so he'll be thrilled!

Can I hear a hallelujah?!

We were notified today by our agency that the CCAA has finally finished matching the January 2006 families!!!! Referrals arrived today and included the families logged in from January 26th thru January 31st 2006!! It has taken 6 months for them to match the January families and I am thrilled that they are finally done!

Now it's on to February, and then MARCH!!!! I can't believe there is only ONE month in front of us to be matched...ONE!!!

We are 38 LID days away from seeing our daughter's face for the first time! If the CCAA continues with their 6 day average per batch, we would probably see a referral in the March 2009 batch! That is only 7 months away!!!

Champagne anyone?!!

First day of school for the boys...and me!

Today was the first day of school for Jacob and Benjamin. Jacob is in 6th grade and Benji is in 4th (boo hoo)! I don't remember telling them they could grow up so fast. I'm actually joining the boys at school this year. I'm going to be working there as a teacher's aid 2 1/2 days a week. Surprisingly enough, the boys are very excited about it. I asked Jacob before I accepted the job whether or not he cared if his mom worked at the school. He response, "Why would I care?" To which I said, "Because I'll be at your school during the day, working with some of your classmates and everyone knows I'm your mom." Jacobs response, "So...I think it's cool, now I can see you whenever I want." Alrighty then! Had my mom asked me the same question at his age my response would have been a resounding, "H%*L NO!!" I guess Jacob is just a nicer person than me. Benjamin is excited as well, but that didn't surprise me in the least.

Anyway, summer is over (well, at least the break is)! It's back to a routine and a schedule...GROSS!

The picture above isn't very good because I took it off my cell phone. I'm back to not having a camera. Sorry about the Olympic theme song....I'll change it later!

8-8-08, All eye's are on China

Tonight marks the start of the 2008 Olympics, hosted by China. The opening ceremonies, I'm sure will be impressive. It's been interesting, endearing and at times heart wrenching to hear and see all the news coverage of China over the past few weeks. Trying to put the adoption out of mind has been near to impossible. But thats OK, I love to think about it...and her!

Referrals should be arriving soon, although the rumors say that this may be a very small batch.

Doug and Jacob leave tonight for a two day canoe trip!! Scary for me, fun for them.

Monday is the first day of school.....UUUGGGHHH! Wish us luck getting up on time.

Gotta run....I'm getting ready to curl up on the couch with Benji (my snuggle bunny) and watch the opening ceremonies.

Spaaah!

My spa weekend was fantastic. We spent the entire weekend pampering ourselves, going to movies (we saw Mama Mia and laughed till we cried), eating out, lounging in the pool..more pampering! I'm such a sucker for the spa (who isn't?!)! The four of us decided, however, that 2 days just isn't quite enough. Next year we're pushing for three days!!

The photo above was taken as we were getting ready to leave the spa. If you look close enough you may notice a tear in each of our eyes. Just kidding!

Breathing again!

After many, many emails and phone calls, I feel I can state with a measure of confidence that our adoption is going to be OK... at least with regards to our agency being denied Hague accreditation. This is due in part to the fact that we have not allowed ANY of our documents to expire and, as such, qualify to extend our current I 171H (which doesn't expire until 1/9/09). After the extension if filed, a new I 171H will be issued which will be good for an additional 18 months. China has a informed our agency that they will allow them to continue to facilitate the adoptions of their families who expect to receive a referral (and complete their travel) before their current I 171H expires. That's us! In fact, after we file for our extension, we....and I say this with a measure of confidence as well...should be done with our paper work!!! Done being fingerprinted and re-fingerprinted, done with medical exams, done with home studies and notaries, done with court certificates....DONE...until, of course, we get to China.

So, for now I am breathing again. For the first time in a long time I am starting to let myself really think about her. I am allowing myself to believe that the crib, pictured above, will not remain empty forever! I'm enjoying picturing her with us instead of wanting to cry everytime I do. It feels so good. It's amazing how close to my heart this child has remained these past 3 years!

Tomorrow I'm off to enjoy my "girlfriends weekend". Checking into the spa for 2 days. Aaahhh! I'm glad that I get to do so with peace of mind. This week has been stressful and rather high in emotion. It's going to feel so good to put all of that behind me for a few days, relax and enjoy the company of my wonderful friends!

"Thank you" to all our friends and family for all of the loving support we have received from you over the course of the past 3 years (we started our paperchase 3 years ago this month)! It's been a journey fulls of highs and lows and so many unexpected twists and turns. We couldn't have made it this far without you!

Big hugs to everyone!