Travel Approval Arrives!!

We received word today from our agency of our travel approval from China! It looks like our Consulate appointment will be on November 10th in Guangzhou, China!! This will be the last leg of our tour in China...which means that we will be leaving a lot earlier than we expected! Once our Consulate appointment is confirmed, our agency and Lotus travel will be working together to get us our travel arrangements! It looks like we may be traveling the last week of October!

Once we get our travel arrangements set in stone, I will post this information on our blog!

WHOO-HOO! We are getting closer and closer!

Prayer requests:

1. Pray for healthy bonding and attachment with our daughter
2. Pray for good communication (understanding) with our daughter
3. Pray for safe travels

Okay....I am feeling a bit nauseous.

More details to come...........

Got the Blues?

John and I went and saw one of our favorite blues artists Tab Benoit. He is a Cajun from Louisiana. He is not all about music, but as we were able to speak to him before the show, we found out that his passion lies much deeper than the music he plays. Have you ever seen Hurricane on the Bayou? If not, I recommend it. Tab is known as the Voice of the Wetlands. He is an activist on what is happening regarding the Wetlands in southern Louisiana. Just a couple of weeks ago, we experienced (in Kentucky) Hurricane Ike....the reason why we experienced this hurricane the way we did is because of what is going on in the Wetlands. This film was eye opening and very informative. I am not an environmentalist, but God has given us dominion over this planet..we have stewardship over it...so we need to do our part and take care of it.

I don't know why, but something about the blues makes me happy. It puts a smile on my face. I am not sure if it's those awesome guitar parts or the lyrics of the songs where we can relate and know that someone out there understands.

Regardless, it's good stuff. If you are in the mood for some good music...turn on some Tab. And as my dad would say, "Get ready to blues out!"

Registering Day!!

Claudine just loves soft blankets for Lydia!

"I have a scanner and I'm not afraid to use it!"

Okay, we couldn't resist.....

John having fun scanning!

Pastor, this one is for you!

How does this thing work?

I just love snuggly soft stuffed animals! I think I found my new best friend!

John and I just had such a fun time registering for items for Lydia! I must say, we were so exhausted after going to two different stores....we went to Target and Babies R Us. Going to Babies R Us was so overwhelming...wow...that store ROCKED!

At times during our little adventure, we would just pause and look at each other...and think..we are going to be parents and we are registering!!!

It looks like we got our first shower on the calendar--October 10th!! How exciting!

Baby Formula Scare in China

We found out yesterday that there have been 2 children (I think as of last night the death toll has rose to 4) that have passed away and over 6,000 children that are very ill because of the contaminated formula. This baby formula is (from what I have read) the most popular formula used in China.

I frantically called our agency inquiring about this and to see if Lydia was okay. We heard back and Lydia is fine. They said that the orphanage would contact our agency if anything happened. We also found out that the orphanage that Lydia is at did not use this type of baby formula. Thanks be to GOD!!

No news is good news in this case. Another reminder from the Lord that I have no control over this adoption process. Thank you Lord for watching over Lydia.

Lydia--Jesus loves you and is protecting you. Please do not be scared. We will be coming to get you soon. I am just so thankful that our God is there with you. It is so good to trust Him. We cannot wait to tell you all about Him.

Hang tight pumpkin...the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Lydia is 17 months today!

17 months ago today, our daugther was born. Thank you Lord for such a precious gift.

Happy 17 months Lydia. Mama and Baba love you so much!

Not too much longer now.....sweetheart...not too much longer.........

Just in: New updates on Lydia!!

These are updated pictures of our sweet daughter Lydia that we just received!! Isn't she just gorgeous?! John and I can't wait to see her smile! We are just in love!!

Her latest measurements are:

Height: 30.7 inches tall

Weight: 23.5 lbs.

Head size: 17.7 inches

Chest size: 18.8 inches

Feet Length: 4.7 inches

The Lord has wonderful timing--I totally needed some encouragement today.

Joy...Joy...Joy...Joy.......

Grazie. Gracias. Merci. Eucharistia.

No matter how you say it...Thank you!

Thanks so much to everyone who has been a part of bringing our daughter home. We could not have done it without you. The Lord has shown us so much through this whole process...especially through the generosity of friends and family!

May the Lord bless you as you have been a blessing to us!

Ever so grateful,

John and Claudine