3 year anniversary

Today is our 3 year anniversary of waiting for our sweet baby China. When we began our paper chase for our first child in August 2006, we never dreamed it would take 9 months to complete. We never dreamed that our log in date of April 13, 2007 would feel like such a milestone at one point and then a millstone around our neck 3 years later. At the time of our paperwork filing, families were being matched with babies after having waited 16-18 months. We knew that the timeline was increasing, but thought that 2 years would be reasonable. The timeline is still increasing and we had to make the hard decision to let our paperwork lapse this past March. Let me clarify that last statement- This does not mean that we are giving up on our adoption. Our paperwork could only be grandfathered in for another 3 years from this point and we simply don't see the timeline shortening between now and then. In other words, we would need to file the new paperwork regardless and so we are waiting for the "line" to move up.

It could happen at anytime and so we continue to stay in touch with our agency weekly and follow all the reputable adoption news from China. Many of you have asked me, "Why is this taking so long?" Back in January, I thought I knew the answer. Our agency, who once specialized exclusively in China, has opened up programs in Ethiopia and Haiti as the wait for China has increased. They feel called by James 1:27 “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and father, to help orphans…” Thanks be to God for them! When the earthqake hit Haiti, I thought this must be why so many people are waiting for China! God's plan may be to take all those approved families with current, valid, international adoption paperwork to rescue these sweet children. We read our agency's web pages daily, and just as we were told that Haiti was being "closed" for adoption, we found out we were pregnant with our second. God tends to use a lot of burning bushes in my path!

I was asked this week "But, I thought you couldn't get pregnant?" Well, certainly if I thought I could get pregnant on my own, I wouldn't have spent money, years, and tears with doctors who tried to help me conceive. But, then we wouldn't also be adopting from China, and I believe that is exactly God's intent for our lives. In the meantime, as I continue to wait for the one coming from across the ocean, a new addition is due in October. I never dreamed that we would have two biological children before baby China. But, God knew all of our children at the foundation of the world and they are coming at exactly the right time.

National Champs!

Associated Press

I was so looking forward to this game. Jeff and I both talked about how much fun it was going to be to watch. If you're not a basketball fan, this would be the game to get you hooked. The final score was 61-59, and the biggest lead was only 6 points. Butler's Heyward threw up a half court shot at the final buzzer that many players thought was going in, only to bounce off the rim. Both teams, Butler and Duke, were coached by men who carry themselves with such poise and character. Mike Kryzewski has been coaching Duke for decades now, and Brad Stevens of Butler is only 34. They both exemplify the greatest part of sports vernacular; coach. Butler players, being only 6 miles away from their campus, went to class the morning of the big game. Amazing! Imagine a coach who reminds his players what their whole purpose of college is.... to get an education. Although I wanted my Blue Devils to win, I can honestly say that had they lost to Butler, I would have cheered with the rest of the country for Butler's success. These are all amazing young men, and I can't imagine a better team to come in 2nd place.

But, Duke did win..... and so did I! Jeff and I fill out brackets every year, and for the first time ever, the winner of the Beckett Bracket Brawl would be decided on the final game. Of course I picked Duke!! And the prize? $100 to a house project of your choosing. I am putting my money into plants, trees, and blueberries. Did you know there is a variety of blueberry bush called Duke? Seems only fitting.

Beach bummin'

We spent this past week on a much overdue vacation in Amelia Island, FL. Jeff and I realized that it has been over 3 years since we had a real getaway. To be fair, we do like spending little short trips away, and we are often at my family's lakeside cabin in the summer. But- there's something about committing a whole week away and just with one another. This way to the beach!



Madeline had no trouble at all with the water. She ran headlong into the ocean as soon as we set foot on the sand. We hadn't even dropped our towels! We pulled her out and she turned to look at us, and then said "Go!" and ran back in. The water was not warm enough yet to really get in past your knees, but that nut stayed in blue lips and all!




Now I get it! Toddlers at the beach are as easy as the drive-thru of McDonalds. They can yell, dig, make a mess, and it's all okay. The bonus of a great nap isn't too bad either. I just love those fat toddler toes covered in sand.





Catch me if you can!






We were actually down in FL for a family wedding in Jacksonville. Can you see all the crowds on the beach??? That's our umbrella up there with no one else around it. It was awesome and so easy to get to. Amelia Island is still a unsullied beach town with some great antiquing. I found some old hardback Nancy Drew's for $3.75 each! (I still cringe thinking about all of my old ND's that I sold at a garage sale all the while insisting to my mother that I was too old for them- she should have bought them off me herself- and yes, I 'm taking notes now that I'm a mother) But I digress. I also found a great hobnail pitcher made out of milk glass for $14. I'd love to show you a picture, but my camera is out of commission right now. Ugh! Another note to self, bring small camera on vacation, not the fancy mamba jamba that you can't figure out where to take in for repairs.

And, also announcing, we are pregnant with our second child, due on October 1st! (My apologies to LM, who I saw at the grocery store just two days before it was permissible to tell) I'm feeling much better this time around than with Madeline and very grateful for it. We are going to have a delivery room surprise this time around and Jeff is grudgingly going along with the idea. I, personally, can't imagine a more fun time to find out.