Ladybugs Slowly Falling

LOA and TA have slowly been coming in all week for those that have LID late 2007 and have submitted PA or LOI 4/08. The latest that I have saw was dated 4/17/08. We are LID 4/2/08 and am really hopeful that they are finished with those dates and work on the current batches. I am really hoping that we receive our LOA this next week! I have felt for a while that this will be the timeframe for us.

Happy Memorial Day

It is a holiday here in the U.S. ~ Memorial Day. We shampoo'd carpets, worked in your bedroom a bit more, laundry and other fun household stuff! Daddy is going fishing this afternoon if he doesnt get rained out. It is a horrible day for humidity and storms. I think the girls and I will watch a movie or do something girly like paint toenails, etc. We wish you were here with us on this "stay home day" (as your sisters call it)!

Your Bedroom

Today and yesterday I worked on painting your room. I was terribly disappointed because the blue was too dark and the brown was not dark enough. In the end, it looks fine. We just want everything to be PERFECT for you! So, it is blue all over with a brown stripe painted half way up the way (all around) ... The bedding is light blue edged in brown plaid.

We looked at mattress' yesterday for your room but have yet to purchase. I hope to get the curtains made next weekend. We also went to Gymboree and bought a couple pair of shorts for you later in the afternoon. Alice Jane wanted to shop all day! She has more energy for shopping (loves it) than we have money! I think she beats me out of the shopping ring! :)

The Tooth Fairy Visit

Alexandra finally lost her 2nd tooth and is very excited about the Tooth Fairy visiting tonight. She is so curious about whether it is a boy or a girl. She told me that if you dont believe, you dont get money! :) She is excited about saving her money and counting ahead for what she might get for those other lose teeth in front before we go to China! She wants one of those "Big Red Bills" :)

** More Arrivals **

Well, another week has passed with LOA's arriving early in the week. I believe that there were 4 that arrived. We are next .. I feel it Quinn! Today, TA's are supposed to arrive for various agency's. At least that is the latest buzz. My nerves are not in too good of shape right now .. you will find out that your Mommy can be a little impatient at times when it comes to waiting for something exciting!

We have a long weekend coming up in observance of Memorial Day. My plans are to work on your bedroom and get it completed if possible. Hopefully, I will be able to leave the office and go get paint for it later today! :) (having a hard time leaving the computer with all of this excitement going on) It is supposed to rain pretty much all weekend. Your sisters are trying to think of fun things to pass the time with the rain and your Daddy is making plans to go out on the lake to fish ... and he thinks us girls are fishing with him in the rain! Not good!

The Graduate!!!

Today our little Alice Jane graduated from Pre-K .... YEAH!!!! She was very excited too. Ms. Penny's prediction for her was to be a famous Psychologist who would help other one day! (Because she is so sensitive). Also, won the award for the best handwriting! We celebrated by having cake and punch. What a fun event. She wore her green cap and gown too :)

Another Weekend Down!!! YEAH~~~~

We have had a busy weekend so far and am trying to gear down and get ready for work tomorrow! I stripped a large wallpaper border in your room and am trying to prepare for painting next weekend. Daddy says you wouldn't like girly stuff in there :) I had lots of little projects to be completed before Alice Jane's friend came over to visit and have dinner Saturday afternoon.
Today, we focued on cleaning the pontoon boat to get it ready for summertime! We cruised around the lake for a while ~ What a fabulous afternoon for that! Daddy didn't even bring a fishing pole with him this time - which is amazing in itself! :)
Tonight, we sat down for dinner and Alexandra asked if she could say a prayer for you. She was so sweet --- "Dear God, please watch over my brother Quinn and keep him safe. Please make sure that he has everything he needs ... Not what he wants but what he needs. Our family really needs to be with him before the Olympics and my heart is growing bigger all the time with love for my brother". So thoughtful of her.
Alice Jane just made a "Family Book" of our house, Mommy (with blonde hair) and Her on the inside. The front has the whole family's name on it ... Mommy, Daddy, Alex, Quinn and Alice! Soon, we will be that family of 5!

Happy Birthday Papa!!!!

Long Week

What a long week this has been and so sad ~ The news of the Earthquake victims has proved to be devistating for families. As of this morning there have been near 30,000 confirmed dead. Japan has brought in rescue workers also to assist. We have found out that there is a blood supply shortage in China. Needless to say, I am losing my mind over this news! I have been speaking to our agency back and forth all week long to see what we need to do to get your filed expedited. Unfortunately, it is up to God to provide the angel to sit on the Reviewers shoulder! Daddy and I are still discussing the possibility of doing this but will have the week to discuss it more as our case worker is out of the office on vacation all week. We are hearing rumors that LOA and TA's are on their way - Maybe we will be in that group! Time is looking bleak to bring you home before the Olympics but we are still hopeful!

Update

Today we received a brief update on you for measurements and Lab Results. According to the email you are currently 45 lbs and about 44". I spent some time talking with the Hematologist Office also. You are just a few inches shorter than sister. What a cute duo you two will make as "Twins" :)

** China Earthquake 7.8 **

What a morning this has been Quinn! We got around as normal this morning and as soon as I got to work I heard the news ** Sichuan Province in China had been hit by an Earthquake which measured 7.8 ** WOW!! The last time this had happened in China was about 100 years ago of this magnitude. The devistation these people have had is horrible ~ buidling flattened, people buried, lost families, etc. Of course, I was frantic waiting to hear news about you. The only thing that I could find that was of some relief was the Changsha felt movement and didnt realize what it was until the news came out. I immediately emailed several folks in hopes of finding out something. I was told last night late that Hunan was ok and this morning that Loudi was ok. I just need to get you home as soon as possible ... The bad winter in Loudi, Earthquake and the Olympics! When we traveled for Alexandra it was 911 .. Alice Jane it was SARS and all of these events for your trip. Too many delays here ~
Please God, watch over my son and keep him safe!! I know I sound selfish with all of the events going on and the loss' that have happened but please help me bring my son home soon ~

Happy Mothers Day!

Today is Mothers Day ~ I hope every mother out there is able to experience a day full of love and hugs! The girls are at Aunties house and am going out in a few minutes to get them. I really missed them last night. You will find that you rarely ever get to leave our sides!

We are having a BBQ today and hopefully getting to enjoy some sunshine! It has been really rainy and grey these past few weeks. The girls both came home with cards and pictures for me... What prizes they are and I love them all! One thing was missing though - YOU! I will miss you being here with me today and will say a special prayer that God will allow you to be with me soon :) Alice Jane brought home the sweetest paper as my gift. She was able to answer questions about me .. The one that I love the best is: My Mommy is so smart because ****** She is able to fill out lots of paperwork to get my brother Quinn home! Both girls are excited too! Hopefully, soon we will be united and no more tears for being apart.

The Sleepover

Today the girls and I hung out and got ready to go to Aunt Tammy's to see your cousins and Aunt's and Uncle. Alice Jane and Alexandra are spending the night while Daddy and I go to a movie. We went to Taco Bueno and then to see National Treasury 2 with Nicholas Cage ..... one of our favorites! Right after getting out of the movie, I got a call because Janie missed her Mommy and was really sad! Alexandra promised to give her a hug from me and hold her hand!

Happy Birthday Great Grampy!

Hunan Dollies Say "Happy Anniversary"

Today your Dad and I have been married 14 years! I told him today what a lucky guy he is - and he snickerd at me ! :) Imagine that .. your Dad cracking a joke. You will find out what a "Jokster" he is! Actually ... I am really the lucky one. Today we just had a normal work day and came home. Your Daddy 96++++was slick today and surprised me with that Starbucks Coffee that I had mentioned I was almost out of .... Flowers ... Yummies for Hot Fudge Sundae's and Chinese Food! He really surprised me too! I'm just gonna take him to a quiet evening at the movie theatre in a few days.

Your Dad and I were married for almost 8 years before uniting as a family with your sisters. I dont really even remember what life was like before kiddos ... I just remember being able to keep the house really clean and the house being so quiet that I could hear the kitty's cry (they were bored too I guess)!

Happy Anniversary Daddy!

We Have A Winner!

Today was a busy day for us girls. Daddy went fishing on the lake while the girls went shopping and to the Art Show at the High School. Later in the day we baked cookies and went alot of parks here at the Lake.

Alexandra's self portrait was chosen as a winner to be in the Art Show! WOW, what an honor! Yesterday, she was able to stay with their favorite great uncle and aunt and had to go show it off to them and today we are going back so that I can see it. I am so proud of her for all of her hard work. Alexandra is really quite the Artist these days :)

Raining Lady Bugs

Today it rained 18 Lady Bugs (4 TA and 14 LOA's)!!!!! Wow, what an exciting day it was for families who received word for their Travels and Letters of Acceptance. It feels like sometimes we will never get to this point..... It is all in God's time on when this happen. We are so excited to make our journey to China and bring you home as quickly as possible. Each day that we are apart seems like "Having a Tooth Pulled" all over again! How we ever made it this many years without you in our lives in unknown to me!

Mommy is trying to work on projects around the house and your room is next! Last week I finished up the paining in the bathroom upstairs... Not so exciting but it makes me feel better to be finished with it! I cant wait to get your bedroom started..... Daddy agreed finally upon a piece of Nautica bedding for your room.... He was so picky I could hardly believe it ... After being married to this man for 14 years I was shocked. Your Daddy never cares what anything looks like. He told me that I was probably gonna turn your room into sissy stuff or something! He will sure be surprised and loving it:)

Yesterday, Alexandra had a doctor appointment with our favorite Doctor! And of course he asked about my little Quinn ~ He is so excited to meet you and asked for updated news on you!!