You Know You are Adopting from China when....

~You know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways....

~You've been expecting a baby for over 3 years....

~You understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world....

~You've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S....

~You know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes...

~Your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4)...

~You never know how many days next month will have...

~You know that babies come in batches...

~You've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime...

~You automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl...

~You own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big)...

~You look twice when you see a lady bug...

~You're more interested in what will happen in March 2006 than in March 2009...

~You know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 day months...

~Your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years...

~You know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is...

~You know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather...

~You've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed...

~Trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles...

~When you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals...

And finally...You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart.

Living while Waiting: 28 Months

When we started this process, we never in a million years thought we would still be waiting for Julia to come home. The wait at that time was eight months. Last month, we did not even mark this date on the blog. Twenty eight months ago from today China received our dossier. We were logged into their system. Adoptions are taking place. The line has just been moving very slow. There were rumors two years ago that it was suppose to pick up in 2009. I have never been cynical but I really try not to get excited about rumors anymore.

There are sometimes that you really want to think about it. Lately, we hardly talk about it. We are just trying to live in the moment.

I am getting really excited about the Girls Weekend planned the first weekend of April. We are going to New York City! I love that place. Watch out-shopping, shows, streets! Total girl stuff!! Jeff has an all mens weekend the last weekend of March. We are also trying to figure out what we want to do this summer for our vacation. We are always open for ideas

Thank you Thomas family!!

I just wanted to share this sweet support extended to our family. After we started this journey, I found out that a neighbor that I grew up with across the street was waiting for a referral. I watched Jim and his sweet wife Lyn get their referral and travel to China for their daughter. Then, I watched them travel back to get their son. Lyn ran a marathon for Love Without Boundaries. Her daughter lived with foster parents. Her son lived in the orhpanage. She could really tell a difference. She wanted other children to have the chance to live in a foster home. That was her purpose in raising money while she ran her marathon. I have never met Lyn but from afar she has been quite a supporter.

Yesterday, I went to our mailbox. There was the sweetest valentine card. The outside of the card says "...the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13." The inside has a picture of her youngest two children adopted from China kissing. Inside the card it says, "Hugs and kisses for a Happy Valentines Day! Love, The Thomas family. We pray for Julia often. Hang in there." Do you know how that made me feel? I was so touched. That support felt so good. It meant so much to know that they are praying for Julia. You walk around in this"waiting"phase. You know God's timing is perfect. You try to live for the moment and not get to caught up in the future to much. I just want to thank you all for making my day!!

Valentine's Day 2009

Enjoy your special day. Take time to spend quality time with those you love. Never take them for granted.