During the day, Ava likes to spend time playing or napping in her adventure corner in the living room.
Ava and Lucy hanging out...
Naptime in my diaper. Mommy had gone to grab some clothes, and when she came back, I was asleep!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Just the Everyday...
Ava finding her toes...
During the day, Ava likes to spend time playing or napping in her adventure corner in the living room.
Ava and Lucy hanging out...
Naptime in my diaper. Mommy had gone to grab some clothes, and when she came back, I was asleep!
During the day, Ava likes to spend time playing or napping in her adventure corner in the living room.
Ava and Lucy hanging out...
Naptime in my diaper. Mommy had gone to grab some clothes, and when she came back, I was asleep!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Stretch Armstrong...
Little Ava Faith had her six month appointment yesterday, and here are the stats!
Weight: 19lbs 6 oz - she's gained close to 3 1/2 lbs since her 4 month appointment.
Length: 26 inches
Flexibility: category that I added evidenced by the above picture!
She will go to great lengths (literally) to grab something around her. Yesterday, I left the room for a minute to grab something, and I found her in her Bumbo seat reaching for my arrangement! We have to be very careful now. :) The doctor said that she is super healthy and that we can start feeding her two meals of solid foods a day now - cereal and fruit in the morning and a veggie/meat at night. So far, she's had rice cereal, bananas, prunes and sweet potatoes, and the winner is.... sweet potatoes! They are so yummy.
Ava's adoption will be finalized (meaning she'll officially have our last name and be issued a new birth certificate with our names) next Tuesday at 8:45 a.m.!! We are SO excited!!! If it's pretty that day, we might go on a picnic.
Oh, and China referral dates should move soon, too. I added a scrolling marquee to the righthand side of our blog to make it easier for everyone to follow.
More pics to come this weekend!
Have a blessed day, everyone!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
654321!
Miss Ava turned six months old Saturday, February 21st! I thought it would be fun to post pictures from each month for you to see how she's grown and changed! She is headed to her six month appointment tomorrow, and I'll post her stats later this week.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Daddy Daughter Time and King Cake!
** Updated ** Today is Fat Tuesday/Mardis Gras and I thought I'd pass this fun recipe on for King Cake. Similar to coffee cake, this ring-shaped confection is as rich in tradition and history as it is in color and taste. Trademark decorations–sugars in the royal colors of purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power)–honor the three kings who visited the Christ child on Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas. Also known as King's Day, it marks the start of merrymaking that continues until the grand finale on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
Yield
Makes 2 cakes (about 18 servings each)
Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6 to 6 1/2 cups bread flour*
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Creamy Glaze
Purple-, green-, and gold-tinted sparkling sugar sprinkles
Preparation
Cook first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until butter melts. Set aside, and cool mixture to 100° to 110°.
Stir together yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a 1-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.
Beat sour cream mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, and 2 cups flour at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until smooth. Reduce speed to low, and gradually add enough remaining flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups) until a soft dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until dough is doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough, and divide in half. Roll each portion into a 22- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread 1/3 cup softened butter evenly on each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Stir together 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over butter on each rectangle.
Roll up each dough rectangle, jelly-roll fashion, starting at 1 long side. Place one dough roll, seam side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bring ends of roll together to form an oval ring, moistening and pinching edges together to seal. Repeat with second dough roll.
Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 20 to 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
Bake at 375° for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden. Slightly cool cakes on pans on wire racks (about 10 minutes). Drizzle Creamy Glaze evenly over warm cakes; sprinkle with colored sugars, alternating colors and forming bands. Let cool completely.
Cream Cheese-Filled King Cake: Prepare each 22- x 12-inch dough rectangle as directed. Omit 1/3 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Increase 1/2 cup sugar to 3/4 cup sugar. Beat 3/4 cup sugar; 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 large egg; and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on each dough rectangle, leaving 1-inch borders. Proceed with recipe as directed.
*6 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour may be substituted.
Daddy and Ava were on their own for about twenty hours last weekend while I was in Pigeon Forge at a women's retreat. They had a great time together! Here are a few pics from their time together last weekend.
Daddy reading Each Peach Pear Plum to Ava - a favorite book of ours!
Just like her Daddy, Ava studies her colored ring tower intently.
and a carrot...
Daddy, you make me laugh!
Quality time with Lucy...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Be Blessed
Some of you, my dear readers, maybe go to Steven Curtis Chapman's site every once in awhile. I have it linked to my site. I actually haven't stopped by in a little while to see what's been going on with their family. To catch you up to speed, they adopted three little girls from China and lost Maria Sue, the youngest, in a tragic car accident last year. I just got home from the women's retreat, which was totally amazing and MUCH needed, and I saw Jim Houser's (SCC's manger) post. It's about Mary Beth Chapman's post, who is Steven's wife. It's been almost a year since little Maria Sue's tragic accident. I just had to copy this for you to read today.
This blog has chronicled and continues to chronicle our journey as a family during a difficult season of waiting and is truly about how God was and is found faithful in that waiting. The main purpose of this blog remains to be a place of encouragement for others and a place where you can see Him, not me. He's so much more splendid than me! :) If you could only see my hair and smeared eyeliner right now and know what God brought to the surface about my wayward heart over the weekend! Anyway, tonight, I was so blessed by reading this post from Mary Beth's site and wanted to share it with you in the hopes that you, too, might be encouraged.
Mom..."Does God really have a BIG BIG House?" "yes Maria".... Mom..."Does it have lots and lots of rooms?" "yes Maria".... "Does Gods BIG BIG House have a BIG BIG Table?" "Yes Maria, with lots and lots of food! And Maria... It also has a yard where you can play football!" When I finished some of sweet little Maria's description of heaven that she had been learning at pre-school from a song they had been singing, her little squinty Asian eyes (and believe me....they were little) got as BIG as they possibly could! "MOM! How did you know all of that about Gods Big Big House?" Maria was so excited that I knew what she was talking about.... It was a very sweet morning, a very normal morning, a morning when we are rushing around trying to get the two littlest Chapman's out the door to pre-school. Little did I know that Stevey and Maria had been learning the Audio Adrenaline song, "Big Big House" at school. This was the first time that either girl sang any of the lyrics in front of us. Maria actually didn't sing them, instead she put them into very factual question like sentences. We had the most precious conversation about God's Big Big House, and then as normal as asking for a drink of water, that little sweet thing said, "Momma, I wanna go to Gods Big Big House.... How do you get there? How do you know if your going?" That morning, looking back, Maria was on a little mission. I remember even questioning to myself whether she was too young to fully understand what was going on. She was only 4 years old at the time. I was thrilled that she was asking questions and was curious about this opportunity that was before her. I told Maria that "yes, you can be sure your going to God's Big House by asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and asking Him into your heart to live. Then I told her that the Holy Spirit would be in her heart to help her make good and right decisions..." You get the picture.... I was trying to explain it in a childlike way the plan of salvation... She knew that Jesus had come and died on the cross for us.... so the best I could... I stood there and explained God's plan for curious little Maria Sue. She was very determined to pray and ask Jesus into her heart. So, I immediately took her and found Steven, who happened to be in town... I was so thankful he got to be there. He sat Maria up on the kitchen counter and he led her in the simplest prayer to ask Jesus to be Lord of her life and to come reside in her heart. About that time, Stevey Joy popped up on the couch that looks into our Kitchen and said...."well, I wanna go to Gods Big Big House too!" So, another prayer later, two of the most beautiful names I know were written in a pretty important book in Heaven! Little did I know that 1 year later, I would be telling all of you this story, and how profound this whole experience would become. You see, just 3 months later, when God for some reason that I won't understand this side of the vale, saw fit to need a special little person in heaven with him, this day, February 20th, 2008, would become one of the most special days to our family to hold on too. Steven took Maria and Stevey to school that day, because they had announcements to give! Both girls were determined to let their teachers know what they had done that morning at home. Don't ever estimate the faith of a child. I believe with all of my heart that Maria asking and being so determined was a gift of God. A preparation for 3 months later when my whole world would crumble and life would cease to exist in the way I knew it. I can't even begin to explain the suffering and hard places that this journey has found me in. But here me say..... with all certainty in me.... Maria felt compelled that day to ask Jesus into her heart. She was 4 years old.... Did she understand fully? As much as Christ asks us to understand. We don't have all the answers, but with Childlike faith we can trust the one who says all through Scripture that HE is the only ONE to trust with your life. Thank You little nutty Maria for teaching Mommy that all you need is the faith of a mustard seed and it will grow into an eternity of sitting on the lap of the One who has the biggest table of food you can imagine......By the way.....Maria LOVED to eat... Be blessed today as you put whatever amount of Faith you can muster into the hands of the One who holds it ALL....including my little girl.... Maria Sue Chunxi Chapman... The silliest goober I know (I miss you my little sweet pea).
Walk in that Faith today,
Mary Beth
This blog has chronicled and continues to chronicle our journey as a family during a difficult season of waiting and is truly about how God was and is found faithful in that waiting. The main purpose of this blog remains to be a place of encouragement for others and a place where you can see Him, not me. He's so much more splendid than me! :) If you could only see my hair and smeared eyeliner right now and know what God brought to the surface about my wayward heart over the weekend! Anyway, tonight, I was so blessed by reading this post from Mary Beth's site and wanted to share it with you in the hopes that you, too, might be encouraged.
Mom..."Does God really have a BIG BIG House?" "yes Maria".... Mom..."Does it have lots and lots of rooms?" "yes Maria".... "Does Gods BIG BIG House have a BIG BIG Table?" "Yes Maria, with lots and lots of food! And Maria... It also has a yard where you can play football!" When I finished some of sweet little Maria's description of heaven that she had been learning at pre-school from a song they had been singing, her little squinty Asian eyes (and believe me....they were little) got as BIG as they possibly could! "MOM! How did you know all of that about Gods Big Big House?" Maria was so excited that I knew what she was talking about.... It was a very sweet morning, a very normal morning, a morning when we are rushing around trying to get the two littlest Chapman's out the door to pre-school. Little did I know that Stevey and Maria had been learning the Audio Adrenaline song, "Big Big House" at school. This was the first time that either girl sang any of the lyrics in front of us. Maria actually didn't sing them, instead she put them into very factual question like sentences. We had the most precious conversation about God's Big Big House, and then as normal as asking for a drink of water, that little sweet thing said, "Momma, I wanna go to Gods Big Big House.... How do you get there? How do you know if your going?" That morning, looking back, Maria was on a little mission. I remember even questioning to myself whether she was too young to fully understand what was going on. She was only 4 years old at the time. I was thrilled that she was asking questions and was curious about this opportunity that was before her. I told Maria that "yes, you can be sure your going to God's Big House by asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and asking Him into your heart to live. Then I told her that the Holy Spirit would be in her heart to help her make good and right decisions..." You get the picture.... I was trying to explain it in a childlike way the plan of salvation... She knew that Jesus had come and died on the cross for us.... so the best I could... I stood there and explained God's plan for curious little Maria Sue. She was very determined to pray and ask Jesus into her heart. So, I immediately took her and found Steven, who happened to be in town... I was so thankful he got to be there. He sat Maria up on the kitchen counter and he led her in the simplest prayer to ask Jesus to be Lord of her life and to come reside in her heart. About that time, Stevey Joy popped up on the couch that looks into our Kitchen and said...."well, I wanna go to Gods Big Big House too!" So, another prayer later, two of the most beautiful names I know were written in a pretty important book in Heaven! Little did I know that 1 year later, I would be telling all of you this story, and how profound this whole experience would become. You see, just 3 months later, when God for some reason that I won't understand this side of the vale, saw fit to need a special little person in heaven with him, this day, February 20th, 2008, would become one of the most special days to our family to hold on too. Steven took Maria and Stevey to school that day, because they had announcements to give! Both girls were determined to let their teachers know what they had done that morning at home. Don't ever estimate the faith of a child. I believe with all of my heart that Maria asking and being so determined was a gift of God. A preparation for 3 months later when my whole world would crumble and life would cease to exist in the way I knew it. I can't even begin to explain the suffering and hard places that this journey has found me in. But here me say..... with all certainty in me.... Maria felt compelled that day to ask Jesus into her heart. She was 4 years old.... Did she understand fully? As much as Christ asks us to understand. We don't have all the answers, but with Childlike faith we can trust the one who says all through Scripture that HE is the only ONE to trust with your life. Thank You little nutty Maria for teaching Mommy that all you need is the faith of a mustard seed and it will grow into an eternity of sitting on the lap of the One who has the biggest table of food you can imagine......By the way.....Maria LOVED to eat... Be blessed today as you put whatever amount of Faith you can muster into the hands of the One who holds it ALL....including my little girl.... Maria Sue Chunxi Chapman... The silliest goober I know (I miss you my little sweet pea).
Walk in that Faith today,
Mary Beth
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Prune Delight
Ava is now eating prunes which she just LOVES. I think she likes them better than bananas! I snapped this one this afternoon and thought it looked like she was wearing prune lipstick! ha!
I'll be out of town for a few days this weekend, and Daddy and Ava will be on their own! I'll hopefully be able to post some Daddy/Ava time pics when I get home. I'll be in Pigeon Forge at a much needed women's retreat! I'm really looking forward to going and being refreshed.
I'll be back soon to post more!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Busy as a Bee
Miss Ava is as busy as a little bee lately, sitting up and grabbing everything in sight. She likes to sit on this fuzzy blanket my cousin Julie made for her and play with her toys. This picture captures her bending, reaching and grabbing. Everything is now up for grabs, even the cats' tails lately! We're having to be careful about Saki and Lucy when they walk by Ava.
Also, something she's started doing lately is taking her socks off. She doesn't take them off with her hands, though. She likes to kick her legs and rub her feet together. I'll come back in a few minutes and they'll be off! I think she's going to enjoy being barefooted. Today, we went to Mr. Gattis Pizza to have lunch with a childhood friend of mine who recently adopted two little girls a little older than Ava. I turned around for a minute, and one of the girls had both of Ava's socks in her hands. I think they're working together to remove her socks! :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
So Funny, Daddy!
When Ben gets home from work, he likes to play this "game" with Ava. One of their favorite things to do together is "play with Daddy's hair." Ava just cracks up (she's just starting to giggle- it's mostly just facial expressions right now.) I captured it tonight in the kitchen. Oh, and you'll notice that her face looks like she's been in a cat fight! For one night, I didn't put her sock mittens on her hands, and she sratched herself even though we trim fingernails frequently! She goes wild with her arms and hands when she wakes up in the middle of the night. Mittens tonight!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
L o v e...
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
I'll post some Valentine pics of Ava a little later on this weekend, but I wanted to be sure to celebrate my handsome husband first!
Ben, I love you, sweetheart. It had to be you. :) Happy Valentine's Day!
This is TOO good not to share! Be sure and pause the playlist music. Thank you Uncle Bob and Aunt Diane! Happy Valentine's Day sweet Ava!
Emily
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Pi and Pie
My dear Cindy, in response to your comment about celebrating pi day - Yes, I will, but it will probably be chocolate with meringue! :) Love you!
Play Time
Yesterday, I was in Ava's room organizing drawers, and I found a bag of my baby toys that Mom had given me. I decided to spread a quilt on the floor and let Ava play with them. It was so much fun to watch her with my 70s toys! Some things don't change. She has a Sophie the Giraffe teether that she just loves. It first came out in the 1960s, and they still make it! I had a giraffe teether when I was little, too. The size is different, but the faces look very similar. Maybe Sophie's cousin?
In these pictures, I captured Ava's napping routine. About the time she is getting sleepy, I'll hand her a blankie, and she immediately puts her head down, rubs her eyes and starts sucking her thumb. It's like clockwork. She is so funny to watch.
Our home study went really well yesterday, and we're just counting the days until March 3rd when Ava's adoption will be totally complete! We're trying to decide how to celebrate that day! The actual ceremony won't take long that morning. We should be in and out within 30 minutes or so. I'll be sure and take pictures so you can celebrate along with us!
Also, I wanted to thank everyone again for the sweet messages and cards you sent after my grandmother passed. Cindy, I got yours the other day. I love that message from Helen Keller. Oh, and pi day is coming up! Are you going to celebrate on 3/14? :)
Love everyone,
Emily
In these pictures, I captured Ava's napping routine. About the time she is getting sleepy, I'll hand her a blankie, and she immediately puts her head down, rubs her eyes and starts sucking her thumb. It's like clockwork. She is so funny to watch.
Our home study went really well yesterday, and we're just counting the days until March 3rd when Ava's adoption will be totally complete! We're trying to decide how to celebrate that day! The actual ceremony won't take long that morning. We should be in and out within 30 minutes or so. I'll be sure and take pictures so you can celebrate along with us!
Also, I wanted to thank everyone again for the sweet messages and cards you sent after my grandmother passed. Cindy, I got yours the other day. I love that message from Helen Keller. Oh, and pi day is coming up! Are you going to celebrate on 3/14? :)
Love everyone,
Emily
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Thank You, Pam!
We have our final post placement report home study this afternoon at 12:30. Pam, our social worker, has become a dear friend to us throughout our international and domestic adoptions, and we can't thank her enough for her willingness to advocate for us and cheer us on!
Thank you, Pam!
Ben, Emily, Ava and Maia (somewhere in China!)
This picture was taken Oct. 13th during our first post placement home study. Ava was almost 2 months old.
Ava is almost 6 months old now!
Thank you, Pam!
Ben, Emily, Ava and Maia (somewhere in China!)
This picture was taken Oct. 13th during our first post placement home study. Ava was almost 2 months old.
Ava is almost 6 months old now!
Monday, February 9, 2009
On the Mend
Hey, everyone! Today is Monday, and it's a beautiful day outside. I'm itching to go out and plant my spinach seeds, but the ground is still too wet. Ava and I are on the mend slowly but surely. She's been pretty chipper today despite her runny nose. I took these pictures this morning for you to see.
You can see her two front teeth really well in this one!
Here she is jumping away in her jumparoo. She doesn't act sick! If I had to jump in a jumparoo, I think I'd pass out. :)
You can see her two front teeth really well in this one!
Here she is jumping away in her jumparoo. She doesn't act sick! If I had to jump in a jumparoo, I think I'd pass out. :)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Little Things
**Update** You'll hear a new song on my blog today. I heard it for the first time last night while watching the movie, Fireproof. It's John Waller's "While I'm Waiting." There are many things I've struggled with and questioned, "why" about from time to time in my life, and one of them has been waiting! I know now that the waiting I've experienced in my life forever changed me, and some of the sweetest moments with the Lord came in those times. Waiting is a word that means SO many different things to each and every single one of us. I hope this song encourages your heart.
Be encouraged this day.
Ava sitting at the window seat Ben built in the nursery.
When we started a nursery for Maia (our adoption journey to China) many moons ago, Ben had an idea to build a window seat for her so she could play, store toys and read books there as she grew. We've had these books and toys there for a few years now awaiting a baby to play with them! You'll see some Chinese baby dolls and some adoption books on the top shelf in anticipation of what is to come.
Ava can sit up really well now, and yesterday, we sat her in front of the shelves and let her play. She had a great time! The rug you see on the floor was bought about a year and a half ago. When I saw it in the store, I remember getting teary-eyed and thinking about that extraordinary moment when Maia would be HOME AT LAST! I just HAD to have that rug! At that time, little did I know that Ava was on her way into our family!
I wanted to let everyone know that you can still follow our journey to Maia on this site as well as our first site, www.journeytomaia.com. There's a link on the right side of my blog along with an update of referral dates. They have now processed through March 2, 2006. Our Log-in date is April 28, 2006. The story to Maia is a precious one, and if you're new to our story, it's filled with MANY twists and turns. Mostly, it's about God speaking to my tender heart and telling us that we have a baby girl in China waiting for us. I love the China website because it was the first one we stumbled upon that allowed us to have different buttons for China specific details. I hope that it will become a treasure to Maia in years to come. There are countless journals there written to her, and I am so thankful to Bill, our host, for having such a terrific site for adoptive families. He does a wonderful job.
On another note, Ava and I both had 101.4 degree temps yesterday and have an upper respiratory infection. We're much better today and are enjoying the spring temperatures! Daddy's off on a bike ride with his good buddy, Eric, and we're just camping out again today at home.
Oh, and you know that aspirator thing that looks like a bulb? Well, it's now officially Ava's enemy! I remember hating that thing when I was little, and now, Ava doesn't like it either! It does do a good job, though, in helping little ones breathe better. Now I know why my Mom used it. Thanks, Mom. :)
Be encouraged this day.
Ava sitting at the window seat Ben built in the nursery.
When we started a nursery for Maia (our adoption journey to China) many moons ago, Ben had an idea to build a window seat for her so she could play, store toys and read books there as she grew. We've had these books and toys there for a few years now awaiting a baby to play with them! You'll see some Chinese baby dolls and some adoption books on the top shelf in anticipation of what is to come.
Ava can sit up really well now, and yesterday, we sat her in front of the shelves and let her play. She had a great time! The rug you see on the floor was bought about a year and a half ago. When I saw it in the store, I remember getting teary-eyed and thinking about that extraordinary moment when Maia would be HOME AT LAST! I just HAD to have that rug! At that time, little did I know that Ava was on her way into our family!
I wanted to let everyone know that you can still follow our journey to Maia on this site as well as our first site, www.journeytomaia.com. There's a link on the right side of my blog along with an update of referral dates. They have now processed through March 2, 2006. Our Log-in date is April 28, 2006. The story to Maia is a precious one, and if you're new to our story, it's filled with MANY twists and turns. Mostly, it's about God speaking to my tender heart and telling us that we have a baby girl in China waiting for us. I love the China website because it was the first one we stumbled upon that allowed us to have different buttons for China specific details. I hope that it will become a treasure to Maia in years to come. There are countless journals there written to her, and I am so thankful to Bill, our host, for having such a terrific site for adoptive families. He does a wonderful job.
On another note, Ava and I both had 101.4 degree temps yesterday and have an upper respiratory infection. We're much better today and are enjoying the spring temperatures! Daddy's off on a bike ride with his good buddy, Eric, and we're just camping out again today at home.
Oh, and you know that aspirator thing that looks like a bulb? Well, it's now officially Ava's enemy! I remember hating that thing when I was little, and now, Ava doesn't like it either! It does do a good job, though, in helping little ones breathe better. Now I know why my Mom used it. Thanks, Mom. :)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Mimi Time
Yesterday, I had to go and get my hair cut. Gone are the days of just getting in the car and going! Mimi came over to be with Ava, and they had a great time reading stories, playing and eating rice cereal.
Today, Ava and I are both congested (I have a sinus infection, I think) and we camped out in the bathroom! I turned the shower water to hot and just let the bathroom steam up. That's helps us more than anything. So... we sat in the bathroom for about 30 minutes and played. Lucy, our cat, couldn't figure out why everyone was in the bathroom without her, so she came in, too. It was quite the party!
It's been a slow week this week. It's been bitterly cold, too, so Ava and I have had some good indoor play time.
Here's a few shots from our cold February week! The groundhog saw his shadow, so it looks like we're in for six more weeks of winter weather. You can still see leftover snow in the yard and on the mountains. It's supposed to be 60 degrees, tomorrow, though, so I guess that will take care of the snow! It was so fun to have some earlier this week!
The next morning. Notice I lost my carrot nose!
Ava has enough hair now for a bow!
Sleepy time. She loves to sleep with this furry bunny my grandmother picked out for her last fall.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Today, Ava and I are both congested (I have a sinus infection, I think) and we camped out in the bathroom! I turned the shower water to hot and just let the bathroom steam up. That's helps us more than anything. So... we sat in the bathroom for about 30 minutes and played. Lucy, our cat, couldn't figure out why everyone was in the bathroom without her, so she came in, too. It was quite the party!
It's been a slow week this week. It's been bitterly cold, too, so Ava and I have had some good indoor play time.
Here's a few shots from our cold February week! The groundhog saw his shadow, so it looks like we're in for six more weeks of winter weather. You can still see leftover snow in the yard and on the mountains. It's supposed to be 60 degrees, tomorrow, though, so I guess that will take care of the snow! It was so fun to have some earlier this week!
The next morning. Notice I lost my carrot nose!
Ava has enough hair now for a bow!
Sleepy time. She loves to sleep with this furry bunny my grandmother picked out for her last fall.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Good News!
Ok. I realized after I left that post last night that everyone was probably going to lynch me if I didn't get back on here soon and report! :)
So, without further delay, here is the good news about Ava's and Maia's adoptions!!
1) We received a mailing from our TN attorney last week telling us that the finalization of Ava's adoption into our family will be March 3rd! It's already official, but this is the ceremony we attend with Ava and the judge where he finalizes it, and Ava officially has our last name. We are beyond excited about this moment! It will be so timely in so many ways. God is so good and His timing is always perfect. I still remember those days of praying that God's hand would just move. I wanted that so badly, but it had to be in His timing, not mine. I can now see, Lord. The glory is Yours alone.
2) Also, last Friday evening after the graveside services for Ruthie, Ben and I came home and opened our mail. I was busy reading some other mail, and I heard Ben say, "Emily, we got something from USCIS." Well, many of you know that we have been through quite a saga to get continued clearance from USCIS Memphis to bring Maia home hopefully this year. The forms and requirments have volleyed back and forth since last summer, left me in an emotional heap many a time since August, and have again, tested our faith. Well, we both just looked at each other, took a deep breath and opened it.
Drum roll....It was our I-171H approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to bring Maia home! It's good for another 18 months, and we know it won't be that long before we find out who Miss Maia is and go to China to bring her home to our family! Here's a picture of the long-awaited document!! I feel like it should have gold lettering or something!
We're expecting some more snow this afternoon. My goal is to take down our Christmas tree ornaments and icicles. Ben has given me a friendly ultimatum. :)
Have a great day, everyone!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thank You!
Hey, everybody,
I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know how deeply grateful I am for your thoughts and prayers for my family. Someone asked me as they went through the receiving friends line last Thursday, "What are you all going to do without her?"
My answer was, "Live." Because I know that's what she would want us to do. There's a lot of living left to do for each one of us.
I've been really thoughtful this week, reflecting, processing, being still, listening. God's always teaching me new things for whatever leg of this journey through life that I'm on.
I'm looking out the window at the bird feeder right now, and there's a little circle of chipping sparrows on the ground around it. I thought about the song, "His Eye is On the Sparrow." It snowed this morning for hours- our biggest one yet, and the birds are searching for food. I know if I didn't feed them, that they'd be ok, because God feeds them. But, what a joy it is to help and come alongside them. They're birds. I know. But, my deeper thought turns to all of the folks who lift me up and help me along this journey and give me spiritual food. I am so forever grateful, and I am continually hungry!
I'll post some snow pics soon! I made a snow family today in my "spare" time. :)
Now, was I going to do the dishes or the laundry first?
Oh, and I have two great celebratory things to share in my next post! One has to do with Ava's adoption, and the other has to do with Maia's adoption!
I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know how deeply grateful I am for your thoughts and prayers for my family. Someone asked me as they went through the receiving friends line last Thursday, "What are you all going to do without her?"
My answer was, "Live." Because I know that's what she would want us to do. There's a lot of living left to do for each one of us.
I've been really thoughtful this week, reflecting, processing, being still, listening. God's always teaching me new things for whatever leg of this journey through life that I'm on.
I'm looking out the window at the bird feeder right now, and there's a little circle of chipping sparrows on the ground around it. I thought about the song, "His Eye is On the Sparrow." It snowed this morning for hours- our biggest one yet, and the birds are searching for food. I know if I didn't feed them, that they'd be ok, because God feeds them. But, what a joy it is to help and come alongside them. They're birds. I know. But, my deeper thought turns to all of the folks who lift me up and help me along this journey and give me spiritual food. I am so forever grateful, and I am continually hungry!
I'll post some snow pics soon! I made a snow family today in my "spare" time. :)
Now, was I going to do the dishes or the laundry first?
Oh, and I have two great celebratory things to share in my next post! One has to do with Ava's adoption, and the other has to do with Maia's adoption!
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