Keeping busy!

Well, things start getting blurred once RA (referral acceptance) is received. I feel like we are in organized chaos right now. There are stacks of paper, clothes, supplies here and there, and I know just where everything's at - so no one breathe, on anything! ;)

We did get Zane's care package in the mail on Monday - praying for its safe arrival to our boy - we included three outfits, sleeper, toy truck, cloths, family album, teddy bear, disposable camera, chocolate covered sunflowers from Kansas made by KC's Russell Stover for the orphanage staff, and a letter of gratitude and instruction on enclosed items - all thanks to Mei's translation. When I was packing it up, right before putting in the toy truck, Elle says, 'Wait', takes the truck out of my hands, kisses it and then gives it back to me, waving 'bye, Zane!" Ahhhhhh, sweet girl! :)

I've been buying more of this and that - a few baby items for the room, some clothes - most of the clothes I'm buying are around 3-6 months and 6-9 months. Last time we were in China, we enjoyed beautiful Fall weather - it's gonna be hot this time around. At least we'll be able to enjoy the pool, aye?! Also cuts down on the different season of clothes to bring.

Been filling out more paperwork - travel info, visa applications and preparing the paper items we'll need on the trip. Our agency again reiterated to us today that they will do everything they can to get us in the August travel group. Now we wait for TA and are praying it arrives next week. We immediately booked an appointment for Zane with the cl/cp team for September 18 and were told there were no more appointments until January. It really seems crucial that we travel in August so we can make this appointment and enjoy being with him on his birthday. We know that God works all things together for good - so we trust that His timing will be perfect and pray with great faith.

Still left for this week, finish getting our travel website ready, visa applications mailed, and waiting for the Haberman and Mead Johnson bottles to arrive - they are special cleft lip/palate bottles. We are going to bring a couple of different nipples - hoping to find the right fit for Zane.

Before all this excitement, Elle and I enjoyed a fabulous week, first an afternoon visit with adoption buddy, Laurie, and her two beautiful kiddos from China, and then four days with my dear friend, Alice, and her girls. Alice and husband, Wade, were a part of casting a vision of China for us, now years ago! We explored their new city, hung around the house drinking amaretto coffee and watched our girls become friends. It was a great time and got even better when while sitting on her couch I received the call from our agency of the referral acceptance. Definitely a blast sharing that with Alice! Below are some great pictures and video from our week.

We ended the week celebrating our niece, Michaela's, 13th and Eric's brother, Chris', 40th at a surprise party. They were both very taken back and it was a pleasure to be with them for such a grand celebration.

Happy bday Chris & Michaela!