Another Photo!

Updated Nursery Picture

Karsynn's Room Has Furniture!

Well, the nursery is finally complete. Now, all we need is Karsynn. We went to Babies R Us in Lexington yesterday, and purchased her convertible crib, changing table and armoire. We couldn't stand to wait, so we had Papaw and Grandpa put the crib together last night. It looks so beautiful. This is something Troy and I have both wanted for so long, and it's hard to believe that this time next year we'll be parents. I simply cannot wait until they place Karsynn in my arms for the first time.

Still In Search of the I-171H...

Troy talked with our Family Advocate at our agency, A Helping Hands. He says that our approved home study was officially sent out on July 15, so that means we are offically at day 34 in our wait for this final document. We've been told to expect it anyday now, but we're beginning to get a bit frustrated. It frustrates me to think that it may be sitting on someone's desk who doesn't even care that we rush home every day after school in hopes of finding in the mailbox. I'm really trying to practice patience, but my patience are wearing thin. It's so funny though, as impatient as I am, so are my students. They all want to know what's going on, and they simply love to talk about it in class. They want to pull down the wall map and find China, and they love to guess which area she will be from. It's so cute! They are so good for me right now. They help fill my days with fun and laughter, as Troy and I wait for our darling baby girl. Someone told me just the other day, "You know, she'll be a lucky little girl." My response was, "Yes, but Troy and I will be even luckier." She will fill a void in both of our lives.

"Our feet are in America, but our Hearts are in China!"

Our Passports have Arrived! Yeah!!

Our passports finally arrived in the mail today. That's one less thing on our long list of things to do. I've heard that China uses passport pictures to match a child with a family. If that's the case, then Troy and I are in trouble. Our passport photos are only steps away from being mugshots. Seriously! We still continue to wait on the I-171H. We are now at about day 35 in our wait, and most people have been receiving their's in 45 or so days. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer!

Parent Education Classes are almost complete! Yeah!!!

Well, we attended another Parent Education class today in Lexington from 9:00-12:00. Today we participated in the Medical Risks class offered by a Lexington physician who has adopted from China, herself. She was very helpful. For instance, I didn't know that 60% of Asian children will end up wearing glasses because of nearsightedness. Also, I wasn't aware that many Asian children have spots on them called Mongolian Spots that are sort of like a birthmark that fades with time. We found this interesting, because this is something we'll definitely want to alert our pediatrician and daycare to, so that they don't think we're abusing our daughter. These spots look very much like a large bruise. Well, enough of the medical talk. I only have one more class to take, CPR, and I'll finish that in Oct. Troy has already been certified, so he's in good shape for now. Until next time...

The Rubber Ducky Bathroom

I'm hoping Karsynn's bathroom picture comes out a bit more clear!
As you can see, Troy and I have had a blast decorating for her.

Karsynn's Bedroom

Here is Karsynn's Bedroom. As promised, Sun, Moon and Stars!

Bedroom and Bathroom Complete!

Well, Karsynn's room is finished (Sun, Moon and Stars theme), and her Rubber Ducky bathroom is finished, too. Our mission was to get those two rooms done this summer, because we simply won't have time to do it when school starts back again (Aug. 9-Troy, Aug. 11-Me). I've made contact with Senator Ben Chandler's office and his assistants are going to help us expedite the process for Karsynn's I-171H, or VISA. This is the last document we need in order to send all of our paperwork to China. Then the long wait begins. It will be about 6 months before we get a referral for a child, and then we'll travel a few months later. We're still hoping for April or May 2006. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for us!