Celebrating 20 months Closer to Hannah!!

Wow...this month has sped along quickly! What fun to be celebrating my 20 month LIDiversary!! (Although, my head keeps thinking the number 23...don't know what's up with that?!! And yes, it may be a little early for a Poinsettia but I wanted to enjoy it for the month of December rather than just the last 2 days before Christmas which would have happened if I'd waited until next month. So, Merry Christmas!)

Today my file has been logged with the China Centre of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) for 20 months which brings me 20 months closer to my precious baby girl! Wahoo!!! As much as it's exciting to see the number of months begin with the number '2' I'm still pretty confident at this point that I'll work my way through the 20's and see numbers starting with a '3' by the time I get her referral or have her in my arms, but that's just fine with me.

Today I'm celebrating being in the waiting line for 20 months!! As today is 'Black Friday' I've thought about this journey as being in a waiting line. In this line I've brought along a lawn chair, some great reading (blogs, blogs and more blogs!!!), See's chocolate and Tim's coffee. You know me by now and know that I've talked to as many people as I can that are in line with me and we've formed some amazing friendships that I hope will last a lifetime!!

When I get discouraged I stand on my tippy toes, stretch my neck and look to the front of the line. Guess what?? Those friends are seeing pictures of their little ones!!! There are also many, many others who are already home with their sweeties and every single one of them says the wait is worth every minute and I trust them 100%.

So, I'm ready! Settling into my lawn chair for the next bit of the wait. Coffee anyone?? Let's chat!

(This is one of those posts that kinda took on a life of its own as I typed it. I tried to include as many of you as I could. To those I missed, I'm sorry. After a while I was confusing even myself and figured it was best to stop while I was ahead! Please know that if you're reading this and leave comments so that I know who you are, you are appreciated!)

Tess and Her Taggies

Julie and I have been wonderful friends for almost 3 years now. Wow! Time sure flies! It was her announcement on a scrapbooking site of her upcoming adoption of Tess that planted the final seed in my heart and I began my own adoption journey to Hannah, just 5 short days later. She and I became fast friends and even though it took over 2 years for us to finally meet in person, we clicked immediately online.

Long before I began blogging *gasp!!* Julie and I corresponded via emails. She was also the person who was instrumental in helping me set up 'Catherine's Chatter - Waiting for Hannah.' So when I was making my very first gift for my own precious Hannah I decided to make something for her little girl too. At the time they were both only in our hearts but they were there all the same.

My friend Michelle had made a tag blanket when her son was born and I loved the concept. I decided to make one for Hannah and Tess too. Little did I know how attached Miss Tess would become to her precious taggies! I still remember the email Julie sent shortly after returning from China telling me how Tess loved tags on all the toys she had so Julie had given her Taggie I and a new friendship between she and her little blanket was formed.

Over the past 11 months that Tess has been home, she's accumulated Taggie I, II, III, IV, V and VI! Some are still around, others have wandered away. Don't worry sweetie, Taggies VII, VIII, IX and X will be on their way to you tomorrow! LOL!

I love this picture that Julie sent a few weeks ago! Isn't she adorable?!!!


And, just this morning, here is Tess (who is growing up so quickly) took Taggie #? with her as she went on an adventure to enjoy the first snow of the season.

I love you Tess and am so thankful that you and Taggie are such special friends!

PS - When you decide what college you're going to just let me know and I'll make sure you're well stocked in Taggies boasting your school's colours! :o)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

To all my preious friends south of the border...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

May today be extra special as you're thankful for the blessings you have and those still to come!

Today I'm thankful for each of you!

Waiting Mommies Dinner #7

I'm late posting this but wanted to share a picture of our latest waiting mommies dinner. It's hard to believe that it's only been a year since we first started getting together! Last November when we got together for the first time many of us had never met before. Now, one short year later the ladies that attend these dinners are some of my most precious and cherished friends and I am thankful to God from bringing us together!

Here's the group that gathered together on November 9th. Back row (l to r): Ange (who showed us pictures of her adorable son waiting for her in Vietnam!), Bev, Karen, Tammy, Jill, Rebekah and myself. Front row: Lea, Suzanne, Julia, Paula, Liz and the oh so adorable Ava!

Each time we meet together it's fun to hear what's been happening in one anothers lives and also see new referral pictures. Congratulations Ange!! We also have a gift exchange that is optional to participate in. This month's theme was 'Reading is Fun' and we encouraged people to give their favourite childhood book to someone else. Hannah received a beautiful board book and matching bunny for the 'Guess How Much I Love You' story! Too cute! Thank you! And yes, I teared up in the restaurant when I read it. What a beautiful story! My arms ache for the day when I'll be holding Hannah and reading this beautiful story to her.

Hannah, Guess how much I love you? I love you more than I ever knew I could even though right now you are only in my heart you are a part of my life, dreams and future. I'm praying for you and excited about the day that God will bring you and I together. Hannah, mommy loves you!! xoxo

Praising God for Answered Prayers!

I am excited to tell you that the US government has granted the necessary visas for Sandi and Hannah and that they are on their way home this weekend!

Praising God for answered prayers!!

Sandi's agency has also set up a fund for any who might care to contribute financially to the 'Hope for Hannah' fund.

Thank you for all the prayers you have offered up and will continue to offer on behalf of this family. God has answered our prayers but we also know that Sandi's journey has just begun. Still praying for she and Hannah as they deal with the death of Sandi's husband and Hannah's new daddy.