Leaving

We're at the airport, waiting. It was hard to say goodbye to the girls this morning but they were very excited to be going to Mrs. Raichart's house today! It's so good to know that they have so many people that will be loving on and watching over them. I picked up little pink mailboxes for the girls and we decorated them yesterday. The girls got their first present in their new mailboxes from me today after I left and when I called later were very exited about their new chap stick :)

I'm watching a Mama chase a very busy toddler around the waiting area and realizing that our return flight wont be nearly as relaxing as this one!

Flight Info

We've had a lot of questions about our itinerary so here goes!

Jason and I would love to see you at the airport when we get back. If all goes well we'll arrive at PDX at 3:48 in the afternoon on Friday March 22nd. We're flying Alaskan, flight number 2151. We'll be coming from Seattle and will have cleared immigration there so Craig will be an official US citizen by the time you see him.

Mom and I will be leaving PDX on Friday the 8th at 10:30 AM and will arrive in China at 5:30 (PST) Saturday morning.

We will be picking up Craig, Lord willing, sometime Sunday evening or night. We're hoping to introduce Craig to his Daddy and sisters Sunday or Monday via Skype.

We can't begin to describe how much we appreciate your prayers and support. Thank you!!!

New Pics

Mom and I spent the day sorting and packing. I realized another great reason to be taking her along; when it comes to fitting things into a suitcase, I'm hopeless :)

We got new pictures today - can't wait to give our little boy as many snuggles as he'll go for!

Flights Booked

We have dates!  Mom and I will be leaving PDX March 8th in the morning and will arrive in Taiyuan, Shanxi on the 9th at 10:55 pm.  We will have Sunday there to recover and will be picking Craig up on Monday, March 11th!!!!!! 

On the 22nd we will be able to come home and introduce Craig to his Daddy and Big Sisters.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

The good news; we only have one step left before we get to go pick up Craig! On Thursday our Article 5 was picked up so we are now waiting for Travel Approval, which usually comes in about two weeks. Once Travel Approval is issued by the CCWA our adoption agency will make consulate appointments in China and the travel agency will make all of our in country arrangements.

The bad news; we were hoping to leave Feb. 15th to pick up Craig, but the province he lives in is especially particular.  They don't want to have us finalize the adoption then, as it will be the week after Chinese New Year. The next date that our agency has on the books is March 1st but that is impossible because there is another family going to our province the following week, and the official doesn't like to have adoptive parents come two weeks in a row.  At this point we are expecting to be leaving March 8th.  We are disappointed, but not discouraged.  We know that God is powerful and He loves us and we look forward to seeing what the next steps will be.

Meanwhile, Jason started painting Craig's furniture, and it is absolutely gorgeous!!!  I can't wait to see his room put back together!

If, by some miracle, we were to get our Travel Approval in the next few days, and there were still consulate appointments available, and the agent could find guides and tickets, we'd be out of here the following week! If I suddenly disappear, you will know what happened ;)

We got an update!

We were thrilled to get an email updating us on Craig's progress and health today!  He's in 9 month clothes, on formula, and had a palate surgery since our last update.

Here are the pics!

Thank you!

Thanks to many generous gifts, we were able to meet the matching amount from Hand in Hand. We are so blessed by your support of us, and can't wait for Craig to meet the many people who are loving on him from a distance.

Progress Since Last Post :)

-US Immigration Approval
-National Visa Center did whatever they do
-All our approvals and paperwork were sent back to China
-Craig's room is now painted
-Nicole and I sorted through clothes that my nephew used to wear, I can't wait to put Craig in his new outfits!!

We now have only two steps left before we buy our tickets.  At this point I am hoping for a Feb. 15th departure date.

Also, we have had a couple of people ask about giving.  Hand in Hand only accepted donations until the 21st for us, but here is the info for Lifesong for Orphans, which also has an account set up for Craig.

You can send by check or online, and as long as it is postmarked by the 31st it will be tax deductible for 2012.  The check needs to be made out to Lifesong, but our id # and last name should be in the memo line, which is  3041Wood.
Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 40
Gridley, IL 61744