Today our little guy turned FOUR YEARS OLD! How we wish we could be with him, spoiling him rotten and eating lots of cake and ice-cream. It does make me feel better to know that our package likely arrived sometime this week-- possibly even today! I'm pretty sure that finding out you were getting a family would be a fun birthday surprise! (:(:(:(:
We do have some good news, too! Today our dossier was finally sent to CHINA! For those of you unfamiliar with the adoption process, this is a BIG STEP. We will be finding our LID (login date) soon, and then we can start the countdown to LOA (letter of acceptance) and TA (travel approval). Right now, the average wait time from LID to TA is 4-5 months. This is TOO LONG for our liking, so we are praying for it to go faster! Once you receive your TA, you usually travel within 2 weeks. We are REALLY wanting to travel this summer, so my parents can watch Elli and the boys (Graci and Jesi are going with us). My parents are both teachers, and it would be easier for them, and for my kids, if we could get back before school started in late August. Of course, more importantly than the convenience of summer travel is that our little guy is waiting for us and we are DYING to bring him home! It has been six months since we first saw his sweet little face on the waiting child list, and we don't want to wait another six!! So we're praying that the 4-5 months will be more like 2-3 months, and we know it can happen if it is His will.
So, our darling son,
Next year on this day you will wake up with your favorite breakfast brought to you in bed. The birthday song will be sung by your five adoring siblings, and your two very grateful parents. You will have gifts and cake and balloons. You will have a house full of friends at whatever kind of party you choose. You will smile and giggle and be hugged ferociously. You will be spoiled by grandparents, and high-fived by neighbors. But know, dear Chu Chu, you will not be loved any more then than you are right now by me. You may not be in our home yet, but you are in our hearts. Tonight I trust that our Heavenly Father will hold you, and stroke your cheek for me. That He will speak peace to your heart, and put a smile on your face. I pray He will give you dreams of this new family that will soon be yours. We miss you, we pray for you, and we love you.
Happy 4th Birthday-- your last one alone!
Love,
Your mommy
Oh, sweet Christianne! You know how to make me cry. What a VERY fortunate little boy he is. We hope we get to meet him someday!
ReplyDeleteHEY - just a little 'happy dance' on the DTC! Your newest son and our first adopted daughter will always have a connection - 3/26 is her 'gotcha day'. And my math says you could travel in August - we'll add a prayer for a quick turn around for you guys!
ReplyDeleteVery cool that the girls will be traveling with you - very bold - and I'm sure a prayerfully made decision and very cool that Graci will get to bring her brother home!
Lots of hugs - aus and co.
Happy Birthday Chu Chu!
ReplyDeleteWe can't wait to hold you in our arms. Happy 4th birthday Chu Chu/
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday little Chu Chu!!! I can't wait to see him in pictures on his next Bday!
ReplyDeletehi. i came across your blog on the mormon mommy blogs and it melted my ♥!! My husband and i are in the "waiting phase" of adopting through LDS Family Services. It was a joy to read about your sweet family! Congrats on your "newest" edition and hope the days fly by till you bring him home!
ReplyDeleteWhat darling children and there is no doubt beauty runs in your family, adopted or not. We want you to be able to get Chu Chu very soon, so you will be in our prayers. Have fun at the dance shows. They are delightful. Let us know when they are---maybe we can come. We are beginning to fill our home with guests, so not sure all the time we will have. Love
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