She knows!!

We jiust received an email from Angela in China with 4 pictures of Claire!  We are so thrilled.  The pictures are of her with the orphanage director and all the presents we sent for her birthday, two of her by herself and one with two nannys.  One of the presents we sent was a pillow with our pictures on it.  So she definitely knows about us.   I can only imagine what she must be thinking, other than "When will they come get me??"

It is a wonderful way to end our day.

One more exciting thing . . . .

I forgot to mention that we received Catherine's passport today!  Hopefully we will receive Luke's tomorrow.  Keeping my fingers crossed!!

I800A-Immigration Approval

We received our approval today from US Immigration.  This is super huge!  Now we just need 2, hopefully quick, approvals of that document and we will be able to send everything to China.  Once all the paperwork is logged in with China, it will be 4-6 months before we travel.

Everyone is so excited.  Even Luke jumped up from the table and did a little "Oh Yeah" dance when we gave the kids the news.

One step closer to bringing home our sweet Claire!!

Happy Birthday

Today is Claire's 8th birthday.  We have counted down the days and thought of her all day.  We said a special prayer and Catherine even sang.  We just wish she could have been with us to celebrate.  Next year, on this day, the sadness of separation will be a distant memory.

This day is also special because it was the birthday of my stepmother, Patsy.  She's been gone 6 years now.  When we learned that Claire's birthday was the same day, it was one of the coincidences that confirmed for us that she was meant for our family.  We don't know her yet, but I know that Patsy would have been thrilled that we are adding to our family and that she and Claire shared a birthday.

Today, they both are missed.