You Might Be Adopting From China If........

You know that I-600 and I-171 aren't highways.
You've been expecting a baby for over 3 years.
You've paid for 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S.
You know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillard's or dishes.
Your home study is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4).
You never know how many days next month will have.
You know that babies come in batches.
You've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime.
You automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl.
You own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big). You look twice when you see a ladybug.
You're more interested in what will happen in March '06 than in March '09.
You know people who understand when you talk about 2w day months & 5 day months.
Your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years.
You know who the Rumor Queen is....AND....you don't know who she is.
You know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather.
You've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed.
Trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and
wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.
When you speak of 'that time of the month' you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals.

And finally, you might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all of your heart!

In the Middle of the Blahs

So it's late January. I've just returned from one of my favorite music education conferences that I always look forward to. I am in the 3rd week of the semester.....reality hits. I'm going through the 'blahs' right now. I'm now living for Spring break......that's awful because I should be living 'in the moment' and appreciating each day........I'll work on that.

When will the April '07 LID's be out of the review room?????????? I'm trying to figure out the approximate time that I might be going to China to get my little Caroline. Is it 2010? Please, please, let it be no later than that. I'm needing my little Caroline....especially after I held a former student's 3-month-old baby. Oh my, the maternal instincts kicked in big time.

World Premier Musical in Chicago

Last week, I attended the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, a yearly event that I ALWAYS look forward to. This year, while in Chicago, I was able to see a world premier musical titled "The Bowery Boys" starring a former student of my friend Pam Smith Kelly. What a great evening! The musical was wonderful, as was the performance of Brian Sears, the 'star.' There is a strong possibility that 'The Bowery Boys' will be going to Broadway. Above is a picture of me, Brian Sears, Pam Smith Kelly, and Sandy Stoekel. Pam and Sandy are special friends from undergrad days at Central Missouri State. Pam is SO PROUD of her former student.

Merry Christmas from Higgins

Higgins is sitting still with his eyes on a treat....that seems to be the only way he'll obey my commands. He even sat still so that I could tie the red bow around his neck. I will be traveling to Kansas City for Christmas so that Mom and I can be with family....that is the current tradition. I'm looking forward to starting new Christmas traditions with my little Caroline.

Here's hoping that you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.

Hague Accreditation

Wonderful news! Children's Hope International (CHI), my adoption agency, has just received their Hague Accreditation. This has been a difficult process to go through for all concerned, but it has ended with a positive result. This news has lifted the spirits of CHI families and we are more hopeful now.

This means that CHI will begin receiving the 'waiting child' or special needs listings. This would include children who have minor to major medical issues, or they may be healthy older children. I have decided that I will have my name included on the SN list while maintaining my spot on the non-special needs list. I have prayerfully considered this option, and I believe it is the right thing to do. I don't feel like I (as a single working mom) should try to consider any major medical condition, but I feel quite comfortable with many of the medical conditions that typically affect these kiddos. Many times, the children have already been medically treated and are healthy. So....I'm waiting to find out what the updated SN process is, and will put my name 'in the hat.'

Thank you for your continued prayers regarding my adoption of Caroline Anne. While I don't yet know who she is.......Caroline is my daughter already. She is tangible to me, not just a dream or a thought. I miss her and I don't even know her. I long to hold her on my lap......I long to hold her close and look at her nose-to-nose. I know it will happen one of these days.

Christmas Concert - My Sweet Kids

My children's choir concert was last week - 'The Heart of Indiana Children's Choir'.....so proud of them. We rehearse once per week on Tuesdays for 90 minutes. If I'm having a bad day, they brighten it and make me smile.....even if they get just a little mischievous. I just had to share a few pictures from the concert. The last picture shows the 'final bow.' When I give them a certain signal, they bow and hold for three seconds, then straighten up again. The little ones are so cute when they bow.

Thanksgiving 2008

I had to share a cute picture of my basset baby Higgins, who is shown in his favorite position in the leather recliner with his 'favorite' fleece throw. He's 5-years-old and very spoiled. I've enjoyed spending time with him over the last couple of days. I'm enjoying a few days off for Thanksgiving break and it's been fun to cuddle with my precious dog who gives unconditional love (and sloppy kisses).

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone without Caroline. Yesterday, at a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with friends, I had at least two questions of "I thought you were adopting a baby from China.....what happened?" Or, "Why is the adoption taking so long?" I certainly appreciate the fact that people inquired.....I'd almost feel worse if people didn't mention anything about the adoption. But, when I tell them that I probably won't have Caroline at NEXT year's Thanksgiving....the reality does sink in.

I am very thankful for what I have and WHO I have. I continue to have a wonderful job and a wonderful Mom, extended family, friends, and terrific students. I have a nice home that I enjoy, and a new church family that cares very much for me. And, I am thankful for this adoption journey.....the fact that I was able to get my dossier logged-in before the new China restrictions took place....the fact that my home study update and the renewal of the I171H form came quickly. I'm thankful that each day is one day closer to Caroline. I have alot to be thankful for. :)