July 9th, its a GO!

We won't be leaving this week like we hoped...although very disappointed, we're incredibly grateful to the staff at Lifeline who have worked tirelessly to get us over there as soon as possible....they've moved mountains to expedite this and we will forever be grateful....each day, each hour seems like an eternity right now....they were finally able to secure our U.S. consulate appointment...which means we officially leave July 9th!!! We'll get into Kunming on July 11th and will have her in our arms the next morning. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!!! We spend a week there and then fly to Guanzhou for another week. There, we end the trip with her swearing in ceremony at the U.S. consulate...back home to the states late at night on July 22nd! Sweet Home Alabama :) 

We learned today that she is 17 lbs and 27 inches...small for her age but Troy and I will do our best to fatten her up...suitcase full of formula and baby food already :) We remember how tiny Dyl was when we first got him, within 2 months he was in the 95th percentile for height and weight....that's one thing this family does well....eat :)

Thank you sweet friends who have put up with me these last 2 weeks as we waited for the final word....you didn't sign up for this crazy ride but jumped on w/me as the loving friends you are...

Flights are booked, bags are packed, hairbows and outfits coordinated...just come on July 9th!!!
(I'm lifting weights every day so I can carry her as long as Troy ...lots of walking and sightseeing in China...I can already tell its gonna be an issue about who gets to hold her ...gotta bulk up , come on chicken arms, don't fail me!!!)

Leavin' on a Jetplane!!!

Well, we got the call! On Tuesday, (her 1st Birthday) our agency called with our Travel Approval!!! They are still confirming our consulate appointment but expect it to be on July 3rd or 4th. This means we may leave as early as next week...Wooo Hoooo!!!! We can't express how excited, nervous, and happy we are right now. We can't believe that in possibly 1 week we will have our sweet daughter in our arms!!! Thank you GOD for your amazing grace and mercy for this family. 

Please pray for Annalee as she says goodbye to her life in Kunming and the caregivers who have looked over her, pray that our first meeting goes well and she isn't frightened or overwhelmed by all the changes she will endure, pray for our strength as we walk through this with her, that we make the best decisions in helping her.  Will post again before we leave, thanks for all your sweet messages and support!   

Lemonade 4 Sale!

Dylan will be selling lemonade to raise money for Annalee's orphanage in Kunming. He came up with this idea after wanting to know everything about her life in China. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and cool off with a glass of lemonade, we'd love to see you!

Saturday, June 19th 
9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
We live in Amberley Woods in Helena (off CR 58)
You'll see his signs :)

All About Annalee..

She is 11 months old and will turn 1 on June 15th. She is beautiful (of course!) with a head full of hair and the most Angelic little face. She lives in an orphanage in South China ~ Kunming City. Her caregivers say she is happy, laughs alot, and loves music...(my future disco dancer, please Lord let her love the Bee Gees :) We hope and pray to be leaving for China in mid-July. We're waiting on a travel approval and U.S. Consulate appointment in Guangzhou. Please pray for her protection and health as she waits to come home, pray for our patience while we wait. We can't get to her quick enough, I'm already packing our bags :)

add one chinese sister...

Here is Dylan seeing Annalee for the first time...We couldn't wait to see his reaction, (knowing he'd be overexcited/jumping for joy). He studied her pictures for the longest time and then just looked up at us. With the most serious look on his face, he says   

"She's cute. Does she cry?" 

 (like this ain't happenin if she's gonna cry) 

labor of love...

slowly but surely, it's coming together...finally, I get to buy PINK! It's a whole new world!