First, we've been moving along quite nicely in our journey to Charlotte. I've updated our timeline on the sidebar and as you can see, we received our NVC approval just a few days ago. Now we wait for TA! Looks like mid to late February travel is a good possibility. We are trying to bring the entire family this time, and the kids have off of school the last week of February, so it would be a huge blessing if we could use that week to reduce the time missed from school.
Although Charlotte is in Guangdong Province and we could fly directly there, we are really hoping our finances will allow us to travel to Beijing to see the sights and visit New Day. Praying prices won't be too astronomical and that He will provide. We are also hoping to visit New Day South while we are in Guangzhou, which would be another huge blessing. We sponsor Leila (sidebar), and I would LOVE to hold her and definitely a few others down there;-). Charlotte's orphanage is about a 9 hour drive south of Guangzhou. While I would love to go and see the town, orphanage, and meet her caretakers, I just don't know if that will be feasible. Plus my major concern would be how Charlotte would react going back to the orphanage. Have to think about this....So many things to consider in what is becoming a short amount of time.
We were also able to get an update on Charlotte from the orphanage staff with a few new pictures. It was SO heartwarming to see her smiling and having fun with friends. It looks like the orphanage has a nice indoor play area. Here's one of my favorites cropped to protect the other little ones' privacy.
Her updated measurements and weight hasn't changed much...still a peanut that weighs only 22lbs, but we are praying we can put some meat on those bones once she is home;-).
My nerves are really starting to kick in...along with my 3:00am awakenings....just sayin'.
So this is where my 'orderliness' is probably going to end....now for the random catch ups and pics/videos...
Sophie received a new prosthesis in October...just in time for soccer!! She had a great season. Soccer is so good for strengthening her leg. She has truly come such a long way. To watch her run, you would never know she wears a prosthesis. She also jokes she has the best shin pad of all!!
Sophie had her first piano recital in early December, a Christmas concert, and played Pastorale at church the week before Christmas. She was nervous, but it disn't show in her playing...she did a fantastic job! Here's some footage of her playing from the Christmas concert...
Going back to summer...which was a total blur with both boys playing District All Stars in their respective baseball leagues, and my mom here recovering from back surgery. Owen's team made it to the district semifinals, and Nathan's Babe Ruth team made it to the state finals. Unfortunately they lost the State Championship by 1 point in the bottom of the last inning. It was a great accomplishment for both boys to make the teams, and for the teams to go as far as they did. We just love baseball, and so does Sophie, thank goodness!!!
Here are some favorite autumn shots...
An in-prompt-to family photo, that miraculously turned out pretty decent on the first shot....
And to close things out...some pics from the Christmas holiday....Uncle Dave was able to come out from LA for an extended visit, and did some MAJOR spoiling on the kiddos. They were not expecting, or even asking for what they received, and were totally surprised when they opened their gifts. Owen and Sophie were given ipads and Nathan received a touchscreen laptop of his own. There is something wrong when your kids have better electronic devices than the parents do...lol!! These items will be wonderful for the long flights and downtime in China.
Well, one of my 2013 resolutions is to blog more frequently...we'll see if that happens.
Wishing you ALL a wonderful 2013, filled with many blessings from above!! Now off to make some sushi for New Years Eve;-)
As always, God is good!!
1 comment:
What a blessed year and it looks like 2013 is going to be just as great !
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