THE Phone Call

First of all, the kitties are gone. Sniff. Sniff. Actually, my lungs couldn't take it. Something about their cute, fluffy fur just makes me wheeze. And my eyes itch. And my nose sneeze. So, they're with another family that will love and care for them (we hope... we didn't have a chance to do a home study on them, or a post-placement visit).

That was Tuesday afternoon last week. I was so sad, even though they hadn't been to my house in over a week. I was willing for them to stay at my sister's house indefinitely. Her husband, however, was not. He said they must go, and so they did.

I did not have to wait long for the cute and cuddly/baby itch to be scratched. Wednesday night, we got THE phone call from our agency. They had a referral of a little girl for us! AMAZING! I could hardly sleep the rest of the night.

The next day, Thursday, I was already scheduled to travel to Kentucky to visit family and friends for the weekend and run in a race (more on that in another post). So, I got up early and checked the email for the referral file. No pictures, but all the medical information was there. I can't share a whole lot here, only that her birthday is March 15, 2007 and she is very tiny for her age. Our agency had already sent the information to our doctor for her to review.

So, I packed up Abby and my nephew, Thaddeus, and we headed out on the road, leaving all the wonderful details for Billy to handle at home. I made several phone calls from the road, telling family about our referral. And Billy made a few to the doctor and the adoption agency to get more details. Everyone was SO excited. I even made a few people cry... in a good way.

That evening, we had a conference call with the doctor and she explained all the medical stuff. After talking to her, we decided to go for it! So, Billy called the agency the next morning and got all the (additional) paperwork started. They even sent us a couple pictures (which we will share later).

What's next? We have to send a Letter of Intent to China specifically requesting to adopt this child. Then we wait for China to send us a Letter of Acceptance and then, eventually, a Travel Approval letter. We hope to travel before her next birthday, but it could also be as late as April. We don't know, yet.

I have been through a whirlwind of emotions since last Wednesday night. We are so excited to finally know who our daughter will be. But also, "Oh my gosh! We're getting another baby soon!" Thankfully, we have a few months to sort everything out and get ready for her. Hopefully, when China accepts our letter, they will send us updated information on her, like how big she is... so I know what size clothes to bring!

Abby will be traveling with us. She has been wanting a sister almost more than Billy and I have been wanting a daughter so we want to all be together when we become a larger family. My niece, Belle will be traveling as well (hopefully) to help with Abby while we're getting the baby.

Please continue to pray with us that all the details will work out.

I'm gonna be a mama again!