Whoa...we're getting close!

4 days until we drive to Chicago
5 days until we get on a plane
6 days until we arrive in Taipei
11 days until I'm holding Tessa in my arms

We're so excited. Today, I'm off to my doctor's office to get my immunizations for the trip. Then we're going to run some miscellaneous errands to buy things we'll need.

I'm so ready for this trip...I want to get on a plane NOW. But soon, soon enough. :)

The Best Gift Ever

Last night we went to what we thought was just a neighborhood ice cream party. Turns out it was to honor Todd and me and our journey to Tessa! Not only were our neighbors there with us, but they presented us with the most amazing gift...a beautiful quilt made by our neighbor Sue! She picked the most beautiful Asian umbrella fabric and trimmed it with red. The best part was that she had each neighbor make a square for the quilt and sign their name on it! She even managed to get Jake and Sara to do one without us finding out!

When it was presented to us last night, I cried. The quilt is beautiful and it's such a wonderful, thoughtful gift. One that I know Tessa will always treasure.

Numero Uno y Dos

I love these two pictures of Jake and Sara...just wanted to share. :)

Getting so excited!!!

We're down to EIGHT days before we leave and I'm getting absolutely giddy with excitement!! I can't wait to meet our baby girl!!

I'm feeling fairly well prepared at this point. The past few days have been filled with getting the kids situated and arranged to stay busy. My mom and dad will be staying at the house with them and various friends and family have been "scheduled" to keep them occupied throughout the whole time we're gone. I'm so thankful for everyone that has stepped forward to help us...we appreciate it SO much.

Today, I'm washing bottles and little itty bitty baby clothes. :) It finally feels SO real!

Travel Booked!!

We're so excited! Our travel plans are:

8/4 - Fly out of Chicago
8/5 - Arrive in Taiwan
8/6-9 - Sightsee
8/10 - Tessa Day!
8/11 - Sightsee
8/12 - AIT Appointment
8/13 - Fly out of Taiwan
8/14 - Arrive home

Hang on Tessa...we're coming baby! :)

New Measurements

At six months old Tessa weighed 14.5 lbs and was 24.5 inches long. She's tiny and perfect.

We don't have confirmed travel dates yet, but hope to have them tomorrow. Unfortunately, it looks like we'll be traveling about a week later than we thought. This is disappointing, but one week isn't that long.

FINAL RULING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woohoo!!! Praise the Lord!!!

My case worker just called tonight at 9:45 pm...what a worker she is!

We are SO happy!! Tessa Yi-Hsiu is officially our daughter!!!! YAY YAY YAY!!!

Tentatively, we leave the first week in August and get her August 7th.

I'm so happy!!! Thank you GOD! :) And thank you everyone for your prayers, I couldn't have made it through this tough wait without you.

July Pictures!!

She's so beautiful! I love all that hair! She looks a bit teary eyed and drooly though, I'm guessing she's working on cutting those bottom teeth. Poor baby. As much as I LOVE these updates, I'm really hoping this is our last one. Come on judge...let's have that final ruling!

July Updates!

Yay! July updates are in!! Our agency sent them in a new format, so I still have to figure out how to post the pictures, but here is the video!

Oooh....I want to hold her SO bad. The dress is another one we sent...I love her foster mom. :) It looks big on her...she's such a peanut. Isn't she GORGEOUS????

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Catching Up...

Wow, I'm behind in my blogging! I'll try to catch up. Here are a couple of pics from the fourth of July week. First was a very fun parade in a nearby small town (lots and lots of candy...it's like the lazy man's version of Halloween!) Here is a line up of my and my friend Lori's international beauties. From left to right are my Sara, Lori's J.J, my Jake, Lori's newest, her beautiful Ethiopian daughter, Betti, at her very first parade, and Lori's Charlie!

Then, last week our town had our local festival parade and Jake got to ride in a car with one of the candidates for queen. It was very cool and he was way geeked to do it!

No news on the final ruling...but we sure are getting excited that it could be SOON!

Mackinaw Island

Jake Loves Bunnies Too

Sara Loves Bunnies

Happy Six Months Baby!

Tessa is six months old today, on our nation's birthday. We miss her so much and can't wait to have her in our arms. Hopefully a just a few more weeks our dream will become reality.

We have a fun day planned with a parade and fireworks tonight.

Happy 4th of July!