Happy Gotcha Day MEILYNN!!!

I can't believe it was 3 years ago already that this beautiful, terrified princess walked into the Civil Affairs building.

She tripped and fell on the threshold and our hearts broke into a million pieces as we held back the urge to run over and pick her up and hug her.  You are not supposed to "meet" the child until certain customary introductions are done.  So, we watched as she was escorted behind a curtain.  We caught her peeking pensively around the curtain a few times.  Poor girl didn't know what to expect.  She had been shown our pictures in a photo book we sent her and had been told she would be getting a mama and baba today.  What does that mean to a sweet child who experienced 4 other families, ones that didn't last?  What does permanent and forever mean to her?

We celebrated the Christmas season in China (one of my favorite memories).

We watched as she began to accept our love.

We celebrate this precious blessing!  She is more than we ever could have imagined!  She is kind, smart, compassionate, and a hard-worker.  She has faced adversity with a smile and strong-spirit.  We look forward to seeing how God will use her.  We thank Him for the opportunity to teach her what a Forever Family is!!  So happy to have had the last 3 years with this special gift!!

Wow! What a Busy Season!

We have had so much going on this season, lots of fun activities.  Meilynn was one of the lead roles in our church Christmas pagent.  She did an amazing job of learning her lines!  Jayson and Kaitlyn were also in it.  Everyone did a terrific job.  It was a very fun performance.

 Jayson had a second grade musical performance.  He did a great job also!

 Grandma and Grandpa took the Littles to see Santa!

We took time to visit Bronner's and buy our yearly Christmas ornaments.  We also drove around looking at lights and visited the Toledo Zoo for their Festival of Lights.  We are members, so parking and admission were free!  It did start raining at the end, so we left a little bit before we saw everything.  However, the kiddos had fun and enjoyed seeing the lights.  

By far, the kiddos' favorite part of the festivities were the gifts!!

Ramblings About Our Son

We had a chance to request an update when we received Pre-Approval for our son back in July.  I feel like I know this little guy so well, that the information didn't seem "new" to me.  I advocated for him for months and poured over every ounce of information and video of him that I could get my hands on.  I think my brain is still processing through all of this and the fact that he really is MY son.  I don't think it will really sink in until I am on a plane to China once again and realize that he is at the end of this amazing journey!

Here are answers to some of the questions we asked:
Does he get along well with other children?  He gets along very well with other kids
What does he like to play with? Building blocks, puzzles, and assembled toys
What are his favorite activities? Outdoor activities and playing games with his friends
When he becomes upset, what do you do to calm him down?  Play toys with him together and talk with him
How would you describe his personality?  Very cheerful, lively, likes to laugh
What is your favorite thing about him?  He loves to imitate others' actions and act

It always amazes at how God puts families together!  I could not have asked for more perfect "fits" into our family dynamic.  We are so blessed by the beautiful children that God has given us the opportunity to raise!  Now, you must understand, in order to survive in this household you need a little mischievous side.  Check out his video below to see his right at the end!  Watch his smile as he decides how he would like to present his artwork. :)  Yup, he's an Anderson alright!!

DTC!!

Our official paperwork has been sent to China!

It took longer than expected.  We found out December 11th that our paperwork was processed and ready to go to China.  They would try either Friday or Monday to upload it to the CCCWA (Chinese governmental agency in charge of all adoptions) database.  I was so excited, we were so close!  I waited patiently (okay, maybe not) to hear the news that I could post we were DTC (Dossier To China).  We didn't hear anything on Friday.  Monday passed with no news either, I decided to email to find out if we were official.  We received a reply that our agency was unable to upload it to the database.  I was so disappointed.  We found out that Tuesday the same problem occurred, however, they would try Wednesday and send our paperwork on and continue to try.  Wednesday, came and went.  Our paperwork was sent, but we would not be official until uploaded.  I put out pleas for prayer.  Friday, I decided to inquire again.  Prayer worked!!  We had actually been uploaded on Thursday and the email never came through letting us know this!  :)  We don't start our "official wait" until we have a LID (Logged In Date), but I will take this small success!  It usually takes 3-4 weeks to get a LID, but I have seen some record fast ones lately.  The CCCWA has a software update December 28 - January 4, so no paperwork will be processed that week.  Praying somehow we sneak in a LID before this update, but regardless, celebrating where we are at!! :)

Taking a Moment for a Blessing Inventory!

I am always surprised at how God provides!  There are so many families that have stepped up to help in big and small ways.  I so appreciate it!  This is just one way that God reminds me to stop worrying, He will provide for all of our needs.  Here are a few recent examples.

A few weeks ago a family from church decided to clean out their closets.  They have 3 boys that are Brayden’s age and older.  They asked if we would like the clothes that their boys have outgrown.  YES!!  We can always use a little boost to the wardrobe (especially for the boys, they tend to be a bit rougher on clothes).  J  When I went to my car to transfer the goods, I thought maybe there would be a few things, but my trunk was filled with 2 HUGE boxes and one more had to ride home on the front seat.  That evening, Mark and I started unpacking the boxes.  My eyes welled up, the boxes were filled with clothes in great condition (some with tags still on).  Brayden and Jayson have found sweatshirts to wear.  They love getting new stuff and some of it is even Michigan State!  There are shorts and shirts that I can take with us for our new son this summer.  Words cannot express my gratitude.

A little over a month ago, Mark and I talked about adoption in the church service.  One of the moms in the church approached me afterwards.  She remembered me saying that I could always have more kids if I could just get more bunkbeds.  They had a bunkbed they were trying to get rid of.  She wondered if I would be interested?!  YES!!  We had just been talking about needing to get another bunkbed and wondering how we would afford one.  I have seen pictures, this is a nice bunkbed!  All the children will have a place to sleep now!

A teacher friend at school was cleaning out her closets.  She has a son and he recently moved into a full bed.  She realized that they had a bunch of twin sheet sets that didn’t fit any beds in their house.  Would I be interested?  YES!!  Imagine if you will trying to keep up with 6 (soon to be 8) twin beds.  Sometimes the laundry doesn’t get done in a single day.  Sometimes the Littles’ sheets get “dirty”.  :-/  There just aren’t enough sheets around here.  While she was cleaning out the closet she stumbled on some coats and snowpants.  They are wonderful coats AND just the size Ryan will need this year and next!

Folks, God provides!!  When we don’t expect it and when we forget to ask… He will take care of us. 

Our Biggest Blessings!!