What a Weekend!

The phone was ringing off the hook with family and friends getting wind of the news. We're so grateful for the support everyone has shown us. Just know that for those of you who promised babysitting on our occasional "date night" -- we WILL take you up on the offer! Heh. In return, as promised, is a picture of BRANDON, the newest member of our family.

We received more details about him yesterday:

- He is 16 months old and is currently at the Beijing Children's Welfare Institute

- He is outgoing, active, smiles alot, doesn't mind sharing toys (whew!) and loves listening to music

- He can pull himself up onto the railing of his crib, and can walk into every room pushing the walker

- He loves to eat (yessss!!!!!), especially noodles, veggies, rice, and sweets.

The coordinator from our Agency informed us that we may be traveling with a group of 5 or 6 families. We don't know when that will be quite yet, but I'm hoping that we'll be back from China before the end of the year. I guess we'll just have to hope for a speedy Travel Authorization so we can book those plane tickets!

Oh My Gosh, We got THE CALL"

I'm at a loss for words. Our agency called about an hour ago...WE HAVE A SON!

His name is Chang Lie Wen, is 16 months old, and is currently in Beijing.

Can't get to our agency today to pick up the referral packet, so they're sending it overnight. We'll see our baby's face tomorrow!!!!!

I'm shaking with disbelief and excitement right now. Didn't think we'd hear anything until Monday at the earliest.

Will post pictures and more details as soon as I can!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's almost 5 months later...

...and I'm just now writing my next entry. Procrastinating? Hmm, no...(well, maybe a little), but the reason I think I haven't written anything until now, is because I couldn't get myself to BELIEVE this is actually gonna happen. This rollercoaster ride of a wait for our kiddo has taken forever - 31 months and 12 days to be exact....

But now, as the China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) is about to make its monthly announcement assigning referrals to waiting families, I THINK we're about to see a picture of our baby for the first time! I know this because our dossier (application to adopt) was sent to China and logged-in on December 5, 2005. And with that assigned date, we've been able to gauge where we are in "line". Last month, CCAA announced referrals all the way through November 30, 2005. So as you can see, we're getting close!

So here we are - just days from the next referral announcement. We invite you to read our blog and count down the days before Hubby and I meet our kiddo in China.

And oh yeah, holler back in the "Comments" section when you get a chance. Would be great to hear from ya.

What's lumpia and dim sum?

This is my very first post. To tell you the truth, I'm feeling a bit flipped-out about putting my thoughts out here in cyber-space....but I'm diving in, head first. Here you go....

"Lumpia and Dim Sum" is a metaphor. Rick and I are "Lumpia" -- a Filipino dish, most popularly served at parties, family gatherings, or whenever. It's crunchy, delectable, and a favorite with just about everybody, especially the kiddies. "Dim Sum" (Again, another food reference... and for those of you who know us personally, you understand...) is generally enjoyed at a family meal/special occasion) and refers to our future son or daughter in China, who we will meet someday "soon" (slight sarcasm re: "soon". Heh.). Anyway, I won't go into details in this first post about how our decision to adopt abroad came about - just know that our desire to become parents is strong and although the wait has been a loooong one, we believe that when the day comes, it'll be worth it.