Warm Weather and Other Fun Stuff

Hooray! It was 80+ degrees here in Denver today and WOW did it feel great! I'm hoping this officially marks the end of our winter weather and NO MORE SNOW! I am completely OVER the snow (which actually took place as recently as this past Tuesday!) Everyone here says to wait until after Mother's Day to plant outdoors, because you really aren't out of the woods until then. So I'm going to wait a couple more weeks to plant the containers on my deck - but Steve and I did go out to Paulino Gardens (a large nursery) and walk around today in the warm weather and enjoy the sights and smells of spring flowers.

One of my Yahoo groups is starting it's 100 Wishes Quilt exchange this month, which I am excited about. I actually linked a new blog (see under Adoption Links at left) where I am going to post all the squares and wishes I receive for Lia's quilt. I already received the first one! My mom has generously offered to help piece the quilt together once I collect 100 squares (which is wonderful since I have absolutely NO sewing skills!)

I am also excited to start new "virtual" friendships with other April LID'ers through a bib exchange and secret pal exchange in the coming months. It will be a nice way to pass the time and get to know other adoptive parents during the wait ahead.

Another busy work week ahead. It's almost the end of the 2007 Legislative Session, so things are very hectic as we wrap up this week. I'll be happy to take a breather for a few weeks before things get REALLY wild at the end of summer as the hospital gets ready to move out to it's new building October 1. When I first started my job at the hospital, the move seemed so far away, now it is just around the corner.

Hopefully the coming months will fly by as well - bringing me closer to Lia!

My 2 Cents...

Over the past couple of weeks there have been a lot of rumors flying around about extended wait times for China adoptions over the next couple of years…and lots of folks are upset. I get that, it is frustrating, but it also makes me sad that people are so caught up on the speed factor rather than the prize at the end of the race. This is a marathon people, not a sprint!

Lia will be worth the wait no matter how long it takes. My heart is with this program and I just know that Lia will be in China and waiting for me when the time is right - whether that's a year or three years from now. So I am just trying to find peace in that and "go with the flow" as far as the wait times are concerned. CCAI has been clear from the beginning that there is no way to know for sure how long the wait will be - we cannot control the Chinese government or the speed of their referrals. We CAN however, trust that they are a reliable program that matches people fairly in order of when they apply, and that when they have a baby for you, they WILL let you know. So I guess all we can do is wait and prepare, and focus on the future!

My family and friends have been SO supportive to me (I am lucky I guess, I’ve recently heard stories of people's families are not near as excited to accept a Chinese child into their family - so SAD!) So for now I focus on my future WITH Lia, not on the two years ahead without her...that's what I'm trying to do anyway...plus I like to think about how fast the last two years have flown by...she will be here before we know it!

LID***LID***LID***LID***LID***4-10-07!

Yup - that's right folks! My official log in date (LID) over in China is 4-10-07! HOORAY!

What this means for folks who aren't familiar with the process is:

a) I officially beat the May 1st deadline (after that, singles can no longer apply!)
b) I have an offical spot "in line" as they match babies
c) Now I settle in for a LOOOOONG wait!

Currently they are matching people with LID's in November 2005. So clearly I have awhile to wait. But I'm not letting that get me down - in fact, I am THRILLED that I had the courage to apply last November and therefore got one of the last singles spots available. I feel blessed that God gave me the strength and intuition to DO THIS NOW and not wait.

I am seeing some internet postings from folks who are already complaining about the long wait and ridiculous timelines...but I am bound and determined to keep a positive outlook on this entire process. This gives me LOTS of time to prepare for Lia's arrival, read lots of parenting and adoption books, save $$$ and pay down credit cards before my trip to China!

Though this paperwork process I've had the wonderful support of my entire family and circle of friends. And through this blog have already met some wonderful online friends as well! We're all in this together - and I am so thankful to have all of you in my life!

She's coming!

No, not Lia -not yet anyway...although all the March DTC folks getting their LIDs already is very promising! Hopefully this means I will have an LID within the next couple of weeks...

No - I'm talking about my sister Tracy - she's coming to Denver tomorrow! Along with one of our best friends Jenn. It's a "Girls Weekend" for Easter - YAY! Tracy's been out several times, but Jenn has never been to Denver - so it should be fun. No doubt we will get a little wild and crazy and I should have some fun photos to post next week - stay tuned...