We have (Tentative) dates!!!

I talked to the adoption agency and we got (tentative)dates!!!!! We will be leaving on June 5th arriving on the 7th ( we lose a day on the 16 hr flight..yikes) We get Abby on June 8th, consulate appt(adoption finalization)would be June 16th and we leave on June 18th, which is the same day we arrive home(we gain a day). I am beyond excited. We haven't received our travel approval but it should be coming any day, then these dates will be finalized. 45 days until I finally get to see her in person and hug her and begin the next journey... Forever family. I feel so blessed..thank you God for this remarkable gift.

A visit from Meizhi and her mom

Friday I got an little "training" for life with a five year old. My friend Erin came over with her daughter Meizhi. She is just TOO cute. That bought Abby- Grace a few gifts. She is very energetic and really kept Chuck on his toes.LOL I also realized how unprepared my household is. I had NO plastic cups.(not one), a screwdriver lying on the floor of Abby's closet(Cameron!) and 2 dogs that didn't know what to think of this little person. It was wonderful to hear the the little voice and laughter of a child. Everyday is a day closer to Abby-Grace.

Happy Easter Abby-Grace

Well,it is Easter morning, I am sitting in the quiet after hiding the eggs and I just got this wave of missing Abby. I am SO close and yet so far away. Oh how I wish she was up sleeping in her bed or even better too excited about the bunny to sleep. Another holiday without her and though my heart is filled with excitment and joy at how close we are to getting her..I feel the tug of heartache on this day of family.Hopefully, this is the last holiday without her.
I almost have her welcome bag finished.The photo album is taking longer than I thought. I bought a mother/daughter necklace, where the two parts fit together to make a heart,it is on a satin cord. I would love it if she had it on when we meet her on "gotcha day". It is my favorite thing in her bag.
Easter is a day filled with hope that our heartaches and sadness are not the end of the story. God has good things planned in the days ahead. When I think about where I was a year ago and how close I am to having a daughter now,I am an awe of God's grace and feel So blessed and isn't that what it's all about. Happy Easter!