New Wait Time

10-15/18 months is the most updated wait time. It was worded exactly like that “10-15/18”, they should just say 12-18.
So, minus the 5.5 we have under our belts it could be as soon as Fall of 2008 or as late as May 2009 that we get the call and then we would have to wait to travel SO maybe by my 35th birthday I will be a Mom. Honestly, I can’t imagine 2 more Mother’s Day’s passing without my baby! This year is going to be hard enough.
I am going nuts, having a hard time, but will get over it. Really, I know there is no telling at what rate children are going to be up for adoption and there is NOTHING we can do. I have written all the people I can write as a waiting parent (i.e.: government officials).
So……
We are taking on a home improvement project per my Mom's suggestion. Tim and I are going to gut and finally paint the living room, bedroom and kitchen! I need one more thing to help pass the time and there is no time like the present to get the house ready for when Olive comes home. A fresh, clean, new coat of paint will revive our place a little I hope and help make the wait not so bad. It is going to be a HUGE undertaking because we have a lot of cracks to fill, sand, prime, etc. but we are looking forward to it. Now, if I could just commit to a color or two!

Have you seen these?

Just saw these in babytalk magazine and think they are so super cute!
Check em out at :http://www.rufflebutts.com/

5 months and 3 days

Honestly, I can't believe we have been waiting 5 months and 3 days for our referral. It seems to fly by, really. I cannot tell a lie. I think part of it is that I have made myself super busy during this time for that exact reason.
We are still number 21 on the list. I think I may have mentioned it before but our agency is keeping us at the same number through the entire process. It makes it hard though to know where we really are. Oh, well, I guess I like surprises.
I can report that our agency has just gotten licensed in 2 new provinces so maybe that will move things along a bit. I am not sure. I mean, really, we can't really guess at what rate people are having children now, can we? I know when the right one comes along, she will be ours.
Until then, I keep praying that her birth mother has enough food to keep her healthy during her pregnancy and that she is well taken care of and can get the care she needs.
Just wanted to post something to keep you all in the loop.

Well Hello Cuties!

I was just doing a little look see at Target Baby online and look at the cute goodies they have!
First is this chair, which I love. After seeing Frankie just about flip himself out of the bumbo chair, I think I would prefer to get this one that has a tray to sort of restrain the baby (not in a bad way) and keep her seated when she gets the urge to boogie during meal time.

Check out this little lady as well. What a cute little ride on toy. Not sure how practical it is, but it is super cute. I will have to enjoy it in the photo though - I don't really think this is something we must have.

You go Target! When I decide what I have left to purchase or register for, I think that is place I will go. As soon as things start moving I can get back to thinking about a baby shower, etc. Just want to wait until we get the referral or see some substantial movement on the list.

Face Lift

I know, I have changed the header and look of this blog a couple times now, but I think I will keep this one for a while.
With no news, I don't have much to report.
We are in for the long haul and know that when God is ready for us to meet our little one, he will bring her to us.

6-8 more of these....really?

I am by nature, a pretty patient person. I will admit that this year does seem to be flying by before my eyes. But when I think about the numbers, really, we have 6-8 more months of waiting for our referral if things go according to what our agency is telling us. Here are some things I keep reminding myself of when I get to chomping at the bit.

1. I would rather have to wait and have things be done ethically than being sped through the process.
2. I would rather wait now than have a hang up when we get our referral like some other families. I feel so bad for them. I cant imagine being matched with a child and not being able to go and get them and bring them home.
3. All good things come to those who wait.

Fund Raising

Tim and I are working hard to save travel money for when we get the magical call and then get to go to Vietnam to pick up our little one.
If you can find it in your heart to purchase a magazine subscription (at a great price), renew a current subscription or give a subscription as a gift, it would be so appreciated and you will get some good karma in return.
Follow this link if you are interested in helping us out.
http://magfundraising.com/OperationOlive

Baby on the Brain

I had a little freak out yesterday about things I don't have yet for Olive when she gets here or for when we go to pick her up. I guess I don't really have to worry about that stuff until we get the referral which may not be until the fall but until then I am making a list of what I think I need and Angela is going to look over it and let me know if there is anything on there that is not really neccesary. I don't want to have to spend a lot of money to get what I need, you know? Thank God for Frankie growing out of things that can be handed down.

Anyway, thought I would share this great deal at Skip Hop with all of you; there are three styles of this diaper bag that are on sale for $39.99 regular price is $65.00!!!

Here are the three that are on sale, while supplies last of course.

A diaper bag is the one thing I think I am going to forgo since Tim is dead set on using a courier bag that we already have.

Update Anyone?

Does anyone have an update? Not us!
Our social worker is currently in Vietnam so I am sure we will hear something when she gets back. Our agency goes to Vietnam to perform humanitarian work a couple times a year which I think is awesome. That gives them a chance to really get involved in the communities where they have adoption licences and makes Tim and I feel really good. I have a past of doing humaniatarian work in Vietnam (see side photos) so this is near and dear to my heart and was an important factor to us when choosing an agency. I have not been to Vietnam for 2 years now and I can't wait to go back and visit some of my old friends with our new addition.
I think we will see some movement in our position in line between March and September. Our agency is not changing our number though. They are keeping us at 21 and will update us when they are nearing our number. It will be this year though, I am confident that I will be a Mom this year and I can't wait.
Has anyone out there in adoption blog land considered breast feeding? I have looked into it and it is completly possible and a great way to bond with your baby. Any thoughts from anyone? Here is a nice link if anyone is interested in reading about it for themselves: http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/faqs.htm

Phil and Ted's

Just heard about these and think they are fabulous! They keep the water in the bottom seperate from the formula in the top and when you are ready to mix you twist the top and shake!

Traveled to Colorado this past weekend with Angela and 8 1/2 month old Frankie and these would have come in handy. I think I will get some for Little Miss Olive.