Enjoying Little Moments

I'm really trying to soak in all these little gems of moments I share with Liam.  He is learning and growing so much, I just want to enjoy every second.  I am always amazed at what he learns.  Lately, he's been speaking so clearly and thoroughly.  You have to understand... Liam talks ALL DAY LONG.  So, sometimes I tend to drown out the constant chatter.  But lately, I remind myself to stop and listen to what's going on in that little head of his.  
Right now, Liam is REALLY into rockets, space, and airplanes.  I'm not sure how the fascination started, but we have been fostering his interest and creativity.  He likes to watch shuttle launches on the IPad and is getting better at counting backwards before the 'byastoff.'  He can identify the planets Mars, Pluto, Earth, and Saturn.  I'm not sure how long this interest will last, but we're going to enjoy this phase while we can.

Liam watching a shuttle launch while his rocket blasts off to space

Liam's new planets in his room (they glow in the dark).

Liam's bedside table always has some sort of rocket or airplane on it.  We won't let Liam sleep with them (like he would like), so we let him set them next to his bed.  That way they're ready for him first thing in the morning.

Soli Deo Gloria!

If this post has typos, I apologize.  I am writing it while tears well up in my eyes.  I am completely overwhelmed!  Today, we got an update on our matching grant.  It is so humbling to ask for help, especially financially.  However, in doing so we have seen the power of the Holy Spirit work in mighty ways.  There have been many times that I have wondered if we are doing the right thing.  I often ask, "God is this really your will?"  Then, God reminds us in big ways that He is faithful to His promises and He will finish what He has started.  We started this whole process on a leap of faith, not knowing how God would provide, but trusting that He would.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the grant.  I really don't know how to express my thankfulness.  I hope you know that we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts and when we see and hold our daughter for the first time, you can take pride knowing that you made it possible.  Thank you especially for your prayers.  I know the power of prayer is effective.  Keep it up - we still have a long way to go.
Here are the most recent numbers (a final update will be sent to us on Friday, in case anyone sent money today)...
money raised by family & friends - $6,465.00
money from grant - $5,000
total money raised - $11,564.00
Soli Deo Gloria - To God Alone be the Glory!

Perfect Weekend!

This weekend, amid the business of dossier paperwork, we took a break for a family trip.  We went to Chain O Lakes on Saturday afternoon to hike, play, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.  The weather was a little crisp, but we still had a great time.  Liam loved exploring nature and found many treasures.  Daisy walked all the way around the lake.  She is such a good dog.  She found many new scents.  Dave and I enjoyed reminiscing about the time we came when we were just dating - (we hiked, ate hot dogs from the grill, and danced in the headlights of the car).  We have decided to make this an annual event.
After going to Chain O Lakes, we came home and ate hot dogs and beans (Liam's request) and then made a fire in the fire pit.  We roasted marshmallows and Liam ate his very first s'more.  We then all took baths/showers (even Daisy), threw our clothes straight into the wash, and snuggled on the couch before going to bed.  It was a perfect fall day!

Liam playing at the park with Dad.

It's a good thing we didn't touch this... poison ivy

We wore Daisy out - it was long hike for a little dog

Adoption Update & Other Family News

Dave and I have not been looking at timelines for this adoption.  We just do what we're told to do next and then wait.  We decided that we'll go to China when we're meant to and we will enjoy the process.  When people ask me when we are going, I answer, "Sometime next spring or summer."  We have yet to receive a referral, but our dossier will be sent to our social worker on Monday.  Those of you who have been through the process may know where we are based on that.  I'm guessing we still have between six to nine months left.  We have been in the program for 26 weeks now.  Here's our status thus far.  Some things happen simultaneously, so we just cross things off the list as they get done.

Status	Date	My Adoption Event
	4/10/12	APPLICATION RECEIVED
	7/17/12	APPLICATION COMPLETED
	8/6/12	ADOPTION STUDY APPROVED
		I-600A CIS APPROVAL
		I-600A CIS EXPIRATION DATE
		I-600A CIS FINGERPRINT EXPIRATION DATE
	8/24/12	I-800A NOTICE REC’D BY NBC
		I-800A APPROVAL
		I-800A + F-PRINT EXPIRATION
		I-800 PROVISIONAL APPROVAL REC’D
		COUNTRY PRE-APPROVAL RECEIVED
		DOSSIER I TO COUNTRY
		CHILD REFERRAL RECEIVED
		CHILD REFERRAL ACCEPTANCE COMPLETED
		ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT

Last Friday we went to Indianapolis to get fingerprints as part of our I-800A.  Since we were going down for the day, we decided to make a family trip out of it.  We had lunch with family friends, went the Indianapolis Children's Museum with Liam, and then had dinner with my dad.  It was a fun day!  Our actual appointment at USCIS was only ten minutes long.  That included security.  Here are some of the highlights...

digging for dinosaurs

 

riding the train (Ellen Milligan and her grandson Grant joined us at the museum).

Ellen with both boys

Dave posing with Payton Manning

future Indy car driver

hotwheels exhibit

playing with Thomas the tank engine and making new friends

Liam, "Well, I want to use bue dad."

Liam making a masterpiece

"Wook at that!"

stinker face!

Liam, dad, and the yion on the carousel

the boys were fascinated by the ball ramps

Liam loved the water exhibit

checking out frogs and fish

Liam enjoyed the plane ride to Egypt

catching a crocodile

Liam had fun playing with Papa Hart