Staying Busy

We are so excited that our case is now in the India courts awaiting scrutinization and then guardianship. We're trying not to get our hopes up too high about potential travel dates since this new 800 process is still so unknown but with the arrival of spring weather and news of things moving along, we can't help but feel hopefully cautious. :)

The kids and I spent last week in Texas with my family, celebrating my grandad's life and just enjoying time together. We soaked up every minute of the warm weather and wonderful time with family.

Lucy especially loved seeing all her cousins.



This is where Nate was happiest - in Pops' arms.


My "Cole" shelf in the hall closet is becoming more and more full! My aunt blessed us with this amazing handmade quilt for him along with a sweet horse stuffed animal.


Here is Cole's backpack for church and other outings from Aunt Michelle. Nate has a matching one that is a monkey.


Cole's lovey blanket - can't wait to see him clutching it in his little hand.


And finally, I've taken advantage of amazing shopping deals lately and got a few packs of diapers and lots of wipes for free or close to it. Today, I got all of this for 27 CENTS (would have been around $30).


Thankfully, our calendar is filling up with fun trips and visits which are sure to make the time fly! Disney is next in just 5 days!

Saying goodbye...

This picture was taken the last time I saw my Grandad in December. He passed away on Saturday at the age of 93. It was not a huge surprise but no matter how you mentally prepare yourself, the news of a loved one's death still is a sharp blow, making a deep wound.
As we are making plans to return to Texas to be with family, to attend his funeral, and to help my parents, I am hit with waves of emotion. (Not hard to imagine if you know me at all - I am a big crybaby regardless.)
I found great truth tonight reading 1 Corinthians 15 regarding the power of Christ's own resurrection and the promise of ours one day as believers. If we believe this to be true, we are movtivated to "stop sinning" (vs 34) and to look forward to the day when we can say "O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?" (vs 55).
Thankfully, I live with the hope (and 100% reality) of heaven but I also live each day serving my God who gives me this hope. Without this hope, what would be the point? Verse 19 says it well: "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied."
So to respond to the passing of this well-loved man, I look to my God, step out in service for His glory and rejoice in the hope of a someday glorious reunion.

800 on its way

We got word today that our 800 application was sent via FedEx so for those of you following the new 800A/800 process let the timeline officially begin! It was also very neat to see our NOC - his name by ours...

We moved Nate into his twin bed this weekend and he has done great! I wanted to make sure he didn't get out of bed when he woke up from nap or in the morning and so far, so good! The first nap I must have put him back in bed at least 10 to 15 times though. Now he waits in it patiently for up to 20-30 minutes while I drag my feet in the morning to go get him. I can't believe it was so easy! I was thinking he would need weeks to get adjusted before Cole came. Here is the proud boy on the bed from Grandma & Grandpa and the wonderful quilt made by my mom!



In other news, we are so excited and so blessed to say we are going to Disneyworld in 3 weeks! It is my most favorite place ever (we went once 3 years ago) and I would choose to go there over any other place in the world. Mark's parents are blessing us and we are so thankful for the opportunity to have a vacation and a break from the waiting and the winter. :)

Well, I will keep you posted on our 800 progress. It will be nice to take another step closer to our sweetie.

When do we go?

I've had this question asked a thousand times this week and thankfully, Tami at Dillon sent me this website which clearly lists the steps under the new 800A/800 process. We are on Step 3 of 7 which is a lot better to say rather than shrugging my shoulders and saying "I don't know"!

Hooray!

We got news today that we have received NOC (No objection Certificate)! We are under the new 800A/800 process so things are different from other Dillon families. Basically, our file has to be put on the shelf and not be sent to the Kolkata courts until after our 800 form has been received and processed. We can not have guardianship until that is all approved.

It's kind of frustrating that our case has to be held and not submitted to the courts when we know from other families' experiences that that part of the process can be quite lengthy and unpredictable but we trust God's timing in all things!

Sweet faces

Can't wait for them to all be in a picture together...

You've Got Mail

Many of you Dillon adoptive families out there understand what I mean when I say my heart skips when I open my email and see one from Tami, our director. It happened again today and although it was not the news that we had received NOC, there was a sweet new picture of our little guy. Totally unexpected but such a blessing, especially to see him sitting up somewhat!

We have been waiting on NOC for 6 weeks now and it has been 14 weeks since we first got the call. We were studying Mary this week in Bible study and the biggest thing I learned from her was her willingness to serve the Lord no matter the consequence. She made a choice to obey Him and a choice about her attitude in the process. Following her example, I am willing to wait on God, trust His plan to grow our family through adoption no matter how long it takes or what trials we endure to make it happen. He will provide, He will answer, He is good.