It was a great day yesterday when we received our LID from the China Center of Adoption Affairs. Sept. 4, 2007. This is the date our Dossier was actually logged in to the CCAA and the review of our documents get underway in China. We were very lucky as our LID is only one day after the CCAA received our paperwork.

What does this really mean you ask? Well just that we are now 6 weeks into our wait, and if things go according to schedule (which is never guaranteed with china) we should only have another 9-10 weeks to go before we are in Yunnan getting our son. Will we still travel by the end of the year???? I just can't say. It is so close and yet so far away. I pray every night that God keep our little boy healthy and safe. We have been very Blessed to have met families who have seen Sebastian An Ming while they were visiting the orphanage getting their children. They have said he appears well and is so happy and smiley. I pray for his transition and I ask for any of your prayers as well. Please pray for this sweet little boy that he doesn't grieve to hard, that he accepts his new family and our love. We love you Sebastian.

I could never adequately describe how hard it is to wait to hold your child. This wait is even more difficult for me than my wait for Annie. I have seen Sebastian's sweet smile from the day God chose him to be our son. There is an ache deep inside me to hold this child, to be there when he is frightened, to make his "owies" better. And yet I just have to have faith from across the world that his nannies are taking good care of him, that he is safe. And, while all these emotions are raging inside of you, you still have to be a mom to two teenagers and a toddler and a wife to your husband.

Some days are very hard. Some days are just the best, like watching Ryan get ready for Homecoming and marveling at the man he is becoming. Or reading one of Nikki's stories that bring the biggest smile to my face because she is such am amazing writer. Or laughing so hard because after hearing "mommy" for the 5 gazelllionth time in one day I finally say to Annie, "Annie just don't call me mommy again for 5 minutes" She replies "O.K. Michele....can I have..." You have to love the kids sense of humor. And that's a mom. What a wacky, frustrating, insane and joyous ride. I love it...most days. lol

I guess I have rambled on today, but what the heck, I haven't had anything to post about lately. We will keep you informed on all new developments. Until then.....Have a great weekend
love,
Michele 10-12-07