I believe my new favorite number is 6!
This may be WAY out there, but when you line up the dates, who can argue?
Log in Date ~ 4/12/06
Date of Referral ~ 4/06/10
Travel Approval ~ 4/26/10
Zac Day! ~ 5/16/10
Can't argue with the numbers!
April 29, 2010
April 27, 2010
April 26, 2010
Where is Polar Cub?
Several people have asked where Polar Cub is, so I thought I would do a quick post to show his location.
Polar Cub is in the Jiangxi Province:
Polar Cub is in the Jiangxi Province:
The earthquake that hit China on April 14th struck the Qinghai Province. Thankfully it was far west of Zac. That morning several of my students rushed into the classroom to ask if I had heard about the earthquake. I hadn't. One of the girls then said, "But don't worry it isn't where Zac is."
I thought it was so sweet that they cared so much about Polar Cub to make sure the he wasn't affected by the horrible earthquake.
Zac is in the capital City of Nanchang.
Polar Cub is somewhere in this SWI.
I know that I mentioned before what SWI Zac is in, but for some reason I don't want to make that public knowledge any more.
Another tidbit of information:
We have received our TA!! 
When the dates are final I will post more!!
April 24, 2010
You Might Be Adopting...
Margaret from my April LID Yahoo group posted this to our group. I thought it was so perfect and wanted to share. I just love the last line. It's so true!
You might be adopting from China if...
...you've been expecting a baby for 4 years.
...you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways.
...you understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world.
...you've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S.
...you know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes
...your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4)
...you're more interested in what will happen with April 2006 than what will happen in April 2010
...you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime
...you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl
...you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big)
...you look twice when you see a lady bug
...you never know how many days will be in the next month
...you know that babies come in batches
...you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 3 day months
...your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years
...you know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is
...you've waited so long, that they checked your fingerprints to see if they changed
...if...while trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.
...when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals
* * * You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart.
...you've been expecting a baby for 4 years.
...you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways.
...you understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world.
...you've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S.
...you know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes
...your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4)
...you're more interested in what will happen with April 2006 than what will happen in April 2010
...you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime
...you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl
...you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big)
...you look twice when you see a lady bug
...you never know how many days will be in the next month
...you know that babies come in batches
...you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 3 day months
...your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years
...you know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is
...you've waited so long, that they checked your fingerprints to see if they changed
...if...while trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.
...when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals
* * * You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart.
I just love the last line. It's so true!
Thank you Margaret!!
April 22, 2010
Switching Out Pinks for Blues
Over the last four years I have collected a few things for polar cub. I haven't gone wild shopping, but I have gotten a few things here and there that I thought were adorable. We've also received gifts over the years. 99.9% of the outfits that we've accumulated are for a girl.
Last week I went through the drawers and closet in the nursery and pulled out the clothes and toys that Zac wouldn't wear. Here is the small pile:
The tub has our 'going to China' items. It's not full of girl clothes.
My favorite things went to friends who are waiting.
Our secret pal gave us these two outfits several years ago.
I am really sad that we won't be able to use them. It was such a thoughtful gift.
I had to take a picture to remember it.
Here is all that was left after the clean out. It was quite sparse...
No need to worry ~ Thanks to a couple of shopping trips,
two wonderful grandmas, and
a couple of thoughtful friends
Zac's closet is starting to fill.
I don't know who said that shopping for a boy wasn't fun ~ I am having a blast!!!
April 20, 2010
Care Packages
For a long, long time I have been thinking about what I would send in a care package. I’ve had a small photo album and a small polar bear ready and waiting for YEARS. I remember buying each of them dreaming of the day I could mail them to our polar cub.
As you read this, the care packages are in the mail. Yes, I sent two. I had heard that if you send a package through Ann of Red Threads she can sometimes get updated photos of the baby. I sent Zac a package from Ann with the hope that we may get an updated photo or two.
Unfortunately I received an email from Ann last night stating that she would suggest we not ask for updated pictures. She said that since the pictures we have are from February the orphanage may not appreciate being asked for new pictures so soon. The pictures we have are considered current.
As hard as it is, I do respect their feelings. To me a current picture of our lil' man would be priceless. I also understand that if everyone constantly wanted photos it would be a hardship for the staff. I would much rather think they are spending time with the babies and not running around snapping pictures. I am thankful that Ann will be able to get a package to Zac quickly.
I decided to still send our package, also. I really wanted Zac to have something from us. My mom also sent a little teether for him. Here are a few pictures of the things I sent:
As you read this, the care packages are in the mail. Yes, I sent two. I had heard that if you send a package through Ann of Red Threads she can sometimes get updated photos of the baby. I sent Zac a package from Ann with the hope that we may get an updated photo or two.
Unfortunately I received an email from Ann last night stating that she would suggest we not ask for updated pictures. She said that since the pictures we have are from February the orphanage may not appreciate being asked for new pictures so soon. The pictures we have are considered current.
As hard as it is, I do respect their feelings. To me a current picture of our lil' man would be priceless. I also understand that if everyone constantly wanted photos it would be a hardship for the staff. I would much rather think they are spending time with the babies and not running around snapping pictures. I am thankful that Ann will be able to get a package to Zac quickly.
I decided to still send our package, also. I really wanted Zac to have something from us. My mom also sent a little teether for him. Here are a few pictures of the things I sent:
A photo album of pictures including very happy grandparents.
A blanket, sleeper, and polar bear toy (of course)!
Candies for the nannies and socks for babies.
(I wish I would have sent more socks.)
I printed out labels with Zac's name and picture in hopes that he will receive the package.
My mom added the Bug-a-Loop toy! :o)
The package was sent in the mail yesterday. The lady at the post office said it should arrive in China in 10 days. I'm hoping that between the two packages one will make it to Zac. It would be really cool if he got both packages, but I'll be happy if he gets one.
April 15, 2010
The Stork!
During the referral phone call Kim told us that we would be getting a Fed3x package the next day. The package would contain Zac’s information, a Letter of Acceptance, some paper work that needed attention, and a couple more pictures. Woot! Woot!
I didn’t go to bed on Tuesday night until after 3AM. I couldn’t sleep, and really didn’t want to. I was too excited, and I was worried that I may wake up and all of this would be a dream. (Crazy ~ I know)
Weeks prior to spring break I made an appointment for Bailey and Tucker to go to the vet on the Wednesday I was off for spring break. I had to have the boys at the vet’s office between 7:30-8:00AM. Also a few weeks before spring break we contracted a guy to rebuild our back deck. The contractor told Big Bear that he would get back to him about a starting day, he had another job to complete first. That was the last we had heard from him, until Wednesday morning.
Even after only a couple hours of sleep I was up at 7:00AM. Ready to tackle the world. The dogs were out back and all of a sudden they started barking like crazy. I looked out and there were two men standing in the driveway. Big Bear went out to see what they were doing. I couldn’t believe it when he came back in to say that they were here to start the deck. TODAY! Normally this would bother me. I am one who usually needs a plan. That day, it was no problem.
I loaded up the boys and took them out to the vet’s office, yes we were late. Once I got home I had a few hours to kill before the anticipated delivery. Unfortunately, the mush brain from Tuesday carried over to Wednesday. I couldn’t really concentrate. I had many things I should be doing, but just couldn’t focus long enough to get too deep into a project. I would like to blame it all on the deconstruction of the old deck, even though that was annoyingly loud, it didn’t bother me.
In all the years I have lived here the Fed3x truck has always run down our road between 11:00AM and 1:00PM. As each hour passed I was getting more nervous. Poor Kaeliegh, she and I walked up and down our street so many times wishing that truck would turn the corner. I was still carrying my phone everywhere, just in case. I took this picture on one of our walks.
A little after 1:00PM K had posted that she received her package. Ok! I wanted ours. K and I had traded phone numbers earlier. She phoned a little after 2:00PM. I really enjoyed talking to her. While we were talking I saw the Fed3x truck drive past the house. I yelled, “It’s the truck!” She understood completely as I quickly hung up and rushed outside.
The truck had passed our house! I went out and took this picture after he turned around:
The driver pulled up to the house and hollered, “Are you waiting for me?”
“Yes!” I shouted, “You’re delivering our baby!” I swore I wouldn’t do anything goofy, silly but I did! I blame lack of sleep and baby brain. OK?!?!
Thankfully he laughed and said, “I am?”
“You’re our stork today,” I told him. Yes, another baby brain comment.
As he got out of the truck he said that means I would have papers that needed to be delivered back. (Obviously he has done this before.) I told him that I did, but that I had to go to my husband’s office to sign the papers first. The driver proceeded to tell me time for the last pick up for the drop boxes in the area. How sweet was that?!?
Before he left I asked him if he would mind if I took his picture for our scrapbook. Meet the stork:
I rushed inside and looked at the pictures of Zachary.
Weeks prior to spring break I made an appointment for Bailey and Tucker to go to the vet on the Wednesday I was off for spring break. I had to have the boys at the vet’s office between 7:30-8:00AM. Also a few weeks before spring break we contracted a guy to rebuild our back deck. The contractor told Big Bear that he would get back to him about a starting day, he had another job to complete first. That was the last we had heard from him, until Wednesday morning.
Even after only a couple hours of sleep I was up at 7:00AM. Ready to tackle the world. The dogs were out back and all of a sudden they started barking like crazy. I looked out and there were two men standing in the driveway. Big Bear went out to see what they were doing. I couldn’t believe it when he came back in to say that they were here to start the deck. TODAY! Normally this would bother me. I am one who usually needs a plan. That day, it was no problem.
I loaded up the boys and took them out to the vet’s office, yes we were late. Once I got home I had a few hours to kill before the anticipated delivery. Unfortunately, the mush brain from Tuesday carried over to Wednesday. I couldn’t really concentrate. I had many things I should be doing, but just couldn’t focus long enough to get too deep into a project. I would like to blame it all on the deconstruction of the old deck, even though that was annoyingly loud, it didn’t bother me.
In all the years I have lived here the Fed3x truck has always run down our road between 11:00AM and 1:00PM. As each hour passed I was getting more nervous. Poor Kaeliegh, she and I walked up and down our street so many times wishing that truck would turn the corner. I was still carrying my phone everywhere, just in case. I took this picture on one of our walks.
A little after 1:00PM K had posted that she received her package. Ok! I wanted ours. K and I had traded phone numbers earlier. She phoned a little after 2:00PM. I really enjoyed talking to her. While we were talking I saw the Fed3x truck drive past the house. I yelled, “It’s the truck!” She understood completely as I quickly hung up and rushed outside.
The truck had passed our house! I went out and took this picture after he turned around:
The driver pulled up to the house and hollered, “Are you waiting for me?”
“Yes!” I shouted, “You’re delivering our baby!” I swore I wouldn’t do anything goofy, silly but I did! I blame lack of sleep and baby brain. OK?!?!
Thankfully he laughed and said, “I am?”
“You’re our stork today,” I told him. Yes, another baby brain comment.
As he got out of the truck he said that means I would have papers that needed to be delivered back. (Obviously he has done this before.) I told him that I did, but that I had to go to my husband’s office to sign the papers first. The driver proceeded to tell me time for the last pick up for the drop boxes in the area. How sweet was that?!?
Before he left I asked him if he would mind if I took his picture for our scrapbook. Meet the stork:
I rushed inside and looked at the pictures of Zachary.
Love! I never ~in my wildest dreams~ thought I would have such deep emotional feelings for a small, adorable little person in the little 3x5 picture. I do.
I called Big Bear. I took a picture of the sweet pictures and text them to Big Bear. I ran and took a shower then headed to the bank.
Once at the bank Big Bear and I thought long and hard before signing the Letter of Acceptance. NOT!!!!
Two hours after the package was dropped off at the house that letter was signed, sealed, and on it’s way back to Colorado!! It only took that long because I had to take a shower before heading down to the bank.
Also in the package was a list of all the things we needed to do and paperwork that needed to be taken care of. That memory I don’t need to remember.
On the way home I stopped and made copies of the pictures that were in the package. A few years ago, when I was having a really, REALLY hard time with the wait, a friend sent me a picture frame. The frame has the word 'believe' on it. This little frame gave me such a boost way back when. I've had the frame sitting on our sofa table since the day I received it. I longed for the day I could put a picture into it.
Wednesday night I finally was able to fulfill that dream:
If you have stuck through and read all of the last two posts, thank you! These posts were mainly for me. I NEVER, EVER want to forget April 6th and 7th of 2010. Two days that have truly changed my life forever. 
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