YOU MIGHT BE ADOPTING FROM CHINA IF

......you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways
....you've been expecting a baby for over 3 years
....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 never know how many days next month will have
...you know that babies come in batches
...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're more interested in what will happen in March 2006 than in March 2009
...you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 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 know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather
...you've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed
...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.**Someone posted this on our local adoption yahoo group...It's too funny, but so true! I had to share!**

TGIF!

Well here it is today, Friday, February 6th and I've got a ton of stuff I should be doing at home in preparation of Miss Samantha's 5th Birthday Party, ala a Tinkerbell Theme! On top of that the weather here in MN is suppose to be gorgeous today - high around 42 degrees! So looking forward to that. Seriously though, Sammie and I did some fun getting ready for the party stuff last night. She is having a birthday party at daycare today too, so she is really, really happy about that!

On Monday, her actual birthday, Daddy and her will spend some time at MOA. This has become a tradition for Dale and Sammie on her birthday. Dale takes the day off of work and they spend it together at MOA. I'd like to join them, but I couldn't get the day off of work (boss is out of town and someone has to man the office). Monday evening (after I get off of work) we are going to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate Sam's big day. Our good friends, the Maupins, will celebrate there with us. Sammie has been asking to go to Chuck E. Cheese ever since I can remember and we told her when she turned 5 we would go. She never forgot and now finally will be 5 and she is really excited about going!

In any event, this is just a simple rambling of my scattered thoughts today!

Everyday Ramblings

There's nothing new to report on the adoption front. We are at a stand still in this thing we call a wait! It is very, very frustrating to say the least, especially when I think of our future daughter waiting in China for the love of her family! Our agency's in China contacts recently had a meeting with the CCAA and they are hopeful that good things are on the horizon. We can only hope and pray for the same to come about!

Miss Samantha will be celebrating her 5th birthday with a party on the 7th. It will be comprised of family and close friends and will include 8 little girls, including Miss Samantha. She'll also have her two baby 2nd cousins there - they are 1 and 6 months respectively.

The weather here in Minnesota has been extremely cold thus far this winter. We've been spoiled in years past and have not had a winter like this for years! This winter reminds me of winters from when I was a kid growing up! So looking forward to spring.

We are undecided where to head for a short family vacation this year. We are thinking maybe 4 or 5 days in Wisconsin Dells! I guess we've got time to plan that one. Maybe, with a little luck, our family vacation will be planned for us and we'll be heading to China to bring our daughter home! Let's just say that IS MY WISH FOR A SUMMER VACATION!

On a lighter and much happier note, today is Dale's birthday. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GUY! Sammie and I love you very much and are so thankful you are a part of our lives! Hope we have many more birthdays to celebrate together with you!

Here ends my ramblings for today! Thanks for listening.

Denise