Tee Ball and Storyland

Around here, we are getting ready to get the broilers "done in" and then I'm hoping to get the laying hens outside finally. The barn is a bit crowded with the hens, ducks and goats. Dan is thinking of getting a pig in the fall to roast at either the reunion or Maddie's birthday next year. I think it will depend on how much room we can create in the barn and what the cost will be to raise another critter. We are enjoying the lake, and went to Storyland last week. It drizzled all day, but that was perfect. There were no crowds and it was warm enough so the kids didn't care. It was a really great day. Maddie's favorite part was milking the pretend cow, and Myles loved the tractor ride. Oh, my little farmers.

Oh, and TEE BALL!! Auriana and Madeline play tee ball - sort of. They look cute in the uniforms. They hold hands on the way onto the field, and as balls go two inches to either side, and over their heads, they chat and play in the sand. Madeline follows the coaches around and tells them stories the whole game - we finally gave them permission to say "NO MORE TALKING." Myles cheers them on "Go Ball Go"

As for Max. . . We are still waiting for the courts. We don't have a time frame, we just wait until we get news. We are preparing for travel. We have appointments at the travel clinic next week, and we have been buying some supplies for the trip. We would like to start collecting donations for the orphanage. Max has everything he needs courtesy of his older brother, and a big loving family. Instead we would love it if folks would shop for things the orphanage needs. Crib sheets are number one on this list. They also need preemie bottles, onesies, blankets, and regular sized flat sheets. For more ideas, just ask us.

I know you all come here for Max pics. Another wonderful family is currently picking up their son and has sent us a number of pictures AND A VIDEO!! Max is wearing blue, and looks to be a little devil in the video. To view the video click on the blue "rup" at the end of the pics, and on that page click on the blue "movie." And here are the pics. The last one is a view of the room he is in including some of the amazing women who care for him until we are able to bring him home. I am in awe of these women who love so many babies and then have to say goodbye.

Enjoy!

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Delayed News

I'm a slacker. The past few weeks have been busy with Maddie's birthday / 4th of July, and decisions to be made about work.

On July 3rd, we recieved word that CARA (the agency that oversees Indian adoptions) had granted us NOC (no objection certificate). This means that our paperwork can now move on to the courts in Kolkata to grant us guardianship. First our documents will be scrutinized by court staff, and if they recommend that we be approved, the judge will review and sign. This is the messy part. There could be delays, the judge could request additional paperwork - it is just really unpredictable. To add to it, this judge may leave in August which will cause a delay while the new judge learns his job. Although the current judge has been difficult in the past, currently he is signing pretty consistantly, so we hope he chooses to stay.

We are still hopeful that we will have him home for his birthday. It has been our goal from day one, and at this point it is very possible. Just please pray that our process continues to go smoothly.

The waiting is getting increasingly difficult. As much as I love getting news and pictures, each update seems to increase my anxiety about what could go wrong. Most days are pretty good though. Most of you know that Dan is the most laid back, patient man alive (he married me didn't he), but I know he's anticipating too. He is shopping for luggage, and how to dress and pack for the journey.

We have also decided to bring my Mom along on the journey. We are lucky enough to have a large family that my kids are extremely comfortable with, so we're gonna steal her to calm our nerves, be an extra set of hands, and to take lots of video and pictures. She was in the delivery room for Maddie (and would have been for Myles if he hadn't come so fast), so it is fitting that she be there for this "gotcha day."

And now, what you've all been waiting for - a very clear, gorgeous picture of our little guy. Just over 7 months old. God Bless this family for taking time out of their own journey to provide us with a preview.