Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Hallelujah!!! Pre-Approval!!

We are doing a little pre-Christmas celebration, as our PA arrived today. WOO HOO!!! (By the way, it was one day shy of four weeks in case anyone is wondering about the current time frame.) What a wonderful Christmas present China has given us!! We had to wait on sending in our LOI because our completed dossier has to be submitted within 3 months of PA, and CIS is currently taking 3-4 months turnaround time on the I800-A. (Sorry to confuse anyone who is not familiar with this whole adoption process. Sometimes I get confused myself, and this is our third time!) This step was very important to me, because since early October, only our adoption agency has known that we want to adopt "D". Now China knows and they have given us a pre-approval to do so!

From Our Family to Yours, We Wish You a Very, Merry Christmas!!

Here is this year's card...

2008 Christmas Card FS



2008 Christmas Card BS

Here is a picture I included inside the card with our adoption announcement. Of course, Leila drew it and I love it! (And not just because I'm super skinny!) Leila was so funny. She said, "Sorry, Mommy. Mia ended up looking like Dora." lol My mom laughed at this picture when I showed her and I couldn't understand why she thought it was so funny. She got a kick out of the "getting a big sister" part, as that is not something one sees everyday. Usually it's "I'm going to be a big sister." Well... not this time. :)

Da Xin AnnouncementFINAL

I think I'm FINALLY going to be posting the story behind this adoption next week. Stay tuned...

29 comments:

Jill said...

Woo Hoo! Praise the Lord! Amen!! Can't wait to hear the story!
God is Good!!
Congrats!!!!!!!

Missy said...

Best news EVER!!! YAY! God is SO good...all of the time! "D" has no idea what is in store for her in the year ahead!

I loved your Christmas card and the added touch by Leila just made my entire family smile.

Merry Christmas!

Denise said...

Congrats on this step...can't wait to hear the story! (Love the picture!)

Merry Christmas~

Anonymous said...

THIS IS SO AMAZING!!!!!! Praising God wit you this morning and for the wonderful blessing your family is receiving.

Merry Christmas dear friend.

Love,

Krista

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Such good news!! Congratulations!! What a perfect way to start the holidays.......the picture is so sweet!! Can't wait to hear the story!

Wishing you and your sweet family a very Merry Christmas!

Lisa

Ohilda said...

I almost cried when I saw the picture Leila drew. What a sweetie!

Congrats on PA! I certainly know what a relief that is.

Have a very merry Christmas my sweet friend.

Hugs,

Ohilda

fleur de lis cottage said...

YIPPEE! That is great news...can't wait to hear the rest of the story. I love Leila's artwork...so sweet

Jen said...

Congratulations!!!! What an extra special gift you have received this Christmas. Can't wait to hear the story!!
Merry CHRISTmas,
Jen

day by day said...

WONDERFUL news, Michelle!!!! I am so excited for your family!

Can't wait to read all of the story that lead you to your newest daughter!!

Have a very Merry Christmas, my friend!

Stacy said...

Wow! What a great Christmas present to have for your family! Can't wait to hear your story, and more importantly I hope "D" knows how much she's prayed for and loved already! Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

What a blessing! BEAUTIFUL Christmas cards! Your children are so lovely! I am excited for you about the upcoming adoption. I took a minute to pray for you and your family this morning! Merry Christmas!

Tisha said...

Michelle,

What a wonderful Christmas present for you all! I could see your smile through the words of your post. :)

I love your Christmas card. It is BEAUTIFUL! I am not surprised a bit though because you are so talented. It looks like Leila takes after her mom. What a cute touch.

I pray you all have a very Merry CHRISTmas! Just think, last Christmas as a family of four.

Blessings,
Tisha

Marla said...

Snoopy dancin' all around. What a great present! Have a very Merry Christmas!

Jboo said...

Congratulations! How exciting and what a special time to receive your PA!!

Your Christmas card is so beautiful and love Leila's drawing!

Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Janet

Anonymous said...

Michelle, Nolan, Leila, Mia and "D",

Wishing your family the Merriest Christmas! I can't wait to hear all about the "big sister" - what a truly wonderful Christmas present this is for you all! Knowing that 2009 will be a truly blessed year for your family!

In Joy, Ashley

Leslie said...

OMG....What a Wonderful Gift for Christmas. I'm so excited for you guys.

I received my Christmas Card today. Loved it very much. Ella has claimed the adoption annoucement as her own. She said "Oh I just love this picture." So let Leila know that her art work was a big hit for us all. Such the artist she is. Also please share who printed your cards for you. They were Gorgeous!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

debi9kids said...

OH! Congrats!!! I have chills for you!
What an absolutely PERFECT Christmas present!

Have a beautiful holiday!

mommy24treasures said...

congratulations!!!!!Whatr a wonderful gift:)

Mc Allen said...

yayyyyyyyyyy, what a wonderful blessing!!! Merry CHRISTmas!! Leah

Faye said...

I loved the pictures. Absolutely Adorable. Congratulations on the Pre Approval. It is a relief, isn't it? Merry Merry Christmas.
Faye

Steffie B. said...

Merry Christmas indeed....I loved the card and when I pulled out the second one tears just filled my eyes...what a precious keepsake!

Hugs,
Steffie

LaLa said...

YAY...CONGRATS!!! What a wonderful Christmas gift. I love the card and the pic she drew is precious. Blessings to your family this Christmas!!

Heather said...

WOO HOO! Praise God - he is so very good!

Actually, I think Leila's rendering of Mia is spot on:)

And could she draw me? I want to be that thin again!

What a blessed year this will be. You remain steadfast in our prayers.

Merry Christmas and Lots of Love,
Heather

Amie said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PTL!!!! This is awesome news... I find out today Rebecca got TA and now you have PA!!! Thank You Jesus!

Happy Happy Day!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Blessings!
:)
AMie

Rydley said...

What a Christmas blessing! Thrilled for you all!

Completely beautiful card as well, and Leila's drawing is so touching!

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

So glad to hear you got your PA. That is fantastic news. I hope all of your family had a lovely Christmas. I can't wait to see all that 2009 has in store for you and your family. I am also hoping you can beg to be added onto the San Antonio conference!

Happy Boxing Day from CO~
Love,
Lisa

kitchu said...

What incredible news!!!!! Congratulations!! Can't wait to hear this story- on the edge of my seat here!

Sharon said...

Yippy!! happy dance!! Congratulations!!

I love love love all your photos below too. Just beauitful!!

Somewhere In The Sun said...

What a wonderful gift! I can't wait until you travel!!! Love the Christmas card. The girls are just beautiful.

~Lynn