We got the call today on day 70 that we have “Prior
Authorization” for Lily! This means that in the eyes of the
Chinese government she is officially our daughter. We are
thrilled and so grateful to God for the blessing of another
daughter.
We’ve been keeping busy since the referral of Lily. We had a
wonderful Christmas. Luke was really able to understand and get
excited about Christmas this year. It was Nora’s first Christmas
at home which made it extra special. There is nothing better
than seeing Christmas through your children’s eyes. We sent a
package to Lily for Christmas and hope she received it. We can’t
wait to have three children to share the joy of Christmas with
next year.
January 14th was Lily’s first birthday and a very hard day for
mommy. No child should ever have to be in an orphanage, much
less on their birthday. We sent a second package with a photo
album for her birthday and we hope she has it. We spent the day
with some other adoptive families and in the evening went to
“Build A Bear.” Luke and Nora had never been there so they each
made an animal and then we made one for Lily. The next weekend
we purchased and put together her crib. I also did a bit of
shopping in January for matching clothes for Nora and Lily. It
was fun.
Luke is very excited to have another sister. He has been telling
all his teachers at school about Lily in China. Luke’s best
friend Josh just became a big brother with the birth of his
sister Allison. Luke has been saying “Joshy has a sister Allison
and Lukey has two sisters Nora and Lily.” It is very cute.
We now have around a 100 day wait for travel approval which
should be around the end of May. Nothing is for sure though…with
Nora the wait was much less than predicted. I have seen the
range recently anywhere from 40-140 days. We know that God will
continue to hold Lily close and protect her until we can bring
her home.
March will bring Luke’s third birthday which he is very excited
about. April will bring Nora’s second birthday and first
birthday at home. We are having fun planning the parties and
looking forward to having Lily here next year so share in the
fun.
Prayer Requests:
For speedy travel approval.
For Lily to be kept healthy and free from the sinus and
ear infections that can affect cleft children.
That Lily would be loved in the orphanage.
For Lily’s nannies that God may bless them for the work
that they do.
For Matt and I that we would have faith and trust God’s
timing and care for Lily.
