Sophie's Room

Here it is...I have one more thing to add...if I find what I'm looking for. I bought the furniture way back in 1997...it's really old, early 1900's, but beautiful. The matching twin bed will go where the crib is when she's ready. The crib is the one our (OK, not technically ours, but Kim's) first baby girl, Jessica, slept in. Sophie's the 5th or 6th baby girl to occupy that crib! My mom and dad rocked my sister and me in that rocking chair...And, check out that closet. Poor l'il thing, hardly has any clothes at all...Thank you, Tracey and Ava!!!

Love to all...

Adoptive moms get flowers, too!

Check out these beautiful flowers from Sandy!! The principal at my school drove to my room in a golf cart - they were too heavy to carry that far!! He walked in and placed them on the stool where they sat until a large football player could carry them for me. I couldn't lift 'em! Thanks, Sandy!

For those that don't already know...Sandy and I worked together at Prudential and became Best Buddies. We have some great, hilarious stories...How much further to Bridget's house??? There's a LION outside the women's restroom?? Here, the forms are right here in this drawer, wait that's not my drawer???

She is the mother of a gorgeous, almost 4 year old, named Jack and is pregnant with number two!!! Can't wait to find out what we're having! Love you!

Wonderful, Crazy, Beautiful Life

What an incredible two weeks...my feet are a little closer to the ground. We never seem to stop gazing at our beautiful daughter and I thank God every day for this precious gift he has given us, for the incredible people at Harrah's (our adoption agency), and for my supportive husband, family, and friends.

The day after Referral Day (10/03/07), I received the translation of Sophie's information at school. Her Chinese name is Li Die Hua - translation Beautiful Butterfly...hmmm, she already has beautiful butterfly's in her room. Could this be some of that mother's intuition??? All of the medical and developmental information indicates she is very healthy and on track!

As difficult as I know it must have been for her birth mother, Sophie was brought to the orphanage at 1 day old. She was 18.9 inches long and 6.2 lbs. A birth note was attached to her blanket, stating she had been born 12/04/06. I pray for her birth mother and thank her for bringing her to the orphanage so quickly, so that she could receive the proper nutrition and health care.

The translation also indicates she is a deep sleeper (whew!), when awake is very active (Great, she'll fit right in with this very active family!!), likes to play with toys and her little friends, and loves to be held! Good thing....I can't wait to hold her!

When I received the package at school, I sent two students to the front office to pick it up. I wondered what was taking so long, then they showed up with a large box and hole cut out. Harrah's DHL package was inside...the pics below are my 6th period Geometry class (dare I say, they are my favorites!) with THE package and me as I was checking out the contents. Notice I already had a picture of her on my desk - one Tracey framed and brought on Referral Day:) Not much work accomplished that day in 6th period....

Check out our baby girl ! !

Finally, on Tuesday, October 2, we (well, I got the call at school) got the call. During my planning period, Stephanie, the best dossier consultant in the world, called with congratulations. I lost it! I just blubbered so hard, off and on, that I thought for sure, Stephanie would get frustrated. She couldn't have been sweeter or more patient. She started by telling me how beautiful she was...more crying. Then that she had big round eyes - just like me, I said. Then that she had fine hair that was sticking straight out all over - just like her daddy, I said! Then told me about the next picture of her on her tummy with...more crying - can you repeat that??...and something about another picture...can you repeat that again?? She was born December 4, 2006...now I really lose it - she's not even a year old yet!

I barely held it together the rest of the school day. Barry and I opened the pictures together at home about 4:00 p.m....more crying. Jamie, Logan, and Cruz came right over - Thanks! Followed by Nana, Tracey, Eric, Jack and Ava....and tons of phone calls and e-mails. She is so loved already!

Time for bed...I don't want to go to sleep. Why, Barry asked. I'm afraid it's a dream...I can't stand the thought of waking up tomorrow only to discover I was dreaming. He just held me and said it's no dream, baby. The entire day was magical...except for my red, puffy eyes and nose.

More later, much more paperwork to get rolling on now, but we should be able to hug and kiss her by late November. Isn't she just beautiful!!

Love to all and please keep her in your prayers.

p.s. Happy Birthday, Rhonda!!