3 months tomorrow

I can hardly believe we've been home with Amelia for 3 months. Time really does fly when you're having fun. :) I haven't been able to update as much lately, because of the whole mom thing:) and because I've started to work 4 days per week. A's in good hands with grandma while I'm working. The job is going very well! I love working in adoptions. I love putting together post placement reports to send to China, love following up with families as they settle in back at home, and love that I'm going to be able to make match calls at referral time! And of course, being surrounded by it every day, I'm thinking a lot about Amelia's future sister. When someone asks us if we're going to adopt again, we always say " probably" but I'm quite sure its a done deal, because frankly, we're already batting around names. (Marissa Skye being my fav)

Amelia has come so far. She is blooming before our eyes. She went from toppling over when you sat her up, to army crawling, and then crab crawling, pulling up, cruising, and now she's standing and then letting go of of her support for several seconds at a time.

Her eating has come a long way as well. We started with stage 1 baby food, moved to stage 2, then stage 3, and now we're on to table food chopped and mixed with just a little baby food to make it creamy. She's still not keen on crackers, bread, or any dry foods, but she had meat loaf and mashed potatoes the other night, so she's on her way!

She only takes a bottle morning and night, and is mastering the sippy cup during the day. We are going to keep her on the bottle for those 2 feedings until she's at least 18 months, for bonding. Bottle time is such an important bonding tool, and most international adoption experts recommend continuing the night time bottle for MUCH longer with adoption babies, to make up for some of the intimacy they missed out on in the orphanage. I absolutely agree with them. Bottle time is our special time, and we'll keep it as long as we feel she needs it.

I've debated deleting my blog since its hard to keep up with it these days. But I keep remembering how much I enjoyed the blogs when I was waiting..And waiting....And waiting for my baby. The blogs kept it real for me; kept me believing that it would happen for me too. And it did!

China adoption takes longer these days. The time lines aren't as predictable as they used to be; and this is frustrating and scary for those just starting the journey. But I still believe it is one of the safest and best programs out there. China indicates no plans to end their adoption program. It may take longer these days to get your referral; but those who hang in there will get one. YOU WILL GET A BABY! AND IT WILL BE WONDERFUL!

so all of you who are waiting; know that this baby is worth waiting for; worth every moment of uncertainly and frustration; worth every piece of paper you shuffle.

Now that I've been home long enough to catch my breath a little; its time for the thank yous.

Thank you Josh and Lily for starting this agency, and for maintaining honesty, professionalism, personal service, and integrity while becoming one of the largest and most respected China only adoption agencies. :) (sorry for the plug ;) but the thank you and opinion are sincere)

Thank you to the CCAA for maintaining one of the most reputable adoption programs out there, for striving continually to improve the conditions of orphanages so that the children in China have basic needs met, and for placing these beautiful children for adoption.

Thank you to Amelia's birthmother, wherever you are. We think about you a lot. We wonder what you look like; what your life is like; and we wish we could tell you how wonderfully your daughter is doing. We wish you well; we pray blessings upon you; we thank you for leaving Amelia in such a public place, knowing she would be found quickly. You put yourself at risk by leaving her where you could have easily been caught. We believe that you wouldn't have chosen such a risky location if you didn't want the best for her. Your decision gave us the most beautiful gift we'll ever receive.

Thank you to all those in the adoption community who encouraged me when I felt discouraged; thank you for reminding me that adoption timelines have always been fluid, and that this adoption would happen. Thank you for your gifts; your pats on the back; your quilt squares; and most of all, your ear, when I needed to vent my frustrations. You were all right; it was worth the wait, and the pain of waiting does mysteriously fade once you see your child's face.

Thank you to the local adopters who have become my friends and confidants. You made the waiting more bearable, and certainly more fun! I am honored to have shared this portion of my life with you; and I'm honored to join you in celebrating the miracle of adoption.

Thank you to my friends and family who have been so understanding when I made the 50 millionth comment about adoption; or China; or Amelia! Thank you for cutting me some slack in my baby obsession, knowing that I waited a long, long time for this moment in my life! I certainly don't think she's the only adorable baby in the world; there are lots of them; including YOUR kids. But this one is MINE! AND I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO SAY THAT.

Thank you to all the friends who threw lovely baby showers; thank you to everyone who sent a gift;

Thank you to all who emailed your congrats or commented on this blog.--we got a ton of e-mails in China and they meant so much to us.

Thank you to the waiting child department at CCAI, who had patience with me, as I submitted 3 different checklists! Jimmy and I kept researching, and discovering that we were comfortable with more issues than we realized initially.

Thank you to the travel department, who did an excellent job arranging our travel; Thank you to Sue Sorrels who got us great prices on our airfare to China; Thank you to our wonderful China Guides, Yuka and Kathy. You held our hands every step of the way; we couldn't have done it without you. I hope you realize how important and appreciated your work is!

Thank you mom for pet sitting for two weeks while we were in China.

Thank you Lisa S for doing airport duty going and coming, and for picking us up with a hot meal ready to be eaten our first night at home!

Thank you to everyone who brought meals during the first 2 weeks home. What lifesavers! We were jet lagged and all sick with colds. We soooo appreciated your visits and delicious meals.

I guess the only person left to thank is God; and believe me, I thank God about 50 times per day........At least. :)