Remember when I said we may need to delay travel for Little Buddy in order to make sure Mei Mei has enough time to recover from her surgery? Remember when I said we were praying for a cancellation ASAP? Well...
There is a sweet family in our community who we have known for several years. They have six beautiful children (four of which were born in China). Their youngest son, J, is cleft affected so he and our Mei Mei share the same Pediatric Plastic Surgeon. J has been scheduled for surgery on May 16 with Dr. K for several months. Can you guess what procedure? That's right. The exact same procedure Mei Mei is scheduled on June 20. L and her husband C knew of our timing situation between surgery for one child and travel for the other. With one simple unexpected email they offered up the May 16th surgery date to our Mei Mei. Could there be a greater gift to our family right now? I don't think so.
It has a roller coaster of a day--yes. no. yes. no--but somehow God worked it all out. She is now scheduled for May 16 at 1:30 pm. Their son J is now scheduled for later in the summer when it works better for their family. Thank you Lord for your unexpected gifts.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Change in Plans...
Monday, April 30, 2012
I800 APPROVED!!!
Our sweet officer received AND approved our I800 application TODAY! We have two steps left before Travel Approval! If averages stay the same, it should come 40 days from today. That falls ~June 9. As most of you know we will not be able to travel immediately due to Mei Mei's surgery. I am SO sad over making our son wait longer for a forever family. It breaks my heart. However, unless someone discovers how to clone this Momma and Baba so we can be on opposite sides of the globe, it will have to be. We are praying her surgery can be moved up in the month of May to give her time to recover before we leave for China. Feel free to join us in praying Dr. K has a reschedule/cancellation in the month of May so we can move up Mei Mei's surgery. If not, surgery June 20 and travel sometime in July or August once Mei Mei is recovered. Oh please Lord. Don't make it August.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Mine to love...
I know it won't be all sunshine and lollipops. Don't get me wrong... I HOPE it will but I know it might not happen that way. Believe me. I know all too well. BUT. There is something about this song that makes my heart go pity-pat. I hope some day my little buddy smiles when he hears this song. I hope he knows he is "the answer to every midnight prayer". I think Dave Barnes wrote this song just for me...
It’ll take some time adjustin’
Welcome to your life
You’re everything you’ll someday be
There’s a weight off my shoulder
There’s laughter in the air
You are the answer to every midnight prayer
You’re mine to love
We have all been waitin’ on you
You’re mine to love
Come into these open arms
It took some time to wait it out
But I see it now, you’re worth all the dreaming of
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
You might wanna take your time
Takin’ all this technicolor, yeah
We’re on your side
Let us be the one you need
There’s a life on my shoulder
Laughter in the air
You are the answer to all those midnight prayers
You’re mine to love
We have all been waitin’ on you
You’re mine to love
Come into these open arms
It took some time to wait it out
But I see it now, you’re worth all the dreaming
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
Every time that my heart was broken
Every time that I’ve lost my wings
I forget when I look into your face
You’re mine to love
We have all been waitin’ on you
You’re mine to love
Come into these open arms
‘Cause I’m right here
It took some time to wait it out
But I see it now, you’re worth the dreaming of
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
So you might wanna close your eyes
Thursday, April 19, 2012
I knew today would come...
From the very first moment I knew Mei Mei was to become my daughter, I knew today would come. The day she would be scheduled for surgery. It's not like it comes as a complete shocker. A news flash. The first I've ever heard of it. Nope. I've known all along. Cleft affected children require multiple surgeries throughout their young life. I am well aware. So why do I want to hide under a pillow and pretend I don't know?
Don't get me wrong. I don't disagree with her Plastic Surgeon. I completely trust Dr. K and his recommendations. I spent years taking care of his surgical patients as a nurse in the PCCU at our local Children's Hospital. He is a wonderful man with an excellent reputation. I don't doubt his expertise. I simply hate it is even necessary.
Simply, radiantly beautiful she is. Her smile lights up a room. Her laugh is contagious. She is perfect in every way regardless of what the world might say. Today. On the day I became her Mommy. On the day she was born. She was and is perfect. We love her exactly the way God created her.
However, I know we can't ignore what she is starting to realize when she looks in the mirror. She doesn't need this for us. This isn't about us. It's about her. It's about what my 4 year old sees in her reflection. Quite frankly, some of the things she has said over the past six months have stopped me in my tracks. She is 4. FOUR! No one has said these things to her. She is saying them to herself. At FOUR years old. As her Mommy, I want her to be proud of who she is. I want her to be comfortable in her own skin. I don't want her to care what the world thinks but I've lived long enough to know she will. Thus the reason we need to move forward. For her...
She has no idea what is coming. I am making an appointment with Child Life to help us explain everything to her in an age appropriate way. I'm not sure we can truly prepare her for this but we'll try as best we can for her sake. I would be lying if I said I wasn't more than a little anxious. I've handed my first born off to anesthesia...twice...and wondered if he would return to me in the way he left. It is a vivid memory. Quite frankly, it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I don't WANT to do that again but I know that option isn't the right one for her.
Dr. K's first available opening is Wednesday, June 20. She will have several procedures done while under anesthesia with the most extensive being the grafting of cartilage from her rib cage to be used to reshape the cleft affected side of her nose. She will be in surgery 4+ hours and spend 5-7 days in the hospital for recovery and adequate pain management. To be perfectly honest, the timing stinks. We've asked for the first available cancellation between now and then but there are no guarantees. If we wait until June 20 we will probably need to delay travel for Little Buddy until Mei Mei is on the mend. It is hard enough leaving healthy children for two weeks. Leaving one of my babies to recover from surgery without Mommy and Daddy? Not in a million years. Leaving my other baby on the other side of the world any longer than we already have? Well, that's not optimal either.
I know God loves our family more than I do. I know He already has the details of the next six months of our lives worked out in great detail. The timing. The surgery. The hospital stay. The childcare at home. The recovery. The travel to China. The finances. The childcare at home... again. The transition. The attachment. The grafting of a new family member. Yes, our plates are full. Ugh. Yes. They are. I am reminding myself that God's timing is always perfect. Really. It is. Even when it doesn't feel perfect... it doesn't change that fact. We'll figure it all out as we go. I'm getting much better at wingin' it these days. Well, some days. Prayers welcomed and appreciated.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Gimme an L! Gimme an O! Gimme an A! What does that spell?
LOA! LOA! LOA! IT IS HERE!!!!! IT IS HERE!!!!!! HE IS OFFICIALLY OURS!!!!!!!! 55 DAYS!!!!!!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!!! 8-10 WKS TIL TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEN WE CAN MEET OUR CABOOSE!!!!!!!! THANK YOU LORD FOR THIS GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT... and for the number 55! It's my new favorite number. :D
And the winner IS....
Bob and Joella B! Woooohoooooo! A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed (though I don't know who you are just yet)! I hope to have a list of contributors and a total from Village to Village soon. The matching grant has ended though the VtoV account and tshirt sale remain open. Thank you friends. Thank you Lord!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
MATCHING GRANT!
After my post yesterday about the Target gift card raffle, we woke up to a $1000 MATCHING GRANT given by precious friends (who wish to remain anonymous). For every dollar given to help us bring home our son, your dollar will be DOUBLED!!! That means $25=$50!! $50=$100!!! Between now and April 15, you have the chance to win a Target gift card while DOUBLING your donation while helping our family in return. Here are the details...
We have an account with Village to Village International which provides a tax deductible way to contribute. If you choose to contribute please use the direct link and follow the directions on our page. Then e-mail Sarah privately at sarahdennisscott@yahoo.com with your name, address and donation amt. You will be entered in the drawing to be held on April 15th.
With gratitude,
the Womble 5 + 1
Monday, April 2, 2012
It takes a village...
We have been honored and humbled in this journey to our caboose. One of the biggest ways has been in wondering HOW the Lord is going to pull this off financially. Don't get me wrong. I KNOW He will. Let me be clear. I do not doubt that. However, the question of HOW is the current mystery. Believe me, it was a mystery on the day we said YES, but, we moved forward regardless. Some might say that was irresponsible. We respectfully disagree. Every decision we've ever made has always made sense. Calculated, researched, well planned, thought out and predictable. Always. That's us. Maybe this one didn't make perfect sense to everyone else in the world; but, it was crystal clear to us. In the end that was enough.
Yes, we've done the obvious. We've cut out all unnecessary expenses. We've sold furniture on Craigslist. We are trying to sell other non essentials. {Anyone need a hot tub? haha} We are clearing the attic for a yard sale in a few weeks. It's all stuff and stuff doesn't mean much in the big picture. Thankfully all of the adoption expenses are paid in full at this point which is a huge blessing. Huge. Now we move on to travel expenses. Unfortunately (from a financial standpoint -- not for our son) it is very likely we will travel during peak season (AKA the most expensive time of the year). Airfare for four + hotel + food + facilitator fees + ______= $$$$$
From day one we've had random friends who've asked to come along side us in this journey. At first we said no. No way. Not happening. Each time someone asked how they can help us get to China we've sort of ignored them. Why? It took us a little while but we discovered what was standing in our way. Pride. What I've come to realize in this journey to our caboose is PRIDE is not a pretty thing. Here we are with friends who want to help but we are too proud to accept it. Ironically, we ourselves have given countless times to help other parents bring home their child. Why would we assume those who want to help US feel any different? Why would we assume those who want to help us will expect something in return? Something we can't possibly give them? 
We know God gives us a head on our shoulders. We know God provides for our family through His financial plan for us. It IS His money after all. What has been hard for us to recognize is perhaps, in certain seasons of our lives, God provides for our family in ways outside of US. Perhaps He provides through the compassionate hearts of others while teaching us not to depend on US. We need to depend on HIM. See? A big fat lesson in humility.
It has taken us a little while but we finally packed away our pride and searched for possibilities. Finding a way for those who genuinely feel called to help by providing a tax deductible way to do so was no easy task. Then a friend introduced me to Village to Village International.
As an adoptive Mom and orphan care advocate, I knew they were right for us when I read their tagline. Because they matter. If you know me in real life you know that struck a chord with me. Yes, indeed. They DO matter. I love that.
So. This is the hard part. Here goes.
We know the economy stinks. We know we all have families to care for and bills to pay. We know because we live in the real world just like you. However, if your heart is burdened to help us bring home our son from China, you may do so here. This is our only request. We ask that you pray and feel confident about this decision. We certainly do not expect ANYTHING from ANYONE. Truly. We don't. We are simply trying to provide a tax deductible way to give for those who feel called to walk this journey with us.
Between now and April 15, my dear friend Sarah is hosting a raffle in honor of our family. For every $25 given in Little Buddy's honor, you will have a chance to win a $100 gift card from Target. Please email Sarah at sarahdennisscott@yahoo.com with your name, contact information and donation amount in order to be entered for your chance to win.
With deepest gratitude,
the Womble 5 + 1
*Like other charitable organizations, you will receive a Village to Village tax statement in winter 2013 to use on your 2012 taxes.*
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Weird...
It is weird to miss someone you've never met.
To pray and hope and WAIT on a little one who you call son but have never held in your arms.
Strange.
Odd.
Peculiar.
Some might say unbelievable.
But.
I do.
I miss a little person I've never met.
Our caboose.
Our baby brother.
Our grand FINALE.
I want this process to fly by.
I want him to know the love of his forever family.
I want him to like me (stupid, I know).
I want him to know he is WANTED.
By us.
By the One who created him.
I want him to be HOME.
In my arms.
I want the stress of dollar signs to vanish (haha-as if that happens in the world of surprise adoptions).
I want to get this show on the road.
I want my girls to know they will be safe while we are away.
I want them to understand why we need to go but they are too young.
I want my first born to experience a culture he's never known.
I want him to leave with a piece of it in his heart... just as his Mom did.
I do NOT want to board the crazy train this time around.
I want to remain calm and faith filled and patient.
As I have since October.
Until today.
When my heart ached for the weight of my Little Buddy.
In my arms.
On the same continent.
Please China.
Don't dilly dally as my Meme would say.
There is this one little boy who holds a piece of my heart.
Do you know him? He's the one we've been waiting for.
Could you please hurry up and let me be his Mommy?
I am his Mommy though you would say otherwise.
I miss him.
Weird, I know.
But it's true.
I do.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
35 days...
into the wait for LOA... 35 days... It could be 35. It could be 135. Waiting... waiting... waiting...
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Day 14...
Hoping the little CC-AA worker bees are translating our dossier as fast as fast can be. Hoping...
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Good News from a Distant Land...
Guess who is the happiest Momma on the planet this morning? Hmmmm... Who could it be? ME, that's who!!!!!! I've been waiting patiently for this reply since February 18th. I was beginning to think they weren't going to respond, but PRAISE THE LORD, it came in the middle of the night last night. So what exactly does a Momma ask about her baby when she only has 10 questions to ask? Well, THIS Momma gets really creative and asks LOTS of questions within her questions... Without further ado...
1. Who chose Bao Xi Jian's name and why? Does he have a nickname?
Bao Xi Jian’s name was given by two staff who are responsible to receive new children. Bao means Bao An District. Xi means Xi Xiang subdistrict office. Jian is the name we gave him. Means healthy and strong.
2. Was a note or any other memento found with Xi Jian? If yes, may we have it or a copy of it on adoption day?
There was a note with him when he was found. We will give you a copy of it on Gotcha day.
3. Does Xi Jian have any problems breathing air in or out when he is awake or when he is asleep? How much is Xi Jian talking? What words is he saying? Would you consider his speech to be typical for his age?
His foster parents said: Bao Xi Jian doesn’t have any problems breathing air in or out when he is awake or asleep. Xi Jian is now saying “Baba, Mama” and other simple words on his own. He can imitate some simple phrases and sentences clearly.
4. Has Xi Jian had any other health problems, allergies or medical treatments over the past 12 months? If yes, what were they and have they resolved?
During his time with foster family, he only had colds (healed after taking medicine), no other health problems or injure happened. Foster family hasn’t found he has any skin or food allergies.
5. Omitted for Little Buddy's privacy...
6. What are Xi Jian's favorite foods, toys and activities?
Xi Jian is not picky in daily life. He needs help to feed him. He likes sweets, crackers, etc. He likes any kind of toys, such as toy cars, etc. His favorite activity is to go to the community park, or watch kids’ channel. {CRACKED US UP... he's a regular couch potato}
7. How would you describe Xi Jian's personality? What makes him happy? What comforts him when he is upset?
Foster parents described when he is at home, he is kind of stubborn. He has to get what he wanted. Otherwise he will lose his temper and cry out loud. He likes to get other’s attention. When he is upset, just need some attention and comfort, say “Ma Ma Zai” (mom is here) and he will be fine. {UMMMM... YEAH... he'll fit in perfectly around here... LOL!}
8. Is he living in the orphanage or in foster care? If foster care, are there other children in the home? What are their ages and gender? Who is he closest to? best friend? care giver? a member of the foster family?
He was sent to foster family on Nov 9, 2011. There is a foster sister at foster family (foster family’s daughter, she is 5 and half years old). Xi Jian’s closest person is his foster mom. He gets along well with his big sister and neighbor children. {UMMMM... YEAH... BTDT... If you were around with Mei Mei's adoption you know EXACTLY why}
9. Did Xi Jian receive the family photo album and the care package we sent on December 2, 2011? It was personally delivered by our friends from the United States, the Dinello family, who visited Bao'an SWC after adopting ______________.
We received the care package and have forwarded it to the foster family. We will ask the foster parents show him the photo album as often as possible and help him get familiar if his family.
His updated measurements:
Height: 85.5cm; Weight: 12.6kg; Head: 47.6cm; Chest: 48.5cm; Teeth: 16; Foot: 12.5cm
And the icing on the cake? WE HAVE VIDEO!!! It's terrible quality but it gives us a little insight into who our Little Buddy really is. He has good fine motor skills. He has a little chirpy voice (kind of like his big brother did). His shoes are WAY too big. He likes juice boxes (at least I think it's a juice box). He has gained a few pounds--and he NEEDED to gain weight--PRAISE THE LORD! He hears well and makes good eye contact. He melts our hearts...
This may be the last update we receive before we travel this summer. Oh my goodness. The cheeks. The dimple. The sweet little voice. We have about 15 photos of him taken at three different times. He looks the healthiest in this set of photos but still no smile. Zero. Not one smile in one photo. That makes this Momma a little sad. I can't wait to meet him and turn that frown upside down.
-Proverbs 25:25
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A win-win with Wild Olive! Please read...
Over the next 8 weeks, we will be partnering with Wild Olive Tees in a fundraising campaign to bring home our Little Buddy. If you've never heard of Wild Olive, it's your LUCKY DAY! I love Wild Olive tees and everything they stand for. I know you will too!
For every tee purchased on our behalf, Wild Olive will donate a portion of the proceeds to Little Buddy's adoption. Every penny in our WO account will go toward travel expenses. Airfare to China during peak travel season + nearly two weeks of hotel fees + food/travel expenses x 2 adults and 2 children = $$$$ <--- Those dollar signs equate to dollars we are trusting the Lord to provide. 
We saved for years to finance our first adoption trusting it would eventually happen when the time was right. Mei Mei came home in September 2009, and at the time, we thought that was it for the adoption train. :0) Little Buddy's adoption has surfaced in a much different way. It was a COMPLETE SURPRISE to us in many ways but significantly in the area of finances. Have YOU ever fully funded an international adoption in a 9 month period? Not an easy task I assure you. However, we know with certainty the Lord has asked us to be his parents. We stepped out in faith on October 25 and never looked back. Well, we may have peeked over our shoulders a time or two but God has repeatedly reminded us He has this all under control. He didn't bring us this far to turn back now. 
So... this is the part of the story where you enter from stage right. Think of it like this. It's a win-win situation. You add a new adorable tee to your wardrobe. One that shares the love of Christ to those who take the time to read it. In return you'll help us travel to China to bring home our son... our baby brother... our blessing from God. See? It's a win-win. So go ahead. Ask me how this works?
Well, I am SO GLAD you asked! Let me explain...
1. Go HERE and pick out a tee you can't live without. Put it into your shopping cart. Hey--feel free to pick out three, four or ten if you so desire. :) It is important to note the tees must be purchased from THIS PAGE (the Adoption Fundraising Page) to count toward our fundraising efforts.
2. During the checkout process, there will be a coupon code option under the shopping cart. Click on that box and it will open the coupon code field up in the left hand corner. Enter the following code:
3. In the comment section, please also enter the family code, or our last name, though it is not a necessity. This code will NOT provide a discount on the Adoption fundraiser Tees. The code will be used solely to help Wild Olive track our sales.
The family code will be valid from 2-29 until 4-25. Our goal is 50 tees which equals about half of Little Buddy's plane ticket home. 100 tees would almost pay it in full! Could we pull that off? I don't know. We're at least willing to try. We are believing God will provide every penny we need to travel around the world and back again. Wild Olive tees are one way we are trying to make that happen. We welcome your prayers and support as we work diligently to bring home our little caboose!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day 7...
but who's counting? We requested an update on 2-18 but still no reply. Hoping to hear something soon... Back to waiting...
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Log in date...
We finally have a log in date.
It's about two weeks later than I expected but at least we have one. I've already thrown my little hissy fit so I think I'm over it. I think. Apparently they hired someone new in the registration office of CC-WA. Apparently the new person didn't get the memo about logging dossier's IN THE ORDER THEY ARE RECEIVED. Apparently dossiers arriving to CC-WA AFTER ours were stacked on TOP of ours. Then the new guy logged in all the dossier's on top of our stack before he made it to ours.
Yes, that's 18 days from the time it left California until the time they logged us in. Yes, about 14 days too many but who's counting. Oh wait. We are. That's right. Our agency coordinator was apologetic but there's nothing she can do about it. Unfortunately.
So today is Day 1 even though we've been staring at his sweet little face since October 13. For the record that is 4 months 9 days. 132 days total. 3168 hours. 190,080 minutes. 11,404,800 seconds. That leaves us with approximately 165 more to go until we meet our son. Someone please pass the chocolate...
Friday, February 3, 2012
DOSSIER TO CHINA!!!
Paperchase. Done. Now we wait for our Log in Date (LID). Fly safely to China little all-you-ever-wanted-know-about-us stack of papers. Please log in quickly so we can get this party started...
