May 28th Eli's Gotcha Day

Today marks 3 years since we were united as a forever family and Eli Kai Leslie Crosby became our son! Each year, I wonder if I won't get emotional when celebrating this moment! Hasn't happened so far :) Eli has filled a void in my heart that was there for so long. He makes life so adventurous and fulfilling. Another school year at STRIDE is coming to an end and summer is approaching quickly. This means a change in schedule so some days will be hectic, naps will be questionable, but we will make the most of everyday. From bubbles to swingsets, to riding bikes and taking walks my little buddy and I will be hand in hand. Everyday his independance is growing (and his stubbornness). He loves to tell me "I am big now mommy." Inside I am thinking, don't grow up too fast!

Picture: Finally landing in Grand Rapids, Michigan June 2007

Just some facts about Eli since his homecoming:

* Lived in three states (not including China)

* King of frequent flyer miles (I think he has flown 7 times!)

* Used to drool like crazy....remember I use to carry towels around to dry his face

* His speech skills continue to improve...he has come so far!

* Extremely active....did I say extremely??

* Favorite Movies: Ironman, Transformers, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Bugs Life

* Favorite Toys: Geotrack, Ironman figures, puzzles, trucks

* Loves being outside (unless it is snowy, cold, or windy...just like his mama)

* Looks forward to our bi-weekly library visits (he likes to use our closet as the elevator at the library)

* Thinks the world of his nana and papa

* Loves when brother Justin comes over

* Has amazing aunts, uncles, and cousins that love him dearly (miss you guys!!)

I could go on and on about my crazy little boy! The next big adventure in his life is getting to be a big brother. He doesn't understand why we can't just go for a ride to pick up his little brother!

Next year's recap will be a whole new ballgame...two boys! I can't believe how close we are to going to China. Hopefully, we will be boarding that plane soon.

Something Borrowed.....Thanks!

Today I was checking other blogs from people that are adopting from China and I came across the following:

Kisses In The Wind (The Waiting Child's Lullabye)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams,
You are here each day with me, at least that is how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are...what is taking us so long,
But remember child I love you so and God will keep you strong.
Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin,
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God hold you in his hands until I can be with you,
I promise you my darling, I am doing all I can do.
Very soon, you will have a family for real, not just pretend,
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God wrap you in his arms and hold you very tight,
And let the angels bring the kisses I blow to you each night.

-P. Durkota


The Legacy Of An Adopted Child

Once there were two women who never knew each other,
One you do not remember, the other you call mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one;
One became your guiding star, and one became your sun.
The first one gave you life and the second taught you to live it
The first gave you a need for love, and the other was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name,
One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions, the other one calmed your fears,
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears.
One made an adoption plan, that is all that she could do,
The other prayed for a child and God led her straight to you.
Now which of the two women are you a product of?
Both, my darling, both, just two different types of love.

-Unknown

The Kisses in the Wind lullabye sums up how I am feeling! I want so much to bring our little man home but do realize that God has a plan and everything will work out. Patience needs to be my friend. We did have great news that our money wire transfer finally went through!!

Could It Really be Four to Six Weeks?

Adoption News-

Recently, a family got back from their journey to China to adopt their little one. Prior to going, they sent a package to the orphanage which in turn took pictures of some of the kiddos that live in the orphanage. We think that Jace is the little one in the white striped jacket. If it in fact is him, WOW I can't wait to get him home. If it isn't him, I will still be excited to bring him home to his forever family! When Rob and I looked at the pictures, Rob picked him out right away. Eli's response was, "He doesn't look like my little brother." I am sure he is expecting Jace to be a little baby as the one picture we have of him, he is a little guy!

The paper chase is coming to a close. The three of us have our visas. Plus, we were given approval to apply for Jace's visa, which is one of the final pieces of paperwork we had to file. Judy, who is a representative for Adoption Associates lives in China, brought all of our 1-800A paperwork to the Consulate. She will be called back in a week to pick up Article 5. From there our Travel Approval is issued. Once we have our TA, Adoption Associates can apply for our Embassy Appointment which will most likely be in July. I was really hoping to leave for China in June...oh well!

What a staff-

At our latest staff meeting, I was surprised and shocked by a baby shower given in my honor. Honestly, I didn't "get" it at first...too many things running around in my mind I guess! They actually had to tell me it was for Jace and I!! Thinking back, I thought it was funny to have cupcakes at our meeting. My co-workers were very generous. Jace (and Eli!) received numerous outfits. I can't wait to see my boys in their matching swim shorts!!

With all luck, my next post will be to let everyone know that we have received our embassy appointment. On a separate note, my friend has willingly accepted the responsibility to update our blog while we are in China. Less than a year ago, China blocked all blogs which made many of us sad that we wouldn't be able to tell our family and friends about our incredible journey!