Yes! New Pictures

While we were visiting my folks in Hill City, South Dakota, I received an email with updated pictures of Jace. I had tears in my eyes just looking at the little man. He weighs 24 pounds and wears a size 5 shoe. Ann from Red Thread, the service we used to send him the package, said that he is a very strong and happy boy. His hair cracks me up!! We received a few more pictures that I will post later. In one of the pictures, it shows him trying to dress himself. Seeing these pictures just makes all of us more eager to fly to China and bring him home!

We would love to hear something!

Being on summer vacation gives me a lot of time to think about traveling to China. I am guessing that we will be traveling sometime in August. I have to keep the mindset that there is a reason for everything and it all will work out in the end but sometimes that doesn't help in the patience department! Jace should be receiving a little package from us within the next few days! Rethread offers a service to send care packages to the orphange your little darling is at. There may even be the chance we get an update about him or possibile a couple of pictures....wouldn't that be amazing!

This is a picture of the package he will receive. What a cute little outfit! I also wrote a letter to him and Redthread translated it so the nannies can read it to him.

All of us are getting very anxious to hear about the next step. I even sent an email to our case worker in Michigan asking if she has heard anything. You can probably figure out the answer.

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!

Another Milestone!!

The Crosby's are now one step closer to going to China! We received our L.O.A today which means we have officially been approved for our little man, Jace. Now we have additional paperwork to get together and send to our agency in Michigan and some to send to China. This is the fun and exciting paperwork as we can see the end of the road...we are trying not to think of the plane ride too much!!! From this point, we are about two months from heading to China.

Now that I have a new camera, I am going to have to figure out how to post pictures!! Something for my to-do list for Spring Break

Eli is very excited to get a little brother...hopefully this excitement will continue once we get home. He loves to play in Jace's room which includes trying to get into his crib! I can only imagine what Eli will do in the mornings....all i have to say is we hope Jace doesn't like to sleep in!

Since I have blogged last, many things have changed (imagine that, I haven't blogged since October) Rob is doing great....loves that Eli is so silly! I am approaching a much needed Spring Break. Not much is planned, just hanging with the fam and tackling my to-do list! Eli turned 4 on December 1st...this is hard to believe!!! He loves to play Ironman...he even pretends to put his imaginary outfit on. It's hilarious! He is also a huge fan of guns. For a silly present for Rob's birthday, I bought him two Nerf guns. Eli LOVES to go around the house "hunting." I can just see the Nerf wars in our future. We had a little snow storm today. When I picked Eli up from daycare, we opened the door and his response to the snow was, "No, no, no, I am not going out there in that." Can you tell he isn't a fan of snow....kinda like his mom!

Two Posts in One Day!!

Miller Farms

Pumkin Time...he was actually pulling pumpkins off

the stack...sly little dog!

This is a working farm. We were able to take a hay ride out to the fields and pick veggies to our hearts content! The weather was very hot....so Rob went back to get Eli a drink. Then I found out we had four MORE stops...I couldn't take it...Eli was grouchy, I had had enough. So, I had to decide, to I forgo the food or my child....of course I picked the food! So, Eli and I trudged back...such a delightful trip back we had, yeah right! We ended up getting all of our bags of food when the hay ride came back....all except a bag of corn that someone took from my dad! This is a must go back and visit place for next year.

Some of Eli's silly things: 1)When we were praying the other day, he starts off...we need to pray...father son holy spirit...I pledge allegiance, to the flag!! I love it...too funny. 2) We have halloween candy in a pumpkin dish so after he finishes dinner, he says "One umpkin and two corns?" 3) Rob and Eli were goofing around, all of a sudden he tells his dady, "No tickling, No Rough Housin....be NICE to Eli"