Best surprise for last!!!!

I had a nice Christmas surprise today in my email!!

Doesn't he look like he's growing up? Now that he's hanging around the big kids, he must be growing up. :) i love this stage he's in.....we'll just have to pray really hard that our paperwork continues to move!!!

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas----by Third Day

I've always liked Third Day, but this song just made me like them even more :)
Couldn't help an think about Aidan and being away from him.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy8RW6aHXWQ



These are the lyrics in case you're wondering!!



There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are
But half a world away
I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here
It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child
And we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his lifeAnd prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms
And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

I love it...........

I saw this sign a while back and just laughed at it...........there is truth to it :) so this was one of my presents and it's great!!!!!

Our Christmas was good. I think mom and dad were into the kid's presents more than they were this year. We had this great plan to do their bedrooms for Christmas........we put them to bed in our bed and then worked into the wee hours of the night. We switched furniture around and assembled new furniture. The result was that Austin had Alyssa's furniture-----which ultimately we converted to a bunk bed for Aidan and Austin, and Alyssa had a new bed and dresser and new decor. This needed to be done to get a bed ready for Aidan and we thought it would be a fun to do.

Now all we need is Aidan :) This makes me more excited just getting this ready for him.

So in the morning Austin crawls into bed and simply states..............'why do I have a bunk bed" and falls back asleep. Alyssa later comes to our room and says..........'can we get up, I want to check out my room'..............and once she checks it out says...................'oh- nice' ......................and then later opening a few presents ....................'I don't want just blankets and sheets, there is too many cats in my room now (cat sheets which SHE picked out) ........this is what I get for Christmas????..this is it?????...........No real kitties?............No big toys?........This is it????? (don't be feeling sorry for her---she had fun stuff too)

Well we tried. I was envisioning the kids being all excited and checking out the new stuff...........I guess what can I expect when it's boring room stuff-right? We ended the day feeling a little frustrated and sad.

I felt sad because they weren't completely happy. As a parents I'd love to give the world to the kids............................but is giving them that big dream toy really a lesson I want to give them?????............it may have served for immediate gratification for the day............but that's not what Christmas is about-right!! The whole commercialism side of Christmas really gets me this time of year. It brings out selfishness and jealousy of wanting more. Aaarrggghh!! Anyways....

For opening our family gifts we had a lot of fun. You know the typical scenerio............kids fighting about who gets to open a present first......................good thing dad comes up with playing a round of Uno to determine who opens a present. (we've been into Uno lately) That was lots of fun!!!!! You could see the kids scheming on who to lay the draw four or draw twos on.........so they could win. The gifts were like the prizes to the game...............it was great!!!!

Of course we've been thinking about Aidan alot. Sounds like they had Christmas celebrations at the orphanage. There are pictures of them decorating cookies on their web. They took some of the older kids to the Nutcracker........did a pageant at the O.........just sounds like had alot of Christmas festivities. I love how much they do for the kids. The staff at GLA is so incredible. They really give their lives into these kids and we're so thankful for that. Check out their activities. ...http://www.glahaiti.org/toddler_house_blog and also check out the 'life goes on in Haiti" section too.

Seven Years ago..........

Happy Birthday Alyssa!!!

We had a fantastic weekend at Great Wolf Lodge! It's become a tradition to spend a night at GWL for the kids' birthdays----it's a time to get away from the holiday craziness and just have fun and talk birthday stuff instead of Christmas stuff. Each year the kids love it in a different way. This year Alyssa really liked the whole rope/bucket climbing tower. Last year the lilly pads were the big thing. Of course the slids are great...............and Austin gets his fair share in the hot tub :)

Before bed we were telling Alyssa her story of when she was born and just how excited we were. She loves hearing it, and I love telling it. The funniest thing to her was that when they called to tell us her birthmom was in the hospital, they called and told us we were having a boy first. Then they called back and said oh, it's a girl!. She giggles when we tell her that. It was just such an exciting time..........only knowing about her for 1 week before she was born............and just the amazing ways that God showed us He truely had a perfect plan for our family. Unbelievable!!! It's fun to think about all the different stages. How fun each stage is. I remember thinking 'it's adoption--- kind of a random 'next of the list' kind of thing...........and how can a child really be meant for a specific family?'........................but now having been through this process 3 times.............I whole hardedly believe that God does have a specific child for each family. Each of the kids have their own unique story which makes them who they are. This is a time for us to reflect and give thanks for their birth parents--they are special and very courageous people. We're very thankful for them.

With the Christmas season so close to birthdays in our household I've thought about the 2 together alot. I know as Christians we've all been adopted by Christ............sometimes I hear that concept so often, and hear it's parellels with adoption so much, that it looses something. I was thinking the other day that Jesus knows exactly what the kids ever think about adoption. I mean ,Jesus was adopted by Joseph, right? Joseph wasn't his birth father.............yet he was Dad to Jesus. I know that there will be things that I don't get, or the kids wish I knew how they felt, yet I hope they find comfort in knowing that Jesus knows all their needs and knows how they are feeling. He's been there too.

Snow Day!!!

Oh NO----what about my party!!!!!!--those were the first words out of Alyssa's mouth. But after we got past that point, we're having fun having this catch up day.

In the mists of this crazy week, we got our update about Aidan. That is always such a nice surprise to get an email from our SW. He is too cute in the Christmas pictures, and it is good to see his smile! In fact, our update said...


"Every time I see Manuel these days, he has a grin on his face! Manuel is loving the toddler house and living there. Manuel enjoys spending time with his nanny, and I often see him close by her. Manuel also seems to really enjoy the little slides, and one day recently I saw Manuel going down the slide over and over to his waiting nanny! Manuel is surrounded by love and is a happy little boy. He and his perpetual grin are doing very, very well!"




So that was a highlight!!!
Although I have to admit, when we get the updates and see his picture...................I miss him more..................and have a little hint of frustration creep in about why the process takes so long. But, I guess I can't let myself go there and think about that. Although it's funny how our minds are. Even though I know the process, sometimes it's like these fantasy thoughts come into mind that we're going to get a call and Aidan's paperwork was hand delivered to all the various stages and he's ready to be picked up.......NOW!!!! Wow!! Okay--I know it's fantasy and would never happen, but it's all these things that cross our minds while waiting........

So back to reality. I feel like all the hurry, business wrapped up this week and now the fun starts. I hope you enjoy all your parties this season as well..

Christmas Cheer!

Just wanted to give you a great holiday smile!! I'll pass on more of the update when I have a moment. I love getting our pictures!!!

Since we're in the birthday season, I might as well mention it was Bella's 1st birthday today.

Happy Birthday Austin!!

Today our boy turned 5!!!

It seems like he was just born yesterday. I was thinking about the day we took him home from the hospital. We were finishing up a remodel job on our house, and the morning we took him home there was a carpet installer, someone finishing up our kitchen cabnets, an appliance delivery, carpet cleaners, air duct cleaners, a plumber..................family and friends all stopping by. Wow!!!

He has definately added lots of excitement to our lives and he is such an amazing boy!! He is shy at times, yet all boy at other times. He can wrestle with the best of them, yet cuddle with mom and want his blanket.

It doesn't seem like he was little very long. Once he was walking-----he was running at top speed and hasn't stopped. It's so fun remembering all the different stages so far.

I'm so proud of you buddy!!!!

Manger scene from the heart

I absolutely love decorating the house for Christmas. It's a time of digging in boxes and checking out what you had in storage. I remember when Alyssa was 2, she would walk around with tinsel around her and just stay busy while I was putting lights on the tree. Austin's favorite part is hanging ornaments on the tree. For a couple years all the ornaments were at the bottom of the tree, but this year they are making their way to the top. Sigh---it's just a small sign that he's getting bigger.
As I was making supper one night the kids called me to the living room to check out their manger scene:

I love it!! It's so creative.......from the heart .......totally from a kids perspective. They wadded up lights for the manger, used some snow bears for Mary and Joseph and Jesus. There are 3 wise man (other stuffed animals) and 3 gifts of jewels laying by the manger and then there is an angel bear. Just a regular bear with fairy wings.

Isn't it precious? These are the things that make the holidays special. Just having fun...........
These are the precious things that kids do :)

If you need a good laugh.......

This is my day today. Both kids are at home, with a case of the runs out the back end, and the dog is in heat. Does it get any better?? This has truely been an experience. I wish I had taken a picture of Austin checking out Bella. He looked like a car mechanic laying on the floor under Bella looking up and trying to figuer this all out. Let's just say, it's been some interesting talks about how our bodies work!!! And the kids are so funny about these doggy diapers, it's just a hoot to have this all happening. Anyways, let's just say the only thing that could make this a more interesting holiday season is to have that dreaded lice note we got from school last month to actually be true in our house. I think at that point I would evacuate and move. We're all sitting on the couch watching tv and I'm figuering out what I need to do to be prepared for birthdays and holidays :) And in case you're wondering.......... I called the vet and this dog heat thing lasts 3-4 weeks. Yikes!!!! I should have called last month and scheduled her appointment, it just kept slipping my mind. Mental note: don't forget to do those things that need to get done.

Glimpse into Aidan's Thanksgiving

Check out how Aidan spent Thanksgiving:
http://www.glahaiti.org/toddler_house_blog
Sounds like it was a pretty special day :)

Thanksgiving Reflections

Okay, this is so last week's news, but before I jumped in Christmas I just wanted to reflect on Thanksgiving. We had a great time of reflection that week. Let me talk about Haiti in general for a moment, and not specifically about adoption. We definately feel tied to Haiti because Aidan lives there, but we've also developed a special place in our lives for the people of Haiti and referring to the state of poverty they are in. Our church had a Hungar for Haiti challenge in which we ate beans and rice for the 3 days prior to Thanksgiving. It was a time of reflection of what a typical Haitian might eat and ultimately so we can be in prayer for them, as well as prayer for our hearts towards them. I have to say it was powerful stuff. I can't even imagine life without all we have. On a physical side, I felt terrible just eating beans and rice. Not only was I hungary, but I had a terrible headache and really was miserable. Wow---what an eye opening experience. But the devotion that really struck me the most that week was something that was printed from Amy Sherman, author of Sharing God's Heart for the Poor............
"We would feel embarrassed to wait in line publicly for a hand-out of free food. We would be in anguish to watch our child starving to death, having no means to earn bread for her. And if we would feel all these things if we were 'in the shoes' of the poor person,.............then we must understand that he feels them too. We must not allow ourselves to believe that 'they' are somehow fundamentally different from 'us', and that while we would be pained to live their life, they are 'used to it' and so not bothered by it."

WOW!!! How often haven't we thought that..............that 'they' are use to it..........It's easy to think that Haitians in poverty are lucky to be getting beans and rice each day, but wouldn't it be even better if they could have more than that? Wouldn't we want more than that? And then it goes hand in hand with the quote..................."The Lord provides everything that everyone needs...........it's just up to us to share it, or distribute it"
This really goes against all that the culture shouts out to us. Going into Christmas it's so easy to get wrapped up in the me, me, me mentality.............but Thanksgiving was a great time to think about all we have and how we can share what we have.
And then to totally blow my selfish thinking...........one afternoon when I was crabby and cranky from not eating 'normal' I thought...............'i'm just going to sit for a minute and drink my water bottle and maybe some tea'...............and that whole thought process hit me like a ton of bricks that many Haitians don't have that luxury of clean water to drink at any given time, and the idea of a comfy cushiony couch is probably not happening either. We are so blessed. There was so many thoughts that came up that week, it was a great reflection time.

On a side note, Austin said that day that he was thankful for Aidan. I couldn't help think that being thankful for Aidan also meant being thankful to God for his leadings, being thankful that God is a God who knows our thoughts and directs our actions, thankful that God is alive and active in our lives, and thankful that God is amazing. Because without all this, Aidan wouldn't be part of our lives. I'm thankful for Aidan as well!!
I'm thankful for Alyssa and Austin too.............

Proud mom moment

Alyssa had show and tell for school. She came home Monday and put her 2 items in the box to take to school on Tuesday. Monday while getting ready for bed she grabbed our photo book of Aidan and put it in her show and tell box and took something else out. She said she wanted to take that, but I didn't ask any questions.
Tuesday after school she said she did her show and tell and everyone was really interested in hearing about her brother............and it was all good.
Today I dropped her off at school and her teacher said Alyssa did a great job showing everyone about her brother! She told the class that her family was SO excited to have Aidan be part of our family and she couldn't wait til he was home! The teacher said it was really neat. That just made my heart melt.............that the kids are actually embracing this and it's real................that Alyssa has feeling of love toward Aidan already and that she's excited for him!!!!!! I'm thrilled that she wanted to show everyone her pictures.............it makes me proud of her.

Aidan's moving up...

This past month has been filled with excitement for Aidan! He, and some of his friends, movied up to the toddler house---which is with the big kids. They say he's doing well with his change. He walks around with a smile on his face. We knew this was on the horizon for him, so while we were there we visted it. It's a walk up the rode from the main house at GLA. He will get some class time at this house and also have english classes!! I think it will be a great step for him as there is probably more activity and learning going on........... and I'm sure he's learning leaps and bounds from the big kids. Here is a couple pictures of his new enviroment.

His update also included that he had the chicken pox.....which we had heard. They said he had one of the worst cases.......my poor little boy.......but he's doing fine now and no problems......I guess that's one less vaccine he'll have to have, right.

Alyssa's hospital adventure

Nothing serious....no broken arms like the Huizenga's........but Alyssa was sooooo brave!

She was running and slipped with her socks and hit the wall. She had a pretty descent cut right in the middle of her forehead. Paul was with the kids while I was at dog school with Bella, so they cleaned it up and put a band-aid on. By the time I got home and checked it all out.....it was past 9:30...........but.......off we went to the hospital. We thought we better get it checked out since it's such a visible area. Sure enough, they used this glue stuff that sticks the skin together. He said it gets better results than stitches. Alyssa was so glad to hear that and that stitches weren't needed. She did so good talking to the Dr. and answering questions, what a big girl!!! The first question out of her mouth once we were done was......."so mom, where are we celebrating.....is donautville open or chuckie cheese?........ Do I get to stay home from school tomorrow?....."

She's so funny. She settled for a sucker from the nurse.........and since she got out of bed at 6:45 and was dancing around saying she could stay home and watch movies all day.................I sent her to school. She was excited to go and tell her friends..........so just as well. I would have let her stay home for the morning if she was sleeping................but that will be our secret----she doesn't have to know that:)

National Adoption Month

So Nov. is adoption awareness month......it seems like we've had alot of adoption stuff going on so it's been on our mind. We welcomed home a family with their children, we attended a West Mi Haitian gathering, I attended an adoption tea time, I've been in touch with another family who picked up their son while we visited............ While racking the large number of leaves we have........I've had lots of time to think about everything. It amazes me that each day I think about it, I really think about our whole process in a totally different perspective.

I'm amazed to think that Aidan is going to be part of our family......... I'm amazed at all the tiny steps God led us to get us to this point. When I think about the VERY beginning of Aidan's story.......it actually started about 3 years ago. Actually 2 years and 9 months.........which is exactly how old he is. See I didn't really ever realize that our restlessness from God started the exact month he was born. ..................it took us 16 months to follow all God's leadings....but God had a plan the whole time.............. During that 16 months it AMAZES me how some things occured........................and just some of the obvious ways that doors were closed..........I had requested things in the mail about something I was pretty interested in..........and amazingly we never recieved it......... I went to attend a meeting on foster to adopt, and was 5 minutes late..............and the doors to the building were locked and no one was there to let me in.........interesting, huh?......The list could go on and on how God led us............I remember having such a restlessness and praying a prayer in church...................it went like this......................Dear Jesus, I encourage you to mess with me. Feel free to mess with my comfortable lifestyle, my predictable patters, my long-held convictions. Do not allow me to settle into safe, status quo Christianity. Mess with me until I think like you think, act like you act, love like you love. Persistently, patiently, powerfully- MESS WITH ME!..................
I wanted to feel God in my life. As I reflect back................I've definately felt and seen God's will being done....................God has a plan..........and I know it's different and better than any of my plans could have been.
I also think about how exciting it will be to see Alyssa and Austin interact with another sibling. Alyssa is quite an entertainer and "mom" to her cousin Kendra. I look forward to seeing that.........................I think about entering a new phase of sorting and organizing clothes to hand down to Aidan...............see---having 1 girl and 1 boy I haven't really had to organize while I sort through clothes we've grown out of. I just pack them in a box and drop off at good will or pass on to a friend..........now i"ll have to put a little thought into organizing hand me downs. For anyone who knows the true me.........I'm a messy at heart so this will be a new adventure (challenge) for me.........................I thought about how next time we're doing yard work and spring clean up----Aidan could be joining us..............which is fun....but also the amount of work getting done will be less as we will be chasing and keeping an eye on a young one again................
I've thought about our trip to Haiti and sitting at the embassy....... Sitting next to a birth mother who was there to release her child for adoption. Thinking about these birthmothers and what a difficult decision it must be...........knowing not only are their children going to be adopted........but probably leaving the country........forever. What alot of courage it takes......Was she wondering what I was doing at the embassy? Did she think about what the family was like that her son would be going to?..........................I wonder exactly what Aidan's first 2 years have been like........I know God has protected him..... completely...................Aidan patiently waited for us.......until we surrendered.......... and followed God's leading.............and eventually was joined together. He's brought us joy already...........completed more of our family circle..............I hope he is as thrilled with us--as we are with him.........................
I wonder about how Aidan got the scar on his face.........we'll never know. Was it a skin issue?....birth mark?.........was he all boy and climbed out of a crib?.......
I think about what I dread the most...............the dirty diapers!.........I've heard horror stories about the parasites and explosions on airplanes traveling back home. Going through all the medical check--ups won't exactly be fun and a piece of cake. Getting his ear checked out. His ear canal is closed off on one side............what will this all involve?...........I pray God will send us to the exact specialists we need to give us wisdom...........maybe it's no big deal........maybe it's correctable.............maybe he will just not know any different and compensate with hearing from his other ear...........I'm sure there are lots of opinions out there...........we just need a messenger from God to help us.
I thought about how i wish I could comfort him while he had the chicken pox. To give him a calming bath and read books to him......................I wonder if he'll like swimming in the summer. I can't wait to watch him play and empty buckets of water and fill them back up again........and empty them again...........he loved to play and stack the blocks that way............
I wonder how he'll react to Bella the wonder dog..........i'm sure they will scare each other at first..........but maybe they will be the best friends in the family. Alyssa can be a little too cuddly and dress up the dog...........Austin can be a little too----what's the word-----rough, while fighting Bella with his lightsaber......
I'm excited to change up Austin's bedroom and get bunk beds to make room for Aidan. It's something to do..........
I'm scared that "our way of life" will be disrupted for a while....til we get in the swing of things...........I wonder if we should be learning more creole? I know he understands stuff.........so how will we communicate at first?..........will he test us and we'll have to have a week of discipline to start with? or a month? or will he cuddle and love being held?..................I know life will have it's challenges.......but I know he is our child...............I love him..............and yet I'm looking forward to falling in love with every part of him. ...... No matter what happens............i remember God saying..............."I will equip you".....................oh little Aidan.............we look forward to being with you and wish you were home with us.............soon

Keeping things straight!

I had a funny moment the other day. We had received our favorable paperwork in the mail after being re-fingerprinted in Sept. I was filing it away and making sure we had all the documents we needed and suddenly panicked that I didn't have one document in place. As I frantically was looking through them all I realized we have this new vocabulary that we're trying to keep straight. We filed our I-600 form, only to get this ACS notice of Action which is a I-797, but then when you actually get your favorable determination it's a I-171. And these are all from the USCIS, and we also had to do this I-600 Adjudicate Orphan first and this G-28 form and blah, blah, blah.....I was so confused once I was finished looking through this all!!!!! But needless to say, what I was looking for was right in front of my eyes.

Anyways....life is going smooth. We received our Oct. update on Aidan. While we were visiting at the first of the month we actually saw them taking these pictures, so they were no surprise........but still adorable--although we may be bias. Chicken pox is going around the orphanage, can you imagine that???? I'm sure life is hard for all the nannies and volunteers, and for the kids. So far we haven't gotten news if Aidan has them or not. No news is good news with
this I figure.

Well, off I go to get ready for trick or treating!! I'm sure you'll see pictures of it in a couple days:) I'm a mom of a witch and darth vadar for tonight!!!

Whoa-Hooo!!!!

Our paperwork has moved on to another step!! It is no longer in IBESR, but is now on to Parquet. It was good to hear.....typically IBESR can also be called 'the Black hole' because it takes so long to get through. I can't complain about our timing----God is good. I know this doesn't mean much to most of you not in the process.......but each step is one more thing checked off our list. If all goes well, we're thinking around April we'll get to take Aidan home.

I have to admit since our trip a couple weeks ago I was sorting out a bunch of emotions. It was such an exciting trip and yet harder than expected in some ways. I was feeling a little frustated and down and last week Wednesday I came across Habakkuk 2:3----"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day."

It was such a great reminder that God is in control and I just need to leave it all to Him. I was feelling His peace again, and then it was a wonderful surprise to get this news on Thursday!!! So God knows just what we need and He's guiding us along the way.

Aidan and his dog!

Tickeling Aidan!

Eating cheerios with mom

Dad hanging out with Aidan!

Video of Aidan

We spent time going through our pictures with Alyssa and Austin. Our favorite was to watch a little video clip of Aidan playing with some blocks. We had taught him to say "ah--oh" when the blocks tumbled, so we captured him doing that!! Enjoy :)

Kudos to Dad!!

We're back!! It was alot harder leaving Aidan than I thought it would be--even knowing this was just a quick trip---it's still hard to leave.

As we go through our pictures, we'll keep posting them for you. I just had to write a quick update about our last day there.

After breakfast we went to get Aidan to spent our last hour with him. I walked into his room and as soon as he saw me he came running for me and wanted to come. So of course we're all smiling.

After I had finished hugging on him and having Paul take our picture, I went to get him out of my arms and realized he had a dirty diaper---in fact it was all over.

Being out of the dirty diaper stage, my thoughts we "I'll have the nanny change him" but of course since he's by me....and is my son......I thought we better change him. So i got a diaper and wipes---and a new t-shirt and was going to start changing him. I didn't last too long. In fact I barely even started, I just smelled and started gagging. I about lost it so Paul had to change him. He cleaned Aidan all up and got him all dressed again. What a good dad!!!!!! Of course Paul is walking around saying...."who's your daddy???.......I'm sure I won't live this down.

Day with Aidan (Manuel)

I was up with the roasters this morning, so thought I'd try updating. This picture was when we first met and he had just woke up from his nap.

Yesterday was a big day. Once breakfast was done we thought we'd spend a little time with Aidan before our appointment at the embassy. I started the day thinking we'd probably spend an hour with him, then go to our appointment but then he would be napping, so we probably wouldn't see too much of each other during the day. All of a sudden Stephanie told us he was coming with us!!!!! He had to make an appearance to complete his end so we were going to try and accomplish it all today. So we spent most of the day together. :)

The embassy is in PAP, so Aidan sat on my lap in the car. At first he just looked out the window but eventually fell fast asleep. We had our appointment which went very good. It was a great experience and nice help. Then we headed back to GLA--it was about an hour trip each way. When we were back, Aidan did go to nap time so we hung out for a while. I thought it would be nice to walk around with him once he was awake, but since it was rainy we played. He was cute playing--he'd empty all the toys out of a bin and then fill it back up. Or he'd put his dog on top of his head and make it fall off---then start giggling. It's so great to see him come alive instead of just having the pictures of him!!! At supper--he went back to eat with his room of kids to keep him on his schedule. When Paul left him he was crying---that was a little harder. But we were able to see him after supper too. In fact he was cleaned up and in pj's---I always love that stage. We looked at some books and snuggled--but eventually it was his bedtime.

It was a great day with him and such a wonderful surprise to spend most of it with him. What a blessing!!! I am thankful for this opportunity to meet him---it's been a special time---I love hearing his little voice and seeing his hands. As hard as it will be to leave today, we had the chance to have him enter in our hearts a little deeper. We just have to take one step at a time. I know God has a plan and in his timing we'll be together as a family. I can't wait for Alyssa and Austin to meet him:)

We'll post more pictures at home!

We meet

We're here!! Our flights were great and we got to spend our first afternoon with Aidan. He's a cuddler :) When we first arrived, he had actually been woken up from his nap so he was all cuddly for the first bit and then we also were able to end our day with him sitting by us as he was getting sleepy and ready for bed --so he was cuddling then too.
We spent 3-4 hours playing this afternoon. It was great to interact with him.
We seem to be having trouble posting a picture of us all together---so when we're able to we'll post that.

Every Day Life

We recently received our September update for Aidan. They tell us that we'll receive our updates in the 3rd week of each month, so every day this week I check my email hoping to get it. It's so great that they do that consistently for us, and it's something to look forward to.

This month they sent pictures of everyday life for Aidan. Instead of dressing and posing the kids, it was just snapshots of them in action. Alyssa is just loving the fact that he sucks his thumb. She is still quite fond of hers, so she thinks they will be on each others 'team'. Of course, then Austin says that Aidan is on his 'team' because he's a boy. I think I feel sorry for him, because he's not even home and he's already part of the sibling fights.

I can't wait to see his face and see his smile for ourselves. SOON!!!!--end of the month here!!!!

Refingerprinting and I-600 Haiti papers

Even though this is such a long process, it seems like there is always something to do. Last week we sent in papers to be refingerprinted. I guess your prints expire after 18 months. Today I stopped by our social worker and reviewed our paperwork we will be taking to Haiti. I wanted to make sure we had the correct forms all completed properly. You never know with all these legal papers if you need something that takes a while to complete or needs to be authenticated or original, or whatever.......but it looks like we have it all correct. Yea!!! I just have to do finishing touches with that.
So I'm starting to think about our trip and getting excited. The reality that we will get to see Aidan just makes it so exciting----I can't imagine how thrilling it will be when it's finally time to take him home. It sounds like another couple is going this weekend, so hopefully it goes well and we get good reports about it all.
Despite all the terrible stuff going on in Haiti, their trip is still on and no major problems with the GLA area. Praise the Lord!!!!

Hurricanes

Many of you have asked how Haiti is doing. With Hurricane Gustavo GLA fared well with only heavy rains. However the situations in Haiti continues to get worse. The following is the latest on the hurricanes:

FAY - lots of rain and wind, but no damage
GUSTAV - a lot more rain, but GLA weathered the storm well
HANNA - This was posted on GLA's website yesterday:

"GLA is really being noticing the presence of Hurricane Hanna. We just received an email from GLA. They are experiencing really high winds, but little rain. They were not expecting to be hit, and even right now, weather.com is not reporting much impact on Haiti. However, this is not the case. A couple of the metal panels providing cover over the balcony where the children play and the balcony where the children eat their meals have flown off. As well, the solar panels have flown off of the toddler house. The toddler house gate has also been lost. Inside all GLA buildings though, everyone is safe. Please be in prayer for GLA and for all others in Haiti who are being hit hard by Hurricane Hanna. "

today's update included this:

"Hurricane Hannah brought destruction to Haiti last night , September 2nd. Gonaive had flooding with some deaths reports. Our area sustained downed trees, toppled brick walls, and roads blocked. People are already out cutting the trees blocking the roads. Our metal roofs got blown off the house and we lost the internet dish at the Toddler House. The wind was blowing so hard the rain came in around the closed windows of the orphanage and flooded our dining room table and floor! There seems to be as many leaves inside the house as outside! Thankfully, we are all safe and God kept us from harm. Now we just have to clean up from the storm. This was much worse than any storm we have personally seen in the 17 years we have lived in Haiti. "

There are 2 more storms expected to hit Haiti---so please pray for them.

We also received news from GLOW ministries with Phil Snyder of the following: (we went with him during spring break to Haiti and our church has been active with GLOW)

"Got a short email from Phil last night, he says the bridge in Montrouis went down yesterday. This is the only route by which help can arrive to Gonaives, the area which is so badly flooded. This means these people are essentially on their own now. No help from Port au Prince, no food, no fuel, nothing can reach them from the south. This means that anyone who lives North of Montrouis, in St Marc, anywhere, is cut off from supplies till they fix that bridge. It is the only road in Haiti between P-a-P and the northern cities."

We keep up with the current happenings of Haiti because we have a little boy there-----however this goes beyond just us. With all the devastation it just reveals how desperate the country of Haiti is. They are in need of such prayers. Many people have probably lost everything and with the crops being washed away and bridges out, their future seems of such little hope. I don't even think we can comprehend their desperation. Please remember Haiti in your prayers that God can still be shown to them and they will cling to the Hope! And also remember Aidan----I can't help and think about how he is probably scared at times with all the wind and storms. Just the other night it was lightening and Austin crawled in bed and said he was scared, and it just hit me the reality that Aidan is without us to comfort him. However, God is his comforter and I have to trust that Aidan is feeling that.

Below is a link of some pictures of Haiti

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7597680.stm

Also a link to GLOW ministries. (God's Love for Orphans and Widows) Their passion is schools, feeding programs, and helping with sustaining life to Haitians. I'm sure with all the destruction, they are in even more need for sponsorship of children. This would be a great way to choose a child and pray specifically for them. Theresa at GLOW could get you set up and you could support and pray for someone in need. Think and pray about it!!!!

http://www.glowmi.org/index.html

Starting School

We're off to a GREAT start with school. Both the kids seem to really like it. I was expecting alot of crabbies.......but each day we are still looking forward to it.....so life is good. It's a new change for me with Austin gone a couple half days. Their first day at school I took the dog for a quick walk. It was the first time in over 6 y ears that I didn't have a stroller or bike or scooters following along. It makes me a little sad, yet there is a glimpse of freedom.

I love the time with the kids, yet I am looking forward to scheduling stuff without worrying about a sitter......or thoroughly cleaning (or decontaminating) my house before Aidan joins us. I have these high hopes, yet the couple hours will zip right by as things fill up the calendar.

Here's a couple pictures of our first day of school. When they came home Alyssa pulled out her yearbook from last year and was filling Austin in on who all the kids and teachers were. I walked out to them and overheard Alyssa saying "Now Austin who is this?.......It's Mrs. Harris.....Can you say Mrs. Harris" I thought it was pretty cute.

Typical 2 year old photo sessions!

In all our excitement of planning our trip, we also received our August update from GLA. It is good to see his smiling face. In his update they said he is always quick to smile for the camera --- You gotta love the smiles and expressions he has. It makes me want to squeeze him!!

I'm so thankful he seems to be doing well. I know GLA does a fabulous job with the kids and he's being taken care of but the most assuring thing is to know that God is his comforter, his provider, his Father---and God is always with him.

Plans made to meet Aidan Manuel!!

We're going to Haiti at the end of Sept. !!! It will feel so good to get another step moving, but best of all we get a chance to be with Aidan!!!! We've had our tickets bought for 2 days now and it's finally sinking in that we get to be with Aidan and hold him and meet him!! So in a month we'll get to spend time with our little boy.!! We'll get to know him personally and not just with pictures but we'll be the ones to hug him. I think it will be a very special time. Of course it will make the rest of the time that much harder to wait, but at least we'll have a moment with him to enjoy!!
The purpose of this trip is to get another aspect of the adoption going. Up til this point adoptions have always moved from point A to B to C and so on down the line............but this will allow another aspect to be going on simultaneously so point B to C will be going on with also point E to F--or whatever. So in theory it will cut time at the end of the process because the finishing part of the process will be started already. Since this is a new aspect, there really is no idea of how this really affects the timing. so we really don't have any estimate--we just have to leave that to God---and completely enjoy this new opportunity to meet Aidan!!

Timing

I just had to share some excitement!! Adoptions haven't been going super fast from Haiti--however we knew that since we recieved our referral. Adoptions are taking 9 months all the way up to 18 months to complete (after having a referral)----so realistically speaking Aidan could possibly not come home until this time next year. However there have been a few good things happening. They have been changing some of the process so that if we are interested in doing 2 trips to Haiti, we could take 1 trip relatively soon here and file some paperwork IN Haiti and that could save a couple months off the process. So we said "YES--when can we go?" !!!!!! And now today I was checking out the blog of information for us and this is what it said ..........."I just spoke to Dixie from GLA, and she informed me that the Head of Parquet (District Attorney), has resigned from his position. The Haitian media has been widely broadcasting this news since early this morning. For the past year and a half, he has been making adoptions very difficult in Haiti, causing many delays in the process. We are praying that whoever will replace him will be in favor of adoptions, and will have the children's best interests in mind, resulting in the adoption process moving more quickly." So this is good!!!!.....but we still need prayers that indeed the replacement will benefit adoptions and not further hinder them.

So God continues to open doors and help in this process. I still have no idea, but I do know that God is working it out. Our desire is still to spend Aidan's 3rd birthday with him.

Special Visitors

A group from our church went to Haiti recently, and 2 of the group members were able to spend some time at GLA with the kids. One of our prayers for him is that someone will give him a big hug and show him lots of love each day.......and this particular day he got that!!!!! It sounded like they were able to hold him for a long time and give him some stuff from us......along with our pictures. I just love how he's smiling when he's looking at the pictures. This was sooo cool that we were able to hear about him and it seems like he's really doing well. We got to hear more about his personality and his disposition-----it was just such a special treat. As we were listening to stories about Aidan and seeing his pictures.....Alyssa was saying, "oh, look at him. He just has to come home" She was being so sincere and it just made my heart melt. I know it's still a ways off before he comes home, but I feel like he's part of us and we could have a special moment with him with help of some friends. God keeps us going as we patiently wait.

Summer Time Fun!

He's looking like he's having lots of fun!! It sounds like playing with water is a good play time activity at GLA. But don't most kids like to play with water? Good to hear from them and see his pictures!!! Included in his update was a picture of some of the kids---they had a 4th of July party and had everyone in red, white or blue. Sounds like fun!!! Actually looks like a lot of work to get everyone dressed for a picture. I love that Aidan is getting lots of activities and GLA is continuously doing stuff like that.
Aidan is in the middle---wearing a red hat and sucking his thumb!!