FINAL DECREE AND PICK UP DATE!

We heard today that we received 2nd and Final Decree. Gracyn is coming home!!! To be honest, it was a call mixed with emotions. I really thought that she would be home in time to celebrate her 2nd birthday with us. I set my hopes up to high - I still have in my calendar, "Gracyn's 2nd Birthday!! 1st @ home I PRAY!" - Instead I'm picking her up on the first of September.

I have nothing to complain about. Gracyn is coming home. I am so happy to know that we have a date. I know when I'll be able to hold her, smell her, and see her face in person for the very first time. With biological birth, unless it's a planned delivery, the date of arrival is one you can usually count on, but it's a surprise. With Gracyn, everything up until now has been unknown. I thank our Heavenly Father for giving me the strength to have finally arrived at the point in our journey. I pray that Gracyn will enjoy her last month with her foster family and that her second birthday will be special because she'll get to have two celebrations. One in her birth country, and one at home with us. . .Last time I checked, 2 year olds don't know they're days or months, or even their birthdays yet, so she'll never know, right?

She's spoiled already. . .I was thinking to myself, if her "Gotcha Day" was the same as her "Birthday" it would be special but they'd always be combined. . .well, there you have it. We'll always have two very special dates to celebrate individually, just a week apart. Perhaps a whole week of gifts for Gracyn every year. . .the last week of August will always be fun for our family!

Mommy is coming to get you Gracyn!!!! I Love you!

A call, but not THE call. . .

I'm thoroughly convinced that we aren't receiving travel dates so that my shopping habit will help to stimulate the economy. I bought another outfit for Gracyn, and I bought a smaller size this time. . .

Good thing. . .we got a new update today, no photos, but it seems to be a month or so older than the last update. This one has more information, so I'm taking this one to be more accurate.

As of a month ago, or so, here's our little girl at a glance:
32.6 inches
17.6 lbs
Drinks about 4 bottles a day (8-9 oz each)
Eats some soft foods, tofu, fish, noodles, rice (perfect for our house)
Has an overbite (I think it's under, not over though - start saving for the ortho now!)
She loves to take walks
She likes cars, moving cars that make noise, "shining stuff" and cell phone (hmm. . .let's see, a big brother with lots of noisy cars, a mom who has an affinity for diamonds, and a dad who has a cell phone glued to his head - ask Peyton. . .sounds like a good fit for us) - Oh, but she doesn't like eyes on dolls or the "flashlight" on a camera. I'm with Gracyn on this one - eyes on a doll can be a little freaky, and the flash of a disposable camera stays on forever. . .mental note, no flash, and that epxlains her squints and angry looks when the camera is in front of her!

Here's my favorite part - word for word:
When she is sleepy, she needs someone to company her and pad her, she will drink milk and fall sleep. Sometimes she will have a bad dream and wake up crying, giving her a bottle of milk will calm her down.

When she is sleep, she likes someone touches her palm. If she's crying, taking her out for a walk can calm her down. She likes people to KISS HER, HUG HER, AND SNUGGLE WITH HER.

Hold on tight sweetie. Mommy will be there to rock you to sleep, pat your back so you can go back to dreamland, and you, my baby, will be smothered with snugly hugs and kisses, don't you worry!

If we name her, will she come?

DH and I have been torn on Gracyn's middle name. It's very important to us that she has a part of my mom's name. After many discussions, official announcements, re-announcements, we have finally decided on her middle name. . .

Gracyn Natalee

Will the phone ring now with our travel dates???

Let's see. . .
Name finalized - check
Cleaned Garage - check
Travel Folder ready to go - check
Travel Folder contents duplicated for home - check
Skype loaded onto laptop - check
Gotcha Day outfit ordered - check
Carseats ready - check
Shoes in a bigger size - check (yes that's shoeS as in plural)
Final payment made - check
Travel Meeting - check
TECO - check
Prescriptions received for Gracyn from AdoptMed - check
Foster Mother/Father/Sister Gifts - check
Tights and leggings in many colors for FALL - check (like I won't go shopping again?)
Big Brother Gifts for each day I'm gone - check
Big Brother in Big Boy Underwear - check

Oops. . .
Foster Brother Gift - need to go pick it up
Second laptop - need to decide and buy the darn thing
Lifebook - (Almost there - not sure I can finish without the blanks filled in)
Bedroom - (A disaster with preparing for travel)
Matching Hair Clips - (just need 2 more! White and coral - for G, not me!)
Socks - (that's right, cute socks. . .hmmm)
Announcements - (designed, need to create so pics can just be inserted)
Haircut - (note to self, must call)
Say bye-bye to Big Brother's paci's - (not sure when that will ever be a "check")

What am I missing?!!

Showered by Cherry Blossoms

Yesterday evening we were invited over to my cousin's house for dinner and swimming. We were so surprised when out came my cousin's oldest boy of three with nothing other than a Janie and Jack bag and a Chug a Chug a Choo Choo bag for big brother Peyton. Peyton got CARS PJ's!!! He LOVES PJs - maybe it has something to do with his initials! LOL Honestly, I didn't even watch him open his gift. . .all my attention was on the box.

I very carefully removed the ribbon so I wouldn't ruin the box. I open the tissue, and guess what?! It's not only the coat from the new Cherry Blossom Line at Janie Jack, but also the hoodie and matching pants,. . .all lined with CHERRY BLOSSOMS! Oh, and let me not forget Gracyn's very first pair of white ruffle socks!!!! I hadn't even thought of socks yet! I'm so used to a boy who wears no socks and crocs, or just white and gray thingies on his feet. Ang even bought a size up on the jacket (no, not for sizing or Fall purposes) to ensure rolling of the cuffs so you can see the lining!!! Note to DH: Sorry hon, I'm going to have to just buy the rest of line to make it complete!!! Gracyn's Gotcha Day outfit, or Gotcha Trip outfit will be from this line. . .stay tuned!

I've been adoring all of these pieces, but couldn't bring myself to buy them just yet. It's so expensive at J and J! WAY TOO GENEROUS from Ang and Family. . .way too perfect. . .I felt like an expectant Mom at a private baby shower! Note above, Ang is Super Mom to THREE Boys all under the age of 5. (Well, J is almost 5!) She had no idea that I had been logging into the Janie and Jack site regularly, and she's been our biggest support from the family when it comes to our journey. The gift is beautiful, her love and support. . .priceless. Thank you Ang - for everything!

TECO and Travel Meeting

We're went to TECO today to authenticate some Power of Attorney forms. We really enjoyed the drive, and to be doing something for our daughter. We went to Chinatown and shopped around, went to the fortune cookie factory, ate dim sum, shopped some more. . .I completely refrained from buying her a Cheng-sam or Chinese pants outfit. I looked, but couldn't find the "right one." We did buy silk pouches for the Foster Mom and Foster Sister's gifts, and a matching one for Gracyn, and chopsticks for the kids.

Wait a minute, OUR TRAVEL MEETING?! Oh my. . .it's really happening, isn't it? I've been reading a lot and talking to DH a lot about what to expect with Gracyn. We aren't first time parents, but first time adoptive parents. We've heard everything from children who experience extreme inconsolable grief, to others who latch on and never let go, to those who bite, hit and are just plain mad. We know that her personality will have a lot to do with how she reacts and her level of attachment to her foster family will also impact her transition. On the way back from the city we stopped off at our agency and had our travel meeting. It started to sink in. . .this is it. . .one more call and we'll hear about our AIT appointment and then it's onto booking those flights!

After our travel meeting we stopped off at In and Out for late lunch/early dinner, then to Macy's to pick up our pre-sale items (including more clothes, more PJ's, a few pants for me to travel in, and the cutest ruby red crocs - not tomato red, ruby red, and some of the gifts for the foster family) and then to Target for "big brother gifts" (for while I'm gone), more items for traveling, and of course matching PJ's (wait how many sets do we have now?) for Mommy and Gracyn. I bought them in the girls section! At 5 feet 1, that's the advantage. . .Peyton was sad when he saw them. . .it's already begun. He wanted the girl PJ's too. Since I bought Gracyn's big we might have to let Peyton try them on! SHHHH. . .Oh, and then there was the hair clip aisle. I had to buy a variety of rubberbands - not sure what will work for her hair - looks like she's got quite a bit! I can't wait to do my own little girl's hair. I've braided, bunned, curled, girls' hair - I've done them for weddings. . .but I've never done the hair of my OWN little girl. I can't wait. BTW that's one of the first thing I noticed about her pictures, she has rubberbands in her hair so she's used to them! Yippee!

DH never posts, but when asked what the most memorable moment was the trip was, he responded with: "Ummm. . .most memorable? Looking for, uh, a Cheng-sam for her."
We didn't settle on one yet. . .so I guess we really do want to find the "perfect" one for our daughter.

We're bringing our little girl home very, very, soon, and boy does it feel great!

Baby Beau is coming home!

My friend Ramona is leaving this Wednesday to bring home her adorable baby girl, Jaden. I'm so happy she's opted to post about her journey live from Taiwan. Ramona has been a great friend and support to our family. This is the lady who made sure I knew that she got first decree and refrained from posting her EXCITING news because she wanted me to hear it from her first. She's so thoughtful!

Jaden will be so loved! Her big brother Mikey is just a doll, and can't wait to have someone in the house that's shorter than he is! They will be great together. We are praying for safe travels, and a most memorable trip for The Beauregard family. Thank you Mikey and Jaden for the FIRST set of "Big Brother/Little Sister" shirts for Peyton and Gracyn. (a First Decree gift!)

Safe travels, know we're here for you while you're there, and we're here for you when you get home.

 

I can't believe my baby is 3-1/2. . .He has been such a blessing in my life, and I wanted to dedicated a post just to him today. . .he will soon be a big brother, and will have to share Mommy.

Today he cried in the car for his sister. . .He said, "it's too hard" - "I want my sister. . ." - it broke my heart. Especially after coming out of a wonderful service at church where we were learning about trials in life and we were taught to challenge ourselves to turn trials into blessings. So, when Peyton asked me, "Why?" (why is it so hard?) I responded: "To bring us closer to God. . ." which I truly believe is the case for our family.

Lucy got the FAST Judge!!!!!

If you aren't already following Taiwan Lucy now would be GREAT time to start. Lucy's family received her referral a LONG time ago. . .even before we received Gracyn's, and they have been through a very unique journey.

In the world of Taiwan adoption, the "judge" you're assigned is critical. Affectionately referred to as "Slow" or "Fast", Jackie just received word that they got the FAST judge. . .Hallelujah! This means they could get their First Decree super fast and then bring Lucy home in September, just as the "leaves are changing" -

Jackie does an amazing job of documenting her journey, and she has been a dear friend and a great support in my own journey. I told Jackie that there are so many people across the country who know "Taiwan Lucy" - Jackie, where are those, "I survived Taiwan Lucy" shirts anyhow?!

To Pastor Chris and Sandy - THANK YOU

Through Pastor Chris who's in Pingtung, I met Sandy who's in Neipu. Both are near where Gracyn is growing up, and they've both helped me to learn so much about the area. Be sure to visit their blogs to learn mor about my daughter's birth country, and specifically the area she's been for the first years of her life.

Thank you both for your prayers, and your priceless help! Thank you Father for bringing these wonderful people into my life.

Here is a picture that Sandy shared with me. It's a view that I believe my daughter has seen through her own eyes. . .Sandy took this photograph during the Winter, and it's gorgeous.

My baby girl's new cherry blossom bed. . .

DH doubts Gracyn will ever use her bed, but when I saw this bedding, I had to have it. At first it was only available in the crib set, but after waiting on a list the twin set came in!!!

I hope my baby likes her new bed. . .If not, we have a crib and a pack N play ready to go too! Not to mention Mommy's arms or Mommy's bed!

Mommy's coming to get you sweet pea!

1 boy = 1 car; 1 girl = 1 HUGE WARDROBE

The weekend before THE BIG CALL, I started picking up some new clothes for Gracyn. I bought a little big, thinking if she wasn't home in time for the rest of summer, she could wear these next spring. Since she's coming home, and she's taller than I expected, we might get some use.

As you can see, I've started pulling everything out so I can take inventory, go BUY more (at Ramona's suggestion), and I've made a mess. There's one outfit I know we bought and I can't find it so I'm going crazy.

Peyton got a "new car" - No, we didn't buy it - we need to pay for airline tickets. His Grandpa (Gong-Gong) bought it for him. The thing goes 5MPH, and has a radio that really works. . .1 boy = 1 car, and a very happy boy at that.

1 girl = an abundance of clothes, shoes, accessories. . .it's all new to me. . .for those who have boys, what happened to the 5 pairs of shorts, and 5 T's that go with almost any of the shorts. Hair Clips? Socks? Matching Sweaters? Matching Shoes? Geez, this is complicated. . .who am I kidding?! I LOVE IT.

PIF - Have some fun!

I received Gracyn's Pay It Forward gift in the mail yesterday from Ramona. A neat way to get to know one another and to pass the time.

Super cute stuff! Love it all. A darling and much needed sweater, pink romper, flower socks (no more plain white and gray ones for this household!), headband (can't forget the accessories), a sweet puppy, and of course goodies for Mom! My favorite Burt's Bees Lip Balm!

First 3 Moms to sign this post will be recipients of PIF gifts. Once you receive your gift, you "pay it forward" to 3 new moms! (I will need you to e-mail your mailing address of course!) Anyone out there want to recieve a gift?!

Thank you Valorie!

Val, my "five minute friend" who's worse than me when it comes to shopping went and bought Gracyn a new "Americana" outfit, as she calls it, and a cute black 2-piece linen outfit to celebrate our first decree. Yes, "our" first decree - she's just as emotionally invested in this journey as I am.

Thank you "Auntie Valorie" - We love you!

YIKES - I've been tagged. . .I get to join in the fun!

I've been tagged by Lucy's Mommy Jackie. . .
Jackie's question: Does this make me one of the cool kids now? (To answer that Jackie, yes, we're cool now! We've finally arrived. LOL)

I'm it. . .here it goes!

What were you doing ten years ago?:
Ten years ago, I was 22 years old, had just graduated from UCI, and was "taking a break" while I found the "right" job - luckily it only took me a few weeks. I've been in the same industry, and almost the same company (we got bought out) ever since.

Five Items on My To-Do List:
Pack for Taiwan
Figure out who I'm going to TAG
Continue my "Pay it Forward"
Buy more PINK, and more shoes for Gracyn
Finish my Gracyn's Life Book

Snacks I Enjoy:
York Peppermint Patties (no more 5 patty days - Gracyn's comin' home!
Any kind of granola bar, snack bar, etc.
Chips Ahoy 100 calorie packs (I know why bother!)
Kettle-cooked Chips
Light Mint Mocha Frap no whip (I know, is it really light??)

Places I would Live:
Irvine
Seattle
Right where I am
Wherever God takes me
Wherever my kids move to when I get old

What would you do if you were a billionaire?:
Set up multiple grants for adoptive families
Set up an adoption agency or ministry
Adopt several villages through World Vision
Ensure more people had clean water to drink
Adopt more children myself

Jobs I've Had:
Dim Sum Waitress (yes, the kind where you push the cart and yell in Chinese)
Order Taker/Cashier at a Pizza Parlor
Nordstrom Brass Plum (The job where your picture gets hung up on the wall)
Waitress at a Chinese Restaurant (WOW - best paying job - seriously good tips)
Peer Counselor in College
Internal Wholesaler for a Mutual Fund Company
Mom to one child (WOO HOO - about to be Mom to 2!)

Rules: Each player posts the answers about themselves, then tags five people to do the same at the end of the post.

If you enjoyed reading this - join in the fun. I Tag: Valorie (yes miss 5 minute friend, that's you - who else would spell their name with an "O"), Tami Joy (Noah's Mommy), Kristy (my newest SLC group friend), Megan (Kimi's Mommy - thanks to her, I met Jackie!), Sarah (Mommy to Hannah Claire) - I don't think any of you have been tagged yet, but if you have, play again. . .LOL (Jackie tagged Ramona already. . .but I'll double tag her and challenge her to tag a few more!

Hallelujah! First Decree

Last night we went to pick up a motorized jeep for Peyton. A long overdue gift that we've been holding off on. When we came out of the store it was so humid! Our area doesn't get humid typically - Hot, yes, but DRY heat.

I told Darryl that it was God saying, "Tiffanie, are you sure you want to go to Taiwan in this type of weather?" - My reply - YES, in a heartbeat!

I was running behind this morning, opted to toast a muffing which put me off schedule even further, and then the phone rang. Home phone, not cell. . .I look at Caller ID and it's "(925)" - Could it be?!

Agency says: I think you got first decree
Me: NO WAY!
Agency says: Wait, what's your baby's name again? (OH GEEZ, talk about cliff-hanger)
Me: I reply with her Chinese name (thank goodness I've been practicing!)
Agency says: Yes, you got first decree
Me: BLAH, blah, we're so happy, oh my goodness, we'll have her home for her birthday, blah, blah, blah. . .
Agency says: You must have let go a little. . .
Me: Yeah, I did. . .

And there you have it. . .trust in Him, and He will deliver. His plan.

Darryl and Peyton were with me which was amazing. I started to cry! Peyton asked who it was, and I think he thought is was Gracyn! It's all a blur. Oh, and what happened to my well-rehearsed "Hallelujah!" ????

Okay - so what if it wasn't our baby - I would have been devastated! Luckily it was, and that means we get to travel in about a month which means. . .

We'll be able to celebrate Gracyn's birthday as a family!!!!!!!!

Oh my - 30 days. . .I know what these other mom's mean now - you just have to go into overdrive and GET READY!

THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER!!!!!! You are so good to us.

What does Chih-Yun mean?

We've attempted to figure out what Chih-Yun means for quite some time. We've gotten pieces of it translated, but this weekend, a friend of our cousin was able to help us!!

". . .here is my interpretation of the name Chi Yun in Chinese. Chi could have several meanings in Chinese. It means "to grow" when used as a verb; "this" or "that" when used as a pronoun; "of" when used as a particle; or "zigzag" when used as a adjective. Yun means "Rue", or a type of citrus tree with strong aromatic scents, in Chinese. It is commonly used in girl names. Therefore, I think the name means she is a growing tree. Also, aboriginal Taiwanese like to name their offspring with plant and animal names. That probably has something to do with the environment they live in. My guess is the person who gave Chi Yun the name wishes her to grow up as tall and as strong as a tree. . ."

The pronounciation is very difficult. I've been practicing, but am certain I'm not saying it correctly. We've never intended to make this her middle name, but will always cherish it. We're wondering if her Foster Family has another name they refer to her as. Guessing that the Foster Family is aboriginal, and if so, Mandarin may only be the second language.

A lot to look forward to.

This time it's for REAL. . .

My baby is walking, smiling, and getting our care packages. Happy 4th of July BABY!

I came home from my in-laws, and as usual, I went to check e-mail. I opened an e-mail, moved on, saw from our agency "Happy 4th of July" and I thought - oh, that's odd, but nice, I suppose. . .then I saw the paperclip, and the size of the attachment.

I opened it, and there were pictures of GRACYN! Jennifer, our local Director didn't want us to have to wait the long weekend. Apparently they were mailed and received late this afternoon, and she was kind enough to send them to me this evening!

I just sat there waiting for them to load. . .crying. . .finally they opened. . .Peyton said, "Oh my gosh, she's so cute!" - Daddy thinks she's so big! But then I realized she's wearing the clothes I sent which were 12 months and she fits them, so she really isn't "that" big yet. . .I was so amazed, that I didn't even realize that she's walking!!!! WOO HOO!!! She's walking!

I'm over the moon. . .for once in our adoption journey I was pleasantly surprised. Not one, but 3 GREAT photos. I am so comforted to know that she's with a happy family who care for her, and that she's getting our pictures - more importantly seeing our faces!

I'm definitely going to take Ramona up on her offer and send more stuff this time around!! Including PINK sandals! :)

Thank you Father for this wonderful surprise. . .my heart swells with love for this little girl.