Happy B'day Sara!

Sara turned 15 today! We didn't really "celebrate" with a party; just dinner and a quick run to Sonic with the Randalls! She is going on a youth retreat with a few friends this weekend. I suppose we will be looking into getting a learner's permit soon!

Vote Early!

I'm not one to talk politics, but here is a little promo to go and vote early (without any particular reason except to avoid the long lines on Nov 4). If you live in Metro Atlanta, click HERE to find a location. If you don't live in Atl, just do a search. I spent the last 2 presidential elections standing in line at least 3 hours, so this year (since it's a day off for public schools), I'm not standing! Worth looking into!

Please Look at Susannah

PLEASE PLEASE hop over to Susannah's site. Her mom wrote the most amazing post I think I have EVER read (and I've read a lot of blog posts!). Her heart surgery is today and she is asking for prayers for her little girl. They haven't even mentioned her lip/mouth surgery - that will happen later. This is the little girl that I mentioned a few weeks ago that was in the hospital when her family arrived in China. She is in the same city as Alaina. She has been through SO much and still has a long road to travel.

Say a prayer for them (Susannah, her family, her doctors); I will.

Please read today's post called "Last Night was Different". Have a box of tissues nearby - this post may make a difference in someone's life - the part about opening your heart to adoption. Just think, if just ONE famliy considers adopting because of this little post - it's staggering to me.

Speech Therapy

Ally went for an evaluation with a speech therapist today. It was interesting to see how she (the ST was also named "Ali") engaged Ally and got her to interact! She began by asking me a TON of Q's about Ally; meanwhile, Ally played with a ball popper toy on the floor. Then she asked Ally to sit at the table and look at a book with her. She began by showing Ally a few pictures and asking her to point to something specific. Every now and then, she would ask Ally "what is that?" and Ally would answer! Then she asked more Q's like that and Ally continued to answer! I was just glad that Ally didn't just ignore her!

She actually did very well, but does qualify for treatment. She has the typical problems with S, L and R's, but she is dropping the ending syllables on many words, making it hard to understand certain words. The biggest challenge is getting her away from those "throaty"/"nasaly" sounds that come from her only hearing Chinese for 2 years. So, we will likely soon add one more thing to add to our lives! I know she will benefit now and I want her to get help before she starts "real" school!

A Few Pics

I'm so behind on posting pics, so I'll take this little opp to post a few! These first few are compliments of Sheryl!

Last Saturday, Sara went to her high school's Homecoming Dance! She went with a "group" of boys and girls. They went to dinner at Lin's Bistro (our fav little Chinese place nearby) and then to the dance! WOW -- Can I be that old? I suppose so!

A Little "Miracle" ... Possibly

Thanks to my buddy Donna, we may have a way to get some pics of Alaina and (best of all) get some pictures of us to her! Donna told me today that a mutual friend, Susan, is travelling to China in Oct and Kunming is one of her stops. She is also going to Xian (Ally's town!). She is going as a team with an organization called STARFISH (helps critical needs orphans) to do some building. Susan offered to try to FIND ALAINA and see if she could meet her Foster Parents and take pictures. I'm just beyond excited. I am going to put a little photo book together for her to give her (just a few pics of us and our house). It seems like a bit of a long shot for this to actually happen, but it's the best chance I think we have! Alaina's province doesn't seem to be too forthcoming with updates and info, so I would be thrilled if Susan and Dan (her hubby) can actually SEE her and TOUCH her and tell me she is OK!!! Makes me cry! Say a prayer for our little miracle!

NOTE: I just found the link to the STARFISH site (click on it above). It was started by one woman named AMANDA. She sounds simply amazing. She began her own orphanage/foster care house in Xian (Ally's town). I hope so much that she and Susan will have success in Alaina's town....

"Don't Put Cake in Your Panties"

You know ... there are just certain things that come out of your mouth before you even realize how ridiculous they sound! Yes, these words, "Don't put cake in your panties, Ally" came out of my mouth. That about says it all. When I asked her WHY she was putting cake in her panties, her reply was "why not?" (which, by the way, is her standard reply to most questions these days).

We officially closed on our mountain cabin yesterday, so we are heading up this weekend to get some things set up! Sara has homecoming on Sat PM, so I'm coming back with her so she can go to the dance with some friends. I know, how can this possibly be happening? I know.

Family (that we don't even know) in China in Crisis

There is a family in Kunming (Alaina's city) with their critically ill daughter (well, she isn't officially theirs yet, but they are desperately trying to get her paperwork pushed through). My heart just breaks for them. Their little girl is so sick. I am guessing they are from TN, because they mention getting her back to Vandy's Heart Hospital. Please say a prayer for them - I will, too. (It looks like they took their blog private)

Printed once again.

It's pretty bad when the man checking you into the USCIS office for fingerprinting remembers you! He looked at us and said, "aren't you done with this yet?". We explained that it was a second adoption and he smiled. Anyway, we were in and out in less than 10 minutes. We laughed that it was amazing that a govt agency could be so quick and efficient. I know the last 2 visits were a little more lengthy. So, nice surprise!

Ally continues to do well in preschool. She has not cried once and Sheryl and I have worked out a schedule so we will be "regular" in who gets Ally on which day. S and L continue to enjoy and do well in their new schools. Good days!

We are set to "close" on our mountain vacation rental house next week! If you want to take a peek or (better yet) rent it, just let me know and I can send you a link!

First Day of Pre-School

Ally went for her first day of preschool this morning and did GREAT! I'm so happy that she did fine and didn't cry! We went to Miss Sheryl's this morning (as usual) and followed each other to the church. It was so funny, Linzi and Ally's outfits coordinated! They were just too cute together - in their navy and white. We didn't even plan it, but it sure looked like we did! Today was a short day (9 - 10:30), but Friday is the full schedule (9-noon).

Fingerprinting Appointment

We got our notice for Sept 12. Yeah -- Donna - we are right on your heels! Maybe we will see you in Guangzhou!

Alaina - ready or not, here we come!