Our journey of faith and hope...

Wow! It's been a while!

2010-07-22T10:43:00.005-04:00

I didn't realize how long I've went without updating this site until someone (thanks Jenn) pointed it out to me. Time just slips away when you're crazy busy.

So, I need to catch up about 6 months, eh?

Our late winter, early spring was pretty uneventful. The little girls (Chiao and Elizabeth) continued to grow and learn well at "school". They made HUGE leaps of progress with their speech! The older twins, Tia and Amber, were enjoying their last year of high school and getting antsy to graduate! And Kelli was just riding along on life (despite our encouragement to "do something"). But all was well.

Then came May! Olivia decided to make her entry into the world a full 4 weeks early! She was born via c/s on May 17th at approx 6pm. My mom and Amber had went up with us and helped with the little girls, and Kelli had driven up with Tia but still made it in time. My dad had left for Indiana that morning and boogied back, trying to make it for the birth! He made it just in time! Olivia then ended up in the NICU (wow...deja vu!) on CPap for respiratory distress and shortly after that developed a good case of jaundice. She was able to discontinue with the CPap and Oxygen about 36 hours after birth, but had to stay on the bili-lights. So we stayed our full 4 days and they discharged her home with a bili blanket for immediate follow up at home for the jaundice. My father-in-law had flown in from New Orleans the day of our discharge and stayed over the weekend. He was a big help with the little girls.

While we were in the hospital 2 1/2 hours away the twins had baccalaureate (sp?). Joby drove home to attend it, pick up his dad at the airport, and came back to get us the next day. I was sad to miss their celebration, but they were very understanding of the whole thing.

Four days after we came home Olivia ended up back in the local hospital because her bili level was critically high! It was so high that her pediatrician came to the hospital that night to see her and make sure she was stable before she could sleep that night. She ended up back under powerful bili lights and spend 2 more days hospitalized before coming home on a different type of bili bed. After another week like that, her bili level was low enough to stop worrying and stop using the lights. Geez!

Meanwhile Earl flew back to New Orleans on Tuesday and the twins graduated on Thursday night. Chiao did NOT understand why she couldn't sit with her "Ber" and Eaa" at the ceremony! And, you guessed it, half way thru a teachers speech Chiao had scooted down the bleacher a little bit away from us and she got up and ran down to the graduated seated on the floor of the gym and climbed up in Tia's lap! I had to go and get her and bring her back. After Amber and Tia said, "we thought you should have just left her with us". Yeah, that would've went over well with the faculty! haha

Betsy and Loey (mother-in-law and sister-in-law) flew in on Friday. They stayed for about a week and helped out a good bit. Then the day they left, Earl and Joby's brother Kiley flew back in. We had my in-laws, at least one of them, for a full 3 weeks. They were a great deal of help and we loved seeing them.

Kelli left for the Army the day BEFORE the twins graduated. He was bummed he missed it. He was happy that Olivia came early thought because he thought he was going to miss her birth and that really had upset him. He is pretty close to Elizabeth and Chiao-Chiao and really wanted to hold Olivia before he left.

Then the twins graduation open house and Earl and Kiley back to New Orleans and that ended our May! whew!!!

So now we are preparing for our Buddy Walk! It's the 3rd annual that we've had and we have tons to do for it. Being the only support group for Down syndrome in this entire area, we really want to reach out and this awareness walk is important to our members so we don't want to let them down. Anyone in the area it's September 26th, feel free to drop in!

So, I think I've caught up on the big things. I'll have to do a better job keeping current from now on. (Joby's thinking we should change the URL address from "we need one more" to "we have a houseful!") haha

Sheryl

Too cute!

2009-12-05T14:28:00.004-05:00

So, we went to my parents for Thanksgiving dinner... and of course dressed the girls for Christmas. Go figure! :-) But I couldn't resist, they are so darn cute!

Then this last week we put up our Christmas tree. What fun! The babies had a BALL! (way better than the last few years where the big kids were big enough they didn't REALLY care to help...took some of the fun out.) The little girls were really, truly amazed by the lights and by "helping" Daddy hang the ornaments. And I took so many pictures that now when I get the camera out Chiao-Chiao runs over to the tree, turns around and sits down as if to say, "cheese". She thinks this is the best place for a portrait now! haha

Hope all of your Thanksgivings were wonderful and found you with many things to be thankful for. I know we have at least 5 blessings to count at this time (3 of which asked me for gas money that day! haha).

Happy Holidays,

Sheryl

2009-11-05T11:38:00.003-05:00

Chiao doing the "Do your ears hang low" dance
Elizabeth loves to Pose.

Hey, Papa, what are you doing up there?

Oops, a few more pics I couldn't help but share. After her baptism, we had a "Gotcha" party for Chiao. Joby's Dad, and 2 of his Aunts had flown in (Heidi and Gretchen) so we figured it was the perfect time. Both Chiao and Elizabeth had beautiful dresses we brought back from Taiwan and they both LOVED them! So darn cute!

Some recent pics

2009-11-05T11:26:00.003-05:00

Tia and her boyfriend Brian (with Chiao-Chiao) ready to leave for the Homecoming Dance

Amber all set for her last Homecoming dance

Chiao-Chiao after her baptism in September

Chiao, Kelli, Amber, Tia and Elizabeth after Chiao's baptism

Here are some recent pictures of my children. They are our pride and joy and we have had a wonderful Fall with them. My son stood in for Chiao's Godfather at her baptism (he was called out of town on a last minute emergency) and I was able to get this picture of all 5 of my kids (not an easy task lately). Kelli leaves for the Army January 13, so I'm glad to have this picture now.

WOW, it's been a while!

2009-11-05T11:12:00.003-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been since September since I've "blogged" on here. We have just been crazy around here lately.

First came the start of the school year. This is Amber and Tia's Senior year, so that was exciting and involved shopping for the perfect dress for their last homecoming dance, getting Senior pictures taken, etc. Then, of course, we have HOMECOMING weekend itself. That was a fun weekend, but very busy with hairstylist appointments, last minutes runs for new earrings after losing "the" pair, etc.

We've been running and running lately. The twins were both sick, one had the dreaded flu, the other strep throat. School was closed for the best part of the week as everyone was home sick anyway. Then Elizabeth caught the bug, then Chiao-Chiao (Lily). It took both little girls considerably longer to recover (thanks Down syndrome for those smaller air passages that prevent the Yuck from coming out! geez, poor babies)

We have, at this point, all recovered (I hope).

Several weekends ago Joby and I and the little girls took my parents to Frankenmuth to sight see. For those of you not familiar with this area, it houses "Bronners", the largest Christmas store in the world. The town itself is a small, picturesque German village. It's beautiful! We enjoyed the day immensely. The little girls LOVED the Christmas store, even if they were a little bit overwhelmed.

We also received a bit of shocking news a short time ago. Those of you who know us personally know what a difficult time we had having Elizabeth. Several rounds of infertility meds, 3 losses, then a difficult pregnancy. That was part (only part) of the reason we decided to adopt when deciding to have one more. And so now we have a gorgeous daughter Chiao-Chiao. Then, low and behold, several weeks ago we found ourselves in the part of the "shocked" parents who find themselves pregnant again at 40! Boy, you could have blown me over with a breath! We are all happy and excited, but I do have to admit, Joby and the kids are happier than I am at 8am when I'm so darn sick! (this too shall pass.....right?....right?)

So, we have had a busy life lately. Although SO much to say, no time to say it. :-)

I hope this finds everyone well and happy and busy preparing for a wonderful Holiday season.
I will try to keep up more. Thanks so much for everyone's support in all we do.

Sheryl

our life lately...

2009-09-16T22:19:00.004-04:00

Chiao-Chiao taking a rest while playing outside

Elizabeth catching a lift from her brother Kelli while at the mall.

Those two are ALWAYS willing to kiss each other....even when they WON'T kiss anyone else!

Who us??

This is CC's ticked-off face. It's probably wrong, but I think it's so darn cute! haha

Well, I keep thinking, "when things return to normal and calm down." Could one of you mothers out there tell me what "normal" is? I don't think we'll ever get there again (I'm not sure we were ever there to begin with! haha). But I'm not complaining. I'm loving my life!

Everything is going pretty well. Chiao-Chiao (Lily) has continued to adapt well. She went from going to everybody, fairly indiscriminately, to preferring me or her daddy, or the older kids if they're home (since Kelli lives in his own apartment with his own life and the twins have now started their Senior year of High School...guess how much they're home!). Everybody else seems to think it's because I've kept her with me constantly, not leaving her with anyone. However, I've always done that with Elizabeth also so... I, however, think it's because she's finally settling into the family. She now KNOWS and FEELS I'm Momma, Joby is Daddy and the big kids are HERS! Everybody else is great and I'm sure she loves them. She's always happy to see them, etc. However, she now KNOWS she can always count on us and we're who she falls back on. At least, she knows that and is continuing to learn it more and more. I think this is healthy and shows great attachment and proper "grouping" type emotion. When others attempt to take her she will turn into my shoulder, preferring to stay with me in groups. But she does play with them and will leave my side to play...she just prefers to do it by her own initiative and when she knows she can come back to me if she wants.

So.. soon enough she will be more than willing to "go" without me. I'm treasuring this stage! LOL. Elizabeth and CC are also inseparable. They play wonderfully together! They can also play apart (CC in one corner of the playroom, Elizabeth in the other playing something totally different) but they KNOW the other is close by and they check frequently. It's not that very different from when my older twins were babies. So, once again, healthy!

I do have to share though. CC was quite sick one day last week. Vomiting and such. She would only move a foot or so and then go right back to sleep wherever that put her. She did this all day. Elizabeth kept checking on her... patting her on the back softly and kissing her cheek. Then Elizabeth came over when CC started to vomit. I really thought it would scare her or she would cry. However, she just reached out and patted CC on the back thru the entire episode and looked so sad. She just wanted her bud to feel better.

Then the other day Elizabeth fell down and lay on the carpet crying. CC went running over and clapped her hands together twice and held them out to Elizabeth (she does this when SHE wants picked up by us). She was trying to tell E she would hold her. It was SO sweet. She then patted HER on the back softly!

Elizabeth has apraxia and doesn't speak. She signs, but has absolutely no words. CC babbles CONSTANTLY and has several words (and maybe more...but we don't speak Chinese LOL). So, last night, E wanted Joby to pick her up. She kept raising her arms for "up" and making an attention getting noise, but Joby was busy and didn't pay attention. CC went up to him, patted him (quite firmly) on the thigh, and said very clearly "JOE!". She then looked at E and said "up" very adamantly! Tell me the two of them aren't close!!! :-)

So, I only had a moment, but wanted to share it with you. For all of those who have followed our journey, I hope this touches your heart as it does mine. They are the most precious children! And I am such a blessed mother to have raised (almost) 3 bright, beautiful, caring kids and now I get to do it all over again!

I've posted a couple of pics that have absolutely nothing to do with this post...just thought they were so darn cute! haha

Will catch up more soon,

Sheryl

Where was I?

2009-08-19T23:14:00.005-04:00

I purposely leave my camera out where it's easily accessible so that when the kids do something funny, or are just looking really cute (and let's face it, that's pretty darn frequently!), I can find it quickly. I'll admit I am slower now than when the big kids were babies, and I think the babies are quicker than the big kids were! LOL. Anyway, because the big kids think the little kids are so darn cute, the are always taking pictures of them. I never know what I might find when I download (upload?) my memory card to my computer. Thank goodness for digital or Joby and I would be in the poorhouse due to film and processing expense!

So, back to the point (it's late, cut me some slack). I just found these pictures. They made me laugh so I thought I would share them and they may brighten someone else's day too. Please, however, disregard the mess. The babies were sitting on the kitchen island and I must have just finished cooking supper. At least, that is my guess. There is a bag of rice next to Chiao-Chiao and she's not trying to eat it, so I'm going with it's AFTER supper! :-) I have no idea where I am????? The big kids must be getting them ready for baths or something, so maybe I'm doing laundry??? mmmmmm.

Anyway, hopefully they make you smile as they did me.

Hope all is as well in your world as it is in mine.

Sheryl

A week in review..

2009-08-09T20:20:00.004-04:00

We have now had Lily home, in the states, for 8 days. However, due to previous committments for Joby's work, we went out of town on Thursday and only just returned home. The good news is we were able to stay at a resort where they have an indoor water park...and we found out Lily LOVES the water!! Oh my goodness. We took her and Elizabeth into the baby section, set her down and went to sit down with her (so she wouldn't get scared, of course) and she stood up and walked in further! The stinker! She loved everything about it, the water, the splashes, the sprinkles of water caused by the other kids going by...everything! I'm so glad because I felt pretty bad taking her out of town right after we brought her home. But she did WONDERFULLY!

We have also got the sleeping issues under control (for the last couple of nights anyway). Lily has been going to sleep around 8 or 8:30 and waking up 7 or 7:30. And she SLEEPS! Unlike Elizabeth, who still wakes up multiple times during the night, she sleeps sound. I'm lovin' it!

So, everything is going well and she's adjusting like a pro. She still has occassional moments where she is a little sad, and I think she's missing her caregivers and her friends. We let her experience this because I think it would be wrong to try to "jolly" her out of it. But then, after a moment or two, she comes over and wants me to cuddle for a while. Sometimes she has some tears, sometimes just a sad look. But either way, it seems like she is looking to me more and more to help and that it makes her feel better to be held by me or Joby. So, all in all, I think she's doing WONDERFUL!

I've posted a couple of pics. Lily and Elizabeth at the park with bubbles, and then at the resort in the water. They have become pretty good buds and share pretty well. Elizabeth was crying about taking some medicine last night, and Lily patted her on the back as if to say, "it's o.k. now" and opened her own mouth as if offering to take it for her. It was priceless! And Lily fell down and hurt her fingers and Elizabeth went over and patted her head to comfort her. (She then showed her how to hold out her hand so I could kiss it...it was so sweet!).

So, we're good here. Hope you all are well also.
Sheryl

There's no place like home!

2009-08-03T20:57:00.003-04:00

Well, we are back home. After a VERY long day of traveling, we arrived back home to be greeted by all of our children and Tia's boyfriend, Brian. Lily traveled sooooo well! She played with her toys, watched a Dora video that we bought in Chinese, and slept for a nap. She was probably the most perfect child I have ever traveled with! Especially when you figure in the length of time spent in airports and planes, and the small length of time she had been with us to this point.

As we walked in the door, Tia and Amber greeted us, holding Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Lily looked at each other for about 2 minutes without much expression, then both girls smiled so big and Elizabeth clapped! They were both willing to kiss the other and give "high fives", and when we put them down, they both played well together with the toys. It was absolutely amazing!

It has remained pretty much the same way since then. The only issue we seem to be dealing with is the time change. Taiwan is exactly 12 hours ahead of us. So, 4am here is 4pm there! And believe me, Lily knows this! She seems to be constantly tired (except at 4am of course.)haha. Poor thing. We've been putting her down for a nap with Elizabeth, and then waking her by 3:30 or 4:00 (although she DOESN'T want to get up then... it's the middle of the night by her body's clock!) She is a baby that, when she wants to sleep... SHE SLEEPS! Even though we get her up, she will lay on our shoulders.... fold over and lay on her feet on the floor... if sat on the sofa, fall over sideways and sleep that way. Yesterday we took her grocery shopping and she actually put her head down on the metal side of the shopping cart! When I tried to pick it up, she just continued to sleep with her head cupped in the palm of my hand. If I wasn't trying to change her schedule around, it would be almost comical. But I feel sooo bad for her because she is always so tired. I plan on talking to our pediatrician to see if there is something I can do to help her... perhaps give her something to help her sleep THRU the night, so she can be less tired the next day until her nap... get on a little bit of a typical schedule. I'm not sure, but we have to do something for the poor baby!

Even with all of this, she seems to be adjusting well and generally happy. She is adapting to western food (although rice noodles are still her very favorite and we offer them pretty regularly). She is playing well with Elizabeth, and even learned the signs for "itsy-bitsy spider" yesterday. We now catch her doing it and singing quietly (in baby chinese babble of course). It's so darn cute!

So, just thought I'd let everyone know how well it's went.

Oh, forgot to mention. Our trip was wonderful! We had one day to sight-see with our guide/driver. Other than that, we just wandered around Taipei on our own. It was great. Everyone we encountered was very polite and thoughtful.

On Thursday we went to the orphanage again and met with the Birthparents. They were so sweet. Thru translation from the social worker, they told us "thank you", repeatedly, for adopting Lily. BF told us how he thought she was the most beautiful baby at birth! After they found out about the Down syndrome, they placed her at Cathwel (the orphanage) in hopes that she would be adopted by a family that lived somewhere where she would be more accepted and loved than in Asia. And, just as important to him, somewhere that she could get an education. Apparently in Asia she could not attend school.

They reported that another family had tried to adopt Lily at the same time. However, after looking at our dosier and family photo album, they didn't even consider them. The clincher you ask? The BF said that when he saw the pictures of our older children with Elizabeth (I included ones with the twins playing with her, and one where Kelli was holding and soothing her when she was scared of a parade) that he knew we were the family for Yin-Chiao! He said he could tell that the twins would always accept and love her, as he saw how much they accepted and loved Elizabeth, who also had DS. He also said (and this was important to him as sons are important in Asia!) that he could tell that Kelli would always love and protect her, as he saw how Kelli loved and protected Elizabeth in the photo's. Many that we have dealt with in this process have thought )(and told us!) that having a child with DS so close in age to Lily would be a detriment to the family choosing us. However, it proved to be just the opposite.

They were so kind and thoughtful, and obviously loved their daughter. They did ask us if we would look them up if we ever made it back to Taiwan, and we told them absolutely! And we certainly would! And they asked us if we would make sure Lily received and education, and of course we promised them we would.

They then totally surprised, and absolutely touched my heart! There is a Chinese belief that everyone in the universe is connected by a red thread. Lily's birthparents presented us with a necklace and bracelet that they had made for Lily to wear when she was old enough. It was made from red knotted thread, with milky jade beads and a milky jade ring at the bottom. Jade is a valuable stone in Asia, and the milkier the appearance, the more valued by the Asian culture. It was beautiful. Alright, you may think... that's touching... but mmmm. Well, now for the part that will tell you what kind of people they were. With all they were going thru, knowing they will probably never again see their daughter, whom they obviously love enough to give up, they were thoughtful enough to present an IDENTICAL set they had made for Elizabeth: "Yin-Chiao's sister"! I had held it together pretty well until then, but then my tears joined the birth parents. If that didn't touch you... reread it and see if you would have thought to do that.

Alright, that's all for now... I have babies sleeping (finally!!!!) and so must sleep myself. Have to be ready for that 4am alarm! haha

May your lives be as blessed as ours have been; may your children bring you as much joy as ours have brought us.

Sheryl and Joby Hyman

Video of Lily...

2009-07-29T09:51:00.003-04:00

Today is the 3rd day she's been with us, and the best so far. She's happy, chatty, smiling! Tonight we came home from dinner and Joby and I were talking about our day tomorrow. Lily got free for 5 seconds (swear!) and in the bathroom she went! She crawled into the tub fully clothed and wanted a bath. It was so funny!!! So, Daddy helped her while mommy went to get the video camera... I couldn't get the video to post on here correctly; it kept cutting the side off... so if you follow this link you can find it. She's so darn cute!!!
Sheryl

Lily in bathtub, Taiwan, 3 days out

We're here and well...

2009-07-28T19:26:00.002-04:00

Well, we arrived in Taipei on Sunday night. The flight went well, although sooooo long. It was midnight when we got to our hotel and checked in and all. We were starving though so Joby and I went walking in search of food. Our driver, Nick, had told us it was safe at night as long as we didn't go down dark alleys. And the concierge at the hotel told us there was a McDonalds open 24 hours around the block. Come to find out, there are 3 McDonalds within walking distance, 3 7-11's, a Dunkin Donuts RIGHT next door and Starbucks 3 store fronts over! hahaha, and I was worried. ;-)

Monday we got up and took a taxi to AIT (the American Embassy) where we met with the Cathwel representative, Lily's Nanny, and Lily. We could only get an appointment for Monday morning at 8am, so had to pick up Lily at the Embassy instead of the orphanage. She was so cute! The Nanny was so very helpful in getting Lily to make up with us. She was sly! She brought treats, gave me the box and told Lily, who they call Chiao-Chiao (Chow-Chow), get the treat from Momma! In Chinese of course, but we understood the gist. So, after a few minutes of this, she let me hold her. She loves music and will calm down pretty quickly if you sing... anything!

After this, we went to the clinic because she needed to be re-checked for treatment of a sore-throat. The doctor there was very nice and spoke English fairly well. He donates his time to the orphanage! She is on antibiotics, but isn't fussy about it. You would never know she was sick.

We made a stop at the orphange following the clinic. This entire time Chiao-Chiao let me carry her, hold her, etc. We went to meet Sister Rosa who runs the orphanage and get more information from her caregivers. They gave us more pictures, including some from when she was a baby baby that her birthmother wanted us to have. The social worker had someone make a charm bracelet for her that has the Chinese characters of her name on it! The gave us her medical information, a letter her birthmother wrote her for when she is older, and... an animated Santa Clause! Apparently she loved this so much that her caregiver wanted her to have it. She knows how to push the little button on the base so it sings and dances. How funny. It was a quick visit, as we have to go back on Thursday to meet the birthmother, and will see more then.

So... we've been back to the hotel now for Monday and Tuesday. We've made small trips out to shop and eat, and Chiao-Chiao has done sooo well!!! We are very impressed. She seems to have made up to both Joby and I very well. We were warned that many orphanage children don't make up to men very well initially, but she's done wonderfully with Joby! She will smile for him more easily than me!

So, that's where we are at this time. Today we're going to try to find the Toys R Us and get a couple of small things for the plane. We have it incredibly difficult to find toys here!! None of the stores around here seem to carry any. But we got the name and address of the Toys R Us fromour driver and so we're going to try for that. It's such a long plane ride that the poor baby has to have something to do. We did find, by accident last night, that she seems to love cartoon t.v. She watched it last night for about 1/2 hour while drinking a bottle.

Well, Lily and Daddy are beginning to stir so I better get the day going.

Sheryl

Less than 1 week from now!!!

2009-07-18T22:05:00.003-04:00

Alright... in less than one week we will be enroute to pick up our daughter!!! Joby and I were just talking about it a few minutes ago and it was like it HIT both of us at once... All of the preparations, the paperwork, the worry, (the money!) and it's finally happening! WE ARE GOING TO TAIWAN AND WILL BE PICKING UP OUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER IN LESS THAN 1 WEEK! This time next week, we will both be trying to sleep (most likely both talking!) on the plane enroute to Asia! So... everyone who has prayed, please say a "thank you" for all of the answered prayers! We are so very grateful!

So, right now, at 10:00 pm, we are cleaning up again from our construction work on our house. We now have the foyer re drywalled (I finished mudding the drywall about an hour ago), Amber's room is done (except the final coat of paint on the wall), and the family room, well, I'm able to shut the door leading to the rest of the house and turn my back and it will be fine. I know I can keep the babies out of there when I get back until Joby can finish it... so no worries. We know it will come together as it should!

Here is a picture of Elizabeth helping Daddy with reframing our family room. So darn cute!!!! And I wish I could show you a picture of her with her little plastic hammer hitting the 2x6 when Joby was hitting it up above... but I was so busy smiling and being in love that I forgot to take the picture, so you'll have to use your imagination. (just picture the cutest thing ever.... there you go!)

I apologize if I'm rambling; and even I can tell that I am, but I'm just too tired from construction ever lasting and can't keep the phrases smooth. But we had to share how excited we are, and how grateful for all of your help. So... good night. I'll post soon when I have more to say (and can say it with some semblence of continuity!)

Sheryl

Where we are...

2009-06-24T21:45:00.003-04:00

As of today, we have plane tickets and hotel reservations. We leave on July 25th, arrive in Taiwan on July 26th, and pick up Lily on July 27th! So, the countdown is on! We are trying to finish everything that we put off when we were trying not to focus on the wait. (Teach us!) It will be busy, but at least time will go by quicker.

Today we also received our latest updates on Lily. She is still almost exactly the same size as Elizabeth. However, it said she is walking a lot; falling down while doing so, but walking. I'm so happy that she is progressing... but as a mommy, I was sad also to realize I wouldn't see those first steps. So many things in this adoption have been like that. Happy and sad both. But I can tell you, happy more often than not... and definately happy now that we can go get her! Now Joby really better put that crib together that remains in the unopened box in our upstairs hallway. (I think we were afraid to put it together.. that it would somehow "jinx" something) So, we've moved Elizabeth's stuff around to accomodate her new sister. I really think it's going to be great for both of them!

I've posted the latest pics we received only today. She's so darn cute I can't stand it! 5 more weeks!!!

Sheryl

Our call came!!!!

2009-06-11T22:43:00.002-04:00

It happened!!!! Yay! We received a call today from Julie (our caseworker) that said our civil ruling was yesterday and she got the news today that it was final! So, we have permission to fly end of July. We must fly out on July 25, arrive Taiwan July 26, and pick up Lily July 27th! Then a couple of days in Taiwan getting visa's etc., and we come home July 31st!

I am sooooooo excited I could pop! However, now we definately need your prayers! We must come up with the final part of our funds to travel. No longer is it, "coming up", or "in the near future"; now it's NOW!

So, please pray for us; that we find the funds in time, and that Lily has a reasonably easy transition and isn't scared to pieces for very long with us. I so hope she transitions well, for her sake. I can only try to imagine how scary it will seem to her when we take her from the orphanage; the only home she's ever known. So, if you can, I would definately appreciate those prayers now!

Joby and I appreciate EVERYONE who has helped along the way. Financially, emotionally, and prayerfully! We needed every piece to complete this. So, if you hang in there with us for the next 6 weeks, it will all be worth it. I can't wait for you'all to meet our youngest daughter!

GOD Bless, goodnight
Sheryl

And the winner is........

2009-06-07T17:21:00.017-04:00

The winner of our quilt give-away is.... Julie Druen from Mandeville, LA!! Because I was mistaken and our meeting way NEXT week (geez, I need to look at the calendar more often!) we let little Elizabeth pick out the winning ticket. We figured, "who could be more impartial than someone who can't read the name anyway!". :-)

We want to thank Aunt Gretchen and Aunt Heidi for the quilt! It is so pretty and we appreciate it more than we can say. It was an extremely thoughtful thing to do and it was our most successful fundraiser! We want to thank EVERYONE who purchased a chance to win the quilt! The give-away would have not been such a success if we didn't have such support! And we would like to thank those friends of ours who helped advertise the give-away... Aunt Gretchen, Aunt Heidi, my sister-in-law, Loey Wilkerson, and Angela Belle Gamble. None of these people had to help us, but all did. Thank you so very much.

Joby and Sheryl Hyman

quilt give-away deadline extended...

2009-05-31T21:58:00.003-04:00

We have decided to extend the deadline until next Saturday night. This will allow one of the little ones from our Down syndrome group to pick a winning name!! (I didn't want to be the one to do it.) So, if anyone is interested and forgot to get a chance, this is the "last chance" call. It's such a beautiful quilt! (I'm really hoping she'll make me one at some later point in time! haha)

And thanks again to all of those who have already supported us by participating. We're getting there... slowly but surely!

Thanks again,
Sheryl

2009-05-25T20:39:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow our package will reach the family taking it to Taiwan. Not a big deal to many, but to us it's one step closer to Lilly; A BIG DEAL! :-) I still think it's such a considerate gesture for a family who's going to pick up their own daughter, worried and anxious and excited about meeting her, leaving their own children, etc., to offer to take a package to Lilly for us. Thanks again Kelly and Jamie! We really appreciate it.

We had a hard time thinking of what to send, and we were aware they would have limited room to pack our stuff! So, in the end, we sent a small blanket that I made with 2 pictures of Lilly on it (thought maybe it would feel more personal to her), a picture of our present family without her, and a picture of Joby, myself and Elizabeth (do you know I can't find a picture of just the 2 of us at all recent! Go figure!) So, we sent the blanket, a doll that Elizabeth helped pick out (and we bought an identical one to keep here so that if hers was lost or left behind, at least one toy might seem familiar) and we sent a little cotton dress. I hope she enjoys the toy and the blanket and that the dress is a help of some kind to the orphanage.

So, now more waiting...... and the picture above is Tia holding Elizabeth while I'm packing the box... she was a little bit confused why I was sending a toy AWAY. But a hug from a sis is all it takes to be fine again.

Please continue to pray for Lilly, and for a speedy court decision.

Sheryl

Middle of the Month Time!!!

2009-05-21T20:06:00.006-04:00

At our house, as with the Gambles, etc., that means updates with pictures. I've talked about having a "middle of the month" celebration because everyone around here gets so excited! So, here are some updated pics. Happy and sad time for me. I absolutely LOVE getting the updates and the pictures, but at the same time, it looks like she's growing up without me. I so badly want to go get her NOW! But, I could not be able to see her at all, so I'll be happy about that.

And thank you to those who have already purchased a chance to win our beautiful quilt in our "quilt give-away"! We so appreciate it. And don't forget, for those of you who would still like the opportunity, it ends May 30th, which is coming up fast! It's an absolutely beautiful quilt and would look lovely in anyone's home.

Now for the pics of the cutie!!!!

2009-05-11T11:54:00.000-04:00

What a busy, but beautiful, weekend!

2009-05-11T11:28:00.006-04:00

Wow, what a busy weekend! This was "Prom" weekend at our house! The twins had the Junior Prom on Saturday and it kept us busy all day Saturday. The morning started with nail appointments at 10 am (the girls have been babysitting to pay for these!) and continued through the afternoon for the hair updo's! (Have you seen my daughters hair? They have A LOT of it!) But I have to say... I would change a minute of it. They are beautiful in grubby clothes with ponytails, but they were stunning Saturday night! However, this momma sure felt old when they left IN THEIR DATES CARS for the dance and festivities! Geez, where did the time go?!

It's moments like these that make me stop and realize just how proud I am of how my children are turning out. They are such good kids! And I have to admit, you definately see it more with having a toddler with special needs and watching how responsible they are, how caring and how protective they've become. The friends they choose definately fall in line with their ideals regarding this also. The girls' boyfriends and friends know and act the same way regarding how attentive they are with Elizabeth and about spending time with her and helping her reach her goals; ones that are often harder for her than typical kids. All of the kids that come here know and respect the fact that my kids DO NOT use and DO NOT ALLOW the use of the word retarded in their presence. I can say the same for my son and his fiance. All of the above are just more reasons, on top of the ones more specific and individual to each child, that I'm proud of my kids. I know, of course, that I'm biased. But I really do believe they are turning out to be wonderful, productive human beings that anyone could be proud of! I'll stop now; I've heard tears are bad for electronic equipment!

Anyway, I've gotten off topic (nothing unusual there for me!). But the weekend was wonderful... even the rain stopped for the girls to get the pictures taken and get to and from Prom.

On a down note... The Gamble family, traveling the same road with us and adopting Grace, another young girl living in the same orphanage as Lilly, received a call that they were assigned the judge that would require lots of additional paperwork and the time and costs associated with that. (each judge apparently has their own set of requirements). So... if you all could say a prayer for them, that they are able to get this all accomplished smoothly and nothing holds them up, that would be wonderful. Grace needs her Forever Family just as much as Lilly, and the Gambles want to fly to pick her up just as much as we do to get Lilly. So, we know there is power in numbers.......

Sheryl

Drawing for a beautiful quilt...

2009-05-03T17:35:00.006-04:00

Joby's Aunt Gretchen and Aunt Heidi made and donated this beautiful quilt for us to use as a "give-away" to help with the costs of Lilly's adoption. So... we're having a Drawing! For $5.00 a ticket, you can enter the "Quilt Give-Away". This quilt would look wonderful in anybody's home! The drawing will be held on June 1, 2009. You do not need to be present to win. If you click on the "Donate" button on the Right side panel it will take you to the paypal page where you can use your paypal account or your credit card. If you would rather, you can also send us a check directly to our home address. Just post a comment here and I'll send you our address. Either way, make sure you put your name and phone number in the reference section! Thank You in advance and Good Luck!!

2009-04-28T14:27:00.002-04:00

I just saw this quote on the Gambles blog and had to "borrow" it. It's sooooo perfect! Of course, she's using it regarding their adoption also, so I know she knows what I'm talking about. But when I read it, it was Exactly how I've been feeling! I couldn't believe it. Perfect! So often, we just have to step forward!

"We almost could have missed this!"

"In a defining moment in your life, you either step forward in faith and power or you step backward in fear." -James Arthur Ray

Sheryl

making a "grab this button" ???

2009-04-28T11:58:00.013-04:00

Boy, if nothing else, this adoption has made me a little more computer savvy! (and my teenagers and I a little closer as they've helped ... and laughed at me.... while I've made this blog!) Now, be patient please. I'm trying to make a "grab this button" for Lilly so she can move around on other people's blogs. Angela Belle Gamble wanted to put her on their blog, and I wanted to put Grace on mine, but we're still trying to make the buttons. (if you don't see a button show up within the next couple of days, you'll know I've failed! sigh... and will have to resort to waiting for one of the kids to come home and fix it for me!)

Sheryl

2009-04-26T14:45:00.002-04:00

Yay, gotta love the middle of the month! That's when we get new pictures and an update from Taiwan about Lilly. From her update, it sounds like she is almost the exact same size as Elizabeth (great, I don't have to get TONS of new clothes! Just ask Tia and Amber what THAT'S like as twins!). Not a lot of new information, but still reassuring and still something tangible that says I'm her mommy!

Nothing else new. Just waiting for the news that we can fly to pick her up, and trying to raise the money to do just that! We had a bake-sale over the weekend that didn't help a great deal, but it was a lot of fun and people were interested and generous and we want them to know we appreciated it! So, we'll just keep plugging away and know that it was meant to be and we WILL find a way!

Sheryl

Fundraisers...

2009-04-02T19:45:00.002-04:00

If anyone is nearby (or close enough we can fake it and call it nearby) here is the fundraiser information:

On Sunday, May 17th, the Mount Pleasant Buffalo Wild Wings will be donating 20% of all purchases made that are accompanied by a certificate (which, by the way, I can provide thru email!!) to Reeces Rainbow, who will in turn tag it to Lilly to help pay for our adoption! Yay!

On Saturday, May 30, there will be an all day scrapbooking event at the Beal City High School from 9 am until 9 pm. The cost will include lunch and dinner and tons of fun!

If anyone is interested, please contact me for more information!!!!

Sheryl

I-171H

2009-03-29T22:35:00.001-04:00

Wow! Imagine our surprise when we opened the mail on Friday and we had our I-171H! Our immigration approval! They said it would take 3 months and ours took under a month! We were so shocked!

One more hurdle under our belt! Keep praying! Keep praying!!

Sheryl

Fundraisers....

2009-03-23T20:23:00.001-04:00

Well, like most adopting families, the costs are getting ahead of us. So, we are planning 2 fundraisers locally. Buffalo Wild Wings is having a Reeces Rainbow Day, where everybody who presents their flyer upon paying their tab will be donating 20 percent of their tab to Reeces Rainbow, and to Lilly's fund. BW's requires nothing from us, but we need to get people in there!! Yikes, how do we do that?

Then, a friend of mine is a Creative Memories Consultant (scrapbooking) and is helping with an "all day crop". A day of scrapbooking from 9am until 9pm with the fee going toward our adoption fund! I hope EVERYONE in the area wants to scrap!!!

So, that's where we are. Waiting and wondering... praying and waiting. Please say a prayer that it all works out the way God intends! (and that I don't somehow put a wrench in his plans!)

God Bless
Sheryl

More pictures and updates...

2009-03-14T16:39:00.003-04:00

We received more pictures today. One of them included another little girl, Grace, that a the Gambles will be picking up when we're picking up Lilly. We're really hoping we all get to go together and think that will be very nice for the girls. So, new pics, new updates; helps with the waiting.

Sheryl

Everything we can do....

2009-03-13T15:26:00.002-04:00

Well, everything WE can do here in the States has been done! We have our INS paperwork applied for with fingerprints done, our passports have arrived, and our court papers have been sent back to Taiwan as of yesterday! Julie said it will take 4 days for them to get them, and then approximately 4 months for our travel date (hopefully). So, there is nothing for us to do at this point but wait (and try to raise the money to go get her, of course).

It seems like that is a LONG way away! But I know that it will happen when God says it should, so I'm trying to not think about it and just stay busy. With Elizabeth, Amber and Tia, Joby's new work, and Kelli constant changes, staying busy isn't usually difficult, so..... :-)

Say a prayer that it will go quickly, smoothly, and we'll find a way to finish financing the adoption. Lilly certainly deserves a home!

Sheryl

More milestones passed!

2009-03-06T10:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we both got our passports! yeah! 10 days. I was so excited. AND we got our fingerprint appointments. We're scheduled for next Wednesday, March 10th at 8:00am.

Not really big news! But more steps crossed off the list.

Yeah!

Sheryl

New pics

2009-03-03T19:16:00.000-05:00

And more pics...

Our daughter!!!

2009-03-03T19:13:00.001-05:00

We just received new pictures! OMG! She's so darn cute I want to hold her and squish her cheeks! Alright, I know I'm a bit biased, but come on, you have to admit she's a little doll baby! I just can't wait to go get her!

O.k., must go fix dinner for the kids already here and depending on me. haha Just couldn't wait to share these.

Sheryl

2009-03-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

Good News!!!

2009-03-02T10:45:00.002-05:00

We just received the call from Julie stating she has received our court documents from Cathwel!!!!!!! She is overnighting (sp?) them to me as we speak. So, starting tomorrow, we have to rush around and get them all signed, notarized, authenticated, and overnighted to TECO (Taiwan's agency in Chicago) so they can also authenticate them. Then... more waiting. It will take approximately 4 months (fast judge: a little sooner; slow judge: a little longer) before we can bring Lilly home! But, we ARE one step closer!

I'll post more later (after I get some pics!!!! yeah!)

Sheryl

Valentines Day

2009-02-19T14:37:00.002-05:00

New name...?

2009-02-19T14:27:00.005-05:00

So, the other night I find out that not everyone (read.. "the twins") in the family is so hip on the name "Faith". Although they know I like it, and the reason I want to name Yin-Chiao Faith, still don't like it. As Joby and I want everyone to have a say (since they are older than typical peers), we started the name game... again. Right now we're down to "Lilly". Lilly Michael Yin Hyman. I love it, Joby loves it, the older kids are thinking about it. Whatcha think? Anyone have an opinion? (I do think it's easy to picture her with that name... maybe easier than the name "faith".)

We are still waiting. We are expecting to hear from Cathwel any day now with the updates and contract. I'm really getting anxious to see new pictures and get progress updates. I seriously need to work on Patience!

We have also been in contact with anothe family who is on the same path at what appears to be the exact same time. Everything seems to be happening to us at the very same time! So, we're hoping we'll be adopting at the same time and can spend time with them in Taiwan. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have "pen pals" in the U.S., coming from the same place? I think it would be good for the girls to have that history.

Well, that's it. I keep wanting to post, but keep waiting for something exciting to write. Maybe soon! (hopefully)

BTW, took the above pictures on valentines day... what a ham!

Sheryl

just waiting now...

2009-02-09T18:15:00.004-05:00

Thanks guys for all of the positive comments! It's so nice to read them and know someone cares enough to check up on us!

Right now we have the checklist done: all paperwork sent! applications for passports done! Immigration paperwork done! Scrapbook done!

Now it's just sit back and wait. We are expecting the court documents within the next week or two (along with the updates and pics! yay!) and then we RUSH to get them authenticated (not sure that's the correct terminology, but it's the concept) and then we wait some more. Then, however, we'll just be waiting for our "come fly with us" call.

Wow, it seems like it was Mountains of paperwork, now..... nothing....

I can't wait! Meanwhile at our house:

I've had shingles... yes, you heard it right! Never before, but they showed up about 10 days ago. Doctor said, "you need to not get so stressed, that's when they appear". Well.... duh! Why didn't I think of that? :-) But, they're better now so all is well with me.

then... Tia somehow got food poisening on SuperBowl Sunday. She was sooo incredibly sick that she actually ASK me to take her to the ER. This from the girl who can "tough it out" no matter what!

then... Amber got a stomach bug and was home sick from school for 4 days.

then, last but not least... Elizabeth got her immunizations Friday and now has what appears to be the beginning of cellulitis in her left thigh. (sigh). We're hoping it gets better and watching it very close; giving her ibuprofen for inflammation and tylenol for pain, but geez!

Hopefully in another 48 hours EVERYONE in my house will be well again! (I'm beginning to think Joby goes out of town on business just to get some sleep! haha)

Well, that's it for our updates!
Sheryl

Pictures of our baby to be!!!

2009-02-02T21:33:00.003-05:00

April 2008
March 2008

February 2008

January 2008

These are old pictures we have of Yin-Chiao. The most recent being in April of 2008. But, now we can officially share them!!!! And I will add moer as I receive them. She's such a beautiful baby!

OH MY GOSH!!

2009-02-02T20:24:00.002-05:00

Just received the phone call from Julie! Cathwel has officially "matched" us with Yin-Chiao!!! Now, we have A LOT of work to do FAST! Actually, I have a lot of work to do fast. Joby is in Arizona this week. There's timing for ya!) I need to apply to immigration, send for our passports, complete the scrapbook, write a letter to the birthmother and fill out 2 different applications! But still, woo-hoo!!!!

In approximately 2 weeks (hopeful estimate) we will get more paperwork, along with update pictures, medical updates, and progress reports. I can't wait to see how she's doing now!

O.K., no time, no time. Off to download paperwork! (now you can pray for ME to get it all done!!! Please)

Sheryl

Still waiting.....

2009-02-02T12:50:00.003-05:00

Well, we are still waiting for a reply from Cathwel to our response to their questions (did that even make sense?). (sigh). I did hear from Julie though. She said that last Monday was Chinese New Year and the ENTIRE country goes on vacation for 10 days! So, she believes that is what is delaying the response. She's hoping to hear from them by February 5th. I'M hoping to hear from them within the next ... say.... 10 minutes! :-)

In the meantime, Julie gave us some busy work (maybe to keep me from emailing her again with a "have you heard" subject line?) We have to make a scrapbook to send to Cathwel of our family, our extended family, our community, etc. They then use these scrapbooks to show to birthmothers, and then give it to the birthmother after she selects a family. Julie said include some pics of the local school (o.k.) and maybe the local parks where we play (alright, I know she lives in Floriday, but does SHE remember we live in Michigan? The parks are all COVERED with snow!) haha. So that's what we're doing.

Now, if you know me (any of my family reading this will confirm) you know that finding enough pictures WILL NOT be the problem.... narrowing it down to just a few will definately be more of an issue. We want to put our best foot forward and show all of the wonderful people and things that will be available to our baby if her birth mother lets her come home with us! So now we're involved with "voting" at our house. With a 19 year old son, two 16 year old daughters, a beautiful toddler, and 2 bossy parents, ALL who are very opinionated!, this has become a "process" at our house. But, at least it helps by letting us believe we are somehow moving the process forward...

So, that is where we stand. I've been getting a few questions and realized I need to update everyone.

Please continue to pray that the process continues to move forward and smooths out! I'd love to have her home for summer! Can you just imagine how much fun Elizabeth and Faith could have together this summer?

I will try to keep this updated. I just keep hoping for more to update! (Joby will be the first to point out that patience is NOT my best attribute!)

Sheryl

update on Taiwan response...

2009-01-19T14:23:00.002-05:00

Well, we did receive a response from Cathwel in Taiwan. Apparently the birth mother is concerned about how able we will be to care for 2 children the same age with many of the same needs. Personally, I think this will easier than caring for two with totally different sets of needs, but I can understand why someone could question it I guess. So, we had to respond and send a care plan of sorts explaining why and how we thought we could accomplish this. Of course, having already put many years into an older set of twins, I think we had a pretty reasonable argument. We'll have to wait and see if they feel the same way.

I know it's probably typical of all families that adopt, but I just feel like I wish they would let us bring her home and get started with making her a part of our family already! Geez! Having a family has to be better than living in an orphanage; no matter how good the orphanage and the care there is! I'm not a patient person to begin with, and especially not when it involves my children. I want what is best for them and I want it NOW! haha. Guess I better learn a little about delayed gratification, eh? But, I'm sure anyone reading this, who has children, understands what I'm talking about.

So, please keep us in your prayers. They seem to be working..(although you could also pray for a little bit more speed if your so inclined!) :-) We do appreciate the concern.

Sheryl

2009-01-11T22:33:00.002-05:00

I hate to say it, but today I'm pretty down. We were planning on using the money from the sale of Joby's Harley to finance part of the adoption (we had helped out a family member in crisis with the money originally saved), and guess what, the bike hasn't sold at this point. I am expecting a message from Julie at CCI any day saying Taiwan has matched us with Yin-Chiao, and then we only have 2 days to send the money in. At this point, it will take a miracle, or we will have to tell Julie we are not able to do it as we had originally thought (and were). I'm devastated. I can't help it, I feel like I've lost the faith tonight. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Sheryl

Our homestudy has been sent to Taiwan!

2009-01-07T09:16:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been sent! Julie sent our homestudy and our profile to the orphanage in Taiwan on Monday afternoon. I received an email from her last night telling me that they had contacted her stating "they think you seem like a nice family and they will be having a committee meeting to determine if you are a perfect match for Yin-Chiao". Julie said she will be very surprised if we are not matched with her and we should know something either way by the middle of next week! WOW!

Meanwhile, Joby has put his motorcycle up for sale to fund the next part of the adoption. So far, a couple of interested parties, but no buyers. Unfortunately for us, it's WINTER in Michigan and nobody is thinking about riding a motorcycle with 3 feet of snow on the ground! (sigh) There has to be someone out there who wants that bike! If anyone you know is looking for a beautiful Harley-Davidson, send them our way!

Please continue to pray for us; that this continues to move forward and that we find the funds to finish it!

2009-01-07T09:03:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much to the person who sent this version of the "starfish" story to me. I love it!

The Adoption Starfish Story...

As I walked along the seashore

This young boy greeted me.

He was tossing stranded starfish

Back to the deep blue sea.

I said "Tell me why you bother,

Why you waste your time this way.

There's a million stranded starfish

Does it matter, anyway?"

And he said, "It matters to this one.

It deserves a chance to grow.

It matters to this one.

I can't save them all I know.

But it matters to this one,

I'll return it to the sea.

It matters to this one,

And it matters to me."

I walked into an orphanage,

A young woman greeted me.

She was adopting a little girl,

She was excited, I could see.

I said, "Tell me why you bother,

Why you waste your time this way.

She's only one of thousands,

Does it matter anyway?"

And she said, "It matters to this one.

She deserves a chance to grow.

It matters to this one.

I can't save them all I know.

But it matters to this one,

I'll help her be what she can be.

It matters to this one,

And it matters to me."

Where we're at..

2008-12-19T16:59:00.002-05:00

I received emails from Kris at AAI and from Julie at CCI yesterday. It seems that Kris will have our homestudy done and to Julie by Dec. 23 (as in 4 days from now!). Then, assuming that it all complies with Florida's and Taiwan's regulations, she will be able to email it off to Taiwan right away. Julie said that USUALLY she gets a reply within 2 weeks as to the "match" of a child. She is requesting specifically that Yin be "matched" with us, but it takes the approval from the orphanage to make it official. Now.... I'm nervous! (sigh). It always seemed like a long time away, now it seems like tomorrow. I just want it to go smoothly, get the match "official" then be able to move along with the adoption. I would LOVE to have her home by summer! Can you imagine.... two 2 year olds in time for summer! Perfect.

Please say a prayer for us that this goes along smoothly... no bumps, no glitches, no problems!

Thanks
Sheryl

The Starfish Story...

2008-12-19T16:52:00.002-05:00

I LOVE this story! I actually "borrowed" it from someone else's blog, so I don't have any idea who to credit as the author. I think it has a beautiful message and it touches me every single time.

The Starfish Story

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked "What are you doing?

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

"Son," the man said, "you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it back into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one."

Our homestudy is almost complete...

2008-12-08T08:38:00.003-05:00

Well, we did indeed have our last appointment for our homestudy last Wednesday at our house. Kris came right after lunch and it only took a short time. She spoke with Amber and Tia, then Kelli after he arrived from class. He was running about 1/2 hr late (grrrr) so I was worried she would get mad, but she didn't; just took it all in stride.

She spoke with Joby and I a little bit about our plans for after we bring Faith home, and how we felt about adding another child, with special needs and from another culture, to our home. What we would tell her about being adopted, etc. She seemed to think our answers were appropriate.?.

It all seemed to go o.k.. So now I guess we are just waiting for our State security checks to come back alright, then for her to write it up and send it out. I know Julie at CCI (the placing agency) is eager to find a home for Faith, so she's happy that it may be sooner than later.

She sent us a loose timeline. It would mean coming up with all of the money in only a couple of months, but we would get to bring Faith home, possibly, by the end of Spring, beginning of Summer. That part would be AWESOME!

So, we're just waiting to hear from Kris that it's all done and ready to roll so we can move on to the next step. Please take a moment to say a prayer for us, and for Faith, that this moves ahead quickly, and that the money presents itself when needed. She really needs a forever family; no baby should live in an orphanage all of this time. Especially a baby that needs so much attention to achieve the potential I know she has!!

So, whether you're helping us financially, or with prayer, thanks so much ahead of time! Joby and I can definitely use both types of help and all we can get of them! :-)

Sheryl

And we go on...

2008-11-21T17:30:00.001-05:00

Kris, our caseworker at AAI (homestudy agency) called. She received the go-ahead to expedite our homestudy! Yeah!!! (I think). Now we must come up with several thousand dollars weeks earlier than we had anticipated...

Our last homestudy interview will be Wed., Dec. 3rd. Then, it's just waiting for Kris to get all of the references back (most people have told me they've already sent them) and to write up the study. We must then send it to Julie at CCI (our placing agency) and she sends it to Taiwan for acceptance and an official "match" with Yin. Please pray this happens without a hitch. I'm so nervous that somehow, something will send us off kilter.

Well, that's all that's going on with the adoption at this point. Just hurry and wait, hurry and wait and worry. It will so be worth it in the end though!

Sheryl

News from the placing agency...

2008-11-16T20:16:00.002-05:00

We heard from the caseworker at the placing agency Friday. She said another family is trying to complete their homestudy in an attempt to adopt the same baby girl! I know I should be happy for her that she could have a forever family even sooner than us, but somehow I can't bring myself to be that big of a person. I'm so upset. The caseworker said that the other family isn't completed yet either, so no idea how far along in the process they are, but Taiwan is certainly anxious to place her, so ... whoever gets done first.

After contacting the caseworker doing our homestudy here in Michigan, she is going to try to expedite the whole thing, but must get clearance from her supervisor to hurry it along vs. using their typical time frame. So... the good news: we could possibly be done sooner than anticipated and bring her home from the orphanage sooner than we thought. The bad news: that also means we have to come up with A LOT of money sooner than anticipated!

So, that said, say a prayer for us that this all goes forward very quickly and she isn't "matched" with another family before we're able to get our paper over to Taiwan, and that we are able to come up with the money to proceed!

Sheryl

Homestudy....

2008-11-13T09:28:00.002-05:00

Well, we met with our caseworker for our homestudy. We were so nervous, but it seemed to go well. She understands our desire for this to speed right along as she has an adopted child also. (that was a nice perk!) We have set up the dates for our second and last meetings for the first 2 weeks of December, so assuming all of the paperwork goes as quickly, I'm hoping we could get our homestudy approved by the end of the year.

Then comes the even harder part. Joby and I must find the money to finance the rest of this adoption. It seems like we make too much money for assistance, but too little to pay for it ourselves. We are praying that God will find a way to help us with this. Please say a prayer for us also, we truly believe there is a plan, and it DOES include our bringing Yin home to live with us forever!! [now, if God would just feel the need to reveal the steps in the plan..... :-)]

We have been in contact with the caseworker at the placing agency and know that Yin hasn't been matched with any other family so we are filling out forms and completing our education requirements as quickly as we can, hoping to expedite this process. Even our kids are hurrying. The morning after we told them they needed references from a teacher they had teachers lined up and waiting with instructions to fill out the form and QUICKLY return it to the agency. (I had to laugh after the girls told me they gave their teachers directions!)

So... we continue to wait and pray. I'll keep everyone updated on any changes as quickly as they happen. I'm so eager to HAVE changes to report!!

Sheryl

We've finally began..

2008-10-18T21:15:00.000-04:00

Joby and I have talked and talked about having another child. Yes, we have 4 now, but we both feel like we were meant to have one more.

After Elizabeth's birth, our older kids were so wonderful. They have loved and cherished Elizabeth since the first moment of life. The fact that she was born with Down syndrome did not deter them at all. Kelli, Amber and Tia are all aware of the complications that are frequently associated with Down syndrome, were in fact on hand for Elizabeth's open heart surgery,they know that there may come a day when they will have to assume responsibility for Elizabeth. Because of this, Joby and felt it necessary to make sure all three kids were on board with adopting a child who would also have Down syndrome. Boy, were they ever!! One of the few things we now know we DO NOT have to worry about is their acceptance of a child into our home who will also have developemental delays. We are truly blessed with the children we've been given!

So begins our journey. We have established this blog so friends and family can make the journey with us.

We have at this point contacted Adoption Associates, Inc. to do our homestudy. We have had our first meeting with them and sent in our application. Now it really begins.

We have also found a little girl in Taiwan we would really like to bring home. She is absolutely beautiful. She is only 7 days younger than Elizabeth and it would be like we had another set of twins. We so enjoyed and continue to enjoy raising Amber and Tia that we think it would be wonderful to do it again. Although she has some medical issues, Joby and I feel confident that God will see her through and we will be able to correct that which is correctable, and manage what is not.

Now, onto the tons of paperwork!