Party Pictures!

I just don't have the words to express how excited I was to open my email today and find birthday party pictures of Eva!! Isn't she just beautiful??!! I am just filled with so much joy and happiness to know that her birthday was celebrated and to see that she looks so well. I can not wait to be the one holding her and celebrating all of her special occasions!!

Our Girl likes Cake!!

It's OFFICIAL!!

After 4 years of waiting & more than 4 months since referral, we are heading to CHINA!! Today we received written confirmation of our Consulate appointment in Guangzhou, China...July 21st. Since this is actually one of the last appointments of the trip, we will be leaving Lake Charles on or around July 6th!! I can't believe this is FINALLY happening!! In less than two weeks we will be heading half way around the world to bring Eva home!!

Happy Birthday Eva!

Dearest Eva,

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We had really hoped that we would be holding you today for your birthday. We want you to know how much we missed being able to celebrate with you but are so thankful to know that this will be the last birthday you spend without your family. We look at your picture every day and cannot wait to have you with us.

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I know I shouldn't, but I can't help but wonder if anyone acknowledged your birthday today? Did someone sing "Happy Birthday" to you or do anything else to mark this special occasion? Fortunately we have a lifetime of birthdays ahead of us with lots of spoiling to do!!

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You are a very special little girl to us and we all love you so very much!

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Happy Birthday Sweet Girl...Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Noah & Nicholas

A very special "Thank You" to Ann at http://www.redthreadchina.com/ for putting this birthday care package together for Eva. Ann has also arranged with a local bakery in China to deliver a fresh birthday cake this week. Thanks Ann!!

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"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 NIV

(Eva's birthverse from www.birthverse.com)

TRAVEL APPROVAL

Today at 3:50pm our agency called to say that they had received our "Notice of Traveling to China for Adoption" otherwise known as Travel Approval (TA).

This is the final document that we needed from the Chinese government. Now our agency will be able to make our Consulate appointment in China. We should have the date of that appointment by Tuesday of next week and then we can plan the rest of our trip around that date.

Bottom line is that we should be heading to China in 2-3 weeks....WOOHOO!! We are on our way to get you baby girl!!

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step" (from my fortune cookie last week)!!

Getting Ready for Eva

It has been so much fun getting ready for a little girl!

I truly hope that Eva likes Pink!!

The canvas over her bed was a gift from the boy's art teacher...

thank you Mrs. Blalock! It is the perfect touch to her room.
Of course Daddy did the lettering on the wall; it says "Princess - Daughter of a Heavenly King".

A new highchair...thank you Suzanne!

A new stroller...thank you Nana & Paw-Paw!

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Now all we need is Eva!! Our packing has begun and we are hopeful to hear news about travel this week. We are all getting very anxious and can't wait to bring our beautiful baby girl home!!