One More Down

Edward and I finished our finals last week... finally. Now we can focus on Christmas, family and getting some things done around the house before the madness begins again.

We're still living a bit of the adoption dream vicariously through our friends in China. Every day there are more beautiful pictures of Ava Mei, happy pictures. It's hard not to get excited when you see a baby grinning at you with chubby cheeks and sweet dimples from halfway around the world.

Our agency still does not have their license. That's frustrating, but part of the process. We cannot start to collect our dossier until they have that license, which means we are basically at a standstill. We're still waiting for our 171-H from CIS. Until our agency gets the license, we can write the letters that need to go out, but we can't send them.

Frankly, I'm sorry there isn't more to report. But in a little over a week, we'll be playing with our silly, amazing nephews. And skiing. Can't go wrong with that.

On the Other Side of the Globe

Today, I logged onto our friend's blog and was able to see a very long-awaited event. Our friends received their beautiful 8-month old daughter in China today. She is amazing!!! She's so big-- 20 lbs. and has an incredible smile. Ed and I were so excited to see this family united for the first time! It makes waiting for our Addi a little easier. That moment is coming for us and we have all of these adoptive parents to share it with. But today, we're sending kisses to Ava Mei's sweet chubby cheeks on the other side of the globe. We can't wait for you to get home McMahon Three.

Woohoo!!! We're so glad you found your family Ava Mei!

Around the World

I can't help but feel emotional today. We had a lot of great news today in the adoption department. They weren't related to our adoption, but it doesn't make any difference to me at this point. Friends of ours arrived in China for the pick-up of their little girl, Ava Mei. And our dear friends, Josh and Kristin, received their I-171H approval today. This means that their baby girl, Reagan, does not have to wait for that step to be completed. This step had us a little worried because they're utilizing the Atlanta CIS office and they're running very slowly... like Chicago. If it took much longer for this approval, Reagan's adoption in Guatemala could have been held up.
I couldn't stop myself from welling up in joy for Josh and Kristin. What a blessing! The sooner we get her home, the sooner Kristin can get those bows in her hair and big brother, Ryker, can start loving on his Rae-Rae. Congrats KW and JW!!! And finally, our friends Dave and Christy are patiently awaiting the arrival of their first child... if she'll ever go into labor.

One thing I love about the adoption process is the excitement it generates. Births and adoptions are two pretty purely joyful occasions. Obviously, adoptions have more potential for unpredictable heartbreak. But my mom says that heartbreak is just part of the deal of being a parent. It breaks for all of the good moments and all of the bad. Lately, I've had several opportunities to share about our experience and answer curious well-wishers' questions. I can't think of a better way to pass the time between now and meeting our Addison. And people are so excited for us and anxious to know who she is... not more than we are of course. But it's nice to share such a joyful event with others, rather than commiserate about stress, bad weather, finals, etc. So, thanks to everyone who has so kindly rooted for us in this process.