Progress is slow

Today we found out that although our agency still does not have its license, the Chicago CIS office is catching up to our homestudy. They were reviewing homestudies last week that were filed on November 16th. Ours was filed a week after this, so we should be looking at our CIS approval (171-H) in the next couple of weeks. It isn't going to happen tomorrow, but that really isn't the point. The most nerve-wracking part of the process is waiting for our agency to get its license to get these beautiful babies home!!!

In the last month, Ava Mei came home from China, Lucy Deegan arrived in the world, we moved up on the referral list, the holidays came and went and we got to spend a week with our darling nephews, Griffin and Spencer. We are traveling this weekend to visit military friends in Tennessee and school starts next week. Edward and I are gearing up for my last semester and his second. We're trying to get as much ready for Addi as possible over this break before the craziness begins again.

So, the nursery is nearly finished and we're finding room for some new things that Addi received from family at Christmas. Some people have strong feelings about not buying things for her until she's home (i.e. Paige) in case it jinxes the process. I know exactly where she's coming from-- I felt the same way for years. I felt that way because every time we got ready to move forward with adoption, something got in the way (deployments, moves, school, etc). However, we are actually on this journey now and I've finally given myself permission to get ready for her. It's probably okay that Paige is holding off, because when she lets go, it may be out of hand. She's been known to buy ponies for her friends' children shortly after their births. Who knows where she'll go for Addi?!? She could have a ranch waiting for her by the time we get back from Vietnam. Paige, please don't get any ideas...

By the way, congrats to my friend, Wil, who has his national television debut tonight on VH1. Wil, you're a superstar... good luck!