My, How You've Grown

This past Wednesday, we got to see the baby again. It was time for another sonogram and everything is looking great. I think the sonogram has got to be one of the most amazing experiences that technology has to offer. And, I still say that anyone who can look at a sonogram and not see the incredible creativity, power, wonder, etc of God is missing the big picture.

Like I said, the baby is doing great. We laughed when the technician said that it appeared that the baby was ahead of schedule by several days. Joni's family has a history of birthing big babies, so we assumed it was no different with her. Joni is also feeling much better now that she is entering her second trimester.

We leave for Walt Disney World in less than 2 weeks for Disney's EarMarked Conference for Authorized Disney Vacation Planner travel agencies. After the conference, we are spending another week just hanging out and enjoying the parks. We are very excited!

Amazed

Ok, so I've heard people talk about it...seen pictures...but nothing could prepare me for seeing our baby for the first time. At 9 weeks pregnant, both Joni and I had assumed that we really wouldn't be able to see anything on this first sonogram. Wow, were we wrong! I've posted some pictures, but they really don't show the level of detail that you can see on the screen.

It is purely amazing. I can even describe my emotions at the time. I knew we were pregnant, but to actually see the baby...and to hear the heartbeat. The heartbeat...wow...another amazing technology of modern medicine. I think it hit me...that's a LIFE in there. I was speechless throughout the whole process, and feel so fortunate that we live in an age that allows us to see the gift of life in such an early stage.

Joni's next sonogram is in a few weeks, and I'm sure I'll be blown away, again. She is feeling okay, but very tired. We are both still on cloud 9, and can't wait to see our baby, again.

Denver

Sorry it has been awhile since the last entry. We have been very busy, and tired from the crazy pace of life for the past few weeks. I know, I know...it will only get busier with kids. Yikes!

We were able to get away a couple of weeks ago for a short vacation. We chose to go to Denver to see Disney's The Little Mermaid the Musical. It was incredible, and we got to see the Broadway cast during the "preview" run. Tons of fun.

Well, back to life...Joni's first appointment is next Wednesday, so I'm sure we'll have more to report then.

SURPRISE

We're pregnant!!!!!!!

I thought it would be better to blurt it out than to hold you in suspense. We have been trying for over a year, and were beginning to think it wasn't possible. We found out this weekend that it very much is possible, and that Joni is 5 weeks pregnant. We are super excited!

We still plan on going through with our adoption plans after our first baby arrives. Our agency has been great about this change in plans, and is willing to put everything on hold for us until we are ready to continue. We still have a heart for our baby in Vietnam, and while our trip there will need to be delayed, it will happen one day, God willing.

So, we're looking forward to March, 2008. Thanks so much for your prayers, and we ask that they continue as we head out on this new and exciting journey.

Paper, Paper, and more Paper

Well, it has officially begun. We're gathering what seems to be every piece of that could possibly have to do with us in order to start the home study. It seems like a long trail, but there does seem to be a light in the distance...maybe we'll actually get this all accomplished soon. We're planning on using July 4 to write our autobiographies and make copies of important documents...glad there is an extra day off!

Our education DVDs have arrived, and we are excited to learn more about the process and about adoptive parenting. Our agency had a few more referrals this week, and several families are traveling. We can't wait to get on the list! (once our US government approval is in)

On a side note, for those who were curious...I know I was...CIS is accepting a "name-only" background check for me as I do not have fingers to fingerprint. Glad to know that someone has walked this way before, and there are policies in place to make this go smoothly for us.

Welcome Packet - Starting the paper chase

We received the welcome packet in the mail today. It has a ton of information, and our heads are spinning. Fortunately, we live very close to the Texas branch office of our agency, and so our coordinator is going to come over on Tuesday and go over all of the materials with us. We'll get started after that meeting with all of the paperwork gathering. We're so excited!

We're approved!

Well, I mentioned earlier today that we had not heard much...until now! We just got an email saying that our application for adoption has been approved by our agency. We are so excited and will keep you up to date on our progress! Thanks for the continued prayers!