Travel Approval

Wow, so much has happened since I last posted. I started a Talia An calendar for 2009, like the ones I have kept for Lydia Grace since she came home to us in 2005. On January 16, 2009 we received the important "LOA" a formal document entitled "Lettter of Seeking Confirmation from Adopter." This document is from China, and we respond that YES! we do intend to adopt Futao, now named Talia An. January had other exciting happenings as well. We celebrated Chinese New Year, sent in our Visa applications, and celebrated our baby's birthday--Talia An turned one on January 29, 2009. Lydia Grace blew out your one candle for you. We saved half of your very yummy chocolate cake in the freezer to have with you when you get home. Next year you can pick your own cake . . . On February 3rd our Visa applications arrived at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., and came back to us on February 9, 2009. Meanwhile, Mama has been shop-shop-shopping with Lydia Grace to get everything ready. New cushions for the rocking chair in your room, new Easter dresses for two girls, and some other surprises. Your crib is set up, your quilt is hung, your afghan is done. I bought really wonderful Chinese character wall hangings to put over your crib, too. Your sister took a Chinese calendar to Show and Share at her school to show her friends where Chongqing is in China, and pictures from that region. She wants everyone to know where her sister is from. One day, out of the blue, Lydia Grace announced "My baby's name means peach and lucky" and she is exactly right. We feel very lucky as we wait for you. Then the biggest news of all--on Thursday February 19th, 2009 we received our Travel Approval from China. This is the last step before we go to China to bring you home! We think we leave in about three weeks, and now preparations are moving so fast. Aunt Laura is excited that we'll be home for her birthday! Nai Nai and YeYe are coming back from Florida to meet you at the airport. We are all busy and excited and can't wait. It won't be long now, Talia An, until we have you in our arms. Be safe and know that we are coming as quickly as we can.