Manicure Anyone?

Check out those fingernails, she could get a French manicure! She obviously grows nails better than her momma.

First on my packing list is baby nail clippers. I am surprised that she didn't have scratches all over her little face in the photos. I am so glad that my sister (experienced mother of three) is going with me to Vietnam. I think trimming her nails will intimidate me just a bit.

My nail trimming experience is with my dog Ellie. She is very uncooperative. She squirms all over the place. That is where my nail fear comes from!

Yes, she has very long nails. But check out those beautiful little fingers. I just can't wait to kiss them.

Gracie's Room

My first try at the video didn't work. I think I have the hang of it now. Here's my baby's room.

Baby, Baby, Baby

A very good (and pregnant) friend of mine is visiting from Dallas and four of us got together last night to catch up. I was great to see her and witness her happiness. She and her husband have a great story.

After a long battle with IVF they decided to pursue domestic adoption. They had one terrible adoption experience, but then six weeks later they were blessed with a beautiful and perfect daughter. When she was almost a year old, my friend found out that she was pregnant!! In a couple of months they will be adding a son to the family.

There was also a baby there last night. Another friend has a four month old little girl! She and Gracie will grow up together!!

While we gazed at pictures of Gracie, we had in our presence a beautiful baby and a precious toddler. It just doesn't get any better than that!!

Look at Those Rosy Cheeks

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. I guess I have been busy calling/emailing friends and also staring at her photos. I still can't believe how lovely she is. I want to kiss her cheeks over and over again.

I have the glider in her room now. I was dying to try it out, so I picked up Ellie (the dog) and attempted to rock her. She wasn't up for that and immediately jumped down. My father keeps ordering me NOT to put Ellie in the baby bed! I would never do that but Daddy seems terribly afraid after the rocking incident.

There was one little piece missing from the baby bed. It was a tiny piece. I am waiting for the shipment from the company. Her room is adorable. I can't wait to finish the bed so I can post pictures.

A big thanks to my friend Kelly (and thanks for the link idea) for her lovely words. It's funny, I have never met Kelly but she is a very dear friend. She was one of the first people I met after deciding to adopt. Our girls are now roommates and we will be traveling together, hopefully very, very soon!

Adoption is like that. During this process I have made so many friends online. Thank you all for your kind words. I treasure them all. I will keep them along with my blog on cd. What an addition to a baby book. It will be so wonderful for her to read it all someday.

Please know that I pray for all of you waiting for referrals, waiting to travel and just waiting in general. I pray that those of you who have returned will have an easy transition with your new family. Gracie is proof - prayer works!

At Last: Gracie's Referral!

Those eyes. That mouth. Those chubby little cheeks. She is so perfect. I can't quit staring at her pictures. She was born on July 17 and she is adorable. I wish I could go and get her today!

Interesting fact - she was born on the day I received my I-171H! This is what true joy feels like. I am praying for all of you waiting for referrals. Seeing your child is truly worth the wait!!

Finally - Construction Complete!

Well, almost. The painters are painting Gracie's room as I type and the plumber is coming this evening to finish hooking things up in the bathroom.

Last night I moved all my furniture into the new master bedroom. I still have to move the closet (large task) and then various bathroom things.

My goal for the weekend - set up Gracie's room. I have been waiting for this day ever since I impulsively purchased all of her furniture. It's been stored at Mother and Daddy's. Hopefully I will be posting pictures of the room very soon!

Then I hope to post pictures of the little girl who will sleep in that room (I am praying very hard). I am thinking positive.

A Few Things I Want Gracie to Know

1. Who Jesus Christ is and how much he loves her.
2. Her best is always good enough. I don't want her to avoid new things for fear of failure, but I want her to try her best in everything she does.
3. I discipline her because I love her (well maybe someday she'll understand that one).
4. It is our responsibility to help others who aren't as fortunate as our family. I want to always continue helping her orphanage and she can learn about helping other children.
5. We should always treat others as we'd like to be treated.