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9.04.2009

Not a baby anymore!

**Lately God has been "speaking" to me in very audible ways. I suspect that right now He is specifically revealing Himself to me so that I will remember His goodness later when things get tough. I know that if I don't write them down that I'll forget and these days, I need memory boosters. There is another story involving preschool for Kylie and Caleb, but that story will come later ~ today is about our little one still on the other side of the world.**

I've been discouraged with how long our paper chase has taken.

Somehow I had the idea that paying the extra money for an expedited home study would mean that it would take less than THREE MONTHS to have a completed study in my hands. (I may sound bitter, but I'm at peace with it now, really...)

Then we got our hopes up when we were able to be fingerprinted early for our immigration clearance. Our adjudicator quickly dashed those hopes with the very firm statement of, "honestly I haven't even looked for your fingerprints, I have a VERY big stack of applications on my desk and I'm reviewing them in the order they came in..." (good news there is that yesterday was our original print appointment, so hopefully we're getting close now)

Each day I stalk the mailman hoping that I'm going to see that envelope from immigration/homeland security, but each day brings disappointment.

Yesterday I wrote an email to our social worker at our adoption agency to check on the rest of our dossier (which is ready to go). I ended the email with the following, "We still haven't gotten an update from Ladybugs 'N Love. I think that I'm starting to give up hope that the CWI will cooperate until we get our LOA."

Can you guess what came through my inbox in the wee hours of the morning? I think God knew that I needed a booster! See, back when we requested an updated picture of Darcy as we were praying about our decision to pursue adopting her we got a picture that was precious, but her eyes were so sad. It made me so desperate to get to her, to be able to hold her tight and tell her how much I loved her. Fast forward six months between the pictures and there is a world of difference! She went from forlorn to, well..., I think you can call it spunky!

And as we read the answers to our questions, Ian and I found ourselves laughing at how the descriptions are a combination of words and phrases we use to describe Kylie and Caleb. Some examples:
"Putting on beautiful dresses makes her happy." ~ just like Kylie
"She loves to ride her little tricycle." ~ just like Caleb
"Her favorite activities are outdoor activities and watching cartoons." Kylie always wants to "take a nice walk" and Caleb would watch cartoons 24/7 if we allowed it.
"She is outgoing and lively, but sometimes looses her temper." ~ hmm, sound like her big sister?
"Pick her up to soothe her" ~ like snugly big brother.

They say that she is very easy going and that she has a deep sense of empathy. She relates to adults well and is very in tune with her foster parents. She is currently their only child. This is both a good thing (as it implies that she has a very positive relationship with them and has known what it means to be loved) and potentially a difficult thing (as she will be going from being an only child with the focus on her to being the youngest of three and her siblings are going to be in her face...). She has no idea what she is in store for in a few months!

Oh, and her size? Well, let's just say that if we didn't know "Little Lottie" that I'd tell you that the idea that Chinese girls are petite is a myth! She's just shy of 38 inches tall and weighs just under 32 pounds. (Keep in mind that she's 2 1/2 this month). According to an online American growth chart that I've found, both of my girls are right at the 90% in height! And yeah, that does put her about 3 inches taller and 2 pounds heavier than her "big" brother. Guess we'll have to use the term "older brother."

There was also very good news concerning her potential medical problems. We're praising God for that! There are still some unknowns, but each time we learn more the big picture looks brighter and brighter.

And the sweetest thing? This morning when I showed the kids new pictures of their sister, Caleb said, "Yay Dar-hee!" and Kylie said, "Hey Mommy, look! Darcy's hair cut is short like mine! We can be twins!"

I love how children see the sweet spirit of others!

So we're waiting to be DTC so that we can enter the next stage of waiting, but now we're waiting with a new purpose. Our baby girl isn't so much of a baby, but at long last we know more about her!

Our sweet girl, you have no idea that we're coming. But we'll be there as soon as we can. And if you've ever been lonely as an only child I can promise that you won't feel that way much longer!

Now you'll have to excuse me, it's time for my daily mailbox stalking...

24 comments:

Kathy said...

What beautiful pictures!! I can hardly wait to hold her. She looks just adorable. Nai Nai loves you, Darcy.

Jess Danielson said...

Oh Oh Oh Darcy is just beautiful!!! I am so excited for you!! Those darn USCIS roadblock-just stink! If they could only see that beautiful face!!

Donna said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful "little" lady!!!! We're storming heaven for you, Miller family!!! Can't wait for more good news!!!
Love you guys!!

Laura said...

Oh my goodness - she's just gorgeous! I'll be praying for things to go smoothly from here on out - and I'm sure I don't have to tell you (although I have to remind myself quite often) that it all happens in His time. I'm so happy for you!

Amy Woods said...

Ahhh!!! Oh my word!! She is so beautiful!!! I'm SO happy you got pictures!!! Come on DTC!!!

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!! SHE IS SOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!!! SHe looks like a little pixy!!!!!
I WANT TO SQUEEZE HER!!!!!!!!!
Aunt Cici

Grandma Shultz said...

After our phone conversation, I came back to work so I could see your blog update (guess I'm just gonna have to get a computer at home). I can't even explain the emotions that are coursing through me - or why I am sitting her with tears running down my face. She is beautiful. She looks so playful and sassy. Darcy, I can't wait to meet you in person. Caleb, you are going to have two bigger sisters but I know you will be able to handle both of them! haha
Love to all five of you,
LaoLao

Our Journey said...

Kristi, How GREAT for you all to get these pictures & bits of info ... she's a DOLL!!! I'm so happy that w/ the stress God is giving you Grace as well.

Ann Marie said...

She's just darling! She's got a sparkle in her eye which means her spririt is being nutured. We too are having a very sloooowwww paper chase. Hoping the mailman brings your much awaited document soon.

Hugs,

Ann Marie

Laurie said...

What fun it was to check the site today and see SO MANY darling new pictures of Darcy. Kristi, she is simply beautiful. No other way to say it. I love her short hair, her smile, her eyes and how they sparkle- just everything! I can't wait until I see pictures of her with her siblings!!!

Lisa said...

YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! I have been out of the blog loop all week and I'm sooooo excited to find these beautiful pictures!!!!! I can't believe that she is an inch taller than KayLi, who weighs 39lbs! She is so adorable!!!!

I'll be praying for your fingerprints. Ugh...our government.
I'm so glad it's really all in God's time!

Pam said...

Oh, what happy news! I am rejoicing with you. Little Darcy is just as cute as can be, and yes, looks like she's got some spunk to her!!!! Her measurements are exactly AC's!

And now you wait with HOPE!

Nancy said...

Wow! Darcy is soooo cute! How fabulous to get that just when you needed it!

Anonymous said...

What a beauty! She has the sweetest smile.

Glenda said...

I can't wait until Darcy joins our OAKS bunch. She's adorable and I know it makes your heart feel good to see her smile. Come on USCIS!!! Praying for a quick process!

Lilly said...

Little Darcy is a ham and what a mischievous eyes she has. Praying that God prepares her heart and soul to be soon with her forever family. I’ll tell you, we might see each other in china and I think it will be very very soon!

Rachelle said...

She is just wonderful! Man I want another.... How long did you wait between adoption and starting paperwork again?

Jen Barbee said...

Another beautiful child for your family!!!!

Jenn said...

Darcy is soooo beautiful!!! Look at her precious smile!! So sweet!! Yippee!! Rejoicing with you!

I love the new look of your blog too! Looks wonderful!!

Blessings,
Jenn

Melissa said...

OK, now this was an amazing post! Darcy is just beautiful from her cute short hair cut, and her great smile! I can see you are surely going to have your hands full! But, of course in an amazing way! That is so wonderful you got updated pictures and information! I am so excited that you should be DTC soon! I cannot WAIT to follow another trip of yours to CHina! Love, Melissa

Anonymous said...

How exciting. Will keep you in our prayers. She is beautiful!
Angela Nixon

Cindy M said...

Well, my little Caleb might be the one who doesn't know what's about to hit HIM...but he can always get some pointers from Mick about living in a house full of girls...and most of them will probably entail pranks involving bugs!

And, call me crazy, but a similar thought crossed my mind about the hair!

Oh, and I didn't get to comment about Maya's eyelashes...it's LATE, so I'll go back and do so tomorrow...

MISS YOU.

Anonymous said...

Kristi and Ian,

Darcy is absolutely adorable. Your kids are so sweet about their new sister. I cannot wait to meet her as well.

Cheryl

Somewhere In The Sun said...

Oh Kristi, she's just stunning!! I'm so happy for you and your family. What province is she from?

~Lynn