My Wish

Our first trip, we arrived in Sofia on Sunday then travel to Novi Pazar on Monday to meet the girls.  When we arrived, we first met with the Social Service staff.  They were all very nice and were able to answer all of our questions about the girls.  We were taken to a “play room” - as the staff opens the door – there were the girls playing.  I think my heart stopped – the precious little ones we only saw in a picture and fell in love were right here.  The moments passed slowly as we entered and were introduced to our girls.  They are beautiful, active with great personalities – I couldn’t help but stare. We played with them as they quickly warmed up to us.  That kiss, that hug, that touch will forever be imprinted into our memories - what a magical thing.  Oh, oh oh!!  The hours passed so quickly and we looked forward to the next day. 

Each day brought new memories and many “first” for our girls.  We brought play dough and they didn’t even want to touch it – it took getting use to it and by the end of the day it was a hit.  We were able to take some walks to the park where swings and slides were calling our names.  The girls were not sure what to think at first- once they figured out how much fun it was – I think they had a blast.  They were so cute and I was amazed that the teeter-totter was a hit too.   We also brought a picture book for each of them – pictures of us – of course – and our family plus our dogs.  They had so much fun looking at it – momma and daddy – Pretty Cool. 

The last day was the hardest knowing this was it until we return. I don’t think 4-5 months will pass quickly enough for us.  There were many kisses and hugs this week as well as laughter and smiles that we will hold in our memories.  Our week was absolutely amazing – we had an amazing translator – she was very good to us – loved her.  I was worried how we would be able to leave – just walk away from these two precious ones.  There must have been a plan between our translator and others to have our exit done without rush and only a tear.  We said goodbye and gave our kisses and hugs – we hope they last until our return – we made our exit before we knew it – then to the car headed back to Sofia. 

Once back in Sofia – Friday – we signed papers and then we had a free day to sightsee in downtown Sofia.  There are some amazing buildings and lots of walking to do which balances the good food we ate.  We had an early flight on Saturday – long flights are not my thing – I was miserable sitting in one place for so long.  We’ve made it back for a week– set our pictures to music and now counting down the day.  Our family and friends are helping us plan for them and get the house ready as well as lots of celebrations – I think we are going to stay busy – now and forever.  We are truly blessed with great family and friends. 

My Wish – I hope they know somebody LOVES them – Yeah, this is our wish!!!!

Referral – Girls Girls Girls!!!!

Our time has come – we survived the great wait !!!  We have received our referral!!! The call came in December 4^th, Kay, our coordinator, gave us the wonderful news – the only information at first was - we had a referral.  In the following weeks, details of our referral trickled in – TWIN GIRLS!!!!! Once we laid eyes on them December 14^th -  Yes, they are our girls and we are blessed – they are who we prayed for all these years.  We have our travel dates – can’t wait to meet them– so excited!!!               

We can’t stop thinkin’ about Girls! Girls!

Summertime!

We had a wonderful summer vacation.  Our family vacation just gets better each year! 

The Beach Club

It’s a smile, it’s a kiss - It’s a sip of wine, It’s summertime -Sweet summertime!

 

Double Red Flag Cautions were flying high most of the week!!!

 

Vince and Zach just hangin’ out

Loving their Aunt Pam!!!!!   

I’ll work on catching up on what’s been going on. Hope you enjoy a few pictures. This is a start!

Whole Lotta Celebrating Goin' On

We have been busy this month with so many celebrations.  Vince celebrated his birthday with a day of relaxation and dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Vince ordered spaghetti with Italian sausage and my favorite was the signature dish of Pasta Weesie.

Nurse’s Week

We celebrated all the magnificent Nurses at Baptist!

We also had lots of fun in the HotShots Photo Booth!!!

Lauren and Chris Winchell’s Wedding

My Best Friend Melinda

My Sweetheart

Hub City Fitness Quest

Dustin took 1^st place in his division as well as Overall Winner for Men’s Physique !  We're so proud of him!!

As you can see, we’ve been super busy and having blast.  I would like to say there was lots going on with our adoption but I can’t.  As the old adage says: no news is good news – NOT – hopefully soon!!

On a Jet Plane

YEAH!!!! We have received our USCIS extension last Thursday.  We immediately got busy getting our documents notarized, certified and apostilled.  USCIS was notarized Friday – then all notaries were certified – off to our capital in Nashville for the official seal of approval.  Tuesday we received all apostilled documents – Thanks FedEx for a speedy delivery!!!!  Made my copies of all the documents then – off they went – back to FedEx – On a Jet Plane – to Bulgaria!!!!  I wish I could say we were on that jet plane ---- VESTA should have them in their hands Friday!!! YEAH!!!

Praying for our Referrals!!!  As we continue to wait…

Putting on a Happy Face

This week we received our USCIS letter for our fingerprinting appointments– scheduled for April 24^th – YIKES!!!  Our USCIS approval will expire April 7^th – we hoped we could have gotten our extension completed prior to the expiration.  Our agency continues to tell us our referral in coming soon.  They have also informed us that we can’t receive a referral without a valid USCIS approval!!! OMG!!!  No happy faces here!!!

The only way to help speed this up is for us to get our fingerprints ASAP!!! So, Thursday we went to our immigration office to see if this was possible to actually get our fingerprinting taken early. This seemed like a small endeavor although presenting with many adversities, we had a spring storm producing hail – we still headed out to test our luck.  We pleaded our case for early fingerprints which they were so nice and accommodating of our request – I quickly completed my fingerprints -then it was Vince’s turn- he started and right in the middle of his fingerprints there was a power outage…….................. Thank goodness for battery backup!!! Even with the power outage we were in and out of there in a flash – needless to say – We’re smiling. 

Today we received the dread pink letter from the USCIS requesting additional information as well as clarity of the children we are approved to adopt.  I'm happy that their request seems like it should be handled with a quick amendment to our home study- I’m hoping Carla is available Monday to pull this request together.  I really want to have it back to the USCIS office no later than Wednesday.   All goes well we will have our extension approval in approximately a week.  Finger crossed. 

Putting on a Happy Face!

Looking forward to our Easter Celebration!