Our adoption: 17 weeks

How Far Along: 17 weeks

How I'm feeling: settled

Gender: GIRL!  

Total bills so far: $11686.39

Bills this week: $0
Ways God is working: Our I800a was assigned to an officer (found that out Tuesday, January 20th).  My mom was getting said that I could have a bunch of frames - perfect for Jemma's nursery/hot air balloon pictures!  Mom's blood work and bone scan are showing improvement in her cancer!!!

Phil got an email from our officer on Thursday (1/22) that our application has been approved and approval is in the mail!  YES!

Phil made it safely to London on Friday and then traveled to Bristol and Madrid.  

Things learned: The CCCWA and US Consulate will be closed for Chinese New Year from February 18th-22nd.  

Also, the CCCWA has raised the dossier submission fee from $800 to $1360, so that's kind of a bummer, but not a surprise to God.  

Stuff we've done for the adoption this week: worked more on sorting toys, cleaning out Jemma's room, working on nursery decor, and "The Project", figured out a dresser for Jemma's room, 

What I am looking forward to: Dossier to China!  Holding out hope for before Valentine's Day!

Praying: Praising God for Negmeh Abedini's visit with President Obama over the imprisonment of her husband, American pastor, Saeed Abedini.  Praising God for the fact that we are seeing Sammy be able to go to the bathroom - A True Miracle!  Praying we can be DTC before Valentine's Day and LID before the Chinese New Year closure.  Praying for Jemma in June!

Praying that Phil's presentations go well this week and that he can feel better (ears are hurting) and get sleep and then get home safely on Friday.

Pictures of the week:

Hot air balloon collage for the nursery

fabric for Jemma's room

new clock over the mantle to keep track of the time where our family is

Daddy made another fun picture for Jemma that we framed for her room