Sad Decisions

After many hours of long discussion and several days of mourning, we have decided to cancel the adoption of our second daughter, Xylie Austin.  This was a heartbreaking decision for our whole family, but one that we feel was in the best interests of everyone involved.  We thank everyone for their understanding in this very personal matter and hope that Xylie will find a family who will love her and cherish her and give her the world.  We are comfortable with our decision and know that it is what is best for her and us.

In light of that, we are so very proud of our first daughter, Saiya and so very happy to have such a perfect little girl with whom we can share our lives.  She has her first Violin recital April 28.  She will be playing "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star".  We are so proud of  her and her strength and ability to adapt to changes amazes us everyday.

Memories and Sharing Moments

I remember when we were little, my dad would work on the car or the boat and we would watch and "help" him while he worked.  Holding the light was the most important job a kid can have.  So, this weekend, I replaced Chris's headlight bulb with Saiya's help.  She, of course, held the light.  She had a great time helping me fix his car.  She was so proud of her work that she went running inside when we were done to tell Baba that it was all fixed.  :)

Happy Birthday Saiya!!

We had Saiya's 6th birthday party on Saturday afternoon at the Bear Factory.  She had a blast!  After the Bear Factory, we went home and had a little get together with people who couldn't make it to the mall for the kiddie party.  She had a great time!  I am so happy she is growing up so well.  But not so happy she is growing up so fast!!!  I have no idea where the last year has gone.  :)

Happy Birthday, Saiya!

Log in Date: 12/22/2011

We have finally received notification of our log in date for Xylie!  This means that China has received our paperwork and has started to process our request to adopt a Tian Xing.  So now, aproximately March 1, we should be receiving our Letter of Acceptance which means we will then be able to file with the US government. So excited to be moving along towards bringing her home. :)

Life has been Busy!

I can't believe it is 2012 already!  In a mad rush to use up our flex spending account dollars from work, everyone (including Saiya) had eye doctor appointments.  Saiya did great!  Sat in the big chair and everything without a single complaint!  The good news is that we spent nearly all of our flex dollars for 2011 and Saiya's eyes are PERFECT!  Chris however needed new glasses for night driving.

In other news, my sister and I are going on a cruise next week.  This will be the first time since we brought her home that I will be leaving Saiya for more than a couple of days with Chris.  On the upside, school starts up again next week.  Three weeks of winter break is entirely too long!  I am sure he is going to need a vacation when we get back.  Poor guy!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We had a great Christmas this year. Saiya wrote a letter to Santa a few weeks ago and on Friday, we received a letter back from Santa telling Saiya that he will see her on Saturday night and to be a good girl.

Friday night we had our gift exchange with my family. This year was a little harder because Saiya was the only kid home for the holiday. My neice and nephew were in New York with their Father. Because of that, Saiya got a little spoiled in the present department. Saturday morning we drove to Tampa to spend the Christmas weekend with Chris's family. Again, Saiya is the only grandchild, so she was showered with gifts Saturday night and again on Sunday when Santa came.

Saturday afternoon, we baked cookies for Santa and made brownies for after dinner. Saiya is so sweet! She wanted to leave enough cookies out for Santa and all of his Reindeer (because the reindeer will be hungry too). My daughter is so sweet. And smart too! We were out of presents for the rest of us by the time Sunday morning came along, so all the presents under the tree were for her. She kept asking why Santa only brought presents for her (apparently mommy and daddy were bad this year). We explained that Santa doesnt have time to bring all the grown-ups presents too, he only brings presents to kids. She was happy with that answer.

We had a great time in Tampa with family and hope everyone out there had a great Holiday!! We also wish you all the best for the new year and look forward to sharing next year's Christmas adventure with not one, but TWO wonderful little girls!!

DTC FINALLY!!

I know I have been really horrible about keeping up with the blog as of late, but things have gotten really crazy!  We finally finished our Christmas shopping.  Our tree went up the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Saiya had a great time decorating it.  She is so much more aware of the whole Santa Claus thing this year.  She is so very excited that Santa Claus is coming, although she was a little wary because we are not going to be home when he comes.  She was so concerned that he was going to forget where she was going to be.  After alot of reassurance, she is good with traveling over the holiday.  We purchased some toys for Toys For Tots and had her put them in the box at Walmart.  We tried to explain what those toys were for, but I think she might be a little confused since Santa is supposed to bring ALL of the kids toys.  She wanted to know why he didnt bring them toys too.  Poor girl, so logically minded.

Last week, we did come Christmas Shopping and I gave her some money to buy presents for her sister.  She got to carry the money around the store in her purse and picked out items she wanted to give to her sister, adding up the prices and making sure she had enough money.  Then we went to cash out and she put her spoils up on the converyor belt and paid the nice lady.  She was SO excited!!  Tonight I will help her wrap the presents she bought for Xylie so we can put them under the tree.

On the adoption of Xylie, we are FINALLY DTC!!  This means that our documents were sent to China (December 7, 2011).  We have 4-6 weeks before we hear when our Log In Date is.  It should be sometime soon, but we wont find out for 4-6 weeks.  Once we get our Log In Date, we should be getting our Letter of Acceptance which will allow us to file our I-800 with the US government.  We are going to be sending a second care package to China after Christmas with some toys and things we bought for Xylie.

We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and the very best for the New Year!!