It's a BOY!

Yes, you read this post title correctly - It's a boy! To make a VERY long story short, the Lord moved us in a direction we never imagined. On December 5th, we were prepared to "pull our file" from China. I placed a call to our agency's family coordinator and it changed our lives forever! She asked us a simple question, "Have you ever considered a boy from China?" After intense prayer, we walked through the door the Lord opened and on December 10th we were looking at our beautiful son's face! Joshua is just over 2 years old and was born with a correctable medical condition (that has already been surgically corrected) and is healthy and adorable! He is in foster care (what a blessing!) and is a typical 2 year old hitting all the developmental milestones. We can not publicly post his picture yet, but email me privately and I am happy to tell you all about him! The process of adopting a "Waiting Child" is different and the timeline is unpredictable. However, we anticipate travel some time in early summer. The process is 4 fold:

#1 - EA (electronic application). On December 12, 2008: we submitted our application to China for Joshua.

#2 - PA (pre-approval). December 30, 2008: We received this TODAY! This is where the "waiting child department" in China recommends that our application for Joshua is "pre-approved" and is moved on to the next stage.

#3 - RA (referral acceptance). This is where China gives us the official stamp of approval to adopt Joshua. This is the "big" document! We are waiting for this approval.

#4 - TA (travel approval). China gives us our specific "gotcha day" date and consulate appointments to complete his adoption in China.

We have no way of estimating the timeline. But again, we hope to travel to China early this summer.

We certainly appreciate your prayers as we are stepping out in faith to bring our son home. We are trusting the Lord to provide the finances (we need to raise around $13,000!) and prepare not only Joshua, but Kirk, Lilly, Jessica and myself for our expanded family!

Praising the Lord!!!
Brenda

Santa ... The face says it all!

Lilly and Jessica went to see Santa today. Lilly excitedly ran up to Santa and was SO excited to talk to him. Jessica ... well ... the face says it all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Happy 4th Gotcha Day Lilly!

Four years ago today, we met our precious Lilly for the first time! I still can not believe how time flies!

We celebrated this amazing day by ording pizza (Lilly's choice - I was voting for chinese food!) and watching her video from China. She had more questions than in years past. "Why didn't I grow in your tummy mommy?" The Lord graciously gave us the words to say and she was so excited to see herself as a baby. At one time, she pointed to the screen and said, "Hi me!"

Life with Lilly is such a gift. My eyes are full of tears as I think of this amazing day 4 years ago!

We are blessed because of you dear Lillian Jeanette Zhan Hallgren!

WE LOVE YOU!

Dad, Mom and your baby sister Jessica