Santa has left the building...

I have to admit that for the first time I am glad the holidays are over and I think the dogs are too! Our Christmas was wonderful and spent with our families. Ila had a blast and Santa of course, didn't let her down! We went to see Santa on his sleigh the night before Christmas. He gave her TWO teddy bears -- one for her and one for her new baby sister. He knows everything! Now she is obsessed with Rudolph and walks around singing the song constantly -- even to strangers in the grocery store.


We are making progress with the adoption. Our home study has been finalized, notarized, translated and sent to Taiwan along with our photo pages. We are now working to get our dossier documents done. I am getting a care package ready to send to Ya-Ya with a blanket, doll and a photo album with our pictures in it. I am starting to really miss her and the days are starting to slow down. I pray that we get a quick judge and the court process happens quickly.


We still don't have snow in Minnesota but that can't stop me from wearing a great hat! Happy New Year to everyone and may 2007 be filled with all our dreams coming true.

Peace, Lani

Ya-Ya

Here's a few more pictures of Ya-Ya. She looks happy -- and SO cute! I can't wait to have her in my arms. Our home study has been finalized and now we are working on our dossier which are the legal documents sent to Taiwan. We need to put together photo pages of our lifestyle for the judge. They would prefer to see pictures of activities and vacations that Scott and I have done -- but without your children in the photos. Hmmm....I've looked through the 900 pictures I have on my computer and in the ONE vacation we've taken Scott and I aren't in the same picture -- because HE took the photo. And lets see, out of the remaining 899 pictures, Ila is in about 890 of them. (the remaining 9 are of Portis, Simon, Maxine and Ludwig -- and can you believe I am trying to talk Scott into letting me get a Chihuahua -- !?) Anyway, I may have to work some magic in Photoshop to get the photos they want.


Ila went to see Santa again this year and LOVED it. Last year I had to be in the picture with her but this year she did it all by herself. She told him that she wanted Candyland. She was concerned that Mrs. Claus wasn't with him though and she thought he had alot of work to do and didn't know if he could get it all done by himself. She told me that Santa is a very nice man!

I hope your holidays are filled with love and happiness.

Peace, Lani

Our Referral!

“May the love hidden deep inside your heart find the love waiting in your dreams. May the laughter that you find in your tomorrow wipe away the pain you find in your yesterdays.”

It is with overwhelming joy that I announce to our family and friends the referral of our new daughter! Her name is Ya-Hui and she is waiting for us in Taiwan. She was born June 2, 2005. She is 18 months old and incredibly beautiful! From the first time I looked at her picture she captured my heart.

Today has been such an incredible day -- December 14, 2006. We celebrated Ila's 3rd birthday today at the Minnesota Zoo in 50 degree weather and we were able to make this referral news official and share it with all of you! Ila is so excited to be a big sister. She has been carrying her picture around for days. We have even received a video of Ya-Hui (we've been calling her Ya-Ya) that is so sweet it makes me cry. I will continue to update you all as we receive information. Scott and I are hoping to travel to Taiwan within the next 4 months or so to bring baby Ya-Ya home. This is by far the best birthday present Ila could have ever received and the best Christmas present for us we could ever dream of!

Birthday Girl

We celebrated Ila's 3rd birthday today by having a big party at Pump It Up. The place was incredible! The kids bounced, jumped and played until they were exhausted -- and hungry! Then we had pizza, cake, ice cream and presents. A perfect day for our little princess. Did I mention the crown and throne? She loved it! A good time was had by all -- even Grandma who took a turn on the big blow-up slide. I can't believe three years have passed and how blessed we are to have such a wonderful daughter.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Here's the latest. I was confused on the list thing. Friends of mine in another program are on a list so I was expecting the same for us. With our program, there really isn't a list. We seem to be the only family right now in our program, or at least the furthest along in the process. So a list doesn't really exist. But if there was one, we would be first. From what I understand, our home study has to be reviewed, changes made, translated and sent to Taiwan. That will happen over the next couple of weeks. Once it is in Taiwan, the orphanage will know we exist and start the process to match a child with our family. This next part is unpredictable and it could happen fast or not. Journeys of the Heart is telling me 4-6 months wait time but I am open to good thoughts and prayers for a faster referral!

Winter has officially hit Minnesota and it is 20 degrees colder this week than last. Although we haven't gotten any snow yet, Ila is eager and ready! I am thankful for this busy holiday season though and know that in a blink it will be January. Ila turns 3 on December 14th and we have a big party planned this weekend. I'll keep everyone posted as we get more information!

Peace.