Embassy

Today, finally, we were submitted to Embassy for Miles' adoption.  The trend right now is that it is taking approximately a week (if no additional information is requested) to received clearance.  Hoping next week to receive clearance and schedule our Embassy date.  Once that is done, we can make our travel arrangements.  I am really hoping and praying to get over there and back before Easter/Spring break. 
We received new pictures and new developmental today on our little (big) man.  He is currently coming in at 30lbs and 34.25" tall @ 3 months shy of turning 3 years old.  That puts him at 41% for weight and 7% for height.  Yup, he is a short and stocky little guy and I love him just the way he is!!! 

Chinese New Year Celebration

I have to say that I can't believe that we have such a large group of families that have adopted from China in our area. Our group grew from 28 attendees last year to 64 this year. We are truly blessed. Once again we brought the new year in at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants here in Concord, NC. They were so gracious to open up their doors to us on a day in which they were celebrating as well with their family and friends and are usually closed for business. They met us with warm smiles and the most gracious generosity. It warms my heart and brings me so much joy to see so many children, once in orphanages in China with no families to call their own, now here in North Carolina with loving families. The icing on the cake is that these children will have each other to grow up alongside of each other; children who have the same heritage and similar stories. I pray that in the years to come they will share their stories, their struggles, the accomplishments with one another; someone who will "get them" and their personal adoption story.