Article 5

I am so happy today. We were told today that our Article 5 was picked up on Tuesday China time and was overnighted to Beijing. The Article 5 is the official notice that the USA is ready for the adoption. Now we wait for China to issue travel approval. It does not take very long to get this since it is just a formality to say come to China and meet your son. We have made it to the last step before we fly to the other side of the world. It feels amazing to be so close. I hope for a speedy TA so we can confirm dates. Packing is well under way. We have visas to enter China. We are shopping airlines and looking for good deals. If anyone sees a good deal for China travel please let me know. Once we arrive in China, the real journey begins. Austin has spent the first 18 months of his life in an orphanage. Now we have to make up for lost time. He does not know anything about America, English language, true love of a family, or anything else we take forgranted. We cannot wait to show him the love of a family and an awesome God. Our lives are forever changed for the better. The beginning may be hard for all of us. So much lost time to overcome. Austin may be developmentally much younger this his actual age. He will be on a bottle, wearing diapers,and unsteady on his feet. We appreciate prayers and understanding. Despite his age, he is still a baby-- our baby.

Nesting in Full Force

Tonight I have washed and packed all of Austin's clothes. His stuff is ready. Hope travel approval will be here next week or at the latest the week after. We want to go to China. It feels so good to wash and fold little clothes again. I hope they fit him. Please pray with us for a fast TA and safe travels. We have waited so long for a son. His 3 sisters are ready for him to come home. His grandparents are ready for him. He has so many family members ready for him. Austin has no idea the amount of love and attention he is about to receive.