Playground Tour 2015

Hello everyone!  So my mommy told me that she started this blog to tell everyone about the process it took to get me home.  She also mentioned that she didn't do a very good job, but that she promises to make up for it this summer.

Summer, wow did I luck out!  So my mommy is off during the summers and she tells me we get to have fun, lots of fun!  Today she decided to take me to a playground with my Aunt Andy and it was there that the Playground Tour of 2015 began.  Her friends Amanda and Jenn thought it would be fun if I told you guys about it, so here it goes.

Today, we went to the Kiddie Korral in Pekin.  It was a HUGE playground.  First, I found a tunnel slide.  It was really high, mommy said, but that doesn't bother me.  The first time, I kinda tripped and went down really fast but it was still fun!!!!

Then there was this really cool rock wall!  It was so much fun that I climbed it like 5 times!  Once I got to the top, there was another really tall slide.  Mommy said it was hot, but I tried it anyways.  I did hold on to the sides, which slowed me down a bit but I think Mommy appreciates it when I am safe.

There was a weird ladder that I climbed, it wasn't very straight and mom wouldn't let me finish it...she said my arms weren't long enough...whatever that means.

After an hour or so, mom said it was time for a treat.  I hesitated as I was having so much fun....I love treats but this playground was awesome.  Mom insisted and carried me to get what she called a snow cone.  She picked a red one for me and WOW, was it yummy!!!  Thank goodness I listened to my mom...she is so smart!!!

My mom does a lot of grading during the school year and she always puts letters on her student's papers...so she said I could "grade" the playgrounds this summer.

So KIDDIE KORRAL gets an A!!!!!  

If you want to join me on the tour, give my mom a call or a send her a text...she said I am too young to have a phone!

Checking In

Obviously I have been a little busy with Joey:)  But I also want this blog to be a reminder of our "wait" time and our forever time!  So my goal is to "back" track this summer and tell you all about when our forever started!!!

Right now, we are enjoying Memorial Day.  I plan to one day teach her the importance of this day and how lucky we are for the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all the freedoms we have.

Joey is a sponge right now!  She repeats EVERYTHING!!!  Yesterday, she crafted her first sentence!!!  She is eating well and sleeping about an hour to an hour and a half during the day and about 10-11 hours at night.  Mickey Mouse and friends are our world!  She loves the outdoors and I am sure she has gained weight...but I haven't weighed her lately.

She went to her first birthday party for her buddy Keelan and she loved it!!!  She was able to experience a bounce house for the first time and not so surprisingly she LOVED it!!

We have four days of school and a teacher's institute to conquer and then summer will be here!!!!!

We are excited for 4 very important visitors that are coming June 1st!!!!!

I promise more updates and pictures soon!!!!

Best email ever!!!

I finally got the email that started, we are pleased.... and I knew FINALLY good news!!!  Joey's Visa appt is scheduled for February 19th.  She went for her medical exam today and Jules and I will likely being traveling February 23rd or 24th.  I am so excited and am ready to get everything together NOW!!!  More posts to follow!!

Happy New Year!!!

I saw a saying on instagram the other day and it really hit home!

2013 WAS PRACTICE

2014 WAS THE WARM UP

2015 IS GAME TIME

As everyone knows, adoption is not a quick journey!!!  And it's finally GAME TIME!!!

I am ready for the game to start.  Praying for patience, as I follow God's plan.

Here's to an amazing and exciting 2015!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!

The song, I'll be home for Christmas really hit home this year.  In my heart of hearts and hope of hope, I wished for Joey to be home.  As we all know this Christmas wasn't meant to be our 1st Christmas together.  So tonight I sit and wonder about our future.  I wonder when our "firsts" will begin.  No matter when it is, I am ready!!!!

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family and a HUGE thank you for your support!!!  And to my little love 1,800 miles away...I love you and carry you in my heart everyday!

Not my plan...

Those who know me, know I love a good plan!  I like things to roll out, just like they are designed in my head.  My mom said the other day, you really shouldn't plan as much as you do!  Once again, Mom 1 Nicole 0

Last night I learned that there is a delay in the process to bring Joey home.  It hit me hard, like a big ol' punch in the gut.  The severity of the issue has yet to be determined.  So last night, I shed many tears, turned to my awesome support system, tried to sleep and went to school today.  At school, I once again realized how lucky I am to have such an awesome work family.  I was met with hugs, jokes to make me laugh, lunch with my team, and 19 little first graders who are busting with holiday excitement.  I had so many words of encouragement that meant so much.

I have re-focused and jumped back in it.  I am not planning anymore, as I have been reminded...it's not my plan its God's plan.  He knows best and I am ready to see what he is going to do.

Waiting....

Today I got 2 new pictures of my cutie pie!  She is changing lots and and I can't wait to see her.  Many people ask daily, "Have you heard anything?" and unfortunately the answer is NO.  I am currently waiting for an email from US Immigrations that says they will approve her file and then the fun begins. Once we have that info, they will be able to schedule her medical appt and her VISA appt.  Once the VISA appt is scheduled, flights will be booked, bags will be packed, and the countdown will begin.  I pray every night that Joey is safe, healthy, happy, and being taken care of.  I know God has a wonderful plan for us and it is time, I give it back to him and realize he knows best.  A huge thank you to all my friends and family for your support!