Waiting, waiting, and more waiting...

Just got word from our agency that we probably won't receive a referral for another month or two. I'm trying not to think about how many of Mya's new clothes will be out of season by the time we get her. Let's hope one of my friends has a baby girl!
I guess there is one positive thing about not going to Vietnam any time soon. Brett will be able to stay the entire three weeks if we don't go in the spring!

Timing is Everything

As usual, I have been way off on when the important events in my life will take place. I really thought we would have received Mya's referral by Christmas but I just found out today that that is probably not going to happen. It is so hard not to feel discouraged and disappointed by the continued waiting. I guess I just have to trust that God really does know what he's doing. I just wish he would do it a little faster!

Fingers Crossed

Several families have received referrals as of late, so keep your fingers crossed that ours will be next! I have been waiting my whole life to have a daughter and its beginning to feel as if my dream might finally become a reality. I can't wait to see your sweet face Little Miss Mya!

Go Yankees!

Bad news for Grandpa Mick, Zack is determined to brainwash his little sister into becoming another Yankees fan!

Bentley

We have a new addition to the family! It's not quite the baby we were expecting, but he is very adorable nonetheless! Welcome to our home little Bentley!

Our Sweet, Sweet Boy!

There is nothing new on the adoption front, so while we wait I have begun to create a movie about Mya's adoption. This is the video of Cade sending a special message to her. Every time I watch Cade talk about his little sister, it brings tears to my eyes. He and Zack will be such great big brothers!

Slumber My Darling

Brett spent two laborious hours putting together Mya's crib. Apparently, there were some faulty instructions or something (yeah right!) Now, if only we had our little darling to put in it! Many thanks to my friend Jeanine for the use of the crib and the truck load of clothes she brought over for Mya to use.

The Fountain

Cade and I visited our special fountain today in the hopes that it would once again work its magic. I wished that we would get Mya's referral soon, and Cade wished that his sister would be here in two days. Somehow, I don't think that is going to happen!

Little Sailor Girl

This picture does not do this outfit justice! This is Mya's Giving and Receiving outfit. This ceremony is a very special custom in Vietnam in which Mya officially becomes our little girl!

Hands Off!

I know, I know, this is probably not politically correct, but I couldn't resist this little onesie. Angelina Jolie can have Brad Pitt- I'll take Mya Bryan!

"Retail Therapy" as I've heard it called, is really quite healing. It helps me pass the time while I wait for word of our little peanut. She has quite the wardrobe already thanks to the ease of online shopping! My friend Lynn has also contributed to this form of "therapy" and Mya has many adorable outfits to show for it. Thanks Lynn!

Referrals

A referral is the adoption world's fancy way of saying that this is the child that the orphanage has matched your family with. In your referral package, you receive pictures, medical information, and any background information that they may have on the child. Our agency has stated that referrals can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months to get to waiting families. We have waited exactly 2 months today, and I am just giddy with anticipation. I must check my email 20 times a day! (don't tell my principal).

Paperwork, Paperwork, and More Paperwork!

OK- on almost every adoption blog I have visited (and that has been a lot mind you) the families post a picture of all of their paperwork that they had to submit to Vietnam. Because I am such a follower, here is our picture. Please don't look too closely at my Police Report! LOL!

The Bryan Family Minus One

This is the family photo we had to submit with our paperwork to Vietnam. Photo shoots are usually very painful experiences for our family and this was no exception. It is almost impossible to get the boys to stop poking each other long enough to get a genuine smile out of them (Brett included). I think Aunt Tess took a pretty good picture regardless!