My baby (for now) turned 4 today! Reagan is the bittiest little thing you'll ever see, and will probably still be the smallest member of our family even when she's a "big" sister, but she's most definitely growing up. She loves to sing, tell jokes, pray, and care for her dollies - especially "Lucy," a sad little dollar-store find that she inexplicably adores. Her deep-throated giggle is sweet enough to make anyone want to join in, yet her petite frame conceals plenty of backbone and fire. Watching her personality unfold is truly one of our greatest joys, and it is a privilege to be her mama. I don't take for granted that our gain is the result of another's loss, and I'm grateful to both my God and a woman I may never meet for the life that we celebrated today. Happy Birthday Reagan!

Guess what the mailman brought me today?

Our I-171H!!! I know, you're all jumping up and down with excitement. Especially the 99% of you who, like my husband, have no idea what an I-171H is. But a few of you out there have also stalked your mailman for that precious piece of paper indicating that US Citizenship and Immigration Services thinks you're fit to be a parent. I know I can count on you to share my joy =). Now we're just waiting on the travel call. It might come next week, it might come next year, but now we're really ready.

MIA

I'm still here, but my online time and tasks lately have been significantly limited by a sick computer. The kids' lapbook works fine for e-mail and school games but much too slow for anything else. Thanks to a good friend with far more technical knowledge than me or my favorite man, it's back to full strength and no longer mysteriously redirecting me from benign searches for country music lyrics and bird nail clippers to sites much more graphic and less godly in character. A few of the things that have been keeping us busy around here include....

A three-day cousin/grandparent trip up to a cabin in the Sierras, complete with customized camper tees. Needless to say, the kids came home elated and exhausted, welcomed by a refreshed but lonely mama.

A milestone for Parker. He has learned to tie a bow, first perfected on the apron he uses when "helping" mama in the kitchen.

A little chat with Tinkerbell, who will provide the theme for a much-anticipated approaching birthday party. Rainy days at Disneyland make for blessedly short character-greeting lines.

A little extra proof that the girl is indeed Asian. I thought the socks with sandals thing was cultural, but perhaps it's in the blood.

A particularly fun field trip full of touchable reptiles - one of many activities we've enjoyed with our new homeschool group (which is, in itself, a huge answer to prayer).

And a birthday celebration at the Happiest Place on Earth for a brother who is still a half an earth away (yes, we have a referral!). Though it was strange and sad to be apart from him, we have every confidence that he is being loved and well-cared for in our absence. We hope and pray that we may have him home for Christmas. (More about our new adoption story is here... send me an e-mail at momwholoveschrist@hotmail.com if you'd like the password).