Happy First Birthday

Our Sweet Little Joshua,

Today is your first birthday and I feel so sad that we cannot be there to celebrate it with you.  I wonder what you are doing today.  Is the orphanage going to throw you a little party?  I sure hope they make this day very special for you.  It does give me comfort to think that at least you get to spend the day surrounded by all those you love and who have taken such good care of you the first year of your life.  I guess they really do deserve to have this special moment with you.  I shouldn’t be so selfish to wish that away from them or from you, when we will get to spend so many more birthdays with you for years to come.  

Just know we are thinking of you today and every day, but a little more today.  Your sisters want to do something to celebrate here without you.  We may light some candles for you and have a little treat or something.  We found out today that the Embassy has finished processing your I800 and now Che can get your visa appointments set up.  As soon as we find out the dates of those appointments then we will know when we will be traveling to come and get you.  It should be about 2 weeks after your appointments.  We have been thinking for awhile that it would be January 16th or 17th.  I guess we will soon find out!  We love you lots and hope that you have the best birthday ever!

Sending you lots of love and hugs and kisses on your special day!

Love,

Mommy

Getting Closer

Our Sweet Little Joshua,

This has been such a great week!  Our kitchen is finally being put back together and should be finished by the end of the week.  The package we sent you finally made it and our agency’s Liason, Che, was able to bring you the package and even took some pictures to send to us.  That was such a fun surprise to get to see new photos of you.  It looks like you enjoyed your presents and the clothes we sent seem to fit you, so I’m excited about that.  The photo above is what the baby room at your orphanage looks like.  I’m so excited to get to meet you and all of your friends at the orphanage.

We found out in November that your Visa/I800 has been approved.  It was actually approved on 11/11/11.  How’s that for a lucky day!  They called it in to the Embassy in Manila on the 22nd.  We were told that it takes 4-6 weeks for the Embassy to process it and then Che will schedule your Visa medical and interview.  Once you get through those you will get your passport about a week later, and then we will get a call telling us we can travel to pick you up.  Things seem to be moving a lot faster than we originally thought, so it looks like we might be able to get you sometime in January.  

Things are starting to feel a lot more real to me now.  Especially after seeing the photos of you holding and looking at the presents we sent you.  Knowing that you are now sleeping with the teddy bear we cuddled and looking at our faces in your little album every day makes my heart so happy.  I sure hope those photos help you to recognize us when we come so you won't get too freaked out when we carry you away from the only home you have ever known and the people who have loved and cared for you all these months.  We think about you every day and pray for you every night.  In fact, we went to a Christmas in the Park program on Sat. night and there was a man reading stories to the kids.  Your sisters really wanted to hear the story so they sat down and me and daddy stood behind them.  As I was watching over them I got this overwhelming feeling that someone was missing.  Our family is definitely not complete without you here.  We sure wish we could celebrate this Christmas season with you, but look forward to the many holidays and occasions we will get to spend with you.  We love you so much and can’t wait to see you soon. 

Love,

Mommy