The Beach

I couldn't be more thrilled for the hot temperatures these last few weeks as it was perfect beach weather and we LOVE the beach around here.

We got two trips in last week and it was glorious to be there!  All of the girls love being in the water.

Ellie loved the beach too which is a good thing because we spend a lot of time here.

It is so fun experiencing so many firsts with her.

She soaks up the sun like our Jillian and just runs her hand through the sand.

It is going to be a fabulous summer!

It always goes too fast, but we have many beach days planned!

By the end of the summer these three may turn into fish if they have their way!  Oh that summer could last forever!

Before the Snow..

Before this week's snow fall, we have enjoyed absolutely beautiful fall weather.  The girls and I have been living outside and enjoying every minute as I knew it couldn't last.  Raking, (or more like jumping in and throwing), leaves is a favored activity in these parts.  It is so good to have helpers with such adorable smiles and giggles.  How I love these faces to bits.  Spending time with them brings me such immeasurable joy!

I can't imagine raking leaves without these three.  I can't imagine not having them calling momma, throwing big handfuls, and giggling.  God is good to give me so very much!

Medical Stuff Galore

The dental cleanings, orthodontics, periodontics, orthopedics, and many, many specialist appointments that are necessary right now have meant that I am living in the medical realm.  I try to be thankful on a daily basis that we have access to such high quality medical care that is so readily available to our kiddos, but I am looking forward to a day when I don't have to talk to a doctor every other day.  Last week, we had our appointment at Shriner's so Molly and I headed up to see the docs there.  It was a very, very long day as it is a four hour drive from here.  The local Shrine drove us up and back which helped so much.  We got our peanut's first ever x-rays of her beautiful hands and arms, saw the hand surgeon, and the pediatrician.  Miss Molly showed them all she could do, and, as usual, most were amazed with her.  The hand surgeon recommended that we leave those beautiful hands just as they are for now as making them work differently really wouldn't benefit her.  She also recommended that we get our babe into the genetics clinic ASAP as having a missing radial bone can mean some other serious medical stuff.  I was well aware of that when saying yes to bringing home this sweet girl, and I have been trying to get her into the genetics clinic for three months.  There is a fifteen month wait for an appointment.  So, armed with a plea from the hand surgeon, I set out this week to make something happen.  I began at the U hand clinic thinking if Molly was their patient they might have some pull to get her in at the U genetics clinic.  When trying to make an appointment with the hand clinic, they said I needed to first be seen at genetics right away.  DUH?  Then, I asked if they could help me get in because I wasn't getting anywhere.  I was passed around all morning, but finally given a lead to the geneticist on call.  My doc consulted with them, and pleaded our girl's case.  He ordered some tests based on his better understanding of this gene stuff and promised to get us in the next two or three months.  This was much better than the original fifteen months we were quoted, and, I was even happier with the screening tests to help check for scary medical stuff while we wait, so I rejoiced.  Today though, my phone rang and it was the golden hall of genetics offering us an appointment at the end of this month because they had a cancellation!  WAHOOOO was all I could think when answering that phone call.  I am anxious to know what our girl may or may not be up against inside that precious little body of hers.  I don't look forward to blood draws or all the complicated vocabulary, but I am so very thankful to have this appointment on the books.  Soon, we will hopefully know all we can about our precious treasure!

Hard..

I gently woke my youngest from her nap yesterday, cradled her in my arms, and just held her rocking as I kept her close to me for a long while.  I lingered there so long because soon we are inviting hard back into our lives.  As excited as we are to travel and adopt this newest treasure, who is very loved by us and so very wanted, I know that we are again inviting trauma back into our family as we say yes to parenting her.  I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that adoption is the hardest thing I have ever done.  Traveling half way across the world to claim a young child, who has never known a mother, doesn't speak your language, or understand family isn't a rosy picture of unicorn and rainbows.  There are ashes.  Lots of ashes that over time will be turned into something beautiful as God grafts our lives together, but in the beginning (and for months,even years after gotcha day) life is hard.  Parenting her will take time, energy, patience, and love that will take away from most every other area of my life.  I will end each day empty and exhausted.  I will fight my own selfish tendencies daily and have to rely on the Lord like never before because my own life is full of brokeness as well.  Many nights will likely be spent dealing with sleep issues and night terrors.  All of this, I can bet is coming.  I have walked this road before and I know that what we are about to face is going to rock us to the core.  I also rest in knowing that Jesus is already there.  I know that He has ordained this journey for us and, though it will be hard, He will use it for something beautiful.  Years after gotcha day, I will gaze at my daughter and marvel at just how far we both have come together.  I will be amazed at all the Lord has done in both of our lives and how He has used this hard for good.  It is no coincidence that I am doing a study on spiritual warfare right now.  I am beefing up my spiritual armor and going into these next days, weeks, months, and years thinking that I am ready for a good fight.  After all, nothing worth getting is easy and my daughter is worth it, but I covet your prayers as I prepare for and fight this battle.

Turning Two in China

 We sent our baby girl a little party on her birthday!  These are the gifts we sent her.

 She also received a cake from us.  She doesn't look so sure about that fire.

 She must be wondering what in the world is going on?

 Birthday parties are probably not ordinary practice for the hundreds of orphans who call her institution home.

 But soon, they will be old hat for her because she is coming home!

 It looks like she has a small smirk on her face.  She must have liked how that tasted.

 Precious little one, you are loved beyond measure.

Soon, I will kiss those precious cheeks for myself.  Maybe, there will be more cake and candy coming her way too as sweets are an adoptive momma's #1 best tool for bonding.  Soon, sweet one!  Soon!

Two

Dear Molly Kate,
Yesterday, we celebrated your turning two years old.  My heart ached all day as I desperately longed to have you in my arms by now.  I knew from the beginning (last September) that eight months would never be enough time for all the papers to pass, but I longed for it in spite of logic.  I wonder if you got our cake on your day.  I imagine you did and were celebrating with your friends eating the cake and lollipops we sent.   I can't help but think that you understand that something in your life is going to be very different soon as I doubt many other orphans have birthday cakes delivered before a mommy and daddy commit to them.  I pray with everything in me that your little heart is softening to all that is about to happen to you.  Even though you turned two without a family beside you, you will never again be without it on your birthday or any day because in three weeks I will be holding you.  I will take you in my arms and we will begin this mother/daughter journey together.  I can't wait to meet you.  I can't wait to hear you laugh, study your belly button, dress you in the beautiful clothes you have waiting, swaddle you in the soft, warm blanket that is all yours, and whisper sweet scripture over you as I begin to teach you all that you are in the Lord.  Sweet treasure..soon you will be home!  Until that day, we are praying for you and growing to love you more and more!  Longing for May 25 when you become Molly Katherine Ling and I can hold you!

Confirmed

Our consulate appointments were confirmed this morning.  We are taking off in two short weeks.  Our gotcha day will be May 25.  We will have a long trip as our consulate appointment is later in the second week than I like, but I am (mostly) confident that I can get through nearly two and a half weeks without holding my babes that will be well cared for here at home.  I can't wait to hold our newest treasure and teach her just what a miraculous treasure she is to us! China here we come~

TA is HERE!

Our TA arrived in just two days. TWO DAYS!!!  We may be heading out in the next two weeks if we are lucky.  TWO WEEKS!!!  We are just waiting for a confirmed consulate appointment and then we can book our flights.  I am over the moon excited to get to my baby.  I better get packing.  When they say go, I want to be ready!

Article 5

Article 5 has been picked up!

There is only one more piece of paper keeping me from my baby.  We now await Travel Approval from the Ch*nese Government.  It could be here in 5-10 days.  Then about two-three weeks until we travel.  We are so close!  Momma's coming precious baby girl!

Her Ransom is Paid In Full

Seven months ago, we said yes to bringing this precious treasure into our family.  We said yes, but knew it would be impossible to pay the $35,000 it would take to get her home on our own.  We moved forward knowing that God could.  It is so fitting that on this day, Easter Sunday, we have reached our fully funded mark.  Her ransom is marked paid in full!  We are so very grateful to the many of you that have made this possible.  We can't wait to see this peanut home and experiencing the love of a family.  We are so anxious for her to hear the stories of her beginning and how God provided a way for her to be a Masterson.  THANK YOU for your faithful support.  Now, to get her home.  CHINA HERE WE COME!!!  Our I-800 approval arrived on Friday.  We are on target for a early June Gotcha Day!  Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Praise Him!

Another Glimpse of Our Girl

 These were waiting in my inbox today!  My word I am overjoyed to see a smile.  She is so BIG!  She looks loved, cared for, and well.  They have even let some of her hair grow.  She is wearing a barrette!  This momma loves her some hair accessories!

 After seeing these, my heart is overflowing with JOY.  I can't help but think of the hundreds of you who have given so that this precious treasure could be mine.  I can't help but think of all that has stacked against this little one in the two short years of her life.  It is her story to share someday, but in so many ways it is impossible that she is coming home at all!

Lord willing, in 8 weeks she will be in this momma's arms!  We have about $5,000 left to raise and I believe we will because this little sweetie needs to be home with her family.

Chick Filet Fundraiser

 

Join us for dinner and support our adoption! 

Tuesday, April 7 from 5-8 

at Chick Filet in Cedar Rapids

Mention our fundraiser when you order and we will receive a portion for our sweet Molly Kate's adoption.