Just some updates

Really there isn't much going on in our little adoption world. Just lots of waiting, which most of the time I manage by keeping busy. However, today I was on the phone with a co-worker from our main office who just recently returned from maternity leave and she asked how our adoption was coming along. When I told her that we probably wouldn't hear anything until 2010, she started to laugh, obviously thinking that I was trying to make a joke. I had to assure her that I wished I was kidding, but that things have slowed down and we really are looking at a 3+ year wait. I think she felt really sorry for me, which isn't what I want either. I told her we were just trying to put it on the back burner and not focus too much on it (but of course, we are!). Luckily it seems like after I tell people how long we will be waiting, they sort of forget that we are adopting at all, so at least people aren't constantly asking me whether we have heard anything yet.

In other news, I find myself looking at baby names again. I am just not sure about Elena, although I think it is a beautiful name. I also still like Adeline and Eliza, as well as some others. Maybe we will just have to wait to see her little face before we decide!

Friends of ours are in China now preparing to meet their new daughter Heather for the first time. I can't wait to see those Gotcha photos!!!

The Karate Kid

Amelia has wanted to take karate lessons for a very long time. A few weeks ago, my brother Austin was testing for his high red belt, and we were at the dojo to watch him. I entered Amelia in a drawing to win three free months of karate lessons, and guess what? She won! She has been so excited about starting her lessons, and tonight was her second lesson. She got her white belt tonight, and she is so proud of herself. I have been amazed at how positive the lessons are and how much the kids really seem to get out of each one. The other kids in her class really seem to match her (high) energy level. The instructors seem to work on building integrity and self-confidence as much as teaching technique, and all of the instructors are wonderful with kids. I can picture our family being involved with karate for a long time to come. Plus, she looks so cute in the uniform!