Ava's Room

Here are some pictures of Ava's room. We don't have much on the walls yet. We are hoping to find some prints in China to hang in our room. I have to thank Brighton for the flowers. I used one of their tins to paint the flowers on the white door. I sure hope Ava likes pink!

We used the beautiful fan that Jonathan and Susan gave us. I think it looks really pretty in the room

"Before" Photos

After I got home from the shower, I just threw all of the gifts from the shower into Ava's room. Here are some of the pictures. I have since cleaned it all up. I will post some "after" photos as soon as I take them, but here are the "before" photos.

"

Showered with Love

We joined our church about 3 years ago. It is a relatively small church and most of the members have known each other all of their lives. In fact, most of them are related. They have made us feel like family members since the day we joined. They always throw baby showers for new baby's, but they usually only do it for first children. I really didn't expect them to throw us a shower since Ava is our 3rd child. Susan, my neighbor and great friend, said that she wanted to throw me a shower and I thought that she meant just a small shower at her house, but it ended up being a shower with all of the women at church. It was wonderful. Susan did a wonderful job decorating. Ava got some beautiful things. She is going to be a very loved little girl! We are so very lucky. Thank you so much to our Mt Zion Family! We love you all!

Welcome Ava!!!

Susan's beautiful centerpiece

All of the pink!!!!

Fun opening presents!

Me and Susan

WE HAVE OUR TA (travel approval)!!!

This is the final step in the approval process. Now we just have to wait for our agency to confirm an appointment for us to go to the US consulate. Once that is done, they can book our travel. They are giving us a tentative travel schedule of Nov 3 - Nov 16th. We are so excited about going to get Ava!!! We also have A LOT to get done!!!!

New Photos

When we received Ava's file we had some medical questions for them. When they sent us the information, they also sent us some updated photos. These were taken in May. They are probably keeping her hair short to keep her cool and because it is easier. We will definitely be growing her hair out. I have already bought SEVERAL bows!!!

Introducing Ava Li

We sent our Letter of Intent to China to adopt a precious child on July 17th 2007. She is a 3 year old little girl, described as gentle and quiet. We got a report that says she likes to listen to music and play games (Peter will be SO happy). She loves to smile and always gives others a shy smile (see adorable top photo). We are so looking forward to adding this gentle, quiet little girl to our family. I have a feeling that with time, we will change some of those traits!

We got a call from our agency on Thursday, Sept. 13th, letting us know that our LOA (letter of acceptance) had arrived and they would overnight it to us. This is China's way of letting you know that everything is fine for you to adopt. We quickly signed the document and sent it back to our agency. Now, we are just waiting on travel approval. I really think that we will travel early November.