Just a quick post to say we’re still here, but leaving in the AM! We’re down at my sister’s getting the kids settled (good thing, too cuz’ Miss Isabelle’s been waking at night again) and everyone, as usual, is having a great time. We went to Target for some last minute things and when we left, Isabelle and Sophie had to make sure we were going BACK to Angie’s house, they weren’t ready to go home yet!
The kids start their swim lessons today and next week they’ll go to vacation bible school for a few hours every morning. Nothing will help my sister stay sane like keeping these little buggers on some sort of schedule. And busy is good too because it will help everyone sleep better at night. Jude is doing great here, he’s sleeping in his toddler bed right next to Dalton and Asher, and seems to feel right at home when it’s time to go down for the night. My sister is doing her best to try to remember everyone’s idiosyncrasies and schedules, she amazes me that she is still willing to take on this much craziness for 2 weeks!!
Tonight we are celebrating Asher, Isabelle and Dane’s birthday. Asher had a slumber party before we left town on his actual big day (June 10th) but we’re celebrating again here with family. I will be taking lots of pics of everyone tonight and hope to get some up afterwards, but I might not have time. We leave early in the AM and there is still a lot to do! We’ll be arriving in Guangzhou at 11:00PM on the 15th if all goes well… please keep us (and Shepherd AND my sister!!) in your prayers 🙂
WOOOOO-HOOOOOO!!!
So glad to know you’re getting so close. Can’t wait to see Sheperd in your arms.
Hugs and love from Florida,
Melissa
I am so excited for you, Stef! I can’t imagine the preparation and organization it must take to get everyone settled in their spot for the next few days. I hope you have such peace right now.
I pray you will have a very smooth, safe trip and that Shepherd will instantly know you are his mother. I’ll be following you and praying for you.
Many blessings for a productive day!
Love,
Lisa
Wishing you safe travels….
Yeah – you’re almost there! Looking forward to following your journey to Sheperd!
Rachel
Your sister is very generous and very brave!!! How awesome! Best wishes for smooth and safe travels!!!
Karrie in IN
Girl, I can’t believe it. I have butterflies for you!!!! God Bless your sister! What a woman.
Counting down the hours now till you leave.. Can you believe we can actually count down the hours till you hop on a plane to gt your boy. WEll, sure you do. But really, that is mind boggling cool.
will miss you tons while you are gone, but can’t wait to see those updates on Shepherds site!!!
Wishing you safe travels, peace, relaxation, some good alone time with your hubby and instant bonding with little man Shepherd!
hugs~
Amie
Safe travels!!!!! Post logs of pictures:-)
Oh, those last minute preparations!! Praying for safe travels, happy introductions and special forever family time. I know how hard it is to leave your other babies here, but you know they’re in good hands and everyone will survive!! Blessings and best wishes to you, Stef.
Yeah!!! So excited! Bless your sister’s heart…but hey, it’s just 2 weeks 😉 Safe travels!
Marcy in KY
Definitely praying for your sweet sister!!!
I am excited for you & Chris to do this together!! Can’t wait to see Shepherd in your arms!!
Stefanie, I’m so glad this time has come to go get your baby boy. We will be praying for your WHOLE family.
Stay safe, and blog blog blog while your in China.
((((HUGS)))
WOW!!! I hope you have a great trip. I wish we were going again. Last year we traveled with you part of the way. I will keep you, Shepherd and your family in my prayers.
Julie – NC
Yeeehawww! So excited for the entire clan. We’ll defintiely be praying for all of you.
Much love (and so wishing I were on that plane with you to GZ again this year!)
Hugs,
Ohilda
Sending you lots of well wishes and prayers as you begin your journey to Shepherd. I can’t wait to see him in his mama’s arms (and daddy’s too!)
I’ll be praying for your sister as well. What a blessing she is!!
Margie
All the best to you in these coming weeks! And what a trooper your sis is! 🙂
I am so excited for you and your family! I cannot imagine what it must feel like to almost be with Shepherd.
BLESS YOU AND EVERYONE YOU ENCOUNTER IN CHINA. I PRAY YOU WOULD BE A LIGHT THERE – I PRAY YOU WOULD TOUCH LIVES YOU DO NOT EVEN KNOW YOU ARE TOUCHING. I PRAY HIS PROTECTION, INCREDIBLE BONDING WITH SHEPHERD AND A SWEET TIME WITH CHRIS (PERHAPS SOME UNINTERRUPTED CONVERSATION). I PRAY YOUR CHILDREN WILL HAVE THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES AND THAT THE TWO WEEKS GOES BY QUICKLY FOR THEM B/C I KNOW THEY WILL MISS YOU.
I PRAY FOR BLESSINGS WE DO NOT EVEN HAVE THE WORDS FOR. YOU ARE A LIGHT! LOVE, ASHLEY IN GA
Wow, sounds like you have an amazing and courageous sister :o)
Congratulations on your quickly approaching “gotcha day!!!!!”
I am soooo excited for you!!! Safe travels to your sweet boy! Can’t wait for some pictures!
Hugs from Canada
Yahoooo!!!
Praises to the ONE Who has made all this possible!
Can’t wait to see that adorable little man in his Mama AND Baba’s arms!!
Godspeed!
Holly
OH!!!! You have been on my mind and in my heart! May you and Chris have a wonderfully romantic time together and may God use the trip to strengthen, deepen, and refresh your love for each other. Oh yeah, and bring that baby home, too!!! ; ) LOVE!!!!
Joyous journey to Shepherd!
Your sister will love her time with your sweet kiddos, I am imagine with lots of laughs and bonding and memories too. Don’t worry, enjoy your time with your hubby and new son! Thanks for letting me share it with your family.
Happy tears, hugs and kisses my FRIEND!!! Have a safe and blessed trip to bring this sweet boy home!
Love,
-Nicole
Sending up prayers for the whole family. I can’t believe you are almost to Shepherd! Safe Travels!
Wow! It seems like just yesterday that we heard about Shepherd (ok, to ME not you), and started praying for you. I won’t stop now, I’ll just change the content a little. God’s blessings to you & safe travels.
It sounds like you’re as prepared as you’re going to get for this trip.
My only question…what will you and your DH DO without all of the kids while you’re traveling and until you have Shepherd in your arms?
I can’t even imagine, myself, and we’re only a week behind you (but we’re bringing all of the kids on our trip). Enjoy, I’ll be sure to check you MAW for updates!
Godspeed!
Good luck! Can’t wait to follow the trip. Will you be able to post regularly? Will it be via this blog or Sheperd’s? You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so excited for you!!!! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers……God speed a head my friend!!!!!
Can’t wait to see pictures of Sheperd in your loving arms : ) gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!
Can’t wait to see you united with your little guy! Have a wonderful time with your hubby~
You are so lucky to have such an angel in your sister!! GLad to hear the kids are settling in there!
Prayers are with ALL of you as you make your journey to that sweet precious boy & for your 7 other blessings back home!
THRILLED FOR YOU!!!!!
XOXO!!
Patricia/NYC
Oh how exciting!! wishing you safe travels and I will be so excited to hear of your updates from the other side of the world! 🙂
Blessings!
Deb
Oh my goodness, I have chills I am so excited for you all! I bet the excitement there is being felt everywhere by everyone. It is so wonderful that your sister is willing to do this for you and that the kids are so comfortable at her house. What a blessing for you and Chris.
Can’t wait to see that first post from China… but more excited to see your first pics with Shepherd!!!!!!!!!
Have a safe trip as you bring that precious baby boy home at last!!!!
Wishing you traveling mercies and a wonderful trip–with your hubby this time!! Can’t wait to see Shepherd!
Oh, I am so excited for you!!!!
Stefanie,
I’m so excited for you! I’ll be praying for safe travels for you and Chris – and Shepherd!!! Your sister is one amazing woman… just like you! 🙂
Have a safe and happy trip! I’m so excited for you all!
Donna
Our blog: Double Happiness!
Praying praying praying, Stefanie! You are on your way!
Stefanie, God has appointed you for such a time as this! He has equipped you and Chris (and your sister!) and He is working everything out for His glory! I cannot wait to watch Him work in your lives once again!
Thank you for being YOU!!!!!!!!
Love, love, love!
Laine
I am so excited! You are amazing! I can’t wait to see you all reunited for the first time! Praying for you always! We will be watching for updates!
Safe travels. I wish you the very best, and cannot wait to see Shepherd in your arms very soon.
I just can’t believe it’s here already!! I will be praying for all of you, I know it’s hard to be away from all the other kids-
Can’t wait to see Shepherd with mom and dad!!!
Here is hoping for a great trip. I have followed ALL of your journeys to China…I am sure I will follow this one. Can’t wait to see you with Shepard.
HAVE A GREAT TIME!
A