I’m not gonna lie… this has been really fun. But I really didn’t intend to leave anyone hanging. Chris has been out of town all week, and the kids have been on winter break. Need I say more? Kids home all day + no husband = absolutely NO downtime. Throw in all the bribery Valentine candy my kids have been sucking down while I try to clear a path from the den to the kitchen and you probably don’t even want to imagine my week. So while I have been thinking about posting for a few days, I haven’t had the time or the energy to actually sit down and write something coherent. Plus, it has been awfully fun to watch you guys squirm read your comments.
Desiree, who refreshed the blog multiple times to see if a new face popped up in the header, you are quite the Nancy Drew. I actually had thought of doing that. But I didn’t.
Stacy came up with “Talkin’ Thursday” to see if that would bring on some additional details. Talkin’ Thursday does have a certain ring to it. But with the non-stop chaos descending on mi casa, one word was about all I could squeeze out.
And then Susan made me just about spit out my coffee with her guess… pregnant?? Bwahahaha!! Oh goodness, no. No no no no no no no. Did I already say no?? But it does sort of look like a pregnancy test ‘YES’, doesn’t it?
And Linn came out with the big guns: a hard core guilt trip. And after all she’s been through recently, well, she’s got quite the arsenal. Still praying for that EMH for you, my friend!!
Sweet Shannon is due any day now (and boy, do I know what that feels like) so she kindly requested that I spill the beans before she’s forced to take her laptop into the delivery room to check for updates. Goodness, woman. We just can’t have that.
Eileen came awfully close. Working on the No Hands But Ours site has been incredibly eye opening. And inspiring. Your stories have made me laugh and made me cry. A lot.
Then Sara made me bust out laughing when she said she and a few girlfriends had agreed to notify the others if they saw an update first. Who saw this one first, ladies??
And Leslie, thank you so much for all the smiley faces and exclamation points. For goodness sakes, who can resist you??
Onto the stuff you’ve been waiting for. As you guys probably know, in the past I have kept quiet for the first few months. Sort of similar to a pregnancy: you don’t want to share it with too many people… just in case. In our situation, it’s been just in case China says no. But we found out yesterday that China said YES. That’s right. For you guys who thought Tori was getting married (not) or I had a bun in the oven… no way, Jose. And if you thought I’d be cruel enough to post my nine balloon picture over a puppy or a gerbil, well, I might be mean, but not that mean. It IS China. And it’s a baby. A baby girl.
love it! love you!
I knew it! I was right…..Hooray! Gotta get some more girls in your family!
I knew it too…..but you left us with a cliff hanger!!! 🙂 We want more, more, more!! 🙂
Wow! Very exciting news! Can’t wait to see more details. We’ll be praying for you and your family.
I KNEW IT!!! FABULOUS!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!! Another beautiful child for a beautiful family!!!
And…for the record…in your spare time (~wink~) you really should consider writing detective novels! 😉
Shocked! Congratulations! So glad China said yes!! Can’t wait to hear more about your baby girl!
I have been stalking/following your blog for a long time now . . . That news just gave me the shivers. Exciting!!! Can’t wait to hear the details. Congratulations to your family
Stefanie, YIPPEE!
A BIG Congrats to your family!
Thanks for “finally” sharing!
It was a fun suspense. Can’t wait to hear more and share this journey to your newest blessing with you!
hehehe I had done the refresh thing to LOL but didnt work out till today that it changed like that DUH!!! But hey after I did that and then went hunting on the rest of the blog I still had now joy… Thats when I came back and asked the PRETTY PLEASE!!
I am so happy for you all!!! BIG hugs and I cant wait to follow along on this wonderful ride!!!
yiiipppppeeeeeee!!!
So happy for you – and encouraged all the same. Thanks, too, for allowing me to go into labor without the mystery hanging over my head! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more about this new little one.
Does she have club foot too? Any more details you can share?
Congrats! That is SO exciting 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more, but for now, rejoicing with you that China said yes!
Wow, so excited for you… tears of joy too.
Oh Stef! I know you will get lots of these comments but, my heart gets all warm and fuzzy over your big heart!!!! I am so excited, so happy, so thrilled, so AMAZED! Did you know about it when you were in China with your sister? What about the rest of the beans? I mean seriously, I want the WHOLE can. How baby is ‘baby’? What SN? Where is she from? What is your timeline? What are you going to name her? Can I come along? (just thought I would throw that in there)
Love you. You rock.
Anna
I knew it! Stinker!!! =)
Congratulations sweetie!! Can’t wait to hear news about baby girl!!
Big hugs,
Amy
YEAH!!!!!!!Oh my gosh oh my gosh!!! How exciting!!! Do we get more information?????
So incredibly happy for your family! I’m sure she will be the perfect addition to your beautiful bunch! Always amazed by you 🙂
Kim
How exciting. I knew you couldn’t be “done” when you hear about so many that still need a mama and daddy at nohandsbutours–at least I couldn’t ;). Congratulations, and can’t wait to hear more about your new sweetie! Hugs !
Congratulations!! I am so happy for your family:)
Happy baby girl! YOU KEPT ME IN SUSPENSE & i DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU! Congrats!!!! hopefully we can he in China together at the smae time!!!
I felt like it was just a matter of time!!!!!
Wonderful News!!!!!
Blessings,
Robin
Stefanie!!! It didn’t take long for your hubby to say YES. It’s hard to read all those great stories on No Hands But Ours and not get the itch. I’m sooooooo happy for you!!!!!!!!! Cannot wait to see her picture. Happy, happy day!!!
Yahooooo! That is awesome news! Can’t wait to hear all about her.
Well well!!!!! A MAJOR congrats to you!! You are truly amazing and such an inspiration to so many! The nice thing about China adoptions compared to pregnancy is that you recover so much quicker from jet lag than you do from 9 months and then childbirth! 🙂 I’d still bring you a casserole if we were neighbors though!! LOL! I’m thrilled for you.
I LOVE IT!!!! This is amazing 😉 I was stalking ALL DAY – so happy to hear your news..it is too early to fill out an application to get to travel with you??? Seriously. By the time you are ready to travel I will be needing my”China fix”!!!!!
I am praying for speedy EVERYTHING and I cannot wait to see the face of the baby girl who God has called you to adopt this time!!
Congrats! I can’t wait to see her precious face.
I’m soooooo excited for you! You are such an inspiration…when I think about how hectic and chaotic my days are sometimes I just stop, take a deep breath, and think to myself “If Stefanie can do it, then I should have NO problems.” Then I buck up and take care of business! CONGRATS, I can’t wait to hear the details!
NIIIIICE!
But your not getting off that easy!
I want DETAILS and I want them NOW
Oh ..and next time my Baby’s “Auntie Steph”has news like this..I soooooo better not find out on a blog!;)
Congrats girl.
The only way I would be happier is if it were ME!
xoxo,
A
Congratualtions Stef!!!!!
Like Heather—when I get crazy with just my 3 peanuts (which is most days) I think of people like you and march on. I don’t know how you do it but I am sure glad you do. You are making such a difference.
Blessings,
Kim
I am so happy for you! A girl! I feel like I just went with you to your ultrasound! Congrats friend!
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for your family. We welcome you again on this journey. Paperchasing here you come!!!
Diane
Congrats … how exciting!!!! I can’t wait to hear the details!!
Great!! You know I wished for you to be my photographer when we go back! Perhaps now that Can happen! LOL! Congrats! BTW..I do have those Jude pics..I have to take my laptop in and once it is back from the doctor I will email them. 🙂
Kathy
How Linn’s guilt trip didn’t push you into posting earlier I’ll never know. I’d have crumpled like a piece of paper.
Congratulations on your new precious baby girl. She’ll be tough with all those big brothers.
You are one off the wall chick…yep, that’s you!
How exciting, amazing, inspiring and so completely incredible.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of you. I am so thrilled for your family and your newest addition.
Now…how ’bout dem dere details?!
🙂
Oh that is sooo exciting!!! Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to hear more! 🙂
Congratulations!! I may be a little slow catching up with your adoptions, but nine “balloons” and a yes is enough for even me to know somethin’ is coming home!!
Andrea in CO
CONGRATULATIONS! Can’t wait to hear more about this very blessed little girl! You are an inspiration, chick!
NOW I can sleep…hehehehe!! This is beautiful, beautiful news! Thank you for putting us out of our misery…I have the biggest smile right now…so does hubby.
I am so excited for you guys and I can’t wait to learn all about her!!!
BIG HUGS, stacy
Those are some pretty sweet beans you done spilled! Beans at our house are usually not so delightful! Congratulations!
This isn:t fair getting a mom of 7 iut of bed in the middle of the night checking blogs! lol…. I can’t wait to hear all about her and what agency you are using. Congratulations from one Mom with a China Posse to another!
Holy Cow!!!!!!!! Is it the precious little face your emailed me from China at New Day?
I need scoop!!!! You ARE AMAZING!!!!
Love,
Diana
Wonderful news!! Congratulations!!!
Oh Stefanie – you are all so blessed. I can’t wait to hear all about your little girl! Can you share any details? Age, SN, where in China?
YEAHHHH!!! So wonderfully exciting. You are such a blessing to so many, you inspire all of us and your kids must love growing up in a family so filled with love and siblings. Good stuff girl. I can’t wait to follow along. I can’t wait for you to spill ALL the info.
Just Wonderful!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to hear all about her!!!!
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your many loves!!!
Congratulations!! I can’t wait to see her and hear all of the details!
Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
It’s so awesome can’t wait to hear more. So glad China said yes.
Congrats girl!! China would never say no to you guys!! Can’t wait to follow your next adventure and see pictures of your new daughter!!
Desiree
You guys totally amaze me! Chris needs to talk to Terry for me – I so want to go back.
Congratulations chick! Big hugs to you and Chris.
Wow – you guys just rock!!
Hugs,
Carla
Wonderful….congrats!!!!
Can’t wait to get the details and see the pictures:-)
Hugs!!!
Tami
Congratulations. You are an inspiration to so many! And I’ve no doubt that being a momma to one more will not even make you break a sweat 🙂
On another note, I posted yesterday about our Family Story being added to NHBO. We’ve already had a bunch of people cruisin’ your site after reading our story. They all (the ones that contacted me after, that is) were very impressed and very blessed. I even posted about it on my Facebook page. Getting great response.
Thanks for including us and for all you gals are doing for the kids. I’m honored to be a part.
Congratulatoins! Where are you in the process please don’t leave us hanging!
Stefanie
Congratulations! It is amazing to watch God’s plan for your family unfold. Quite simply…you guys rock!
Can’t wait to hear all about her!
Completey inspired..
Jess
Congrats to you all!!
Ashley
Yay! Oh, big yay! So happy for you all! Can’t wait to hear more! (Gotta run to Saturday morning sports, but will check back later.)
Big congrats! All the best! Happy Valentine’s Day, too!
Nicole A. in OH
How exciting!!! Can’t wait to get more details!
Oh My! how wonderful; for you all! What a blessing!
God bless you! Can’t wait to hear more details.
Thanks for sharing…
Wow, this is just Amazing! Can’t wait to see her PRECIOUS face!
Congratulations to you and your family!
Wish you all the best of luck and hopefully you can join your daughter in a very short period of time.
Love, Kirsty
The puppy was a wild guess….
YIPPEE!!! Now, when can we hear DETAILS!!!!
Yeeeeah! Wonderful, wonderful news 🙂
Congratulations! If I miss just a few days from visiting, I am so far behind! What wonderful news! You will probably be there and back by the time we get logged in:) What vitamins do you take?
You raise the bar for all of us!
Blessings and A Quick Process!
Ashley in GA
Congrats again dear friend, can’t wait ’til you show the world her beautiful face!!!!!!
Oh, and as I said on the phone: NINE IS JUST FINE!!!!! Am I right or am I right?!
YAY!!!! Congratulations!! Will be praying a smooth and speedy process as you bring your daughter home!!!
Congratulations!!!
Awesome. Just AWESOME!!!
Every time I hop on over here I want to be more like you. I wish we were paperchasing again right now.
Congratulations, I can’t wait to hear MORE!! I mean really did you think just saying a girl would be enough for all of us?? LOL!
Oh my gosh!! I have been lurking since you brought home Jude and I just had to post and say CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so excited for your family and I can’t wait to hear more about her.
I knew it and I am not one bit surprised. I remember your words like you said them yesterday… Both Chris and I don’t think we are done yet.
I don’t remember when you said them but it was right after bringing Sheperd home. So I have been waiting for this big announcement!! I can’t wait to hear more. You are still leaving us hanging you know that right? Because since you have PA we can hear all about this sweet little thing now. And let me tell ya. WE ARE READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What exciting news for you and your family! A new baby GIRL! I can’t wait to here more about HER! Congratulations!
Thats wonderful news!! Can’t wait to follow you all on this exciting adventure to your daughter. Congratulations!!
Oh Stefanie! You, my dear, are my HERO!!
Do tell MORE!!! I am so excited for you ALL!
NINE! Such a beautiful number…(cuter when represented by “sperm” balloons!)
Congratulations!!!
Congrats!! Can’t wait to see her. 🙂
Yeah!!! Congratulations!! This is just the best news!!! Can’t wait to hear all about your new daughter!!!
Happy Valentines Day!!!
So very thrilled for you & can't wait to 'meet' your newest sweetie!
Congratulations Stefanie, I’m thrilled for you!
OMG……I’m so excited for you Stefanie. I can’t believe this news, and can’t wait to hear more…more…more…about your little Angel in China!!!!!
Yippee!!! Congrats to you all!! Can’t wait to follow the progress and hear all of the details. I have to admit, the news tugged at my heart to think about another little girl. Oy!!
WOW!!! I am so excited & happy for you all! Another blessing! I bet you are ready for another little girl!
Congrats!!!
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!!! So very happy for you, Stef!!!
What an amazing lady you are! Congratulations.
As a mom of two, who sometimes (always) feels overwhelmed, I wish I knew how you do it!!!
YEAH!!! 🙂
-Nicole
OK… is it normal to be crying over a stranger’s wonderful news?
**optical leakage**
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see a picture!
Julia
WOW!!! WOWW!!!! WOWWWEEEE!!! I am off of checking the blogs for a little bit, and check back, and here you are announcing a new baby girl for your family!!!! Congrats to all of you. I honestly am so in awe of you…I know Van told you that…and I know I don’t even know you that well…but this is just amazing to me. Ya’ll are so amazing! Thank you for sharing…just want you to share MORE NOW. Van is in shock too. WOW! Cannot wait to hear the details, and to see her sweet little face.
Wow! That is fantastic!
I am in a hotel room on an Army sponsored marriage retreat with a heating pad on my side and trying to talk hubby into taking me to the ER…pain’s been going on for a week but I really wanted to check in on your blog first. Can you believe it? What an Awesome God! I can’t WAIT to hear about the next addition to your family.
I am just so thrilled for you guys.
Wow.
Blessings,
Holly
What a SWEET Valentine’s Day!!!!!!
I am beyond excited for your family!
I’m just going to say that all this without a picture is mean! 😉
Just kidding!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
Keri
Stefanie,
What great news, so happy to hear that!
Your blog is lovely and it’s really so nice to meet you. Can’t wait to come back. 🙂
Hugs,
Jonni
P.S. Please post more details soon. I am so excited for you guys! 🙂
Hugs & Congrats!
Jonni
Wow! I baby girl! Congats : )
CONGRATULATIONS Stefanie and Chris!!
Can’t wait to hear more!
Sending you {{Hugs}}
All my best –
Cathy
Stef and Fam, CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are amazing!!! I started following (lurking) on your journey to Shepherd. It will be soooo fun to following another one of your adventures…to God be the glory!! Lisa
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Thanks for sharing- I don’t know how much longer I could have stood the wait! 🙂 So exciting that China said yes! YEAH!!!! I will be praying for your new journey!
Hugs,
Keara
I’ve read your site since you adopted Isabelle. You are such an amazing family and I am so jealous that you get to go back to China and raise another one of China’s beautiful, spirited children! Our Maia is 3 and although we won’t be heading back to China, we have a huge heart for orphans. You have inspired me (and many others) to do more…give more…be more. Although our venture is minor in comparison to yours, I’d love for you to check out our blog. Anyway, you and your husband are making a huge difference in the world. Thank you! ~Tricia
AHA!!!!!!! Terrific! More details please…inquiring minds need to know! 🙂
Doreen in Montreal single mom to Faith-Jiangxi & Mia-Sichuan
Wow Wow Wow Stefanie!! I am thrilled for you, makes me think of that Toby Mac song, Love is in the house and the house is packed!! Love it!! wish it were us! blessings to you all, mimi hesse 🙂
I thought so! I’m so happy for you all! Can’t wait to hear more and SEE her!
I just knew it! You are so not done! This is wonderful….can’t wait to hear more.
Caroline
oh my goodnesss!
yes!
i just popped by to cut’n’paste your wonderful “get real” advice form your last trip since we receive LOA for our first last week…
oh, my!
What a joy!
coundn’t be happier for you all!!!congratulations!!!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to read the details and see the photo of your newest miracle!
Congrats!!! This is really awesome! Happy for you and especially for that lucky little girl joining your family! I’m glad I held off on checking so I got the funny version of the suspense rather than the agonizing version! haha.
Congrats you are one incredable family so blessed by God.
WOW!!!! I am so happy for you , now I am crying here lady!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Love and blessings, Kristy
Well, you already know that I am about to jump out of my skin with excitement for you. 🙂
I love what God is doing in your family – in your hearts – and in the heart of the baby girl He meant for you. 🙂
Blessings all around!
Love,
Rebecca
Wow, Stefanie~
Congrats to you and your ever-growing family!! 🙂 That is truly wonderful and exciting news. I think many of us hand an “inkling” that might be the great announcement. You definitely know how to make blogging fun and keep us coming back for more! 😉 Any chance this sweet little girl is coming from New Day? I have such a heart for those kids there, and I can’t think of a better family for some lucky little girl to be blessed with. Congratulations and God bless you all!! Post pics and info soon…don’t leave us hanging too long! 🙂
Oh my gosh, there is no hope for me:) If you’re doing it again, I know I will. I have the itch again after just bringing our daughter home from China last April. I thought I would feel complete with our little family of 5 but I know in my heart that we’re not done. I’m thinking one more! Please tell me that you always wanted a big family and that you didn’t say “just one more” after your first adoption?!
Congrats, Stefanie! I am soooo happy for you and your family! You are all an inspiration!
OH MY GOODNESS!!! I ALWAYS miss the big announcements! Now,you know you have to dump the deets girlie! So happy for you. Blessings – we will begin to pray for your newest sweetheart, what a journey you are on!
Love,
Heather
Okay, I thought for sure there would be more info today. We want to know all the details, age, SN, Province, and anything else you are willing to share. I will continue to check back.
Mandi
Holy cow! that’s incredible!! congrats! what an inspiration!
Congrats!officially;.)
Btw, in the car returning from dr m and he said dr p is homebound. He and marie both he and marie are doing home visits.
Thought you would want to know,if you didn’t already
Dare I say she is beautiful to the others? Lol
Have you pick out a name yet?????
Again,congrats!
Jill Shelton
http://Www.tableforliu.blogspot.com
Congrats, Stefanie et al! I can hardly wait to read the details of your precious new Princess!
Congrats! Can’t wait to hear more about your precious girl.
She is beautiful! congrats! We just got home with our little boy bundle of joy on Friday, and I had not read your blog for a while, so I missed all the suspense! Can’t wait to follow your next journey!
Kristin A
Exciting! Can’t wait to hear more! Congratulations!
Nuh-uh! God bless you guys! I am very excited for your pink… and, did I say WOW? I meant, WOW! Please… the pictures… the story… give a sister something. Looks like you need to give at least 118 sisters something more. 🙂 Congratulations on your newest blessing! Leigh
Congratulations! Tell us more!
Katrina
That is wonderful news! I’m so excited for you and your family and for the new little one who is going to be joining a great family soon!!! I love how God has given you and your husband such big hearts for the orphan!!!! How did your kids react to the news? And…I cannot wait for more info and a picture.
Tara
So exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about her!! Yippee!!
Blessings,
Jenn
Wow! Congrats! She’s one lucky girl!
Blessings
Keisha
SO are you going on some unexpired paperwork that you have sitting around? Ha HA! That is so exciting!
Congratulations,
I too cannot wait to hear more about her! All the best to your special family!
I am DYING over here. You’ve gotta share the details, girl!! My finger hurts from refreshing your blog.
Jill
Mamma to Rory (Nanjing, Jiangsu) Madden Cait (Maoming, Guangdong) and Shea (Chenzhou, Hunan)
Gracious me, I really think I’m guilty of stalking your blog 🙂 And I never thought I’d do such a thing… Just so excited to hear more about your new little girl!
You know I already congratulated you, but just had to get on here and say it again!!! I am so very happy for your beautiful family.
Now, the BIG question…can I go to China with you as your “photographer”? 🙂
Hugs,
Ohilda
How many little birdies before you really spin the beans? I am sooooooooo ready!
Congrat’s
Caroline
Seriously. How many little birdies til we get the story? I am dying to hear this little girl’s name. I love your names! Leigh
OMG, one more!
CONGRATS!!!! CONGRATS!!!! CONGRATS!!!!
I am delurking for this one! I have been following your blog since you brought home Jude. You are an inspiration and a true model for how to “walk the talk”. A huge congratulations to your family!!
(And like everyone else, I can’t wait to see her precious pictures!)
🙂 That’s a beaming smile yet again.
Hey did I mention that I am still laughing because someone guessed your GERBIL had babies?????
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!