Let the countdown begin

Well, we are definitely in countdown mode! We've been accomplishing a little each day, which we are hoping will alleviate some of the stress as we get closer. We spoke to the agency that issues our visas and they will be ready to mail to us on August 31- so we will receive them in PLENTY of time! We have lil man's suitcase packed just in case they waive the 10 days (if they don't we will just leave his suitcase over there for when we return). We had to make a small change on lil man's ticket - we were originally told to put his Russian name on his ticket because that is the name that would be on his passport. But, after talking with other adoptive parents, the name on their passport is their new name given by the parents. So, Nicole was on the phone with United last night for 1 hour for them to make the change. But, it's fixed and we are sorry that the lovely agent from United knows lil man's name before all of our family and friends. But you will soon ALL know his name :) Thanks for playing along with us....

Nicole returns to work on Thursday. So, she's counting down the days of summer that are left. Today her Mom is coming down for some shopping and Wednesday she has an appointment to visit a pediatrician and maybe 1 more time at the pool! But, it should be a good year and it will be fun to bring lil man to all of the high school games and events!

The donations continue to come in for the orphanage (via checks and PayPal). Thank you again to one and all and we will let you know what we will be asked to give the orphanage. You still have until September 4th if you want to help.

We will continue to keep you posted on everything that is going on. We hope you and your families are doing well. Love you and thanks again for everything you all have done for us.