What A Difference A Year Makes

It is hard to believe that a year ago, I was having extreme difficulties with immigration for Ivy's adoption.  My I800 was approved, but was still on my officer's desk weeks later.  All my calls to my officer went unanswered, as did my emails.  My officer's only response was, "I requested the information and cannot send the I800 to the National Visa Center until I receive the old file."  That old file was the adoption that we did not complete in 2009.  After numerous calls to NVC and the Consulate, I found out that no file was requested or on its way back to immigration.  Did they not understand that I was waiting to go get this little girl?

I weaseled my way to a supervisor at the NBC, who took my file from my officer.  Then finally, the sweet lady who was head of the adoptions unit at the consulate in Guangzhou emailed my complete 2009 file to the NBC.  Then the nice supervisor from the Visa Center named Al cabled my file immediately (instead of days later) to China.  Once again, the sweet lady at the consulate immediately, as in same day, issued my Article 5.  So, that long wait was not so long thanks to these kind people along the way.  But, it was not until January 21, that we received our TA.  


Anyhow, the point of this post is the title.  Now, a year later, we are waiting to celebrate the birth of our Savior with our new daughter, Ivy.  A year ago she knew nothing of Jesus, salvation, heaven, family, love.  Now, a year later Ivy is taking piano lessons, playing Christmas music for us.  She has learned English very well, and is quickly progressing to 2nd grade.  She is happy and secure in her new family.  Now, a year later, Ivy is having surgery on her cleft.  On Wednesday, bright and early, Ivy and I will head to the hospital.  She'll be having a bone graft to fill in her missing bone in her gum line.  She's anxious, I know.  I asked her if she was scared.  She started crying her usual quiet cry.  I ask for prayers, that all will go well, and that Ivy will not be afraid.  I tried reminding her that she has already had surgery on her lip that she has no memory of.  I'm not sure if that hurt or helped.  The one thing she is excited about is the fact that she gets to sleep in our bedroom Tuesday night and as many nights that is necessary for me to feel comfortable.  Ahh, sweet girl Ivy.

Notice that big, brown puppy?  She weighs more than Eva now.

I'm not sure if we'll be able to tell a difference from the outside after Ivy's surgery.  Her lip/nose revision will occur some time in the next couple of years.  But, once she heals, she will get braces to move that front permanent tooth that no one can see into the proper place.

Our first snow this weekend