Another MK statement

MK: "Daddy, Pop and Gran really want me to come back to their house."

Ryan: "Yeah?"

MK: "Yes, I'm in their heart."

MK stayed for three nights with my parents. She was so excited to visit them! Clearly they are still on her mind! She had a date to lunch with Pop and a "girl date" with Gran shopping. They baked cookies, visited the donut store and decorated the Christmas tree. We were so proud of her for being a big girl....she missed us but she was soooo big while she was away!

Letter Of Approval (LOA)

Tonight, after not seeing Ryan and MK for three days, the boys and I descended upon our home once again to be united with our family! We were all so excited to see each other. Hugs were in order, stories were told and there was a celebration to be had. MK said, "Well, our family is all together again but there is still something missing." I said, "What?" and, as if I didn't already know what she was going to say, she said, "We are missing baby Maddox and I am so sad about that." Well, MK, we are (FINALLY) one step closer!!!! Yep, we FINALLY, after exactly 70 days of waiting, received our LOA on Wednesday, December 1! We proudly present to you Maddox Ren Drafts, born 7-27-2009, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China.

From here, we are thinking (hoping) it will be around 3ish months until we travel!!! Yippee!

Happier Post

This year, my parents surprised the boys with an early Christmas gift and gave them the Polar Express themed train set. YAY! The boys were beyond excited! For years, they have received train cars from my dad at Christmas so they are over the moon knowing that they can now attach their cars to an engine. We had to set the train up immediately and unless the boys are doing schoolwork or we are not home, they are under the tree with the train! It whistles and puffs smoke and provides countless hours of entertainment. The boys have even come up with a scheduled time to trade out the cars for new ones so that each car gets to ride the track. Let the season begin!

Meanwhile, MK is away for her first multiple night sleepover at my parents house. We have never left her for more than one night since she has been home with us. She was excited, we could tell, because she kept asking, "Is today the day I go to Gran's house?" It was a bit sad to hear her on the phone though as she said, "Hey, I miss you momma. My tears are still hear cause you not with me." She quickly recovered and word has it she was allowed to stay awake to watch Rudolph! Who is she going to miss next week I wonder???? I am thinking it will be Gran after all of the extra attention that I am sure she is to be given during the next few days :)