Update

Well, today we went to turn in our LOI (Letter of intent) for Ethan's adoption. You actually have to type this on the original form that CCAA sends with the referral pack. Of course Greg and I were asking where on earth is there a typewriter. I haven't seen one of those in about 7 or 8 years. Thankfully our agency had one in their office. We were able to go there so I could type it up.

They were having a meeting tonight with families that are in the process of adopting internationally. They asked us to come and share our story with them. Of course they asked for Hannah to be there with us. She knew that everyone was watching her so she decided to put on a show. When it came time to share I was the one that was lucky enough to speak. Speaking isn't my favorite thing to do. I would rather sing in front of a crowd any day. I can do it though. We had some questions asked of us. It was fun to share our story of Ethan and Hannah both.

I have been in my new job role for about three weeks now. It is more stressful but I realize it is partly because I am still learning my job responsibilities. I think am going to enjoy it though.

More pictures

Here are some more pictures that received today with Ethan's paperwork. When we pulled up to our adoption agency Hannah asked, "where's Ethan." I thought that was so sweet. When we got up to the office we had to wait just a few minutes for our social worker, Lisa. I don't know if you can tell or not Hannah wanted the other pictures that were in the packet. She kept insisting on holding "her Ethan." We had to give her her own picture to make you happy. She is so sweet. She will look at it and say, "Oh, my Ethan."

We have decided that his name will be Ethan Qiang Shockley. Ethan means firm and Qiang means strong. Also, we have a friend whose name is Qiang. I like that they have the same name. I hope that you all enjoy the pictures.

Please keep us in your prayers as we are trying to get the rest of our money together. We are waiting to hear from two different grants. I know that God will provide.

The Long Awaited News

May introduce you all to Ethan ______ Shockley (You Guo Qiang). He is two years of age. His date of birth is 2/14/05. He is from the Xinxiang City Social Welfare Inst. in Henan, China. If I remember the map correctly his province is just above Hunan. That will make it easier on visiting both when we go back with the children.

I have to share the story of us being matched. I hope that it is ok to share. We were not told not to share. As you all know we had asked to be considered for one of four boys. Yesterday our social worker called Greg. She told him that Grand Rapids wanted us to look at three of the boys and decide on which one we would prefer being matched with. Greg and I narrowed it down to two of them. One of the boys is two months older than Hannah so we thought it would be best to go with one of the younger boys. I then asked Greg how do we decide which of them to choose. It is much easier when China matches us. I called my baby sister to ask her opinion. At that time Greg was asking Hannah which of the little boys was Ethan. She kept pointing to Guo Qiang. She would always say that the other boy was a baby. My sister heard Hannah talking about it and said that since Greg and I had it down to two that we should let Hannah tell us who Ethan is. Hannah is very proud of her brother already. She was carrying his picture around with her last night.

Now the wait begins. I also have some shopping to do . I need to go buy some little boys clothes. I am ready to be in China hugging and kissing my little man. Maybe I will be able to go get him before our reunion so you all can meet him.

Oh, also we are putting our house on the market within a week or two. We have somethings around here that we need to do first. So much exciting things are happening.