The Name

Ok, so several people have asked what we are going to name our daughter so I guess I'll put it out there for everyone. We are going with something unique. I've had some people tell me we should go simple because our last name is so difficult, but I believe we have to go with our heart. We fell in love with a name several years ago that we saw on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It was Kayman. I don't know why we both loved it, but we did and claimed that would be a great name to go with Karter. Since we were going with another "K" name we decided we should stick with a "J" middle name to go with Karter Jackson. We explored several, but until recently when I was reading a Karen Kingsbury novel we weren't sure what the middle name would be. We have now agreed that the middle name will be Janessa. Janessa means glorious or the Lord is glorious. When I found out the meaning of Janessa, I was even more in love with it than when I first read it in the book. So, there you go! She will be Kayman Janessa! I've already ordered a personalized blanket for her so the name can't be changed! Haha!!

Here is the personalized blanket that we ordered.

Papers, Papers & More Papers!

Well, so far this adoption is going much smoother than the last! I have been trying to keep up with the papers and forms as they come in so we will be ahead of the game. I don't want any delays to be our fault. We've sent in everything for our home study so we're just waiting for the call that they are ready to start the home study interviews! I'm not very excited about it because as I've mentioned before, it scares me to death! Also, China requires 4 visits with the social worker rather than just one! The good news is that only one visit has to be at our house. We can travel to Amarillo the other 3 and not pay the social worker for mileage. I realize we'll still have to pay for gas, but it is cheaper than mileage. I still can't believe our daughter could be at home with us before the year is up! Wow! We are all in for a BIG change!

Last Friday Jason and I went away to Amarillo to hear the Trans Siberian Orchestra and then stay the night to do some shopping the next day. Jason gave me permission to buy some things for our daughter because Wal-Mart was having a huge sale and we were able to buy t-shirts, skits & pants for $1 each! They will be great for her to wear to daycare. They may all be a little too big when she comes home, but that's ok because it gave me a chance to shop for her and you can't beat the $1 price!! Here is a picture of some of the shirts & some of the hats with flowers that I've bought. I can't wait to dress her up!!


Karter is still very excited about getting a sister. Here are a couple of pictures of him and his smile! I love that boy!

Here we go again!

Well, most of you know by now that we are in the process of adopting again! I thought this time would be a piece of cake because I've been through it all. The thing is, that was several years ago and all the old fears and hesitations are coming back! I'm scared to death about the home study. I've been through it before and did just fine, but it still freaks me out! Someone is going to come in and look at my home, my family and all my personal information and decide IF I'll be an acceptable parent! YIKES!! This is a big deal to me. I've also started the piles and piles of papers. I've been assured that the process for China is much simpler than Guatemala and the papers are even easier, but I can't really remember all of it so I don't know what the papers were like for Guatemala. I thought I'd never forget the process, but once we got our baby boy home I never really looked back at the little details!

We are officially accepted again by our adoption agency so I feel like one hurdle is behind us. I don't know why I feared that step, but I did. Now, we have to get physicals, complete more papers, get ready for the home study and hopefully start our dossier for China fairly soon! I can't believe I could be a mommy again before the year is up! I'm so excited, but nervous at the same time. I'm already dreaming about my little Chinese girl and her beautiful dark hair! Since we don't know how old she will be I haven't been able to shop for clothes so I'm doing the next best thing and buying bows! We've purchased her bedding and have it on her bed so now I hope my mother-in-law will help me make valances for the windows that match the bedding! I'm loving getting prepared, but I just want to see my little girl's face! I can't wait to get the referral and better yet, to see her in person when we go pick her up! I already love this little girl and I have no clue who she is.

Karter prays for his little sister almost every night as he goes to bed. He is very excited to meet her and to share with her and teach her all about different things. Last night we were at my parent's house watching television when a commercial for princess Zhu Zhu Pets came on. He jumped from the chair and exclaimed, "Hey! I think my sister would like those!" I love the joy and excitement he has and I pray that it continues once his sister comes home. He is going to be such a great big brother! He loves helping other kids build with blocks and play with toys. I love that little boy and the care he shows for other children!