His sister "Choppen-Sticks"

My mom, my sister, Elias and I were in the car the other day on our way to the store. I was telling my mom and sister about Elias' curiosity about his sister and him being a big brother. Every night when he says his prayers, he always prays for his baby sister and that God will keep her safe until we get her. Very cute. Anyway, we are in the car and I asked Elias, "Elias, what are we going to name our new baby?" He thought about it for a minute. And he said very matter of factly, "Choppen Sticks". My face turned bright red. I didn't know if I should laugh or not. Then of course I couldn't help but laugh at his innocence. My mom and my sister both start laughing and he is just sitting there with his mouth wide open and he looked like he was going to cry. He said, "Why are you laughing at me?" After I composed myself, I said, "Why do you want to name her that?" And bless his heart, he said,"Mom, remember when me and you and daddy went to that place to eat for daddy's birthday? And they cooked with fire and I ate with choppen-sticks? That's my favorite thing to do, so I wanted to name her choppen-sticks cause they are my favorite. " We went to Miyabi's Japanese Steakhouse for Shannon's birthday this year and he was just amazed with everything. Rewind a few weeks...
I bought the National Geographic DVD "China's Lost Daughter's" and he wants to watch that everyday. He knows that his sister will not look like him, but he does know now what Chinese people look like. He put two and two together with the people at the restraunt, and his favorite thing at the restaurant and there you have Choppen-sticks.
Rest assured, that is not her name. I just thought that was so precious and had to share!

Things to be thankful for...

I know that it isn't Thanksgiving, but I have so much to be thankful for.

1. An amazing husband that understands me inside and out and loves me just the same.
2. A smart 4 year old son that makes me smile and reassures my feelings everyday that we are doing the right thing by bringing his sister "choppen-sticks" home. (story to follow)
3. Unbelievable friends that stand right beside me through fire, rain and sun. They are so ready for their baby girl to come home.
4. Jobs that allow the flexibility for both me and my husband to get things done for this adoption!
5. A nice house and a stinky unruly dog. (ugh)
6. A family that is so supportive through this whole process. I am just amazed at their certainty that our daughter will be a part of our family and that they are doing everything in their power to help bring her home. I am forever thankful that I am a part of this family and I know that our daughter is so blessed to be a part of this family as well.
7. A God that loves me enough to place in my heart a desire to adopt. He has big plans for our family and I am so thankful that I was able to listen and obey even through the darkest of days with trying to get pregnant. I am thankful for a son that is nothing short of a medical miracle, and again, thankful for a God that loves me enough to give me the desires of my heart. He did it then, and I know He will do it again!

We can't wait to see you baby girl! You have a great big world over here and it is just waiting for you!