Sometimes pregnancy looks like this...

Pregnant with Josie in 2009

And then sometimes it looks more like this:

"Pregnant" with Keira in 2010/11

The dossier picture above does not even do justice to how thick those stacks of papers are and it represents about 6months of hard work! Above are the Original Dossier and 3 sets of copies. We mailed them all on February 4th!

Whether physically pregnant or "paper pregnant", I have found that in both cases you get to a long period of waiting. When I was pregnant with Josie there came a time when her room was all decorated and I could not find anything more to do to keep my mind off of the waiting. It really almost drove me crazy never knowing when "true labor" was really going to start or my water was going to break! At least with a physical pregnancy there is a somewhat more predictable time frame, but both times I have been graciously reminded through God's Word that He is the author and finisher of all things and that the timing WILL be right because it will follow His schedule. Now we are at the point where we are just waiting for that phone call from our agency telling us that we have a referral and we will finally see a picture of our dear child's face. But I am determined that now is not the time to be anxious or impatient. Now is the time when we rest, seek God's face, date each other, savor giving undivided attention to Josie, and prepare our home and hearts for the new baby to come! I have a feeling that the upcoming adjustment period could really be a fun ride:)

Here is a picture from Josie's 1st birthday where she got her "Keira" doll. I LOVE the hair on this little thing! Of course, Josie likes her about as much as she likes any of her toys...all of about 2 seconds! Speaking of hair, Kristi Johnson has done a wonderful post on African American haircare. She taught a little seminar at the Created for Care conference and it was awesome! I felt like I learned so much and I am no longer so afraid to tackle all those curls!

Hope you all had a wonderfully romantic Valentine's Day. It was also my birthday (so I'm calling it "birthentines" from now on. Thanks, Justin.) I had a great day! My amazing hubby brought me roses, showered me with presents, and made me steak! Yum! It really doesn't get much better than this! I'm thankful every single day for my sweet husband and little girl(s). I really am just an undeserving sinner. It's overpowering to think that God saved me anyway AND pours these blessings on me besides! God is really awesome! "That's all I have to say about that."