Our Travel Approval Arrived Today!!!

Our Travel Approval arrived today!!!

This is a HUGE step towards getting to China.   With our I171H + VISA in hand, our Adoption Agency can now request an appointment with the US Consulate in Guanghzhou.   Once our appointment is set, airline tickets can be booked!!  We are still on track to arriving in Jiangxi before Eva's 1st Birthday.    Thanks for keeping us in prayer.  We'll keep you posted.

Did they tell you I have 4 teeth?

I love that this photo seems to show Eva Monet quite engaged in the moment.  If she could speak, I wonder what she would be trying to tell us.  

Any ideas?

Come Take A Stroll With Me.... :)

We received an update on Eva Monet's developmental growth along with a few photos.  We paid to have this additional information sent and were pleasantly surprised that it arrived so quickly.  We are pleased to see that she looks healthy and well cared for and, as you can see, is already developing her own sense of fashion...  ; )   One glimpse of her photo and my heart is happy.   

We're told she enjoys being outside.  I captioned this snapshot:  "I Can Carry The Oranges If You Can Push".  

So, what creative caption would you come up with?  Do share....

Maria's Big House of Hope Official

Introducing Eva Monet (Jiawan) Baltes

It's been 17 days since we received the referral call for our daughter, Jiawan Bo, and saw her face for the first time.  After waiting for so many years, it's a bit surreal to open up an email, click on a link, type in a password and prepare yourself to see your child's face for the very first time; in two-dimensional form none-the-less.  The realization that this is the child you've spoken of and prayed for, long before she was even born, brings a mixture of emotions.    

Since then, we've learned that this sweet little baby is from Jiangxi Province, an absolutely beautiful area in the southeastern part of China.  Born on December 12th of 2009, it is reported to us that she is healthy and strong.  

Her American name will be Eva Monet Baltes with Jiawan retained as a 2nd middle name on all legal documentation.  Several people have asked about her name.  

• Eva:  Chosen in honor of Grandma Baltes.  She was a wonderful woman who reflected God's love and kindness daily.  We have special memories of playing games, laughing, and great visits together.  Someone else pointed out that EVA is also a part of TrEVA which also honors the name chosen by my parents.
• Monet:  As in the painter, Monet, we want our daughter to grow up understanding that she is a reflection of her Creator.  She is beautiful because of Him.  We will encourage her to discover how God has designed her in a unique way.  

Thanks everyone for sharing in this special time.  We will have additional updates and photos to post soon.