Welcome Lena - Shower

Our family and friends had a wonderful shower for Lena last weekend. It was hosted at Mary Beth's home and lots of help and creative ideas were given by Joni, Shannon and Christine. The photos will show the beautiful decorations, wonderful food, and fantastic company!

Andy and I are overwhelmed by all the excitement and support! We are so lucky!

Lena,  we can't wait for you to meet your family and friends!!!

Care Package

Today we sent another care package to Lena. We hope the next gifts we give we will be able to do so in person.

We sent:
Leapfrog Stuffed Dog - it says her name! and it plays songs, etc.
Outfits - compliments of Audrey Tichenor!
Goldfish crackers, hairbands, and socks for Lena.
Photo album - of us and our family
Chocolates - for the care takers

YEAH! We got our Article 5!!!

Next Stop - TA = Travel Approval!!!

Here is the email we received from CCAI (our agency):

"We just received an update from our Guangzhou staff stating that they have picked up your family’s Article 5 (signed 2nd acceptance letter) from the Consulate and now it is off to the CCAA.  The Article 5 typically takes about 3-4 days to be delivered to the CCAA. Once the CCAA receives this document, they will have all that they need to issue your family’s travel approval.  The CCAA typically takes about 2-4 weeks to issue a travel approval.  We see this update as great news for your family as you are one step closer to getting you to China!"

Did you get that? Me either. What I do know is...LAST STEP...TA (Travel Approval).

Once we have TA then they can schedule our CA (Consulate Appointment) which is what determines our travel dates!!!! Still hoping for November travel/departure. Maybe we'll be having turkey in Zhengzhou, China! Perfect, we have so much to be thankful for!

It's enough for the Gilk's to all CHEER about...

Two one-year olds in the house - soon!

It was awfully quiet the other day and I went out to find this - he love paper products! Yes, Wrigley turns one soon. We are so looking forward to all the fun we'll have with two one-year olds in the house!
Hurry up TA (travel approval)!!!

Mandarin Chinese

Ni hao,
We are taking a Mandarin Chinese class on Tuesday nights! TA Qing gankuai! (Travel Approval please hurry)!
Zai jian.