Hello friends and family! Let's get you caught up...
And BTW, Kerry doesn’t know I’m “blogging”. Never thought I would do this, but thought this would be a nice surprise for her to read and share when we are back in Florida with Tia.

About 6 years ago, Kerry and I were out on the patio enjoying the South Florida Weather and watching our son, Hunter (age 4 at the time), on the play set. I don't remember who, but one of us said, “Why does this fantastic little boy not have a little brother or sister yet?” The gears started turning. Not only did we want a second child, but also a little brother or sister for Hunter. Both Kerry and I have siblings. I don’t know what I would do without Tracy. So we agreed, Hunter should too. This is when the fun began.

In 2006, we contacted CCAI, Chinese Children Adoption International, and started the adoption process. We decided we wanted an infant girl. We chose China because we understood the chances of getting a girl, a healthy infant girl, was greater than any other avenues. There were several other factors involved in our decision, but China seemed the way to go.

Once you’re in the system, your first goal is the Log-in Date. After physicals, background checks, social workers, financials, all paperwork and documents notarized and authenticated, translated, then notarized and authenticated again! Whew… The day came. Log-in Date: August 27, 2008. A very exciting day for us. Now, Kerry and I are in the system, approved by everyone and placed on the waiting list.
Ahhh, the Waiting list... Sweet and sour at the same time. When we started this journey in 2006, (did I say journey? Crap, I sound like I’m on The Bachelor), the wait time was 18 – 24 months. Now it’s late 2008 and the wait time had jumped to almost 3 years. Discouraging, but still well worth it.

August 2008… Waiting
2009… Waiting
2010… Waiting
2011… Still waiting and thought about calling it quits.

Fast forward to early 2012 and it still wasn’t looking good. Maybe less than 2 years now. FYI, wait time for new 2012 Log-in Dates, 6 years! Us, getting slightly better (older), decided to apply to the Child in Waiting program also. The Child in Waiting Program cares for children with special needs. Children that will need additional care both temporarily and long term. We started getting referrals pretty quickly. The first couple of children were beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. But after speaking with a cherished doctor friend, that could not have been more professional and unbiased, we decided each was more than Kerry and I could handle. It was heart wrenching to pass on these cuties, but then came Tian.



TIAN PING! Now how can a “used-to-been, could-a-was” golf professional NOT love that name! It was a sign! I play Pings! I love my Pings! They’ve been very good to me! I need a full investigation of this precious little darling.

Here’s what we found out. Her Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Disease. My little girl has a little hole in her little heart. I needed answers. Back to my cherished doctor friend… That would be Dr. Marc Castello. Here’s my shout out to a gentleman that was so helpful with his caring and professional insight. Never once did he make a decision for us, simply informed us of the facts and his experience; and allowed Kerry and I to decide. As a friend, it was a touchy spot for Dr. Marc, but he could not have been better with his feedback. Thank you Marc! With his help, we knew we could handle this! Did I mention she was beautiful?
WE ACCEPT!

 

April 11, 2012 - Yep! Another date, but a biggie. This is the day Kerry and I received the acceptance email from CCAI for Tian Ping. Just 10 days before her 1^st Birthday. They said yes! You, Kerry and Hunter can be Tian’s family. How BIG is that?! Let the scurry begin. More paperwork, Finger printing, another social worker visit. The next couple of weeks were crazy and filled with excitement. Knowing we needed more room, we decided to finish the garage and put up a shed. We got a storage room for all the seasonal stuff, added more shelves in the garage, a pullout couch was delivered today, a wall is going up soon, Tian’s room was painted this week and baby furniture is on the way…

 

 

Here I am today, typing away on September 28^th. We received the last piece of the puzzle last week. The Article 5. This allows us to obtain custody of Tian. Oh, we’ve decided on Tian Phillips, but planning to call her “ Tia”. No middle name as of yet, but we are working on it. Tia is 17 months old now and according to the last update they sent us in July, very little. The hole in her heart has a little something to do with her petite size, but she’s seems to be doing very well. She’s eating well, walking and saying, “mama, dada”. Very cool.  Oh, and about that little hole… The 2^nd echo they administered came back negative, so it looks as if the hole closed up! Which is obviously great news and a blessing, but still cautious and looking forward to her doctor’s visit here to confirm.

The next step is making our travel arrangements! The day we get our daughter is so close now. We should be hearing from CCAI’s travel office any day now.  I’m hoping we hear from them this week, which may allow us to travel as soon as the 15^th of October. Wishful thinking, but everything else is happening faster than they outlined which puts a smile on my face. And Yes, of course Hunters going with us. We wouldn’t have it any other way. It will be a great experience for him also. Heck, the kid just got back from Italy and Greece, just a couple months ago. The guy’s a world traveler at age 10. The trip will take us to Beijing, Jinzhou, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The weather should be cool and there is a lot to see along the way.  Now you’re up to speed. I promise not so long next time.



“Be good humans.” - Amy Altmann

Dustin