Progress Report

We received our quarterly progress report on Victoria. She has put on 1 pound which brings her to a whopping 25# and 33". Our little peanut is still in a size 2T. But she is healthy and happy. Her speech is improving as well and there was no comment on her motor skills. We believe her growth over the past year has helped in that area. Part of her report said:

"Victoria is fond of pet animals like cat and Dog.She also loves to watch Cartoon
network on TV. She loves to sing and dance. As per her foster sister she is open
to learning new things.She likes to eat non veg food and prefers spicy food to
sweets. The child says words like Amma, Appa, come , go and Kasu (money).
She can use more than two words and make a sentence."

She doesn't appear to be enjoying her headband in the picture. We have yet to see a picture of her with a full-blown smile, but are looking forward to seeing one in person. We pray this is the last report we get. Prayerfully we'll be the ones giving the reports back to India soon.

Setting Out the Dolls

Victoria's room is sooooo close to completely done - finish work and all. We got out some toys and dolls the other day. The boys have been looking forward to this for quite some time. Will bought Victoria a doll at his classroom store last year. They had so much fun setting out some of her things and even playing with her dolls. It was so sweet!

Our Three Children

Victoria's American Birthday

How does one celebrate their child's birthday when she's so far away? Get the two boys at home to help! We sang "Happy Birthday" to Victoria before we went to bed on July 14th as she would be getting up soon. I went to bed completely sad knowing I would sleep right through my daughter's birthday. What mom does that? I woke up the next morning not wanting to do a thing. But we busted out a cake mix and frosting and had a blast making the most beautiful cake for Victoria. Will & Logan did most of the decorating. After church that evening, when Dad was finally home, we each made a "wish" for Victoria - what we believed God would do for her - sang, took turns blowing out the 4 candles and ate the cake! It was certainly a bitter-sweet day. Considering we were initially supposed to be traveling close to now made it all the more difficult. However, this will be her last birthday without her forever family.

Victoria's Indian Birthday

We got 3 pictures of Victoria on her 4th birthday. The boys were so excited when they saw the one of her dressed up. You should have seen their faces. And then they saw the picture of her with their pictures and the gift we sent to her (a doll magnet set) and were thrilled she actually received them. They had a cake for her, too. I can make out 4 little candles in the picture. :) Her foster mom is on the left in the picture. Her celebration and pictures all took place at VCT. We are so thankful it appears she had a good birthday with people who love and care for her. This very well could have been her first birthday celebration.

Court Update

Our case has a new judge. Our first court date was held July 22nd. We think anyway. There is another court date set for the 30th. We're not sure if this is a court date because the first one was postponed or if our case is progressing. Holt is inquiring about this and we should know more information in a day or two.

The first court date was initially going to be later, but Ruth, VCT's attorney pleaded with the judge for an earlier court date. This is the only concession the judge gave.

Bangalore courts usually have 3-5 hearings, 2-4 weeks apart. We are continuing to believe for speedy processing. We are thankful SOMETHING is finally happening.

Happy Birthday, Victoria Rani!!!

It's officially 12:00am in India as I type this which makes it your birthday, Victoria! Happy Birthday my sweet princess! I pray you have a wonderful day with your foster family. I know they love and care for you. But, oh, how we wish you were here so we could celebrate your life and special day with you, but we know God will bring you home soon. Your mama is quite sad today because you're not here and it's taking longer to get you than we thought. But I am continually thankful and happy, too, that God is bringing you into my life.

Tomorrow, on our July 15th here in the United States, we will enjoy cake and sing to you. Will, Logan and I are going to set up some of your toys in your room to celebrate. They have been waiting for me to finish painting your furniture so they can put the finishing touches on your room and I'm finally done painting! I hope you like pink!

Did you get the present we sent to you? We hope you like the princess magnets we chose for you. On your 4th birthday, know that you are the most beautiful princess, created by your loving Father, hand-picked just for our family and we love you very much! I can't wait to hug you and play with you!

Love,

Mama

Brief, very brief, update

Here's an update from VCT:

"Victoria-- Ruth, VCT's attorney, is in court and says nothing has happened as yet., She is hopeful the judge will issue the notice for the refiling of the 2 cases which means that the case will come in for hearing soon. We have no idea as of now how soon that would be. " --end of VCT update.

There are 2 cases because another family is in the exact same situation as us.

Yep, that's about it. Thanks in advance for your continued prayers. It has now been a month since our whole process came to a halt.

More Bureaucracy

We received a call from Dean a couple weeks ago and he said that the judge which has our case is being "transferred". Judges are rotated in India. So VCT's attorney, Ruth, is trying to get our case to a new judge so we don't have to WAIT for the replacement to come in. We got an e-mail from Dean yesterday that said Ruth was meeting with the judge and the judge was going to make some sort of decision on how to proceed. That's a long story made quite short. There is another family in our same situation. Keep praying!!!! We should know a little something more today - hopefully before the 4th. Just knowing something helps in the waiting.