Visiting Karis' Orphanage

Paul, his dad and Karis with Maddie's family (her playmate in the orphanage) had the opportunity to visit the girls' orphanage (3 hours away from where they are staying). What I have heard is that the nannies really loved them and the movies Paul sent of Karis and her nanny...she won't take her eyes off of her nanny. What a blessing that Karis has been in such a loving environment. The last pic is of the rail station where Karis was left on one of the chairs the day she was born. What a redeeming pic...Karis with Daddy and Grandpa at that rail station!

Favorite First Pic

This is the first pic when Karis was handed over to Paul and Paul's face is priceless...you are so loved, Karis

Pictures of Sweet Karis

Paul sent some pics of Karis...I cannot get them downloaded bigger. Paul said she is such a sweetie. She slept all night the first night and they had to wake her up at 7:30 to sign paperwork. Paul said she is so content...what an answer to prayer

She's in Good Hands!

Paul and Grandpa Houge are holding baby Karis!! Paul wasn't able to get pics sent to me YET, but he said she is so sweet, she didn't cry at all when handed over to him and just loves to interact and wants to play with him. What an answer to prayer!! I cannot believe I am not a part of this day, but it's for good reason. Now, I just cannot wait for them to come home and so motivated to feel better soon! This is silly, but 2 other families were able to blog and you can catch glimpses of Paul, Karis and Grandpa in the background:

fisherpriceless.blogspot.com

bigskybabywatch.blogspot.com

Matched with #4!!

A couple of days after we got matched with Karis, we found out we got matched with #4! This one will share our DNA...in other words, Elli, Dawson and Karis are going to big siblings already because we are pregnant! We are extremely surprised, yet excited, and maybe a bit overwhelmed. When God blesses, He pours it out! Don't worry, we have had 2 ultrasounds already and there is only one, whew!

Growing a baby is making me extremely nauseous, so traveling to China and India is not an option for me. Paul and his dad left for China last Wednesday while my mom, Elli and I are holding down the fort (actually my mom is taking care of Elli and I...moms are awesome).

Gotcha Day is "tomorrow", which is in a couple of hours for Nanning, China!! Paul and Grandpa will be holding Karis SOON! I will post any pics I get! Please pray that God will prepare Karis' heart for this huge transition.

Elli's plans

Today Elli said "play baby Karis: babies, books, tea parties & shoes". So that's Elli's plan...Baby Karis will be influenced in all girl play:)

Introducing Karis Jia Houge!

I get teary-eyed as I look at these pics...I cannot believe this little girl is our daughter. February 3 (the first day of the Chinese New Year) we got matched and we received new pics today! We also got clearance for Dawson today, too! We will travel to China before India, though.