REFERRAL!!!!!

WE HAVE A BABY GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our family coordinator called us this morning at 10:15!  I started crying as soon as I saw the number on the caller-id!  While she tried to conference Mark in on his cell, I told Andrew that I was on our referral call, and he grinned from ear-to-ear, jumping up and down! I gave another phone to him and instructed him not to say a word, and go into the bathroom so it was quiet. 

Our family coordinator couldn't reach Mark on his cell (he never heard it ring, as he was on the phone with a customer), so she got back on the phone and said the words I have been longing to hear "This is your referral call!"

She told us that she was 6 weeks old, though from her paperwork she may actually be 9 weeks old.  She is just precious...so, so, so tiny!  She only weighs about 7 1/2 pounds! Her picture breaks my heart...she looks worried.  But such big beautiful brown eyes!

Mark headed home shortly after that...and we waited to open up the email with our baby's picture until we could all be together!  Kindra came down to video us opening the email...I'll upload it next week!  I spend the next several hours crying and calling everyone!  Anna asked me why I was sad..."I'm not sad, I'm so, so, happy!"

One of the many beautiful things about God's timing is that Rebecca leaves TOMORROW for Africa, and we were able to get some things together to send to Karis!  The kids were so funny, and had quickly gathered a huge pile of books and toys to take to her!  We whittled it down to some special outfits, a few books, and a little blankie or two! 

I will write more later, I'm sure...my mind is quite frazzled and distracted!  We're heading out camping for the weekend for Andrew's birthday-a baby sister for his present!  I'm sure I'll think of other details later, but there's the excitement at our house!

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY!!!"