I have to tell everyone that Rick is the brain of the operation here. I get these big ideas, and he executes. I hear many moms in the adoption community talking about all the paperwork. It is a “paper chase” to get a child home. I am ashamed to say that I am not even sure of all the documents involved. I just know Rick handles it. Rick has done all the paperwork for both our daughters. Except for my showing up for physicals and fingerprinting, he did it all.

He makes the calls, types the letters, sends the fees, certifies this and notarizes that. Mail has to be certified, sent here and there. He contacted the State of New York for his birth paperwork, the State of Virginia for my birth paperwork, and authentic documents like our marriage certificate, reference letters, financial statements, the list goes on and on. He met all the timelines.

I know he made a special trip to New York to have a document “authenticated”, and then a return trip to New York to help speed up the process... instead of waiting for snail-mail.

He will handle all the little details when we travel to China: booking flights, passports, I can’t begin to imagine all that is involved.

Rick, you are my hero. I just wanted to say thank you, for everything you did to bring both our daughters home. Only you know what it has meant for our family.

I love you.
Terry

Zach and Christian have been AMAZING big brothers. I am so proud of them for the way they welcomed Macy home, and will soon welcome Faith home. Both of them are very protective of their little sister and pick on her like only big brothers can.

Christian has been there to see Macy off the school bus every afternoon. With Christian's help, Macy has not had to have child care very often outside our home. He has taught her everything she knows about Guitar Hero and Classic Rock. She can name Led Zeppelin songs when they come on the radio!

Zach has always been gentle and nuturing to Macy. Zach came home one weekend (from UCONN) to watch Macy so Rick and I could go away for our anniversary. He takes her to the movies, out to eat, he plays with her in the pool. He even took her Christmas Shopping this year. When a boy was picking on Macy (on the school bus), Zach wanted to board the bus with her! We told Macy to tell the boy, "I have TWO BIG BROTHERS... just so ya know."

People often ask me how Zach and Christian feel about it all. To me, we are just a family. They are great. They have been on board since day one. We asked them before we began the process... they know it is forever. They are the best brothers any little girl could ask for. Thank you Zach and Christian for being awesome big brothers! We are so proud of you both.

Love,
Mom and Dad

In the beginning, it was Macy who said, "Yes!" to the idea of a sister. It was Macy who thought "Faith" was a really nice name. When we started to talk about Faith coming home, Macy felt a little uncertain about it all. She has been very brave knowing that a sister is coming, and that Faith will need a lot of help from all of us.

Macy, we are so proud of you for making room in your heart, and in your bedroom, for Faith. Faith will need your help in so many ways. You can help her learn English, and show her how to board the bus, and where to go at school. Faith will be so lucky to have you for a sister. I know in time you will be fighting over each other's clothes... and doing other things that only sisters do. I know you will be so lucky to have Faith as a sister, too. Faith can teach you some Chinese that you have forgotten. When you are older, you can lean on each other. I know in my heart you will share a special bond. Remember we can always love more, not less.

You will always be our princess, now we will have two princesses.

We love you and are so proud of you,
Mom and Dad