Updated information as of 2/22/10

Today we were excited to receive updated information on Michael. The original information we had received was from when he was 6 months old. Here are the stats as of 11/22/10 at approximately 9 months of age.

Weight 19.8 pounds

Height 28.75 inches

Head circumference 17.7 inches

Chest circumference 18.1 inches

He has 2 teeth and he continues to be cared for in the orphanage. He sleeps in a crib by himself. We were hoping to receive additional photos but there was nothing included.

We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we wait for our travel approval. We are hoping to leave between March 11 to 18th based on what our agency is expecting. Either at the beginning or end of the trip we will spend a few days on Mandy's Heritage Trip. We have begun planning this through our agency's Guangdong office in China. We will spend a couple of days in her birth town visiting the orphanage, her finding location and getting to know the town. Mandy is from Dapu, Guangdong which is a very old town around the base of mountains. We are looking forward to having this experience with Mandy and pray that we will have the wisdom of helping her process the information and that she will know of our love for her and the joy she brings to our family.

Shopping has begun and it has been great fun purchasing clothes and other things that we will need while in China. Packing for a 2-3 week trip with carry on only brings its own challenges but it makes the trip a lot easier for us.

On a daily basis I thank God for the supportive community that we are a part of. Your prayers, practical support and encouragement are so much appreciated. Blessings to you all and we are praying that we will soon be on a plane to kiss and hold Michael!

Sheila