Introducing...

Well, things have changed a bit since our last post.  God is so good!  The week that began with such disappointment, ended with pure joy and excitement!  By last Thursday, I was beginning to feel less emotional and the days were getting easier as they passed.  Sure, I was still disappointed, but I knew that the Lord's timing was perfect and that he was continuing to prepare our hearts for the perfect little girl. 

Nathan and I went out for dinner that night, and enjoyed our time together, as we could finally unfold the week without so much emotion.  We arrived home after dinner to wind down for the night, and within minutes, the phone rang.  It was our sweet social worker!  Nathan answered the phone.  I assumed that she was calling to check on us, as it had been a very tough week.  Before I knew it, Nathan was smiling, and our social worker was on speaker phone.  Within the next five minutes, we were opening an email with pictures of the most BEAUTIFUL baby girl that I have ever seen!!  Of course, I began crying uncontrollably.  I could not believe this was happening.  God's timing is definitely not my timing, as I could have never imagined this!  Through the tears, Nathan and I dropped everything to pray for this beautiful baby girl and for guidance over the next 24-48 hours. 

We began to review the file and send the information to the doctor's for review.  In the meantime, we could not stop looking at her pictures!  As expected, it was a rough night's sleep for the both of us.  On Friday afternoon (January 21, 2011) after talking with the doctor's and our social worker, we accepted the referral of this precious baby girl!

Now, what you have all been waiting for.  We proudly introduce you to our daughter...

Karlye Ann Xin Berck

Born on December 30, 2009

Xin is part of her Chinese name and means "Beautiful".

We will call her Karlye.  Her initials will be KAB, but we wanted to give her a part of her Chinese name.  Karlye is 13 months old today!  She is currently in an orphanage on the east coast of China.  Her file states that she has a pair of bright eyes, a plump face, a lovely smile, is smart, and likes to behave in a spoiled manner.  Karlye has a diagnosis of repaired bilateral club feet.  She was born prematurely between 32-34 weeks.  The doctor's feel that she received good care as a premature infant and good treatment for her club feet.     

We are expected to travel to China approximately 4-6 months from now.  It takes time to complete all the necessary paperwork before traveling to pick her up.  We absolutely cannot wait to hold this little peanut in our arms!  We are able to send her a care package at this time, to begin establishing a relationship with her.  This will be so much fun to put together!

We would like to once again thank you for surrounding us in prayer throughout this journey.  We would also like to thank our incredible social worker for her sweet spirit, countless hours, and her passion for the orphans of China.  We are so blessed to have her as a part of our lives!  Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for the arrival of our daughter, and for Karlye as she is being prepared to leave everything familiar and join her forever family.

We love you all!