Just some more bumps in the road...

Prior to accepting our referral, we had sent off to ask 2 questions regarding Anna's cognitive state, and to rule out Cerebral Palsy(which one International Doctor said could be a possibility). Well, we got those answers back today with mixed emotions.
#1- A developmental test was done. In a nutshell, "child taken to room with doctor, very nervous and uncooperative, and doctor & caretaker said the results do not show a real her. Child very afraid of strange people and environment, very nervous and cried. " As you can probably tell, the test results were not good.......but I requested, they did it, and sent it.
#2- "When she goes to rehab. center to have therapy, the therapist states that this child does not have CP and her mental development is ok"

OK, so not the best thing you want to hear- nervous, scared of strange people and environment. (wouldn't we all be?)
Anyway, please keep praying for Anna...we pray that the transition from China to our new family will be as best and smooth as possible.

August 20, 2009- ACCEPTANCE- AnnaMei Grace Rector

This morning, I am heading out to Bethany Christian Services to formally accept Zhu Lanmei as our new adopted daughter!!! Mickey and I have been praying ever since we received this referral, and most feedback from the medical field is optimistic. We know that we will be facing many challenges and adversity, but with the help of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we can do it. We covet your prayers, your continued support and encouragement, and look forward to this new chapter in our lives. More pics for you to adore!

WE GOT A REFERRAL!!!! July 23, 2009

Amy from Bethany had left us a message and sent us an email about our referral for a SN's child. Her given name by her birthparents was Zhu Lanmei, and her orphanage name was Zhao Erya. She was born on April 9th, 2005. She had been abandoned on November 15th 2005 at the Zhabei Police station, with no success in finding the birthparents. She then was taken to the Shanghai City Children's Welfare Institute. It was quickly discovered on physical exam that she has a heart murmur. She later underwent a VSD, PFO, PS at the Childrens Medical Center from Jan 4 2007-Feb 2 2007. It was also discovered that she had a congenital hip dysplasia/dislocation and underwent another surgery Dec 24 2007- Jan 29 2008. Over the coming weeks we were provided with more extensive history and medical information, provided on August 10th . We have taken it to several doctors, speech therapist/physical therapist (thanks Andrea/Kevin/Lori/Dr Steve/Dr Vetne for your input) and have to make a decision by August 24 09.

On the afternoon of July 22nd, we had reached out to our social worker to maybe start checking into different countries for adoption. We were checking on new programs, quicker wait times, etc. This was our third time doing this. Our social worker said that maybe if we upped the age that we would accept on a SN (Special Needs) child, we would have a better chance. So we upped our age to 4 years of age. The SN China team confirmed our request on the morning of July 23rd.
We enjoyed a night out with the family at the Genghis Grill and the Lookouts and when we got home at 10:30 PM that night, we had a message....