Our Journey to Kaelie

Album 01/04/10, by Karen Newsome

2010-01-04T02:28:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Walgreens Photo Center photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Catching Up...

2009-02-18T21:12:00.005-05:00

I've been a very, VERY bad blogger. I apologize to everyone about that! I just seem to stay so busy these days.

Kaelie is growing by leaps and bounds! On February 16, she had her first well-baby checkup, where she weighed in at 19.75 pounds and was 29.5 inches long. She received three vaccinations on this visit, and will recieve another round in three months at her 15-month check-up. Our pediatrician agreed to keep Kaelie on formula unti she is 15 months old.

Kaelie visited Babies Can't Wait on February 17 for a developmental evaluation. There are some things that she is simply not ready to do yet. However, she is catching up quickly! We will know next week if she is going to receive any services to help her reach her developmental milestones. She's not too far behind, just enough to make this mama hen worried! Kaelie is coming a long way with her eating and feeding issues...she ate a biter biscuit for her afternoon snack. We are also practicing with a Nuby beginning sippy cup.

Kaelie had a birthday! She was the "Big One!" on February 13. We had a celebratory weekend. On Friday night, we had dinner at Logan's...Jeremy picked the place to celebrate his fantastic progress report...which followed Shelby's mid-term progress report of ALL A's, which Shelby hasn't pulled off in a very long time. Then, on Sunday afternoon, the boys and I went over to my grandmother's for a mini-birthday party. Cake and ice cream was enjoyed by all, and Kaelie received a Fisher Price learning puppy from us, a stuffed animal from Lisa and the girls, and a teddy bear from Nana. Unfortunately, the photos from this joyous occasion were lost due to two young men fiddling with the camera!

Kaelie has had the opportunity to meet new friends and family over the past week! My Uncle Ken and Aunt Marilee came from South Carolina for a visit, and let me tell you that they made a mess out of Kaelie! I had the chance to show Aunt Marilee a bunch of my China pictures. She crocheted the cutest little baby soccer ball for my sweetie and they also bought Kaelie her first Nursery Rhyme book which comes with a CD.

Kaelie and I met our friends Kim and Lia at the Golden Sun for lunch Tuesday afternoon. Sweet Lia finally warmed up and showed me some AWESOME ballet moves! We are going to Albany this Saturday to meet and have a playdate with Kim and Jen and their families on Saturday. I'm looking forward to meeting Emily and Jay and their little one who was also adopted recently from China.

Kaelie had a great first day at the nursery today! I was so broken-hearted....it was so hard to leave her. I cried all the way home and then called the nursery mid-morning to check up on her. I think she had a great first day. Poor thing was tuckered out and went right to sleep tonight!

OK, a few pictures and I'll try to go through and add a few more later!

Playful Kaelie can pull herself up on this walker toy, but only if it is propped against the wall. She doesn't have enough balance to walk behind it yet, but it won't be long. This is from Fisher-Price. It's a cute walker that plays ABC's and music, and has some shapes and other objects to put in the basket.

Kaelie and Ma-Ma-Ma. I love the expression on Kaelie's face...SO photogenic! My grandmother is thrilled to have another great-grand to brag about!

Daddy's Girl!

Who is this mountain man?! Uncle Ken of course!

Ear Advice

2009-02-01T02:16:00.002-05:00

Hi All ~

I guess I've been putting off the inevitable by not visiting the doctor, but I was hoping to save myself a trip and give this ear stuff I've had a chance to fix itself. That's not happened, so maybe you can offer a tip or two to get me through the weekend. Here's the whole story:

I got sick with a chest cold two days before Kaelie and I came home. On our second flight of the day -descending into Detroit - I experienced horrible ear pain and I had a hard time clearing my ear but I finally did and it was fine. Then, when we landed in Jacksonville, I had horrific pain and lightheadedness, and I couldn't really hear anything at all. I felt like my whole head was going to explode. I've not flown alot, but only on one other trip have I experienced something like this (and that was 10 years ago!).

Here I am a week later, and I'm getting more uncomfortable by the day. I'm taking a decongestant but it isn't really doing anything for the ears. I can feel the fluid moving behind my eardrums. Now I have a strange sensation when I even move my eyes, like the rest of my head is lagging behind. Also, I have some pressure in the roof of my mouth.

I would feel great if I could just get over this! Please send your best advice!

First Week Home

2009-01-31T23:48:00.004-05:00

Well, our party of five has survived our very first week home! What an exhausting, fun, and joyous week it has been. Let me do a quick run-down of the details:

Sunday afternoon found us at the pediatrician's office. At first, the office staff (they work a skeleton crew on the weekends) refused to put her on the list, saying that it was office policy not to take new patients on the weekends. I calmly explained that I had already made an appointment for her first well-baby appointment, then explained that she was running a fever and that we didn't get home until Saturday morning. After the office girl stated once more their "policy", David approached the window and told the girl that he wanted to see the doctor on call anyway. Well, she huffed, but in about 10 minutes she called me back to the window and gave me the weekend form to fill out. Then we went back into the room, and in about 10 minutes, GUESS WHO? walked in!? Only OUR pediatrician, who wasn't on call at all. I guess the office clerk called him when we demanded to be seen by the doctor on call. It was a blessing to see good old Dr. H., even if he did have on a polo shirt and sneakers under his white lab coat.

Dr. H spent a good 30 minutes with us and Kaelie. He did a quick medical check as well as an quick overall developmental assessment. David and I were both very impressed! We came home with a nebulizer to give Kaelie breathing treatments (she had the same chest cold that I left China with and her breathing was raspy.). Dr. H said that she was moving air OK, but that he didn't want her to "go wheezy" on us. She also got an antibiotic shot (which in 10 years he's never given one to the boys) and two other prescriptions (for ear drops and a decongestant). Dr. H was very reassuring, and he said he knew that Kaelie was going to be OK.

Monday found David and I in the social security office. Here's a helpful hint: take all your documentation with you and make an appointment online if you can, which will save you some time. We needed Kaelie's passport, adoption certificate, and birth certificate (which is basically a notarial statement).

Kaelie made her first visit to ATA on Tuesday night when I took Jeremy for practice. Kaelie was the star of the show that night, though! Our ATA is such a small school, and we are just like a big family up there. I've had the privilege of making so many new friends who I know I can count on there. It's pretty special to think about it now...that the reason I got involved in ATA was to pass the time until Kaelie's adoption. Now I'm an instructor trainee and enjoy working with the kids and helping them to improve their ATA skills and techniques. I guess Kaelie will be a Tiny Tiger in a couple of years!

A.W., one of my ATA students, made such a mess of Kaelie! He and his mom brought Kaelie some toys and A. was so sweet to play with her after his class.

Wednesday, we went to our local bar-b-que restaurant, Fat Boy's, to eat dinner, and Kaelie was again the hit of the evening. Everyone was just oo-ing and ahh-ing over her. It was amazing that in just a few days, Kaelie was feeling so much better. Finally, smiles are coming more regularly, she is crawling from one room to another, and she is just so interactive. I can look back on our time in China together, just the two of us, and reflect at how she was just very withdrawn. Almost in shell-shock. It has to be difficult for the kids, from having nothing and no one to call their own to suddenly having everything. It's just amazing to see her bubbly little personality and sweet smile.

Kaelie at Fat Boys Wednesday night. It's amazing how much more relaxed Kaelie is, compared to our time together in China. Smiles like these sure were hard to come by! But they are coming more and more easily.

Kaelie and I went to visit Nana and Ma-Ma-Ma for an extended visit Friday afternoon. We visited for about 4 hours. Kaelie wore herself out, but fought a nap. Finally, after I left her briefly to pick the boys up from school (Shelby's school is right across the street) she finally dozed for about 30 minutes on Nana's lap. My grandmother is just taken with Kaelie...even though she worried like crazy while I was in China!

How did Ma-Ma-Ma (my grandmother) get her name? When Shelby was a baby, he couldn't say "Grandmama" and it came out "ma-ma-ma" and it just stuck. My nieces call Grandmama "Grandma Sara" but to my boys she is Ma-Ma-Ma. Grandmama is an incredible person, and has been a huge influence in my life. I need to write a post all about her later....

Kaelie took a nap on Nana's knee Friday afternoon

Tonight for dinner Kaelie tried Sweet Potatoes and Chicken. She's worked her way up to the Stage 2 baby foods already! Yeah! Kaelie had never eaten any solids before (not even congee!) and so David and I are really working with her to get her to put things in her mouth and to try solids. I mixed in a few tiny Ritz cracker crumbs with some of her spoonfuls, and she wasn't quite sure what to do with them, but she didn't spit them out, which is a huge step forward. We may end up getting Babies Can't Wait (early intervention) involved, but for now we are just going to wait a couple of more weeks and see what happens. Today, Kaelie put her mouth on my bare arm and just licked and licked it, and she also let me put my finger in her mouth, touching her gums and the insides of her cheeks. That might sound gross, but to a baby who should be putting everything in her mouth, and has just totally missed this stage in her development, this is really GREAT progress. We try to keep mealtimes very, VERY fun and upbeat! David and I bought a couple of Stage 3 jarred foods tonight and hopefully next week Kaelie will feel like trying them.

No, No, Kaelie! No raspberries during a mouthful of sweet potatoes and chicken!

Wow, Mom! Mealtimes are just the best! Kaelie has a Ritz cracker in each hand, and while she won't gnaw on them yet, I think it's just a matter of time. I try to make it real silly for her, and she is REALLY enjoying the pureed foods. She hasn't rejected anything yet, so long as it's pretty hot! What a cutie, even if she does have sweet potatoes on her nose (and on her eyebrow, and in her hair, and up her sleeve....)

We are making progress in the sleep department as well. David and I bought Kaelie a Fisher-Price Rainforest Animals Soother for her crib. It has a nightlight and plays soft, gentle music. It is adorable and it's been a lifesaver! Last night was the first night that she got up only one time! The other nights she was up 4, 5, even 6 times. Another thing that helped was leaving her door open and turning on the light in the bathroom. I think this helped her to have some background noise which she in probably used to in the orphanage. She took a late-afternoon nap this afternoon, and we kept Kaelie up a little later than usual tonight, so hopefully she will go all night tonight without waking up!

Finally, let's not leave out big brothers Shelby and Jeremy! These two guys have held up so wonderfully to the changes in their lives. I can't believe how much they've grown inside and out in the three weeks since I left for China. Shelby is definitely the big brother who is going to be the protector and the teacher. Kaelie got so tickled tonight, watching Shelby try on all her cute hats. I mean laughing out loud laughing. Kaelie would laugh, then Shelby would laugh, which made Kaelie laugh harder!

Wise "ge ge" Shelby!

Jeremy is more hands-on than Shelby, but no less protective. Jeremy feels very comfortable carrying Kaelie (with much supervision!), and he even volunteered to help change a diaper! He loves to kiss his sister and lay on the floor and play with her. Kaelie definitely looks up to the "men" in her life.

Jeremy, right before he posed with his new homemade "weapon" that he used outside for playing.

Kaelie is also bonding extremely well with her daddy, who finally summoned to courage to change a poopy diaper last night! David has just been great during this first week home, washing clothes and dishes, fixing bottles, taking care of homework and shopping. I'm getting over the same cold that Kaelie has experienced, plus getting up with Kaelie as she recooperates from jet lag and gets used to her room. David has been very relaxed and laid back as he makes the adjustment from 2 kids to 3, and I'm so happy. David has definitely been my rock on this roller coaster ride! Love you, honey!

Please pray that the fluid in my ears will begin to drain. My chest cold is nearly gone, but I can't shake this buildup. Flying into Jacksonville was horrible, I've never experienced ear/head pain like that in my life! I just feel like my head is underwater! I guess I need to go to the doctor myself next week, but it's just so hard with a little one!

Welcome Home, Kaelie!

2009-01-25T23:14:00.008-05:00

Our "tag team" of four became a "Party of Five" Friday night at the Jacksonville Airport!

Our long travel day began at 12:30 am Friday morning in China, when Kaelie got up with a fever and cough (I think the same one that ran rampant through our travel group). She wouldn't settle back down, even after the fever broke with the Tylenol/Motrin combo. So, on about 2 hours of sleep, Kaelie and I began our long travel day in what seemed to be the middle of the night on a bus with three other quietly reflecting families....reflecting on the wonders of a magnificent adoption trip and and heartaches of saying goodbye.

Kaelie did great on all the flights and I was so glad that I bought her an adult ticket for the way home. I couldn't have done the trip without it. She slept through many take-offs, landings, beverage and dinner servings, and slight episodes of turbulence. Kaelie took her bottles and was a real trooper getting her diapers changed in the lavatories...and I learned that it was possible to use the restroom on an airplane with an infant! I didn't realize that we would be flying through the night over eastern Russia and into a beautiful sunrise over mid-Canada. It was great to touch down in Detroit, where Kaelie and I waited in line about 45 minutes for her immigration visa to be processed. Kaelie is now a permanent resident alien of the United States of America. Because David did not travel with me and personally see Kaelie before returning to the US, Kaelie's visa with an IR4, which requires the re-adoption to take place before citizenship status will be granted.

Many helpful people aided in the loading of luggage through customs, getting all the stuff loaded onto the conveyors for the security screening, and so forth. In Detroit, I felt almost ill after getting off the plane, and Kaelie was no different. I found McDonald's and ordered some chicken strips and fries, only to realize I left my extra-large diet Coke on the beverage bar, and that retrieving it would require a long and strenous walk back around the moving sidewalks. The taste of fries at that point made me sick at my stomach anyway. I threw the food away and chose a 20-ounce diet Coke from Chili's and a fresh-fruit cup from another food vendor. The watermelon and pineapple seemed to help in the dehydration I seemed to be experiencing. Kaelie didn't seem to feel much better, with periods of crying, and low-grade fevers. I did what I could to keep her spirits up and her body comforted.

After a nearly six-hour layover, the service representatives from Northwest finally came to the gate, only to announce that "We are in an overbooking situation and we need to ask three volunteers...." You know the rest, promises of meals and travel vouchers. There wasn't anything that was going to stop me from getting from getting on that plane!!

Finally, we get boarded for our final leg of our halfway-around-the-world journey. Our seats were in the almost next to the last row, which was cumbersome since I had the baby plus three carry-on pieces (one for computer equipment and documents, one for a diaper bag, and another for an overnight bag...just in case...you just never know when the unexpected might happen). We got settled in, and by this time my sweet baby girl had turned into one big screaming nightmare. A bottle seemed to cure her tantrum, and she slept more peacefully on this flight than on the entire journey.

Then, just in time, I gathered her up and changed her now-worn, medicine-stained, drooled-on outfit for the special meeting outfit that I bought in Guangzhou. I chose a pretty blue outfit trimmed in red and yellow, along with a pair of silk red squeaky shoes, white tights and laced bobby socks, a Gymboree ladybug sweater, and a beautiful headband I found at Jordon's. Kaelie looked absolutely stunning for such an exhausted little girl who had come so far from everything she'd ever known before.

It was time. I took my time gathering our things and was greeted in the jetway by the now-familiar blue stroller that found us in China. The left front wheel seemed a little wobbly, but it did the trick. I put Kaelie in the stroller and arranged our bags, said my good-byes to the flight crew and attendants who were waiting for me to make my exit, and off I went. Through a corridor of closed stores and dimmed lights, again quietly reflecting on a wonderful and amazing journey and so excited about what was about to come next.

I followed the arrows and signs toward baggage claim, secretly thinking about how those signs were pointing me toward such a sweet reunion. Then....our party of two weary travelers joined with a party of three eagerly awaiting fellows, holding a sign...I remember hearing "There she is!" in Jeremy's familiar voice and suddenly my feet weren't on the ground any more! I ran past security, pushing baby and lugging my three carry-ons and jumped into the arms of my loving family! It was a feeling I'll never forget.

Our party of five headed downstairs to baggage claim, and David and Shelby scooped up the luggage, Jeremy pushed the stroller. We walked together to the car and headed for Ruby Tuesday for a decent meal and to the hotel for a short stay. And a short stay at that, as at 3:30 am we were all still awake (due to my horrible cough) and so decided to go ahead and miss morning rush-hour traffic and get home. We arrived shortly after seven, and soon all five of us were in our own beds for a peaceful nap.

At one in the afternoon, we all got up and enjoyed a breakfast of grits and toast (well, Kaelie had her formula...), followed by a dose of ibuprofen for Kaelie and some cough suppressant for me. After a catnap, Kaelie decided that it was time to show her first company (Aunt Lisa and Grandma Annette) her cute little personality that I'd grown to love so much in China.

Later, we went into town, where I learned that the biggest news in forever in our small town was the burning down of our town's peanut mill, a three-day fire that temporarily closed several businesses due to thick smoke and horrible stench. We stopped by for a quick introduction of Kaelie to my grandmother and mom, then off to the grocery store (NOTHING remotely like the Carrefour!) for a buggy-full of meals. After a warm bottle and a warm bath, and a rubbing down with Vick's Baby Rub, Kaelie is out for the night in her own crib. What a beautiful sight!

I'm about to follow in her tiny footsteps, off to bed, in my own bed with my own covers, with no agenda for tomorrow except to play with my wonderful children and recooperate from this chest cold. I believe that Kaelie will sleep through the night, and I will too, and tomorrow when we wake up we'll be on eastern time and hopefully no signs of jet lag. Now another journey begins, the journey to raise Kaelie, to teach her the proper ways of life, to love and be generous, to be kind to others and to never give up! I love this baby so much already, and David and the boys do too! I'm looking forward to tomorrow and what the future holds for all of us!

Last Day in China

2009-01-22T07:40:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone ~

Well, our journey to China is coming to an end. But, in a brand-new way, the journey is just beginning. A new person to love, Kaelie, a life to watch grow and blossom, to nurture a human being and teach her all the new things she needs to know. A new beginning in my family, as adding a child through adoption is certainly a most joyful occasion, it is sure to bring its challenges.

How I love China! I love the people here, the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city, Guangzhou! The traffic, the smells, even the smog. The mixture of the old and the new, the ancient and the modern. I'm sad to leave this place, the country of my daughter's birth....the wisdom that so many here seem to have and be willing to share. The joy in people's faces, the more relaxed way of life. It's amazing, that even in the hurry and rush of this gigantic city, people practice the ancient art of tai-chi, friends and couples gather in the parks to play badminton, even without a net! Or a group of people smiling and laughing through a round of hacky-sack! Oh, this wonderful place so far, far away from home! I only hope that I can teach and show Kaelie how thrilling and facinating her birth country is.

And, how eager I am to go home! To see the three loves of my life, David, Shelby, and Jeremy, to hold them in warm embraces and see how much taller they will have seem to have grown. To sleep in my own bed, to watch American TV, and to have a taste of the familiar. They say that "Home is where the heart is" and I believe that is true. While in China, I've tried so hard to embrace the culture and way of life, and now to look forward to going home...my family is where my heart is and I can't wait to be reunited with them.

So long from China! Please send prayers this way for good travels...we have a tight connection in Tokyo (only 50 minutes!) and also for good weather in Detroit so that Kaelie and I can fly straight to Jacksonville. Also, Kaelie and I see to be quite under the weather, I have a chest cold and Kaelie has the sniffles.

Love, Karen

Group Photo in the White Swan Hotel...Alison said that we've been the biggest group on Shamian Island during our stay!

May from Sherry's Place holding Kaelie. Everyone commented that Kaelie is a "lovely girl." Travel tip: Sherry's Place has the best selection and highest quality of squeaky shoes on the island!

Brightly-colored lanterns have greeted us everywhere. The excitement and anticipation of the New Year keeps building every day! I've never really understood until now how important Chinese New Year is.

Kaelie's last sleep in China. She is dressed for an early day tomorrow (we are meeting downstairs at 5:15 for the bus to the airport). All I have to do is put on her shoes and give her a bottle and she will be good to go!

It's Been Awhile!

2009-01-21T18:15:00.009-05:00

A few random pictures...

Happy New Year Greetings! These statues are in all the restaurants now, the excitement is building to a fever-pitch for the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year)!

My pouty girl!

Home sweet home...Room 8304 at the Victory Hotel

Brides are everywhere on beautiful Shamian Island...this couple from Miami took a break from thier picture shoot to pose for us

Sorry I haven't posted more...it's hard when you're basically a "one-woman" show! Kaelie and I are doing great except for a little chest cold which has spread pretty rampantly among our travel group. It wouldn't be so bad except for the coughing at night! I have some Tylenol cold for me but it is basically for a head cold. I'm hoping to find something for a chest cold among our group today.

On Sunday, we attended the Chinese/English service at the Christ Church on Shamian Island. What an experience! The message was a beautiful sermon entitled "The Assurance of our Hope" from First Corinithians.

After lunch, we filled a bus and a van and headed out for an afternoon at the zoo!

Pomerianians on display!

A girl has to primp for an important photo shoot, right? Kaelie LOVES taking a bath!

All ready to go...it's time for the red couch photos!

Panda sisters...Kaelie, Lauren, and Giorgia with their sweet moms Stephe, Donna, and me

Jill and Mary Elizabeth, me with Kaelie, and Kathy with Sierra

My angel :>)

Six sweet babies pose, and another is very unhappy...guess who!

Look at that cheeky grin!

Red couch nap!

Ray and Leslie celebrate their daughter Isabela's first birthday! We had a get-together on the M floor in the lobby with cake and fellowship and sad good-byes

The hotel staff always coo over Kaelie...here, before the birthday party

Our group of 15 is now a group of 7! The 8 families who traveled to other provinces (besides Guangdong) all got off this morning for home. And in 24 hours, Kaelie and I will be heading east! I think in all it will take us about 27 hours to from Guangzhou to Jacksonville. I can't wait to see all my guys and show them their beautiful daughter and sister! I love you all so much!

So, what have we been up to? SHOPPING, a "quick" trip to the consulate to re-do our vaccination affidavit, an outing to the Guangzhou zoo, shopping for pearls at the pearl market, and more SHOPPING! We've had a great time here and the only thing that would have made it better would have been to have the rest of my family here.

Quick Post - Medical Exam - January 17

2009-01-17T18:17:00.006-05:00

My sweet Kaelie has turned into a "hold-me" baby, so this is going to be a quick post. I'll try to fill in more later.

Yesterday (January 17) we had the medical check-up and visa photo. It took Kaelie three tries to get a good visa photo, as she was more interested in touching the seat than looking at the camera.

We had a little scare at the medical exam yesterday. One of her chicken pox scabs had festered up, and the doctors said it looked like a new one. I was freaking out! Thank goodness for my sweet hubby David, whom I called after I rushed back to the hotel. His reassuring words really calmed me down. David suggested some triple antibiotic ointment and reminded me that if she was having a relapse, Kaelie would have more than one blister and a fever.

Thankfully, this morning, after the Neosporin, it is a little pink but no yellow pus! I think it might leave a scar but this one is on her stomach so it won't show.

Visa Photo Shop

Clinic

Temperature and measurements: 19 pounds and 28 inches!

Two doctors consult about the blister on Kaelie's tummy, while I try to stay calm and keep Kaelie calm as well. I was nearly in tears!

Sightseeing Day!

2009-01-16T01:14:00.006-05:00

Yesterday (January 15) was a sightseeing day for our little happy adoption group. We boarded the bus, then headed into the heart of Guangzhou to visit the ancestral temple of the Family Chen. It was a beautiful structure with elaborate architecture. I'll have to tell you more about it when my brain comes out of this fuzz!

The H family and the S family while we wait for the bus (Victory Hotel lobby)

Stephe and Karen with Precious Panda beauties Giorgia and Kaelie

Following the culture and tradition of Chinese mothers and grandmothers, I always try to make sure Kaelie is clothed properly for the weather!

Gargoyles warding off evil spirits (Family Chen temple)

Preservation work at the Family Chen temple. Note the bamboo scaffolding...

Ceramics on display at the Family Chen temple (I believe these are on loan from the Guangzhou Folk Arts Museum)

Kaelie enjoying a bottle in the garden of the temple

Sculpture in the garden of the Family Chen Temple

Next our group made their way to the Yuntai Botanical Garden. What a sight to behold. This was very reminicient of Callaway Gardens (for you Georgia folks!). It was filled with fountains and all different kinds of plants and flowers, familiar ones (like petunias and roses) to ones I had had never seen before.

Kaelie and Karen

Giant jug given by Germany

Water Wheel

Kaelie amongst the roses

Roman columns and fountains

Unusually shaped and sculptured tree

I must say here that our wonderful agency has arranged for us to eat at some beautiful and delicious restaurants. Allison has been terrific at ordering the food, and there's hardly anything that I won't eat! I'm so glad that I've practiced with chopsticks over the past few years, it has really paid off! We ate at a wonderful restaurant today near the botanical garden.

After our sightseeing was over, we came back to the hotel to rest. Kaelie and I walked down the street to Michael's Place to drop off our laundry, and I found a stroller suitable for bringing home. I really think that I'm going to need it, especially for the long, six-hour layover in Detroit.

After some shopping, we headed out to the Cow and Bridge, a Thai restaurant, where I ordered the sweet and sour chicken with cashew nuts. Delicious!!!!

Sweet Kaelie girl

Donna, Stephe, Chrissy

A Beautiful Day in China! January 14, 2009

2009-01-14T16:09:00.005-05:00

Good morning from Guangzhou!

Kaelie and I called it a day and turned in early last night, around 6:30 pm. We had a great day but we were both totally exhausted.

We had most of the day free, so we spent the day exploring Shaiman Island. This is a beautiful part of the city. Everywhere brides and grooms were having their wedding pictures made, the streets were quiet except for the occasional honking of a car horn, and the people were just so friendly.

My travel group has been so kind to allow me to hang around with them. Yesterday, Donna, Joe, and I went for a stroll around the island. We wandered into Jenny's Place. This is a beautiful little shop right around the corner from the hotel entrance. Jenny is so sweet and kind. I bought Kaelie two outfits and a pair of squeaky shoes. I see more squeaky shoes in my near future, as Kaelie isn't walking yet and I KNOW that she will love to squeak around once she is going everywhere. She loves toys that make noise, and I bought here a traditional drum toy in Jenny's as well. Jenny also gave me a rattle with jingle bells on it, Kaelie loves that too.

We wandered on down the street to another shop called Susan's Place. Susan's does same-day laundry, so I might be wandering back down there later today. I bought Shelby and Jeremy beautiful matching traditional Chinese outfits, and I bought Kaelie two winter outfits here. In China, it is very important to bundle and wrap the babies appropriately, so they won't be cold. The children are accustomed to being very warm.

Next, we strolled down the avenue and wandered past the Polish consulate and several former consulates, including the American and German consulates. We made it the beautiful White Swan hotel, where many adoptive families also stay for their adoption trips. We've heard, though, that the White Swan is much more expensive than the Victory, and the rooms are smaller and not as comfortable. The lobby of the White Swan is beautiful, and we found the Mattel play room. Stephe, Chrissy, and Giorgia were already there, so they let us in and we played with the girls.

Lunch at Lucy's was next. By this time Kaelie was taking a great nap! I had the grilled cheese sandwich and American-style fries, and it was a great taste of home! I didn't know grilled cheese could taste so good!

At 3:00 pm, we boarded the bus and headed out to make our applications for our daughters' passports. We received our adoption certificates and also received a VERY IMPORTANT paper for the consulate. Allison said, "Keep it well." The appointment went very quickly, and on the way home, Allison explained that she ordered pizza from Papa John's for dinner. It was so good! Then, off to bed for a happy mama and sweet, sweet baby!

Gotta run, baby wants a bottle and dry diaper!

Love to all, Karen

Jenny and Karen

Donna, Jenny, Karen

Kaelie in the stroller

Lauren and Kaelie

Beautiful Baiyun Trees are all around Shaiman Island

Donna in the lobby of the White Swan

Precious Panda Sisters in the Swan Room...Karen and Kaelie, Stephe and Giorgia, Joe, Donna, and Lauren

Happy Girl!

Kaelie loves balls, but she needs to pick on one her own size! :>)

Donna, Joe, and Lauren at Lucy's for lunch

Princess Giorgia

Joe and Lauren

Kaelie is Ours!

2009-01-13T08:06:00.005-05:00

With the stroke of a pen and a promise to love, cherish, and never to abandon her, this beautiful orphan that was left by a gate at two days old became ours. I'm in awe and I'm so in love. I can't wait to share her with her dad and the rest of our family who I know is waiting so eagerly to see and hold this beautiful girl.

Our day started at around 6:00 am. Kaelie didn't eat anything the night prior, so this morning she gulped down a HOT! bottle, played for a little while, gave me a present which I quickly cleaned up (i.e., first poo!), and then took a nap before heading off to breakfast.

Sweet sleeping baby

We enjoyed a breakfast here at the buffet of the Victory. They are good, but I think when the other families get to Guangzhou we are going to the White Swan for their buffet.

Silly girl blowing raspberries and zuberts!

After breakfast, we went to the Civil Affairs office to complete the adoption. This is nothing like the grand affair of going to court like we did in Russia with the boys. I was interviewed by the registrar and the notary, signed their interview documents, and then Kaelie became ours!

Lobby of Civil Affairs Office

Goofy-Girl blowing more raspberries!

Sound asleep in Mommy's arms!

After heading downstairs from the Civil Affairs office, Donna and Joe (Lauren's Mama and Baba), and I got back on the bus and waited for the rest of the families to finish. They had issues changing their fees to RMB at the bank and waited for what seemed to be forever. Allison came to the rescue and got the group moved up to the front of the line (except for Chrissy! Poor thing was hassled about having her number, so Allison came to the rescue again!).

Traffic in Guangzhou. Personal space, even while driving, is much closer than what we are used to.

We enjoyed a marvelous Chinese meal for dinner at a restaurant that Allison arranged. The food was delicious and the chopstick practice definitely paid off as there weren't any forks to be seen!

Stephe and Chrissy

Mama and Baby

Allison and Kaelie

The families of travel groups 103 and 104 enjoying dinner together (above and below)

Shaiman Island feels so safe. I walked with Kaelie in a borrowed stroller from Jenny's Place past the White Swan hotel and found a photo shop, so I dropped off the disposable camera that the orphanage sent back from Kaelie's care package (that and the care package bag were all that were returned, but that is OK!). Unfortunately the shop where I dropped off my laundry was closed, but I stopped at another shop and ordered a chop with Kaelie's name on it and a print of Kaelie's name. I also shopped today and bought: squeaky shoes (3 pair), brocade dresses and matching tights (since it's a bit cool here -2 each), a mother/daughter jade necklace (1), silk pajamas (for Kaelie - 1 pair). After shopping, I ended up getting free gifts from the store owners. I can't remember my other purchases, but I think I spent about $100 and got a BUNCH of stuff!

The side of the White Swan decorated for Chinese New Year

Tomorrow afternoon we are going to apply for the childrens' passports. So tomorrow I'll have nearly the whole day free to enjoy our new daughter, and shop at the stores!

Gotcha Day Pictures

2009-01-12T18:15:00.006-05:00

Allison on the bus to the Civil Affairs Office

On the bus...all smiles!

Eighth Floor - Registration Office

Precious Panda Girls with Travel Letters in hand. Helpful hint, when your guide asks for your travel letter, it is about to be your turn!

The orphanage director hands Kaelie to me!

First glimpses...above and below!

Happy Mama and baby!

Sitting on the floor playing with a dragonfly Lamaze toy. This is the one that Jeremy picked out for Kaelie when we first began the adoption process.

It was a very good and busy day. She didn't take her first bottle until this morning. She likes them so, so hot! She's never eaten any solid food as evidenced by the crying and spitting out of the bits I gave to her last night, even congee! Kaelie is ticklish on her tummy and sucks her left thumb to go to sleep. Kaelie is recovering from the chicken pox and has scabs from the blisters all over. She also has some Mongolian spots on her lower back and bottom that we will have documented when we take her for her first doctor's appointment.

Today is Adoption Day. In one hour, we leave to the Civil Affairs Office to complete the registration. Then, in the eyes of the Chinese government, Kaelie will be our daughter! She is so beautiful and is the light of our lives.

I apologize about not posting. I've had internet connection problems but thankfully today they seem to be resolved! Keep the positive comments and emails coming. David, I love you so much and miss you and I can't wait for you to meet this precious child. She is going to be the apple of your eye! I love you!

Ready to Go!

2009-01-11T23:43:00.001-05:00

I'm In China!

2009-01-09T17:27:00.007-05:00

I'm in Beijing! I made it safe and sound, with no glitches whatsoever in travel, except for a minor "hot brake" problem on the plane in Tokyo which resolved itself quickly and then we were on our way!

Today we had a busy day! We visited Tian An Mein Square, the Forbidden City, took a stroll through Olympic Park, and visited the Juyonguan section of the Great Wall.

I'm exhausted and can't write much, so I'll just try to post some pictures.

Last Post from Home!

2009-01-07T08:52:00.008-05:00

Well, this is it! I can hardly believe that in just a few hours we will be headed to Jacksonville for my departure tomorrow morning! OMGosh! I'm thrilled beyond words, nervous, excited, sad to leave my family for 16 days, I can't wait to meet our little girl, nervous....I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.

I'm so blessed that I got a decent night's sleep last night! I've been tossing and turning and have been so tired.

Everything is done: bags are packed, flights are confirmed, laundry is done. I just need to do a few things around here this morning...David is picking up the boys early from school today and then we are heading out.

David and I took the boys down to Orlando for a little mini-vacation and just to make some memories as a family of four. We had a great time! We stayed at the Hyatt Regency which is right in the Orlando Airport (let's just say that I LOVE Priceline!). Anyway, the boys were fascinated with the moving sidewalks, the shops, the food court, the TSA security guys (Jeremy would see one and say, "Look, there's another one!"), it was just neat to see them have such a fantastic experience.

Shelby rides a Hog in the Airport! Look out people...it's an out-of-control motorcyclist!

I took the boys to EPCOT and we had a great time except for the crowds. We went to Mexico and China in World Showcase and we rode Mission: Space and Test Track. They had a great time!

My good friends LH and AH came home with their beautiful little girl on January 1. We had the chance to meet and greet at the airport. Here's a shot of my good friends and their babies MA and SJ:

Jeremy received his first degree black belt in Taekwondo last night. This is a huge accomplishment. We love ATA and hopefully when Kaelie comes home I will be able to continue as an instuctor trainee. Jeremy was so excited and proud!

I have a travel site that I will be updating while I'm away. You can visit here:

Our Journey to Kaelie

Baby Shower!

2008-12-14T09:44:00.008-05:00

My team at work hosted a wonderful baby shower for me on Tuesday, December 9! The food was awesome, and Kaelie received so many nice gifts. I am especially blessed to work with a staff that is so supportive of all three of our adoptions. It seems that everyone is excited! Next week is my last week of work before my maternity leave!

OK, on to pictures!

Beautiful Cake baked and designed by our in-house cake guru Kerri M.

What a load of gifts! I was shocked, and they were so pretty I didn't want to open them!

Here's a shot of me opening the presents!

The money tree! The staff collected money for the adoption trip, then gave a live tree in honor of Kaelie's adoption...this will soon be a fixture in our front yard!

All the opened gifts!

TA's are here!

2008-12-02T15:17:00.003-05:00

Our Travel Approval (TA) has arrived! Yippee!

Mike, our travel coordinator at the agency, is working on the consulate appointments (CA) for our group right now. I think he's requesting either January 21 or 22 (I'll have to look back at my notes and see).

Here is what my tentative itinerary looks like:

January 8, 2009 Depart US for Beijing
January 9, 2009 Arrive in Beijing
January 10, 2009 Tour Beijing (Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Acrobat Show)
January 11, 2009 Tour Beijing (1/2 day)
January 11, 2009 Fly from Beijing to Guangzhou
January 11 (evening) OR January 12 (morning): GOTCHA DAY!!!!!
January 12 or 13, 2009 Adoption Day
January 13-20, 2009 Enjoy the sights in and around Guangzhou, get to know Kaelie
January 21 or 22, 2009 Consulate Appointment
January 23, 2009 Fly from Guangzhou back to US

Hopefully in the next day or two we will be able to start making travel arrangements. This is the last big hurdle to overcome for the trip. I have all the consulate and general paperwork gathered, and my suitcase is almost packed. My visa is supposed to come via Fed-Ex this afternoon. The only thing I need to get finished are my lesson plans that my substitute will use while I'm on leave! I'm so thrilled that this is finally happening!

Baby Steps Closer...

2008-11-30T13:42:00.003-05:00

Hi Everybody....

It's been awhile since I posted...sorry...it's been hectic around here and also I've had some issues with blogger trying to get some pictures uploaded. Here's a few:

Our Stork! The Fed-Ex guy thought I was nuts when I tore out of the house to meet him, THEN asked him for a picture!

Shelby did the honors and dropped our acceptance package back via Fed-Ex! What a great big brother he is going to be!

Where are we now? We are waiting for our Travel Approval (TA) to come from the CCAA. We're also waiting for my China visa to come back from the travel agent. Once our TA gets here, then our agency will request an appointment from the US Consulate in Guangzhou. The purpose of this appointment is to process our immigration paperwork and to issue Kaelie's immigrant visa (i.e., permission for her to come to the United States).

Once the Consulate appointment is made, we will be making travel arrangements. We already know that I will be flying into Beijing for some sightseeing and also to get acclimated to the time change. Then, I will fly to Guangzhou for the remainder of the trip. Guangzhou is the provincial capital of Guangdong. The orphanage director and nannies will bring Kaelie from Yangxi to Guangzhou, and this is where we will first meet each other and get to know one another while we process the adoption and also work on the immigration paperwork.

I counted up, and there are only 5 more Saturdays until our tentative travel date. I am beyond excited! I'm looking forward to getting on that plane and starting this journey!

Update on Kaelie!

2008-11-18T18:19:00.003-05:00

Ann at Red Thread China was able to get some updated pictures and measurements of Kaelie! I am so happy! Kaelie is so beautiful!

Here are her updated measurements:

Height ：71cm (28 inches)
weight： 7.8kg (17 pounds)
head: 43cm (17 inches)
chest: 44cm (17 inches)
feet: 11cm (4.3 inches)

She has four teeth now!

Ann is sending Kaelie a care package which will go out in tomorrow's mail! Ann has had terrific service and I would highly recommend her! Also, my thanks to the orphanage staff and director for allowing the pictures to be taken and sending them on to Ann.

What was I doing on Kaelie's birthday?

2008-11-10T13:52:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

I won! I won!

Thank You!

2008-11-10T13:36:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Words cannot describe how appreciative I am to all of you for coming over and leaving a comment. I am in awe of the China adoption community and the bond that we share. I'm so thankful for all the Yangxi mamas who have left encouraging words of support and helpful suggestions. It's been so great to also meet several of my "new" travel buddies! I can't wait to meet all of you in person when we travel to adopt our daughters!

If you are still waiting, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. It's difficult to see others waiting for their daughters...I feel a twinge of guilt for feeling so happy and elated when I know many of you are still wondering, "When?" It sounds contrite, but the wait really does melt away during those first few hours and days after referral.

Please lift up your thoughts and prayers for my friends, who lost their 19-month-old daughter this weekend in a drowning accident. Kari's parents and brothers were in Cub Scouts together. We would sit around the campfire all night long talking about stuff, laughing, drinking coffee. We haven't been close for a while, but it's still such a tragedy. :<(

Big hugs, Karen

It's A Girl!

2008-11-05T16:17:00.006-05:00

Chinese Name: Song Yun Juan
Birthday: February 13, 2008
Current Residence: Yangxi County SWI, Guangdong Province

On July 4, 2008, she weighed 13 pounds and was almost 24 inches long.

She is a deep sleeper.

Anticipating Travel: January 8, 2009

This is all we know at this time. We will receive our package tomorrow via FedEx.

Thanks for hanging with us for all this time! I can't wait to hold Kaelie in my arms!

Another Week Gone By...

2008-10-31T00:36:00.003-04:00

Why do I feel like I am wishing my life away? We made it through another work week...well, we have Friday to go, but does it really count?

RQ is reporting that the cut-off might be February 20th. That's exciting that we are in, yet sad that it's still such a small batch. I feel sad for my friends, who, after referrals come out, will still be waiting to see the faces of their precious children.

It's sad because loss is at the heart of adoption. The triad ~ birthparents, adoptive parents, and especially the child ~ have lost so much. For Kaelie, this will mean that she will have lost the opportunity to be raised in her country of birth. It means for her that she will grow up in a minority, multi-cultural family. Her birthmother will have lost, whether by choice or not, the chance to raise the child she carried in her womb for nine months. How have adoptive parents experienced loss in the adoption triad, you might ask? The ability, as in our case, to carry and birth our biological children. Adoption for us hasn't been, and never will be, a second choice, but more along the lines of the "road less traveled."

Adoption is about love. First and foremost, the ability of a birthmother to love a child so much that she is willing to create an adoption plan for the child she carried for 9 months. A child who was hopefully created in an act of love and passion. I cannot begin to fathom the depths of that love, a love which will transcend time, and distance, a love that can leave a birthfamily wondering for a lifetime about a child they will not be able to raise. The love that the adoptee will be able to feel, the love of two families, one known and one only dreamed of. I figure that if we do our jobs as adoptive parents correctly, these children of ours will grow to love and respect their birth families for the opportunity that they gave to them. The love of the adoptive mother and father is immeasurable! As I've raised these two magnificient boys, I sometimes think I can't love them any more, but it's just amazing, it keeps growing and growing!

OK, getting off my soapbox...

Here's another fun Blogthing for you to do while you wait, ever so patiently, with me for news of referrals. I can't believe that it is finally here! There is so much to do!

You Passed 8th Grade Geography

Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Geography?

While we wait...

2008-10-20T17:22:00.002-04:00

Here's something to keep us all busy while we're waiting for some referral rumors:

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

You're a friendly person, but not the life of the party. You like making someone else's day - and you'll dress up if you think of a really fun costume.

You often feel invisible when you're in public. And it's a shame, because you're really quite a character.

Your inner child is full of wonder and very sweet.

You truly fear the dark side of humanity. You are a true misanthrope.

You're logical, rational, and not easily effected. Not a lot scares you... especially when it comes to the paranormal.

You are picky and high maintenance. If you wear a Halloween costume, it's only when you really feel like it. And it has to be perfect.

What's Your Halloween Personality?

32nd LID'versary!

2008-10-20T16:52:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm a bit late in making this post, but...

Good things come to those who wait! And wait! And wait! And wait!

I never would have thought it would take this long to adopt our daughter!

Hopefully, in the next few days/weeks, we will see Kaelie's face for the very first time!

Wouldn't it be fantastic to see Kaelie's face before the election? WOW! I can't believe referral day is almost here!

Rocket Dog Sneakers

2008-10-20T16:37:00.005-04:00

These shoes are a dream!

This pair is called Rocket Dog Asahi Dash sneaker. Very lightweight, super comfortable, great traction on the bottom for climbing the Great Wall! I tried them on today for the first time and they are terrific. My feet feel so good in them! The sole is very flexible. The downside is that they don't have a lot in the way of arch support, so I might have to get a Dr. Scholl's or similar inserts.

I purchased mine at Amazon for $44.99. They were shipped from Shoe Mall, so you might try there as well!

Thanks, Donna, for recommending these! I think we got matching pairs!

I've Been Tagged

2008-10-20T13:50:00.020-04:00

OK, here's something fun to do since I'm in a cold-driven stupor! I guess I caught this bug being out so early Saturday morning in the cool drizzle at the Peanut Festival. Susan R. tagged me, so now I'm passing this along!

First: 7 Weird Things About Me

This is hard because I'm like this very, VERY normal person. But I will try:

1. The strangest foods I've ever eaten are a) fried alligator (in New Orleans) and b) ostrich (very yummy...David took me out for our anniversary to a fancy-schmancy restaurant!).

2. I love to eat marshmallows, the little ones.

3. I love country music, not that you could call that strange or anything, but we named our first child after Reba's son! (and a movie too, Steel Magnolias)

4. My favorite TV shows are medicals like Trauma: Life in the ER on Discovery Health.

5. For some reason, it seems like my life is consumed with all things China these days! What's up with that? HUMMMM......must have something to do with a little kid that I've not met yet but am totally smitten with anyway!

6. I'd rather fold clothes than hang them! Which do you prefer? What a thing to think about, huh!?

7. I like ketchup on almost everything, but not french fries. I hate eating fresh tomatoes. I love orange juice but can't bite into an orange.

NOW, I've got to tag 7 people! Here goes:

1. Sharon Sharon and I first met when she knocked on our hotel room door. No nothing kinky...we were in Savannah together for a reunion of internet buddies all connected to each other through China adoption. Sharon has such a great personality! From yardwork to sodding to household repairs to dressing up for the red carpet, Sharon will try anything once! Her daughter MaryAlice is a dream...spunky and full of life!

2. Jen Jen has a remarkable family! After having three bio kids, they were led to pursue a China adoption. Their two sons and two daughters are absolutely some of the best kids you will ever meet! Their youngest, Mei, has the sweetest butterfly kisses! I know because I stole one or two at a recent get-together!

3. Alyson Alyson and her hubby have the most amazing daughter Alyzabeth An! They just returned from China only a few weeks ago! Alyson is like a cheerleader on our DTC group, and she and her husband have the most amazing blog! I just wish I could blog like that!

4. Dusty Dusty and her hubby Chet have the most amazing story. After years of infertility, Dusty and Chet pursued a China adoption and were so blessed with a precious daughter Mary Joyce! She is the spunkiest thing! She is growing up way too fast too! Now Chet and Dusty have been blessed with their first bio daughter Katherine and are expecting their third child next year! Dusty is a woman of strong faith, the kind of person that I long to be one day! Dusty is another in-person friend...we met through APC years ago and had our first get-together over three years ago!

5. Tonya Tonya is a woman of faith is visits here often and posts the most amazing words of encouragement! Tonya and her hubby are waiting for TA for their special needs child from China. It would be amazing if we were in China together.

6. Evelyn I must tell you that Evelyn is the sweetest, most gentle soul you would ever want to meet. But, let me tell you that Mama Bear has been known to come out every once and a while! Evelyn and I are going to be travel buddies and I can't wait to share this most amazing experience with her and her sweet hubby Jesus! I'm keeping my fingers crossed Eve!

7. Rhonda Rhonda and her sweetie Mike have been through the referral wringer this month! But thankfully there was a rainbow after their storm and they have the most beautiful baby girl Hannah. Theirs is another amazing story of faith and trust. I can't wait to see Hannah in their arms because she is already wrapped around their hearts.

Today is...

2008-10-11T21:16:00.002-04:00

October 11!

We will soon celebrate our 32nd and hopefully last LID'versary. I remember in February 2006 we hoped for a referral before Christmas! HA! What a wait this has turned into.

OK, I have been doing some fall cleaning! Yeah! Got the laundry room done and a few cabinets in the kitchen, will finish up tomorrow.

OHHH, I bought some shoes to take to China. Finally! Thanks to my bloggy-friend and travel buddy Donna for recommending them!

Here's another fun quiz from Blogthings to keep us entertained during this wait!

You Should Rule Saturn

Saturn is a mysterious planet that can rarely be seen with the naked eye.

You are perfect to rule Saturn because like its rings, you don't always follow the rules of nature.
And like Saturn, to really be able to understand you, someone delve beyond your appearance.

You are not an easy person to befriend. However, once you enter a friendship, you'll be a friend for life.

You think slowly but deeply. You only gain great understanding after a situation has past.

What Planet Should You Rule?

Today is....

2008-10-05T09:38:00.002-04:00

October 5th, the beginning of the first full week of the last month of waiting for our Kaelie to come home! Oh, so exciting! I can't wait to see her little face and get ready to go on this journey of a lifetime! I have a ton of things to do today! I guess I better get busy and start working my list!

Here's something fun from Blogthings:

Your Hair Should Be Brown

You are an intelligent, well respected person.

You are very confident. You take yourself seriously, and other people take you seriously too.

You are a good leader, and you can be trusted with someone's life.

You motivate people well, and you command respect easily.

You are competent, successful, and organized. You can't stand chaos.

Some people mistake you for being cold, calculating, or elitist.

What Color Hair Should You Have?

Too funny! Especially seeing I have a new color! BROWN!

The List

2008-10-01T21:08:00.002-04:00

OK, now that I have 30 +/- a few days before Kaelie's referral, I have been thinking about everything that needs to get done before referral and travel. Here's a sampling of what needs doing:

1. Spring/Fall Cleaning ~ every room needs to be freshened up! Ugh! I hate housework! Especially the deep-cleaning stuff!

2. EBay Stuff ~ Photograph and list, have a huge sale!

3. Finish my closet ~ build one more shelf, paint

4. Finish attic ladder ~ add decorative trim, paint

5. Purchase car seat, stroller, high chair, baby monitor, area rug for nursery

6. Christmas ~ have all decorations up before Thanksgiving

7. Design referral announcements

8. Get carpet steam cleaned

9. Pack ~ I've got to get with my mom about what she might be able to carry in her suitcase

10. Christmas shopping ~ wrapping, etc. Need to be finished by Thanksgiving

11. Baby-proof house

12. Wash all baby clothes and put away

13. Lesson plans ~ Start preparing lessons for my students while I am on maternity leave (last two weeks of December, all of January, through mid-February (so I will have a couple of weeks prepared for when I come back).

Hummmm.....I know I could add a dozen more things to this list!!! OK, but I won't right now. Maybe when I get these done! I guess I could do all the housework chores this month, then focus on Christmas and travel after we get our referral.

OK, I'm exhausted now!

The Cut-Off

2008-09-29T21:22:00.003-04:00

Referrals were issued by the CCAA for families logged-in through February 15, 2006.

Big sigh here!

4 weeks.....

30 days......

It's hard to say "We're next!" when I was so hopeful that we would be in this batch. I really wanted it to happen this week.

I have so much to do between now and November 1 (plus/minus a few days!). I guess I need to start making some lists and getting things organized around here and getting prepared to travel.

I'm disappointed, but I've climbed bigger mountains. Kaelie, Mama's on her way, you hang in there! I love you so much!

So, with a November referral, I anticipate travel will be in mid-December. There is so much to think about: Will I be home for Christmas? I can't imagine missing it! Santa is going to need to do some early shopping to get ready for that one. Christmas decorating: definitely before Thanksgiving. I have a ton of stuff to post up on Ebay to get rid of, plus try to make some money.

Guess I need to do some shopping. We have three big items we need to get for Kaelie: carseat, high chair, and stroller. And some toys! Kaelie has lots of little goodies, but as far as like a toy kitchen, baby dolls, etc. No, I take that back, Kaelie has a Cabbage Patch doll. I want to find some Asian dolls. I can think about that later, though.

Guess I can get back to my life now. The last few days have been tough. The anticipation has been agonizing! I think I can say with certainty that we will be referred in November, 42 months since we started the process on May 30, 2005.

Rumor Alert

2008-09-27T01:21:00.002-04:00

Today has been active on the rumor front!

According to Rumor Queen, a European source (Spanish RQ?) is saying that the cutoff is likely to fall between February 14th and 17th. I could have told them that weeks ago! My prediction at the first of the month was that the cutoff would be February 16th.

Earlier this afternoon, as I read a translation from the Spanish RQ, the way it sounded like was, well, the cutoff is going to fall BETWEEN these two dates, so it would have to be the 15th or 16th. Right on target for my earlier prediction and also right on target to trample my overly-excited mama heart. Trying to calm my heart down has been so hard!

I'm suddenly very hopeful! I'm going to go to bed and try to sleep so I can do some serious nesting tomorrow!

New Rumor

2008-09-25T21:00:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone ~

There was a post on RQ tonight from a waiting family. The poster reported that their agency had contacted the CCAA and the CCAA is reporting that matching will be going on "as usual." I hope this is good news! Now if they would just do the next 8days!!! PLEASE!!! No word on the cutoff date yet!

Very Bad Rumor

2008-09-24T15:52:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone:

Rumor Queen posted today that a European agency is speculating that this batch will be extremely small because of the tainted formula crisis. They report that the CCAA wants to get updates on the children before sending out the referrals. She has this rated as an R2.

I'm upset about the whole formula business in China. Basically, what's happened is that the formula manufacturers added a plastic additive called melamine to infant formula. Melamine is high in nitrogen and therefore mimics protein in scientific tests. Therefore, the infant formula LOOKS like it is high in protein when in fact it is not. In lab testing, animals that ingested melamine developed kidney stones, renal failure, and infertility. There is not much out there as far as human ingestion is concerned. Melamine is the chemical that caused so many problems with the pet food last year.

I'm going to cross this bridge when I get to it. There's nothing to do at this point except pray. Kaelie is safe and sound in the hands of God and her caretakers and at this point I just have to trust that she is OK. I hope that she hasn't been given any of the tainted formula, but she probably has. In fact, CNN reported the other day on "American Morning" that this could go back as far as 2005. If we don't get our referral this month, then hopefully still next month. I'm trying not to stress out too much! There still isn't anything about a cutoff. Please pray that we are in this batch!

Nothing New

2008-09-22T17:41:00.002-04:00

There is hardly anything new to report today. The Spanish RQ is saying that there is a holiday in China next week (September 29-October 3) and that it is the usual custom for the CCAA to send out referrals before they are off for a week. This happened last year; referrals were sent out before the October holiday.

RQ predicts referrals to come in anywhere from September 24 through October 6.

Nothing, NOTHING! about the cut-off date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Early First Rumor

2008-09-20T19:56:00.003-04:00

This was posted on RQ in the comments section of her blog:

I have also heard from my agency that the group before mine with LID of 2/17/06 has been matched. No other information given.

The early rumors rarely prove true, but a mama can hope and dream........

How will the process work?

2008-09-20T19:15:00.003-04:00

We heard from our agency (through a friend) about what the process between referral and travel is like. Thought I would share it here, mainly for my own recollection if nothing else.

Here goes:

Referral Call Process:

When the agency gets the referrals, they turn off their telephones and check and verify that each referral is in order. Most of the time they wait until the next day to make referral calls. We will not receive Kaelie's picture until it comes in via overnight delivery service with the rest of the referral package. We will not have any advance notice about when we will receive the call. We will likely know that referrals are on their way from other adoptive families and sites like Rumor Queen.

I'm hoping for the best. Best-case scenerio is that we would all be together on referral day. I don't know how likely or possible that is going to be, since we won't have a heads-up on when we'll get the call. I think I will have Stephe's call sheet in all possible locations: work, car, home. There is no telling about how it will go down. If I get the call at work, I'll most likely ask if Shelby can step out of class and be with me during the call. At least two of us will be together. Then, we will all go out and celebrate that evening! I will likely take the next day off so that I can meet the delivery service at home. Hopefully David and I will be together for that.

Acceptance Letter:

Our agency gives one week to get the acceptance letter back to them. This will give us time to consult an IA clinic and also talk with our pediatrician about Kaelie's health and if there is anything we should be concerned about. After all the acceptance letters are received, the agency will mail them back to China. If there seem to be major health concerns (this happens rarely, but it does happen), we have the option to turn down the referral and wait for the CCAA to issue another referral in the next batch. Hopefully, this will not happen!

Travel Approval:

After the acceptance letters are sent back to China, we will wait for our travel approval, which comes from the CCAA. I believe that during this time we will work on obtaining our China visas. After the TA's come in, our agency will work to secure our consulate appointments.

Consulate Appointment:

This is the final step! Once our consulate appointment is secured at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, we will be able to make our travel arrangements, book flights, etc. Our agency tries to travel about three weeks after the consulate appointment, but of course this could vary widely.

Usually the time between referral and travel is about 6 to 8 weeks. That's nothing compared to how long we have waited. We will be very busy working on Kaelie's room, getting ready for travel, making maternity leave arrangements and getting everything ready for school while I am away (I think I'm going to have a terrific sub who is a retired teacher!) I've spoken to several people who are simply amazed at the amount of paperwork that must be completed during this process. But after waiting for so long, I am completely up to the task! Daunting to be sure, but doable! I can't wait to meet Kaelie for the first time!

2nd Annual Sumner Egg Festival

2008-09-20T17:53:00.015-04:00

Hi Everybody!

We had a great day at the Sumner Egg Festival today. My friend and fellow black belt Regina and I set up a booth to raise money for our causes: me to go to China and her daughter to go to Florida for a chorus trip. We split the costs of doing face-painting, temporary tattoos, and crazy hair! It was wonderful fellowship and we both actually made a little money for our trips. It was a lot of fun. Below are a few pics from the event:

Getting set up before the event

Danny and Regina, black belt extraordinaires! All the while, Anya, an event coordinator and ATA buddy, chats (as usual!) on the phone!

Danny was a huge help with the set up and even made a drink run after while Regina and I set up the table! Also, thanks to Clint for helping with the canopy and setting up the board for the "Go Fishing" activity.

Sara and Steffany get a new look!

Regina hard at work...or play?

Horrible picture, but I did wear my Scrapping Panda t-shirt!

We did this family...the kids were so cute!

Jess helps out and earns money for her chorus trip!

Fellow ATA'er and lovely sister Lisa came by and visited this afternoon. We all ate lunch together and Lisa agreed to help us at the Peanut Festival. My sister is the best!

I have to give a shout out to Regina and her sweet family...we first met when I taught Jess in the third grade. We were able to start a stronger friendship when we all met up at ATA, then we all started working out together. It's amazing because two-and-a-half years later we all have our black belts. Our ATA center is like a family, that what keeps me going week after week, having the companionship and like-mindedness of kind people with strong moral values. Regina and Jess even kept the boys a few weeks ago when I needed an emergency babysitter. Thanks guys!

We are going to have another booth at the Georgia Peanut Festival on October 18. That festival is much larger and we hope to make more profit!

Kaelie, Mama's coming! I love you!

New Mama Do!

2008-09-17T21:42:00.004-04:00

Hi Everybody!

Since it is our 31-month LID'versary today (and HOPEfully our last, but who knows!), I treated myself to a new do. My good friend and ATA buddy Anya gave me a new cut and a drastic new color! Now I'm going to tell everyone at work tomorrow (not everyone knows about our adoption or they just conveniently forget, it's not like I'm showing or anything!) that it is my "New Mama" do!

I also got a French mani and a pretty pink pedi with a pretty big toenail design (sorry if that is too much info, but it is so cute!).

Then over to Walgreen's for some makeup...maybe it will go to China with me!

Donna, this is for you!

LID'versary....

2008-09-14T13:47:00.003-04:00

Well, today is the day...on February 17, 2006, our dossier was officially registered with the China Center for Adoption Affairs. We've waited ever since.

Waited.

Waited.

Renewed paperwork.

And waited some more.

Prepared a nursery.

Shopped. And stopped.

Involuntarily changed agencies.

And waited some more.

And it is hard. I never believed the month or two prior to getting our referral would be the hardest. Are we next? Or aren't we? What will our little Kaelie look like? Where is she now...Hunan, Jiangxi, Chongqing, Guangdong? Is she warm? Fed...or hungry? Sick or well? How old is she? How big is Kaelie? 9, 12, 18 month clothing? How long has she been waiting for us?

A million and one questions keep going through my mind.

What will referral day be like? Where will I be? Will I cry? Will I remember Stephe's call sheet? How will we celebrate?

When will I travel (DH is staying home with the boys)? Over Thanksgiving, Christmas? What will China be like? Will I leave a part of my heart there like I did in Russia?

To my sweet, precious daughter-to-be: Know this, that God and I love you very much and I'm looking forward to the day we meet and become a forever family.

Love, Mama

Desperately Seeking Rumors!

2008-09-13T15:00:00.002-04:00

HELP! I'm going rumor-crazy! If you're LID in February and heard anything new, please leave a comment and let me know!

Rumor Queen Projections!!!!

2008-09-08T11:17:00.003-04:00

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this! OK, now I really, REALLY can't help it that I have my hopes up for October!

October, maybe, NOVEMBER FOR SURE!

Hurry up CCAA! I want to see my baby girl!

Here's one of the reasons that I'm really hopeful for October. There were only about 17 days between the August 11 and September 2 batches, and the CCAA referred 101 poll (RQ followers, you know what I mean!) families. So, if they can do 101 poll families in three weeks, why can't they do 107 poll families in a normal month???!!!!

Please post a comment and tell me what you think! I am so, so hoping that I'm right and not just getting my hopes up. So much for guarding my heart, I want to see our baby!

Happy Birthday and Butterfly Kisses!

2008-09-07T10:55:00.005-04:00

The boys and I spend a wonderful afternoon among friends. The Weimers and I met through APC in July, 2005. Dennis and Kim had just come home from China with their precious bundle of joy Lia. In August, 2005, I met the Talleys at a get-together organized by Dusty and her darling husband Chet. Dusty and Chet brought MaryJoyce home in September, 2006, and Jen and Mike brought home Mei this past January. Once Mei woke up from her nap and warmed up a bit, she shared some kisses with me...it just melted my heart!

Lia was so excited because we were all together to celebrate her fourth birthday! Pizza was enjoyed by all, then on to Princess cake and ice cream! She received some wonderful presents and had a great time blowing out her candles with Daddy's help! All the boys played Commandos and War, and the girls played dress up. It was wonderful to hear the stories of been there, done that parents! The visit was truly amazing!

I have to give a shameless plug here for Dennis' new movie "Fireproof." This movie was produced by Dennis and Kim's church, and is to be released later this month. Dennis worked on the production team. It was so facinating to see video clips and pictures from the production. Much of the movie, starring Kirk Cameron, was filmed in Albany and south Georgia. I even got to hold the axe, which was signed by all the actors and the director!

I'm so disappointed because I forgot to take pictures!

Twenty-Nine Lines to Make You Smile!

2008-09-07T10:48:00.002-04:00

ENJOY!

1. My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't.

2. I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.

3. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

4. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

5. Don't take life too seriously; no one get s out alive.

6. You're just jealous because the voices talk only to me.

7. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

8. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.

9. I'm not a complete idiot -- some parts are missing.

10. Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.

11. NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning medicine.

12. God must love stupid people; He made so many.

13. The gene pool could use a little chlorine.

14. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

15. Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?

16. Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it.

17. Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up.

18. Procrastinate Now!

19. I Have a Degree in Liberal Arts; Do You Want Fries With That?

20. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

21. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.

22. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!

23. They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.

24. He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD.

25. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.

26. Ham and eggs...A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

27. The trouble with life is there's no background music.

28. The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.

29. I smile because I don't know what the hell is going on.

Obama or McCain?

2008-09-01T21:33:00.001-04:00

Your Issue Profile: 56% Obama, 44% McCain

Truth be told, you're not really satisfied with either of the candidates.

You could vote for either of them. You are the typical coveted swing voter.

You may want to narrow yourself down to a particular set of issues in order to pick your president.

Or start looking at third party candidates. One of them might suit you better.

Should You Vote for Obama or McCain?

Referrals and Predictions

2008-09-01T12:09:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to update that Rumor Queen is reporting that the CCAA has issued referrals through February 9, 2006. This is terrific news...now they are only 8 days away from our LID. That being said, I think that I can honestly say that we will receive our referral the first week in November, with mid-December travel. WHAT AN AMAZING CHRISTMAS PRESENT!!!!

Here are my predictions, based on an average of the number of days CCAA has matched (over 13 batches, that would be 6 days) and number of poll families (from RQ, 86 poll families across the last 7 batches):

October - LID's through February 16, 2006 (congratulations Rhonda and Lori!)
November - LID's through February 22, 2006 (that would be US!!!!!!)
December - LID's through February 28, 2006
January, 2009 - LID's through March 6, 2006

It would be awesome to get an October referral, but the numbers just don't lend themselves to it. I just can't get my hopes up. Anyway, a November referral and December travel would be great, it would give me a couple more weeks off at the end of January with Kaelie!

Long Time, No Blog!

2008-08-30T18:10:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long! No, I didn't fall off the blogging earth, just been very busy with life right now. School's started back, and between getting both myself and the boys back into a routine, it's been really hectic around here.

Things on the adoption front have been really interesting too. I really can't say too much, but our adoption agency has closed, and our file has been transferred to another agency, and more $$$$ has had to change hands (from ours to theirs!). I've been really angry and frustrated at the whole situation. David and I even (briefly!) talked about pulling out of the adoption altogether, but it wasn't really one of our options. Thankfully, our adoption can continue and we aren't being screwed quite as much as other families in different programs at the agency. Let's just say that we're stilled logged in at CCAA and we will one day get to see our Kaelie.

Other things that have happened in the last few weeks:

1. My wonderful grandmother, at 86, had a hip replacement surgery at the beginning of August. She is beginning to get better. She's the kind of person that is going to push herself (well, most of the time!) and I think she's making great progress. She's having home therapy right now and it won't be long before she's going to our out-patient facility in our town. She had a scare with her heart while she was in the hospital, it was a major setback, but now that is all cleared up.

2. My sister Lisa has begun her teaching career! I think she's having a great time teaching her first-grade students. Sara's lost two of her baby molars this past week, she is so excited about that!

3. My brother-in-law (Lisa's husband) will be having a double-bypass surgery in his legs in the coming weeks. He's a diabetic smoker, with an amputation of his left leg. Hopefully he will soon realize that he is slowly killing himself bit by bit. Lisa is really having a difficult time with this right now.

In adoption news, referrals came out in mid-August for LID's through January 31st, 2006. So with the next batch we will see February 2006 referrals. It's really looking like November for us, with December travel. I'm going to be really upset to travel over Christmas, I don't want to miss Santa coming! Time will tell, though, nothing is written in stone, but I'm not looking for any big batches anytime soon.

Again, sorry it's been so long!

You know what they say about all good things!

2008-07-18T22:53:00.002-04:00

Well, our family vacation is coming to an end. The last two days have been absolutely spectacular!

Yesterday David and I took the boys over to Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island. What a beautiful place! The water looked only as it does in pictures: a beautiful blue-green, crystal clear. The beach had a lot of families, but it was absolutely pristine. The boys had a great time in the surf and sand. Unfortunately for me, even though I slathered myself with Coppertone, I got sunburned. UGH! I avoid sunburn like the plague! Oh, well...

After our trip to Bowman's Beach, we took a sunset dolphin cruise. It was so nice, the weather was calm, and finally, on our way back to the marina, we saw a group of three dolphins. It was a beautiful night.

This afternoon, after nursing my sunburn for most of the day, the boys and I walked down to the beach. It was another beautiful sunset, we saw a small sting ray swimming among literally hundreds of sand dollars. We found dozens of tiny shells, inhabited with tiny hermit crabs. It was funny because every time Jeremy picked one up, he squealed and giggled. Shelby, being more subdued, studied the underside of the sand dollars and counted the tiny crabs that hitched a ride on them.

We ate a wonderful dinner after our walk at Matanzas Inn. Delicious and I would highly recommend this restaurant!

NiHao from (not so sunny) Florida!

2008-07-16T12:35:00.002-04:00

NiHao from Sunshine-less Florida! This is the first beach vacation that we've taken without sun! What's it like with two kids, a hubby who has barely had a day off in six months, and a restless waiting mom? Not so pretty!

Only kidding! We are trying to make the best of it. We have a really, REALLY nice condo on Ft. Myers Beach, and we are enjoying being together. It's rained all day today. There is a non-tropical low that's formed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico that's really been kicking up some downpours and thunderstorms. When you plan these trips months in advance, the weather is the one thing that you can't really depend on. You plan and hope the weather is sunny. If not, you make lemonade out of lemons.

Here are a few pics from our first (sunny) afternoon here:

Shelby finds starfish in the tidal pool at low afternoon tide

Shelby explores the tidal pool at low afternoon tide (ALWAYS the explorer!)

David chills while Shrek looks on! (I thought the photo looked strange with Shrek's one eye peering from the towel!)

The Agony of Waiting

2008-07-15T19:32:00.000-04:00

This post really says alot about the wait. The long, long wait. The impatience, frustration, anger. The wonderment, the excitement, the expectancy. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Our Little Tongginator: Just Waiting, Part 25 ... or Large Thorns, Large Blessings

High Gas Prices

2008-07-09T22:14:00.006-04:00

OK, I'm not complaining here, but the gas prices are really hitting our family hard these days! As a middle-class two-income working family, our budget is so tight these days. Seems like there's nothing left at the end of the paycheck!

I received an interesting open letter today from Delta Air Lines, of all places. I didn't have the best of experiences when I went to Boston at the end of March. Many of you, if you are a frequent flyer or in a miles program, may have received the same letter. Since it is an open letter, I'll post the contents here:

Our country is facing a possible sharp economic downturn because of skyrocketing oil and fuel prices, but by pulling together, we can all do something to help now.

For airlines, ultra-expensive fuel means thousands of lost jobs and severe reductions in air service to both large and small communities. To the broader economy, oil prices mean slower activity and widespread economic pain. This pain can be alleviated, and that is why we are taking the extraordinary step of writing this joint letter to our customers.

Since high oil prices are partly a response to normal market forces, the nation needs to focus on increased energy supplies and conservation. However, there is another side to this story because normal market forces are being dangerously amplified by poorly regulated market speculation.

Twenty years ago, 21 percent of oil contracts were purchased by speculators who trade oil on paper with no intention of ever taking delivery. Today, oil speculators purchase 66 percent of all oil futures contracts, and that reflects just the transactions that are known. Speculators buy up large amounts of oil and then sell it to each other again and again. A barrel of oil may trade 20-plus times before it is delivered and used; the price goes up with each trade and consumers pick up the final tab. Some market experts estimate that current prices reflect as much as $30 to $60 per barrel in unnecessary speculative costs.

Over seventy years ago, Congress established regulations to control excessive, largely unchecked market speculation and manipulation. However, over the past two decades, these regulatory limits have been weakened or removed. We believe that restoring and enforcing these limits, along with several other modest measures, will provide more disclosure, transparency and sound market oversight. Together, these reforms will help cool the over-heated oil market and permit the economy to prosper.

Now, I'm normally not the type of person that buys into alot of hype from the airline industry. I mean, they are charging us for peanuts, service isn't what it used to be, plenty of flights are delayed or cancelled for seemingly no reason. However, I believe that the health of the airline industry is somewhat of a gauge for the health of our nation's economy. I've heard before about the speculation on the commodities markets, but, not being an economist, well, it's just so hard to understand!

Right now, it's my understanding that the price of oil is really NOT $150 a barrel in actuality, but it's all on paper. The traders and speculators are making it go up. David explained to me that Bush signed a bill de-regulating the commodities markets way back when. I can't really comprehend all the politics behind it, but the de-regulation is basically letting the traders do whatever they want.

Here's the thing: What can we do about it? Right now, I'm not in a position to do much. I can't afford to go right now and buy a new vehicle that will get better gas mileage. I'm buying less, making less trips trying to conserve fuel. I work 14 miles from my home, so it's 28 miles round trip. I can't move closer to work right now, I can't afford to!

One thing we can do is to contact our federal legislators to let them know how we feel about the gas prices and commodities trading. This paragraph was at the end of the letter:

The nation needs to pull together to reform the oil markets and solve this growing problem.
We need your help. Get more information and contact Congress by visiting www.StopOilSpeculationNow.com.

Don't stop reading. I got an email from a friend recently telling me about the Gas Price Protest. You can read on Snopes and other websites that internet-based petitions simply don't work. However, letters to our congressmen and senators do! Especially in an election year. If you visit the Stop Oil Speculation Now website, you can generate emails or printed letters to your representatives urging congressional action. Gas prices, in my opinion, will only continue to rise if Congress does not step in and do something soon!

And, finally, if you want to read an interesting blog about traffic, transportation, and gas prices, visit this web site.

I've Been Tagged!

2008-07-09T01:09:00.004-04:00

Dusty over at Adoption Voyages tagged me today! My job select is to 6 words to describe how I'm feeling right now. Then, I'm to tag 5 more people to do the same. Let me see if I can keep it positive:

1. Proud! I am so proud of my two boys. They are growing into such fine young men. It's hard to believe that I don't have babies anymore. Shelby and Jeremy are so much alike, yet so different. All in all, despite some major mishaps along the way (don't ask me about the cooktop!), they are great kids!

2. Anxious! I'm so anxious to receive Kaelie's referral. It's hard to put it in the back of my mind and just enjoy living for today. I'm really looking forward to experiencing China and all she has to offer. God is so wonderful...I'm so blessed that I've had the chance to see the world through international adoption.

3. Lazy! I have so many projects that I was going to do this summer, that haven't gotten done. Summer's not over yet, though! I'm really looking forward to our trip to FL next week for some serious "Sun-Time!" I've been thinking, however, that we stay on the go so much, the down time has been refreshing.

4. Loved! I'm so blessed to have a wonderful family, a terrific husband and an incredible extended family! Lisa is going to help me with a fundraiser this fall. At our town's annual peanut festival, she is going to help me run a food booth raise money for our adoption trip. We are going to sell donuts in the morning, then we are going to sell peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, drinks (canned and lemonade), and snickerdoodle cookies for dessert.

5. Confident! I'm looking forward to my ATA school's promotional testing this week - I'm testing for my first-degree black belt.

6. Tired! It's 1:26 AM and I'm still not through with everything. Oh well, there is always tomorrow. What was accomplished today? Getting some items ready for Ebay, laundry, ATA class, organized some junk baskets, got a package ready to mail, among other things. Still not enough! I guess I'm thankful for my Scarlett ("I'll think about that tomorrow!") attitude!

WHO'S GETTING TAGGED!?

1. My fellow Precious Panda Lori. She just started her blog and she needs something to write about! LOL!

2. My travel buddy Evelyn

3. My travel buddy Stephe

4. My travel buddy Donna

AND....

5. Another Precious Panda, Rhonda!

I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting all 5 of these terrific ladies in person during this wait. Have fun, girlies!! Can't wait to read your posts!

Province Series #1: Jiangxi

2008-07-06T10:42:00.013-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, I must tell you that I feel like my blog is a rambling of boring glimpses of a waiting mom! In an effort to make it a little more informative, I'm going to begin a series on the different provinces of China. First up: Jiangxi!

Jiangxi province, located in Southeastern China, is known for its natural beauty. Beautiful mountains and pristine lakes and rivers surround Jiangxi. Jiangxi is located in the lower Yangtze River Basin as well as being centered on the Gan River Valley. The area is agricultural, producing such crops as rice, sweet potatoes, and wheat, as well as the cash crops of cotton and peanuts, among others.

Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, is home to the largest wintering habitat for white cranes in China. Mt. Lushan in the north is a beautiful summer resort area. Jiangxi is mountainous in the south, with lower evelations in the north.

Jiangxi shown in dark peach (above)

Jiangxi is home to some 40 million people. The current boundaries of Jiangxi were established during the Ming dynasty. Named during the Tang Dynasty, sometimes Jiangxi is known as Gan for short. Ceramics and porcelain have been produced in Jiangxi for at least 1,800 years.

Jingdezhen, a city in Jiangxi, is known as the capital of porcelain.

San Qing Mountain

16th century porcelain

Nanchang (NAN-chung), the capital of Jiangxi province, is home to approximately 2 million people. It is an industrial and economic center featuring many factories, including a Ford plant. Nanchang is also a transportation center, known for both rail and air service. In years past, Jiangxi served as a corridor for migration between the southern and northern provinces (due to the river structure of the area).

Nanchang International Airport

There are many historial sites to see during a visit to Nanchang and Jiangxi. The Star of Nanchang is currently the world's tallest ferris wheel at 535 feet. Air-conditioned gondolas carry up to eight passengers on a slow rotation for spectacular views of the city. Bayi Square is the second largest public square in China, followed only by Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Tengwang Pavilion is one of three famous pavilions along the Yangtze River. The Donglin Monastery is a rather interesting place to visit, built for monk Hui Yuan.

Tengwang Pavilion

Though not well-known outside of the province (as opposed to say, Sichuan cuisine), Jiangxi hosts distinctive flavors in its culinary style. Chile peppers are used in many dishes, as well as pickled and fermented products.

Referral Rumors and New Predictions

2008-07-02T22:24:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, thank goodness that I've gotten really good at guarding my heart! No, only kidding...this wait really sucks. While I was hoping against hope that the CCAA would issue referrals through January 27, 2006, the newest rumor is that the cutoff will be January 25, 2006. A friend got this information from her agency. I feel that it is pretty accurate.

5 calendar days, two of those days were weekend days, so actually only 3 calendar days. I guess we are 5 days closer, but this is a VERY SMALL batch. It figures, with the Olympics so close and all. I'm disappointed, but not surprised.

My new referral predictions still have us with an October referral. I'm glad of that...I was just hoping that we could somehow get moved up to hopefully a September referral. Here's what I think might happen for August, based on an average number of 100 poll families (RQ) and average number of days (6, per China Adoption Forecast):

August Referrals: Through February 7, 2006

September Referrals: Through February 14, 2006

October Referrals: Through February 21, 2006

November Referrals: Through February 27, 2006

December Referrals: Through March 5, 2006

January (2009) Referrals: Through March 11, 2006

China Adoption Forecast and Wren's Referral Calculator haven't updated their sites yet. I'll post their thoughts when they get their new info out.

(Scene above is from Mexico Beach, 2007)

This and That...

2008-06-30T10:20:00.003-04:00

Hi Everybody!

Hope you like the new look here! I think I've finally gotten it right! Not that there is a right, but I guess I'm saying "right" in terms of what suits me! Leave a comment here telling me what you think.

It's a rainy day here, but we will soon brighten things up with a birthday celebration! My niece is 9 years old today!

My new favorite toy is Smilebox! I made the digital scrapbook above in about 5-10 minutes. I didn't edit any pictures, just dragged and dropped. It's a neat and easy way to share photos, especially if you're like me and don't have a lot of time to put into designing digi-scrap pages. I hope you enjoy to pics of the boys!

A Family for Fen

2008-06-24T22:40:00.004-04:00

I read the most precious story about an 8 year old in China named Fen. She is waiting for her forever family to come and adopt her. Please click here (Love Without Boundaries blog) to read all about her. She is just so cute and sweet, I just know her family is out there somewhere!

Contact information:

Heritage Adoption

vbaker@heritageadoption.org

LID'versary

2008-06-18T01:21:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone...

Well, what can I say? 28 months behind us, and how many more to go?

I have been thinking about Kaelie all day today. I feel in my heart that she has been born already. As the full moon rose tonight and dodged in and out from behind the clouds, I looked up and just thought about how the sun might be coming across her sweet face. Where is she? Is she well-fed? Loved? Safe? Is she in the midst of the terrible devestation of floods and earthquakes? I love this child whom I've never met with all my heart, in the depths and recesses of my very soul. Does she somehow know or sense that love, these ties that bind us together?

Here are the lyrics to a once-popular Richard Marx ballad. While it speaks of a long-distance romantic relationship, every time I happen to hear it, this song brings tears to my eyes and I think of my sweet little girl Kaelie waiting for us an ocean and a continent away.

Oceans apart day after day,

And I slowly go insane.

I hear your voice on the line,

But it doesn't stop the pain.

If I see you next to never,

How can we say forever?

Wherever you go,

Whatever you do,

I will be right here

waiting for you.

Whatever it takes,

Or how my heart breaks,

I will be right here

waiting for you.

I took for granted,

all the times

That I though would last somehow.

I hear the laughter, I taste the tears

But I can't get near you now.

Oh, can't you see it baby?

You've got me goin' crazy.

Wherever you go,

Whatever you do,

I will be right here

waiting for you.

Whatever it takes,

Or how my heart breaks,

I will be right here

waiting for you.

I wonder how we can survive

This romance.

But in the end

if I'm with you,

I'll take the chance.

Oh, can't you see it baby?

You've got me goin' crazy.

Wherever you go,

Whatever you do,

I will be right here

waiting for you.

Whatever it takes,

Or how my heart breaks,

I will be right here

waiting for you.

Kaelie, Mama loves you so much!

(The picture above was taken on our 2007 trip to Mexico Beach, FL.)

Referrals and Rumors

2008-06-12T09:31:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, just to give you all an update: The CCAA's official cut-off was January 20, 2006 (instead of the 22nd). It's rather strange, though, because the January 21st and 22nd were weekend days. We are speculating that, while the CCAA occasionally works on the weekends (especially around holidays) that there aren't many LID's on those two days.

My agency did not receive any referrals in this batch because they didn't have any LID's.

A very, very early first rumor on RQ says that "one agency says that the CCAA says next month will also have a lot of days in it." It's really hard to know if that is true...I'm not putting much stock into it at this point, but it would be great if it panned out!

Finally, I re-did my predictions. The new poll results got posted on RQ after her fiasco with her hosting company. Here's what I think based on number of poll families and average number of days:

July Referrals: Through January 27, 2006
August Referrals: Through February 10, 2006
September Referrals: Through February 16, 2006
October Referrals: Through February 25, 2006
November Referrals: Through March 3, 2006
December Referrals: Through March 8, 2006

Given what China Adoption Forecast and Wren's Referral Calculator are saying, I'm really leaning toward an October referral. I want to be excited about a possible September referral, but I just need to protect my heart right now. October is a long way away (well, September too!) and I have a lot to do to keep busy during this time. It's finally getting close though!

In other news, my sister and her family are away at the beach and I'm missing them like crazy! I know they are having a blast!

Referrals and Predictions

2008-06-08T21:33:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I was able to celebrate a HUGE batch of referrals with my Panda sister Lori this month. The boys and I took a mini-break down to Orlando and stayed in Lakeland with my wonderful friends. We all had a great time. I'll post some pictures later!

The great news is that the CCAA processed 10 calendar days of referrals this month! That is awesome and it has been over a year since they processed LID's in the double digits. It's certainly worth celebrating. LID's through 22 January 2006 were matched this month! Many of my Pandas will receive their precious childrens' referrals this month. CONGRATULATIONS!

Now, where does that live my little brood? Here is what I've calculated for the next few batches:

July Referrals: Through 1/27/06

August Referrals: Through 2/9/06

September Referrals: Through 2/16/06

October Referrals: Through 2/20/06

Right now, both China Adoption Forecast and Wren's Referral Calculator have our family receiving Kaelie's referral in October. That is wonderful news, given that if we get our referral in October, I will be able to travel before the end of the year. YIPPEE!

Homestudy Update #3

2008-05-30T23:31:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Our social worker came this evening for our update visit. The visit was very uneventful and lasted about 20 minutes! She basically came to pick up the paperwork. She and her family were one their way out of town for the weekend. I really like the quick visits! :>)

My sister Lisa came to help me today get ready for the visit. We had a great time together! I treated her to Chinese take-out for lunch (the boys wanted Burger King!) and we worked on the tough chores like dusting kitchen cabinets, making sure ALL the laundry was done, packing up some yard sale stuff, etc. We also worked on general cleaning stuff as well. I am so tired! It was a great day!

My favorite part was when we were finished, we hugged and cried. It was a big love-fest! Both Lisa and my younger sister Robyn are so excited about having a new niece! In their honor, here is a little poem about sisters:

There is no Friend like a Sister

There's no better friend than a sister -

There's no one more loyal and true . . .

and even when sisters are different . . .

their likeness come shining through!

Perhaps it's a family resemblance that strengthens the bond they share . . .

or maybe it's just that sisters live life with a similar flair!

A sister remembers your collegehood -

knows more than you will admit

of times you were Little Miss Perfect . . .

and times you gave others a fit!

She's seen you in some situations

when silence just wouldn't suffice . . .

and managed somehow to get by with those sisterly words of advice!

And when some encouragement's needed . . .

a sister will always be there . . .

to listen . . .

to laugh . . .

or to lean on . . .

to comfort,

or simply to care.

There's no one who's more in your corner . . .

and no one you're more grateful to.

There's no better friend than a sister . . .

and no better sister than you.

from "There Is No Friend Like A Sister"

by Mary Engelbreit

Credit: Colleen's Corner

Karen, Robyn, Lisa (Thanksgiving, 2007)

WARNING: Blog Under Construction!

2008-05-26T03:36:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I am once again in the process of playing around with my blog look. I was tired of the busy background and the lime-green colors, the blandness of the header, etc.

I've ordered a blog kit and now I've got to play around with it some to see if I can get it right. If not, I'll be paying for a blog makeover!

Pardon the construction work here...after a while, I'll get it right. Hopefully, this time I won't delete everything and have to start over, I think I've figured out that part!

A Tragic Accident

2008-05-22T14:17:00.002-04:00

I learned today that Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman, a strong proponent of international adoption, lost his youngest daughter in a tragic car accident.

I have had the privilege of seeing Steven in concert, back a couple of years ago at Wild Adventures. He is a talented artist who has a strong faith in God.

Steven and his wife have adopted three daughters from China. They run a non-profit organization which helps other families to experience the joy of adoption.

Little Maria was only five years old. My heart and prayers go out to this wonderful Christian family in their time of heartache and loss.

BUSTED!

2008-05-21T20:34:00.005-04:00

David got BUSTED! for the Muscular Dystrophy Association last Thursday! I think he had a great time and he raised $919 for a great cause. Here are some pictures from his day:

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Watch it buster!"

"Any last words, you low-down criminal you?" "AHHHHHH, HELP ME!!!

"You are charged with looking utterly ridiculous in that get-up!" Only kidding, David!

Thanks for being such a great guy and taking time to help others. It's why I love you so much!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T18:03:00.000-04:00

You Are Somewhat Like Your Mom

Believe it or not, you and your mom are pretty darn similar.

It may not seem like it at times, but you and your mom have a lot of common ground.

Over time, you'll probably get closer ... especially if you emphasize the things you like about each other.

Are You Like Your Mom?

David and the Muscular Dystrophy Association

2008-05-11T09:41:00.005-04:00

David is a grocery store manager at a local supermarket and every so often he volunteers to be "locked up" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This year his "bail" is a whopping $3,000! Wow!

So far David's raised $275 of his bail. He asked vendors to contribute, and the Pepsi supervisor got the dubious honor of shaving David's head! David's always worn his hair very short, but now you can see every curve and dent in his cranium.

Muscular dystrophy is a very serious and deadly disease. There are about 40 different types of MD, and the MDA does millions of dollars of research to try to find a cure for the disease. It affects kids as well as adults. During my teaching career, I've taught two students with this illness. It's saddening to see, in a year, how this disease can ravage a person's body.

To read the blog of a man living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, click here.

David participates in this wonderful event for two reasons: 1. his cousin died from this disease, and 2. he is so grateful to have healthy kids.

David often teases me that I spend more time with my internet friends than I do with him. Let's show him the power of the internet by supporting David and the MDA and to help David to post his bail. THE BIG EVENT IS THIS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008! I've created a separate Chipin! widget to make it easy for you to support this cause.

Words cannot express how thankful I am in advance for your support! I will post some pictures of David when he participates in the event!

What dog breed are you?

2008-05-04T19:23:00.001-04:00

Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modelling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk.

Septic Tanks and Ladybugs

2008-05-04T12:39:00.002-04:00

I have this huge chore to do today. I have to expose the septic tank so that the environmentalist from the health department can see it and approve it as part of our homestudy update. David is working for part of the day today, so, as the saying goes: "If it's meant to be, it is up to me." Story of my life! Anyway...

I was just getting started and the most beautiful ladybug landed on my arm. She probably had a dozen spots and was a bright red. She stayed just long enough to give me a little inspiration.

Oh, there is a huge ant bed right on top of where I have to dig. I have about a dozen bites so far. I came in long enough to let them simmer down, now I've got to get back and stir them up again.

What we have to go through to bring our daughters home! Maybe I will post a pic when I get finished!

China Adoption Forecast

2008-05-04T12:20:00.002-04:00

China Adoption Forecast's website was updated today. Here's what it said in regards to our LID:

"China has 36 days of dossiers to be processed before they get to your dossier. China currently processes about 5-7 days of dossiers each month.

If China did all future referrals at the exact same speed as they did this month: 2009-04-17

Our best guess - a weighted average of recent CCAA velocities, guessing that CCAA will perform about as well in the future as they are performing now, but might return to previous trends: 2008-09-08

That's our best guess for when you might receive your referral. Just at a guess, we can suppose that the CCAA either speeds up or slows down significantly, and show you those dates. If they speed up: 2008-07-03. And if they slow down: 2008-12-29.

Since China generally sends out referrals in a batch about once per month, your referral date could easily vary +/- one month depending on whether you just get included or just get missed in a particular batch."

What does this mean for our family? What I really think it means is not too much at all. It's just a prediction. I'm really leaning toward a referral anywhere between September and December. I still feel like the Olympics are, unfortunately, going to impact our wait time. With that being said, keep in mind that we have a week right before our LID where the CCAA did not process any LID's due to the holiday of Chinese New Year, 2006. SO, these two events could cancel each other out!

RQ said recently that she wasn't ready to put up a new poll, so it's really hard to predict past February 12, 2006. That's where RQ's poll ends. Are February 13, 14, 15, and 16 very heavy days? We could see a couple of 3-day batches. I'm just not sure and I'd love for her to go ahead and get a new poll up. She's usually posted a new poll when referrals get halfway through the current poll, which is now! Come on, RQ! The rest of February's families want to vote and predict!

Happy Graduation Day!

2008-05-04T12:13:00.003-04:00

Yesterday morning my sister Lisa graduated from Valdosta State University. She earned her Master's Degree in Special Education, Interrelated/Early Childhood Education. She has accepted a position as a co-teacher in a first-grade classroom, where she will work closely with a regular education teacher to provide services for several students with special needs.

I am so proud of Lisa! She worked for three long years to achieve this dream!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Lisa with proud husband Steve and daughters Sara and Steffany

Proud and happy graduate!

Sisters share a special moment!

My Latest Predictions

2008-04-30T20:35:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone -

Well, since I read my January DTC group today, I am feeling more strongly that January 12 is the cutoff date. As I'm sitting here feeling sorry for myself, I went ahead and re-calculated my predictions. I base my predictions on an average of the number of poll families (about 100 per Rumor Queen's latest poll) and the average number of days that the CCAA has referred in the past 12 months. Here goes:

June Referrals - Through January 16, 2006

July Referrals - Through January 23, 2006

August - NO REFERRALS DUE TO 2008 OLYMPICS (this is not written in stone, but rumors are flying that this is a definite possibility, just preparing my heart)

September Referrals - Through February 1, 2006

October Referrals - Through February 11, 2006

November Referrals - Through February 16, 2006

December Referrals - Through February 22, 2006

I really think it will be close to the end of the year when see Kaelie's face for the first time. With thousands of dignitaries, athletes, families, and fans pouring into Beijing in August, I just don't see how the CCAA will be able to operate normally. I think it's best to assume that, in a best case scenerio, things will be slow and quiet at the CCAA during August. The CCAA is a government department, and their energies could be used elsewhere during this international event.

The other thing that throws off these predictions is that RQ's current poll closed 4 months ago and only goes through February 12, 2006. How many families have dropped out, changed to special needs, or found RQ in the last few months? It puts a big kink into things and I hope that another poll will be posted soon.

So, to guard my heart, I'm now hoping for a December referral with travel in mid-January, 2009 before Chinese New Year. This will put us a few month's shy of four years of processing this adoption (we applied to our agency May 30, 2005).

Here's a little ladybug to all of my other waiting China mamas! Maybe she will bring us a little luck!

Referral Update

2008-04-30T17:26:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!

It's been reported on RQ that matching has begun. It's rumored that January 12th is in, but it's not sure if January 12th is the cutoff.

According to RQ's polls, January 12th is a heavy day in terms of how many families are logged in. But, when there was a teeny batch back in December, and the next month they came out with a really big batch. So, there's always hope! I'm predicting the CCAA to get through January 14th.

In other news, some agencies are reporting that there will be no travel approvals for August 8-24, 2008 (during the Olympics). I think we won't know until the Olympics get here what is going to happen to referrals and travel in August. It could delay us by a month, which might put us traveling in early 2009! Ugh! I just want my baby already!

I have some internet buddies that are LID 1/10/06 and I am so happy for them. You can see the links to the right to see some family's blogs who are expecting the stork to arrive this month!

My Guys!

2008-04-24T22:53:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted any pictures of my guys in a while, so here are a couple of cute ones...

Shelby and Jeremy are goofing off at Mellow Mushroom. I checked them out early from school for their yearly physicals, and we needed something to do while we waited for our pizza!

Here are Shelby, David, and Jeremy. The boys just adore their dad, and I can't wait to see David with his little girl in his arms!

Nursery Photos, Part 2!

2008-04-24T22:40:00.000-04:00

Here a couple more pictures of Kaelie's nursery...

This storage bench came from Lowe's. It was very easy to put together and cost $60. I plan on buying some Pottery Barn baskets (if I can find some the right size) to put in the empty spaces.

Here is the dresser! Though not a "perfect" job, I think it came out nicely. The drawer pulls came yesterday, and I'll add them this weekend. I was a fun project.

Now, here is what I'm planning on doing to the walls:

1. Good wishes quilt: I'm going to display it on a quilt rack above the storage bench.

2. Ladybug art: I am going to order a ladybug print from www. art.com and have it mounted on canvas. I'm going to hang it on the left side of the window behind the crib. Thinking about safety...there is a space between the wall and the crib.

3. I want to custom order the "Red Thread Proverb" from www.wallwords.com and mount it on the storage bench wall above the quilt.

4. A mirror will be hung above the left side of the dresser, and I will get a few little prints or maybe add some gallery frames above the changing pad.

SOOOOO, the main things are done and I can simply add to the nursery as we continue to wait and wait for Kaelie's referral.

Kaelie's Room!

2008-04-23T22:26:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Kaelie's nursery! Yeah! It is finally starting to come together. I have a lot left to do, but I'm glad that the furniture is in place and set up for the most part.

Wall lettering: I purchased these on the internet. They are so cute and very easy to put up.

Crib on north wall. Looks terrific with everything that was in there out of there!

Window on east wall.

Corner hutch. This came from Pottery Barn Kids. It was packed very well and was so easy to put together. I was very impressed. This should be a piece that will last for years. I still have to install the anti-tip kit. Kaelie will have her own small TV which will go on this piece.

To be continued....

Nursery Progress

2008-04-14T20:46:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone -

I hope you all are doing well out there in blog-land!

I have been working on Kaelie's nursery - it is going to be so beautiful when it is finished! The dresser is coming along nicely...all the demolition work is finished, the new shelves are in, the insides of the drawers are primed. The only construction work that needs to be done is to turn the dresser upside down and add some supports under the new shelves (to prevent the middle part from sagging) and to add some molding to the front. Then the fun part: PAINTING! I think it's going to look really nice when it's finished.

See the corner hutch? It's on sale at Pottery Barn Kids for $449 (including delivery surcharge) instead of the original...hummm, I think I found one for $899 that I liked. So, I bought it (the $449 one!). This and the crib will be the centerpieces of the room. I also bought a storage bench at Lowe's for $60 that will go between the hutch and dresser. I'm going to purchase some baskets from Pottery Barn Kids for storage on the bench. I'm really excited that it's all finally coming together. We've had the crib for over a year and it's been so lonely! I have so many of Kaelie's things displayed in the crib, and now I'm looking forward to putting them away in her dresser.

I had Directv come out on Saturday and install two new receivers, so the boys will no longer be watching TV in Kaelie's room. I'm planning on getting a small TV for Kaelie's room, but she won't be watching it much. Developmentally, it's just not appropriate for children under the age of 2. As the boys have gotten older, they've been able to watch more and more TV, but Shelby and Jeremy both are very interested in playing outside, building things, etc. It's just not good for kids to spend their days sitting in front of a box!

On another note, I contacted my homestudy agency and we are now getting started on our homestudy update and new USCIS approval. I hope to have everything done by the end of May, have our visit the first part of June, and get our I600A in, be fingerprinted and have our new 171H in-hand by the end of July before I go back to school. This approval will be good through the first part of 2010 and I hope we'll be back way before then. I really want to get this done so that I don't have to worry about it when we get Kaelie's referral. I sure hope this process goes smoothly!

This just in....

2008-04-07T16:34:00.001-04:00

from China Adoption Forecast:

-*"China has 39 days of dossiers to be processed before they get to your dossier. China currently processes about 5-7 days of dossiers each month.

If China did all future referrals at the exact same speed as they did this month: 2008-12-18

Our best guess - a weighted average of recent CCAA velocities, guessing that CCAA will perform about as well in the future as they are performing now, but might return to previous trends: 2008-08-12

That's our best guess for when you might receive your referral. Just at a guess, we can suppose that the CCAA either speeds up or slows down significantly, and show you those dates. If they speed up: 2008-06-09. And if they slow down: 2008-12-20.

Since China generally sends out referrals in a batch about once per month, your referral date could easily vary +/- one month depending on whether you just get included or just get missed in a particular batch."

My Latest Predictions

2008-04-05T20:58:00.003-04:00

Hey Ya'll!

Well, my prediction for this month was off by one day. UGH! I'm still really hoping for a September referral. Here are my latest predictions based on an average between the number of days referred in the past twelve months (6.25 days) and number of poll families (about 100).

Credit: Rumor Queen

May Referrals - through January 14, 2006
June Referrals - through January 22, 2006
July Referrals - through January 27, 2006
August Referrals - through February 10, 2006 (the large gap accounts for Chinese New Year, 2006)
September Referrals - through February 17, 2006

I am hoping that RQ puts up a new daily poll this month which will help with making my predictions through the end of the year.

If we end up getting a September referral, I will travel in mid-November to complete the adoption. Which wouldn't be a bad thing necessarily....I could take three weeks of maternity leave before Christmas break, and three weeks after Christmas break, and return to work at the end of January, 2009.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

2008-04-05T19:56:00.003-04:00

Hey ya'll!

I need some opinions, and fast! I found this dresser on Craigslist and need to decide whether I should buy it or not.

It has three drawers on each side and shelves behind the doors. I'm thinking about how easy it would be to take the doors off and put baskets on the shelves. (think Pottery Barn here!). I would be sanding off the finish and painting it white with a high-gloss paint. So what do you think?

April Referrals

2008-04-05T00:26:00.004-04:00

Well, what can I say? The CCAA referred through January 9, 2006. Progress, yes, but how much? Considering that 2 of the days referred were a Saturday and Sunday, not very much.

I think a couple of things happened this month: first, April is traditionally a small month for referrals - it was this time last year that the CCAA issued out the infamous 2-day batch. Secondly, I think the powerful snow and ice storms affected how the SWI's were able to send out referrals.

I'm still thinking September/October for Kaelie's referral and November for travel.

Sigh.....

Reconfiguring the Closet

2008-04-04T10:10:00.004-04:00

One of the things I've wanted to do for a long time to the house is to reconfigure my closet. Our house is a 70's ranch style, and the closets are pretty small. I had two bars, one on each side, and a shelf. There was A LOT of extra space in the top of the closet and I just had stuff stacked on top of stuff! Anyway, with Kaelie's referral drawing near, I took the plunge and decided to go for it.

First, I took everything out of the closet! Then, I demolished the bars and shelves and started off with a blank slate. Now I have two bars on the left (one for David's clothes, the other for my shirts and sweaters), an armoire in the middle - giving me two more dresser drawers) and one bar on the right for dresses.

I'll also have two shelves on the right. I'll add pretty baskets and label for all of the "stuff" I decide to save. I've got to go through David's clothes and decide what to Ebay/Goodwill. I will a patch up a few holes where I demolished the old shelving and paint.

Hope you enjoy the pictures of my handyman apprentice Jeremy testing the strength of the bars and helping screw the bars in place. He is was a terrific helper!

Shout Out goes to...

2008-03-26T20:13:00.004-04:00

a reader in Florida for being the first person to contribute to our adoption trip fund! I am deeply touched and honored by your generosity! Thanks for helping us out! Look for a thank you card in your e-mail box! :>)

Mongolian Spots

2008-03-24T01:24:00.005-04:00

I've been thinking about Mongolian spots lately. I don't know why....odd thing to think about, isn't it?

Mongolian spots are irregularly-shaped bluish, slate-gray, or dark brown birthmarks common in Asian, African-American, Native-American, among other, races. At least one Mongolian spot is present on over 90% of Native Americans and people of African descent, over 80% of Asians, over 70% of Hispanics,and people of African descent, over 80% of Asians, over 70% of Hispanics, and just under 10% of fair-skinned infants (Clinical Pediatric Dermatology, 1993). Despite the name, Mongolian spots have no known anthropologic significance, except for being more common in darker-skinned infants.

Mongolian spots are mostly located on the lower back and buttocks, but can occur anywhere on the body. Here's what I mean:

Mongolian spots are present at birth, and most of them fade (at least somewhat) by age two. Most have completely disappeared by age five. If Mongolian spots remain at puberty, they are likely to be permanent. Fewer than five percent of children with Mongolian spots still have any by adulthood. Those who do tend to be the ones with multiple, widespread spots, or with spots in unusual locations.

I think that, as an adoptive parent, I will ask my pediatrician to document any Mongolian spots that Kaelie may have and to educate those around her (day-care provider, church nursery workers, etc.) about this harmless condition in order to prevent charges of child abuse or neglect.

Credit: www.drgreene.com

My Elton John (NOT!) Weekend

2008-03-16T17:33:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, with Elton John being one of my all-time fave artists, I was so excited that I was finally going to be able to see him in person. My youngest sister had tickets, and she couldn't go, so she sold them to me, and I was going to take my other sister Lisa, in honor of her upcoming graduation from VSU, for a sisters-away weekend.

To make a long story short...Elton cancelled on me! I was so disappointed! But, to give him credit, I think he was sick and was on doctor's orders to rest.

Lisa and I had a great time anyway! We found a beautiful spring jacket for her to wear on her job interview tomorrow, and I bought a few things for the boys and myself. We got home today at lunch. Now it's on to housework before getting ready for work tomorrow!

New Look!

2008-03-12T18:47:00.002-04:00

Well, what do you think?

I found this cute "girly" template at Pyzam. Unfortunately, I don't know HTML well enough to change the template without deleting the widgets. It might take me a few days to get everything back up. The thing I miss the most is my counter! I loved seeing how many of you all out in blogland came to read about this boring life of mine! Anyway, be patient - I'll have it up, and even better than before - within a few days!

Baby Carriers

2008-03-09T00:24:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking about baby carriers lately. I bought one at Target a few weeks ago, but I'm not so sure that I'm going to like it. It is very similar to a Snugli and we didn't have a good experience with the Snugli when we adopted the boys. It was pretty much useless.

Since David won't be traveling with me to China, I'm really thinking that a comfortable baby carrier is going to be essential on the trip to adopt Kaelie. Even though I've considered luggage and done a lot of preliminary planning (luggage, what to pack, etc.), getting through airports with a checked bag, carry-on, and diaper bag is going to be a challenge!

I've looked at two really nice carriers and I'd love to hear about your experiences with either the Hotsling or the Mei Hip carrier.

Here's a picture of the Mei Hip carrier. It has the traditional buckles like a Snugli, but it isn't designed with all those straps.

Price: $84

Here is the Hotsling carrier. It is a one-piece carrier with no buckles or straps.

Price: $48

Sizing is very important with this sling. If you get it too small, the baby's legs will be squished; too big and the baby is floppy in the carrier. It's sized according to the mom's measurement from shoulder to hip.

Having read the wearing instructions for both carriers, both look safe and easy to put on and get your child into it. Safety is, of course, the top priority when it comes to anything dealing with your baby. Both carriers seem like they would be light to pack and not take up alot of room. Both carriers come in a variety of colors!

I would like to invite you to post comments to this post in the comments section. I want to hear from you before I invest this much money in a baby product. What do you think?

March Referrals!

2008-03-04T21:44:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm happy to report that the CCAA has completed referrals for all 2005 families and has begun January, 2006 referrals! Yeehoo! Referrals were issued through January 4, 2006. We have 44 more calendar days until our 2/17/06 LID.

So, with a new batch comes my own new referral predictions! This time, I averaged the the number of days (6.38) for the last 13 batches and also considered the number of RQ poll families.
Here are my best guesses:

April Referrals - Through January 10
May Referrals - Through January 15
June Referrals - Through January 22
July Referrals - Through January 27
August Referrals - Through February 9 (accounting for Chinese New Year)
September Referrals - Through February 17

So, I am currently planning on an early September referral with travel in mid- to late November.

China Adoption Forecast has us also receiving our referral this year.

It was so exciting to see my Precious Pandas buddies receiving their referrals! This is my January DTC yahoo group - I couldn't make through this wait without them!

What do our names mean?

2008-02-25T01:16:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone -

Found this Blogthing on my friend's blog and just had to lift it....sorry Sharon but it was too cute! I couldn't resist!

What Kaelie Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.
You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.
People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

I couldn't resist...I just HAD to try my name out too!

What Karen Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.

You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.

People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

OOOOKKKK! That does sound a little like me, but not the wild, crazy, and rebel part!

Broken Toes and In A Pinch

2008-02-25T00:48:00.002-05:00

No one ever told me that I could actually get HURT doing Taekwondo!

No, just kidding! Safety is always first and foremost in Taekwondo...we have to wear alot of protective gear when we spar (fight!) such as a chest protector, head gear, mouthpiece, etc.

Tuesday night we were doing some cardio and warm-up kicks, and I kicked the bottom of the clapper pad instead of the side (don't ask me how!) when I was doing a jump outer-crescent kick. Crescent kicks are done with a straight leg and the toes pointed upward. Granted, due to my size and age, mine aren't graceful ones, but I guess could get the job done if need be.

So, basically, I when I jumped and kicked, my pointed-up left three outer toes caught the handle of the clapper pad instead of hitting the clapper pad with the side of my foot like you are supposed to. I have felt worse pain, but not by much! Not to let my partner, my instructor, or visiting instructor (or myself for that matter) down, I shook it off and finished my set. As class continued, my toes began to swell and by the next day the top and bottom of my foot and the three outer toes were black and blue. It's a bit better now, though still a little sore and puffy.

I went on back to Taekwondo class Thursday but took it easy. If the swelling doesn't go down in the next day or two, I think I'm going to go see my podiatrist for an x-ray. We have a black belt in our class who is an EMT, and he thought that I might have a stress fracture in one of the metatarsals, and where the pain is coming from now I almost would have no doubt about that! When I say pain, I'm not talking a horrific pain that comes from every step, but just a throbbing, something's not quite right pain.

Enough rambling about that! Now let me tell you about my new best friend Leilani at "In A Pinch of Time":

Remember that a couple of weeks ago I won a free meal from her meal assembly shop. After doing some research and looking at my budget, which includes a lot of money for eating out because it always seems like we are on the run, I decided to go ahead and try my hand at this meal assembly stuff. Shelby, Jeremy, and I worked together (it was a great lesson in kitchen and food safety, and math!) to prepare 13 entrees for freezing. Two nights and two home-cooked meals later, and I'm sold! Shelby helped me fix "Burboun Street Salmon" tonight and it was a hit! Even Shelby - my picky eater - ate ALL of his salmon filet!

Well, this place is going to be a lifesaver and moneysaver in the months ahead. I'm already in the process of selecting next month's meals, and I'm looking forward to having some easy meals prepared during my China trip for the boys and after the trip to make things alot easier as we settle in with Kaelie.

Visitor Map and New Guestbook

2008-02-25T00:44:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone -

As ya'll have probably noticed, I've added a visitor map to the blog. I love it! I love seeing where you all are from. I'm so blessed that you all stop by here to see the ramblings of a working mom and a mom-to-be!

I am in the process of adding a guestbook to the site...I sincerely hope that you will take a moment and introduce yourselves. What brings you by this way...international adoption, curiosity? Where are you from? Suggestions?

I'll be so glad when we get closer to a referral and you all can read some REALLY exciting stuff!
LOL

LID Anniversary

2008-02-17T17:04:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, today is the day I never expected would come - our 2-year LID anniversary. When David and I were first logged in on February 17, 2006, we thought we would travel and have Kaelie home by the end of the year (2006). Then came 2007 and the realization that the China program was definitely slowing down with no speed-up in sight. And now, 2008 is here with the expectant hope that this will be our year. Will it? When-before the Olympics or after? Fall?Christmas?

How have I spent this day? Slept in, really not wanting to face the day. Paid bills. UGH, what fun!

How long have we waited?

24 months.
730 days.
17,520 hours.
1,051,200 minutes.
630,072,000 seconds.

SIGH! I'm tired of waiting....:<(

I won! I won!

2008-02-13T21:37:00.002-05:00

You would have thought I won the lottery! NOT!

Well, let me tell you the whole story. I've been calling in to the local radio station trying to get registered for their Valentine's Day give-a-way. No luck. 7th caller. 9th caller. We already have our winner - try again at 3:30. Programmed their number in the speed dial even. No luck.

Yesterday morning, having tried once again to get registered for the Valentine's give-away, and not having any luck. I just thought that I had just as well to give up. WELL, right after that, John and Mandy did a Valentine's Trivia. The question was: How many calories can you burn by kissing for one minute? I don't want to give away all of John and Mandy's secrets, but let's just say that I got it right on the third try!! Answer: 26

So what did I win for being a professional kisser? A gourmet entree from In A Pinch of Thyme. This is a place where you can go and pre-assemble entrees for freezing. It's cool because I've been wanting to try them out. I am NOT a cook, I can't even cook water without messing it up, and I just loathe doing any kitchen work whatsoever (does getting a Diet Coke out of the fridge count?). So, I think I'm going to put together some meals and put them in the freezer. I think it will save money over eating out!!!

Invisible Moms

2008-02-13T21:12:00.005-05:00

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on thephone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: "Can you fix this? "Can you tie this?" "Can you open this?"

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I broughtyou this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Credit: Author unknown. Received as a forward from my friend V.B. on 2/13/08.

Boston, Here I Come!

2008-02-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to have this fabulous opportunity! I will be traveling to Boston the last weekend in March to hang out with my Precious Panda buddies! This is my Yahoo group that I am on with other waiting families. It sounds crazy, but we are a really close group and have had several get-togethers over the course of the wait.

I will be taking Friday off, flying up to Boston, and coming home on Sunday night. David is going to take off on that weekend to keep the boys. I hope that they will do something special.

This trip really means alot to me! It's so great to hang out with other families who know exactly how you feel and what you are going through!

Referrals and Predictions

2008-02-03T16:55:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Wow, how time flies! I can't believe that I haven't posted in a month! Sorry about that!

The CCAA has removed their documenting processing box from their website, but it seems that the cutoff for February referrals is December 27, 2005. Great news for those families! It was a huge batch in terms of how many families are receiving their referrals.

There are 47 more LID's to go until ours. With that said, I've worked up two sets of predictions on when ours might be coming:

Set 1: Average Number of Days Referred
February - Through December 27
March - Through January 3
April - Through January 10
May - Through January 17
June - Through January 24
July - Through February 8 (accounting for no LID's during Chinese New Year 2006)
August - Through February 15
September - Through February 22

This is based on the fact that the CCAA has referred an average of 7 days per month for the past 12 months.

Set 2: Number of Poll Families
February - Through December 27 (223 poll families - accounts for the incredibly small Jan. batch)
March - Through January 4 (104 poll families)
April - Through January 10 (104 poll families)
May - Through January 13 (108 poll families)
June - Through January 22 (88 poll families)
July - Through January 26 (104 poll families)
August - Through February 8 (94 poll families)
September - Through February 12 (poll ends, with 51 poll families)

This is based on the Rumor Queen's LID polls. Every so often, she puts a poll up and waiting families get to register their LID's. It gives us an idea of how big each day is. It seems like the CCAA has been averaging about 100 poll families lately.

The bad thing is that, even though there is a lot of spectulation out there, no one really knows how the Olympics are going to affect China adoptions and adoption travel. So, these predictions could be really REALLY off depending on if things slow down, completely shut down, or continue as normal.

A September referral would be great for a couple of reasons. If our referral came in September, we could travel the end of October, and I could take maternity leave through the Christmas holidays. I have enough days to do this, plus at the beginning of the next school year I will have 12.5 more days. The weather wouldn't be so hot or so cold (like it is right now!).

Don't get me wrong! I would definitely take getting Kaelie's referral today if they would send it! So, I'm secretly hoping for sooner, just not getting my hopes up!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

I hope that all of my family and friends had a wonderful Christmas holiday and a wonderful New Year!

Just a quick update...the boys both had a fabulous Christmas! Their hamster, HamHam, also called Chuggles, Chug-Chug, or whatever name they decided to call her, passed away on Christmas Eve eve. It was a very sad realization for both Jeremy and Shelby. Santa brought HamHam and Stripey two years ago on Christmas. Stripey passed away some time ago. HamHam had just gotten to be old in hamster years. It was a sad night, the three of us cried and cried. Along with the tears came some difficult questions: "Why does God make things die?" "Why does dying have to be a part of living?" There's a lesson in every event.

We are now the owners of two adorable guinea pigs: Calico Jack and BlackJack. They are the cutest things, much easier to handle than the hamster, and talk about SQUEAKY! The boys have done an excellent job of caring for the guineas....when I checked the cage, I noticed that the food bowl had been filled and Jeremy pleasantly filled the water bottle when I asked him to. We are going to Walmart this weekend to buy some bedding, the boys will cage out the cage themselves (well, I'll supervise). I told them they would have to be responsible for the care of their new pets.

Christmas morning brought squeals of delight from both boys. They were so eager to open their gifts. It was funny, they both slept past 8:00 and we had to wake them up....Shelby and Jeremy both looked sort of dumbfounded, but then they quickly realized what was going on.

We left Thursday morning on a long weekend vacation. David usually takes off the week after Christmas. We decided to trek to Western North Carolina. We visited the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, took a trip aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railway, toured Biltmore House, and visited the New World of Coke in Atlanta. We arrived home on New Year's Eve.

The one thing that was missing, for me anyway, was my baby girl. Somewhere out there, halfway around the world, is a baby with almond eyes, jet black hair, and olive skin waiting for me to be her mom. I want to see her, hold her, kiss her cheeks and stroke her hair. I miss her. She was definitely remembered this Christmas...Santa brought her a Barbie, Aunt Lisa gave her an Asian panda, and Aunt Robyn included her in our "first annual" family yearbook. I wonder if this new year will bring her home...when...before or after the Olympics, will it be closer to Christmas, or could it even be another year? It's so hard to live in the moment when such a life-changing event for Kaelie, me, all of us, is looming ever closer, yet even further away. It's so hard to believe that we started this journey nearly three years ago, and we haven't seen it to fruition.

How much do you know about Christmas?

2007-12-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 7/10 correct

You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas.

When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details.

Random Christmas fact: Most Christmas trees are edible. The needles are a good source of Vitamin C.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

2007-12-16T11:59:00.000-05:00

WOW!

I cannot believe that my baby is seven years old today! It's just amazing how fast they grow up! Oh, I miss the baby years, but I'm looking forward to what lies ahead as well.

We celebrated with Jeremy at the All-American Fun Park. Since it was pouring down rain, we couldn't play golf or bumper boats, but we all enjoyed two rounds of Laser Tag. In the first game, it was parents against children, and the kids won. Even my mom played!

After pizza, presents, and cake, we headed to the game room. David played Glaxia (if you're a child of the '80's, you know what I mean!) and I played DDR and pinball. The kids all roamed around trying to get a sample of everything. Shelby and I rode the Max Flight (thanks to a buy one get one free coupon!).

Jeremy said that it was his best birthday ever! Happy Birthday, sweet man!

Jeremy's Christmas List

2007-12-09T20:17:00.000-05:00

Here is Jeremy's Christmas list:

"I wunt for crismes is a durt bick and moon sand and I wunt for crismes ol (all) is Kailee That's ol I wunt"

Under his letter is a picture of a Christmas tree with a baby riding a dirt bike. There is also a present with a baby drawn on the side and a big bow on the top. It is so cute!

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

2007-12-05T23:21:00.000-05:00

This totally suits my mood!

You Are a Christmas Sweater!

Over the top, colorful, and totally flashy.

You're not afraid to be a little tacky.

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

December Referrals are Here!

2007-12-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Congratulations to all the families who will be receiving their referrals in the next few days! Hooray for Mike and Jen who were LID 12/12/05 and will be seeing their daughter Mei's face for the first time...what a great Christmas present!

What does this mean for us? More waiting. This batch was for 6 days' worth of LID's. Currently we have 2 months and 5 days, basically 9 weeks, of LID's ahead of us. Will the CCAA continue at this snail's pace? In all probability, yes. If they do, we can expect to receive our referral in September, 2008.

This is not good for a couple of reasons: 1. Our 171-H expires in December, 2008. This paperwork has to be in place and current for Kaelie's visa to the US to be approved. 2. Additionally, our FBI fingerprints expire in September, 2008. These also have to be current for the visa. 3. We will definitely have to update our homestudy again, it expires in March, 2008. 4. My passport expires in January, 2009. This will most likely have to be renewed as well. More paperwork, more money, and still no Kaelie.

OK, I'm sorry to gripe, but the waiting is so hard! I have a co-worker at work who is due any day now. I'm thrilled for her, but sad for me. It's hard to talk about how much you love a child that you've never met, maybe a child who hasn't even been born yet. Sometimes people outside of the adoption community just don't get it or don't know how to discuss adoption.

A good example of this was when we learned of the attacks on 9/11. David and I were to make our travel arrangements to Russia on this day for our September 24 court date to adopt Jeremy. A day after the attacks, a co-worker told me that there was absolutely no way that she would get on a plane and go overseas. She just didn't understand that MY BABY was over there and that nothing was going to stop me from bringing him home.

Jumping off my soapbox now....