Unfortunately, the forecasts only go out 15 days, so all I have is one day for Guangzhou...
December 15 - High 74.
ahhhh....warm weather! I am just not good with cold weather, I really am not. I've heard that despite the warmth, we should dress Katie in long sleeves and long pants in Guangzhou. I guess we will, but perhaps I will take a couple of the short sleeve outfits that have sweaters with them. They are really cute, so perhaps it will work.
Off to pack some now...or rather UNPACK so I can re-pack.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Kunming - Dec 10-15
Monday Dec 10 - High 46 (I thought Kunming was supposed to be TEMPERATE CLIMATE!)
Tuesday Dec 11 - High 48 (is it the beginning of a heat wave?)
Wednesday Dec 12 - High 51 (by jove it's getting warmer!!)
Thursday Dec 13 - High 56 (ooh, jacket weather!)
Friday Dec 14 - High 58
Saturday Dec 15 - High 57
Okay, we'll probably travel to Guangzhou on Saturday the 15th. Kunming is definitely warmer than Beijing, thank goodness!! But it's still going to be chilly. I had packed Katie some short sleeve shirts, and for some reason I'm thinking that is not going to work. We got some great sweatsuit kind of outfits for baby gifts already, and I'm beginning to think we'll be taking those with us! They are size 18 months, and honestly I think she'll still be in 12 months until around Jan/Feb. I just don't know, guess I'll be repacking for sure now!
Tuesday Dec 11 - High 48 (is it the beginning of a heat wave?)
Wednesday Dec 12 - High 51 (by jove it's getting warmer!!)
Thursday Dec 13 - High 56 (ooh, jacket weather!)
Friday Dec 14 - High 58
Saturday Dec 15 - High 57
Okay, we'll probably travel to Guangzhou on Saturday the 15th. Kunming is definitely warmer than Beijing, thank goodness!! But it's still going to be chilly. I had packed Katie some short sleeve shirts, and for some reason I'm thinking that is not going to work. We got some great sweatsuit kind of outfits for baby gifts already, and I'm beginning to think we'll be taking those with us! They are size 18 months, and honestly I think she'll still be in 12 months until around Jan/Feb. I just don't know, guess I'll be repacking for sure now!
Beijing - Dec 7-9
December 7: High of 42
December 8: High of 38
December 9: High of 35 real feel of 33
We get in around 3:20pm on December 7th. On the 8th we'll be touring Beijing, on the 9th we'll probably end up on the Great Wall...in freezing temps. I'm so not good with the cold. I'll have my camera in hand, hopefully my finger won't freeze up and hopefully I can take some photos.
It's going to feel like 33 degrees on the Great Wall. Oh my word. Hat, scarf, coat, silk long johns, gloves....I wonder if it will be enough? It's going to have to be!
December 8: High of 38
December 9: High of 35 real feel of 33
We get in around 3:20pm on December 7th. On the 8th we'll be touring Beijing, on the 9th we'll probably end up on the Great Wall...in freezing temps. I'm so not good with the cold. I'll have my camera in hand, hopefully my finger won't freeze up and hopefully I can take some photos.
It's going to feel like 33 degrees on the Great Wall. Oh my word. Hat, scarf, coat, silk long johns, gloves....I wonder if it will be enough? It's going to have to be!
6 more days
Packing lists. Overflowing suitcases. Packing again and again....and OH MY GOSH where is it all going to fit?!
6 days, 6 more days and then we leave. eeeeeek!!!
6 days, 6 more days and then we leave. eeeeeek!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thoughts of others still waiting
As much as I rejoice in my own news, I know there are others out there who have been waiting and waiting for news on their own paperwork. I know of someone who has been waiting ever so long on her LOA, and it's been 5 months waiting now. My heart breaks for her. She got her referral in June, never dreaming that she would not have her daughter home by Christmas. I pray that she gets her LOA very soon.
I know of others who are stuck waiting on their NSN referral, and it looks like it is going to be 4 more years. 4 more years of waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Knowing all the time that something can happen in the program, in their lives, at any time.
Waiting is tough. Waiting is hard. It doesn't matter what stage you are waiting on, it's hard. I will say that waiting for TA was not as bad as waiting for LOA, and that waiting for the CA was not as bad as waiting for TA. The wait for the referral was not as bad as the wait for LOA. That wait, that extended wait for LOA was incredibly hard.
The processing of paperwork sometimes makes no sense, no sense at all. It's incredibly hard to get answers as to where your paperwork is. It's hard and there are days when you feel like it will never happen. Like there will be some big snafu and you will never get to bring your daughter home, you will forever be sentenced to the land of limbo where you watch others leave and come home, leave and come home, leave and come home repeatedly while your daughter...your beautiful daughter just gets older and older.
All of those still waiting, know, my heart goes out to you. I hope that you all get the news you are hoping to hear very soon.
I know of others who are stuck waiting on their NSN referral, and it looks like it is going to be 4 more years. 4 more years of waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Knowing all the time that something can happen in the program, in their lives, at any time.
Waiting is tough. Waiting is hard. It doesn't matter what stage you are waiting on, it's hard. I will say that waiting for TA was not as bad as waiting for LOA, and that waiting for the CA was not as bad as waiting for TA. The wait for the referral was not as bad as the wait for LOA. That wait, that extended wait for LOA was incredibly hard.
The processing of paperwork sometimes makes no sense, no sense at all. It's incredibly hard to get answers as to where your paperwork is. It's hard and there are days when you feel like it will never happen. Like there will be some big snafu and you will never get to bring your daughter home, you will forever be sentenced to the land of limbo where you watch others leave and come home, leave and come home, leave and come home repeatedly while your daughter...your beautiful daughter just gets older and older.
All of those still waiting, know, my heart goes out to you. I hope that you all get the news you are hoping to hear very soon.
We got it!!!
We are leaving on 12/6 and right now scheduled to come back with the group on 12/19. We were planning on an extra day to go to Hong Kong Disney, but not sure if we are going to do that or not now.
We're coming Katie!!!!!!
Less than 2 weeks and she'll be in my arms!!!!
We're coming Katie!!!!!!
Less than 2 weeks and she'll be in my arms!!!!
We are still waiting on that CA
It's been over 48 hours and we've not heard on our Consulate Appointment. The anxiety levels are indeed going up. We are looking at flights, watching the prices inch up and up. We are worried about not getting the appointment we want. We are worried we will have to be in China for Christmas.
Average time listed by the Consulate is 3-5 days, the agency says they typically hear in 2-3 days. Thursday is 3 days. Oh please let us hear in 3 days. Not sure how much longer I can exist in this limbo land of "are we leaving on 12/6 or not."
If we do leave on 12/6, do you realize that is 7 days away? 7 DAYS! 1 week! So short, yet so very long as well. I have plenty to keep me busy, but nothing I particularly want to do. Like cleaning. I've bathrooms to scrub, floors to vacuum, floors to mop, mountains of laundry to do, suitcases to finish packing, and lists to make! I know it will all get done, but sometimes, looking at the length of my list I wonder how.
Average time listed by the Consulate is 3-5 days, the agency says they typically hear in 2-3 days. Thursday is 3 days. Oh please let us hear in 3 days. Not sure how much longer I can exist in this limbo land of "are we leaving on 12/6 or not."
If we do leave on 12/6, do you realize that is 7 days away? 7 DAYS! 1 week! So short, yet so very long as well. I have plenty to keep me busy, but nothing I particularly want to do. Like cleaning. I've bathrooms to scrub, floors to vacuum, floors to mop, mountains of laundry to do, suitcases to finish packing, and lists to make! I know it will all get done, but sometimes, looking at the length of my list I wonder how.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Katelyn XiaoLan
reposting so this is on top! :)
Referral photo, one of the first we saw. Her stats are:
Name: Xi Xiao Lan (Western Morning Orchid)
Birthdate: August 1, 2006
Currently in Yunnan Province, Kunming CWI, fostered in Anning
The one where we exclaimed over her hair! Isn't it adorable just standing STRAIGHT up on end? We estimate that she is 4 months old in this photo.
The frown. Oh the frown breaks my heart. This is an updated photo that we got, she is 10.5 months in this photo. She is in foster care, thus she has darker skin from being outside quite a bit. I love the little "spout" on top of her head, and the building she is in was helped in building by the Yunnan Kids International group. It's the community center in Anning where a good portion of the Kunming CWI children are fostered.
Still frowning. I think it's because she wanted a doll to play. Dh thinks it's because she wants someone to play soccer with her. All I know is that I love her and think she is the CUTEST BABY EVER!!!! (Okay, she ties with her brothers)
Referral photo, one of the first we saw. Her stats are:
Name: Xi Xiao Lan (Western Morning Orchid)
Birthdate: August 1, 2006
Currently in Yunnan Province, Kunming CWI, fostered in Anning
The one where we exclaimed over her hair! Isn't it adorable just standing STRAIGHT up on end? We estimate that she is 4 months old in this photo.
The frown. Oh the frown breaks my heart. This is an updated photo that we got, she is 10.5 months in this photo. She is in foster care, thus she has darker skin from being outside quite a bit. I love the little "spout" on top of her head, and the building she is in was helped in building by the Yunnan Kids International group. It's the community center in Anning where a good portion of the Kunming CWI children are fostered.
Still frowning. I think it's because she wanted a doll to play. Dh thinks it's because she wants someone to play soccer with her. All I know is that I love her and think she is the CUTEST BABY EVER!!!! (Okay, she ties with her brothers)
Those Prayers Worked!!!
We got TA today, and the agency is working to get us a Consulate Appointment so that we can leave on 12/6. We're hoping they can get it. If not, then we'll leave on 12/13 with the NSN group. Still need prayers they can get us the CA for 12/6 departure.
We're going to get Katie really soon!!! We're leaving no later than 12/13...which is 2.5 weeks away!!!
We're going to get Katie really soon!!! We're leaving no later than 12/13...which is 2.5 weeks away!!!
When it rains it pours!
On Wednesday afternoon, I started cleaning. Which isn't surprising given my holiday coming up, and right in the middle of a load of laundry the dryer stopped working. Just stopped. So, being the great wife I am, I called Dh and asked for what else besides resetting the breaker, checking to see if it's plugged in, turning the knob some more, and such. He said to check the gfi outlet, so I unplugged 2 items and reset it. I knew, from previous experience, that I needed to replug in Dh's charger for his tools. I didn't plug the other item back in because I didn't think what it could be.
I should have thought.
It was the plug for the deep freezer. You know, the one that was about 1/3 full. With frozen meals for when Katie came home. With meat for our meals NOW. With our lunches. Yeah, that deep freezer.
So, I guess in a sub-conscious way I was helping myself stay busy as I now have the joy of throwing out that stuff, re buying food, and cooking even more freezer meals than I already had. Yes, I guess I did ask for this when I asked what I could to do to stay busy didn't I?
I should have thought.
It was the plug for the deep freezer. You know, the one that was about 1/3 full. With frozen meals for when Katie came home. With meat for our meals NOW. With our lunches. Yeah, that deep freezer.
So, I guess in a sub-conscious way I was helping myself stay busy as I now have the joy of throwing out that stuff, re buying food, and cooking even more freezer meals than I already had. Yes, I guess I did ask for this when I asked what I could to do to stay busy didn't I?
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Movies, did someone say movies?
We found ourselves back at Target today returning some Christmas decorations, and buying more. I caved, I really did, I got the 3 spiral trees. I put the white mini-lights on the big tree (one more set that I need Dh's help with), and even Dh agrees that it's beginning to look like Christmas! Anyway, back to my point, while at Target I took JM and we looked through the movies section (I'm looking for Mighty Ducks for the kids). We found some movies, movies that brought me back to my childhood days.
Think back to the classics from your childhood. What are some of the titles that you think of?
The Goonies?
E.T.?
Annie?
Gremlins?
The Princess Bride?
You know THOSE movies. Well, we couldn't resist the $9.44 movies, and ended up with The Goonies and Gremlins. I think that since we have a fewdays weeks to wait until we travel to China, we can watch some good old classics. Heh. Tonight, we curled up on the couch and watched The Goonies. It was a really cute movie, with a little bit of language. JM really liked it, and Samuel even sort of liked it. I think we will see it creep into the van movie box soon. That is where all the favorites end up, in the van to watch on trips.
The decorations are up, the lights are hung outside, we ended up not looking like the Griswald's house so Dh is happy, and we are left with only the boxes to shove back in the attic. The house needs cleaning, and the dryer is broke. I guess, after a wonderful 4 days of having Dh home, it's back to reality tomorrow. A reality that will hopefully hold our Travel Authorization. Please. Oh please....
Think back to the classics from your childhood. What are some of the titles that you think of?
The Goonies?
E.T.?
Annie?
Gremlins?
The Princess Bride?
You know THOSE movies. Well, we couldn't resist the $9.44 movies, and ended up with The Goonies and Gremlins. I think that since we have a few
The decorations are up, the lights are hung outside, we ended up not looking like the Griswald's house so Dh is happy, and we are left with only the boxes to shove back in the attic. The house needs cleaning, and the dryer is broke. I guess, after a wonderful 4 days of having Dh home, it's back to reality tomorrow. A reality that will hopefully hold our Travel Authorization. Please. Oh please....
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Christmas Shopping?
Since getting our LOA and the knowledge that we will be traveling between Thanksgiving and Christmas, thus losing 2 weeks MINIMUM of our shopping time, we've been trying to get it all done.
So, it came as no surprise that when Black Friday rolled around, we didn't need to go shopping. It was practically done, and what wasn't done could be done online. We slept in, got up, bemoaned the fact that we had left all the cinnamon rolls at our friend's house, then went shopping online! Sadly, we bought only for the business. While needed stuff, and exciting in a business use kind of way, not as fun as buying...oh a LCD tv, or other such great deal.
Because we didn't need to go shopping, which I despise doing in crowds by the way, we got a head start on Christmas decorations. This only means that it was all drug out of the attic before 5pm. I have been eying some outdoor decorations, sighing over the fact that spending $80 on an air inflatable item is not in this year's budget, and then trying to keep from picking up more miscellaneous tree decorations. You can now imagine how excited I was to find a purchase from the after Christmas sales last year...an air inflatable snow globe! It's about 4 feet tall. JM helped set it up, and the looks on Dh's and JM's faces were priceless. So very proud. The problem is that it looks a little, well, lonesome out there all alone.
Not wanting to overburden Dh, I held my tongue for a good 24 hours. See, along with this snow globe, I also found 7 boxes of indoor/outdoor multi-color lights. Hopefully it will be enough to hang on the house. I remember buying these 2 years ago in the after Christmas sales...for 25 cents a box. I managed 24 hours of NOT asking Dh to please hang these lights so our house looks all festive. He did agree, and seemed really excited to oblige. I even found a "tool" to help hang them. While at Target getting that tool and resisting MORE outdoor decorations, I found stakes to line the driveway. I hope we have enough lights to line the driveway AND to hang on the house. Somehow, I'm thinking 7 boxes just won't be enough. I could take the one strand of multi-color lights on the Jesse Tree and add to the outdoor lights making it 8 boxes worth, but I'm doubting that is enough still. I do have a box of 100 count white mini-lights, which doesn't help except to maybe line the flowerbed which is behind the snowglobe. Or I guess I could put the white mini-lights in the one tree we have in the front yard.
I believe it was at this point that Dh asked if we needed to see National Lampoon's Christmas movie again. I believe that was a hint, don't you?
So, it came as no surprise that when Black Friday rolled around, we didn't need to go shopping. It was practically done, and what wasn't done could be done online. We slept in, got up, bemoaned the fact that we had left all the cinnamon rolls at our friend's house, then went shopping online! Sadly, we bought only for the business. While needed stuff, and exciting in a business use kind of way, not as fun as buying...oh a LCD tv, or other such great deal.
Because we didn't need to go shopping, which I despise doing in crowds by the way, we got a head start on Christmas decorations. This only means that it was all drug out of the attic before 5pm. I have been eying some outdoor decorations, sighing over the fact that spending $80 on an air inflatable item is not in this year's budget, and then trying to keep from picking up more miscellaneous tree decorations. You can now imagine how excited I was to find a purchase from the after Christmas sales last year...an air inflatable snow globe! It's about 4 feet tall. JM helped set it up, and the looks on Dh's and JM's faces were priceless. So very proud. The problem is that it looks a little, well, lonesome out there all alone.
Not wanting to overburden Dh, I held my tongue for a good 24 hours. See, along with this snow globe, I also found 7 boxes of indoor/outdoor multi-color lights. Hopefully it will be enough to hang on the house. I remember buying these 2 years ago in the after Christmas sales...for 25 cents a box. I managed 24 hours of NOT asking Dh to please hang these lights so our house looks all festive. He did agree, and seemed really excited to oblige. I even found a "tool" to help hang them. While at Target getting that tool and resisting MORE outdoor decorations, I found stakes to line the driveway. I hope we have enough lights to line the driveway AND to hang on the house. Somehow, I'm thinking 7 boxes just won't be enough. I could take the one strand of multi-color lights on the Jesse Tree and add to the outdoor lights making it 8 boxes worth, but I'm doubting that is enough still. I do have a box of 100 count white mini-lights, which doesn't help except to maybe line the flowerbed which is behind the snowglobe. Or I guess I could put the white mini-lights in the one tree we have in the front yard.
I believe it was at this point that Dh asked if we needed to see National Lampoon's Christmas movie again. I believe that was a hint, don't you?
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
I hope that all of you who read this blog
We spent the day quietly, at home. I cooked a little, slept a little, cleaned a little, cooked some more, and then we all went to a friend's home. We were graciously welcomed into their home to share with their family this wonderful day. Have I mentioned that we truly have some of the best friends on this planet? She brined a turkey a la Pioneer Woman, and oh my word that was the best turkey I have ever had (and I don't like turkey much at all). No one was particularly crazy about my squash casserole, but that means the leftovers are MINE!!! ALL MINE!!!!*
After dinner, Dh and I took the boys to a local hockey game. My first one ever! Mr. Friend and two of his kids joined us (their kids are older than our boys and their son is completely idolized by the boys as well). While it was the boys first hockey game as well, I'm not sure if they enjoyed it more than I did. I didn't even crack open my book.** Samuel was adorable as he danced during the "in-between periods" parts. See I don't even know hockey lingo and I enjoyed myself. Our team won, but in overtime with a penalty shot! EXCITING!!!!! Okay, I know we'll be going back and I can not wait to dress Katie in the hockey team colors. :)
It's cold here tonight, very cold. So, being the kind of people we are, we decided to drive by Best Buy and just see how long that line was. It wrapped around the building, with tents and fires, and sleeping bags. It's forecasted to be below freezing tonight. Pray for those people. While I like a good deal, I just don't get it. Dh and I talked about how great a "mission" opportunity our church could have. We could pass out hand warmers, hot chocolate or coffee, hand out toboggans, blankets, etc.***
So, I leave you with the thought of "I hope you are all safe and sound and WARM in your homes this evening after having been greatly blessed today!"
-----------------------------
*Squash Casserole is a dish my grandmother always made for Thanksgiving, and when I'm home for Thanksgiving I will make for myself. All the grandkids would race each other to the kitchen late Thanksgiving Day night for the leftovers and clamor over who would get them. Grandma finally started making triple the recipe so we could all get some. I'm taunting my extended family who have to share tonight...I have my own!!! neeener neener neeener!!!!
**Almost all sporting events I go to with Dh I take along a fluffy romance novel. Minor league baseball games? Major league baseball games? College football (okay so we've never done this for an exciting team as our own college football team wasn't that exciting)? Dh's softball games, basketball games, volleyball games....the kids baseball and soccer games...yes, even THOSE. But really only those when it's cold, rainy, and I'm sitting in the van not really able to see with one of the other kids...and I do watch my own child attempt to hit the ball. ;) Anyway, a book ALWAYS goes with me. I almost always read it. Not at the hockey game though!!!
***I can not take credit for this idea. It comes from a great friend of mine, she and her son have a date every Black Friday morning. They get up at 3am, take thermoses full of coffee and hot chocolate. They go to a busy store and hand it out. Stand at the end of the line, then go into the store. They help people get the hard to reach items down. They hold a spot in line for someone needing to go grab something. They'll stand in line, then when they are next in line, give their spot up to someone who looks like they need it (perhaps a Mom with 2 kids who are crying). Around 8-9am when the craziness has died down, they go to IHOP (or other type place) and eat breakfast together, just the two of them. Yes, she's this way throughout the year as well. I love ya KH!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Frustrated
I do not want to hear how this is all in His perfect timing, I really don't. I'm frustrated, upset, and need to grieve first.
It's entirely possible we will not be able to travel until December 13th. Meaning, we will miss Christmas with our boys. We will be in China for Christmas. Our travel will hopefully be completed 6 months after LOI. 6 months!
I'm frustrated because others with our referral group who had later days than our own are HOME with their kids. They get to enjoy the holidays with all their kids, with their extended families, and they know all those little details about their child.
After talking with our agency today, IF, and it's a HUUUUGE if, we get TA by early next week (like say Monday) we might be able to leave 12/6. It will depend on Consulate appointments, but more than likely we'll be leaving 12/13 (if that travel approval gets in by 12/10 that is).
Forgive us, but both Dh and I are cynical about this entire process right now. We are going to miss Christmas with our boys. Miss Christmas with our families. Sure, we know we can celebrate on another day. Honestly though, it's never the same. Why have our luck change now? But honestly, when we got our LOA we were told most likely date of travel would be 11/29. It is just like our luck that we would not make that date.
So, excuse me while I throw a temper tantrum and whine and complain about how unfair it all is. Honestly, I would be okay IF we knew we could leave on 12/6. At least we'd be home in time for Christmas.
Thanksgiving day, 11/22, is 3 weeks since LOA. 11/29 is 4 weeks. 12/6 is 5 weeks. 12/13 is 6 weeks. We were told TA comes in 2-4 weeks. The max I have ever seen is close to 5 weeks. Please, please pray that we get TA on Monday. This whole process is extremely difficult, and to have things fall apart is rough.
It's entirely possible we will not be able to travel until December 13th. Meaning, we will miss Christmas with our boys. We will be in China for Christmas. Our travel will hopefully be completed 6 months after LOI. 6 months!
I'm frustrated because others with our referral group who had later days than our own are HOME with their kids. They get to enjoy the holidays with all their kids, with their extended families, and they know all those little details about their child.
After talking with our agency today, IF, and it's a HUUUUGE if, we get TA by early next week (like say Monday) we might be able to leave 12/6. It will depend on Consulate appointments, but more than likely we'll be leaving 12/13 (if that travel approval gets in by 12/10 that is).
Forgive us, but both Dh and I are cynical about this entire process right now. We are going to miss Christmas with our boys. Miss Christmas with our families. Sure, we know we can celebrate on another day. Honestly though, it's never the same. Why have our luck change now? But honestly, when we got our LOA we were told most likely date of travel would be 11/29. It is just like our luck that we would not make that date.
So, excuse me while I throw a temper tantrum and whine and complain about how unfair it all is. Honestly, I would be okay IF we knew we could leave on 12/6. At least we'd be home in time for Christmas.
Thanksgiving day, 11/22, is 3 weeks since LOA. 11/29 is 4 weeks. 12/6 is 5 weeks. 12/13 is 6 weeks. We were told TA comes in 2-4 weeks. The max I have ever seen is close to 5 weeks. Please, please pray that we get TA on Monday. This whole process is extremely difficult, and to have things fall apart is rough.
Blog for Christmas Music
Michael W. Smith Christmas CD - blog for music
Okay, I will admit it, I love Christmas music. I adore Christmas music. Unfortunately our budget does not include the ability for me to purchase all the CDs of Christmas music I would like. Nor does it include the ability to purchase all the music I would like period.
So, when I saw "Blog for Music" and I could have a chance for a free CD all for just blogging about the experience of listening to this CD while doing a Christmas related activity, I knew I could do that. If you want a copy, hurry, there are only about 150 available!!!
Okay, I will admit it, I love Christmas music. I adore Christmas music. Unfortunately our budget does not include the ability for me to purchase all the CDs of Christmas music I would like. Nor does it include the ability to purchase all the music I would like period.
So, when I saw "Blog for Music" and I could have a chance for a free CD all for just blogging about the experience of listening to this CD while doing a Christmas related activity, I knew I could do that. If you want a copy, hurry, there are only about 150 available!!!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Finding Ad
In order for a child to be placed for international adoption, an ad must be run in the local newspaper. This is called a Finding Ad as it lists the day and place they were found. These photos are usually the youngest photos of our child we will ever see. This is Katie at 1 month old.
Adoption Online Video
I was reading through my agency friends' blogs and came across a link...
This ONE
It's about 10 minutes and details an adoption trip to China. They did not adopt from the same orphanage as Katie is from, but if you want a visual of what our trip will be like it's a great video to watch!
I can not wait until we can go on this trip of a lifetime ourselves. Honestly, I can not wait until I get to hold Katie in my arms! I hope it is very soon, very very soon.
This ONE
It's about 10 minutes and details an adoption trip to China. They did not adopt from the same orphanage as Katie is from, but if you want a visual of what our trip will be like it's a great video to watch!
I can not wait until we can go on this trip of a lifetime ourselves. Honestly, I can not wait until I get to hold Katie in my arms! I hope it is very soon, very very soon.
Shaking my head...
This is just wrong.
Okay, I admit, we LOVE Disney. But to have your remains scattered there? Not to mention the entire weirdness I now feel about knowing this info. I mean, water SPLASHES you on the Pirates ride. Now to worry about if that bit of water hitting you in the face a little bit of dear old Uncle Bob.
Yeah. That's just wrong.
Okay, I admit, we LOVE Disney. But to have your remains scattered there? Not to mention the entire weirdness I now feel about knowing this info. I mean, water SPLASHES you on the Pirates ride. Now to worry about if that bit of water hitting you in the face a little bit of dear old Uncle Bob.
Yeah. That's just wrong.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Working on the announcement
What do you think of this so far? I feel like it is missing something, just not sure what at this moment.
I'm thinking of sending these with Christmas cards right before Thanksgiving so people can get them prior to us traveling (or right at the beginning of travel).
I'm thinking of sending these with Christmas cards right before Thanksgiving so people can get them prior to us traveling (or right at the beginning of travel).
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Obviously, no TA
So, we did not get TA on Tuesday (no big surprise there really). This means that we should not be leaving on Thursday the 15th (yeah tomorrow). LOL It's really a good thing as we are not in any way prepared and it would have been a LONG time staying awake to get ready.
I am very hopeful that we will get TA this week though and possibly leave next Thursday the 22nd. Hopeful, not super positive we'll get it though.
What's funny is that I started scheduling out all I had to do (and yes I'm already behind) and after Thanksgiving day everything pretty much stops. I have a blank empty schedule. It looks quite strange to me. I do not think I've had a blank schedule in close to a year, so either we need to go to China to fill it up, or I'm really not going to know what to do with myself.
For those even mildly interested, we did get most of our Christmas shopping done. Most of it is wrapped. JM has bday gifts all ready to go, and we're in process of scheduling a party in January, a full month after his actual birthday. It's not about the day...right?! He's being so great about possibly not being with us for his birthday. I don't know if it's because he understands, is maturing, or if it's the knowledge he'll be with grandparents who will really make it a big deal.
The boys know we are leaving very soon, and it's taking a little bit of a toll on them. We've had discussions of how they are feeling as well, and so far they seem to be okay. Samuel does tell me he misses me, gives me a big hug and a kiss. I'm a little worried about him.
I am very hopeful that we will get TA this week though and possibly leave next Thursday the 22nd. Hopeful, not super positive we'll get it though.
What's funny is that I started scheduling out all I had to do (and yes I'm already behind) and after Thanksgiving day everything pretty much stops. I have a blank empty schedule. It looks quite strange to me. I do not think I've had a blank schedule in close to a year, so either we need to go to China to fill it up, or I'm really not going to know what to do with myself.
For those even mildly interested, we did get most of our Christmas shopping done. Most of it is wrapped. JM has bday gifts all ready to go, and we're in process of scheduling a party in January, a full month after his actual birthday. It's not about the day...right?! He's being so great about possibly not being with us for his birthday. I don't know if it's because he understands, is maturing, or if it's the knowledge he'll be with grandparents who will really make it a big deal.
The boys know we are leaving very soon, and it's taking a little bit of a toll on them. We've had discussions of how they are feeling as well, and so far they seem to be okay. Samuel does tell me he misses me, gives me a big hug and a kiss. I'm a little worried about him.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The confusing apostrophe
In school work JM has been learning about possessives. In particular, he is learning about single possessive and plural possessive. I know it can be confusing as I've run into people online who are confused by it as well. Today JM was studying for his spelling test, which admittedly was full of easy words. Words such as boy's and boys'. He knew the words, but I could see a potential train wreck approaching. I cautioned him to really study where that apostrophe was placed and know why it was placed there as it could be confusing during a spelling test. Being the almost 9 year old that he is, he assured me that he knew where it went.
Since we are now in a portion of schooling where we are expecting JM to take more of the initiative in learning what he needs to learn, and learn to study, we let him "falter" some. This was one of those times. We did not just leave him to study alone, we did some reviewing of it together, we talked about it, but we didn't force him to practice the words over and over and over and over.
He did get confused on the placement of that apostrophe. He did spell the words correctly, but placing that apostrophe got him in the end.
Did he learn a lesson? I have no idea, I hope so. He will be studying the words again, learning about the placement of apostrophes during single possessive and plural possessive...again. He will also take a 2nd spelling test on these words. I am thinking he will do much better on the 2nd test.
One thing is for certain, spelling and grammar are not his strongest subjects.
Since we are now in a portion of schooling where we are expecting JM to take more of the initiative in learning what he needs to learn, and learn to study, we let him "falter" some. This was one of those times. We did not just leave him to study alone, we did some reviewing of it together, we talked about it, but we didn't force him to practice the words over and over and over and over.
He did get confused on the placement of that apostrophe. He did spell the words correctly, but placing that apostrophe got him in the end.
Did he learn a lesson? I have no idea, I hope so. He will be studying the words again, learning about the placement of apostrophes during single possessive and plural possessive...again. He will also take a 2nd spelling test on these words. I am thinking he will do much better on the 2nd test.
One thing is for certain, spelling and grammar are not his strongest subjects.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Packing and Lists
We started looking at what all we were planning on taking with us, started evaluating what was needed and what was not. Dh got online and looked up baggage size limits for carry on and checked luggage for China domestic flights.
We got a bit of a fright.
Our small suitcases, which are carry on for HERE in the USA are too big for carry on China domestic. Yikes. The limits of things are going to get us, and we went to evaluate. Found out that I needed to re-wash many items, and in looking I am beginning to wonder what to pack clothing wise. We are washing the bottles and such, going to fill those with Cheerios. It should be very interesting, and I can not believe we are at the point of truly packing.
I got to thinking, I wonder what weather will be like. That's when I remembered the links over there to the right. Yeah, WEATHER links! So, I clicked on them to see if I could find an "averages" for November. They have 15 day forecasts. 15 days. The days we could possibly travel (unlikely though they may be) are ON the forecast now. Here's what I'm gathering...
Beijing - it's COLD. We'll be there for 2-3 days, touring, need to dress in layers. Dh and I have silk thermals, turtlenecks (one for Dh and two for me), one sweatshirt each, and hats, scarves, and gloves. One sweatshirt for 2-3 days in a row. Guess you'll be seeing that shirt a LOT!
Kunming - it's chilly. We'll be there for 5-6 days. Forecasts show lower 50's as the high when it's raining and lower 60's for when it is sunny. That is NOT shorts, t-shirt, or capris weather. All things I had packed for Katie. My turtlenecks will suffice here again. Dh will be comfortable in t-shirts. Definitely jeans weather.
Guangzhou - it's warm to hot. This next week it said lower 80s, and beyond was upper 70s or lower 70s. I'll be okay in jeans and t-shirts. Dh will probably like one pair of shorts. Guessing I'll take 1-2 t-shirts, Dh will end up with 3-4 t-shirts. Those cute 'spring' clothes will work for Katie here.
I will be checking those links often I think, just to see what we are looking at for a range of temps...it feels odd to know that those forecasts could affect us!
We got a bit of a fright.
Our small suitcases, which are carry on for HERE in the USA are too big for carry on China domestic. Yikes. The limits of things are going to get us, and we went to evaluate. Found out that I needed to re-wash many items, and in looking I am beginning to wonder what to pack clothing wise. We are washing the bottles and such, going to fill those with Cheerios. It should be very interesting, and I can not believe we are at the point of truly packing.
I got to thinking, I wonder what weather will be like. That's when I remembered the links over there to the right. Yeah, WEATHER links! So, I clicked on them to see if I could find an "averages" for November. They have 15 day forecasts. 15 days. The days we could possibly travel (unlikely though they may be) are ON the forecast now. Here's what I'm gathering...
Beijing - it's COLD. We'll be there for 2-3 days, touring, need to dress in layers. Dh and I have silk thermals, turtlenecks (one for Dh and two for me), one sweatshirt each, and hats, scarves, and gloves. One sweatshirt for 2-3 days in a row. Guess you'll be seeing that shirt a LOT!
Kunming - it's chilly. We'll be there for 5-6 days. Forecasts show lower 50's as the high when it's raining and lower 60's for when it is sunny. That is NOT shorts, t-shirt, or capris weather. All things I had packed for Katie. My turtlenecks will suffice here again. Dh will be comfortable in t-shirts. Definitely jeans weather.
Guangzhou - it's warm to hot. This next week it said lower 80s, and beyond was upper 70s or lower 70s. I'll be okay in jeans and t-shirts. Dh will probably like one pair of shorts. Guessing I'll take 1-2 t-shirts, Dh will end up with 3-4 t-shirts. Those cute 'spring' clothes will work for Katie here.
I will be checking those links often I think, just to see what we are looking at for a range of temps...it feels odd to know that those forecasts could affect us!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thanksgiving!
Did you all realize that Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away?! How did that happen? I sat down the other day to schedule out when I would do each "item" on my to-do list, and said that I hoped that we would get TA quickly and that we would actually fly out on Thanksgiving. That gave me less than 2 weeks!
Needless to say it kicked me in the rear and got me started on my list. Nothing like seeing how little time I have in black and white. So, this evening, I put in my Christmas CDs and started cleaning. Started wrapping all those Christmas presents I have bought (I was shocked that I could shop for just about everyone in a week). I'm about to start working on the 100 Good Wishes quilt squares tonight, and hopefully I will get those sent out next week.
It's all coming together!!!
but...oh my gosh we are talking WEEKS!!!!!!!
Needless to say it kicked me in the rear and got me started on my list. Nothing like seeing how little time I have in black and white. So, this evening, I put in my Christmas CDs and started cleaning. Started wrapping all those Christmas presents I have bought (I was shocked that I could shop for just about everyone in a week). I'm about to start working on the 100 Good Wishes quilt squares tonight, and hopefully I will get those sent out next week.
It's all coming together!!!
but...oh my gosh we are talking WEEKS!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Waiting on that Travel Authorization!
2 families waiting with our agency got their TA this week (they had gotten their LOA in the first half of October). The agency put together the next travel group, they are in it, and it leaves November 15!!
IF, and this is a HUUUUUGE IF, we get TA between now and next Tuesday (November 13th) we could leave with them. When we were skipped on 10/2 (one of the families that got LOA on 10/2 is one of the above families), I told a friend that I was claiming November 15th as our travel date. I knew it would take a God-sized miracle, but I was claiming it as my prayer. That we would leave November 15th and be home before December.
I know, in my head, that it's likely it will not happen. That it is likely that we will not travel until November 29. In fact, most of the plans I am making for business, for the boys, etc. ARE with the thought we will travel November 29th. However, I'm trying to get all that stuff that must be done before we leave together so we could jet out of here on the 15th. :)
In the past, our agency has allowed families who get TA on the day that a group leaves to join that group late in Beijing (meaning they leave Friday or Saturday) and they just end up missing the Beijing portion of the trip. While I want Katie in my arms ASAP, I'm not sure if we would do this or not. Dh and I really want to see the tourist sites of Beijing, and I want to capture that on my camera for Katie.
IF, and this is a HUUUUUGE IF, we get TA between now and next Tuesday (November 13th) we could leave with them. When we were skipped on 10/2 (one of the families that got LOA on 10/2 is one of the above families), I told a friend that I was claiming November 15th as our travel date. I knew it would take a God-sized miracle, but I was claiming it as my prayer. That we would leave November 15th and be home before December.
I know, in my head, that it's likely it will not happen. That it is likely that we will not travel until November 29. In fact, most of the plans I am making for business, for the boys, etc. ARE with the thought we will travel November 29th. However, I'm trying to get all that stuff that must be done before we leave together so we could jet out of here on the 15th. :)
In the past, our agency has allowed families who get TA on the day that a group leaves to join that group late in Beijing (meaning they leave Friday or Saturday) and they just end up missing the Beijing portion of the trip. While I want Katie in my arms ASAP, I'm not sure if we would do this or not. Dh and I really want to see the tourist sites of Beijing, and I want to capture that on my camera for Katie.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
What goes into a China trip?
Here's a start of our To Do List
1. Pack clothes for dh, me, and Katie.
2. Get meds for all of us.
3. Buy and pack gifts for officials, guides, directors, etc.
4. Make sure we have all the electronic stuff we need.
5. Make a list of documents, how many copies of each thing, check it over and over.
6. Get medical authorization forms filled out for the boys.
7. Investigate either Skype, Panda Phones, or calling cards.
8. Do I have enough memory cards and disk space?
9. Toiletries? What do we need?
10. Get birthday gifts bought for oldest.
11. Get Christmas gifts bought for everyone.
12. Decorate for Christmas?
13. Pay bills for November, set up bill pay for December.
14. Take cat to vet for anti-nausea shot (one or two days prior to leaving)
15. Put a hold on mail (or get friends to check it)
16. Adoption announcements
17. Well child visits for the boys
18. Eye doctor visits for boys and myself (need to use it up prior to end of year)
19. Christmas cards addressed and possibly mailed (guess this means order them?)
20. Work on business stuff
21. Finish quilt square wishes and mail
22. Find Katie's Lifebook stuff, take pages for memories in China
23. Clean house
24. Cook a few casseroles to freeze
25. Laundry
26. Find someone to feed the cat daily
27. Clear off the Tivo recordings so we make sure we catch all of our shows
28. Piano recital
29. Thanksgiving cooking
30. Update blog to include links for travel buddies
31.
I think that's a good start...maybe? What's even worse? what if we get TA next week? We could, conceivably LEAVE in a week!!!!! Not likely, but possible! OMG, we're going to China in less than a month!!!!! A matter of weeks, not months, not years...WEEKS!
1. Pack clothes for dh, me, and Katie.
2. Get meds for all of us.
4. Make sure we have all the electronic stuff we need.
5. Make a list of documents, how many copies of each thing, check it over and over.
6. Get medical authorization forms filled out for the boys.
7. Investigate either Skype, Panda Phones, or calling cards.
8. Do I have enough memory cards and disk space?
9. Toiletries? What do we need?
10. Get birthday gifts bought for oldest.
11. Get Christmas gifts bought for everyone.
12. Decorate for Christmas?
13. Pay bills for November, set up bill pay for December.
14. Take cat to vet for anti-nausea shot (one or two days prior to leaving)
15. Put a hold on mail (or get friends to check it)
16. Adoption announcements
17. Well child visits for the boys
18. Eye doctor visits for boys and myself (need to use it up prior to end of year)
19. Christmas cards addressed and possibly mailed (guess this means order them?)
20. Work on business stuff
21. Finish quilt square wishes and mail
22. Find Katie's Lifebook stuff, take pages for memories in China
23. Clean house
24. Cook a few casseroles to freeze
25. Laundry
26. Find someone to feed the cat daily
27. Clear off the Tivo recordings so we make sure we catch all of our shows
28. Piano recital
29. Thanksgiving cooking
30. Update blog to include links for travel buddies
31.
I think that's a good start...maybe? What's even worse? what if we get TA next week? We could, conceivably LEAVE in a week!!!!! Not likely, but possible! OMG, we're going to China in less than a month!!!!! A matter of weeks, not months, not years...WEEKS!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Finally got info translated
We got an update in July for Katie. It was from when she was 10-11 months old.
Teeth：two
She can sit stable by herself. She is able to drink milk with one of her hands holding the bottle; she will catch the bottle smiling when she sees it, and to touch the bow when she has meal. She loves the members in her foster family, especially her mother. When she meets familiar people, she will smile to them. She recognizes familiar people. She may laugh happily when other amuse her. She begins to speak and she can walk in the baby walker freely. She can bring building blocks one by one, she can also catch toys far away. Sometimes, she likes to change toys from one hand to the other, and she can catch the moving things. She can shake bells on purpose. She always finds the toys hidden by others. She plays in front of the mirror, and finds it is interesting. She has a good capability of imitation. She learns to do what adults do or the action in the TV set. She shows large interest in many things. She likes to explore new things that she has never met before. She concerns about the changes in the circumstance and between the people.
Xi Xiaolan is outgoing, clever, lively, and cute. She likes to get together with familiar people and likes them to hold her in their arms. Sometimes, she can shake her body forward and backward. She likes walking in her baby walker and playing games. She loves colorful toys and the toys which can make voice. She reacts actively to the stimulation from others.
Closed to the parents in the foster family.
Favorite activity: be held in arms by others, walk in the baby walker, play in the open air, and play water.
Favorite toy: colorful toys and toys with sound
I can not WAIT to meet her!!! Doesn't she sound absolutely perfect? I'm guessing that she will probably be walking when get to China, and I'm guessing that she will attach to Dh first. She will reject me based on loving her foster mother very much, but she WILL come to love me and bond with me. It will take time as she will resist it because of her foster mother. This is actually a VERY good thing as she is attached to someone now. I'm very sad for what she will be going through soon.
Teeth：two
She can sit stable by herself. She is able to drink milk with one of her hands holding the bottle; she will catch the bottle smiling when she sees it, and to touch the bow when she has meal. She loves the members in her foster family, especially her mother. When she meets familiar people, she will smile to them. She recognizes familiar people. She may laugh happily when other amuse her. She begins to speak and she can walk in the baby walker freely. She can bring building blocks one by one, she can also catch toys far away. Sometimes, she likes to change toys from one hand to the other, and she can catch the moving things. She can shake bells on purpose. She always finds the toys hidden by others. She plays in front of the mirror, and finds it is interesting. She has a good capability of imitation. She learns to do what adults do or the action in the TV set. She shows large interest in many things. She likes to explore new things that she has never met before. She concerns about the changes in the circumstance and between the people.
Xi Xiaolan is outgoing, clever, lively, and cute. She likes to get together with familiar people and likes them to hold her in their arms. Sometimes, she can shake her body forward and backward. She likes walking in her baby walker and playing games. She loves colorful toys and the toys which can make voice. She reacts actively to the stimulation from others.
Closed to the parents in the foster family.
Favorite activity: be held in arms by others, walk in the baby walker, play in the open air, and play water.
Favorite toy: colorful toys and toys with sound
I can not WAIT to meet her!!! Doesn't she sound absolutely perfect? I'm guessing that she will probably be walking when get to China, and I'm guessing that she will attach to Dh first. She will reject me based on loving her foster mother very much, but she WILL come to love me and bond with me. It will take time as she will resist it because of her foster mother. This is actually a VERY good thing as she is attached to someone now. I'm very sad for what she will be going through soon.
We hab colbs
Just what we needed for this week, colds. I'm feeling all stuffy headed, dripping nose and all. JM is sniffling and coughing, and Samuel's voice sounds like it does right before his nose starts dripping.
We are supposed to go to Karate, piano lessons, and such today. However, I think we're going to stay at home and rest. Recover. Keep our germs to ourselves. LOL Samuel is probably okay to go, but JM is just starting his cold and mine is full blown.
Perhaps I can further catch up on my business work, and I might even start trying to clean up the house (again). It's amazing how messy our house can get in one or two days. Absolutely amazing.
Dh is being a GREAT caretaker. He's running to the store for cold meds, he's buying us orange juice, and helping to make sure we have all we need. Gosh I love that man.
We are supposed to go to Karate, piano lessons, and such today. However, I think we're going to stay at home and rest. Recover. Keep our germs to ourselves. LOL Samuel is probably okay to go, but JM is just starting his cold and mine is full blown.
Perhaps I can further catch up on my business work, and I might even start trying to clean up the house (again). It's amazing how messy our house can get in one or two days. Absolutely amazing.
Dh is being a GREAT caretaker. He's running to the store for cold meds, he's buying us orange juice, and helping to make sure we have all we need. Gosh I love that man.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Our LOA is headed back!
We got our LOA by Fed Ex Friday, I took photos. We signed, I raced to the Fed Ex store to ship it back "Overnight Priority" so our agency got it first thing Monday Morning. When it had gotten to be the afternoon, and I had not heard from them that they had gotten it, I checked. Sure enough it arrived all safe and sound around 10am. I know that they sent it on back to China today!
So, we are now waiting for Travel Authorization! It typically happens in 2-3 weeks, but can be as long as 8 weeks. There are some people with our agency who have been waiting for roughly 4 or 5 weeks now. There are some who got their TA in 2 weeks. It really all depends on how fast the orphanage gets the information back to CCAA.
I'm now past the excitement of getting that LOA, and fully into the panic mode of trying to get everything done! We could be leaving in just a couple of weeks!!! WOW! When we are headed to Disney World I'm typically complete packed at 2 weeks out. I'm no where near packed for this trip, and I still have to pack for the boys as well.
So, we are now waiting for Travel Authorization! It typically happens in 2-3 weeks, but can be as long as 8 weeks. There are some people with our agency who have been waiting for roughly 4 or 5 weeks now. There are some who got their TA in 2 weeks. It really all depends on how fast the orphanage gets the information back to CCAA.
I'm now past the excitement of getting that LOA, and fully into the panic mode of trying to get everything done! We could be leaving in just a couple of weeks!!! WOW! When we are headed to Disney World I'm typically complete packed at 2 weeks out. I'm no where near packed for this trip, and I still have to pack for the boys as well.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Introducing Katelyn XiaoLan!
We finally got LOA today, after waiting 126 days from LOI. This means that Katie is officially ours, China approved us to be her parents!
Referral photo, one of the first we saw. Her stats are:
Name: Xi Xiao Lan (Western Morning Orchid)
Birthdate: August 1, 2006
Currently in Yunnan Province, Kunming CWI, fostered in Anning
The one where we exclaimed over her hair! Isn't it adorable just standing STRAIGHT up on end? We estimate that she is 4 months old in this photo.
The frown. Oh the frown breaks my heart. This is an updated photo that we got, she is 10.5 months in this photo. She is in foster care, thus she has darker skin from being outside quite a bit. I love the little "spout" on top of her head, and the building she is in was helped in building by the Yunnan Kids International group. It's the community center in Anning where a good portion of the Kunming CWI children are fostered.
Still frowning. I think it's because she wanted a doll to play. Dh thinks it's because she wants someone to play soccer with her. All I know is that I love her and think she is the CUTEST BABY EVER!!!! (Okay, she ties with her brothers)
Referral photo, one of the first we saw. Her stats are:
Name: Xi Xiao Lan (Western Morning Orchid)
Birthdate: August 1, 2006
Currently in Yunnan Province, Kunming CWI, fostered in Anning
The one where we exclaimed over her hair! Isn't it adorable just standing STRAIGHT up on end? We estimate that she is 4 months old in this photo.
The frown. Oh the frown breaks my heart. This is an updated photo that we got, she is 10.5 months in this photo. She is in foster care, thus she has darker skin from being outside quite a bit. I love the little "spout" on top of her head, and the building she is in was helped in building by the Yunnan Kids International group. It's the community center in Anning where a good portion of the Kunming CWI children are fostered.
Still frowning. I think it's because she wanted a doll to play. Dh thinks it's because she wants someone to play soccer with her. All I know is that I love her and think she is the CUTEST BABY EVER!!!! (Okay, she ties with her brothers)
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