Planning, Packing & Pooped...

That just about sums it up!! Rodney is trying to tie up all loose ends (even though there is NO WAY he can get it all done before we leave). I am trying to plan where the kids will be, what they need and packing for our trip. Oh yes, and we are totally pooped! I don't think we will have much trouble sleeping on our flights - well, I know I won't.

The last few days has been a whirlwind. There are soo many 'irons in the fire' right now, you can hardly see the fire for the irons! The dry wall should be completely hung by tomorrow and while we are gone, it should be finished, the garage door installed and waiting on us to return to begin the fun part - painting!!! I know we will be tired, but I am sooo ready for all of us to be home and moved.

Saturday was my break down day. I cried just about all day thinking about leaving the kids for two weeks. There is such a feeling of being 'torn'. I am so excited to go to China and get Elli you just cannot imagine, but then there is this horrible knot in the pit of my stomach thinking about leaving my other babies. It is the initial act of leaving that is so incredibly hard. Last time was the same. I remember standing on the sidewalk in front of the airport as my parents were getting into their car to leave and I stood there crying because I was really leaving my babies for two whole weeks. Then in less than 15 minutes, I was just giddy that I was on my way to bring Anna home. Such a crazy mix of emotions - there is nothing else like it!

Today, Carter and Jacob had an honor roll field trip, Anna had speech and I had about 25 million errands to run - seriously. I got almost 1/2 done ;-) Tomorrow, we have speech again, I will finish the other 12.5 million errands and Jacob has an E conduct field trip to a baseball game tomorrow night. I will try to finish our packing and Wednesday should be our Free Family Day!! The kids have a whole list of things they want to do on our "last day" they like to call it. I think they just do it to gain sympathy and hopefully more money for the festivities. Sorry kiddos - we are on a budget.

Sending love and hugs to our Elli,

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Nice Surprise...

It has been pretty busy around our house, so I haven't had the opportunity (or energy - sick again!) to post. But, on Tuesday I got an email from a family that is adopting a child from Elli's orphanage. She had recently gotten an update on their daughter when she sent a cake for the kids. She sent me the pictures she got "just in case" there was a picture of Elli in the group of kiddos. Much to my very pleasant surprise - there was a beautiful shot of her face.

With all the kids very focused on their special treat in front of them, the odds of Elli turning from her snack so that the camera could capture her face, were pretty slim. I guess she just knew that her momma needed to see her face on Tuesday :-) Even though we are sooooo close to going to China, it still seems very "unreal". The same feeling happened with Anna...you just can't believe it is really happening until you hold them in your arms. I am so ready to finally be with Elli. To see her face, hear her voice, hold those chubby hands and kiss those cheeks...is it June 8th yet?!?!?

Ready & sending love to our Elli,

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Consulate Appointment - Confirmed...

We have a confirmed Consulate Appointment as of this afternoon...June 16th. That would put us leaving either June 4th or 5th, arriving in Guangzhou on the 6th and getting Elli on the 8th!! We would then be leaving China on June 18th arriving home some 25 hours later - the same day :-)

Right now we are just trying to decide exactly when to fly out. Our agency has told us that the circumstances are not typical, so we know that things, such as a cancelled appointment, could happen. We are just praying that it doesn't and we have a very smooth, enjoyable trip to bring Elli home.

Sending love & hugs to Elli,
Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Total Frustration...

How can you take total elation to total frustration in less than 15 seconds??? I know...get an email from your agency telling you that the drama of this adoption continues!!! I would fill you in on all the details, but I don't even know them myself. There are so many "if"s involved that I would just get myself worked up, again, into a raging mess. Oh, sometimes my head could just burst!!!

What I do know, and likely you do too if you watch/listen/read many international headlines, the blasted swine flu pandemonium is raging in China. Travelers are being quarantined in their hotels, travel plans are being delayed and appointments in the civil affairs buildings are being cancelled. Right now, we are being told that we should be able to travel to China on June 4th or 5th...however, they could cancel our appointment or once we get there we could be told to stay in our rooms the entire trip or we could be quarantined and not allowed to leave the country for an extended period. The other flip side of this whole mess is that "they" think that China could place more restrictions on travel which could last well into if not past the fall...the fall!!

I seriously don't think that anyone could make this stuff up. From beginning to end Elli's adoption has been very non-typical to say the least. However, with that said...she is worth everything that we have been through. We will continue to wait, pray, work, and plan for her homecoming.

Yesterday, I got an email from Angela that came from the orphanage staff. The translation is a little choppy, but you get the meaning...

Dear Qing Zu Qiao’s adoptive family,
I have seen your mail. I can understand you very well now. We will do our best to take good care of Qing Zu Qiao, and we will do as you have told us. We won’t make you disappointed.

How sweet is that?? I know I won't be disappointed...I just want my girl.

Sending love & hugs to our Elli,

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Top Mother's Day Gift of All Time...

We got our TA for Elli!!!!!!

Late last night, I got an email from our agency coordinator confirming that our Travel Approval had arrived. Since she was expecting it any day, she had us to fill out our Consulate Appointment request form at the beginning of last week so that they would have it on hand as soon as our TA arrived to request an appointment. Hopefully, we will have a confirmed appointment by the end of the week and can book our flights!!! This is really happening....and soon!!!!!!!!!

Everyone was already asleep last night when I got the message. I woke Rodney up to share the news with him and waited until the morning to tell the kids. I was sitting at the kitchen table and the kids brought me their cards. I then told them that we had a surprise for them. I told them that we had our Travel Approval and the celebration began. The boys all started clapping and yelling and Anna soon followed suit...she really didn't know why she was clapping and shouting, "yeah!!!!", but it was fun, so she did it too!! When the party broke up, Parker was standing at the table and said, "I can't believe we are about to get Elli in 3 days". I am not sure where he got the 3 days, but we explained to him it would be more like a few weeks.

I have soooo much that needs to be done before we leave and yet, I am ready to leave now. I haven't gotten into that "nesting" mode like I did w/Anna, but I hope it kicks in real quick! I need to finish up the horrible mess I have started with the kids clothes (changing seasons) and get things more organized. It will all get done...it always does. And in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter. What matters is just bringing Elli home. I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day gift...unless I could have gotten Elli herself! But that is coming in the very near future.

Happy Mothers Day & sending love to Elli,

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Care Package...

In the update that we just received, the staff said that Elli could use a few things...not that they didn't have them, they were just "old". We won the care package from Blessed Kids in the Love Without Boundaries auction that contained an outfit, stuffed toy, book, blanket and disposal camera. I have sent all the information to their contact and hopefully she will send the package in the next week. The staff also mentioned that she could use some shoes, so I contacted the lady that has done our other care package and updates for us. Ladybugs N Love prepared for us another care package that should arrive at the orphanage on Friday or Saturday. Along with a letter to the orphanage staff, Angela purchased 2 outfits and shoes for Elli. I think Elli will look pretty dashing in her new clothes...

In the letter to the orphanage staff, I asked that if at all possible, they try to help Elli understand about us coming. She has pictures of us and I suggested that it would be great if she was familiar with our faces. I just hope that the transition for Elli will be smooth. She is older and has much more understanding than Anna did when we adopted her. I know that Elli has a routine, friends and language. It has been my prayer for over a year now that God would prepare her for our coming...I have to trust that he is doing just that.

Not nearly as big of a deal, but I did also ask that since we were coming so soon, that they not cut her hair. I know that may sound silly, but for her own comfort and "fitting" in here in America, I didn't want her to come home with a shaved head. If she does, that's fine - she's beautiful hair or not...but I hope that they haven't cut all her lovely black hair off. Some orphanages don't cut the older girls' hair off so short, but I have seen some much older girls that they shaved. I understand the reasoning behind it from a sanitary stand point, but you know, how many girls want their heads shaved? Anna was so young, she didn't really notice or care for that matter...but it wasn't long until she began to love long hair and even now is totally consumed at times playing with her hair...it's just a girl thing.

When Angela emailed me the pictures of the clothing that she picked out for Elli, she told me that she got the height for Elli....95 cm or 37 1/2 inches. We measured Anna this morning and Elli is about 2 inches taller than Anna. So, she is bigger, but she isn't going to be as big as we initially thought. I think that 3Ts will do...especially if they are loose fitting and we LOVE loose fitting clothes around here :-) Last night I was changing out winter for summer clothes (torturing myself). I had a whole pile of clothes from my sister-in-law for Anna and Elli - THANK YOU AMY!! Lots and lots of cute dresses that I think will work out great for her.

Even though I know that we don't need to travel until June, I am getting very weary for our Travel Approval. Our agency was getting a package from China yesterday and we really thought our TA would be in the package - it wasn't. I was so bummed all night. I couldn't sleep because I was soooo disappointed. All night, tossing and turning - trying not to cry - just thinking about how it seems we have been "overlooked" again! I know, drowning myself in pity...yes, it does get old at times. I know that the timing will be perfect...it always is, but sometimes the wait is just hard. God has been faithful to us over, and over again. I know that his mercies don't run out, they are new every morning...and this morning - I was given her height. Small to some, but to me...not at all. Why? Because I now know that my baby girl is 37 1/2 inches tall. Something that I have wondered for over a year now. Those tiny nuggets of random information that we take for granted when we have our children playing at our feet...they are precious treasures when your child is half a world away.

Looking forward to things to come & sending love to our Elli,

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Much Needed Update....

Okay, so as if there isn't enough for me to fret over...introduce the Swine Flu! Now, I know that there are some really sick individuals right now and unfortunately, even some that have died, but as all the media coverage began swirling about this possible pandemic - my thoughts went to suspended travel. The last few days, I have been just sick thinking of another delay. Today, it is my understanding that the CCAA (China) has issued a statement that they are basically advising traveling parents to use common sense, but there hasn't been a suspension of daily operations at the CCAA or any postponement of trips...good news!!

Feeling much better about the whole ordeal (and the fact that Parker hasn't ran fever since yesterday - yes, we have been sick AGAIN!), we headed out to run some errands. When I returned home there was an email waiting for me from China.......Qiao Qiao Update!!!! with pics!!

What a sweet girl!

I don't even know what she is writing/drawing, but I am sure it's genius!

Doing a little dance with her friends. I am most certain that the little girl on the right is her best friend. She has been in other pictures and the update stated that she is particularly fond of Qing Zu Huan. Notice the little paper flowers on their head...too cute!

After my heart stopped beating so hard and I got some composure about me, I read the "update" portion of the email. Her favorite toy is a doll...we have plenty of those since Anna will have nothing to do with dolls. Her favorite food is crackers and candy...she and Parker will feast on Townh*use Crackers and sugar! They report that she speaks pretty well and has healed nicely after her surgery (October 06). Her favorite activity is arts and crafts...fun, fun! I asked about her needing anything and they told me that she has everything, but it is old. They said that if I could send some clothes, blanket, toy, shoes it would be good....I just bought a care package from the Love Without Boundaries auction - perfect! They said that her personality is outgoing and funny...my kind of girl. They call her Qiao Qiao...which we already knew, but getting that information 2x confirms she has the perfect name Elliana Kate Qiao. Her measurements show that she weighs a little over 34 lbs!!!! They will get me an updated height, but it wasn't included in this message. I am guessing 4T clothing?? Her foot is about 5.9 inches long...about an 8 1/2 (you guys measure your girls' feet and let me know). Anna's is about 5.25 inches and wears a 7 - 7 1/2. Last - I asked if she knew she had a family coming for her...she knows about us. I sent her an album with our pictures and I hope that we are recognizable to her when we go so that she isn't afraid or at least the fear is somewhat calmed with our familiar faces.

I needed this today for sure!! It is always bitter sweet to get an update. You get to see their faces, happy to see that they are well, then the reality of just having a picture sets in. You analyze every detail of the photo, looking at the clothes, the floors, the walls, EVERYTHING. Thankfully, Elli is in a good place. It isn't home, but we are very fortunate that she is in Qingyuan...it is a good orphanage.

I am just a little crazy right now...totally excited, emotional and ready to book a flight!!!

Thankful to see our girl happy & healthy,
Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Two Waits Are Over...

What a busy month! Good...but busy!! As noted in my last two posts, our LOA FINALLY came...after only 125 days ;-) Then we had a new nephew born just 2 days later.

Our LOA arrived at the agency on Monday then it arrived at our house on Thursday - we signed and overnighted the LOA back to the agency facilitator for Friday delivery. She sent the LOA back to China so that they can begin to process our TA (Travel Approval)....so now, we wait - yet again. During our wait, we will request our China Visas and try to get everything in order for travel. I hope, hope, hope we can really make LOTS of progress on the house before we travel...even finishing would be super nice!!

So what did this much anticipated paper look like....well, here it is in all it's glory.

Letter of Seeking Confirmation from Adopter...that's US!!

The CCAA seal

Yes!!! We accept!!!

Just like with all the other paperwork that you work so hard to get, to then hand over to complete strangers that have no idea what precious cargo you are entrusting to them...it is really hard. Thank goodness for tracking numbers ;-) I followed that baby from our distribution center all the way to it's destination...checking multiple times through the night and next morning until "Delivery Confirmation" was established. A great sigh of relief. The celebration quickly ends because there are still more milestones to conquer!! But, we are one step closer to Elli and Elli is one step closer to coming home to a family that adores her!!!!

In the spirit of celebration, I suppose our nephew decided it was an ideal time to arrive himself. As with any event that involved my family, there is always a story to tell....

My sister-in-law, Rodney's sister, and I went to town Tuesday morning to take Anna to pre-school for a couple of hours. We then went to visit her co-workers and run some errands. We picked up Anna and went grocery shopping. While in the grocery, I am getting a couple of "craving" hints from her about grilled food, roasted potatoes and Ore@ cake. Thinking to myself, that she is about to have a baby and this maybe the last meal that I can fix for her before she starts her kind of bland diet nursing a baby, I decide we will have all the cravings for dinner.

We go home, she rests on the sofa (I know she is exhausted...I ran her all over town!) and cuddles with Parker and Anna. I began to fix the cake, grilled steak with vegetable kabobs and roasted potatoes. When dinner is almost done, Shanda's husband arrives home and comes over for dinner. Before we began to eat, she tells me she is having some serious pains, but still motivated to feed her cravings. We start to eat and it is noticeable that she is uncomfortable at times...but still she eats. Finally her husband, Trevor, is made aware of her pains and he asks her if they need to go...she replies with, "no, I am going to eat." We waited until she had her fill of dinner and dessert before we start timing her contractions. They left around 8:30 pm so she could lie down at home and keep a better record. I call a couple of times to check on her and right at midnight they called the hospital. At 4:40 am Asa arrived.

Just 5 days old and doing so good. He really is a good baby, not just saying that because of any partiality on my part...seriously!

I totally understand coming home with a new baby and being whipped! I have been really good trying to give them space, but it takes just about all the self-control I have to not stop every time I drive by their house (we only live 2 doors down). Who doesn't want to snuggle with a newborn baby?!?!? Especially if you are trying to secure "Favorite Aunt" status!

I know a lot of my posts seem to be me whining about something...some warranted I think....but, I know that I am very blessed. God has shown us favor in every obstacle that we have faced with Elli's adoption. I didn't like facing the obstacles, but God has been faithful to us and I believe with all my heart he will continue. I have 4 beautiful, healthy children at home with me now, I have 4 gorgeous, healthy nephews and an equally gorgeous, healthy niece. God restored my mother's health after her bout with cancer, my father is healthy and both are doing everything they know to do to be Godly role models. My in laws are wonderful to me and my family. There is no warring between us and they would do anything in their power for me, my children and even my family. My in laws love my side of the family and my family love my in laws. God has provided in my sister's family, my brother's family, my sister-in-law's family and we are all striving to do our best. I do know how blessed I am. I know that it is only by the grace of God that I have all I do. We aren't "rich", but I don't know what else I could possibly have to be any happier...other than Elli and I know that she is coming. I don't deserve any of this, but I am so thankful it has been given.

Sending love and hugs to our Elli,
Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Our Newest Nephew...

I guess we weren't the only ones waiting for our LOA...apparently, our newest nephew was waiting for our LOA to come so he could come too ;-) Rodney's sister delivered a beautiful little boy early this morning...here are a few pictures of the chubby little bundle.

Rodney's sister, Shanda, and Asa

Our brother-in-law, Trevor, and Asa
Congratulations Shanda & Trevor!!

Shanda and Rodney are 15 years apart...he was a very proud big brother and a thrilled new uncle.

Sending love & hugs to Asa...and of course our Elli,
Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Day 125....

LOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, do I need to say more?

Sending love & hugs to our Elli,
Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Day 118...

Still no news yet, but hopefully by the end of the week. I am hoping that as I sit here, at 1:03 am on Monday morning, that some CCAA employee in China at 1:03 pm is mailing out our LOA ;-)

I wanted to share a really sweet conversation between me and Parker. We had just had a little family Wii bowling tournament where Parker won the first round, yes the 4 year old beat his 2 older brothers and father, and then lost to Jacob in the second round. He was distraught. Long story short, I began crying like him because he beat me...trying to prove the point of a good sport. Anyway, we began laughing and telling stories of "remember when...." Rodney told a few, then Jacob and when it came Parker's turn to tell us his "remember when I was a baby and you got me from....where did you get me from?"

I asked him, "what do you mean?"

"Where did you get me from? America or China or something?" he asked.

"We got you in America," I answered."

"Oh yeah, remember when I was a baby and you got me in America and......." he continued.

How precious is that? Parker knows that he was born to us because he has seen pictures and video of him in the hospital, when I was pregnant, etc., but for him to not even think about it and just assume that he is like Anna and Elli / Anna and Elli are like him - I love it. Yes, he will "understand" the differences later, but the innocence of it and just to believe that Anna and Elli are his sisters that have/are coming to us completely normal, it was the sweetest thing of the day!

Sending love & hugs to our Elli,
Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Day 113...

I don't want to say anything prematurely (God knows, I have been wrong before!!!!) BUT, I feel very good about the coming week...and rightfully so. Hopefully I will have more details soon.

Sending love & hugs to our Elli,
Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Day 108...

I have no news....zero, nada, nothing. To my knowledge, there is no package on its way. Which means, that at the earliest it will be the end of next week. There is nothing I can do about any of it, other than count my days and try to be productive in the meantime....easier said than done!

On a positive note, we have made...actually I haven't done anything...great progress on the house. The roofers are suppose to start today. Hopefully the electrical and plumbing will begin next week. Tomorrow, we are going to start "clean up" from the framers. The weather is expected to be great tomorrow, so I am honestly looking forward to getting outside and working. The fun part will be actually being productive and keeping Parker and Anna out of trouble. Kids have a talent at being able to find something mischievous to get into even when there is nothing mischievous around...at least my kids do!

It is so fun to "plan" what will go where. I am not a real stickler on everything having to be perfect - thank goodness...with my kids and my husband, that never happens! But I like to have a general idea of what I am planning on doing. As we were walking through the bedrooms I loved saying, "the girls' room". I was trying to envision where we would place 2 beds for the 2 beauties and it was fun. I think a little therapeutic actually. After so long of nothing on the adoption end, it is good to be able to plan something about her coming home. Sometimes it can seem like it is never going to happen, but just standing in Elli and Anna's room and thinking of the 2 of them in there, was good for me. It is going to happen...I don't know when, but we are getting ready for her. And doing that is a boost for my spirits.

Sending love & hugs to our Elli,

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna

Day 99....Last of the 2 Digit Days

Tomorrow we officially enter the Century Club....in no way is this an esteemed club to be a member. I remember feeling so bad for those who had to wait over 100 days with Anna's adoption. I thought, "how horrible to wait so long!" Well, you know the saying, "you don't know till you have been there"? Well, I can officially say tomorrow, YES, it is horrible!!!

There was a package delivered to our agency last Friday. We were so hopeful that our LOA would be inside, but it wasn't. There was one lone travel approval. Although I am thrilled for that family, I must admit I was soooo disappointed. I did see a post yesterday for a family with another agency that did get their LOA and they have the same LID as us, 11.18. It may be another week, 2, month...who knows when our agency will get another package, but we surely will be next. I would love for everyone remaining with our agency to all get their LOAs. There is no point in them having to wait this long....plus I would love to travel with them and see their cuties in person ;-)

Sending love & hugs to Elli,

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna