It's Official...

Again, another day of very fast “official” adoption proceedings. We zoomed into the Civil Affairs building, had our family portrait made, zoomed through 2 interviews, paid the fees and were done! The adoption is official and final. Tomorrow we go to have Elli’s passport picture made and apply for her passport. For this adoption to have taken almost 3 times longer than Anna’s…the adoption appointments in China have gone about 3 times fast…I think we deserve it though!

Elli did wonderful last night. She went right to sleep and slept through the night. No crying, no fussing, just perfect. She woke up this morning a little quiet, but it only took about 10 minutes and she was our little QiaoQiao…running and playing all over again. We all got ready for breakfast, our early morning appointment and of course, our first introduction to the family. We called our kiddos at my sister-in-laws so they could see and hear their new sister for the first time. She greeted them all very softly with, “NiHao”. She took a stab at saying some of their names….some came out better than others. Although she liked looking at the screen for a while, it didn’t last – there is just too much to do around here.

We left the room to eat some breakfast before meeting our guide to go to the Civil Affairs building to finalize the adoption. At breakfast, she ate part of an omelet with cheese, mushrooms and green peppers, fruit, fried rice noodles, fried rice, fried dumplings, potatoes, and a croissant. She really is too sweet using the fork the way she does. She will take a bite and then use her fork to rake any stray food into her mouth…very, very cute. I tore off a piece of the croissant for her and put a little strawberry jam for her to try – oh yeah baby!!! QiaoQiao is a big fan of the jams. She wanted it on her potatoes and more and more on her bread. Her little white dress was soon a white and multi-colored polka dot dress. Rodney had some watermelon on his plate. He cut her a small piece and fed it to her. She ate it right up and took her fork to his plate and looked up at him almost questioning him if she could have another. He nodded and she began raking the watermelon from his plate to hers…no more watermelon for Baba. She loved breakfast.



After returning from the Civil Affairs, she ate a snack in the room and we tried to take a nap…ha! I put her in her crib and she started to get upset…so I got her out and laid with her on our bed…she just tossed and turned. I finally tried the crib again and she stayed in there for about 15 minutes and then she was up playing and I knew it wasn’t going to happen. So I got her out. The nanny told us that she took a nap between 12 and 2, but she didn’t today! Oh well, maybe she will be ready for bed tonight…I hope!



She is trying her limits more and more. She will pull away, smile and do what we tell her “no” to and is being a typical 3 year old – that’s a good thing. I have had to get stern with her a couple of times because she has found an outlet under the computer desk. I tell her no and she will just grin and slowly move her hand towards the outlet. At one point she swatted at me and acted like she was going to put a toy in it – oh gracious, here we go.

Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna,

You better get ready!! One of the best ways to describe Elli is to take Anna and Sam and mix them together – you got QiaoQiao. She can do anything she wants….open bottles, fold her clothes, put her shoes away, fix her hair and dress herself. She is talking up a storm and starting to sing little songs…I wish so bad I knew what all she was saying. We love you all very much and can’t wait to get home to have all you close!

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

"Gotcha Day" Recap...

As we headed out yesterday afternoon towards the Civil Affairs building, I couldn’t help but be nervous about the reaction we would receive, or the effect that we would have on Elli. We didn’t want to “grab her up”, even though we wanted to “grab her up”. My biggest fear was that she would be scared. There is a very big warring in your heart on “Gotcha Day”. The one side is so excited, so thrilled, so anxious for the day that you have waited for so long and the other is the incredible sadness knowing that they are leaving all they have ever known. You are taking them from their normalcy and turning their world completely upside down. It can be a painful transition…even if things go best.

We arrived at the familiar building, the crowded drive and got out of the van. We made our way up to the 8th floor and joined a room filled with smiling, anxious parents. You could fill the excitement and nerves. Across the room was smaller room with children. I glanced into the room and saw some children staring back across the way at all the strange adults. We turned to put our things down and I got out my camera. As I turned back around, I saw one of the sweetest sights dressed in pink ruffles. QiaoQiao had arrived and was walking into the “waiting room”. I snapped a quick picture, but only got her back…but I saw her face and it was stunning.



A family that I have had contact with for a long time was also getting their daughter and they were first. I was so honored to get to witness their family meeting for the first time. I held their video camera for them as their daughter recognized her parents and called them by name. It was a very special moment for a little girl that has waited for many years to finally have her day.

We were called away to sign some paperwork because it was our turn to meet our daughter for the first time. We walked across the room where a nanny and Qing Zu Qiao stood waiting. She was looking around the room, staying very close to her nanny and holding a big white bear close to her chest. I waved at her and she returned the gesture. I knelt down and smiled. The nanny started pointing speaking to QiaoQiao. She opened her mouth and said, “mama, baba.” We applauded her actions and she smiled. The nanny then asked her to say, “mother” and “father”. She did and did so very well.





I began showing her some of the toys in the backpack that we prepared for her. She was interested in the doll and her long, slender fingers reached out to touch the dolls arm. She handed me the bear and we traded. She was examining Rodney and me, checking us out from head to toe. I got out a sucker and she was very, very interested. I unwrapped the sucker and she quickly took it. At one point, she took the sucker out of her mouth and offered a taste to me. I thanked her and she smiled.

I was reaching out toward her, but not to intrusive. She still hovered very near her nanny, at times nearly going between her legs to find security. The nanny would gently nudge her forward. She loved the “magical” baby bottle that she just could not figure out where the milk was going when she turned it upside down. She laid the baby doll on my lap and we fed the baby. We had an opportunity to ask the nanny some questions about her daily routine, feeding habits, likes/dislikes, etc. She seems like a typical 3 year old. She told us that she wasn’t a picky eater but especially liked snack foods…yep, she is ours!

The orphanage had packed a little bag of treats for her, cookies and crackers, along with a photo album that they had made of her. There are some really sweet pictures that I will try to share later…but some really sweet images that we are very fortunate to have.

As we sat and played, she slowly made her way into my lap. I was glad that she initiated the closeness. She was standing between my legs as I held the baby; she slowly lifted one leg and Rodney said, “pick her up, she wants you to pick her up.” I lifted her into my lap and we sat looking at coloring books, stickers and again, the magical bottle.

After about 15 minutes, the guide gathered her items that we brought and told QiaoQiao goodbye. She just looked at her and the nanny walked away. I believe Rodney and I both held our breath as she rounded the corner and we could no longer see her wondering the reaction we would have. But nothing. We played a bit longer with stickers and Connie asked if we were ready to leave.

As we made our way to the hallway and elevator, Elli pulled her hand from mine a couple of times. I allowed her to wonder just a little before pulling her back. We walked outside and waited on the sidewalk for the driver. As we got into the van, I could see her face changing, she was scared. I quickly got inside the van, pulled her up in my lap and she began to cry. The tears were rolling. She had a very small, pitiful cry. The kind of cry that makes you want to cry with them. I rubbed her back, tried to comfort her and then I remembered the cookies we brought. Rodney got them out, and the tears quickly ended…a girl and her comfort food – again, confirming she is ours ;-)

She seemed to enjoy the ride back to the hotel after calming. She was taking in all the sights and the busy streets. After we got to the hotel, she examined the room and began to play. We finished up some paperwork and she colored and played with her baby. She did amazing.



Soon Connie left and it was just us. Just us. She seemed very comfortable playing and laughing. Running and being very, well bossy! It is really funny because I will tell her no and she will give me a little attitude, sometimes, but for the most part she does it. Rodney on the other hand – hahahahahha! She doesn’t get upset, but she isn’t intimidated by him at all! She has swatted at his hand, stomped her foot and shouted something at him when he tried to get her to stop unplugging things on the computer…she did this all while smiling at him. She just isn’t scared of him. She isn’t scared of me either, but I think maybe being used to female nannies, she sees me as an authoritive figure – Rodney, he is just a big play thing!





It wasn’t long until we went to get her some shoes because we had a little accident and they got wet…plus they were too big and she was tripping in them constantly. She didn’t want Rodney to pack her, so I had to pack her to a local shop for some shoes. Oh my gosh…she is a chunk! It was a relief to find some shoes that fit her BIG feet! She wears a Chinese size 25…which we were told is about a US 9…Anna wears a 6.5 and Parker is about 10.5…yes, she is a big girl. So far the clothes that I have brought seem like they will fit her well, 3 & 4 Ts.

After getting some shoes, we knew that she was getting hungry so we went for some dinner. One of the funniest things I have ever seen in my entire life. The way that she would use her fork to eat her noodles…it’s and art form I tell you. She is talented. Rodney and I laughed so hard and she would just grin and keep on eating. Sweet, sweet girl.

We are so thankful that things went as well as they did. I know that we “aren’t out of the woods yet”, but I couldn’t imagine them going any better. She is just a jewel.

Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna,

You all are going to LOVE Elli! She is a hoot. Funny, funny girl and knows exactly what she wants and when she wants it…just like you all! I think when you see her later tonight, she is going to love seeing herself on the computer…she is quite smitten with her face & we are too!

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

QiaoQiao Has Landed!

Oh my! I don't know what else to say. More beautiful than any picture we have seen, and smart...soooo smart. We weren't at the Civil Affairs office very long at all. In fact, I am guessing we were in and out in less than 20 minutes. Since we have been back to the room she has played dolls, colored, drank a whole bottle of juice, ate cookies, touched every possible button she could find, turned on the tv, changed channels and has used the potty 2 times!

I will fill you in on all the details later, but just wanted to share that she is here with us and doing absolutely wonderful...only a few tears that quickly dried. So thankful!

Glad this day has finally come,
Rodney & Marcy

The Last Night...

Tonight, somewhere in Qingyuan in the Guangdong Province of the Peoples’ Republic of China, a little girl, called QiaoQiao by her caregivers, was put to bed in the Social Welfare Institute for the last time. Tomorrow afternoon, unbeknown to her, she will make a life changing journey to Guangzhou where she will meet the family that has loved her and wanted her for a long, long time. Tonight is the last night that Qing Zu Qiao will be an orphan.

I don’t know what she knows or understands about the comings of tomorrow. However, I try to prepare myself for the reaction that my 3 year old would have if she was taken from what she knows. I understand what the natural reactions of what a 3 year old could be, but I also know that God can help her and help us to help her. All we can do tomorrow is just be there for her, love her and wait for her to eventually love us too.

Tomorrow is a monumental day in our lives. We will no longer be parents to 4, but 5. No longer 1 girl, but 2. A day that comes to us by a whirlwind of circumstances, heart aches mixed with joy. She has a story that is filled with amazing people that have loved her – from the birth parents that cared for until she was just too sick and they couldn’t do it any longer, the person that found her outside the market and got her to safety, the Brehms that fostered her until she was strong, the incredible volunteers and workers with Love Without Boundaries that provided her palate surgery, the orphanage staff that has taken care of her daily, Half the Sky that has given her opportunities in their preschool program, the adoption agency that was dedicated to find her a loving home and the ones that began our journey to her who we will forever be grateful. Each played a vital role in her life and their contributions will be told to her over and over as we share her beautiful story.

Tomorrow is a new chapter in her life. A chapter that will be far different from any that has been written of her in the past. She will become the daughter of two adoring parents, the sister of another and 3 brothers, a granddaughter, a cousin, a niece, and have an extended family and friends that are all anxiously awaiting her arrival.

QiaoQiao,

Sleep tight and have the sweetest dreams you have ever dreamed. Tomorrow will be a busy day for you and full of many new sights and sounds. After many, many months of us staring at your picture, wondering what your voice will sound like and just how big you actually are, tomorrow will bring the physical reality of just who you really are. Until we meet…

Sending our sweet Elli all our love,
Rodney & Marcy

A Few Pics...

A little bribery never hurt...some goodies for Elli

On our way to China!

Central Park from above

Okay, I know it is small....but, the small island in the center - Ellis Island and the small green thing - Statue of Liberty...hey, its the best I could do

About to board in Hong Kong for Guangzhou

Yummy...breakfast!

Statue Garden

I just wanted to post a few pictures while I had a break. We went walking after breakfast and got incredibly hot and sweaty!!! The humidity is just through the roof right now. The only cool place right now is by the river where there is an awesome breeze blowing across the walk. No wonder that is where so many gather to exercise, dance and nap.

After walking around for a while, we decided to come back to the room to cool off. We got to talk and see Carter & Anna at my sister's house this morning right before they were getting ready for bed. We called right in the middle of Anna's french manicure and pedicure, so she was showing off her nails and toes. Even though it has only been a few days, it seems like Carter has changed. I guess he just seems "bigger" and more mature. Hopefully tomorrow we will be able to see Parker & Jacob...we miss them all soooo much. Rodney is hungry - again, so I think we are going to go back out and see what else we can get into. We looked at some menus while walking around and Rodney found some that he would like to try. Melissa, I am sure I will have some good stories for you soon ;-) I will post more about our day and more pics tonight when we get back.

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

Rodney & Marcy

ps

By the way, even with the newly purchased hairspray - my hair is still pretty bad

The Adventure Begins...

In an effort to make the time change transition a little easier and to be able to sleep on the plane, I stayed up all night again this time. It seemed to work pretty well our last trip across the Pacific, well, other than Rodney constantly waking me up telling me that if he couldn't sleep I couldn't either...we are all about equality at our house (sarcasm alert!!). We left around 5:00 am (thanks Rick) and headed to the airport to catch our first flight.

Trying to minimize our luggage this trip, I cut our check in bags by 2 this time. Pretty impressive I think, considering the incredible urge to, "pack it just in case". It is really hard to not bring too much stuff. One of the bags was over by 4 lbs. So I pulled out some stuff and crammed in my backpack...totally messing up my whole system, but I managed :-) We finally boarded a plane headed for Newark, NJ...I mean a tiny, tiny plane headed for Newark, NJ. I don't consider myself claustrophobic, but I didn't like the close quarters at all. I have been on a 4 seat wide express jet before, but this one was 3 wide and was very "squatty". I was glad to get off that ride!

We arrived in Newark and grabbed some lunch. I have never been to NYC, so it was nice to see the NYC skyline as we ate. Flying above the city, we could see the Statue of Liberty as well as notable scrapers, like the Empire State Building.

Next, we were on our way to Hong Kong. Thankfully, the flight was far from full and Rodney and I had an empty seat on our row, so it was nice...lots better than the last time. We were all packed on that flight like a can of sardines! Not much fun to be cramped for 15 hours. We finally arrived at Hong Kong and soon boarded the flight to Guangzhou, a lovely 35 minute flight...wouldn't it be nice if they were all that short?!?

Our driver was waiting for us and took us to our hotel. We checked in and Rodney wanted to go search for some food...imagine that. He nearly made a mad dash to guess where? Lucy's! They were closing, so he has to wait yet another day for his sweet n sour pork. We made a stop at the Seven11 and got some soda and chips. It really didn't matter, we were both pretty whipped, yet somehow I only managed to sleep about 2 hours. I got up, showered and woke Rodney, because I was getting hungry!!

We hit the Victory breakfast buffet (Angela - it was goooooood!). We are staying in the annex this time, so we didn't do the main hotel buffet...which I prefer this one much more. The eating area is very cozy and the food is exactly the same - but without the very strong aroma ;-) Rodney had some fruit, an omelet, toast and seriously probably 3 glasses of orange juice. He definitely got his Vitamin C for the day. I had the fried rice, noodles, toast and dumplings. Honestly, all joking aside for those that remember my loathing the breakfast last time, it was really good...almost like comfort food in a way - odd.

Connie, our guide again, came to our room after breakfast and discussed the coming days and what we needed. We went to the bank to exchange some moola and headed to the department store for hairspray...hairspray? Oh yes, I opened my luggage last night when we arrived to discover that there was a very strong smell, like alcohol...no, perfume...no, HAIRSPRAY! Apparently one of our suitcases was searched because my toiletry bag was all messed up, the straps were undone and the cap on the hairspray was off...all of the hairspray sprayed out - in the bag, all over my denim capris (Shanda, can you believe - the same capris as the pen incident!) some socks and of course all the other items in the toiletry bag. So, after my shower, my hair looked fabulous. In fact, for the last 2 years I have joked Rodney about his "Buddha" comment from Connie - well this time, it was my turn. When she came in we were reminiscing and I asked about getting some hairspray, because there is nowhere on the island to buy any. She told me that she would take me to get some today if I wanted. She said that she remembered last time that my hair was always "so nice and pretty, not like now." How funny is that?

We got a cab and headed to the shopping mall...huge shopping mall. Found the hairspray, got some cookies for Elli and grabbed a cab back to the hotel. Now I am really under pressure. I mean, now Connie knows I have hairspray and is expecting good hair everyday! Just kidding, I am not that vain. And even though Connie remembered a lot about us, Anna and the boys, she obviously didn't remember my hair! We love her!

Tomorrow is free day again and then we will meet Connie on Monday afternoon at 2:00 pm to head to the Civil Affairs to meet Elli. Very exciting, nerve wrecking and anxious all rolled into one big butterfly in the pit of my stomach. She is 3...not a little baby that you can hold and console with rocking, bouncing or a bottle. We are trying to prepare for the worst reaction, but praying and hoping for the best. Either way, it will be a day that we will never forget.

Carter, Jacob, Parker and Anna,

This computer is sooooooo slow. It is about to drive me nuts! I have some pictures that I wanted to show you, but it will not let me download. I don't know what the deal is, but I am going to do some more tinkering and see what I can do. We hope that you all are having a good time, being good and helping out. We love you more than I can put into words and wish we could give you hugs and kisses...yes, Carter and Jacob - kisses!! I miss all of you so much and cannot wait to get home.

Sending love, hugs and kisses to Carter, Jacob, Parker and Anna at home and Elli in Qingyuan,
Rodney & Marcy

Hotel, Sweet Hotel...

We have finally arrived!! We are both exhausted and thankful to finally be here. I have been working for about an hour trying to gain access to blogger.com With the anniversary of the demonstrations in Tsquare, access to blogger as well as privacy servers have been blocked by the government. I finally found another server, but had some issues...but I don't give up very easily when I really want something :)

My laptop is also giving me some issues w/freezing. I have done some updates and hope that the problem is resolved...so we will see. Fortunately, there is a desktop in our room, so if I have too much trouble, there is a backup. Last time I had some issues with formatting, so my fellow "teacher" friends, please excuse the continuous paragraphs if I can't change the html.

Tomorrow is a free day other than meeting with Connie, our guide. I am sure that we will be in "crazy" schedule mode for the next couple of days. Thankfully we have those to adjust before we meet Elli...oh yeah, we will soon have Elli!! It seems like an eternity to get to this point, but we are finally here!

Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna,

We have some pretty funny stories to tell you about our flights. We thought of you multiple times...especially when we were going through the movies on the flight and they had all the X-Men (except Origins of course) and the video games :-) You guys would have been in heaven!! I will give more details of our trip tomorrow and hopefully a few pics.

The sights, sounds and smells are all so familiar and a flood of memories came back as we approached the city of Guangzhou. It was only 2 years ago that we were here with Anna sending you boys messages. We hope to talk to you in the morning and love you bunch, bunch, bunches!!!

Sending love and hugs to our babies at home and our baby in Qingyuan,
Rodney & Marcy

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