Good Morning Everyone! This weekend should be a quiet one for us. We are working on getting our arrangements made for Chinese New Year. We have plans to go to a local restaurant and meet up with Steffie's family from 'Never Too Many'. We also are good friends with Kelly's family from 'Katie's Antics' and may do something with them too. It's going to be so much more fun this year because of the friends we have met in our area throug the blog. Last year I didn't even really know what Chinese New Year was. This year I want to start a tradition in our family. I want us to celebrate Chinese New Year every year as a way of honoring Sophia's culture and homeland.
The chat room is closed, thank you for a wonderful morning!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Good Morning Everyone! Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!
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1 – 200 of 226 Newer› Newest»Good Morning Girly...Love the picture... sounds like you are going to have fun on Chinese New Year...
That is Nick's 18th bday too.. I wish we lived closer.. I haven't met anyone around here yet... I know there are a few... but you know ... haven't really got involved in the program yet..
I just love this BLOG of yours. It is always so beautiful with the images and the music. thank you so much for sharing this.
Lea
HI there Kim, how are you? Wow, Nick is 18.
Good Morning Lea,
Thank you for saying that. Do you have any good weekend plans?
PS. Gotta know where you get those cute images on your side bar?
He will be on Feb. 7th.. that is what I was saying the other day... If I listen to all of these BAD rumors about China is going to finish 2006 in 2012 - all of my children will be out of High School...
But you know me..I don't pay attention..
Lea,
Your blog is gorgeous! I see that my friend Verna has helped. She will be here most likely this morning to chat.
I do have a great weekend planned. Looks like your going to have a good one too!
I am in Toronto and we have a group called the GTA waiting mommies that meet for dinner a few times a year and this is tonight. Also my daughter has her first fitting for a wedding dress.
enjoy your weekend.
These latest rumors are excruciating. I don't know how to handle them really. I mean what else can we do? We already have 19 month invested between paperwork and then our paperwork's been in China for a year almost now. We just have to wait it out.
I saw that you are going to Cuba for the wedding. That is so exciting. My graphics come from everywhere. The blog is my evening wind down after the little one is in bed. I hunt around for pictures and quotes that I like until I feel tired and then I go to bed.
I know.. We have 16 months.. and almost should be delivering (9) LOL..
But ... I have a prediction that I am going to put on my blog when I get it together.. I have just felt this.. Just want to post it and see if my gut feelings are right .. maybe I am WAY off..
I think they will do 1-2 days in Feb. and then March will pick up..
But you know has soon as Feb they do a few days.. people get upset.. I think a lot of people are backing out..
I think something is going to change because they took down the box at the CCAA site that shows how many days have been processed.
I don't know why they wouldn't match before the olympics because the people wouldn't be able to travel for several months after anyway. No one gets their TA with their referral letter.
I read an article on 'Catching Butterlies 2' where a number of officials and wealthy were kicked out of the communist party a few weeks ago for violating the one child policy. To me, that would mean an increase in children, not the decrease they say they are having. I think they want to keep the girls because the population is becoming skewed. I think SN is the way they want to go.
this is beautiful...GOod morning!
I wish we had a chance at SN.. but our agency does not do that.. we would have to go to another agency.. and that isn't going to happen..
I think they will speed up..my gut feeling..
Oh well ... whatever they do.. I am in it for the long haul..
Even if ALL the kiddo's are out of High School..
Good Morning Amy..
Hi there Amy!
We're talking about the rumors about the wait. Are you guys doing anything for Chinese New Year?
Also, say hi to Lea. She has a new Blogfairy blog.
you guys are off to a good start this morning
We can go SN after we are through the review room. Zach only has 2 more years at home, so I don't know if he'll be here or not. I sure hope he at least has a year with his sister.
Hello Lea! We were asked to volunteer at the FCC New Year but its almost 20 bucks to get in and we just dont have extra money right now
Hubby thinks this only reason I want to go SN is to speed up the wait to start our family..I can understand his feelings though
Yeah, money is tight all over our country right now. There are talks of possible lay-offs and restructuring where my husband works. We're a little nervous.
Well,
This is how I look at it. God uses circumstances to guide in the direction He has planned. So maybe your child is on a SN list. There is no doubt in my mind that whatever path you take, it will lead you to the child God intended for you. He wouldn't pair you with the wrong one.
I know.. My husband was going to go and start working with a guy in the spring and do HVAC.. but I told him..his job right now is always secure so he needs to stay.. so he is going to try to take Thurs. and Friday off March-sept.. and then work for that other guy on thur.,fri,sat and maybe sun.. so he will be working 7 days a week..but we need extra money..
my hubby is looking for something else right now as well...
If I would have known about SN when we signed up..I proably would have went that route.. but now we can not.. so that just means you guys get to read my blog a lot longer..LOL..
Well I need to get going...GOOD ole work is calling..
Kim- did I tell you that there might be 2 HRM spots open.. I am hoping that one of them is MINE... YEAH... I would enjoy my job so much more..
Good morning everyone,
We are off to a good start this morning, Hubby trying to sleep after working all night and I am trying to teach my 3 year old how to whisper, LOL.
My old alzheimer's daog want out for the 4th time since 8, he can't remember if he's coming or going, or it's that me??
We too are making New Year's plans, trying to decide dine in or out?
I hope you get one of those jobs. I'm sure you will. Have a great day today Kim!
ILl be WORKING the 26th..GOod morning to you as well!
Hi there Kerri!
I love it when little ones whisper. Eli uses his whisper voice, but it's still loud. Your alzheimer's dog is busting me up...poor thing.
Any good baby names last week Amy? You know I have to ask : )
Last night I took care of a Horace! Hes a Jr!
Ive had a precious and a stormy this week
Have a GREAT Day Everyone...
Hugs to you all..
In case you are the praying type and havent read my blog, please pray for Tymm and Laura at www.babyhoffman.com
They are adopting babies from China and Ethiopia. They got their referral 2 months ago and Friday their baby passed away before they could even meet!!
Bye Kim!
Have a lovely day my friend
That is awful. Oh no, which country did the baby die in?
baby Brighton died in Ethiopia. Check their site for an amazing little boys photo
they are my most precious adopting friends and we are grieving with them
I just left a comment for them. How sad. They are good people, you can tell. So what will happen? Will they be referred another baby? I don't know a lot about Ethiopia's adoption process.
Good morning girl....love the header picture....just had the BF make me a blof with the Coi Fish as well! ;)
I'll email you about this Friday night later this week. Let's plan on Yen Chings. I'm not sure on the time. I'll explain in my email. Lot's going on this week.....it's crazy! But we DO need to have a night out together! There is TONS to talk about!
Smooches....love you, miss you...have a fabulous weekend!
S*
I havent talked to them but what I have heard, yes they will get another referral...
Have a great weekend Stef! I'm really looking forward to Friday.
I like that they did concurrent adoptions. I would do the same thing if I planned to adopt multiple children. China says it's ok. Now, you and Michael are going to try for a bio baby this year right?
Yes, just have to find the time..Haha! You will know if it happens
Good Morning everyone, just saying hi briefly. Been reading all your comments about the rumors and lengthening wait times. I have had a hard time this week with it. We are thinking about switching to SN, but don't know if that is an option for us with our agency. We know our daughter (I say daughter but it could be a son) is in China and however long it takes, we will wait.
P.S. Kimberely love the beautiful Asian lady picture. :)
Hello and thank you for the kind words and prayers for us in this time of difficult confusion.
The posts from people out there in our adoption community have helped us more than people will ever know.
God has been good to us and we know He will continue to do so - we just need to see and follow His will.
Thank you very much.
Tymm & Laura
Good morning Gail!
Yeah, this has been a tough week.
Amy,
Your friend Laura left a comment!
Laura,
You are very welcome. Your blog is very inspiring. I am very sorry for the loss of your son. What a darling boy.
they are wonderful. Ill be honest. They are just humble. I dont talk about people like that but they are just real and I love that about them.
hello to the new people!
Are they a part of your waiting family group?
I heard that LWB won some money from a Facebook fundraiser or something. Do you know anything about that?
Good morning ladies!
It's "Kelly from Katie's Antics" -- I was a little surprised to see my name under those gorgeous Koi this morning!
They are a part of my First Friday group and I did hear about the Facebook thing..thats awesome
I am sorry I haven't been able to stay and chat this morning. Had to shower and be off to meet my daughter in a bit. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
do you do this every Saturday?
Hi Kelly,
How are you this morning? Yes, I've been asking about peoples CNY plans, but the topic that keeps coming is the wait and the box disappearing from the CCAA site.
There also is a family who Amy knows who lost their son in Ethiopia while they were waiting to travel and bring him home. He passed away. They left a nice comment.
Good morning there!
Lea,
Yes, we do this every Saturday unless something comes up. Have fun today! Join us next week if you can.
Okay, I have to change the subject for a minute..I cant believe how many celebrities has babies yesterday in the same hospital.
Christina Aguilara, Paris Hilton, Paul McCartneys daughter and a few others..
okay, back to adoption stuff
I didn't even hear about celebrity babies. I didn't even know that Paris Hilton was pregnant..that's scarey.
I just read the note about Tymm's baby boy. He's safe in the arms of Jesus now...which hurts us, but he's happy!
Tymm & family, my heart goes out to you. I know another blogging friend whose daughter in China died just two weeks before they were to travel to bring her home. Although the CCAA matched them with another baby girl and she's been home for a year and the love of their lives, the family still grieves for baby Summer.
Oh, how we get attached to these little ones -- without ever even meeting them.
My heart aches for my sweet Ella in China.
It wasn't Paris Hilton, it was her friend, Nicole Richey -- she had a little girl.
I cant believe I said Paris..Sorry! I cant believe I got that mixed up...oh boy!
So, is Ella going to be her shortened name for sure? I think it is beautiful. I can't wait until she is home. Very exciting because I will be able to see her!
LOL Amy. That's how rumors get started! ; )
Im sitting here reading the article and I typed the wrong name..Im obviously tired..Im really sorry about that
Yes, it looks like she's going to be Ella.
My boys have the hardest time with Eliza. One gets mad, another seems hurt when we mention we're still thinking about it.
Of course, their favorite names to begin with were Sarah and Christina, so they're "settling" for Elizabeth to begin with!
The boys all prefer Ella, so Ella it shall be.
Everyone in my office is talking about Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears. Poor Tyler, he has always watched the Zoey show and it was just wrong to have to tell him she is expecting.
Don't worry about it Amy, I can't keep anyone in Hollywood straight. A good friend of mine's sister works for Adam Sandler and it's funny to hear about how they life and where they travel to.
thats gotta be a strange thing to talk about..
Ella is an awesome name!
Hey Kimberley, I sent you (and Nikki & Stef) an email about the W. Mich CNY celebration. Wouldn't it be so much fun if all four of our families could bring in the Year of the Rat together?
I saw the strangest thing here today in Michigan. It's January and our lake is completely thawed and a man was out fishing in his boat. We never see that in January.
I dont read the gossip newspapers but I read the celebrity dirt on radio websites which is just as bbad
We have just had the most strange weather in the last week, haven't we? After that little "heat wave" last Tuesday, I'm not ready (AGAIN) for winter!
Kelly,
I would love to get together, but I know that our family is planning to have CNY dinner at Yen Ching, but I'm thinking it is a different night, so we can do both. I'm going to call Yen Ching today and see what day they are celebrating on. I would guess it would be 2/7, the actual day. Which leaves us free on 2/9.
Now, you guys could do Yen Ching with us too. Steffie B's family is going to that.
I got off work this morning and it was stinkin cold outside..I had to scrape ice off MIchaels car.It was so warm last week!
I read the gossip magazines while I'm waiting at the check-out stand. And I religiously watch the Today show, so whatever's on there I catch.
RMJ, I just looked at a lot of your blogroll and added some to mine..There are some amazing families out there!
The CAWM CNY celebration is Feb. 9 from 7-9.
YC sounds great for the 7th...I'll check with E. I'm guessing reservations will need to be made for such a large group? You sure you want to include us (or some of us?)
Last week was really warm here too. I know it's going to get freezing again, but I'm hoping that it won't.
i soooo wish I lived closer to all of you
Amy,
It's nice to (sort of) "meet" you. Kimberley family attends our church, so we have the pleasure of seeing them -- when we can find them among the thousands of people milling about -- on Sundays.
I'm going to go and check out your blog.
Thanks for the thumbs up on the baby's name...since we have three older sons, they feel they get a say in the naming of our 2nd daughter. Ella is the one name they could sort of agree on -- it's short for Elizabeth Joy Jiaojiao.
Kelly
I think it would be great if we all filled up their room. Our whole family is going.
that just beautiful and girly!
Amy,
I wish you did too, but you have a really cool group out there that you meet with. AND I would love to meet the founder of LWB.
Good morning everybody! I don't feel like doing any housework and Chloe's watching her favorite red furry monster on DVD...so I thought I'd join you.
Hi there Kelley!
Jump on in.
We're talking about Chinese New Year, the wait and a ton of other things.
Good morning Chloe's mama!
HI Chloes mom!!!!
truly blessed, tried to check yours out but couldnt.
RMJ, you are right. My First Friday group is beyond amazing
I love Chinese New Year...but I'm not sure what to do with it. I'm trying to build some traditions. I have some good children's books, but that's about it. I'd like to get some new decorations.
As to the wait...all I can say is "yikes!" I've told myself over and over again that I can wait. But here we are without an LID yet (were DTC on 12/21) and I'm hearing that the NSN wait may grow to 7+ years. We can't switch to SN due to the way our agency works...
Good Morning All.
I am jealous. I would love to meet you all for dinner tonight. Not gonna happen this time however.
No time. Going out to breakfast. Going to the DMV, to get the boys haircuts, etc.
Have a good one everyone!!!
see ya next time Nancy
Anyone want to hear about my February Valentine's Share The Love project? You know I always have to be working on something...
If anyone is interested, Pier One has some GORGEOUS red envelops for CNY (I found them up at the counter near the registers). 4 for $2.00, I think, so maybe a bit pricey, but enough for my four kids.
I've been told by a Chinese friend that $20 is a traditional CNY amount for the children -- gulp! Maybe that's why American kids don't get money on our new year's day, huh?
I've heard some people put those gold chocolate coins in them, and some do smaller bills. Not sure what we're going to do, but at least I have the envelopes!
These are the kind you can recycle for years, so $2.00 isn't a huge investment!
great ideas..I want to hear more!
Amy,
If you send (or tell) me your email, I'll send you an invitation to the blog (I hate that I have to do that, but it makes my DH happy)...
TB
Oooh! Those are some good tips! I'll go off to Pier One and try to find some red envelopes. I think I can get by without the $20 for Chloe for now...although it might be good to start stockpiling some money for her...
CNY almost directly coincides with our 12 month LID of 2/6, so I will need to have something special for the children.
amyschristopher@comcast.net
You know, RMJ, I wanted to tell you that I love, love, LOVE those little dresses you posted pictures of. I can't wait to order some for Chloe. I especially love the one named for you. You can find the best things! That's one of the many reasons that I love your blog so much!
Oh yeah, if you plan to put money in the red envelopes, make sure the bills are neat and crisp (kind of like the ones you have to bring to China!). Apparently it's "bad luck" if you receive faded/old bills on CNY!
I love finding cool things on this blog!
You guys rock!
Amy,
I just sent you an invitation. Sign in with the same email address you use when you sign into your own blog.
Verna told me about Robin and her situation. She is adopting a little girl who has been diagnosed with MS and mental retardation in China. Her nanny's don't believe she is retarded though.
For whatever reason, there is a time limit on how fast they can get their paperwork and money turned in. I don't know if this child's file is about at the end of it's time or not.
But I wanted to try to help her if I could and she just made that dress for me. I still am so touched by it. And it looks like she's doing really well. She is the nicest woman.
"Truly Blessed," where are you getting your good information/tips about CNY? Can I have an invitation to your blog, too? If so, my email is kapow1969@yahoo.com. If not, I completely understand...I've debated going private myself. It's so much fun to be a part of the big adoption community, but scary to think about what "outsiders" may be lurking out there.
Looking forward to it..Ive been up a long time and have to go back to work tonight so I must leave!
Thanks ladies..sorry for the celebrity rumors and thanks for praying for my friends
Kelly,
I really wish I could have met you sister while she was here.
Here's a fun link about CNY -- with information and ideas for things to do with the kids. I love the paper lantern to make, we just might have to make one of those!
Almost forgot the link!
http://www.childbook.com/Chinese-New-Year-Calendar-s/129.htm
Sleep well Amy!
Amy is a nurse and she works nights with babies.
GOod night friends..see ya in blogging world
Kimberley,
I feel the same way about you meeting Karen. Of course, HAD I KNOWN she was coming, I might have done things a little differently and gotten you two together!
You and she are so similar in many ways. You each remind me of the other and I know you'd really like each other's company.
Not sure when she'll be coming back to Michigan -- maybe even later today????? Hey, it's possible!
Kelley, I'm sending you an invite to Katie's blog.
I have two Kelly's/Kelley's on here now.
Yes, there are a lot of people out here. And when you get as many hits as we all do, it's impossible to know who is reading your blog.
I have never had any issues, but I know people who have. Come to find out though, it is usually people they know and not strangers. I am really surprised by how many people are harassed by their own friends and family. I find it really strange.
I still am cautious though. I don't mention our city or our last names. I don't post the kids in clothing that shows their school logo or name. I try to keep us as anonymous as I can while still interacting with everyone.
Bye, Amy!
"Truly Blessed," thanks for the CNY link!
I knew your sister was coming, but I had to promise not to say anything. She told me to find out what you were doing on Christmas Eve and she was hoping to surprise you at church. That's why I was asking you about Christmas Eve. But it looks like you guys had a fantastic time.
Chloe is so cute! Where is she from in China? How long did you wait? I know that quite a few women who have babies Chloe's age had very short waits.
What do you guys think about the box coming off of the CCAA site?
We always celebrate Christmas Eve with my BIL/SIL's family, so we don't usually attend the CE service (but we have, in the past, with them if that is the only option).
As it turns out, I didn't get to spend much time with her either while she was here. She spent most of the time at my brother's house (but I had just seen her in Texas, so we didn't have as much to catch up on as they did. Oh, and my mom was in the mix as well.
Chloe is from Guangdong province, specifically Yangxi. We think she is a cutie, too! We had to wait 14 months...which now seems like nothing, but it was quite excruciating at the time. We were told our wait would be 6-8 months, then 8-10, then 10-12, then 12+...we were at the very start of the wait times getting longer. Looking back, I realize how very blessed we were. I am so glad that I rushed around like a maniac trying to get our paperwork in as quickly as we could. It took me about 4 months for the whole paperchase. We were logged-in on 8-18-05. Look at how little progress with LID's there's been since then!
As for the box coming off of the CCAA site...I honestly think that so much of this is politics...I think that the olympics are playing a big part. I know people debate that back and forth, but I'm thinking (hoping and praying) that things will get better after the olympics are over. I also think that the CCAA is trying to be more private about their huge backlog, and they don't want it to be so public.
Yes, you guys were lucky. It seems like there is next to no movement now and people are really starting to fall apart over it.
There isn't much we can do. We're already 9 month invested in paperwork and almost 12 months logged in, so we're in for the long haul. In 3 months our agency should start letting us see the SN list. We're hanging in there the best we can.
There are so many rumors right now that it's just crazy.
The wait now is terrible. My heart really goes out to everyone waiting, and that's why I try not to get too caught up in our potential wait time for Holly. I also keep in the back of my mind that things may fall apart with our second adoption, so that I'm not crushed if it happens. I think that in 5+ years...even 3+ years...so many things could happen to disqualify us, or mess things up. You just never know. I figure that if it's God's will for us to adopt another baby, it will happen. In the meantime, I just try to be truly thankful for all of my blessings, and not be too greedy for more.
I know that people say it all the time, but it's really true that holding your baby takes away the pain of the wait. It makes finally being together so very sweet.
Hey Kelley,
After a brief hiatus to change a diaper, I'm back and read your comment about your wait. It sounds like we had the exact same timeline.
Our LID was 7/20/05. Our daughter is also from Guangdong, specifically Yangdong (so I think maybe our girls are from the same city -- YangJiang?). I think one of the little girls from our travel group was from Yangxi.
We were in China from Nov 1-18 (and at the WS from Nov 5-18) Is it possible you were there at the same time? Wouldn't that be something, to have seen each other in China, now chat here on a Saturday morning. Very cool.
I'm going to pop over to your site and see if I recognize you or Chloe!
Kelley,
I see now that we traveled before you, but our girls are definitely from the same city. Isn't that cool?
Did you have a chance to visit YangJiang while you were in China? We did, it's a very pretty place. We didn't get a chance to get to the coast, though I understand it's only a few miles away. We did get to Katie's SWI, and although that was hard, it was one of the highlights of our trip.
How cool would that be if you were there around the same time? Sorry, had to quickly grab some coffee.
Did either of you get to see the place where your daughter was found? I really want to see that for our daughter.
Why was Katie's SWI hard to see?
Morning...checking in....We are going to the CNY in Washington DC...how's everyone this morning?
We were in China from December 24-January 6, so it looks like we missed you. :)
Very important advice for folks who haven't traveled yet...build in one extra day to arrive. We needed it due to flight delays and cancellations. Also, do not take anything in a checked bag that you can't live without. Our luggage was lost for the first two days, and this is not uncommon at all. I had some things for Tom, me, and Chloe in both of our carry-on bags. The things in the checked bag were great to have, but definitely non-essentials.
Good Morning Carol,
That sounds like a great way to celebrate CNY. We're talking about all sorts of things, so jump in.
Hi, Carol!
We didn't go to see Chloe's SWI (Yangxi SWI). I don't think it's the same as Katie's...but definitely nearby. (I saw a map once of all of the SWI's and there are LOTS of them in Guangdong province.) It was a 3+ hour drive from the WS, and I didn't want to leave Chloe and neither did Tom, and we couldn't see taking her...she had bronchitis and double ear infections. One of our travel mates made a wonderful video of it, though. I hear that there are not as many SWIs allowing visits anymore.
RMJ,
It was hard to see Katie's SWI because it was not really a nice place. It was clean, the babies had their physical needs met, and the staff seemed to really care about the children, but that's about it for positive things I have to say about it.
The children didn't get out of their cribs much at all. There were almost no toys to play with, and the ratio of nanny to children was about 1:15, so there wasn't a lot of interaction or stimulation for the babies at all. The children did not appear to be able to go outside at all (which would be difficult if you only had one adult to move 15 immobile children down three flights of stairs).
All in all, it was heartbreaking to see the babies standing in their cribs with nothing to do but play with their hands and tongues.
Still, I'm glad we were there. I'm really glad my boys were there -- I believe they have a real passion for adoption now, and know how their sister might have grown up had she not joined our family.
To answer another question, Kimberley, yes, we did see Katie's "finding spot." Again, that was so difficult, but I'm glad we did it.
There were a bunch of young boys gathered around us when we were there, and I will always wonder if any of them might have been her big brother. Probably not, but I'll always wonder.
That was a very emotional day for us, but I'm so glad we did it.
I went to my daugthers orphanage and I was the exception I guess. It was very bright...colorful...many people running around.....they also have help from volunteers so the children get a lot more care.
BUT.....Emily was ready to leave with me when we left..she did NOT want to stay there...we visited 3 days after we got her......
TB,
Those are the exact impressions that we had from our SWI after talking with the 2 travel mates that went and seeing their video footage. The babies slept on wooden boards on their cribs and just had one small blanket in there with them. Lots of the little darlings had sores on their heads from rubbing them back and forth on the boards for stimulation. Our Chloe had two bald spots on the back of her little head, but no sores. The nannies truly did care about the girls...it was obvious. But it is hard to see/think about.
I think the box coming down has to do with the pay for info program too.....sorry I read that site RQ......some love it, some hate it.....I take what I need and leave the rest.....
Well, I've ignored my family long enough! ; ) I've got to run.
But Dad said "yes" to CNY dinner on the 7th at YCs. I'll let you know how many of our crew will be there so we can reserve a space.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
RMJ, I hope we see you at church tomorrow.
morning...hope i'm not too late this am
I think about that, going to Sophia's finding spot and finding some way to get a message out through a shopkeeper or someone who is regularly there that the baby found her way to a family who loves her and that she is going to live a wonderful life.
TB, I thought that too.....I often wondered if Emily's family was watching us....it was so strange at times.........people would come up and touch our hair.......
Have a good day........
We'll be at the 9am service tomorrow Kelly. I'll look for you!
Hi Dannye!
How are you? What are you guys doing for Chinese New Year?
kim, how do you post the awards on the sidebar of the blog?? i know it's gotta be something easy but i can't figure it out...
Carol, so you were able to visit Emily's finding spot?
we are going to tampa to celebrate (on 2/17)...can't wait, it'll be our first time attending this amazing event they do every year
RMJ actually no...it was too far from the orphangage. The guide said it was an hour away....I don't think that was the real reason....I don't think they wanted to take us because they had to cross "county" lines...I guess they are called....I don't think they wanted to go there.....I got a wierd feeling about it......but I know where she was found..it's in her papers.....but where ever you go in China....they will stare at you and they like to touch you....it's strange.....
Someone told me and I don't know if it's true.....
They think touching someone with blonde hair and blue eyes is good luck........
I don't know, but both my boys are and everyone wanted to take pictures of them and touch them....my 7 yr old started wearing a hat because he didn't like it LOL!!
I'm back for a second.
Look! Ni Hao, Kai-Lan is finally set to air on CNY Day -- February 7 at 11:00 am.
Here's a link: http://www.nickjr.com/shows/ni-hao-kai-lan/kai-lan-about-the-show/ni-hao-kai-lan-about-the-show.jhtml
Can't wait! I'm so tired of Dora, the Explorer. I look forward to the merchandising for Kai-Lan!
Dannye,
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Time for me to go...it's been lots of fun talking with you! Have a great weekend!
I have been waiting for that show to start! I have been so disappointed at the complete lack of Asian dolls. Why is there no Mulan anywhere?
Have a great day Kelley!
RMJ!! So glad you are considering sn!! Have you thought about what needs you will apply/accept for ??
We said clef, or heart.....Emily is VSD/ASD repaired....let me know if I can help!!
You can get Mulan at Disneystore....
We don't have to say up front what we are looking for with our agency as far as SN. They receive a list and share it with their families. I really am just hoping for a feeling, some knowing that that is my child.
My boys were due on 8/25, and 8/8, but neither were...so my son subtracted 8 from 25 and said her birthday would be August 17th....Emily's birthday is Aug 16th...that was my sign...........
Wierd huh???
Not weird at all. I think it's great. It ties her brothers to her instantly.
Dannye,
I want to be somewhere warm! Tampa sounds like a very cool way to celebrate CNY!
Yes and now we have their birthdays for
July
August
September..........
Dad's is October so I'm the only one out of line...Feb!! LOL
We have July, Aug, Sept., 2 in Oct and Dec. Maybe this baby will be born in November...
THERE YOU GO!!!!
Now if it happens won't that be something!!
kim thanks!! i'll have to play with it to learn more about the custom template, etc....i didn't design my blog, so i am still a little unsure about the template thingy etc...
well guys I gotta get into the shower and go to my mom's...shopping day!! kisses all and have a good week
Dannye
Have a great time!!!
Have a great weekend Dannye! Big Hugs to you.
It would be really cool if that were the case. You have to be through the review room before you can see the SN list at our agency, so we have about 3 more months to go.
Darn it I always check in too late to talk to Amy!!!
Just reading thru today's notes.....well she works nights...makes sense.....working nights is rough.....my sister does that...we never get to see each other!
Good morning everyone... Just wanted to drop in and say hi and hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!
Just a little teaser but we may have a surprise coming at our house in the next week... I'll keep ya posted...
RMJ, that is great that your agency does that...I know a lady that was not LID..she is waiting on her little boy....they told her it would take 6 months...well it's been almost a year and she is still waiting to go get him. She is so upset and I don't blame her...they should have told her upfront that the paperwork was going to take a while!
Hi Kim!
Now hey, that is a teaser...what's going on????
Hi All,
Just wanted to drop by and say "hello". We don't have anything planned today. Richard has Braden and they are hunting - go figure.
Sorry that's all you get for now... don't want to jinx it :)
Good Morning Jennifer!
We're going to have a quiet day to day too, at least I think we are. Who knows around here ; )
We've been talking about Chinese New Year plans, the wait and the CCAA taking the box off of their website.
Hmmm....Well, I'll just be stalking your blog then Kim until I find out the great news!
Kim,
Your plans for the Chinese New Year sound like so much fun. I don't know anything about it. Richard is allergic to chicken and anything that might be cooked with it (chicken stock, etc.) We don't usually eat at Chinese restaurants because we are pretty sure he would end up sick.
Jennifer,
Oh, I wouldn't want him to get sick. I have never done this before. Last year I didn't even know what Chinese New Year was until it was posted on everyone's blogs. This year we are having dinner with 2 other families who I met through this blog who live in our area. So, that's kind of exciting. It also coincides within a day of our 1 year LID anniversary, so it will be special for us.
I saw you have a couple more months and then you will be able to see the SN list. Our agency is different. We can get on the list whenever we want, but the agency refers a child for you to accept or not based on a list of SN's you would be willing to accept. I am ready to do it, but Richard is not.
Carol,
Our agency says that they make us wait until we are through the review room because the children can come home faster. It's hard us though. We will be waiting for almost 15 months before we can see the list and we see so many others bringing their children home who were logged in way after us. We are happy for everyone who is getting their children. It's just a little sour grapes I guess.
My husband is a little cautious about the SN list, but he is open to it. We have already been through one heartbreak where we found a baby on another agency's list and they would have allowed us to adopt, but we couldn't leave our agency without losing our down payment.
I think we will know when it is our baby and will move accordingly. That is my hope anyway.
My husband isn't as in tune with what is going on as I am. I am so active with this blog and everyone shares so much information that I feel pretty confident that I have a good handle on things. He knows what I pass along to him. He's not as anxious about it as I am.
THat's us too. I was a little upset about that until I realized that it was the same way when I was pregnant with the boys. THey just don't obsess about it like we do. We are going to the SCC concert in Feb. and I am hoping that lights a fire under him. Saying that, though, I don't want to do it if that's not what we're supposed to do, so I respect his reservation.
RMJ...sorry Em's exploded and then tried to change herself.
I do like the way your agency does it thought...then you can send your LOI and you are talking about a couple of months to travel.
This lady has had her picture of her son at almost 12months and she is still waiting for him...it will be a year in April and he will be almost 2...she is upset because she wanted an infant....I feel for her because this is her 1st and probably only child....she said they can't go back for child #2.....
So really you are doing the right thing.....in my opinion.........
:) will know more today so will post on it tomorrow...
Our local chapter for FCC puts on a celabration that we might go to..
Gotta run. Good weekend thoughts to all of you...
Yeah,
I think men just view it differently than we do. Mothers I think are just more openly invested. My husband would give his life for any of our children, but he doesn't sweat over the small stuff like I do. I closely monitor everything.
Jennifer.....if I can help at all let me know....we were just as scared at first....actually one baby we viewed passed away.....very hard for us to deal with......but we did find Emily and she is perfect for us.
I found talking to other sn families helped more than anything.........
Carol,
I think you are right that it's valid that things do move more quickly if you are through the review room. And at least I can say that the review room is moving along at a good pace.
Ok Kim,
I'll be checking on you tomorrow!
Well me too!!! I wanna know!!
Good luck with the arrangements. Hope you and Steffie have a great time. Isn't it so great to be part of such a wonderful adoption community?
Hugs,
Jonni
OH HI!!! Jonni!!
Didn't know you were here!
Hi Jonni!
I am so thrilled to hear about Samantha.
Oh, and I added Sofia's picture from your Christmas Card to my Sophia's scrapbook for her 100 wishes quilt since I have the quilt squares that you sent.
RMJ, going to run now, just saw the clock..........
If you ever want to talk sn ....let me know!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Thanks K! I appreciate that. Holey Moley I couldn't believe you are up to 188 comments already this morning. You go girl!
Hi Carol, i was just by your blog. Hope Emily's appt. at the doctor goes okay. Please keep me updated.
Have a great day ladies!
Love,
Jonni
Have a great weekend Carol~
You have a great day too Jonni!
RMJ,
Tahnks for the congrats on our paperchase to Samantha. Are you guys thinking of doing SN possibly? I gotta say, it is wonderful. A lot of the children have needs that are very easily taken care of and I couldn't imagine not having Sofia. We are going SN on the next one too. If you ever need anything or have questions about it, please let me know.
Love ya!
Jonni
Thanks Carol, I appreciate that. Do you mind me asking what her SN is?
Jennifer....Emily is VSD/ASD repaired in China
........Heart Baby........
OK bye now.....thanks Jonni!!! I will blog when I know something!!!
Bye Carol, Thanks
Yes, we will begin reviewing the SN lists as soon as we can. We have to be through the review room first with our agency, so it should be about 3 more months.
I don't know what SN we would apply for. I really am just looking for our girl. I don't know how to explain it, I just hope that when I see her I will know that she belongs with us.
Who knows, our girl may not be on an SN list, but we are going to be looking.
RMJ,
That is wonderful, best of luck! I am praying that she is on the list. Hang in there, hopefully the time will pass quickly.
Hugs,
Jonni
I am grateful that we have a busy household keeping us distracted. But I see Sophia's things every day and I just can't wait until she is here. It's like living with a ghost. She's here, but she's not.
Good morning to you! I am just popping by to say hi before I head off to work. We are behind at our main office and they need us to work for the next for weeks. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
I love the song playing on your blog.
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