Huckleberries and Rice

Psssst.....

2009-01-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

We're over here now.

New Year = New Blog.

See you there.

Surgery pics and the last 2008 post

2008-12-31T19:20:00.001-08:00

Miya is continuing to recover and is doing great. She was a bit clingy today and I gave her some T*ylenol when she started pointing to her leg and crying :-( Other than that, she has been in good spirits and is just taking it easy with mom at home. Here are some pics from surgery day....

A special thanks to my Dad for taking such good care of us. He drove us over in a snow storm, took pictures, fetched things out of bags, and was just there to support us. I am grateful.

Watching Ne*mo at the hotel the night before her surgery....

Here we are checking in....

Getting prepped for surgery...

The "happy juice" they gave her to relax had kicked in at this point, she was playing with the mask they use to put her under. It smelled like watermelons, can't beat that!! This was taken right before they wheeled her off to surgery.

All done and in recovery. :-( She was so out of sorts, not quite awake and very sad.

Getting ready to move to her to her room...

4 hours later....she was starting to feel a little better about things and ate some lunch.

Finally, a smile!

Grandpa gave her a wagon ride and walked the halls with her a bit to make sure she was steady and feeling good enough to go home.

Our wonderful nurse Audrey w/ Miya...

So, that's it. We survived and we are all done! Miya has a follow-up visit in a couple weeks and. that. is. it. :-) Her little heart is no longer beating 3 times faster than it needs to be and her PDA is repaired.

Oh, one more thing...on the way home from the hospital, my adoption lawyer called to tell me that Miya's re-adoption papers had been signed by the judge and are filed in Boise!! There is NOTHING left to do for the adoption except one more post-placement report in June. insert big huge sigh of relief!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!! 2008 has been a year I will remember forever, I became a mom and have the best little girl in the world. She fills my heart with joy each and every day. I am so blessed.

Home!

2008-12-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

We are home, no overnight hospital stay needed. Miya did great! She has not had any complications and seems to be in pretty good spirits considering the day she has had. I am exhausted and will post pics tomorrow...

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!!

Miya's heart surgery

2008-12-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

Miya's heart surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning 7:00a.m. PST. We are headed over to Spokane this afternoon and will be staying in a hotel across the street from the hospital. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'm nervous....

Christmas cheer....

2008-12-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas was off the hook! We were so busy from Christmas Eve until Christmas night I didn't know which way to turn. I also failed at taking all the perfect Christmas pictures I was supposed to...oh well, I know now what I need to do for next year and it doesn't include cooking Christmas dinner for 10. whoa. Overall though, I think Miya had a wonderful time. She wasn't in to opening presents, but she sure like looking at them once they were out of the wrapping paper!

Here we go....my house, all lit up and waiting for Santa....

The stockings were hung...

OOOOO!! Santa came to our house!! Here's Miya at 6:30a.m. Christmas morning...

He brought me a slide!

Opening the stockings....ooooo! Santa brought me new forks and spoons!

Later, my family came over to open presents...that's where I lost track of everything, it was CHAOTIC.

Aunt Lexi gave Miya a new baby and baby stroller!

The end of a very looooong day. Bathtime with NEW bath toys to play with!

Snuggled up in her new ladybug towel (thanks aunt Lexi!)

And here's the picture of all the grandkids on the couch...

I wish. It was the one picture I wanted to take for Grandma in AZ and I was so busy in the damn kitchen, I didn't get a chance to take one. Sorry grammy!! We love you and miss you!! Can't wait to see you in a few days!!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T23:32:00.000-08:00

A break from the snow...

2008-12-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Today, the sun is shining and it's a warm 6 degrees here in North Idaho. All the roads are plowed now, so we ventured out and visited my Dad this morning. It's supposed to snow another 8-12 inches tomorrow, so getting out of the house was mandatory today. I was starting to get cabin fever!!

My Dad's back yard is sooo pretty with all the snow right now, so thought I'd post some pictures from his camera

Wheee, Grandpa has a new slide to play on!

O' Christmas Tree O' Christmas Tree....

Snow, snow, and more snow!!

2008-12-19T12:44:00.001-08:00

A record breaking snow storm moved into our area Wednesday and after dumping 30+ inches of snow it has finally stopped, for now. There is supposed to be another biggies rolling in on Sunday. The college was closed yesterday and today (yay!), so we have been tucked away at home hanging out. Here are a few pics of our day yesterday.

Yum! Waffles and yogurt is my favorite!

We played and played all morning long. She is really into watching SesemE Street right now and loves dancing.

After her nap, she had a temp of 101.6 :-(

I blame the molars that have been bugging her and refusing to show their presence for the past month. ouch. Poor thing just laid on the couch for a little while and just snuggled up with mom....

We went from zero snow to this in 24 hours!

Trying to dig out...

Snow day!! Woohoo!

Hi!

2008-12-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

Just because

2008-12-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek of Miya's Christmas outfit....

My little helper

2008-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Last night, I was cleaning out my cupboards to make room for my new Rachae*l Ray pots and pans....I looked down and this is what I saw.

Tis the season....

2008-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had heard that Santa would be stopping by the local fire department, so Saturday morning we picked up Jackson and headed over to see the jolly fella!

As a bonus - Jackson and Miya got to sit in a fire truck. I thought Jackson was going to die, he was so very excited yet a little shy at the same time. He was also on his very best behavior, holding Miya's hand while they waited to see Santa.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

2008-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another first happened during Thanksgiving weekend, Miya's FIRST time seeing snow! She thought it was great and was not happy when it was time to come inside.

Suiting up....

Ooooooh!! What is this cold stuff??

Touching the snow for the first time....

Oooooh, it's falling on me!

She would not keep her little mittens on....

While I stood on the porch freezing my arse off and taking pics, Brandon and Miya walked all over the yard, round and round they went....

The snow didn't last long, it had melted by morning. Next time, we'll be ready cause I'm off to buy a sled for my girl!

Catching up....

2008-12-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend started off with lefsa makin' in my Dad's garage. I was a little worried about keeping on eye on Miya while we were making lefsa, but it turned out ok. Lexi and Thomas came over and we all took turns flipping, rolling, and chasing the kiddos around. AND...for our 3rd time making lefsa, we think it turned out great!

Of course, there were oreos for the kids :-)

My Dad's garage is heated and perfectly cozy...Thomas and Miya had a good time playing together.

The final product!! Yum!! Miya doesn't like it :-(

Our first Thanksgiving together started off with breakfast with my Dad. He gave Miya a Thanksgiving Day present, here they are opening it up.

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!! BARNEY!!!!!!!!!!

We hung out with my Dad for awhile and then headed home for a nap. :-) After, we went to Brandon's parents house for Thanksgiving dinner. Yum....

Here she is, eating her FIRST Thanksgiving dinner!

at the kids table :-)

It was a fun day and another "first" for Miya Mei!! A special thanks goes out to my uncle Terry and aunt Mary for the cute shirt!!

Whew! I thought I'd never get the Thanksgiving post done!! Now - - on to CHRISTMAS!! WHOOHOO!!

18 months old!

2008-12-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

Post Placement Visit

2008-12-05T05:41:00.000-08:00

This afternoon my social worker is coming over for the 2nd post placement visit and my house is NOT super duper duper freaky clean like it has been for prior visits. Hmmmm, I wonder why?

Life is way different now and I just don't have the time to spend 4+ hours deep cleaning my house with a toddler at my feet and a full time job. Oh well.

Here are a few of the pics I chose for my post-placement report which will be sent to China:

Hugs for mama

2008-12-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday when I picked my little girl up from school she gave me a hug - for the first time. As in squeezed me tight with all her might. I was so happy. In all the hustle and the bustle of classroom, I stood there thinking she just gave me a hug, a hug, a real hug for the first time!

and then she did it again and again this morning!

You see, most people around me (as in most everyone who is not an adoptive parent) don't get the fact that bonding and attachment is a process. They think it's immediate, when really it hasn't been. Overall I feel pretty confident that things are coming along as they should, but we have had a few issues - which I am addressing.

So anyway, yay for Miya! She is feeling confident enough to give her mom a good squeeze!

Good stuff.

Coming soon.....a Thanksgiving weekend recap!

Just because

2008-11-23T06:15:00.001-08:00

Saturday morning, 5:20a.m. - this is what I woke up to. :-)

Miya's first art project

2008-11-23T05:54:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, Miya's teacher's held a "parent gathering" at her school. Usually it's just the mom's of the kids because all the moms are on campus, so it's easy to meet up for a meeting.

We all gathered round and chatted about what the kids are doing in the classroom and what they are doing at home. Then, Miya's teachers taught us how to make home made sensory toy shakers out of every day household items (rice, food coloring, and plastic bottles). It was a great idea, super cheap, and fun for the kids.

At the end of the meeting they announced that it was parent appreciation week (which I didn't know? Did you?) and that they had a surprise for us. A brought out a bucket and presented each of us with a rose, and tied to it was a little art project. Her first art project....

and she walks!

2008-11-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

This past weekend (also our 4 month home anniversary) Miya decided she was done with crawling. She also figured out how to open the drawers and cupboard doors...so I had to get the safety kit down and step up the child proofing around the house (actually B installed, but I supervised...heh).

She is quick and is keeping me on my toes. Yesterday, while I was getting ready for work in the bathroom, I brought her in and sat her on the floor at my feet. 2 seconds later she was washing her hands in the toilet. sigh...

She is growing up so fast!

Here she is cruising the hallway at my Dad's house. I keep trying to capture her walking on video, but the minute she sees me with the camera she stops or trys to grab it. I'll keep trying...

I'm dead tired...how bout' you?

2008-11-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

Today marks the end of my first full week back at work. Up until now I have been "transitioning" back and only working 3 days a week. To sum it up, it's been the longest week of my life and I'm TIRED.

TGIF.

Have a good weekend readers, I'll try to upload some pics of Miya in the next couple of days. :-)

Weight Watchers

2008-11-12T13:43:00.001-08:00

-2.4 this week. Yay!

Mommy has a boo boo or two or three...

2008-11-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

I fell down at work today and busted my arse...seriously.

I was walking with purpose in the pouring rain with my arms full of books, water bottle, umbrella, etc. One moment I was cruising along, the next moment I was sprawled out on the sidewalk. I have no idea how it happened, maybe I tripped, maybe I stepped on a rock, or twisted my anke, I don't know. I think I was so mortified I blacked out...and it hurt, bad.

Thankfully, only one person I actually know witnessed the accident (as far as I can tell), everyone else were strangers. Lovely.

I was so shook up (and embarrassed) that I hustled into my building and cried in the bathroom. Plus, it hurt like hell! My co-worker (who witnessed) came rushing in to help, bringing supplies from the first-aid kit. My new pants are now ripped at the knee, my knee is swollen and bloody, my other ankle hurts, I have bruises on both my hands, my back is stiff, and I have a nasty huge bruise on my arm. HR made me fill out an incident report and the 3 A*dvil I took doesn't seem to be helping much. I can't wait to see how I feel tomorrow....

And how'd your day go?

More Halloweenie pics for Grams and Gramps...

2008-11-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Trick-or-treating at the mall, yes the mall, which was lame...lesson learned there...

Thomas the frog...

My fam...

Lexi's fam....

Trick-or-treat at Grandpa Jerry's house..

Fireman Jackson...

Crazy girl Ariana....

Scary Spider Brooklyn....snoozing...

4 months a family and a new ride!

2008-11-06T13:14:00.001-08:00

Oh no...

2008-11-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

I voted! and Miya has a rash....

2008-11-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

Miya came home from child care with a rash, I am assuming it's from her shots. She hasn't had a good day and fell asleep tonight at 7:05p.m. I'll be calling the dr. first thing tomorrow morning...sigh....

Dr. visit

2008-11-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

This morning Miya had another well visit/Dr. appointment. This was the follow-up appointment where we would address her vaccination record. Thanks to the aweful blood draw a couple months ago, her anti-body testing showed that the vaccination record from China was in fact correct and there are approximetly 7 shots needed to catch her up to U.S. regulations? standards might be the better word there...so, off we went early this a.m.

All is well on the Miya health front, she weighs in at 23.11 pounds and is in the 50th percentile for both weight and height. Both her pediatrician and nurse commented on how much healthier she looks now vs. 3 months ago....and then came the 4 shots. Her nurse was kind enough to bring in another nurse to hold her down and train the rookie mom as to how a kid needs to be held when getting shots, but in my mind I was thinking...thank god! now I get to be the one who "saves" her from the pain. Soooo, shot 1...nothing, I thought is she going to cry?? then came shot 2, 3, and 4 and yes, she cried loud and hard. Ouch!

We hauled ____ outta there and headed straight to my dad's house where Miya had her first and second Oreo. Sheesh...after 4 shots, she needed a treat!

Here she is 4 shots later and enjoying her cookie.

p.s. in other news....the other night I busted out out Guitar Hero for the first time since becoming a mom. Oh how I wish I could have taken a picture because for a brief moment, I thought Miya and I were going to be the next hit band! and then I noticed B staring at us from the kitchen and I felt like such a dork for seriously rockin' out when I thought no one was looking...

I have never seen her dance and groove like she did to Heart's Barracuda. It was so funny!

Growing out the crazy layers...

2008-11-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

Miya's first haircut!

Last weekend or was it the weekend before...who knows, see how behind I am! Anyhoo, Miya's hair is growing like a weed and all of a sudden I noticed she was sporting a mullet. Now, no child of mine will ever sport a mullet, so I made an appointment pronto! She did great with my stylist and she sat perfectly still on her little booster seat with the little penguin cape wrapped around her...awwww, the cuteness! Our plan is to keep the back trimmed up until all the crazy layers are grown out...enjoy the pics!

Waiting for her turn and a good "before" picture...

The back now, all trimmed up!

Trick or Treat!

2008-10-31T14:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween! Part One

2008-10-31T12:59:00.001-07:00

Wheee!! Our first holiday together and boy have we had fun so far!

This morning Miya and I joined her friends at school for a little trick or treating on campus. We had so much fun! After, we stayed and ate lunch with her class. Lucky for me, I had my camera in my pocket and managed to get a pic of her eating lunch at the little table. So cute!

I'm Boooo...tiful

2008-10-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Halloween Eve, after school...hair full of paint, drool everywhere, a mom that doesn't know how to set the flash settings on her camera, and a little girl on the move and not wanting to pose for pictures!

Here I go.........................again.

2008-10-29T08:05:00.001-07:00

Heart news....

2008-10-29T07:42:00.001-07:00

Miya's heart procedure has been scheduled for December 30th! Since Miya is one of "their" babies, we were scheduled first (7:00a.m.) AND if there aren't any complications we won't have to spend the night in the hospital!!

We'll be ringing in the new year with a repaired and healthy heart!

Heart update

2008-10-21T10:29:00.001-07:00

Last week Miya, my Dad, and I ventured over to the Children’s Hospital to see her cardiac pediatric specialist. After a 2 ½ hour appointment (complete with an echo cardiogram and ultrasound), the Dr. confirmed what I already knew…her PDA is still open.

The good news – the opening is small enough that it will not require major heart surgery, the procedure will be done via an incision in her groin, laparoscopic (sp?). Yay!!

The bad news - the PDA is large enough that it probably won’t close on its own, which means I am waiting for the Dr. to call me back and we will schedule the procedure sooner rather than later. I had originally thought that they would wait until she was 2 to close it, but since it’s big enough that it probably won’t close on its own...surgery, here we come!

On another somewhat disturbing note…when we were at the appointment, the doctor mentioned right away that Miya was the tenth patient they had seen this month from China and in all but one case the diagnoses made in China and thus reflected on the referral paperwork was incorrect and the child’s medical problems were far worse than stated on the referral paperwork. What the…!!!!

Thankfully, Miya’s paperwork was correct and he was pleased to see that she has a PDA with an easy fix! Well, maybe he thinks it's an easy fix...but quite frankly the idea of any heart procedure scares the crap outta me!

I'll be glad when it's all over and she is all fixed up and good to go!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-10-17T08:06:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago my mom, sisters, our kids, and I ventured to Sea*r's portrait studio in an attempt to get a wonderful picture of all the grandkids together. The good news is we got a few good ones! The bad news is, I'm not showing you the ones that made the final cut......yet...

Here's a little sneak peek of my mom, the birthday girl, with all her grandkids!!

Happy Birthday Mom! We all love you!

Home 3 months!

2008-10-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

We have been home for exactly 3 months and once again I am too darn tired to post anything of substance. Cute pic though right?

16 months old!

2008-10-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Still here...

2008-09-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Oh wow. Yes, I know I haven't posted forever. Not much I can say except the past two months have been very overwhelming and I just haven't had the energy to fire up the computer and update after Miya goes to bed. Soooo, I am going to move on from my guilt of not keeping everyone updated and start fresh. Sound good? Good.

I hope to post a more in-depth post of our happenings this past month later this weekend. I am back to work and Miya has been transitioning to daycare the past couple of weeks. I won't lie, it has not been easy (on mom or Miya). However, everyone keeps telling me that it will get better...I hope they are right. Here's a quick pic of Miya on her first day of "school"...

We're back!!

2008-07-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

We are home and doing great! I will be posting from the travel blog one more time and will then move back to blogging regularly from huckleberries as there is no way I can keep both up.

and we're off!!

2008-07-01T17:44:00.001-07:00

Thank you for all the well wishes!! The suitcases are packed, under 44 pounds, and we are READY!!

I've set up a separate travel blog for the trip. You can find us at Journey to Miya Mei, update your favorites and we'll see you over there!! I won't be updating this blog while I'm gone....so be sure to head over there.

Just in case the above link fails me....

http://journeytomiyamei.blogspot.com

Last day!

2008-06-30T13:12:00.001-07:00

It's my last day of work. As I type this I am eating my lunch at my desk and looking at my to do list, which thankfully has EVERYTHING crossed of it!! Yahooooooooo!

My brother arrives tomorrow morning at 11:00a.m. and we'll spend tomorrow finishing up our packing and running a couple of errands.

My mom is meeting us at my house bright and early Wednesday morning and we are leaving for the airport at 5:30a.m!

wow. so. very. exciting.

A few people have asked me if I'm sleeping. To be honest, the answer is yes. However, each and every day for the past week I have been waking up at 4:45-5:00a.m....as in wide awake, with my mind on China.

2 more sleeps and I leave

5 more sleeps till little Miya meets her mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miya's bathroom

2008-06-30T06:11:00.001-07:00

If the little lady feels like freshening up after we get home....

Miya's room!

2008-06-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Miya's room. It's almost done, I just need to hang her wall words and her wood name letters...which will now be happening AFTER I get home...

Updated Itinerary!

2008-06-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

July 2nd/3rd Fly to Beijing

July 4th Tour Beijing - Forbidden City, Tongerntang Pharmacy Store, and Tienanmen Square

July 5th Tour Beijing - Great Wall of China and Ming Dynasty Tombs and then fly to Xi'an!!

July 6th Gotcha - Miya Day!!!!!!

July 7th Civil Affairs appointment

July 8-10th Hang out in Xi'an with Miya and see the sights...

July 11th Fly to Guangzhou July 12th Miya's Medical Exam

July 14th Consulate Appointment

July 15th Swearing in ceremony

July 16th Fly home with my baby!!

Travel prep!

2008-06-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is what my room looked like last weekend.

Ramblings...

2008-06-25T11:08:00.001-07:00

I feel like I am neglecting the blog, but I don't really have anything to report except the fact that I am trying to get my to do list done before I leave in 7 DAYS!!!

Good grief I can't believe I just wrote 7 days.

Well, let's see...here's the happenings in my life random/bullet style.

It is hard to describe my feelings right now. I am wound up, excited, happy, emotional, not really scared, but as I write this I realize scared wouldn't be the right word, it's my nerves. My nerves are kicking in. I'm nervous. Nervous about the fact that I am flying around the world in 7 days and becoming a mom to a little girl who has no idea that her world will be rocked in just 11 short days. Yep, that's it. I'm very nervous, probably nervous of the unknown, but nervous nonetheless. Everyone keeps telling me to relax, it will all be fine. I'm sure it will, but it still doesn't take away these feelings. I mean, anyone who is about to become a mother for the first time has got to be nervous. Right? I've also noticed that my patience is running very thin. My temper is short. I'm a bit...shall we say...snappy? Again, probably just nerves...anyway...just get me on the plane and I will be a happy happy girl.

My to do list is down to 1 page and it's mostly crap that needs to get done around the house. like....clean the garage, pay the bills, one last cos*tco run, one last Tar*get run, send email with travel blog link, etc. etc. The last item on my list is....re-check travel list/paperwork/packing inventory ONE LAST TIME.

I am signed up for the free car seat safety check tomorrow at my local hospital.

Miya's room is all done except for hanging her wood name letters and a wall word crafty thing my sister gave me. I've decided that this can get done AFTER we get home. I have yet to download the pictures of her room, but I will get to it...I promise! It's on the to do list. :-)

My FMLA paperwork has been submitted, Miya is added to my health insurance, and her Dr.'s appointment is scheduled for the 22nd. I look forward to this appointment, yet dread it. Isn't the first appointment where they draw blood? uggggh, not looking forward to that one.

I am finishing up my to do list at work and to be honest I am really looking forward to my leave.

I recently found out that my employer does not offer the same benefits to adoptive parents that they offer parents who give birth. This was a major surprise and it makes me feel very sad and quite frankly discriminated against. I have been officially denied the same benefits one would receive if they were to give birth. I do not plan on letting this one go quite yet and will deal with it when I return. If not for me, for those who choose to adopt after me. I really feel strongly that adoptive parents should be treated as equals to those parents who choose to create families by giving birth.

I also found out that after two years on the wait list, Miya does not have a spot at the children's center (located at my work). In addition, my alternate daycare choice has raised their fees and it is now out of reach for me budget wise. Great. Just great. Again, I'll deal with it when I get home. I'm sure it will all come together some how, some way. I am just very bummed about the fact that I do not have a spot after waiting so LONG. It sucks.

Sheesh, this is really turning into a bummer post isn't it? Don't get me wrong, there is so much joy and excitement in my life right now. I just seem to be hitting a few bumps in the road, but what can you do? It's just life.

My China comfy shoes are really awesome. I'm wearing them today and they feel like heaven on my feet.

I have been cruising in my Dad's car this week. Why?? Because he offered to take my jeep and have a little maintenance done on it! He washed it, shampooed the carpets, scheduled a tune-up, changed the oil, and fixed a broken speaker. Thank you dad!

My suitcase weighs 11 pounds empty. Thankfully, my mom and brother are packing very light and are willing to give me much needed space in their suitcases. It is very apparent that I am taking everything but the kitchen sink with me...just kidding...but seriously, holy cow! I have no idea how people do this carry on only.

My hair is trimmed and my eyebrows are waxed to perfection. On the flip side, my legs are looking awfully pale...note to self: Add self-tanner to list.

My mom has a cold/virus...yucky. She went to the Dr. today and he assures her that she will be over it by the time we leave. Get well mom!

Ok, that's it for now. I guess I did have something to report after all!

Only 7 more days to go....

wonder how I'm doing??

2008-06-23T16:37:00.001-07:00

Let me show you:

9 days and counting. holy shit.

Am I going to get everything done before I go?

Going with the flow....

2008-06-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

My agency just called to tell me that I need to change my itinerary and plan to arrive in Xi'an Saturday night (July 5th) because I am now meeting Miya on July 6th!!!!!!!!!

Workin' on a Saturday

2008-06-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

Oh, the joys of trying to get everything done before I leave!

Yesterday I hit the road for a short drive (30 miles) and visited the "big" mall in the valley. There were a few items I needed to pick up for the China trip. I picked up what I needed at the big department store and the next thing I knew I was standing in Chi*ldren's Place just about head over heals with excitement because it was the first time I had been there and I finally know her size (or at least a pretty darn good guess I think...). Anyhoo, long story short. Miya's China wardrobe has changed. :-)

So much fun!

My nephew Jackson is spending the night with me tonight. I told him I wanted to have a last special night with just the two of us before the baby comes.

Pictures of Miya's room coming soon! Have a good weekend!

13 days until I leave for China!

2008-06-19T08:15:00.001-07:00

Gulp.

Baby Carrier

2008-06-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

I bit the bullet and ordered the mother of all baby carriers. In addition, I ordered the hip hammock a few weeks ago....which unfortunately, is currently LOST IN THE MAIL. Lovely.

Hopefully the hip hammock will arrive this week and with any luck one of the two will work fabulously for Miya and I.

The Ergo looks like this....

The Hip Hammock...

p.s. My books say wearing your baby helps promote attachment and bonding and y'all know I'm all about attachment and bonding... ;-)

Comments

2008-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some confusion amoung friends and family as to why their comments are not displayed.

Let me explain....until this morning I had the comment moderation feature turned on due to some freak leaving me nasty comments awhile back. I turned on the comment moderation feature so that I could preview the comments prior to publishing them.

I have now turned the comment moderation feature off...so you should be able to see your comments right away. If everyone plays nice, I'll leave it this way.

Be nice and don't leave mean or nasty comments on my blog please.

Thanks!

The management

Getting there...

2008-06-16T13:40:00.001-07:00

So far here's what my itinerary looks like:

July 2-3 Fly to China, arrive in Beijing
July 4th Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square, and Temple of Heaven Tour
July 5th Great Wall of China/Ming Dynasty Tour
July 6th Fly to Xi’an
July 7th Gotcha!! Meet Miya
July 11th Fly to Guangzhou
July 12th Medical Exam
July 14th Consulate Appointment
July 15th Swearing in ceremony
July 16th Fly home!!

one more thing....

2008-06-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

One of Miya's orphanage sister's met her forever family today. The family has requested a visit to the orphanage and is going to try and take some photos of Miya!! Keep your fingers crossed....wouldn't that be cool!!!!!!!!!

Dates set so far....

2008-06-15T08:15:00.001-07:00

Leave for China! July 2nd - early early a.m.
Tour Beijing - July 3rd - 6th
Fly to Xi'an - July 6th
Miya Day/Gotcha!! July 7th
Fly home - July 16th

Happy Father's Day!!

2008-06-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Dad! Thanks for all you do for me! You are going to be a great Grandpa!

Thoughts....

2008-06-13T13:13:00.001-07:00

I leave for China in 19 days. days. days. days. I can't believing I am saying days.

I will meet Miya in 24 days. That's less than a month away!! Oh crap, I just started crying.

This time next month I will have been a mom for 1 week.

This time next month I will have been to the Great Wall of China.

This time next month my long journey to Miya will end and WE will begin a new journey together as a family.

Consulate Appointment!!

2008-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

I arrived at work this morning to an email confirming my consulate appointment has been set!!
I am so giddy with excitement right now I can hardly stand it!! Below is the best email I have ever received!!

Sara,

Your consulate appointment is July 14th! You need to be in Xian by July 6th. Go ahead and book your travel. Congratulations! I will talk to you soon. Have a great weekend.

This means I will meet Miya on July 6th or the 7th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are booking tickets this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!

TA has landed!!!

2008-06-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Yahooooooooooooooooooo!!

My agency just emailed me! My TA has arrived at their main office in TN!! They are scheduling consulate appointments and hope to have confirmation for me tomorrow or Monday at the latest!!

HOLY CRAP, I'M GOING TO CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't take it....

2008-06-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

I am dying here. Staring at the phone wishing it to ring, sad I know. There are TA's popping up all over the adoption boards and my agency hasn't called me yet. I finally broke down and sent an email. Nothing yet.

argggghhh!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-06-12T08:33:00.001-07:00

Miya's Grandpa is a year older today!! :-)

TA update

2008-06-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

I received an email from my agency today. The good news is that TA's have been sent and are scheduled to arrive tomorrow or Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yahooooooooooooo!! Very exciting.

The not so good news is that the earliest available consulate appointments as of today are July 14th or the 16th, which means the earliest we will travel now is July 2nd ish....

oh well, what can I do? Not much except for pray that my agency is able to schedule my consulate appointment on the 14th or 16th.

I am officially sick of the hurry up and wait mode. I want off this roller coaster and I want my baby. NOW.

Fly faster DHL fly faster!

Happy Birthday Miya Mei Xiao!!!

2008-06-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday baby girl!!

I love you!!

No TA's

2008-06-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Came into work this morning to find an email from my agency stating that TA's had not left China on Friday and yesterday (Monday) was a national Chinese holiday. Sooooo, we may see them sometime later this week.

She also mentioned that the entire month of June is booked at the consulate, so when my TA arrives they will be scheduling consulate appointments in July.

What does this mean?? This means, I will probably travel towards the end of June/early July. I think June 22nd is out of the question at this point. Bummer, but I can handle it.

And yes, to answer your comments!! It's a holy mother of all frenzy going on at my house. :-)

And one more thing - - how in the hell am I supposed to get everything into one suitcase (44 pd. max) and one carry-on (11 pd. max)? I am not pleased with the recent implementation of new flight restrictions.

Ready to go!

2008-06-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

The boards are indicating that TA's are on the way and should arrive Monday or Tuesday! My agency called last week and indicated that my TA would be here soon and to plan on meeting Miya June 22nd ish...pending consulate appointment confirmation of course. :-)

It's been a full week here, my brother visited for 10 days and I can now say I am electronically ready for China. We downloaded and tested Skype, he taught my mom how to use the video camera, we updated the Ipod, and tested the email function of blogger.

annnnndddddd,

It's been a week/weekend full of baby showers!

Thursday afternoon, my favorite committee from my school, held a committee mtg/luncheon/baby shower for me. It was loads of fun and there was a whole lotta champagne flowing... Yesterday my mom and sister hosted my baby shower. It was perfectly lovely. Pictures to come later as I looked at my camera this morning and I only took one pic. I guess I should have known I wouldn't have time to take pics. duh Sara. I was too busy chatting and opening presents! Anyway, I'll get pics from my mom later.

A at work is throwing a "work" shower for me on Tuesday, Miss Miya's birthday, and then the church ladies will be hosting a get together after we get back home and settled. I feel spoiled and loved. There are soooo many people who love little Miya already, I just can't wait to go get her!

Visa

2008-06-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

My passport w/ visa was delivered this morning!

Now, come on travel approval....I am ready to go!

ummmmm

2008-06-02T15:23:00.001-07:00

There is chatter on the boards pointing to the possibility of travel approvals arriving for my LOA group THIS WEEK.

I'm not going to freak out.

I'm not going to freak out.

I'm not going to freak out.

I'm not going to freak out.

I'm not going to freak out.

I'm not going to freak out.

I'm not going to freak out.

inhale, exhale, why isn't the visa courier responding to my calls and email??

I'm not going to freak out.

ooooooh, I just love chatter on the boards. This is so exciting!

No news

2008-06-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Not much news on the adoption front. I'm still waiting for my travel approval, but I don't expect to hear anything this week. Maybe next week...

Until then, I'll just keep plugging away at "getting ready for travel and bringing baby home". My brother has been in town staying with me, Ryan is here now too...it's been busy, but fun.

Yay!

2008-05-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

My favorite NWA fight attendant is in town!!

and...he wants me to put a "to do" list together for him to help me get ready for Miya Mei!

Love him.

Random

2008-05-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

My dad sent me an email this morning which said:

Your AARP card has arrived :-)

What the?????

I used to live at my Dad's house when before he retired, so I still get random mail.

But REALLY!! AARP??

I thought AARP was for oldies....chuckle.

Email from N

2008-05-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

I received another email from N, a volunteer who works at Miya's orphanage. I had emailed her to tell her of my LOA and ask questions about nannies and the orphanage director. Here's what I found out, along with some new earthquake news.....

There are 40 nannies/caretakers on the HopeHaven side only (I think)- which leads me to believe her orphanage is very large.
The orphanage director is female, which helps me with the whole gift buying ordeal AND leads me to believe Miya hasn't been around men before.
They are still experiencing aftershocks from the earthquake and have been sleeping outside in tents for the past 3 days. This makes me sad as I can imagine it's probably pretty scary to sleep outside at 11 months old and pretty much alone.

Weekend happenings...

2008-05-25T14:10:00.001-07:00

I'm working on the travel lists!! Shopping, organizing, cleaning, a few house projects, and more shopping! :-)

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

and more news....

2008-05-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

I spoke to my agency today, my signed LOA should arrive in China on Sunday night our time (Monday morning in China). If all stays on schedule...as in my travel approval is issued in 2-3 weeks...my agency estimates that my consulate appointment will be scheduled on or around July 7th, which means I will probably meet Miya on....

JUNE 29TH OR 30TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

of course this is all tentative, but they did say to plan on traveling the last week of June or first week of July.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

From NYC....

2008-05-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

My brother has SUCCESSFULLY obtained his visa for China!!

Travel Meeting

2008-05-23T06:22:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of my mom and I at our travel meeting. I made a special notebook just for grammy!!

Signing the LOA!!

2008-05-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

:-)

Care Package

2008-05-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

I sent off Miss Miya's care package on Tuesday. It included:

Blanket for Miya
Bear for Miya
2 disposable cameras
coloring books for the older kids
stickers for the older kids
crayons and pencils for the older kids
photo album for Miya
Burt's Bees Lip Balm for the nannies
Jelly Bellies for the nannies
Letter to the orphanage director
Dum Dum suckers for the other kids

My Dad helped me squeeze it all into a USPS express mail box and it cost $60.50 to send. It should arrive on Tuesday of next week....keep your fingers crossed it makes it!

Miss Miya

2008-05-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

"who are you and why are you taking my picture??"

Dreams

2008-05-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

I dream about the trip to China every night. Sometimes they are good and sometimes I never can seem to get to Miya. The problem is (which probably has nothing to do with the dreams) I am now waking up between 4:45a.m. and 5:30a.m. and then I'm dead tired at night and go to bed at 8:30p.m. or 9:00p.m.

weird.

Update

2008-05-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've been really busy with work and after work family gatherings the past two nights. I'm starting to get phone calls as to why I haven't updated the ol' blog....lol!

I ended up taking Tuesday off of work to deal with the LOA paperwork. It arrived safely and is now safe in the hands of my agency where it will be sent to China today or tomorrow I think.

Remember this and this?? Yeah, well....now we're flooding. Pictures to come later.

Next up in the holy shit (sorry mom) I am leaving for China in 5 weeks saga is applying for visas. My brother called me this morning...he is flying to NYC at this very moment and is going to try and get a visa for China. He is a flight attendant, so mailing his passport away for a couple of weeks is just not an option. I hope it all works out for him....I can't wait to hear his story!

I also started crying 3 times yesterday. Once to someone special (morning), once after freaking out on the phone with my brother (afternoon), and once to my mom later in the day (early evening).

I just feel overwhelmed....

Oh and it has become apparent that I am going to have to re-address attachment and bonding aka why can't anyone hold the baby for a month to several friends and family members. Joy.

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

2008-05-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

My agency just called, my LOA is in the U.S. and will be delivered tomorrow via Fed-ex.

They anticipate that I will be IN CHINA in 5-6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Just for fun...one more time...

2008-05-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

What happens next?

I'm waiting for my LOA, a letter of acceptance China sends to my agency (not sure if it's electronic or hard copy). Once I receive my LOA, I sign it and my agency mails it back to China. The LOA can come at anytime, I am hoping TODAY or tomorrow!

Next, we wait for TA, travel approval. Travel approvals usually arrive 2-3 weeks after the LOA is sent back to China.

Then, once I receive my travel approval, my agency schedules my CA, consulate appointment. This is a very important in-China meeting, the entire trip is scheduled around this appointment.

Once my consulate appointment is scheduled I will go to China!!!!!

So...

LOA - Letter of Acceptance
TA - Travel Approval
CA - Consulate Appointment is scheduled
TRAVEL TO CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today???

2008-05-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes. Someone on one of the boards is reporting that they have received their LOA today! Does my agency have mine??? Only time will tell.

I HOPE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Sheesh...how am I going to get any work done today??

Must concentrate.

Another email this morning!!

2008-05-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

She is FINE!! They are all fine!! Here is N's email to me this morning. :-)

Hi Sara!

Just wanted to let you know that everybody at HopeHaven is fine.
We felt the earthquake here quite strongly on Monday, but fortunately there were not big damages. We've heard that 21 people even died in this county, but mainly in the rural areas when walls were collapsing.
All the kids spent most of Monday outside and stayed in tents on Monday night, but now have gone back to normal routines.

Thanks for your concern!

I am so relieved, although my heart still hurts for those suffering in other areas. Keep all the people affected by the earthquake in your thoughts and prayers...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We will now return to our regular programming as in...

Where in the heck* is my darn LOA??????????????

**Anyone notice I've cleaned up my potty mouth since becoming a Mom?? lol!

Wow.

2008-05-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

There have been a few days during this adoption process where I can do nothing except fall to my knees and thank the lord. Today was one of those days.

I received an email from a volunteer who works at Miya's orphanage.

wow.

double wow.

Let me back up, I recently discovered (thanks to joining her orphanage yahoo group) that her orphanage is sponsored by an international ministry group, Hope Haven International, which I believe is part of the Caring for China program. Another mom on the yahoo group is still in contact with one of the Hope Haven volunteers who works at Miya's orphanage. She sent me this gal's email address, I emailed the nice lady, and today I received a response!!!!!!!!!

Here is a summary of her email:

She knows who Miya is and they (I am assuming nannies and other volunteers) were excited to hear that Miya has a mother!!!

Unfortunately, she couldn't tell me much about Miya as they aren't allowed to discuss the children prior to the adoption being final (government rules), but she did say that the English speaking volunteers had given her an English name.

Guess what it is.........are you ready.........it's Sarah!!!!!!

She assured me that Miya is fine and is well cared for by her nannies and the volunteers.

wow.

I responded and thanked her and thanked her again. I also asked her to confirm if all was well in the area after the earthquake, hopefully she will email me again.

wow.

I wonder if they will tell Miya her mommy is coming soon....

sleep tight little lady, I'm coming.....

conflicting reports - earthquake update

2008-05-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

Finally. Two families have posted information about Miya's area on the orphanage yahoo group I belong to. The updates are conflicting, but at least it's something and BOTH are indicating that the children are OK.

One family was told by their agency/in-China facilitator that the children are fine and the orphanage didn't sustain any damage.

Another family was told by their agency that the orphanage was damaged and that the children and staff are not allowed to enter the building and are sleeping outside in tents...gulp.

Earthquake update**

2008-05-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

I found a map on Google this morning and the best I can estimate is that Miya is/was approximately 400 miles NE from the epicenter of the earthquake. CNN is now reporting that her province has 57 casualties.

Please God, let her be ok.

**CAT is updating waiting families on the situation. Thanks to this website and google maps, I have found out that another orphanage approximately 100 miles SW (towards the epicenter of the quake) from Miya's city is OK. The children are safe and they are staying outside of the building due to aftershocks. The buildings are fine.

I can only hope that this is also the case for Miya's orphanage...what a terrible turn of events, my heart is breaking for all the people of China affected by this terrible tragedy...

Miscellaneous

2008-05-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

My LOA didn’t come today. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. Don't worry, I'm on the lookout and will post the moment I see the email come through from my agency.

I’m sure most of you have heard about the massive earthquake that occurred early this morning near Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Miya’s province is located right next to Sichuan Province, as of this posting I have not read of any casualties in her province and I can only pray that everyone is ok and that she is safe. I can only imagine that the reports will get worse in the next few days, so if you pray...please say a prayer for my little Miya and all who may have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my mom and I attended my travel meeting this past Thursday. It was fun! I met 4 waiting families, but am not sure if I will travel with any of them as we are all waiting for LOA’s and who knows when they will arrive. We reviewed the travel chapter and were given the opportunity to ask questions. Let me shout it from the rooftops I WANT TO GO TO CHINA NOW! Feel free to send my LOA anytime people!! Things will REALLY start rocking and rolling when my LOA arrives. I can’t wait! Hurry LOA hurry!

I met my sister and nephew Thomas at Tarjay early Saturday morning. Guess what she helped me do?? That's right, I registered for baby stuff!! Once again, I almost started bawling because I couldn't believe I was actually registering for baby stuff!! Wheeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the moms and waiting moms out there!! I hope you had a wonderful day! Mother’s Day on my end was fun! I went to church with my mom and Mike, had the family over for lunch, went over to someone special’s parents house for a BBQ, and then spent the evening mastering my beginner Guitar Hero skills.

So, let me talk about Guitar Hero for a moment. Someone special really wanted Guitar Hero for his birthday (May 21st). Being the on top of it I don’t wait until the last minute to purchase gifts girlfriend that I am, I bought it on sale at Target this weekend. We were chatting on Friday evening and he said “do you know what I want for my birthday?” I said “no”…long story short, I CAVED. I’m sure there were a million other things I could have been doing last night, but Guitar Hero won and now my fingers are hurt from playing it several hours straight. How sad, but sooooo fun!

11 months!

2008-05-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

My baby is 11 months old today!

Travel meeting

2008-05-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Travel meeting is scheduled for tonight! How exciting!

My nerves

2008-05-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am starting to have moments of serious fear and anxiety. I'm getting nervous and scared…this is all happening soooo fast. Plus, I have been re-reading all the scary parts of the adoption books (worst case scenario attachment and bonding stuff, grieving, oral aversions, food issues, etc.). I mean seriously…who do I think I am traipsing across the world and adopting a baby who has not been waiting for me and whisking her away from all she has ever known?

So, in my family our anxiety and stress tends to show up in the form of shall we say stomach issues. We are all non-milk drinkers, enough said there right? In the past two weeks, every time I eat (anything, not just diary) my stomach hurts like HELL.

ugggh.

I know I know, it will all be OK…but it is what it is and a lot of it is scary. So, now I'm feeling nervous and scared….along with happy, elated, excited, and overjoyed!!!

Note to self: Add Maalox to grocery list.

When?

2008-05-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping track of timing stats from LOI (letter of intent) to LOA (letter of acceptance) on CAT.

In summary, the time frame from LOI to LOA can be as short as 14 days!

Check out my ticker.

It is no lie that I am stalking my email inbox.

Travel approval usually arrives approximately 2 weeks after LOA.

Holy moly. Bring it on CCAA! I'll be ready.

How do you pronounce Miya's name?

2008-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Miya is pronounced my uh - not mia
Mei is pronounced may

Still here...

2008-05-06T08:08:00.001-07:00

Things are still moving forward! I am really busy at work this week, but thankfully I am down to only two weeks left of teaching. I look forward to the semester ending as my mind is on shall we say on OTHER THINGS!!

This week's happenings..

I'm officially waiting for my LOA (Letter of Acceptance). Will it come this week? Maybe. Next week? Maybe. Who knows, but the earlier it comes the better because it means I am one more step closer to Miya!
My travel meeting is Thursday evening, I can't wait! My mom made it back and will attend with me.
I have a TON of email to respond to, blog comments too...I'm sorry I haven't gotten to it yet. I'm working on it! Thank you for commenting though! I love reading your comments, I promise I'll pop over to your blogs and say hello. :-)
I scheduled my next round of travel shots for next week. Typhoid is included and I've heard it makes your arm hurt. Can't wait.

I painted Miya's dresser, rocking chair, and wood name letters on Sunday, my Dad assisted :-) I do believe the painting is done! Now, I just have to get everything in her room and finish it up!

Picture - this past Sunday....painting the furniture, look at her cute rocking chair sitting on the workbench behind me. So cute!

That's all I've got for now! Come on LOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terracotta Warriors

2008-05-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

Over the past two years I've read countless China adoption blogs and really enjoy following the families when they are in China. I remember reading about the Terracotta Warriors a few times and thinking, wow! what a site to see...I wonder where it is??

Guess where it is? Guess who's going to take her little one to see the most amazing archaeological discovery in China?

Read more about the Terracotta Warriors here. Notice the emperor's sur name. :-)

Making progress...

2008-05-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before things have kicked into high gear around here and I am in total "get ready for the baby" mode.

Here's this week's happenings in no particular order:

My agency sent me the "travel chapter" to put in my big ol' China adoption notebook. It's 100+ pages. I am impressed with the easy to follow, well presented, step by step directions of what happens next. Which leads me to the paperwork involved...whoa. Kin*kos is going to be seeing a lot of my $ in the next few weeks as the amount of paperwork copies I need for everything while in China is staggering.

My travel meeting is scheduled for next Thursday evening. Holy crap! I can't believe I am going to a TRAVEL MEETING! So exciting! My mom plans to go with me if she makes it back from the midwest. Which leads me to....

My mom is in the midwest this week moving my Grandma into assisted living :-( She has been displaying the signs of dementia and is just no longer able to live alone. :-( I know this has been hard on my mom (and uncle and aunts), but so far it all seems to be going ok...I spoke to my Grandma on Monday night and told her that I am naming my little lady after her. My Grandma's name is Una Mae, Miya's middle name will be Mei. Both are pronounced May, just spelled differently. My Grandma was so excited! My mom said she walked around practicing saying her name all day yesterday and told one of the nurses "I have a new grand baby and she is going to be named after me!

There is a gal who works in our SUB who is fluent in Chinese and heard about the adoption...one thing led to another and she has agreed to translate anything I need for Miya's care package. SWEET! Which leads me to...

I've started to put Miya's care package together. I'm waiting until after my travel meeting to send it (I actually need to ask when I can send it).

Since receiving my referral I have all but stopped watching T.V. Funny how it happens... there is just too much to do, read, prepare for, etc. I'll be cutting my cable package waaaaay back tomorrow. I know I will be waaaay too busy from here on out. Maybe I'll subscribe to HBO again when she goes to college.

I am prone to cold sores when I get really stressed or anxious. Guess what arrived on ye old lip this morning? grrrrrrrr.....

And here are pictures of her room in progress - -

Painting the closet...yeah, I look like crap....oh well.

I FINALLY PUT HER CRIB UP!!!!!!!!! So exciting!

While picking up paint supplies w/ my Dad, I came across this little organization gem. After assembling, I actually opened up her blocks and little people toys and put them away. :-)

Still on cloud 9...

2008-05-01T07:55:00.001-07:00

I can't stop looking at her picture! I mean come on, she is beautiful! I love her little orange vest and fuzzy blue slippers. Even better, her looooong piano playing fingers. Cute little half smile and those cheeks, I just want to scoop her up and smooch her! I love it!

Her picture is everywhere, my office, my bathroom, my bedroom, my living room, my kitchen, my laptop. I'm tempted to hang one on the dashboard of my car, but I'm afraid I might get in a wreck!

I can't believe this is actually happening. A friend, who has also adopted from China, sent me an email this morning. In it she wrote enjoy every moment of these emotional days Sara---they will be among the very best of your life.

Here she is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here's what I know about her:

DOB - June 10, 2007 - She is a little over 10 months old

The last report I have is from Jan. 28, 2008 - 7+ mo. old

She weighed 14.3 pound
She is a moderate sleeper
She sucks her fingers in her sleep
She eats milk and rice and then it says (noodles, rice powder, dumplings and rice)
She loves rice and fruits
She could hold her head up while lying on her stomach
grasp toy near hand
locate the direction of sound/voices
visually follows moving toys
looks for the dropped toy
laughs aloud :-)
distinguishes between acquaintance and strangers
knows name and turns when called
imitates sounds
She is quiet
fond of imitating
has a ready smile :-)
fond of quietness
fond of playing games
impatient sometimes
closest to her caretaker
Her favorite activity is being held by her caretaker
Her favorite toys are toys with music :-)

I love her I love her I love her!!!

p.s. At this time, I am not allowed to post her Chinese name or location. :-(

p.p.s. A HUGE thanks to Heather for creating my announcement and then changing it for me several times to comply with new rules! You rock sister!

PA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

I received my pre-approval yesterday late-afternoon. I am waiting to hear back from my agency to see what I am allowed to post about my gal...sigh...the rules seem to be changing daily.

At any rate, I should have her picture up later today! Yay!