Some reassurance

Rumors have been flying around as to whether or not the 2008 Olympics being held in Beijing will effect adoption. Some fear that referrals and travel approvals will come to a stand still during the games and others question whether it will have a negative effect at all. Our agency has been very hesitant to assume anything one way or the other. However, today we received an update from our China Program Director that was very encouraging.

Here it is:

Melody Zhang, our Associate Director, had a very open conversationwith top leaders at the CCAA this week on the matter of how the 2008Olympics may affect international adoption from China. The CCAAdoes not believe the 2008 Olympic will affect international adoptionfrom China. The most likely thing to happen will be if the Chinesegovernment asks everyone in Beijing not to work for a while duringthe Olympics in Beijing. Then the CCAA workers will be just likeother workers who will not be working for a period of time. TheCCAA leaders said this will not effect adoption that much becausethe CCAA will just pick up the work the next month and finish bothmonths' assignments. Another affect might be that families whoreceive their referrals during the Olympics or just before theOlympics may not be able to get flights, hotels, etc. easily. TheCCAA probably will extend the effective period for travel approvalsfrom three months to a longer period.

Ann Tollefson

China Program Director

The opening games start in August, only eight months from now. Whatever happens with the Olympics will effect our adoption since we won't be traveling before August. So, news like this is good to hear. It sounds like the CCAA will be doing whatever they can to keep things moving along during the games.

21 month anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary, baby girl! We've been waiting 21 long months to see your pretty face. It's been worth every minute. We'll wait a million more if we need to.

WE LOVE YOU AND WE MISS YOU!

Mom, Dad, Jacob and Benji

Referral News!

The CCAA just updated their website to let everyone know that they have finished matching families thru December 14, 2005. This batch of referrals covered families who had log in dates of December 9, 2005 - December 14, 2005. A six day batch (two of which were on a weekend...in other words, two of the days weren't even log in date days). Our agency is expecting their package with the referral information tomorrow. We only had families logged in on 1 day for this batch, December 13, 2005. I can't imagine what those families must be feeling right now. They have waited TWO YEARS to get to this point. Now they only have to wait till morning to see their child's face for the first time.

My dream of seeing December 2005 get matched in 3 batches has been officially dashed to pieces. It won't happen. I don't even know if it will happen in 4. My agent emailed an interesting, but disheartening update on the China program the other day. In it she referenced a conversation that Melody Zhang, CHI's Associate Director, had with the CCAA's Director Lu and Director Chu on November 27th. For the first time that I know about, they spoke of the actual number of dossiers they currently have and the number of dossiers they have been receiving on average each month. They also mentioned the number of referrals they have been sending out each month.

They said that there are currently 30,000 dossiers logged in at the CCAA. Prior to the new requirements that began in May 2007 they were receiving, on average, 2,000 dossiers per month. They said that they are sending out, on average, 600 referrals per month, 1/3 of which are special needs. There were other things discussed, but this was the most important information to me.

What does it all mean? Well, it appears that they are sending out around 400 referrals per month for healthy children (1/3 of 600). The rest of the referrals are for Special Needs (a different program entirely). Since they have, on average, 2000 families per month waiting to be matched then it should take them 5 batches (or 5 months) to match one month's worth of waiting families. There are currently 3 months worth of families logged in ahead of us. Based on these numbers alone, we can expect a wait of 15 more months (give or take a month). It's a very, very, very hard pill to swallow.

Anything can happen, things could speed up...I for one refuse to rest my hope on anything but the facts at hand.

Anyway, that's the latest update on the China program. I wish so badly that news was more encouraging. It's taken me 5 days to even want to blog about this...I haven't even spoken of it to anyone other than Doug. I figured I'd wait until referrals came out to see if they follow this pattern...sadly they do. At least tomorrow I'll get to read all the exciting announcements from those who did get their long awaited referral. That always makes me feel good.

Our 4 day weekend!!

The four day, "Thanksgiving Day weekend" just ended. For weeks now, Doug and the boys have been planning how we were going to spend it. I thought, for sure, they were going to get up at 3 in the morning on "black Friday" to shop for electronic gadgets that we don't need. Doug had talked it up so much, the boys actually had a "black Friday" shopping list going. But, in the end, their big plans to build a skateboard ramp in the backyard won out. So, on Wednesday night, Doug and Jacob headed to Home Depot and loaded up on all the needed supplies. With the help of their Uncle Tim, they started building their ramp first thing Thursday morning. I can't believe how hard Jacob and Benjamin worked. They never let up. Doug had them doing everything right along side of him. Jacob actually used a skill saw and a power drill (I couldn't watch). They worked on the ramp for three solid days. Everyone took Sunday off. It ended up being a really fun weekend. Lots of friends and family stopped by to check on the progress and ride on the ramp. At night we had bon fires in the backyard, relaxed in the jacuzzi, ordered pizza and watched movies.

I can't say I was much help with the ramp. It was definitely a boy thing! I did make a few runs to Home Depot, made sure we had plenty of food and drinks for the hard workers and took pictures...stuff like that. As is always the case, these days, I spent a lot of time imagining this very same weekend with our little sugarplum running around. I "missed" her a lot this weekend. I even felt a little guilt because I never got around to working on her crib bedding, which I said I would do. Anyway, despite the fun we had and the joy it brings me to see Doug, Jacob and Benjamin having so much fun together, I walked around with that small pain in my heart that seems to never go away. That constant reminder that something is missing...and, as I've done so many times before I prayed that by this time next year we would have her with us.I told the boys that next year instead of building a skateboard ramp, they will be assembling their sister's swing set!!! I hope, I hope, I hope.....

Sarah and Cody's 10 year!!

We celebrated my sister Sarah and her husband Cody's 10 year wedding anniversary this weekend!! It was a Greek themed party....everyone had a great time.

Congratulations Sarah and Cody on 10 great years of marriage!!
This day also marked the 20th month anniversary of our log in date...woo hoo!!

Better late than never!

Referrals arrived this week. They came in on Monday...I'm just a little late in reporting. It covered December 1, 2005 through December 8th...only an 8 day batch. It was somewhat discouraging to see that...I was hoping for 10-12 days, but at least it's something. Our agency only had families logged in on one of the days that this batch covered (December 5th). Some of those families have started posting their referral photos onto the agency's Yahoo site and the babies are just beautiful!! Some are as young as 6 1/2 months old. Although our wait drags on, we feel so excited for these families who have waited 23 months from their log in date to see their baby's face for the first time. A heart felt congratulations goes out to them.

In other baby news....Jacque did deliver her baby (via c-section) last Thursday. He was a perfectly healthy 6 1/2 pound baby boy!! They went home from the hospital on Saturday and are both doing great (well, Jacque still has some healing to do, but she's one happy mama!!) Here's a photo of our new nephew, Cascade Dorsett Kaseler, being held by his only female cousin Saramarie!
Then, on Monday (the same day the referrals arrived) my girlfriend, Jayme, also gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. He weighed in at 8 pounds 7 ounces!! Although the picture below doesn't show it, he has red hair (just like his older brother Gavin). They named this little guy Dylan Micheal Horton.
We are grateful to God for the safe arrival of both of these bundles of joy. Next up to deliver, in my life, is my girlfriend, Simone, who is expecting a baby girl!!

The World Goes Around and Around

I haven't been doing too much blogging lately...just haven't felt the desire. It's not due to any lack of eventful things to blog about, it's just...well, I haven't felt up to it...I'll just leave it at that.

Anyway, October has proven to be a busy month. One of the most exciting things for me personally (and my sugarplum) is that my sister Sarah and my Mom purchased a beautiful crib for the baby. That's right....I HAVE A CRIB IN MY HOUSE!!! It's not just any crib either, it's a beautiful wrought iron crib...just like the one I've been dreaming about for the past two years. I go in and look at it constantly. It seems surreal to have it in her room. I haven't finished the room, by the way. I need to get cracking on her bedding. The bumper isn't finished yet (I just stuck it in there for looks) and I haven't even started the skirt or the comforter. I still have painting to do, the closet isn't done, the bookcase isn't built, there's no chair to sit in....the list goes on and on. Needless to say, it's hard for me to walk near her unfinished room without stopping in to run my hand over her super soft crib sheet (again, Sarah), pick up the precious little pink Hippo's that are taking up some of the empty space in the crib, glance over at the clothes in her closet and dream of the day she will be here and will be able to start wearing some of the beautiful dresses that are waiting for her. Thank you, thank you, thank you Sarah and Mom.

Let's see what else happened this month....Benjamin lost another tooth (thanks in part to the neighbor kid's elbow...no joke), Jacob got almost all A's on his report card (major, major accomplishment for him), Chris announced he was moving to California (he loads the truck this weekend), we went to the Zoo (not that this is something of great importance, but the boys and I love the zoo), Axl turned 2, I started jogging the nearby canal 3 time a week (an attempt to start to loose the 18 pounds I've gained over the past year and a half...haven't lost a pound yet), the boys and I met up with my friend Terri for lunch at the Chinese Cultural Center (she is adopting as well), we spent an entire weekend cleaning up our backyard (by "we" I basically mean Doug...my hero)....But, I'll have to say, the most unbelievable, monumental thing that happened this month occurred last Friday. We all (those of us that could make it that is) gathered at my sister Sarah's house to watch her get an ultrasound. The tech actually came to her house to perform it...it's was great. Sarah and Cody had thought they wanted to wait until the baby was born to find out what they were having, but apparently they changed their mind's the morning of the ultrasound (I'd like to think I had a little something to do with that decision). So, after checking to make sure the baby was healthy and developing on track (which it is....PERFECTLY), we discovered that Sarah is having........A GIRL!!!! There are 6 grandchildren in this family...ALL BOYS! Cody (the baby's father) comes from a family of all boys...a girl was certainly overdue, but not necessarily expected. It's still somewhat unbelievable but definitely exciting. She will be arriving at the end of February!!!

So, as November starts, we are anticipating a new batch of referrals to arrive any day. It is my sincere hope that the CCAA will be able to match all of the December 2005 families by the end of January (in other words, with the next three batches). The rumors, however, are starting to come in with reports of December 8th being the cut-off for this batch. That' s really no major change (or speed up) from any of the more recent batches (everyone was expecting some type of a speed up after finishing November). That last time they sent out a batch that covered days in the double digits (more than just 9 days) was in March 2007 (that batch covered 11 days). I was, and still am, really hoping to see a double digit batch! If not, I will still pray that at some point during the month they will catch up enough to still finish December by my own personal deadline.

And last but not least, my sister-in-law, Jacque is at the hospital (as I type) waiting to see if her baby is going to be delivered today. She has made it to 29 weeks and the baby is still breach. So, the options are...get an epidural, try to turn the baby and, if successful, induce her. Or, get an epidural, try to turn the baby and, if successful, take her off the epidural, send her home and wait for her to go into labor on her own. The last option is this, get an epidural, try to turn the baby and, if unsuccessful have a cesarean delivery today. Whichever way it goes, we will be hoping and praying for a safe and uncomplicated delivery of a very healthy baby boy!!

This just in!!

It's official....THEY'VE FINISHED MATCHING THE NOVEMBER 2005 FAMILIES!!!!!!! Woooohooo!!!

The CCAA returned from their Harvest Moon holiday and updated their website with the official cut-off date for the last batch of referrals....November 30, 2005!!

In other Schneider news....Jacque is recovering from her surgery and will be heading home either tonight or tomorrow morning. Her husband Dan made it back from China safe and sound Saturday night!!

The best possible outcome

Jacque was successfully transported to the new hospital late last night. We just heard the news....appendix out, baby IN!! Cori and I were able to talk to Jacque three way...she doing great. Her OB was there with her through the whole surgery monitoring the baby. He tolerated everything just fine. Dan is on a plane and will be home tomorrow morning. Candace (Jacque's mom) is also on a plane and will be by Jacque's side by this afternoon.

We are all so relieved to know that things went as well as they did. It is also nice that baby will be able to be carried to term and his father will be there when he's born!!

HUGE FEELING OF RELIEF ALL THE WAY AROUND!!!!!

Gotta run the boys to school now!

It's going to be a long night...

I can't go to sleep, so I thought I'd blog. My sister-in-law, Jacque, who's home I just left 3 days ago has just been admitted to the hospital. She's due to deliver her first child on November 2. Her husband, Dan, is in China on business. Jacque started throwing up this morning..by this afternoon she was so ill she called her mother-in-law to come over. When she arrived at Jacque's home she knew right away she needed to get her to the hospital. It's taken most of the evening for them to determine that Jacque is having an acute appendicitis attack. Her O.B. is located 2 1/2 hours away, so they are transporting Jacque, as I type, to that location. They are going to operate on her once she arrives. The big question is whether or not the baby will be delivered as well.

I was able to get a hold of Dan, via Skype, and inform him of what is going on. He's in a town about 1 1/2 hours from Guangzhou. He was able to speak with Jacque about an hour ago and is currently on the road to Guangzhou to try to make arrangements to get home as quickly as possible. He was due to be home on Sunday. The sad thing is....he won't make the delivery no matter how soon he gets on a plane. My heart is breaking for both of them right now.

The most important thing is that Jacque and the baby get the medical attention they need....no matter who is there, but it's hard not to feel total frustration right now. Why couldn't this of happened 5 days from now when Dan is home. Why couldn't it of happened 3 days ago while Cori and I were there. What is the likelihood that it would happen when none of us can get to her???!!! Aaaaggghhh!!

My mother-in-law is leaving on the first flight in the morning. My sister-in-law, Cori, may be going with her. Right now Jacque has her mother-in-law with her...thank god.

I'll be praying tonight...that's for sure. I just hope this ambulance ride goes well. I doubt they would of even try to move her if there was a risk of her appendix rupturing. I'm glad, that they are trying to get her transported. The local hospital that she is at doesn't have any OB's at all. Only mid-wives.

I'll post more info in the morning when I know more. Right now I'm going to go read (or at least try to) and wait for my phone to ring letting me know they made it to the new hospital safe and sound.

Referral News!

Our agency just reported that they received referrals today for the families who were logged in on November 28, 2005!!! Everyone was hoping referrals would be mailed out from China over the weekend, and apparently they were. I was up in Washington with my sister-in-laws all weekend and must have checked the computer 10 times a day to see if there was any word. Nothing! Then yesterday (Monday)..still nothing! I was really surprised to see this announcement today. The reason we were hoping that the referrals would be mailed over the weekend is because the Harvest Moon Festival began yesterday, October 1 and will be celebrated thru October 8 throughout all of China. So, the CCAA will be shut down until next week. The interesting thing about this batch of referrals is that nobody knows what the cut off date was. For whatever reason, the CCAA did not update their website with the cut off date. This batch began with November 26th (which was a Saturday) and included, at least, November 28. Our agency has families logged in on the 28th of November, and then not again until the 5th of December. December 5th families were not included in this batch. So, I'm still left wondering if they finished matching the November 2005 families. I really, really, really, really hope they did. I guess we'll have to wait until next week to know for sure (but, for what it's worth, my gut instinct tells me they did...I think the cut will be the 30th).

This month has been full of distractions..some good, some not good. Being busy has been good for me emotionally. The school year is in full swing and October is already filling up with all kinds of activities. I hope the wait to the next batch of referrals goes by quickly. Know matter how busy we are, we think of our little girl every single day....at least today we know we are one step closer to seeing her precious face.

18 month LID anniversary!

This month marked the 18th anniversary of our log in date. My sisters, Norah and Sarah, decided the three of us should celebrate by having a night on the town. We decided to head on over to the west side of town and try out a wine and chocolate bar that my friend Mardi (another adoptive mom who just so happens to be logged in the same month as we are and is using our same agency) had told me about named Sweet O.

I had told the girls that I had something special to show them that night, but wouldn't tell them what it was. The week before I had ordered a print from my friend Stephanie who is an artist up in Washington. She is also an adoptive mom who is logged in the same month as we are and is also using the same agency. She makes beautiful art work and I'm sure I will be getting more of her pieces as time goes on, but this piece in particular held special meaning to me (details to come later...when I'm ready to share). Please visit Stephanie's blog when you have a chance and admire her talent. http://www.jiinkinkids.com/

Anyway, the print was due to be delivered some time Friday (the night we were going out). The girls arrived at my house and we were ready to head out for the evening, but the I didn't have the package. I was so bummed. We got in the car and drove down the street to the corner gas station. I broke the news to the girls that I wouldn't be able to show them my "something special" because the UPS driver hadn't delivered it yet. I had just finished pumping gas when Norah noticed a UPS truck driving from the direction of my house. We drove back to the house to see if my package had been delivered. Doug knows I'm crazy so he wasn't the least bit surprised to see me come back home after only having been gone 5 minutes to check on my delivery. However, it wasn't there. So we headed out again. We had just turned the corner when wouldn't you know it....another UPS truck. Norah was bound and determined to see what it was I had to show them, so she made me make a u-turn and literally chase the truck down. Which, of course, I did. It was like a scene from Charlie's Angels...OK, not really, but we were having fun. I caught up with the UPS driver just a few short blocks from my house, jumped out (probably scaring him to death) and asked if he happened to have a package for my address. And guess what....HE DID!! He let me sign for it right then and there!! It was quite the exciting start to our evening. If you look in the picture of Norah and myself you can see me holding my print.


Thank you girls for the fun night out and for being such never ending sources of support and love during this seemingly endless wait. I love you both so much!!

Paint party!!

Well it wasn't really a party, but the whole family participated in painting the baby's room. The boys were so excited to help. Doug gave them some pointers and then stepped back and let them paint away. I was having a heart attack the whole time. I thought they would give up after a few minutes, but no such luck. Since I'm a controlling spaz and wanted to rip the paint rollers from their hands and get down to some serious painting rather then let them enjoy themselves and feel proud being able to help make her room beautiful, I left and went to grocery store. When I returned, they had just finished the first coat. It actually looked pretty good. Benjamin was so excited to show me that he made me cover my eyes while I walked in there!

It is so nice that Doug has so much patience with the boys. He really enjoys showing them how to do stuff like this. The three of them had a great time together and have been going in there and admiring their work quite a bit. It was a nice little family chore....we all talked about our little girl throughout the day. It's amazing to me how much the boys talk about her. I don't think a day goes by when one of them doesn't bring her up. She is going to be so spoiled by them....I can't wait!!

Referrals have landed!

Well, the September referrals have arrived in the US. This batch covered families logged in from November 22, 2005 through November 25, 2005. Our agency did not receive any referrals in this batch. We don't not have any families logged in until November 28, 2005. Hopefully they will be in the October batch.

To see a batch that only covers four days is very, very hard. We all knew that November of 2005 was a big month, but...I don't really know what to say, this slow down is very difficult.

However, we can rejoice in knowing that many other adoptive parents will be seeing their child's face for the very first time today! The Fed Ex truck will be pulling up to their home with that much anticipated referral package!! We also know that we are a few days closer to seeing our baby's face for the first time (even if it did take a month to get there).

Doug has been served

For the last year and a half (almost two years) Doug has had the pleasure of using the baby's room for his personal use. Since I wasn't quite ready to decorate the room right after we remodeled, he convinced me to allow him to use it so the space wouldn't go to waste.

However, I've been itching to turn that room into the nursery it is meant to be. So, I gave Doug his eviction notice. Benjamin was kind enough to serve him the papers. Doug knew better than to try to renegotiate the lease and reluctantly moved out.

So, as of tonight, her room is officially her room. Tomorrow we will start painting the walls. I'm so excited. I can't believe I'm actually starting to decorate MY DAUGHTER'S room. I'll be sure to post pictures as it all unfolds!!

The Year of the Golden Pig

2007 is the "Year of the Golden Pig" in China. For the Chinese, this year began on February 18, 2007 and will go through February 6, 2008. This "golden pig year" only comes around every 60 years in China. It was predicted that the country would see a baby surge during this year. Why? It's believed, by the Chinese, that children born on or between those dates would lead healthy, wealthy, carefree lives.

It's pure superstition...something I don't believe in. I'm not sure if China is seeing a baby surge or not, but in my neck of the woods baby pigs are popping up everywhere.

So, without further ado....let the announcements begin.

First up, my sister-in-law, Jacque. Due in November and having a boy.
Then, my very good friend, Jaime. Due in November, as well, and having a boy.
Next, another very good friend, Simone. Due in December and having a girl.
After that we will have....MY SISTER, SARAH!! Due in February/March and having a surprise!
Not far behind her, my cousin, Margaret. Due in March and does not yet know what she's having.
Finally (and very new to the scene), my other cousin and older sister to the first cousin I mentioned, Cecilia. She will most likely be due in May and could possibly be having twins!!

So there you have it folks. We will be praying for safe and healthy pregnancies, deliveries and babies for each and every one of them!!

Jacob is 11 today!!

I don't remember telling Jacob it was OK for him to turn eleven, but he did it anyway. It is so crazy how fast kids grow up. TWO more years and he'll be teenager!!! Give me strength!

I tend to be very emotional this time of year. When I think back on the events surrounding Jacob's birth, I'm always amazed that we were all able to make it through. It was such a bitter sweet time in our life. On one hand, we were thrilled to have this "perfect" little baby boy, and on the other we were in complete distress dealing with all horrifying things that go along with prematurity.

But, look at him now!! Jacob is one healthy, active boy. And, when I say boy....I mean it. He's into skateboarding, boogie boarding, riding his scooter, roller blading, basketball, swimming, gymnastic, riding his bike (usually off a ramp of some kind), jumping on the trampoline (and giving every mom in sight a heart attack with his tricks)....you name, he does it!

We are very proud of Jacob!!

Here's hoping he'll still be 11 when his sister comes home. He was only 8 years old when we started our adoption journey...how crazy it that?!

There's nothing like validation

Our agency has set up Yahoo groups to help send out very important information and to work as a support system. Recently, a woman named Bonnie posted a message about how discouraged she has become with the wait and expressed that her and her husband have discussed stopping their adoption. Many people responded to her post. One such person was a woman named Dani who just so happens to be logged in the same month as me!! Read some of what she said....


Dear Bonnie,
You will go through soooo many stages/emotions during this what seems like endless impossible wait. It is normal. There have been "high months" for us-you know where you both walk around the nursery oohing and ahhing at every cute thing you've purchased. And talk endlessly about the stuff youre gonna take to China, all the things youre going to do with baby, etc then you jump on the internet and watch 3 hours of China adoption videos and cry your little excited hearts out. Then there are the "angry months". You walk by the nursery and you don't even open the door. You avoid people so you don't have to hear "how's the adoption going". You jump on Rumor Queen and revel in the fact that "see, everyone's miserable-stupid China!!". You say things like "Save for China????Forget that-I want new woodfloors!!

!" Then there are the "just plain low" months- your husband comes home to find you on the nursery floor surrounded by a cloud of tissues. You see babies and cry. You both
lose hope-"It's not gonna happpen for us...Lets go get that Doberman puppy...". And then ta da!!!!!! New Hope arises!!!!!!!!!!!! Did they just refer 3 days worth of LID's this month instead of 2????!!!!!!! You grab your calculator and work out 1,000 mathmatical possibilities each one a little better because "it might happen". Suddenly there is forward momentum again! YOu both open the door to the nursery and WOW!!!! HOW CUTE!!! You notice you don't have a changing table and so you jump in the car and drive to Target!!! You tell everyone in the store(even though they weren't paying attention to you) 'We are adopting from China." You spend 10 minutes answering their questions(gladly).... Just remember-don't panic at the angry and low times....just ride 'em out..... Lots of luck! Dani


Other than the fact that our nursery isn't done and I would never get a "Doberman" puppy, do you not get the feeling that maybe she has a webcam in my house?!!

It helps so much so know that we are not alone on this emotional rollercoaster!! Just thought I would share this with you guys!

The "Rumor Queen" ...why do I look?

There's this woman, nobody is really sure who she is, who has been running this website for quite a while now to monitor every aspect of adoption from China. She's referred to as the Rumor Queen. She gathers information from sources all over the world (supposedly) and post information to her website. Then, she rates the information for reliability. She's always speculating about when the next batch of referrals will come in, how many days it will cover, etc. Some people swear by her data, others take the information with a grain of salt....and then there's me. I don't know what to think of it. I highly doubt she knows people who are able to get insider information from the CCAA, but sometimes it almost seems like she must. To be honest, I only read her website, or blog, or whatever it is out of boredom and desperation. For what it's worth, my agency actually looks at it frequently and will question some of what she says on there with the CCAA (they go through the proper channels, of course) and will then post information on our Yahoo group so that we don't get led a stray by anything she may post.

Anyway, my point in all of this is to show you all a projection she made as to when certain months can expect a referral. If her projection is correct, we can expect a referral in June or July of 2008. I don't know if that will be true, anything can happen...things could speed up, or slow down! But, based on the way it's been going, I think it's a pretty good guess.

First day of the 2007/2008 school year!

Well, we made it to our first day of school on time!!! Barely!! The boys were both pretty nervous. It's a brand new school for them (their school closed over the summer...don't get me started on that one). Many of their friends from their old school transfered to the new one with them, so it helped to see some familiar faces when we arrived. Jacob is now in 5th grade and Benjamin in 3rd.

After I picked them up we started talking about how everything went. For the most part they both had a good day. There's a lot of new things that will take some getting used to, however. Anyway, Benjamin was telling me that he had to stand in front of his class and say five interesting things about himself. Here's how HE said it went...

Benjamin: "My name is Benjamin."
Class: "Hello, Benjamin."
Benjamin: "But you can call me Benji"
Class: "Hello, Benji"
Benjamin: "I had a dog named Katie"
Class: "Aahh"
Benjamin: "But she died"
Class: "Oohh"
Benjamin: "My Dad is named Doug, my Mom is named Mary, my brother is named Jacob, (and here's the best part) and my baby sister is named???? well, it don't know her name for sure...she lives in China and will be home as soon as my Mom and Dad finish their China trip. And, that's five things...the end."

Is that adorable or what?! He is one sweet little boy! I'm so glad that I have this blog because these are the little things I want to be able to tell her about when she starts to have questions about her adoption and I'm afraid I'll forget them if they aren't documented.

Anyway, I think we are off to a pretty good start this year. The school is actually a uniform school, but they said they could wear their own clothes for the first week. I'm wondering if they regretted that when they saw Jacob strolling up in his ripped, rolled up jeans and long sleeve t-shirt in 109 degree weather?! He kills me!

Our lazy summer days are coming to an end!

It's time to say goodbye to our lazy summer days. I took the picture above at 10:30 AM this morning. My boys can sleep in!!! I mean look at them....they are practically lifeless (as was I about a half an hour before I took this when Sarah called and woke me up). In their defense, we had the most amazing monsoon storm this very night. It went on from about midnight to 3 or 4 in the morning. Lightening, thunder, tons of rain...you name it. Both of them ended up in our bed (big shocker there)!! I don't think any of us really fell asleep until close to 4 in the morning.

Having said all that, I will admit that it doesn't take an "all nighter" to get us to sleep in. We are night owls for sure. So, tomorrow ought to be interesting. It's the first day of school!! I have to get the boys up at 7:15 in the morning. We haven't done that since....well, it's been a long time. So wish us well everyone! Here's hoping we get a good start to a new school year!



Aren't they such little angels when they sleep?!

Back to the beach

Well, the boys and I finally made it to the beach. What's a summer without it?! We ventured over to San Diego to visit our good friends, the Searls. We caravaned over with my sister, Norah, and my Dad who made the trip in his motor home. I drove the car with kids (5 of them to be exact) and Norah drove in the motor home with my Dad and Lincoln (the youngest in the group). We had soooo much fun. Swan in ocean, boogie boarded, went crab hunting...we even did a midnight swim in the ocean (scary, but fun)! We got to visit with my girlfriend Danielle and her BEAUTIFUL daughter Cosette. We traveled up to Carlsbad one day to see my good friends Shawna and Lisa along with their children. It was non stop fun! Throughout the entire trip, I envisioned our little sugar plum right there with us. With as much fun as me and the boys had together...I still, truly hope this is the last summer we will spend without her.


Here's Shawna and Jayden (don't you love that bikini?!)

Jacob lov'in that warm sand!

Mary and Cosette ...it doesn't get much better than this!

And little Lincoln holding down the fort!