Baby Girl Schneider

The End of a Chapter

2009-05-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

It's with a bit of sadness that I have to say goodbye to this blog site. I've been having technical difficulties that can't seem to be corrected. So, a new site has been set up and designed for me by my good friend Stephanie. The "babygirlschneider" site, however, will remain in place, I just won't be posting anything new to it.

I'm so glad that I have "our wait" chronicled. I know I will come back to visit frequently to remind myself of all the milestones that we have crossed thus far. Stephanie has thoughtfully placed a link to this blog on our new blog site. That way, anyone who wants can easily look back and be reminded as well.

Please clink on the link below and join us as we complete our journey to bring XiuGang home!

Baby Girl Schneider Chapter 2

Qian Xiu Gang!!!

2009-05-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Fed Ex truck made it!! Look how sweet she is!!!

Her name: Qian Xiu Gang
Her date of birth: September 10, 2008
Her SWI: Social Welfare Institute of Qianjiang District
Municipality: Chongqing

According to her description in the medical report she is:

14.7 pounds and 24.25 inches long (exam done at 6 months of age)
A deep sleeper (thank God)
Active and restless (uh oh!!)
Has a ready smile (aahh) and quick in reaction (that will come in handy...she has two brothers, after all)

I'd type more, but I'm dying to get back to staring at her photos!!!!

WE ARE IN LOVE!!!! GET ME ON A PLANE!!!

Waiting together....literally

2009-05-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Terri (a fellow waiting mama) just showed up at my door with flowers from her, Mardi, Stephanie, Kayce and Suzanne (all adoption mamas)!!! Thank you guys so much!! They are beautiful!

Terri is going to stay and wait for the FedEx truck with me!!! It's 1:40 right now...the truck is scheduled to be here by 3:00 PM

Keeping Watch

2009-05-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

No FedEx truck yet, but Lincoln is keeping watch!

We did, however, just receive these beautiful flowers!!!! They are from the Sweetlands, the Hawks, the Pacheskys and the Pearsons!!!

WE LOVE YOU GUYS! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

Her package is in PHOENIX!!!!

2009-05-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

She's getting closer!!!

FED EX TRACKING INFORMATION:
May 22, 2009 8:41 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery PHOENIX, AZ
May 22, 2009 7:07 AM At local FedEx facility PHOENIX, AZ
May 22, 2009 6:56 AM At dest sort facility PHOENIX, AZ
May 22, 2009 3:38 AM Departed FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
May 22, 2009 1:26 AM Arrived at FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
May 21, 2009 9:14 PM Left FedEx origin facility EARTH CITY,MO
May 21, 2009 6:59 PM Picked up EARTH CITY, MO
May 21, 2009 3:12 PM Shipment information sent to FedEx

OUR REFERRAL!!

2009-05-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

I LOVE BEING WRONG!!!! IT DID HAPPEN TODAY!!!

All we know right now is this:

Name: Qian Xiu Gang
Date of birth: 9/10/08 (She's only 8 months old)

Our Fed Ex package has been mailed (Doug has already started tracking it)!! Estimated time of arrival is 3:00 PM tomorrow!!!

It won't be today

2009-05-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Our agency never called us back. I believe that they did in fact receive a package today, but that it contained documents regarding the Special Needs program...not referrals. I wish CHI would have called us, like they promised, but they didn't.

Tomorrow is a new day. Perhaps we will hear something then.

Sorry everyone. Thanks for hanging in there with us.

Still no call!!

2009-05-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's after 5:00 PM in St. Louis....still no phone call. I can only hope that they are staying late to receive this package. Doug is on his way home from work right now. I've emailed my agency to see what is going on. I'm giving it 10 more minutes and then I'll probably call them.

UPDATE: We called our agency (at about 5:15 their time) and got their after hours answering machine (Doug left a message). We have also emailed them but have not gotten a response yet. It is now 5:50 PM in St. Louis.

Not "the call", but a call!!!

2009-05-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

I just received a call from my agency telling me that they have been notified by DHL that a package is being delivered late today. They wanted to verify my address and where I want the referral package mailed because they are going to get the overnight packages ready to go so they can get them out today...HOPEFULLY!!!

She said they would call us one way or another before the end of the day!!!! OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!

Reports of calls being made

2009-05-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

There are reports that referrals have arrived in various countries and families are getting phone calls today. Even some U.S. families have gotten calls!!

My wonderful friend, Stephanie, has been giving me the blow by blow all morning long. I left the house this morning and decided to go on Jacob's field trip. Then I changed my mind and went and met Leigh and Cori for breakfast thinking nothing was going to be happening today.....then everything changed!!! Stephanie called and texted me to let me know that some U.S. agencies are telling their families to expect a call today!!! I'm home now and will be checking the rumor boards, my email, my phone....you name it, for the rest of the day!

Here's hoping we have good news to share by the end of the day!!!!!!

Can this be true??!!

2009-05-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Rumors start trickling in last night that referrals were on there way. This morning, Europe, Spain and even a few U.S. agencies are confirming that the referrals have been sent. There is even 1 report from Europe that someone received their "call" today!!

Do I dare get excited??!! I've got my phone charged, and my list of questions ready to go. 1 copy of the questions is on my desk in the office, another in the car! I pulled a bottle of champagne out of the wine bar and put it in the fridge! I figure...if we get the call then we'll open it to celebrate....if we don't, we'll open it anyway because I'll probably need it to help me sleep tonight!!!

And the wait goes on....

2009-05-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today marks the start of yet another week of waiting. We still don't know what exactly is going on with the referrals. Our agency did speak with the CCAA and they were told that the referrals "are not being held" due to the Swine Flu. They weren't told why they haven't been mailed or when they will be mailed. The fact that the CCAA says that the referrals aren't being held due to the Swine Flu doesn't actually mean that they aren't being held due to the Swine Flu....it just means that they are saying that they aren't being held due to the Swine Flu. Does that makes sense?! I, for one, believe the they are holding them.

There is always the possibility that it is just taking the CCAA longer to do the matching this month. At least, that's one of the rumors floating around. I doubt it's true, but it's possible. There's not a whole lot to rest our hope on right now. Nothing tangible...no frame of reference. That's tough. Really tough. But, we'll get through it. Someday my phone will ring!!! This I know!!

For now, I'm trying to adjust my attitude towards China. I'm trying to be respectful of a culture I truly don't understand. I don't want to get into a habit of bad mouthing my daughter's country of origin just because my western way of thinking doesn't jive with theirs. That's not OK. The fact of the matter is, the day will come when I will be eternally grateful to the country of China for allowing me the privilege of parenting one of their own. Someday "she" will be ours, but for now "she" is theirs. They have to do what they feel is in her best interest and I have to respect that and patiently wait for that job to be handed over to me.

I guess I'll just sit back and do some "people watching" with regards to China. Just sit and stare and wonder "what the heck they are thinking??!!" (But in a kind, respectful way, of course).

Out of our heads...into our hearts, PLEASE!!!

2009-05-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

So the other day Doug and I ordered a new camcorder. Today I received an email containig a TRACKING number for said camcorder. A tracking number...for our CAMCORDER!!!! I had to laugh. The good people at Sanyo have big enough hearts to assign a tracking number to our package so that we can have PEACE OF MIND in knowing exactly where our new video device is at any given moment of the day.

But our referral? Our child? Where is she? Apparently, we aren't entitled to that information. It's none of our business. China remains silent.

If this delay was in fact due to a pandemic, I could accept it. But it's not. It's due to fear. The provincial leaders in China are taking extreme measures to ensure that their province does not have an outbreak. Not because they are concerned about people, but because they are concerned about themselves and the rammifications that would be placed upon them by the governmental powers of China if such an outbreak occured. As a result, children (including our child) will sit in orphanges without knowing the love of their family and parents will have to continue to wait to meet and hold the child they have dream of for so many years. All because of fear....fear of man. And that, makes me angry!!

THIS "SYSTEM" IS BROKEN!!! My mood today....not very attractive!!!!

Time for a little distraction

2009-05-07T16:10:00.000-07:00

The rumors have more or less died down. I have nothing to report, with regards to what is happening (or not happening) with the referrals. Travel approvals, however, have been arriving this week for families who have already received their referral. In fact, my girlfriend Mardi was notified by our agency today that her travel approval in on it's way from China!!! I'm so excited for her.

As for me....well, I could use a little distraction from all the adoption drama. So, Doug and I (along with some friends) are going to a Bob Schneider concert tonight. WE LOVE BOB! The boys are going to spend the night with Sarah (thank you Sarah...AGAIN), so we are footloose and fancy free.

I plan on staying pretty busy from now until the the end of the weekend...Then next week I'll go back to enjoying more adoption drama!!! This will end someday, right?!

(I've added a few Bob Schneider songs to my playlist for your listening pleasure!)

Dear baby girl,

I know we still have "mountains to climb, hills to get over, roads to hoe", before we can all be home together. But we are getting so close. When I say I need to distract myself, it's only from the pain of this wait, not from you. My thoughts of you are with me constantly. Everywhere I go. Even to this silly concert! I can't wait until we can shake our booties together. We'll invite Vienna over to show us how to do it right...that girl has got moves. Just imagining the two of you dancing around the living room together puts a smile on my. See how happy you make me already??!!

UPDATE: Here's a pic of me backstage with Bob after the show. JB took it. It's kind of a funny story how, or I should say why, JB & I decided to walk backstage, but not something I'll blog about. It was a fun night, though.

Vodka tonic, hold the tonic, please

2009-05-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's my own fault for looking at the rumor boards, but SERIOUSLY....WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WERE ME???!!

Here's what the rumor queen had to say today....

REFERRAL RUMOR
May 5th, 2009

I’m hearing from several agencies that the people who sign off on referrals are out of the office this week and that referrals are not likely to be sent until they return.

At one time we were told multiple people would be given the ability to sign off on them and that all of those people would never be out of the office at the same time. Looks like that went out the window.

WHAT THE *&$%!!!! I can't take anymore....I'm hitting the bottle.

Is no news really good news?

2009-05-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

We are still waiting to see whether or not referrals will be released this month. I was hoping so badly that there would be some type of an announcement made today, but that didn't happen. Who knows, maybe no news is good news. Maybe referrals our on their way. I wish I knew.

I'm really sorry everyone. I will try to keep you as up to date as I can. If I hear anything at all I will be sure to post about it right away.

I can tell you this...last night the CCAA released a new, "large", list of Waiting Chidren (special needs kids)to the various agencies. Our agency is posting the children's files to their website right now for families to review. I don't know if this is any indication that it is "business as usual" at the CCAA or not. I can't really see why they would mail a new WC list and NOT mail referrals. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Right now it's time for some vino.....(oh yeah, and homework)!

Laughing thru my tears

2009-04-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have to say, in all honesty, that I didn't see this one coming. I probably should have, but I didn't. I thought the only worry I would have this week would be whether or not our phone would ring on Friday morning. I was all concerned with whether or not we would spend the weekend celebrating, or spend it knowing that it was our last weekend "without her". Silly me!

Instead, a "pandemic" flu has hit the scene. Certain agencies (none in the U.S., so far) have told their families that the CCAA is putting a 20 to 30 day hold on referrals and travel approvals due to the swine flu outbreak. Our agency (who I called today) is saying that they have not been informed of that as of yet. Therefore, I don't know what effect, if any, this will have on us. It is quite possible that is could cause a delay. It's happened before with the SARS epidemic.

It's almost funny to think that we are (or were) days away from receiving the call we have waited so long to receive and then......A PANDEMIC FLU????? REALLY????? A FLU???? FROM PIGS???? Are you freaking kidding me?!

As always, I'm grateful beyond words for my friends and family who are always there to offer their support and encouragement. I love you all and I hope I have better news to report tomorrow.

UPDATE: Our agency just sent an email with the following information. It's not very helpful in the sense that it doesn't really tell us whether or not the CCAA will be holding the next batch of referrals or travel approvals. I think we will have to wait until Monday (or even later) to find out if that is going to happen. I don't think the CCAA has made an official decision on it, as of yet. Hopefully, no news is good news. We'll have to WAIT and see.

Children’s Hope will continue sending families to China to complete their adoption as long as China and the CDC allow us to do so. Any family that does not wish to travel at this time due to the Swine Flu can delay their travel to China to complete their adoption until they feel it is safe to travel.

Weekend Bliss!

2009-04-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

I may have just had the best weekend ever! On Friday, Doug and the boys left for a two night camping trip and I had the whole house to myself. I think it's a first! Friday night, Leigh came over and we went to work on trying to complete the crib bedding. First, we came up with a plan and an idea for the skirt, then we headed to Jo Ann's and bought the few things we knew we were going to need....then we went out for sushi! I was convinced that that would be the end of "sewing" for the night, but Leigh was bound and determined to get something done. So, we picked up some yummy desert and headed back to the house. We actually managed to make some pretty good progress on the bumper that night. JB and Brianna popped in for some moral support, which was nice!

Saturday morning I cleaned my house a bit and headed out to meet Terri and Suzanne for lunch. It was so nice to see them both again. Suzanne even surprised me with a cute little outfit for our sugarplum. Panda p.j.'s! Thank you Suzanne!

When I got back to the house, Norah was already there and guess what she had with her?! A BRAND NEW CAR SEAT FOR US!!! It's a gift from my sisters and my parents! It was so unexpected, but GREATLY appreciated. I can't believe I have a car seat in my house ready to go. It gives me chills to think about it.

Soon, all the girls were here....Norah, Sarah, Leigh and Adrianna.....oh and I can't forget, Vienna. The sewing got under way, as did the wine drinking. Just one bottle...we had to stay focused! Anyway, we got it done!!! I have the best girlfriends and sisters in the world. I say it all the time, but it really is true.

Saturday night I went to dinner with Adrianna and Chris. Then, Norah and Sarah and I went out for some drinks, lots of laughs and a little dancing. The three of us NEVER get out together like that....it was a lot of fun.

Sunday, I slept in, sat by the pool, chatted on the phone and waited for my three boys to return home. Benji could hardly wait to run in the door and give me a hug (I think I got about 20 hugs from him that night). The three of them had a blast on their trip....and nobody got hurt!

Doug took me to dinner that night (cause I hadn't been spoiled enough). I told him all about my weekend. He was very impressed with the baby's room and even more impressed with the generosity and love that my friends and sisters show to me. We feel so blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives. It's hard to put into words just how much you all mean to us. Having your support and love throughout this journey has made it possible for us to stay strong for our little girl and to not give up hope that this will happen! It warms my heart to know just how much love this child has waiting for her.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

"Waiting mamas"

"I came to help sew....and hold pink hippos"!

Sewing is serious business....even with wine!

Norah hard at work (probably undoing what Sarah just did..ha ha)

The pictures don't do it justice...it really is precious!

Aren't the tie backs adorable?!

The only thing missing is our sugarplum.

Our new carseat, modeled by the lovely Vienna!

Update: Doug made the music selection for this post!

So, what happens next?!

2009-04-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Sinces it's the middle of the month, and rumors about the next batch of referrals are nonexistent, I thought it would be a good time to address a question that I have been asked by many friends and family members lately....."What happens next?"

Here's my best answer:

The CCAA will finish matching all of the children who are to be included in this batch to their "forever families". They will packaged the referrals and send them to the various adoption agencies that represent the famlies. Our's being, Children's Hope International.
When Children's Hope (located in St. Louis) receives the package they will start calling the families who have been matched. It's "The Call" we've been waiting years to receive. At that time, we will be given basic information about our child (name, birthdate, height, weight, birth province, name of orphanage, ect.). They will also email her photo to us at that time!!!
They will then express mail our referral announcement with photos, original medical report with translation and any other information provided by the orphanage to us. Included in this package will be documents that we will need to sign and return right away.
Children's Hope will then send our signed documents to the CCAA for processing of our travel approval.
Once they received the travel approval (which takes about 4 weeks, I believe), they will request appointments for us at the American Consultate in Guangzhou.
When appointments with the Consulate have been confirmed, we can finalize our travel. In other words, we can book our flight. Most families travel about 8 weeks after receiving their referral.

That's the long and short of it. Any questions? Anyone? I love answering adoption related questions, so feel free to ask. We hope to receive our call around the first week in May. I'll be stalking the rumors boards like a crazy person (what else in new?!) on the days leading up to it. There are usually hints that "the call" may be coming on those boards, so hopefully I won't miss it. The call, I mean...not the hints. Could you imagine me missing the call???!!! As if!! I'll probably have my cell, my home phone, and Doug's cell phone strapped to my body at all times.

The photo above is of a precious Guizhou girl. My girlfriend Mardi's newly referred daughter, Lauren, is a Guizhou girl...so, I thought I'd represent!

REFERRAL NEWS!!!

2009-04-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today, April 3, 2009, Children's Hope received referrals for our families who have March 7, 2006 Log In Dates. We received 8 beautiful little girls all from the Guizhou Province. They were 9 months, 11 months, 12 months, 13 months, two children that are 19 months, 2 years 5 months, and 3 years and 4 months. The families that received the 2 and 3 year old children either requested a toddler or were given a referral based on the CCAA guidelinesof the parents ages and what age child they qualify for. These families waited 37 months from the time of their LID. Congratulations to thesefamilies!

At this time, we do not know what the cut off date was for referrals. Our next families that will be receiving referrals have a March 10, 2006 LID.

This batch of referrals seemed to have dropped out of the sky! Usually we hear reports of Europe getting referrals and then a day later they arrive in the U.S. Not this month! My friend Mardi received her call this morning and I was able to speak with her this afternoon. Thank you so much for calling me, Mardi. I feel so priviledged to have been your third phone call of the day (her husband, her mother and then ME). As I type this post, her and Dan are seeing Lauren's face for the first time. Soon her photo will be up on their blog for all to see. Although I have shed tears of joy off and on all day, I think I'm in a bit of a state of shock. Is this really happening??!! Are we really next??!! I'm in awe.

CONGRATULATIONS DAN AND MARDI!!! Lauren is so loved.

What it feels like to adopt

2009-03-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend, Terri, sent me an email with this photo attached asking how I was holding up! I laughed so hard when I saw it. The picture pretty much describes how I've been feeling this week with regards to the adoption. My nerves are a frazzled mess (but in a good way) as we wait to see what this batch of referrals will do! I've been checking the rumor boards like a mad women! It's a thrill a minute...not really, but it is an exciting time for us!

One thing is certain, my friend Mardi WILL be receiving her referral in this batch! My heart is racing for you Mardi! I'm waiting on pins and needles right along side you! Lauren is almost here!!!

Where I want to be.....

2009-03-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm sitting in my office going over the last of my accounting stuff to get things ready to file our taxes. But, where I want to be is pictured above.....Ventura beach, chasing after my niece who spent the morning running through the sand in her p.j.'s. How dreamy is that?!

UPDATE: Here's one more reason I want to be with Vienna on the beach and not in front of my computer: I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO CHECK THE RUMOR QUEEN SITE!!! Look what she just posted:

There are a few early rumors floating around, none are higher than an R2 at this point. The rumors range from a cut off of the 9th to the 14th.

The 9th OR the 14th???!!!.......Kind of big difference for us! GIVE ME STRENGTH!!!

Noth'in but love

2009-03-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

What an amazing weekend we just had!

First of all, Doug and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. Friday night we had a family night with the boys! We exchanged gifts (kind of a family tradition) and took the boys to dinner at a cowboy/western restaurant which they loved, surprisingly enough! Saturday morning I dropped the boys off to Sarah and.....well, the rest of the weekend was heavenly. Doug and I ate out, sat by the pool, shopped and just enjoyed one another's company (I'll spare you the details on that one). We talked a lot about the last 15 years and how blessed we both feel to have one another, the boys, our friends and family....and of course, we talked and dreamed of our baby girl.
Second of all, Sarah organized and sponsored a yard sale at her home on Friday and Saturday in honor of our adoption. She enlisted the help of all the friends and family members she could think of. She asked everyone to drop items off to her home that they were looking to get rid of. She made sure to mention that all the proceeds of the sale would go towards a donation to her niece's orphanage. There was an overwhelming response. She was able to raise over $1000.00!! Both her and Norah worked hard all weekend to make this sale a success. They did an amazing job. Doug and I are so full of gratitude toward the both of them. I've said it a million times before, but I'll say it again.....I HAVE THE BEST SISTERS IN THE WORLD! Doug and I will hand carry the money to China with us when we travel and will proudly turn it over to our daughter's orphanage director. Orphanage donations are a mandatory part of the required adoption fees. It's one fee I have no problem paying. The money is given directly to the Social Wellfare Institute that houses the children being placed. It is used to help improve the conditions of the facility, employ nannies, and provide food and clothing for the children. Our daughter will have benefitted from the donations of the families who have traveled before us and her "sisters" will benefit from ours. It's a good thing.
And finanlly, I went ahead and hopped on Rumor Queen just a few moments ago and read the following: I’m seeing multiple agencies who are giving their clients the idea that the next two months could cover more days than we might be expecting them to cover. She went on to mention that the hint is that the next batch of referrals COULD cover through the 13th!! Although early rumors tend NOT to be true, there is that glimmer of possibility that our LID will be included in the next batch of referrals (due to arrive in the next 2 1/2 to 3 weeks). So, hang on folks, the roller coaster ride is about to get extremely exciting. I for one will choose to keep my hands and heart inside the ride at all times, until it comes to a complete stop!

Love to all,
Mary

P.S. I know the pictures are horrible, but they are the only ones I have from this entire weekend! They were taken on Doug's cell phone...Jacob took the one of Doug and I..we look a little rough....I guess that's what 15 years of marriage will do to you (ha ha).

P.P.S. I chose the Eric Clapton song out of desperation. I couldn't find another song that fit the post. I have to remove the music thing from my blog, it's too much to try to manage. Anyway, this was the song we danced to at our wedding. Isn't that sweet?!

Our 3 Year LID Anniversary!

2009-03-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of our log in date. It's amazing to think that 3 years have passed since we received word that our documents were officially "logged in" at the CCAA. So much has changed in our lives since then. So much has changed in the world on international adoption. The one thing that has remained the same is the uncertainty of this program. This has been one long, hard journey but I'm so glad that we have stuck it out. It already feels so worth it!

Our little sugarplum is in our thoughts and dreams everyday. There's hardly anything I do throughout the day that doesn't make me think of her. I don't know who or where she is right now, but I know I love her. It won't be long before we see her precious face.

We love you, baby girl, and will continue to wait for you with open arms and open hearts!

(The flower pictured above is some type of a "sugarplum" flower....who knew?!)

March referrals!!

2009-03-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

The March referrals starting arriving in the U.S. earlier this week. They matched families with LID's of 3/3/06 thru 3/6/06!! Our agency did not have families logged in during those days, so they have not announce any referral news, or even that the 6th was the official cut-off date for this batch, but I'm reporting it anyway.

This means that there are only 4....that's right, 4 days left to match to get to us! Aaaaaahhhh! We are so close! I knew March was going to be an exciting month.

As far as my guess as to when we will see our referral, well here it goes. I think that the next batch of referals will cover only 1 day, March 7th. Those referrals are expected to arrive around the first week of April. The next batch, which will arrive around the first week of May, will hopefully cover the 8th thru the 10th!!! So, I'm hoping to receive our referal then! My biggest fear right now is that the CCAA won't be able to match the 7th in one batch and that they will have to split it into 2 batches. I hope not. What a hard, hard pill that will be for people to swallow. A half day batch. I really, really hope it doesn't happen.

One of my biggest thrills right now is knowing that my good friend, Mardi, is up next for a referral!!!!! She has an LID of 3/7/06! I can't believe that she will be seeing her daughter, Lauren's, precious face in just a few weeks! It's so exciting to see someone who has been enduring this wait right along side us actually get to this point. I can't wait to celebrate the arrival of Lauren's referral. Yippee!

My new look and my dear friend

2009-02-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

Isn't the new look of my blog just precious?! I would love to take the credit for it, but I had very little to do with it. My dear friend, Stephanie Wise, took time out of her busy life to create a new look for me and transfer everything over. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I'm truly amazed with Stephanie's creative abilities and her giving heart. She's a smart, talented, caring individual and I feel blessed to have had her friendship and support throughout our adoption journey. Stephanie is also waiting to bring her daughter, Zoey, home from China. We both have LID's of March 2006 and are with the same agency. We have shared many of the same highs and lows throughout the past 3 years. We have spent countless hours on the phone together discussing our adoptions and our lives....we laugh a lot, but not always. There's been some really tough moments on this journey. But through it all a great friendship has formed. It's one of the many gifts this process has afforded me.

Thank you Stephanie for taking the time to do this. You truly are a great friend. I can't wait to see Zoey in your arms and to celebrate all the joy's that this coming year will have for our families.

Your friend, with gratitude,

Mary

The beautiful print at the top of this post is one of Stephanie's many "adoption art" designs. You can view more of them if you visit http://www.jiinkindesigns.blogspot.com/

While we wait....

2009-02-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm starting to loose my grip on staying calm and not obsessing about when the next batch of referrals will arrive and how many days it will cover. It's not a good thing because it's only February 9th and we probably won't see referrals until the first week in March!!! It's doesn't help that when I look on Rumor Queen to see if there's even a "buzz" starting about the next batch I have to read stuff like this....

Rumor Queen post:

I reported on January 15th that the “the general atmosphere at CCAA is better than it has been in a long time, and that there is hope that things may not be so dismal in the near future”. I also reported this was coming from multiple places, and that while we’ve had these kinds of rumors before, it somehow feels different this time.

I still get an email or PM every two or three days from someone else who has talked with someone who has contact with the CCAA and this is again reported in some manner.

Her post went on and on... It makes me want to scream, "STOP MESSING WITH MY HEAD!!!"

I'm not alone in feeling this way. Most of the people that I've talked to who are in the China program are wondering what these rumors are all about and why there out there. You could spend all day trying to figure it out, searching blogs, checking for email updates.....but, what we really need to do is distract ourselves.

So, here's my advice (and the real reason I'm posting today)....get on a Segway and take a tour of your local zoo. Doug and I did this for the second time this weekend and had a blast...again. This time we went with our friends JB and Leigh and their son Tyler (who was a total riot on his Segway). Last time we went with my sister Sarah and her husband Cody (who is equally as funny as Tyler, but a lot more dangerous). These things are so much fun it's ridiculous. It's a little awkward when you first get on them, but after a while you get really comfortable.

If there was a Segway gang in Phoenix...I would join it. I'm even thinking about starting my own Segway gang! Seriously...these things are fun!

To our dear baby girl:

We are thinking about you constantly....even when we're riding Segways around the zoo. It won't be long before you and I visit the zoo together. I'll be so happy to be there with you that it won't even bother me to have to WALK instead of ride on a Segway. I love you THAT much!

March is being matched & Boo Boos is growing up!

2009-02-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

Last week (actually it was the week before last) referrals came in and March 2006 families officially began to be matched! There were rumors leading up to the arrival of the referrals that this could possibly be the first large batch we've seen in a while. Rumors that the CCAA has been unusually busy and very excited about their work. Some felt it was due an increase of children's files being given to the CCAA from the various Social Wellfare Institutes, possibly due to the recent increase in the mandatory donation. Some felt it had to do with the Olympics being far enough behind us. It was interesting to read all these rumors and wonder what this might mean for us personally. Some even felt that this might be the first "double digit" (or 10 day) batch we have seen in years. What?! The first 10 day batch?! That would mean that we would receiving our referral....like NOW! I laughed about it all, not believing a word of it and yet wondering constantly whether or not there could be even an ounce of truth to any of it. Then they came in and it turned out to be a TWO day batch. March 1st and 2nd! I laughed...some more. Not that's there anything funny about a two day batch, but what else are you going to do?! Our agency received referrals with this batch since we had families logged in on the 2nd, so that was exciting. I love seeing people post their referrals announcements and seeing all the precious little baby's faces! The next batch of referrals will start with the March 3rd families and move forward. Our agency doesn't have people logged in again until March 7th and then again on March 10th....THAT'S US! So, feel free to keep your fingers and toes crossed for an 8 day batch!!! Could you imagine?! OMG! There's only 8 LID days left to match to get to us. I CAN NOT BELIEVE WE HAVE COME THIS FAR!! I will have knots in my stomach with the arrival of the next few batches...the ancitipation and excitement is hard to explain. The next batch of referrals will most likely not arrive until the first of March, so I have some time to just enjoy life and not be a nervous wreck. But, it's going to be wild ride from here on out!

March is going to be an exciting month for us. We will move ever closer to seeing our baby's face for the first time, we will celebrate our 3 year LID anniversary (this time without tears, just pure excitement) and Doug and I will have our 15 YEAR wedding anniversary! Woo hoo!

I can not leave this post without mentioning that, on January 25th, my Benjamin turned 10!!! He was so proud of the fact that he had made it to the double digits that he was telling everyone. He's really growing up fast. He's only 2 1/2 inches shorter than Jacob...there's a good chance he's going to be taller than him by the end of the year. Benjamin is such a loving child. He gives me more unsolicited hugs and kisses than any mom could hope for. He loves his friends and family so much and everyone just loves him back! How could you not?! He absolutely can not wait to be a big brother to his little sister. He talks about her more than I do. I know he will give her such sweet love.

"We love you Benjamin and are so, so, so proud of you. You make us smile everyday. You truly are a gift to us and all of those who have you in their life."

PF Changs Half Marathon!!

2009-01-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

Well, on Sunday I managed to complete my first ever half marathon!! Official time: 2 hours, 12 minutes!

It was a day I won't forget anytime soon. All the pre-race anxiety, the excitement, the energy from all the people (over 21,000 participated)...it's hard to explain, but it was amazing. I laughed, I cried...and I ran! Most importantly, I proved to myself that I can do the seemingly impossible if I really set my mind to it. When I got tired, and believe me, I got tired, I thought about my boys and my family and friends who were waiting for me at the finish line to cheer me on and I just pushed on. I figured if they could pull themselves out of bed on a Sunday morning, walk for miles and stand in sun among a crowd of literally thousands of people just to support me, than I could muster up the energy to forge on! I also, of course, thought about my baby girl who, despite the fact that we haven't even met, has already taught me so much about endurance and inner strength. It was inspiring to jog pass the Chinese Cultural Center (just after mile marker 8) and think about how close we are to having her home with us!

I never, ever, ever could have done this without the encouragement and support of my friends and family. They are the best cheering squad ever. My B.F.F., Machel, drove all the way out from San Diego just be there at the finish! How great is that? And, my good friends, Chris and Brad trained with me for months....putting up with all kinds of questions, complaints, boo hooing, whining....I'm a pain in the butt to train, but they were great! Chris's wife and my dear friend, Adrianne, got up before the sun to drop us off at the start and spent the whole day out there taking pictures and cheering us on....THEN she made us dinner!

And my sisters....I can never say enough about my sisters. They were there, as always, rooting for me and screaming my name. I actually heard Norah before I ever saw her...too funny! I searched the crowd for Sarah and my Dad, but never spotted them. I knew they were there though and it made me feel so good. It really was a fun and exciting day.

Thanks to everyone for being there!

GEARING UP IN THE PARKING LOT!

CHRIS, MYSELF AND BRAD! "MY TEAM" JUST BEFORE THE RACE!

CHRIS AND ADRIANNE

MY BOYS AND I JUST AFTER FINISHING!

NORAH AND I AT THE FINISH!

ICING MY ANKLE...I WASN'T CRYING, I SWEAR!

VICTORY BEER! (I LOVE THIS BOY!!)

SIMONE (MY DEAR FRIEND SINCE 1ST GRADE) AND I! WE ROCK!

MY NIECE, SARAMARIE, MODELING MY MEDAL

THE FLOWERS MY MOM HAD DELIVERED!

Just Because!

2009-01-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

Doug came home last night with flowers and bottle of wine (mind you, it was a $5 bottle of wine, but who cares) "just because". "Because why", I asked. And do you know what that practically perfect man said?! He said, "Because you deserve it and because I should..(slight pause)...at least I should more often than I do." HELLO!!!! Right anwer! He got a big kiss for that one!

I'll enjoy the flowers all week, but the wine is going to have to wait until after the half marathon this weekend. No alcohol till then...gotta keep this body well hydrated.

THEY DID IT!!!

2008-12-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

It appears that the the CCAA has finished matching the February 2006 families!!!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS????? IT MEANS......

THE NEXT BATCH OF REFERRALS WILL BE FOR MARCH 2006 FAMILIES!!!

To be honest, this news is coming off the rumor boards....my agency has not confirmed anything yet. It will probably take them a day or two to be able to do that. Children's Hope was not expecting any referrals in this batch since we don't have families logged in again until 3/2/06, so, they will have to wait for the CCAA to update their website with the official cut off date before they can make a formal annoucement. BUT, ASK ME IF I CARE??!!

I'm making a formal announcment right now.......MARCH IS NEXT, AND THERE ARE ONLY 10 LID DAYS LEFT TO GET TO US!!!!!

This batch of referrals came quickly, but that's not that unusual for this time of year. The CCAA is getting ready to break for the Chinese New Year and they typically try to get a batch or two out before they leave. This batch can technically be considered the "January" batch of referrals even though they arrived in December. Chances are, the CCAA will send another batch right before they close for the New Year break. That batch will most likely arrive around the middle of January, but will be viewed as the "February" batch. After they return from their break they will get back to work and probably send another batch out around the first of March. Of course, this is all speculation on my part.....I'm just going off what I've seen happen over the past three years.

Who cares about any of that right now. All that matters is that MARCH IS NEXT!!

15 more LID days to go!!!

2008-12-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

Referrals arrived last week and matched families with LID's of February 18 thru February 23. It was a six day batch, which is good because it's in keeping with the average! For us, this means that there are now only 15 LID days left to be matched before we see our sugarplum's face for the first time. I can't believe we've made into the "teens"!

Speaking of making it into the teens....my nephew, Taylor (pictured about), turned 13 this month!! It's shocking to think about. Why do kids have to grow up so fast??!! I remember the day Taylor was born like it was yesterday. I remember the day he started walking (Doug and I somewhat taught him while Norah was at work...we thought we would suprise her when she got home, but instead we made her cry...oooops). I remember when he and Jacob were in pre-school together. It just doesn't seem that long ago. But, a lot changes in 13 years. The one thing that hasn't changed is that Taylor is a sweet, loving person...who happens to have the softest skin on the planet!!! Sorry to announce that publicly Taylor, but it oh so true! So....I'm sending a big shout out to Taylor, who I've been blessed to have in my life for the last 13 years.

Along with the announcement of the referrals came the announcement that our agency, Children's Hope International, has finally received their Hague Accreditation! This is great news for the many, many families that are working with them. Personally, for us, it doesn't change much. We are not going to need to renew anymore documents that would require that they be accredited, and are not trying to adopt through the "Waiting Children's" program (special needs). But, it's still good to know that CHI meets all the current requirements to work in the China program. To me, it makes things feel more secure (not that security exists in the world of international adoption). I'm very happy for our agency and even more happy for the families and children that this will help to unite!

So, as far as I'm concerned, it's been a good month for the adoption. It won't be long now. The next few months will probably be some of the most exciting, amazing, emotional....non-boring months of my life!

Our four day weekend

2008-11-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Well, our four day weekend is slowly coming to an end. We've had a great couple of days. The weather has been awesome...we even got a little rain which is always exciting. We've been sleeping in, playing football, golfing, hiking, running, shopping...we even went to the Wild Animal Park with our friends. Lots of fun! Doug braved Walmart on "Black Friday" and bought me a new camera. I've been without a camera (courtesy of Jacob...don't ask) for months now, so I was pretty excited to be able to take pictures again.

It's days like the ones we just had when we are all home, relaxing, doing things together that I think about our sugarplum non-stop. We spent a lot of time talking about her this weekend, which felt great. She's so much a part of our life already. In fact, sometimes it feels like she's already here. It's the strangest thing. I swear, I feel like I could walk in the living room right now and see her sitting on Doug's lap while he's watching football. I wish so badly that was the case. As we enter the last few months of our wait, she is on the other side of the world experiencing the first few months of her life. The four of us are together, enjoying our life. Feeling so much joy and excitement as we prepare to bring her home. We have each other to hug and hold, play with, laugh with, eat with...just be with. Our little girl, on the other hand, is experiencing a much different reality. In the months ahead she will experience so much emptiness, loneliness and fear. She will have to suffer through the horrible loss of her birth parents. She will go from the warmth and safety of her birth mom's womb to the harsh, cold world of orphanage life. I hope and pray that someone, whether it be a nanny or a foster parent...or anyone, takes the time to hold her and tell her that she is loved and wanted. I hope they tell her that everything is going to be OK, and that we are coming for her. I hope that somehow, in depths of her sweet little soul, she can feel the love that we have for her. I hope, I hope, I hope....

I also hope that everyone had as nice a weekend as we did! And, I also hope that referrals come in soon....and I hope that it's a "big" batch!

November referrals

2008-11-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

Children’s Hope International is proud to announce the arrival of 8 referrals for our 02/17/06 LID families. All of the referrals were beautiful little girls from the Jiangxi Province that ranged in age from 8 to 13 months, with one referral being 3 years, 5 months old. The referrals also included one set of twins. The family that received the 3 year old requested 0-18 months though the referral fell with the CCAA age guidelines. These families waited 33 long months from log in date to referral. We expect these families to travel in about 8 weeks.

Congratulations to these families and all our China families who have moved up in line!

Children’s Hope International’s next log in date is 03/02/06.

I received the announcement above last week. This batch of referrals started with February 16th and went through February 17th. A two day batch. It's discouraging, to say the least, but it also "is what it is". So, there are now 21 days left to match to get to us! I don't know if the CCAA will be able to maintain their 6 day average as they finish matching February and start March, but if they did we would probably receive our referral in the March 2009 batch . That's only 4 batches away! That's exciting. It is also exciting to think that the next time our agency receives referrals, it will be for March families. What a thrill that will be!

Did I mention the 1/2 marathon?

2008-11-01T22:31:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned that I've decided to train for a half marathon? It's January 18th, and today marked my first official week of training. I've been conditioning myself for the past month or so to build up my endurance for the 12 week training schedule I'm going to follow (you have to be able to run about 3 miles without having to walk...I'm at around 3 1/2 to 4). It's going to be a huge commitment for me to train for this, but I'm so determined to do this.....I've even cut out alcohol until after the marathon (about 5 seconds after).

So how did my first week of training go? Well, I'll tell you. I haven't been able to run ONCE this week. Wanna know why? Because my freaking ankles has been swollen since last Saturday when I went jogging with the boys (they road their bikes). Why is my ankle swollen (and my shins killing me)? Because I have a pronation problem with my feet. I discovered this last year when I first starting running and my knees swelled up and wouldn't go back down. Two trips to the orthopedic, a pair of custom orthodics ($$), new running shoes (more $$) and more ice packs than I care to mention and all seemed well. I was back running and with no swelling! I ran my first 8K ever and decided then that, after summer (It's too hot for me to run in the summer), I was going to train for the half. So, I started running again a few weeks ago. All was going well when, rather unexpectedly, my ankles went south. Back to the orthopedic. Same diagnosis as the first 2 times ("you're pronated...probably shouldn't run, but since your going to anyway I recommend new running shoes, plenty of stretching, some strength training and possibly physical therapy....(oh yeah) and a cortisone shot"). I passed on the cortisone shot. Something about a needle going into my ankle wasn't appealing to me....AT ALL!

So, I just purchased my newest pair of running shoes. Say hello to my new Brooks, Adrenaline GTS 8's. I really, truly hope these do the trick. I already feel like I've worked so hard for this. I really want to be able to do it. It's such a stress reliever for me and I feel so good about myself after I complete a run. Especially when I want so badly to quick a mile or two into it and I push myself to keep going!!

I have to get this swelling to go down. I need to be able to start running again in the next few days or I am going to fall way too far behind on my training.

Anyway, that's my running saga. I'm excited about the new shoes and hope I can break them in soon.....real soon!!

Report cards and such

2008-10-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

The first quarter of the 2008/2009 school year end a week or so ago, so we just had our first parent/teacher conferences of the year. Report cards were presented at the conferences (teacher's have finally wised up and stopped sending them home with the students). For my boys, it was A's and B's across the board. As far as behavior....they are both considered "a pleasure to have in class". I don't think those words have ever meant more to me than they do this year. I think it's because I'm working at the school now and deal with the students all day long and, let me tell you, my kids are SAINTS compared to a lot of them. They truly are a pleasure...a breath of fresh air, for their teachers. I'm so proud of them for that. Academically this year has been a challenge for both of them, but they are doing great! Homework is overwhelming at times, but we seem to get through it night after night. From talking to other parents, I have been told that 6th thru 8th grade are some of the hardest years of school. The pressure to get these kids ready for High School is intense. Sadly, most of the students don't have the maturity to handle the pressure or the speed at which new concepts are introduced. It makes for a lot of stress and a lot of work on the part of the parents to help their child stay on top of things. I really feel for the kids who don't have much support from their parents (and believe me there are a lot of them). Seeing how well my boys are doing at school, as reflected in their grades, reassures me that all of the sacrifices we have made to make it so that I can be available to them is well worth it.

As far as our sugarplum goes, I haven't heard anything as to when to expect the next batch referrals. But I can tell you that she has been on mind everyday. Everything I do, I do with her in mind. I'm constantly wondering what life will be like when she is here. Even these parent/teacher conferences get me wondering. "What will life be like next year." "What will doing homework be like?" "What will getting the kids out the door for school every morning be like?" "What will she be like?" "What will she look like?" "How old will she be?"....I could go on and on and on. I am absolutely filled with emotion when it comes to the adoption. Over flowing with it. I feel everything from fear and uncertainty to joy and elation. You name it. Pick any day of the week and it will have an emotion attached to it. Each day is different. The only thing that changes from one day to the next is the intensity of what I'm feeling. The closer we get, the more intense the feelings. At some point, I may actually explode from emotion! My favorite emotion of them all is the one where I actually miss her. I miss this child that I have yet to meet. That one makes me laugh at myself. I'm that crazy! How can you miss something you've never had?! My heart aches to see her face and to hold her. Maybe it's not missing her...maybe it's just a longing for her. That would make more sense. Maybe I'm not as crazy as I feel at times....or maybe I am.

Hopefully we'll have referral news soon!!

Extra, Extra!!

2008-10-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what is going on, or what this means, but it looks as if an "extra" batch of referrals just arrived yesterday. People with February 16th LID's got phone calls yesterday from their agencies saying that they just received their referrals in the mail. It's the strangest thing ever. Nobody knows why this is happening! Is it an extra batch? Is the CCAA changing their method of sending referrals? Was the 16th supposed to be included in the last batch and somehow got left behind? WHAT THE DAISIES IS GOING ON????

I haven't heard boo from my agency about it. I've asked, others have asked, but they haven't reponded yet. I guess they'll let us know what's going on when they find out themselves. They are probably just as surprised and confused as the rest of us.

Whatever the reason, it appears that we just moved forward one more day!!!! I'll take it!

Back Home from Cali

2008-10-09T11:17:00.001-07:00

California was awesome. It was a short but sweet visit with our friends and family. We pretty much just went to the beach everyday and played in the sand and surf. The weather was perfect and the boys had a blast. Jacob got his surfing lesson with Chris and did great! The picture above shows him holding the board he learned on. He looks so little in comparison the board....too funny! I have to get a new camera...this picture was taken on a cell phone and forwarded to my email address. How pathetic is that?!

Doug made it home safe and sound from his canoe trip, so all is well in the Schneider home.

California here we come!!

2008-10-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Doug is away on a canoe trip and tomorrow marks the start of the boys "Fall break", so I'm taking them to the beach for a few days!!! We've already got the car packed and we're ready to go. I'm tempted to let them ditch school, but I'm working there tomorrow so I guess we better go.

I miss the ocean sooooo much. I can't wait to see it, smell it, feel the sand between my toes, listen to waves crashing, watch the boys run in and out of the water.....you know what I mean. Aaaahhhh, I love the beach! We're staying with our very good friends, the Searls. I'm also hoping to see my brother, Chris, who moved to Oceanside last fall. He's promised Jacob surfing lessons, so let's hope we are able to hook up.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

We still haven't heard the official cut-off date from the last batch of referrals, but I'm 99% sure it was the 15th!

October referrals!

2008-10-01T20:57:00.001-07:00

It appears that the October referrals have landed!! Although our agency has yet to release any official word, it appears that the cut-off date for this batch was February 15th! There is a possibility that the 16th was included as well, but we won't know until our agency informs us.

Our agency does not have families logged in again until February 17th.

So, for now, it looks like this was a 6 day batch! Not bad...not bad, at all.

23 days left to match for us!!

"Hang in there baby girl, you feel so close!"

Hi everyone...I'm not dead, just busy

2008-09-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would pop in on my own blog and say hello to my friends, to my family and to my baby girl (who I will read all of these messages to some day)! It's been such a busy month...my schedule is hectic and the boys homework is sucking the life out of me. It's all I can do to survive having a 4th grader and 6th grader!

On a very happy note, we finished our application for our "free" I 600A and were approved and fingerprinted earlier this month. Seven days after our fingerprinting appointment, we received our new I 171H! This is the third time we have renewed this document and, thankfully, it will be the last!!! This one doesn't expire until March of 2010. I think it's safe to say that we are officially done with our adoption paperwork. Thats is, of course, until we land in China. It's just a waiting game now....what else is new, huh?! Thank goodness I've learned to wait, I'm good at it now (I'm also done with it)! I guess I better finish up the nursery...I think there's actually going to be a baby in it soon!!!

On a sadder, and somewhat distressing note, our agency is being forced to do some restructuring. As a result of many factors, not the least of which is the current economy, they are having to shut down all of their branch offices. The only office that will remain open is their corporate headquaters in St. Louis. All of our files of being transferred there. What this means for us personally is that we will no longer have our agent, Marianne Adams, at our side. She runs the Arizona branch and has worked for CHI for 14 years. I can't express how much Marianne has meant to me personally over the past three years. I don't think I could have made it through all the paperwork and this dreaded wait without her. I have spent countless hours with her on the phone and corresponding thru emails. She has helped to keep me strong and on track from the very begining of our journey. It brings me to tears to think that she won't be with us when we receive our referral. Her last day with CHI will be September 30th. Although I've tried to express my appreciation to her, I don't think she will ever fully understand what she has meant to me and to all the families she has helped to unite. She's truly an amazing woman (and a mother to two adoptive daughters...one of which is from China)!

I'll post again soon....hopefully with referral news!!!!

September referrals are in!!

2008-09-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

We received the following announcement from our agency today! Reading the announcement gave me goosbumps...with this batch of referrals we are now only 29 LID days away from being matched. Finally, finally, finally there are less than 30 days ahead of us in line! There are only 19 days left to match in February and then they will start March! It feels like it's right around the corner....

Children's Hope International received 22 referrals today, September 2, 2008. There were 21 beautiful girls and one handsome little boy in this group of referrals. The families that received referrals had LID's of February 9, 2006 and there was one Chinese expedited family with a LID of January 22, 2007. The children are from Beijing and the Jiangxi , Shaanxi , and the Guangdong Provinces . These beautiful children ranged in ages of 5 months to 9 months old. In addition there was a 29 month old, a 3 year one month old, 3 year 2 month old, 3 year 11 month old, and a 4 year 1 month. The parents that received the children over 24 months fell within the range of what the families requested or the parents were with in the age guidelines for a toddler. Congratulations to all of these families!

Families waited 31 months for their referrals and the Chinese expedited families waited 19 months. The CCAA sent referrals out for families with LID's of 2/1/06 through 2/9/06. The next LID for Children's Hope families is 2/17/06.

We have a tween!!!

2008-08-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

My Jacob turned 12 today!! I just can't believe it. First thing this morning he asked what time it was, then he asked what time he was born. It hit me like a ton of bricks...OMG you're 12! !! I welled up with tears (don't ask me why) and told him he was born sometime between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning. Seeing as how I was flat on my back in the middle of an O.R. I can't really say for sure what time he was born....the time was the last thing on my mind.

Jacob has come so far since his rough start in life. He's a strong, brave, kind, patient, active, bright young man. Although I'm nervous about the whole teenage thing, I have so much confidence in Jacob. I'm really excited to see what the next few years will hold for him.

I told Jacob I would put his favorite song on the blog this week....he can't seem to decide on one, so Sheryl Crow will have to remain for now.

The picture above was taken off my cell phone, so it's not the greatest, but Jacob sure is!!!

We love you Jacob!

Bye Bye Bird's Nest

2008-08-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the Olympics have officially come and gone. We have really enjoyed tuning in each evening and catching some of the events. The boys have become little Olympic addicts. I, of course, have mostly just enjoyed all the coverage of China. It's been so nice to turn on the TV, almost anytime of the day, and hear talk of China. For that, I will miss the Olympics. There is, however, another side of me that is excited to see it all end. Although I don't personally believe the hosting of the games in China has had anything to do with the "slowdown", I feel peace of mind in knowing that soon things will return to "business as usual" in Beijing. I don't expect some big speed up, I just desire to see them continue to move forward with their 6/5 day average. Knowing that the Olympics are behind them makes me feel all the more confident that they will do just that.

Other than that, life is moving right along. The boys are doing great in school and I am really enjoying my work there. It's been a busy couple of weeks, but that's OK. I love it when time flies...well, kind of. Jacob will be turning 12 on Friday...I'm not loving that so much! He's a great kid and I love watching him grow, but 12..really?! That's 1 year away from 13!! Where did that time go?!

I went ahead and took the Olympic theme song off the blog....I know you're all going to miss it, but the games are over and it's time for us all to move on. (tee hee) I've added a Sheryl Crow song for now. Since everyday that passes is shortening this winding road to our baby girl, I thought this one would be fitting. Benji has been begging me to put Sheryl Crow on the blog, so he'll be thrilled!

Can I hear a hallelujah?!

2008-08-11T20:40:00.001-07:00

We were notified today by our agency that the CCAA has finally finished matching the January 2006 families!!!! Referrals arrived today and included the families logged in from January 26th thru January 31st 2006!! It has taken 6 months for them to match the January families and I am thrilled that they are finally done!

Now it's on to February, and then MARCH!!!! I can't believe there is only ONE month in front of us to be matched...ONE!!!

We are 38 LID days away from seeing our daughter's face for the first time! If the CCAA continues with their 6 day average per batch, we would probably see a referral in the March 2009 batch! That is only 7 months away!!!

Champagne anyone?!!

First day of school for the boys...and me!

2008-08-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school for Jacob and Benjamin. Jacob is in 6th grade and Benji is in 4th (boo hoo)! I don't remember telling them they could grow up so fast. I'm actually joining the boys at school this year. I'm going to be working there as a teacher's aid 2 1/2 days a week. Surprisingly enough, the boys are very excited about it. I asked Jacob before I accepted the job whether or not he cared if his mom worked at the school. He response, "Why would I care?" To which I said, "Because I'll be at your school during the day, working with some of your classmates and everyone knows I'm your mom." Jacobs response, "So...I think it's cool, now I can see you whenever I want." Alrighty then! Had my mom asked me the same question at his age my response would have been a resounding, "H%*L NO!!" I guess Jacob is just a nicer person than me. Benjamin is excited as well, but that didn't surprise me in the least.

Anyway, summer is over (well, at least the break is)! It's back to a routine and a schedule...GROSS!

The picture above isn't very good because I took it off my cell phone. I'm back to not having a camera. Sorry about the Olympic theme song....I'll change it later!

8-8-08, All eye's are on China

2008-08-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight marks the start of the 2008 Olympics, hosted by China. The opening ceremonies, I'm sure will be impressive. It's been interesting, endearing and at times heart wrenching to hear and see all the news coverage of China over the past few weeks. Trying to put the adoption out of mind has been near to impossible. But thats OK, I love to think about it...and her!

Referrals should be arriving soon, although the rumors say that this may be a very small batch.

Doug and Jacob leave tonight for a two day canoe trip!! Scary for me, fun for them.

Monday is the first day of school.....UUUGGGHHH! Wish us luck getting up on time.

Gotta run....I'm getting ready to curl up on the couch with Benji (my snuggle bunny) and watch the opening ceremonies.

Spaaah!

2008-07-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

My spa weekend was fantastic. We spent the entire weekend pampering ourselves, going to movies (we saw Mama Mia and laughed till we cried), eating out, lounging in the pool..more pampering! I'm such a sucker for the spa (who isn't?!)! The four of us decided, however, that 2 days just isn't quite enough. Next year we're pushing for three days!!

The photo above was taken as we were getting ready to leave the spa. If you look close enough you may notice a tear in each of our eyes. Just kidding!

Breathing again!

2008-07-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

After many, many emails and phone calls, I feel I can state with a measure of confidence that our adoption is going to be OK... at least with regards to our agency being denied Hague accreditation. This is due in part to the fact that we have not allowed ANY of our documents to expire and, as such, qualify to extend our current I 171H (which doesn't expire until 1/9/09). After the extension if filed, a new I 171H will be issued which will be good for an additional 18 months. China has a informed our agency that they will allow them to continue to facilitate the adoptions of their families who expect to receive a referral (and complete their travel) before their current I 171H expires. That's us! In fact, after we file for our extension, we....and I say this with a measure of confidence as well...should be done with our paper work!!! Done being fingerprinted and re-fingerprinted, done with medical exams, done with home studies and notaries, done with court certificates....DONE...until, of course, we get to China.

So, for now I am breathing again. For the first time in a long time I am starting to let myself really think about her. I am allowing myself to believe that the crib, pictured above, will not remain empty forever! I'm enjoying picturing her with us instead of wanting to cry everytime I do. It feels so good. It's amazing how close to my heart this child has remained these past 3 years!

Tomorrow I'm off to enjoy my "girlfriends weekend". Checking into the spa for 2 days. Aaahhh! I'm glad that I get to do so with peace of mind. This week has been stressful and rather high in emotion. It's going to feel so good to put all of that behind me for a few days, relax and enjoy the company of my wonderful friends!

"Thank you" to all our friends and family for all of the loving support we have received from you over the course of the past 3 years (we started our paperchase 3 years ago this month)! It's been a journey fulls of highs and lows and so many unexpected twists and turns. We couldn't have made it this far without you!

Big hugs to everyone!

Fear, Sadness, Anger....and Tears

2008-07-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just received the following email from my agency. They "kindly" sent it to all of their waiting families on Friday night and then closed the office for the weekend so as not to be available to answer any of our questions....and believe me there are many.

Why? Why? Why? How much change, pain and uncertainty can we be asked to endure????

On July 9th, 2008 CHI was reviewed by COA for our Hague accreditation. Yesterday, July 17, 2008 we were informed by COA that our Hague application has been denied. Our denial was based on being non-compliant in one state where we are licensed. This was not brought to our attention until last week after the Hague review was already underway. We are currently working to resolve this issue and will be requesting from COA re-consideration to our approval.

Specific information on how this affects you - or if it will affect you will be coming in the near future from your specific program.

We are going forward in the faith that this will soon be resolved. We are committed to you and your adoption.

Thank you for your patience and prayers during this time.”
Dwyatt Gantt

The Countdown is on!

2008-07-16T15:21:00.001-07:00

9 days left until I check into here.....

For some of this.......

AAAWWW!!!

Our Flagstaff Trip!

2008-07-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a week in Flagstaff. We went on hikes, slept in (my favorite thing to do), played games (Doug's favorite thing to do..Scrabble was the game of choice once again), built forts (Jacob's favorite thing to do), went to the Grand Canyon, watched movies, golfed, got pedicures....you name it! We even had some live entertainment at the house one night (the kids put on a play for us...too cute!). We had 4 families (8 kids, 8 adults) in one house and still managed to have a great time! We have some of the greatest friends (and family, of course) in the world!

July 2008 Referrals!

2008-07-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

I've been out of town and slightly out of touch! We headed up to Flagstaff for a few days and while we were away, referrals came in. This batch matched families with log in dates of January 21- January 25th of 2006. A 5 day batch. It may not be much, but it is a step closer! There are now 44 days left to be matched before we see a referral. We are included in day 44!

Congratulations to all the families who are seeing their child's face for the first time!!!

Referral Update

2008-06-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

My agency just informed me that cut-off date for this batch was the 20th. It was an 8 day batch!!! I'll take that! If it had made it to the 22nd it would have been the first double digit (10 day) batch since March of 2006. How crazy is that?!

There are now 49 days left to match to get to us. We are included in day 49.

Now for some number crunching....

Here's the number of days each batch covered for the last six months:

June 2008 = 8
May 2008 = 3
April 2008 = 5
Mar 2008 = 8
Feb 2008 = 8
Jan 2008 = 5

Total = 37

Average days covered in each batch for the last six months = 6.1

Here's the number of days each batch covered six months prior to that:

Dec 2007 = 6
Nov 2007 = 8
Oct 2007 = 5
Sept 2007 = 4
Aug 2007 = 7
July 2007 = 7

Total for the last 12 months = 74 days

Average days covered in each batch for the last 12 months = 6.1 days

If that average holds we could expect a referral in.......8 months!!!! That would be the February 2009 batch! Just one month shy of our 3 year LID anniversary!

Of course....we'll just have to WAIT and see!

June Referrals Are In!

2008-06-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

June referrals have arrived in the U.S. Below is the announcement from our agency. The only problem with this announcement is that it doesn't state the official cut-off date for this batch. Our agency had families logged in on the 13th and the 16th, and then not again until 2/9. The rumors boards are saying that the cut-off could be the 22nd. Here's hoping! I'll post the official cut-off date when I get a confirmation from our agency. Until then I will enjoy reading the referral announcements and checking out the cute pictures from the 15 families who received "the call" today! Congratulations to all of them!

Today has been a wonderful day. We received 15 referrals!! 10 werefor LID's 1/13/06 and 1/16/06 and 5 Chinese expedited with LID's of11/06. There were 2 boys and 13 girls. The ages ranged from 8 monthsto 22 months all within what the families were requesting. Our nextlog in date is 2/9/06. We also received 3 seeking confirmationletters for waiting children families.

Snakes, snails and puppy dog tails!

2008-06-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

I swear I have got to get a camera. My camera is "missing"! Jacob took it in the backyard a few weeks ago to make videos of himself and his friends jumping on the trampoline and wouldn't you know it....it's now gone. So, I have no pictures of my own to post, but if I did, today would have been a true Kodak day!

It's my cleaning day....I took me double the time it normally takes me because the boys are home and I was cleaning and talking on the phone most of the day (I LOVED talking to you today, Stephanie....sooooo excited). Anyway, here's how the day went.....

I kicked the boys out of the living room so I could mop the floors. I went down to my room for what felt like 30 seconds and when I came back down the hallway they had these two giant cardboard boxes from the garage sitting on their area rug (which I had just vacuumed) and they where making "secret hideouts" out of them. No big deal, except they didn't bother to knock all the leaves and junk off the bottom of them before they put them on the rug, so needless to say I had to bust the vacuum out again (this time they did the vacuuming). But, you should have seen how funny they looked sitting in their "hideouts" playing their Game cube. After a while I sent them outside to play.

The next thing I know I look out the front window and what do I see??? The boys had this broken scooter thing (it runs on batteries, has a seat and looks like a Lark) that my Dad brought over yesterday bunji corded to a bike. Jacob was peddling the bike and pulling Benji down the street on the scooter. It looked like something strait out of Napoleon Dynamite. I was dying laughing. It looked a little dangerous, but they were having fun. Fast forward two minutes....in comes Jacob carrying Benji with scraped up knees. He had apparently hit the brakes on the bike and the scooter went crashing into it.....bit shocker there!

After I nursed Benji's knees back to "working order" (he acted like he couldn't even hop let alone walk) I went back to my cleaning. I walked into the boys room to put away some folded laundry and feel something squish between my toes. I froze...said a quick prayer..and looked down to see what in the world I could have just stepped on. It was one of the many, many, many caterpillars Jacob had collected a few days ago. He had them in this bug collector thing that was supposed to be in the backyard. Apparently since it "got windy the other night" and he was afraid something would happen to them he moved them inside. Yeah something happened.....THEY GOT OUT!!!

Then I went to fridge to get myself something to drink (just water, in case you're wondering). I opened the freezer to get out some ice and found not one but two exploded cans of Coke inside. "Jacob" I yelled at the top of my lungs. He comes barreling out of his room where both him and Benjamin where frantically "cleaning up" the caterpillars. I held open the freezer door and just pointed at the mess. "Oh yeah...I put those in there last night so Benji and I could make slushies".

Seriously, I think this going to be a long summer. Doug came home a few minutes later and got them out of my hair. They went to the store to get a new battery for the scooter thing....more injuries to come I'm sure! Give me strength!

What will this summer bring?

2008-06-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't been much for blogging lately, so I thought I should post a small update on our life. To be honest, not a lot has changed with us. The boys just got out of school for the summer and they couldn't be happier about it. They both did great this year...A's and B's on everything!

The weather here in Phoenix has actually been really nice. We've had a few hot days, but the evenings are still cool. We've been eating dinner out on the patio as often as we can.....soon it will be indoor dining only!! Jacob is outside right now with my Dad flying a kite (that's like heaven to him) and Benjamin is chasing them up and down the street on his new bike. So, needless to say their summer is off to a pretty good start. We are hoping to make it over to San Diego in July, but other than that we have no major plans! We'll just have to wait and see!

It's been a bit of an emotional week for me. At first I thought it was just PMS. Then last night Benjamin said something that pushed me right over the edge. I should have seen it coming, but....

It started with us selling my Expedition (you know you're getting close to loosing it when you want to cry over a car). The thing is, I've been picturing her, in her cute little car seat, in that car for two years. I know it sounds crazy, but that's the car I owned when we started the adoption and I just assumed it would be the one I would be driving when she came home. It's not, and that's OK, but something about the fact that she never even drove in it with us makes me so sad.

Then the last day of school came and I realized that we are facing yet another summer without our sugarplum. The worst of it is, I'm not convinced that it's going to be our last summer without her....next summer could very well be more of the same.

Then last night, Doug and I were enjoying some relaxing (and slightly romantic) time in the jacuzzi together when Jacob and Benjamin decided to hop on in and join us. So, there the four of us were..talking and laughing and hanging out when Benjamin looks over at me and says, "Mom I can totally picture you holding our baby sister right now." I instantly felt a pain in my heart and asked him, "Really...what does she look like?" He said, "She's cute and she's just a little bit bigger than Vienna." Then he laughed and reached for Jacob and the two of them started wrestling around in the water. I, on the other hand, did anything but laugh. In fact, I had to get out as quickly as possible so the boys wouldn't see me crying. It's like he read my mind. I picture her with us all time, but to hear him say it just broke my heart. It was "the straw that broke the camels back". I've been two blinks away from tears since then. Maybe it is just PMS...let's hope so.

I posted a picture of my niece, Vienna, because if that doesn't put a smile on your face I don't know what will!!

Referrals should be arriving any day now. I'll post the news as soon as I hear.

Please Keep China in Your Thoughts

2008-05-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

So, Monday morning I'm driving home from dropping the boys off at school when Norah calls and asks me if I heard about the earthquake in China. "What earthquake?"

Sichuan province had just been hit with an earthquake. If you look on the map of China I have on the blog (right side) you can see where it is located. Chengdu is it's capital city. Sichuan is home to the famous Panda. It's a beautiful province and has many orphanages within it's bounderies.

The images on the news and the internet are almost too much to bear. The photo above is of some newborn babies who were being transported from one hospital to another.

There are reports coming in from many of the orphanges, but not all. From what I've read, there has not been any loss of life in any of them. Some have sustained considerable damage to their buildings and have had to move the children to temporary shelters such as tents, etc. But, most seem to have faired rather well. Many are in need of water, diapers and formula. Relief efforts are under way to assists these orphanages.

Some of the families who are in China right now completing their adoptions have emailed to report that they did feel the earthquake, but are OK. I can't imagine being over there with all of this going on.

Our 26th month LID anniversary came and went this weekend without much notice. The families who received referrals this month waited 28 months from their LID. Lucky them!!! I wish our wait would end at 28 months!

Please keep China, especially it's children, in your thoughts!

To see some of the relief work that Children's Hope International is doing in China right now, you can click on the link to the right under the heading "CHI's projects in China".

May Referrals!

2008-05-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Dear China Families,

The CCAA updated their information system on Sunday, May 4th with the following information about referrals.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before January 12, 2006.

Children's Hope did not have any log in dates for the 10th, 11th and 12th. Our next log in date is January 13, 2006.

This batch of referrals started with January 9, 2006. It was a three day batch. I had been checking in with the rumor boards last week, so I was pretty much expecting this. It's discouraging, to say the least. But, then again, three days is three days. It's better than two! There are 57 days left to match to get to us (we're the 57th day).

Referrals!!

2008-04-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy, so I'm late in reporting the newest batch of referrals. They arrived last Friday! This batch of referrals matched families with log in dates of January 5th thru January 9th of 2005. A 5 day batch! Our agency had families logged in on January 6th, and the good news is they DID receive their referrals. This was a relief to all of us given the situation with our agency's "pending" Hague accreditation.

With all the anxiety this month has thrown at us, it was so nice to read the referrals announcements from these families. As always, we feel great joy for these families and for ourselves for having moved up in line!

Letting go...

2008-03-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow marks the day that will change International Adoption (at least for many countries..China and the U.S. included) in a pretty significant way. After tomorrow any seeking to adopt a child from a country who signed the Hague Treaty, oh so many years ago, will need to be working with a Hague accredited adoption agency. Anyone who is already in the process of adopting will need to be working with an accredited agency in order to complete their adoption.

Towards the end of February a list of approved Hague adoption service providers was released and surprisingly our agency, Children's Hope International, was not on it. They had apparently been placed in a "pending" status by the COA (Council on Accreditation). Although they have been working, and will continue to work, diligently to become accredited it is appears that it will be months (maybe as late as early fall) before they will be in a position to request that the "pending" status be removed and approval given. If, at that time, they are not approved, we will be "transfer ed" to an agency that has already been approved in order to complete the adoption. At least that's what we are being told at this time. Many, many things are still up in the air...including whether or not our agency will continue to receive referrals for their clients while they are "pending". There is also the issue of families being able to renew necessary documents while their agency is pending. Only time will tell how all of this will be worked out and how it will effect our adoption, if at all.

I spent a great deal of time last week researching all that I could think to research, making tons of phone calls, sending tons of emails...trying to do anything I could to secure our position. Sadly, there's was little, in fact nothing, I could do to help our situation. So, I am forced to just "let go" for now. I have to trust that the Hague committee, USCIS and the CCAA will come up with a plan that will be in the best interest of all the children who are waiting for their family to come get them and the families who want so desperately to bring their child home. There has been so much change in the world of international adoption in the past few years that it is hard, almost impossible, to feel confident that all will OK. But, we are not alone and the chances that the adoption of so many people (our agency alone has 800 families logged in in China) will be ruined by policy changes, or the like, is probably pretty small. So, for now, it's time to sit back and see where all the cards will fall. We were told 2 1/2 years ago at our required course on adoption that, "International Adoption is very rewarding, but IT IS NOT EASY". The "not easy" part I get...I can't wait to see the reward!

P.S. On a funnier note...the boys and I were over at my sister-in-law's house on Saturday night and her daughter wanted to watch Annie the movie....so needless to say we were all sitting around watching it. I totally got emotional watching it!!! You know you are going through a bad spell when "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" song gets you misty!! I'm still laughing at myself about it....Hopefully it was just the wine, otherwise I'm turning into a total sap!

What a difference a few days can make!

2008-03-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

Last week was full of good things. We celebrated our two year LID anniversary, had a visit from our social worker to update our home study report, and had our 14th wedding anniversary! Doug and I spent the weekend celebrating our anniversary by eating out, going shopping, giving gifts to each other, going to the movies, laying by the pool...all of our favorite things! Life felt good!

This week, however, it feels as if the rug has been pulled out from under us. Due to circumstance beyond our control, our adoption has been placed in jeopardy. We are doing everything in our power to try to secure our position, but are uncertain as to how much of a positive effect our efforts will have on the fate of our family.

My heart goes out to all those families who, like us, are being faced with this uncertainty.

Our TWO YEAR LID anniversary

2008-03-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was our two year LID anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been that long since we were told we were officially logged into the program with the CCAA. In some ways it hasn't felt like two years, and in some ways it feels like we've been doing this forever. When I look back and see how far we've come, I realize that this last leg of the wait will be over before we know it as well.

We celebrated by gathering with our family at the Chinese Cultural Center. Sadly, Doug wasn't feeling well and had to leave dinner early, but the rest of us enjoyed ourselves. We ate at the Golden Buddha (pictured above) and then walked through the Asian grocery store. I'm always so grateful for the support of my family. They are so excited about the adoption. At times I think the wait is almost harder on them than on us. It's nice to know our little sugarplum is loved already!

Thanks for celebrating with us everyone! And, thanks for the balloons...who knows, maybe one of them will float it's way to China (at least that's what Benji was hoping)

They did it again!!!

2008-03-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

I just received notification from our agency that referrals have arrived for the month of March! ANOTHER 8 DAY BATCH!!! It seems almost silly to rejoice over an 8 day batch, but given what the CCAA has been able to do recently, it's an improvement...a step in the right direction. I'm still hoping to get one, maybe two, 10 batches here in the next few months! It would make a huge difference in our wait time.

The other things about this batch of referrals that I feel like shouting from my rooftop is that...."THEY ARE FINALLY MATCHING 2006 FAMILIES"!!!! I can't believe it. Our year is officially in the works. I'm so thrilled! With so little to rejoice over, with regards to the adoption, this past year this is making me so totally excited!

Below is the announcement from our agency:

Document Processing

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documentsregistered with our office before October 31, 2006. The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whoseadoption application documents were registered with our office beforeJanuary 04, 2006. This group of referrals covered the 12/28/05 through 1/4/06 log indates. Unfortunately, Children's Hope did not have any log in datesduring this period, so we did not receive any referrals or Chinese expedited referrals. Our next log in dates are 1/6/06, 1/13/06 and1/16/06.

Congratulations to all the families who are seeing their child's face for the first time!!!

Vienna Elizabeth has arrived!!

2008-02-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce the arrival of my new niece, Vienna Elizabeth Lossing!!! She was born on Monday, February 25th (her due date) at 2:30 in the afternoon!!! She weighs 8 lbs 8 ozs and is 18 3/4" inches long. She is absolutely adorable!!!

The labor and delivery went great. Sarah was calm, cool and collected throughout the entire experience. This was one of the funnest births I've ever been on. We were all so excited about welcoming this little girl into the world we could hardly handle it. We managed, however, to wait until after she was born to pop the champange.

Here's how we give birth "Lossing style"...

And, while all this excitement was going on, my cousin was in Florida giving birth to her son!! His name is Anthony and he is one cute little guy! Our family has much to be grateful for!

Tickled pink!

2008-02-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

We had Sarah's baby shower on Saturday. It turned out so nice. Wine, cheese, cake....more wine, more cheese!! She has some very generous friends who, I might mention, have great taste. The outfits for the baby were adorable. It was so much fun watching her pull them out of the boxes. I think she had only opened two gifts when she, Norah, Cori and myself all got teary (tears of sheer excitement). My niece Sara Marie was on hand to help with gift opening. She very willing volunteered to test out all of the hooded towels Sarah received...including the bunny one that she put on and bounced around the room in while giggling her little head off. I guess we are all just a bunch of silly girls....and very, very soon we'll have one more to add to the mix. Sarah should be delivering any day now!! Everytime she has called me in the last day or two I'm waiting to hear her tell me that she thinks she in labor.

So exciting!

2008-02-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

I felt just like this little girl today. I went shopping for my sister Sarah's babyshower gift with my girlfriend Leigh. We went to this botique on the west side of town called "Daniella Jay" and OMG let me tell how cute the clothes were. They have all these beautiful hand made dresses and little outfits, bathing suits, shoes, hair accessories....I was dying. Sarah is having a girl...very, very soon and the excitement is just about killing me. I can not wait to meet this little person. I'm hoping she'll have dark hair, just like her mommy. Her dad seems to think she'll be a blonde like her older brother. But, what do men know?! Oh yeah, blue eyes...I want her to have blue eyes. Blue eyes and brown hair...that's my official "order". And, for what it's worth, another Sunday afternoon birth would be great! Sarah's first baby was born just after 6 PM on a Sunday! You can't beat that. She called me around noon to tell me she thought she was in labor, she came to my house, we were here for a little while, then we headed down to the hospital around 3:00 and Axl was born just after 6.

So here's my "order"...brown hair, blue eyes, healthy, Sunday afternoon delivery! Although, if she's a blonde hair, brown eyed, born at 3 in the morning baby...I'll still love her to death.

23 Months Behind Us!

2008-02-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

Today is our 23rd month LID anniversary. Next month will mark two long years of waiting!

To say that I wish you were here with us right now is an understatement. I can't wait to experience all of the excitement that will lead us to you. Seeing your face for the first time, planning our trip to China, seeing the sights of your homeland, holding you for the first time...we have so much to look forward to.

I know it's cold and snowy in China right now...I pray that wherever you are, or are soon to be, that you are warm and safe.

We are thinking of you constantly!!

We love you,

Mom, Dad, Jacob and Benji

It's the year of the rat!!

2008-02-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

So much for our little girl being a pigglet!! The year of the pig is over in China. As of February 7th, it is the year of the rat! I guess, if she was born before February 7th, 2008 she would still be a pigglet, but since I don't know that I'll have to assume that she will be a rat! Sounds nice, huh?! For what it's worth, maybe this is just coincidence...I WAS BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE RAT!! Every twelve years in China is the year of the rat. 1972 was the year of the rat. Maybe my sugarplum and myself will both be rats!! I don't know if I could handle raising myself...scary!!

I just called Doug, who is golfing at the moment, and told him that he may have two rats in his life. His response, "Great...I'll go buy some cheese."

Referrals are in!!

2008-02-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

(Chinese symbol for hope and happiness)
The Rumor Queen nailed it on the head this time...the cut off for this batch of referrals was DECEMBER 27, 2005. The CCAA managed an 8 day batch! If they continue at this rate (evey batch being at least an 8 day batch), we could expect a referral in 9 months!! There is nothing to indicate that they will be able to continue with 8 day or more batches, but one can always hope!

Below is the announcement from our angency:

On February 4, 2008, Children's Hope received 11 China referrals.These referrals were for our 12/20/05 log in date families. We did not receive any Chinese expedited referrals in this group. This group of referrals included 9 beautiful little girls and 2 handsome little boys! Both of the families that received boys requested boy or girl in their petition letter. They are from the Gansu, Guangdong, and Jilin provinces and Tianjin City. Their ages are 7 to 15 months, one 24 months and one 28 months. These families waited 25 long months from log in date to referral. We expect these families to travel in about 8 weeks. One family that received the 24 month old boy requested a boy or girl 6-12 months old. The family that received the 28 month old girl requested a 0-12 months old girl but the referral fell within the CCAA age guidelines. This group of referrals began with the 12/20/05 through 12/27/05 log in dates. Congratulations to these families and all our China families who have moved up in line! Children's Hope International's next log in date is 1/6/06.

Snow storm in China...(long)

2008-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

The Southern part of China is being hit with the worst snow storm they have seen in over 50 years. Some parts of China that are being effected by the storm are not accustomed so such cold temperatures, therefore, they were very unprepared for this type of storm. Many, many people are stranded and without heat, food and adequate clothing. This includes, sadly, many of the orphanages. Some nannies have walked over 4 hours in these conditions to get to the orphanages. I felt I need to report on this, and put some information about it on my blog because as I look at the images on the internet and hear reports from our agency and others about the conditions in some of the orphanges and what they are doing to try to help I'm consumed with worrisome wonder....has she been born? Is she in one of the those orphanges without adequate heat and food? Even if we are still 15 months away from a referral, there is a chance she has been born. Most of the abandoned children are from the Southern provinces, so it's not that far fetched.

Below is an update from an organization called Half the Sky...they are very active in China. Don't feel obligated to read it all, I'm mostly posting it for my own personal reference. I want to be to look back and know if this storm is part of "her story".

(The little girl in the photo above is in the Anhui Province)

Update on China's Spring Festival Storms

Here’s an update on conditions and needs at the institutions we've been in contact with. We’ll provide information regarding these and other orphanages needing help just as soon as we have it. In general the needs are for fuel, food, disposable diapers, warm clothing and bedding. Prices are soaring because no goods can be shipped and cold weather has destroyed all winter crops. Half the Sky is responding to the emergency by getting funds directly to the institutions in a variety of ways.

Beihai, Guangxi – Although ill-prepared for the bitter cold, the institution has so far managed to keep the children warm and fed.

Changzhou, Jiangsu – suffered the largest snowfall in Jiangsu Province. Several buildings have collapsed. But the institution rushed to prepare for the cold and the children are fine.

Chengdu, Sichuan – is experiencing the coldest winter in memory. They need a large room heater, diapers, shoes, socks and winter jackets.

Chenzhou, Hunan – still facing the most difficulties of the orphanages we’ve reached. They’ve had no electricity or running water for 8 days and there is almost no possibility that power will be restored before New Year’s Eve (the 6th of February.) Because of the blackout, the hospital is closed. 20 children are ill and being cared for by institution staff as well as they can. The banks are closed so staff is contributing personal funds to buy food, coal and diapers. Prices are skyrocketing as all roads to Chenzhou remain impassable.

Chongqing – warm and well, despite the terrible cold

Chuzhou, Anhui - has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children.

Fuzhou, Jiangxi - lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal. The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm. They’ve bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry.

Gaoyou, Jiangsu – Despite incredibly heavy snow, the children are warm and well.

Guangzhou, Guangdong – This city is truly unaccustomed to cold and it is getting more difficult to find necessities to keep children warm. They ask for 30 space heaters and warm bedding.

Guilin, Guangxi - has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they’ve asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who’ve been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather.

Guiyang, Guizhou – has seen ice, snow and now sleety rain. They need disposable diapers and some help buying food.

Haikou, Haikou – Even sunny Hainan Island is experiencing a chill. The orphanage request a clothes dryer to keep the children in clean warm clothes.

Hefei, Anhui – reports that they have everything under control and the children are warm and well-fed.

Huangshi, Hubei – is in desperate need of disposable diapers. They ask for funds to purchase since goods can’t be sent to them right now. All heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises.

Jiujiang, Jiangxi – had another heavy snow storm last night. Pipes have burst and the five boilers are broken. They are unable to bathe the children and are having trouble keeping them warm. They need quilts, bedding, warm shoes and space heaters. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Lianyungang, Jiangsu – is doing the best they can despite the lowest temperatures in history. While they still insist we help others first, they do request winter jackets for the children, warm mats to cover the floor and bottles for babies with cleft lip/palate. The last item we’ll have to ship from Beijing as soon as we are able.

Luoyang, Henan – all is well. They are accustomed to the cold.

Maoming, Guangdong - This is the coldest, wettest winter in memory, but they have warm clothing and electricity. They ask for warm floor mats, 12 space heaters, warm blankets and some help purchasing food.

Maonan District, Maoming, Guangdong – In the sunny south, they have never seen this kind of cold and damp weather before. It’s been a month with another month in the forecast. They need space heaters. Local citizens have donated warm clothes and blankets for the children.

Nanchang, Jiangxi – asks for warm floor mats and disposable diapers. They need a working room heater. Their electrical supply has been sporadic and with only a small generator, they’re not confident they can continue to provide heat to keep the children warm.

Nanjing, Jiangsu – continues to manage, despite the heavy snows. They would like 200 children’s blankets but insist that we look after others with greater needs first.

Nanning, Guangxi – is experiencing its worst winter in 48 years. They are doing their best to weather the storm but could use 6 large space heaters,86 warm quilts for our Family Village and disposable diapers. Like many places, they are having trouble finding affordable food right now and would appreciate a subsidy to help through this difficult time.

Qingyuan, Guangdong – Again, the lowest winter in history. Constant rain. The children all have colds and sniffles, no matter how many padded layers they wear. They ask for 7 space heaters and 55 padded jackets.

Sanya, Hainan – all is well in this southernmost tip of China.

Shaoguan, Guangdong – needs disposable diapers for 27 babies. They need 3 large room heaters and warm mats for the floors.

Shaoyang, Hunan -has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days.There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm despite daytime temperatures of -3C.However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather.Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity.Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together.High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold.Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand. They request space heaters, warm clothing for 60 children and shoes.for the big kids.

Wuhan, Hubei – is having a very hard time finding affordable food, “even cabbage.” They ask for food subsidies for the Family Village, 20 space heaters and 50 warm quilts. Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe, so their requests are only for the Family Village.

Wuzhou, Guangxi – is enduring bitter cold. They need warm mats for the floors, disposable diapers, warm clothes and shoes for the children.

Xiangtan, Hunan - has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is “broken again.” There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution’s caregivers.

Xinyang, Henan – is accustomed to the cold and all is well.

Yibin, Sichuan – It’s a snowy day but it feels like the weather may be getting better. They’re not sure. They feel the county-level institutions are worse off than they are so the ask us to consider helping others before them. They keep the children warm in the bright rooms that HTS created and they say everyone is well so far.

Yiyang, Hunan – still has electricity but the water has been shutting off and on. They have stockpiled food for the children. The greatest challenge is for the nannies to get to work. Because the buses are down, they must walk on icy roads.

Yueyang, Hunan - has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is being used in the children’s dormitory. They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, “even though they try to be cautious.”

I know it's just a rumor, but...

2008-01-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

OK, I looked at Rumor Queen again. I hate when I do that. Anyway, she's saying that some agencies are reporting that the cut off for the next batch of referrals (due to arrive anyday now) will be December 27th. If this is the case, it would be the first 8 day batch in....I don't know how long, a long time.

Ooooohhhhh I hope, I hope, I hope!!!

Sooo excited!!

2008-01-28T10:07:00.001-08:00

I just ordered this bracelet for myself!!! I've been wanting one for a while now, and I was in the mood to do something adoption related for myself today...so there you have it!!

What is extra special about this bracelet, is that all the proceeds for purchasing it go to Harmony Outreach, a non-profit organization in China that helps to save abandoned babies by ensuring they receive the medical treatment, therapy or schooling they need...then, hopefully a family.

They have what they call "Three Steps to Hope":

Step 1: foster care-the child is cared for in a loving home setting at Harmony Family House.

Step 2: surgery-the child's special need or condition is corrected.

Step 3-adoption-the child graduates from the program and is adopted into a loving family.

Over the holiday season, the woman who makes and sells the bracelet raised enough money to sponsor heart surgery for a baby named Baby Hope. Her surgery is now complete. She is currently looking into sponsoring Helen-Wang Xinrui, an orphan at Harmony Outreach. She is described as "having a sweet smile and loves to do performances. She does not like sitting in a chair for long unless she is drawing or reading a cartoon book." Too sweet!!

According to the designer, there is significance to each aspect of the bracelet.

Genuine Garnet Beads- The Chinese believe that an invisible red thread connects a child to loved ones throughout their life. The color red has become a symbol of Chinese adoption and safe travel.

Sterling Silver Chinese Family Symbol Bead- The Chinese symbol for Family is the focal bead.

Sterling Silver Ladybug-The ladybug has become a Chinese symbol for adoption for the past several years.

Sterling Silver Heart Clasp-The heart represents the love you will or currently do share with your special adopted child and your family.

Sterling Silver Hope Charm-This charm symbolizes the hope you have in your heart that you will find your child and your child will find you.

Can you see why I'm so excited about the bracelet?! It's being shipped today!!!!

WOW!! That was cheesy!

2008-01-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

OK, this is by far not my most embarrassing moment, but I just read my own blog and couldn't help but laugh at myself. I don't know what inspired me to get all poetic on that last post(it was probably the wine I was drinking....glad I've put that little habit on the back burner for a while), but how cheesy was that poem??!!

I'll try to refrain from sappy rhyming from now on!!

22 month LID anniversary!

2008-01-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

It's been one more month of waiting,
One month farther from the start,
One more month of you growing safely in my heart.

One more month of knowing that I need to be strong,
One more month of feeling like this wait has been too long.

One more month of dreaming of your precious little face,
One more month of picturing you here..in this very place.

One more month of wondering, "When will it be that special date?",
One more month believing that YOU ARE WORTH THIS WAIT!

We love you baby girl,
Mom, Dad, Jacob and Benji

Winter break, referral announcement (a little late) and welcoming in 2008!

2008-01-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

The kids have been on their two week winter break, so I've been busy...well, distracted is a better word. We took them up to the snow for four days to start break off right. It was such a fun trip. We went with our very good friends, Mike and Lezlie Pachesky and their two children, Mason and Emma. I skied for the first time in years. Jacob snowboarded for the first time ever and did amazing. Benjamin snowboarded the first day, sledded the second and skied the third. He did great as well. Doug skied..he's a great skier..always has been. We are really hoping to get the kids on the slopes again before all the snow melts away...since we live in Arizona, that could happen rather quickly. Throughout the whole trip we kept talking about how "next year things will be a lot different". "We will have our little sugar plum and someone is going to have to hang out in the lodge at all times." "We won't all be able to squeeze into one car to go out to eat because the little princess's car seat will be taking up too much room." Stuff like that. It's fun to imagine her with us when we do fun things like this. It's amazing to me how, even our friends, think about her during this wait. She is so loved already!

We returned from our trip tired, but happy and all in one piece. The rest of the break has been spent sleeping in (one of our favorite things to do), going to movies, a few slumber parties, late nights in the jacuzzi..stuff like that. I was in the mood one night to do something "chinese", so the four of us headed on over to the Chinese Cultural Center for dinner. The food was great, and after we ate we browsed through the Asian grocery store. There's nothing funnier than watching the boys freak out over some of the seafood they sell there!!!

Then, on New Years Eve, I happened to hop on line to check my email and wouldn't you know it....referrals had come in!! They were at least a week earlier than anyone expected. They matched families with log in dates of 12/15/05 thru 12/19/05. Although my heart had a surge of excitement for the families who received their referrals, seeing a batch this small felt like a punch in the stomach. Something else about this batch that was rather unique was that the children who were referred were older than we usually see. For our agency, of the 6 families who received referrals (all of which were logged in on 12/19), 5 of them received children older than the age they had requested. In fact, one family who is from Arizona, received a referral for a 4 year old little girl. They had requested a child 0-12 months old. It was interesting to see...we will have to WAIT to see if this going to become a new trend. I kind of doubt it, but you never know. We probably won't see another batch of referrals until the first week of February. After that the CCAA will break for the Chinese New Year (Feb 7th).

Anyway, here we are in 2008! Maybe this will be our year! We will just have to WAIT and see!!

Some reassurance

2007-12-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

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!!

2007-12-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

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!!

2007-11-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

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!!

2007-11-13T11:39:00.001-08:00

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!

2007-11-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

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!!

2007-10-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-10-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-23T21:59:00.001-07:00

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!!

2007-09-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-31T14:14:00.001-07:00

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!!

2007-08-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-08-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-08-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-08-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

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!

While we were out!!

2007-08-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Last week, the boys and I hopped in the car and headed to San Diego. Right after we left, referrals arrived!!! Our agency received the referrals on August 2nd. This batch of referrals covered families logged in from November 16th to November 21st, 2005. Our agency received 18 referrals in this batch. These families are expected to travel in about 8 weeks.

It was just what I needed to hear in order to relax and enjoy my time at the beach with the boys...news that things were once again moving forward.

There are 9 days left in November 2005 (only 7 of which are potential log in date days). The CCAA (Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs) reported that this month was a "record" month as far as the number of dossiers they received, so it's not surprising that it is taking them so long to work through it. It is my sincere hope that they will finish matching these families with the October batch!

We congratulate all the families who are seeing their child's face for the first time, and congratulate ourselves for moving up in line!!

I'll post pictures of our vacation as soon as Machell mails my camera to me...seeing as how I left it at her house!

I changed my ticker

2007-07-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

I decided to change my "ticker" at the top of my blog. It used to show how long we've been waiting since "our formal approval". However, in the world of international adoption, "wait times" are counted from log in date to referral. So, I made a change.
How sad is it that this is the most exciting thing I could think to post about today? The adoption feels dead in the water. The rumor boards haven't even started humming about new referrals coming in yet. So, I'm guessing that means the next batch won't arrive for another week or two. Until then, there's not much to say. The current wait time is 20/21 months. If that were to stay the same, we would be receiving a referral in November/December. Of course, we know it won't stay the same..it will get longer than that during the course of the next year. Every month that passes, we get closer...every month that passes, the wait gets longer. This whole "one step forward two steps back" feeling is causing emotional defeat for me.
I saw a few people I haven't seen in a while this weekend. Each and everyone of them asked whether or not we were "still getting that Chinese baby?". To have to explain to everyone why we don't already have her with us and how we aren't sure when we will was down right painful. They were all well meaning people who were trying to show their sincere interest...I'm sure they had no way of knowing that their probing for information was causing me so much sadness.
OK, Benjamin just came in the office and gave me a totally unsolicited hug and told me how much he loves me. I feel better already. I look awful in this picture, but it was a moment worth saving...I guess this is how I'll survive the wait. No more complaining today!