The Great Wait...

Last post before we leave for China!

2008-06-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, my sister and her sweeties made it here safely, so we are enjoying some time together before Clint and I head off for China!

We've been going over everything she'll need to know to keep everything running smoothly. I know they are all going to be FINE, so I'm not worried at all. I'm soooo grateful to my sister for making this trip out here to stay with my most precious treasures- I know they're in such good hands and that is a wonderful feeling to have when you're leaving your children for the longest time you've ever left them. It's so apparent that my sister's #1 purpose in coming out here has been to bless us, and bless us she already has! She's been cooking, cleaning, uploading stuff on the computer, checking checklists, and packing for me-- just whatever I've asked her to do, she's done, and several things I never even had to ask her to do, she's done, because she's anticipated my needs before they ever arose! What an absolute jewel- I can't tell you how much it's meant to me.

We are getting so excited as it's coming down to the wire... everything is almost completely packed and we're almost ready to go!

Keep us in your prayers for safe travel, and that we'll remain healthy and well.

Thanks!

Lastly, I leave you with a link to our travel blog- I won't be updating this one during our travel, but if you click on the link below, you can follow along with us on our grand adventure to China as we bring our sweet baby girl home- FINALLY!

Much Love,
Jennifer

http://tochinaforkelly.blogspot.com/

China Itinerary!

2008-05-30T19:41:00.001-07:00

This is the second time I've tried to post this... Blogger was not cooperating this morning and I lost everything. =(

This picture perfectly illustrates what my stomach has been feeling over the past 24 hours or so!

I'm sooo excited!!!

We got our China travel itinerary yesterday... we will meet Kelly Elise for the first time on June 10th, 2008-- my dad's birthday.

It will actually be June 9th here in the States, SOOO, to begin the official countdown... we will hold Kelly in our arms for the first time in JUST 10 days!!!

We will fly out of LAX for Hong Kong on June 5th at 12:56pm. We will arrive in Hong Kong at 6:45pm on Friday, June 6th. (China is 15 hours ahead of California time, so if it's noon here, it's 3:00 in the morning there, on the next day.)

We will spend Friday night in Hong Kong. Our agency booked us in a very nice hotel called the Regal Kowloon.

On Saturday, June 7th, we'll do a tour of Hong Kong with our travel group, then we'll spend Saturday night there. We have a free day in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 8th, so Clint's looking forward to exploring Hong Kong on our own, especially since he was there back in 1989.

He's feeling very nostalgic about the whole Hong Kong experience, so he can't wait to check out some of the old spots he visited back then.

He's making me very nervous to be quite honest! We are polar opposites when it comes to adventure! He is "Mr. Adventure" if ever there was one. He loves the unknown!

I, on the other hand, hate it! I like to know what to expect and to stay in control... I like to keep things simple and safe... but Clint loves to head out with no plan, no guide, and just follow the end of his nose!

Sooooo... pray for us!

Honestly, I love that he's like this. He stretches me and helps me to broaden my horizons. I trust him implicitly, so I know we'll be fine. It'll be fun to see Hong Kong through Clint's eyes, so I'm thrilled to see this part of the country with him.

We spend Sunday night in Hong Kong, then we fly out to Guangzhou at 10:20 on the morning of Monday, June 9th.

June 9th is "Dragon Boat Festival Holiday" in China, so no business is done on this day. (I need to research this holiday- I know nothing about it!) We will check into our hotel, the Victory, get settled, and prepare for the next day-- Gotcha Day!!!

I am so overwhelmed at the thought of Gotcha Day. My heart feels so full... I'm amazed and full of wonder that this is actually finally going to happen. This is the day that everything we have prepared for over the past 18 months has been building up to... this is what all this waiting has been about.

We are finally going to hold our baby girl in our arms. My eyes will feast upon her little person and every one of her beautiful features... her eyes, her nose, her mouth, her ears; her fingers and toes; her wrists, her cheeks, her chin, and her hair. I remember doing this with Caleb and Camrn the first time I laid eyes on them. I remember studying every one of their features. It's one of the most amazing and wonderous experiences for a mother.

I will hold Kelly and finally know exactly how big (or little) she is... I will finally know if she's teeny-tiny, like so many say she may be, or if she's really as healthy as she appears in her pictures. I will hold her and she'll be a real, three-dimensional person... no longer a one-dimensional picture, and a mystery to me.

I will begin to be a student of Little Miss Kelly. I will learn what she likes and what she dislikes... I will study her expressions and her body language and be attentive to every move she makes. I will try to understand the unspoken cues she's gives me, and reach out to her and attempt to begin to establish a relationship built on trust and love with her as I keep myself open and available to her for whatever she needs.

The best word to describe how I'm feeling is overwhelmed. That might sound bad, but it's not necessarily. Yes, in a sense, the overwhelmed feeling has hints of inadequacy attached to it, but more than that, this overwhelmed feeling is a feeling of privilege and honor, to be entrusted with this precious little life. I'm also overwhelmed with joy... humongous, monumental, indescribable JOY.

We're going to China!!!

2008-05-27T16:57:00.001-07:00

Well, it's happening!!! It's really happening!!

We got confirmation of our Consulate Appointment for June 18th, so we were able to book our airline tickets!

We're going to China to get our baby girl... in 8 days!!!

We're flying United Airlines, leaving from LAX at 12:56pm on June 5th- arriving in Hong Kong on June 6th at 6:45pm. We'll fly home on June 20th, arriving to LAX at 10:19am. Our agency is still working out the details of our trip and what each day will hold- most importantly, GOTCHA DAY, so when we get that itinerary in the next day or two, we'll post it here.
We were able to get our airline tickets for $1168 per ticket, round trip, so that's not too shabby, all things considered. Kelly's lap ticket for the flight home was only $113, so that's good too!

Thanks for your prayers. They're being answered!

Proverbs 25:25
Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

YAY for TA!!!!!

2008-05-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday...

Friday...

May 23rd, 2008...

We received what we've been waiting for!

We got TA!!!!!!!

"TA" stands for Travel Approval, (for those of you who are "acronymically-challenged" like me), and Travel Approval is what you need when you want to go to China to bring your baby home!

So now we know for sure we will be leaving for China on or around June 5th!

All we wait for now is confirmation from our agency of our Consulate Appointment (CA) in China, which is an appointment they must schedule with the CCAA to finalize everything for Kelly to get her Visa, right before we leave China to come home. Since your CA is at the very end of your trip, you plan everything else backwards from that date.

Our agency requested three different dates for our CA- first choice: June 18th, second choice: June 19th, or third choice: June 23rd. They say you usually get your first choice, but we have to wait for the CCAA to let us know before we can book our tickets, so the wait isn't quite over yet! EEK! Our agency says it can take up to 6 business days for the Consulate to get back to us- YIKES! BUT- they tell us they expect to hear back on Tuesday, so let's hope that's the case so we don't have to book our tickets with less than a 7-day advance notice. Whew- It's getting down to the wire!

As far as how everything works once we get to China- we will have a Rep from our agency (who speaks fluent Chinese and English) meet us at the airport. He or she will be available to us everywhere we go from the time we arrive to the time we depart. They usually give you two to four days from the time you arrive in China before "Gotcha Day." They try to schedule some fun touring and sight-seeing of the area during that time. This also allows you to adjust to the new time zone before you receive your child. I've had a lot of questions and people confused about how this all works, so let me try to explain "Gotcha Day. "

"Gotcha Day" is that blessed day when we will meet with the Adoption Officials at the Civil Affairs Office in Guangzhou, and they will place Kelly Elise in our arms for the first and last time! Once Kelly is placed in our arms that day, she will stay with us forever! Many people thought we might go to the orphanage to get her, or that we might only be able to see her and visit her, but have to leave her in the orphanage until everything is finalized. No, no, no! Once she is with us, she is ours! It becomes "official" a few days later, but she will stay with us from "Gotcha Day" forward, and she will never have to go back to the orphanage again.

Now, we do have an opportunity to go to the orphanage several days after "Gotcha Day", and it is a voluntary visit, so we can choose whether or not to go. Unless we're sick or having a really hard time with Kelly's adjustment, we do plan to visit the orphanage. I anticipate it to be the most difficult part of the trip, but we owe it to Kelly to see where she spent the first year of her life, and I'd like to personally thank the nannies for taking care of our baby girl.

I hope that helps you better understand how things go... feel free to post comments or ask questions, because I'm sure I'm forgetting some things!

I'll let you all know once we receive our CA and get a travel itinerary set in stone. I am going to start a Yahoo travel group so we can post to that from China and you all can follow along! I'll post pictures and keep you updated on how things are progressing via that group, since I've heard it's often difficult to access Blogger from China.

I'll keep you posted!

Prayer Requests:

1) That we get our Consulate Appointment confirmation on Tuesday, May 27th, so we can book our tickets asap

2) That we are able to get affordable airline tickets - around $1,000 per ticket would be grand

3) That we can get the rest of the "near-new" $100 bills we need for the orphanage child-rearing fee next week

THANKS!!!!

Packing!

2008-05-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know we don't have TA yet, but I'm still getting things organized and have even started some preliminary packing. Since I'll probably be working until right before we go, I just want to have as much ready as possible.

This is a section of Kelly's room- I tend to spread everything out as I'm going through it, so it's been a mess more than not. (I'm not done decorating either-- still need a window treatment and I'm still deciding on what to do with the walls! Thanks Nanna, for the suggestions! I like them!!!)

Here is phase one of packing her suitcase with her clothes.

Here's a spread of the majority of the medicines we're taking for Kelly, so that whatever may be ailing her, we can doctor her right up! I still haven't filled her RX for her antibiotics- I won't do that 'til right before we leave.
Phase two of packing Kelly's suitcase- I'm adding in some toys and her bathing suit.Some of the travel necessities I'm packing for all of us- mostly Clint and I though... there's cold meds, anti-diarrheal meds, gas meds, antibiotics, sleep-aids, throat lozenges, Kleenex, bug repellent, electric plug converters, and a WHOLE LOTTA ANTI-BACTERIAL HAND SANITIZER, plus Wet Wipes and Clorox wipes too! Can anyone say, "Germophobe!"?

Earthquake in China

2008-05-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

Tragic news of the earthquake in China this week has left me feeling so sad for the people in that area. It's only getting worse as reports of deaths keep going up and the devastation continues to mount.

Our adoption agency, CCAI, who also operate as the NPO "Chinese Children's Charities" has organized a relief effort for all those affected in the area, especially children and orphans. The founder of CCAI, Joshua Zhong, is featured in this Denver news story about the effort, and I thought I'd share it with you all so you can see what a wonderful agency we are blessed to be a part of.

Once the link opens, this picture of Joshua is in the lower right-hand corner. The video right above his picture is the news story featuring Joshua. A portion of the interview takes place at the CCAI office. I've been in that hallway they were talking in, with all the pictures of the children lining the walls! It's an awesome sight! THOUSANDS of pictures of children and families, once orphans, now beloved sons and daughters with love, laughter and joy beaming from their rosy cheeks. You can't look at those pictures on those walls without getting chills!

http://cbs4denver.com/local/china.Centennial.earthquake.2.725440.html

Straggler birthday balloon picture for Kelly!

2008-05-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here is Olivia, (Clint's wonderful aunt and uncle's darling granddaughter) sending off their birthday balloon for Kelly on her birthday.

The picture got to me late, but I still wanted to post it, because it was a very special tribute to Kelly on her birthday, and it meant so much to me to have everyone join in!

Thanks Olivia, for sending up the balloon for Kelly. They just might have been instrumental in bringing our LOA to us two days later!

(If you didn't see the original birthday balloon post, I believe it is dated April 29).

Travel Approval???

2008-05-14T06:14:00.001-07:00

I spoke with our agency's travel department yesterday. I had heard on one of my Yahoo groups that people with the same LOA dates were getting their TA's this week. When I called and asked if I might be one of them, she said they had no word of TA's coming in this week, but that they anticipate getting it next week. I'm not sure where others got their information and why I didn't get the same story when I called, but anyway, it sounds like we should get them next week! She then went over a checklist with me to make sure I was on top of everything I'm supposed to be on top of (which I am =) and she told me that if TA comes next week, like they expect it to, that that means we will most likely depart for China around June 4th or 5th.

YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's sooner than I expected, so although it's not set in stone, it's still exciting to hear news like this from the Travel Department. It's got me a little spun, as far as my mind obsessing over everything I need to get done, but that's just me- whether I do that now or later, I'm still going to do it!

Other exciting news-- we got the crib set up in Kelly's room! It's sooo sweet. What is it about a baby crib? I just love them. I guess it's because baby cribs mean BABIES!

Once I had it all set up, I just had to stand there and stare at it. Then as the evening went on, I kept going back in there and looking at it adoringly, and dragging my family members in there to stare at it longingly too...

The only one who really indulged me was Camryn- guess it's a girl thing!

My sister gave me sheets and her adorable Pottery Barn bumper pads, and it looks so sweet in the room.

As you can see, we did polka dots in her room.

Funny thing- my inspiration was a note card, of all things! I just thought it would look so cute as a bedroom! HOWEVER, once I got all the dots up on the walls, I felt a little dizzy! I think it's a bit too much, so I think we're going to take the dots down from the bottom half of the room, add a chair rail, and maybe paint the bottom half of the room one of the coordinating polka dot colors... maybe pink...? Or I may go a shade darker of the brown...?

Any suggestions, peeps?

Aaagghhh!

I am going to be so late for work!

Oh, BLAH on work right now!!!

But look at the bright side!

Only 14 more days of school!!!

Silly me!

2008-05-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

So I completely forgot to mention in my last post (of extremely random blurbs of information), that while we have decided to leave the kids here while we go to China, exactly WHOM we will be leaving them with!?!

Who else, but my WONDERFUL, DARLING, BLESSED, GEM OF A SISTER, of course! That's who!!

I can't tell you what enormous peace that brings me. To know my children will be in the care of someone who not only loves me very much, but would throw herself in front of a moving bus for my children if she had to!

And to know they will be in their own environment- plus, to have their cousins here to play with too. They are going to have a blast! Shoot- they'll probably be happy we're leaving!

So I am just so super grateful to my sister for making this long trip out here, once again, to be here for me in my time of need.

I love you so much, sissy.

Thanks a million.

Jen

P.S. I'll be sure to stock up on Nutty Bars and Paydays, okay?

Busy Times!

2008-05-10T16:08:00.001-07:00

So much to do, so little time to do it in. Especially when you do stupid things like send your passports and visa applications to the wrong place! Yes, I was in a rush, and not really sure about how things worked with applying for visas-- I won't bore you with the details, but it ended up costing me an extra week of time and $32 in shipping fees to get it all back. I finally got it sent off to the CORRECT place yesterday. Phew!

Lesson learned: SLOW DOWN.

(Don't know that it's actually learned yet, but I'm working on it!)

My house is transforming! Here's a picture of a corner of my living room we've designated for toys for Kelly. My living room hasn't had a place for toys in... hmmmm... at least 8 years. Can that be right? Wow. It's weird... I do admit, I like to have everything in it's place, and I'm sort of anal about decorating... so I confess, having toys in the living room is not exactly my thing. I guess if it were up to me, we would either (1) have a closed off section in the living room where Kelly's toys could be kept (but not seen), (2) I would not have them in the living room at all, OR (3) all of Kelly's toys would be brown and turquoise! (tee hee ;)

But Kelly's room is the smallest room in the house, so there just isn't room in there for them- plus, the living room, dining room and kitchen are all one "great room," so this is where we spend most of our time. It only makes sense for her to have her toys out here, right? So I'm just going to have to get over my anal decorator side!

I don't know if I've formally announced it, but we have decided not to bring the big kids with us to China after all. More than anything, it's a budget issue, but as we discussed it, we realized there could be blessings in disguise to it that we just don't fully realize right now.

There are so many things to do to prepare to get TA. You want to get everything done you possibly can before you get TA, because things could go super fast and furious once it comes, so you don't want to stress yourself out leaving everything to do until the end.

Last week, I got prescriptions from our doctor for our trip to China- that was a load off! I still need to fill them, but at least I have them now.

We went shopping for luggage, and baby and travel necessities this past weekend too. You just can't imagine how much stuff you need for this trip- medicines especially. You have to cover all your bases, from lice to diaper rash to everything in between.

We bought a few toys for our trip too... here's a picture.

Also, Nancy has been shopping for Kelly! When she read how Kelly likes to rock, she got her a couple of rocking toys. Aren't they the cutest?!

The Piglet is especially cool because it can rock OR it can roll! You just push this little button and you can have the wheels up, to rock, or down, to roll. Oh, Kelly is going to have a blast!

We're off to an orthodontist appointment for Caleb. I have more to post so I hope to be back tonight or tomorrow, but no promises. You just never know!

Mother's Day Video

2008-05-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

I know this is not exactly your typical Mother's Day Tribute.

This video shows clips from the movie, "The Passion" and is graphic at times- you probably shouldn't watch it with children present.

I just wanted to give you the opportunity to see this video (if you haven't already) and hear this beautiful song. It's by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans, and it's called "New Again."
It painted such a beautiful picture of a mother's love as I watched what happened at Calvary through Mary's eyes. She loved Jesus so much. He was her son. She was willing to die with him if she could have. You realize how a mother's heart breaks, when her child is suffering, like no-one elses. Jesus' love for his mother is so very evident as well.
This song communicates such a wonderful message: through Jesus, all things are made new.
As hard as it is to watch, it's worth remembering all that he endured because of his great love for us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh7icqR9zEY

LOA TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

Let's dance around the Maypole with the ladybugs!!!

WE FINALLY RECEIVED OUR LETTER OF APPROVAL (LOA) TODAY!!!

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Celebrate!!!

We actually received an email from our agency today saying that they received our LOA- so now they will FedEx the hard copy to us, and we should receive it tomorrow... we have to sign it and FedEx it back to them- then, when they receive it from us, they send it off to the CCAA! When they receive news from the CCAA that it's been received, that will be our OFFICIAL LOA DATE.

I got another e-mail from my agency saying Travel Packet II will be available tonight from my agency's website, so I will begin working on that tonight! (It's a packet we download that our agency provides- it gives us steps to follow to prepare for our travel to China!)

Our agency says they estimate our travel to be within 5-8 weeks!

I'm soooooooo excited!!!!!!

NOT LONG NOW!
Hold on baby girl- we're coming to get you soon!!!!

A Tree For Kelly

2008-05-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Camryn and I planted a tree for Kelly on her birthday. I chose a lemon tree. What better way to symbolize her first birthday but with a tree that bears fruit that is sweet and sour?
I also like that this lemon tree is symbolic of Kelly's life. It's so little right now, and bears no fruit. But we will water it and nurture it, and the sun will shine down on it, and it will grow, and grow, and grow- and one day, it will flourish and be a beautiful, lush tree that bears hundreds of bright, sunny, lemons- and we will all make lots of yummy, homemade lemonade from it!

Grow little lemon tree- grow!

Birthday Balloon Launching- new pictures added!

2008-04-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY KELLY ELISE!

Kelly's Nanna in Texas had a wonderful idea to launch one single red balloon for Kelly's birthday. She wanted to send her prayers for Kelly in a symbolic, physical way- so that she could visually see her prayers going up, up, and away- carried on angel's wings to Kelly in China.

I decided to get everyone in the family in on it, so we could all send a balloon up for Kelly's birthday, from our different parts of the country, and all of us, on the same day, could watch our wishes, prayers, and love go up and away to God in Heaven for little Kelly.

I got pictures from Kelly's Nanna in Texas, her Nonnie in San Diego, and her cousins (and Auntie, of course!) in Colorado.

I'm still waiting on pictures from her Great Aunt in Texas, and her Grammie in Missouri. I'll post them when I get them, but I wanted everyone to see what I have so far.

Big Thanks to my family, for sharing in this special symbolic celebration of Kelly's first birthday. It meant so much to me to know you all took time out of your busy schedules to do something to honor our sweet little girl's first birthday. Thank you Nanna, for the wonderful idea. What a special memory we will carry with us forever.

Thank you for your love and prayers for her, each and every one of you reading this. Even though you may not have taken part in the balloon launch, I know so many of you are thinking of her, praying for her, and sending love and wishes for a very happy birthday for Kelly. I cherish each and every one of you and every prayers you send up on her behalf. They are not in vain!

Okay, without any further delay.... here are the pictures!

Kelly's Grammie, in Missouri, preparing for launch!

Grammie's balloon for Kelly going up, up, and away!
Here is Nonnie in San Diego, CA, about to launch her balloon for Kelly.
Nonnie's birthday wishes for Kelly written on her birthday balloon!
San Diego birthday balloon launch- successful!
Nanna's birthday balloon for Kelly, preparing for launch from Victoria, Texas, with a picture and a prayer attached for Kelly- and of course, directions to China! And off Nanna's birthday balloon for Kelly goes!Up, Up, and Away! Nanna sends all her love to her Bebe Boo!

Kelly's cousins- Emma, Josh, Eli, and Hannah launch their birthday balloon from Colorado Springs, Colorado!
Colorado Balloon Launch- successful! Off it goes!!!

Waiting for daddy to get home from work before Visalia lift-off!
Yeah!! Daddy's home! Time to prepare to launch! (Oh look- what's that daddy's wearing??? Could it be a plain white t-shirt?! Argh!!!)

Caleb and Camryn- preparing to send off our birthday balloon with our prayers for Kelly attached. We love you so much, mei mei.

Visalia Launch- successful!!!

Bye-Bye birthday balloon! You can barely see it in the picture- it is that tiny speck above the left branch of the left palm tree.

Penny and Rufus Clip

2008-04-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

I couldn't let it go! I had to find that clip I mentioned in my last post!
HERE IT IS!
So my memory was a bit fragmented, but here's the clip of Penny and Rufus- I loved this exchange between the two of them.
I spent a good portion of my childhood living out in the country, and my kitty cats were my best friends, just like Rufus was to Penny, so I especially loved this. Isn't it sweet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhrwSm6DcpM

(Read my last post if you don't know what the heck I'm talking about..!)

Favorite Childhood Movie

2008-04-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

My hands-down, FAVORITE movie, when I was a little girl, was "The Rescuers."
I don't know if my mom remembers, but she bought me the soundtrack. (This was before the time of videos. It was an album! Now I'm really dating myself!)
I remember listening to that album every day, and several times a day on the weekends. I can still picture myself- laying on the floor in front of the stereo- looking at the album cover as I played the album over and over and OVER again! My FAVORITE SONG was this one I have linked below.
I'm amazed at how this song is coming full circle in my life as I pray the prayer of this song for my own daughter! It's so strangely amazing. Why did I love that song so, when I was so little? I always wondered why I was so drawn to this particular song, of all the songs in that movie? How could I even fully understand it? Could it be? Was God planting a seed in my heart way back then? I know it sounds so corny, but I think so. All I know is that I bawled as I made the connection tonight. You know how something can strike you, almost from out of nowhere, and at that point in time, you suddenly realize the significance of something you never realized before..?
It JUST came back to me, as I was posting my last post, and I said, "Be strong little one."
I think they changed the end a little though, in this clip... I don't know... I remember Penny and Rufus, the cat, having a conversation afterwards. Rufus had been encouraging Penny to keep the faith that she was going to have a family one day, and after the song, Penny felt better and told Rufus she believed him that somebody would want to "dopt" her.
Does anyone else remember it differently than this clip? It's been soo long- my memory could be quite fragmented! I think I need to see if I can get a copy of the movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYjz1cIzGOM

A Letter to Kelly- Happy First Birthday

2008-04-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Kelly,
My precious baby girl, how I long to be with you on your first birthday. I'm so sorry we cannot be together on this, your special day.

How I yearn to hold you in my arms, to sit you in your highchair with your birthday cake in front of you. How I can picture myself lighting that single candle for you, and all of us singing happy birthday to you, as you try to figure out exactly what you're supposed to do with that candle!

That reminds me! Do you know? On his first birthday, your big brother, Caleb, tried to grab it? We had a big birthday party for him, and as we finished singing "Happy Birthday" to him, he reached out and tried to grab that birthday candle! He didn't know what he was supposed to do, so why not grab that sparkling thing, right?! All of us girls screamed, for fear of him getting burned- and poor little guy- we scared the daylights out of him! He began to cry!

He recovered quickly though, and as soon as he was able to dig into that cake, all was forgotten!

Oh Kelly, what would you do? How would you be on your first birthday? I wish I could shower you with all the love you deserve to know is yours today. You have soooo many people who love you, Kelly. Do you know that? You have sooo many people who are praying for you, and who are wishing you the happiest of birthdays ever today.

Sweet little one- you have a family who loves you. You have a family with whom you belong. You have a purpose, a hope, and a future. God created you and breathed life into you. He knew, before you or I were ever born, that you would be my daughter. You are so very wanted, and you are so very loved.

Happy Birthday Kelly Elise Song Jia He Kneip.

Be strong little one- you will be home soon!

We love you!

Update on Baby Kelly Elise

2008-04-27T15:21:00.001-07:00

We were expecting an update on Kelly this month, since it's been three months since our last update, and our agency is able to request updates every three months.
Well, we got it on Friday!
I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed, only because we had hoped it would include photos, but it didn't. I also wanted to know if she's crawling/walking, but they didn't say. Well, I am super thankful just to know she's doing well.

Here is what the orphanage has to share about our little princess:

Medical/Development:
She had no colds or fevers.
Her bath is in a tub.
She is babbling, but can not say any words.
She can wave and clap and likes to play peek-a-boo.

Personality:
She likes noisy toys and rocking horse.
She will be very shy with strangers, hide behind the nannies, sometimes will cry.
They call her "He He." (We will have to find out exactly how they pronounce this... I was told "He" sounds like "huh" but sort-of like the sound you would make if you were punched in the gut... not exactly a sweet sounding baby name, is it...?)
She is quiet and happy, likes to play with other children.
When she is fussy, holding her up, taking her play outside, or talking with her will make her calmed down quickly.

General:
She eats formula mixed with rice cereal, drinks boiled water and juice.
They will try to not cut her hair.

I copied and pasted this directly from the report they sent, so the grammatical errors are not mine! LOL
I'm sure it's par for the course in the wonderful world of translation.

My sister told me we could request that they not cut her hair, so we requested that through our agency- that's why they mentioned that about trying not to cut her hair at the end of the report. (Try not to cut her hair...? Okay... I'll take what I can get.) Not that it's a big deal- she could be bald and we wouldn't care! But it'd be nice to have some hair to put all these little bows I'm getting in! (In most orphanages, all the children get crew cuts, no matter what gender or age.)

It made me feel good to know Kelly's acting shy and hides behind the nannies and cries when a stranger comes around. Even though that will make it harder on her when we first go to get her, it is a great sign that she is bonded to her nannies. That's a really important thing to have in her "hard drive", so to speak... it's a great sign that she'll attach with us more easily, because all the experts say that as long as a baby has bonded once, they can bond again. However, if they've never bonded to anyone, it can present some pretty serious attachment disorder issues later.

I received the update via email from my agency, so I wrote an email back asking for pictures. There are no guarantees I'll get any, but I'll be sure to post them if I do!

Harmonious Practicing

2008-04-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

As much as I'd like you to believe my children spend their days playing their musical instruments harmoniously together like it appears in these pictures, nothing could be further from the truth! (Okay, maybe not "nothing", but, it is a rare day!)

It just happened to be a nice day out one day last week, and both Caleb and Camryn were feeling particularly benevolent towards one another, so they decided to practice their instruments together and see what duets they could play. I enjoyed it so much, I had to take a few pictures.

One day, when we get a video camera, I can post video of things like this- what fun that will be! You'll get much more enjoyment out of it, I'm sure... but for now, I hope the pictures will do.

(P.S. Caleb passed down some plain white t-shirts to Camryn, and I've noticed she seems to wear them all the time when she's at home! This isn't the first time I've posted pictures of her and she's in one of those darned white t-shirts. Bleh! She really does own some cute, girl clothes! ;)

Mutant Strawberry and Silence from China

2008-04-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

I got a basket of strawberries from a local grower the other day, and as Camryn and I were eating our way through them, we came upon this strange-looking little berry!

Kind of looks like it sprouted antennas, or was beginning to grow some ears!

Okay, so the buzz within my CCAI Yahoo group is that things have been unusually quiet with LOA's and TA's coming in from the CCAA- it seems only one has come in since April 4th. That's just plain weird, but no one from our agency is saying so. We're all speculating as to the reasons why, and wondering if this means things are changing in China- yet we're not being told about it... so, of course, we're all worried our LOA's are going to take MUCH LONGER than normal. Knowing the Olympics are coming up doesn't help with the anxiety. It is rumored that China will close down all government offices for as long as a month for the Olympics. This all just does not look good, but I am trying not to worry about things that may not even be true. I'll keep you posted as we find out more.

Baby Shower Blessings

2008-04-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the many wonderful gifts we got for baby Kelly. It was such a nice day- everything was beautiful, and all my friends who came to shower me just made me feel sooo special!

I feel TERRIBLE for not getting more pictures. I'm so sorry! I had every intention of taking several so I could show everyone my shower, but it seemed like everything happened so fast, and before I knew it, it was over and I had only taken the one picture of Jennifer and Tami before it began.

Even though I didn't get more pictures, it was still a special time I will remember always, and I want to thank everyone who came, or sent gifts, and a special thanks to Kelly's Nana, too, who couldn't come, but sent so many wonderful gifts for her "Bebe Boo." (as she calls her!) Kelly, you are loved!

Jennifer & Tami- thanks for everything, my loves!

It doesn't show but a small fraction of the lanterns, but they decorated Jennifer's house with paper lanterns throughout, and they had these darling little fortune cookies made that were dipped in yummy pink frosting and had a personalized fortune message, thanking eveyrone for their love, support, and prayers for Baby Kelly. It was the cutest thing - I loved it!

Clint's grandfather

2008-04-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sadly, Clint's grandfather (on his mother's side) passed away this week. He was 88 years old. Clint went out to Texas to help his mom with funeral arrangements and to be there for the service. We are all missing him, but we're saying prayers for a peaceful time of saying goodbye.

It has been very busy around here for me lately. I normally work 3 hours a day, but I've been working overtime to help with several projects that have hit all at once. (I work at my daughter's elementary school. I work in the office as a clerk/project assistant- which basically means I do whatever they tell me to do...) We have been working on creating new kindergarten files for our newly registered kindergartners for the next school year. We've also got State testing going on, so there's much to do with that- plus we've got lots of orders coming in for next year's textbooks and school supplies- so it's just a hub of activity up there right now. I enjoy my job and I work in a positive environment with great people, so I can't complain- but it's just hard to juggle work and home and all the other things that go on each day.

Still no word on anything with Kelly- maybe tomorrow..? Actually, it's not likely on a Friday, but say your prayers anyway. You never know!

Also, please say a prayer for Clint and his family too- thanks so much.

2008-04-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Last night we watched the movie, August Rush. If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it. I had heard great things about it, and I love Keri Russell, so I was anxious to see it.

I loved this movie- all the unspoken truths it illustrated- how things work together for good, oftentimes in the midst of extremely painful circumstances, in ways that we don't even realize. I loved how everything that happened in the movie brought them together in the end- I believe the same of every circumstance in my life bringing me to the point that I'm at today, including how God brought us to Kelly.

I loved how the movie honored Evan's perseverance and faith in what he KNEW in his heart to be true, even without understanding why he knew it. I loved how it honored all the people that were instrumental in Evan's life, in him getting to where he needed to be, again, without even realizing it.

I also loved the musical aspect of the movie. I have found, in my life, that music is so much more powerful than I can ever comprehend- it often touches parts of me that I didn't even know existed. I loved how the movie honored it as the gift it is, and how it honored those that have the gift for music- no matter who they are, how they interpret it, or where they come from.

Lastly, I loved how this movie honored life. Even though Evan started his life discarded, unknowingly wanted, yet seemingly unwanted, his life and his existence had so much more purpose and value than his circumstances ever would have revealed. You can not base the worth of a person on their circumstances or where they come from, but rather on the fact that the Creator of the Universe (and Life itself) chose to breathe life into their precious little soul, and there are treasures to be found in each of us that we oftentimes don't even know exist.

Baby Shower!

2008-04-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of my dear friends from church, Jennifer and Tami, are throwing us a baby shower on April 20th!

I'm so humbled by their love and generosity, I don't quite know what to do with myself. We don't have any family in town, so our friends at church serve as our family here. They have loved and embraced us just like family, and we are truly blessed.

This shower will be such a treat, especially considering how tough these past days and weeks have been.

I don't even like to talk about it, because there's nothing I can do to change it, but every day that goes by without getting our LOA ends in sadness for me. It's another day Kelly has spent in an orphanage, no closer to coming home than the day before. It kills me too, knowing her first birthday is on the 29th of this month. I so hoped to spend her first birthday with her- or at least knowing I'd be traveling to get her soon after. Now it looks like we'll be lucky if we travel before the fourth of July, the way things are going. I honestly don't know how to handle the sadness of that reality- the sadness that comes with each day that I don't hear anything. I'm just functioning the best I can and trying to stay productive- but on the inside, I'm just sad sad sad.

I look forward to this baby shower- even though I've been sad and it's been hard, it will be a wonderful day to enjoy our precious friends, and a day to focus on all that we have to look forward to.

I'm so happy to know Kelly will one day come home, not only to her mommy, daddy, brother and sister who love her so- but also to a warm and loving church family who are all so eager to wrap their arms around her and embrace her with all that they have. We are so blessed to be surrounded with such loving people. Kelly has no idea what's waiting for her, but boy is the love that she's going to be surrounded with going to knock her socks off! She's going to eat it up, I'm sure!

Precious Friends

2008-04-08T06:21:00.001-07:00

While in the Bay Area, we were able to pay a visit to some very good friends- a very special family we have grown to love over the past several years. Here the kids are, climbing trees and having fun together.

It was so wonderful to see them- Blake and Britney have grown so much! What sweet children they've always been, and what well-rounded individuals they're becoming! They're such a solid, loving family.

I just have to say- Debbie went above and beyond the call of duty! Knowing Camryn was away from home for her birthday, she baked a birthday cake for Camryn and had candles for her to blow out and everything! Thanks Deb, for making Camryn's birthday away from home so special!

It was great to reunite with good friends- we're blessed to have such great people in our lives.

OOTM

2008-04-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND- STATE COMPETITION!

What an amazing bunch of girls!
Camryn had a blast with her team-
all six girls are pictured below
in their classic pyramid pose!

Here they are with their awesome coach, Mr. Frolli.

After all their hard work, the girls didn't end up moving on to the next level in the competition. They ran out of time while they were finishing the technical element of their performance, which ended up costing them crucial points and put them in 7th place. They were all pretty disappointed, but considering there were 50 teams at the beginning, coming in 7th isn't so shabby. These girls really shined and should be very proud of themselves. I know I am!

Guitar Hero & Pre-Birthday presents

2008-04-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Since we were heading out of town the day before Camryn's birthday and we'd be gone for her entire "birthday weekend," we decided to let her open a few birthday gifts the night prior to our leaving.

Notice how Caleb finds a way to entertain himself while his sister gingerly opens her presents.

Oh Caleb!

Lots of fun "My Scene" Barbies and accessories came from Nana! Such fun!

Oh My Goodness! What is this????

Guitar Hero?!! NOWAY!!!

Of course, she had to break it open and begin the jam session immediately!

This is serious business- just look at that concentration.

Of course, Caleb had to get in on the action!

What fun this game is! If you've never played it, or watched your kids play it- you should! It's quite an experience.

I've got more pictures from our weekend to come soon...

Odyssey of the Mind

2008-04-02T18:31:00.001-07:00

Our daughter, Camryn, has been involved in the extra-curricular activity called "Odyssey of the Mind" this year. Back in February, Camryn and her team won first place in the Regional competition! Now they are preparing to compete at the State level this weekend! These girls are a smart and creative bunch- I have no doubt they will do great!

We'll be traveling to the competition, and it just so happens to be on Camryn's 11th birthday, so we're going to make it into a fun birthday trip for the entire family to celebrate Camryn, her birthday, and her accomplishments!

God speed my little sweetie! We're so proud of you!

Happy Birthday Hannah!

2008-03-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here's my niece, Hannah, opening an early birthday present from us when she was here.

Today is Hannah's birthday! She's FIVE YEARS OLD today! Look how BIG she's getting!

Where did the time go? I still remember when she was an itty-bitty thing when we first met her 2 1/2 years ago. (Well, truth be told, she's still pretty itty-bitty!)

We love you Hannie, and we miss you terribly. You are a precious gift from the Lord! We pray He blesses you with a year full of wonder as you learn a little bit more about HIS GREAT LOVE FOR YOU.

Congratulations on turning 5! Have a fun-filled birthday, sweetheart!

Here is a verse from God's word, just for you today:

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you,

He is Mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

I pray you hear His singing as He rejoices over you!

My Pilot

2008-03-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

As most of you may know, Clint has been taking flying lessons for the past several months in pursuit of becoming a pilot with the department. Well, last week, he took his test to become a private pilot, and he passed with flying colors (no pun intended ;)!
Here he is with his instructor, Jack, after he passed the test--

He is well on his way, and I'm so proud of him. I admire his drive to go after what he wants and his energy and perseverance to carry it through to the end.
Now he will continue with getting his IFR (Instrument Flight Rating) as he must be "instrument rated" to become a pilot with the department.

You go, Babe!
I love you!!!

Sweet Treats!

2008-03-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor, Emily, who's almost 3, and her mommy, came over to deliver us some Easter goodies yesterday. We have the BEST neighbors- they are always so thoughtful and generous.

Aren't these little bunny cars the cutest thing ever? (Okay, except Caleb's didn't survive long enough to get a picture taken before he devoured it!)

God's Little Wonders

2008-03-23T16:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

Even though it's been a little sad and lonely around here since my sister and her kiddos left yesterday, we were blessed to enjoy an unexpected little visitor today!

We were all laying in the backyard, just sunning and chatting with each other. Camryn was sitting on the rock waterfall, and all of the sudden, she spotted a ladybug!

Now it's always special to spot a ladybug when you're in the midst of this adoption process- seeing that tiny, spotted creature in this great, big, busy world just gives you that ray of hope you need to keep holding on- that your lucky day is coming soon!

How special too, that Camryn spotted her today, on Easter Sunday of all days- a day where we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord. It just feels significant- reflecting on the new life this day represents, and the new life we can't wait to begin with Kelly once we bring her home. I know God is reminding me that He is with her today- just like His love raised Jesus from the dead, His love will raise Kelly up and bring her to us in His perfect time.

You know, that reminds me! It was Easter Sunday, 1994... I was pregnant with Caleb, and we had come home from church and a nice, big, yummy Easter brunch. I laid down on the couch and took one of those nice, long Sunday afternoon naps! I'll never forget- I woke to the strange and wonderful feeling of Caleb's little legs, kicking inside of my womb. It was the first time I felt him kick! Oh, the wonder I felt that day!

It may not be the same experience- I can't feel Kelly's kicks inside of my womb, but the feeling of wonder I have is the same. Even though the flutter may not be in my womb this time, it is in my heart, and I will cherish the significance of this day just the same!

Avila Beach

2008-03-21T09:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we took a trip to the Pacific Ocean! This was Eli & Hannah's first time to see it. Here are some pictures of everyone enjoying our day at the beach!

Having Fun in the California Sun!

2008-03-19T09:12:00.001-07:00

The weather has been glorious here, so we have been soaking up every bit we can get!

Now you may wonder why the following pictures I posted are not amidst the giant Sequoias..? Well, the van rental fell through, so we had to adapt our plan and do something a little closer to home- so we opted for Playland & Storyland in Fresno.

So we didn't get to see the amazing Sequoias yesterday and take in God's amazing creation of giant, majestic trees. But rather, the beauty I enjoyed yesterday was in seeing God's heart through the sweet faces of our precious children, and in their fun-spirited, joyous hearts.

I can't wait till I can take in the beauty of Kelly's sweet face and pure heart too...
Until then, I'm enjoying the ones I do have with me immensely.

Fun with our cousins!

2008-03-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time to post now- we are heading out to the Sequoia National Forest today- but I wanted to post some pictures so you could see what fun we're all having together!
I'm not going to let them leave!!!!

Eli

Sisters!
Camryn & Hannah
Caleb
Camryn & Emma- cutie girls!
Girls playing on the slide- what fun!

Caleb, Emma, Hannah, Camryn & Eli

Eli & Hannah, having fun with baby Liberty
Caleb & Emma, chilling together
Mommy & daughter- aren't they beautiful?

No New News

2008-03-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting in a while! It's not that I haven't wanted to post, it's just that I haven't had anything TO post!

Let's see... we're working on Kelly's room, which has been fun- I'll post pictures of it when it's done.

I have no news... I'm anxiously awaiting an email or phone call from my agency, but nothing has come yet. =(

I have to admit, I'm having a hard time. Every day that passes feels like 20. I can't believe we're almost half way through March and we still haven't heard anything yet. There are a few on a Yahoo Group from my agency who had their LOI's around the same time I did, and they got their LOA's this week... they are looking at traveling around the beginning of May. WAAAH. That means that our chances for traveling around Kelly's birthday (April 29th) are quickly diminishing. =(
It's hard to even think about Kelly sometimes, because it just makes me feel sad that she's there and we're here, and there's NOTHING I can do to speed her coming home to us. It's the lamest feeling ever- like nothing I've ever experienced. Even praying the same thing over and over again starts to feel like I'm just bugging God, or like I think He's forgotten that I prayed this same prayer the day and night before. I'm realize how much I really don't get the whole "ask and keep asking" thing. It just seems silly- like God needs reminding..? "Oh, thanks for praying that again, Jen. I almost forgot!"
I know He can do anything- He's the creator of the Universe. I also know that sometimes things don't happen the way we'd like them to, for reasons beyond our understanding. So I'm trying to let go and trust God, but not "give up" at the same time. Does that make sense?

I've been reading a few books to help prepare me for parenting a little one with attachment issues. One's called, "Toddler Adoption" and the other is called, "Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control." They're both great books, but the "Beyond Consequences..." one has really challenged my thinking, in a good way... it's calling me to change the way I think, act, and REACT... very good stuff.
I added the website to my favorite links- I really like Dr. Post and Heather Forbes, the authors. I'll share more on that as I digest it all...

I'm SOO looking forward to spending some time with my sister and her kiddos! I can't wait for them to get here! We're going to take a trip to the coast and Sequoia National Forest while they're here. Other than that, we'll just relax and enjoy one another's company.

Connie, my very sweet neighbor, has been shopping for Kelly!!!

She is mommy to Jonathan, 4, and Emily, who's almost 3... they're both very sweet, precious children, and cutie-pies too... they will be wonderful playmates for Kelly one day soon. I actually have many wonderful neighbors who have very sweet children-- I'm sooo thankful!!

Connie has graciously handed down lots of Emily's clothes to us, which has been a huge blessing... but ON TOP OF THAT, she has also bought us some darling things for Kelly!

Here are some pictures:

She got us this sweet little Thumper-

Then, these cute, little Carter's outfits~ the pictures don't do them justice!

I also wanted to post pitures of some outfits my sister and my step-mom, Corie, got for Kelly. These are more from that Gymboree sale I mentioned...

This first one is from Corie- isn't it sweet? Again, the picture doesn't do it justice!

The little purple violets embroidered onto the top and pants have such delicate, sweet detail. And the little socks to match are so sweet too!

My sister got this next outfit for Kelly. There are little tulips that dangle from the sleeves- you can barely see them, but they're sooo sweet... and the pants have little tulips embroidered all over them. Darling!!!

This is another top to match the pants. The little ties at the shoulder's don't show up very well in the picture, but they are such a cute touch!

Oh, how "Retail Therapy" really does help to pass the agonizing time while we wait. Nanna emailed me yesterday and said she got some things for Kelly too. And Aunt Carolyn is sending a book.

We're all doing our best to wait for our precious little sweetie to come home, and it seems shopping for her helps us to pass the time until she gets here!

Hurry Home, Kelly. We ALL can't wait to meet you!

Family pics

2008-03-08T18:31:00.001-08:00

Guess Who's Coming for Spring Break?

2008-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

... MY SISTER!!!!

YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She's bringing her girls and they're coming to California to get a much-needed break from all that c-c-c-c-coooooold Colorado weather!

AND, as if my sister and her girls coming isn't wonderful enough, there's even more wonderful news: we will get to meet my precious nephew, Eli, for the very first time!
We are all so thrilled, and I'm just so thankful for this unexpected, little blessing of a visit from my dear, sweet sister and her precious children.

Now the sad news is that Joshua and Joel won't be coming, and we will miss seeing them very much... but we will be good sports and accept the disappointment with our chins up, since we understand that somebody needs to stay home and hold the fort down while the rest of the family gallivants off to California!
It's okay though- I'm sure Joel and Josh will enjoy some good "guy time" together, and we will look forward to a visit with all of them very soon, once Kelly comes home.

Counting down the days till March 14th comes...

WEE!! GYMBOREE!!!

2008-02-26T17:22:00.001-08:00

Shopping for baby clothes is such fun, especially when you're shopping for a baby girl at Gymboree!

Last week, I heard Gymboree was having a baby sale. (They still are! It goes on until March 2nd, in case any of you want to go shopping!)
Anything marked $12.50 to $19.50 is a flat $10.00, and anything marked $22.50 to $42.50 is $20. This includes their newest lines! Also, anything previously marked down is an additional 20% off!
Pretty good sale, wouldn't you say? Especially for Gymboree.

Now, I LOVE Gymboree clothes- especially the girl's lines. They're just so darling with all the feminine colors and details. But because they typically cost more than I'm comfortable with paying, I usually only get things that are on clearance- and finding things that match and are the right size on clearance is rare- so consequently, I rarely buy many things from Gymboree. HOWEVER! When I heard about this sale, I decided it was time for me to throw caution to the wind, go check it out, and see just what kind of damage I could do!

I ended up finding some cute things, and it was all on sale- YIPPEE!!

I got Kelly a sundress from their newest line. It was normally $34.50 and I got it for $20.00! I think the colors are going to look so good on her...

I found her a sweet little Panda top, matching jeans, and even socks that match. Won't she be darling in this?

This little turtle pattern outfit was too cute to pass up! And then I had this skirt that my sweet neighbor, Connie, handed down to me, that will also go with the turtle top, don't you think?

After I finished at Gymboree, I headed down towards Penney's before I left the mall. I really wasn't looking to buy anything else, but when I saw this last outfit, I HAD to get it. You see, my dad passed away 7 years ago (this month), and he used to love to sing "You Are My Sunshine" to my step-mom, Corie. Since he passed away, anytime I hear or think of that song, I think of him. It will forever be "his song." When I saw this outfit, it was as if my dad was right there with me, showing me in his own special way that he loved Kelly too. I knew I had to get it. I will keep it and one day tell Kelly it was from her Grandpa who loves her from Heaven!

What Are We Waiting For Now?

2008-02-22T05:31:00.000-08:00

We received our Referral (that's when we got matched with Song Jia He and got her info & pictures =), we turned in our LOI (Letter Of Intent- important step once you've been matched), and we even got PA (Pre-Approval- that means, upon review of our LOI, China likes us ;)!

These are all wonderful milestones- milestones you may not completely understand, but wonderful, important milestones nonetheless! So what are we waiting for now?

When we received our Pre-Approval, our adoption agency told us that the next step to come is when they will inform us that our dossier has been moved into the "Match Room." That is when our dossier "formally" gets matched with our child's information. When we receive that happy news, we will receive "Travel Packet 2" from our agency. The window of time for receiving this news can be quite large- some get it in 28 days, others get it in 128 days! There's no rhyme or reason to why it goes so quickly for some and slower than molasses for others- we are basically at the mercy of the CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs).

So "What happens when we receive news of being moved into the Match Room and Travel Packet 2" you ask?

To be honest, since I haven't been there and done it yet, I don't completely know! I know our LOA (Letter of Approval) should follow shortly thereafter- and that's a very important step towards going to get Kelly. But basically, from all that my sister's told me, once we get Travel Packet 2, that's when things start getting crazy! That's when we start running around like chickens with our heads cut off doing everything we need to do to prepare for travel to China- because it will probably happen within 4-8 weeks from that time. (Did I get that remotely right, Jen...?)

So what can you pray for with us?

My prayer is to bring Kelly home for her first birthday, which means we would need to get our
LOA by early to mid-March. EEK!
I know God's timing is perfect, so I don't mean to impose MY timeline on His perfect plan, but He does tell me to ask Him for those things my heart desires, so I'm asking...

I realize that if this happens and we do indeed travel to China in late April, this means that our timeline for paying for the remainder of the adoption costs gets shorter- EEK!
So my next big prayer request is that God will provide the rest of the money we need for travel & all. We have applied for a few more grants we are waiting to hear if we got approved for, so it would be wonderful if we're approved for those grants and they come at the perfect time. (BIG REQUESTS- BIG GOD!)

I hope that answers some of your questions about this crazy International adoption process!
THANK YOU, my precious peeps, for all your love, support, and prayers!

The Story of Her Name

2008-02-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Goodness- did we ever have the HARDEST time deciding on Kelly Elise for our sweet baby girl's name!
As pretty as Song Jia He is, saying it properly is quite a challenge, so we knew we needed to give her the perfect name- one that did her justice, and one that people could actually pronounce!

Caroline was the name we originally thought we were settled on, but then we kept doubting it once we got her pictures. So we began discussing our options for names- of which, as you can imagine, there are millions!

We went around and around- everyone had an opinion... two of us would like one name, and two of us would hate it. (When your kids are 10 & 13 and you're naming the newest addition, whether you ask them to or not, they have quite a say!)
Negative associations would ruin several name options- then there were those names that were pretty, but seemed overused or already "belonged" to someone we know. We were even taking suggestions from family members, but we still just could NOT decide on a name!

I was getting to the point that I was obsessed with names. I was constantly playing names over and over in my mind. Kind of like when you're car shopping- how you start looking at every car you see to decide if you like it or not... that's how I was with names. But the more names I thought of, then less confident I was that ANY of them would work. I began to feel a tremendous burden, too heavy for me to bear, in naming our precious, little daughter! I realized what an enormous commitment and responsibility it is to choose a name for someone, and it was stressing me out! (Why it didn't stress me out like this when we named Caleb and Camryn, I don't know! But as I'm aging, I'm finding newer, more creative ways to stress myself out. I'm so talented... ;)

I began to lose sleep over it, and I realized, THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS!
I decided "enough is enough," and I asked God to name her (!) I asked Him to show me a name, any name, and we would name her that. I asked Him to show me in a dream, or to let it pop off of a page- however He wanted to show me, I asked Him to please just show me. I went to bed that night and slept quite soundly.

The next morning, I woke up, and it was as clear as a bell!

I was not supposed to name her, CLINT WAS!

I felt a peace I had not yet felt about her name and I knew that no matter what he named her, I would love it.

Now let me just say, I have been QUITE opinionated about this whole naming process. Several times Clint would suggest something, and I would shoot it down for whatever reason... so the fact that I was at peace with whatever name he chose without knowing what it would be, was a miracle in itself!

When I told him what had happened and that I prayed and asked God to tell me her name, and that He basically told me that Clint was supposed to name her- he seemed shocked, but honored. He told me he'd think about it and pray about it and let me know...

Later that afternoon, I teasingly asked him if he had any names he was tossing around. He said yes, but that he would not tell me! Stinker! But then he said he was still praying about it, that he wanted to be sure- so I thought that was pretty cool, and I backed off.

But later that night, I respectfully ;) asked again, and he said he did have a name. He said every time he prayed about it, this was the name that came to him... Kelly Elise.

As soon as I heard it, I knew it was right!
"Kelly Elise" ... Of course!!

Clint has always liked the name Kelly, and he said it just seemed to "fit" with her. Elise was a name we had talked about giving her as a middle name, because it is Hannah's middle name. Hannah is Kelly's cousin, and since Hannah and Kelly share a special bond in that they were both born in China, and because Hannah is the one who really opened our eyes to the precious babies in China- it seemed only natural to give Kelly that special connection with Hannah in bearing her middle name. Oh, and- Clint also just happened to like the sound of the two names together, "Kelly Elise," so it was just IT for him.

I know sometimes we can "spiritualize" everything to the point of silliness, but I have to say, I do believe God cares about every aspect of our lives, and He knows us so much better than we know ourselves. I believe when we ask Him to be a part of things in our lives, even the seemingly insignificant things, He is delighted to- because He delights in us. Just like I am honored when Camryn asks me for my opinion in what she should wear that day (RARE case these days!), I believe God is honored when we ask Him to be a part of our decision-making... even decisions He's given us the freedom to make on our own.

I now believe that we could not decide on a name all that time because God wanted Kelly's daddy to have the honor of naming her all to himself. I just needed to get out of the way, and the good Lord knew that would take some time to exhaust me enough to finally get me to let it go!
I'm so glad that I listened and let go.
I know Kelly Elise is the perfect name for our little girl, and what a special story she will always have to share- that her daddy, who loved her, named her.

Chinese New Year!

2008-02-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

Clint was out of town for Chinese New Year, but the kids and I decided to have a simple celebration of our own. We ordered Chinese take-out and ate with chopsticks for authenticity's sake! The chopsticks were a challenge, I must admit, but the food was even more so- in a word: BLECH! (IS that actually a word?) Camryn's expression in the second picture says it all, and Caleb and I echoed it below.

Feeble Attempts At Posting...

2008-02-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

Doubt I'll do it justice, but here goes...!

First of all, I have to say, I'm so excited to have my own blog!

I hope I am not a disappointment... of course, I fear I will be, but then I guess I better read my quote of the day, right?

I just have to say, I am so NOT one to be good about keeping someting like this up, so don't check my blog every day or you will get irritated at my lack of postings. (As if I have some following of readers! PU-LEEEZE!! Okay, so Jen, don't check it every day, okay? ;)

As all adoptive families well know, we mommies have the hardest time with the wait, so this is one of those things we must do to pass the time, to connect with others who've btdt, as well as those who are waiting with you-- your family, your friends, and other adoptive families you get to know along the way. Hopefully, I can keep you all up to speed on things so you don't all kill me with asking me the same questions a bazillion times over!!! ;)

So here are some stats, just to remind you:

Kelly's Chinese name is Song Jia He. Song is her surname, Jia means "good, or praise," and He means "Lotus." She is currently being cared for at the Yangxi Social Welfare Institute in the Guangdong Province of China. For those of you who love geography, or just want to know exactly where that is, Guangdong is in the south-eastern part of China. Yangxi is actually in the southern part of Guangdong- so basically, Kelly is a southern girl! She was actually found in Shangyang Town, which is south of Yangxi, and is right on the coast of the South China Sea! Clint feels a connection with her already- she's his little beach girl!

Kelly's birthday is April 29, 2007. She was born in the year of the boar. This is what is said of people born in the Year of the Boar: "Gallantry, fortitude, and honesty are the hallmarks of the boar. People born in the Year of the Boar make good companions."

Pretty cool, huh?

Okay, so I really don't put much stock in all that astrological stuff, but nevertheless, those are great qualities to possess, wouldn't you say?