Adoption Day Photos!

Laney Kate Rao

Guiping SWI director(lady next to me) and Laney's nanny(on the end). This picture is from Gotcha Day.


Not thrilled with bathtime....

Getting dressed after bath...

Much happier now that that's all over with....

Sitting with Mama, waiting for our adoption day interviews...

Mama and Laney

Laney is here! (pics)

Waiting for Laney...nervous

The room where we waited

Troy holding his girl!



Laney walking around in the play room

Falling asleep in mama's arms

Laney

Carrie, she loves her blankie!

Laney playing with her stacking cups.

Mama & Laney

3 of the 6 of us...we need our other 3 treasures and we'll be complete!

Daddy & his girl.

Laney is here!

Well friends, we have our girl! At 4:00pm (things were running a bit behind) our beautiful gift walked (yes I said walked!) into our arms. She is simply adorable. So tiny (and when we say tiny, we mean really tiny!), so sweet, so happy. She has been smiling and calm ever since she has been with us. She easily goes from me to Troy and back again...loves to play with her toys and rattles and has already had two bottles and a small dish of rice & congee (rice porridge). The banana Gerber puffs are also a huge hit!

But I'm getting ahead of myself...let me back up.

The day began with a late breakfast and some frantic last minute room organization. I was determined to have everything unpacked and situated before we left for Laney. I knew I would be so consumed with staring at her and taking care of her when we got back, I didn't want to be looking around for paperwork or bottles.

We met our guide, Michael, in the lobby at 3:00pm. He said that even though many of the people we've encountered in Nanning speak Mandarin, that Laney is from a small city 4 hours to the west and will be more familiar with Catonese. So, there in the bar at the hotel, we had a mini-impromptu Cantonese lesson. We learned Mommy, Daddy, I love you, Come here, No, Sweet girl, etc. It was fun and he said we did well. I think perhaps he was just being encouraging. (Smile)

At 3:15 we left to drive to the Lottery Hotel. This is a hotel nearby which also has many government offices in the 2nd-4th floors. We rode the elevator to the 4th floor and were told to wait in a room with several other couples. We were all single-family groups, so we were placed in one large group. One couple was from Australia, two were from Sweden, 1 family was from Great Britain and then we were there as well. I cannot explain to you the tension and nerves and anticipation in that room (Ceremonial Hall). I've never experienced emotional energy like that..it was literally consuming the room and every one in it. We were all just staring at each other...clutching the small pieces of paper that matched us to our baby. We were told "When the babies come in, wait until your name is called. Your baby will be placed in your arms, hand your paper back to the official."

We waited. 3:30 came and went. 4:00pm rolled around. Michael came back in and said, "It shouldn't be too much longer." Apparently three high-ranking government officials (not sure who!) were there today...to see the "adoption process." Some government employee was taking video of all of us to use in a government instructional documentary. I guess we'll be famous...somewhere. Anyway, for us, it was just sort of a terrible additional time spent waiting.

Then, suddenly we heard Michael's voice saying, "There's Baba (daddy) and Mama." We turned and he was walking in...holding Laney's hand. She was grinning up at us. I ran over and knelt down and she walked right into my arms! I was crying. Troy was crying (and running the video camera). I was kissing her and whispering to her and then she held out her arms and went to Troy right away too. We were so consumed in the moment and suddenly the orphanage director came in and said, "Not yet." And took her away. Michael said, "It will only be a few more minutes I promise. I was just tired of waiting and since I was playing with her in the hall, I decided to let her walk where she wanted to walk. I guess she wanted to walk right in here!" He winked when he said it. It was so sweet of him to help our wait come to an end, but it was hard to see her leave again.

But, just a few minutes later they were calling our name "officially" this time and we were escorted into another room (Interview Room #1...whatever that means) and we got her in our arms...for good. She was so cheerful and content. She kept looking around, playing with the small toy we had brought for her, and eating the Gerber puffs. We were able to meet her nanny and the orphanage director. They both seemed very kind and were sweet with her. They said, "She is a great eater...we do not know why she is so tiny." We answered, "If she weren't so tiny, we may not have had a match! She would have gone to a different family." This precious petite gift was definitely meant to be ours!

We spent some more time with them in the play area and then got in the private car and drove back to the hotel. We left, the parents of three amazing kids, and we returned, the parents of four amazing kids. It was/is a miracle. It still seems surreal. In so many ways, today felt like the day each of our children were born. It was exhilarating and joyful and nerve-wracking and beautiful. The best of days!

To have started this journey with just one small step of faith...a $150 check, an application and a hunch that this is what God wanted for our family. That was it! We had no idea what path were were starting down. We were just compelled and God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. He has carefully and lovingly set our feet in just the right places and just the right times and tenderly brought us to our new treasure -- Laney Kate Rao Schoeppner.

Right now she is asleep in her crib. She fell asleep in my arms in her mei tai carrier (Thank you K!) and now she is away in dreamland. I cannot wait to see what she is like tomorrow. And I cannot wait for her to meet her super cool sisters and big brother. They're going to love her! She is full of spunk and will fit right in.

Troy and I are going to head off to bed now too. It has been a spectacular day.

Pictures from our arrival in Nanning, Guangxi

In Hong Kong, with our wonderful CCAI guide JoAnn.

Soyaki Duck Tongue anyone?

Our airplane to Nanning...CZ 3090

Just after takeoff...so happy to be just 24 hours from Laney!

First glimpses of Guangxi. It is incredibly lush & green.

Our Lucy & Ricky beds. Interesting.

Beautiful view from our hotel window. (Wharton International Hotel)

Our daughter's crib...ready and waiting!

Hello from Nanning, Guangxi!

We've finally arrived in our daughter's province. She is from Guiping (about 3.5 hours to the west), but she will be brought here to us tomorrow! We will meet our daughter and hold in her our arms around 3:30. We can't wait! But I'm jumping ahead of myself. Let me back up.

We had a quiet morning in Hong Kong. We had another delicious breakfast at the hotel and then packed up. Our CCAI guide, JoAnn, met us in the lobby at 11AM. She is beautiful and kind - so helpful in every way. We found out that she has served CCAI families since the beginning of our agency. Fifteen years! And she is Lily Zhong's cousin. :) (Lily & Josh Zhong founded the agency).

Again, CCAI had a private car waiting and we were whisked away to the airport. We filled out all of our travel paperwork and got our boarding passes. We said goodbye to JoAnn and went through the gates. We had about an hour before we had to be at our gate. We spent the time window shopping (Hong Kong's airport is fabulous!!) and had a great lunch at one of the restaurants.

Then we went to our gate. We waited with the other passengers and then rode in a small bus/tram out to the plane. We very much enjoyed this short flight on China Southern. The plane was brand new. The stewards were dressed in smart, immaculate, perfectly-matched outfits (very 50's looking...with the neck scarves and head bands, stockings & heels). They had very interesting light jazz/techno music playing in the background, and little flip-down screens that showed wordless comedy blooper reels. Funny! We also had complimentary cocktails...even in economy. Now that is something all airlines should encourage!

Our first glimpses of Guangxi were breathtaking. This is truly a stunning area of China. You can't imagine how vibrantly green it is...tropical and lush. Perfectly terraced farm lands, rising mountains and palm trees everywhere. We were in awe!

When we landed we moved quickly through customs and were met by our next CCAI guide, Michael. He is bubbly and personable and giggles a lot...but in a nice way. He proved extremely helpful in the first few minutes. He provided us with so much great information about our hotel, the area, a list common questions/destinations (translated into Catonese) so we can show them to taxi drivers and locals, a current update on Laney and her schedule, etc. I know he will be great guide for the next week! He helped us check-in, walked us to our room and we'll meet him again in the morning to do some shopping. He will help us find Laney's brand of formula, rice cereal, etc.

And that brings me to the girl of the hour -- LANEY! Tomorrow is Gotcha Day. We meet her at 3:30pm. Michael kept saying, "Just bring your smiles, your hugs and your cameras." Sounds good to me!

We are including some pictures of today. We'll be posting again tomorrow morning and then after we get Laney! (Can I use any more exclamation points? LOL!!)

Much love to all of you. Thank you for your emails and comments. It is so sweet to know we have such good friends and sweet family members following our journey with such interest. We are overwhelmed with awe, joy and gratitude at where God has brought us and what tomorrow will bring.

We leave for Nanning in an hour...

We have really enjoyed Hong Kong. I'm glad we booked an extra night here at the end of our trip. We'll look forward to coming back. But for now, it's all about Guangxi and Laney! Tomorrow is Gotcha Day. We are nervous, but filled with joy.

We just finished breakfast and grabbed Starbucks. The coffee tastes exactly the same, but we haven't found cream. I drink my coffee/espresso straight up, so it doesn't matter to me, but Troy is learning to enjoy soy milk. The pastry case is even very similar, but we saw Beef Curry Puffs and Mushroom/Leek pies for sale as well. Interesting!

I must go and finish organizing our carry-on stuff. Next post ~ Guangxi!

A few more pictures of the day...

A beautiful Henry Moore sculpture near our hotel.

A view from Victoria Peak. It's hazy, but you can still see the vast number of towering apartment buildings. Space is at a premium here and the prices reflect that. Average apartment size? 850 sq feet. Average montly rent? $9,000 (USD!).

The harbor~ as dusk falls.

2nd day in HK...

This morning we woke up early...4 am. Obviously our bodies are still adjusting to the time difference. We decided to go for a walk along the harbor. It was beautiful and peaceful...very few out at that time, except for a few street cleaners, some older women practicing tai chi in the park and a handful of early birds like us, out for walks or a run. We watched the fishing boats heading out and the city begin to wake up. After an hour or so, we were hungry and headed back to our hotel for breakfast.

The buffet was good and filling. An interesting mix of Indian, Chinese, British and American fare. I had coffee, spicy vegetable curry & rice and a bowl of congee (rice porridge) topped with diced egg and shredded chicken. Troy enjoyed his omelette, pastry and baked beans. An odd combo, but he liked it. :)

After breakfast we went for another long walk (after hitting Starbucks for some energy!), and spent several hours just window shopping and hiking about Kowloon. The shops are amazing and very extensive. Everything from Chanel, Ferragamo or Versace to little medicine shops, featuring various tinctures and animals in jars with parchment paper labels. We had such a good time just wondering around, taking it all in.

We hoppped on the Star Ferry and rode across to Central (Hong Kong Island). It was a great little ride and only cost .30! We ate dim sum for lunch at Maxim's. A loud, brash and bustling restaurant on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Troy was delighted with lunch and surprised that he enjoyed it all. The shrimp dumplings were particularly good. We drank two pots of fragrant jasmine tea and had a great time.

After lunch we decided it was time to take a break from our own wanderings, and join the crowd. The #1 tourist attraction (and most notable natural landmark) in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak. "The Peak", according to most guides, is the residential aspiration of most of the population, and certainly the goal of more than three million visitors a year. To get to the top, we rode the Tram. It rises 1,299 feet above sea level in just seven minutes up grades as steep as 27 degrees. It was a fun ride and the view from the top is as advertised -- simply amazing. The viewing platform provides an incredible 360 degree vista and even though today was very overcast and cloudy, we could still appreciate the heights. You simply cannot imagine how high these apartment complexes are...and how many there are! And everything is very lush and green...a beautiful mix of tropical and deciduous trees.

Just as we were arriving back at the bottom of the Peak, it began to rain so we hopped into a cab and came back to the hotel for a nap. This evening, we did some more walking and then had dinner at a restaurant on the water. We actually chose an Italian restaurant and it was such a pleasant but bizarre experience. Here we are, two Americans, eating foccacia and linguine, while listening to Beyonce & Sheryl Crow being played in the background, and watching the boats moving slowly along Hong Kong's harbor. Such a mixing pot! We felt like extravagant when the bill came and it was almost $500. But of course, that's HK $... it was really only around 80 bucks.

Tomorrow we will get up, have breakfast and check out of our hotel by 11. Then we'll go the airport and fly to Nanning, Guangxi. The capital of Laney's province! We'll do some preliminary adoption paperwork and then we'll be just one day away from holding our baby. Incredible! Here are a few pictures from the day:

Hong Kong...at sun rise.

Dragon Fruit for sale at the local grocery. So beautiful, but I'm not sure what to do with it!

Troy finds two kinds of potato chips he is NOT interested in trying...shrimp & tomato.

We're in Hong Kong....

The flight over was everything everyone says it is ~ LONG. What else is there to say? LOL! 15+ hours on a plane is a very long time, but we had excellent flight crews/staff and a very peaceful, smooth & quiet flight. It wasn't as hard as I had expected.

Hong Kong is frenetic and beautiful and completely illuminated at night. We actually feel very at home here ~ it feels like LA or NYC. Many signs in English, familiar stores, shopping, restaurants, etc. We're looking forward to exploring more tomorrow, but right now we're just headed to bed.

Here are a few pictures.

 

Troy & I...can you tell from the picture how much our hearts are pounding and how excited we are?

 

Our in-flight video, showing where our plane is at every moment of the trip. When I took this, we were right over the North Pole! :)

 

Finally, arriving in Hong Kong!

 


We've completed the first leg of the trip. We're in Newark Int'l Airport and we board our next flight (destination Hong Kong!) in about an hour. We are feeling surprisingly calm and peaceful. Our flight here was wonderful and we are looking forward to stepping off the next plane in Laney's country.

Packed and ready....

 

We are leaving at 4:30AM tomorrow morning. Everything is packed and ready to go! Laney, we're coming to bring you home! We love you.

Our final day at home...

I was up most of last night, unable to will myself to go to sleep! Such an odd mix of excitement, nerves, joy and fear of the unknown ~ but mostly just happy relief that the day to travel to meet my daughter is almost here!

I'll spend the afternoon ironing and packing. One final trip to Target. And I want to finish the chapter book I've been reading with my kids (Elizabeth Enright's The Four-Story Mistake) before I go.

I'm off to print boarding passes and make some coffee. Oh, and to go and kiss my husband and tell him I'm so thrilled he was up for another sweet Schoeppner baby, and that he jumped in to this awesome adventure with such joy and faith.

Today, Miss Laney turns...

18 months old! We may have missed her first birthday, but we will be there to scoop her up into our arms in less than a week and we'll have a huge birthday bash when she turns 2! :)

I love you sweet girl!

T Minus 72 hours....

Today is Monday. We'll be leavin' on a jet plane in 3 days. In exactly one week, I'll be holding Laney in my arms! The wait will be over. The journey ~ just begun...

The next three days are going to be spent cleaning, shopping and packing.

Troy did a *masterful* job cleaning out our van yesterday. Three kids really do a number on an otherwise lovely Honda Odyssey. LOL! But it's shiny-sparkling clean now. And....drumroll please.... Laney's car seat is installed!

We decided we should do that now before we go, since Troy is a certified car seat installer and he wants to make sure it's perfect. Also, I thought it would be good for Landry to see the 2nd car seat and get used to the idea a little bit while we're gone. Troy did install it rear-facing even though Laney is 18 months old. She is just way too tiny to be safe facing forward. I told Colby, "You'll have to make funny faces and get her to giggle. She'll be looking right at you!" He said he would happily take the job of "keeping Laney happy."

Today I'm going to clean bathrooms, dust, review the packing list, make a shopping list and work on some last minute office projects.

If we don't count today....or the day we fly....

then we leave in just four days! Yipppeee!

We'll try to email every day and call a few times...

but I wanted to think of a way to stay connected with my kids throughout the trip. My children LOVE e-cards (especially the animated type.) I send these to them occasionally, but then I remember that I can write them and then schedule them to be sent in advance! I just spent about 30 minutes and lined up cards to arrive to my mom's email account every other day during our time in China.

I tucked in funny riddles and messages of love to the kids. I think they'll get a kick out of them...and the best part is that it's all automated so nobody has to remember to do anything. If for some reason our email in China is slow or down for awhile, the cards will be arriving on time anyway. As Martha would say (say it with me...) "It's a good thing!"

Leaving in one week...

Troy is at work this morning. He works Saturday as well, and then he begins his family leave on Sunday! We'll be spending the time packing and doing last-minute shopping (for whatever it is I've forgotten to buy at this point. Can't imagine what that would be, but I'm sure there will be something!).

We're getting quite excited! Gotcha day is is in 11 days! We'll finally be holding our daughter in our arms.

I've been working on a few...

odds and ends today. One was to organize, crop and order pictures for Laney's family photo book we'll be taking to China with us next week. She will be 18 months old next Tuesday and I decided it might be nice to take a photo album for her to look at while we're in China...getting to know the faces of her siblings, grandparents, etc. She may not get into it at all, but it may help her transition a bit when we come home. I sent a small album to China a couple of months ago in a care package, but I have no idea if it arrived or if she has seen it yet.

I'm also working on a count-down calendar for my kids. We have bought them several gifts to open -- spaced out while we're away. And I've created a foam-core board calendar with pockets and numbers...so they can count down until we come back. Inside each pocket, we (Troy & I) have tucked in notes, riddles, poems and jokes ~ as well as stickers, packets of gum, video rental cards, gift cards to Target, etc. I want them to have something fun each day while we're in China. 16 days is a long time to have Mommy & Daddy gone. Here is a quick picture of the calendar -- it's simple, but I think they'll love it! When they get to Pocket #1, Mommy, Daddy & Laney will be coming home!

Dim Sum was fun...

for everyone! :) We had the best time and I was so full when we left, I couldn't have had another bite! We ate and ate and then had small platefuls of delicious sweets. Lily & I love the egg tarts. Yum. Here is a picture of Lily, Colby & I enjoying our dessert.



When we return for more dim sum, we will have Laney with us!

Only 12 days left until we get on the plane...

It is so wonderful to be counting down to something, versus counting up toward an unknown date. I can't tell you how fabulous receiving our TA has been! Wow, I'm like a different woman. Things were starting to get pretty tense and depressing around here, but now I know the day will really arrive (and soon!) when Laney is in our arms forever.

In the meantime, we're enjoying taking every opportunity to snuggle and have fun with our three kids in these couple of weeks before we leave. I will miss them so very much! I start to tear up just thinking about it!

Today we're taking the our three treasures out for Dim Sum at our favorite local Chinese restaurant. The kids are very excited. For years now, we've loved the book "Dim Sum for Everyone."''

Now we have even more reason to celebrate and enjoy this delicious Chinese tradition.

Continuing to finish up paperwork and details...

we received our "FINAL" Travel Packet today from our agency. I love the word "Final." This is it. The flow chart and check list of the serious, nitty-gritty, real-time items we'll need to know, to take and to have with us when we go to CHINA!! (Can you tell I'm excited?)

We received our daily, detailed itinerary for the trip. The names of our in-China CCAI guides, flight numbers for in-country flights, phone numbers, hotel information, and lists of the paperwork we'll need to take with us. It really isn't too bad. I have most of it gathered up already. I'll do one final check next week. I know for a fact I need two more photocopies of our Passports and Visa pages...

Troy and I are getting so excited. I know Laney has no idea what is about to transpire, but she is going to be snuggled and loved on in such a huge way! Her brothers and sisters are thrilled to get a new sister soon -- and Troy & I are just feeling so thankful right now. Thankful and grateful and excited.

Off to work on more organizing and practice my Mandarin...

Laney Wo Ai Ni!

Tickets...

are BOOKED!! Yes!

Erin from CCAI's Travel Department called...

she has given us our preliminary travel itinerary.

August 23rd -- Leave for China
August 24th -- Arrive in Hong Kong
August 26th -- Fly to Nanning, Guangxi (Laney's provincial capital)
August 27th -- Gotcha Day!! -- We hold Laney in our arms!!
September 1st -- Fly to Guangzhou
September 4th -- U.S. Consulate Appointment
September 5th -- Oath Appt.
September 7th -- Leave Hong Kong and return home to our sweet family!!

I'm off to read with my munchkins, snuggle a bit, put them to bed for rest time/naps...and then to call the airlines and book tickets!!

A traditional Chinese lullaby...

While I'm working on packing, I've been humming along and trying to learn this beautiful traditional Chinese lullaby.

Similar to “Hush Little Baby” in the English-speaking world, this is *the* lullaby virtually all Chinese children learn, "Mamo Hao" or "Mama is the Best (in All the World)".

Mama Hao (Mandarin)

Shi shang zhi you mama hao
You ma de hai zi xiang ge bao.
Tou jin mama de huai bao
Xin fu xiang bu liao.

Shi shang zhi you mama hao
Mei ma de hai zi xiang ge cao
Li kai mama de huai bao
Xin fu na li zhao.


English translation:

Only Mama is the best in all the world
With a mama, you have the most valued treasure.
Jump into mama’s heart and
You have endless happiness.

Only Mama is the best in all the world
Without a mama you are alone like a piece of grass,
Away from mama's heart,
Where will you find happiness?


It is a delicate and beautiful song. Click here to hear 'Mama Hao'.

I cannot wait to hold Laney in my arms, rocking her and patting her back gently....and singing her this sweet song. I've been singing it to Landry, but she just stares at me and thinks I'm speaking another language. Oh wait -- that's because I am!

Okay, I have some time now. I want to sit down and tell the whole story....

I had been struggling with the wait. I think I mentioned that a few posts down. I'm a perfectionist and I'm always striving to do things "right." I mentioned to a close friend early last week, "I know if I adopt again, I'll do it better. I won't fall apart so much. I won't be so emotional and fragile and silly. I'll be confident and strong." She sweetly reminded me that none of us needs to be perfect. She said, "How do you know you could do it better? Maybe this is as good as it gets! Waiting for news about your baby, who is living on the other side of the planet...that's HARD." She is right. It is hard.

My husband was so wonderful and helped plan a quick getaway to Colorado for us last week. Wednesday thru Saturday I was with my sister in Castle Rock. Seeing Carrie (who is due with her first baby in February!!) and my brother-in-law was so wonderful. We celebrated her baby (I had gifts shipped ahead and we opened those together.) We celebrated my birthday (a wee bit early) and they gave me wonderful, thoughtful gifts. It was just a nice time!

Well, I knew that our agency's offices were located in Centennial, Colorado. I wasn't sure how far that was from Castle Rock, but after looking at a map, we realized it was only about 10 minutes! I asked if anybody would mind if we took a detour from our Friday plans and ran by really fast. I was mostly hoping for a picture of the building and sign. Just a fun momento for Laney's baby book. They (Troy, Michael, my sister and the kids) were all great about it and said sure. So we went!

Here is a picture of my sweet family of 5 (almost 6!!!!) in front of the CCAI offices (click on any of the pictures to see them larger):




We popped into the office around 10AM. I peeked in the front door and told the receptionist my name. I mentioned that we were a waiting child family -- matched with our daughter back in May. I asked if Pam was in -- since she was the waiting child specialist who called us with our match. The desk receptionist was very kind and said she knew Pam was in and she was sure she would really want to meet us. She did let me know that it was a Match Day (families w/LIDs from November 18-21st of 2005) and so it was a little crazy around there that day. We waited a couple of minutes, and then Pam came downstairs and instantly hugged me. For you CCAI friends, let me tell you that she is as warm and sweet in person as she is on the phone!

We talked for a few minutes and the she said, "I'd love to give your whole family a tour!" We started around the building, and let me just say, it is quite evident that for Josh & Lily Zhong (the founders of CCAI) this is far more than a business. This is a calling -- a ministry. They were both there, celebrating Match Day with all the families arriving. Josh was handing out muffins and treats and helping to take pictures of the couple's with their beautiful new baby referrals in their hands. It was festive and beautiful and emotional -- watching so many couples/families receiving their exciting, miraculous news! Troy & I were both choked up. Watching someone's dream come true is a powerful thing.

Lily & my daughter, Lily, chatted for a long time and took pictures together. Here is a picture of all of us with Pam & Lily in front of one of MANY walls in the office complex --- decorated with the beautiful photos of the thousands of children CCAI has helped bring home to loving families.


Pam led us around to all of the different departments. We were able to meet some of the dossier team (Hi Andrea!) and the other Waiting Child Specialists (Hi Sarah!), and finally to the Travel Department room. When we walked into this particular office, all the girls
in travel jumped up and were all smiling. I thought, "Man, they are just REALLY friendly here." LOL!

Then one of them stepped forward and said, "You're the Schoeppners?" I said, "Yes." She said, "Jin Yu Rao's parents?" I said, "Yes." Then she held up a red document w/ seals & Chinese writing and said, "Well, this is what a Travel Approval looks like. Here is what you will be receiving soon."

I was nodding my head and not paying very close attention, but Troy nudged me and said, "Becky, look!" I focused in and suddenly saw our daughter's picture on it! There was Laney -- on this official red sealed document! Then Erin looked at me and grinned and said, "Well, it looks like this would be your travel approval. It just came in this morning!"

Suddenly the sun started shining very brightly and everyone was laughing and hugging and smiling -- and I was crying so hard! Happy tears! It was a wonderful, amazing moment.

Pam just grinned and said, "Yes, the travel department had *just* called me about 20 minutes before you arrived and told me your travel approval was here. They were going to call you after lunch. Then the receptionist rings me and says, "The Schoeppners are in town, they're here and would like to meet you."

Pam started laughing and said, "This is too perfect!!" She said, "I leaned my head out the door and told the girls in travel you were here. They said, ' What do you mean 'they're here?' Do you mean they're in Colorado?" and Pam said, "No, I mean they're DOWNSTAIRS!"

So they all scrambled around and led us on the tour and all got in on the
surprise. What a wonderful day! Here we are receiving the happy news:






So we are so thankful for God's goodness and we are thrilled to be leaving on August 23rd to bring home our precious gift!

It's a wonderful world!

I don't have time to post the whole wonderful story (I will later ~ I promise), but the important news is...

we have our TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!! We will be leaving for China August 23rd -- what a glorious day! I'll share the whole story and the rest of our travel dates later.

Laney Kate Rao -- we're really, truly coming! Mama & Baba will be there in less than 3 weeks! WOO HOO!!!

Today is THE day for my friend Jess...

as she & her husband Chris begin the long trip to Ethiopia to bring home their 3 beautiful new children! Jess is one of my best friends and I am so happy this day has finally arrived for her! She and I began our adoption journeys at the same time (last July). We bought 3-ring binders together...since we're both ridiculous about being organized. LOL! We went through our homestudies at the same time. We talked on the phone...well, let's just say "a lot." The chaos, the joy, the ups, the downs, the whole miracle of adoption has been amazing to share with such a close friend!

She and her husband found their children on a waiting child list of older sibling groups last fall. They were supposed to have them home months ago. Troy & I finished our dossier this spring and knew we would wait 2-3 years for our referral! Unfortunate delays and red tape made Jess' wait drag on. We thought she would be in Ethiopia by April or May! Those months came and went but she hadn't received her court date yet.

Meanwhile, on May 1st -- our lives were forever changed with the unexpected and joyful referral of our daughter -- Laney.

So, as it turns out -- our two families began this crazy adventure at the same time....and we're actually all traveling to get our children within the same 6 week period! Given the difference in the programs, process and wait times for China versus Ethiopia -- It's amazing!

I can't wait to hear how her travels go and to see pictures of her beautiful children (Adam, Natalie and Molly) getting hugs & kisses from their new parents! Those kids are blessed! And they have five awesome sisters that can't wait to meet them. If you want to see pictures of my friends, visit Jess' blog. It's listed in my blog index as "Jess' 3 from E."

Travel fast Jess! Travel safe! Bring those sweet kids home!

So the melt down has begun...

I like to call this "mommy meltdown" or perhaps "The Dark Side of Adoption." Normally I would assume it's just me, since I tend to be more emotional/dramatic than most, but I've talked to several of my "adopting" friends and they all agree. As the wait drags on and you still don't know when you're flying...we all go certifiably nuts.

Things that have helped me in the last few days:

* cleaning (when I'm stressed, I love to clean! My counters are positively sparkling!)
*mojitos (thank goodness some wonderful Cuban invented this sublime mint/rum concoction in the 1920s...it's heaven in a frosted glass)
*praying for Laney (the kids and I have gathered 'round more frequently lately and prayed for our future daughter/sister.)
*and PRESENTS! LOL! (Have I mentioned that gifts are my love language?)

Just today my fabulous friend Jessica sent me a wonderful gift. It arrived on the perfect day. She sent me a beautiful red leather passport cover (red for China!). On the inside, the leather is a pumpkin orange (orange is my favorite color!). Thank you Jess! (((hugs))) I love it. It made my day!

I know I've posted it before, but it has...

long since scrolled down. I just wanted to tuck in another photo of Laney Kate from May. I just want to scoop her up and hold her -- NOW. What a sweetie pie!

The wait is officially starting to get to both of us...

My dh is an absolute rock. One of the most calm, collected, happy people I have ever known. Throughout this whole adoption journey, I've been the one who has had highs & lows and "freak out" moments. He has not. This is pretty much par for the course. (One reason I love him so!!)

But now, we're both just sort of sitting around staring at each other. Laney's bag is packed. Ours is mostly packed. (Just need to add clothes). Our passports & visas are here. Our cash for the trip is ready (we ordered & picked up new bills at the bank). We know what airline we'll be using and we have the website bookmarked. We just need that TA call from our agency so we can pick up the phone and order the tickets! AACK!

It's getting harder for me to think about my sweet baby and where she is right now. I know she doesn't know we're coming or that we even exist. I realize she has nothing to compare her life to, so for her, the orphanage is "normal."

I just pray that angels whisper to her in the night and that God prepares her young heart for her new mamma & baba (the word for daddy, in China). That she finds herself growing expectant and peaceful as the day approaches, and that when we are finally united she will be comforted as she leaves the only "home" she has ever known.

Troy & I are getting nervous & excited and just, oh so READY to be on our way! We want our four munchkins all together...the three "L" sisters and the one cool bro. :)

The UPS man just delivered...

our passports -- back from the San Francisco Chinese Consulate's office -- featuring beautiful China VISAS!

We're set now. All we need is our official TA (travel aproval) and we'll be booking tickets and headed to China. We're coming sweet Laney!

Getting more excited by the day...

Yesterday I washed and carefully folded all of Laney's clothes for the trip. I've unpacked and repacked her suitcase about, oh, four times. I'm sure I'll do it again before we leave!

Troy & I spent last night looking at Hong Kong guide books more closely ~ making notes of the train schedule information, restaurants that sounds awesome, etc.

We have at least 2-3 weeks before we get our official travel approval and in the meantime, we're going to be busy! I need to get it all down on "paper."

Here is my to-do/get-to-do list for the next couple of weeks:

* dentist check-ups for Lily & Colby
*dentist check-up for Troy
* final pre-trip appt with our doctor for prescription refills & something to knock me out for the plane ride!
*finish de-cluttering my living room and take a big batch of things over to Good Will
*refinish & repaint the dresser in our room for the Landry & Laney's room.
*finish up reorganizing my closet & Troy's closets
*make & freeze a few meals for when we get back
*we're going as a family to visit my sister & brother-in-law in Colorado for 4 days (Yay!)
*purchase & organize birthday cards & gifts I'll need to send throughout August & September (because I know I'll be too busy & exhausted to worry about that later)

And I'm sure that there is more I'm forgetting, but that's about it.

Think I'll be busy enough until we get our travel call? LOL!

Hip Hip Hooray!! Our LOA is arriving today!

Great news!! This morning CCAI emailed us to let us know we should be expecting our LOA today. They received it late yesterday, from the CCAA, and they overnighted it immediately to us. This letter is a"Letter of Acceptance," also known as a “Letter Seeking Confirmation of Adopter” for our child, issued by the CCAA! The CCAA needs families’ signatures on this document. The CCAA will need to receive this signed letter before they can issue our Travel Approval. As soon as CCAI receive this back from us, they will forward it on to China.

The exciting part? Once the CCAA has received this signed letter, CCAI estimates they will receive our Travel Approval in about two to three weeks! We could still be flying by the end of August and not Sept. YAY!!!!!!!!

One step closer to our daughter ~ Laney Kate Rao...

I logged in to my email account this morning and saw a notification from our agency. We've received Travel Packet II. What does this mean?

Well, if you recall, we received Laney's referral from CCAI's waiting child list. Our dossier had been LID (logged in) on March 23, 2007. That means our actual, hard copy dossier was placed in a bin on a shelf (along with all the other March '07 dossiers from around the world) and was set to go through a full review...months later. Just 6 weeks later, we received the call for Laney and sent in our LOI (letter-of-intent) asking to please let us adopt this specific baby. The last 73 days have been spent waiting for them to go and get our dossier out of the aforementioned bin, review it thoroughly and then send our file (and Laney's!) to the official "MATCH ROOM."

Receiving our TPII download notification is a big step and it lets us know a few things.

1) We've made it successfully through the review room. They found nothing they had 2nd questions about and they will approve us for Laney without reservation.

2) We're now in the Match Room.

3) We're going to be receiving our LOA soon. Probably in 1-2 weeks. The LOA is the Letter-of-Acceptance. It is the final official "agreement" we must sign in order to be matched with Laney. When the LOA is issued, our agency will overnight it to us, we must sign and overnight it back to them. Then our TA (Travel Approval) will follow in 4-5 weeks.

Sweet Laney, we truly are coming to bring you home! We have prayed for you, dreamed about you and are honored at the thought of being called "Mama & Dada." The wait is hard, but we know we're going to be there soon.

Day 68

But who is counting?

Checking in...

We're still waiting for news on Laney and when we might be traveling. Each day is hard, but each day brings us closer to our daughter.

In other news ~ for those of you who don't know, I'm a bottled water junkie. I'm also working toward becoming a more earth-friendly and other-centered (as opposed to "me-centered" ) person. Yesterday, I ran across this article in a magazine a friend loaned me. It struck right to the heart. For others who enjoy the luxury of bottled water, as I do, this might prove as eye-opening and convicting to you as it did to me.

Be challenged!

Hello from Michigan...

We're at our summer place in Ludington for the next two weeks. It's so beautiful here. The weather is perfect (as it usually is here!) and we spent all afternoon yesterday at the beach. The kids ran and played and the adults visited and worked on our tans. We're here with some close friends and their children too. It's been great to relax and enjoy ourselves -- since we've been so anxious (happy anxious!) about when we'll be going to China, planning the trip, packing, doing paperwork, etc., for the last several weeks.

We're on Day 59 of the wait today. I'm hoping we hear an update on our travel news when we return home in a couple of weeks.