Michael, our guide
YiLing Village
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Adoption Day!
Today, August 28th, our daughter Laney Kate Rao Schoeppner officially joined our forever family. She is now part of our wild and wacky group. (smile) We are thrilled beyond belief!
Last night, her first night with us, she fell asleep in my arms and I laid her in bed. She slept soundly through the night and this morning, when Troy and I woke up (around 6:30) we quietly crept over to her crib. We couldn't hear anything, so we assumed she was still asleep. When we peeked in, she was staring wide-eyed up at us, totally awake and then started grinning. It was adorable!! She has the most adorable dimples.
We met our guide around 9:00 this morning and drove to more government offices. We met her nanny & orphanage director again and said hello. I was nervous about her seeing them again...worried that the bonding we've begun might be set back. The nanny came over and started saying, "Yu Yu" loudly and smiling and holding out her arms. Laney just stared at her and then turned her head and held on to me. The nanny was almost in tears and I felt badly for her...but so thankful that my girl feels safe in my arms. She was obviously loved at the SWI, but I think she realizes she has better deal with a real mommy & daddy.
We were interviewed twice and asked the same sets of questions. Troy and I both were choking back tears as we answered things like, "Do you promise to never abandon this child? Do you promise to never abuse her? Do you promise to care for her and love her for always?" It was a powerful moment. We apparently answered all of the questions correctly, because a few minutes later there was a lot smiling and shaking of hands and we were congratulated.
Then we put our red thumb prints on a stack of documents and her red footprint on one document and it was complete! One little girl walked into a room an orphan yesterday and today, she was happily carried out in the arms of her mommy & daddy.
We ate lunch, had our laundry done (1 huge load, washed, dried, expertly folded and individually wrapped...all for about $14US!) and then hit the local Wal-Mart. I didn''t like Wal-Mart any better in China than I do in the US, but it was an experience. Two stories of insanity and the same weird smiley-face bags, but we were able to get more baby food and some baby spoons so it was all good. The cab rides here are so much fun! Troy and I are just cracking up at the traffic. It seems insane, but they have a system and we don't feel like we're in TOO much danger. I can tell Troy is dying to rent or borrow a car and try his hand at it, but I'm not letting him.
Here are a few pictures from the day. Enjoy!
Last night, her first night with us, she fell asleep in my arms and I laid her in bed. She slept soundly through the night and this morning, when Troy and I woke up (around 6:30) we quietly crept over to her crib. We couldn't hear anything, so we assumed she was still asleep. When we peeked in, she was staring wide-eyed up at us, totally awake and then started grinning. It was adorable!! She has the most adorable dimples.
We met our guide around 9:00 this morning and drove to more government offices. We met her nanny & orphanage director again and said hello. I was nervous about her seeing them again...worried that the bonding we've begun might be set back. The nanny came over and started saying, "Yu Yu" loudly and smiling and holding out her arms. Laney just stared at her and then turned her head and held on to me. The nanny was almost in tears and I felt badly for her...but so thankful that my girl feels safe in my arms. She was obviously loved at the SWI, but I think she realizes she has better deal with a real mommy & daddy.
We were interviewed twice and asked the same sets of questions. Troy and I both were choking back tears as we answered things like, "Do you promise to never abandon this child? Do you promise to never abuse her? Do you promise to care for her and love her for always?" It was a powerful moment. We apparently answered all of the questions correctly, because a few minutes later there was a lot smiling and shaking of hands and we were congratulated.
Then we put our red thumb prints on a stack of documents and her red footprint on one document and it was complete! One little girl walked into a room an orphan yesterday and today, she was happily carried out in the arms of her mommy & daddy.
We ate lunch, had our laundry done (1 huge load, washed, dried, expertly folded and individually wrapped...all for about $14US!) and then hit the local Wal-Mart. I didn''t like Wal-Mart any better in China than I do in the US, but it was an experience. Two stories of insanity and the same weird smiley-face bags, but we were able to get more baby food and some baby spoons so it was all good. The cab rides here are so much fun! Troy and I are just cracking up at the traffic. It seems insane, but they have a system and we don't feel like we're in TOO much danger. I can tell Troy is dying to rent or borrow a car and try his hand at it, but I'm not letting him.
Here are a few pictures from the day. Enjoy!
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
Monday, August 27, 2007
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.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
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 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.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
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!
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.
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.
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.
Friday, August 24, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
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!
I love you sweet girl!
Monday, August 20, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
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!"
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.
We're getting quite excited! Gotcha day is is in 11 days! We'll finally be holding our daughter in our arms.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
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!
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!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
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!
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.
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.
Friday, August 10, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
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!!
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!
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!
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