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.