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!