Our 2nd Journey to China. Where dreams continue...

2009-12-16T14:36:00.002-05:00

All good things must come to an end?

They say so, but really I just want to combine our blogs to make things a little easier to update!

Please head on over to our new blog to continue following our journey.

http://www.ourcontinuingjourney.blogspot.com

Thanks again for all of your support. xoxo

2009-12-09T15:58:00.004-05:00

A summary of our journey to China to bring home Hannah Faith Shangguan Xin Xuan.... Speakers on!!!! xoxo

2009-12-09T14:23:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful to say that Hannah has indeed slept her last two nights! So wonderful!
It is a wonderful relief to see that she has settled in so well. She is loved and treasured far beyond words could ever begin to describe.

God has given us the most incredible gift of life.... We have been so blessed with this beautiful little angel who has the most glorious shining spirit imaginable!

2009-12-06T21:03:00.003-05:00

Hello from HOME!

I am sorry that I am only writing this post now! We arrived home late Friday night and were welcomed by so many of our friends and family! It was incredible arriving to such a warm reception! Thank you!!!!! We appreciate your support so very much.

To be honest, I am writing this and aching for sleep! Given that we were travelling, I didn't get much/any sleep on the planes. And then the night we arrived home I was so wired to be home! We got to bed VERY late and Hannah cried for a minute but quickly settled in for the night. I should add that she didn't fuss at all on the entire trip btw! She was a doll to travel with! She never ceases to astound us! In 24 hours of travelling, not a fussy moment! We kept her awake on our flight home from Vancouver, but despite all of our attempts to distract her, she fell asleep upon landing at home! She slept a few minutes and I awoke her just as we were about to meet everyone! She didn't fuss at all in her carseat and she eyed and smiled at her adoring big sisters sitting with her! We got home and I got her changed etc. and fed her a bottle. She was all smiles! What a gift it was to be sitting there with my Mom, Kevin and our 3 girls!!!!!!! I cannot believe how God has blessed our family. Hannah showed her personality from the moment we got home! What a little sweetie! She slept well and I woke her up at 8:30AM Saturday in an attempt to get her onto her new time zone/schedule. She was a giggle bum and did really well again on Saturday. Saturday night (Sunday technically/last night!) she went to bed at a perfect time and fell asleep after I rubbed her chest. Then at 12:15 she was up. Yikes! She cried if I wasn't in sight and wanted to be held snuggled. She was also VERY wide awake. She was coughing and congested and teething too. Poor baby girl. Add the fact that there is a 13 hour time change, new bed, new house, new smells, sights, stimulations etc.... Poor little one was miserable and then I comforted her. Then she was WIDE AWAKE! I attempted to have her settle after the challenge of not laughing at her attempts of major play! She kept standing up in her crib and then clapping for herself as she squeaked with glee! She also took off her socks many times and sniffed her feet (I do this!) she belly laughed about this. She played Patty cake (alone) and she smiled and waved at me for 3 hours! 3 hours!!!!!!! OMG I know for her little system it was as though she had had her nap and now was ready to enjoy the day! YIKES! I felt like I was going to collapse! This morning I woke her up just after 8:30 AM and we stayed on a good schedule. We even went to Walmart before supper! She wasn't sure about the cart at first and then decided it wasn't so bad. Mara suggested they pretend to be cookie monsters on the way home so I offered then each a cookie for the ride home. Hannah nodded off about a minute from home, but thankfully was easy to wake up! Mara-Grace and Victoria adore Hannah Faith and it is obviously mutual! I haven't seen any signs of jealousy from Mara. The only thing I noted was that she cried at nap time yesterday. I happily indulged her with extra cuddles and some alone time with me. She fell asleep and was fine after. She has taken being my helper to a whole new level! She really is so thoughtful and really a genuinely great help to me. She LOVES to help (always did. But a baby sister is REALLY fantastic!). She was very upset however when Kevin told her that she shouldn't go in when I was going to settle Hannah. Poor little Mara.... She was heartbroken. She is so sensitive... But she recovered well!

Last night and tonight Hannah and Mara had their bath together! How incredible it was to see them in the tub TOGETHER playing and loving their time! We are all learning how to incorporate our "Baby Hannah" into our routine. It is a little tricky at bedtime/storytime. Hannah wants to grab the book as she drinks her bottle and Mara now eats her yogurt before we begin so that she can be the OFFICIAL PAGETURNER!

We are settling in quite nicely. Despite being really tired, I couldn't be happier or more thankful and relieved. We had a wonderful journey to our Hannah and a healthy, safe time and trip home. Now we are home and life is full. We are all settling and doing well. I pray that Hannah has a FULL nights sleep tonight. She fell asleep in Kevin's arms before I could come in tonight! I was singing to Mara and out she was -out like a light when I came in to settle her! I will be crossing everything that she sleeps through tonight!!!!!!

I will keep you posted!!!!

Much love from our home to yours.

xox

2009-12-04T17:11:00.003-05:00

(Thursday Dec.3rd) & (Friday Dec.4th)

I am actually writing this post from the airport in Vancouver waiting for our flight home! We now arrive on flight AC112 arriving at 10:23pm.

As I type, Kev has gone to look for a flight update, I am surrounded by the most beautiful scenery of our beloved Rockies. Hannah is sleeping soundly in her stroller.

Thursday in Beijing was spent shopping at Yashow! Thursday night we packed to head home. I so love shopping at Yashow. It is one of a kind! The deals were fantastic and we had so much fun.

We woke up on Friday and Kevin called Air Canada and was told something else regarding whether or not we would be getting off our flight in Vancouver. He had previously been told that no, we would be waiting on the aircraft, then no, we need to do our immigration in 1 hour in Vancouver. Then we would change planes in Toronto and head home from there. Kevin told others in the group how important it would be to be incredibly fast if you want to make the connection. We looked into whether or not there would be another flight. Turns out that yes, there was another flight with a direct from Vancouver home and allowing us an extra hour in Vancouver to clear customs and immigration. And the most tremendous part was that they wouldn't charge us for any changes. Another bonus is that we arrive almost home almost 1.5 hours earlier than previously thought! Wonderful! Trying to reach Air Canada from China was horrendous. Kev kept waiting on hold and the call kept dropping. Then when we had our tickets secured and emailed they neglected to include Hannah's. OMG We were literally leaving for our flight home in 30 minutes. LONG story short (the battery is almost dead here!) we were able to verify that she did have a ticket. Thank God.

We bid farewell to China with mixed feelings. Happy to be heading home to our waiting family and yet also sad to leave this beautiful country that gave us 2 very precious girls. We will always hold it dearly in our hearts.

xoxoxo Will write when we are home and settled! Thanks so much for following along on our journey. xoxoxo

2009-12-04T17:04:00.000-05:00

UPDATE:

We will now be arriving at 10:23PM on flight AC112

The earlier time will be welcomed!

xoxo

2009-12-02T08:13:00.003-05:00

(Wednesday Dec.2nd)

We were blessed again today with a blue sky! We have been so fortunate with the weather during our trip. Gorgeous sun and a high of about 9.

It was a lovely day to stroll through The Summer Palace. Hannah is slowly getting a little more used to her stroller. The first time I tried the stroller was the day before we left Nanchang and it was only for 5 minutes. She wasn't impressed not being carried around in her carrier on me!
This week however, we haven't had much choice but to use our stroller more and more. Because the visits require a lot of walking, it makes the most sense. She is happiest in her stroller either holding my finger, or eating cheerios and cookies (Mum-Mum's and Bin Bins)!

The Summer Palace is one of my favorite places to visit in Beijing. It even has a man made lake there called, "Kunming Lake". Kunming is where Mara-Grace was originally from. Anyway, the Summer Palace was once again, much enjoyed. There were the usual people selling their goods there. New and worth mentioning was a clown face. Plastic nose, glasses and a mustache that inflated (it was ridiculously funny really and Kev regarets not taking a pictuer of it!) and also the Panda hats!

We had a beautiful walk through the lovely scenery and paintings/pictures which line the walkway. Despite the crowds, it was a serene, majestic stroll.

After this we went to eat as a group in a local restaurant. This wasn't nearly as good as our lunch yesterday. It was served buffet style and had many groups eating there. It lacked the flavour and atmosphere of the restaurant yesterday.

After this we made a stop at a silk store and the bank. Kevin exchanged some travellers cheques and they made him fill out each one. He was in there almost an hour! YIKES!
Thankfully no one was waiting on him (except for his 'girls' in the bus!) as they were all shopping for silk.

On our way back to the hotel Sandrine our guide announced that our babies visas were ready! And then she requested that , "Chef" (Group leader) Kevin accompany her to the embassy. So, out they went. I went back to the hotel with Hannah and had a grand time playing! Poor Kev only got back about 3 hours later.

We had a nice supper in our hotel tonight and Hannah Faith had her bath and 'bottle' (formula in her sippy cup!) and she went off to sleep. She must have been extra tired tonight as she only had her nap this morning.

So, Hannah is officially a Canadian citizen now!!!!!!!!

Also, another exciting bit of info that I have been neglecting to write is that Hannah responds well to her name when called! She even says, "Hannah" but we aren't sure if this is coincidence or not! She has been calling Kevin , "Dada" and she calls me, "Mama"!!!! Melt my heart!!!!!!!!

I remember dreaming about the day that I would kiss her cheeks in person. I am so thankful that here we are now...

Tomorrow is our last full day in Beijing. Time has flown.

Much love xoxo

2009-12-01T03:29:00.003-05:00

Tuesday, Dec. 1st

We are now back to our hotel after a great morning out!

We left the hotel this morning at 10 Am and we only returned around 3:30pm.

The weather here again today is beautiful! You can see a blue sky which is very rare because of the pollution.

We set out in our bus down the side streets filled with small stores and food stands. Again today I noted bicycles passing with animals piled high (dead.... couldn't really recognise what type of meat). There are places with meat hanging outside, but these are rarer too see here in comparison to Nanchang which seemed to have this everywhere. We arrived at Tienanmen Square and each time our group stopped, we drew quite the crowds. So, we would move on! We spoke to many people along the way. Each very friendly. There was a man who asked where the babies were from and when we said Jiangxi he said that people there are all crazy. EEEK Actually, I believe that he was trying in his way to say that the parents had to be crazy. I have noted that no one seems to show understanding for the reasons of abandonment. They are quick to make an excuse, judgement etc... It is a very big subject obviously and one that is very complex. I will never think of our daughter's birthparents with anything other than respect, love and the most tremendous appreciation for their great loss.

We walked through the Forbidden City which from our experience, we were prepared for a very long walk (close to 4 hours). We fed Hannah Faith her lunch as we strolled. She also had a little morning nap at the beginning of our stroll.

When we were leaving the Forbidden City, we were approached by some young people hoping for pictures with us. Ok, actually only Hannah and me too! NOT Kevin! LOL They pushed him out of the pic which we both laughed about. So, he also took a picture! hehe On our way to the bus, we were approached by many people begging for money. There were people with physical needs, elderly people and people with children and babies. It was very difficult. Then there was a little boy who was about 5 years old who was literally pulling on pant legs etc. hoping for money. He broke my heart the most...

Changing the subject, we then went to a small local restaurant which didn't look as though it sees many tourists. We were warmly welcomed. The rstaurant was cold as are many buildings here. It was also filled with smoke. Smoke is everywhere! In elevators, hotels, restaurants etc.... There is no such thing as NO Smoking zones. Actually, there is a sign in the elevator, but it is clearly invisible! Anyway, the restaurant was playing chinese music and quite loudly. Hannah had already fallen asleep in the bus and slept right through the restaurant experience! It was nap time and I was happy that she had a proper nap today! We ended up sitting at a round table with our guides and bus driver! The pressure was on to not make a total mess with our chopsticks! We did quite well! No mess! But one of the dishes we shared was so slippery! My hand started to shake from sheer concentration! LOL I admit that I was a little nervous. When we had come in I peeked in the back room and saw aquariums again. There were buckets filled with dirty dishes. Definitely different and of course no western toilets here! Needless to say I could easily wait till we arrived back at the hotel! :))) Our dishes arrived with the most delicious food imagineable. Wow, everything at home will seem too bland after this! Really really delicious! I guess a lesson should be learned here not to judge by the looks!

As I type, Hannah is happily playing. She is laughing her giggly bum laugh! She has such an infectious giggle! Simply adorable!

Tonight we are going to eat in a restaurant close to our hotel. They are supposed to also have english menus! Perfect!

To answer your notes, we had such a great visit with Louise last night! It was wonderful to see her in person and she hasn't changed a bit. She said the same for me, so God Bless her! LOL We were able to Skype with our girls at home so it was especially wonderful that she was able to talk with Mara-Grace and vice versa. She brought us a beautiful scroll with a picture on it of all the zodiac animals. It also means happiness. How thoughtful.....

Tomorrow we are visiting The Summer Palace. I love this place and am looking forward to our outing which will be followed by lunch. Btw, "Lunch" here is typically much later. Like after 2! Supper is after 6.

All of our love from Beijing.

P.S. Ummmm, if you view our pictures at http://hannah.kjvb.com
note that I am not really a dork (ummm, saying dork perhaps sealed the deal!). In the pics where I am doing the peace sign and more, I was only joking around (as Mara would say). We've noticed that most people here do a silly pose and usually always the peace sign when posing for a picture! This kind of reminds me of when my brother and I were kids and we'd do the bunny ears peace sign on top of each other! LOL
xoxo
P

2009-11-30T02:51:00.003-05:00

(Monday Nov. 30th)

Greetings from Beijing!

This morning Kevin, Hannah and I set out with our group to the Canadian Embassy. Our guide did the actual paperwork portion, so we had about an hour of waiting. We decided to take a little walk around the embassy. One of the men in our group asked the guard if he could take a picture of the sign. The answer was no. We then said we are Canadians. We were told we needed to show our passports to take a picture. Our passports were inside with our guide! So, Kevin explained this and he was allowed to take a picture after showing I.D. Things seem very official, severe and serious here. It was a little intimidating to say the least.

Kevin and I had told our guide that since we are in the general vicinity that we would be taking a taxi to the Yashow Market (Similar to the silk market, but it is our favorite!). So, after the paperwork we took a taxi and headed to do some bargaining! For the record the taxi took about 15 minutes and cost 10 yuan which is equivalent to under 2$ Canadian!

The building and atmosphere were the same as we had remembered. You push your way in through plastic strips and the shopping begins! There are 6 levels of shopping paradise! Each floor is made up of many different stalls selling everything you can imagine from jewellery, small electronics, clothing galore, shoes, belts, purses, gifts etc.... Each stall has a salesperson holding a calculator. And they will say things like, "Hey, Lady, you like Prada? You need purse?" And then they continue to call out to you and after you if they name a price for something and you decline they ask you what your best price is etc.... If you walk away, they generally yell many other offers out and if you keep walking they will settle on the price you chose. You could be 8 stalls away and they will be yelling. Once they agree, you turn around. I was told I am , "tough lady" today! ROFL I wish!!!! But, I suppose I am a shopper after a bargain! Trying to be fair and kind, but if it isn't a price I want to pay, I simply won't. It is interesting as you will have maybe 6 people at once calling out to you. They want you to step into their stall and then they try to hold you there by the arm! I love the whole experience! :)) We bought a little surprise for Miss Victoria today! We are planning to return and do some more shopping again this week.
As long as the price is right! hehe

After this we took our taxi back to the hotel and are now waiting to head down to have some supper. Kevin and I missed out on lunch but we did stop shopping long enough to feed Hannah!

We have some plans tonight to see Louise. Louise was our guide on our trip for Mara-Grace. She is so sweet and we keep in touch via email. So, we'll be seeing Louise! Looking forward to catching up with her!

I will write more in the morning! Actually, probably tomorrow night (tomorrow morning at home!) as tomorrow we are leaving in the morning to visit Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City.

xoxo

2009-11-29T07:09:00.002-05:00

(Sunday November 29th)

Good evening from Beijing!

What a busy day it has been! We all had a great night's sleep. I must add here that Hannah has only cried once ONE night since being with us. And that time was only for a minute. She was cold and needed to be re-covered. So, we are very fortunate that she is such a fantastic sleeper! I thought that maybe being in a new crib last night and a new place would phase her a little, but it didn't. She is one brave, loving little angel.

We left our hotel this morning at 9:30am and returned just after 5:30pm. Our first stop was at the pearl factory where we watched a short video on how pearls are cultivated etc. Then we were able to do some shopping. I wasn't aware that China is the only place with actual freshwater pearls. We bought Hannah a small strand for her Christening.

We then drove to The Great Wall. Despite being so cloudy in Beijing, it seemed to get brighter on our way to The Wall. In the city, with the pollution the views are unclear. You may see that in the distance there is a mountain, but it is behind what looks like cloud. You see that there are buildings etc. but they are unclear. It truly makes me thankful for how clear things are in Canada. We are incredibly fortunate to not be living in these conditions. It is a true reminder that we need to take care of our planet. As we approached The Wall it seemed much less polluted and you could see the gorgeous mountains. Then THE Wall! What a splendid sight! It is absolutely incredible to see in person. We started the climb with Hannah in her sling on me. She fell asleep and seemed so much heavier when she did. I didn't go far (hardly began the climb really) but with Hannah soundly sleeping, and the stairs so steep and uneven, I didn't think it was safe to continue. I stayed on a platform and watched Kevin climb! He went way up to the first main peak. It took probably about 30 minutes. It is MUCH harder than it seems! Most people stopped long before that. I was impressed! As Hannah and I waited, we met many nice people. One Chinese woman came over and I said Ni Hao and she immediately approached and turned me around and looked at Hannah! Thankfully she didn't waken her! She smiled warmly! There were some men there who were from Africa and such great sports. We talked a little bit and they were so happy that Hannah had already 'climbed' The Wall! Then there were three young men who came to me and asked if I could take their picture (or at least that is what I thought!). So I say yes of course and hold my hand out for their camera and they look puzzled. I then ask where they would like to stand. Again, bewildered! So I ask them, "Do you want me to take your picture?" And they say no.... Ok....... ??? So they say with me! LOL So, anyway, each stood with us and we took pictures. I felt like a celebrity! Hannah would have if she hadn't been practically snoring!!!! We ended up buying Hannah her name stamp at The Great Wall. As a side note/grumble.... I am thinking twice about buying/ordering gifts unless I am there to see them. Remember when I mentioned the lady (suggested through our guide.... assumed it was legit) who was going to make the silk clothes etc. in Nanchang? Well, we went to our Guide's room and looked through the samples of material and finally chose the material and style we wanted for a two piece silk suit for Hannah. We also ordered a little bracelet with her Chinese name engraved. Well, when we went to pick them up the material was entirely different. Not at all what I chose. And the style was different. The border clashed in a very loud way with the outfit and I was really upset. I explained this situation and there was no apology at all. I didn't want to make this a very bad experience so I said that I could live with the material but absolutely not with that border. The lady said they would change that.... Great. Well she brought it back and it is just ok. I was so very disappointed. This outfit wasn't cheap either. I was trusting that I was ordering something of great quality and to my choice from our daughter's hometown. I didn't make a fuss as it was clear it wouldn't have mattered and I didn't want to leave without anything. So, it is ok, but really not what I chose. Disappointing to say the least. The bracelet is engraved so roughly that if we run a finger inside, it cuts. Thankfully, Kevin has a tool at home that can hopefully smooth this out and make it safe to wear. I am only mentioning all of this in hopes that someone else won't be caught in this situation. I think to prevent this happening, I would highly suggest taking a picture of exactly what you choose. I wish I had. Anyway, enough of that rant. So, needless to say that I didn't jump on the chance to order the stamp or scroll this time through our guide. We are hoping to buy the scroll when we shop perhaps tomorrow.

After The Great Wall we went to eat as a group at the most amazing restaurant. There were many dishes and all were delicious. It was above the Cloisonne factory. We shopped there after, but didn't buy anything and then the bus brought us to the Jade factory. It was a very busy day indeed.

Tomorrow we are leaving the hotel at 8:30 Am and we are going to the Canadian Embassy for our paperwork. After this, Kevin and I are branching off and going to Yashow Market and then we'll take a taxi back to the hotel.

Our hotel is called the Holiday Inn Central Plaza and it is beautiful. Our room is clean and comfortable and the restaurant is very good. Like our hotel in Nanchang, everything is decorated for Christmas.

What a giggle bum our Hannah is. I keep waiting for a storm, but there hasn't been any. If she fusses, it never takes more than a minute (at the most!) to comfort her. She is delightful from the time she wakes up in the morning until she literally giggles herself to sleep. Last night was the first night that I didn't rub her chest for her to fall asleep. She just snuggled up and giggled and within a few minutes was sound asleep. She did the same thing tonight. When she wakes up in the morning, she wakes up in the sunniest humour possible. She loves to snuggle still and is more active each day. As we were stuck in traffic on our way back today, she was getting a little restless and Kevin and I kept her laughing and squeaking with glee with songs, tickles etc. She learned patty cake with me and LOVED it! She also likes the Itsy Bitsy Spider but not as much as patty cake! Patty Cake requires lots of Hannah movement which she adored! We are so fortunate. I cannot imagine life without her in it. It may sound crazy but I instantly felt like we knew each other so well. I love my girls and know God made the perfect connection. We have been so very blessed by his love.

Much love xoxo

2009-11-28T09:10:00.003-05:00

Ni Hao from Beijing!

This will only be a short post as I am more than ready for my bed! I just wanted to say that we arrived safely in Beijing before supper and all went amazingly well. It was an early start, hurrying and waiting and travelling and waiting, travelling some more etc. and despite all of this, Hannah didn't lose her shining spirit for one minute. She truly is the most easy going baby. We are so very blessed.

I was very emotional leaving Nanchang today.... For so many reasons. I shall carry it in my heart with me always.

So thankful that all went so amazingly well today. Now, I am off to bed. Tomorrow is a very busy day (The Great Wall!!!!!!! Also pearl shopping and lunch and another outing, but I cannot remember what:))

Thanks for your loving comments!

xox

2009-11-27T00:28:00.003-05:00

(Thursday, November 26)

Before I forget, yes Blogger is still blocked in China. However Kev being Kevin (Mr. techno) has found a way for us to be able to still have access.

I am sorry that I didn't have the energy last night to write about our day. I like to do so while it is all still so fresh in my mind. With the air quality (or lack of) here we all have sore throats and heavy chests each day. While walking in the city, it is best to wear a mask. I haven't really... And last night I was just feeling extra tired. Today is the same way I feel like I am fighting something. So far, I have stayed in today in an attempt to let my throat heal up before our flight tomorrow. No fever or anything serious thankfully. So, this morning (Friday) Hannah and I had the pleasure of doing some playing while Kev went for some more paperwork and to present our gift to civil affairs (which we didn't do while we were there the first time. We asked if we could and were told no, to wait, not today.... so we didn't give it and then later asked when we would and were asked why we hadn't! hehe)

Ok, so yesterday.... Thursday.... was a beautiful day. Again we have been blessed with gorgeous weather. Sunny and 21 degrees celcius. After breakfast we walked with the group to have Hannah Faith's visa picture taken. It was a very short 3 minute walk from our hotel. Basically it is an outdoor store and in the back there is a camera and there was a little chair for Hannah to sit in. I sat her in the chair and she didn't fuss whatsoever. She really has been the most easy going little person I have ever met. She sat there and the photographer came forward with a very used comb ( those who know me well know how this set my heart in a lurch! LOL) and Hannah sat patiently while she combed her hair behind her ears and then took 3 snaps. Then she yelled for the next! So we went back out on to the street to wait for our group to be finished.

While we stood outside, we noted many different people and situations. So different from home. With the utmost respect for this beautiful country, some of the differences are naturally amusing (for lack of a better word). I also see so many things that physically make my heart hurt. While waiting, we saw two little twin girls with 2 adults who looked like their grandparents. They were standing around and enjoying smiling at us. We saw 3 separate puppies running on the sidewalks. I was beyond worried that they were going to run into what seems like the worlds busiest street. A street I might add that is filled with honking! And cars going each and every way. Weaving in and out of their lanes. Pulling U turns in the middle causing mayhem! Traffic that you need to eventually just cut into while walking and hope your feet make the safety of the other side! Needless to say, worrying about the puppies was quite natural. Also, we saw two cats sitting in the store front. One where a little girl about 10 seemed to be working with her mother. And the other was next store to that. All of the store fronts are open. Probably closed by metal screen at night? Anyway, these two cats really looked so different from our cats in Canada. They were the thinnest poor little guys. They didn't look necessarily unhappy, but just the same, thin and filthy as can be. They reminded me of giant rats in a way. Anyway, a lady turned on some water on the side of the store. The kind we have outside that we hook a hose on. If Kev wasn't doing paperwork, I would ask him for the name! LOL This lady rinsed out dirtied little pants and then dumped the water out of the bowl and filled it with grapes. The grapes were then put on display to buy in her store. The health board would be all over that at home!

After the pic and lunch and Hannah's nap we met downstairs at 2pm and set out in our group's bus for an afternoon excursion. We first drove to the Youmin Temple which was maybe a 20 minute drive from our hotel. Again the traffic and driving is pure and utter chaos! We arrived and strapped Hannah into her carrier (thank you Wanda! It is heavenly!) and we walked through outside courtyards and then a garden. There were two tombs. Two brothers. Sadly, I missed most of the story (in french, my mind wandered and then I was lost. Kev was daydreaming and couldn't fill me in either! LOL ) I believe it was built for or by a man who believed that he had the pill of immortality. I will research this more later. It was lovely to walk through just the same. Hannah loved every minute of it in her sling eating her cookies!!!! We also saw two brides and grooms having their wedding pictures taken. Our guide explained that they are wearing the white dresses only for this picture opportunity and that they would marry at a later date and wear the traditional red dresses.

After this, we drove to what is known as the best porcelain store in China. Since Jiangxi (Hannah's birthplace) is famous for it's porcelain, we (me slightly more!) thought that it was important to have a keepsake for her for the future. We bought a set of fine porcelain vases and then another single vase which caught my eye the minute I first walked in. We originally bought the set and then standing outside decided to go back in to inquire about the other vase and bought it too!

We got back to our hotel about 5:30 and met with the group at 6:30pm to walk to a restaurant close to our hotel for an authentic Nanchang meal. I confess, I was a little apprehensive in ways. First off, because I have a super sensitive system that is often a problem at home! And secondly, because I wanted to recognize what I was eating! Anyway, we arrived and the doormen opened the door for us. We walked up the stairwell and there were about 6 women (all gorgeous looking) greeting us and then one walked us through the restaurant. The restaurant was huge and had many glassed in private rooms. We passed a room which held many aquariums which I would prefer not to think about. We also passed a turtle pond. Again, happy thoughts! The atmosphere was one of prestige yet was sharply contrasted with yelling staff. Everyone working there was yelling loudly and running! I joked with Kev that this was a very relaxing work atmosphere! We were escorted to one of these private rooms. There was a huge round glass top table in the middle and some couches on the side. We took our seat and I ended up having Hannah-busy-hands on my knee as the highchair didn't have sides or a table or tie-straps. So, on my knee she was. Our guide ordered what she thought we could tolerate (no seafood etc...). The dishes kept coming and coming. We had a feast! I tried everything but what I thought was chicken (it ended up being duck). The man sitting beside Kev who was eating it crunched down on something and then realised it was a beak! Somehow I didn't want to try that then! I ate eggplant, sweet potato, pork, many vegetables I have never even seen before, rice dishes etc.... And for desert pumpkin filled warm dough. I wish I new the names of everything. I am not kidding, we must have had 15 dishes coming to the table. And our own servers in our own private room. It was a feast beyond all feasts! And we ate and were served like royalty. The other night we shared about 5 dishes at a traditional Chinese restaurant (in our hotel) and it cost about 40$ Last night it cost 10$ total! We thought there was a mistake!!!!!!!! The only mistake was not eating there earlier! It was astonishing! What a wonderful experience. Hannah adored everything she ate and they brought this fluffy egg dish for the children especially which she devoured! I am so happy we had the opportunity to have some tastes of Nanchang.

We came home and Hannah had her bath and refused her bottle again. She had fought my attempts to give it to her at lunch too. She is so easy going that when she fights, it is really unusual. I thought perhaps that she was just overly tired at naptime or perhaps her mouth was sore. But when she fought me again at bedtime I was concerned that she suddenly didn't like her formula? Didn't add up. So, I transferred it to a little cup with a lid that we had packed. Well, that is all she wanted! She drank every sip! Poor little sweet pea! She was instantly content! And went to bed and had a glorious sleep straight through until 7:30 Am (right on schedule according to her reports).

There you have our beautiful Thursday in Nanchang adventure!

Now here I am (Friday, November 27th) , during Hannah's nap and Kevin is doing some more faxing.

At 3 pm we are going to our guide's room to pick up the silk outfit and bracelet we had ordered for Hannah.

This morning when we went downstairs for breakfast, we entered the lobby that had been transformed overnight to a Christmas wonderland! Garland, trees, lights are all over the hotel. There is even a giant gingerbread house in the lobby and also in the restaurant which is also beautifully decorated. It is astonishing that they accomplished all of this in one night! It really is gorgeous! For the Americans, last night they had a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the hotel restaurant. I thought that that was very thoughtful.

After the paperwork this morning, Kevin came home to the hotel and then went back out while I fed Hannah in our room and gave her her formula. He went to buy us some KFC for lunch. I have been too worried about eating it this week but everyone else has and the haven't been ill. So, here goes!

While on his walk to bring lunch he saw a little boy. Let me interrupt myself here! Yesterday on our way to the porcelain store, I noted a little boy who really tore at my heart. He was on the sidewalk, with just some shorts on and he was on a board with small wheels as the bottom. He was lying on his stomach on this board begging for money. He was all alone. His feet were badly deformed. I so wish that we could have helped him in some way. But we were on this bus. I thought of him often last night and again this morning.... Anyway, while Kevin was out, he saw another little boy chest down on the same type of board and his legs looked crippled. Kevin didn't have change on him and it really bothered him. On his way back from KFC (two meals cost 45 yuan- approx. 8 Can. Putting last night's meal into perspective) the little boy was with who looked to be his mother. They were sharing a pear. Kevin slipped her 50 yuan. He said that she took it and VERY quickly put it away. She didn't really respond, not that he was waiting for that, it just struck Kevin that she was fearful it would have been seen. He quickly walked on and then looked back to see her telling her little boy something. It is nice to think that they may have something more than a pear.

This is our last night in Nanchang. We have tried very hard to soak in everything and everyone that we could have while we are here. This is a very special place to us. This is where our Hannah comes from and we will always hold it close in our hearts. We were given our daughter from here and we will never take that fore granted. What an incredible, indescribable gift....

Much love from Nanchang (quite possibly our last post from this beautiful place) as we leave for the airport at 8:30 AM....

2009-11-25T17:54:00.003-05:00

(Thursday November 26th)

Good morning from Nanchang!

It looks to be another beautiful day here. Clear and 21 degrees celcius. It is just after 7 AM and Hannah Faith is starting to stir a little but isn't awake yet! Victoria and her friends Aimee and Laura just video called us to take a peek at the sleeping angel!

We have been so fortunate to be able to talk with everyone (and see them) at home a few times each day via Skype. How wonderful that has been as we are obviously lonesome for our girls and family too! That is why comments are extra important! So, if you are reading this, it is wonderful to read your comments!!!! We know we have had many views on our blog, but not very many comments, so please post away!!! Also, this is all done for Hannah's journal and your words will be something to treasure in years to come.

Everyone at home seems to be doing quite well. Mara-Grace had a few moments of insecurity, but we were all able to help her through them. The other morning she wasn't quite sure where she fit in I think and we were able to change her mood by telling her the story about Hannah peeing in the tub. Pee is always so very hillarious when you are 3 or 4! hehe Then we requested that she tell Hannah (who was hoping so much that she would:)) a story. Mara-Grace quickly enjoyed the prospect of a new audience member and indulged us with 3 stories, a ballet recital, gymnastic performance etc.... This changed the mood and I am sure we will have more spells, but we will get through them. They are so normal with a new sibling in the picture (Literally speaking! LOL).

Our group that we are with are all very nice. We get along well with everyone and my french is improving daily I hope! I meant to mention the other day the difference we saw when we returned to civil affairs the following day of receiving our babies. The first day most of the babies were quite upset. The next day they were all in wonderful humour.

Our guides are wonderful. We have Sandrine and also Beatrice who is in training. They are both very kind and a pleasure to be with.

I will post more later. Much love xoxo
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2009-11-25T17:00:00.001-05:00

(Wednesday November 25th)

After breakfast, Hannah Faith, Kevin and I went for a walk and to do a little shopping. I was hoping to find Hannah a little pair of boots, but didn’t find anything that caught our eye. We bought some water and a few extras instead. It was so wonderful to walk through Nanchang this morning. It is such a different place than at home. So many different sights, sounds, smells. For instance, most of the balconies on the apartment buildings (you never see just one house) have their raw meat hanging outside. Chicken, sausage, fish etc… Also, most of their clothes, shoes etc. are also on the balconies.

One thing that is very different in Nanchang as opposed to Kunming is that I have not seen babies in carriers here. In Kunming it was very common to see babies strapped to their mother’s backs, chest, even head and shoulders! This is not the case here. Babies are not in strollers or carriers. They all seem to be wearing split pants so we have seen many little tushies on this trip! And when they need to pee or otherwise, they are squatted down or legs pulled up exposing the appropriate parts to do their business on the sidewalks etc…

The people in Nanchang fascinate me the most. They are curious, and we attract a lot of attention wherever we go. We have not met anyone who wasn’t friendly to us. I said Ni Hao to many many people today, always with a smile and we were greeted so warmly in return. The other night, when we were shopping with others in our group, we went into a store and two of the clerks were touching and talking with a blond haired girl in our group. She is 11 and such a sweetheart. Anyway, they were holding her hands and touching her hair, face, looking at her skin etc…. There is a great curiosity and it seems to me, that with children people feel more free to be able to express this.

This afternoon we met with our group and walked to Tengwang Pavilion which is about a 10 minute walk from our hotel. It is absolutely glorious! Hannah was very content exploring this beautiful pagoda from the comfort of the carrier she was strapped into. I am enjoying it so much! I had Hannah hooked to me for our walk this morning too and she adores being in it! She is such a snuggler!!!! Anyway, she was all eyes looking at all the different levels of the pagoda. Hannah would arch back to see the ceiling and all around! She drew a lot of attention and many people took her hands etc. and she didn’t seem to mind one bit. Strapped to her Mommy, eating bin bin crackers and smiling back at people seem to be just her idea of a wonderful time. Mine too!!!!! We walked up many many steps and then explored 5 stories. We took the elevator up and then walked down enjoying each level. The elevator ride was 1 yuan each which seems to be about a nickel. There is even a level towards the top where you can walk out and see the beauty of the river and city below and around.

Then there are the little gardens surrounding this majestic place. They were so lovely to walk through. They even had a bonsai tree garden. Many ponds with very large goldfish and turtles! And there is a restaurant that had many signs with arrows pointing the direction to it with a picture of someone and President Clinton who had obviously eaten there. That fact is their major publicity for this restaurant.

It has been a lovely day…. Tomorrow morning (Thursday) we are walking to have Hannah’s visa picture done. Then in the afternoon we are going to see a temple and then to a place where they make and sell porcelain (porcelain is one thing Jiangxi is famous for!). Afterwards we are going as a group to have some Chinese food!

Today is our third day with Hannah Faith. What a delightful little soul she is. She is very easy going in nature. She will tell us when she has a request but is very patient about it all. She has a wonderful sense of humour and an incredible appetite! She loves everything we have given her! She is content to play on her own and usually doesn’t fuss now when I set her down or leave the room for a minute. She loves to play and she absolutely loves to mimic and tease. She is so funny and has the most infectious laugh! She also ADORES riding in the elevator and talks up a storm while in there. On day one with her I sniffed her foot and smiled at her to see if she’d smile back. She didn’t, she just watched me curiously. Well, tonight while being changed (which doesn’t seem to bother her either now) she stuck her foot to my nose and started to laugh! So ahha she did remember! We happily played this game!!!!! She also loves to play peek a boo and she gives us kisses now upon request. She is ticklish and she adores receiving many kisses bathed on her cheeks and neck!

What a treasure it has been getting to know our darling angel in person! We have been so blessed and I will never take this incredible gift forgranted. We are so very much in love and I think it is mutual. I have said many prayers that our transition would go as smoothly as possible and I often prayed that Hannah would be able to grow to accept our love and comfort. Well, I know for sure that our prayers have definitely been answered. How very blessed we have been with our three girls. We are so thankful…

Goodnight from Nanchang! Xoxo

2009-11-25T01:33:00.005-05:00

(Wednesday November 25)
Hello from Nanchang!

Well here I am, writing during Nap time!

I only have about ten minutes before I need to waken Hannah to get her ready to head to the Pagoda that is very close to our hotel with our group. It is so beautiful and a gorgeous day here so it should be a wonderful treat.

Yesterday after writing we did indeed go to our guide's room for our translation and then again for the outfits. We ordered Hannah a lovely set to have as a souvenir of her birthplace. We also ordered her a silver bracelet with her chinese name engraved inside.

Last night for supper we were a little disappointed. We ordered three things off of the menu but weren't able to eat 2 of the 3! We really are being careful with the food and it isn't advised for us to eat the seafood. There is so much of it that it makes ordering or eating from the buffet difficult. We passed on ordering the special which was Bullfrog (thankfully no one close to me ordered it either!!!) and we had pasta, ordered spring rolls and also beef stirfry with veggies and rice. Unfortunately the spring rolls looked to have whole silver fish inside and the beef was hardly cooked and pooling blood which just wasn't for us! So we shared the pasta!

After supper we came back to our room and Hannah had her first successful bath!!!!! She wasn't thrilled at the first moment but quickly grew to enjoy it. A minute or so into her bath she peed and peed and peed! So, we then took her and her toys back out and began the process again (rinsing and filling the tub!). She had a lovely bath and while I got her all lotioned up (she is quite blotchy on her back so I put some special cream there and her diaper rash is clearing up quickly) Kevin went in search of Nestle formula. He had success and so did we! Hannah drank each drop of her bottle. The formula doesn't have the icky smell of formulas at home, it smells of vanilla. Yummy!!!!!

Into bed Hannah went and I rubbed her chest again for a minute or so and she was out like a light! Only waking up this morning close to 7 am. What a darling.... How blessed we have been.

We must run! Much love xoxoxoo ( I will post again hopefully tonight when Hannah has gone to bed..... thanks for the comments! xox)

2009-11-24T00:14:00.004-05:00

(Tuesday, November 24)
Well, eventually we ended up waking our little sleepy head! We actually had the webcam posting live so our girls at home could 'see' Hannah awake!

I was prepared for her to be rather disappointed and upset waking up to the reality that she is still with us. But, honestly, we woke her up and she just studied us and then I lifted her up and she didn't cry. Relief! She didn't appreciate being changed right away, but we had no other choice due to our appointment at Civil Affairs this morning. We quickly rushed downstairs, and sat at a table that hadn't even been cleaned. We hurried Hannah through some breakfast and took the rest for the road. I so hated rushing her this morning. And I would have preferred to let her waken naturally, but this wasn't an option today! She was a good sport! Kevin and I each ate in about 2 minutes flat.

We drove back over to the building we were in yesterday. We were there for a total of approx. 2 hours. All went smoothly. We did the paperwork and saw the orphanage director. We didn't have a chance to ask for the address of Hannah's Foster mother. I had mentioned our wanting to meet with her to our guide but we haven't heard if this would be possible. I have mixed feelings about this really. I originally thought that it would be a good idea for sake of closure, but at the same time she is doing soincredibly well so far that I do not want to mix her up in any way. From what our guide said it sounds complicated to arrange this, so perhaps I will talk with her this afternoon about requesting for her address instead so that we can send her pictures/updates in the mail. She has taken such wonderful care of Hannah, and she has been in her care since she was one month old. I can only imagine how much she must miss this beautiful little soul.... I would love the chance to keep in touch if she would also like this.

Anyway, while Kevin did the paperwork and extras for the other families (he is our group leader) Hannah Faith and I snuggled and played. She was talking up a storm with me and laughing out loud. She loves to play but is a gentle little one.

After Civil Affairs we went to the Notary and Kev went with our guide and others to the bank. After that it was back to our hotel. We got back for lunch and fed Hannah some congee, fruit and attempted yet again, some formula. No luck. We are going to buy her Nestle today as this is what they told us this morning that she drinks. So, we shall set out after naptime or tonight on an adventure for formula!

After lunch I laid Hannah down into her crib and she started to cry. I rubbed her chest and within maybe 40 seconds she was sound asleep. That was at 12 and it is now 1:30pm. This afternoon we are going to our guide's room at 3 pm so that she can translate some documents for us and then we are going back to her room at 4:30 to meet with a woman who may make us some silk outfits.

I was looking through the papers they gave to us yesterday. Hannah Faith has progress reports going back to one month old and the last was in October. Each progress report says what she is doing developmentally and her routine etc. at that time. It also describes her growth and nutrition. The best part is that each report has a picture!!!!!!!!!! What an incredible gift this is... And it looks as though Hannah had the chickenpox in June. There is another little one in our group who has them now. When she met her parents on Monday, they were quite surprised to see her arrive bathing in pox! Poor little pumpkin. She is doing really well though and her family is so wonderful. As for the reports, in October it says that she weighed 21 pounds. I think she is pretty tiny. She is currently wearing 12-18 months.

Stay tuned.... xoxox

2009-11-23T18:06:00.004-05:00

(Tuesday November 24)
Good morning (evening for you) from Nanchang!

Hannah Faith fell asleep last night (Monday) at 7:30 and it is now just after 7 and she is still asleep! Despite us turning on lights, and being busy around her. She slept soundly all night!

Now I am hoping that she wakes up VERY SOON as we need to be ready and downstairs at 8AM to head to civil affairs etc... Kevin and I are waiting and ready to go, except that we all need to eat.

Will write later. xoxo

2009-11-23T07:46:00.004-05:00

(Monday November 23)

What a glorious day!

What an incredible day it has been! As I type, Hannah Faith is sound asleep in her crib behind me! Kevin has just left on hot pursuit of some more bottled water.

Let me start at the beginning. I cannot promise I will get in every detail as I am emotionally drained tonight.

We were bussed to the adoption affairs building which was approx. 20 minutes from our hotel. As we got out of the bus to walk in to the building I couldn't help but be emotional. We all were. There were 5 families total meeting their angels today. As we walked to and then into the building I kept wondering where she was at that moment. Was she in one of the many cars around the building, or perhaps inside, or only arriving shortly etc... The office was on the 26th floor and it seemed as though the elevator made 100 stops before arriving!

We walked in and our emotions were definitely running wild. We walked in to a very lovely room with benches and coffee tables around the perimeter. Towards one end of the room were a handful of men and possibly a woman sitting and standing and talking amongst themselves. I am not sure if they greeted us. I think our guide went to them. As we walked in, I could see two babies standing with their backs towards us. They were both dressed in puffy blue suits and were there with two women. We all wondered if these could possibly be our babies? No one said a word regarding that. I don't know what it was.... I couldn't see anything but the back of her but I said to Kevin that I felt it was our Hannah on the left. But, no real reason to think this. Just hoping perhaps! We stood there and waited for probably 10 minutes, but really felt like an eternity. I couldn't take my eyes off of these babies and couldn't help but wonder. They still had their backs to us.

Suddenly, the adults gathered and called Marie-Josee forward, they then handed her her baby. The baby on the right of the two standing. Her little one immediately cried. She had been crying before this too. But she really cried and it hit me! I was so emotional, I think everyone was... It was impossible not to be. What an experience. Forever etched in my mind and heart. It all happened so quickly, probably not even a minute until they called the next new parents. But it took me possibly 10 seconds from when the called Marie-Josee's name to mention that our babies are from the same place. The baby on the left had to be our Hannah Faith. Standing right there with her back to us! Before we knew it, our names were called and we came forward. All of the other families gathered to take pictures and as we approached I spoke to Hannah and didn't grab at her immediately but held out my arms to her and said Mama.... She just looked at me, and then I took her into my arms. I was holding my third miracle. My darling Hannah Faith. At the same time, the orphanage director was giving me the cameras I had sent, along with an album, some info and her bottle. I could hardly concentrate on any of that! Kevin was taking our picture. Hannah Faith was silent. Not a peep out of her. She was very still in my arms and she was just taking us in. We then went over to the side and held her. Kevin then held her and she didn't fuss at all with either of us. It went so smoothly. I knew from experience that she was in safe mode. Very still, very silent, except for her little eyes. Speaking of her eyes, she is very fair and has no eyebrows really, but her little black eyelashes are very long and very straight. She stayed silent all the while we were there and then on the bus. I should mention that while we were at adoption affairs and holding her, I gave her many kisses and touched her face alot. When I kissed her she leaned in and wanted more and more. She has done this all day! She LOVES kisses and I am only too happy to oblige her!!!! She also took my finger and held it so tightly on the bus and into the hotel. Her little eyes were very busy, but the rest of her was silent.

We came up to our hotel room and I could see that she was sweating profusely and she was soaked through her 5 layers of clothing. She also badly needed a changing. As I lay her down to change her she began to cry. I was able to soothe her though! She also has a diaper rash so I put some zincofax on her which almost seemed to soothe her instantly. She sighed! I peeled off her layers as she was so wet. After putting her into a fresh undershirt etc... she proceeded to study us deeply. She sat on my knee and I fed her the rice/veggies/ham I had put into the thermos for her. She then ate some baby fruit and drank some apple juice. She was NOT thrilled with her bottle at first, but took some of it at the end of her meal. I put her into bed as she looked exhausted, but the minute I would leave her in it she cried. I held her for quite a while and she was very content. Kevin and I eventually knew that a nap was just not in the cards. Fine by me for today! We opened the blinds and got out two toys. She sat on the bed with me and played and played! I was even able to make her squeal with delight by making this little lamb climb me and jump off my head landing on the bed. Her laugh was absolutely magical to hear. She began to make other sounds and she was clearly comfortable. She had a poopy diaper (that is a major milestone in this kind of situation) and she cried and fell asleep in my arms right before heading downstairs for supper. We didn't want her to sleep at that time! She only slept a minute or two and then opened her eyes and we headed downstairs. She wasn't happy about the prospect of sitting in her highchair as it meant leaving my arms (yes she wants to be held!) at the hotel restaurant but then was happy to sit when I handed her a Bin Bin cracker. We made her a bowl of more rice, veggies, meat and she ate like a little bird waiting for worms. So cute.... I then went to find her fruits and found a kind of fruit cocktail with melons all kind of melons all diced up. Perfect for little hands and mouthes! So she enjoyed eating these and Kevin and I were able to eat too....

Back to our hotel room and we attempted to sponge her off in the baby tub but that wasn't happening! She was far too tired for that and it wasn't something we really wanted to do on her first night. But, with her diaper rash, heavy heavy drooling, her poopy and sweat, we thought we could give it a try maybe? We didn't push it and instead I sponged her hands and face and put her into her fresh pj's. She is so tiny! Her skin is very white. Like mine really (finally another little ghost in the family LOL) and she isn't thin, nor is she plump. She looks very healthy. Aside from teething which is making her drool like mad, and I think that is why her cheeks are red and she has a slight diaper rash. I believe that she has been well taken care of and loved by her foster family. I am so thankful that in her album we have a picture of Hannah Faith Shangguan Xin Xuan with her foster mother. We were even given many pictures of Hannah with each report written. We are very fortunate and we could never begin to thank Zhan Xixian (foster mother) enough.

I tried Hannah with another bottle right before bedtime but she was beside herself. She was very overly tired and crying heavily. She wanted nothing to do with her bottle. Tomorrow we will try to find out what she was drinking and buy that for her. Anyway, I was able to soothe her and she fell asleep in my arms. Once I tried to put her into bed she awoke and cried as she did during her nap today. I rubbed and patted her chest and she watched me closely and fell asleep. She has now been sleeping almost 2 hours.

We really cannot believe all that we have been through today. It was very surreal in many ways. We have been given the most incredible gift. We adore her and cannot wait to see what tonight and tomorrow bring. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we are leaving the hotel at 8 am and will be doing paperwork until the afternoon.

This morning before leaving the hotel, when I looked out the window a verse came to mind.
It has stayed with me all day and seems so appropriate. I know God has brought us to our angel and I am eternally grateful.

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. "

xoxoxo Thank you for all of your love, prayers and wishes. Your support is so very much appreciated. Please Remember to view our pictures!
http://hannah.kjvb.com/

2009-11-22T20:11:00.003-05:00

FAMILY DAY! (Monday November 23rd 2009)

Upon waking this morning it dawned on us that TODAY is the day we will be meeting our little one, Hannah Faith! TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We quickly got up, showered, dressed, Skyped home and then proceeded to run down to breakfast. As we came off of the elevators, we saw a group of new parents with their babies!!!!! Oh my how it hit me! We had to eat in the smoke filled lobby as the breakfast room was jammed solid with all of the new families!

So, as Kev went to make his plate I sat there and felt so emotional. I cried again... Must be a record! Emotions are definitely running high! I couldn't help but cry. Very small.... should I have bothered mentioning that?!!!

Anyway, I ran back up to the room for my hand sanitizer (you would have too!) and the thermos so that we could bring Hannah some rice/veggies/meat for lunch. Kevin was finished and grabbed me a spot with another family in our group. He then came up to the hotel room as he was finished and there were NO other spots.

So, here we are.... in our hotel room...... waiting! We will leave our hotel in 1 hour! We are meeting Hannah at 11 AM.... All feels very surreal. I cannot help but wonder where she is right now. I believe that she is traveling... I am prepared that our transition may be very difficult. Understandably.

I pray that all goes well as we meet our littlest angel. May she somehow sense we will shower her with love. May she learn to trust us and love us with time.

Please send us some prayers, good vibes that all goes as smoothly as possible. The next time we write we will have Hannah with us.....

All of our love xoxo

P.S. To view our photos, please click on the following link and then use the drop down menu on the top left. xoxo
http://hannah.kjvb.com

2009-11-22T07:57:00.008-05:00

(Sunday November 22nd)
Ni Hao from Nanchang, Jiangxi!

What a day it has been!

I am so tired as I write, but want to try to capture a little of our day.

After arriving very late last night, Kevin and I were overly tired. We fell asleep around 1:30 AM and we awoke naturally at 6:30AM. This is basically our regular Canadian time routine, so we think this is a good sign that we are on China time!

Despite having terrible reviews on tripadvisor, we are quite happy at the Gloria Grand Hotel Nanchang. Although smoking is allowed throughout the hotel, and the smoke is quite thick, our room which is on the non smoking floor is fine! We walked into our room last night and noted right away the little crib set up!!!!! Also, they have a baby bathtub and stroller in the room for our use. Well, Hannah's use!

After getting ready, we went downstairs for breakfast at the buffet. It was very nice and only missing our spring rolls we enjoyed so much last time!

I unpacked our things (mostly.... still doing some unpacking for Miss Hannah Faith!) and then we went downstairs to meet the group in the lobby at 11AM. We had plans to go to an ancient village around 1 hour away. The village is over 1000 years old. What an excursion!

We set out in our bus and immediately noticed how much busier it was this morning as opposed to when we arrived past midnight! I should add that as we woke up this morning, we could hear a much busier scene down below. The sound of cars, the rush of people and constant horn blowing! We were so excited! It was certain, we are in China!!!!! Anyway, back to my story! We drove through Nanchang and into the countryside. What different sights! We saw many what seemed like near collisions that don't seem to rouse anyone aside from us visitors! We saw many tiny children riding along the highway on the back, or standing in front of their parent on scooters. We also noted many trucks that had their load balancing into the air. Rice husks, or pork, branches etc... Piled way into the air, without any safety sides to the truck. We remarked the different houses we saw. What looks like extreme poverty in many areas. Clothes and meat hanging outside to dry, little children playing and some doing chores. So many people were working so hard. Working in their fields by hand etc...

I am not sure what I expected when we were told that it is a busy place for people to visit in the summer, but not at this time of year. We were told that this ancient village is made up of 3 actual villages. Perhaps I imagined a village that is no longer lived in. This was not the case at all.

When we arrived we walked in to witness a whole different scene than anything we have seen before. People were curious about us and that was obvious by the looks we received etc... We had a guide who walked our group through this village and explained different things along the way. While there were rooms similar to our museums with things of interest behind glass, there were also people living and working so very hard in other parts. We saw skinned chickens and meat hanging, chickens roaming freely, a rat which scurried quickly past us and under the rock walkway we were walking on, children whom captured a place in my heart and mind within an instant, women who lead a very different way of life than we, elderly women who were carrying their eggs and nuts to show us and hopefully sell to us. The eggs were steaming in a hot basket. Kevin paid each lady that followed us for some eggs, although we didn't take them from them. Although there were many things that were of interest and remarkable to us, there were two very upsetting episodes to witness. Both left me heartbroken, angry and numb. It was not our place to interfere and we didn't. However, our village guide tried. As we came through one of the areas, there was a little boy around two years old who was just given his lunch of rice/meat/vegetables in a porcelain bowl. He was pulling his bowl closer to him to begin to eat when he saw us and turned his head to look at us, at the same time, the table shifted (as it was on uneven cobblestone) and his bowl fell to the ground and shattered. His father sat by, quietly and his mother came to him and was very loudly angry. She proceeded to kick the little guy. Our village guide tried to stop her and the mother left with the little boy. But continued to discipline (what would be considered abuse in Canada) him. I instantly felt ill to my stomach and my reaction was one of great powerlessness and sadness. Honestly, I began to cry instantly, but tried to pull myself together quickly as I didn't want to embarrass our village guide as she already looked upset about this happening in front of us. We also witnessed a small baby (around 1 years) sitting on the ground. His mother was yelling at him and she took a large stick and began hitting the ground where the baby sat. Then the father helped the baby stand up, and when he didn't turn around to eat when yelled at by his mother, she beat his bottom with the branch. It was very different. I am not judging the way of life here, and at the same time could never ever even imagine reacting to a child in this way... ever.... It upset me greatly and it was not at all our place to interfere in any way. I suppose all I can say is that other places have different beliefs and ways of life than ours.... I hesitated to include these two episodes in this blog, but this was the reality of the day.

To continue, on a more positive note, we also saw a tree that was planted over 1000 years ago. It continues to bloom and thrive. It is glorious and at the top of a hill within the village. It was planted because someone (I cannot think of his name at this moment) came to Nanchang to build his home. One night he dreamnt of a golden lion who went into the ground. The next day he found gold there. And then he planted the tree in honor of this...

I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to visit this village. Although yes it had it's sad points, it was a very real look at what life is for so many people. This isn't a major tourist area, and it was so wonderful to have the chance to be there. I was so happy that we brought our candies for the children. We saw so many little ones whom I mentioned, and we gave them lollipops with a Canadian maple leaf on them. They were so excited! My heart felt so full watching them. One little girl I bent down to speak with and I spoke in my very limited Chinese:) I said hello and told her that we are Canadians. She smiled so brightly.

After going to the village we returned and had a very late afternoon lunch at the hotel. We then had about 30 minutes and went back to our room. We returned to the lobby and walked with the group to a store for water. I found the "Bin Bin" cookies Mara-Grace still loves that we discovered in China and we bought some water and two jars of baby food.

The air is very polluted here. The sounds and smells, sights and air is incredible. It is so unique and special to us....It brings back so many memories of our trip to bring home Mara-Grace almost 3 years ago. Kevin and I were walking along and both said how happy we were to be walking in China once again...

We then came back to our hotel and had a Chinese food dinner with our group. My stomach is now misbehaving, but I am hoping and praying all is well by tomorrow.

There has been a change of plans for tomorrow. We were supposed to meet our little ones at 3pm, but now it is 11 AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you read correctly! I saved this exciting news for last!!!!!! So, at 10PM (your time) Sunday evening, we will be receiving our Hannah!!!!!!

Much love from Nanchang!!!!!

xoxo
Btw, to see our pictures from our journey please go to,

http://hannah.kjvb.com/

and click on the drop down at the top left.

2009-11-21T12:04:00.003-05:00

(Very late, Saturday Nov.21st)
We Made IT!!!

After a smooth but long journey we are happy to say we are in our Hotel in Nanchang.

To exhausted to write but just wanted to say that we made it here safely.

Off to Bed
Will write more later
xoxoxox

2009-11-19T15:29:00.002-05:00

Well here we are.....

Our last night at home without our little Hannah Faith.

The next post will be written from China!

We're leaving on a Jet plane!!!!!!! Lots of love and many many thanks for your kind words of support. How we have appreciated the positive thoughts and prayers.

xoxo 'See' you in China! xoxo

2009-11-19T14:44:00.002-05:00

ONE more sleep!!!!!

We are ready!!!!!!! After feeling totally ready, we re-packed last night! Our bags were bursting! They still are..... Anyway, we have re-packed. Took out a few things, but packed them a little differently so that it didn't look as though they would quite literally explode!
It sounds relatively simple, but it wasn't. The calm I had felt disappeared, but is thankfully back again now!

2009-11-17T06:32:00.004-05:00

3 more sleeps!

I can hardly believe that next week at this time we'll have already spent our first night and day with our little Hannah Faith.

We are as prepared as we can be I think. I almost feel too calm, then I have that feeling of 'am I forgetting something?!!!!'. I hope that we have a safe, healthy trip. I pray that our Hannah will accept our love and comfort during the transition.

As Victoria is older and has been through this once before, apart from making sure all is well organized for school, social etc. I believe she is ready! She is so excited to meet Hannah and is working hard on us to allow her to miss school on the Friday we return home:) I think the day will seem a lot slower being at home! We only arrive at 11:43 pm after all! As for Mara-Grace, we have done our very best to prepare her for the 2 weeks we will be gone. We have read many of our adoption related kids books, talked so much about our journey to her. She has a renewed interest in looking at her special journey albums, clothes (when we met her in person) and scrapbooks etc.... We have talked a lot about how we will 'talk' when we are in China. We also have made many calls to "Granny" about how Mara likes this or that, or what she usually has or does (Example: she wanted to phone Granny to tell her that sometimes she calls her socks, "slippery sockily's" those would be the socks without grips on the bottom. hehe) All of her phone calls are made in a very important, serious manner. No problem. Of course my Mom is wonderful and very reassuring to Mara-Grace. So, I do believe Mara-Grace is set. She is also looking forward to the Christmas countdown. Funny tidbit, Mara-Grace had a chocolate countdown to her chocolate countdown this year! (Basically, she just couldn't wait- the other was bought too early I suppose! LOL ) She is also delighted with the countdown to our return each morning (I wrapped a little surprise and letter for each day that we'll be away).

Lady has an appointment at the spa the day before we leave, so she too will be ready! Actually, she has a sore on her leg that I am hoping will heal itself. Otherwise, we'll have a quick visit to the vet this week too.... My poor ole Lady bug. My furry baby!

The cars, house instructions/info, agendas etc... are all set! Even our Christmas decorations and tree are up! I know, I know, each year I want earlier and earlier, but this year I swear it is because we'll be away! I toyed with it being too overwhelming for Hannah when we arrive home, but then decided that it seemed unimaginable to begin decorating when we have just returned home. This way it is done. Plus, it is so pretty and relaxing to just sit (if only for a few minutes) in the evenings and enjoy the little white lights:) Apart from a few things for Hannah, and 2 other presents, we are set! Our shopping and wrapping have been completed! And Mara-Grace and I started our Christmas baking. What wasn't wolfed down has made it safely to the freezer! I would like to add that I am not the culprit:))

Well, it is time to take on the day!

xoxo

2009-11-12T14:47:00.005-05:00

We received our travel itinerary!

Here it is!!!!!

Fri. November 20th: We fly to Beijing!!!!!!! Our first flight is at 11 AM
Sat. November 21st: We arrive in Beijing at 4:55 pm
Fly to Nanchang, Jiangxi at 9:05pm, arrive in Nanchang at 11:20pm and stay at the Gloria Hotel.
Sun.November 22nd: Free day (prepare ourselves for meeting Hannah!!!)
Mon.November 23rd: Meeting/holding/kissing Hannah in PERSON in the afternoon
Tues.November 24th: Registering our adoption at Civil Affairs & requesting Hannah's passport from the police
Fri. November 27th: Obtain passport
Sat.November 28th: Fly to Beijing at 11:25 am and arrive at 1:45 pm. Stay at Holiday Inn Central Plaza
Sun. November 29th: Visit The Great Wall
Mon.November 30th: Request visas
Tue. Dec.1st: Visit Tiananmen square and Forbidden City
Wed. Dec.2nd: Visit the Summer Palace
Thursday Dec. 3rd: Obtain visas
Fri. Dec.4th: Flight home at 5:35pm (4:35 AM locally). Arrive home (after 2 stops) at 11:43 pm

We are so incredibly blessed. We cannot wait to meet, kiss, love, snuggle, adore our Hannah Faith Shangguan Xin Xuan in person!!!!!!

2009-11-09T14:46:00.003-05:00

We have confirmation!!!!!!!!!! Although we don't have all of the details (itinerary, hotels, China flights etc...) we have our flights booked!

We just received an email from our agency saying that we have confirmed dates! Yipee!

We leave at 11 Am on November 20th and we arrive home at 11:43 PM on December 4th.

We are over the moon and so incredibly excited!

I immediately phoned Kevin, and my mom as she will be staying here with our girls while we are away. These dates are just as important to her as us! We are so thankful she will be here and we know it takes a lot of planning for her to be able to be. xo

Hannah Faith, we are coming! We cannot wait to see you our littlest angel. xoxox

2009-11-07T06:43:00.004-05:00

WE HAVE OUR TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so excited to announce that we heard from our Sponsor Karen last night! Just when I resigned to not hearing ANYTHING. I see a pattern here! Actually, we were outside Toys R Us and Mara-Grace was playing happily in the house they have set up. As we stood there trying not to freeze, the phone rang and Kev answered and it was Karen!

Nothing will be confirmed until Monday or Tuesday, but they are really hoping to have us travel November 20th!

We are so excited!!!! I would have shouted this from the rooftop last night, except we were asked to keep it on the down low until the other families had been notified. I asked if the morning would be ok, and yes.... SO here I am!!!!! Just after 6 AM! So happy to be reporting this!

Hold on Hannah Faith, Mommy is coming to snuggle you up very soon!!!!!! xoxox My heart is bursting! Kevin and I cannot wait to travel! xoxo

2009-11-05T16:37:00.004-05:00

Ok....... I am trying to be positive and cheery here...... but I warn you..... I am feeling like a Negative-Nelly right now! I know I should be thankful that we are just waiting to travel..... I am ....... However, I also feel this desperate need to JUST GET THERE right now!

So, after hearing NO news on our TA, or travel info.... I bit the bullet and wrote to our agency. Trying all the while to not sound totally desperate:) Although, we are! Desperate to go! I fear this whole H1N1 pandemic not only for the obvious health reasons, but incase they ever put a hold on travel etc... (Like for Sars). I shouldn't go there in my mind.... Anyway, I did hear back from our agency and she honestly told me that we won't be travelling before (BRACE YOURSELVES) November 20th at the EARLIEST. Yes, I did write 'the earliest'..... They will look at November 20th being the travel date on a few conditions. One being that we finally receive TA's in the next few days. Two, that the CCAA accepts the dates etc... and also that our travel can be scheduled.

Well, as hard a dose as this is to swallow, it is something I suppose. I would rather have an honest idea. Which now we have. I pray that it will be the 20th.

Thanks for checking in!

xo Jen

2009-11-02T11:18:00.002-05:00

Ok..... no news yet.

I did speak with our Sponsor this morning, and she spoke with our agency who told her that travel this week looked unlikely. Hopefully next week. Hopefully?!!!!!!!!!! I would sure say so!

If I hear anything different, you'll be the first to know!

2009-11-01T07:21:00.002-05:00

2009-10-30T13:58:00.002-04:00

Seriously, I really couldn't be more proud......

Also, just as an FYI, NO TA news as of yet....

2009-10-28T21:48:00.001-04:00

Heads up! A very proud Momma moment was had today! Please read about it on our other blog.

http://ourfirstjourneytochina.blogspot.com/

2009-10-23T20:12:00.002-04:00

No TA news...... It should be arriving any moment now! There is still I suppose a very small chance that we will travel Oct. 30th, but that is unlikely. I am guessing November 6th.

If we do travel Nov. 6th, this means we will be home for Mara-Grace's birthday on the 1st. It also means that I have an extra week to get all of the last minutes done! It also of course means we are home for HALLOWEEN! That is a big day in our household!

I am excited to know what this week will bring. I hope we receive our TA and our travel info. I LOVE researching our flights, where we'll be staying, when etc... Anyway, come on TA!

Each day I find myself wondering about Hannah. Did she receive our care package we sent? Does her Foster family know about us? Are they treasuring each moment they still have with her? She has been with them since she was a month old.... This truly breaks my heart. I pray that we will be able to keep in touch. I pray for them, as they prepare, I pray for Hannah's birth parents.... May they have peace within. May they somehow feel the love and peace that she will be much loved and always taken care of....

Goodnight. Good morning to you Hannah.... May your day ahead be a happy one...

xo

2009-10-19T09:51:00.002-04:00

Is news coming????

There have been many ladybug sightings as of late.... Could this mean that news is coming? Perhaps news of our Travel Approval?! Once we receive our TA we are ready to go!!!!! It is expected 4-6 weeks from confirmation, and it was 4 weeks this past Wednesday. So, come on TA!

We'll keep you posted of course!

2009-10-12T14:35:00.002-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving Hannah Faith! We so wish you were here with us today to choose our pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. We love you and cannot wait to kiss your little cheeks in person! We love you Pumpkin! xoxox

2009-10-07T18:55:00.003-04:00

Long story short, our citizenship Part 1 paperwork was due to arrive by today (8 weeks from receipt confirming the opening of the file). I have been rather paranoid about this all along. We were reassured that all would be ready on time to travel etc.... I just had a feeling.... Anyway, Kev phoned yesterday (ok, I was hounding 'a little') and we were hoping to be told that it was in the mail. However, instead of this, we were told that it is now taking 14 weeks instead of 8. When Kev explained the situation he was told that we should, "Just postpone it". NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! It doesn't work like that! It is really a good thing that I was not on the phone:))) He was calm and asked if there was a way to expedite the process. UMMMM NO! Our sponsor suggested we contact our MP. When we heard from our agency early this morning, they agreed with contacting our MP and they had another suggestion that with more money and paperwork and a different procedure, we'll still be able to travel as planned. PHEW! We were incredibly relieved to say the very least. Keeping our fingers crossed that all will work out well.

For a much happier post, check out our other blog! http://ourfirstjourneytochina.blogspot.com/

2009-10-03T18:56:00.006-04:00

Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival!!!!!

Today was a beautiful family day. Late this afternoon Mara-Grace and I made our mooncakes (which ended up being one large mooncake). We have been reading a lot about the importance of the Moon Festival and also the story of Chang E and Hou Ye and Jade Rabbit etc... Although Mooncakes can be filled with different ingredients, ours was date, apricot, coconut and raisins. I would love to buy some Moon cake molds while we are in China.

I couldn't help but think of our darling Hannah. When we woke up this morning, I thought of her as it was evening time in China. Was she celebrating? I imagine so! I thought of her standing next to Mara-Grace making our mooncake, and I imagined her eyes wide with excitement enjoying Chinese Food and stories. Although, it is too cloudy here to see the moon tonight, we thought of everyone in China who have been such a special part of our daughter's lives. They are always in our hearts.

Hannah, darling, soon you will here and we will celebrate and remember.... We love you little one....Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival to you and all those who are surrounding you to celebrate. xoxo

Update: We caught a glimpse of the moon right before Mara's bedtime! We all stood out and admired the most lovely full moon. We are sure we saw Chang E and Jade Rabbit too!!!!

2009-10-02T14:10:00.005-04:00

TRAVEL MEETING TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to it!!!!!!!!!! Will post what I learn!

2009-09-24T14:04:00.002-04:00

2009-09-22T20:02:00.004-04:00

Every day we find ourselves getting that much closer to the day we meet our Hannah face to face! I cannot believe it! We learned today that we will be travelling with 3 or 4 other couples and one of which has a child from Hannah's orphanage. Therefore, it is most likely that we will be meeting our little ones together.

I have been in the nesting mode lately. So much sorting, organizing and cleaning to be done. Actually, I think I am almost fully ready. Apart from organizing gear and clothes etc. I have been enjoying some kitchen action. On the weekend we picked our grapes from the vines in the backyard and I made Grape Jelly. This was a first for me. I believe it turned out as it should! Everyone liked it so that is a good sign! Yesterday I made a huge batch of spaghetti sauce which produced 4 large containers for the freezer. I also made 3 Shepherd's Pie and another 3 casseroles. They have all been frozen and will come in so handy in the weeks while we are away and when we come home. I will soon get into making Tomato Butter (pickles) and apple everything (crisp, pies, sauce etc....) and pumpkin loaves. Ok, suddenly I realise my kitchen duties aren't quite finished yet. LOL But I am enjoying this time very much. The main tasks to prepare for Hannah are finished. I should be cleaning out our closet tonight but thought I could take the time to update this blog instead!

Anyway, all this to say, I really feel like I am in the Fall, nesting spirit! I LOVE Fall! Happy First day of Autumn!

I had written letters to the orphanage director, Hannah, and her Foster mother/family. We had also printed some pictures and put them in a small album of our family. Hopefully Hannah will be looking at these, and we won't look so very strange to her!!!! We also included some disposable cameras which we hope will be given back to us when we meet Hannah and we will have some pictures of her in her environment in China. We will develop these once we are home. Anyway, these things made up our care package which Mara-Grace and I mailed off to Little Miss Hannah in China last week. Although we sent it Airmail, it still takes about 11-14 days to arrive.

xoxox

2009-09-16T21:22:00.004-04:00

Well, another unexpected phone call came from our Sponsor Karen today! Incredible! We have received our Approval "letter seeking confirmation"! This tells us that we have been approved and officially proposed our Hannah! We are beyond excited!!!!! We received our Pre-approval news on Aug.26th. We were expecting to hear this news anywhere from 4-8 weeks from pre-approval. It is only 3 weeks today!!!!!!!!!!! INCREDIBLE!

We will be going in to our agency tomorrow to drop off a little paperwork (all packed and ready!) and we have our travel meeting booked for Oct.2nd!!!!!! Not sure of any real details yet, but we expect to travel 6-8 weeks from now! So, Oct.30th, November 6 or 13th. Just this morning (before ANY news) I told my mom that I had the feeling we'd travel November 6th.

We couldn't be happier tonight. So incredibly thankful for God's strength, will and love....

xo

2009-08-30T21:21:00.001-04:00

We expect to meet our Hannah in Nanchang which is the capital of Jiangxi province. Hannah currently lives about 2 hours from Nanchang in Shanggao.

Here is a little bit of info taken from the web.

"Nanchang means 'a prosperous south part of China'. Being over 2,200 years old, Nanchang is a city with significant historical relevence. As the capital city, it is undoubtedly the political, economic and cultural center of Jiangxi Province. Nanchang belongs to the sub-tropical monsoon climate; therefore it will bring you mild and pleasant weather for almost all the year round.
Nanchang is a beautiful city with the Gan River, the mother river of local people, traversing through the whole city. Water is her soul or in other words water carries all her beauty. Lakes and rivers in or around Nanchang bring a special kind of charm to the city. Nanchang is honored as 'a green pearl in the southern part of China' thanks to its clear water, fresh air and great inner city virescence."

2009-08-22T07:23:00.003-04:00

We really have not come down to earth yet! I don't expect that we will anytime shortly!

Since our 'referral', we have cleared out Hannah's room ( it has been my scrapbooking central!), painted it and as of yesterday, it is ready! We still need to purchase a dresser for her, and maybe a bookcase, but other than that, it is set up! I will post pictures soon! I am happy with the end result. The walls are a buttery yellow and her bedding has so many bright, cheerful colors that it is a nice contrast. It mentions in Hannah's file that she LOVES colorful, bright toys. I do hope that she enjoys her bedroom.... I couldn't help but go in there last night (ok... more than once!) and picture her in her waiting crib!

I wanted to add an aspect to our Referral Call moment that I didn't get to write earlier. After receiving our call in the car on our way back to the hotel from the beach, I had the most amazing moment with someone. Before leaving for the beach that morning, when we left our room, the sweetest woman was in the hallway and was cleaning the rooms etc... When she saw us heading off, she wished us a wonderful day at the beach. We chatted for a moment and we were off. When arrived back, we were hurrying like madmen to get into our room, turn on the laptop, and send word to our agency who were then going to email us Hannah's file and pictures. We really couldn't get into our room fast enough. To say nothing about how excited we were to phone our family and share our news! Anyway, as we were arriving, I was practically pushing Kev forward to unlock the doors etc. (we had come in a side entrance) and we were almost running down the hall to our room when I saw the nice woman from that morning. I was smiling from ear to ear and running past and she says, "Oh, I hope you had a lovely morning. I must tell you, your little lady is so beautiful". WELL!!!!!!!! This was said as I was passing quickly by, perma-smile and wet bathing suit and all! That was all it took! I turned back around and I quickly went to her and I couldn't contain myself! I told her how we had been waiting and waiting and waiting and hoping for news, and that we received THE CALL! She grabbed me and hugged me in a hug I will never forget. We stood there jumping up and down, BOTH of us crying and smiling and hugging! When we finally stepped away, she says, "Well, that doesn't surprise me my dear.... You are talking to the Fairy Godmother afterall". ?????????????? And then she points to her badge and I am not kidding, her badge said Fairy Godmother! HOW amazing is that???? I really will never forget that moment with a virtual stranger, who couldn't have have been kinder. The next day when I saw Fairy Godmother, I told her that I would never forget her. She told me the same. It really was such a special moment all around.

Ok.... So, we will probably be travelling in November or December. However, I feel the urgency to get everything/everyone prepared! One thing I feel badly about is that I do not have enough wishes for Hannah's 100 wishes book. I have the quilt already. It was made with 100 different fabrics. Each fabric is in my scrapbook. I need to collect wishes only. So, if you would like to say something to our Hannah, if you would consider emailing a wish (if you haven't already- thanks to those who have been so kind as to send an email wish!) it would be so greatly appreciated!

Please send your wish to wishes@kjvb.com

Much love from our home to yours.

xoxo

2009-08-14T23:23:00.015-04:00

We are so delighted to say that we FINALLY have some news to share! On Monday, while on vacation in Maine, we were in the car (just left the ocean from a morning at Old Orchard Beach) when the phone rang. Being that we are always hoping for "THE CALL" we had our calls forwarded. When I looked down and saw our sponsor's area code, my heart leapt into my throat! When I heard her voice, I almost lost it entirely! Poor Karen could harly get a word in as I asked her (ok shouted a bit) , "do you have news for us, why are you calling, have you heard anything on files, do you have news". I didn't let her answer! LOL When she said yes, I yelled to everyone in the car that she has news! Then I quickly asked her if she was serious! LOL I was laughing, crying, half yelling! All the while sitting in my wet bathing suit full of sand in the car! NEVER did I picture this moment quite like this. I must add that I have had a list of questions printed by the phone for the last 5 months or so, specifically for THE CALL! ummmmm, I didn't bring it with us to Maine..... So, I am scrambling around the car for a pen and paper. I ended up snatching a crayon from Mara-Grace and her Diego toy box lid to write on!

I tried to listen, write, relay the news and TRIED to concentrate on Karen's glorious details of our Hannah.

News at last.

The most incredible news.....

Introducing with great pride and joy Our Hannah Faith.....

Our Hannah turned 1 on Sunday! She is currently in foster care in Jianxi, China.

Our family is so incredibly excited and blessed.

Thank you for your love and support along our journey. It truly means so much....

2009-08-04T14:34:00.001-04:00

Ummmmm.... was this my baby fix? I have to say, I thought of the bottles ahead for our darling Hannah! I cannot wait!!!!! Look at my face?! I think we bonded! Such a sweet little calf.

2009-07-19T21:09:00.004-04:00

Well... during our 'wait' for Mara-Grace, and now for Hannah, I have heard other's suggest a little something called .........

RETAIL THERAPY!

Yes, I highly suggest it! LOL

I have tried hard to 'contain' myself during this wait, but lately I have had no willpower. I have also noted that perhaps (within reason) this was therapeutic! It is a great reminder that yes, we do believe we will look into the eyes of our Hannah Faith one day. This will happen.... As many have said, she will come. Yes she will. When? We do not know exactly.... But she will!

This week, we have bought her:

-"Ladybug love" jeans (I have been eye balling these for the last month!)

-A new bib

-2 new little body suit shirts one that says, "Heaven sent!"

I must add that yesterday, we were given her first present from someone else. Kevin's sister and family gave us Hannah's first little bear. She has a little cross on her paw and on her tag it reads, "Faith". What a special, touching present.... We indeed do have faith that we will all be loving wee Miss Hannah Faith in person soon! xoxo

2009-07-12T15:56:00.003-04:00

Thanks so much for your messages of support. They mean so much to all of us...

As we know, this journey is definitely one with many obstacles, incredible uncertainty and of course time and faith. I have to remind myself that this will indeed happen. Despite how it seems at times. I will continue to pray this will happen for our family. We are all so anxious to know who exactly our Hannah is!

Thanks again for your words of wisdom and incredible support.

xo Jen

2009-07-07T08:48:00.002-04:00

Well..... I did say something..... anything...... Quite honestly, I feel like I have been punched in the gut. I phoned our agency a few minutes ago regarding a question I had with the Immigration procedure. While on the phone I asked whether or not they have heard anything regarding the online system. I was put on hold and then I was told that a list did indeed arrive last night. Unfortunately, there was no baby on there for us. I am not sure why I let myself get my hopes WAY up. I worried about allowing that to happen, but really couldn't help it this time!

So, here we are.... waiting still. I guess I have no right to complain as some people are still waiting since our first journey. I feel selfish when I think about them. At the same time, I am sad. I just hope that our time does indeed come.

Anyway, there's the news. No news again.... that is the thing I think that kills me really. When you are a part of the SN lists, you always have the hope that you are going to hear of your little one. When you are expecting your proposal with the NSN, as horribly long a process as it is, you have an idea of when you can completely expect to receive news. Anyway, I will continue to try to wrap my heart around being totally prepared, and yet prepared to wait. Wait.......

Sorry, I suppose that I need to chin up now. No more pity party.... I am going to wash the dishes and take our girls to the EcoM. the air may help clear my head! Not so sure about the heart though! I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up high, I just couldn't help it....

xoxo Jen

2009-07-05T21:39:00.004-04:00

I am so afraid to jinx this, but I feel like we are going to get news..... Perhaps it is just very wishful thinking, but I feel that news is coming. I pray that it will be news of our Hannah....

As a true believer in signs, I noticed that I had not seen any ladybugs for quite some time. Then, Thursday, everywhere I looked there they were. On bags, purses, pictures in the airport and on our way home. Victoria and Mara-Grace also mentioned seeing some.

So, what do you think? I so hope we receive some kind of news.... Something... anything.....

xoxo

2009-06-21T13:44:00.006-04:00

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

Victoria made the following as a special gift for Kevin today...

xo

2009-06-19T13:54:00.001-04:00

KISSES IN THE WIND

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams. You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems. I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong. Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you. I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do. Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend. But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight. And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

--- Unknown

2009-06-13T20:23:00.002-04:00

A little update... A small list did indeed come out, however we were not matched with our Hannah. I trust that there will indeed be a glorious day when we will receive that incredible phone call from our sponson Karen, with the most amazing news of exactly who is our Hannah.

I feel ready and yet not.... Because I wasn't well etc... we didn't get to start the nursery as planned in May. However, now that all is back to normal, we hope to begin soon!

We did receive news from our agency that they will continue to be a part of the shared SN list, but they will be requesting files (as they used to) from the CCAA to be sent only to them. These files arrive every 3-4 months and there are usually around 5 received. In our opinion, this is a good thing. We now have two chances/paths of being matched with our little one.

As always, thank you for the thoughts and prayers.

xo Jen

2009-05-23T07:08:00.004-04:00

Although another list has come out, our Hannah is not on it.... Perhaps another list will be received by our agency within the next few weeks and we will receive the wonderful phone call from our sponsor Karen....

We will keep you posted!

Our Hannah is never far from our minds and always in our hearts. We will wait, until we are meant to!

Much love,

xo J

2009-04-18T22:09:00.003-04:00

I meant to add to my previous post, please be sure to also check out our family blog (address is permanently on the right and below) which I TRY to update a little more frequently with 'our everyday news'.

xoxo
http://ourfirstjourneytochina.blogspot.com/

2009-04-18T21:16:00.005-04:00

No....... no news.......................waiting.........................just waiting.........................

I do not update this blog nearly as much as I would like to. I suppose I am always hoping for some news to share!

No news yet.... I will keep you posted!

Hannah's room is currently basically empty except for the table I set up to do my scrapbooking! It is so incredibly handy to have everything set up and ready for any spare minute I have to devote. I will miss the convenience of that, but obviously will be MORE THAN happy to have a reason to put it away! The crib is propped up in there, but not assembled. The change table and rocking chair are there too. Along with a tv and stand which has a home outdoors in our gazebo during the summer months. Ok, the room is not empty, but it is empty of all that truly matters.

We have bought things for Hannah here and there, and they are awaiting her in there too! LOL I have finished buying for the caretakers (nannies) from the orphanage, and I have their gifts stored in the closet. Along with some gifts for the orphanage. Also, some candies for the local children we meet along our way. So, at this time, Hannah's room is being prepared for both our trip and her homecoming. Once we finally receive our referral (news of WHO Hannah is, and where etc...) we could travel within 2-3 months. We have decided to start decorating her nursery/room in May. I have it planned in my mind. We bought Hannah her own crib bedding set which is Lullaby Birds by Kidsline. For her room, I picture it mainly sunny yellow and white. Wood painted white on the bottom portion of the wall and yellow above. I can picture it and it will be easy to match when she is out of her crib etc... Anyway, looking forward to that. Here is a pic of Lullaby Birds. We have the crib set, extra fitted sheet, wall art, hamper, and the lamp. Now, if we could just have some news of our baby!!!!! xoxo

If you would like to check out the set, here is a link with photos!
http://www.kidslineinc.com/products/infant/lullaby_birds.php

2009-03-28T15:07:00.002-04:00

Well, we have a little news...

Good news is that our agency did indeed receive a new list this past week from the online system....

Unfortunately, our Hannah was not in there.... So, we continue to wait. We will continue to trust that she will be presented to us when she is meant to be. This does help ease a little of the pain and uncertainty in this process. Actually it makes it bearable.

Your love and prayers are most appreciated.

xo

2009-03-19T21:04:00.002-04:00

We have a LID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is January 4th 2009!!!!!! Whoohoooooo!!!!!!

Another really exciting bit of news is that our agency is expecting to receive the online list (mentioned in the previous post) this coming week! YES you read correctly! We may very well hear news this coming week! When I stop and process that, I can hardly breathe! We are so scared to get our hopes up and do not want to jinx anything. Then as I type, I am reminding myself the same thing that has literally kept me sane during this incredibly emotional journey, it is all in God's hands. Our little Hannah Faith will be presented to us when she is meant to be....

Any thoughts and prayers would be appreciated. And WISHES!!!!!!! I am desperate for wishes (see side explanation) for Hannah's book!

Much love and appreciation for being a sounding board and support to us.

xoxo

2009-03-10T20:19:00.003-04:00

We have a little news....We heard from our sponsor Karen today that our agency will be expanding their Special Needs program to be part of an online process. I believe that this may speed up the process a little bit! We do not have all of the details tonight, but we think that this means our agency will have at their access many files online, and they can reserve a file of a little one on our behalf. We would then have 48 hours to accept! Hopefully this new system would allow for more waiting children to be presented, at a much faster rate to our agency.

When I read the news from Karen, I was beyond thrilled. We are so excited. Perhaps this means that we will indeed soon hear news of our little Hannah Faith. We are all optimistic and truly very hopeful.

Lots of love xoxo

Jen

2009-03-03T18:33:00.001-05:00

No news...... Just wanted to say that..... Anyone have any feelings on when we may get news? I would love to hear your predictions!

xo Jen

P.S. Wishes are VERY MUCH needed!!!!! Please see my plea on the right! xoxo

2009-02-22T14:57:00.002-05:00

No news....

We are hoping/expecting to soon hear news of our Log in date in China. It is the date that our file was logged into the system at the CCAA (China Centre of Adoption Affairs)

So, come on LID!

2009-01-30T20:43:00.000-05:00

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first one gave you life and the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it.
One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim.
One gave you emotion, the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile. The other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.
And now you ask me through your tears the age old question.
Unanswered through the years.
Heredity or environment what are you the product of?
Neither my darling, neither. Just two different kinds of love.

Author Unknown

2009-01-30T20:25:00.003-05:00

During this wait, I am almost numb. Perhaps it is a means of self preservation. I think it is because I know what a long, emotional journey this is. It feels as though I am holding my breath this time around. The end is not in sight, the wait may be tremendously long, and yet, we could hear the miraculous news of our Hannah any moment. It is so hard to be completely prepared and yet also prepared to wait.

I feel selfish to say that I am finding it hard to wait. I understand about waiting, and I also know that many families are still waiting for their little ones. We would be still waiting for our Mara-Grace had we not been open to the SN program also. I believe that God watches over us and puts us on the path that brings us to the child he has chosen for us.

The only thing we can do is wait, pray, hope and trust.

xoxo

2009-01-27T21:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year Hannah Faith.... Although we do not know who you are yet, we cannot help but wonder if you are celebrating Chinese New Year... We pray that this new year, the year of the Ox will bring us together.

Thinking of you little one.

xoxo

2009-01-15T07:13:00.003-05:00

I found my red thread bracelet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was underneath boots in the front closet! I am so thankful.....

Have a beautiful day! If you live in the land of snow and ice, bundle up!!!!!

This is our current forecast:

-27 °C

6:00 AM EST Thursday 15 January 2009
Condition:
Clear

Temperature:
-26.7°C

Wind Chill:
-31 C

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looking on the 'bright' side of the iceberg, it is a lovely reason to snuggle:)

2009-01-14T14:33:00.003-05:00

Well, we have a little news, but none that affects us personally at the moment.

We heard from our sponsor (Karen W.) yesterday that SN files arrived at our agency last week. However, our Hannah wasn't in them. It is wonderful to think of the families that did receive long awaited news of their little one. I am so incredibly happy for them. Also, files hadn't come in so very long, that we were truly begininning to question if there was a serious problem with the program. It is a relief to know that files arrived.

On another note, I lost my red thread bracelet yesterday. I cannot find it for the life of me, but really hope that it will turn up.... I could go on and on about this, but I am trying to just be positive.

Lots of love and please keep up the prayers that we will hear news of our Hannah Faith before too long.

xo

2008-12-21T15:11:00.002-05:00

Wishes Needed!!!!!!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am putting together a 100 good wishes quilt scrapbook. I have the quilt and I have the bits of fabric on paper. I just need to add wishes to each paper. We would REALLY appreciate wishes from you! If you could email me, or comment to this post and I will then print your wishes and add it to the fabric page in the scrapbook. Keep in mind, the wish can be anything you would like to say to Hannah.

Thanks in advance!!!!!!!! Please help us with our project for Hannah! xoxoxo

2008-12-21T15:00:00.003-05:00

I find myself trying to be as patient as possible during this difficult wait. This is beyond difficult and practically impossible.

We often think of our Hannah, and wonder when we will get news of her. Will it be literally any moment, or will we still be waiting a year from now?

For now, all we can do is pray and trust that our baby girl will be ours when she is meant to be. I pray for her health, safety and her warmth. May she know she is loved and that she has a family waiting a world away to one day hold her close in our arms along with our hearts.

We love you Hannah and pray that we will have you home with us soon.

xoxox Mommy

2008-11-14T16:43:00.004-05:00

We are thrilled to say that we dropped off our COMPLETE file today at our adoption agency. It was wonderful to see the familiar face of Pauline who so warmly took our registration 'the first time around' and who also presented us with Mara-Grace's picture/file. So, a lovely familiar face!
We were told that there are 34 other families who are also waiting in the SN program. Our file will follow the procedures of the SN and NSN programs. If our little one arrives through the SN program, this could be literally any day. It could be a week, a month, a year away... We don't know. We basically will be ready to receive news of our darling Hannah Faith when it is God's plan.

We are so happy to be finished all of the preps of the 'paper chase'. Now, we continue on "THE WAIT".... This is truly one of the hardest waits imaginable. It is indescribable really.

It is so hard to be excited, and yet have to somehow keep it all in check! Be ready to hear news any minute, and keep your sanity that we may be waiting for quite some time. Ahhhh the emotional rollercoaster begins/continues!

As we continue on this journey, as we wait, we would truly appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.

xo Jen

P.S Tori had school today, so she sadly couldn't be with us to drop our file off. Here is Mara-Grace with Pauline at the agency! In the car Mara was talking about Hannah, and we had to remind her that we were just bringing our paperwork in, and that Hannah wasn't coming home with us just yet. No need to clean the toys off the back seat just yet! xo

2008-10-10T22:53:00.002-04:00

Homestudy completed check check!!!!! Just waiting now to receive it in the mail, and bring it in to our agency! Waiting check check! Heart is bursting.... cannot wait to proceed..... xoxo Thanks for the thoughts/prayers as they are a treasured support. xoxo

2008-09-09T14:45:00.002-04:00

Our homestudy is almost complete!

We have met a few times with our social worker who is writing our homestudy which makes us eligible to adopt. We are ALMOST done this process! We have our LAST visit, at our home on Saturday and then soon after, we will be given the completed homestudy.

We will then take our complete file (just waiting on the homestudy report) to our agency and at that point it will be "ANYTIME". By anytime, I mean that when SN files arrive, if one matches our credentials, we will be phoned. That is the moment we are waiting for. Cannot wait to hear about and see our Hannah's picture.

xo

Waiting to begin our homestudy....

2008-08-08T20:55:00.001-04:00

Many are asking , "anything new?" Well, surprise surprise, we are waiting! We have our first appointment with a social worker who will do our homestudy on August 15th. We'll keep you posted!

2008-07-30T21:24:00.005-04:00

We cannot wait another minute. Although we do not know 'who' our angel is yet, we feel her in our hearts and have been calling her by name. It has been our tradition both with Victoria and Mara-Grace to not share their name until they arrive (or arrive by picture!). This time however, we couldn't keep it quiet! Actually, when my mom was asking Mara what her baby sister's name is, Mara told her! OOPS!

We have decided to name our little one.......

Hannah Faith

We will also include Hannah's chinese names as her middle names.

Here are some pictures of Hannah's 100 Good Wishes quilt.

2008-07-30T21:07:00.005-04:00

I am happy to report that we have an actual date to begin our homestudy. August 15th. We met with the pediatrician today to request a letter on our behalf for our report. It isn't mandatory, but as our SW said, it cannot hurt our case!

Aside from that news, nothing really new on the adoption front. I bought my red thread bracelet in Chinatown on Sunday... As a firm believer in signs, ancient beliefs, I feel that it is a special tie to our baby. This time-honored Chinese legend underscores the belief that when a child is born invisible red threads connect that child's soul to all those people - present and in the future - who will play a part in that child's life. As each birthday passes, those threads shorten and tighten, bringing closer those people who are fated to be together. The China Adoption community has taken this legend to heart, and has embraced the tradition of the red thread bracelet as a means of connecting with the children who wait to be united with their new families. Moms-to-be generally wear their bracelets from the time they begin the paperchase to the day they meet their new daughter or son. It is said that often when united with their children, the bracelet will fall of on its own. I must say that although NEVER taking mine off last time, the night that I met Miss Mara it slipped off.

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,regardless of time, place, or circumstance.The thread may stretch or tangle,but it will never break."- an ancient Chinese belief

2008-06-29T21:10:00.007-04:00

100 Good Wishes Quilt

In the northern part of China families traditionally make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt to welcome and celebrate a new life. It is customary to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth and a wish for the baby. Part of the patch of cloth is sewn into the quilt for the baby, and the other part of the cloth goes into a scrapbook with the wish for the child. The quilt contains the blessings from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric.

I so wish that I would have known about this beautiful tradition when I was expecting Victoria, but I am very thankful that she has a lovely quilt made with much love from my Grandma. When we were expecting Mara, we had learned of this tradition and we collected squares of fabric by participating in quilt swaps with other adopting, waiting parents. The other squares of fabric and wishes were gathered at my baby shower from family and friends. My Grandma then pieced the squares together and made Mara a gorgeous Good Wishes Quilt. I put all of the wishes and samples of the fabric into scrapbooks. Mara adores looking through these and having me read her special wishes and loves to find the material in her quilt that goes with the wish.

We wanted to welcome our new little angel with her own special 100 Wishes Quilt. However, this time we are doing things a little differently. I came across this ebay store called Bearhug baby quilts. Anyway, this talented woman makes the quilt based on your preferences using 100 different fabrics, and then gives you a swatch of each fabric. As much as I would have LOVED to ask my Grandma again, I also didn't want to be greedy! She has many grandchildren, and I am lucky that she lovingly made me two quilts for our girls. Also, it is very hard to get to see everyone and ask for fabric/wishes etc... Anyway, I thought this may be simpler for everyone involved. So, I ordered a quilt. We were able to choose the color, style etc.. and we also had her name embroidered on! I am dying to insert a picture here! I will work on that soon! We received the quilt and it is absolutely beautiful. Now I will get busy putting the fabric swatches in a scrapbook and ask everyone we see during this wait to adopt a fabric and write a wish to our little one.

Here is the link for anyone interested in ordering your own....

http://stores.ebay.com/Bear-Hug-Baby-Quilts

2008-06-04T15:20:00.010-04:00

Oh Little One

Oh little one, where ever you are,

Near to our hearts yet distant so far.
Have you already a birthday? I wonder each night,

Or have you yet to experience that journey of might.
We’ve waited so long to share our blessings with you,

Our hearts ache with joy of the thought coming true.
I want you to know how excited we are,

To meet you and love you; our precious little star.
Thrilled of the thoughts of watching you grow,

Teaching and learning from each other you know.
Please never forget this one promise to you,

We’ll always be your parents and unconditionally love you.

(Poem by Debbie Hutson)

2008-06-01T07:29:00.006-04:00

First off, I would like to thank those who have taken the time to comment! Please do! Your comments are so supportive during this wait and really mean so much. So, those of you are just 'browsing' let your voices be heard! LOL xoxoxo

Don't forget to check out our other family blog (started on our journey to Mara-Grace)
http://www.freewebs.com/china-blog/pleasecheckoutourblog.htm

As you can see by our timeline on the right, we have taken some steps this week. We received our info pack from our Centre Jeunesse. We also did our police clearance. No we are not hardened criminals! We can now prove it! :) And we also received our letter from the SAI which allows us to begin this process in the first place!

As I mentioned in a previous post, we are all incredibly excited now. We have brought up "baby sister" to Mara a little more. She now walks into her bedroom and mentions her. She knows her name btw! This time, I don't think we'll last until referral to share it... Stay tuned!!!! Mara often says , "baby" and then runs into baby sister's room and then back to her own and points at her furniture. I believe that this is because I explained that we will be buying baby sister her own dresser, crib etc.... And that when we get her room (the current playroom) ready, the playroom will move down to the guest/computer room. We make comments that baby sister is in China like Mara was etc... We don't want to overwhelm her with info, just laying little seeds along this journey. As the time approaches for us to travel etc...(ummmm, am I jumping ahead here or what?!!!) she will hopefully be quite prepared. I suppose when we receive our referral, then we can really prepare her fully. For now though, mentions of _____ ______ is a good start. Even better though, is her excitement at the prospect of her baby sister!

2008-05-27T20:45:00.005-04:00

We are so excited! It truly cannot be helped.... I have tried to 'contain' my excitement as this may be a very long road, but it is impossible to not dream about something so miraculous isn't it? I cannot help but wonder where she is at this very moment... I find myself picturing our lives with her here at home. I feel this incredible need to get things ready for her arrival, and yet at the same time we may be waiting a long time for her to be here physically. Let's face it, she is here now in our hearts. We are indeed waiting for our little angel whose face we haven't seen yet.

2008-05-20T21:00:00.005-04:00

Well, today we dropped off our registration at the adoption agency! Whoohooooo! It felt wonderful to hand over our info, and to receive the much remembered/loved adoption briefcase that will be a fixture in our lives until we drop off our completed file! Seriously though, we are so happy and thankful to be on this journey again....

2008-05-16T15:33:00.010-04:00

Oh Happy Day!!!!!

Thank you to all those who have checked out this blog and taken the time to write to us! We are indeed blessed by you, our family and friends and your continued support.

Just wanted to write a little update on how things are progressing. Well, Karen W. (Our BEYOND amazing sponsor) has been checking out things with the agency on our behalf and she kindly phoned them yesterday and was told that we may now proceed. Our agency's Special Needs/Waiting children program will be continuing on as is! We are beyond relieved, and thankful to hear of this amazing news.

We will be dropping off our registration with our agency on Tuesday morning! xoxo

2008-05-08T14:45:00.010-04:00

Well, here we are, waiting again! We are so thankful that we are on this journey again. We cannot wait to officially make our announcement on Mother's Day weekend to our families. As we know, this is an incredibly difficult wait, yet so very worthwhile.

We have our registration forms ready, and will be attending an info session at our adoption agency on May 12th. Then, once we hear that their special needs program has been re-accredited, we will begin! Because we have chosen to take this SN path again, the wait is even more unpredictable. There are families waiting, and depending on the number of files that come in, and the special needs each family is comfortable with, the matching may or may not happen. Files come every few months.

Our faith and trust that God will lead us to the angel that is truly meant to be ours, is our salvation during this emotional wait.