Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
LET THE TRICK-OR-TREATING BEGIN...
"HAPPY HALLOWEEN"!, from, Penny-Riding Hood!
*We are thinking of Madison (my dear niece) today...for her operation to go quickly and smoothly. We love you Maddy and you are in our prayers!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
"MOM'S NIGHT" - OUR FIRST MEETING WITH THE FCC-LI
Future mom's to Mia, "Paige", and Meaghan!Families with Children from China has a L.I. division and we went to our first meeting together. There were a TON of mom's, some waiting for their babies and some who just came home from China. It was very intereting to hear different views, opinions and experiences. We all had a potluck dinner and dessert (yummy) and then introduced ourselves and discussed a few topics. Two women started their own business, which should be up and running soon (afamiliesheart.com). They make China-related quilts, fleece blankets, red thread braclets, aprons from mommy and child, etc. ~ I look forward to checking out their website!
What a fun night spent with others who have so much in common; and who really understand the waiting, wondering and excitment that goes along with adopting from China.
However, what really touches me is how 3 baby girls from China, whom we don't even know yet, formed 3 bonds that their mommies will forever be greatful for...thanks girls!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
HAPPY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
Wow, it's been 10 years since we were married on a very stormy day (actually it was a noreaster, however you spell it!). It was a exactly a year ago that I brought up the idea of adopting a baby girl from China ~ hubby was shocked (to say the least!) and it took "some" convincing, but once he understood where I was coming from...well, the rest is history!
This is for my wonderful husband, thanks for believing in me and Happy Anniversary!
MY PRINCE WILL COME
Every girl waits for her prince to come,
mommy says she is one of the lucky ones.
Daddy, you don't even know me yet,
I know it sounds funny, but we haven't even met.
You will be my dad and I will be your girl,
you will come for me from around the world!
You see, mommy prays every night for me,
she is anxious for me to join the family.
Mommy tells me you are the very best,
and that my brothers and I are so blessed.
I will wait for my prince to come,
I would like to be one of the lucky ones!
In time I know you will come for me,
my prince will come, his name is DADDY!
~by Mia's Mommy!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
PLEASE GIVE ME A LOG IN DATE...SOON ~
"Dossiers waiting to be logged in" ~ do you see mine??
"Wall of dossiers" ~ is mine here??My agency recently sent out an email explaining why it takes so long for a log in date. My dossier was sent to our office in Beijing, which is down the road from the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs). They actually walk the dossiers to the CCAA to ensure it's safe arrival, which I really appreciate! The CCAA will register the dossiers within 30 days...they are basically put in a pile (mine is probably on the bottom of that pile) and they go through the dossiers in order and register each one. It can take up to 8 weeks for the CCAA to send my agency the LID...let's see, my "ticker" on the top of the blog says it's been a little over a month ~ I promise I won't whine for the next 3 weeks about this-
*CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW WHINNY THIS BLOG WILL BECOME ONCE I GET MY LID AND I'M WAITING FOR OUR REFERRAL!? You may want to stop reading China Princess...I hope not, we are enjoying your company during this wait :)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
THE DAYS GO BY...STILL NO "LID"!
The "Ed's" enjoyed the Giants game on Sunday...
Anthony started the school "spirit-week" with "pajama day"~ the kids were so excited to actually wear their pajamas to school! Today was "time travel" ~ he brought in some old baseball cards and a Joe DiMaggio book! We'll see what tomorrow brings, as it is "western Wednesday"!
And STILL no LID ! I knew it would take a while, and I am prepared for it to be an October Log In Date and not September (that dream is over!), but I would still like a date. Then when I get that - I will want the next on my list ~ The Referral and we all know that's going to be a l-o-n-g wait!!
I do plan on doing A LOT of reading during my wait. I have already begun! I just finished reading "Daughter from afar".
It was so very interesting that I read it in a day and a half! The mother was very honest and spoke of her daughters' lack of sleep and constant waking at night after they got her home. The poor baby had gone through so much during her first few months that it was all coming out at night and keeping the poor thing and her parents up most of the night!!!
For those of you who know me...well that's the scariest part of all!!! (You know I'm referring to the not sleeping part of this story!!). I'M UP FOR IT THOUGH ~ CAN'T WAIT FOR MY GIRL! (It would be nice if she was a good sleeper like her brothers...I can dream, can't I?)
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
THE DAUGHTER'S OF CHINA, Tim Chauvin
There's an unseen tie that binds them,
A red thread that will not break.
They are woven in a tapestry
It took five thousand years to make.
Their eyes are wide with wonder
Tiny hands reach out to touch
The faces of the families
Who have wanted them so much.
The daughters of China, they fly across the seas,
Off to unseen places and possibilities.
They are gifts to those who cherish them
By those who just could not.
Acts of hope and faith and love
That we never will forget.
They were given up for reasons
That most will never know.
Now they're daughters to the families
Who have come to take them home.
And someday they'll too be mothers
And have children and a home.
Thread by thread they will tie the knots
To weave new tapestries all their own.
The daughters of China, they fly across the seas,
Off to unseen places and possibilities.
They are gifts to those who cherish them
By those who just could not.
Acts of hope and faith and love
That we never will forget.
*Mia is so blessed...she will have two "China sisters" living in her neighborhood! I am also so blessed to have their mommies to share this special time with. We are just getting to know each other, but we share so much already!
So glad to have you guys to share this amazing journey with "M" and "L" (thought you would appreciate this poem too!)
A red thread that will not break.
They are woven in a tapestry
It took five thousand years to make.
Their eyes are wide with wonder
Tiny hands reach out to touch
The faces of the families
Who have wanted them so much.
The daughters of China, they fly across the seas,
Off to unseen places and possibilities.
They are gifts to those who cherish them
By those who just could not.
Acts of hope and faith and love
That we never will forget.
They were given up for reasons
That most will never know.
Now they're daughters to the families
Who have come to take them home.
And someday they'll too be mothers
And have children and a home.
Thread by thread they will tie the knots
To weave new tapestries all their own.
The daughters of China, they fly across the seas,
Off to unseen places and possibilities.
They are gifts to those who cherish them
By those who just could not.
Acts of hope and faith and love
That we never will forget.
*Mia is so blessed...she will have two "China sisters" living in her neighborhood! I am also so blessed to have their mommies to share this special time with. We are just getting to know each other, but we share so much already!
So glad to have you guys to share this amazing journey with "M" and "L" (thought you would appreciate this poem too!)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
CHINA 101 ~ Learning about our daughter's birth country!
CHINESE MOON FESTIVAL
The Chinese Moon Festival (or the Mid-Autumn Festival) is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month; which falls on October 6th this year. Chinese culture is deeply imbedded in traditional festivals. Just like Christmas and Thanksgiving in the West, the Moon Festival is one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese. The Moon Festival is full of legendary stories.
For example, legend says that Chang Er flew to the moon, where she has lived ever since. You might see her dancing on the moon during the Moon Festival. The Moon Festival is also an occasion for family reunions. When the full moon rises, families get together to watch the full moon, eat moon cakes, and sing moon poems. The moon cake, which is pictured above, is the food for the Moon Festival. The Chinese eat the moon cake at night with the full moon in the sky.
*During our looooooong wait, I will try to learn as much as possible about Mia's birth country. Come along for the ride...
Saturday, September 30, 2006
DO YOU BELIEVE IN DREAMS?
Around March/April of 2004 I had a very powerful dream. I asked my sister-in-law, who is excellent at interpreting dreams, to tell me what she thought of my dream...My sister-in-laws comments are in blue:
We were in a car going to a party ~ being in a car can mean progress, change, movement, since cars transport us from one place to another, a transport in the form of a trip, like to China! Going to a party: celebration/happy event.
There are a lot of people at this party and I find a seat on a folding chair~"folding chair":unfolding of events
My mother-in-law ( she is an adoptive mother!) is sitting to the left of me and we find out she is throwing us a going away party~ "going away" to get your baby!?, moving forward, change, moving on...
Then someone hands me an infant (interesting to note that the baby was given to you!) and I hug the baby and say, "my little girl, I finally have my little girl". I was very emotional in the dream~
That's what I see, without hearing your associations to help guide me further. You know I do believe that God sometimes sends us dreams (sometimes through other people, even!) to guide us/give us hope, and this could very well be such a dream, I lean towards this.
PRETTY AMAZING, ISN'T IT?
Yes, I do think it's amazing...I've been thinking back to some pretty "amazing" events. I do see how things have been unfolding. At the time, I was oblivious to them and now I'm putting them together.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
"Home"-Boy!
Happy to be home - his face says it all - watching "Bob the Builder", playing with his toys - Home! His teachers said he quickly "recovered" after I left and had a real good day! Mommy has a smile on her face (almost) as big as Eddie's ... my boy!Breaking My Heart...
My little guy is having such a hard time going to Preschool and saying good-bye. He was trying to smile in this picture before school...we even tried bringing his bear, Buddy today. Nothing seems to make it easier for him ~ mommy is so sad this morning; but hopefully when I call they will tell me he is having a good time!?I often wonder if Mia will have an easier time going off to school than her brothers, but will I have a harder time...hmmmm, that is the question.
*Still no word about our LID. I'm just hoping that it is a September 2006 LID and not an October LID...hopefully we'll know sooner rather than later!
Friday, September 22, 2006
WELCOME FALL!
This is my favorite time of year! The excitement of the upcoming holidays:Halloween,
Thanksgiving,
and my very favorite ~ CHRISTMAS!
Unfortunately, I should also welcome...COLD season; as my little guy has his first cold - and he's only been to school 3 TIMES! Let the drama begin...
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
OFFICIAL DTC DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2006!
My adoption agency notified me that my "official DTC date (dossier to China) is Sept. 15th"!
Now it will go to the CCAA(China Center of Adoption Affairs) where it will first be registered, then it will go to translation, then reviewed, matching room and ultimately our referral!!
They basically go by our LID (log in date); which I am assuming we will get after we are registered ~ come on now CCAA, let's register that dossier!
My agency also said I am officially in the "waiting phase. They said, "this is usually the hardest part" and "it is a good time to decorate the nursery so that you'll have something to keep you busy". What about...
SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
LOVE & SUPPORT ~
How can thank you be enough?
Friends & family have already blessed Mia with very special "presents". I wanted to dedicate this post to the special people in our lives, not only the ones who gave to Mia; but to those of you who supported me through everything...and now sharing in my "Mia-joy"!
Bags & bags of special clothes for Miss Mia! Thank you, B!
Fabulous book! Thank you, M & F!
Wonderful keepsake & book! Thank you, D!
Friends & family have already blessed Mia with very special "presents". I wanted to dedicate this post to the special people in our lives, not only the ones who gave to Mia; but to those of you who supported me through everything...and now sharing in my "Mia-joy"!
Bags & bags of special clothes for Miss Mia! Thank you, B!
Fabulous book! Thank you, M & F!
Wonderful keepsake & book! Thank you, D!
Mia's first Barbie! Thank you, M!
Once again, thank you all for your kindness, Love, Mia's Mommy!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS...
WE ARE DONE - DONE - DONE - WITH THE PAPERCHASE!
* 3 POUNDS OF PAPERS ARE ON THEIR WAY TO OUR ADOPTION AGENCY AS I WRITE ~ "you are reading this correctly 3 POUNDS" of papers were put into a Fedex box, kissed, yes I really did kiss them...and the box...the lady at the counter understood completely (she said), because she adopted her son 20 years ago.
WE ARE DONE WITH ALL OF THE PAPERWORK,
BUT OUR WAIT HAS JUST BEGUN...
* 3 POUNDS OF PAPERS ARE ON THEIR WAY TO OUR ADOPTION AGENCY AS I WRITE ~ "you are reading this correctly 3 POUNDS" of papers were put into a Fedex box, kissed, yes I really did kiss them...and the box...the lady at the counter understood completely (she said), because she adopted her son 20 years ago.
WE ARE DONE WITH ALL OF THE PAPERWORK,
BUT OUR WAIT HAS JUST BEGUN...
Sunday, September 10, 2006
MIA IS HER NAME ~ THERE'S NO TURNING BACK NOW!
Now, we have our girls name in writing, so she will really and truley be : Mia!
We went to the city yesterday to "show" my aunt and cousin around - we ended up in China town and saw this artist making these amazing pictures. Each letter is made out of a flower, butterfly or a bird - this makes up her name (we also had him write her name in chinese). I was thrilled because it was hubbys idea to get one for Mia's room!! That meant a lot to me... look how pretty!
We went to the city yesterday to "show" my aunt and cousin around - we ended up in China town and saw this artist making these amazing pictures. Each letter is made out of a flower, butterfly or a bird - this makes up her name (we also had him write her name in chinese). I was thrilled because it was hubbys idea to get one for Mia's room!! That meant a lot to me... look how pretty!
Friday, September 08, 2006
LOOK OUT PRESCHOOL, HERE HE COMES!
Eddie seemed real happy to see his preschool today. He has wonderful teachers - sweet & caring; and the classroom is full of great toys, play-doh, paint and the cutest pint sized bathroom (let's just hope he uses it instead of his pants!).
The real test is next Thursday when I do the old "drop off" - for now, we have one more day of "mommy & me" on Tuesday and then after that it's solo! Exciting, but scarey...for mommy!
*Paperwork is still at the Chinese Consulate and we'll get it Monday - hubby has the day off, so he'll go into the city, grab the papers and run home so we can make copies and run to Fedex! So exciting - looks like we'll be DTC (date to China) next Friday ~ a week from today!! Happy dance again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The real test is next Thursday when I do the old "drop off" - for now, we have one more day of "mommy & me" on Tuesday and then after that it's solo! Exciting, but scarey...for mommy!
*Paperwork is still at the Chinese Consulate and we'll get it Monday - hubby has the day off, so he'll go into the city, grab the papers and run home so we can make copies and run to Fedex! So exciting - looks like we'll be DTC (date to China) next Friday ~ a week from today!! Happy dance again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
SCHOOL DAZE!
3rd grader ready to leave for school!
little brother, not ready to let him go...
Even Penny is going
to miss him!
*Anthony did GREAT this morning ~ I am so very proud of him! However, he's only been gone an hour and I already miss my boy...
little brother, not ready to let him go...
Even Penny is going
to miss him!
*Anthony did GREAT this morning ~ I am so very proud of him! However, he's only been gone an hour and I already miss my boy...
Monday, September 04, 2006
BASEBALL BOYS!
Turned out to be a pretty nice weekend ~ there was a lot of baseball being played at our house!
Handed over my I-171H to my brother - he'll bring it to be Country Certified for me - what a brother!
Wednesday it will be handed to the hubby to be brought in to be State Certified and hopefully to the Chinese Consulate!? Not sure if it can all be done in one day...
If my agency receives my dossier by 10 am on Wednesday, then it will be sent to China by that Friday! It will never make it by this week....but, by next week!! ??
Thursday, August 31, 2006
DOIN' THE I-171H DANCE!
YES!! I- received- the- last- form- in- the- mail- today! I'm happy, happy and yes, HAPPY!
Need to have it notarized (which will take place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.) and then I will drive to the County Center to have it county certified - then I hand it over to hubby who will take it to get it state certified...
Then, all of the documents go to the Chinese Consulate where they are approved then I make whatever copies I have left to make and mail it to the adoption agency - WOW!
Need to have it notarized (which will take place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.) and then I will drive to the County Center to have it county certified - then I hand it over to hubby who will take it to get it state certified...
Then, all of the documents go to the Chinese Consulate where they are approved then I make whatever copies I have left to make and mail it to the adoption agency - WOW!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
RED THREAD LEGEND:
This is very meaningful especially to those adopting from China! It's all about ~ "Faith"
*Still waiting for our I171H Form (approval to adopt a foreign orphan). Everyday I go to the mailbox and hope to find this form/letter. It will bring us yet another step closer ~ I don't know what I will do when all the paperwork is in ~ I'm planning on doing a lot of reading ~ about attachment an d bonding and stories of others adoption journeys, but I need this form/letter to come...the sooner the better. Just seems like so much waiting - to wait again - Faith ~
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY!
My big boy is 8 years old today ~ I can't believe it! Today, he tells me,"I will always be 8 years older than my little sister!" ~ it's amazing how he always thinks of her... what a special, sweet, loving, affectionate - oh, I could just go on! I am so very blessed to be his mommy.
Happy Birthday, I love you with all of my heart!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
"NO FINGERPRINTS"!
We had our fingerprint appointment first thing this morning. We were all up early, ate and on the road to Hempstead. It basically went like this:
Traffic
More traffic
Rain
More, you guessed it, traffic!
Got slightly lost (awful directions from Mapquest.com!)
Finally get there & circle for 20 minutes looking for parking...
Find a spot and start walking, more rain!
Then, we get to the office and their is a loooooong line - we wait and wait
Play hangman with Anthony
Play stickers with Eddie
Wait some more
Well, I'm finally called up and all ready to be fingerprinted and I'm told I really "don't have fingerprints", they're worn down - WHAT? I'm told it happens to alot of women, it happens from cleaning, cooking, etc. He said I may be called back to have them done again, but not to panic. They may just accept them the way they are...
I can't imagine having to go back ~ it will delay the adoption ~ and I don't think I can find the office on my own!
Positive thinking!
Traffic
More traffic
Rain
More, you guessed it, traffic!
Got slightly lost (awful directions from Mapquest.com!)
Finally get there & circle for 20 minutes looking for parking...
Find a spot and start walking, more rain!
Then, we get to the office and their is a loooooong line - we wait and wait
Play hangman with Anthony
Play stickers with Eddie
Wait some more
Well, I'm finally called up and all ready to be fingerprinted and I'm told I really "don't have fingerprints", they're worn down - WHAT? I'm told it happens to alot of women, it happens from cleaning, cooking, etc. He said I may be called back to have them done again, but not to panic. They may just accept them the way they are...
I can't imagine having to go back ~ it will delay the adoption ~ and I don't think I can find the office on my own!
Positive thinking!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
SIGNED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE !
Well, my dh(dear husband) took all of our documents (except for I171H) to get certified by the SOS (secretary of state) yesterday! He thought it was funny to call and tell me that they "couldn't do it" and that he "went to the wrong place"! I didn't believe him at first, but he kept going on and on with his "joke" and I was getting madder and madder! Finally, he chuckled and said,"it's all done"!
Strange sense of humor...but IT IS DONE :)
*Next stop: NY Chinese Consulate!
Strange sense of humor...but IT IS DONE :)
*Next stop: NY Chinese Consulate!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
TO THE POST OFFICE!
Anthony came to the post office with me this morning to mail out our I600A form! He was so excited ~ such a cutie, my boy is!Now, it takes 2-3 weeks to get back the fingerprint cards and appointment to be fingerprinted! In the meantime, I have to have the rest of my documents certified by the county clerk! We're moving right along :)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
HOME STUDY APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just heard from my social worker that the adoption agency approved our home study! Wow! Another step closer :)
Friday, July 14, 2006
LAST HOME STUDY & HEP B!
Wow, my last of 4 home studies was this morning. We met for about 2 hours and went over the rough draft (a few minor changes). When we parted I told her that we will love our little girl so much and give her a really good home ~ it was hard not to get choked up, but I just wanted the social worker to know how much this all means to me...
The social workder will make the changes today and then email to my adoption agency for them to approve. I just hope they approve it quickly because she is going to Italy for 3 weeks (the beginning of August!)
Next stop, the doctor's office for my 2nd Hep B shot (it's a series a 3 shots-wonderful!). I had the same nurse as the 1st time (when I almost passed out) and she opened the door to the waiting room, saw me and I think I heard a moan! I told her I would be fine (but I really was so nervous!) . I handled it real well~ I was a big girl! In December I have to get the 3rd and last Hep B and also my second Hep A shots ~ once again, I really love this little girl!!
The social workder will make the changes today and then email to my adoption agency for them to approve. I just hope they approve it quickly because she is going to Italy for 3 weeks (the beginning of August!)
Next stop, the doctor's office for my 2nd Hep B shot (it's a series a 3 shots-wonderful!). I had the same nurse as the 1st time (when I almost passed out) and she opened the door to the waiting room, saw me and I think I heard a moan! I told her I would be fine (but I really was so nervous!) . I handled it real well~ I was a big girl! In December I have to get the 3rd and last Hep B and also my second Hep A shots ~ once again, I really love this little girl!!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Return of the Employment Letter!
Fedex rang the doorbell today and it was the employment letter, returned and certified! What a nice surprised!
I had the rest of my documents notarized today (thanks, Mary A!).
Then, I need to have them certified ~ I guess I can do that while I am waiting for my I-171H (remember, I have to send my petition to adopt a foreign orphan (I-600A), along with copies of our birth certificates, marriage license and a "small" fee). It can take 30-90 days to get this I-171H back (with the dates for our fingerprinting) Let's hope it's closer to 30 days ~ crossing my fingers, toes, etc.
I had the rest of my documents notarized today (thanks, Mary A!).
Then, I need to have them certified ~ I guess I can do that while I am waiting for my I-171H (remember, I have to send my petition to adopt a foreign orphan (I-600A), along with copies of our birth certificates, marriage license and a "small" fee). It can take 30-90 days to get this I-171H back (with the dates for our fingerprinting) Let's hope it's closer to 30 days ~ crossing my fingers, toes, etc.
Monday, July 03, 2006
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