tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45431843213535517812024-03-14T08:14:45.699-04:00Our Journey to KaelieKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-29932897708262305382010-01-04T02:28:00.001-05:002010-01-04T02:28:50.352-05:00Album 01/04/10, by Karen Newsome<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI2MjU4OTkzMDM5NCZwdD*xMjYyNTkwMTA*MDMyJnA9NjUxMzIxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1hNDNjNGQ5OTI3ZmI*OWQxYTE5YWQ5ZWIyNDI4NjM2MCZvZj*w.gif" /><a href='http://photo2.walgreens.com/fbshareredirect/p=39631262589899346/l=1105758007/g=3263423007/redirectURL=share/otsi=SALBBL/AlbumID=5674639007/a=3263423007_3263423007/usercomments=I_xqd%20like%20to%20share%20my%20Walgreens%20Photo%20Center%20photos%20with%20you.%20Once%20you%20have%20checked%20out%20my%20photos%20you%20can%20order%20prints%20and%20upload%20your%20own%20photos%20to%20share./counttext=18%20photos/COBRAND_NAME=walgreens/isForUpload=true/'><img src='http://photo2.walgreens.com/getimagetnurl/AlbumID=5674639007/a=3263423007_3263423007/'/><br></a><a href='http://photo2.walgreens.com/fbshareredirect/p=39631262589899346/l=1105758007/g=3263423007/redirectURL=share/otsi=SALBBL/AlbumID=5674639007/a=3263423007_3263423007/usercomments=I_xqd%20like%20to%20share%20my%20Walgreens%20Photo%20Center%20photos%20with%20you.%20Once%20you%20have%20checked%20out%20my%20photos%20you%20can%20order%20prints%20and%20upload%20your%20own%20photos%20to%20share./counttext=18%20photos/COBRAND_NAME=walgreens/isForUpload=true/'>I'd like to share my Walgreens Photo Center photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-86333513485116429442009-02-18T21:12:00.005-05:002009-02-18T21:52:41.657-05:00Catching Up...I've been a very, VERY bad blogger. I apologize to everyone about that! I just seem to stay so busy these days.<br /><br />Kaelie is growing by leaps and bounds! On February 16, she had her first well-baby checkup, where she weighed in at 19.75 pounds and was 29.5 inches long. She received three vaccinations on this visit, and will recieve another round in three months at her 15-month check-up. Our pediatrician agreed to keep Kaelie on formula unti she is 15 months old.<br /><br />Kaelie visited Babies Can't Wait on February 17 for a developmental evaluation. There are some things that she is simply not ready to do yet. However, she is catching up quickly! We will know next week if she is going to receive any services to help her reach her developmental milestones. She's not too far behind, just enough to make this mama hen worried! Kaelie is coming a long way with her eating and feeding issues...she ate a biter biscuit for her afternoon snack. We are also practicing with a Nuby beginning sippy cup.<br /><br />Kaelie had a birthday! She was the "Big One!" on February 13. We had a celebratory weekend. On Friday night, we had dinner at Logan's...Jeremy picked the place to celebrate his fantastic progress report...which followed Shelby's mid-term progress report of ALL A's, which Shelby hasn't pulled off in a very long time. Then, on Sunday afternoon, the boys and I went over to my grandmother's for a mini-birthday party. Cake and ice cream was enjoyed by all, and Kaelie received a Fisher Price learning puppy from us, a stuffed animal from Lisa and the girls, and a teddy bear from Nana. Unfortunately, the photos from this joyous occasion were lost due to two young men fiddling with the camera! <br /><br />Kaelie has had the opportunity to meet new friends and family over the past week! My Uncle Ken and Aunt Marilee came from South Carolina for a visit, and let me tell you that they made a mess out of Kaelie! I had the chance to show Aunt Marilee a bunch of my China pictures. She crocheted the cutest little baby soccer ball for my sweetie and they also bought Kaelie her first Nursery Rhyme book which comes with a CD.<br /><br />Kaelie and I met our friends Kim and Lia at the Golden Sun for lunch Tuesday afternoon. Sweet Lia finally warmed up and showed me some AWESOME ballet moves! We are going to Albany this Saturday to meet and have a playdate with Kim and Jen and their families on Saturday. I'm looking forward to meeting Emily and Jay and their little one who was also adopted recently from China. <br /><br />Kaelie had a great first day at the nursery today! I was so broken-hearted....it was so hard to leave her. I cried all the way home and then called the nursery mid-morning to check up on her. I think she had a great first day. Poor thing was tuckered out and went right to sleep tonight!<br /><br />OK, a few pictures and I'll try to go through and add a few more later!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuI_E6uLS8n2-GUzfiRCa47zvWb-bDU0j8ItOBg7E6Y2YAR1IuogvWzzu2LOV71pDerpnnUhZ6b3aDbGiQe266YcKUyVrrr00NabpvYO77HFcIz7qFm6L71j8rcHnKGDDEENIiAPhGXE/s1600-h/playful+kaelie+comp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304329217207894594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuI_E6uLS8n2-GUzfiRCa47zvWb-bDU0j8ItOBg7E6Y2YAR1IuogvWzzu2LOV71pDerpnnUhZ6b3aDbGiQe266YcKUyVrrr00NabpvYO77HFcIz7qFm6L71j8rcHnKGDDEENIiAPhGXE/s320/playful+kaelie+comp.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Playful Kaelie can pull herself up on this walker toy, but only if it is propped against the wall. She doesn't have enough balance to walk behind it yet, but it won't be long. This is from Fisher-Price. It's a cute walker that plays ABC's and music, and has some shapes and other objects to put in the basket.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFggfTmK4OGPqR4m86jE_Qwkn55INu49Mnb3fytDwqTK9jvcd4dr4a7k-2JCS0sxOZ5RdGZASIukeOT8-pqFJjx_j5UQ0FMBtnzSQhKPvnsLLXQoBnOMc6N8Ax2wAynzw7oYoJ_ROHRTw/s1600-h/kaelie+and+mamama+comp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304329215828699570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFggfTmK4OGPqR4m86jE_Qwkn55INu49Mnb3fytDwqTK9jvcd4dr4a7k-2JCS0sxOZ5RdGZASIukeOT8-pqFJjx_j5UQ0FMBtnzSQhKPvnsLLXQoBnOMc6N8Ax2wAynzw7oYoJ_ROHRTw/s320/kaelie+and+mamama+comp.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie and Ma-Ma-Ma. I love the expression on Kaelie's face...SO photogenic! My grandmother is thrilled to have another great-grand to brag about!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sl41wKLmeryngqmYel3d11ahvi6CqTjkkZZ4f8_X4zU9-zuV8WS4oVMwaab7mkVAFeNP8ZtCYCBcubqsvw8LHul78CQ11iJMr_fAvS-568Wup20kOzyXLP_KPV00IKV0CEyOxSDmMZo/s1600-h/daddys+girl+comp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304329213616964530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sl41wKLmeryngqmYel3d11ahvi6CqTjkkZZ4f8_X4zU9-zuV8WS4oVMwaab7mkVAFeNP8ZtCYCBcubqsvw8LHul78CQ11iJMr_fAvS-568Wup20kOzyXLP_KPV00IKV0CEyOxSDmMZo/s320/daddys+girl+comp.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Daddy's Girl!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtax4WtE23rZ814WpKfMRa1AD0JNvm0KJBBBzhl5s91WV3ADG-pBcVm3DeqpjuSzF7wPGO_mmuhcj25ziR3QqKeHE_JPoSmqUPmyQYN-waRYZGJ3Bja-utm-A6t1QrSVgQOVxWL9Zhpo/s1600-h/uncle+ken+visit+comp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304329209972423794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtax4WtE23rZ814WpKfMRa1AD0JNvm0KJBBBzhl5s91WV3ADG-pBcVm3DeqpjuSzF7wPGO_mmuhcj25ziR3QqKeHE_JPoSmqUPmyQYN-waRYZGJ3Bja-utm-A6t1QrSVgQOVxWL9Zhpo/s320/uncle+ken+visit+comp.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Who is this mountain man?! Uncle Ken of course!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-45206101915295467182009-02-01T02:16:00.002-05:002009-02-01T02:23:39.890-05:00Ear AdviceHi All ~<br /><br />I guess I've been putting off the inevitable by not visiting the doctor, but I was hoping to save myself a trip and give this ear stuff I've had a chance to fix itself. That's not happened, so maybe you can offer a tip or two to get me through the weekend. Here's the whole story:<br /><br />I got sick with a chest cold two days before Kaelie and I came home. On our second flight of the day -descending into Detroit - I experienced horrible ear pain and I had a hard time clearing my ear but I finally did and it was fine. Then, when we landed in Jacksonville, I had horrific pain and lightheadedness, and I couldn't really hear anything at all. I felt like my whole head was going to explode. I've not flown alot, but only on one other trip have I experienced something like this (and that was 10 years ago!).<br /><br />Here I am a week later, and I'm getting more uncomfortable by the day. I'm taking a decongestant but it isn't really doing anything for the ears. I can feel the fluid moving behind my eardrums. Now I have a strange sensation when I even move my eyes, like the rest of my head is lagging behind. Also, I have some pressure in the roof of my mouth. <br /><br />I would feel great if I could just get over this! Please send your best advice!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-41788586278235671882009-01-31T23:48:00.004-05:002009-02-01T00:52:01.518-05:00First Week HomeWell, our party of five has survived our very first week home! What an exhausting, fun, and joyous week it has been. Let me do a quick run-down of the details:<br /><br />Sunday afternoon found us at the pediatrician's office. At first, the office staff (they work a skeleton crew on the weekends) refused to put her on the list, saying that it was office policy not to take new patients on the weekends. I calmly explained that I had already made an appointment for her first well-baby appointment, then explained that she was running a fever and that we didn't get home until Saturday morning. After the office girl stated once more their "policy", David approached the window and told the girl that he wanted to see the doctor on call anyway. Well, she huffed, but in about 10 minutes she called me back to the window and gave me the weekend form to fill out. Then we went back into the room, and in about 10 minutes, GUESS WHO? walked in!? Only OUR pediatrician, who wasn't on call at all. I guess the office clerk called him when we demanded to be seen by the doctor on call. It was a blessing to see good old Dr. H., even if he did have on a polo shirt and sneakers under his white lab coat.<br /><br /><br />Dr. H spent a good 30 minutes with us and Kaelie. He did a quick medical check as well as an quick overall developmental assessment. David and I were both very impressed! We came home with a nebulizer to give Kaelie breathing treatments (she had the same chest cold that I left China with and her breathing was raspy.). Dr. H said that she was moving air OK, but that he didn't want her to "go wheezy" on us. She also got an antibiotic shot (which in 10 years he's never given one to the boys) and two other prescriptions (for ear drops and a decongestant). Dr. H was very reassuring, and he said he knew that Kaelie was going to be OK.<br /><br /><br />Monday found David and I in the social security office. Here's a helpful hint: take all your documentation with you and make an appointment online if you can, which will save you some time. We needed Kaelie's passport, adoption certificate, and birth certificate (which is basically a notarial statement). <br /><br /><br />Kaelie made her first visit to ATA on Tuesday night when I took Jeremy for practice. Kaelie was the star of the show that night, though! Our ATA is such a small school, and we are just like a big family up there. I've had the privilege of making so many new friends who I know I can count on there. It's pretty special to think about it now...that the reason I got involved in ATA was to pass the time until Kaelie's adoption. Now I'm an instructor trainee and enjoy working with the kids and helping them to improve their ATA skills and techniques. I guess Kaelie will be a Tiny Tiger in a couple of years!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297687140793727330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqVkPdxxs8NBiQeKKG6fpm2SRfhl13a8fMcZDDUMPd0vOWgPR3U7NKp_M-Ok4_YO1xQ5AsTdI8zLOCIJwMwoIWjXo7nd_luu-cmEdPSuQgEQa_7h5np82u3tsSpFsEcdRnZ_7yhVtl9w/s320/anthony+ata+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">A.W., one of my ATA students, made such a mess of Kaelie! He and his mom brought Kaelie some toys and A. was so sweet to play with her after his class.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Wednesday, we went to our local bar-b-que restaurant, Fat Boy's, to eat dinner, and Kaelie was again the hit of the evening. Everyone was just oo-ing and ahh-ing over her. It was amazing that in just a few days, Kaelie was feeling so much better. Finally, smiles are coming more regularly, she is crawling from one room to another, and she is just so interactive. I can look back on our time in China together, just the two of us, and reflect at how she was just very withdrawn. Almost in shell-shock. It has to be difficult for the kids, from having nothing and no one to call their own to suddenly having everything. It's just amazing to see her bubbly little personality and sweet smile.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297687142470736210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOa7FyRKXqb1Vfv-l1wVki25AkNsxc24YH32B78TBcVENHvKHueQBlmw5wEaFe1Dgkh86zdA2vRrOa-tCz9B-saiuXBMw1Cje5n47EvwsEt46WigccYhY6LSv_L0W2TweP9Nup49-V2w/s320/kaelie+fat+boys+comp.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie at Fat Boys Wednesday night. It's amazing how much more relaxed Kaelie is, compared to our time together in China. Smiles like these sure were hard to come by! But they are coming more and more easily.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="left">Kaelie and I went to visit Nana and Ma-Ma-Ma for an extended visit Friday afternoon. We visited for about 4 hours. Kaelie wore herself out, but fought a nap. Finally, after I left her briefly to pick the boys up from school (Shelby's school is right across the street) she finally dozed for about 30 minutes on Nana's lap. My grandmother is just taken with Kaelie...even though she worried like crazy while I was in China! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">How did Ma-Ma-Ma (my grandmother) get her name? When Shelby was a baby, he couldn't say "Grandmama" and it came out "ma-ma-ma" and it just stuck. My nieces call Grandmama "Grandma Sara" but to my boys she is Ma-Ma-Ma. Grandmama is an incredible person, and has been a huge influence in my life. I need to write a post all about her later....</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297687146895188018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYu7qEVLpt6kkZd96Jn4Ylq-Kece5j56zCRuelOxAGIiPA9U3ngl750FEqrrLsiOHl49mKjmI3637E2vjnNrY8AG9yfA8QhdXQKW8RjFKC1Zx6VHQreTJl34T20a9f_G0fksJCacCNTo/s320/nana+comp.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie took a nap on Nana's knee Friday afternoon</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="left">Tonight for dinner Kaelie tried Sweet Potatoes and Chicken. She's worked her way up to the Stage 2 baby foods already! Yeah! Kaelie had never eaten any solids before (not even congee!) and so David and I are really working with her to get her to put things in her mouth and to try solids. I mixed in a few tiny Ritz cracker crumbs with some of her spoonfuls, and she wasn't quite sure what to do with them, but she didn't spit them out, which is a huge step forward. We may end up getting Babies Can't Wait (early intervention) involved, but for now we are just going to wait a couple of more weeks and see what happens. Today, Kaelie put her mouth on my bare arm and just licked and licked it, and she also let me put my finger in her mouth, touching her gums and the insides of her cheeks. That might sound gross, but to a baby who should be putting everything in her mouth, and has just totally missed this stage in her development, this is really GREAT progress. We try to keep mealtimes very, VERY fun and upbeat! David and I bought a couple of Stage 3 jarred foods tonight and hopefully next week Kaelie will feel like trying them. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297687150600116690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3oOh84G_e-it4OJGzNvumJwTx36IxM9OdEe2_1FEuCv_rz07dtHg91Z3hSDSADJpQw17xbGqWhDcWNO-kk1QVN3jpgob2c4pmWujlQbw2r8YwYzCB45tCqv7UDnG1N0X9YcvOCGQf68/s320/kaelie+sweet+potatoes+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">No, No, Kaelie! No raspberries during a mouthful of sweet potatoes and chicken!</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297687150283404290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYRP4pTdlAR594vUp0Y-KFko2A5uz7COD65jfg3mD0OUY0Rn-6n2NSL8wZ1auTeI6Ig-A05WCHI9WUbKIoqIN-PrnYTvP7pgkDzt3dBTVun6gOxWFZCLQ3Wk8DgM0cxKmX2IquIcO4Lw/s320/kaelie+sweet+potatoes+2+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Wow, Mom! Mealtimes are just the best! Kaelie has a Ritz cracker in each hand, and while she won't gnaw on them yet, I think it's just a matter of time. I try to make it real silly for her, and she is REALLY enjoying the pureed foods. She hasn't rejected anything yet, so long as it's pretty hot! What a cutie, even if she does have sweet potatoes on her nose (and on her eyebrow, and in her hair, and up her sleeve....)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">We are making progress in the sleep department as well. David and I bought Kaelie a Fisher-Price Rainforest Animals Soother for her crib. It has a nightlight and plays soft, gentle music. It is adorable and it's been a lifesaver! Last night was the first night that she got up only one time! The other nights she was up 4, 5, even 6 times. Another thing that helped was leaving her door open and turning on the light in the bathroom. I think this helped her to have some background noise which she in probably used to in the orphanage. She took a late-afternoon nap this afternoon, and we kept Kaelie up a little later than usual tonight, so hopefully she will go all night tonight without waking up! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Finally, let's not leave out big brothers Shelby and Jeremy! These two guys have held up so wonderfully to the changes in their lives. I can't believe how much they've grown inside and out in the three weeks since I left for China. Shelby is definitely the big brother who is going to be the protector and the teacher. Kaelie got so tickled tonight, watching Shelby try on all her cute hats. I mean laughing out loud laughing. Kaelie would laugh, then Shelby would laugh, which made Kaelie laugh harder!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9MrTCoFps-9-SMf3TgFpOYG7NzFDJRTjq1jLrSQeP7DE1-xXBowW51d5WavmmCy2xzqtZpuqv1QR79Fs4Zl-J8tIBqKNwdBovEhd5_N7zSsw_mKS5no8_m_AX0xR0H67hNtxe0Mtv2Q/s1600-h/shelby+comp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297688106128025794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9MrTCoFps-9-SMf3TgFpOYG7NzFDJRTjq1jLrSQeP7DE1-xXBowW51d5WavmmCy2xzqtZpuqv1QR79Fs4Zl-J8tIBqKNwdBovEhd5_N7zSsw_mKS5no8_m_AX0xR0H67hNtxe0Mtv2Q/s320/shelby+comp.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Wise "ge ge" Shelby!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><p>Jeremy is more hands-on than Shelby, but no less protective. Jeremy feels very comfortable carrying Kaelie (with much supervision!), and he even volunteered to help change a diaper! He loves to kiss his sister and lay on the floor and play with her. Kaelie definitely looks up to the "men" in her life. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297688104826962562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpi48ldy8QQbnkhNkguvGHC-nauyl2acsSiK8MHHjOnpIS9d280z5J2X4ON_DjCXNqjokMCivMJB5qHPJBdAJkqVujGJsTtN-8DeH08nZXuddw9NTYu92bhxr2dru5ciSboDLnYMGY10/s320/jeremy+comp.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jeremy, right before he posed with his new homemade "weapon" that he used outside for playing.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </p><p>Kaelie is also bonding extremely well with her daddy, who finally summoned to courage to change a poopy diaper last night! David has just been great during this first week home, washing clothes and dishes, fixing bottles, taking care of homework and shopping. I'm getting over the same cold that Kaelie has experienced, plus getting up with Kaelie as she recooperates from jet lag and gets used to her room. David has been very relaxed and laid back as he makes the adjustment from 2 kids to 3, and I'm so happy. David has definitely been my rock on this roller coaster ride! Love you, honey!</p><p> </p><p>Please pray that the fluid in my ears will begin to drain. My chest cold is nearly gone, but I can't shake this buildup. Flying into Jacksonville was horrible, I've never experienced ear/head pain like that in my life! I just feel like my head is underwater! I guess I need to go to the doctor myself next week, but it's just so hard with a little one!<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-25527275985900298202009-01-25T23:14:00.008-05:002009-01-26T00:09:44.181-05:00Welcome Home, Kaelie!Our "tag team" of four became a "Party of Five" Friday night at the Jacksonville Airport! <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />Our long travel day began at 12:30 am Friday morning in China, when Kaelie got up with a fever and cough (I think the same one that ran rampant through our travel group). She wouldn't settle back down, even after the fever broke with the Tylenol/Motrin combo. So, on about 2 hours of sleep, Kaelie and I began our long travel day in what seemed to be the middle of the night on a bus with three other quietly reflecting families....reflecting on the wonders of a magnificent adoption trip and and heartaches of saying goodbye.</div><div><br />Kaelie did great on all the flights and I was so glad that I bought her an adult ticket for the way home. I couldn't have done the trip without it. She slept through many take-offs, landings, beverage and dinner servings, and slight episodes of turbulence. Kaelie took her bottles and was a real trooper getting her diapers changed in the lavatories...and I learned that it was possible to use the restroom on an airplane with an infant! I didn't realize that we would be flying through the night over eastern Russia and into a beautiful sunrise over mid-Canada. It was great to touch down in Detroit, where Kaelie and I waited in line about 45 minutes for her immigration visa to be processed. Kaelie is now a permanent resident alien of the United States of America. Because David did not travel with me and personally see Kaelie before returning to the US, Kaelie's visa with an IR4, which requires the re-adoption to take place before citizenship status will be granted.</div><div><br />Many helpful people aided in the loading of luggage through customs, getting all the stuff loaded onto the conveyors for the security screening, and so forth. In Detroit, I felt almost ill after getting off the plane, and Kaelie was no different. I found McDonald's and ordered some chicken strips and fries, only to realize I left my extra-large diet Coke on the beverage bar, and that retrieving it would require a long and strenous walk back around the moving sidewalks. The taste of fries at that point made me sick at my stomach anyway. I threw the food away and chose a 20-ounce diet Coke from Chili's and a fresh-fruit cup from another food vendor. The watermelon and pineapple seemed to help in the dehydration I seemed to be experiencing. Kaelie didn't seem to feel much better, with periods of crying, and low-grade fevers. I did what I could to keep her spirits up and her body comforted. </div><div> </div><div>After a nearly six-hour layover, the service representatives from Northwest finally came to the gate, only to announce that "We are in an overbooking situation and we need to ask three volunteers...." You know the rest, promises of meals and travel vouchers. There wasn't anything that was going to stop me from getting from getting on that plane!!</div><div><br />Finally, we get boarded for our final leg of our halfway-around-the-world journey. Our seats were in the almost next to the last row, which was cumbersome since I had the baby plus three carry-on pieces (one for computer equipment and documents, one for a diaper bag, and another for an overnight bag...just in case...you just never know when the unexpected might happen). We got settled in, and by this time my sweet baby girl had turned into one big screaming nightmare. A bottle seemed to cure her tantrum, and she slept more peacefully on this flight than on the entire journey.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295454929739456402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUwjuRFpIC2AH9oRh3L11O1-q-NyC9e8LgAqy2BUgxVZmpknRKvA6rT8OO8Qn1nimGY27a9-x5NugxgQt0pVATFys0fx7kAJdXPNXiDe1P54v9LZLAakjT0iRW28aimIk4wAA7fKsPlM/s200/tired+kaelie+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br />Then, just in time, I gathered her up and changed her now-worn, medicine-stained, drooled-on outfit for the special meeting outfit that I bought in Guangzhou. I chose a pretty blue outfit trimmed in red and yellow, along with a pair of silk red squeaky shoes, white tights and laced bobby socks, a Gymboree ladybug sweater, and a beautiful headband I found at Jordon's. Kaelie looked absolutely stunning for such an exhausted little girl who had come so far from everything she'd ever known before. </div></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295455800073968594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpmoXNB4K31ylY6_SfKTUHKlAKceFP3BOTsGlI9YTUaFuGDg-fvy34qgdlRl6gH4SUrSvOirK01R0spoxAt4udw8UEDsi49frdKGFG3F-N8E6m-4PNvOqc1GT09hnJlz65juVIuiCBc/s320/kaelie+welcome+home+outfit+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>It was time. I took my time gathering our things and was greeted in the jetway by the now-familiar blue stroller that found us in China. The left front wheel seemed a little wobbly, but it did the trick. I put Kaelie in the stroller and arranged our bags, said my good-byes to the flight crew and attendants who were waiting for me to make my exit, and off I went. Through a corridor of closed stores and dimmed lights, again quietly reflecting on a wonderful and amazing journey and so excited about what was about to come next. </div><div> </div><div>I followed the arrows and signs toward baggage claim, secretly thinking about how those signs were pointing me toward such a sweet reunion. Then....our party of two weary travelers joined with a party of three eagerly awaiting fellows, holding a sign...I remember hearing "There she is!" in Jeremy's familiar voice and suddenly my feet weren't on the ground any more! I ran past security, pushing baby and lugging my three carry-ons and jumped into the arms of my loving family! It was a feeling I'll never forget.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295462333327660674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7VXrP80uiA17PQ6ZW1T8YfUjHzYH-LKrMk7KLEHH3k7hD0pscLloQ9PCFZJH75Oq4UkBPUlCxaA0_3h7nKtSPQD_2i8dewsJEhxkAVsSFtVzxdFbVZQw_kMCyf3PCk50qlzYbD1qp4A/s320/meeting+brothers+comp.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295456884428695234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0aZiR_Lx-CXG1FZZT7J4dCTjAzBbK2VkwOp8bzQQJhIApkD84T7YbmqYkghtqzLOcqc5GeTwzKFTd3JjJCU4oE2GaphDhP8flhGclR8zkxdqN4Gc12Fk3Nk-czGbmhKQxEHeU1kX6W8/s320/meeting+daddy+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Our party of five headed downstairs to baggage claim, and David and Shelby scooped up the luggage, Jeremy pushed the stroller. We walked together to the car and headed for Ruby Tuesday for a decent meal and to the hotel for a short stay. And a short stay at that, as at 3:30 am we were all still awake (due to my horrible cough) and so decided to go ahead and miss morning rush-hour traffic and get home. We arrived shortly after seven, and soon all five of us were in our own beds for a peaceful nap.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295461473648125666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiq-tMrsrPnH9l6bqGl4tKhaA2h_1Iw66TSCioDYQTrPfJTw-h7b_HQDGy5w8jt7fD8jAxbraThpMNb7l8cDXBoflgfcbEwiq8yB485nj68_B1XJpkaAIAu7nCYzJw-ATRIe8BN9BLDM/s320/first+daddy+bottle+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>At one in the afternoon, we all got up and enjoyed a breakfast of grits and toast (well, Kaelie had her formula...), followed by a dose of ibuprofen for Kaelie and some cough suppressant for me. After a catnap, Kaelie decided that it was time to show her first company (Aunt Lisa and Grandma Annette) her cute little personality that I'd grown to love so much in China. </div><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295461471131969586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZyHy9qfUMxKcPGyMNzMmpD2LTjPQzs8-uIl3givh8eHmAwBUg53jVC-ZX9vERt0LRMTgwxpZJSV_7bbHlkQaXcbytrY4SZlCZzJJQjPztKOEtwn6jJ8u0v1ihXqyFaGXTW5Ta7SpgKk/s320/shelby+and+kaelie+comp.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295462341547973298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6t2MtW3rcHCKUeh8BB_G9f4Te2L0VM85j45wGGTkCs7KTNL9BOrRmyrlK9VnuxR0dacJH7a5CCrqX50ijzecdN5BB_yFJXDJbDDZQGvhbLXcDxWyUm2vtxkQft486RbpbyZMrh8eZYk/s320/jeremy+and+kaelie+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295462334202842018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh91Tsj2wlM_1bENY34boK1LLrV9S9lSMaqVl7-xJsGv-_qIGbIPdv1Je-ocXCMIZBDG_CO1M5507oRO70rHhw9CWr76e0rPuPlciTDlGGgP_r6KXfpq0Tr9CDln_RE8HN3vCmzuNzmc/s320/lisa+and+kaelie+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br />Later, we went into town, where I learned that the biggest news in forever in our small town was the burning down of our town's peanut mill, a three-day fire that temporarily closed several businesses due to thick smoke and horrible stench. We stopped by for a quick introduction of Kaelie to my grandmother and mom, then off to the grocery store (NOTHING remotely like the Carrefour!) for a buggy-full of meals. After a warm bottle and a warm bath, and a rubbing down with Vick's Baby Rub, Kaelie is out for the night in her own crib. What a beautiful sight!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295462336091018514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4mF6SL4yA4FCTVA21cyRGGBeKeDciWpFNpqrEhXpwprBi1GtIMrlEG38mxKkSv5DVytylvZcST54Z56dnt5hpND0wtYGLjuwlyNmN5hRgjuhX-VMQkiG17Am9WCu-hPwbtwRrz6lUGg/s320/kaelie+carseat+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295461479553821362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFnGlWMz2x3yd6kp9HNmCcdT275DChBxObpVEKyIqwqxjoRc7aMZdZHmNswiCV9FXexw_O8wuaeQzoB1YSx7lSv317H5KZfBfDeGBFxlUOrCi-N_c_KeKHFINjUQjOnpWmRkAt5cX2w0/s320/jeremy+and+kaelie+buggy+comp.jpg" border="0" /></p><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295461474936018402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV0MMIo61QrLIoFC3bsrW2AgpQhwTxdWygTOLSDpyJSPIJ-ovzUi6E5Wu3RPMxAB1TCOdoeq7E0PLemwFVxP1ApKnIrm-4fD-p2mCCL3S3zoHwsNKIMLMm_UZRUv46m4DrSK-KlTKYOY/s320/harveys+kaelie+buggy+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I'm about to follow in her tiny footsteps, off to bed, in my own bed with my own covers, with no agenda for tomorrow except to play with my wonderful children and recooperate from this chest cold. I believe that Kaelie will sleep through the night, and I will too, and tomorrow when we wake up we'll be on eastern time and hopefully no signs of jet lag. Now another journey begins, the journey to raise Kaelie, to teach her the proper ways of life, to love and be generous, to be kind to others and to never give up! I love this baby so much already, and David and the boys do too! I'm looking forward to tomorrow and what the future holds for all of us! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295462342649034594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-78zm487bmoBnusuC9mA5zaWBnFUtl3gTmMLEnxCKcQosQW80zEduxvVZYHQk9ZSyaQSQlP_pYw1GhyphenhyphenynZS879nv4XP41Hc2lnIWvLgfc26B15HpvL6ujsiBmPp0mr7zC5LP0OL0aR8/s320/jeremy+and+shelby+chinese+comp.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295461473660387154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TtAIXnBH-cddO6fgxxUnl2uVi2OA5JsBnJvHA6jn7OPIC8UEvLkHOz_qqDtBErd8uoB0JqShK4Ynk3tkbfqY-5ZLtSWZt1Q6xdlRqwusezfLgT7Ht6fGbHBUc1pPBaEIG9m45_YzJ3g/s320/daddy+and+kaelie+hand+comp.jpg" border="0" />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-3766595047845815172009-01-22T07:40:00.003-05:002009-01-22T08:05:03.782-05:00Last Day in ChinaHi Everyone ~<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>Well, our journey to China is coming to an end. But, in a brand-new way, the journey is just beginning. A new person to love, Kaelie, a life to watch grow and blossom, to nurture a human being and teach her all the new things she needs to know. A new beginning in my family, as adding a child through adoption is certainly a most joyful occasion, it is sure to bring its challenges.</div><br /><div>How I love China! I love the people here, the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city, Guangzhou! The traffic, the smells, even the smog. The mixture of the old and the new, the ancient and the modern. I'm sad to leave this place, the country of my daughter's birth....the wisdom that so many here seem to have and be willing to share. The joy in people's faces, the more relaxed way of life. It's amazing, that even in the hurry and rush of this gigantic city, people practice the ancient art of tai-chi, friends and couples gather in the parks to play badminton, even without a net! Or a group of people smiling and laughing through a round of hacky-sack! Oh, this wonderful place so far, far away from home! I only hope that I can teach and show Kaelie how thrilling and facinating her birth country is.</div><br /><div>And, how eager I am to go home! To see the three loves of my life, David, Shelby, and Jeremy, to hold them in warm embraces and see how much taller they will have seem to have grown. To sleep in my own bed, to watch American TV, and to have a taste of the familiar. They say that "Home is where the heart is" and I believe that is true. While in China, I've tried so hard to embrace the culture and way of life, and now to look forward to going home...my family is where my heart is and I can't wait to be reunited with them.</div><br /><div>So long from China! Please send prayers this way for good travels...we have a tight connection in Tokyo (only 50 minutes!) and also for good weather in Detroit so that Kaelie and I can fly straight to Jacksonville. Also, Kaelie and I see to be quite under the weather, I have a chest cold and Kaelie has the sniffles. </div><br /><br /><div>Love, Karen</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294101139900609922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixalXkNVeI_JQ-__vbmde8tD6HBgWLXV_Y9hp7rmAtmdLRU7xqa4plvPg8ziVHdU3bRy5zZep8Syg5-XbMV0h1Yqcx8sCJ-vFG2R5jlQ5OXnUIWvXlt6PSFjjlvie-wO12B5p16GUrbZs/s200/group+photo.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Group Photo in the White Swan Hotel...Alison said that we've been the biggest group on Shamian Island during our stay!</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294101152093684530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zHfdX-GMzmcmvO2E9fIrca7WoQGw4kmUEClpPE1hqg0C7mgs-sd8MKyiYFZ1F57rnOe-n2OnXfaujUcvV4FvpKMNqXbkdcLYmoTKmVpJu09udYUezDVNBtrQDtKdZmOAy0SfjT4tN-k/s200/China+-+Last+Day+003.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">May from Sherry's Place holding Kaelie. Everyone commented that Kaelie is a "lovely girl." Travel tip: Sherry's Place has the best selection and highest quality of squeaky shoes on the island!</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294101143480152514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3HpWotcw8gZRb1o_5_y6vY_DZEfs8J-_2324dgWTea-Q1Pcwu7Q9_Dj_RN-1qp7mwFozs8iFvacidlZe1rp_nX6t1WwH1Nsp0eHEO2OoKVzxmfoKsQjlFgetTN3ARI5RRStwXASDmHA/s200/China+-+Last+Day+001.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Brightly-colored lanterns have greeted us everywhere. The excitement and anticipation of the New Year keeps building every day! I've never really understood until now how important Chinese New Year is.</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294101152281579986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5leqscpgPG7fZI5R8o7CFhff7BM-rnS1e7_s8vsgod4IJLfxZJbmd4bO8f3oygK1eZ0XjongXi_i23nXKHe8JQY8V7YS-An44G6FvGeuDt9qYWr-CBfotJKp48bXEMgTavyIBfmLexI/s200/China+-+Last+Day+004.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie's last sleep in China. She is dressed for an early day tomorrow (we are meeting downstairs at 5:15 for the bus to the airport). All I have to do is put on her shoes and give her a bottle and she will be good to go!</span></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-6611682853658398242009-01-21T18:15:00.009-05:002009-01-21T19:02:37.808-05:00It's Been Awhile!<div><div>A few random pictures...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu17ITPPDvxQOhYwBvPqu53n7GWNwrcvpDDQndaCQVj8tMUcqZ_GyZfNG1wV9DZRYwM4L1XHL9G9EviF2xkRajcJSi4k3kufC112pCMQJFkGI2wB6oQFO0Q9ezFDleaxoYNH7WB2xia4/s1600-h/China+last+days+132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293893993815827906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu17ITPPDvxQOhYwBvPqu53n7GWNwrcvpDDQndaCQVj8tMUcqZ_GyZfNG1wV9DZRYwM4L1XHL9G9EviF2xkRajcJSi4k3kufC112pCMQJFkGI2wB6oQFO0Q9ezFDleaxoYNH7WB2xia4/s200/China+last+days+132.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy New Year Greetings! These statues are in all the restaurants now, the excitement is building to a fever-pitch for the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year)!<br /></span></div><div><div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMEYCS3D45jsnAqD7RNs3lRjWM9axiMgfnKUFhL8BYTkjLp2F7N8LTFAomER9WnGzLG6WHOfLyWdxkxlDHuaHZBqWFBj-oAnNmvFqaN1H4xUa29hiYTEN29BafOS72Wh7wfl1j4U61gM/s1600-h/China+last+days+070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892747650057234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMEYCS3D45jsnAqD7RNs3lRjWM9axiMgfnKUFhL8BYTkjLp2F7N8LTFAomER9WnGzLG6WHOfLyWdxkxlDHuaHZBqWFBj-oAnNmvFqaN1H4xUa29hiYTEN29BafOS72Wh7wfl1j4U61gM/s200/China+last+days+070.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">My pouty girl!<br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CFCFq_beLgGPn9t3h9GqPa71WpRet0dP4H9sZIHwW4uj9WNusKrlzTpXBxVAoEoPw0J3VgA-dzSfpW5hDPWdi7oBzfMYy5ePe8L648sgWJco7oOSPeEXzK0AIokBNKOaQq315NvNu-g/s1600-h/China+last+days+061.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892740729094626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CFCFq_beLgGPn9t3h9GqPa71WpRet0dP4H9sZIHwW4uj9WNusKrlzTpXBxVAoEoPw0J3VgA-dzSfpW5hDPWdi7oBzfMYy5ePe8L648sgWJco7oOSPeEXzK0AIokBNKOaQq315NvNu-g/s200/China+last+days+061.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Home sweet home...Room 8304 at the Victory Hotel</span><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6MKElkaOIsS7naDT8TXBV9xEXfJbWRo9aN1HeU0zCixmIK2auiD0st_uw1QSR-Q2AQln3lWRvrTdZ3iosqqDXc_ZhM6ObJc75fXDQFIxlFeoorxFiJ61zFB8AkM4s2P4Htr3u8DNzzw/s1600-h/China+last+days+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892031878141522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6MKElkaOIsS7naDT8TXBV9xEXfJbWRo9aN1HeU0zCixmIK2auiD0st_uw1QSR-Q2AQln3lWRvrTdZ3iosqqDXc_ZhM6ObJc75fXDQFIxlFeoorxFiJ61zFB8AkM4s2P4Htr3u8DNzzw/s200/China+last+days+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Brides are everywhere on beautiful Shamian Island...this couple from Miami took a break from thier picture shoot to pose for us</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><div>Sorry I haven't posted more...it's hard when you're basically a "one-woman" show! Kaelie and I are doing great except for a little chest cold which has spread pretty rampantly among our travel group. It wouldn't be so bad except for the coughing at night! I have some Tylenol cold for me but it is basically for a head cold. I'm hoping to find something for a chest cold among our group today.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">On Sunday, we attended the Chinese/English service at the Christ Church on Shamian Island. What an experience! The message was a beautiful sermon entitled "The Assurance of our Hope" from First Corinithians.</span><br /><br /></div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293891502751664466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIojtO2s0X1ZQYKXcr5giYUW35cu9IlRYxf1da8nLQxowuEHKXcN5jlKjc2tWs-L4R6Fa6-bZPM-h8QevTTw6Hr0o_xvywH_l2cqRQoml3YyNZ-4Rd2A2DBRpo7uBoyeXffvz5Z4zh6qk/s200/China+last+days+004.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293891494251429554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQHWyXZkJjuLkEDPsuFmk0eWOoBp9V3kkTHYjYXCzupmdhpccbfiviRUWPwTa3ZLAv1kqsYlTXupqAdGXRiW5oCRwPYnECcVLfL8Y5WKWfQ0vZbheD4pxwAhClMpIbvgqlZxW3ju-gUs/s200/China+last+days+001.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293891501840552722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk5qgRusf9aiX7d6dS5GkwjYjP0cS5HGLGgb_IINQv3aP1475fUl6mXIjKU2F9CZmjJr43HmD8J7uxaE0uf1KsJBUa3RJrKlR-DBUiQWzFkOTTuvOMJBzoA9ClnXhnJWQ2k13jaCektg/s200/China+last+days+002.JPG" border="0" /> <div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">After lunch, we filled a bus and a van and headed out for an afternoon at the zoo!</span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293891515119137170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihktGVsjHlShvnE7Phgz-U3u5EOCMHVOj27A_rBobMzXWlncOcTAJM4v3jtDV33JpoP12fr1PaWqskakQg4Agl8xB0V6_FYBO1xbcecX1b41UquF49gGUqNucP6vq-J5ZHhc4uIEYB7Us/s200/China+last+days+008.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293891522008665842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe4MdFKIAKhd6EvHZebX66gqv2euHkiuLyu3SbD1V5DnYqTXWEr2S9q5FhBOfau6hpdGa8VNfi9E-BgTy6ilXlMb1xvMbWhLGZgxOsiS6shGac9JzIzBEHRvUB_u-nK3dVx9C1t6sd5I/s200/China+last+days+015.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pomerianians on display!</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892061867183746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF150KMw4nfCo1bDr7-73UYzINm8iNHHsfFwUOMQz7sJjwqqITijhng0uOR-UsS6MBmHS3tnR5mw9EDU4CYzBeYzhLZlAbcqpKn4LWkvll5H26Un634btLDHnRI0wJ5A3fCPNofHVelQ/s200/China+last+days+055.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892055928850210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUVev-cofRtPDZStQPek_MD3b9aW2uiXMrUi51_Vpe5M9TtIfAu8p3JcJstfwj7NVlw3DwBg_CytTfacvGN_h0XQsCyKhaBjQYweoOF-HbKSUEoBWUFbGAMtOdjnAAPTIT7aPeDcU9qM/s200/China+last+days+048.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892043397208562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_Fjau-_vfHLmoXVd8gs2oMPzyicIjxmFGlzlSEcvuCiNNUGll2h1BOlmwXh23bIFBEFZGrJA9tljNVsEXwrNjN2noaGbgFAld2C3yWc1423Rk31deQAKSt4e2TtK2rOXduJZ6DqiUqs/s200/China+last+days+042.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892022635961906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLYbJ8Ri-HYqR415wm8fZyz0x0hZASpDesRqHffbUQ_T_zpQzRpCGh7bMufX7R8SM-q8JXatUaSHwAzj_wWesPIaGJ5FlTkARzBy6HVSQ2Fa24siD0Hdd3mg8fdFaIZhhln4eRxr4bMs/s200/China+last+days+019.JPG" border="0" /> <div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892765825782226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYRIUZobYmxG-nEDQvIx36vy5yLRlLGftDREDvgajx-tTc5cP01dsMMhz2Z6MK7cpei6MTBN-teip4Qh4XAFWu1bpt3HJBL30wLM6Ggu9RsljCS_HjcIChX5ZLelsDZdy47cBiVxlCV0/s200/China+last+days+079.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">A girl has to primp for an important photo shoot, right? Kaelie LOVES taking a bath!</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892753894331442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEGAH1cfgX1qiys6A8bOThYkp6rWGFeQ-BEvxXAQS0fOJzYacw1T4nTOwPWkhAMkMFir6eZC1JOdbVb-1mwS0Te2Zm0bbNurRKR4qx7w1zg2ctiKYuwxoDRjhZPFR5gpk1gPJ5bC0g_4/s200/China+last+days+080.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293893334208614802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHrETDnbBsGfywxDxG241GJGHN2xt20ZR6EQ6jHGE2dJ7l8ivuYUHLDmpubcNExROGhfY8N86YuAsHMQATc-Tb5fWzhMPkVAaOpQhG8t-gE70SyVM8j8XEEnJRZHGIwvNrspO2VBGLrU/s200/China+last+days+085.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">All ready to go...it's time for the red couch photos!</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293893350283992274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYIPXhRuzI4pCtrpP2iw3kWtydNp_leldzrhCm1AADsfg2PIemPzPq4ZDY8JL33NQu9achwHb6HI0e6iQSDZQ8uNA-0AFcwqOomDS_UaSta4HRuOCNBT3Ym547WKWNWembqMqYDM9GCk/s200/China+last+days+123.JPG" border="0" /> <div><span style="font-size:85%;">Panda sisters...Kaelie, Lauren, and Giorgia with their sweet moms Stephe, Donna, and me</span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293893345037896242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW__3rQTHTwVo3doDVIpV8JXzmptty2F3KlcCW23EALUvPfVeC3o49OWKhXZ2IznDpIHiN9Mi4zHEhqhBnDiiZsY2yV1rayyRsi_bkWvkA3dmvko6YLAnJjp6V0oyz8OWPTcOoSQ9DJvM/s200/China+last+days+120.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Jill and Mary Elizabeth, me with Kaelie, and Kathy with Sierra</span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293893340523536322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBoUEAyRdka_U11mqF931bjIFDGt6BFc3nhj6pASzVcDifekZR1gjvdVhZ_82Mhr11NTmI51nQE4vyyyuz6uukfsBccHkpWQ9uL3CH4vfAJ7S4nJkzxlgI4Z_5OwLGUUFaxVQmt4_E0U/s200/China+last+days+113.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">My angel :>)</span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293893326892876370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZiqtEQBbFIcM4Jqf0yk5OMYws8YqO40iaSTLCrM5c9g5YhVBcoaZ2SqCgKxMx398D8pOhyphenhyphenaSAlvqWttMKCCw7wdwhyaQuA9jVHGDqacgiCNKHiFNUx6sAMtSk2YTYBz5mmEivdqIk2A/s200/China+last+days+105.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Six sweet babies pose, and another is very unhappy...guess who!</span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293892775536088178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JjWu0nKg1OyFo4M8U0oO5mV9nP3Bly9YhNZAZAGwc5DNeXGwagZPDJKkRUwSrOcaSJJbV7KEDJBsH2qY91SXIkW0plyEopHJ7RviReYwqdpIhosLPRNdxhBaPONfwMBGp-8dscc-Erg/s200/China+last+days+096.JPG" border="0" /> <div><span style="font-size:85%;">Look at that cheeky grin!</span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293893985983491394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8URY2JXm6f4JSIglsiwLtD1kNcX-9b1EdDPwtIfgW5uXc1ARKkhzk_IH7djl_2_wKNpF1KkI8meJz38iEk4QZU41mK1RCbbqiPI4xWdp5AYvgA3giY3v9Wn56QAIUFqWshCuuVRmCCFY/s200/China+last+days+125.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Red couch nap!</span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293894021689215042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6PW0L32fGVchEfP-GWY_oWB-sUdYh-7KjeC_h_NcTCepEJXxZslY4UWh_thuPl3_E_oR4pbZdpH5Ih3MJ3c80oT1fuJzLVm3QVu6xzUzdboNytb3HxeCr4TRR58NIumTTovrDUHhmsI/s200/China+last+days+144.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293894013709154626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccU6f7qUlza-x4MHzHBnvQSM8CnPRNtxnsQnFsqbzfibIJ_JP-ScjGgUMETEC82-OAcgBYLSTzCeE_OEkNgKT-hWKgFvWZennK4XWiMzu9hPWr_lDnDOhNN0LVlsOc-5wOUeQi8mr4WM/s200/China+last+days+140.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Ray and Leslie celebrate their daughter Isabela's first birthday! We had a get-together on the M floor in the lobby with cake and fellowship and sad good-byes</span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293894004103401650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjkdoki50jRMgbfslSXSulUobwc6jK5ZXe7yilTwYDzMB6rABHUk9d1yuTPi5OnzebL_7H0XElo7IB1hDKEUQ1sgJTEY-dDVgE7N42yCo-6U0kxdbEKTv-OuIXi9A_0gSeUFa0ZXkg94/s200/China+last+days+139.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">The hotel staff always coo over Kaelie...here, before the birthday party</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Our group of 15 is now a group of 7! The 8 families who traveled to other provinces (besides Guangdong) all got off this morning for home. And in 24 hours, Kaelie and I will be heading east! I think in all it will take us about 27 hours to from Guangzhou to Jacksonville. I can't wait to see all my guys and show them their beautiful daughter and sister! I love you all so much!<br /><br /></div><div>So, what have we been up to? SHOPPING, a "quick" trip to the consulate to re-do our vaccination affidavit, an outing to the Guangzhou zoo, shopping for pearls at the pearl market, and more SHOPPING! We've had a great time here and the only thing that would have made it better would have been to have the rest of my family here.</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-46891158207652274362009-01-17T18:17:00.006-05:002009-01-17T18:36:59.305-05:00Quick Post - Medical Exam - January 17<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>My sweet Kaelie has turned into a "hold-me" baby, so this is going to be a quick post. I'll try to fill in more later.</div><br /><div>Yesterday (January 17) we had the medical check-up and visa photo. It took Kaelie three tries to get a good visa photo, as she was more interested in touching the seat than looking at the camera.</div><div> </div><div>We had a little scare at the medical exam yesterday. One of her chicken pox scabs had festered up, and the doctors said it looked like a new one. I was freaking out! Thank goodness for my sweet hubby David, whom I called after I rushed back to the hotel. His reassuring words really calmed me down. David suggested some triple antibiotic ointment and reminded me that if she was having a relapse, Kaelie would have more than one blister and a fever. </div><br /><div>Thankfully, this morning, after the Neosporin, it is a little pink but no yellow pus! I think it might leave a scar but this one is on her stomach so it won't show.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292407556911118962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG6mYUHLXBAD6UsxjdESWYfChFXG5lwEzs0kNeAjRdIdrIeJku7p-acfY_GkgD_tmrrepaITPfv5QIPZWWf1Ys_YdB5hODsTOfnTFIxZAO1iQ9huXKdk1SGMl86EwAW5yRY0uXtWyPrM/s200/China+January+16+and+17+132.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Visa Photo Shop</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292408603778796994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1nxTUagwLNQhVSmL0k0RPNlZjcIVWkyLGPKEIdzKA5MFpGhmbyjjF6ZF_21eODIKoy_mZXqkwnQGVbf8t6izOSRgaRbbdR2DVTNMLKNRGKncHdZgP4OOSBxLOnvuf-1LoU-42ak9Vnw/s200/China+January+16+and+17+131.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Clinic</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292408584360243970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaSwVHe2w2XePJIsWfQ4n0WyEVgcWQbVyq_JOXPYzbf7LaOKMnbQCR6fNdx2uEx5Fgc8HUwr6UlHg4zTdSox4Mm2IzR2s6UqvBdWVHkPNJbs9zE1vXASTXEiVdcLW1geEkE3D6Pus_RE/s200/China+January+16+and+17+134.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292407534510529042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswRl8_jHO5ckSkbtU6Vvqi1eYQ51_XP56GXGRTKVQ6pmD-_gqoHTLAf1cgHdtwCIHfXvmTvdlkDCak0Mc4P_sASXqKDB4a_uLMfErAjG1KVhXPBfQdoGmy1HZqfaGvRYKGqjv6Qwc1VQ/s200/China+January+16+and+17+002.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Temperature and measurements: 19 pounds and 28 inches!</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292407538108548098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc7Cs-2OCma9asrcpIK1dHEgyMJ-yWot7tsqIutHLmtExqfbij2Ss1iKlrq6anZ9sGJwIywslb5aRM3solyDL0rRDgabya1MWcHrlxS-_jbtMHQXgvbXNZkhVuTYnsRFTosIyjaQwVBI/s200/China+January+16+and+17+004.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292407541138945426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjF24RHblNgXgeL2cR1UkMtTMB3RJ9tCpRtylF7qZNHTLZsZWdFl7ws0KFbBOLKFTMDfPcyIM3bZsENPKhwUOuSdNdzPobgpISACANYmF3wqwUVyeb61PzTalKM6SkfmdmIzBGqhfJbA/s200/China+January+16+and+17+006.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292408590028872802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQa6PZQsY4USS-hfm73k8pAS0LT7Ig9Yxb6H5W81Psw722Is4qiYbsVPkVQ3rzXcE_qZFWpfv-gwsLk-pwfJ3qzoO4mTsH7fWkmkHSbwNFC0XdMmYULPItnQOrnK2-J6gFyJ5HOZgpqs/s200/China+January+16+and+17+009.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292407550838455186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-UeFRO_zGCqeQc3Hl52uo8h5wjO6bLGWg8kSaHPQc4jLGQhcYCre8c_XiMK_CAspozoQ1_Wx4DpS-KBvDwpfmhZGkEgFNE1lAZluIO37M6ULpMtPwgSTNoA76makeWl6_0Ta4BBg3F4/s200/China+January+16+and+17+015.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Two doctors consult about the blister on Kaelie's tummy, while I try to stay calm and keep Kaelie calm as well. I was nearly in tears!</span></p><p> </p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-85608359160587581362009-01-16T01:14:00.006-05:002009-01-16T01:42:17.099-05:00Sightseeing Day!Yesterday (January 15) was a sightseeing day for our little happy adoption group. We boarded the bus, then headed into the heart of Guangzhou to visit the ancestral temple of the Family Chen. It was a beautiful structure with elaborate architecture. I'll have to tell you more about it when my brain comes out of this fuzz!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOUP5hldSKqlAGNSRylIL6bjHePEEHPHVmMut9n02Hu129c5Emr0uTU47vqWUVUtE-2XV3tjdHBaiTyLhLPs4ewUy2r9CWAvvjy3Chh-7ywKKIXSU8NsrvjTbIfgsMCYoo-mqRiQBazc/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773384709770290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOUP5hldSKqlAGNSRylIL6bjHePEEHPHVmMut9n02Hu129c5Emr0uTU47vqWUVUtE-2XV3tjdHBaiTyLhLPs4ewUy2r9CWAvvjy3Chh-7ywKKIXSU8NsrvjTbIfgsMCYoo-mqRiQBazc/s200/China+Trip+January+16+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">The H family and the S family while we wait for the bus (Victory Hotel lobby)</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xHzPjCNV5B-3iStxDFx3WnuLbYcK6ShRCboMV3n7JSkXsmhX-Sso7RxmVRn0VDzRU9vW93WU7LoP51F-72ez18Rbpauf-sfo5JHEwsJRL88sJWWL1tAiZo6ulG2-XRBlTDK9-sL8JIg/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773379779230146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xHzPjCNV5B-3iStxDFx3WnuLbYcK6ShRCboMV3n7JSkXsmhX-Sso7RxmVRn0VDzRU9vW93WU7LoP51F-72ez18Rbpauf-sfo5JHEwsJRL88sJWWL1tAiZo6ulG2-XRBlTDK9-sL8JIg/s200/China+Trip+January+16+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Stephe and Karen with Precious Panda beauties Giorgia and Kaelie</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7AygfXv17xyiN4NQ0hky2iAPi7tF0a-QZgCHzU6TpWc3UZv4hO0w3S2-HmrbtDdASC6io9gu_-Qt-GtKPdkHe11btMoSrI97oaq2giKvnKDhG4J-bIyHzNFJstzOGuMIuA3ZDhmytZ4/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773375139188322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7AygfXv17xyiN4NQ0hky2iAPi7tF0a-QZgCHzU6TpWc3UZv4hO0w3S2-HmrbtDdASC6io9gu_-Qt-GtKPdkHe11btMoSrI97oaq2giKvnKDhG4J-bIyHzNFJstzOGuMIuA3ZDhmytZ4/s200/China+Trip+January+16+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Following the culture and tradition of Chinese mothers and grandmothers, I always try to make sure Kaelie is clothed properly for the weather!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSckrCLs_wQShOmozlPOrX_exx90icxYN2F8vxyO42m50J9ALxGMYBSiqPPHldaeF0Dkka9Wqzp-gGWQrb5coZMp_8cEggUcWbbff9WcxTlUjHiu5tpmNQlnfsvmUJ2fAEKrV4r1dE2w/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773046944076658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSckrCLs_wQShOmozlPOrX_exx90icxYN2F8vxyO42m50J9ALxGMYBSiqPPHldaeF0Dkka9Wqzp-gGWQrb5coZMp_8cEggUcWbbff9WcxTlUjHiu5tpmNQlnfsvmUJ2fAEKrV4r1dE2w/s200/China+Trip+January+16+014.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Gargoyles warding off evil spirits (Family Chen temple)</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCErtgtc6weMyudN-XWxnTfehEpe1t46p4nQ4eq5DkIjMWUB03uaSyQG0VqDGGpswZwXXEj_bcGinBJ3S-9mzI1pyLF_tSmDEAzfEX1YkRTWgkNyjKm_Rul3ZttYBUMoQGdk4naUQ5Hk/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773041920447170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCErtgtc6weMyudN-XWxnTfehEpe1t46p4nQ4eq5DkIjMWUB03uaSyQG0VqDGGpswZwXXEj_bcGinBJ3S-9mzI1pyLF_tSmDEAzfEX1YkRTWgkNyjKm_Rul3ZttYBUMoQGdk4naUQ5Hk/s200/China+Trip+January+16+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Preservation work at the Family Chen temple. Note the bamboo scaffolding...</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBCcaqLN7DkJl7Tc0K1682gV7FsodoFlWr19C9ntJVqyC08FgzoByMrTWo2Ycw4LyptdN4g09EwiPLNPBVCLbNZD0jIYqRcYLjYT7CyXqZ1HTf5_Tl_vFdLd3jR2U_xN2h3VQMySx5Sg/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773031856139986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBCcaqLN7DkJl7Tc0K1682gV7FsodoFlWr19C9ntJVqyC08FgzoByMrTWo2Ycw4LyptdN4g09EwiPLNPBVCLbNZD0jIYqRcYLjYT7CyXqZ1HTf5_Tl_vFdLd3jR2U_xN2h3VQMySx5Sg/s200/China+Trip+January+16+019.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Ceramics on display at the Family Chen temple (I believe these are on loan from the Guangzhou Folk Arts Museum)</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighAcYKrUlXnZYgUz1SwIC3rwXaMkUWTgX0HUNKl6U0eZ2wgh8lQXvYzCkHquOR3GO50-8Aj_osLSQ4Oan0q_XK9P_5bOyYOrmBXBAn3REtEnHa0D3EHwpgqlMjIXjeWPMTHT9ZOG_uDI/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773027433952930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighAcYKrUlXnZYgUz1SwIC3rwXaMkUWTgX0HUNKl6U0eZ2wgh8lQXvYzCkHquOR3GO50-8Aj_osLSQ4Oan0q_XK9P_5bOyYOrmBXBAn3REtEnHa0D3EHwpgqlMjIXjeWPMTHT9ZOG_uDI/s200/China+Trip+January+16+021.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie enjoying a bottle in the garden of the temple</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBFmx9NxUFZUwcKLNk-rx4s9WS8ALULlX5Rvx8hZgzWCRfMN2mq5LnnmWU39YHItnm7zeomhx98OGNWZl6mKvw33BKJJCoO0tBIVGBfXdwnWph8MB7GT5nl2_UPpcMm0GzazsL0JTXn4/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291773026254853090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBFmx9NxUFZUwcKLNk-rx4s9WS8ALULlX5Rvx8hZgzWCRfMN2mq5LnnmWU39YHItnm7zeomhx98OGNWZl6mKvw33BKJJCoO0tBIVGBfXdwnWph8MB7GT5nl2_UPpcMm0GzazsL0JTXn4/s200/China+Trip+January+16+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Sculpture in the garden of the Family Chen Temple</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div align="left">Next our group made their way to the Yuntai Botanical Garden. What a sight to behold. This was very reminicient of Callaway Gardens (for you Georgia folks!). It was filled with fountains and all different kinds of plants and flowers, familiar ones (like petunias and roses) to ones I had had never seen before.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxf90XINVxZ8WIFRdA3-cL1BjNlJeQ1LOlkvgOdIlqKztZ9iRIVUMiiU8qmcDNM9KSdaB8Tgnz_KNbIb6WqJ2pwF7BnfQftVHmv0BFjeeeNWUY6A9yFwBUnqT6evwIODoDngDuygophM/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772563278556466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxf90XINVxZ8WIFRdA3-cL1BjNlJeQ1LOlkvgOdIlqKztZ9iRIVUMiiU8qmcDNM9KSdaB8Tgnz_KNbIb6WqJ2pwF7BnfQftVHmv0BFjeeeNWUY6A9yFwBUnqT6evwIODoDngDuygophM/s200/China+Trip+January+16+029.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie and Karen</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWZo5QBfHw0-YSJOOWrI1XqybIsKAWDzJImuAc1zFyMoPJVba22l8YOOgS8IomQj6I_s3gPocxyJwqGzzoRYGdxwqVIsHUHU3BAbaQjp1_4kDIyz1tSoJnBkP7bJSvimk_HkzyiFgew8/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772551023209778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWZo5QBfHw0-YSJOOWrI1XqybIsKAWDzJImuAc1zFyMoPJVba22l8YOOgS8IomQj6I_s3gPocxyJwqGzzoRYGdxwqVIsHUHU3BAbaQjp1_4kDIyz1tSoJnBkP7bJSvimk_HkzyiFgew8/s200/China+Trip+January+16+030.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Giant jug given by Germany</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIawmDCwCqg5gxa4fewj-gDs5H05ZU6iNnt8084m3hwV7RjuMAHnCsylZJcTAKz7gd0t75g-d92QT977A1v7fIAWvrdhQaSSwLcxUnRXkuz1-wdEnYQxtde4Cuawq3zTI4M0z1VGYH8lo/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772546712361394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIawmDCwCqg5gxa4fewj-gDs5H05ZU6iNnt8084m3hwV7RjuMAHnCsylZJcTAKz7gd0t75g-d92QT977A1v7fIAWvrdhQaSSwLcxUnRXkuz1-wdEnYQxtde4Cuawq3zTI4M0z1VGYH8lo/s200/China+Trip+January+16+032.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Water Wheel</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa0ZxHwUth0hU0MiQUHX4qaJIiBbGMrVHIczYxVh_xMYmoj29u8S4suDmKzZw7pLTpcdeecYr_OVBsSphnWw_r3vX8WHNIAFON0VP90JYF0dYOxcXR0ohvv82SokCAZJ7rzY7qana-4w/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772537962651282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa0ZxHwUth0hU0MiQUHX4qaJIiBbGMrVHIczYxVh_xMYmoj29u8S4suDmKzZw7pLTpcdeecYr_OVBsSphnWw_r3vX8WHNIAFON0VP90JYF0dYOxcXR0ohvv82SokCAZJ7rzY7qana-4w/s200/China+Trip+January+16+033.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie amongst the roses</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjura5gDEVEvc_MjrqrlXxjW77CkR9q_1qxGata86yY0jp4Rgf6U0KoVJwcCsG6O4Zkv7VouQt77Iv1IxJx-hw7fKJzIjLjIhd1KU1gUxPV_OgcBRg91Rv7e-dDm8LuKcKtNQoFdck6Ly0/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772531850650418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjura5gDEVEvc_MjrqrlXxjW77CkR9q_1qxGata86yY0jp4Rgf6U0KoVJwcCsG6O4Zkv7VouQt77Iv1IxJx-hw7fKJzIjLjIhd1KU1gUxPV_OgcBRg91Rv7e-dDm8LuKcKtNQoFdck6Ly0/s200/China+Trip+January+16+035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIejSaRJhfCpwILp6eqpEgH6VM-R4IF1gx9m7KwvRwFkOLA7YmF8SG0G8Gfk55ES2Vuw2e47vTGoN9VtcrdFMsUpjP1cd5LYmgQ4zt6ng2JNijjJHaXd-HZweEnUGufu2fj-duf69LBqU/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772014731641602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIejSaRJhfCpwILp6eqpEgH6VM-R4IF1gx9m7KwvRwFkOLA7YmF8SG0G8Gfk55ES2Vuw2e47vTGoN9VtcrdFMsUpjP1cd5LYmgQ4zt6ng2JNijjJHaXd-HZweEnUGufu2fj-duf69LBqU/s200/China+Trip+January+16+037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH_J5_C7JdbyRFCjc-yfQzytdrJTBP8hQZtW9nqzro0gH5nd4jtT1iEHiucJBgc6Qy42-9AoqrNiMRbHliLAh1JJN0k9Uxw4dJBt40LOrFGPIhKnzPEHfOKr2geGAyuE3vU0w0vrimQ8/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772006805111106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH_J5_C7JdbyRFCjc-yfQzytdrJTBP8hQZtW9nqzro0gH5nd4jtT1iEHiucJBgc6Qy42-9AoqrNiMRbHliLAh1JJN0k9Uxw4dJBt40LOrFGPIhKnzPEHfOKr2geGAyuE3vU0w0vrimQ8/s200/China+Trip+January+16+043.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Roman columns and fountains</span> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ObjoUEduSsKuLlmHiChzSwgEIYvv1hyDDx01wo51tmG9opJsHn6qhWbPjLpwzWtcoy4SpyRbejjX2WscthFHEiibuFe6kPBkw_ia4fbMmU1ft8lJo-owwsPZ3nPCgKXFR26XDQDuAtQ/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291772004706310418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ObjoUEduSsKuLlmHiChzSwgEIYvv1hyDDx01wo51tmG9opJsHn6qhWbPjLpwzWtcoy4SpyRbejjX2WscthFHEiibuFe6kPBkw_ia4fbMmU1ft8lJo-owwsPZ3nPCgKXFR26XDQDuAtQ/s200/China+Trip+January+16+044.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Unusually shaped and sculptured tree</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div align="left">I must say here that our wonderful agency has arranged for us to eat at some beautiful and delicious restaurants. Allison has been terrific at ordering the food, and there's hardly anything that I won't eat! I'm so glad that I've practiced with chopsticks over the past few years, it has really paid off! We ate at a wonderful restaurant today near the botanical garden.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">After our sightseeing was over, we came back to the hotel to rest. Kaelie and I walked down the street to Michael's Place to drop off our laundry, and I found a stroller suitable for bringing home. I really think that I'm going to need it, especially for the long, six-hour layover in Detroit. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">After some shopping, we headed out to the Cow and Bridge, a Thai restaurant, where I ordered the sweet and sour chicken with cashew nuts. Delicious!!!!<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0qdxeHMz3lPoY1ocn1o9SxWNfd40t1XvuMrlL_EWTNceWnoS7l2gp8qDvMVo0B5RfxqswHvg63BXJ3w83yBZKbeW_p1YbsqSKvaoP5Tss13vmxAf1HQ_cZL43kSfUH_wCrfYgrDvxo0/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291771997123616082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0qdxeHMz3lPoY1ocn1o9SxWNfd40t1XvuMrlL_EWTNceWnoS7l2gp8qDvMVo0B5RfxqswHvg63BXJ3w83yBZKbeW_p1YbsqSKvaoP5Tss13vmxAf1HQ_cZL43kSfUH_wCrfYgrDvxo0/s200/China+Trip+January+16+049.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Sweet Kaelie girl</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ9xDxZUjk9abmruwGYn183Q3acuee0fVKcg8goxe3fKE-86WzE0uo4ZV_eNzcWZC9dVEpmBK2uUU62t5r61y9_vOxcHOLY5frWXcqL0u29GsVi427fkEqkCsaTLEsSCNypSm_Et17eA/s1600-h/China+Trip+January+16+050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291771991726409714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ9xDxZUjk9abmruwGYn183Q3acuee0fVKcg8goxe3fKE-86WzE0uo4ZV_eNzcWZC9dVEpmBK2uUU62t5r61y9_vOxcHOLY5frWXcqL0u29GsVi427fkEqkCsaTLEsSCNypSm_Et17eA/s200/China+Trip+January+16+050.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Donna, Stephe, Chrissy</span><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-79065355694035227572009-01-14T16:09:00.005-05:002009-01-14T17:35:17.638-05:00A Beautiful Day in China! January 14, 2009Good morning from Guangzhou! <br /><br />Kaelie and I called it a day and turned in early last night, around 6:30 pm. We had a great day but we were both totally exhausted. <br /><br />We had most of the day free, so we spent the day exploring Shaiman Island. This is a beautiful part of the city. Everywhere brides and grooms were having their wedding pictures made, the streets were quiet except for the occasional honking of a car horn, and the people were just so friendly.<br /><br />My travel group has been so kind to allow me to hang around with them. Yesterday, Donna, Joe, and I went for a stroll around the island. We wandered into Jenny's Place. This is a beautiful little shop right around the corner from the hotel entrance. Jenny is so sweet and kind. I bought Kaelie two outfits and a pair of squeaky shoes. I see more squeaky shoes in my near future, as Kaelie isn't walking yet and I KNOW that she will love to squeak around once she is going everywhere. She loves toys that make noise, and I bought here a traditional drum toy in Jenny's as well. Jenny also gave me a rattle with jingle bells on it, Kaelie loves that too.<br /><br />We wandered on down the street to another shop called Susan's Place. Susan's does same-day laundry, so I might be wandering back down there later today. I bought Shelby and Jeremy beautiful matching traditional Chinese outfits, and I bought Kaelie two winter outfits here. In China, it is very important to bundle and wrap the babies appropriately, so they won't be cold. The children are accustomed to being very warm. <br /><br />Next, we strolled down the avenue and wandered past the Polish consulate and several former consulates, including the American and German consulates. We made it the beautiful White Swan hotel, where many adoptive families also stay for their adoption trips. We've heard, though, that the White Swan is much more expensive than the Victory, and the rooms are smaller and not as comfortable. The lobby of the White Swan is beautiful, and we found the Mattel play room. Stephe, Chrissy, and Giorgia were already there, so they let us in and we played with the girls.<br /><br />Lunch at Lucy's was next. By this time Kaelie was taking a great nap! I had the grilled cheese sandwich and American-style fries, and it was a great taste of home! I didn't know grilled cheese could taste so good!<br /><br />At 3:00 pm, we boarded the bus and headed out to make our applications for our daughters' passports. We received our adoption certificates and also received a VERY IMPORTANT paper for the consulate. Allison said, "Keep it well." The appointment went very quickly, and on the way home, Allison explained that she ordered pizza from Papa John's for dinner. It was so good! Then, off to bed for a happy mama and sweet, sweet baby!<br /><br />Gotta run, baby wants a bottle and dry diaper!<br /><br />Love to all, Karen<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYVTbob69FN1WEMNm-Uih6WbnZ098GXfqcVjJRnArppug0_0Um8Y6nlp-e15V8kptvQVuNLOTtT1_p0ZS5zThs36YnDWS4JdGwMX7QoYTsBirEpwHPYB10Rl3dMHsJc4XWpYJkVJyNtI/s1600-h/China+January+14+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260777351492930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYVTbob69FN1WEMNm-Uih6WbnZ098GXfqcVjJRnArppug0_0Um8Y6nlp-e15V8kptvQVuNLOTtT1_p0ZS5zThs36YnDWS4JdGwMX7QoYTsBirEpwHPYB10Rl3dMHsJc4XWpYJkVJyNtI/s200/China+January+14+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jenny and Karen </span></div><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAufKdK9RN4ZZq3VpfPoUMPFQRDuf0k_ryIJF0L_YNtAIipitHF8peFUxug7TImL80ldT1YRkI9fIcq-iwOZprfo7K8FzLByMpyDCGosiDTWHt3XP5EbSPdBDmaa8tLc302iIdypgpe_c/s1600-h/China+January+14+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260765861182626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAufKdK9RN4ZZq3VpfPoUMPFQRDuf0k_ryIJF0L_YNtAIipitHF8peFUxug7TImL80ldT1YRkI9fIcq-iwOZprfo7K8FzLByMpyDCGosiDTWHt3XP5EbSPdBDmaa8tLc302iIdypgpe_c/s200/China+January+14+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Donna, Jenny, Karen</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EUQbxjAr19svOWayL3Jk6ln1YXPMw1juVnlSLO2lGpMLmIUCc9VDgfmfRCZQapFGfOSaOGn7WrCqshZakEoQjJ07IIKD67kAA8S4fBg0FgeWEY35jxtrt2d1nD5qlU8YGE8Y4ZecVN8/s1600-h/China+January+14+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260735264137778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EUQbxjAr19svOWayL3Jk6ln1YXPMw1juVnlSLO2lGpMLmIUCc9VDgfmfRCZQapFGfOSaOGn7WrCqshZakEoQjJ07IIKD67kAA8S4fBg0FgeWEY35jxtrt2d1nD5qlU8YGE8Y4ZecVN8/s200/China+January+14+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie in the stroller</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9WUSFYZnBjgLfSRD-QlJtDbV0oAUGtOYWqk7lZ-K51UeYiULLUJzeGhGFc6yxeDxVrMB3hVNc0aFGjrbyK0XWV0hfJYkMlnOBs97KdcJmZoti3Hi-_VLmlPNjBFxKe1_GhuWGxbBNig/s1600-h/China+January+14+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260384675492562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9WUSFYZnBjgLfSRD-QlJtDbV0oAUGtOYWqk7lZ-K51UeYiULLUJzeGhGFc6yxeDxVrMB3hVNc0aFGjrbyK0XWV0hfJYkMlnOBs97KdcJmZoti3Hi-_VLmlPNjBFxKe1_GhuWGxbBNig/s200/China+January+14+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Lauren and Kaelie</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfyAGuc3i0vOfaGpgLB3j34xA2vR7rbkt4y2lCB0XCgbY99DL4mhiZjSJQAddyBZsIoIbBaK6wYbSZETk49B-pP6GYX4yERA3m07QxFnUoDMYcwKyBVk5cVU2j0tASVqLV9kw-sOWes/s1600-h/China+January+14+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260367246183922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfyAGuc3i0vOfaGpgLB3j34xA2vR7rbkt4y2lCB0XCgbY99DL4mhiZjSJQAddyBZsIoIbBaK6wYbSZETk49B-pP6GYX4yERA3m07QxFnUoDMYcwKyBVk5cVU2j0tASVqLV9kw-sOWes/s200/China+January+14+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Beautiful Baiyun Trees are all around Shaiman Island</span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbnfJt05fiQzpO_9yw1voUiM13ccr57u63FCfyQRRmbZjqXP-v6Nw7TxXNNatjmMdWiRKed428-Z3Y-wIH8jVfYHxqcd-KhmR25HW6vvFHZ28pFhY6iY8Na6IYf6GVRa6af0hvtI-RJw/s1600-h/China+January+14+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260359453639026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbnfJt05fiQzpO_9yw1voUiM13ccr57u63FCfyQRRmbZjqXP-v6Nw7TxXNNatjmMdWiRKed428-Z3Y-wIH8jVfYHxqcd-KhmR25HW6vvFHZ28pFhY6iY8Na6IYf6GVRa6af0hvtI-RJw/s200/China+January+14+013.JPG" border="0" /></a>Donna in the lobby of the White Swan<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjQYXkuoOhVqHcTsXKO0A6upZN6C5yOmQ4UPh7_pfp11F05n3TIjyx1fmYD8BcjWXHNGRZEqTsLlyusXA3VnZCF5OYyPpGlKFiUAiYPDwz3PeOj5zlK5NAgrlg7xwtD2KORx0Ss1z9jc/s1600-h/China+January+14+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260355045199570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjQYXkuoOhVqHcTsXKO0A6upZN6C5yOmQ4UPh7_pfp11F05n3TIjyx1fmYD8BcjWXHNGRZEqTsLlyusXA3VnZCF5OYyPpGlKFiUAiYPDwz3PeOj5zlK5NAgrlg7xwtD2KORx0Ss1z9jc/s200/China+January+14+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Precious Panda Sisters in the Swan Room...Karen and Kaelie, Stephe and Giorgia, Joe, Donna, and Lauren</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRQ2ywSMjo-O0igxD0Um8XI6-wCz-Ny53Q5SdmQxCJ6ruH6G0HjWzpUNaPGlHYPLdpABCYaTvcrFbNRCAPvp2dQFtNvN04W6w0uozhrtntF5VUUsQVN-XHgnN09TAZwRf_lK-CJcOta0/s1600-h/China+January+14+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291260350360766162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRQ2ywSMjo-O0igxD0Um8XI6-wCz-Ny53Q5SdmQxCJ6ruH6G0HjWzpUNaPGlHYPLdpABCYaTvcrFbNRCAPvp2dQFtNvN04W6w0uozhrtntF5VUUsQVN-XHgnN09TAZwRf_lK-CJcOta0/s200/China+January+14+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy Girl!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xdPLgKOfla8qD5OephvK7Mr0W5w7THtcfzux2OPWErcpKjoDAGtDalKlP2iGWT3EzNtg2X4ipuuvg5SNNgCqNzc6z_inuZC7h_DOatayeG2VEma0lYVwG-L_DWBQSVcAyXAtPZNhF-A/s1600-h/China+January+14+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291259962051341042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xdPLgKOfla8qD5OephvK7Mr0W5w7THtcfzux2OPWErcpKjoDAGtDalKlP2iGWT3EzNtg2X4ipuuvg5SNNgCqNzc6z_inuZC7h_DOatayeG2VEma0lYVwG-L_DWBQSVcAyXAtPZNhF-A/s200/China+January+14+021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja20LOmqc5do8KFlxmZPf9I-JGN21Lgp95SAdPTxSp7hC5amjmc4pnGRK74dTMNaaJlEilFbb6ARfDhDZjZygTRVAhP4PkyAPsiBu5aq4J7-c415VD4lj6jpoWln0eA_6jBJ6hmYahmgk/s1600-h/China+January+14+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291259956569784242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja20LOmqc5do8KFlxmZPf9I-JGN21Lgp95SAdPTxSp7hC5amjmc4pnGRK74dTMNaaJlEilFbb6ARfDhDZjZygTRVAhP4PkyAPsiBu5aq4J7-c415VD4lj6jpoWln0eA_6jBJ6hmYahmgk/s200/China+January+14+023.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Kaelie loves balls, but she needs to pick on one her own size! :>)</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpZitIg7wVFI_72_GTt-5V5r7rDbDd8O8iPCN7iuJEJuLaJJEo-EDZfgSJHZRbHBvDcXbVQbWst8CCwdqkW-qGgXSrnrQ2MrEv1lJxw75yskXDZSyGCf7cYewLqh4vKkEsd8Ac5rEv7s/s1600-h/China+January+14+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291259945097107634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpZitIg7wVFI_72_GTt-5V5r7rDbDd8O8iPCN7iuJEJuLaJJEo-EDZfgSJHZRbHBvDcXbVQbWst8CCwdqkW-qGgXSrnrQ2MrEv1lJxw75yskXDZSyGCf7cYewLqh4vKkEsd8Ac5rEv7s/s200/China+January+14+025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Donna, Joe, and Lauren at Lucy's for lunch</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFJG9pwrjS4_1P0HbPfgybfHboUdO1w0idI7J1a6HH_fz2PTj3FX1Acq3pFeKxe3ZbPzZfTUvaae_JZZ57TMUCVQR2uMiu7iuvBwHBzWHY9o3vyZO0fYOiZVModPmIkgRR8vvw4s-YwU/s1600-h/China+January+14+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291259938464049170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFJG9pwrjS4_1P0HbPfgybfHboUdO1w0idI7J1a6HH_fz2PTj3FX1Acq3pFeKxe3ZbPzZfTUvaae_JZZ57TMUCVQR2uMiu7iuvBwHBzWHY9o3vyZO0fYOiZVModPmIkgRR8vvw4s-YwU/s200/China+January+14+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Princess Giorgia</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2vGws87Bu8THVRi7uDk8UCg_KVut31hV44sMXTOXpvanofjvXvyOH0McoTTw2Q7GOwEHraIZTTyeFhTOL5q6RC3N2O8k0_aXC1hQrQWJlfZZSxQrb18CU1l18kzMp5-Vwav-MAVLH8U/s1600-h/China+January+14+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291259910248519906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2vGws87Bu8THVRi7uDk8UCg_KVut31hV44sMXTOXpvanofjvXvyOH0McoTTw2Q7GOwEHraIZTTyeFhTOL5q6RC3N2O8k0_aXC1hQrQWJlfZZSxQrb18CU1l18kzMp5-Vwav-MAVLH8U/s200/China+January+14+030.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Joe and Lauren</span><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-86176299533755346052009-01-13T08:06:00.005-05:002009-01-13T08:34:45.463-05:00Kaelie is Ours!With the stroke of a pen and a promise to love, cherish, and never to abandon her, this beautiful orphan that was left by a gate at two days old became ours. I'm in awe and I'm so in love. I can't wait to share her with her dad and the rest of our family who I know is waiting so eagerly to see and hold this beautiful girl.<br /><br />Our day started at around 6:00 am. Kaelie didn't eat anything the night prior, so this morning she gulped down a HOT! bottle, played for a little while, gave me a present which I quickly cleaned up (i.e., first poo!), and then took a nap before heading off to breakfast.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YfBBWrVWj1N_wOhfI4STMH5BFI5D4WYgsdh0B0QCMm2wAvCqJiff9JsYAustz0T5Vcxby7uF6_y6lZEejI1QLacBG-IOsPPLXizhC502xfkUWJtKsT7HYqJ_MITUbtP_KStvigcgfBE/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290765325773494466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YfBBWrVWj1N_wOhfI4STMH5BFI5D4WYgsdh0B0QCMm2wAvCqJiff9JsYAustz0T5Vcxby7uF6_y6lZEejI1QLacBG-IOsPPLXizhC502xfkUWJtKsT7HYqJ_MITUbtP_KStvigcgfBE/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Sweet sleeping baby<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="left">We enjoyed a breakfast here at the buffet of the Victory. They are good, but I think when the other families get to Guangzhou we are going to the White Swan for their buffet.</div><div align="left"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLYjWmIPrHdpXEHjYpDrGHTYw0LnlCw9AWOHf8PjD4ELWsuX3r4N5mpbHzB0alQYzyrU9jct1pFriXDSlDlZwoXYfUarSofbUSSzG7NN4wshXBQECQ9fPvsdCRH3FyD6F9GGcZcAgLCw/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290765319279301506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLYjWmIPrHdpXEHjYpDrGHTYw0LnlCw9AWOHf8PjD4ELWsuX3r4N5mpbHzB0alQYzyrU9jct1pFriXDSlDlZwoXYfUarSofbUSSzG7NN4wshXBQECQ9fPvsdCRH3FyD6F9GGcZcAgLCw/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+003.JPG" border="0" /></a>Silly girl blowing raspberries and zuberts!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNL8KbSXYU_XztV_WMMUn4H56Oy5I6NJGAGS1JLJglZ8b6RUiN3Xs6YKeW1cbpeTDyx2i5tlWj97fE4EHLQ1I65yHM8qoAGSM8mZn1cPhxWXC8OIG0CCSTALFeoEOJibADQzktiV2les/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290765309170175682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNL8KbSXYU_XztV_WMMUn4H56Oy5I6NJGAGS1JLJglZ8b6RUiN3Xs6YKeW1cbpeTDyx2i5tlWj97fE4EHLQ1I65yHM8qoAGSM8mZn1cPhxWXC8OIG0CCSTALFeoEOJibADQzktiV2les/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu7X7_Khefd4KgBgK43LI93uzehwLfOY7QCcukWmOXWVFp5MkgUPTa4jQt0zUEJqFg6Wunyo92SGIwwKVfKLK7UFjh0WC2GJowkGBkPIvC0vruuFe3RtHkQWRHw0CqbJf9RUXUiE_BOM/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290765306902243058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu7X7_Khefd4KgBgK43LI93uzehwLfOY7QCcukWmOXWVFp5MkgUPTa4jQt0zUEJqFg6Wunyo92SGIwwKVfKLK7UFjh0WC2GJowkGBkPIvC0vruuFe3RtHkQWRHw0CqbJf9RUXUiE_BOM/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After breakfast, we went to the Civil Affairs office to complete the adoption. This is nothing like the grand affair of going to court like we did in Russia with the boys. I was interviewed by the registrar and the notary, signed their interview documents, and then Kaelie became ours!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GOvz3V7pOve995YBQbZdI0S8oJCiJwsYqmgfwzpspvTX45oljJjNZzu2i2dND_0aMs2pQCy_rKCenFWLZgpDPdFqwKshIISfUtGciJceJ97vUUI8K9tNuf1SJKO7vx1urCtccTPYlEA/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290765005996763794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GOvz3V7pOve995YBQbZdI0S8oJCiJwsYqmgfwzpspvTX45oljJjNZzu2i2dND_0aMs2pQCy_rKCenFWLZgpDPdFqwKshIISfUtGciJceJ97vUUI8K9tNuf1SJKO7vx1urCtccTPYlEA/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lobby of Civil Affairs Office</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2poFlUAQwQNBG6cy7ktXCeYDUXBQKqcG1_Gyc084Wjfuv5PJlvAZhiqauk_3zDW138evPlFkDKltVSPb57yAr5NIMhQjXKtSklYPSvwGA9E8TauWreEaxg53J4wfbUsGb7xN2WhtMO0/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290765002270179842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2poFlUAQwQNBG6cy7ktXCeYDUXBQKqcG1_Gyc084Wjfuv5PJlvAZhiqauk_3zDW138evPlFkDKltVSPb57yAr5NIMhQjXKtSklYPSvwGA9E8TauWreEaxg53J4wfbUsGb7xN2WhtMO0/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Goofy-Girl blowing more raspberries!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmKmQl5SHx00PXl1FMFSkVuhx1yGy_ev6WM7m0aoW9cdJn73I0fsPFlecFGdmCO4RcmLGM_mM1czOjNI6C5XViky2o6X78ETtvPZ_m5Kmu5EmE2xhjOgMaKCOJDxLfTRV3TlTQpSZUYE/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764993621766498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmKmQl5SHx00PXl1FMFSkVuhx1yGy_ev6WM7m0aoW9cdJn73I0fsPFlecFGdmCO4RcmLGM_mM1czOjNI6C5XViky2o6X78ETtvPZ_m5Kmu5EmE2xhjOgMaKCOJDxLfTRV3TlTQpSZUYE/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Sound asleep in Mommy's arms!</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">After heading downstairs from the Civil Affairs office, Donna and Joe (Lauren's Mama and Baba), and I got back on the bus and waited for the rest of the families to finish. They had issues changing their fees to RMB at the bank and waited for what seemed to be forever. Allison came to the rescue and got the group moved up to the front of the line (except for Chrissy! Poor thing was hassled about having her number, so Allison came to the rescue again!).<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Jhr0z9tpRZffQxnMzfUiMzD76r5depiMdSyo0YNXZF9S2FeJval_LxG_2JlryJKiDaqG-hx-WO7u0t46hg8k40d7mxBUwof42MmjzLroGQkJegXjKEQ9UU2_IcVGXDlVTJMzHoaJt8M/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764985088380514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Jhr0z9tpRZffQxnMzfUiMzD76r5depiMdSyo0YNXZF9S2FeJval_LxG_2JlryJKiDaqG-hx-WO7u0t46hg8k40d7mxBUwof42MmjzLroGQkJegXjKEQ9UU2_IcVGXDlVTJMzHoaJt8M/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Traffic in Guangzhou. Personal space, even while driving, is much closer than what we are used to.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><div align="left">We enjoyed a marvelous Chinese meal for dinner at a restaurant that Allison arranged. The food was delicious and the chopstick practice definitely paid off as there weren't any forks to be seen!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrosI0cjJopbepmyRFgHgGAnIZmGDC_5i7PFeEAxfgpFd8lKSpi7_x8u2KJKFM0PBOsHjNkBDUzvFLbaoEHwdP-uln6fk7kGv9biGsp6fvgpkTO3hOxEd6y2QoKWKYX_tYtPkEHP0jIm0/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764977191056994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrosI0cjJopbepmyRFgHgGAnIZmGDC_5i7PFeEAxfgpFd8lKSpi7_x8u2KJKFM0PBOsHjNkBDUzvFLbaoEHwdP-uln6fk7kGv9biGsp6fvgpkTO3hOxEd6y2QoKWKYX_tYtPkEHP0jIm0/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Stephe and Chrissy</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgfhLapZThcSI4-54Nr09m_TqWMCmy4QGC0_-jJzAxUKyb0XOP9JFh7TE0SGmhjYENaD4-mtwsQ7HzWJ85crC3w8re5wGnlukVwXshZ6gMfCz3jtWNww9XZAkthQGu4Q9ztzN3yA4uSo/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764507707579874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgfhLapZThcSI4-54Nr09m_TqWMCmy4QGC0_-jJzAxUKyb0XOP9JFh7TE0SGmhjYENaD4-mtwsQ7HzWJ85crC3w8re5wGnlukVwXshZ6gMfCz3jtWNww9XZAkthQGu4Q9ztzN3yA4uSo/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+017.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Mama and Baby</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXBJOpz2JOgHicdP1CKob30RN53d5mtKk5zgap7B4gTKDVmQ4_Y25o3tsRNLcwkfbfodUKpEEAOg7yHUuBVezYKB9QA2_VG-HZmqwFPmcxLGUuLqMDdi2waEnaXkmeka3dEOGS4kVF_s/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764502071241010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXBJOpz2JOgHicdP1CKob30RN53d5mtKk5zgap7B4gTKDVmQ4_Y25o3tsRNLcwkfbfodUKpEEAOg7yHUuBVezYKB9QA2_VG-HZmqwFPmcxLGUuLqMDdi2waEnaXkmeka3dEOGS4kVF_s/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+020.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Allison and Kaelie</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw13SBfxXPWHzseM8_VcxI4q-sxRR6KQd3OePfwyWpVlJxZWUIHz9jdBFfI1csr-wiMVyIlfSB5npgvahz32HQWQLsyPAXtVX_RiKNZMPwLxnOWxxKqjcviS3C_B9Fegr7YPwLT2c99A/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764500186969682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw13SBfxXPWHzseM8_VcxI4q-sxRR6KQd3OePfwyWpVlJxZWUIHz9jdBFfI1csr-wiMVyIlfSB5npgvahz32HQWQLsyPAXtVX_RiKNZMPwLxnOWxxKqjcviS3C_B9Fegr7YPwLT2c99A/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The families of travel groups 103 and 104 enjoying dinner together (above and below)</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwH_2H6cpzYVrevhQymGsR37NIvJW4EIvGoFkacMVpF5cYhBKuMeMW-hXlUvVq5zMmIxHuv8tLVNUPYIMBQMG9ca6x0e2wY9kLWVbR74SFq1hZ7ICu_jXDQAF4BYvJkuzw2nE0_i2mYU/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764489926717170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwH_2H6cpzYVrevhQymGsR37NIvJW4EIvGoFkacMVpF5cYhBKuMeMW-hXlUvVq5zMmIxHuv8tLVNUPYIMBQMG9ca6x0e2wY9kLWVbR74SFq1hZ7ICu_jXDQAF4BYvJkuzw2nE0_i2mYU/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+023.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left">Shaiman Island feels so safe. I walked with Kaelie in a borrowed stroller from Jenny's Place past the White Swan hotel and found a photo shop, so I dropped off the disposable camera that the orphanage sent back from Kaelie's care package (that and the care package bag were all that were returned, but that is OK!). Unfortunately the shop where I dropped off my laundry was closed, but I stopped at another shop and ordered a chop with Kaelie's name on it and a print of Kaelie's name. I also shopped today and bought: squeaky shoes (3 pair), brocade dresses and matching tights (since it's a bit cool here -2 each), a mother/daughter jade necklace (1), silk pajamas (for Kaelie - 1 pair). After shopping, I ended up getting free gifts from the store owners. I can't remember my other purchases, but I think I spent about $100 and got a BUNCH of stuff!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzgmGa2Pfs8wKBql6DbfNXFWHzND7ZOKDw-8e-9Iq12AjWUO13PHHRfj5gzXcUF9XGpZGutLJDNZLUmSH5Lr9WcRq4CZdZvY_7923-AMFrcPtYH8YBWc-VpacFcVfpogrG86N1orZOMs/s1600-h/China+Day+after+Gotcha+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290764485267877042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzgmGa2Pfs8wKBql6DbfNXFWHzND7ZOKDw-8e-9Iq12AjWUO13PHHRfj5gzXcUF9XGpZGutLJDNZLUmSH5Lr9WcRq4CZdZvY_7923-AMFrcPtYH8YBWc-VpacFcVfpogrG86N1orZOMs/s200/China+Day+after+Gotcha+024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The side of the White Swan decorated for Chinese New Year</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div> </div><div><div align="center">Tomorrow afternoon we are going to apply for the childrens' passports. So tomorrow I'll have nearly the whole day free to enjoy our new daughter, and shop at the stores!<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-71971182169087732872009-01-12T18:15:00.006-05:002009-01-12T18:30:48.681-05:00Gotcha Day Pictures<div><br /></div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550240858227938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ni3_Vcz_jDeng5t2qyEqgpnU4T8aE7zQa4U0E0NNuD3WJmZBRE5Sg_1Zi5hyjbSKyJq3wCal20pP0T4JLTirxO53TMVQSX49AmPXHPW4ZjSmCwvpmxuqVtvAnJLVUjx0bHT0JgjxLLs/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+001.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Allison on the bus to the Civil Affairs Office</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550243656111874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl5KK7CvpjKWJqDSrRUxEWUzX02zvkocoG1OJSD_d8tAFLoOf44kiRcLxl-DoCapBpzBsoUOYXen2i6EI1-frqujAFJshxJ-k99SEMCtqMb2IWlaBVnIT81EIERsPhS3Pibt22D7rh58/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+003.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">On the bus...all smiles!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550247651233938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaemlO6oJ1LtGfb0j5mmmVmVW3gZ-hdXfWMoY9dljanW35GzckEecQl44J71W6_ZgwHI7u-q4XFwb0J-iQjmrnaRwX-2A7w75-4514lQgxc_U_080fMPEM1U0xCmzGL9uDH5bh0BUy1_o/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+005.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div align="center">Eighth Floor - Registration Office</div><div align="center"> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550253602918658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg4sfSAWD5MVezyLqF0uV0x9HqhhMh19mTS-uJDOb1-mRAgK2DxbFvC01JPvDEy8uHkmzYDpBk57fs-KMEmqAwOHzAvvhxrpPNYS0E51NVj9zvVZLfHJG9GBgXEn6KTjvEd1tVWrBhRY/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+007.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div align="center">Precious Panda Girls with Travel Letters in hand. Helpful hint, when your guide asks for your travel letter, it is about to be your turn!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguytstOLfy0I-6YLp9OLWGLgk41w3-9bNSQncoRA908FnJ8loITFaxPjoYIy_ySa9_UlcpNn-6OZNDiIOBl2No6L3fQJlqm7bT1q6HdPsMQiw8_AQ3EW7Q4PeDRJNX_hR8YWVsPbpjYB8/s1600-h/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550265886163826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguytstOLfy0I-6YLp9OLWGLgk41w3-9bNSQncoRA908FnJ8loITFaxPjoYIy_ySa9_UlcpNn-6OZNDiIOBl2No6L3fQJlqm7bT1q6HdPsMQiw8_AQ3EW7Q4PeDRJNX_hR8YWVsPbpjYB8/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> The orphanage director hands Kaelie to me!<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550951094111778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13hRk0bXDKaCgLAHMMeX6kMoRLYdpZt0kkhzRGZ0o99S9uqSpft3pgcsn_uYF9IajE-qKztHBAsuNcfsfoX4n3cx-wFKZtHYkqMcMUSlLIY0omjtAbf-sFgjqJdn7khKbyCqcUW5mdAY/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+011.JPG" border="0" />First glimpses...above and below!<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550965651697154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bE8HrBgsO4ftoJLcYjUW7-DjUaWWuh8xX_nDsJwdsp0d0SewwexHiBKFqpinth4mnwuraAccYTUUohvELmC7fDbfgLjh2mBGR1ObhCGPRcq84HSboaFmMPvGRzVXs3RwByrZ57wYhIc/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+014.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550998681609314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm2s3Mxm8wMaqRQg-2njuX5Qz0V5QoFVl8UlyLP2eMB8GOw9SSHBdfSu-O-S8wqjKZG42nQV7-rqqQpvWYXpFW7g_QriHHg9dE6MFMJWYb2ATTqP7UocrtxA87nxuslkRSkBeGH39pOc/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+015.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Happy Mama and baby!<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290551016179207778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJzq2yf5kyPEJVTJjo0gKUCffIk1G8zy9HLeSXC-DK377wvH5-pJiUPv_PPEzCLNBKZT_Y6QjabJ9af_W0je_7P1wCZ5bh4FYkmoP4URQe0MCicGcMDqCRE6pBc61h5H-_wGzsB463TM/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+030.JPG" border="0" />Sitting on the floor playing with a dragonfly Lamaze toy. This is the one that Jeremy picked out for Kaelie when we first began the adoption process.</div><div> </div><div>It was a very good and busy day. She didn't take her first bottle until this morning. She likes them so, so hot! She's never eaten any solid food as evidenced by the crying and spitting out of the bits I gave to her last night, even congee! Kaelie is ticklish on her tummy and sucks her left thumb to go to sleep. Kaelie is recovering from the chicken pox and has scabs from the blisters all over. She also has some Mongolian spots on her lower back and bottom that we will have documented when we take her for her first doctor's appointment.</div><div> </div><div>Today is Adoption Day. In one hour, we leave to the Civil Affairs Office to complete the registration. Then, in the eyes of the Chinese government, Kaelie will be our daughter! She is so beautiful and is the light of our lives.</div><div> </div><div>I apologize about not posting. I've had internet connection problems but thankfully today they seem to be resolved! Keep the positive comments and emails coming. David, I love you so much and miss you and I can't wait for you to meet this precious child. She is going to be the apple of your eye! I love you!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290551024934194130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw2SbWDXu4lGV92gmwcZ5_4DIRmh6iKAQehlX3miRJuETHdq4UEmVqZzPGZ3lBXkBdbeodhY9pY-GNlCr_dzOG3HsRdHXCy9G0Gfh_juL2DbSe_vqwA6N3EwC1XxtRc6XlI18neKyhI0/s200/Gotcha+Day!+China+Day+5+036.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-14430085774905361762009-01-11T23:43:00.001-05:002009-01-11T23:43:31.340-05:00Ready to Go!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-73084804027381597822009-01-09T17:27:00.007-05:002009-01-10T06:19:11.788-05:00I'm In China!<div>I'm in Beijing! I made it safe and sound, with no glitches whatsoever in travel, except for a minor "hot brake" problem on the plane in Tokyo which resolved itself quickly and then we were on our way!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>Today we had a busy day! We visited Tian An Mein Square, the Forbidden City, took a stroll through Olympic Park, and visited the Juyonguan section of the Great Wall.</div><br /><div>I'm exhausted and can't write much, so I'll just try to post some pictures.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289619354442222786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-fp5OWkwLmtFdV1qEEtALR6REGAAxcwqmwGOF_BqN6_OYUyvpVeMxn2rPpFiKBSHM5elcb-PpP4bkbAV3_rQ5aV7HoG1PgvhqHm1l5PKbSw-J4pAnmFHbgdRcvZFaXgjrIdr85UuZT4/s320/China+Day+2+140.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289619347079239458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51uEVmKMODQc1IMhYstY58W5VYqN3h7NddlsEguQICLvnSzUO_QiVmAG_Jfg8cLsRCtgBqaK6rgiSR5TqgIJqm0uIq2AQv_5QhwWH-dGtTDd6Z2Ibfz4keq_aBE-CzwPDhvBq44F3A70/s320/China+Day+2+153.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289619342339283314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RjsHaxOCs-c00P59KOZCDpxIe4BsjRRWjSZoNEPLo5unRd8deSXvOeSCDuSp9AQ99PNWuCagbx81OE1HajBHxs4NLz8CImt4eV6OadSQ6LDpzICPpRYQ1jXNXt0ZCrQ2khqs5sIhr50/s320/China+Day+2+035.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289619331268142034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBYSFn7NSFaprId01KFBIZRFtP7a3Q6aiss6sc9w5uSa4A0IidnasbCcnmIymHanFNkqOWtxiJczN3xISAzkerXyMjMWFRpBNE9QNgeU7fzrRGkPiMLZ03HjwdcKNp1LemJ786Vje88M/s320/China+Day+2+029.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289619340995926978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvYrhfi7ATVcVh9-itvHDBLVZlsPrhkC0w2-7N-YakGN6lzukWUlRMqvQqAr9BZ390oVjAS-eyYOK32evRaTIClCBDv4zwo5C56EG3AL_iVPnE9A9rMglNoGln1oRPQFB3x1VMWBleSE/s320/China+Day+2+017.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-61492673507114462362009-01-07T08:52:00.008-05:002009-01-10T06:20:41.756-05:00Last Post from Home!<div align="center">Well, this is it! I can hardly believe that in just a few hours we will be headed to Jacksonville for my departure tomorrow morning! OMGosh! I'm thrilled beyond words, nervous, excited, sad to leave my family for 16 days, I can't wait to meet our little girl, nervous....I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I'm so blessed that I got a decent night's sleep last night! I've been tossing and turning and have been so tired.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />Everything is done: bags are packed, flights are confirmed, laundry is done. I just need to do a few things around here this morning...David is picking up the boys early from school today and then we are heading out. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />David and I took the boys down to Orlando for a little mini-vacation and just to make some memories as a family of four. We had a great time! We stayed at the Hyatt Regency which is right in the Orlando Airport (let's just say that I LOVE Priceline!). Anyway, the boys were fascinated with the moving sidewalks, the shops, the food court, the TSA security guys (Jeremy would see one and say, "Look, there's another one!"), it was just neat to see them have such a fantastic experience.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288554522132001570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNli6SnqNG1YFpQnMtfSp5TRiV-uyzfPOEbQQ-XkBk8aB2SczdhuA_hXmE7JrDaTSWym-8uQA2j1fqyJzYbmMKc219EazuUEgDSmVcELdDXg49KvwQtIGw1wacGg-Z5gmCQnwplLfpfLE/s320/shelby+hog.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Shelby rides a Hog in the Airport! Look out people...it's an out-of-control motorcyclist!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I took the boys to EPCOT and we had a great time except for the crowds. We went to Mexico and China in World Showcase and we rode Mission: Space and Test Track. They had a great time!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288554516347790610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmabak8MvLegTsJLP4dtdsFGmJeLZxjD027Mx9Yd3iWks-8IgX2b3Eapqk8IsvEG8ByMtOvtv1Jb8Z-up70F1FRFPB2CKn-KZy8SbM9EpGwM659qOOw7RAgl5gHOTZ-z6p7nLo7HMp_8/s320/shelby+jeremy+warrior+comp.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">My good friends LH and AH came home with their beautiful little girl on January 1. We had the chance to meet and greet at the airport. Here's a shot of my good friends and their babies MA and SJ:<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288554842296372306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAH-7RFIby6kQ471XaoxxVeSh2MZ4cG8Nioq1Z0M3L1-NrWuOmOfpoG6GfLSMxaU4pRsLuLMLoMNwuvxiAczt-y3A7r2eRD8-ixCmBQvosIOAf-95ss7wDrle4Hnju_c7K2P-IRxI2VI/s320/MA+and+SJ+airport.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Jeremy received his first degree black belt in Taekwondo last night. This is a huge accomplishment. We love ATA and hopefully when Kaelie comes home I will be able to continue as an instuctor trainee. Jeremy was so excited and proud! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288557362246106994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFQ-EdNFxgsnln5gqW0sSMTfEKRtGiWjwsMD7CAWqib6gW7vAeLH3FNmIChaF6fktLRBR44zGXlT6dP9l5ZYk1JN-5KABh1I1wD0mbsD6CR0jsHWyfyv-3Pb6xcUJHfqsPP1Eg76237U/s320/jeremy+waiting+for+BB.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288555031447932226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwYB2fIJMfJ3D-KS68dYTxlY4uprGvx5LlniK224LcWvIOIv9EsB46IslfqvMmuRFvsqTnCF3nNThJmjj7t3CSBZ3qeqNWGdz3SQA5QiAoxEUxv7vRDYvpAWuM9waHBGEdvFyZWrceMI/s320/jeremy+BB.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288554846521000770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9UhskBRM8rtw-2pp2aKSGNL2fgbfg8a23RbosYddIECl-5jLpkSoT7roIHMuBORkTZfzKpSe1szcoS5n3EmQEpphY6hG6rR4FPK7QpRkkmWv22u-4Q5npjuqij84AnOSFWz_tzTby0Q/s320/jeremy+BB.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">I have a travel site that I will be updating while I'm away. You can visit here:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.adoptionvoyages.com/kaelie.htm">Our Journey to Kaelie</a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-10680688177288795772008-12-14T09:44:00.008-05:002008-12-28T13:53:06.114-05:00Baby Shower!<div align="center"> My team at work hosted a wonderful baby shower for me on Tuesday, December 9! The food was awesome, and Kaelie received so many nice gifts. I am especially blessed to work with a staff that is so supportive of all three of our adoptions. It seems that everyone is excited! Next week is my last week of work before my maternity leave!<br /></div><div align="center">OK, on to pictures!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284913841582529090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs30lFXfogtOQq3_feEYadP15GLDJitDzHkM4212RIMM-tewsc2q_YekDKnPJlVyV7iyM9MdhyfHEzA0sEqun5gpZ1Zt68m19NKVvart9saotDpRZn39hR8zzYbnMXOXjiZcRQLOkiTw/s320/baby+cake+comp.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">Beautiful Cake baked and designed by our in-house cake guru Kerri M.</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284914675700085442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6h0ICMyBkzHzhruHGqcR-8T9JN3T3unn-yKsJ4bmbwzyYGfDr3emjvIX4CH6TJULBiD5O__tdaAdvXfQW6H-X53gLfmwrt6xcPXlZR7Q_qU9NLKkf1WqCG8DK-WryON5RmomaWc5W1SQ/s320/presents+comp.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">What a load of gifts! I was shocked, and they were so pretty I didn't want to open them!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284914481566863058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtffwwS3C1ZB4JKiC2jD0WWjUm4BJ44CtaKDBvN3fnr_F6xKshe3aY-ikQ_nUdNv4cB5YVKxL-DY4LWEutorbWmxvJ1P2659BkORnbC6fyvGMYTh-HpAweuFAZZKISotj4G7ZFue44Z3c/s320/opening+presents+comp.jpg" border="0" /><br />Here's a shot of me opening the presents!<br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284914063383728546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU5IH6Kk3qQ858zMnenqFCOwlD8AEp-jD4PTZb6D3WazPe00KAw8MuEq6tpn9Wrnu1n-Mxl-FRDARW-LN1dI8QazpwbF7QbX2GPN0aonEktoMYLSJghflIVcb7__P2No-UBMNxYFKwm8/s320/money+tree+comp.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />The money tree! The staff collected money for the adoption trip, then gave a live tree in honor of Kaelie's adoption...this will soon be a fixture in our front yard!<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284914280778585682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4H7nY_O8vP2qwlBgYRESJ8LBG3l2OWhIuPI4Rpcu2txpZZ8f8_8LYiffKJX6lk77uQx0cRGabXQTymQyGjrgcazkwW1ikTxK-m1JOQB-le0vZYbSLAg8epn5XHSSCVgJbRF-YMms_BM/s320/opened+presents+comp.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">All the opened gifts!<br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-30382990124810323652008-12-02T15:17:00.003-05:002008-12-02T15:28:13.362-05:00TA's are here!Our Travel Approval (TA) has arrived! Yippee!<br /><br />Mike, our travel coordinator at the agency, is working on the consulate appointments (CA) for our group right now. I think he's requesting either January 21 or 22 (I'll have to look back at my notes and see). <br /><br />Here is what my tentative itinerary looks like:<br /><br />January 8, 2009 Depart US for Beijing<br />January 9, 2009 Arrive in Beijing<br />January 10, 2009 Tour Beijing (Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Acrobat Show)<br />January 11, 2009 Tour Beijing (1/2 day)<br />January 11, 2009 Fly from Beijing to Guangzhou<br />January 11 (evening) OR January 12 (morning): GOTCHA DAY!!!!!<br />January 12 or 13, 2009 Adoption Day<br />January 13-20, 2009 Enjoy the sights in and around Guangzhou, get to know Kaelie<br />January 21 or 22, 2009 Consulate Appointment<br />January 23, 2009 Fly from Guangzhou back to US<br /><br />Hopefully in the next day or two we will be able to start making travel arrangements. This is the last big hurdle to overcome for the trip. I have all the consulate and general paperwork gathered, and my suitcase is almost packed. My visa is supposed to come via Fed-Ex this afternoon. The only thing I need to get finished are my lesson plans that my substitute will use while I'm on leave! I'm so thrilled that this is finally happening!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-442234281971585852008-11-30T13:42:00.003-05:002008-11-30T13:55:58.570-05:00Baby Steps Closer...Hi Everybody....<br /><br />It's been awhile since I posted...sorry...it's been hectic around here and also I've had some issues with blogger trying to get some pictures uploaded. Here's a few:<br /><br /><div align="center">Our Stork! The Fed-Ex guy thought I was nuts when I tore out of the house to meet him, THEN asked him for a picture!<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLfR3avuoNPiHTf6vSJZtVwVvGH0GKtEFz6tLHglqJw0lN-r0Bh9tieFlsJGXIF3Ljf9-C3hO5uThRdmPILTle2qGNVlrLu4UQ0c-skVGkEyDJyNf98NJFAeL9SLJCc4LS9pBJga8-N8/s1600-h/Fedex+stork+comp.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274523052066104482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLfR3avuoNPiHTf6vSJZtVwVvGH0GKtEFz6tLHglqJw0lN-r0Bh9tieFlsJGXIF3Ljf9-C3hO5uThRdmPILTle2qGNVlrLu4UQ0c-skVGkEyDJyNf98NJFAeL9SLJCc4LS9pBJga8-N8/s320/Fedex+stork+comp.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="center">Shelby did the honors and dropped our acceptance package back via Fed-Ex! What a great big brother he is going to be!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274523571593881586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4W75DVfbG9InCrBvs25QVKXiCeXQtcLduidmBpVWLxlgnv5BQ7J6j2ca02pYEqpH0AXebqxbgTgvUXc9adMhUSE2OOrGkWvdcvgxjOjKy1lmkgpetmpsCSb-BDwQqZZxbtieBBZkAZ0A/s320/shelby+fedex+comp.JPG" border="0" /><br />Where are we now? We are waiting for our Travel Approval (TA) to come from the CCAA. We're also waiting for my China visa to come back from the travel agent. Once our TA gets here, then our agency will request an appointment from the US Consulate in Guangzhou. The purpose of this appointment is to process our immigration paperwork and to issue Kaelie's immigrant visa (i.e., permission for her to come to the United States). <br /><br />Once the Consulate appointment is made, we will be making travel arrangements. We already know that I will be flying into Beijing for some sightseeing and also to get acclimated to the time change. Then, I will fly to Guangzhou for the remainder of the trip. Guangzhou is the provincial capital of Guangdong. The orphanage director and nannies will bring Kaelie from Yangxi to Guangzhou, and this is where we will first meet each other and get to know one another while we process the adoption and also work on the immigration paperwork.<br /><br />I counted up, and there are only 5 more Saturdays until our tentative travel date. I am beyond excited! I'm looking forward to getting on that plane and starting this journey!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-78846298625140629712008-11-18T18:19:00.003-05:002008-11-18T18:40:52.422-05:00Update on Kaelie!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jAfJs7dnDxC8tzB07uvTVptGfzwCmCQYrczHXcD6YJ-GNlopxipDJsNh3Apvn5lBycvQ7CJ-gUYSY60GDss6eshLQOjpaUEq6mJQZp7zS00egAt-vkD6TJmkvXQ8zrAP5YpSzpxklLA/s1600-h/song4%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270145321857508722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jAfJs7dnDxC8tzB07uvTVptGfzwCmCQYrczHXcD6YJ-GNlopxipDJsNh3Apvn5lBycvQ7CJ-gUYSY60GDss6eshLQOjpaUEq6mJQZp7zS00egAt-vkD6TJmkvXQ8zrAP5YpSzpxklLA/s320/song4%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5o-9jl6lHPaUkFrF1AeA-IslmpVYS3nObOXq-3BXReDCdon5iQOgm8I5Canw97wVLvYlczEkXL8JRU1meN_e3mpoAgci46h689GJ1v5_-Y9yPr1pUXKepxZ-5-AVQRvqngruGc-cHLc/s1600-h/song3%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270145319237551602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5o-9jl6lHPaUkFrF1AeA-IslmpVYS3nObOXq-3BXReDCdon5iQOgm8I5Canw97wVLvYlczEkXL8JRU1meN_e3mpoAgci46h689GJ1v5_-Y9yPr1pUXKepxZ-5-AVQRvqngruGc-cHLc/s320/song3%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbIyF5EQuk1qpsW6RyEFIFbB0QEcwr1_hkh3vz7m26EQ2gSfJi-uzssMy0Wprjyg4Rp1qe-cIlBVKkMntGjXXmTb8LVKE0N_ABTJYkNk9pIZy6BoFwuGXZ4fn6vzBO5w6O8yCCBLsWoo/s1600-h/song2%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270145317804415954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbIyF5EQuk1qpsW6RyEFIFbB0QEcwr1_hkh3vz7m26EQ2gSfJi-uzssMy0Wprjyg4Rp1qe-cIlBVKkMntGjXXmTb8LVKE0N_ABTJYkNk9pIZy6BoFwuGXZ4fn6vzBO5w6O8yCCBLsWoo/s320/song2%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-rUjTFZmJJqASYNEWkrcViYVkBp8sLUhVq9JIm1-QmiL10X6n7I3T5NA1IU3DHiM0bhmUBUv31SgF-Uec_bk8R3RmMx1wGh2O5dZCdr-H4yAc-00IIMmoHCqVw-Y3ivrHsYI7tg0sdg/s1600-h/song1%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270145311540272210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-rUjTFZmJJqASYNEWkrcViYVkBp8sLUhVq9JIm1-QmiL10X6n7I3T5NA1IU3DHiM0bhmUBUv31SgF-Uec_bk8R3RmMx1wGh2O5dZCdr-H4yAc-00IIMmoHCqVw-Y3ivrHsYI7tg0sdg/s320/song1%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EQpoSRbi2W6mJHwbytDHpXHSI2qsS7MnzaTX_Kcx4ZshvqmZW0eBnN9afaF8DjGizxGZx9qd8Wc29GMcxn2ZBm44HMGRiEVtHFkwuxn828lrF8FeMmjZt3imNjRxhdQg1ZQgC_48iFA/s1600-h/song0%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270145315295092466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EQpoSRbi2W6mJHwbytDHpXHSI2qsS7MnzaTX_Kcx4ZshvqmZW0eBnN9afaF8DjGizxGZx9qd8Wc29GMcxn2ZBm44HMGRiEVtHFkwuxn828lrF8FeMmjZt3imNjRxhdQg1ZQgC_48iFA/s320/song0%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Ann at <a href="http://www.redthreadchina.com/">Red Thread China</a> was able to get some updated pictures and measurements of Kaelie! I am so happy! Kaelie is so beautiful!</div><br /><div>Here are her updated measurements:</div><br /><div>Height :71cm (28 inches)<br />weight: 7.8kg (17 pounds)<br />head: 43cm (17 inches)<br />chest: 44cm (17 inches)<br />feet: 11cm (4.3 inches)<br /></div><div>She has four teeth now!</div><br /><div>Ann is sending Kaelie a care package which will go out in tomorrow's mail! Ann has had terrific service and I would highly recommend her! Also, my thanks to the orphanage staff and director for allowing the pictures to be taken and sending them on to Ann.</div></div></div></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-57331230047789200252008-11-10T13:52:00.001-05:002008-11-10T13:52:58.685-05:00What was I doing on Kaelie's birthday?Wednesday, February 13, 2008<br /><a name="1193089260241323442"></a><br /><a href="http://our-journey-to-kaelie.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-won-i-won.html">I won! I won!</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-57679619563444355162008-11-10T13:36:00.002-05:002008-11-10T13:46:25.723-05:00Thank You!Hi Everyone!<br /><br />Words cannot describe how appreciative I am to all of you for coming over and leaving a comment. I am in awe of the China adoption community and the bond that we share. I'm so thankful for all the Yangxi mamas who have left encouraging words of support and helpful suggestions. It's been so great to also meet several of my "new" travel buddies! I can't wait to meet all of you in person when we travel to adopt our daughters!<br /><br />If you are still waiting, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. It's difficult to see others waiting for their daughters...I feel a twinge of guilt for feeling so happy and elated when I know many of you are still wondering, "When?" It sounds contrite, but the wait really does melt away during those first few hours and days after referral. <br /><br />Please lift up your thoughts and prayers for my friends, who lost their 19-month-old daughter this weekend in a <a href="http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=9315142">drowning accident</a>. Kari's parents and brothers were in Cub Scouts together. We would sit around the campfire all night long talking about stuff, laughing, drinking coffee. We haven't been close for a while, but it's still such a tragedy. :<(<br /><br />Big hugs, KarenKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-70185340950260426822008-11-05T16:17:00.006-05:002008-11-05T18:11:36.647-05:00It's A Girl!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEkcc86TDTzS__Fpupl8J441GlG1yOrDU3ROFNFJ9lk31e1JfOTb_6z4d4PlvaZmpwgnk3isskKwTDluI5CUVfn3zc7WOoLkyaKvSzOZziASiwQ3Hq2wgWJF6jc67zPKYYPSdhcj12tU/s1600-h/Song+Yun+Juan3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265288097786946818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEkcc86TDTzS__Fpupl8J441GlG1yOrDU3ROFNFJ9lk31e1JfOTb_6z4d4PlvaZmpwgnk3isskKwTDluI5CUVfn3zc7WOoLkyaKvSzOZziASiwQ3Hq2wgWJF6jc67zPKYYPSdhcj12tU/s320/Song+Yun+Juan3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa5UrW6E56KlmCi5u5r8p14zD80PPIHlQTTvxWteNl17V6udZktHo6L0DxboHQuqYrpihJgWsToIUHDMmqNCKv8vjHD7xFEyQn0SICxMuPGHCtd7VFZD0pUI7PkAjzjFbmiXqaiW-7so/s1600-h/Song+Yun+Juan2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265288097803685202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa5UrW6E56KlmCi5u5r8p14zD80PPIHlQTTvxWteNl17V6udZktHo6L0DxboHQuqYrpihJgWsToIUHDMmqNCKv8vjHD7xFEyQn0SICxMuPGHCtd7VFZD0pUI7PkAjzjFbmiXqaiW-7so/s320/Song+Yun+Juan2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq7Xll1B1nXZqTBJpJq3lTfrdGyS1G-2zBnWGfIav-ITs59geputQ_Q0pqVJD2gZBa52pBWL9CfhGDaQyqICFfqPxfraxiWNGkxlq_LLXozENsUqnIDiQbf4Fs-Lz0UdJvuUPDgeIJIo/s1600-h/Song+Yun+Juan1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265288093414201970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq7Xll1B1nXZqTBJpJq3lTfrdGyS1G-2zBnWGfIav-ITs59geputQ_Q0pqVJD2gZBa52pBWL9CfhGDaQyqICFfqPxfraxiWNGkxlq_LLXozENsUqnIDiQbf4Fs-Lz0UdJvuUPDgeIJIo/s320/Song+Yun+Juan1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chinese Name: Song Yun Juan<br />Birthday: February 13, 2008<br />Current Residence: Yangxi County SWI, Guangdong Province<br /><br />On July 4, 2008, she weighed 13 pounds and was almost 24 inches long.<br /><br />She is a deep sleeper.<br /><br />Anticipating Travel: January 8, 2009<br /><br />This is all we know at this time. We will receive our package tomorrow via FedEx.<br /><br />Thanks for hanging with us for all this time! I can't wait to hold Kaelie in my arms!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-44717161095422258422008-10-31T00:36:00.003-04:002008-10-31T02:05:23.761-04:00Another Week Gone By...Why do I feel like I am wishing my life away? We made it through another work week...well, we have Friday to go, but does it really count?<br /><br />RQ is reporting that the cut-off might be February 20th. That's exciting that we are in, yet sad that it's still such a small batch. I feel sad for my friends, who, after referrals come out, will still be waiting to see the faces of their precious children.<br /><br />It's sad because loss is at the heart of adoption. The triad ~ birthparents, adoptive parents, and especially the child ~ have lost so much. For Kaelie, this will mean that she will have lost the opportunity to be raised in her country of birth. It means for her that she will grow up in a minority, multi-cultural family. Her birthmother will have lost, whether by choice or not, the chance to raise the child she carried in her womb for nine months. How have adoptive parents experienced loss in the adoption triad, you might ask? The ability, as in our case, to carry and birth our biological children. Adoption for us hasn't been, and never will be, a second choice, but more along the lines of the "road less traveled."<br /><br />Adoption is about love. First and foremost, the ability of a birthmother to love a child so much that she is willing to create an adoption plan for the child she carried for 9 months. A child who was hopefully created in an act of love and passion. I cannot begin to fathom the depths of that love, a love which will transcend time, and distance, a love that can leave a birthfamily wondering for a lifetime about a child they will not be able to raise. The love that the adoptee will be able to feel, the love of two families, one known and one only dreamed of. I figure that if we do our jobs as adoptive parents correctly, these children of ours will grow to love and respect their birth families for the opportunity that they gave to them. The love of the adoptive mother and father is immeasurable! As I've raised these two magnificient boys, I sometimes think I can't love them any more, but it's just amazing, it keeps growing and growing!<br /><br />OK, getting off my soapbox...<br /><br />Here's another fun Blogthing for you to do while you wait, ever so patiently, with me for news of referrals. I can't believe that it is finally here! There is so much to do!<br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" bg style="color:#eeeeee;"><br /><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: blackfont-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;" ><br /><strong>You Passed 8th Grade Geography</strong><br /></span></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/couldyoupass8thgradegeographyquiz/pass.jpg" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct!<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/couldyoupass8thgradegeographyquiz/">Could You Pass 8th Grade Geography?</a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-30238347773654442852008-10-20T17:22:00.002-04:002008-10-20T17:23:46.147-04:00While we wait...<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" bg style="color:#eeeeee;"><br /><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: blackfont-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;" ><br /><strong>What Your Halloween Habits Say About You</strong><br /></span></td></tr>Here's something to keep us all busy while we're waiting for some referral rumors:<br /><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatsyourhalloweenpersonalityquiz/halloween.gif" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />You're a friendly person, but not the life of the party. You like making someone else's day - and you'll dress up if you think of a really fun costume.<br /><br />You often feel invisible when you're in public. And it's a shame, because you're really quite a character.<br /><br />Your inner child is full of wonder and very sweet.<br /><br />You truly fear the dark side of humanity. You are a true misanthrope.<br /><br />You're logical, rational, and not easily effected. Not a lot scares you... especially when it comes to the paranormal.<br /><br />You are picky and high maintenance. If you wear a Halloween costume, it's only when you really feel like it. And it has to be perfect.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourhalloweenpersonalityquiz/">What's Your Halloween Personality?</a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543184321353551781.post-76683747187168338232008-10-20T16:52:00.003-04:002008-10-20T16:55:08.873-04:0032nd LID'versary!<div align="center"><a href="http://www.imagechef.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more" src="http://cdn-img1.imagechef.com/w/081020/samp1b29ff7caca05833.jpg" /> </a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yes, I'm a bit late in making this post, but...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Good things come to those who wait! And wait! And wait! And wait!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I never would have thought it would take this long to adopt our daughter!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Hopefully, in the next few days/weeks, we will see Kaelie's face for the very first time!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Wouldn't it be fantastic to see Kaelie's face before the election? WOW! I can't believe referral day is almost here!</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181899495996492768noreply@blogger.com1