Kaelie 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.

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.

Sweet sleeping baby

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.

Silly girl blowing raspberries and zuberts!

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!

Lobby of Civil Affairs Office

Goofy-Girl blowing more raspberries!

Sound asleep in Mommy's arms!

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!).

Traffic in Guangzhou. Personal space, even while driving, is much closer than what we are used to.

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!

Stephe and Chrissy

Mama and Baby

Allison and Kaelie

The families of travel groups 103 and 104 enjoying dinner together (above and below)

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!

The side of the White Swan decorated for Chinese New Year

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!

Gotcha Day Pictures

Allison on the bus to the Civil Affairs Office

On the bus...all smiles!

Eighth Floor - Registration Office

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!

The orphanage director hands Kaelie to me!

First glimpses...above and below!

Happy Mama and baby!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Ready to Go!

I'm In China!

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!

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.

I'm exhausted and can't write much, so I'll just try to post some pictures.

Last Post from Home!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shelby rides a Hog in the Airport! Look out people...it's an out-of-control motorcyclist!

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!

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:

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!

I have a travel site that I will be updating while I'm away. You can visit here:

Our Journey to Kaelie