Care Package Pictures

After getting LOA on Monday, I wanted to send Shanxi girl another care package. I have had a few people ask me what they look like. Here are 2 pictures of the one we just sent. Ann at RedThreadChina is ssssoooo nice and amazing. She is very prompt at getting your items together and keeps in good communication! Ann does a good job at matching outfits too. She will also try to get updated measurements and photos.

Our LOA's will be sent to China today from our Agency, and they will arrive there on Monday. We got our Visa Applications sent out today, so we will wait about a week for our passports to be returned.

I spent a good hour and a half last night organizing paperwork, and miscellaneous things, making copies, making copies of copies, making copies of copies of copies, I think you know what I'm getting at....

We got it, we signed it, we sent it...

After a little scare this morning, we finally had our LOA in our hands at noon. Our Fedex driver 99% of the time is here by 9:30 am, but when 11:30 came and went, I started to panic. I waited 4 months for this piece of paper (and ain't it purdy?)
and I started thinking it might be lost. But, Dan, who was the only one in his right mind this morning, contacted FedEx to see if he could track it down, even though we didn't have a tracking number, and guess what-he did! With a little sweet-talking and alot of flirting (or so he says), did I mention he's a salesman?, he was told it would be here around noon. Crisis averted. I was literally shaking when I signed it.
Dan took it and went to FedEx it right back to our agency. It will be in China on Monday. We then wait for Travel Approval. For the first time in 4 months, I can actually BREATHE. Everything that we need to do is done, and boy, is it ever nice to not have this feeling like you are waiting or anxious to hear something.
I need to really start gathering my stuff together for packing. What glorious 2 days it has been!

LOA Pt. 2 (See previous Post for the Big Announcement!)

Ok, now that I am able to type without having to backspace a sentence at a time,(see my previous post) We are so happy to have gotten word that in China's eyes, we are fit to be her parents! We will receive the LOA tomorrow, or Wednesday, depending on how quickly they get them sent out to the parents who were waiting. The coordinator said they had a pretty big batch come in, so, it depends on how quickly they can get them sent out.
We will then sign the LOA and fedex it right back to our agency in California, and they will in turn send it back to China, and then comes the wait for Travel Approval, or TA. I asked the coordinator what the turnaround was for that, and she said it was averaging 3 weeks-Holy Cow!
Also, here's another picture of Shanxi girl, that I somehow missed in posting last time. I love that she is in a big comfy bed, with a big stuffed puppy! This was after her bath...we love her so much!
I told Dan we needed to send her another care package, and include a letter to the Foster Family. They have been so good to her, so how do you exactly thank people who have been caring for your child while you are a world apart? I'm not sure if we will be able to meet them, but, I will try to express my thanks in a letter...
We need to be prepared for alot of crying and grieving, as this is the only family she's known for the last couple of months, and by the looks of her sweet face, she is very attached to them.
Looking forward to the FedEx man tomorrow like never before-do ya think he'll think I'm crazy to ask to take a picture of him with our LOA? Too bad-I'm a scrapbooker, and I HAVE to have a picture of this memorable day!
Thanks to everyone who have been following along on our journey! Also, if you could, I'd like people to leave comments so that I can print them out and put them in Shanxi Girl's scrapbook!

One VERY HAPPY MOMMA signing out!

Gimme an L-Gimme an O-Gimmee an A!

What's that spell? FINALLY!

We were just notified by email that our LOA arrived at our agency this morning! We weren't even expecting it until atleast Thursday! Just when you are least expecting it in the adoption world-something like this happens-yippee! I am just so on cloud 9 right now, you can't even imagine!

Will post more later-have to go make some phone calls!

NEW PICTURES!!!!

I am so happy and excited! I thought that we might get updated pics from Ladybugs in Love, but I just checked my email and found 7 pictures of Shanxi girl from Ann @ redthreadchina-totally out of the blue. I haven't talked to Ann for a while, and hadn't asked her for any updated pictures or anything, so I believe the foster family just sent them to her to send to us! What a gift! We thank God that she is with a wonderful foster family!Their place looks so clean and well cared for. They are taking excellent care of her, and we are so greatful to them. I noticed that they are letting her hair grow out -yay! The tub pictures are ones she might hate me for posting when she gets older, but they are so cute, I couldn't resist! She looks like she has is very long in the torso. I see that she likes monkeys-note to self, stock up on monkeys for China trip...
Being that tomorrow is my birthday, this was the perfect present!

Enjoy!

UPDATES!!!!

Yippee- I got up this morning to find a message in my inbox from Ladybugs n Love!

Here is what I asked and the answers they gave:

1.Is she drinking from a bottle or a cup?
Bottle (For some reason, and I think it's an American thing, I was totally convinced she was only drinking from a sippy cup, but boy am I glad I found this out before we travel. Now the hunt for a bottle that will suit her begins!)

2.How many words does she say?
She can say, Baba(which means daddy) Mama, and some simple words now.

3.What makes her happy?
She likes to go out (Now, I think this means she likes to go outside, but it MIGHT mean that she likes to go out and SHOP!)
4.Is she a light or heavy sleeper? Does she still nap?
She is a light sleeper. She still naps from 2:00 to 4:00

5.Is she easygoing or stubborn?
She is more stubborn. (OH BOY!!)

6.Is she potty trained?
Yes (Yay!)

7.What are her favorite foods?
Her favorite is formula. (we'll have to pick some up in China)

8. Is she attached to her caretaker?
Yes

9. What else should we know about her?
She is in foster care now. (which we already knew)

10. Updated measurements:
Height: 30.7 inches
Weight 26 1/2 lbs!! ( I am not sure if they weighed her with all of her layers on)
Teeth: 7
Foot: 4.3 inches (This seems so small!!)

So, I was so happy to get these, so now I can tell people when they ask what size to buy for her.
I am hoping they can get me pictures. She was going to try again. I want to see my baby! This will tide me over for a little while ;)

Yes, I am trying to occupy my time...

I decided to give my blog a "facelift" With all of this time waiting around to get that phone call about our LOA, I have been trying to find ways to make the days go faster. So, I thought, I'd jazz my blog up and give it a new look.
I emailed Ladybugs n Love about the order we put in with them. We submitted 10 questions to ask the orphanage and it has been 8 days since we heard anything. A friend of mine who also uses this service says it takes about 5-7 days. So, I thought I'd better send them an email to check up on it. The lady said that Angela, who is in China, and makes the calls to the orphanage, was having trouble getting in touch with them. I was beginning to worry, because I don't want to cause any trouble with the Orphanage. She then wrote back and said Angela made contact today, and we should have the updated measurements, questions answered, and HOPEFULLY updated photos in the next day or two!

Today marks day 77...and we have no idea of how much longer we will wait...Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

I find comfort in the following Bible Verse:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
-John 14:27

"And that's all I really have to say about that..."
Forrest Gump

RETAIL THERAPY!!!

On Saturday, my friend, her daughter and I went shopping. I needed some retail therapy! I wanted to post a pic of SOME ;) of the things I picked up for Shanxi girl. Aren't these dresses adorable?? It was so great to see spring and summer clothes out. The weather shopping that day was absolutely wonderful- 75 degrees!

I am in trouble when it comes to shopping for girl's clothes! There is SO MUCH to choose from!



Look at this TEENY WEENY BIKINI! Dan said, "My daughter's not wearing a two piece!" all the while smiling. He just wanted to hear himself say this I think! I know I'm rambling, but, buying pink is so new for us! We actually contacted a service Thursday that will allow you 10 questions to ask the orphanage and/or foster family, and you also get pictures and updated measurements. We should be hearing from them soon. I am anxious to know about her shoes size, as I have held off buying any shoes yet because I don't want to buy the wrong size.

"A" man got his Kindergarten Registration papers the other day in the mail-he is growing up so much! He went for his physical and had 4 shots the other day. He didn't even flinch or shed a tear when they gave them to him. He is a strong boy!

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully next post will be with updated pictures!

Until next time...

Recipe of the Week

Hey everyone! Unfortunately, the last post and this post were just about recipes, and nothing else. Haven't heard much, except, we are THISCLOSE to our LOA. A family who was just a few days ahead of us in LID's got their LOA last week, so, we are possibly NEXT!

So, here is my recipe of the week, and it is a Crockpot recipe. These are my faves, since you can "set it and forget it" (forgive me Ron Popeil! I stole your line!)

Creamy Italian Chicken

4-5 Boneless Chicken Breasts
Good Seasons Italian Dressing Packet
3/4 c Water
1 Brick cream cheese (8 oz)
Can of Cream of Chicken OR Cream of Mushroom Soup

Place chicken in Crockpot and add contents of Seasoning Packet and the water. Cook on low for 3 hours.

Cut cream cheese into chunks and add to crockpot. Add can of soup.

Cook an additional 3 hours on high. This is good with mashed potatoes!

I have started to give thought about making some meals ahead of time for when we are gone, since my mom will be watching the kids, and it would help her out with the cooking. So, I sat down and started going through my recipes and magazines to find some new recipes. I do enjoy cooking, and I like to try out new things. It got me to thinking about doing a Recipe of the Week post. I like to swap recipes with others, and maybe mine will be enjoyed by your family. This recipe is a new twist to an old favorite!

"Mexican Meatloaves"

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1 1/2 lbs hamburg
celery
chopped onion
1/2 c milk
1 c bread crumbs
salt & pepper


The following ingriedients are for the sauce. Half of this will be put in with the meat, and the other half on top of the meatloaves.

1/2 c salsa (you decide on mild, medium,etc.They do get spicier the hotter the salsa)
1 c BBQ sauce
1/4 c Worcestershire Sauce

Mix all ingriedients togther with half the sauce. Form into mini meatloaves and place into a 13x9 pan. Top meatloaves with remaining sauce.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until no longer pink inside, since ovens differ.

I make these with mashed potatoes and a vegetable. They are really yummy!

I also like this recipe because the ingredients are common household items you would have on hand.

If you try them, let me know how you like them.

A little bit of an off topic post, but, unfortunately, I don't have anything new to post about as far as the adoption progress.

We are now at Day 65! Hoping to hear some good news soon!