Well, I've been absolutely terrible about updating in the past two months. I hope this isn't indicative of how connected I'll be once little Edy is here at home with us. As anyone can imagine, we've been busy, busy, busy.
We went to Dallas between Christmas and New Year to visit family and friends. It was great to be back in the Big D and we made quite the tour of restaurants we miss. Edy's godmother totally surprised me with a shower on the night I arrived. The hilarious bit was that because I had a cold and was tired, I kept trying to blow off the ruse she'd crafted. Luckily *everybody* else was in on it and they gently nudged my social grace. It was a charming little shower -- very cozy and intimate. I'll post pics if I get any.
Shortly after the holidays we got our travel approval. I was truly surprised it came through so quickly and we scheduled matters to go as soon after Chinese New Year as was practical. I think the agency might have been a little surprised we didn't want to go sooner, but honestly, we needed this much time to get everything together and for Paul to wrap up his work.
On the 10th, our wonderful friends at Paul's work threw us another shower. This one was really a party atmosphere and everyone had a great time. Leave it to gals in Markering to throw a great shower!
Paul's direct boss has also been invaluable to us in our travel prep because she lived in
China for a while. She donated lots of nifty authentic decor to the party that we got to keep.
In addition to sorting all the baby booty, packing, getting visas, and shopping, we also found a great service to get a care package to Edy and her foster family. Ann at Red Thread China has been wonderful and we highly recommend her services. The most important thing we were able to send, aside from a letter thanking her foster parents, was a recordable photo album. We included several puctures of ourselves and the family cat, as well as close family members. We labled the family members in Chinese and made audio recordings in our own voices and even sang a song! We hope that she'll be at least a tiny bit familiar with us this way.
All of the essential baby gear is in place. The bags are almost all packed. Airport arrangements and grandparent visits are set, the cat sitter is booked. Aside from cleaning up the mess around here (oops) and calming our nerves ... I think we're ready to go to China and be parents!
Red Thread China
Photo album
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Taking stock
As for clothes, we're actually doing pretty good, I think. We could use more PJs for sure, as we've only got two pairs, and two fleece sleep sacks.
She's set for dresses: we have 4 long-sleeved dresses and 2 jumpers. We have three pants suits (long sleeves), one denim overall, four knit pants, four long-sleeved onsies, three short-sleeve onsies.
We also have three sets of coordinating separates in 18 month size for warm weather and a swimsuit. We have 7 bibs, a hat, three towels, two baby blankets, two sunglasses, a raincoat, a winter coat, and one pair of fleece booties.
The things we need the most, imo, are grooming/health products, bottles, and diapering supplies.
Oh, and nursery decor is completely done, except more crib sheets.
She's set for dresses: we have 4 long-sleeved dresses and 2 jumpers. We have three pants suits (long sleeves), one denim overall, four knit pants, four long-sleeved onsies, three short-sleeve onsies.
We also have three sets of coordinating separates in 18 month size for warm weather and a swimsuit. We have 7 bibs, a hat, three towels, two baby blankets, two sunglasses, a raincoat, a winter coat, and one pair of fleece booties.
The things we need the most, imo, are grooming/health products, bottles, and diapering supplies.
Oh, and nursery decor is completely done, except more crib sheets.
Planning packing
I went through the baby clothes yesterday and thanks to lucky guessing, I think we already have enough clothes to get us through China. The only thing I still lack are a pair of winter overpants and shoes. Since I don't know her shoe size I'm tempted to get some fleece slippers or something like that and take her shoe shopping in China.
I'm also wondering about travel toys -- I was planning on teething toys but she'll be past that. I'll need something without removable parts, easily portable/packable, interesting, and quiet (for the plane).
And my two big mystery areas: diapers and formula. My wonderful brother, Matthew, recommended Pull-Ups. Will those be available in China or should I pack plenty? As for formula, an American baby would be just about off of it, but I don't know about China. I suppose I'll ask the pediatrician.
I'm also wondering about travel toys -- I was planning on teething toys but she'll be past that. I'll need something without removable parts, easily portable/packable, interesting, and quiet (for the plane).
And my two big mystery areas: diapers and formula. My wonderful brother, Matthew, recommended Pull-Ups. Will those be available in China or should I pack plenty? As for formula, an American baby would be just about off of it, but I don't know about China. I suppose I'll ask the pediatrician.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
The stork has landed!
That wonderful phone call finally came this afternoon. Our beautiful baby girl was born on November 19, 2010.
She is in Gansu Province, which I'm told is in Central/Western China. She has spent part of her time in foster care and part at Wu Wei Social Welfare Institute. Her adorable pictures were taken on September 6th. Her measurement stats are 71 cm tall, 9 kg.
She is in Gansu Province, which I'm told is in Central/Western China. She has spent part of her time in foster care and part at Wu Wei Social Welfare Institute. Her adorable pictures were taken on September 6th. Her measurement stats are 71 cm tall, 9 kg.
Official
The official cutoff in the latest batch of referrals is August 7, 2006! That's our date!
However, there have been no phone calls reported. Either the packages have been mailed late or delayed by the Thanksgiving holiday. Hopefully I'll hear something soon. We've known since Thanksgiving morning that we should be in this group and for once the long holiday weekend was agonizing.
In a worst case scenario our paperwork was misfiled in China and our dossier will have to be relocated. Bad scenario, it was lost in the mail and we'll have to wait for China to resend it. Best case scenario, the folks at Gladney are translating for us and we'll hear from them as soon as they're done.
However, there have been no phone calls reported. Either the packages have been mailed late or delayed by the Thanksgiving holiday. Hopefully I'll hear something soon. We've known since Thanksgiving morning that we should be in this group and for once the long holiday weekend was agonizing.
In a worst case scenario our paperwork was misfiled in China and our dossier will have to be relocated. Bad scenario, it was lost in the mail and we'll have to wait for China to resend it. Best case scenario, the folks at Gladney are translating for us and we'll hear from them as soon as they're done.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I heard a rumor ...
This has been a totally wild week for referral rumors. My hopes and emotions have been up high and down low. I'm sure that will continue. However, since today is a holiday, I'm going to let myself have faith in the dream if only for a little while.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Come on, rumors!
Several days ago a rumor surfaced that CCWA was preparing paperwork which usually signals the arrival of referrals about two weeks later. Today Rumor Queen confirmed we should see cut-off date rumors by the middle or end of next week. This puts matters on pace for a quick referral batch, which can, unfortunately mean a small number of days referred. But, if the batch is the same size as the last (which was punctual) then we should be in!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo is short for National November Writing Month. This refers to a challenge for aspiring writers to begin and finish a novel within the month of November. The challenge has been around for quite some time, but this year I figured I'd give it a try. For one reason, I figured the challenge would give me something to focus on besides the adoption.
The other reason is also related to the adoption. My beloved publisher, Storm Constantine has said that we should each write the story that we always wanted to read but couldn't never find. This is excellent advice, but it has taken me years to think of a story that I haven't already read. The inspiration came from discussions on Rumor Queen's blog about how badly adoption and/or being an orphan is so prevalent in children's literature and also so badly handled. I decided to remedy that. I have undertaken to modernize a traditional fairy tale type story and treat adoption with the dignity it deserves. I also modified the basic plot of the first novel I imagined writing as an angsty tween.
The challenge dictates that writers pound out 50,000 words in November. Since my story is aimed at young adults, I suspect I can get it told in fewer. I also don't have any sincere expectation of finishing the project before my real life adoption comes through. But I am dedicated to starting the book and finishing it eventually because for the first time in years, the story is something I feel passionate about.
The other reason is also related to the adoption. My beloved publisher, Storm Constantine has said that we should each write the story that we always wanted to read but couldn't never find. This is excellent advice, but it has taken me years to think of a story that I haven't already read. The inspiration came from discussions on Rumor Queen's blog about how badly adoption and/or being an orphan is so prevalent in children's literature and also so badly handled. I decided to remedy that. I have undertaken to modernize a traditional fairy tale type story and treat adoption with the dignity it deserves. I also modified the basic plot of the first novel I imagined writing as an angsty tween.
The challenge dictates that writers pound out 50,000 words in November. Since my story is aimed at young adults, I suspect I can get it told in fewer. I also don't have any sincere expectation of finishing the project before my real life adoption comes through. But I am dedicated to starting the book and finishing it eventually because for the first time in years, the story is something I feel passionate about.
Referral Predictions
We are now approaching the climax of the roller coaster for waiting adoptive parents. The last batch of referrals arrived earlier than expected and included up to LiD Aug. 2nd. As always, the brilliant Rumor Queen looked at her poll data, statistics, and crunched the numbers. I am going to copy and paste some of the text directly below.
"My formula spit out August 7th [as the LiD the next batch will include up to] ...., but I came close to .... making it the 4th. That’s the difference between a Friday cut off and a Monday cut off, so not as big as it may sound. Last month I put the formula’s response of the 4th but said I came close to changing it to the 3rd. As it turns out, the cut off was the 2nd.
"The small window this month would have referrals arriving on or between Wednesday, November 23 and Monday, November 28. The big window is between Friday, November 18 and Friday, December 9."
The more conservative China Adoption Forecast predicts we will get our referral on December 2nd.
Either way my hopes are high for seeing our baby's face (in a photo) before Christmas. I can't wait to post her picture and share her information with everyone.
"My formula spit out August 7th [as the LiD the next batch will include up to] ...., but I came close to .... making it the 4th. That’s the difference between a Friday cut off and a Monday cut off, so not as big as it may sound. Last month I put the formula’s response of the 4th but said I came close to changing it to the 3rd. As it turns out, the cut off was the 2nd.
"The small window this month would have referrals arriving on or between Wednesday, November 23 and Monday, November 28. The big window is between Friday, November 18 and Friday, December 9."
The more conservative China Adoption Forecast predicts we will get our referral on December 2nd.
Either way my hopes are high for seeing our baby's face (in a photo) before Christmas. I can't wait to post her picture and share her information with everyone.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Preparing
This afternoon Paul and I will be sitting in on a huge conference call about traveling to China to get our baby. I'm a little nervous about being overwhelmed with information and having a hard time understanding (the main presenter is Chinese).
In the meantime unconfirmed rumors report that CCWAA has matched to Aug. 2. Rumors also state that their computers were down for three days. I swear that place needs better IT because that seems to happen a lot! Anyhow, I don't know if this means they've gotten to the 2nd and are still going, or that they've stopped at the 2nd and will send these referrals out soon.
I'd been hoping they'd make it to the 4th or 5th to insure we'd be in the next batch. However, rumors also indicate that Aug.3rd had a lot of dossiers. Regardless, it's surprisingly early to be getting rumors this specific. I still feel confident we'll get our referral this year
In the meantime unconfirmed rumors report that CCWAA has matched to Aug. 2. Rumors also state that their computers were down for three days. I swear that place needs better IT because that seems to happen a lot! Anyhow, I don't know if this means they've gotten to the 2nd and are still going, or that they've stopped at the 2nd and will send these referrals out soon.
I'd been hoping they'd make it to the 4th or 5th to insure we'd be in the next batch. However, rumors also indicate that Aug.3rd had a lot of dossiers. Regardless, it's surprisingly early to be getting rumors this specific. I still feel confident we'll get our referral this year
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Online Shopping is da Bomb!
Thanks to getting double cash back from Amazon this month, I've racked up some baby products that seem really nifty to me. From the Kai Lan collection, I've got a toddler cup with a straw (preferred by many Chinese kids to sippy) and an adorable board book with a pop out dragon. A chic splat mat for under the high chair, a towel apron (to keep bather drier than bathee), Chinese lullibies CD, and safety latches. Oh, and a compartment plate with a reservoir for hot water to keep the food warm.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday Worship
When you see the photos keep in mind each shot is not the most beautiful tableau, but the most lovely shot we could procure with relatively little effort and no planning. I think our pictures represent the everyday beauty we take for granted around here. We snapped pictures in an upscale subdivision as well as on the side of Blue Ridge Parkway, and even in a city parking lot.
I can only hope to have the skill to display the peaceful play of light and shadow in the woods, or the graceful twist of nearly black skeletal limbs stretched through luminescent leaves. No matter the sophistication of the hardware or the skill of the photographer, pictures don't convey the smell of the air, the warmth of the sun, or the softness of the moist earth. Perhaps we should have stayed out longer or ventured further, but The experience nearly became overwhelming at times because we were greedy to capture and share the glory of what we saw. Inevitably the most picturesque grouping sprang up in inconvenient places, and I despair of our ability to truly capture what I saw.
Dwelling on this I was inspired with the thought that the very definition of God could be the scope of a being who actually could See and Know all of this. I imagined how sublime it would be to see each leaf with it's tracery of veins and to have watched it from bright tender shoot to crispy dried ghost. To appreciate all the deep ruby reds, glowing orange, and shining yellows as they contrast with the vibrant blue of a cloudless sky and the verdant green of still-fresh grass. To see each frolicking forest creatures and each swooping bird. To watch the trajectory of each spiraling leaf in a shower of foliage. To appreciate each lush berry, each coy little acorn, and each fetching cluster of pine cones. To love the last bright flowers and the lace kiss of the first frost.
Such an entity would be glorious. And I don't see how such a god could want for more besides our love, respect, and gratitude for such gifts. Certainly, a being who beholds the breadth of such wonder doesn't require our petty prayers or shows of worship.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Roller Coaster is speeding up
Many of us in the Chinese adoption community had great expectations for the last batch of referrals. It's a strange joy to NOT be disappointed. Referrals were received around Sept 29 and covered 14 days of LIDs! This was expected because during that time in 2006 the China offices were closed for about a week due to relocation Still, there were more families logged in during that period than the last two. Epic Win!
The next batch of referrals is expected around Halloween. Estimates set the LIDs to get up to August 3 or 4. There is a small chance that they could do more and we'd be included, but we're not getting our hopes up. At this point we're expecting to get our referral after Thanksgiving and travel to get our baby in China in Jan or Feb. We then plan to move to PA in the spring.
That said, there are only TEN MORE DAYS of LIDs before our turn! *squeal* We're so close! We're having a conference call with the case worker and the agency travel coordinator on Friday to begin discussing plans and probabilities.
The next batch of referrals is expected around Halloween. Estimates set the LIDs to get up to August 3 or 4. There is a small chance that they could do more and we'd be included, but we're not getting our hopes up. At this point we're expecting to get our referral after Thanksgiving and travel to get our baby in China in Jan or Feb. We then plan to move to PA in the spring.
That said, there are only TEN MORE DAYS of LIDs before our turn! *squeal* We're so close! We're having a conference call with the case worker and the agency travel coordinator on Friday to begin discussing plans and probabilities.
September was busy
I've been very remiss in updating this blog lately, but that isn't to say there hasn't been anything to write about. First personal: I'm not working at the doll shop anymore but I suspect they might want me back for the Christmas season. We'll see. Paul and I finally got our NC driver's licenses -- just in time to move again in about half a year. Paul has officially committed to the PA relocation, though we knew that was coming. I finally saw an allergist for my chronic sinus symptoms and headaches. Turns out I'm not allergic to anything! He diagnosed non-allergic rhinitis. Basically my sinuses react to physical irritants like clouds of dust and pressure changes like temperature, elevation, and humidity fluctuations. I'm now using a prescription nasal spray which seems to be helping.
On a fun note, Paul and I enjoyed a good family visit in Florida. It was wonderful to catch up with Janice (a.k.a Mimi, Mom) and Jonn (a.k.a. Papa Jonn, Edy's Parrain). These have been tough times for them as Jonn continues to battle health issues. We're in awe of them both for their bravery and good spirits. Halfway through the trip I teamed up with Mama (a.k.a. Roxanne, MaMere) and Colette (a.k.a. Nenaine) for our annual (usually) girls' weekend. This time it was a thrill to have Janice join us for a full day of outlet shopping in Destin. As expected Edy cleaned up - pictures to follow.
When all was said and done, we never did make it to the beautiful beaches, but a good time was had by all. The best part is knowing that the next time we're in Florida we'll our own little beach bunny seeing the sand and sea for the first time.
On a fun note, Paul and I enjoyed a good family visit in Florida. It was wonderful to catch up with Janice (a.k.a Mimi, Mom) and Jonn (a.k.a. Papa Jonn, Edy's Parrain). These have been tough times for them as Jonn continues to battle health issues. We're in awe of them both for their bravery and good spirits. Halfway through the trip I teamed up with Mama (a.k.a. Roxanne, MaMere) and Colette (a.k.a. Nenaine) for our annual (usually) girls' weekend. This time it was a thrill to have Janice join us for a full day of outlet shopping in Destin. As expected Edy cleaned up - pictures to follow.
When all was said and done, we never did make it to the beautiful beaches, but a good time was had by all. The best part is knowing that the next time we're in Florida we'll our own little beach bunny seeing the sand and sea for the first time.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Birthday Bounty
Well, I'm pleased to note that little Edythe Cameron has made out like a bandit for my birthday. We got a car seat and base, a high chair, a baby gate, a sewing pattern for baby clothes, a photo brag book, a big fluffy Teddy bear, and four board books. I love you baby girl and I hope somewhere on the other side of the world you feel how much your family loves you, too.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Target Registry
Target recently updated their entire online system which totally jacked up our baby registry there. Fortunately, we don't have any major items listed there. So, I think I'll take down the link for now and suggest getting the print out in-store if Target is your shopping locale of choice.
Also, I'm leaving up the China Sprout link because they are hard to find otherwise. However, their wish list function is often wonky and just about everything listed on there is for when Edy is older.
Also, I'm leaving up the China Sprout link because they are hard to find otherwise. However, their wish list function is often wonky and just about everything listed on there is for when Edy is older.
An Apple a Day ...
Hopefully does not keep referrals away! The latest batch of referrals was a dismal two days. On the bright side, it was exactly what Rumor Queen predicted and July 14 had a lot of families logged in. Apparently, the CCAA (the gov agency in China in charge of all this) moved offices and was closed for at least a week in starting July 15, 2006. This means we may cover a great many days in the next batch of referrals which should arrive in late Sept or early Oct. According to RQ, we should get our referral in late Nov or early Dec. Personally, I'm expecting late Dec or Jan.
In the meantime, the North Carolina Apple Festival begins just yards from our condo in one hour. I'm not scheduled to work in the doll shop until Monday, but I'm "on call" in case the massive crowds overwhelm the others. I'll head out in a few for an apple cidar slushy and other treats. I'm pleased to finally wear my newly made apple jewelry and for the shop to sell some of the apple doll necklaces I made.
In the meantime, the North Carolina Apple Festival begins just yards from our condo in one hour. I'm not scheduled to work in the doll shop until Monday, but I'm "on call" in case the massive crowds overwhelm the others. I'll head out in a few for an apple cidar slushy and other treats. I'm pleased to finally wear my newly made apple jewelry and for the shop to sell some of the apple doll necklaces I made.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Still Waiting
No rumors have surfaced regarding a cut off date for referrals. I'm seeing lots of folks with early August LIDs who are eagerly awaiting news. I'm heartened to know I'm not the only one.
Plenty has been happening to occupy my attention in the meantime: war in Libya, a major earthquake on the East Coast (no I didn't notice it; I must have thought it was a big truck passing), and Hurricane Irene heading for the Outer Banks and then New York City! We were planning to visit the Outer Banks this fall but had since changed our plans. Hopefully they will have recovered well by the time we go. I also hope that folks take the needed safety precautions. We should only get a few wind gusts here, at most. We'd actually be more affected if we were already in Pennsylvania.
Plenty has been happening to occupy my attention in the meantime: war in Libya, a major earthquake on the East Coast (no I didn't notice it; I must have thought it was a big truck passing), and Hurricane Irene heading for the Outer Banks and then New York City! We were planning to visit the Outer Banks this fall but had since changed our plans. Hopefully they will have recovered well by the time we go. I also hope that folks take the needed safety precautions. We should only get a few wind gusts here, at most. We'd actually be more affected if we were already in Pennsylvania.
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