tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215572211439002432024-03-05T11:54:28.644-05:00Our China Dolla diary of the Haghiri family's adoption experienceNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-38726389739553572402009-04-13T12:12:00.022-04:002009-04-13T13:54:42.278-04:00Before and After<div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYa1YJWpvH80Z7pdX4pMkN9aUI2mUqrESqXh-HUuawKQubYW-bCO5S00CwXQV4opK4sGHZQ4jysBi0EtbqfdVdkD699YFnZ1e7X2vTm5AHheg45cXLl0Djncsj4mgXWGsckyGYyDzqNZb/s1600-h/aubrey.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324227127147824578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYa1YJWpvH80Z7pdX4pMkN9aUI2mUqrESqXh-HUuawKQubYW-bCO5S00CwXQV4opK4sGHZQ4jysBi0EtbqfdVdkD699YFnZ1e7X2vTm5AHheg45cXLl0Djncsj4mgXWGsckyGYyDzqNZb/s400/aubrey.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324226781449892802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GLemsC6wSj4dt4WpzVO6G1dUehr9LCpB42wt4aQ0Nf9Xx0l1GGP_tY6dfZdOwG6Z2DiGBdBvwBfvisrr1kIeoaph2Qecra7_xqVJtVZ59Uw2aNGgmON9w6bVIFKPyAWUM_nym8g82-DA/s400/Img1366.JPG" border="0" /><strong><em> Before and After</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd4-InoW6HSWx38iKt75jhvp3297fCxnV48LnNGamqIJCkO8GfGB72BBhedw36MQFs0Il30bKO7bM8vGHcyONJBvlCiJMC3Mxf1VCGtnPmYSrKHmMmBeBGPmdJXYHkXNdkD6rDIPkb_V-/s1600-h/Img1253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324216272777953122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd4-InoW6HSWx38iKt75jhvp3297fCxnV48LnNGamqIJCkO8GfGB72BBhedw36MQFs0Il30bKO7bM8vGHcyONJBvlCiJMC3Mxf1VCGtnPmYSrKHmMmBeBGPmdJXYHkXNdkD6rDIPkb_V-/s400/Img1253.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>Learning all about Nintendo DS</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I know it has been months.... what can I say. (Sadly, it took me 30 minutes to remember my password to log on to blogger. ) We have still not made it through all the doctors appointments necessary to coast with Aubrey. During routine physicals and blood work we discovered Aubrey's immunizations in China were ineffective. Either she never received them, or the lack of nutrition in China made it impossible for her body to assimilate antibodies. Irregardless, she is now being subjected to a fresh round of shots. Her doctor is now known as the " Boo Boo Doctor".</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324218695591232226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h7yBBtnraw3LljnzDqKdateEYb7fj9QFGBunU_O3DIMZyvLf7Nkh_iJMialwIrEmpQmEsqQp7QJ9oIfN0sn5ECWX8JmEoZSu4wzskfN3iJwHmXValKB0Yq9VOuHEZh2qd02P8k4Hnn6t/s400/Img1255.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div><em>Aubrey at the Maritime Museum making an ice boat... the night before in Port Clinton the Coastguard had to rescue over a hundred ice fisherman</em>. </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Most of February was spent trying to get Aubrey healthy again. She caught the common cold, but since she had no HIB immunity it rapidly became epiglottitis. Fevers of 104.7 scared me enough to get her an appoitment with the doctor. Antibiotics and steriods were not enough to help, we ended up in the E.R. for a racemic epinephrine treatment, and dose of decadron( more powerful steroid). We also had to give Aubrey breathing treatments for a few days until the wheezing stopped. Poor little thing was a mess for 2 weeks with the whole fiasco.</div><br /><br /><div><br /><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324218246522971826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEqoDsPxA22JsL14tB4woRrcm1se0gKAErzh5E5EEF3TyyHpFYfEImCWjIfswnCBIbdnaLKtEIw33MHuDrya0hAs8Rq5kwPhyphenhyphenAl0gwwZ0q7DjX5vzU2J1HBxWEH6cLVsnSOM6OmUsbu2i/s400/Img1303.JPG" border="0" /> High fevers, worst sore throat ever, but stylish with that purple polish</em><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324223081584700130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiYJ3g9C1pzk-6FI81qCuVS1Dj_oeEEOYgioGDVLXebdaYpXAIXFmDP_iemJ4fD82DGkhSLT2HFfhc3Q0zhgu4Dnfmio-P5c7-Ufe12ZhyphenhyphenZZHpfSK5HZDoRBlEDPlx78iOj0-BCbIpkWb/s400/Img1345.JPG" border="0" /><em> Recovered nicely</em><br /><br /></div><br /><div>In the time since we brought home our little miracle, things have changed quite a bit. Aubrey now has some hair, not enough for a ponytail but maybe by summer. She loves the bathtub and even went swimming on our recent trip to Chinatown in Chicago. She loves Daisy, most of the time anyway. So far she has grown 1 1/2 inches and gained 5 pounds, wow! No more egg diet... this girl will eat everything except carrots. Her favorites are popcorn, ice cream and pizza. I don't believe you can get anymore Americanized than that.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324219614045440274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCGqsb2O4USwA6rUkswsW_Chl3GNvDSMUoMWjRkCU4XuZx99hqzKAHKl1iPu8tB11R3GXU9MI2JDI-2cWPhvhE0N07ztwHSLl33-Efxm00FKkYm7UdTXAERsSPcyQwy4Qdtr7f5Qe0zr6/s400/Img1268.JPG" border="0" /><em> She ate the entire banana! Look at that Valentines dress. </em><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324214720192470434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB9aGOBq__eWhthp-9nTtofFSpfsUi4rmfG_eLcsyKXcypYFRC-86aofZuU7ppUJ8wUtkMQgcznX6OXUaTCfQKynQiF2k-Zn1uf-SxMKdW5eAnfS4TB1MdYJ6bU7Htth9ruZwgcV4BCO5/s400/Img1212.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div><em> Loving the bath!</em><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324214397434555506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKlWUbx7f0X5vjaXUMeQoVN0v_HjEuKwk1lLMvv4c4H3vvI1_2aW240_ntQ8g8sAiIBPxn7GDpQXs3z_iMXBsqD2IKeC02_vKViOQPbSmpVs9lWOXgWMsTuqtic8Ae-cbvVOthUaFN95L/s400/Img1209.JPG" border="0" /><em> Hugging Daisy</em><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324216265919711842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hk6KOq2DqYDBR-SmzOzMW8QPJ7kKLblbcy67kKnWLh8vx-TukGfLKpV8X5tNMSGuSolXQBeyir1GrQ0C1Pas2KlSjmo4T2_3bo2Ky55UOK186J8ZK_ZbqFS_VQ-wLxYkKplHEeus4Ao4/s400/Img1287.JPG" border="0" /><br /><em> I've got some Hair!<br /></em><br /><br /><br /><div>We have really begun to settle into our new house. We are anxious for summer or just warmer weather. We seem to be stuck in the 40's and had more snow over Springbreak. The boys love to watch for the eagles on the marsh and yesterday counted 13 white cranes and 3 blue herons. Of course the swans, geese and ducks have been here all winter.</div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324221822102046818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DChhnnVai0gv7VIlLO__CvXmYstwUKRBgSTG0yMyrOetVBLHcxsKuRWaNzJ-AiT9K_7luNyRMFYoqXpLl2lb5Kewj41yhllzVVDXUCJoHdskCTExBJme0wYO4Nf5q0IOqDIt5btW9cx9/s400/Img1333.JPG" border="0" /><em> View of the back of our new house </em></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324222383907207026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 423px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZcqDJFyE0HOvzUgRDMkC3-OxkwiskunWJF2mNy1a2hIPtwVyCCZO0gcJfarrBk5x-xgn6ZbNaVkKJ0XAswsX1IRYssOIzAiY9pgTYEBMkz_yU-PJJVHAUahBV12vuhgqaUMuJhGuRLzc/s400/Img1331.JPG" border="0" /> Hard to see but there is a heron in the middle of the picture</em></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>Aubrey is my shadow. Whenever I tell the boys to come to dinner, or pick up after themselves...little miss bossy (Aubrey), standing with hands on hips, repeats the command until the task is accomplished. The tiny little waif has turned our worlds upside down, for the better and with love and time has turned into a confident, opinionated, and very determined 3 year old. I can see already she will take the backseat to no one.</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JXq2xB54oDnXYx6sBQT1ujieXgPPKPQJ67KKjpHeAr75LD6WhwODe5JvfICNk3yX2fpVU_SmcN45JhNaq0tQdZmEqqSYwXBfh1fBwrs3milRP40vfNMeYTuMB4-DC7y8ehwMg9jSDdT2/s1600-h/Img1354.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324231417889698722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JXq2xB54oDnXYx6sBQT1ujieXgPPKPQJ67KKjpHeAr75LD6WhwODe5JvfICNk3yX2fpVU_SmcN45JhNaq0tQdZmEqqSYwXBfh1fBwrs3milRP40vfNMeYTuMB4-DC7y8ehwMg9jSDdT2/s400/Img1354.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Don't mess with me, I'm practicing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fb2CFIrzPUHkJS3KPlVNnUSnTAzHHUWr9QBETYJF6iob4laM4i2fT3hGPIhMIjkQGxYUdXTwuDQ4kuVxPcLXBc236aIzjiPDxCprKQ92W8vQ4MQRLz7xFd4YXi4sriQGlik_g-00IHYM/s1600-h/Img1353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324231776036205250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fb2CFIrzPUHkJS3KPlVNnUSnTAzHHUWr9QBETYJF6iob4laM4i2fT3hGPIhMIjkQGxYUdXTwuDQ4kuVxPcLXBc236aIzjiPDxCprKQ92W8vQ4MQRLz7xFd4YXi4sriQGlik_g-00IHYM/s400/Img1353.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><em>Oh, all right...I'll smile for you Mom.<br /><br /></em><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324224566525870658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL16A7_0h4W-0pQhcZt5TRXYEOr27BSy1Wz3Z6j3I14A7DRJC00DODsktiQHHYS9knDECQmX3MbvTG7thilUnvfbPkSDOF4vS7oyyUD3fvAC9Z9hT9C3dHmk79dkWUkKVtwXeX3Vi7RNJ/s400/Img1358.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p><em>Coloring eggs for Easter</em></p><br /><br /><p>Aubrey caught on before we could even explain the tradition. She hid several plain eggs so she could have more to color than her brothers. The Easter Bunny was a huge hit. Aubrey loves jelly beans, but not Reeses Peanut Butter eggs. Darn...more for me and Dave:)<br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324225361984512002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7KLXGfo27zX706AIbwfkfePp_aR3VY2yRmJqrXHWXZmsbPhss8dDAeFLADi7WpMu4qhyphenhyphenCoiR4jqY8z7xaxeGN-uDSd3SlWZxtdzrqr7_Ybgsf7i08DETDCKq_atnH288ew0zGH4AsADQ/s400/Img1365.JPG" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /><p><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324225739355281234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 576px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQbhqEDcf06bSWqRwmh2VpFj-CHkRnZhwEUxKDpbHIxpYWZv01XQteJU_Fw9qLgHMwsc7graXDVuQdm4GvEI3rFUFFuAD7knobvxZhVpjPA6UqcGLFtHjD8naz68mKPvkg0WAUTn-qL6J/s400/Img1386.JPG" border="0" /></em></p><em>Same house, new furniture. Aubrey in Easter dress.<br /><br /></em><br /><br /><p><em></em></p></div></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-p4TEzCaeojoLG7dO6HhtUBGdIyIWxNm9dPDmE4z8kOfc6bSGFRWP8CiVOBdtKBe2JjyWCETAk4yeHzTwORjpnKsCa_M6aCGc0YMnGheoqsDqSjtuQBVDHMJMfqYR_IhMP7hCAIchesFy/s1600-h/Img1390.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324228447718665506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-p4TEzCaeojoLG7dO6HhtUBGdIyIWxNm9dPDmE4z8kOfc6bSGFRWP8CiVOBdtKBe2JjyWCETAk4yeHzTwORjpnKsCa_M6aCGc0YMnGheoqsDqSjtuQBVDHMJMfqYR_IhMP7hCAIchesFy/s400/Img1390.JPG" border="0" /></a>Egg Hunt, Shane has faith the grass will grow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuRlNHFmkopb9m29v90oCBB2ojsIK53AMF22Tofd4s9WLDQFsSFttmELz-fgCVyBfvtJhuq8S3HqIU4eJvPIcvOLu__FKYFRdOOh9CbqMP1et0S39sdqSPicVaI2QJ6tM1MC99m_nQY2W/s1600-h/Img1398.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324235160609255522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuRlNHFmkopb9m29v90oCBB2ojsIK53AMF22Tofd4s9WLDQFsSFttmELz-fgCVyBfvtJhuq8S3HqIU4eJvPIcvOLu__FKYFRdOOh9CbqMP1et0S39sdqSPicVaI2QJ6tM1MC99m_nQY2W/s400/Img1398.JPG" border="0" /></a>.</div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-79762625739283856682009-01-11T18:21:00.019-05:002009-01-11T20:46:49.118-05:00Moving from Granger<div><div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgPF13uBBzRem1GPw4YAQPWTDRBMgeNDyhU_jNEHQ-xPNf922rbabUokr3EEK8XjzkXCnUbOZV0AtWX6wJTlew2AwH0T8miE79y7SxmNkSwVuW3pnQ28R46wfcJALPSJA9t_l13tEgp6q/s1600-h/Img1166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290181164322384098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgPF13uBBzRem1GPw4YAQPWTDRBMgeNDyhU_jNEHQ-xPNf922rbabUokr3EEK8XjzkXCnUbOZV0AtWX6wJTlew2AwH0T8miE79y7SxmNkSwVuW3pnQ28R46wfcJALPSJA9t_l13tEgp6q/s400/Img1166.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>PACKING UP<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Wow, I can not believe that it has been almost 2 months since I posted. After what I have accomplished during that time I know all things are possible with divine guidance and elbow grease. We listed our home for sale during the second week of November. Dave and I painted, packed, staged, cleaned, cleaned and cleaned our home some more. We had a lot of showings, some of them back for a second time. We heard repeatedly what a nice house. The showings stopped over Thanksgiving and we were able to enjoy Aubrey's first turkey dinner. Here favorites were the cornbread stuffing and bunkin bie!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290184552720297058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOc5I0gFkuT295AHs5IJsHXt-oHD0ZxbpU8SdjN-s8zsAFHq_cxQRuiLW1u60fM0NCo5hEVBNcTy5ylzw1Q-FbSBZaIqg51hJXDCNgZPUmHNq694K1J9F1uqENOcF57uutaqSIDO3T8Ia/s400/Img1146.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290183069301510146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f_eJ1dC1whFfNtpMKUSXHyyPC_KfFfV0UI72hsYnV1eKdDpoAOTrEaGA-ctk9dBNBvZYOTiGJhGHGZhBMzoJq9u_sOAQ7C8u3FauKn-WdyUfBFL-c32oaOxObJ3daCHjlgJkohpezXNC/s400/Img1143.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">In early December we got busy with Christmas cookies. I always had 24 hour notice before showings so we chose a slow period and got busy. We made over 6 dozen cut out cookies, another 6 of molasses cookies and dozens of buckeyes! The kids had a great time. Aubrey couldn't grasp that once you iced the cookie you set it aside for later. Every cookie she decorated went directly into her mouth. </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290200824116278530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL3MkAzXEnIGhfLCQfmkAGRIuC056P3F_hMUAJtovki4MLCeeOsWx3eV8t0odoSgVvTFxSM-dzcLAA5y-bIAQ5lJVqK9zZ0YD8kR_IUAJuwTlflHXVMZLL9TgSz34Gj8YxgKMrW6VDEtc/s400/Img1152.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>ARRRR .....Too much sugar makes me goofy!</strong><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290200403709270738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvip_Dp6l2q-OElGFuw9Udo5Pzis5W0WIKyaof1LiBPEqR5Q9jxrY9RGSfZkQ26sJvuJrzsyEeP1GT892H_JUzRT4glZ08DqiG_hY0PJlXa1_rjECAYC7VNdMqIkFd4lf7HFHubX8ktO14/s400/Img1150.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">What a fine mess and a lot of fun. About 1 month into our listing we received a bizarre call from the realtor. A couple wanted to see our house for the second time and in less than an hour. We packed up the kids and left for the evening. That same night we sold our house with the contingency being that we close in 10 days. 16 years of married life, with 4 kids, leads to an enormous amount of stuff. I went from being thrilled to overwhelmed.<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290205642927004754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKR5haNDrqYeMGEWU9xcgIkSvgxYFmQndd8UajV7MmKIHZKYSOxVuz2KevVTX_F4jMxCDp5IU8TN7jT_c0dIFoZt8NYRyozHOtv2M4KKvezmHe0TEHFiuTH_c8WzDh7n7ESLs3N-s9jKW/s400/Img1169.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">All things considered, we sold the house for our asking price, bought a beautiful new home on Catawba Island with a water view, packed up, moved out, and moved into our new home in 14 days!<br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290206013572850306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi30tID3zIbIeFlaKk4AEgJA1WpCVZCLtyC-lEGMHBvgh7b0h42g5ZL-7JVmtKVOiyUEHSzwUyAKVgQgcxWzXO-CGeLBAVwctLpAL1uCr7Hg1Fsi-qd9Nm5x0OoICS2FWhr4EyD2cjtbT/s400/Img1170.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>DON'T FORGET MY MONKEY</strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290207094512003698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpzLmLAzZaSu0romaL_AlFl5loZQdMLiea5VitzCXyvMrD9jxu1ZgdcrZVpr4WH1oF6InBxJednyyzdeqUzn-5qiAtK5dKkDdOYulSJISH1C6HCxTNb8MS09eS0zer-b9LNz0fPMCorf5/s400/Img1190.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>WE MADE TIME FOR FRIENDS BEFORE LEAVING<br />THE LOVELY ELIZABETH AND AUBREY</p></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Our first night in the new house was Christmas Eve. Santa was very busy getting presents wrapped since he didn't know where he would find us until the last minute. Unfortunately, in all the blessed chaos we were unable to find the camera. Aubrey's first Christmas had to be documented with a few fuzzy, but better than nothing, cell phone shots.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290212506580652994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv23vwDP6UVk7WRWMcO8jjS-45ekTeACXRFHh6UzgFAoEfUlibZLQV01-12gTwWE5Ijemgf8PciSlJ5RbCTpGKWE5zCRSgA4nrWIIcwjF4mT7baPZTSMYdh2iLQ7xFC2ozQZwiBpE4r_kr/s400/christmas+2009.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290213109525877458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoI9QjlpXd_x4mHCoBkIqAWuekp0QIJr5eEN1kRmQYvhqoMld41qzcsKSSpVz6OHn131NUhHhsXmrBdFbpszopGW2Tp00NxGV7wbt2vWTpGb2toGRw-taPozzGZReWRSY-nasGI2HORbY/s400/christmas+kisses.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290217062943097970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss790yajji4KVjDJguoavCN6ppn9JFo12QesGGMz0wHU2AK39OXSUv5Hl4cqoeQfoyZCbbncE8KHvT7OfooZj4NWnDPT_8UAmS8Lzkf-raEJEwU8sdTrHyX-3mZp-RmlToaKA6B2_F4TE/s400/christmas+bike.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT TOUCHING MY NEW TOYS</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290212075875666850" 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/AVvXsEje71t80NDldoZmdymAKgLjDHRF1V6SdLJdjrQ6vk7m3lUS62JHnJ9hJDh4rs5VANipHAd_-ZF79kD_eQMo3F7juhXdDU9kdYv1hIJM-3Hor71-A52HXidFKpu4aPDwpER-LCr19ICzobRt/s400/aubrey+hair" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><strong>NEW HAIR FROM SANTA</strong><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p>Now, to get up to date - we have been in our new house for 2 1/2 weeks. I have tackled almost all of the boxes. My treasured books are going to stay in boxes until Dave is able to build me some book shelves. My van is finally in the garage, but Dave's car is not. He has worked so hard for so long his shoulder is causing tremendous pain. He was not able to finish putting up shelving and racks for all the lawn equipment that we no longer need here.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290215275008774354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h0ez8xa0OcxohSFIZCd5GZE7UWMeNVlQ7KVmZTNs4y4qZw0Q18yER2Yf9BIFqtL46vj69TNKUffxl4Bk7gkfm2wa6q1c2br-RXVBYgb1fIdjmTjP-lpvuhT5DasV2RMusLFFWfD3IrE1/s400/look+at+my+ring.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>Look at my ring!<br /></strong></p><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>Today was the first day I did not have to go to the laundromat, yeah! Dave got the gas dryer installed. Above are pics of Aubrey showing off the fancy 25 cent ring she got in the laundry's vending machine.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290209130944896034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXH2cZ22MIkks6c2vfDivPJUXXPAxxyHYpOW6ICY0zaXGZHoEq9Ub2I-Vb3N9Zc2ToFGDhnD9SkKfqDRprxRUt2-9McnDqpJ1VVo3nASd-gmRbd3P_VyMqgScNKJYlrcq3fOCKI8SxIy8G/s400/Img1201.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>INSIDE THE NEW HOUSE</strong><br /><br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290208658570668802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFzqPC72YOXwV5Qg8AycVZL9YSEXrCbM4G8aQlNPlhaKKs4EIMnzYbL2OPZCB1JFqOIwg4NyOxtBP6bQZs6R-K45JfeR06ZrQC-4qTgU6oHb2Ek-cOnjRwUe8lmmxZGstLskYHX2i_uRh/s400/Img1199.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>VIEW FROM OUR DECK</strong></p><br /><p><strong>LOOKS LIKE HEAVEN TO ME</strong></p></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-76046156225906432042008-11-23T11:48:00.020-05:002008-11-23T17:57:48.101-05:00First Family Pictures<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkorZLzrt0LhCQe1WMWHuFRW1syWjma79oLEfqwtEKvGAfRbVS-OfchqLE7tgtIj3gQyFl7mNWcllIs5yF5ec4awvjIQbdbhNG67WTHuNWFOo8ny50LPdAnoskaa_sR5_C1Y7XTaiyt77/s1600-h/0080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271902136280765298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkorZLzrt0LhCQe1WMWHuFRW1syWjma79oLEfqwtEKvGAfRbVS-OfchqLE7tgtIj3gQyFl7mNWcllIs5yF5ec4awvjIQbdbhNG67WTHuNWFOo8ny50LPdAnoskaa_sR5_C1Y7XTaiyt77/s400/0080.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C0DIyXDyf6TTuRcS_aDml5RtCoANH4UM_3BB6x6-tgQH2r8iQlZqoM5WGHYhatSNSFNWQFIXcvPNZcfUAiYaojQR0L_BImwMb52tItndcYNdJF9_s5HcNHursEh2DT2aMFp7TDl_uGpj/s1600-h/0073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271901963681346882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C0DIyXDyf6TTuRcS_aDml5RtCoANH4UM_3BB6x6-tgQH2r8iQlZqoM5WGHYhatSNSFNWQFIXcvPNZcfUAiYaojQR0L_BImwMb52tItndcYNdJF9_s5HcNHursEh2DT2aMFp7TDl_uGpj/s400/0073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnnlxu435x2Z6sr2szPxS-0emkr6mRz7tLaIcr2T6wZT6jh1p3laQVPgxNU5owcUtxVBCYEoxS9_yQCH5RSlakLQKWiDTccrfs3XWSvCpxggfvXoOMr1DV53GH0bC7oTM_WIgTBI4imdx/s1600-h/0062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271901717427351762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnnlxu435x2Z6sr2szPxS-0emkr6mRz7tLaIcr2T6wZT6jh1p3laQVPgxNU5owcUtxVBCYEoxS9_yQCH5RSlakLQKWiDTccrfs3XWSvCpxggfvXoOMr1DV53GH0bC7oTM_WIgTBI4imdx/s400/0062.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGA2CV5JIW-7gMYCGY1-vZRIgZ-aaPj2h7ZQzQWNR0pAA-p_XikfdAra5SK8PZiPNo6OdjE7ce0aWlyA_tkh_UYAyhyphenhyphenVkef82NRZ4a0M6qU80XhaaJ6HymJggiXsRPERpytSajgSo6jEg/s1600-h/0053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271900990107174706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGA2CV5JIW-7gMYCGY1-vZRIgZ-aaPj2h7ZQzQWNR0pAA-p_XikfdAra5SK8PZiPNo6OdjE7ce0aWlyA_tkh_UYAyhyphenhyphenVkef82NRZ4a0M6qU80XhaaJ6HymJggiXsRPERpytSajgSo6jEg/s400/0053.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSojMtX0SOQmL913cA_7H2ODcZ9W2reqxaLhyphenhyphenuPhdvUnOZTC7PHbl5Zvv-rOgYOUxOZhAtv_LjCwOl68njctCQ91I7Qu0gGTYhDCrvpZ26f4ONCmn8bNaFL6xIMSCCPkqCMsn2U6OpDQI1/s1600-h/0052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271900856516774002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSojMtX0SOQmL913cA_7H2ODcZ9W2reqxaLhyphenhyphenuPhdvUnOZTC7PHbl5Zvv-rOgYOUxOZhAtv_LjCwOl68njctCQ91I7Qu0gGTYhDCrvpZ26f4ONCmn8bNaFL6xIMSCCPkqCMsn2U6OpDQI1/s400/0052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYWflD_oL5LQFAY8uIFn6yPNyuTlmhBLouPCaVybD2IfVxLkJofw74vZz5MMI37nL9aKPJbe96IG4HSA6nbb33Vw2RTFD1eey5frcbjOq3-Zlt33WjJfb3QUZ2Y4H-0wRVTo4Zi31QiA9/s1600-h/0051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271900686954506738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYWflD_oL5LQFAY8uIFn6yPNyuTlmhBLouPCaVybD2IfVxLkJofw74vZz5MMI37nL9aKPJbe96IG4HSA6nbb33Vw2RTFD1eey5frcbjOq3-Zlt33WjJfb3QUZ2Y4H-0wRVTo4Zi31QiA9/s400/0051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQR7NhH2HwRjGXL4ITmU2cCZguXJeq9wmaXzzXGXWocGlWXnRWMUGxB9aQba9rwHx3jyfyQu-PkgcrW9lfs-AFeQlN2yr_FMg5pDyEfh_7yKnvnBMvbQFQWiOZhk96dEnqR_MnciVt5Br/s1600-h/0050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271900463219790098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQR7NhH2HwRjGXL4ITmU2cCZguXJeq9wmaXzzXGXWocGlWXnRWMUGxB9aQba9rwHx3jyfyQu-PkgcrW9lfs-AFeQlN2yr_FMg5pDyEfh_7yKnvnBMvbQFQWiOZhk96dEnqR_MnciVt5Br/s400/0050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mbSydBNNl_Lsmq1Lj1U3wF8OYVwOxI7PasLWWR_BkUpkvfC4nztNU065RCH4Pas0ZbmRb1B_kxikqluMWUswZiRxYY55pWtHdB47pmLQ3LBRydkKsRF4uunC4pvLHhE46_ieZYB9LLjS/s1600-h/0016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271899532902010978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mbSydBNNl_Lsmq1Lj1U3wF8OYVwOxI7PasLWWR_BkUpkvfC4nztNU065RCH4Pas0ZbmRb1B_kxikqluMWUswZiRxYY55pWtHdB47pmLQ3LBRydkKsRF4uunC4pvLHhE46_ieZYB9LLjS/s400/0016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf74gUGM5J1b8MPAEHvobk0d23fQuFXW976tZXPz7YHnQCNJ4pQooINRIhlKiWtWzzh1AnZ19P3BcxP75u2wAcoZBTXK8Y7JNLojnmM0N224X5N2Xthc_YSiMa2oxXTo72k5Ox1Ek3C6qg/s1600-h/0013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271899341231757666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf74gUGM5J1b8MPAEHvobk0d23fQuFXW976tZXPz7YHnQCNJ4pQooINRIhlKiWtWzzh1AnZ19P3BcxP75u2wAcoZBTXK8Y7JNLojnmM0N224X5N2Xthc_YSiMa2oxXTo72k5Ox1Ek3C6qg/s400/0013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV-wPmFiix-V9Ty2WtSaDNIQJErFZ-x0NF3CJeIbBOWH9Cb49nqm6BfBoTA8ePAarLR98zI0fwO-piBeMysKNX-rtMZ87k8guAT6RizZs6fZItI6zUIQaAAt14WgJJArrT8wjJt0MPBxD/s1600-h/0002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271899045131807010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV-wPmFiix-V9Ty2WtSaDNIQJErFZ-x0NF3CJeIbBOWH9Cb49nqm6BfBoTA8ePAarLR98zI0fwO-piBeMysKNX-rtMZ87k8guAT6RizZs6fZItI6zUIQaAAt14WgJJArrT8wjJt0MPBxD/s400/0002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>After two hours in the studio crammed in with at least ten other families we have the fruits of our labors. The photographer was able to get some pretty good pictures.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271899715184397426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpAEHcVFGmFwK6mDdiB-EP7QFOMg2MvmmjcmB8lUs2cQzNdt0AEomtuIgtA37uH6A2HWOx9AKTMpkA9EmFkuIyZuEAR_jZb30IcOaavLhov7qYaqZr-bhfYTq7icVwLQVqEsQzKNif70b/s400/0019.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271900191415652994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjyCyxhFFeMS2t4uuxvOclq007gMMi46p3p7J9o3Ghyo_f4xU2uJqL5Voj0yFRfFrkMFiMu_pbhHzzwAt6hlQGsyYvvzda7eKS_9xtiFeGC6hyphenhyphen1B4ipYPJq8Tptl7WJwo0wJgfFMfLJgF/s400/0048.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Aubrey has a little fake bandana with red curly hair. She wears it around constantly. Thankfully this new hair has replaced the dishcloths. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271986638643690722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqvXECNjnUZrqxMLstToPVyIpxxYRiblaVUrASmfuCsyry1B4V2pqHzgDKz34nOzCEBD9RNpWKyPSNRfahjg9SCWLALUj9VxIYjMNxkfZo8-sHKTiyCVwWLzWB37tYMSRuld_pLrxjSMl/s400/DSC02767.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271988356066169682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GqJ0TTwtI6VewTvEFCYIBdFynQrQJbtw_Jc9Tx2gQCQyxb9Pbzjya_QpyyGyAvX-Zn8VSpdnPuz8TywQHPAIMOhdahR8rSSoKsqfIcXYNQE0JfNCzO4KjL4FzOBrmQPQxCv1_9Dnx-2L/s400/004.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>She continues to prove how smart she is. When she finished all of her chips the other day she began shouting for more chips. I told her she had to finish her ham first. Within a few minutes she was pointing to her empty plate yelling "chips". She did not feed the ham to the dog either. She had it all balled up in her left hand, which was raised above her head, as if I would not be able to see it there. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271901348799863442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwvHL1ScdnFR1d054e6zkxLpnAkvpwiGNBkPHA6KAneGy6IXiyA6H2VoGsjoRFNRK4tQoeiyXsCl7NdgotKMFSDjqzWIGbkgtd50W37MvebNVn-J-h37alx65nkcOsPrqeM1XOGR4ylAr/s400/0056.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The boys took Aubrey sledding in the front yard last night. She loves the inner tubes and being pushed down the hill. When we get more snow we will take her to the park with the huge sledding hill. I may take a while for her to climb to the top but she continues to amaze me with her persistance.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271986802068177570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUT7zIW53BKkpI_1jRgUXl57v4dMaBcAuWFZu5W90mquNpxF3Ma-F2_zyLkLtW9nl8-ZHFMOqYgQvhiJvD7eO86mWbluOeK6rgIIYIPejxewiNguPGYOsYhzXnppYMJED1JSJ1qpbd8IE/s400/DSC02771.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-74950624864206254062008-11-17T18:39:00.010-05:002008-11-17T19:23:09.173-05:00Autumn Splendor to First Snow<div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswY7JFei2aly_LHgMovK0xf4P4n9Vg52ZytR6fTgwH3ykF1V0DKO9r0jM-Ni3deX4tGHd3ckd55ecBfuB4L7TKLFY8gjPW8mWWsV8ENLim1OlYkecNXkHIoZ-EIXjVOBDFayxxOG6CFgV/s1600-h/Img1058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269782768266540642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswY7JFei2aly_LHgMovK0xf4P4n9Vg52ZytR6fTgwH3ykF1V0DKO9r0jM-Ni3deX4tGHd3ckd55ecBfuB4L7TKLFY8gjPW8mWWsV8ENLim1OlYkecNXkHIoZ-EIXjVOBDFayxxOG6CFgV/s400/Img1058.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div>We have officially had Aubrey now for 2 months. In that time we have suffered extreme heat and typhoons in China, seen a beautiful fall with gorgeous leaves changing color and now the first snow. In many ways the changing seasons mirror Aubrey's adjustments to her new family. Hot and stormy in China, blossoming with such delightful joy and colors here, with many more firsts to come.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269782609750497874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWqS2Uv0NYFtaPFCg_Z1r3cJl_S28ydC1Pt-Sahz6wk7nim3siyV3DFyUQ2z8B6cK9eY0Na59qxZoCcq2il6KDqND46FQiDID1GQR1s9MkaAPKRF3RKAoPoiYxN4_iZJNFEAKSx4rJdyw/s400/Img1049.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>At first, Aubrey was not impressed with the snow. The more it snowed however, the more she began to sense something special was happening. Of course her brothers were getting all carried away and anxious to don snow gear. In mere minutes Aubrey was outside with only a light jacket running through the flurries. As we were at the photography studio trying to get our first family picture with Aubrey, the boys were becoming more and more frustrated as we waited to view our shots. By the time we returned home it was time for bed. Daddy couldn't wait to get pictures of his little girl during her first snow. He took her out in her nightgown and snow boots. The pictures of Aubrey in the night snow were well worth it.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269783426090119714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN19HFJL_8HFlBHn5zQjNMhUE9iV98X9CXKl2MvwcASCFK9dwtX-CNr1v6y6TPtwTVshpk_pCxcrK7LFXtK34Yr6Yt5EOCjT715gwlNam25nmhtbZruTK3ay3Si5w71oDzHVFKIi3vm3_/s400/Img1125.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269783568275399954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjE1cZ6hn_tC_Ez7RwqirdmJBe2RpuSjS27L5zgYm0j6sI9bUnC0r5B-ura2pqx5xUc5410ylm82ExCqHjXxhMqqTg3LXDjnPe4OtYBrZUp9VGK7nKKPpIakhvDSgK8CranhKX9G6cflb/s400/Img1126.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>The past few weekends we have had family visiting. Each time someone comes and returns home Aubrey does a little better saying goodbye. She remembers the whole week and says over and over Poppa and Grandma bye bye, Emmie bye bye, Aunt Jean, Aunt Dee, Unka Gunka bye bye. She still cries when mama leaves for work, but she is learning to trust Baba again. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269783296150694562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MmbWbmAh_yf6A8lkbn9tk2arANj7ipb-CR_3mGfX179ALHS3cEm7-W5Agp2-mh3ChS4PNOQ9YyEyx5tdMBwsEKWGFWKwIjWa0BDFmcYHsusIInhUeDx4y75Qt19VyEgiKK0TpCm-yBcC/s400/Img1124.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269782951573791762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX8i3Egn-N2O8gW2VLoi-NXAvBTob8qdo0kr0Qh0pYNE3suTb3ytVoYfSus0Vixa2prsqtswBBTOmqF8gq-GKIFYYAuCv3ICMfMeM2sfKU-9wIp41aphSaLG4boJIxsOZCJuWswCfw-xf/s400/Img1083.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>She has realized now that she is from China, and says often 'Aubrey China, in airplane'. She is able to write Au on paper, we are working on the end of her name. She has started to learn her colors, pink is the one she knows best. Recently she has began yearning for hair. She takes washcloths and hand towels and drapes them over her head. She then turns her head back and forth to feel her fake hair moving to and fro on the back of her neck. I keep telling her it will grow. I think Santa may have to find her a little play wig, anything will look better that her running around with a dish towel for hair. </div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269783155884106162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01OBWG_jpHJz5ybWimlY1FiJB05hl7wiWp5e-1ZwGpjp0irl7DNqwjE4iKq1_jcGO-Qd5byrFxObYQwmYlPWUaLJYmcHhS8OrIqmoXL0HQls1IZB8FYQVRGh3H4pUQIZBZcspiMJleiht/s400/Img1098.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269783568275399954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 3px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjE1cZ6hn_tC_Ez7RwqirdmJBe2RpuSjS27L5zgYm0j6sI9bUnC0r5B-ura2pqx5xUc5410ylm82ExCqHjXxhMqqTg3LXDjnPe4OtYBrZUp9VGK7nKKPpIakhvDSgK8CranhKX9G6cflb/s400/Img1126.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-70574902391007323502008-11-03T19:58:00.014-05:002008-11-03T21:07:32.447-05:00Ladybug's Halloween<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMTUew4Y94iEyVvfz5mPNN6x1TUVhi6Fi1H1gn_Si-vZZDHc_dcbGU3rPlBe65XY9NrqcJ-lPshhf-za9qlSnY3BWu9m8kFFt0dxxXm89sBLMzPNqBLV0XOdnYfCqucIUXvgzRtaTsFXo/s1600-h/DSC02662.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264613208588149458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMTUew4Y94iEyVvfz5mPNN6x1TUVhi6Fi1H1gn_Si-vZZDHc_dcbGU3rPlBe65XY9NrqcJ-lPshhf-za9qlSnY3BWu9m8kFFt0dxxXm89sBLMzPNqBLV0XOdnYfCqucIUXvgzRtaTsFXo/s400/DSC02662.JPG" border="0" /></a> First Peanutbutter cup<br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1arkQX9ikJ4SuhAp5bTv8zyKDgt6t2x4CGK1S32DFrkol4kSzXPOFUiNCJf-c0Yz4T8WgK9tcmepgstKX4y5xFeFeastLRqaPwBbJQtK-K2faF4bwPMc4K0AGgDYyo-CYsk6NWFwt5w1g/s1600-h/DSC02605.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264612080584977506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1arkQX9ikJ4SuhAp5bTv8zyKDgt6t2x4CGK1S32DFrkol4kSzXPOFUiNCJf-c0Yz4T8WgK9tcmepgstKX4y5xFeFeastLRqaPwBbJQtK-K2faF4bwPMc4K0AGgDYyo-CYsk6NWFwt5w1g/s400/DSC02605.JPG" border="0" /></a> Helping rake leaves</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264607317414511442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mY3ecBkN7FY_tlm_LgKeBk2KhYQjKU_4LKEfdCxZMIRBgr_prdb0GlBLqT7_fbsZpH7S1RUXsB0HRzVscf3W3AD5gvFernuHJCFQfpYJ26q2WFq6tMIPiPorZr6OuWh1q6mbrIx5-u-4/s400/DSC02541.JPG" border="0" /> Aubrey in Baba's glasses</div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LBR-lzV3A-3aq5D8_g0tJal1sFJzDCgcItU3O2cRttgYJtrV3fyeRRRQcCbmTZSTouCGAyNimMfw2uhggScL3JYoZn8JpAqQMUVEVTRhEHRGMfadn5DZ_mzidr81xuJjXV4cj_GyAIhL/s1600-h/DSC02468.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264605900437045890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LBR-lzV3A-3aq5D8_g0tJal1sFJzDCgcItU3O2cRttgYJtrV3fyeRRRQcCbmTZSTouCGAyNimMfw2uhggScL3JYoZn8JpAqQMUVEVTRhEHRGMfadn5DZ_mzidr81xuJjXV4cj_GyAIhL/s400/DSC02468.JPG" border="0" /></a> Surprise<br /><br /><div>First, Thank the Heavens, we received Aubrey's Memory Book on Halloween morning. I was so thrilled. Dave's sister, Jean, and her husband Stephan were here to celebrate with us.</div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264606635440329746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUtly_v_mjqbfdp2jUiAy2ll3PZQJq2zCJaSQrIf02eADOlbNhGcb-Yu8vWsTiLjKMqZuFZ95SeaUesw6XKoQuO2OlZOpJMKubUXgw0Kfiw5Ce4jHWjMXoRN3dDqp5Xg-AJgGl1s-MwN8/s400/DSC02525.JPG" border="0" /> Aubrey in Emperor's cap<br /><br /><div>We carved pumpkins and got into costume. Aubrey had the choice of her Chinese lion hat and dressing in red or being a ladybug. She chose to be a ladybug. Prior to donning her costume she tried on my witch wig and decided having hair was great. She fussed as it tangled on her little fingers but refused to take the wig off. I finally had to grab the mess the wig had become and hide it. I thought she was gorgeous with hair, but she is beautiful even when she is having a full blown temper tantrum as well.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264612545543354258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielntNAOU569TZ2EUuWjrBxNAw43akzRbnTlafpDGQ1YtkRyGb3-f8Tw7mmNRZDOjY6cKubcCuKN6B_b0kRN5C-zTvVZh0a95YBqD1LCHcKAwrU6x-o6ro2ytMWmh-CIZpYIdnf-eg8ewD/s400/DSC02635.JPG" border="0" /> Gabe's alive and well!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264607958678375362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LTImxa_yQlR3Vf5SjW8SYWk-zhYf3JAjsF_cRMNaeMXvzjdORPgiQNYGNS8LOeVkXFXdeLFamxJGkcA6KJb-cH4lwKKgXQIqAkBrAtlAUGs23JaVfZp40lzvvm_fR8PyKlhBOT1ThWxN/s400/DSC02602.JPG" border="0" /> Long Hair, so cute.</div><div><br /><div>Aubrey loved trick or treating. She learned very quickly that people were handing out candy. She ran from house to house screaming "CANDY!" Of course she remembered to clasp her hands, bow her little head and say "thank you" to everyone. People though this was so cute they gave her twice as much candy. Aubrey has the Aldrich sweet tooth, but for now she seems to like fruit flavored sweets over chocolates.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264613471937652066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rSLRxaQMLe6csbVzNiRm8gktpRp8alLjsHgo_fzBrH5TLqA22J6yFDbUu7CKdnxDVsP0lghY3lWHxH1Py9vANvN3cGqMStUKPAFjt6DZAwmZubhMvCm89CxI_cxzCWvSdGKk9lLVjytA/s400/DSC02664.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264612886466697202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOJ0td6JssnFRQ9T316JRXI5eIQIBij4991uLBGHEDBJFQpu9JMOJRP5KGnbOsrhZZrfXXKI53DWQ2Nv5WHObOneYR2bjdRDWPMXWt4d4zCxpEx18YonrQGCuz7OWV2JzPsJpF19o30DY/s400/DSC02660.JPG" border="0" /> Candy!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Saturday, Uncle Patrick sent a wonderful package to Aubrey. She found the cutest Mandarin jacket, an I love NY tee-shirt written in Chinese characters, and some wonderful books. I got some beautiful pictures of her in the setting sun with her new clothes on. She is precious.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264613738462251554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBxfK4uGR5WUat-M8cBBHr4MrL6eOZEfLUOYj4QKMUrWJylBO7U2itadefvh1FiIZDXn90Yh5vKI4ytCNmW3UXmI0Dyw6-vFHwvvPpGUvyWmnMMuLfLxfrpFiNi__vButIsbgF9kmx8TW/s400/DSC02665.JPG" border="0" /> So beautiful<br /><br /><br /><div>Just as an update, Aubrey is now the boss of Daisy. Poor Daisy didn't stand a chance. Aubrey also tries to boss Mama and her brothers. She doesn't get away with her shouting at me. She has learned very quickly to stop screaming and say please. I have learned her personality and her mannerisms. She really is a cute and sweet little girl, and amazingly smart!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264613966378214098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM88PevAeXkqa0o24_E-ZHnNBOqnPbQd2rsBP-osMW9ar1Ovh818X1O139FoqWjgwu4rPlRBcGwwjQtQQW_ekaRD-wLYjQ5NXVnol6xvzkpqcvGvdXRjP9xhDc4N6anRFpxjWJp1t_pSdj/s400/DSC02669.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-55342515963792387572008-10-27T11:14:00.007-04:002008-10-27T11:45:13.128-04:00First Playdate<div><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW-3451ZzU3Y3l0gQ-z9h9zyALuC4UGJUYR9Ifa6D51tzNQUXg_w7tPP05lsv-OTKFGW8ModxYAKM-aHe-1NxGJvMGoUrBH_yJ4YSnXdD2SPGUoPJYKs58IwH6TrVIm0TmNa1hIKZpbcj/s1600-h/DSC01552%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261858536117492882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW-3451ZzU3Y3l0gQ-z9h9zyALuC4UGJUYR9Ifa6D51tzNQUXg_w7tPP05lsv-OTKFGW8ModxYAKM-aHe-1NxGJvMGoUrBH_yJ4YSnXdD2SPGUoPJYKs58IwH6TrVIm0TmNa1hIKZpbcj/s400/DSC01552%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Last week was a busy week. We had many doctors appointments, most of which we still have no results from. We do know through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">echocardiogram</span> that her heart is normal, the murmur is not going to be a problem. We are still waiting on most of the blood testing results. Aubrey's specialist from Riley Hospital in Indy is going to phone conference us when she has all the results. She did suggest that since Aubrey's Bun/ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Creatinine</span> are elevated, and her orphanage was listed as one that used the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sandu</span> milk products, she will need a renal ultrasound. That should help see if the melamine has caused any kidney stones or other problems.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261859101653574098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgDeq4vBdPK400CWe_8x4ap7GRICoHOGWiQvnGuJDRspkDU3XetjK-25cOMtLbjH2H2m1CK_w5sm5ajInDuPku7vDbR5L9Hn-95Am-o4gz4guhqD0V97yAk9Fnoi-S0cEohLYvQr2ucDu/s400/DSC01566%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Her ears continue to be a problem, she is on antibiotics now. We see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ENT</span> tomorrow. Hopefully they will set up a plan, tubes in the ears possibly, to get her turned around.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261858730041365442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0Ap5KBBRnFJTs8kT3zG0DqncEiwBTKtmAPVTCDgaUn9xkfxNgEuloRVKPSTNBCB0CwjC7S4ZvwY2ifCHhSsshYcXcXHbMccnT0E42xxAitesUAZdfWI5UcJ5wuv_ZPWMXsJxyXRnKlIa/s400/DSC01559%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We did take some time off from all the poking and prodding to play. Aubrey had her first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">playdate</span> with Hannah and Mackenzie. She loved the merry-go-round and of course the slide.<br />She didn't do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">alot</span> of play with the girls, but played beside them. It was great to see her run and laugh without needing me to hold her. Each day she is opening up a little bit more and becoming more self confident.</div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261858937873773442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8Sm3ZRpN-k_Dig3U40f92tr8xDcITzF7AHinfPZB4_b_7KkMSMb72oDq8avG71sYhfTIUZN51cl9P9tIsv89AjRNSNsZ6Fj0Ag-4u0dH94MT0dK_dU9YagNpheteSD8_2d0uulZEq2Y0/s400/DSC01560%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Last night as Aubrey was laying down to go to sleep, she reached for my hand. I thought to myself she needs reassurance that mama's not going to disappear. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">layed</span> beside her content to hold her hand. I needed the reassurance that she is really here now, physically here. No longer the dreams in my minds eye, a vanishing glimpse in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ethers</span>, solidly totally Aubrey. My little girl.</div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-2010966343599943962008-10-13T00:50:00.015-04:002008-10-13T01:15:03.027-04:00Pictures for Ferne<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf74aPuI36pw9h_aY1f09aniF8yvHAkF5TlcXGdWXOgvTop3GUl8qg_ewe3lq5FKeKkjnTAKFLmVsSyczwmK8Ds3YGXecuaH4imXE8PvgZjqiypXRX_eVi26OlyUE2IUDoJg004xqabtA/s1600-h/DSC02426.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256502646152643666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf74aPuI36pw9h_aY1f09aniF8yvHAkF5TlcXGdWXOgvTop3GUl8qg_ewe3lq5FKeKkjnTAKFLmVsSyczwmK8Ds3YGXecuaH4imXE8PvgZjqiypXRX_eVi26OlyUE2IUDoJg004xqabtA/s400/DSC02426.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwnL3w5Jw3sqZpybtfoC655p08Ws47ga6hYCtgLQ3nzCStWIYEAsF3Vn0xWa7XauWQK4yJFdJ-bjBCHrGMuhnkhtsbMZxpT47LLLvCuhrD8Pe-Lqgg-AcVJGDi664PH0dlQXQT2kmdGOg/s1600-h/DSC02443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256502243315950370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwnL3w5Jw3sqZpybtfoC655p08Ws47ga6hYCtgLQ3nzCStWIYEAsF3Vn0xWa7XauWQK4yJFdJ-bjBCHrGMuhnkhtsbMZxpT47LLLvCuhrD8Pe-Lqgg-AcVJGDi664PH0dlQXQT2kmdGOg/s400/DSC02443.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l6BYa_a4P_x-JoLSZVe0V5uczb57k9_VpdwaM_1Jc92DaWvhyphenhyphenrLnpt8TOAvRJivIJG3uYWQPJy7DxUwfVRG2IjEjnl9NKBDbOJVd22dxVT9naJ0c0O_zaI_GbtV5X9GwOaSxT5pFb5Bp/s1600-h/DSC02421.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256501890811388562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l6BYa_a4P_x-JoLSZVe0V5uczb57k9_VpdwaM_1Jc92DaWvhyphenhyphenrLnpt8TOAvRJivIJG3uYWQPJy7DxUwfVRG2IjEjnl9NKBDbOJVd22dxVT9naJ0c0O_zaI_GbtV5X9GwOaSxT5pFb5Bp/s400/DSC02421.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqOvU3Q_T3OW1QWwteQVmQ8YXgisXhgB4CT6jr2u-Ic4dLnfQgkVHMxeu006JB3-Db2swRqOl2aJ0GbM1QSgSjZnTT75N9NgRHsqWzEb07HXKb1eqBvrHxXkSOthmSH1EsHO4PltS1GS4/s1600-h/DSC02420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256501618344188866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqOvU3Q_T3OW1QWwteQVmQ8YXgisXhgB4CT6jr2u-Ic4dLnfQgkVHMxeu006JB3-Db2swRqOl2aJ0GbM1QSgSjZnTT75N9NgRHsqWzEb07HXKb1eqBvrHxXkSOthmSH1EsHO4PltS1GS4/s400/DSC02420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DEYqtL_xXVKT23uC03lDyHSEUYxULZ1XKmfJnWzE_ZrRMirKeHCMTcoP_heuS4n1yaWfo5AVp6c589O6vLG9WWYtwaoZhfQunz_EWVP7gChX7mVuUwNouAuZOPEznq7c_EptYrPwjhK9/s1600-h/DSC02403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256501254133835810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DEYqtL_xXVKT23uC03lDyHSEUYxULZ1XKmfJnWzE_ZrRMirKeHCMTcoP_heuS4n1yaWfo5AVp6c589O6vLG9WWYtwaoZhfQunz_EWVP7gChX7mVuUwNouAuZOPEznq7c_EptYrPwjhK9/s400/DSC02403.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVLrzNWVVH4zKWTqOgVeFEYju7RuJO5W5VvxLdx0UivjG0ZIgc_BTLt10DQNVyeNWOuVJuf3MhCEj7RkWjYfVGne1hPi2QuET9xN8S8uD1WZEDNpJcSpr-gh4MbFHXQzkRt3xt2293nZB/s1600-h/DSC02071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256500608642728770" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7we-iTMC7Tw1QCwp5tzX4ZQQ_RrflTOgJYI3_IF-BogBxeluaOEHZfT585UtLishl4BmgJm8YwCYW0Uysva1AbRVBQqHBlAQws4laXZqGpHV10rjxrjbaR8TUGYl1hjmF4jQ-SPNHp3Xa/s400/DSC02200.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsDYgzCQRjqBfO-AGGC7wkL8s4urPrE0CHC2WN92Kbtx9ZxagZOB_SaV9ISomLA_TtSYR5JhE66rdpcOdliSN0l13ZwNS_thKeSzoqw1T06NAqd2NR-JFyZyC2TfqvhYBVo9vrU8JWFKC/s1600-h/DSC02275.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256497079901880658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsDYgzCQRjqBfO-AGGC7wkL8s4urPrE0CHC2WN92Kbtx9ZxagZOB_SaV9ISomLA_TtSYR5JhE66rdpcOdliSN0l13ZwNS_thKeSzoqw1T06NAqd2NR-JFyZyC2TfqvhYBVo9vrU8JWFKC/s400/DSC02275.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJePsS1V2PhZyJvVhkY9qPnuS8JSbKWyA4VE61RGpG-fyCAxFwto1Y8Q5f_LM768W2pPde45ylXphXStCIuPFJKzAyyNckYh0cD_8750M4ZOSH1Ashx8GmiWIAZ1N1qUInBVZOBPRYRm2W/s1600-h/DSC02269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256496726012678978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJePsS1V2PhZyJvVhkY9qPnuS8JSbKWyA4VE61RGpG-fyCAxFwto1Y8Q5f_LM768W2pPde45ylXphXStCIuPFJKzAyyNckYh0cD_8750M4ZOSH1Ashx8GmiWIAZ1N1qUInBVZOBPRYRm2W/s400/DSC02269.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-1102528966299346622008-10-12T23:26:00.011-04:002008-10-13T00:36:47.018-04:00There's No Place Like Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjletEmdSVg4iOcaPmO5kkpLb9gUqxzyNtni0Pc93xmnFrM42UsC10y6SJGsYiDeDWhX5201e14SutBlwOaMFvhpTygIXiR9yxuJ5qLa6Xn9biy5XOQsTPBvhMsKRSrEzh4Uetr4p7rUp6P/s1600-h/Trip+Home+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256490984886468082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjletEmdSVg4iOcaPmO5kkpLb9gUqxzyNtni0Pc93xmnFrM42UsC10y6SJGsYiDeDWhX5201e14SutBlwOaMFvhpTygIXiR9yxuJ5qLa6Xn9biy5XOQsTPBvhMsKRSrEzh4Uetr4p7rUp6P/s400/Trip+Home+037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpXS692IoDyzmo6Zey_u9OKjD4bt0-3LJRKTheFlHIEh-Rs-mr6yUCJzE2t16bB_EK8efe_menl6GThj0sS205fGyPZ9ZC3P5FCITyQsHaUZoxNA_vrVq5oMaKxKEm9bgk8ZNIDjRRZpE/s1600-h/DSC02424.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256485271367134626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 6px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 6px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="267" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpXS692IoDyzmo6Zey_u9OKjD4bt0-3LJRKTheFlHIEh-Rs-mr6yUCJzE2t16bB_EK8efe_menl6GThj0sS205fGyPZ9ZC3P5FCITyQsHaUZoxNA_vrVq5oMaKxKEm9bgk8ZNIDjRRZpE/s400/DSC02424.JPG" width="63" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>We are all so thankful to be home. Our first night back in our own beds, complete with pillowtop mattresses, down comforters and soft pillows, felt like heaven compared to the cement slab twin beds at the White Swan Hotel (I'm still puzzeled by their 5 star ranking). Aubrey has been adjusting very well to her new surrounding and addition of 2 more brothers. She smiles most of the time, is playful and mischievious. She is still not a fan of Daisy and has recently caused me to have back spasms with the constant holding and picking her up. She now has to cope with the dog because I am in too much pain to continue toting her around. Dave, Chris and Nate have been wonderful with helping me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256488073756360066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiwT3vqEzv4L1YvDdXtOQlr_K74GtFiAQPBBcEv0Ilvyu_Wgargi-uGP-xM3E7dmVvgDWQmb23TnjnHZ1PeL8FlciRhY1IdFX2K_oXRgTGOS-EastP7xBc-eN-Qk-0pc09yJLDpd-SucC/s400/Trip+Home+049.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256489220389218594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiboJ_YYPzQ51O2LQd6PtD9jU_2wKunK7oGOzTLMWhRFy1zGu_jTxFDHvgxoY6pEoWVbrAChFvCceLhYhcm2-Xhjtbtn9QRNEVQOBTSppRNOtamP1f4Xo3qpo_gFwbOAomOgvubSnTCda/s400/Trip+Home+085.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>In the last week she has learned over 60 words in English and is using phrases correctly. Her favorites are "find shoes", "brush your teeth", "find ge ge", and "I love you". She is no longer afraid of the grass and is running all over the place. She loves being outside with the boys and has proved to be fearless. She loves going down the slides on Nate and Chris' laps and will blow me kisses as she runs to follow them for another ride.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256486387111719362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOZcuA1aFZK6-fQ5eUQXoK2vllLSh-oa7kONQSoHGVAttzPTIZSC8T4uxqLYVbgXHnk7-p6Xobpk93X-mX8d_-7Epq80cCDEFQrsssDLidafo2mQuBby8vQXlAdoxdT4fMCR4jDXKd6vn/s400/DSC02423.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>She will scream "Ma" if I'm not giving her my undivided attention just as any 3 year old would. Her smiles of discovery and joy have made the entire 2 and a half year wait and 14 days in Guangzhou worth every second. China may have some distressing customs, but without them we would not have our little girl.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256484835425817826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O4m9_nFyxuS_Rl-mn1jPQ1mrGJaIYV8YUt3p3eDU4pkl1KLzBHmHVb-KA51temtOKNPaBqiTGIJ6EiU4frkK0mG0zL02Sw4r3PGZLY0Lv4SApZzXUVNBBXVtymZhaLvip9fgLmQA873C/s400/DSC02446.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Just a Few More Signs</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256487596160270274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX_p-mL_M6KdyQglUzfyngsu_C8jhEh3p5WdmLhIeh6IkYFHCYcSbhZ0siS7ICNRmDPW64WHHwgwuGGLD5iRvzvxNlzLbSo7Q3_as9akrC8hwt_lqv_EQSHCiGwyaQ2Xb_aX7UmDb0ANw/s400/Trip+Home+031.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>After 17 hours on airplanes and another 2 standing in lines at security check points and immigrations we finally got to our van. We braced ourselves for Aubrey's displeasure at being buckled into a carseat for the first time. She did not dissapoint. She cried on and off for the entire 3 hour drive from Detroit to our house. As Dave and I thought we would not be able to stay awake in the last 30 minutes it began to rain. As we approached the final few miles the sun came out and we were blessed with a brilliant rainbow for the final leg of our journey home. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256485015969790418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qBrg7I3v67oHXs9ee6xQuLL3Fr5W6oe8ssLyfEVZ8oVSbu3YBsycoj_lhMlq7Vf0nLBJKgnewKkJeK-P1D8Nhql6l9G-X_XCDR6MXUOlIYL2RK3m5RxfqKfWjqjcJfrGCByp0AKK5t5H/s400/DSC02370.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>A few days after being home I recieved an email from a stranger. A friend had shared our blog with her, as both had adopted from China in the past few years. This person, Connie, was very disappointed that the orphanage had denied us Aubrey's memory book. Connie has become involved with the Half the Sky charity since her return from China, and she made calls on our behalf to her contacts over there. Currently, Aubrey's memory book has left the orphanage and been sent to the Civil Affairs office. We are praying for GWCA to have our guide Kelley pick up the book and have it sent to us. GWCA representatives have stated they need to clear it through the CCAA. I don't know why the memory book would be important to the CCAA, but it would mean the world to Aubrey some day when she begins to ask questions about where she came from. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-22424593508154182792008-10-04T01:08:00.006-04:002008-10-04T01:37:26.507-04:00We're Coming to America<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BPcBqkIQA6uw9DCRlrrGTic-RHAhyDdBVqRAwtUFrDMGq6vDAu3Wn1Km5n9CJJ_o0zR2XdhrwB3LCi7sS807bkAcGedfFa_cRMjzluFOzPkjqhJYWp7ho91IzZBN3LlNDA7_frWB6GKz/s1600-h/aubrey6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253166545770131186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BPcBqkIQA6uw9DCRlrrGTic-RHAhyDdBVqRAwtUFrDMGq6vDAu3Wn1Km5n9CJJ_o0zR2XdhrwB3LCi7sS807bkAcGedfFa_cRMjzluFOzPkjqhJYWp7ho91IzZBN3LlNDA7_frWB6GKz/s400/aubrey6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Yes!!! We have finally made it back home. The journey was long and trying but we made it. Aubrey only cried for a few minutes on the plane. She needed to go to the bathroom but the "lavatories" on the plane were too frightening. We passed immigrations with no problems, as soon as we stepped beyond their center Aubrey became a US citizen. It took along time to get through all the lines in Detroit but as we finally made our way to the exit, we all braced ourselves for the 58 degree weather. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253166741239392482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHo1AkNEWZVhd1jV59dItc7Or-EK8LUeVmiaqVUDHsmFFn0ip5U4_NileDSdxzbbAkH4lbqIkMDWXvAfQNLRzR-6l_pG-bNyt6Cs9vtXrWwjAEs4ZpmJLvnW0Hx9Ac2YbSM3EDmEvsN70/s400/aubrey1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Instead, we were still in the airport at a receiving area. I could not believe my eyes to see both of my sisters, and niece Emma, waiting there for us. At the sight of my sisters, my closest friends and confidants, I finally broke down and began to cry. Tears of happiness and relief to be back on American soil. All of the following photos are because they both took off work to greet their new niece, and welcome their family back home. I love you two more than words can express. ( Notice that Aubrey is 3 years old, Emma is 18 months).</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253167314856793458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysTgQPa2Rp63uXqzQF10X82oIKDNWqlYfHNelfPL_jMMPkCSK7Mic7B4-e80l4yRZUCjfFcV1LkcBxD_TpxF6n-T2N3Cv5T5nHfN-AjmCWEM3x2N22peRKK1zNXicXKp_FPkEoeJVImBl/s400/aubrey10.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>Aubrey was thrilled to see our car, but did not approve of the car seat. We have since taken many short car trips that have gotten her used to "Aubrey's seat". She now points to the front door and the van, ready to go at any time.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253167795334876722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRnvFbhWA0pD_FWUu8aHM36Pjwd7PFhnG0St-pJlvItVCMmhoj64UrwkxJoYn_qFYBpt43rUuIaneZuahYrehgGU9wHpAEWVQyLaGQ3GrDCdVIuMhPYIamID7H-L9xva3CSm3-L6FY603/s400/aubrey7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are adjusting to Daisy. Each day we hear new screams as Aubrey is completely terrified of the dog. Poor Daisy lopes off with her ears down and tail between her legs, I'm sure Daisy is thinking "I am not an animal". All of your prayers have worked in the past 3 weeks, how about a few more. I need for Aubrey to come to terms with Daisy, that great big dog is part of our family too. I can't return phone calls, get the luggage out of the dining room or pay bills as Aubrey needs me to hold her constantly. Of course I will not put her down, God knows I've waited 2 1/2 years for her. So be warned any visitors, my house is a mess! I'm a mess! But we are home safely and that is all that counts.</div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-37287363749389567662008-09-29T19:05:00.015-04:002008-09-30T09:02:56.780-04:00To the Consulate<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGckxLTcfpdRreox3eUwEEYzTt8TWT8e0SLTRkPa-A82uKxFMvm_h89rKKtcBHg7JDBwlT9ohBPIeXmMLYYOS9ftEcYUu_RE7CxVBfIV6YmScWR2XqnQQuBp289V4kI8VctkiKkZV1M7n/s1600-h/DSC02149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251589675078117586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGckxLTcfpdRreox3eUwEEYzTt8TWT8e0SLTRkPa-A82uKxFMvm_h89rKKtcBHg7JDBwlT9ohBPIeXmMLYYOS9ftEcYUu_RE7CxVBfIV6YmScWR2XqnQQuBp289V4kI8VctkiKkZV1M7n/s400/DSC02149.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Yesterday we made our long awaited trip to the American Consulate. All of our papers were in order. I'm still not sure what all the fuss was with the USCIS before we left Granger, but I'm happy to have Aubrey's immigration papers in hand. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251590961190432834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CJhjHHaGPtSRwWJa68AkPVvhyXzTjFZLBLg1_rUrExauGqs-aJOwwpiBqWpt0sbaeT-o8DF8FbJ3mLtlslIoJ0rw5bn5gWj6dl7WuYdhX7tGQk5LqEQCN-BjpZ5SlY9_o056oJbE81UO/s400/DSC02193.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>When we arrived at the Consulate Aubrey became very anxious and started to panic. I wish I knew what was going through her head. I think, she thought we were going back to the orphanage. Someday soon she may tell us. She is already saying some words in English. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251590312640894450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MUgsL8_xRrjIPgc_jome3T0yVJHpnRBXCWGVFMNeBk4gjXotizxel6z_mHIpuE1YUIUD_buReet3rG37TOSEbLYx3QyzPSbU_TfhIjLX4HTnv9lTCw_Jk4LZ58cpYOrJ6Ce-dyLkHusR/s400/DSC02190.JPG" border="0" /> Her favorite words are flower, car, light and water. Yesterday she said her first complete sentence, "Where'd Gege(brother in Chinese) go? Chris said she also told him "Get Baba". She has a bit of mischief in her. Nate and Gabe she bit a fork at the table, you both know how much your Dad loves that.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251591442774308130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabKAwpQdYf6aG_cSRYaIl63wbSrDop6Rlln6UQNHMsOS1jHNIsiT-3Kslq-HfjUe1IRBuUZ4W_AI614YfyI2lbZg5T0YRq-rkZF9k-fSc8MXcAsKUnzGwwbQQXMVfFyqV9GgEbJNvbqZ-/s400/DSC02127.JPG" border="0" /> We have stayed so long at the hotel, I have noticed Aubrey points to the stroller every time she is hungry. Wait til she sees the kitchen in our house and begins to realize that food is always available. The last few days she has been doing very well. She played in the Swan Room (a large playroom with Mattel toys) for almost 30-40 minutes last night. Anytime we took her there during the first 9 days she wanted to leave almost immediately. I'll try to include some video but we are having difficulty with the laptop incorporating the clips so it may be only pictures.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251595059831369490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_inScpWT1c6v-1_wz6HcO8bp9rNXzatnWZFwxFMuafdPiUMLT1L57-UQiVmO6V45e8MC1JfwOIlOyOhOdf4LfdK-Vt1xCFQGzV05K0T467UEEGBvCPSPuiQCJkd3leKNaxnRK_ymcGEn/s400/DSC02197.JPG" border="0" /> In the morning we leave here - Yeah!!!!! So back there in the USA, on Tues. night at 8:20 we fly to Tokyo, then to Detroit to land at 1:20 pm wed. I'm not sure how long it will take to get through immigrations but then we drive home. We should be home around 6pm Wed. night.<br />I see local temperatures are in the 70's, I can't wait. We are all so ready for Fall!!! </div></div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251796231415958482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjACPGUazxrTD2EOTNldIdhOap78Upzi3BKiTc_iRW1jackvyDxClo2I56wNlWDnOizCjqIzZNgQJ9KQzNDZADASxtVQeCVO0RMsGX8NBHK14CI1NCMvrDUDmYmLNWP49_NfYxywkxRP8N/s400/DSC02262.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-34485953168784759172008-09-27T22:01:00.023-04:002008-09-27T23:23:17.932-04:00The Heat has Broken<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIG04IzxFmL5pSNF5b0Md1n-oQkn8d917lXuyi0-YEpSiE3ksF2URxHynwaJ3c_3lBZXldGMoxc5nvxWnfNzgjp0RTAeIaN419nZJCSiPT6rXNWcWD-Ajh_0z2FC_Yd0rouHBFkzHYLd9/s1600-h/DSC02094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250901658204345714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIG04IzxFmL5pSNF5b0Md1n-oQkn8d917lXuyi0-YEpSiE3ksF2URxHynwaJ3c_3lBZXldGMoxc5nvxWnfNzgjp0RTAeIaN419nZJCSiPT6rXNWcWD-Ajh_0z2FC_Yd0rouHBFkzHYLd9/s400/DSC02094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN__PYWgDT7tGS5BYlhlljOVJ9V452DiGLzuNtVdbS9uIrPKxLYEVXBjQb0QjZ-Oz1lB6VBHxyzZVwMiaRHov2ndnuFuZJjGKxReCWIGaMKobVKWvVx-8dKIUK1qQL8wSHpbGch69aQDf/s1600-h/DSC02120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250900791711246722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN__PYWgDT7tGS5BYlhlljOVJ9V452DiGLzuNtVdbS9uIrPKxLYEVXBjQb0QjZ-Oz1lB6VBHxyzZVwMiaRHov2ndnuFuZJjGKxReCWIGaMKobVKWvVx-8dKIUK1qQL8wSHpbGch69aQDf/s400/DSC02120.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250904589736884706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODaVXYpSm3TQDYNZqMqpQBBiBI0GP_coqwVoMXTMD1eTYwuD6iC9Lx0rKnZ25UY7Uwao9T3DqbI-nOplmHMAXdxHChHWun4Pg9UZ2tLFUk3lcv041YHGvztPXcfiCrpYHsWNHC6uGCPFi/s400/DSC02078.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Praise God, you can finally walk outside without melting. Last night was blessedly cooler and with a breeze. Our guide took us to the Qingping market, the largest herbal market in China.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250902898936655618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xr6f_HwzaMGsH5bylg3LLUW2ckxLkhCO4k-NuLz1O68NHqeqVE1lJTcXM_xpltwbxuyzzktpIlCNB-LMtH9dZq37FfuhPAEmV-cJEga8lHokjNTmkmklYh_r7b8R157Ev5SrMs2JRFv7/s400/DSC02081.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Kelley said that pharmacists from all over China come to this market for their herbs to make their medicines. We saw dried seahorses, starfish, deer legs and more. There were alot of animals and even tubs full of live scorpions. Chris was thrilled with the market. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250905220348083842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8yc_mJB0D-WfYXpQi6_e-PJwf8KlHv4ECgQQ46FBXSEz6DFvLZiNnCEtiKkXvng6qoSWrNSC9VnpVf3WIpqWfLJ609vGqvdnJ54_st2HPUC-s7wFdxJqg8RDsm3S4QrZMND5iHjr4XSa/s400/DSC02088.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Then we walked into the down town area, like a Chinese Times Square. We ate at a Dim Sum restaurant. Aubrey ate a huge bowl of noodle soup. She looked like a tick ready to pop. When we got back to our room, she ate her first chocolate. She loved it! As you can see in the picture.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250903899546542898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ERgn_T-ccjY47XZcS9EAC0Q_Srt8dAXM9sjPsBhi57LMChnGTbY8hhN9wUqoehmvW1b3IghrC9Ijnf0j57favhaVITPtjuxLPnFsqIniwGVA7hPzf6xCIL59vYC_Uq9Hvcl0ZhucDKXW/s400/DSC02118.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250905701818951442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD33g5ypavVWDLXMvN0s8XboGzM-2CdEBb8LG-xx35Vr-o-FcuqAxznJpVdB7jcygVBtno-dvhHtmjtT7ENM-C_TF06NwUfWL0WLzRIFUOm3VQvitxcDDhZsKHAE01pcVQ7Y4gCf8W2sdn/s400/DSC02117.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>I think, and hope we have crossed the bridge, turned the corner with her. Today she has been pleasant and her eyes look bright. She was happy to see us all this morning. We decided to skip the tours today since we already went to pearl and jade markets in Beijing.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250894234201113458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rh6YX8TIeNHuu1UlWfBsAelwFwD0r8WsT8Y8Mbi2jeKwyJwLMTPCI4HX3lGwnGY0bnKuWBN1AHcjR7Rt8O7W_Bo1Tn5AYb52NLKDSpuRsrCpLDWJnnK1ghMCGVTl11AvpnOvpfaUEeJz/s200/DSC02082.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250894666056314754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfwc6TVfNaafLFNfuou4GzTpwy-cVEeh0abzrdkUC0R3kraQ5qkWl12CnpGO5gVNWSPqBCGDWNF_W7N9WyWm7rjett0glEvSxTmRS2JS32Fz3vbhGS1G6Ypo0ZhL2j4kHuEvKmJpIpw16/s200/DSC02105.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Tomorrow we get her visa at the consulate, Tuesday we pack! I'm so happy we are almost done here. Thanks for the kind comments, it's wonderful to have the support from home! Love you all. Kelley(sister) Happy Birthday! I have a wonderful present for you, another playmate for Emma. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250900319995866354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ71prHFfvfn5AkfMIq0cRVzTNWsN6M-c2ORJjJcCI-EGCqj_4xeTnhdq6j7erSq7mfcG0zmpd_7zjWa13doT3F7uoUW6_AbJDIxOEFtSK4i7GmEWtJamAzqjjAPC1CK_NOYdWhQGl7hdC/s400/DSC02125.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-40315521747325171262008-09-26T23:49:00.005-04:002008-09-27T00:06:29.154-04:00Four More DaysI don't think either Dave or myself thought it would be this hard. Aubrey is having a very difficult time. Imagine living in a hotel room with 2 twin beds and a crib with 4 people. All we want is to get out of the room, once outside we want back in the room because of the unbearable heat.<br /><br /><br /><br />I liken it to throwing a birthday party for ten 6 year olds. The games have all been played, the gifts opened and the cake and ice cream eaten, and there is another whole hour before the parents come back to claim their children. I have done everything I can think of to calm her and nothing helps for very long.<br /><br /><br /><br />We do have windows of time where she is engaging and alot of fun. I am just feeling tapped and drained of patience. Please send prayers for Dave and I as patience is not a talent either of us possess.<br /><br /><br /><br />We are both dreaming of our 2 boys at home, Hi Nate and Gabe, we miss you terribly. Sorry, can't get the pictures to work today.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-46839295406819740832008-09-26T23:49:00.001-04:002008-09-26T23:49:42.036-04:00Four more daysNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-6889930002987653032008-09-23T11:16:00.008-04:002008-09-23T12:40:03.608-04:00Visit to Shenzhen<div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdqQhpYR9TGsSYrY44lI4tbESI39ZvltQphCzV1wQnO5oc23OTZhXoGoMiFBCGfZiX-4NV8K_PxxN3XqRfqHRnLj80Lu9afNV41gLH1itWGEu-3_z_1nGdZq6ZzXLWf8EmDuuoW-4CkyI/s1600-h/DSC01818.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249248432617622562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdqQhpYR9TGsSYrY44lI4tbESI39ZvltQphCzV1wQnO5oc23OTZhXoGoMiFBCGfZiX-4NV8K_PxxN3XqRfqHRnLj80Lu9afNV41gLH1itWGEu-3_z_1nGdZq6ZzXLWf8EmDuuoW-4CkyI/s200/DSC01818.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Today we were lucky to visit the orphanage that Aubrey lived in for the last 3 years. It was about 2 and a half hours from Guangzhou. The typhoon was coming inward on the South China Sea so we had some rain on the way but overall the increased wind and slight drop in temperature was appreciated. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHXWIrfms0e5pKeeHZwQSdEYGnTAtgigQa5_gBFjcCkc5pVOQzPaC4yMfwMTGg_Czx8QLt9A_hxLuBmku4lDpm9GqUXQ1eRfxDJ3w1O71G_QnuegRuQA3-YXrrlxiHLCJarL_RHJGrYfd/s1600-h/DSC01820.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249256086774240498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHXWIrfms0e5pKeeHZwQSdEYGnTAtgigQa5_gBFjcCkc5pVOQzPaC4yMfwMTGg_Czx8QLt9A_hxLuBmku4lDpm9GqUXQ1eRfxDJ3w1O71G_QnuegRuQA3-YXrrlxiHLCJarL_RHJGrYfd/s200/DSC01820.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The orphanage was dreary and bleak from the outside. Once inside we found the heat unbearable. I now understand why Aubrey will not sleep with a blanket covering her. There is only 1 other family with our group. We visited their 4 year olds living quarters first. There were large rooms with row upon row of cribs with babies up to maybe 5 years old. After that age they are sent to kindergarten.</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38YlWJN0XhAAelmYvcVhw8PO2tUeFQi980OiVDpeSXgbzgV4rY1sd9737DqOaRUouTNJ4NsCZhpjPvVdMOlKG6gbTZA3lbSHPn0AET0wVJx9rp83hIPyHiFa715LTYy0jS3bzwyG1xiO2/s1600-h/DSC01851.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249250621638082434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38YlWJN0XhAAelmYvcVhw8PO2tUeFQi980OiVDpeSXgbzgV4rY1sd9737DqOaRUouTNJ4NsCZhpjPvVdMOlKG6gbTZA3lbSHPn0AET0wVJx9rp83hIPyHiFa715LTYy0jS3bzwyG1xiO2/s200/DSC01851.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Next we saw Aubrey's wing on the 4th floor. I was appalled. The conditions on her wing were grim at best. It was all I could do to keep my emotions in check to ask the caregiver questions I had written in advance. Dave was the fortunate one. Aubrey clung to him like glue as soon as we arrived in the area where she had a preschool class. As soon as we began to climb the stairs to the 4th floor she panicked. Dave took her outside to wait while Chris and I finished the tour. If you can picture the images of the Romanian orphanages years ago as shown on tv, that is what our little girl lived in for 3 years. There were children from a few months to 16-17 years old on her wing. I didn't believe her nanny about the scratches on her face when we got Aubrey, after seeing the older children in varying degrees of mental and physical capabilities it became crystal clear how it happened. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE64AxOdF29ZUu3523a2o8fAvJJgjjEbMjm1lO1UrAEaPhrCFI4GZqjFlHK1rcSaWLrkRY3bWezC98WqXjhH_vNgvX_sZ6qBahV0AU91l9GM_RiuRtmu9dIfYUchorHC3fYavP6eTYNPm/s1600-h/DSC01906.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249252173584575778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE64AxOdF29ZUu3523a2o8fAvJJgjjEbMjm1lO1UrAEaPhrCFI4GZqjFlHK1rcSaWLrkRY3bWezC98WqXjhH_vNgvX_sZ6qBahV0AU91l9GM_RiuRtmu9dIfYUchorHC3fYavP6eTYNPm/s200/DSC01906.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>The assistant director refused to allow us the memory books made by her teachers in the Half the Sky program. We were allowed to take pictures of the book, in pics of Aubrey as early as 9 months her little face is scratched up. She has quite the temper and will slap all of us if she doesn't get her way. Tonight when she was refusing to go to bed and Dave walked over to pick her up she cowered and covered her head with her arms as if he were about to strike her. We do not know what has been done to her but by her reactions and behaviors we are sure it wasn't always good. Please keep her in your prayers that she will heal with love and forget the traumas she experienced here. Dave and I both saw caregivers who loved and cared for her deeply so we know she did have some wonderful care here too. They do the best they can do. When there are 40 children and 2 nannies a lot can happen that shouldn't.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8gwm6VEz5bVZinGVVUNenV4bPkJtsp8fmRk4AQrvrikeaTXCgnHXuIhn5El_k0q-F8yKxcI_1itC4RIb3t-frnUXFds8GbushMNekOCATI2wWb6rLo5xWPdSsTP_AvVgGzXYCY0L6djE/s1600-h/DSC01821.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249254406649940562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="131" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8gwm6VEz5bVZinGVVUNenV4bPkJtsp8fmRk4AQrvrikeaTXCgnHXuIhn5El_k0q-F8yKxcI_1itC4RIb3t-frnUXFds8GbushMNekOCATI2wWb6rLo5xWPdSsTP_AvVgGzXYCY0L6djE/s200/DSC01821.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Altough smelling strongly of urine and being way to hot, the childrens indoor play areas were cheery. Dave and I were both impressed that all the classrooms had pianos in them. Pictured above is the actual crib Aubrey slept in. </div><br /><div><br /><br /> </div><div>On Monday I took Aubrey to her medical examination. She is running a temperature, and the docs found a heart murmur that was not previously documented. Thank God I have brought Motrin and antibiotics from home.</div><div><br /> </div><br /><div>Tonight Miss Aubrey was feeling better. I think the trip to the orphanage helped her to be okay with us. She definitely did not want to stay there! She is Daddies girl for now, not wanting much to do with Chris or me. As long as she is attaching to one of us I am thrilled. Each day seems to get a tiny tiny bit easier. I never thought it possible to find a child more stubborn that Nate, but we managed to do just that. When I told Nate "She's more persistent than you", he just laughed.</div><div><br /> </div><br /><div>For all the naysayers, Chris has done us proud, he has eaten: crayfish, herring ( whole, with head and eggs inside), dragonfruit, dried seaweed, fried pumpkin, chicken satay, possibly duck or pigeon(I know that it was not chicken!), and the list grows daily. He has only used the peanut butter 2 times on this trip so far!</div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-56186349376889284772008-09-21T04:45:00.014-04:002008-09-21T05:57:30.086-04:00Mandarin Lessons<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WX-Iv48wKvKVYmeYCvYfyihBbzmh4_FddbgsIZug-kzHCKN9zeRSrcFRUQwbYMDgd_rHxG5JRxan0aS9ftKY3gOCW6sGEnIK-C8RYrJFxWRmn_k7t05mWFfgaxa1VpdKEsy9PDNGHebb/s1600-h/IMGA0457.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248406302960793154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WX-Iv48wKvKVYmeYCvYfyihBbzmh4_FddbgsIZug-kzHCKN9zeRSrcFRUQwbYMDgd_rHxG5JRxan0aS9ftKY3gOCW6sGEnIK-C8RYrJFxWRmn_k7t05mWFfgaxa1VpdKEsy9PDNGHebb/s400/IMGA0457.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Trying to learn Chinese on the fly. Should have done the Rosetta Stone program. Anyway, we are slowly finding ways to communicate. I was previously told that my daughter was going to have me wrapped around her little pinky. Guess what. That is exactly what has happened. When she has hold of something, she will not let it go. She can only point with her pinky finger for what she wants. Baba (me) is her servant. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248403159325188162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLWEGjI1685HsnPGlE9KG9STXHHJ89Tr8wR1vbST0SIsv9GsKAoZKH4uyUdVj-EysyuKCmGeU_kbCcq4koJ-bVsh3kI5XU3E9ij1ZwcpCbIK2A6LH7R6SBR1PFANRcrvssmS8xZ11xmeK/s400/DSC01757.JPG" border="0" /> She loves bacon, tomatoes, eggs, and congee (still not sure what that stuff is - rice gruel?) She has a temper! And she hates bath time!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248396662825488322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmzz6fBOC4FY87j653cSb7u6pFACyBQWoFxWiN39ICxr8r1Efi4j1lkJUM1r6CjW40-rz1Hze_7yjkiei09CA34qsiqQa_0Dymgi9XunkyeeQyoBuA3qkp6tx94Azbi_D28Kbxbs04Vl6/s400/DSC01614.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248397399119242802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRpH9HZXocyj0JkgbK3qtgZb6XaV-iG7MEy1AH46dMgQyorsBUKrm4-lAuY-W0adsCj1dDWuKiOv4Dte7HSHbakGDj2RS_OLClPYdkyxOVWpcMsuWxu8dDB7ha3YUURogTjSxV4QIDwrf/s400/DSC01618.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>We are definitely bonding very well. She is mostly smiles today. Especially when hitting Baba upside the head with a ball!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248407358439639522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q6umygcPmZ1n8HKY2RBz4UhEqgodA1n4MTo8AbYOd-yoREfkMazFQCNWpqV4RxMJXObHah2EihFutnLJeXyjwncqxZulfgsn8ZU8ilCLA0YagYg0it6fRxan_5h2mfCBw-lvR0K4dpGT/s400/IMGA0461.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div>Hot is not a good word for the weather. Take the humidity from FL and put it in AZ then turn up the temp. Uhhgg! We did get to visit a temple and were allowed to take a few pics.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248398399428734642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKswBSg4tohlvmImTmIvK10CDmlrQrjIHw7BIff5XLZIX156r1l_VXksz_ih4wbgpQ-EZxhmkF_aMTKCfIKc4YGyPTtR8dKgqz51MVL57Kx3FIxzyvaW4G-oeIun50jvU3TWZJiQlbiop/s400/DSC01685.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248398892566920034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX3JSX_9TlcwPdvq7aqgGrEKFE6etCmXP8Dyc9gLYwVd_HF6VJZjY2AQ91SJjtAl2goLCj1-PZC5WMxXK_onwksJByDnEO1_65iFBJ2gnY9LuT7qFH4H7TBCBBfnPnu6JnpwFvWNsS_ux/s400/DSC01673.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248399395569791890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ToQR7tvo0F9fcQq6Vptmy1rK03OUsOos5ycGeJTtTzNQoYByOiOmIlIUC_ZI4vflTYGSbu6Gp0NsSi5BtlEs6CMfbqo_MtboetlymM4w87rwx_nKM23jcC1gNwYWF1aT6CW2uc-5b9W8/s400/DSC01693.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-58751706633549966482008-09-18T07:07:00.004-04:002008-09-19T06:06:35.048-04:00Table for Six Please<div>It's final. We are now a family of 6. In Chinese tradition, the number 6 means "smooth and easy." The only thing smooth yesterday was the floor in the room where she was handed over to us. It was a cold, isolating place in which Aubrey was terrified.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247664294669538882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnRJ8h0Vni7rgowLsBxxnIAxvFJexNAV1i0qDL9letqn1kUuG4zPRPJ-dpG6X6qT3zGV66lvoZjPK7WyUzldNIzNyzPJvaNeJWymgRjwugPHTTZGdz1QpEoHdHKecnpek4fEy7wI6eRgQ/s400/DSC01461.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />She cried for 3 hours straight, which we were hoping for. This was a great sign that she was able to form attachments and be able to form more in her future. It was very surreal. It was nothing as I would have imagined. Right now she is a mama's girl. At rare moments, Aubrey will let baba (me) hold her until mama gets her shoes on. Then it's back to mama. That's ok. She will get used to me eventually. She is starting to smile a little today. Last night, she laughed after she burped. I guess she will fit in perfectly with three boys.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247667022244512834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrSTY5LmOPlTU4Zct7YLhNXcR0IHhLOD45HN0HJ_F_g4md5khRU30kKQCIU5xBrsn1Lna6Qg49DRC-kWGvK9xkNnlhqwSYUK9YcpUqOxVpmJl2sn_7IpdlFCVVg6KC5O-SlQqkLFrZLQ4/s400/DSC01505.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>Thank you all for such supportive and thoughtful comments. They have meant alot!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247667876423608338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrpvbGpUQVtqTXGSphHVzoGLerFTG0lNZlk11tIsFLilnQjL_ZYUVR-z0HibCkhCSeDuGmaTcgA1rj55l6UDR1Mr2EZ4t_hjCMqekuBkA3b3fVcIKdBwpp-9M4JJRF2TU0ZT6nCdN1ebC/s400/DSC01509.JPG" border="0" /></p>I tried to add a few extra pics for you to enjoy. Tomorrow I will try some video.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247668588219491986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0tfb1EkEGxGXNnexVU1okhFtKcs8raFlP8ScKPgKhDzKShjJBKPhfnz5myQKKhmt9iai2Ev2qrmyBniU6gterqDCTD-eTBix9xIqOB9J43cuRDdX-2b7MOROBFHRypnYxtAoPlW2zDVV/s400/DSC01515.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247670666067028578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwVpq3-DOQXEKcKoF6qxRqH49x3YY4tbexUGdHpValuira83yo1vkURvcXcCT33z2qypM0mRCEMlAs4-FQQbg1HvzsSQZG2OmAAgiak_JDGZ8UuQ5P_mzgqCZrupNO0phhF_CTuF8VH0a/s400/DSC01521.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247669168098449506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ItnuE8B8BNgHeDiJ3CGnv5aBl0uIsRRp6RL3CWycNtT73apvI8bdmMrZ6vbSS4h2wWDf1cY-GO84LXBHZe9KRkf-HyF7zzgAPlPgI7d3XDPe18FLsVmMBTlKp3SzErerIXjaZGwWbTa1/s400/DSC01551.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247669585868234066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnRyc53cgM3q6rokvwvUGn80Oy2tle5l4OqGy1KmgVWz6JncCDMzT7X9pViwZbLbcVV2hCleh0m2ftYruUSqhAjkl-9cjSsC26MfwsdE8EAn56boJ20xlQM-V2npMZFAAlc2upq3-hLOq/s400/DSC01533.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247669885763888482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTouNc8uq47EAHIBKtM59ODOL41P355A3WQf9uywwQx07iEgJ-Cx9VCAbv6ZqcIW4R9poesES9cTR6rHwj3mZwRn-lAIkr2-DkHRkETZe9ok7ktLoVLZ2kXtkR6cxrp0ix2U17o410i4G/s400/DSC01506.JPG" border="0" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-25857763433144424752008-09-18T07:07:00.002-04:002008-09-18T07:15:11.075-04:00Welcome To Family Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dbqFwkOv8ZG_ZQ1tOuexxZG-5gWz7Od-Aa8InttE7f_5ceFOUi5z1-SneS_KR9F01JxedUywIScJEnFJLQAIpAF_bTIp0Mt_dvUGum_vPQ0qLhv9Go0IihoG0CQ9Q1WK5VVurzzFp_TL/s1600-h/DSC01480.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247318087578818754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dbqFwkOv8ZG_ZQ1tOuexxZG-5gWz7Od-Aa8InttE7f_5ceFOUi5z1-SneS_KR9F01JxedUywIScJEnFJLQAIpAF_bTIp0Mt_dvUGum_vPQ0qLhv9Go0IihoG0CQ9Q1WK5VVurzzFp_TL/s400/DSC01480.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3yFLkRfRrrkfoRAIrCTbLs-4LYYbb4Rh6W49xu4M53mahRbQLklD-GPR6ev-hTuEfbOw4SjQQ0cqDjrdK4cEamTbrrki43w-IfZq1a9EyaDoIUpn6XeNKKHgyd4dwdzrFxiuhbl2njzE/s1600-h/DSC01487.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247318092414862514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3yFLkRfRrrkfoRAIrCTbLs-4LYYbb4Rh6W49xu4M53mahRbQLklD-GPR6ev-hTuEfbOw4SjQQ0cqDjrdK4cEamTbrrki43w-IfZq1a9EyaDoIUpn6XeNKKHgyd4dwdzrFxiuhbl2njzE/s400/DSC01487.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Aubrey Jian Hua Haghiri<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZJaMQVanF2Vfolt5Bz1BBsZAjpj7nxzlrfjWB-W4LW8gJD7SaHDR82FwaNuHDhTMwiGRucqFCOSXFr590dEGgDfGIHRNdOttnggCsk-HhDFC9Y1ONVQVfQBCKDtPSNkVcvPsj3wyB4cZ/s1600-h/DSC01497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247318093916801762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZJaMQVanF2Vfolt5Bz1BBsZAjpj7nxzlrfjWB-W4LW8gJD7SaHDR82FwaNuHDhTMwiGRucqFCOSXFr590dEGgDfGIHRNdOttnggCsk-HhDFC9Y1ONVQVfQBCKDtPSNkVcvPsj3wyB4cZ/s400/DSC01497.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>No time to write. Here she is. A real Doll!!</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-91229310695986949622008-09-17T06:32:00.006-04:002008-09-17T08:49:50.982-04:00FROM THE GREAT WALL TO GUANGZHOU<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246970591661263682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_shJO4Bg_Vn6vSvREm_0WwLWuVMcJnQcQKqjTPBh45Yd16vjO3hSIWLLqZnyzCAL5x5zUUwc32-b62Ut0_UAzNtCS9SBDIvnsRkYHM5yTZFZVGrC_825DyETkksEIindMISFYnwe5SLK/s200/DSC01314.JPG" width="420" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa10Bu1okBRPyklg87iW7LKL7Vah27tBfO10kfguV1ga7NEEgwmv35JG0zsVTiXBWE8Rw30TZuHt_F9pwRxqYAfOtbpBfcic4vDYt0SiH5-WQPoA8JsGWANwkp2MAtUI_TbBoHCvubpHl/s1600-h/DSC01297.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246970068593221874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa10Bu1okBRPyklg87iW7LKL7Vah27tBfO10kfguV1ga7NEEgwmv35JG0zsVTiXBWE8Rw30TZuHt_F9pwRxqYAfOtbpBfcic4vDYt0SiH5-WQPoA8JsGWANwkp2MAtUI_TbBoHCvubpHl/s200/DSC01297.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Wow! What more can I say. We visited the Ming tombs early Tue morning. I was impressed by the size, however Mongol troops had destroyed much of the tombs and taken away what treasure was there. The Chinese government replicated the tombs for tourism, some domestic travelers were very revering in the presence of the faux Emperors tombs, Chris was astonished at the money thrown around the relics.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The biggest and most exciting part of our trip so far, the imposing Great Wall! We spent over an hour to walk a short way. The Wall curves and bends around the mountain ranges and the inclines are at times 45 degrees. We were panting along with the other climbers. We saw a lot of Paraolympians climbing as well. We just kept repeating "I can't believe we are on the Great Wall!" We also were amazed that it was all made without the help of modern machinery, we marveled at the thought that mere men carried each and every brick for placement. Our guide, Joy, said that in China, the Great Wall is also known as China's biggest cemetery.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>As I write this we are now in Guangzhou. Thoughts of the Great Wall have now been replaced with the thoughts of Aubrey. In less than 24 hours we will meet our daughter. I have everything unpacked in our very small hotel room, dresses, bubble bath, blankets, and a baby doll. The temperatures are even hotter than I imagined. Our new guide, Kelley, says that there are 2 seasons in Guangzhou, hot and hotter. We are definitely in hotter! Chris even complained that the air outside is too stuffy. The hotel upgraded us to a room on the Pearl River. We are enjoying the views from our air conditioned room. ( For those of you who know me well, you know it has to be pretty darn hot for me to complain!)</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Last Big Sign</strong></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Less than 3 weeks before leaving for China I received a letter from the USCIS, stating that our 2 page addendum for a special needs child was inadequate. We were informed to complete our 4th home study in 2 years time. We pled with the USCIS that there was not enough time to finish a home study before leaving by email, we received no response. Having no control over the situation, I decided to ask the for help from another mother. I said in a short prayer to the Blessed Mary, " You know this is such a tangled mess, I can't sort it out. Please fix this for me, you know this child needs a home." </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>That night when I went to work, it was the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics. My patient wanted to watch the extravaganza instead of getting hooked up for her test. I was becoming annoyed with her very rapidly. During her hookup she told me she had adopted both of her children in the fifties. She explained about closed adoptions and the effects on her now grown children. I told her of our plans to adopt and she immediately changed her attitude toward me. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>When it was time for lights out this patient asked me what I planned to name my little girl. I told her about the song and the book, and how we decided to adopt because of a character named Aubrey. She told me I just caused her to have goose bumps. She just finished reading a book that week, in it the little girls name was Aubrey. I asked her if the book was by Nora Roberts, and it was indeed the same book that I had read 10 years prior. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I found out next that this same patient was not scheduled for a test that night. Someone had cancelled and she was called in at the last minute! I told her before I turned the lights out that she was my sign. I have no worries about the paperwork now. All of those coincidences were worked out in the few hours I slept before work. We are absolutely in good hands. </div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-87187529710138179762008-09-15T19:08:00.004-04:002008-09-15T19:23:14.599-04:00Digging China<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNkI8fWzgKNel0rGVFn0JpWGGZHFA0ljP5Srt5XqqlxCkxN7E7Sujrf5ELLl37Bsf_mLmCHd9isbu1mSaWanG1u2yv3JQCjEXbpiaHMl3ykol0cHsZ6Roddctf-f1q11DITvuKf3KHJiw/s1600-h/093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246391537441344770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNkI8fWzgKNel0rGVFn0JpWGGZHFA0ljP5Srt5XqqlxCkxN7E7Sujrf5ELLl37Bsf_mLmCHd9isbu1mSaWanG1u2yv3JQCjEXbpiaHMl3ykol0cHsZ6Roddctf-f1q11DITvuKf3KHJiw/s200/093.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ez__YD_j3d3cyD5lsPGwba-Z6rLcE60WxHhtkSJpDS1RGQ_DYMg3nnjVSxy0KLtnpVcHTJYGqlXMf4MfO_i0X5nSodmA6Pxkr3Glc_tQSa2EfxzMrIqt97_qas3ZdbWz3Ee6afFWfcZl/s1600-h/DSC01120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246391056124829234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ez__YD_j3d3cyD5lsPGwba-Z6rLcE60WxHhtkSJpDS1RGQ_DYMg3nnjVSxy0KLtnpVcHTJYGqlXMf4MfO_i0X5nSodmA6Pxkr3Glc_tQSa2EfxzMrIqt97_qas3ZdbWz3Ee6afFWfcZl/s200/DSC01120.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>As Chris said, “I can’t believe I’m in China. I feel like I’m in a dream.” Our 24 hours of travel by car and plane have brought us safely to Beijing. Backlash from Ike made for a turbulent few hours outside of Detroit but we managed to fly north of the jet stream. The plane food was surprisingly “good.” At least Dave and I thought so. Chris, on the other hand, actually ate BBQ’d beef and later an omlette WITH CHEESE. When asked what he thought of breakfast, he said, “ I’m ambivalent.” Good thing we are toting a jar of peanut butter.<br />We were met last night by our guide, Joy and by thunderstorms. Joy said that we have come to Beijing at the best possible time of the year. She said the autumn is known here as the Golden Time. She has lined up the city tour for today. After a quick breakfast we will see the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace. We are all very anxious to begin the trip.<br /><br />Next Signs<br />We have talked many times to our neighbors directly to the left of our house, Sue and Craig Chang. I was under the false idea that they were from Korea. Of course now it seems obvious that Chang is not a Korean name, but you can imagine my surprise when Sue told me her native tongue is Chinese. She and her husband emigrated here from Taiwan. Sue offered her assistance in translation when we return providing that Aubrey speaks Mandarin and not Cantonese. How could that have been planned any better?<br />A few weeks before leaving, Gabe was playing with his friend Greg. Greg had forgotten to let his mother know where he was going. She walked down the street to find him at our house. She and I became engaged in conversation that led to talk of the adoption. Her husband was at that time in China, not far from where we would be going. When he arrived back in the states he had a wealth of information and ideas to make our trip easier. He brought us a phone and headphones enabling us to keep in contact with our boys while we are here. Our endless thanks to Bob and Camille for that.<br />Who knew, after living here for 6 years, these same neighbors would be just who and where we needed them. I think we can all figure it out by now, God knew.</div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-42256837682933490952008-09-11T10:05:00.004-04:002008-09-11T11:11:34.361-04:00The Long Wait<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iD92ZldDZ5xhgoUvTINA7QyqUm2QcZgCqxReXsxKBFhLLIAB8bsq_UBNuIxE7ERqnL6Gtdi2QqYiM67OiUFsw3x_tAxlyN6ZqqJl1OoHE7ikgLH9kShFFj_tQDUkNoa6f22JpJBG3ZLX/s1600-h/jianhua1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244781533607075298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iD92ZldDZ5xhgoUvTINA7QyqUm2QcZgCqxReXsxKBFhLLIAB8bsq_UBNuIxE7ERqnL6Gtdi2QqYiM67OiUFsw3x_tAxlyN6ZqqJl1OoHE7ikgLH9kShFFj_tQDUkNoa6f22JpJBG3ZLX/s200/jianhua1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Fourth Sign</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After China received our dossier, the paperchase was finished. We were now part of the referral stage. The wait had been lengthing each month. When we sent in our first application, the wait times were 10 - 11 months for referral. (Referral, means you have been matched with a child.) Our dossier sat in a pile with all the other new dossiers waiting to be logged in to the CCAA's system. Our official log in date was Feb 5, 2007. While I write this, the CCAA has only matched dossiers logged in up till Feb. 2, <strong>2006</strong>. They are 2 and a half years behind currently, and the wait continues to grow.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In April 2008, all of our documents required by the US Citizens and Immigrations, expired. We had to update our home study and get refingerprinted. We sent our updates to the USCIS in early May. A few days later I had coffee with Julia. She strongly advised Dave and I to apply for the special needs "Waiting Children". With no end to the defeating wait, we looked into the different categories of special needs. After gathering all the information possible, we completed the seemingly endless application for GWCA's Waiting Child on May 7. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dave and I went on with life thinking we would not hear anything for a long while. Mon. May 19, my cell phone rang. Stephanie from GWCA wanted to tell me about a little girl almost 3 years old, named JianHua, whom she thought would be a good match for us. Stephanie had pulled and locked this girl's file from CCAA's shared list. She explained we had 48 hours to decide. Dave was in Tennessee for all but 12 hours of that time. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It was overwhelming, reading a paper file, looking at a few pictures, talking to Dave over the phone. I made an appointment with my Doctor to discuss JianHua's medical issues. After talking to him and several other people Dave and I continued to be hesitant. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our middle son Christopher looked at the picture of JianHua and emotionally asked "How can you say no to her when she has already been abandoned once?" Indeed! It occurred to me that JianHua's file, for what ever reason had not been released until Dave and I were willing to open our hearts to the possibility. Less than 2 weeks transpired between our change in plans and the life altering phone call from Stephanie. Could it be that God was waiting all this time too? Patiently waiting for us to be ready to accept the blessing he created for us.</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-40343335093693744982008-09-10T17:25:00.002-04:002008-09-10T17:33:37.815-04:00We just received our updated itinerary for Guangzhou, you can look forward to seeing pictures from the following places and events<br /><br />9-18 Meeting Aubrey<br />9-19 Adoption registration and paperwork<br />9-20 Visit Shenzhen and Aubrey's orphanage, interviews with her caretakers<br />9-21 Sightseeing to Chen family Temple<br />9-22 Sightseeing tour to Six Banyan Trees<br />9-23 Sightseeing tour to Yun Tai Garden<br />9-24 Sightseeing to Zhong Shan Memorial Hall<br />9-25 through 9-27 paperwork appointments and medical exams<br />9-28 Tour to Zoo<br />9-29 Free time<br />9-30 American Consulate, finalize adoption, get Aubrey's visa for USA<br />10-1 HOMENikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-88115936384878274102008-09-10T16:20:00.002-04:002008-09-10T17:17:45.132-04:00The Three Masters<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244490542066077298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="223" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpQhyphenhyphentMfJjlQforbgL3JSA7NKLwPD0fmfDoncXiYFCI6xtERnv-pDR1-egWoEdxb-TaVknPp5121rOkqHSv0RT2k_whtdVXU1nY1C5p2prn9UVhybsNAVl8OxnbLgalZfYpWsfIi-OT1s/s200/vinegar20tasters.jpg" width="243" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Depicted in one of my favorite artworks " The Vinegar Tasters", are China's Three Masters. Surprisingly, all three men were living at the same time around 500 BC. Confucius, Buddha, and Lao <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tzu</span> each contributed threads of their beliefs that have been woven together forming the tapestry of Chinese religion.</div><br /><div>Confucius thought life was sour and that mankind was not in harmony with Heaven. He taught morality and responsibility in life, to find balance in the universe. An excerpt from "The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Analets</span> of Confucius" dated c400 BC states: <em>Do not do unto others, what you would not want others to do to you.</em></div><br /><div>Buddha finds life to bitter and full of suffering. During his search for enlightenment Buddha found the path to Nirvana. He found human suffering could end if people stopped wanting. Many devout Buddhist believe to find peace, you must transcend the "dust of the world"</div><div>A proverb of Buddha found in an ancient text dated 100 BC states: <em>Hatreds never cease in this world, by love alone they cease.</em></div><br /><div>Lao <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tzu</span> taught through his writing in the "Tao Te <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ching</span>". He believed that harmony between heaven and earth has always existed from the very beginning. He felt you could find happiness by changing the way you look at things. As stated in the Tao: <em>Earth is a reflection of heaven, run by the same laws - not by the laws of men. The more man <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">interfers</span> with the balance of nature, the further harmony retreats into the distance.</em></div><br /><br />Dave and I have been becoming increasingly anxious with these last few days to go. I have found some comfort in the sage words above and those that follow:<br /><br /> <em>God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Be empty of worrying.</em><br /><em>Think of who created thought! </em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><br /><em></em>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-72329276295699330192008-09-09T12:20:00.000-04:002008-09-09T13:52:59.772-04:00Oh The Places We'll Go<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPtlGGJQ9xoSP0khqPO9eI3o38kCLRG3Q2UdWCqVvurkBsueJVIRaOz5QRMdv46229fvMyLP4Y3znAUBGXyPUyziY8mzf05BDDdeAQEscW7_Q-Q3c_DxFKQCRIY9LDdTEnFPFLUQ3cj82/s1600-h/china+map.bmp"></a> </div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPtlGGJQ9xoSP0khqPO9eI3o38kCLRG3Q2UdWCqVvurkBsueJVIRaOz5QRMdv46229fvMyLP4Y3znAUBGXyPUyziY8mzf05BDDdeAQEscW7_Q-Q3c_DxFKQCRIY9LDdTEnFPFLUQ3cj82/s1600-h/china+map.bmp"></a> </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPtlGGJQ9xoSP0khqPO9eI3o38kCLRG3Q2UdWCqVvurkBsueJVIRaOz5QRMdv46229fvMyLP4Y3znAUBGXyPUyziY8mzf05BDDdeAQEscW7_Q-Q3c_DxFKQCRIY9LDdTEnFPFLUQ3cj82/s1600-h/china+map.bmp"></a> </div><div><div> </div><div>The more I try to learn about China, the more I realize I know nothing. The enormity of information is staggering, so I'll just leave my cliff notes.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPtlGGJQ9xoSP0khqPO9eI3o38kCLRG3Q2UdWCqVvurkBsueJVIRaOz5QRMdv46229fvMyLP4Y3znAUBGXyPUyziY8mzf05BDDdeAQEscW7_Q-Q3c_DxFKQCRIY9LDdTEnFPFLUQ3cj82/s1600-h/china+map.bmp"></a> </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPtlGGJQ9xoSP0khqPO9eI3o38kCLRG3Q2UdWCqVvurkBsueJVIRaOz5QRMdv46229fvMyLP4Y3znAUBGXyPUyziY8mzf05BDDdeAQEscW7_Q-Q3c_DxFKQCRIY9LDdTEnFPFLUQ3cj82/s1600-h/china+map.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244058131727641682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px" height="272" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPtlGGJQ9xoSP0khqPO9eI3o38kCLRG3Q2UdWCqVvurkBsueJVIRaOz5QRMdv46229fvMyLP4Y3znAUBGXyPUyziY8mzf05BDDdeAQEscW7_Q-Q3c_DxFKQCRIY9LDdTEnFPFLUQ3cj82/s320/china+map.bmp" width="410" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>China has the worlds oldest people and the longest continuous civilization. It is the third largest country in terms of area, and is the <div>largest in population, at over 1.2 billion people.</div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Some of China's inventions known around the world are: paper, compass, gunpowder, and written language (a little know fact-China also is host to the only ever recorded written language used solely by and for women). They also lay claim in history to windmills, the telescope, the calender, the animal zodiac, fermented beverages, noodles, pottery, silk, coffins, maps, toothbrushes, fireworks, kites, playing cards, golf and umbrellas. I just had to include this as well, the Chinese are the first documented people to use both the blast furnace and cupola furnace, develop metallurgy and steel production, and to use co-fusion in the creation of sword blades.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5h5UpIKgTWGCwteGSeKf1ZzsxSOorlxFfHjldtEemdNJWbzW803RfLaXUEkvqRTIH5VKgQmjWOEyxtvp_whZOq6nz4mqMkAdEaiI8jZ2cFcov_-JWs48QRxvmRxgFiOn1GffVyweRKqI/s1600-h/temple+of+heaven.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244067797839784322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5h5UpIKgTWGCwteGSeKf1ZzsxSOorlxFfHjldtEemdNJWbzW803RfLaXUEkvqRTIH5VKgQmjWOEyxtvp_whZOq6nz4mqMkAdEaiI8jZ2cFcov_-JWs48QRxvmRxgFiOn1GffVyweRKqI/s200/temple+of+heaven.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We will travel to Beijing first, which was formerly known as Peking. The Peking man fossil found here dates back 250,000 years ago. The Forbidden City was built during the Ming Dynasty. Construction began in 1406, along with that of the Temple of Heaven (shown opposite). Tiananmen Square was made in 1651. Wow, and to think the government of U.S.A. has existed for just over 200 years.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyoA5BfPKAUwLNz__awyaumPV3n3T4fbL8xtdALeIqZaOkmZ0ty5Bc6_qiDwUuSIu63gLlvnciSi8WDMx539vps4XR4cvRJ1u-T2LFmT_TNLHDZZqklWLG2vPjDIbHTPtyIYChh7qHmb_/s1600-h/white+swan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244066713480621746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="128" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyoA5BfPKAUwLNz__awyaumPV3n3T4fbL8xtdALeIqZaOkmZ0ty5Bc6_qiDwUuSIu63gLlvnciSi8WDMx539vps4XR4cvRJ1u-T2LFmT_TNLHDZZqklWLG2vPjDIbHTPtyIYChh7qHmb_/s200/white+swan.jpg" width="127" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Next is a flight straight down to Guangzhou. Guangzhou is the third largest city in China, behind Shanghai and Beijing. It is also well known by the English name Canton. History dates civilization in the area of Guangzhou back to 214BC. Guangzhou is a port city on the Pearl River which is navigable to the South China Sea. The average temperature in Guangzhou during September is 87-92 degrees. The picture shows the White Swan Hotel where we will be staying for most of our trip.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EBt49PhUCUnHaTPBzabq7bpFpa5Diu-QRqnUle8wFYKeoPZZK8AarWoiHXpdHY0Em0F598WpRW0-Ek9BSaJuCxunSFXqZ3C0nN7nbQhQN6peZCPcTyNTQg9oFlHNAjqcGSwML7LDShEe/s1600-h/shenzhen+scenery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244071271695252754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EBt49PhUCUnHaTPBzabq7bpFpa5Diu-QRqnUle8wFYKeoPZZK8AarWoiHXpdHY0Em0F598WpRW0-Ek9BSaJuCxunSFXqZ3C0nN7nbQhQN6peZCPcTyNTQg9oFlHNAjqcGSwML7LDShEe/s200/shenzhen+scenery.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Aubrey lives in Shenzhen. This onetime hilly fishing village is now a bustling city boasting China's busiest transportation system. It is located directly north of Hong Kong on the Tropic of Cancer. The average temperatures for Shenzhen in September is 88 degrees. Being on the South China Sea, Shenzhen is occasionally subjected to typhoons in late summer and autumn. I found it interesting that 20% of China's PhD's dwell in Shenzhen. The rest of the population is primarily migrant workers with little education. It is probably a safe bet that Aubrey's birth parents were part of the migrant work force looking to give her a better quality life than they could provide.</div><div> </div><div>As stated before we are arriving in Beijing on the September 14, this years Autumn Moon Festival in China. During this research I found that we are leaving on China's National Day, October 1. This would be comparable to our Fourth of July. It so conveniently ties in with all the concurrent events thus far. I'm seeing another old cement mile marker, only a few miles are left.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong>Third Sign</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><em>What is the most incomparable, special</em>, joyous, <em>magical</em> <em>day of the year? </em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>After switching to GWCA, I dug my feet in and began collecting all the documents necessary for a complete dossier. It took me 4 months to get everything. Birth certificates and our marriage license were originated in Ohio had to be authenticated in New York City. Everything from Indiana had to be authenticated in Chicago. There were frequently long waits before we could move on to the next part of the paper chase. Finally, in November we received approval from the United States Citizens and Immigration Services to adopt an orphan from China. </em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>I sent the now completed dossier to GWCA. I was contacted and told our paperwork was being sent to China in the bundle leaving Dec. 17, 2006. Eight days later we were emailed that the CCAA accepted our dossier on December 25, 2006. Christmas day the most incomparable, special, joyous and magical day of the year!</em></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-27982379026173717782008-09-08T08:10:00.000-04:002008-09-08T09:17:07.314-04:00Bai Jai Bei<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD866N-j3kureeA0ZcnsLEOpuGl_EWFpfzXXsaP0Iprt-bXweY7mlKhlH1stuxS1Ay2JI92Yt2zyH7X_mJG_CuaWj63gI-DEkeZofimzYhbQBV-8GQdEQB6BERxDoO7lbCdHji3t0X4S0x/s1600-h/Img1044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243622592967205042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px" height="320" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD866N-j3kureeA0ZcnsLEOpuGl_EWFpfzXXsaP0Iprt-bXweY7mlKhlH1stuxS1Ay2JI92Yt2zyH7X_mJG_CuaWj63gI-DEkeZofimzYhbQBV-8GQdEQB6BERxDoO7lbCdHji3t0X4S0x/s320/Img1044.JPG" width="188" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To welcome and bless new life there is a tradition in Northern China called the Bai Jai Bei or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. The practice asks friends and family to send two pieces of fabric, any color or pattern that is meaningful to that person. One square is used for placement in a quilt to warm and protect the new baby. A smaller piece is kept with a wish or blessing for the child's life. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD866N-j3kureeA0ZcnsLEOpuGl_EWFpfzXXsaP0Iprt-bXweY7mlKhlH1stuxS1Ay2JI92Yt2zyH7X_mJG_CuaWj63gI-DEkeZofimzYhbQBV-8GQdEQB6BERxDoO7lbCdHji3t0X4S0x/s1600-h/Img1044.JPG"></a><br />I am very blessed and thankful to have received so many beautiful and unique pieces of fabric and truly heartfelt wishes during the making of Aubrey's quilt. Thanks to all of you who were able to contribute. The quilt turned out beautifully despite my not having ventured into Singer territory since grade school Four-H! I don't think I could have managed without Mom's help getting me started. Aubrey's Bai Jai Bei is bright and cheerful, at the ready to warm her for years to come, and infuse her with all of your loving wishes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Second Sign</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><em>When discussing adoption, Dave and I never considered any other country than China. We both felt strongly that we could really help the life of one child, and since the goal was a little girl, China was the obvious choice. The next step would be to find an adoption agency. Having no experience in this area, Dave and I decided to use an agency out of Chicago. Friends had successfully used this agency twice so it seemed like a good bet. I filled out the application and sent it in.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>I don't remember staff from the adoption agency contacting me personally, what I remember was receiving a packet in the mail with written instructions for compiling a dossier. I was lost. There were so many steps and different required pieces of information. It was overwhelming. The easiest task on the list was to contact a social worker and begin the home study process.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>It would be several weeks before our social worker, Fran, could come by to see our house and meet myself, Dave and the boys. In the meantime I decided to tackle the background checks. Off to the Mishawaka Police Station. I presented the clerk with my form letter that needed completing. While waiting for the computer check to verify that I had no criminal behavior, I noticed a small clipping taped to the wall opposite the clerks window. On the scrap was typed a message I felt was placed there just for me. A Chinese Proverb.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Our social worker arrived at the appointed time. She looked through our home, interviewed the boys individually, along with Dave and myself. She even commented positively on our dog, Daisy. Seemed as if the home study would pass with flying colors. When Fran asked to look over the papers we had collected so far she frowned when she saw the adoption agency's name. Fran went on to explain that the dossier process, also known as the paper chase, can be daunting. She told us it would be easier to get through with help. Fran then asked us to consider meeting a friend of hers. Julia.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Dave and I went to an informal gathering at the downtown South Bend Library to meet Julia and hear about Great Wall China Adoption agency (GWCA). We were skeptical at the least to change agencies,but to date we had only paid an application fee. I felt if we were going to make a switch, now would be the time. However, there needed to be some kind of connection other than just Fran's recommendation. Julia was joyful and energetic</em>, <em>her positive attitude was contagious. When she handed me a folder with info about the programs offered at GWCA I was drawn to her business card tucked in the corner. There, typed on Julia's card was the same quote from the police station. The Chinese Proverb.</em><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span> There is an invisible red thread </div><div align="center"> that connects those who are destined to meet</div><div align="center"> regardless of time, place or circumstance. </div><div align="center"> Although the thread may stretch or tangle,</div><div align="center"> <span style="color:#ff0000;">~~~</span> it will never break. <span style="color:#ff0000;">~~~</span></div><br /><em></em>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-621557221143900243.post-80867987285787537372008-09-07T13:28:00.000-04:002008-09-07T15:13:57.591-04:00Our China Doll<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsavEF2zvTq2zgLJdbu08928svtKhLM59v5W4Ns3tg-e1WZp2n0YpuEJrzDssuRZhVxDvFvAHh6XnpncK4kZDJ0XKAKvQDFGqaqil5wMl-liegfwT9s-HLU2VnyeQiNofxb1A92dFdFZD_/s1600-h/aubrey.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243359254445897394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsavEF2zvTq2zgLJdbu08928svtKhLM59v5W4Ns3tg-e1WZp2n0YpuEJrzDssuRZhVxDvFvAHh6XnpncK4kZDJ0XKAKvQDFGqaqil5wMl-liegfwT9s-HLU2VnyeQiNofxb1A92dFdFZD_/s320/aubrey.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Welcome to " Our China Doll" Journal</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After more than 2 years of paperwork, stress, obstacles, and lengthening delays, we are on our way. On our way to Aubrey, who waits unaware that her life is about to change. At 3 years old we wonder how ready she will be for her journey around the world to a life full of hope and love, as part of a new family that will cherish her, to a place she can truly call home. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We will be flying into Beijing Sept. 14 at 9:30pm. Beijing and all of China will be celebrating the Autumn Lunar Festival - second only to the Chinese New Year. We may be greeted with fireworks and mooncakes, however after smashing through 11 time zones in 18 hours on an international flight, I doubt we will be in any shape for partaking in the festivities.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We will post nightly to show you all the wonders we see on our trip. The first leg will be sight seeing in Beijing. Tiannamen Square, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, and of course the Great Wall are a few of the places listed on our itinerary. After 3 days in Beijing we travel south to Guangdong province and the famous White Swan Hotel to await our meeting with Civil Affairs, and the reason for this whirlwind... Aubrey.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What we know about Aubrey:</div><br /><div>She was found at 2 months of age on at gate No. 20 Shaxi Road, Shawan. She was fostered temporarily in Shawan before she was delivered to Shenzhen City's orphanage.</div><br /><div>Her birthday was determined to be Aug. 2, 2005.</div><br /><div>She is reported to be shy and quiet, but having a ready smile.</div><br /><div>She is fond of reading books and listening to music.</div><br /><div>Her report also states she is sometimes obstinate and impatient ( she will fit right in).</div><br /><div>Her favorite things are being outdoors, eating fruit and playing with toy cars.</div><br /><div>The name given to her is Shen JianHua.</div><br /><div>JianHua literally translates to "Chinese Sword".</div><br /><div>Her last name Shen translates to "difficult, or late".</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">(thanks to Yani for the translations - we were way off with our pin yin, thinking JianHua meant beautiful flower.)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div>We will be meeting Aubrey on Sept. 18 in Guangzhou. Please keep us in your prayers that we have a safe trip and the adoption process goes smoothly.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>First Sign</strong></div><br /><div><em>All throughout this journey we have found ourselves being guided along the way. There has been so much synchronicity involved that it may seem a bit uncanny. I see in my mind the little old cement pylons, found all along Route 20 from Fremont to Toledo, each time we have another sign. With each sign the miles of distance left marked on the pylon grows smaller as we approach the end of this fascinating excursion. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>Three years ago Dave asked me "If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?" My response was "you can't give me what I want most, but it would be a little girl". </em></div><br /><div><em>It took another 6 months before Dave asked me this question "if you had a little girl, what would you name her?" I was on the computer at the time, I looked up and said "Aubrey". Dave looked shocked, then he asked "how did you come up with that name?" I told him "I read it in a book years ago, the little girl in the story was named Aubrey and I fell in love with her character." Dave </em><em>then asked me to get up from the computer, he had something to show me. He pulled up his i-Tunes screen to show me a song he downloaded that morning. There it was, a little known song from the early seventies by the group Bread, titled "Aubrey". </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>I got chills as I listened to the words of this song for the first time. The lyrics that most caught my attention were "and I'd go a million times around the world just to say, she had been mine, for a day". Indeed, we will go around the world for her, but for life, not just a day.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>We both took a deep breath and decided we were being given a push. This was the first sign of many along this serendipitous trek through the three stages of international adoption.</em></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436054678487261951noreply@blogger.com9