Cheers!

                                                

                                                       Bye 2010 !!

Welcome 2011 !!

To think that Charlotte is already having her happy new year already. I hope she is smiling and laughing and having a wonderful day. We can't wait to go to China and meet her and give her hugs and kisses. 2010 was a good year for our family.
We did a lot of traveling, Disney, Cape Cod, Key West, and lots of day trips. Connor did great in kindergarten and first grade, he is our joy everyday. 

Our families are healthy and safe, what more can you ask for? Well, a win tonight in the Mega millions jackpot would be nice, but I think we will just dream about our little sister/daughter instead.

Happy New Year to everyone! May all your dreams come true in 2011!

My Best Friend , My Printer

I feel very warm and fuzzy towards my printer today. I feel very lucky to be able to download documents, applications, visa information, overnight slips with just a click. That said, it is pretty scary sending your passports in the mail to get a visa. I'm not worried about getting them back, I am worried about my picture. Not attractive at all!! The photo lady kept telling me to push my hair back behind my ears, not to smile, look serious. It is one scary shot! Will not be posting that one.

We are now waiting on TA, travel approval from China, which could take 3-6 weeks, and then we can book our flights, etc. I was told the wait until you travel from referral is hard, and being only one week in, they were right. Knowing Charlotte is well cared for is a comfort, but I just want to bring her home now.
My nine year old next door neighbor asked why we just can't get on a plane tomorrow and go get her. She's got a point. We are more than ready.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!!

Over The River and Thru the Woods

Here is the traditional Federal Express delivery picture that I have witnessed on many China adoption blogs. Of course my package had to come on one of the biggest shipping days of the year so it was nearly 7:00pm when it came. I barely let her get our of her truck and quickly explained why I was taking pictures. Such a nice lady, I hope I didn't scare her!
Inside this package were  the original referral pictures, medical exams, papers requiring our signatures. Charlotte's pictures are even more beautiful in person.
The staring continues.............

Referral Reflections

Morning Gingerbread House Party

Waiting for "The Email", AKA Glued to Chair

Seeing Charlotte for the first time

Just wanted to do a post about referral day. It was such an emotional day that by writing it down I think I will remember the day more so that I can tell Charlotte every detail. Like I previously said, we didn't expect the referral call until Monday. In the morning I was at Connor's first grade Xmas Gingerbread House Party. Connor had a great time, I was so distracted, in building his house his roof kept sliding off, gummies were all over the place. It looked like an earthquake hit. Why are some parents so crafty!! I missed that gene.

Back at home, I began a cleaning frenzy. The kind where you dust the stairs, wash lamps, disinfect door knobs. The kind of cleaning you never really do. Then I wrapped all my Xmas gifts. Something I never do early.  I didn't know what to do with myself. I felt like something was going to happen that day. I promised myself I would not spend the afternoon looking at the computer, I needed to get stuff done by Monday. But, around 2:40pm I sat down and said, OK, one quick look see, and at that SAME  moment the phone rang, and I could see on the phone it said Great Wall of China Adoption. Looking at the computer I saw an hour before GW had emailed me that the stork had  landed!

Great Wall of China Adoption Agency is in Texas, and my new best friend Deidre said in the most southern accent, Congratulations, It's a girl, and then told me all about Charlotte. I was pretty calm asking all the questions and getting the information, I just kept thinking , I can't believe I am all alone when this call came!! Peter was at work, Connor at school.  We hung up, I called  Peter and told him to hurry home, (drive safely! no pressure!) because the email of pics were going to come in a few hours.

A few hours, that is where the torture really came. The next two hours we had to wait for the email to see her beautiful face. Peter came home with flowers and we waited, and paced, and puttered, and  the email finally came. Then we were a family of four.

Charlotte Lorraine, 11 months

Staring Contest





Charlotte, Our Surfer Girl

Here is another referral picture that was emailed to us on Friday. Not quite sure why she is sitting on what seems to be the ocean floor, but Peter now can't wait to take her bass fishing next year.  Fishing is fine, but you know she is going to wear bows in her hair and have a pink fishing vest. Does Gymboree sell them? Must find out!
I can't wait to see her smile. She looks a  little sad in our referral pictures, which is common for referral pictures. I can't wait to make her laugh and giggle. Charlotte is 11 months old today.  We wish we could celebrate with her today, soon baby, soon.

Thank you again for all the kind wishes for our family!!!!!!

Introducing Our Daughter

We are proud to announce our daughter and Connor's little sister,



                     Charlotte Lorraine                                            

Her Chinese name is Yi Xiao Fei. She is so beautiful. We are in love.