Leah is HOME!!!

Waoh...... Have I really not posted in that long???

2009-10-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I actually have a minute to post to the girls blog...

We went on the Lebanon train ride to the pumpkin patch. SO much fun.

We went with Ni Ni and Ye Ye. There we farm animals you could feed carrots to,

balloon sculpture guy, wonderful looking caramel apples, and so much more.

Highly recommend it to you Cincinnatians!!

I have to say, the past 8 months have been so great!!! Bekah and Leah get along so great (most of the time) and love each other sooo much!! Bekah tells Leah how much she loves her a lot!!

The Lord has blessed us beyond measure. My heart is longing for a son or two, so please keep that in your prayers as we do not know what God has in store for us!!! But, we are sure excited to find out. Hope you enjoy the pictures, and just look at the photo above and the one on the top of our blog. Leah is getting soooo big, and boy does she have personality GALORE!!!

Leah's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-05-17T17:40:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated our precious Leah's second birthday, and the first with our family. It could have gone a little better... our baby woke up from her nap... 45 minutes before guests were to arrive and had a fever of 100.9... ok... then, an hour later is was up to 103.5 with her motrin in her even. So, we quarantined ourselves (her and I) so our family could still come and visit and eat all the food we had!!! ;-) So, after having motrin and tylenol in her for a couple hours her fever came down to 99. Praise the Lord. She was perking up and we got to enjoy some outdoor time and present opening. She love the automatic bubble blower!!! Then off to dinner and cupcake time. She didn't quite know what to think of the candle with the flame on it in her cupcake and 25 people singing Happy Birthday to her. Plus, she wasn't quite her cute smiley self. Don't let the pictures below fool you too much. She certainly wasn't our happy go lucky Leah... I think there were about 200 I selected from. But, all in all the day was good and thanks to all our family for sticking it out and I will be praying that no one gets her little bug. Enjoy the pictures. Thanks for visiting!

Getting warmer!!

2009-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Thought I would post again while I had a minute. We go to Children's again tomorrow to see how the fluid on Leah's ears is doing. HOPEFULLY it is all gone and she won't need tubes, but we shall see. I really worry she cannot hear to her full potential. We had the test done, and she did pretty good, but the thought there would be room for improvement. Leah's 2nd birthday is next month. I can hardly believe it. It will be fairly low key... she really is the happiest little girl. Her and Bekah have so much fun. Leah just follows Bekah (or mommy) around everywhere. She does what Bekah does, runs if Bekah runs, laughs at the drop of a hat. I have got to get her laugh on this blog. It is absolutely the cutest thing I have ever heard!!! Below you will find my latest "photo shoot", and the one just below is Bekah trying to be cooperative for the tulip shot. They were sooo pretty I just wanted to get that perfect shot... ha, maybe next year... she did try though!!! Maybe too hard! Thank you for visiting us and enjoy the pics.

Wow... where did the time go!

2009-04-24T13:56:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been since before Easter since I was able to post!!! Yikes we have been busy. So, here are some cute Easter pics... they had a blast color eggs and sponging them. Didn't know you could even do that!!! HA Hope everyone is well, and thanks for visiting. I will have to post again very soon so I can get in more pics and stories of what has been happening! Blessings!

What have we been up to???

2009-03-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, what haven't we been up to???

I figured I better get on here and post some photos! We have had playdates and doctor appointments and circus', and fun at home.... and so much more!! This will mostly be a post of photos. That is what everyone likes to see anyways right?

We did have a great time at the circus, but those darn clowns are just NOT funny! But, I guess they need something to take up time while changing things, but can't they figure something better out???

Leah is a LOVE LOVE LOVE.... she is the greatest addition to our already amazing family. She does have a temper, but thankfully we don't see it too much. She is not saying too much yet... just the basics: Hi, bye bye, mama, ekah (for Bekah), more (almost there), up (she has that down), all done (at least I know that is what she is saying), so needless to say, Help Me Grow will be evaluating her and taking us on board for speech, just like we did with Bekah. Her eval at Children's told us she was at a 13 month speech level as a 20 month old, but we figured that with her being older and only knowing Chinese and the cleft lip/palate. She will catch up soon. My favorite thing is that she gives kisses on command, and sometimes not on command!! Bekah was never as free with hers... and still isn't until her little sister starts layin' on me, then over she runs to follow suit!!! Enjoy the pics. THese girls definitely love each other.... PTL. At least they do for now, right? ;-)

Where are all my teeth I say...??? I am 21 months old already!!!

My grown up girl... how does this happen so fast??

Waiting for dinner before the Circus

Daddy and his girls.

Someone liked the ride on Daddy's shoulders more than the circus I think.

Playing at cousins Kaitlyn and Frankies house

playing dress up

and dancing around a lot

Beks loves her construction protective goggles

These girls really do love each other!!!

Sweeter than Chocolate...

2009-02-15T11:35:00.001-08:00

Most of the time!!!

These girls are finally coming into their own and playing together a little bit better and loving each other a little bit more! Bekah is still a little rough without realizing it sometimes, but hopefully we will be moving past that!

We are getting a good sleep routine and schedule down, so I am happy with that! Leah is only waking up once or twice at night, so that is really nice! Enjoy the pictures and we couldn't be more happy to have this little treasure home with us. She smiles A LOT and is just a joy to be around. Thank you Lord for all the blessings you have given us! Enjoy the pics

Leah LOVES the kitchen. But, she mostly loves to chew on the spoons a spatulas. I think this girl has about 4 teeth coming in at the same time!

Bekah would give kisses to her little sister all day long if I let her! Leah loves to give kisses to Mommy, so for that I am very thankful! Bekah is not quick to share with me...

You can see Leah's favorite toy in the background. It is one of those air blower things with the balls. Thank you Aunt Jo!!!

Another girl after my own heart. She is already following Mommy around while I clean here and there. Again, like Bekah, we will see how long it lasts. Although Beks does enjoy the swifer duster. You go girl!!!

Updates...

2009-02-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick update of a couple things we have been up to. We have had people visiting and have been going out. Thankfully something to fill our time!!! Enjoy the pics.

Leah LOVES "Lily" Thanks Aunt Andrea!!!!

Sweet girls...

Hanging out with Yea Yea for the first time! She loved him!

Miss Bekah really is looking for all kinds of ways for attention. Look what I found her doing at Nie Nie and Yea Yea's!!! She was busted at first....

But then I couldn't help but laugh and get pictures. Not good I know!!!

The first barrette I got in her hair. The scissors were the distraction... ha

Leah loved liking the icing whisk from the muffins!

ok, so they both did!

Fun times making messy muffins!

Hi everyone!

Well, I think we are getting into a routine of sorts, but Leah still isn't quite sure of things. I think she is having tummy trouble, so that is NOT helping. The worst thing to try and figure out is her nap schedule. She pretty much doesn't have one yet. UGH!!! But, never the less, she is the happiest baby most of the time. So, I thank God for that! We woke up quite a lot last night, but the 7 hours straight the night before was delightful!

Our appointment at Childrens International Adoption Center is next Wed. I cannot hardly wait to get her checked over!!!

We have been trying to keep busy while Pete works late all month. (Boo hoo) But God has sent an angel to my rescue... my mother! She comes over pretty much every other day to give me relief and to help with dinner. God bless her!

Here are some pics of what we have been up to. Sorry I don't have time to post more, but here you go. Thanks for visiting! Love, Dawn

Almost settled in!!!

2009-01-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

Doesn't get much cuter than this does it???!!!!

Bekah loves having a little sister (most of the time!)

We were trying to get our body clocks reset, so out we went at sunset and bundled everyone up... I think it might have helped. But it was cold!

Leah is not used to this cold weather I don't think!!!

We are trying to get settled in here in Cincinnati! I am VERY sleep deprived and struggling with adjusting Leah. Even though she is an absolute delight (unless she is having one of her tantrums... ha), we are just struggling with getting her our time here. I am only getting about 3 hours of sleep a night, and one night it was just one or two, so prayers would be much appreciated! This Mommy needs patience big time.... Bekah is somewhat jealous, but she does love her little Leah Leah so much! They are really cute together, for the most part! Leah is settling into our family just fine.... now if she would only settle into her own bed, we would be even more better off!! ;-)

Thank for you for calls and emails. We have kind of been laying very low and I am sleeping any time they are just so I don't fall apart, so I haven't had time to much at all.

But, on a good note, I decided to keep Leah up late instead of trying to put her down at 8 pm and have her wake up from 10 p - 3 am. I put her down at 10 pm and she slept until 8 am. She only struggled once or twice, so I will take it!!!! God had mercy on me last night and I am praising Him for that today. I think I got 6 -7 hours of sleep throughout that timeframe myself. Whooo hoooo. Still SUPER tired, but I think we are getting there.

Here are just a couple of pictures. Gotta run while little bit is sleeping. We are off to the doctor today to make sure she is well, and then we are off to Childrens Hospital to get the total work up next week. Hopefully I can update more next week and I am still having trouble uploading the gotcha video for some reason. Will get it figured out. Thank you for checking in and blessings and love to you all!!! Dawn

Giggling girl video

2009-01-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of Leah's laugh (it is sooo cute if I say so myself) while we were in China. You can tell a certain little one named Bekah is jealous of her Daddy's attention placed elsewhere... Trying to edit down a gotcha day video. It will be coming next... this was a little test. But, enjoy!!!

We are HOME!!!

2009-01-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

We made it home after 25 hours of travel time so we will take it!!!

Leah did not do well for about the first 45 minutes of our 14 hour flight and I thought we were in big trouble (as did everyone else on the plane too I am sure)! She has quite a temper!!!! She trashes and throws her head back... it is nothing like Bekah as a baby. But, she is 19 months old and seems to have a mind of her own that is for sure. But, we were up for about 12 hours already when that flight started so she was exhausted. I strapped her to me with the carrier and after about 10 more minutes she was OUT!!! The problem is that she had to be out ON me, or she wouldn't stay asleep... so needless to say, it was a LLLLLong 14 hour plane ride. Plus my ankle was really sore, but it didn't swell too bad at all, thank the Lord!!!

I have to say, having the sprained ankle really helped us through all the of airports. I asked for wheelchairs because to walk through those airports with a 22 lb baby strapped to me would have been a little too much, so all the staff that wheeled me around got us through all checkpoints and security right away with NO waiting. God has sent His angels to cover and guide us through the trip. I was soooo tired on the 14 hour flight (I didn't hardly sleep before we had to leave at 5:45 am the morning before) that I just lost it when my ankle was so sore, I couldn't get comfortable and when Leah was hysterical. But, I prayed and let go, and I did feel God's grace wash over me and I got to relax. I didn't really sleep, but we made it. The first night back, the girls slept from 10 pm until about 11:00 am. That is when we all got up. Leah only woke up at 3 am for a short while and fell back to sleep, as did I. BUT, last night was a different story. Both girls were up off and on and finally at 1:30 am I bit the bullet and got up with them until 4:30 am. Finally they fell asleep, but alas I did not until about 6 am. Thankfully Pete got some sleep and got the girls out of bed at 9 am. He is sooo wonderful, and I got to sleep until 12. So, not doing too bad.

The girls are down for a short nap, and we will hopefully be close to back on schedule in the next day or two...

Thank you all for following our journey and for all the prayers and support!!!! I will be trying to figure out how to post our gotcha video in the next day or two, so be sure to check back. One of my good friends (who we became close with while waiting for Bekah) met us at the Chicago airport during our layover. What a wonderful treat that was. Just the pick me up I needed. Thank you Becki!!!!! She got some great pics of us and the girls if you would like to jump to her site www.2china4addison.blogspot.com. I believe my parents also got some pics of how uncomfortable I was on the way home, trying to find a good "resting" spot for my foot. UGH... I will be sure to post those as well.

Blessings and love to you all.

Love, Dawn, Pete, Bekah and Leah

We are packed and ready...

2009-01-22T04:20:00.000-08:00

to leave tomorrow!!! Whooo hooooo....

Enjoy the pics, we are off to bed.

My favorite pic of the day of my newest daughter

Be careful what you ask for... Pete had ordered an Egg Roll, well we got one! Literally an egg rolled up. I guess you are supposed to call them Spring Rolls here! HA

All of us at dinner.... HEY wait, where is Chip??? The server took our picture and was so proud, we just couldn't ask him to do it again. Sorry Chip, he missed you!!!

Monkey see monkey do...

Flying baby, enjoying the flight!

Tickle, tickle tickle Bekah is saying...

She is getting used to the carrier finally!

Well, we are off and running, to bed that is. I really need to get some sleep so I don't think I will be posting anything "deep" right now. I guess I will have to do that when I recover at home. We NEED to get to bed.

But, I am sending you off with some cute pics. We went to the Consulate today and we are official. Once Leah hits american soil, she is an American!!! Whooo hoooo...

We ate at the Japanese restaurant again, it was just too good to pass up. So, with a wonderful meal in our bellies and hopefully a good rest before 4:45 am tomorrow, we should be all set!!! Please pray for a safe, uneventful flight. We would really appreciate it.

God has been SOOOO good to us this whole trip.... he has sustained us, given us his mercies, and we just pray that they continue as strong for the trip home.

We cannot believe how blessed we are to have this little girl in our lives and now we are a family of 4. I cannot even explain the joy that fills my heart!

Many blessings to you all, and thanks for following our journey!!!

Love, Dawn, Pete, Bekah and last but not least... LEAH!!!!

A day of spending!!!

2009-01-21T04:02:00.000-08:00

We had a great day of shopping and the girls are really starting to get along great. Too cute!!!

Check in with everyone tomorrow... our last post before home.

And the favorite pic of the day, drool and all!!!! Check out those stinkin cute dimples!!!

Sisters playing in the bed.

Look at that... happy sisters just before bath time. Boy does Leah ever LOVE the bath.

Everyone getting ready for the New Year.

Leah with Katie Mei. Leah doesn't care for sitting in a high chair!! She would rather Mommy's lap... that won't last long if I have anything to say about it.

Dinner after shopping all afternoon at Lucy's. Big girls, Bekah and Merrilee with their own table

What an awesome picture. So simply stated I think.

Of course Pete had to get pictures of the random weddings taking place. Or at least their photo sessions. Too funny.

Just a beautiful photo of the park. I love how they just hang the lanterns in the trees.

Leah was not a fan of this ride.

There is one little girl that is going to miss this park!

Back to the playground with daddy. Happy girl!!!

The "gym" in the chinese parks!

We had such a great time shopping today. We did all our shopping in one afternoon. Wait until you see all the stuff we got. Andrea, we got some dresses for the girls for you! ;-)

Well, it is HARD to believe that we are packing tomorrow night to leave. Oh my... home sweet home here we come!

I have to say, the girl we brought to the hotel 10 short days ago is COMPLETELY different! She has SO much fun with her big sister now and they were kissing each other in the store while we were shopping. So cute... their bath tonight was out of control. Splashing and swimming around. Leah LOVES the water! Unlike Bekah, she will want to be in the pool a lot I think. She has bonded much more with Daddy, thank the Lord, and all is going really well. We started her on the antibiotic today to make sure she does not have bronchitis or an ear infection when we fly.

Well, my ankle is hanging in there. Praise the Lord for that too! Not looking forward to the flight home and the possible swelling, but after I get done with this post, it is off to ice. I will save all my "deep" thoughts for tomorrows last post from the amazing country that brought us our family. These two precious girls that just fill our hearts. We hope you have enjoyed the pictures and following along with us. My Mom said this is an experience she will Never forget. The moment that these kids walk (or are handed to you) for the first time is just a breathtaking moment that God has made so perfect for us. I don't know that it is really "love at first sight," but boy it sure doesn't take long. Have a great night everyone, and blessings from a happy family of 4!!!

Love, Pete, Dawn, Bekah and Leah

Another day down...

2009-01-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

And only 2 more full days to go... whooo hoooo. God is soooo good!!!!

Beautiful, happy girl (well most of the time, unless she is hungry... oh my, LOOK OUT!)

Girls playing with Daddy before bedtime

She loves playing on the phone!

But she is NOT happy when one certain sister tries to play with her yet... well sometimes she is ok with it.

Bekah playing with Nana before bed.

The following pictures are from a park that we went to close to the hotel with great rides for the kids. Only 25 yuan for everything. The girls had a blast!!!

She loved spinning around in this big ball too!

They were having a blast!!

Leah absolutely LOVED this ride. She would claw her way at it when we took her off, so Pete agreed to sit on the ride and go around in circles with her.... what a great daddy!!!!

It didn't take Leah long to get into the groove of enjoying the rides!

Having a great time on the rides... however Leah is not sure what to think!

Just a cute pic...

Baby girl loving tea just like her big sister did!

Bekah getting to pour tea at the tea house. Avery is on the right, and she is the little southern bell of the group. I just want to wrap her up and bring her home with us. Such a cutie. She is the Flynts daughter.

All the flowers here are just beautiful and SO fragrant. It is really fun to be here just before the new year.

Leah is always just taking things in. You can hardly ever get her to look at the camera if you are out and about. It is soooo cute!!!!

Sweet sisters for now. ;-) No matching outfits today. The clothes I brought for Leah are too big, so I swapped with another family and they gave us some cute smaller clothes. This is a 6-12 month outfit on Leah. It is a little small, but not too small. Remember, she is 19 months old.

Beautiful parks here!

Dancers in the park. Bekah and Leah were in awe.

They are getting ready for the Chinese New Year and all the decorations are beautiful!!!! These are just hanging in the trees.

and another day closer to home. Yippee.

Well, Pete got some great shots while he was out with the girls and then we went to a tea ceremony later and got to try all kinds of teas. After that, Pete, Bekah, Leah and I went to the awesome park/playground/amusement park. We had such a great time and Leah was in awe of so many things. You can just see it in her face.

LOTS of pictures in the past 24 hours, so it is hard to pic the favorites. And have I mentioned the taxi rides???? UGH

We have another free day tomorrow, so more shopping. Trying to wrap that up tomorrow because the next day is consulate and then we have to pack to come home.... OH MY, it is getting sooooo close. I will certainly miss our time simply being a family, but I am so looking forward to being home.

Lots of love,

Pete, Dawn, Bekah and Leah

Medical Exam Day

2009-01-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our Medical Exam Day...

Princess number 2!!

Princess number 1

Leah finally showing interest in her big sister!!! YAY

Not loving getting her ears checked, but they said all clear... we shall see.

What is it with kids not liking sitting on a scale???

She weighed in at 21.8 lbs

Waiting with my girls!!!

The typical picture for the Medical Exam

Well today was the infamous medical exam day. Apparently she is fine. But, I am thinking she has an ear infection or something similar. We will have to start her on the antibiotics Wed. for the plane home on Friday. Please pray that all goes well. We just found out last night that we have an early flight from Guangzhou to Beijing, so we will need to get the girls out of bed at 6:00 am and our flight out of Beijing to Chicago isn't until 5:20 pm. So, we will be almost 12 into our day beginning with our 14 hour flight to chicago. Then we have one last flight from Chicago to Cincy. Don't even want to think about it right now.... UGH!!!!

So, not too much going on today. We did get some shopping in, but still much more to do. We have a tea ceremony tomorrow and that is nice and relaxing. I am missing one piece of our home study that is apparently most important, so please pray that we will get it faxed to us in time. After all, today is Martin Luther King day and no one is open I guess.... I am sure God will take care of it!

Enjoy the pictures.

Only 4 more days!!! Whooooo hoooooooooo

Love, Dawn, Pete, Bekah and Leah

Time in Guangzhou

2009-01-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

All photo credits go to Pete today! And, I have to start my posts with my favorite picture of the newest addition to our family. Can you just check out those dimples????? Love it!!!!!

She is definitely a happy girl....

Love this picture!!!

Sitting eating dinner with some of the group. Yum Yum.

It was on these very steps just 2 years and one month ago that we sat here with our precious baby girl Bekah. Look how she has grown!!!! (sniff sniff)

Random photo of our travel group waiting to go get dinner

in our hotel lobby

Cool restaurant on the lake

Beautiful Big Girl.

It really is beautiful here!

Check out the dragon bushes... pretty cool

Beautiful grounds at the museum

Bekah and Grandpa. Happy birthday Grandpa!!!

At the museum shop.

Hello all! Well, the weather here is just perfect! Even though I did not get out to visit the beautiful park nearby... I was stuck inside at The "paper party!" All the paperwork has to be finalized with all the families and it takes about 3 hours. Good times!! But, when I returned back to the room I was greeted by my chinese peanut with open arms and a "kiss". She tries to mimic it, but hasn't quite mastered it yet. I had to hold her lips together and show her how. It was too funny , but it just makes her laugh and laugh. She has the CUTEST laugh and dimples. Did I mention that yet??? We are soooo in love!

While I was taking care of that, and spending quality time with just Leah and myself, Mom, Chip, Pete and Bekah went out and about in the morning. They went to a museum that we saw the last time and headed to the grocery store. I loved having the quiet time with Leah and me!

The pictures of the park are so pretty. I wish I could have gone. Mom says it is so pretty here and has palm trees and everything. There are two parks for the kids to play at with lakes and even with rides. Guangzhou is a fun part of the trip. It would be easy to stay here.

We went to dinner tonight at a Japanese restaurant in the hotel. It was DELICIOUS!!! We got to have our own little room where you sit on the floor, but your legs go under the table. Too fun.

Tomorrow is the "medical exam" (I use that term loosely) and then we get to start shopping! Whooo hoooo... Hope you enjoyed the pictures. I am off to bed soon.

Giving all glory we are experiencing with this precious little one opening up to us more and more each day. Thank you God for bringing her to our family. We will be forever thankful!

Love, Pete, Dawn, Bekah and Leah.

We are in Guangzhou!!

2009-01-17T04:31:00.000-08:00

Happy girl...

Happy sisters playing!!!

Well we made it. The flight was pretty uneventful thankfully, but it is only an hour long. She doesn't like to sit still!!! So, I have no idea how we are going to make it 14 hours on the way home. I guess prayers! So, keep them coming.

We got to see some of the kids today and I cannot wait to get some pictures of all of these cuties!!!! Can I just say how HAPPY I am with this hotel!!! Except for the fact that the awesome playground we spent sooo much time at last time is being renovated... boo hoo! It is wonderful to be here with all the other families and it just confirmed how much of a peanut Leah is.

What blessings they are to all of us.

I only have a few pics in our room, but the girls are doing great and Leah is finally starting to follow Bekah around a little bit. I also look forward to her understanding us more. Someday! ;-)

We will be seeing a museum and going to the market tomorrow. Thanks for visiting, and we are soooo glad to be so close to coming home!

Love, Dawn, Pete, Bekah and Leah

Leaving Jiangxi

2009-01-16T04:22:00.001-08:00

Final moments in Jiangxi.... Hard to believe!!!!

Thank you to this city for bringing us our PRECIOUS girl.

She loves the stacking cups Jenny got her! Thank you...

Girls playing with Daddy!

Girls running the halls and being silly.

Happy girl playing with Daddy.

Bekah with Melissa from our adoption agency, America World.

This is a very slow intersection in Jiangxi. Didn't get a good pic of the traffic yet.

That is the smog here people.... Terrible Huh???

Bekah and Merilee have been having such a great time together!!!

Bekah so likes to help and Leah doesn't really like it.

Brushing my hair. Happy MaMa!!!

She LOVES the bath. SO opposite from Bekah...

I just loved this picture. That is the smile we see all the time!!!

Praise the Lord...

I cannot believe we are getting ready to leave our precious girls home. It is a very busy city, and I have to say I am looking forward to moving on tomorrow. We love our guide and it has been so great being with the other family, the Montgomery's. But, it is time to go to Guangzhou.

The girls have been doing good. Leah still doesn't like Bekah touching on her and she has tantrums every time you take something away from her. I mean, throw yourself down and head back tantrums. I look forward to those ending soon. I still cannot believe how tiny she is. I met a one year old today and she was as big as our 19 month old. Crazy!!! The doctor back home said she was surprised at how well she was walking since she is so tiny and probably malnurished.

She is opening up to us more and more and her adorable personality is coming through. I love for our guide to talk to her in Chinese cause it is so fun to see her react to him and answer him with a nod or a gesture or a response. It makes me feel good. She will catch on in no time.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. I am praising God for all our time adjusting with Leah, so far so good. His grace has been upon us and I wouldn't have been able to do this without His mercies!!! Leah does take to me, so please pray that she bonds more with Daddy. They are getting there though.

We need to get up early once again since our flight is early. So until Guangzhou.... Love, Pete, Dawn, Bekah and Leah

Orphanage Visit and other sites

2009-01-14T23:41:00.000-08:00

Love that look!

Love those smiles!!!

Sweet girl.

Happy girl outside and walking around!

Leahs orphanage. I have seen this picture so many times, hard to believe it was our turn to take it!!!

Blowing kisses. She loves to do that to tell us she is ready to go bye bye.

Leahs Nanny. So happy to see Leah.

Our wonderful Guide Koby... he LOVES our girls!!!

Caroline is the other baby.

Playing under the crib.

Bekahs first big girl shower. She Loved it!!

Letting Nana feed her.

Daddy having to carry both girls.... yay for Grandpa carrying the stroller. Looks like a workout!

A show they got to see. Apparently it was very loud!

Love this picture!!!!

Check out Leah's face. She does not like being in a stroller. She wants to be out and walking!!!

So......

Happy Leah walking, happy Bekah not walking!!! ;-)

While I rested my ankle yesterday everyone went out to see the sites, so I will be adding some of those photos. Then, today we were blessed to go visit Leah's orphanage. You can tell the Nannies LOVE these children, but it is still a sad sight. They need so much at these orphanages. I will definitely be sending a care package when we get home. Her Nanny was so happy to see her and she was happy to see her too. We got a little info on her, but she certainly lets you know things. She is hard to put down for a nap as she HATES being in her crib then, but she is fine at night after about a couple minutes. Then she just talks to herself.

She is a hungry girl that is for sure and blows kisses when she wants to leave. It is sooooo cute. She even handed me her shoe after blowing me a kiss once. She LOVES LOVES to walk around and walk the stairs. She needs help still a little, but she is doing great. Bekah is loving on her a little, but Leah doesn't care for it much. So, she has backed off a little. I so hope they like to play together when we get home. Leah does NOT like to share, so that should be interesting. She throws her head back and has a tantrum. Good times.

They are sleeping through the night, PTL, and that means so are we pretty much. So things are better on that front. Enjoy the pictures. Please keep the prayers up for a smooth transition into our next trip. We fly out to Guangzhou on Sat. Can't hardly believe we are almost to the last part of our journey!!! YIPPEE>.........

A little more detail with pics!

2009-01-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry , the pics are out of order, but I explained what most of them are at least...

More written detail below!!! Enjoy, and missing home and you all so much!!!

Daddy helping Leah while we wait to have paperwork finalized at her province. She was walking around in circles and was getting dizzy!

More kisses for baby sister!!!!

Waiting to have things finalized! This little one does not stop!!!

Her paperwork said she is active and they weren't kidding!!!

She loves to walk around... Boy am I going to have my hands full when

we get home!!! I already forgot how much work a little one is. I cannot believe that

Bekah is SUCH a big girl now... boo hoo!!!!

Our family with the Orphanage Director.

Its official!!!!! The little red book!

Dinner at the Chinese restaurant downstairs in the hotel.

Very tired Mommy!!!!!!

Sisters !!!! I LOVE IT..

First bath and doing just fine!!!!

Bekah loved having her in the tub with her...

Our last family photo as 3!!! On our way to gotcha, just across the street from hotel!

Daddy and his GIRLS!!!!

Jie Jie Bekah wanting to give kisses right away!!! Too cute...

On gotcha day, Bekah was so excited to touch and love on her...

Clearly I am not a fan of this picture of me, but Look at that face!!!!

How can you not love it and she smiles a lot!!!!!!!

Not one tear out of this one unless you put her down when she doesn't want it!

Feeding Mommy cheerios and gerber puffs right away, yippee!!!

You can see behind her that she got her care package we sent her and they took the pictures.

I cannot wait to see them!!!

I absolutely love the picture. They had her in the clothes I sent to her under ALL the layers of other stuff they put on them!!! Look how big those pants are!!! 18 month outfit... But the shirt is not too bad. She has a shape just like Beks. Little legs and longer torso! She really is so small!!!

They girls would always have such a good time on the bus and get all they

way to the back seat. This is the Bjorns little girl. This is while we were still

in Beijing before we went to our separate provinces.

Ok, they were having a little too much fun!!

This is one of our guides in Beijing. Helen. Bekah LOVED her

and she loved Bekah!!! We miss her.

This is at the Great Wall. It was soooooo cold.

We went to a different part this time. Look at how steep it was.

That was the first tier. Pete and Melissa from AWAA and one other lady

went all the way to the top. I couldn't go obviously, but it was so steep that my

fear of heights wouldn't have let me anyways!

Well, everyone is out sightseeing today, and I am resting my ankle. I got a good nights sleep last night as I went to bed by 10:30 and woke up at 7:15, whoooo hooooo! Leah did not fall asleep until I went to bed, so she is a tired girl today. She sure has a pleasant personality and is so happy!!! That makes me happy. I hate that I am not with her now, but I know she needed to get out and see the world with her Daddy and Bekah. She is curious about everything. She is such a good eater and LOVES congee. Bekah did not care about it, but this one shakes when she sees it. It is so funny!! Bekah absolutely LOVES her little sister and wants to touch on her and kiss her all the time, but Leah isn't always a fan of it.

They took a bath together last night and it was great. Leah was very curious about the floating toys. She would push them over and watch the roll back up straight. She didn't mind me pouring water over her head, at least after I did it to Bekah first... I was dreading the bath thing, but it went great!

I am not feeling so hot today. I think the sleep thing is really catching up with me and not eating well. That is the one thing that is soooo hard here. We are in a very busy city and right in the middle of it, so it is hard to get around unless you take the van or taxi. Our guide didn't even want to take us across the street last night because it would have been too hard, so we ate at the Chinese restaurant in the hotel, but it was pretty good!!

We are just sooo happy, and when I get to hold this precious angel when I feed her her bottle I get the warmest happiest feeling. She loves to smile back at me when I am feeding her and I love that. When I say Hi while doing it, she will stop eating and try to imitate it. Too cute. She also loves to pretend bite at you and just laughs and laughs. She is also a tease. She will put food at your mouth and then take it away and gets a big grin.

She does only babble, unless she is imitating you, she doesn't really use her lips. That is something Bekah struggled with for a long time and still does. I am sure it is a palate/lip issue, so we will have a lot of work ahead of us on that front.

I am looking forward to moving onto Guangzhou, but our guide here is awesome!!!! We also have on of the China coordinators here with us from our agency and she is so sweet. It is nice having her here with us!

Ok, off to rest and clean this room... UGH, it is sooo small and a wreck as our days have always been a scramble. We get to go to the orphanage tomorrow, but they told us we would not be allowed to take pictures, but I am going to try and to my best to get some for those waiting families.

Have a blessed day everyone!! Thanks for visiting our journey. Praising God for all our blessings and watching over us during this long, but amazing journey. Looking soooooo forward to being home!

Love Dawn, Pete, Bekah AND Leah!

What a few days!!!

2009-01-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

We finally got some better sleep last night as Leah and Bekah both slept 12 hours... wish I did!!! We ran and did all the finalizing today, went to McDonalds for lunch and then the store, so busy day. However, little miss Leah is babbling away in her crib not falling asleep!!! I hope she sleeps through the night once she is down. I think we are getting close to catching up on some better sleep, so maybe tonight will be good. Those of you that know me, know I cannot handle the no sleep factor at all!

Mom and chip have been such a help to us. Sooo glad they are here. Everyone is going sightseeing tomorrow, but I am staying behind to rest my ankle. It has been a stressful few days on it. So, I will be able to post in more detail. Emily and Pam, you were right.... Nanchang is like playing frogger and with a bum ankle, even better! HA

Enjoy the pics and summary to come tomorrow. But, all in all, WE are SOOO in love with this little girl. Her laugh is infectious just like Bekah and she is sooo quick to throw you a smile. She loves her Mommy!!!!! YAY.... we know how hard that was on me last time, so this is a welcome change.

Thank you soooo much for your prayers and we love you all so very much. See you soon.

I would put up a couple pics tonight, but the loading is taking FOREVER!!!!

Promise, tomorrow!

Good night and Praise the Lord for all good things that come from Him... our happy family of 4!!!!!!!!!!!

We have her!!!!!!!

2009-01-12T03:16:00.000-08:00

Everything is out of order but i am too tired to care! ha

More tomorrow... nighty night. The babe is sleeping, so I better too!!!

The one close up I wanted to load is taking forever and my battery is about to die and i cannot find the adaptor... sorry! But enjoy...

We got her around 3 today and we are exhausted as we had to get up at 4!

So you are going to be the bare minimum today, but PLEASE PRAY that we get some sleep tonight. WE need it SOOOO Much!!! Leah has a runny nose and cough, but that is pretty normal for these kids.

She smiles quick, but is also quick to let you know she is NOT happy with something. Throws herself backwards and tries to fall on the ground.... great huh??? But, hopefully that will not last too long. She definitely has a strong will. She has the cutest dimples and the sweetest laugh.

Prayers are still needed for my ankle as it is acting up a lot! Leah likes to be held before she falls asleep and you have to be standing up... ugh. Hard for me to do right now.

Headed out tomorrow!!!!!

2009-01-11T03:40:00.001-08:00

This is it!!!

Tomorrow is the big day. I cannot believe we will have Leah in our arms tomorrow afternoon. I don't think it has even really hit me yet!

We went to the government Jade factory and got a jade bracelet for Leah like we did for Bekah. We also had church service which is always nice and then it was off to lunch. After lunch we went to the Great Wall. I stayed in the coffee shop while Pete went as high as you could go. Beks stayed with me and my mom. Chip went up a couple towers too, but MAN it was COLLLLLD!

So, I need to get packing since we have to put our bags outside of our door tonight. Our flight leaves early so we need to be on the bus at 5:30 am. This trip is so brutal!!! I can't wait to get to her province and relax a little. Well, as much as you can with a 3 year old and new 19 month old. SHould be interesting!! But, the Lord will be faithful and I know she is our daughter.

Leah, we are thrilled beyond words how the Lord has blessed us with you. We all cannot wait to meet you tomorrow. Our lives are about to change forever.

We love you!!!

One day closer...

2009-01-10T04:33:00.000-08:00

Don't let the smiles and pretty faces fool you... we are soooo tired and Bekah had a mini meltdown right after this picture!!!

I did this last time. I can't resist!!! The plates are soooo small. Like I said last time, no wonder they are a skinny country!!! Yummy food and veggies finally.... yippee!!!

Large Buddha in Lobby of Restaurant

One day closer to our precious Leah.... whooo hooooo!!!!!!

Well, we laid very very low today. Only Chip went touring with the group, but we already have done that, and we needed the rest. I just hope Bekah sleeps tonight. We are VERY tired... Hopefully she won't get up at 3:30 or 4:00 am again. UGH. But, I think that happened with a lot of the group.

We did join them for dinner. Yummy Chinese meal and a nice restaurant, but GEEZE... the smoking, oh God Bless America!!!!!!! I couldn't wait to get out of our smokey room to get to the restaurant, and then, smokers everywhere I turned.

Off to put Beks to bed then ourselves. Tomorrow should be wonderful. Looking so forward to church and then off to shop shop shop!!! Oh, and The Great Wall. My mom and I are designated babysitters in the coffee shop I think! Fine with me. The one time this bad ankle has come in handy... HA

Nighty Nighty

We Made it!!!!!

2009-01-09T03:24:00.000-08:00

Bekah was sooooo excited to got to China!!!

Our "king" bed, and someone was excited I let her jump on it...

It is hard to tell, but Bekahs legs are over the edge of the seat and her feet are on the floor! It is like she just passed out face fist on the seat! too funny...

At least my foot got some good rest on the first flight to Chicago!

We are here... PRAISE the Lord!!!!

Much better than the last time... ;-)

I am soooooooo tired. I only slept 2 hours the night before we left, and I cannot sleep on a plane so needless to say I didn't sleep well then either. I want to go to bed so bad, but it is only 6:30 pm right now. So I must hang on. Pete and Chip (my step Dad) went to find dinner and water (i hope) and then it is off to bed.

Most everyone is going touring tomorrow, but it is an 11 hour day on your feet most of the day (in 30 degree weather) so needless to say, Mom, Pete, Beks and I are hanging behind. We have already done it. And, I need to rest my foot!!

The hotel is nice, but it is sooo smokey! I hate that.... I miss Ohio where you cannot smoke anywhere indoors!!! It is really hurting my eyes and nose. I think it is coming in from the vents... UGH The BEST part of all, we have a queen bed (they call a king, HA) and it has a feather top, with a harder bottom of course but we will take it!!

It was so great to meet the other families so far, and I still cannot believe in 3 short days we will have LEAH in our arms... oh my. My emotions are definitely about to get the best of me.

Hang on baby, we are almost there... we love you!!!!!!

The BEST part of the whole trip so far is when we pulled into the terminal and were waiting to get off the plain Bekah screams (and I am not kidding) "We are coming to get you LEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Too sweet!!!

off to rest and inhale some second hand smoke all night. Should be interesting!!!

Love

Dawn, Pete and Bekah

Our Itinerary

2009-01-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

I still cannot believe we leave in 2 days!!! Trying to get things done... Here is where we will be and when. Thanks for following our journey and all prayers for a safe and successful trip would be very welcomed. (I can't find the underline button to get this off... ugh!)

We have our in country itinerary!!!

January 8^th –January 23^rd

v Thursday, Jan. 8^th Depart for Beijing

Flight: UA5369

v Friday, Jan. 9^th Arrive in Beijing

Flight: UA851

v Saturday, Jan 10^th Beijing Sight-Seeing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden

City, Summer Palace

v Sunday, Jan. 11^th Beijing Sightseeing: Church Service, Great Wall

Gotcha Day!

v Monday, Jan. 12^th Morning-flight to Jiangxi

Afternoon-Meet Leah Wei Dagenbach

v Tuesday, Jan. 13^th Civil Affairs Appointment

v January 14^th -15^th Sightseeing & Shopping

v Friday, Jan. 16^th Flight to Guangzhou

v Saturday, Jan. 17^th Sightseeing & Shopping

v Sunday, Jan. 18^th Medical Exam

v Monday, Jan. 19^th Consulate Paperwork

v Tuesday, Jan. 20^th Sightseeing & Shopping

v Wednesday, Jan. 21^st Consulate Appointment

v Thursday, Jan.22^nd Pick up Child’s Visa

Friday, Jan. 23^rd Depart from Guangzhou/ Beijing

2009-01-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

My family and ALL the kiddos!!! What fun at Run, Jump n Play!

Kissing cousins.... HA

(notice the pulling of the pigtail)

Glow in the dark Putt Putt

The biggest, coolest, inflatable shark slide ever!!!!

Uncle Geoff had to assist the smaller girls up the ladder to the slide!!!

The adults had a great time too!

So proud to be doing it by herself.

Playing soccer on a deceivingly beautiful day. It was about 35 degrees, but Beks loved it!!!

Having fun cleaning her new kitchen with new products from Uncle Ron.

Getting ready for a 3D Polar Express show. TOO cute!!!!

Festival of Lights at the Zoo. It was about 65 degrees on Dec. 28th.

Thankfully, the Lord has been keeping us super busy!!! Well, I guess thankfully... HA

We leave in 7 days, and I have not done a thing!!! YIKES... OK, well not nothing, but I feel like it. I know we will get it all done, but we have had a great time waiting. The holidays have been sooo full of family and celebrations and we have enjoyed it so!

Can't wait Can't wait to be in China to get our sweet Leah.

We love you soooo much baby and can't wait to have you in our arms!!!

What a busy Christmas, but so wonderful!!

2008-12-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

After many takes, finally a decent family pic!!! ;-)

Opening Aunt Randi, Uncle Joe, and Max's gift

She was sooo excited... thank you!!

Christmas morning. Got used to opening gifts pretty quickly. She cried when they ran out!!!

Stinker!

Our cat Jake loves cozy spots.

Christmas morning, after Mommy had put the train set together!

WOW, her new big girl kitchen from Nie Nie and Yea Yea!!

Thank you, she loves it!!

Grandpa and Nana got fun accessories for it too!! ;-)

What a great year! We got our confirmed travel dates to get our precious Leah on Dec. 24th, and the celebrations began. We honor our Lord for the birth of his son, Jesus, and get to share that love and many blessings with family and friends. God is so good!!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and I hope the Lord blesses you beyond belief this year. Thank you for sharing in our story and I look forward to sharing our journey to bring Leah home in UNDER 2 WEEKS!!! I cannot believe it. Please pray for us to be ready on time and that Leah's heart is prepared to have us as her forever family. Also, please pray for continued healing for my ankle. It is going to be quite the interesting trip. Also, pray for my wonderful husband who is picking up a lot of slack for me while I heal.

Love and blessings, Dawn, Pete, Bekah and Leah!!!

CONCRETE TRAVEL DATES!!!

2008-12-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

Rejoicing with the Lord today on Christmas Eve...

We just got word that we will be leaving on Jan. 8 and getting home on Jan 23rd!

We couldn't be happier.

Now we just wait for flight confirmations etc.... Although that is a challenge for our agency now that it is Christmas Eve. UGH... we have to wait yet again until Friday or Monday for final itineraries...

God is so perfect and couldn't have shared this news with us at a better time.

Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Love

the Dagenbachs

Thank you Lucy!!!

2008-12-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

Thank Lucy for my great books about being a sister!!!!

They are just perfect! It is going to teach me a lot about what a sister should be.

So thank you soooo much! And, you can see I love cards too....

I Love opening cards!!!!

Visiting with the Lord today

2008-12-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

As we wait for yet one last approval from China, I really felt I needed to spend a day visiting with God, and what a special week to do it. We celebrate Jesus' birth and everything He stands for. Today I give thanks for all my blessings and offer all the joy to Him since He is the one who gave it to me.

We are waiting for the consulate to approve our request for the final appt., and now we wait again. Once that is set in stone, we will be able to book our flights. They put the request in on Friday afternoon, and I pray God sends us word tomorrow. Hang on sweet girl, we are coming very very soon.

While I was reading my bible today I came across a very powerful verse I wanted to share with you all. I hope it hits your heart as it hit mine.

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength in whom I will trust, my buckler (shield), and the horn of my salvation, and my hightower." Psalm 18:2 KJV

God was so good to me today... giving me just what I was asking for. Peace and grace in Him during this last part of the wait to get our Leah home. And, with the ankle problems I am still having, I pray it heals completely before we leave, but only the Lord can take that on!!! ;-)

I pray for peace and joy for you all this Christmas and that we take time to pause and remember Jesus is the one to celebrate!!!

Merry Christmas to you all!!!

TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

We are overjoyed, overwhelmed, and over excited!!!!!!!!
Praise the Lord for his perfect timing. We should be leaving on Jan 8 or 9 to get our precious Leah.
Here we come baby and we couldn't be more excited. I am crying tears of joy and giving all thanks and praise to God.
I cannot wait to hold you in my arms for the first time Leah, and your Daddy and your sister are sooooo excited to have you home too.
Please Lord let everything go smoothly and fall into place from here on out.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn't go through this process without you all.
We love you sooooooo much!!!
Mommy, Daddy and Jie Jie Bekah

Waiting

2008-12-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

I can't explain how my heart has felt over the past week or so. My wanting and needing for our precious Leah to be home with us has grown soooo much stronger. The "average" wait time for TA for us has come and gone and now I can only pray to God that He brings us TA soon. With word from others that have gotten TA (I am soooo happy for them), my heart is heavy wanting ours. I know the Lords time is perfect and it will all be clear soon enough, but our Leah need to come home to us!!!

I have been praying and hoping that we are able to leave on Dec. 26th, but if TA does not come on Monday or Tues, than I know God has other plans.

This is definitely the hardest part of the wait in my opinion... the CCAA has officially told us she is ours and now we just wait for them to tell us when we can come to get her!!

Please God hear our prayer and if it is your will, let us be to our sweet girl by the end of this year! I am trying so desperately to wait for you Lord, and follow your will for us, but my human heart is finally getting the best of me. I pray also for patience and peace in knowing that your plan for us is perfect!!!

Hopefully not long now Leah. We are coming soon sweetheart!!!

Love, Mama

Thankful...

2008-11-28T12:51:00.001-08:00

for so many things, but mostly to my Lord, Jesus Christ, from whom my eternal salvation comes. I am so thankful for my family and friends, and especially for my wonderful husband and my two precious daughters. Even though Leah is not yet with us here at home, she grows in my heart each and every day (to see her most recent picture, scroll down)! I feel like I have seen her face even before her picture was showed to me, thank you God. I long more and more each day to have her home and as I was reading scripture today I came across this passage which hit me like a ton of bricks. If you are waiting for something to happen in your life, please hang on to your faith in the Lord, and if you don't have complete faith in Him, know I am praying for all of you that you find it in Him. Through Him all good things come!
Enjoy this passage on patience and faith.

James 1:2-6
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations:
Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
If any of you lack wisdon, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Blessings to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!

Another Update on LEAH!!!

2008-11-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

I woke up yesterday morning to a wonderful surprise email from Angela with Lady bugs n love. They are sooooo absolutely amazing to work with I cannot even say enough wonderful things.

She got us two new adorable pictures and new measurements, and she just grew 1 cm since the last update.... we will take it!! She is so stinkin adorable I just can't wait to get my arms around her! Please Lord let us get to her quickly as possible. We are faithful knowing that your timing is perfect, but our human hearts want us to be with her tomorrow! ;-)

Enjoy the pictures, and Leah, we love you so very much and cannot wait to have you as a part of our forever family! Not long now precious girl!

RA/LOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

We got it!!!!!!! Praise God!!!!!'
Leah is officially ours!!! We are now waiting on TA, and we should be traveling in late Dec. or early Jan! I can't hardly believe it. Tears of joy are overwhelming me, and all glory and happiness was being lifted up to the Lord! I get to post her precious picture now.
Enjoy and I will hope to post about TA very soon!!! Thanks for visiting and love to you all.

Here is our precious girl...

(above) Through the Grace of God, we connected with a family who traveled to China for a heritage tour of their older daughter from China, and they went to Nanchang (Leah's orphanage) and took pictures of the precious children waiting for their forever families, hoping to be able to provide "baby" pictures of these precious children when families received their referrals, somehow, God Willing. WELL, God is so amazing that He led us to this family through emails of others... and they recognized our precious Leah's referral almost instantly!!! And, this is what they sent us back. Out of all the thousands of children and thousands of adoptees... we found each other!

This was a referral picture

And this is what they listed as her visa picture

These two are precious updates from Lady bugs n Love!!! I just LOVE her smile!!!

Hang on baby... here we come!!!!
We love you soooooooooooooo much!!!
Praising our faithful Father in Heaven!!!

Happy Birthday Party Bekah!!!

2008-11-02T19:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Bekah's official birthday isn't until Tues, but we had our immediate family for her 3rd birthday party!! We soooo wish Leah could have been here to celebrate, but we anxiously await her arrival and are soooo excited to celebrate Leah's 2nd birthday in May!!!
We are very tired, but thought I would post some (well lots) of pictures of her party. I also posted a bunch of pictures yesterday too. WOW, this is what life is like when you are NOT super busy with work, work, and more work!! ;-)
Enjoy...

Our beautiful Birthday girl with red squeaky shoes! She loves them!

Someone enjoyed her cake!! She snuck back for more... and I caught her!

She LOVES her new "laptop" Mommy and Daddy got her...

But I think she might like the backpack Nei Nei and Yea Yea got her!!

So excited to play with her playdough!! Mommy too... ;-)

The birthday room before kids came and destroyed it.. which they did! That is what parties are for right???

Wow, finally get to update!!!

2008-11-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Boy, I cannot believe how long it has been since I had a chance to update my blog!!
Wedding season is finally coming to a close for the year, and I am now able to get back into a routine of being a Mommy and Wife.... Yea God!!!! I love being a wedding planner, but it sure does take it out of you.

We still have no more news on Leah and are waiting for our RA on about day 74 now. Please God let us get RA by the end of Nov.!!! With His hand on things, anything can happen, we are praying to be in China by the end of the year. That is our prayer.

I have LOADS of pictures that I have taken so I will start uploading some.
We have some from Vacation in CO, some from Halloween, and just some odds and ends. We have been so busy, but with my sprained ankle, it is very difficult to get anything done around the house. I am wanting so badly to get Bekah's big girl room done, but I can't do anything like that right now. Please pray for a speedy recovery for my ankle!!!
Enjoy the pictures...

Our little Alligator!!!

Bekah and her BFFs

Dancing Queen!!

Our little Princess!!!

Loving the Pumpking Patch!

Love you girls and miss you soooo! We need a FULL group shot next year.

We miss our Chatty Sisters ssoooooo much!!!!!!

Bekah's first time in a big girl bed!!! She LOVED it!

I could get used to that view every night. I LOVE CO!!!

Boy does someone love her some smores!!!

Bekah loved riding on Uncle Geoffs tractor with Daddy in CO

UPDATE ON LEAH!!!!!!

2008-09-25T07:58:00.001-07:00

What a great morning!!!! I woke up to an email from Angela with Lady Bugs N love. It is a wonderful company that calls your orphanage while you wait and gets updated photos and information on your child. What a blessing and a gift they are!!!! We were able to ask 10 questions and we got 2 updated photos. We had NO recent info on Leah, and our agency won't ask for it until we get RA, which is the official referral acceptance. Lady bugs n love will call when you have PA, pre approval! So, I am going to copy the email I got today with the questions we asked and her answers. It was really hard to think about questions to ask, and I did it in a hurry a little bit so we would hear back as soon as possible, so here they are!!! I will post pictures as soon as we get RA! Hopefully within 2 months.
Just got another email from Angela while I am entering this... I had asked her about the tainted formula and she is going to call the orphanage and let me know if they had any of it! Wow, she is really amazing!!! Neat Neat lady...
Love Dawn

1. Does she crawl on her own?

Yes.

2. Is she walking, or at least learning too?

Yes, she is learning to walk.

3. What does she eat other than a baby bottle, such as any solid food?

She also eats rice, noodle, various of vegetable and snack, etc.

4. Has she had one nanny take care of her since she has been there that she has bonded to?

She’s been in the orphanage always. Her nanny’s name is Li Man Qin.

5. Can you tell us if she is a light or heavy sleeper?

She sleeps pretty heavy.

6. Does she sleep in her own crib or share?

She sleeps in her own crib.

7. What is her personality like?

She is fairly extroverted, active and restless.

8. Has she been in this same orphanage her whole life?

Yes.

9. Does she have a favorite lullaby, and if so, what is the name of it?

She loves to listen to music. No certain lullaby.

10. Is she attached to any other children at the orphanage and if so how old are they?

She has a close friend whose name is Hong Yun Ting. She is 14 months old.

11. Her updated measurements:

Height: 74cm; Weight: 9kg; Head: 43.3cm; Chest: 43cm; Foot: 12cm; Teeth: upper 2, lower 2.

12. Two pictures are attached. She is a happy girl!!!

What we have been up to...

2008-09-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Finale for the Labor Day fireworks... wish I could have captured how truly beautiful they were!

The fireworks were awesome!!!

Wish these turned out better, they seem so far away here!! Not such a good photographer for this!!! :-(

City view from my parents house before the Labor Day fireworks. We will be able to watch them from here! ;-)

Playing in the dirt at Nana and Grandpa's house with her cousins...

Enjoying the water park...

Bekah loves to mow the lawn with Daddy!

One of my favorite pictures!!! They do love each other...

Thank you Mr. Matt for letting me drive!!! ;-)

Someone loves boating and her Bff's Mommy, Miss Melissa!

Bffs have to make sure each other are safe!!

Having lunch at the pier restaurant. Two Peas in a Pod!!!

Loving our friends boat with her BFF!!

Hey everyone!!!
Soooo much has been going on over the past month or so. I have been extremely busy with weddings and we have been keeping busy as a family to try and help the wait time for Leah to go by... I have a horrible feeling we may not be able to get her home before the end of the year, but if God wants her to be home with us by then, she will be. So, I pray that He wants her home with us before Christmas, just like Bekah!!! We are getting so excited, but still sooooo much to do. We are leaving for vacation this Sat. yeah!!! and we are getting our basement finished, so that has consumed me, along with all the painting we are having to do! (needed to cut costs somewhere!) So, needless to say, the summer is flying by and I am ready for fall!

One exciting thing, a family with our agency is traveling right now and had their Gotcha Day yesterday... BUT the cool thing is their daughter is at Leah's orphanage... SO, if they are allowed to visit the orphanage they are going to see if they can "check in" on her for us!!! PLLLLLEASE Lord let them lay eyes on her so they can report great things back to us!

I have lots of photos to add, so here it goes (I should really be painting), they are long overdue.
Love to you all and many blessings!

We have a REFERRAL!!!!!!!!

2008-08-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

We are soooooo excited to share that on Sunday (what a super surprise), August 17th we received a referral for a little girl with a repaired cleft lip and palate who is 15 months old. She is in Nanching, Jiangxi Province of China. That is just one province away from Bekah's!!!
Many more steps have to be complete before we get our Travel Approval (TA), so as each of these slowly trickle in I will be sure to update the blog.
I cannot wait to be able to post her picture for everyone to share, but we are not allowed to do this until we get official word from China that we are a good family for her!!! UGH!!! All the waiting.
I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing God is. We are on almost the EXACT same time frame as we were with Bekah. Down to the day of referral and sending in our acceptance, down to the same special need (minus the cleft lip)!!!!! JUST AMAZING how God has such a perfect plan and such a perfect child for each of our families!
I try not to think about her being in an orphanage for too much longer without us, but God will take care of her! She is actually in a "Half the Sky" orphanage which is a true blessing. They take very good care of the children and they provide tools necessary to keep them on target developmentally. My only concern is that they did not state she was crawling yet at the 11 month report, but we are hoping it was just an oversight. A lot of the time children in orphanages though are a little more behind on gross motor skills due to the fact they just don't get that constant one on one time with a foster family. Bekah was in a foster family and it definitely showed. But, one of my good friends assured me that this should be a great orphanage and her daughter came from one, and she was just wonderful when we went as a group to get our kiddos! So, we shall see. No matter what, we could not be happier for the Lord sending us this beautiful gift and I just want to shout from the mountaintop that she is ours, so once we get our PA (pre approval) you will hear me shouting. Until then, praying that God keeps her safe, healthy, happy and loved!!!!! Come on PA!!!! Then hopefully pictures and updated info on her soon!!!!
In His Mighty Grip,
Dawn
(ps. thanks shelley for letting me steal that!!)

Photo shoot spawned by tea party!

2008-08-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

This is the one I had to "bribe" her for... ;) read below

Getting a little tired of having all sorts of clothes on, note underneath jacket...

Um, yes, this one is too big but she loved it... size 5, uh not yet!!

Cute without jacket though, not too too bad!

We spilled at the tea party. She always has to clean up!!! I love that, but we shall see how long it lasts!

The doll who started the whole "photo shoot!" This doll plays a crazy Chinese song. But, Beks loves it! It is kind of catchy actually!
\

Someone finally knows where the M&Ms are... sneaky girl...

but so funny!!!

At the birthday playdate with our neighbors! Fun Fun!

AND a birthday play date today!!!
We had such a fun full day today... we went to our neighbors birthday party and then took nana and grandpa to the airport, then had a tea party. Now, Bekah got her doll from China and I asked her if she wanted to wear her dress that we got her that is similar and she said "YES, I am so excited!!!" I was cracking up. She is not big on dress up, so I just went with it. So, after that, we ended up taking all her outfits out for when she is a bigger girl, that we got in China and she tried some of those on. We had so much fun. Although, I had to bribe her for the last picture in the blue, with 2 M&Ms to let mommy get this last shot. Daddy picked this cloak out and I wanted him to get to see her in it. That is just when he came home... he loved it!!! So, they are off to get Chipotle, so while I have a minute I figured I would get a couple pictures up.

Enjoy and I hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful weekend. ~ Dawn

LID!!!!!!! and more pictures...

2008-08-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

These little sprinkler mats are adorable... we had a slight malfunction with this one :-(

What a cute little pool . Who doesn't like to drive a boat!!!

Someone loves playing the piano I found out!!!! We may need one soon...

Well, we are sooooooooo excited to announce we received our Log In Date (LID) which means we are officially on the waiting list to receive a referral. It could really come at any time, but only the Lord truly knows when. I have a dream of getting our referral while we are on our vacation in Sept. when we will be with all our chatty sisters and my cousin. That would be so wonderful to share with them there. The joy that overwhelms you is so hard to describe when you first see that child's face and you know it is your child! God is so GOOD!!!!!

We had a play date with our little friend Ava. Bekah just loves "babies" and she is going to be a great big sister!!! I have added some pictures of our time at their house. We had a blast. I just love play dates! Hope everyone is doing well and many blessings to you all. Love, Dawn

Busy Summer!

2008-07-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Pretty girl growing up so fast!

Baking muffins with cousins Sam and Stevie

Somebody loves homemade blueberry "Popsicles"! Yikes!

We have quadrouplets in our family, and we are at their birthday party. We had a lot of fun. Boy, someone is getting used to the water, at least with Daddy!! ;-)

Well, I have to say, between my business (wedding planning), refinishing our basement, and raising a 2 year old (while waiting for our next daughter)... life seems to be a little crazy right now!
We have been busy. So I am sharing a few pictures of our family time, amongst other things... ;-)
We are patiently waiting for even just our LID (log in date). We sent our dossier on June 20, and don't even know when it was logged in yet... ugh! I am sure it is already logged in, I just don't understand why they haven't told our agency when it was yet. Why does everything take so long in China??? Maybe the Olympics are slowing everyone down. I am sure they are looking forward to it!
Nothing too much to say right now, just wanted to upload a few pics and say how stinkin' excited we are to be going to Colorado in Sept. to see my new baby cousin and my Chatty Sisters!!
So, enjoy the photos. I do think Bekah is growing up so fast. She is such a little love bug, but so full of independence right now, it is a bit scary!
I hope this post finds everyone happy and healthy and full of blessings from the Lord!

Photos from Nana's, Firehouse, and home

2008-06-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
I wanted to post some more pictures... we have done a lot in the couple weeks, so I just wanted to post some of my favorite pictures. We had a visit to the Pierce Township Fire Station and Beks just loved it. Her cousins Sam and Stevie (the two blond girls you will see) went with us. It was so neat getting to "play" in everything!!!
Also, Beks loves to go to her Nana and Nai Nai's houses, but here Bekah is at Nana's playing in their house outside making big bubble messes with Sam.
Also, she has just discovered how much she loves peaches and insists "me hold it!"
We also recently went to a bunch a yard sales and found these tinker toys which she just loves, so of course we had to build the lawn mower, like her bubble mover and Daddy's mower.

We will probably be waiting for a little while for a referral for our precious daughter, but God is faithful and will get us through this waiting. If you think of it, please pray that if she is born already somewhere out there, that she is loved and well taken care of before she comes home to us.
Much love and blessings to you all!!!
Thanks for visiting.

How Bekah has grown!!!

2008-06-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take a minute and post how our precious Rebekah has developed and grown beyond my wildest expectations over the past year and a half. I cannot believe it has been that long!!! I have loved (almost) every minute of it... hee hee!
Enjoy taking a walk down memory lane with us! From her first picture ever taken of her that came with our referral, to Gotcha Day in China, etc., then on to our most recent vacation where she really showed off how she loves to be silly and dance/ entertain a crowd of people (she couldn't be more like her mommy), as well as how she just seemed to fall in love with that goat, and he apparently loved her back. Enjoy!!!

We are Official!!!

2008-06-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Whooo hooooo!!!
We got our Fed Ex tracking number this morning, so it is official! Our dossier has been sent off to China. We should be getting our LID (log in date) within 4-6 weeks, even though they usually log the dossier in much quicker than that, we just don't hear back from them until the 4-6 week mark!
I have no idea what the Lord has in store for us, but I cannot wait for the moment we get that email, open the file, and see her face for the first time. I cannot even describe it!! My Chatty Sisters may be able to, but with that being our first child, and having no other way of comparing the "birth" of a child, it is too much to even describe! It is a complete leap of faith, but God is so good and He has already selected our next child for us, we just have to be patient and wait for His perfect timing!!
If you could pray that the process continues to go smoothly and for a timely referral, we would greatly appreciate it!

We are DTC!!!!

2008-06-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I couldn't be happier to announce that we have confirmation that our dossier will be sent to China tomorrow!!! So, I figured I better get posting on a website for our wait for Leah! We have also decided that Leah is going to be our new little one's name. As things continue to happen, I will certainly post them. I would love for anyone in the waiting stages to contact me with any questions and I would be more than happy to answer them! This is our second time around with China and I am just so excited!!! The process is a little different this time around, but that is what I have my wonderful Chatty Friends for, who are one step ahead of me!!! Love you girls.
Anywho, God is so great for providing us the tools we need to complete our second adoption. I don't think I will be done yet after this one, I still want my boy. But, we are really excited to have another little girl and a sister for Bekah, she is going to be a great big sis!
Blessings to all and thanks for visiting our blog!

Leah is HOME!!!

Waoh...... Have I really not posted in that long???

Leah's 2nd Birthday Party

Getting warmer!!

Wow... where did the time go!

What have we been up to???

Sweeter than Chocolate...

Updates...

Almost settled in!!!

Giggling girl video

We are HOME!!!

We are packed and ready...

A day of spending!!!

Another day down...

Medical Exam Day

Time in Guangzhou

We are in Guangzhou!!

Leaving Jiangxi

Orphanage Visit and other sites

A little more detail with pics!

What a few days!!!

We have her!!!!!!!

Headed out tomorrow!!!!!

One day closer...

We Made it!!!!!

Our Itinerary

I still cannot believe we leave in 2 days!!! Trying to get things done... Here is where we will be and when. Thanks for following our journey and all prayers for a safe and successful trip would be very welcomed. (I can't find the underline button to get this off... ugh!)

We have our in country itinerary!!!

January 8th –January 23rd

What a busy Christmas, but so wonderful!!

CONCRETE TRAVEL DATES!!!

Thank you Lucy!!!

Visiting with the Lord today

TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waiting

Thankful...

Another Update on LEAH!!!

RA/LOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Party Bekah!!!

Wow, finally get to update!!!

UPDATE ON LEAH!!!!!!

What we have been up to...

We have a REFERRAL!!!!!!!!

Photo shoot spawned by tea party!

LID!!!!!!! and more pictures...

Busy Summer!

Photos from Nana's, Firehouse, and home

How Bekah has grown!!!

We are Official!!!

We are DTC!!!!

January 8^th –January 23^rd