Beautiful Quote from adoptive mom

i don't expect to ever have an experience that compares to adopting scout. it truely was my finest hour.

I am quoting this from one of my yahoo boards in which a mom was recounting the experience of adopting her daughter from China last year.

I dont really have anything special to say about this, I just found it beautiful.

Referrals are here for those families logged in between May 13 and the 25th. The calls are just starting to go out this afternoon.

Congratulations to all the new families!

CCAI received 114 referrals and 2 sets of twins.

. 

The spirit of Adoption

Too Sweet. Phineas the baby Squirrel has been adopted by a puppy dog and her litter of pups. Love and the need to nurture and be nurtured transcends all boundaries

Secret Pal gifts arrive on the same day

Being the expert scrapbooking girls they are, my secret pals both made homemade cards! thanks for the well wishes on my vacation---only 10 days!!!! I cant wait!



The themes this month were"Something for Travel" on the August group and "Sweet wishes and candy kisses" on the September group.

In addition to the great gifts pictured here, they sent adorable scrapbooking materials, the cutest girly socks and hair bows, and some yum chocolate hearts in a chinese take out box. Needless to say, we polished off the chocolate the first night.

Great gifts from my fabulous secret pals!

Xie Xie!

what a face..........

OMG---is this an angel or what? check out Daphne's journey at www.emilysadoption.blogspot.com She doesnt have a laptop with her so she cant post every day, but Emily is so adorable, I go there just to look at the same pics over and over! Hopefully we'll get another update once she gets to the White Swan in Guangzhou. It is SOOOO COOL to see someone you know and love getting her baby in CHINA!

They look to be having a great time, cant wait until they get home.

The Stork is Flying

The Stork is flying high and we are glad to see it, although the word on the net is that the Spanish rumor was only partially true. We are indeed getting an "extra" set of referrals in February, but rumor has it that the date only goes through May 25th, not mid June.

oh well, most of us werent expecting referrals in February anyway, since the CCAA usually sends a double batch in January and then nothing in Feb. due to the long holiday. So at least its an extra batch, albeit a small one.

The waiting child program with CCAI has placed 27 children from the January list! Isnt that fabulous? that program is growing by leaps and bounds. 18 kids have been placed on the web site (which means their needs dont meet any of the checklists on file) and there are still 10 files left to translate. I would love to find our baby out of that last 10, but I'm not counting on it.

CCAI will get another list of 55 files in April, and can submit a request for additonal children before then, based on the number they have already placed.

Here's hoping the referrals go through the end of May at least! but if not, the May 13-25 batch is still kind of a *bonus* so at least we can be happy about that.

The Ergo Baby Carrier

Referrals may be several months away for us September folks, but I'm realizing that I still have some important stuff to do in order to get ready!

Like find a baby carrier. Those in Adoption process know that using a carrier and being face to face with your baby is one of the best attachment activities there is. Since my baby could be anywhere from 15 to 20 something pounds, comfort for her and me is a big consideration. Especially since we'll most likely be doing alot of walking in China and its looking like we'll be going late summer/early fall and it will be HOT AND HUMID. Comfort is a must!

I like the ergo because its designed to support the baby in a comfy position while distributing the baby's weight evenly on the hips instead of the back. They also state that it comfortably carries a child infant to 40 pounds---that should work for toddlers on hikes, etc.---of course, lets not get crazy :)).......I can barely hike a good distance myself, much less with a 30 or 40 pound child on my body. Jimmy will have to take over the carrier at that point, I'm quite sure........or maybe we could hire a pack mule!

Pictured is the Ergo Classic which is being closed out and therefore on sale for 59.00. The New Generation Ergo can be worn front, back, or either hip, and retails for about 94.00

The Classic (above) only says it can be worn front or back, but it looks to me like one of the women is wearing the classic on her hip. Dont ya think?

What carrier are you guys thinking of?????

Gotcha

Gotcha !

Daphne and Greg are in Nanning. Gotcha Day was Daphne's Birthday!

Congratulations to the Jones Family!

Welcome to our extended family, Emily Faith Fu bo!

Emily Kisses 

China Chatter

China Chatter

The boards have been hot today, with rumors flyyyyying about the next batch of referrals. It was reported on 2 of my groups that.....................

The French boards report.........

That the Spanish boards report..............

That another batch of referrals are due out at the end of this month, and that it will cover up to

MID JUNE!

Oh, "Would to God" that this be true! (are you familiar with this term? They use it frequently in the bible to express deep heartfelt longing!)

and...........Jane from Ask Jane in China (Our Chinese Daughters Foundation) had someone from her office call the CCAA about the rumored move to another building. They told her that yes, there are plans to move, but they don't know when or where. Maybe the move isn't imminent, or maybe they were just really busy....Working on referrals hopefully!

and...............Sonia and Hugh are next up in our local group for referral! If the rumors are true.....That referral could be right around the corner.

..........And mine could be as soon as June!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :))) but I'm not getting my hopes up......Really!

and..........Daphne and Greg leave for China on Thursday. God speed, Daphne and Greg! Be safe, and have fun! And get that little baby back here so we can all dote on her!

And I became a mother..............

"she fell asleep on my shoulder after about 20 minutes...........and I became a mother."

Isnt it strange how a single line in an e-mail.........can make your heart skip a beat. Those of you in the various yahoo adoption groups, probably know exactly what I mean. Except for you, maybe its a different sentence or description that catches in your throat.

This week the BTDT (been there done thats) in one of my yahoo groups have been sharing their Gotcha Day stories.

A couple of people have sort of apologized for the length of these stories in the subject line. Are you kidding? I devour every word!

We all joke about having the gestation period of an elephant, and we laugh and cry and tell stories and share packing lists, and pictures of our nurseries.........and find ways to pass the time. But its not an easy wait.......especially for those of us waiting for our first child.

Every Story...............

Every Travel Journal......................

Keeps it real, and reminds me that this is something that I will ACTUALLY do myself one day.

Before year end, the stories will be mine.

Thank you BTDT adoption Sisters!

The mayonaise jar and two cups of coffee

FW: the mayo jar and 2 cups of coffee---Contributed by my friend, Mike.


The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.The sand is everything else--the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. "Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

And in other news............

And in other news..........

• I finally renewed my tag today, which is newsworthy because it was due in JUNE! I actually did remember that I forgot....... back in early fall, but then I forgot..........again. You know how men have that selective hearing? Well, I think I may have selective memory.

I had myself all geared up to wait an hour or more in line (took a book) and make an eloquent explanation (excuse) on why I was late and apologize for said lateness.

The lady behind the counter just kept grinning at me though, like........."honey..........I don't care if you EVER pay this tax!"

I don't know what I expected.....An admonishing, a "better late than never" pat on the back? Got neither.....Just some gum smacking ..........Followed by "NEEEEXXXXT"

Kind of anti-climactic.

• I went to Regions bank to take care of some other business and went ahead and asked them about the 'new, crisp bills" needed for the orphanage donation. She said they only need a 2 week heads up and it shouldn't be a problem. FYI
• Daphne and Greg have their itinerary! I got butterflies reading hers, I'll probably end up in the emergency room reading mine! You can check it out on her blog listed to the left: Journey to Emily Faith Fubo.
• My mom moves here in 2 weeks--woohoo!
• I bought a Spanish language CD to listen to in the car as prep for my upcoming trip to Punta Cana. You'd think I would have learned more Spanish when I spent a summer working in Ixtapa (back in college), but sadly, I did not. I did have a really cute Spanish boyfriend though, who translated just fine. oohlala.

And you think YOU have guts....................... 

Farewell, Mrs. King

Farewell, Coretta Scott King.

I work in a nursing home, and my office happens to be just outside the t.v. room. Staff and residents drifted in one by one, to watch the funeral for Coretta Scott King. The fourth floor of our facility quickly filled with the sounds of both classical and southern gospel music, as residents and staff tuned in up and down the halls. It was a beautiful tribute, to a beautiful woman. This woman, who not only supported and assisted her husband in the civil rights movement, but became an activist in her own right, working for civil rights in this country and abroad, and toward the eradication of poverty, violence, and AIDS.

When I look at her, I am humbled by the magnitude of her work, and the purposeful way in which she lived her life. But its the woman inside that I wonder most about.............The the wife, the mother, the friend................ what was it like for her ?

How do you face each day with a target your husbands back?

How do you raise 4 children after losing your husband at the age of 39?

How do you turn grief into purpose?

loneliness into action?

fear into defiance?

And how do you do it all, with a gentle and compassionate spirit that lasts a lifetime.

New Digs

While waiting for a referral, we have been on a painting and spiffing up binge........... Like on a speedball from home depot h*ll.

Neither my hair (nor the dogs) will likely ever be free of paint in this lifetime, since I tend to develop a reliable yet unexplainable spasticity whenever I get a paintbrush in my hand.

Our latest project is the master bedroom and bath, which is now a restful shade of green.

Peanut plots to overthrow us.............Sure, that all this luxury appeared in response to her bidding ................Its true. I'm but a handmaiden in her kingdom.

Of course, with a new shade of paint, it was
off to buy new bedding as well. This is a
matalaise number in a lighter shade of the wall
color. TJ Max is having a 70% off sale, by the
way...............

must say, there's alot of green in here. I love it, but kind of feel like Dorothy visiting the Emerald City............... I can add some color with rugs and pillows, no? Maybe a soft shade of rose?

The Waiting Child

The Waiting Child

by Debbie Bodie

I saw you meet your child today

You kissed your baby joyfully

And as you walked away with her

I played pretend you'd chosen me.

I'm happy for the baby, yet.........

Inside I'm aching miserably

I want to plead as you go by,

Does no one want a child of three?

I saw you meet your child today

In love with her before you met

And as I watched you take her out,

I knew it wasnt my turn yet.

I recognized you from last year

I knew I'd seen your face before!

But you came for a second babe

Does no one want a child of four?

I saw you meet your child today

But this time there was something new

A nurse came in and took my hand

and then gave my hand to you.

Can this be true???

I'm almost six!

And there are infants here, dont you see?

But then you kissed me and I knew

The child you chose this time was

Me!

I have to confess.......we, like most people are in process for a baby. Its a very personal decision..........this choosing of adoption parameters. We've never been parents, and want to experience babyhood to at least some degree.

But I stumbled on this poem and it gave me chills.

If only there could be enough homes in the world for EVERY child.

sigh

Travel Steals

4.5 weeks until our rendezvous in Punta Cana!

If you recall, I remarked in an earlier post about coming across a "killer Caribbean sale" as the reason we booked this vacation at this time.

A couple of people have asked about my vacation sale resources, so here are the tips!

Last minute sales are huge in the cruise and resort industry---wait to book a trip until a couple months or weeks before you plan to go and you'll get a much better deal!

Here are the consolidators with the best deals:

www.travelzoo.com

www.cheapcarribean.com

www.11thhourvacations.com

www.gotoday.com

www.frommersbudgettravel.com

www.applevacations.com

www.vacationexpress.com

www.cruise411.com

Happy Traveling!

Note: Many resorts have baby and kids clubs for a great vacation experience for families.

Little Miss Spider

Another Great Adoption Related Book

This is a sweet and simple story of a baby spider who is born and immediatly begins searching for her mother. a beetle comes along to help her look for her mother, and saves her from baby spider perils along the way.

Eventually, the kind beetle invites the baby spider to stay with her and be a family.

Best page of the story is the last:

"For finding your mother

theres one certain test.

You must search for the creature,

who loves you best."

Waiting Child List

Well, here's an update on the waiting child list that arrived last week at CCAI.

There were 55 children on the list, which is exciting, since they used to only send about 30 at a time.

CCAI has 3 employees that manage the waiting child program, Deniece, Pam, and Sarah, and they seem to have a real calling in placing special needs children.

So far, 3 children have been placed on the web site, indicating that their needs don't match any of the current family checklists. There were 4, but a 13 year old girl has already been placed with a family! how wonderful for her.

Apparently, 4 other children have found families as well, although I have seen the referral information on only a couple..... and they are adorable! One little girl has a 2 small hemangiomas and is only 8.5 months old.

CCAI is translating one file at a time, and then placing that child. They then move on to the next file. For that reason, it will probably take a couple of weeks to place all the children with families or move them to the website. (which is what happens if they dont match up with a family via checklists)

I received an e-mail from Deniece at CCAI saying that based on our request for a baby under a year and the number of checklists turned in before ours, we probably wont be matched this time.

But...........the rumor is that CCAI can now request additional files from the CCAA after they have placed at least 15 children. And the next sceduled list will arrive in April.

Very exciting!

Congratulations to those families with a new baby!

Here's wishing you speedy TAs! (travel approval)

MOM

Mom and I at the beach--our favorite place to be

My mom has been here this week, and we have been touring apartment complexes near and far. We signed a lease for an apartment yesterday, and she will be moving here in 2 short weeks. It is a bittersweet thing for me—though mostly sweet. I am excited to have her here, because I so miss being able to go to brunch with her on Saturday mornings, to movies, shopping, all that mother/dtr stuff. But I realize that her willingness to move to Atlanta signifies an admission that she needs more support.

I remember a conversation several years ago, in which I asked her to promise me that we wouldn’t play emotional games when the time came…... that she would tell me if she needed me to step in and take a more active role in her life. I have worked in geriatrics for over 10 years, and have had front row exposure to the challenges of aging parents and changing parent/child relationships, and I dreaded the time of indecision…….the hesitation of a daughter wanting to do right by her mother, but unsure of the right time to step in with someone who has been so fiercely independent.

My mother has given me a beautiful gift. She was indeed honest and forthright in admitting that she isn’t managing as well as she used to. Because of that admission, I have permission to take a more active role with the logistics of her life……… and the confidence to do it with conviction.

It is such a difficult thing to see your parents losing small bits of independence, and bits of confidence along with it. I look at her, and see a new vulnerability. And it makes me wish that I could cushion her body and soul with the softest cotton—protecting her from the inevitable blows of aging. It occurs to me, that she has probably wished she could do the same for me all of my life…..and in some ways she has done just that. My fervent wish is that I can be as comforting and sure in my supporting role, as she was in her mothering. I sometimes wonder if I have what it takes, but then I remember, I had a wonderful teacher.

Southern Women

Southern Women---Funny email

From Christy

• Southern women appreciate their natural assets: Soft skin. An easy smile. That unforgettable Southern drawl.
• Southern women know their manners: "Yes, ma'am." "Yes, sir." "Don't you DARE...Billy!"
• Southern women have a distinct way with fond expressions: "Y'all come back, soon!" "Well, bless your heart." "Call when you can." "Can I get you a glass of tea?"
• Southern women know their summer weather report: Humidity Humidity Humidity
• Southern women know their vacation spots: The beach, Shopping, Shopping at the beach
• Southern women know the joys of June, July, and August: Summer tans, Strapless sun dresses, Air conditioning.
• Southern women know everybody's first name: Honey, Darlin', Shugah.
• Southern women know the movies that speak to their hearts: Fried Green Tomatoes, Driving Miss Daisy, Steel Magnolias, Gone With The Wind.
• Southern women know their religions: Baptist, Methodist, Football.
• Southern women know their country breakfasts: Red-eye gravy & Country ham and Grits, Mouth-watering biscuits with momma's homemade jelly.
• Southern women know their cities dripping with Southern charm: Charleston (Chawl'stn), Savannah (S'vanah), New Orleans (N'orlins), Atlanta (Addlanna)
• Southern women know their elegant gentlemen: Men in uniform or tuxedos ,Men who open doors for women, and Rhett Butler, of course!
• Southern girls know their prime real estate: The Mall, The Country Club, The Beauty Salon.
• Southern girls know the four deadly sins: Having bad hair and nails, Having bad manners, Cooking bad food, and Wearing too much makeup.
• Southern girls know, men may come and go......... but their girl-friends last fahevah!

Now...... Shugah, send this to your friends who were raised in the South or the ones who wish they had been! If you're a Northern transplant, Bless your heart, just fake it. We know you got here as fast as you could.....!