tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71225329951356663202024-03-12T22:14:05.064-07:00Journey to our China AngelColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-42491159818237474622011-07-04T14:38:00.000-07:002011-07-04T14:52:18.486-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNjWCOu1os10JbbpbUkQyzNSrpw6dH2hyphenhyphenwMJMACpdSbpAkbx4kuhvNhJk98sVj4O2zWtaDBhhHxqBaz90E6MHhKwX0_yGanRDCQbCkT123xp_iO-OXKWfAs5HIUx7Yr9wrYnqJntN13Wj/s1600/100_0471.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNjWCOu1os10JbbpbUkQyzNSrpw6dH2hyphenhyphenwMJMACpdSbpAkbx4kuhvNhJk98sVj4O2zWtaDBhhHxqBaz90E6MHhKwX0_yGanRDCQbCkT123xp_iO-OXKWfAs5HIUx7Yr9wrYnqJntN13Wj/s400/100_0471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625615266413392962" border="0" /></a><br />I haven't posted on here is soooo long, don't even know if anybody even checks it anymore. Let me know if anyone is still out there???<br />Can't believe mia is 2-1/2. Such a sweet girl we are so happy!<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-59112846085664752742010-04-05T14:24:00.000-07:002010-04-05T14:29:15.332-07:00HAPPY EASTER from MIA GRACE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0ukfl-b_4iLljXqWb3NhaaQBiXBg2Uyg1o_2TXYDqtOteqBs2K1aifydFCVzGERvXfgwfK3RKa08Kq3Fb9_ixopbV0NrfKIT5F-I0hLeWSiroI-80oZFFQuEdW3FjGKZDoWIaYmhWiZ9/s1600/Mia+Easter+2010d.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0ukfl-b_4iLljXqWb3NhaaQBiXBg2Uyg1o_2TXYDqtOteqBs2K1aifydFCVzGERvXfgwfK3RKa08Kq3Fb9_ixopbV0NrfKIT5F-I0hLeWSiroI-80oZFFQuEdW3FjGKZDoWIaYmhWiZ9/s400/Mia+Easter+2010d.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456768582327779474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-896qM9ngaF7SDRSF_c2AnpHv1SKw3CAU5qIrImqfZWOG-cbaWk4Dam-_Qc9JuIaiZ-2Z6s071zuHW3DZbaS4aOSJXv4EXbRfxM_ycun7_2V44G1xKqBXHzjX4uCCg8kOFuBlMVeSZvF/s1600/Mia+Easter+2010b.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-896qM9ngaF7SDRSF_c2AnpHv1SKw3CAU5qIrImqfZWOG-cbaWk4Dam-_Qc9JuIaiZ-2Z6s071zuHW3DZbaS4aOSJXv4EXbRfxM_ycun7_2V44G1xKqBXHzjX4uCCg8kOFuBlMVeSZvF/s400/Mia+Easter+2010b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456768279412720674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZezHmJgN1adi4QlYGYuD0vzrzthaTUieFMOe1YQPibz6TvX2h6mWL5mZEzgFEq2oiGiXgLDIki4TLoM8zeeDQVTsQyjizmllgs-KKldjG7NbSek9-g3WQx9k5_D8KPoSAqIMbugUsgHf/s1600/Mia+Easter+2010a.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZezHmJgN1adi4QlYGYuD0vzrzthaTUieFMOe1YQPibz6TvX2h6mWL5mZEzgFEq2oiGiXgLDIki4TLoM8zeeDQVTsQyjizmllgs-KKldjG7NbSek9-g3WQx9k5_D8KPoSAqIMbugUsgHf/s400/Mia+Easter+2010a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456768268526910706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr18bfe5MqNW247sNlIT0J9ubqJfNrcMMe7qFhKcsimlSQ4G7dYg_0It26e8lY8qb6dhu0QAFnBaa5a2G_RfRyQ38qqnlMplQ4Sf2h_ghN9ovzI4Vi1tvx1qj6S_TEW_B95OpIK20Zcbmi/s1600/Mia+Easter+2010c.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr18bfe5MqNW247sNlIT0J9ubqJfNrcMMe7qFhKcsimlSQ4G7dYg_0It26e8lY8qb6dhu0QAFnBaa5a2G_RfRyQ38qqnlMplQ4Sf2h_ghN9ovzI4Vi1tvx1qj6S_TEW_B95OpIK20Zcbmi/s400/Mia+Easter+2010c.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456768259742600594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-32615204349934052102010-03-27T14:43:00.000-07:002010-03-27T14:53:45.671-07:00Mia The EntertainerLooks like Mia has got Dada down pat... We were trying to get her to say Mama, but as you can see she prefers Dada :) She also is very found of her dog Jake. We think she is saying "hi jake"... She was totally cracking us up last night!!!<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgFzpmtKLMqrgTToqXayS3FFNVINenr-rS9tSS3YgP1aF034o4W_04Caw8IZeRR3tdhdHCIaMBQ6PzppDffA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-26285058148052998972010-03-09T08:24:00.000-08:002010-03-09T08:30:53.317-08:00Home at last<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8Lqa8U_jRRBcUDmo3WcRb-2tF197XIzsJVC3XLIrSr6-PH8pC3jH2wsNIVVEf4Q0Igd2UjX_n2zagLbO_kcYh4pA-Fqwjg3dh6N3mkCNw5Z4cFjpVTOC3e_laZmbRgDlhOMTR5ZW2o8_/s1600-h/DSCF0049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8Lqa8U_jRRBcUDmo3WcRb-2tF197XIzsJVC3XLIrSr6-PH8pC3jH2wsNIVVEf4Q0Igd2UjX_n2zagLbO_kcYh4pA-Fqwjg3dh6N3mkCNw5Z4cFjpVTOC3e_laZmbRgDlhOMTR5ZW2o8_/s400/DSCF0049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446671999700147682" border="0" /></a>Mia loves her doggie... Jake<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw04EowPhvmCB-1WGuDpUEuK08griHH2b_uI-82fW059uqYS6AZfgm4y3izRNCLQpG0OPFuXvWtaOUlnm1pUjWpw-4m2h1RXW0X0HeC-3N8vEMieB3idjVVU3Qp_QHC8xwk82alkUGuY4M/s1600-h/DSCF0041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw04EowPhvmCB-1WGuDpUEuK08griHH2b_uI-82fW059uqYS6AZfgm4y3izRNCLQpG0OPFuXvWtaOUlnm1pUjWpw-4m2h1RXW0X0HeC-3N8vEMieB3idjVVU3Qp_QHC8xwk82alkUGuY4M/s400/DSCF0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446671990827831346" border="0" /></a>Mia & Mommy meeting for the first time<br /></div><br /><br />Sorry I haven't updated this. The last few days have been crazy! She had a bad case of jet lag and her sleep schedule was all turned around.. So we had quite a grumpy baby on our hands. Along with two exhausted parents. But things are better, she seems to be sleeping through the night now. Not much of an eater... she likes her bottle & rice cereal & eggs and not too interested in anything else. But we are working on that. We had chicken noodle soup last night and she ate a little bit of it. Here are a couple of pictures.<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-64053763367805410782010-03-02T21:20:00.000-08:002010-03-04T11:02:01.342-08:00Red Couch Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8GvBnH1ynpLZCqkny3QpjpXJ2ofBw0pEaTunKHjVON6th43RPbRhwAze0EgzgjntzvDTxIzO24NLwdeZfp4hYibG10tA6xay9cJK7AlXt0_SQyOHXcbNIsQPzvmhx00kuqsC5NwkvT4m/s1600-h/mia+beatuyqueen+3-1-10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444806017527211698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8GvBnH1ynpLZCqkny3QpjpXJ2ofBw0pEaTunKHjVON6th43RPbRhwAze0EgzgjntzvDTxIzO24NLwdeZfp4hYibG10tA6xay9cJK7AlXt0_SQyOHXcbNIsQPzvmhx00kuqsC5NwkvT4m/s400/mia+beatuyqueen+3-1-10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiis-gb60lPcSbCdhzPyfkOGPXVl9VrtU3SKtYc73QvGg4AM8tte9wm2au7_qlvuCMnMmJVtCwAKQoUCVYUgeaDcLpbvWNM87vP6-K8FFUK6PtE3BrAW-BXdP9gLW48QhpAOwIkrDwhznBm/s1600-h/mia+%26+friends+3-1-10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444806003874229346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiis-gb60lPcSbCdhzPyfkOGPXVl9VrtU3SKtYc73QvGg4AM8tte9wm2au7_qlvuCMnMmJVtCwAKQoUCVYUgeaDcLpbvWNM87vP6-K8FFUK6PtE3BrAW-BXdP9gLW48QhpAOwIkrDwhznBm/s400/mia+%26+friends+3-1-10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2gMU976M4s3c4Tt24rHgv_N2I1ioYDamS_22PfUPLUF_uLfwDu32-EGkh21smSaxnnMeK5vI9Q-9kMGewVWEHapSkYoS9oNJ1Tem2qT5G1Uu0AkS8DQQUgHvNkdbbv5tqoLEfEO4F2Mx/s1600-h/dad&mia+red+couch+3-1-10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444805985854659170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2gMU976M4s3c4Tt24rHgv_N2I1ioYDamS_22PfUPLUF_uLfwDu32-EGkh21smSaxnnMeK5vI9Q-9kMGewVWEHapSkYoS9oNJ1Tem2qT5G1Uu0AkS8DQQUgHvNkdbbv5tqoLEfEO4F2Mx/s400/dad&mia+red+couch+3-1-10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ssgEmzZAQs1ZxEMClmdw6hfwai9YTBUeFNsPwNGYuRxXy2tGsD0X0LjbkWYNY4Od0Hk3ptMcPW7RZe9KjlxZEKcoaPvSydFDVuQtgS8V4itaz7YbjxmAvwdCglFvfi3yVERjc-7h25n/s1600-h/1549+girls+-.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444805975054402130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ssgEmzZAQs1ZxEMClmdw6hfwai9YTBUeFNsPwNGYuRxXy2tGsD0X0LjbkWYNY4Od0Hk3ptMcPW7RZe9KjlxZEKcoaPvSydFDVuQtgS8V4itaz7YbjxmAvwdCglFvfi3yVERjc-7h25n/s400/1549+girls+-.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden"> A tradition in China for families staying at the White Swan Hotel is to have pictures taken on the red couch in their lobby. Whoa what a chaotic afternoon. But the girls all looks so beautiful. <div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden"> <div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden"> <div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-14339542472153578142010-02-27T09:46:00.000-08:002010-02-27T10:20:46.236-08:00Life with Mia in China<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNBo-UGnSKC3wS8qNHa7NOOhbmuwbRsjo_nrmsGfK9JunN_nIEaAiFC232RomsdeNZNNi-jaej_K4XVdodKBuMEZ1_og97RklslYf4eA1IJhGDdz5CJSk49c_zYc4vkMwZ9jwpVwSUUEh/s1600-h/silly+mia+2-25-10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNBo-UGnSKC3wS8qNHa7NOOhbmuwbRsjo_nrmsGfK9JunN_nIEaAiFC232RomsdeNZNNi-jaej_K4XVdodKBuMEZ1_og97RklslYf4eA1IJhGDdz5CJSk49c_zYc4vkMwZ9jwpVwSUUEh/s400/silly+mia+2-25-10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442988836598421202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg999X5GGfwd5s9XlDKdGVHJVz4Ld3CVk3GanwIVwMKKbDNj4kd-k5yz60ylcBibbREGUWiqhtoU-zIF9te6qcsrqeNdgsDHDnUabxw1IvigvNn3IRuwNhwKQxTIpHgYt_TdUp5MC50I4ch/s1600-h/mia+smile+2-27-10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg999X5GGfwd5s9XlDKdGVHJVz4Ld3CVk3GanwIVwMKKbDNj4kd-k5yz60ylcBibbREGUWiqhtoU-zIF9te6qcsrqeNdgsDHDnUabxw1IvigvNn3IRuwNhwKQxTIpHgYt_TdUp5MC50I4ch/s400/mia+smile+2-27-10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442988325891617346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OwjgSYKL_-ZYXj2gon8V7rWB5ycgRB7ZAe_mNCCUOKTsVy79K6i1-JO50NwhnZ4_po4LrUNmWE4tXe4FjBMu9iFJ_4HGngK0SG_gSReA2X-vctXMEb09oRaEMqgNwCSFw4t1slh4KR2Z/s1600-h/Mia+playroom+2-26-10b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OwjgSYKL_-ZYXj2gon8V7rWB5ycgRB7ZAe_mNCCUOKTsVy79K6i1-JO50NwhnZ4_po4LrUNmWE4tXe4FjBMu9iFJ_4HGngK0SG_gSReA2X-vctXMEb09oRaEMqgNwCSFw4t1slh4KR2Z/s400/Mia+playroom+2-26-10b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442988312311778770" border="0" /></a><br />Just wanted to update everyone on how Don, Mia & Sandy are doing in China. They have been working on adjusting Mia's feeding & sleeping schedule to work better for her. For example while in the orphanage she would get a bottle at 12 midnight. Don was having to wake her up to feed her and we thought that wasn't a very good idea. Even tho she usually went back to sleep sometimes she didn't and would cry. So now she is getting a bottle before she goes to bed about 8:30 pm. A typical day is waking up at around 7 am, getting a bottle and then all three of them go down to breakfast around 9 am to eat. Mia has some rice con-gee cereal (this is a type of rice porridge eaten in many Asian countries). Then they go back to the room and usually call Mommy!!! This is our favorite time of day :) We talk on skype and it seems like Mia was sort of recognizing that I was talking to her over the computer. But yesterday I knew for sure. I starting clapping and then she started clapping & laughing and this went on for several minutes. This was the best... Our first play time!!! I also have a Old McDonald story book & puppet that I show her and sing Old Mac Donald and also hold up her Violet dog and play the songs he sings. Last night she was dancing to the music... it was so cute! Then comes the hard time when Mommy has to go to bed (cuz usually it is 12 midnight here) and we have to say goodbye. Most of the time during this long conversation Mia takes her nap. She usually doesn't like to go down for her nap so that is sometimes a bit of a struggle. But you can tell she is just fighting her tiredness. After her nap she gets another bottle and then they usually play in the room or on one day they went to the children's playroom in the hotel. She get's a bottle or rice cereal at dinner time and then another bottle at bedtime. We have been introducing a few solid foods (because she is ready for them) like cheerios (she loves 'em) and some scrambled eggs. I'm going to have fun introducing her to all sorts of stuff when she gets home. She has been pretty good about sleeping through the night, so that is a blessing. She does get fussy during the day for what seems like no apparent reason, but we think maybe she is grieving the loss of her orphanage family and also she is teething, she chews on anything she can get her hands on. In the picture above you can really see her 4 teeth. Well that is all for now. Don is doing a great job and is a wonderful Father. And thank goodness Sandy is their to help out. I really takes 2 to take care of a 14 month old... So who is going to come help me when Don goes back to work.... Help :)<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-50745820965891087032010-02-24T19:03:00.001-08:002010-02-24T19:06:10.373-08:00Sweet Angel Pictures<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM6wevPWqOunlMTddjaWiwYZCXwFGOKQgellUg0wN0MHUQtwTkekjFKWXnFX-UNaZ0nMqREpX30K61Bk3UJg3BvAgdcdRGIbeflcCBIBA8ipDhwhxgFzNMHUkZEwvW5Z2T7vEm_ORQr-b/s1600-h/Mia+sleeping+2-23-10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM6wevPWqOunlMTddjaWiwYZCXwFGOKQgellUg0wN0MHUQtwTkekjFKWXnFX-UNaZ0nMqREpX30K61Bk3UJg3BvAgdcdRGIbeflcCBIBA8ipDhwhxgFzNMHUkZEwvW5Z2T7vEm_ORQr-b/s400/Mia+sleeping+2-23-10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442011663872525090" border="0" /></a>Little Sleeping Beauty<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNe2cPUkPmbtyOKG9AvPzVVNcILJpZNbfCSTSfYhn9Icq6SHGy-Ifwjy9tHVIFFBefQChsztYUAddGZdH6xwqDVy-U2-WPiFD5s7duAvEsTln2A4-7AKt1pjY0k7yJ-nBVRqtlRN2iLzw/s1600-h/mia&gramma+s.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNe2cPUkPmbtyOKG9AvPzVVNcILJpZNbfCSTSfYhn9Icq6SHGy-Ifwjy9tHVIFFBefQChsztYUAddGZdH6xwqDVy-U2-WPiFD5s7duAvEsTln2A4-7AKt1pjY0k7yJ-nBVRqtlRN2iLzw/s400/mia&gramma+s.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442011653140955330" border="0" /></a>Grandma Sandy & Mia<br /></div><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-48548526626373387092010-02-22T20:22:00.000-08:002010-02-22T20:34:22.456-08:00Mia in Action!!!!<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy49i4dJxON1H-xDQ7AqVYdXXnWdLg06-ipOAkPt0KdBHh4_rYXLHA8C5lNJG0rzCj4E4qy9ejTtC7RTozDYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />One of the other parents took this of Mia yesterday testing out her walking ability. Wow, she does a pretty good job! She is keeping Don very busy. She has been a very good baby... BUT, she absolutely HATES diaper changing time. She screams & crys and has a total meltdown. Don is doing a FANTASTIC job though. Today they made changing time a game and it went a lot better. Don is such a great Dad.ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-29906929852854180002010-02-21T12:21:00.000-08:002010-02-21T12:32:25.701-08:00Don & Mia Grace Together... Finally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftEVkZExRl_7UXkfqRG0FlfNSiyrwkdvYc29dlTmqzijQCiIBZcUGx3G-PJ44LukrxtB3HofW9cphLCmehGXbP-zgJJbzGgYPrG4frQiU34tmFMIMyA2aWAcmg8xfbjKQ3lUbEok5r2w_/s1600-h/don+%26+mia.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftEVkZExRl_7UXkfqRG0FlfNSiyrwkdvYc29dlTmqzijQCiIBZcUGx3G-PJ44LukrxtB3HofW9cphLCmehGXbP-zgJJbzGgYPrG4frQiU34tmFMIMyA2aWAcmg8xfbjKQ3lUbEok5r2w_/s400/don+%26+mia.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440794981447175506" border="0" /></a>We finally have our precious daughter!!! At 2 am this morning (yakima time) I got to see the two most beautiful people in the whole world. I can't tell you how overjoyed I am. She is just perfect. I'm so glad we have skype, or I would have missed so much by not being there. I was able to take this snapshot of them on skype... Quality not that great, but now I can look at this snapshot of our first meeting whenever I want. I can't wait to to talk to them again today at 2 pm (yakima time). I want to know how she did the rest of the evening, how she slept, etc etc. Don said she didn't cry at all when she was handed to him and we were warned that a lot of the babies had colds, but she didn't. Thank you Lord for watching over Mia and taking such good care of her. WE ARE SO BLESSED!<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-37909198056584614342010-02-20T11:52:00.000-08:002010-02-20T12:02:26.966-08:00Gotcha day & time scheduledI didn't get a chance to talk with Don yet... his schedule and the time difference is making it hard.<br />But he e-mailed me and let me know he will be getting Mia Grace on Sunday 2/21 at 3 pm China time. So I translated that to our time and I think it will be Saturday night 2/20 at 11 pm. Looks like I won't be sleeping tonight either. He has been told that a lot of the babies have colds, so we are praying that Mia hasn't caught it. But if she has please pray extra hard for her. This transition is going to be difficult for her anyway, so to have a cold it will make it extra hard on her.<br />I hope to see my sweet baby girl (via Skype) very soon.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-40954775944820233042010-02-19T07:40:00.000-08:002010-02-19T07:49:38.882-08:00Safe & Sound in ChinaI talked to my sweet husband via skype at 5 am (9 pm Hong Kong time) this morning!!! I woke up and thought I'd go downstairs and check the computer to see if he was on-line AND he was!!!! So I called him on skype and it worked GREAT! He was actually sending me an e-mail because he didn't want to wake me up. Yeah right.... Like am sleeping anyway.... It was so cool to be able to see him and talk to him. I miss him so much!! Anyway, they made it safely... no lost baggage, no problems. The flight was sooo very long though. He and Sandy are super tired! <br /><br />They did meet some of the other families that are in our adoption group and said how nice they were. I'm glad they have some support of other families over there. <br /><br />They are scheduled for a tour of Hong Kong Saturday morning and then they will be bussed to Guangzhou. So hopefully I'll get to talk to him again on my Saturday morning.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-51442231419728833662010-02-18T07:51:00.000-08:002010-02-18T07:57:25.588-08:00Operation "bring Mia home" is underwayDon & Sandy left Yakima at 2 am this morning to catch their 6 am flight to China. I didn't expect the tears to flow as we said good-bye. It will be a long time for us to be apart. We haven't been apart at all since we've been married. But we are just focusing on the prize at the end of this trip. Our beautiful daughter home at last!<br /><br />They will be arriving in China around 4 am Friday morning. I will give an update when they get there.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Dear God - please watch over them and keep them safe as they make this long trip.</span><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-6146869924244769062010-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:002010-02-04T16:46:52.961-08:00Travel Dates FinalizedWe have our travel approval and we have booked Don & Sandy's tickets to China. They depart on 2/18 and return 3/5. Oh that is going to be the longest 2-1/2 weeks ever! I wish I was going too. Darn my fear of flying! Thank goodness we are going to be able to video conference from China via Skype so I'll get to talk to Mia over the computer and see her adorable face!! But that won't compare to the long awaited day that I get to hold her in my arms.ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-37550242672075708762010-02-02T16:21:00.000-08:002010-02-02T16:41:40.044-08:00Baby Showers for Mia Grace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60SscpY4MMfg6BPxsN9M2gk5LyqrGvJiP9ra9FYW33wi6GxpuiuR6gRxFOLxa14p_2bWL4-Ri4-oxj68_3cEvp7mqtkI2Jkr6_X_QXxNGJOGg3j0kyEMpma4tJjIeQCgLjxP6sIbr0gbd/s1600-h/DSCF0067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60SscpY4MMfg6BPxsN9M2gk5LyqrGvJiP9ra9FYW33wi6GxpuiuR6gRxFOLxa14p_2bWL4-Ri4-oxj68_3cEvp7mqtkI2Jkr6_X_QXxNGJOGg3j0kyEMpma4tJjIeQCgLjxP6sIbr0gbd/s400/DSCF0067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433809538721093602" border="0" /></a>Collage of Zhanjiang, made by Wendy & Sara<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObwZ9ExAE8ZeZBj9j4TKb8rkK_0KiNfSN5JwYRghMYOqTPyIO-bXx7d-6AL2OmdcULqmSonc7DJsqFVyCEtysBo6AX5eUxh8OJ6wmKWV3_KAPb89IbVy9DGZroyg7KYsFiZ0MnmelpYhD/s1600-h/DSCF0064.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObwZ9ExAE8ZeZBj9j4TKb8rkK_0KiNfSN5JwYRghMYOqTPyIO-bXx7d-6AL2OmdcULqmSonc7DJsqFVyCEtysBo6AX5eUxh8OJ6wmKWV3_KAPb89IbVy9DGZroyg7KYsFiZ0MnmelpYhD/s400/DSCF0064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433809534986430466" border="0" /></a>Yummy cupcakes & chopstick favors<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqNXcL7f6c-YzPkuPLo1ajt7wiwPfvdON6KDb2mz_qGg8jY5YizVOuNjLOL-SmrzdVV4Hs1xq8qlX3XycDZBIYJm3p6saF4iadsNTfh5wirfqx7-CVTg1r5IETUXDpjVG2OMoMKsQ6tgE/s1600-h/DSCF0062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqNXcL7f6c-YzPkuPLo1ajt7wiwPfvdON6KDb2mz_qGg8jY5YizVOuNjLOL-SmrzdVV4Hs1xq8qlX3XycDZBIYJm3p6saF4iadsNTfh5wirfqx7-CVTg1r5IETUXDpjVG2OMoMKsQ6tgE/s400/DSCF0062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433809532548911026" border="0" /></a>Work shower friends<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0io18MU2JNBDIEktVASVzu0mPK5JOTgDKTWPFk5nOesnoaP5u0Xr3c10d6R24iFJ0nbdXM43w8qM5tvaAmmJoIyPUjCxoFE_N80gZlEx_OWKAMvhLt87rGs17kfz2HffRf9FG6H1ah9Gi/s1600-h/100_5605.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0io18MU2JNBDIEktVASVzu0mPK5JOTgDKTWPFk5nOesnoaP5u0Xr3c10d6R24iFJ0nbdXM43w8qM5tvaAmmJoIyPUjCxoFE_N80gZlEx_OWKAMvhLt87rGs17kfz2HffRf9FG6H1ah9Gi/s400/100_5605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433809519855917682" border="0" /></a>Cutest dress ever!<br /><br /><br />I am so blessed to have the best coworkers, friends & family to share our adoption journey with. You have all followed our ups & downs over the last 4 years and were so excited when we finally were matched with our daughter. We all celebrated with 2 baby showers.<br /><br />One on Jan 23 that was given by my wonderful friends/co-workers, boss & ex-boss. It was at the Sage Restaurant (very good food BTW) and my ex-boss (Karla) made the most wonderful raspberry muffins (non dairy of course, just for me). We had so much fun playing games and talking about Mia and when she'd be home. And Mia got so many nice things. She is going to be the best dressed baby in town. Thank you to everyone! P.S. special mention to the dress my friend Sheri got her, gorgeous! Black velvet with white tule skirt.<br /><br />The next shower was on Jan 30 or 31 at noon or 3 pm (tee hee, there was a little mix-up) at the White House Cafe. This was given by my VERY special sister, Wendy and assisted by her very special friend, Sara. They did an outstanding job. The decorations were chinese lanterns & parasols. My sister made the very best chocolate cupcakes (non dairy of course) with cute chinese parasols on top. She also made the coolest party favors that were chopsticks tied with a bow with Mia's name on them in english & chinese. They also made a collage of pictures from the town Mia is from... so precious, we will cherish this! It was so fun to have so many of my friends & family together to celebrate our new daughter.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-17551329544320407002010-01-19T15:06:00.001-08:002010-01-19T15:15:43.138-08:00Updated Information on MiaGrace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZZRpAAeqiUErI-3emwMQMFFLFvu6W8wBz1UdTQ0MQttkQJvNi6-_YZaX7gNTll8HQ7v2D2ksm4W-xU92zQo2q-13Fpjc-Y2QiiQ_1hqKScF7Kpn2mY4nGuzArvefc_aROIjU2W29YVIC/s1600-h/MiaGrace-+Staggs+1549ZhanYangXian1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZZRpAAeqiUErI-3emwMQMFFLFvu6W8wBz1UdTQ0MQttkQJvNi6-_YZaX7gNTll8HQ7v2D2ksm4W-xU92zQo2q-13Fpjc-Y2QiiQ_1hqKScF7Kpn2mY4nGuzArvefc_aROIjU2W29YVIC/s400/MiaGrace-+Staggs+1549ZhanYangXian1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428593258507025186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ8cmmjZcoem450UtOobC6wAllXNAAozv74aksSI3FtxYSggTmRJGOfJKh1kCohmYM3pVW6ai-0bNkVyNm8PyNhBw1_N6VyRKCZeD2Aq7Mzlvsq850zd5ZoMax87omf3BFeQ25cMpmQEM/s1600-h/MiaGrace-+Staggs+1549ZhanYangXian2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ8cmmjZcoem450UtOobC6wAllXNAAozv74aksSI3FtxYSggTmRJGOfJKh1kCohmYM3pVW6ai-0bNkVyNm8PyNhBw1_N6VyRKCZeD2Aq7Mzlvsq850zd5ZoMax87omf3BFeQ25cMpmQEM/s400/MiaGrace-+Staggs+1549ZhanYangXian2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428593250874383170" border="0" /></a><br />Oh! I got such a surprise today in my e-mail! Updated pictures and size information on our china angel (from 12/29/09) . She is weighing in at 19.4 lbs, 29.3 inches. It says she has no teeth but I swear I see two teeth in that cute little grin of hers. Oh I want to hold her in my arms so badly. We haven't heard yet when we get to go pick her up. We should hear this week or next. I hope we get to go the first of February!!! But it all depends on if they can get our appts set up before Chinese New Year or after. I'm praying hard for before. I'll keep you posted.ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-42043459871852383552010-01-11T18:19:00.001-08:002010-01-11T18:25:45.537-08:00Ugh... more paperwork<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRee3N51nbYvCFZlm2g2S3SumfgKZC_fmnkcgSUJYGLkcFV1HTWbXA3ye98GQZYHeQfODhGYGqwpF3j_ytr6jy20ssATjOCMu0ITsf8bBRUV2Pf9-_1ckacFtw3hpX02be1jUwVaFoza3Z/s1600-h/Miaroom2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRee3N51nbYvCFZlm2g2S3SumfgKZC_fmnkcgSUJYGLkcFV1HTWbXA3ye98GQZYHeQfODhGYGqwpF3j_ytr6jy20ssATjOCMu0ITsf8bBRUV2Pf9-_1ckacFtw3hpX02be1jUwVaFoza3Z/s400/Miaroom2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425673816794746786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well the last 2 weeks have flown by... Been tied up with more stuff to read, and paperwork to fill out. I sent a care package off to our daugther's orphange today. They said if we sent a disposable camera that we might get it back when we go to get her and have pictures of the orphanage and nannies. That would be so great!<br /><br />And we have put the final touches on the nursery.<br /><br />Oh and we've decided on a name.... Mia Grace<br /><br />A friend at work gave me a whole bunch of baby clothes that are just adorable, that were her daughters. Now at least I have some clothes to take to china. I'm just not totally sure what size she is wearing since the info I have is from October 09.<br /><br />Our agency said we should know when we can go to get her in a another week or so. I can't wait to find out. And hopefully we will get more recent information about Mia and more pictures. I would love that!<br /><br />Here are some pic's of her room again with her name on the wall and everthing all put together.ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-79906403839299493392009-12-31T17:08:00.000-08:002009-12-31T17:19:59.522-08:00Our Beautiful Daughter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUF-5GmAKwBIqcI6mgkqQzYnw5IgHoeL7_M4wTW3pz24qbpSEfFms5Tj8nsTAQggooju6kiRq7AZmEkpIcjDGvcILEAYvx-4LHBxePk0lgSjUt7ulo9svaZG7fe4duLMarf3cVjMIB7jt/s1600-h/Angel2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUF-5GmAKwBIqcI6mgkqQzYnw5IgHoeL7_M4wTW3pz24qbpSEfFms5Tj8nsTAQggooju6kiRq7AZmEkpIcjDGvcILEAYvx-4LHBxePk0lgSjUt7ulo9svaZG7fe4duLMarf3cVjMIB7jt/s400/Angel2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421574673914092882" border="0" /></a><br />We are so proud to announce our daughter YangXian (still working on her English name, we have it narrowed down to 2 names and will decide soon).<br /><br />She was born in Quongdong China and is living at the Zhanjiang Ophanage. Her birthdate is 12/24/08. In October 2009 she weighed 16 lbs and was 28 inches long. They said she is active & restless (oh my), fond of playing with toys and listening to music (takes after her mom & dad). Oh and she is a deep sleeper :)<br /><br />We will travel to China to get her in 4-7 weeks.... Oh I can hardly wait!!!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-688042224961073872009-12-30T07:31:00.000-08:002009-12-30T07:32:43.880-08:00We have a daugtherOh my gosh yesterday was the best, most exciting day ever!!! We have a daughter and she just turned 1 year old in December. We are getting all her information today so stay tuned for all the wonderful details!!!!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-18006043460290090212009-12-28T17:02:00.000-08:002009-12-28T17:04:28.104-08:00The rumor is official!Our adoption agency posted on their website today that they have received matches for 4/3/06 LIDs and they will be calling families TOMORROW!! Oh I just cannot wait until tomorrow I've been floating around today at work like a zombie with all sorts of excitement rushing through my head. I just cannot wait to see my new baby daugther.... Oh I was hoping MAYBE they'd call today... but no such luck. I will have my cell phone glued to me tomorrow and every time it rings my heart will go crazy with excitement. Will post all the lovely details tomorrow!!!!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-1467304842385040322009-12-26T10:19:00.000-08:002009-12-26T10:26:46.998-08:00Rumor has it families with our LID have been matched!Oh my gosh..... I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Several adoption agency's have announced that CCAI (China) has matched families with LID through 4/3/06. AND that is our LID. So that means we have been matched with a baby. Now we just have to wait for our adoption agency to receive the package with all the information and then call us and let us know. Oh my goodness, oh my goodness we could be seeing our daughters beautiful face next week sometime!!!!!!!!! <br /><br />Don and I have been talking about what will do on that day. Cuz we want to see her picture for the first time together. So our agency is suppose to call us (on our cell phone) and let us know they are e-mailing all her information & photo and I'll call Don and we'll leave work (or wherever we are) and meet at home so we can open up the e-mail together. Oh, I've dreamed about this day for 4 long years, I simply cannot wait. I hope there are no delays because I think I will simply go insane having to wait much longer!!!!<br /><br />I will keep you posted! <br /><br />MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-67070682186804343772009-12-04T13:13:00.000-08:002009-12-04T13:17:34.725-08:00December ReferralsFinally referrals came out on December 2 and March LIDs are complete! I had hoped maybe they would have grabbed a few days in April also, but alas that was not the case. So, with our LID of 4/3/06 we SHOULD be next. But when next is going to come I'm not sure. I'm hoping & praying for January, but lately China has been matching every other month, so that would be February.... ugh! I wish I had a fast forward button. Maybe I should check at Staples, they have the EASY button, maybe they have a fast forward one too, tee hee. I'll just wrap myself up in all the Christmas magic and before you know it - it'll be January! Oh I just can't wait!!!!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-351943788753952792009-10-18T19:43:00.000-07:002009-10-18T19:54:06.526-07:00Baby's Room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3HMpeGi74y-h0XVTAkkFuQZHGq9iW-LeqH0GbDvldxOYElUZ4-pySEAzQyZhMe9Xd5V-6_bGzGnaBvaQElkfENr1LeKf7AKXNIwvGy65Bk2AcQyo5ddGV9lmy7iwM7E480dX4I0F6r14/s1600-h/cm&clouds2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3HMpeGi74y-h0XVTAkkFuQZHGq9iW-LeqH0GbDvldxOYElUZ4-pySEAzQyZhMe9Xd5V-6_bGzGnaBvaQElkfENr1LeKf7AKXNIwvGy65Bk2AcQyo5ddGV9lmy7iwM7E480dX4I0F6r14/s400/cm&clouds2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394138916639167906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdjmP-B8srQttsiVWRO06cRAP5ltjHX4hDMOZzTKfg-VWY4npxLSsZF7lJKcRFEPqiIr4ZSRB1wSMBFZftn4Vneug9L_7sf4QJPp8-kdn_14KYFChr6rQHY6QsMjPkCOidYlM0MvfWbAB/s1600-h/cm&clouds.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdjmP-B8srQttsiVWRO06cRAP5ltjHX4hDMOZzTKfg-VWY4npxLSsZF7lJKcRFEPqiIr4ZSRB1wSMBFZftn4Vneug9L_7sf4QJPp8-kdn_14KYFChr6rQHY6QsMjPkCOidYlM0MvfWbAB/s400/cm&clouds.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394138907538355906" border="0" /></a><br />Don & I worked on the baby's room this weekend. We put up the crown molding & painted clouds on the ceiling. Don did a fantastic job on the clouds. I was worried they'd look like white blobs if I did them, but he got up there with the sponge and did a great job. I am just so excited with the way it looks... I think she is going to love her room! So the room is pretty much done now... except for the window coverings. I bought some fabric and pattern to make window shades... but my sewing skills aren't very good, so I haven't even started on them. And today when I looked at the color fabric I purchased, I don't think it will match very well now. I think I'm going to try to find some sort of cordless wood blinds or maybe roman shades.ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-6820776617637484792009-10-12T17:27:00.000-07:002009-10-12T18:12:33.989-07:00Long overdue updateI can't believe it has been 3 months since I've update my blog. I guess I've been spending time giving small udpates on my facebook page and have neglected this. Sorry to all my friends and family who keep up to date here.<br /><br />Well not much good news on the baby front. China didn't make any baby matches in September.. ugh! Apparantly the person that signs off on them was travelling so they couldn't finalize them and send them out. Whatever! Why right before it is our time weird things like this happen.<br /><br />Our agency finally received some today (10/12/09) but only LIDs through 3/28/09. We are still unsure of when we will receive our match with our LID being 4/3/06. It seems like we should be next but I won't count on it because well... it don't want to be disappointed when it doesn't happen. I have no idea if we'll see some more matches in October or not until November. Don and I have had an ongoing joke that he'll be in China during Christmas. And that may actually happen. From the time we get matched with a baby it takes about 4-6 weeks to finalize travel.. so it could happen. Oh well he doesn't care... all we want to do is get our baby and bring her home so we can love her and take care of her! I just want to know WHEN that is going to happen. This process has about drove me nuts! Someone in my adoption group called it Chinese Torture. That is sure what it feels like.<br /><br />I do think we <em>should</em> get our match in the batch after this next one. So if they send out more matches in October than our month will be November. But if they don't send out another batch until November, then we'll be December. I'll keep everyone posted!!!<br /><br />Thanks for all your prayers... they really are helping me get through this. Pray for our daugther also... that someone is taking good care of her, loving her, holding her, playing with her, feeding her when she is hungrey! Some orphanages take good care of their babies, and other's not so good. I pray she is in one of the good ones!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-6850022955177383442009-07-22T19:37:00.000-07:002009-07-22T20:28:31.137-07:00July ReferralsDisappointing month! Only 2 days matched. I am so sad, no chance of a September referral now. The CEO of my company gave me some wise advice today tho. She told me of a group of prisoners of war and how some made it through the horrible ordeal and others didn't. (I'm not saying at all that waiting for our adoption is anything like being a prisoner of war, because it is not). But the prisoners who kept setting a date of when they thought they'd be rescued (for example they would say; "we'll be rescued by Christmas", but that came & went so they'd set another date "we'll be rescued by Easter", etc etc.) and as those dates came & went these prisoners were heart broken and finally gave up and most of them died. But the prisoners who just had faith they would be rescued and didn't set a timeline, were much healthier and able to handle the whole situation better. So, I'm going to try not to set a timeline on this anymore. Cuz that is actually all I ever do. Like the biggest one is I wanted her home by Christmas. So I'm really going to try not to let myself go there. It'll happen according to God's infinite wisdom and I trust in him! Ok I said it but now I got to believe it!!!!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122532995135666320.post-39356370224147245442009-06-22T16:59:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:07:22.192-07:00June Baby ReferralsOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'm getting so anxious! I feel like we are so close but yet still so far away... since we don't know how many referrals will be made over the next couple of months! This month China made referrals to LIDs through 3/20/06. Our LID is 4/3/06. There are only 14 days of LID's between us and our referral. I'm thinking, hoping, praying September 2009 will be the month we get our referral, but trying not to get my hopes up too much cuz it will be such a let down if it doesn't happen. I have so many emotions going through my head right now... excitement, anticipation, joy, fear, anxiety. Lord I know you will help me through these next several months. I'm so thankful I have you to lean on!ColetteandDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14538434102974449327noreply@blogger.com0