Journey to Shaun

Jewel-Kat hand made jewelry

2010-11-13T15:45:00.002-05:00

www.jewel-kat.blogspot.com

Please check out my new re-designed jewelry blog!

I hand make unique pieces for every occasion, special orders also available.

Over a year!

2010-08-21T11:49:00.002-04:00

Over a year!
It's seems like forever, already! Our little man has made so much progress in the short time he has been with his family. He is such a fun, always smiling little guy with the best personality! He fits right in and we love him to pieces! As with his older sister, we could not imagine having him in our lives.....no matter what challenges we had!

Shaun is now talking...putting 2 to 3 words together! It is amazing how fast this started, just a month ago! He is able to communicate so much more, without getting upset or mad. He is polite and just very sweet in his talking! He knows when to say please and thank you....what more could we ask for?
He sleeps very well! He averages about 11 hours a night and is still taking a 2 hour nap daily....if our schedule allows! He has enjoyed his summer with his sister and friends. He loves the pool and is very content with a bucket and a cup by the side. He has started to play with the older neighborhood kids and is just thrilled when he gets their attention. He has started taking interest in the potty...yup, at 28 months! We are not forcing, but allow him to make the call. Last week, it was 3 days in a row...saving a lot of diapers!

He is a momma's boy...if you can believe it! From where we started, I am shocked myself! We cuddle and spend lots of time talking, coloring and building with blocks. I get lots of kisses and that is just fine by me!

Happy Gotcha Day, Abby Liz!

2010-06-28T09:14:00.003-04:00

Today we celebrate our 6th Gotcha Day with our Daughter, Abby Liz!

On June 28th, 2004 we met our smilin' daughter in Hefei, China.
I cannot put into words the joy she has brought to our lives! We love you Abby Liz "noodle". You are the best daughter in the whole world!

Any reason to celebrate! and #6 was a good one :)
We hosted the Anqing sisters #6 reunion and the girls are all growing so fast! We had 8 out of the 9 families with us on Saturday. These 8 girls were all adopted on the same day and lived together in the Anqing SWI.
What a special day for them, as you can see...they had a blast!
From Left to right: Abby Liz, Lucy, Mei-Lin, Anna, Ella,Molly, Abigail and Alex
-missing, Monica

A SPECIAL WEEKEND PLANNED

2010-06-25T08:48:00.004-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS CML !!!!!!
( forever a "WISE-GUY")

We are busy, busy, busy preparing for Abby Liz's 6th "Gotcha Day" !!!
Again, this year we are hosting a party for the group of girls from Anqing SWI. 9 families traveled together 6 years ago today to meet their little girls! All the girls are the same age and last year they had a great time seeing each other. It should be a really fun weekend :)

I took these pictures yesterday....they were clean....and they matched! I am glad I did, because I think these are the best pictures yet of our 2 kiddos! Yesterday we witnessed Abby's friends re-adoption! It was a wonderful thing to be a part of!

Summer has begun!

2010-06-14T11:37:00.003-04:00

Let summer fun begin!!!!

No more pencils...no more books......well, we are still going to be readers, even though school is over! Abby is officially a second grader! Yah! for Abby!

Summer has started full swing at our house! The kids are spending their days outside, playing with friends, splashing in the pool, or being lazy with a good movie on hot afternoons. We are waking up a bit later and staying up later...it has been nice for all of us.

Shaun and Abby really enjoy our back yard. They explore a lot and make up funny games that they play together. It's so fun seeing them play and laugh and run!

This photo was from Memorial day....such posers!

2010-06-02T12:13:00.002-04:00

Abby Liz......stop growing so fast! Since Shaun has been home, I have noticed such a change in our little girl. For one, she is not so little anymore :( and it's kinda sad. As Shaun becomes an absorbing toddler.....I often think of Abby Liz at his age now. How stinkin cute she was ( and still is), how easy going she was.....how funny! Shaun is opposite from what she was like in every way. Well, except for the "stinkin cute" part!

My daughter....the baby I wished so long for is now almost done with 1st grade. It seems like yesterday that she was toddling over to me, rolling her tongue and trying so hard to say her first word. Kevin and I will never forget the first time she said "mustard", we were rolling on the floor with laughter....and we still chuckle when we talk about it. Every day has been a blessing with Abby Liz. I know she was sent to me from above! I am so proud to be her momma!
She is so compassionate and kind. She does very well in school and is a great friend. She loves animals, reading, writing and singing. She is the best big sis she can be and has made Shaun's transition into our family so much easier. I could not imagine life with out her, never!

This year Abby Liz has joined the Cheer Team in our area! She is so excited to start this month!
Summer for her is going to be filled with friends, fun and silliness!
Last summer we were traveling or adjusting, so I really want her to enjoy! Her cousin Eric is visiting and that is always fun for her, they are very close, even though they hardly see each other.

Above is her BFF, she hopes to see her lots this summer :)

2010-04-24T22:29:00.001-04:00

It's been a while......been busy with 2 kids!

2010-04-24T22:12:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a while since our last post.....I am awfully embarrassed to see how long it has been. (since Nov.?)

Honestly, life is a bit busier with a now 2 year old Shaun and 1st grader Abbyliz! The kids have been wonderful and really enjoy each others company. I could not ask for 2 better kids. They make me laugh more than I ever have. Each day is filled with something new and I try to soak up as much as I can daily. We are a super happy family of four ! What more could we ask for <3

We had a sick house on Christmas, Shaun and Mommy had the flu which was horrible.... but we made it through! It helped Shaun and I bond a bit more since we spent many, many evening on the couch watching Bob the Builder together. I can say he is now a "mommy's boy", which I love!

Mid-January I dropped a coffee table on my foot which caused 2 breaks and 4 fractures, it took so much of my energy just to get around after that, wearing a boot to my knee and feeling pain when ever I stepped on it. I am out of the boot now, but still have considerable pain when I am on my feet to long. I have found that I am a slow healer....

We again celebrated CNY with our friends, it was so nice having Shaun with us this year! I remember thinking the year before how wonderful it would be, and well.....it was! He loves Abby's friends and get all the attention! Who wouldn't? right!

Shaun turned 2 on April 6th with a small party! He loved his chocolate cupcakes and having friends over to play. He has fit right in here...as well as everywhere we take him. His wheels are spinning all the time and people comment to me about how fast he is......even with his short little legs! He is almost 25 pounds now and seems to be getting bigger everyday! He is a sweet boy who can be very intense ...but has done real well with clear boundaries.

I will post more pictures soon! But this one from Easter is my favorite. Gotta love those smiles!

3 months with Shaun

2009-11-16T22:02:00.002-05:00

Abby and Shaun

November 2009

We have been a complete family for more than 3 months now, Shaun is over 19 months old!

Time is really flying by as the holidays are just around the corner. It's still hard to believe Shaun is home, but at the same time, it is getting hard to remember what life was like before he came to us. Just today we were looking at pictures from our trip to Nashville, just 7 months ago.....we celebrated Shaun's 1st birthday there, but it seems like it happened years ago....

Shaun is doing great! I have said it before and I will say it again......he is the perfect fit for our family, and we seem to fit him pretty good too! He is such a sweet, happy, curious little guy! He spends the days trying to keep up with his big sister, dancing, building blocks, playing outside and just making mom and dad laugh and laugh and laugh... :) Honestly, I do believe that you haven't truly experienced parenting until you have 2 very different children to care for. Just watching them play together....they laugh, they argue, they are really entertaining ;) Some times it is CRAZY, I will admit. Dinner time at our house is not the way it use to be. Shaun has a ritual when ever anyone is preparing food. He stands at our heels and does this "I'm hungry" dance. We usually get Abby to help us out at this time of the day. She can find anything to get his attention (see above picture). She is really helping Shaun with his speech, she just started sitting down with him this past week, and he has had improvement. I think she is eager for him to start communicating better, and he seems ready and willing to be her "student". She breaks words down for him and repeats them very slow and clear. I was delighted when he started responding to me a few weeks back, but I was tickled when he would do it for Abby too. You can tell that she is proud to do this and we are so proud of her and her patience with her Thai born brother. She loves him so much and it shows every morning, every night. (hopefully it will stay this way!)

We are heading to NY for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will be spending our time with family, which we are so grateful for. We will see Grandma's and Grandpa's, many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Hopefully some old friends of mom and dads too. It will be a fast whirlwind of a trip, but they are all worth it. We are so excited for Shaun to see his family again! Abby is super exited and is hoping for snow! I am sure that we will have pictures to share!

Texting on Mommy's phone!

2009-11-10T10:05:00.003-05:00

Just had to post this! Is he Americanized or what?
Shaun is very comfortable, as you can see!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T09:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween from our family!

We had a great night for trick-or-treating.....mostly treating!

The kids had fun getting dressed up together, not sure Shaun knew what was really going on.....BUT once he saw the candy go into his pumpkin bag...he was off following his sister o the next house! (we actually practiced this the night before with cotton balls and me hiding behind his bedroom door!)

Can I just say that I LOVE our neighborhood at times like this! We have made so many friends all down our street this year, all anticipating Shaun's arrival. They just love seeing him every chance they get! He is like a little celebrity around here, with his big sister!
What fun it was to watch our 2 kids on this holiday. It is times like this that I imagined over and over again!

After the treating, the kids web-cammed with Grandma and Grandpa in NY so they could see them in their costumes and share their excitement! Shaun loves to web-cam.....anytime the computer screen is on he just expects someone's face to be on the screen. He and Abby actually share a chair for this and to watch them is so much fun too!

We kept the kids up a lot later last night, watching the Yankees take game 3....did I mention that we are YANKEE fans....GO YANKEES!

We all woke up around 8:30 well rested and ready to enjoy yet another day as a family of 4!

These are such good times!

The leaves are falling!

2009-10-24T11:55:00.004-04:00

The leaves are falling! These past few weeks have been tough with all of us being sick, Shaun and Mommy getting the flu! Let me just say.....we made it! We are all feeling MUCH better now and just so glad to have it passed us. I have spend a better part of the past 3 days with loads of laundry and disinfecting just about everything in the house.

The kids had fun with our leave piles! We have 2 large Ash trees in our yard that grace us with a couple days worth of racking! As always, we made huge piles for the kids and let them have at it. It is one of my favorite things of the fall and I cannot help but remember all the fun I had doing this as a kid. Shaun got right into it as soon as he say his sister in action!

1 and 1/2 and doing great!

2009-10-07T13:11:00.002-04:00

Happy together!

Shaun is doing GREAT! He turned 18 months yesterday, which we celebrated in a small way, with colorful ice cream for dinner and a little singing!

(we did not get to celebrate Shauns 1st birthday, so this was a special day for us and him)

What else can I say other than go on and on about how lucky and blessed we are. We have the best kids! It is awesome, our family of four! It 's hard to believe that tomorrow, Shaun will be with us for 2 months. He has done so well adjusting to us, probably better that we have adjusted to having a BUSY toddler in the house. He is sleeping GREAT (12 hours a night+ 2 hours of a nap) and eating GREAT (everything he can get his hands on) and enjoying being part of our family. He is mostly all smiles and is babbing A LOT! He says ABBY for everything, but this morning I finally got a mommeeee again. You can tell he is practicing his sounds, he humms and sings....although it is his babble it is so fun and amazing to witness. He is silly, so silly he keeps Abby laughing and he is starting to learn to be a little more patient and not getting upset when he doesn't get his way. He is really just the sweetest boy. I REALLY enjoy being home with him day to day. Again, I am blessed and lucky to be able to do so.

Pumpkin FUN!

2009-09-27T17:02:00.006-04:00

What a GREAT FAMILY DAY!

We went to Trenton, Ohio today for the opening fall festive at Barn n Bunk!

We had so much fun with the kids and it was so nice to be outside after almost a week staright of rain.

This place is great! We know about it because a few years ago we went with Abby's preschool class. We will go every year we are in Ohio....we love it!

The kids picked their own pumpkins, went through the hay house, went in the bouncy houses, rode scooters, we all did a horse drawn hay ride. We also slung shot apples and fired of corn......The best part by far was the large corn maze and the cart to pull the kids (and pumpkins) to the car on our way out!

We left with some graet photos, fun memories and 77 pounds of pumpkins!

I think this year, I have the largets pumpkin I have ever had!

Just gotta love days like this!

Fun Times!

2009-09-24T14:41:00.002-04:00

Making pea eyed meatball monsters....

Making a mess with meatballs mashed potatoes and peas!

What's it like with two kids at home?????

FUN FUN.....FFFFUUUUUUNNNNN!

Aren't they just the silliest? Boy,... do these two go together ......like bologna and cheese, maybe???

Shaun with his "yankee-blankee"...

every morning, Shaun trots out of his room carrying his blankee! It is the cutest thing ever!

It stays by his side most of the day and when we travel he caries a 12X12 swatch of the fleece! Funny to think I bought this fleece about 6 years ago......I must have known!

Big Sis! Abby Liz is really enjoying reading to Shaun! This is perfect practice for her and just stepping back and listening to her is so sweet!

Well, approaching our 7 week mark of being home and I have to say that life is GREAT! Everyone has adjusted very nicely and we are on schedule, which is SOOOO IMPORTANT!

Shaun is such a sweet boy! He is showing us so much more everyday! He loves anything we give him to eat. He has done well with out a bottle and is just using a sippie cup. Nothing at night and wakes up just once if he is wet! He sleeps most nights from 8pm to 7 am. He is napping everyday for at least 2 hours.

He can say, Mama, Daddy, Abby, ball, boo, and crabby (Abby has a a new pet hermit crab!).

He babbles constantly and points to everything. He can blow kisses, gives kisses, give hugs and waves bye-bye. Also, if you ask him where Shaun is, he will point to his belly. He is super curious and very smart. It has been fun just watching him figure things out.

He can be very calm or super crazy, but all at the right times! He laughs continuously and I mean super loud belly laughs! Who wouldn't love that?

The Grandkids together!

2009-09-20T19:08:00.002-04:00

All together!

ShaunHenry, Maria Kathleen, Abby Elizabeth, Anneka Rose and Julia Josephine!
"the girls"

Getting a picture for the Grandparents was easier said than done! But we know they are pleased with the result! It was soooo nice having family here, especially family that we have missed so much! This was their first visit with us and hopefully NOT the last!

The time was spent just being together and I think we all needed that. We all get so caught up in so many things in life...it's hard to be there for the ones we want to be there for the most. We always wish we had more time, which is such a good sign, I think. I sit back now and wish I had said this or done that........Do they really know how nice it was having them in our home? Finally?

Since we live so far away from....anyone, when we have visitors, especially family, to me...my home feels......more like a home. Does that make sense?

FAMILY!

2009-09-13T18:50:00.002-04:00

September 2009

OUR FAMILY

We have adjusted! We were put to the test last week with 7 visitors for 4 days! We had a great time with Aunt Kate, Uncle Jason and the girls! Also we were treated to Aunt Alison and Uncle Tim! What a wonderful time we all had together.

With us all spread out, we were fortunate that Alison and Tim flew to NY from CA and WA, they then all drove to Ohio, to meet Shaun and spend some much needed family time with their brother Kevin!

All the girls....Abby, Maria, Anneka and Julia are growing up so fast! They had lots of fun together playing barbie, polly pockets, little pet shop and just full out silliness. Will will be posting more pictures of our time together in the next post.

Alison took a great picture of our family! We just love it and the scenery is just perfect! Thanks, Alison!

Shaun is doing VERY WELL for only being home a month! It seems like he has been here forever!

It is amazing how much change he has excepted over the last few weeks. He is now sleeping through the night, no bottle, no formula and eating mainly finger foods with little help. He is still allowing me to feed him breakfast, which I love to do, so I will until he does not allow me to.

Words,.....are sorta starting to be there..........but he is into pointing at everything. He says Momma, Dadda, Abby and MMMOOOOMMMMMMOOOOaaaaa (what ever that means)

He is doing great and it's hard to look back at my posts from Thailand and remember how distant he was with me. He gives me kisses and blows me kisses at night. We sing, and he loves it! He likes to cuddle and we have already had a few naps on the couch together!

We are just wonderful!

Back on-line!!!

2009-09-08T13:10:00.004-04:00

We are back!

Here is a nice picture of our kids! The bologna (Abby) and the cheese (Shaun).

We have pictures of Abby in this same spot from every season since we moved to our house......guess we have to do the same with Shaun too!

Computer troubles...............

2009-09-05T07:39:00.002-04:00

Ok, so, thank god it didn't happen a month ago.....RIGHT!

Our laptop has stopped working...................weep weep weep......................:(:(:(:(:(

So, if you all are wondering why I haven't posted.................this is why! Hopefully we will get things working again soon.

I hate how we are so dependent on the internet....................................

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY LIZ

2009-08-27T09:21:00.002-04:00

******Happy 6th Birthday Abby Liz******

If you happen to see the most beautiful girl in the world......

WISH HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Wednesday (September 2nd) we will celebrate Abby's 6th birthday! Holy Cow! Where does the time go????

Please send Abby a birthday "comment".....she will love it!

***we will be having a house full for her special day and we are all super excited about our visitors! Kevin's sisters Kate and Alison will come to Ohio for the first time! Along with Uncle Jay and the girls and Uncle Tim too! Abby thinks this is super special......and we agree!***

Big sis and lil' brother!

2009-08-23T04:22:00.002-04:00

Just a few pictures of the kids!

This week has gone by super fast, except around 2:30 am.

Shuan is still adjusting to night time sleep. How Abby can sleep through all of it is beyond me!

Getting to know BIG SIS!

2009-08-15T06:43:00.002-04:00

At Big sis, Abby's soccer practice
Abby doing drills with Coach Neal

Ashley(our neighbor), Shaun and Abby!

It has been a much more balanced couple days! Shaun is adapting to our family VERY well. He is sleeping great at night and takes a short nap in the afternoon. He eats anything you put in his path and is just so fun. We have been enjoying the interaction between him and his big sis. She starts school on the 26th, so this time to bond is so special. I have a feeling she will not like being away from him. She just loves him and has become, as we predicted, his little Mama!

She is very gentle with Shaun. Very sweet and at his command!

I know that this time has not been easy for her, she has handled it well. It has been important to make special time for her, as she has had Kevin and I all to herself for as long as she remembers. Her and I had some "girl" time and had our first of many annual pedicures! It was so much fun watching her experience this for the first time. It was a day I will never forget and we have the best looking toe nails on the block!

Dad and Abby took an afternoon to enjoy a quiet lunch together and then have some fun at Dave+busters (arcade). She says it was super fun and came home with a few little prizes.

(one she gave to Shaun, AWWWW!)

School shopping starts on Monday! I am looking forward to her picking things out for herself. She also wants a new hair cut. This is a bit scary for me, but it will always grow back. When I asked her what she wants she pointed to her chin and said "to here".....YIKES! BUT, since then, she has changed her mind with a few different ideas. We'll just have to wait and see what she decides.

We are so proud of Abby Liz! She is the best daughter ( and big sis) in the whole world!

Our kids!

2009-08-12T05:31:00.004-04:00

God gave us two beautiful, smart, happy children!

We could not be more proud:)

Yes, it is 5:30 am Wednesday morning. Daddy's last day off before our regular routine starts. I have been up since about 3 am listening to my little boy fight sleep. Watching a small child go through a time change is really pitiful. It breaks my heart.

We have had a rough few days adjusting with our new family. Grandma and Grandpa Connor were here until Tuesday morning and were a big help all around. Thank you! I feel bad that I never had the chance to cook them a good meal and promise I will make them one of my specialties next time they visit!

About Shaun!...

What a little stinker he is! This boy is smart, fast and know that he wants his Daddy! If He sees or hears Kevin, he wants no one else and will stand at Dads side just wining away. Dad is doing great with him and he is really starting to do better just around the house. If he steps away, his heart breaks, but we are dealing with it and talking to him while we are in other rooms so he can still hear us and is encouraged to explore his new home.
With Mom, he is getting better. Unlike much of last week, I can now be a Mom to him. We are starting to bond and it is just the most precious thing ever.
Changing his sleeping patterns have been hard with the 12 hour time change. We are seeing a positive change everyday and we think by the end of the week it will be more normal around here!
YES< Shaun has already climbed out of his crib! I have taken off the front rail to make it a day bed but this little guy seems to prefer the floor. :( I plan on disassembling the bed today and putting the mattress on the floor, soon we will get him a toddler bed.....small steps.
Shaun is eating and drinking well, but has a raspy voice due to crying so much. It is so sad :( Monday he sees the pediatrician with Daddy, we'll see how that goes........

About AbbyLiz...

What a GREAT big SIS! I had no doubt. She was mostly back to herself on Tuesday after visiting Caroline and attending her birthday party. Her and I (mom) took some special time together yesterday and had pedicures! She loved it and we plan on doing this together once a year in between our birthdays!
She had a great time with family in NY while we were in Thailand. Everyone said she was very good, never cried, never got hurt, very polite but DID miss us terribly.
She is doing very well with Shaun. She has played with him, fed him and helped comfort him. We are just so darn proud of her! Wednesday she is doing something special with Daddy, I am sure I will have pictures to share!

Mom and Dad....

Well, have you ever felt that if the world had nothing else for you..........it would be OK? We are just so blessed and thank god every chance we get. We have cried together since we have been home just watching our kids eat at the same table, play with the same toy, play in the same yard................in our arms! Our family sandwich now has the "bologna" and the "cheese" with our"Bread". We have never been happier and are so glad to be home.
We look forward to our days ahead watching our family grow closer together..... since we both agree, this is it! A family of four, forever!

Love to you all...........

I'll be adding more posts through out the week on Shuan and Abby's progress!

We're home!

2009-08-09T03:00:00.002-04:00

Time with Dad at the palace

HI All, just a quick one to say we are HOME!!!! Words cannot describe how it feels to have my children in the same place! I promise to write more soon.....just way tooo exhausted from 27 straight hours of travel. I am still feeling movement.......so sleep is not happening. I am taking the first "shift" transitioning Shaun. It is 3 am and he has been asleep for about 2 hours...........Kev is asleep along with big sis Abby. WISH ME LUCK!

Wed/Thursday pics!

2009-08-06T11:16:00.003-04:00

Our Thursday in Thailand

2009-08-06T07:42:00.002-04:00

Well, I was awaken at 3:30 this morning by a hungry Shaun, he took his bottle on his mattress on the floor, then crawled up on the bed and cuddled with Mommy the rest of the evening. :) That, I will never forget. What a gift, after such a tough day yesterday.

Today has been a bit better. He seems to be adjusting to us more, with lots more baby babble, walking more steps and being his curious self. (he loves to flush the toilet!) He HAS started calling me Mama.....wish is such a wonderful feeling. Kev and I have worked together today to get him use to the both of us. When he is interested in me, Kev steps away for a bit and lets us have that time together. It seems to have helped a bit, but I can tell he is still grieving. I have actually held him more today, he is such a wiggly guy when he sees Dad, but we have stayed patient and he is doing much better with me. Thank you all so much for the wonderful thoughts.......................

Today we ventured out to the Kings Royal Palace by way of the river. Words can not describe just how breath taking this place is. I felt so at piece there and actually started to cry when I was kneeling in front of the Jade Buddha. Emotions got the best of me here, but I think it was needed......i feel much better tonight.

We did the US Embassy thing this morning but will not get Shaun's visa until tomorrow. That is all we have planned as we are a bit exhausted from the week and have to be at the airport at 2 am Saturday morning.

Our hotel has not been great..............I will not get into it on here but for the price and the hype....not worth it. I have never stayed anywhere so chaotic and noisy at all ours of the day and night. Most of the guests are from mid-eastern countries and truly have no respect for other guests, the staff or each other. It has really made these moments harder in so many ways.

On the other side, Thai people are the most warm and friendliest I have ever met. I would love to come back here someday for a holiday................and stay somewhere else!

Well, I am going to try to post some pics later using Dad's laptop. Hopefully it will work because we have some amazing pictures from today at the palace. Even a few of the Jade Buddha (which photos are not permitted).....gotta love the zoom!

We are about to have Italian with Dad and Janet, so I better say good bye!

Love to you all.....K

2 more days in Thailand.....

2009-08-05T11:05:00.002-04:00

Hi All, first, let me thank everyone for the warm birthday wishes. It's wonderful being 29! LOL

I'd love to say that today was yet another wonderful day here in thailand, but......it has been a tough one. :(

Shaun is showing signs of grief, which is very hard for me to handle. He spent most of today crying and banging at our hotel room door. If he wasn't doing that, he was laughing.............how can a kid go from crying so hard to laughing, and then right back to crying? I will admit to a bit of crying myself today................he seems to need Kev and I both in his sight at all times, which makes it hard to do simple neccesary things .....i.e.- use bathroom...............:>
This has definetly been the hardest day for me as a MOM. I know now that we were spoiled rotten by Abby and that every child is different. It is just so hard to see him like that after such a great day yesterday.

Also, web cammimg with Abby has been a lot harder than we had thought. With the time dif. and our schedules, we have not had much phone/ webcam time with her..............and of course our web cam is giving us a hard time......................I just miss her so much. My heart is aching for my daughter and also for my son. I am sure we will have a better day ahead, but boy, it has been a rough one. So rough I had some tequila at dinner just to relax.(but it never kicked in)

I am so thankful that Kev's Dad and step-mom are here with us. They are so supportive in us and our parenting and it was just what the doctor ordered for me today. Thanks to them for sitting in the lobby with me tonight and just letting me vent my fustrations with life. I appreciate them so much, it will be hard to say good bye to them in a few days.

We had our Thai meeting this morning, it was the easiest part of the day. The board was very sweet and Shaun was a ham for them. I do have some neat pictures to share with you all, when the time allows and my computer cooperates! He is officially ours!

Just a bit of shopping today, nothing special. Had NY style pizza for lunch and a great Thai dinner poolside with the folks! Also had a chance to get to know a Norwegon family adopting a 3 year old boy. Very nice family. We hope to stay in touch with them in the future.

Well, bed time for me......................Kev and Shaun are already there.

Love to you all, and please pray for an easier day for Shaun. I know this is very normal, but seeing him this way would just break your heart.

what day is it????

2009-08-04T09:29:00.003-04:00

Well, today was an eventful day to say the least! We met Pat at 10:30, then Shaun arrived at 11:00 with his smile on! We had a short meeting with Pat and Shauns local social worker about his schedule, then that was it.......he is ours!

Today we did some sight seeing with Dad and Janet! We went on the sky train to the river, then took a river boat north for about an hour. Shaun slept most of the way there, but was wide awake the rest of the day. We stopped at China Town to see what we could find for Abby.....I'm not telling. LOL !!!! I think I took about few hundred pics!
Then we came back to our hotel and had a nice refreshing swim before dinner. Tonight I actually had real Pad Thai......it was excellent! Shaun made a nice mess with his steamed rice, then enjoyed Daddy's leftover onion slices from his cheese burger! Let's just say this boy CAN and WILL eat!

No pictures tonight....sorry! It has been very hard with the time dif. to web cam and call family......that is really the only hard part for us. I know some of you have tried to skype (Sharon and Lynn) but we had to get going for our meetings. I will try to post more in the morning, but it may not be possible now that we have the little one all the time. (lynn, I don't have your skype name!)

About Shaun.....he is a handful! He has obviously never been told "no" so it is quite a challenge at times, but over all, he is just great. He is taking a few steps at a time and babbles a bit. His smile and laughs are incredible. Abby is just going to love him! We cannot wait to web cam with her at Grandma's so she can finally see us with her brother.

Until next time!

K

SOOOOOO TIRED TONIGHT! ( ps. Shaun is wearing 12 month jammies tonight!....he is so tiny for 16 months! Just about the size Abby was when we went to China.....but she was 10 months!)

Day 3

2009-08-03T22:56:00.002-04:00

Just a few fun pictures for you all to see! Shaun is a HAM to say the least, we love his smile! Right now we are enjoying Kev's dad, Mike and step mom, Janet who arrived in Bangkok last evening. It is so nice to have them share this experience with us.

Surely we will have more pictures of the proud grandparents and Shaun by tomorrow !

a movie for you!

2009-08-03T07:39:00.002-04:00

Hope you enjoy his laugh as much as we do!

Thai foot massage

2009-08-03T05:30:00.002-04:00

Okay, so, if you come to Thailand, a foot massage is a MUST! I know we have already posted about this but it is worth telling you over and over again.....because we are going to get them over and over again!

One hour of pure relaxation! Go in with a headache, come out feeling like a new person. Side by side, Kevin and I really enjoyed this again today. For only 10 bucks you get an hour of paradise while they rub your feet and legs down with oils and eucalyptus. After that, they have you sit up while they rub out your shoulders, neck and back. It is really the best thing ever! We plan on having it done again before we leave!

So, if you are ever in Bangkok, just DO IT! You will never regret it!

Relaxed and refreshed....

K and K

Day 3 part 1

2009-08-02T22:44:00.002-04:00

So, now you all see just what all this was about! He was worth every bit of wait.

We have really been enjoying the city, it's VERY hot, even at 8 am, so maybe we will shed a few pounds while we are here. I have no doubt that our little one will have us running after him continuosly! He is just so full of energy, and those smiles..............Ah! What a wonderful smile he has! He is definitely a ham when it comes to the camera! (just like his big sis!)

Today we will spend the afternoon with Shaun. Do a bit of shopping with him and Pat our social worker (who is wonderful, by the way!) After lunch, Pat said we could spend some alone time with him until she brings him back to Bang Sai for his last night with his foster family.

Speaking of his foster family.....what wonderful people! We enjoyed sitting and talking with them and finding out more about our son. He is the MASTER of that home, it is obvious! They really appreciated that we brought pictures of Luke (adopted by the Sebralla family) You could just tell that it meant a lot to them. They are expecting us to keep sending pictures of Shaun as he grows, and of course we will. He is their 6th foster child. They have pictures of all the children in their home. When we said our goodbyes to them, it was bitter sweet. The Papa grabbed Kevin and embraced him in a big hug. I know this meant a lot to Kev as he was not sure what kind of "man" influence Shaun has had. As we could see, he is very close with the whole family. It is amazing that they are such wonderful, loving people in this world. Shaun is very lucky to have started his life with them, he is healthy and happy......what more could we ask for!

Tonight, Kevins Dad and step Mom are joining us, and we are looking forward to seeing them! It is so wonderful that they could make the trip from Fujian, China to see their grandson! Plus, with all of Shaun's energy, 4 extra hands is going to be so helpful.

We are going to get going but will be on-line this evening to skype! Hope to see some of you on there tonight. We aren't getting home sick yet (other than our Abby), but it is so nice to see familar faces. Hope to see you on!

Funny thing...................they think I am Thai! Imagine that! Why is it that no matter where I go, I am asked if I am a native, except in America????? Kev thinks it's pretty funny, as do I.

Take care everyone, and thank you so much for the comments! It sure would be nice to see MY family post some thing on here................get with it people!

Love to you all!!!!

K, K and S !!!!!

PS- we are getting another foot massage this evening......YIPPPEEEEEEE!

Day 2

2009-08-02T09:03:00.002-04:00

Look at our BOY!!!

Today was a very exciting day! We woke up early, had breakfast and then met our son! As Kevin and I were sitting in the meeting room watching a video presentation, we heard our little boy outside the door....that's when my tears started to flow!

What else can I say but....HE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!! He is just about the size Abby was on gotcha day (normal size for Thai) and is FULL of energy! At first he was pretty shy, and just clinged to the social worker. We got down on the floor and got out some toys and he began to warm up a bit. After about 30 minutes of this, we tried to pick him up. He wasn't sure about this and became very fussy, but it didn't take long for those smiles to start coming out. Once he got used to us, he was great! He really took to us quickly, and began to show us how different having a boy will be! Man, does this kid have some energy. And he's fast as hell too. He can take a few steps at a time before falling, but sure can fly when he's crawling. Anyway, we went for lunch, then back to our room to get him used to it a bit. He was all over the place, and we both immediately realized that we have some "child-proofing" to do when we get home. What fun, though. His smile truly lights up the room. Abby is gonna love him!!!!!! Ok, so we'll post more tomorrow, cause we want to call some of you back home.

Today is THE DAY!!!!!

2009-08-01T21:56:00.002-04:00

Well, Gang....This is what we came here for! Today in about an hour and a half, we will meet our Shaun! He is probably on his way to Bangkok as we write this. We will meet our social worker, Pat at the hotle in about an hour, view a Holt presentation and then we meet our little man!
Words cannot describe just how we are feeling right now, nervous, excited.....all of the above! It's hard to believe that this long awaited day is finally here.

We could not be happier! We will post pictures later tonight and plan on being on SKYPE tonight our time. Hope you all get a chance to see our meeting with our son.

Thanks for all the support, Bangkok is GREAT and we hope to make the most of it.

Day 1 part 2 with pictures!

2009-08-01T09:27:00.006-04:00

This nice young lady is playing an instrument I've never seen before but it sounds very soothing

My new tattoo! Shaun's Thai name
No, he was not drunk.......

Bangkok traffic,,,,,,,,,craziness

view from outside our hotel room

I got my coffee......Happy ME!

Kevin......in Bangkok!

YES, this is a must! It was so nice to relax for just 300 baht (about 10 bucks)

View from our 7th floor balcony! The pool is nice and refreshing!

The doggie made it too, Abby. We are taking him everywhere!

Kevin in Tokyo airport

Kathleen in Tokyo

This is our plane.....leaving detroit

This is where it all started, sorry these are backwards...

Gotta go....there is an elephant just outside! REALLY

Day 1

2009-08-01T05:44:00.002-04:00

Well so far today has been very relaxing. We have been walking the streets of Bangkok, and doing some shopping, and eating. We even took a nice dip in the pool. Very humid here, but not too incredibly hot, probably only about 90. Just feels warmer with the 1000% humidity! I (Kevin) was adventurous today and got a tattoo. Really happy with the way it came out, and it was VERY cheap compared to getting one in the states. Relatively painless too. Maybe we'll send a picture of it on a future post. Kathy and I got foot massages too, which really consisted of an almost full body massage. An hour for $10! And let me tell you, it felt great. We're definitely gonna do that again before we leave. We've found some GREAT deals shopping too, I'd forgotten how much fun it is to haggle. We're gonna grab dinner soon, and do some more relaxing, since tomorrow will be a long and full day. We'll try to get in touch with some folks stateside once you wake up, which will be later tonight for us. Until then............... sa wa dee krap!!!!!!

K & K

We are HERE!!!!!!

2009-07-31T22:49:00.002-04:00

Well, we arrived safely! The flights over were were not that bad, just long!

After a few hours of sleep, we are ready to explore Bangkok on our own today. We are e-mailing this from a tiny internet shop right by our hotel!

Tomorrow morning at 10:30 we will meet our social worker and then we MEET SHAUN!!!! We will have a few hours at our hotel with him and then we head to Bang Sai to meet the foster family.

We cannot tell you how much we miss Abby Liz! We know she is having fun, but we DO miss her lots. Today I am hoping to find her some nice treasures!

We WILL post more later.....we are anxious to see this city.

K and K

Midnight In Bangkok!

2009-07-31T15:48:00.002-04:00

Hello all fellow followers!
I just received a call from Kathleen. It is the middle of the night in Bangkok and in Kathleen's words, "It is HOT here, hot like China." Ah, memories....
She asked me to let you all know they arrived safely and have already spoken to Abby Liz today who is with Kathleen's nephew. All is well!
They are going to try to get access to the internet and blog tomorrow, which I guess will be our tonight or tomorrow night or yesterday's afternoon:))
Thanks, Kathleen! Next time, I will carry the phone with me when I go down to get the laundry! Sorry I missed your call :( ...........Happy to hear from you!:)

leavin' on a jet plane......

2009-07-29T23:03:00.004-04:00

..........And we will be back home in 11 days!( with more luggage!)

Well, Gang.....it's our last post before we leave for Thailand in the morning. Kevin and I would like to thank all of you for supporting us through our long journey. It has been hard for us the second time around, but it is because of the support that we have been able to follow through and find our son. What lucky people we are! .....10 years ago, we never would have thought we would be so blessed.

We are all packed! We are ready! can you believe it is time? We hardly believe it either...LOL!

(somebody pinch me!)

UNTIL THAILAND..............

Abby's travels

2009-07-29T22:49:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday morning we all woke up super early (5am) Dad had to go to work, while Abby and I had to start our trip to Cleveland to meet Aunt Val and Kyle.
As you can see, she is very excited to be taking that last chain down! Dad and I were a bit sad....

Aunt Val, Mom and Abba-dabba! Meeting in Cleveland!

The note we found on the table......she is just too sweet!

(notice that she is holding a baby in her drawing!)

Kyle, Aunt Val and Abby!

Saying good bye was hard for Mom.....

Abby is now safe in NY with her loving family, playing with her cousin Eric and having a blast!
11 more days and we will have our children finally in the same place!

CHRIS AND TERRI

2009-07-25T22:58:00.002-04:00

CHRIS AND TERRI !!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

She is beautiful!!! Please e-mail me privatly so maybe I can get on your blog (kevleen94@yaoo.com). I would love to follow you all.... and that beautiful little girl! I bet the boys are so happy! I saw your post tonight on the agency forum!!!! I have been thinking about you and your family!

Counting down the days..and hours ....and minutes!

2009-07-23T23:15:00.002-04:00

Every morning after Abby finishes breakfast she takes another piece off of her paper chain! Abby and I made this chain the day we found out when we would be leaving for Thailand. Every day she gets more and more excited! (this chain started out with like 60 something pieces!)

7 more days!

12 more days...

2009-07-18T11:10:00.002-04:00

It is true that time slows down....12 more days and we will be flying to Thailand! The past week has felt like a month to us as we anticipate our family changes. I have been trying to keep myself busy, I have been organizing like crazy each day only to find I have created another mess someplace else............AGGGHHHHH! So needless to say I feel like I am doing the same thing each day.......all while thinking I won't have much time for stuff like this after we get home.
I know daily life will change, and I am ready for it. Abby Liz has become so independent in her 5 3/4 years! Sometimes it seems like she is all grown up and doesn't need me as much anymore, which I know is not true...she just needs me in different ways.

It's hard not to think of our son ever minute. Wondering just what he is like. Is he ready for our family? Will he bond as quickly as our daughter did? Will they bond with each other? I know the answers are not there just yet........I know that we will handle it all as it comes to us. I am so ready for all of it!

Yesterday I spent a good amount of time in Shaun's room. It is so relaxing in there and I quickly found myself rocking a stuffed animal in the rocking chair. :) I just closed my eyes and thought of my boy, it was great! I could almost feel him with me, maybe he was in a deep sleep dreaming of this woman on the other side of the world rocking him, comforting him. I LOVED rocking Abby, watching her drift into sleep. I remember she used to put the palm of her hand on my cheek and keep it there......almost as if she needed to feel me. Or the way she use to stare at me eye to eye while she drank her entire bottle. Closeness that came to us fast.
I'd like to think it is because of the people Kevin and I are. That we were prepared enough, relaxed enough.....READY enough. I feel the same confidence now, although at times I do worry. It is harder having a child already........when you have to travel without them. I mostly worry about that. Will she be ok? YES, I tell myself, she will be ok! She will be with family that loves her, she is going to have a great time....truth is, I ask myself more if I am going to be ok? Will I be ok without Abby at my side? It's hard to explain the confidence SHE gives me, but she does! I will miss her terribly and think of her constantly, just as I think of the child of mine not with me now. Being a mom is hard, being a mom with kids on 2 opposite sides of the world is heart wrenching. I cannot wait for the day our children are both in the same place, in our arms, making our family sandwich!

5 years ago!

2009-06-29T22:54:00.003-04:00

5 years ago, Abby became our daughter!

This is our official adoption meeting in China where they stamped Abby's foot in red ink making her ours forever! She loves this picture and ALWAYS looks at her bare feet when she sees it! FUNNY!

Happy Gotcha Day, Noodle!

WE LOVE YOU!

Abby's Pearl

2009-06-29T22:37:00.003-04:00

Abby's Pearl

When we were in China adopting Abby we stopped at a pearl shop to buy souvenirs for Abby. On the top of our list were a nice set of pearl to give to her on her wedding day. It was a fun experience, one I will never forget. I picked up MANY strands of pearls in China, just about for everyone I knew. We were given a gift for Abby by the pearl store and this weekend we

finally opened it.

Preserved in a can for at least the past 5 years. We have been wondering how bad it must stink!
Actually....it doesn't smell that bad...........even came with a little knife to pry it open!

Wow....Beautiful!

Secure in it's heart cage forever! Abby loves it!

She must have looked at it for hours yesterday. What a great way to celebrate 5 years!

Gotcha day! 5 years with AbbyLIz!

2009-06-28T18:41:00.002-04:00

Abby Elizabeth

Gotcha Day #5

Lucy, Alex, Ella, Monica, AbbyLiz, Abigail, Mei-Linn

AbbyLiz, Mei-Lin, Monica, Alex, Abigail, Ella and Lucy Rae

HAPPY 5TH GOTCHA DAY

Yesterday we had everyone over to our house for a fabulous backyard party! The girls had a great time together all day!

These 7 girls are the ANQING SISTERS (2 are missing, 9 total!)

They were all adopted to loving families on the same day 5 years ago. They slept in the same room in the orphanage and some even shared cribs.

These girls are all now 5 1/2. All born in a 2 week span in 2003..it's amazing how much they have grown! Seeing all of them and their little personalities was the BEST! AbbyLiz had a GREAT time, and we think everyone else did too! More pictures to come, when I regain my energy!

My family!

2009-06-25T14:10:00.002-04:00

This is my family!

No, we did not go to Thailand and forget to tell all of you...

A friend thought I would like to see what my family would look like together. We think it is adorable and wanted to share!

Very clever!

35 days and counting.......................in 47, you will all see our REAL family photo!

(I cannot wait!, I am so excited!)

Seeing the picture above makes it even more real, how could it not!

**Abby loves the picture! She says "Mom....he's tickling me!"**

Getting it all ready....to go!

2009-06-20T15:26:00.003-04:00

Learning from the first time around................

I have no idea exactly what size my child is going to be when he is placed in our arms forever. I had no idea with Abby either, but it didn't stop me from buying everything in sight that "I thought" we needed. I ended up not using a lot of it! She was bigger than expected and we were first time parents! I wound up giving a lot of it away, or returning it once we settled at home. I know now that it is pointless to over-indulge in shopping for my little guys before we get him home. It does make you feel good, but it really is just a waste of time and $$$$.

So............I have tried VERY HARD to control myself. I know that Shaun will be handed to us with everything he needs, not just the outfit on his back. We will donate new clothes to the HSF to replace the things they used for Shaun's care.

Abby and I have purchased a few things we could not pass by, but most things we will bring with the intention of forwarding them on to the foundation.

Baseball Jammie's to match his room decor.....a must!

Varied size summer clothes

For our time at the pool! What size feet will he have??????? (they were $2 a pair!)

Usable items to be packed for Thailand

Start of our packing pile. I am also not stressing over the customary gifts......

I am purchasing "easy" travel items and moving on......

43 days......I think!

2009-06-17T10:05:00.002-04:00

We started Abby's paper chain when we found out what she will be doing while we are in Thailand. In 41 days she leaves for NY to spend valuable time with her extended family. Her days will be filled with cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandparents and even Great Granny! I have to say I am a bit jealous of her.....

She is going to have so much fun! She will not even miss us! At least that is what I am telling myself! I am so nervous about leaving her, but knowing she will be with those who love her, I have to feel that it will all be ok.

She is growing so fast......it breaks my heart, but fills it with pride at the same time. I am so proud of the person she is becoming. She is a great friend to everyone and the earth. She is a wonderful little girl, a wonderful daughter!

I have never spent more than 3 days away from her.......and it was hard. 11 days to bring home her brother will be worth it, but how will I survive without my little buddy?

50 days....

2009-06-10T13:24:00.002-04:00

Ok, so we have 50 days before we leave......AAAHHHHHHH!

Abby finishes kindergarten tomorrow......AHHHHHHHH!

Suddenly I am the mother of a first grader, and a 14 months old !!! This is exactly what I wished for, a family of 4!

Ok, so this is what I am doing today....day 50 and counting!
-cleaning
-laundry
-finding passports
-reworking my packing list
-grocery shopping
-post office stop
-Paying bills
-seeing to Abby and her chore list

Is this enough???????????????

TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL !!!!!!

2009-06-05T16:23:00.003-04:00

We have our travel dates!!!!! We leave in about 8 weeks! Actually our Thai meeting is on my birthday!!!! Shaun is officially ours on MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

So, now we have sooo much to do! Where do we even start??? We had planned on being ready for this journey, but honestly I AM NOT! WE ARE NOT!!!

I guess I'll start our packing list tonight and just go from there.....

I have already looked into flights.....ouch! But, it will all be worth it! Honestly, I'd give my eye, my arm and a leg for this little boy! Abby is so excited that she will still be 5 when he comes home and that it will be before school starts. I think we are ALL happy about that!

More later............off to play with Abby!

UPDATE 2/27/09

2009-05-29T17:04:00.002-04:00

Do I even need to mention just how handsome our little man is????? These were taken on 2/27 (the day after our 15 year anniversary!)

He is doing GREAT!!! Looks very happy and healthy......developmentally, right on target.

I am a bit shocked to have gotten this today.....we were expecting to MAYBE get another update toward the end of JUNE.....so, it's early! YIPPEEE

Travel...........that's next....OMG!! TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL !!!!!!

God chose 2 beautiful children for us, what a blessing. Everything that we have gone through as a married couple wanting so bad to have a family, was SSSOOOOOOO worth it! We have one heck of a daughter, and I can see the same character in my sons eyes! I just love my family!

Golden Chalice!

2009-05-25T10:33:00.005-04:00

The Coveted Golden Mongolian Chalice

Ok, so Kevin works for a restruant that is high on friendly competition. He has only been with the company for a few years and already is high on the list of "the one to beat" . Last year Kevin was very anxiuos to win "The coveted Gloden Mongolian Chalice" The store that sells the most Gift Cerificates in the year. Well, he did it! He has a great team and working together they brought the Chalice to Ohio! It has never been out of Michigan State, so this is a huge victory for Kevin, his team and his franshice! After waiting and waiting, Kevin finally collected the trophy!

But........once he saw the shape it was in, he was pretty disappointed. He felt like he didn't even want it in the store....

WELL, once he got permission to "Clean it up" he knew I was the one for the job! It was obviously hand made, maybe in the original owners garage! Still, I tried to treat it like gold. So, i went to work....and this is the result! Kevin really likes it, and really that is all that matters.....isn't it?

Hopefully it will stay in Ohio year after year......and YES I think Kev should send the before and after pictures to all the GMs in Michigan.....telling them that we take care of special things in OHIO......

On the adoption end:

We have not heard anything else since Shaun's birthday. Hopefully we will be getting another update in June....maybe even news about travel. I am really hoping to travel sooner than later.....for obvious reasons, of course.

But I would really like to travel before Abby starts first grade. Even though she will be staying behind, I just feel like it would be better for everyone. Also, the weather. Ohio has a great end of summer and a even better fall. I cannot wait to bring Shaun to the park, spend quality time in the yard as we get to know each other. Being stuck in the house this winter with a "new" baby doesn't soound like much fun. Even I get "cabin fever".......

Busy Busy Busy!

2009-04-28T13:42:00.002-04:00

Our annual picture of Abby Liz on dad's shoulders in front of our blooming trees
Abby w/ Friend Jayden...they had a fun day together after school last week..
aren't they just too cute!

BUSY BUSY BUSY!

Well, we have been busy! Now that the weather is nice, we are challenged with not only keeping up the inside, but also outside! Kevin has mowed the lawn twice already! We had to seed some areas due to our dry summer last year. The dandelions have taken control :) I am sure we are looked down upon from our neighbors with the perfect lawns, but OH WELL, we are getting our little boy! It seems silly to waste money on lawn chemicals at this time...
Shaun's room is ready! The crib is up and dressed! It is such a nice, peaceful space. We really hope he likes it. I already feel bad for him because his room is so much smaller than his sisters, but he is a boy after all ( much less stuff)and we do not plan on living in this house forever....
I have done very well with NOT buying everything. I look back and think of all the things I bought for Abby that she never touched, didn't fit, or wasn't needed. I am trying not to make the same mistakes. The only things I can even think of absolutely needed are a car seat and a baby gate. Everything else we either have or we will wait on. Size matters at his age and until I have him in my arms, I have no idea.....so I am not purchasing much now.
The hardest part is finding places for the things that have been stored in his room for the past 4 years. It has made me realize just how unorganized we really are here. I am starting to feel that some nesting is in order. Since Grandpa is coming in June, it gives me an extra push to get it done.
Abby has only 6 weeks left of KINDERGARTEN!!!! Time really flies! Soon she will be a 1st grader and it will be such a change to have her gone all day. I know she is looking forward to it, but not me. I am really going to miss her come the fall. Hopefully we will be back from Thailand and I will have Shaun to keep me company! (this is my wish!) It sure will be strange carrying that diaper bag again....a blue one this time!

A day with friends!

2009-04-18T14:46:00.002-04:00

Kindergarten concert Abby and class
At the park with friends Caroline, Izzy and Abigail

Dinner with a buddy!

Abby and Jayden, Dusty the funny bunny concert!

What a great day we had on Thursday! A trip to the park, dinner with friends and then a kindergarten concert! It cannot get better than that!

Abby had her first concert at school, they wrote a song about a classmates bunny, Dusty!

It was very cute! Each class voted on a topic and then the kids took a few weeks to write a song! A musician at school put everything to music and it sounded super! Very professional!

These kids are great, such personalities!

No stage fright to be seen!

OpryLand Hotel

2009-04-08T11:23:00.003-04:00

So, If you've never been to OpryLand Hotel in Nasville, TN......put it on your list! ( we are NOT country fams at all.....but this City is so nice! Very clean and super friendly!)

We have been here since Sunday and have been enjoying every minute of this beautful wonderland! We have gotten lost a few times in the Hotel, it is just soo huge!

Enjoy the pictures....I have lots more to share later! We are headed out to do some girly stuff! A view from the Cat walk in one of the three Atriums
We met this couple yesterday.....so friendly!

Like being in the tropics!

Beautiful!

On one of our adventures! Just walkin around looking at all the pretty flowers!

Birthday! Update! and.....opening day!

2009-04-06T22:48:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, Dear Shaun!

Happy Birthday to you!

Today is a special day to say the least! Today is our little boy's 1st Birthday! Although he is not with us physically, he is definately with us in every other way! We wish we could be with him today to hug him and squeeze him, to sing to him and make him laugh....but this is not our time.

Today we received an update that was done in late 2008. He HAS grown and looks very happy!

For the first time we see him with his Foster Mother and it makes me realize what changes will be taking place, not only in our lives, but in thiers as well. He is clean, a bit chubby (atleast to me anyway!) and he looks very, very, very happy.

His deep eyes say it all......he has my heart! Gosh I just want to leave NOW!

and......, Today is MLB opening day! May the Yankees have the greatest year ever! :)

Spring time in Ohio

2009-03-30T21:23:00.003-04:00

As you can see, our grass is starting to look greener! Abby and I have been cleaning out all the flower beds around the yard. It can really be a lot of work. It amazes me how many leaves we still have. Kev and I spent many hours bagging them or burning them last fall.

Today was about 50, not a good day for me to be diggin in dirt. But I did take a peek around the yard and everything looks pretty good for this time of the year. I did a lot of transplanting last year so I have been a bit stressed wondering what --if anything would come back. So far so good! Just waiting on that darn butterfly bush! My clemetis is ready to start taking off, I love my clemetis! I am adding the "Henri " this year to my yard!
The tulips should be lovely in a few weeks! cannot wait.......................come on 70's

Update rumors

2009-03-27T14:45:00.002-04:00

I am keeping my fingers crossed all day, this beautiful day! Rumor has it that a package was sent to Holt from Thailand this week and surely it must have our UPDATE in it!

I am not trying to get to anxious, but I am aslo hoping for a referral for Journey to Little M.....I have been biting my nails all week for them. The hardest part is not knowing. After you see that face, you know exactly what your fighting for.
AAAHHHHHH......come on already!

Let's do the update dance!

2009-03-19T16:37:00.002-04:00

All right.....we're getting desprete!

EVERYONE STAND UP.........

Now shake your bootie

update to the left......

update to the right.....

We really need an update tonight!

Ok, so I have had a really BAD day so far. Without getting into it, I just wonder what is it with middle-aged woman being so mean? AGGGGHHHH

I need this update today! It would make everything that I do seem worthwhile.........

It has been 66 days since we first found out about Shaun. And it is getting hard.......

At this point with Abby, we were in China and maybe even already home ( I don't have that memorized, bad mommy!)

a little bit of everything!

2009-03-16T21:53:00.003-04:00

This is one of my bracelets that I am selling! I have been keeping my fingers busy busy...I will be selling at a local flea market on the weekends until we travel.
Cookies made by Abby and friend at a play date this week. They were so good, their.....gone!

Abby with friend from school, Jayden. What a cutie she is! They had a great time together.

Friday, Abby's school had a special day where you can dress up like your favorite story book character....She chose a ballerina. Her favorite book is "Ballerina's are Beautiful"

(Like the crocs?)

Ahhhhh a wonderful winter sunset! This is the view from our back deck. Abby actually pointed it out to me the other day. She thought it was just beautiful! Makes me crave dinners on the deck and having a fire in the pit!

2009-03-02T19:23:00.003-05:00

I cannot watch this enough lately......................wonder why?

Because it was the happiest day of our lives..........that's why!

Recently, my mother in law told me I was just as nervous waiting for Abby, wondering if everything was going to go as planned. Well, I guess I was ---but I don't really remember much before Abby.....

But having this moment to watch when my spirits are down really helps me see what our fight is for. I cried like a baby that day and for a few more....I'll do it all over again! I am not sure if Shaun will come smiling like Abby did, but I'll take a crier, I promise you all I'll be crying too! ( so will Kev!)

Thank you!

2009-03-02T18:09:00.002-05:00

We are so lucky to have such nice and supportive friends....

we are now a FACE BOOK Cause

You can visit us there if you have any fabulous ideas for fundraising. We are trying to raise our travel money for late this summer/ early fall to Thailand to bring our little boy home!

Thanks to all our followers..........from 61 Countries! Wow, I never would have thought we'd have over 4,000 hits in just one year! Your support has meant the world to us, even if you don't post! It's nice to know you are all checking up on us! If you are new to our story, you can go back to previous posts, just scroll down, it's on the right side! If anyone out there is curious about adoption, you can check out our Agencies website as well.

Feel free to introduce yourself with a comment. Shaun will love to read all of this someday, I am sure!

We are anxiously waiting for an update on our Lil' Slugger (thanks for the nickname IVY.....I'm surprised that Kev didn't come up with that one!)

Hopefully within the next week or 2 we will have more pictures to share!

Until then, say a prayer for our little boy!

15 years of wedded bliss!

2009-02-26T22:05:00.002-05:00

We celebrated our 15 years of marriage by going out to a Thai dinner! Wow, what great food! We will definitely be enjoying the cuisine while in Bangkok.

It was nice having the day off together and Abby got an extra treat by going to her friend Carolines house for some "Fairy" play! ( THANKS LYNN ) On our way in the house tonight, she said....

"so, guys, ......Happy Anniversary!"

I wonder what year #15 brings. All I know is that by #16, i'd like this adoption to be complete!

75 baseballs on the walls .....75 baseballs on the wallls...

2009-02-21T20:55:00.002-05:00

So we started working on Shaun's room! Since we moved in almost 4 years ago we thought about a little Boy to fill this room. Soon, it will finally happen! This makes it real to me!!!

With Kevin being the baseball fan that he is (go Yankees) I knew he'd like the baseball idea! It was a no cost project that we did together, and although our knees are feeling it, it came out great! This boy better like base ball!

I really like our color choices in this room. It makes the 10X10 look so much bigger and it is so calming! Every time I step foot into it I exhale and just feel better!

What do you think?

We're pretty talented aren't we?

Baby Bottle Fundraising!

2009-02-15T12:47:00.002-05:00

This week we started our "baby bottle" fundraiser for our trip to Thailand. Did you know you can send a baby bottle in the mail? Well, pretty much everyone we know an address for will be getting one this week or next. We have little time to come up with all the money needed to bring Shaun home, so we are thinking creatively!

Our hope are for friends and family members to take some time and fill them with spare change. Once it is full it can be sent back to us (with the coins transferred to bills). We know that we have so much support to bring Shaun home, and we hope people will spread our prayer to have the money needed to do so. We have a few other things going on as well. A friend is donating money from her Avon business and we plan on having a Guest Griller at Kevins place in late spring. I am hoping to have a table at the local flea market to sell my jewelry on my free weekends. And having a HUGE garage Sale. My new motto..........."if we don't use it, we don't need it!"

We have had MANY doors close on our Journey to our son. Once upon a time we thought he was in Mongolia and we rushed through the paperwork and costs with hopes that our son would be home soon. In the beginning of 2008 we had to fight the battle to find our son. The additional costs in Changing Countries meant nothing to us if it meant a son for us, a brother for Abby, and another amazing adoption.

So now, we see his little face, dream of his laughter, wonder how his little soul will change our lives forever. I want nothing more than to hold him, feel him and be his Mommy forever and ever. I know Kevin is very anxious. We both know that once we have him, we will be the complete family of our dreams.

And we will know it was all worth it!

Let's play baby!

2009-02-10T18:51:00.002-05:00

So, for about a week now, Abby has been dragging "baby Sally" around with her. Feeding her, giving her a nap, changing her into Jammies at night etc...... nothing unusual for a little girl expecting a baby into the family soon...............right?

Well, yesterday she started with the "let's play adopt a baby". Oh---------Kay........

So, she sets up her computer laptop on a small table with a stool for herself. She has her babies lined up in between chairs out of sight. She says, "sit down" (on the floor) and "what kind of baby would you like?" "we have mostly girls but just one boy" -----Very professional for a 5 year old!

I tell her I am a new Mommy, I would like a girl...............then she just flings one my way!(literally)...... I ask if she needs anything from me and she says..................."just your credit card"

At this point I am wondering, " What have we done to this child.................."

I then ask again, "do you need anything else" and she just looked at me weird. I told her that "I needed to promise to be her Mommy forever and to love and care for her".....

She said.....................OH-yeah, that too........

I asked her if she knew anything about my baby, she said it was half Thai, half Chinese.....and a girl.

HHHHHHHMMMMMMMMM.....................

Then we switched, did it all over again. But my version....

For a while she has been telling us she is going to adopt 6 children. 5 girls from China and a boy from Thailand. She even has names for them all. I would not be surprised if Miss Abby Liz runs her own agency someday!

2009-02-01T20:28:00.002-05:00

A picture found on Google of Thailand homes. They look lovely!

Looks like the type of place i'd feel so calm..............................not a ripple in the water.

..............cannot wait to get there!

I don't remember relaxing much in China. I don't remember seeing anything this peaceful there either. In China, I was a mess, at least I think so.......

I hope I have learned to relax a bit more when control is not mine. I keep thinking about leaving Guangzhou with Abby,........ total confusion. Not speaking the language and just wanting to get our daughter home. It was a nightmare and my poor husband was a trooper. I hope to not be so easily agitated this time. So, I am saving this picture, it will be my peace of mind. Through all of this craziness of waiting even more to hear about travel, I will look at this photo and just breathe...............we will get there, we will bring our son home.

When we do get there, it will be Abby's picture that will give me peace. I already know I am going to miss her so much. I will probably buy her everything I can fit in the suit case I plan on buying while we are there......................hee hee!

Finally some snow!

2009-02-01T07:33:00.003-05:00

Just a few pictures of our snow (and ice)! Abby was so thrilled to finally see the snow was enough to cover the grass! Unfortunately it is not good packing snow-it's just too cold.

All in all we got about 6 -8 inches, then about an inch of ice, then another 4-6 inches of snow. No school since last Monday, and even that was an hour delay and our Chinese New Year party. It's been a crazy week of keeping a 5 year old busy................I had to re-stock our construction paper yesterday, if that tells you anything.

Dad left for a trip today, so it's just us girls for a bit. Up to 45 degrees today! Like a heat wave...............

time flies..............

2009-01-26T23:33:00.003-05:00

Abigail, Cloe, Caroline, Lily and AbbyLiz 2007

What would a New Year be with out a friend?

Caroline and AbbyLiz...........always a party!

Before I know it, she'll be off to college............this was two years ago.

I look at these and think "she looks like such a baby". I miss the baby in her sometimes.

I am so proud to celebrate this Holiday. It is part of the magic Abby brought to our family. She is learning more and more about the Holiday. We had a great home made Chinese meal for dinner tonight and it was fun, she just loves her "soy-el" sauce!

Just looking back on memory lane a bit...............thought I'd share it!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-26T07:37:00.002-05:00

AbbyLiz and Carloine..............hugs for the new year!
As you can see our group has grown!
Starting on the left.....
AbbyLiz, Caroline, Christa, Cait, Lily, Abigail, Izzy and Cloe!

Now add the big kids,............well, it's a lot of kids!

Trying to get a good photo for our CNY card this year.....

We never did do a card, but this picture came out nice!

She is such a poser!

(notice her photo button, she has been wearing it everyday, showing off her little brother.

We had a wonderful time celebrating with our friends. They really have become more of a family since we have been parents. It wouldn't be the same without them!

As always we had a great Chinese dinner, lots of laughs and time together. Us Moms see each other once in a while, but the Dads.......................about twice a year. CNY and Gotcha day. It is always nice seeing everyone at once.

The girls had a blast as always. Who wouldn't have fun eating anything and everything, seeing all your best friends, having a huge basement to play (while the parents kept to themselves up stairs)and then....................everyone gives you money and candy!

To our surprise, Shaun Henry was there too! Our friends posted a large picture of him in the kitchen and everytime I looked up, he was there. What a nice thing that was. I can only imagine what this little one will think amongst all the girls next year for the Holiday.

Many happy days for you and yours, in the new year!

Easy bake oven, done like a pro!

2009-01-17T20:13:00.002-05:00

These pictures were taken a few weeks ago when Abby was still off from school. Her Godmother gave her an easy bake for Christmas! We had a great evening together baking her cake. She did so good! It is amazing what you can cook with a 100 w light bulb! Her first was a yellow cake with Chocolate frosting. Since then we have made chocolate cake, sugar cookies and another yellow cake. What fun! I do not remember actually having this toy as a girl, but it was fun at my age too! Abby was very worried about making a mess, finally I just through some flour around the kitchen and told her to chill!

Like I said, this was just a few weeks ago. Boy, have things changed! We now have a boy too! My mind is wondering all over the place, which is normal.............I know. Suddenly this adoption is feeling a lot like the first one did. I am soo anxious to bring our boy home and be a happy family of 4. Abby has been such a trooper through all of this, I don't want her to have to wait any longer. Adoption has taught me patience, unfortunately it is teaching her patience as well (at a young age). She has such a great spirit. She talks about him everyday, says a prayer for him to be safe every night. I cannot wait for her to meet him. Her wish will come true, as mine did almost 5 years ago when I met her. She has changed our lives in so many positive ways. I hope her brother is all she hopes for. She already loves him so much.

Thank you!

2009-01-14T18:21:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words and wishes! We are still a bit in Shock!

We have a while to go so your support is still needed. Please keep up with us from Time to Time. This blog has been wonderful in sharing our story.

Isn't he beautiful!

Kathleen, Kevin and AbbyLiz

Our beautiful boy!!!!!

2009-01-12T16:59:00.002-05:00

Introducing...........our son! Shaun Henry!!!

I cannot explain the cloud I am on right now, it is more like disbelief.........somebody pinch me!

At 2pm today I had just arrived home form getting groceries when I looked at my cell phone to see if it needed to be charged. Well, to my surprise, a messege from HOLT!!! So I put the groceries away while Kev got on the phone. Thinking that we just needed to update something......... Kevin asked for Suzie and after saying Hello, he said "REALLY". I knew just by looking at him that this was not a call about paperwork adjustments, this was THE CALL. I listened in stillness and watched my husband try to take in what she was saying..........then he said 9 months...............OH MY GOOODNESS! IT IS THE CALL............

We really did not expect this now, but are thrilled. Abby has a baby brother, we have our son! He is living with a foster family near Bangkok Thailand and was born on April 6th (Aunt sharon and cousin Anneka's birthdays!) He was released on June 26th (the day we left for China in 2004) by his birthmother. He lived with his Maternal grandmother for his first 2 months.

As you can see from the pictures taken on August 28th that he looks great! Happy and healthy. He does have a few minor skin irritations that we don't feel will be a major issue in the future.

He looks great to us, we love him already!

So............this is what this blog is about! Our family Journey to Shaun! It feels like it is just the beginning.

Christmas Fun

2008-12-27T19:06:00.002-05:00

Abby wasn't feeling well on Christmas eve, so we let her open a few gifts from Family and then by 8:30 she was in bed dreaming of sugar plums!

With a little coaxing.............(I had to stand outside her door with jingle bells) she woke about 8:15 feeling much better knowing that Santa did come visit her. She said she even heard his sleigh bells........................hmmmmm!

We had a great family day opening gifts and playing! Abby loves all her gifts and should be pretty busy for the rest of her break from school! She cannot wait to show her friends all the toys Santa left for her! No coal for this little one, she is always such a good girl!

Hope everyone had a great Holiday!

7 month Stretch!

2008-12-11T21:28:00.005-05:00

Abby 2 years ago! One of my favorite pics!

Well, another month has passed! Sometimes they go by fast and this was one of them. It's good to have the Holiday season in the middle of an adoption wait..........sometimes. Abby keeps us busy, as well as work and friends. I can only hope the rest of the wait will be the same. I don't want to say it isn't hard, but it is much easier having Abby with us. Waiting for her was so hard, but well worth it. Like my sister said the other day, good things come to those who wait! I can only agree! All in all we waited 10 years for Abby, we will wait what ever is needed for Shaun.

We are now 5/6 in line.............wow! That's sounds great doesn't it! Actually it is, but remember, that is just for a referral. We wait another 6-9 months after for travel. Waiting 6 weeks for Abby was hard, I can only imagine what lies ahead.

7 months into our wait for Abby, we got the call...........then in 6 weeks we had her in our arms.

So.............., everybody out there waiting with us! Stand up, it's the 7th month stretch!

We can do it!

Fun pics

2008-12-04T14:51:00.002-05:00

Abby and Dad ventured to the attic to get all our decorations down! (I remember doing this too, with my Dad) She thought it was such a huge deal, climbing the latter after Dad and then Mommy taking the latter away! Ha Ha! Mom's "Turkey" Apple pie. This is only my second ever Apple pie! Thanks to my little sister in law, Alison for teaching me how! This time, I added a "turkey" for the crust!

Abby web cam-ing with Grandma and Grandpa in China! She absolutely loves this! What a great way to see faces and hear voices of family we miss so much. Thank you for the "gobble-gobble" song, G and G. We loved it!

It has been a "sick" couple of weeks here, except for Abby! She is such a trooper dealing with a sick Daddy and Mommy. She has taken good care of us, since these colds are kicking our butts!

She even offered me her silky the other day................wow!

Good news for the Holiday!

2008-11-26T20:52:00.002-05:00

Wow, what can I say.....................we are in a consistent adoption program!

Surprised when I checked my e-mail today to get an update from Holt! We were not expecting to hear anything more until mid-December.....

Anyways, 4 more families have been referred!!!! 4 more babies !!! 4 more families! I can imagine their happiness today! I am tearing up as I write, just thinking about how much closer we are, but yet it is all still so far away.........but I am Thankful!!!!! :)

So, here we are, still waiting but with more hope that we will receive our referral next year, maybe spring, maybe early summer. Ahhhhhhh, it feels so good!

We hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving!

Mom!

Shaun- we love you already!

A year ago.............

2008-11-21T21:27:00.003-05:00

These pictures crack me up!!!!

What a pretty face! Still a bit chubby then.......

! Ha-ya...........

"Don't you mess with me!"

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, gotta love her!

Just a cute pic!

2008-11-19T18:02:00.002-05:00

Just a cute picture of Abby and friend Zan at Sharon Woods a few weeks back.

It was a beautiful day and the colors were great! But the walk did me in for the rest of the week............

It was planned to bring the kids there to take pictures.............but............I accidentally left my SD Card in my computer, spare card at home (not in my camera bag ----where it should be)

Anyways, these were sent to me today, can't wait to see more (hint, hint)

6 MONTHS and waiting............

2008-11-11T18:14:00.004-05:00

Well, with the cold weather, we hit our 6 month mark of our wait. This fall we will be re fingerprinted to update our paperwork. Which means we have been waiting a long time.

Remember, we started out waiting in Mongolia!

I cannot help feeling a bit sad thinking that maybe if things with Mongolia didn't change, our family may be complete at this moment..........but then I think that it will not matter once he IS home. Timing is not in our hands......we have to have faith! Since we are at the 6 month mark I am allowing myself to feel more comfortable. I am thinking of him more often and wondering the same things I had wondered about Abby. ( we only waited 7 months for Abby) Like, is he waking as I eat dinner? Is he healthy and growing, being cuddled a feeling safe? I am pretty sure he has been born............so at times I do hear my baby cry. Of course it IS someone elses baby in my listening distance, but just the same it makes me think of my little boy.

I am reminded of all the little things that helped me through the wait with Abby. Silly things like putting notes around the house and kissing her picture ever night (once we had it). I had little fun shopping for her before hand (believe it or not) so this time I am not buying much. One thing I do remember happening during our wait was a weekly phone call to our home asking for a Mrs. Rice. We thought it was funny (get it China, Rice) anyways, every week we would say "sorry " but it would make us think of our little Miss "rice". We also made a 16 pound "rice baby" to carry around the apartment to get used to the wait (boy, were we amatures or what!) We made a room for Abby not knowing we were moving just before becoming her parents......

We had lots to keep us going.............

Now, we have Abby herself! She is just amazing, can I say that again? AMAZING! A wish come true! It still takes my breath away sometime when I look at her. She is truly a gift. AND worth every bit of waiting!

A joke from Abby

2008-11-03T19:29:00.002-05:00

2008-11-01T21:04:00.002-04:00

Just something to share......

A few months ago Kevin and Iworked on an adoption book for Abby. We have some lovely pictures of China and wanted to do something with them. What better way to do it than to put them to a story!

We took pictures from our first weeks together and pictures that the orphanage gave us and made Abby her very own journey book from birth to forever family. We made it 30 pages, just enough and told her story. She loves it! We read it all the time and it helps her understand about her adoption. We have always talked to Abby about how she became our daughter and this helps her tell it to whom ever she wishes. It's also nice to get cozy with her and read it together, it always brings me back..... but the most beautiful thing is seeing her read it on her own, mostly by memory, but still she picks it up daily and thumbs through the pages. I HIGHLY recommend doing this for your adopted child. It has brought beautiful feelings here!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T20:05:00.003-04:00

Before and after shots of Halloween #5

Quite a haul for this little one!

I wonder if all this candy will last until next year????

Her first trophy!

2008-10-27T18:22:00.002-04:00

Her first trophy! Soccer season is over.

Abby really enjoyed playing soccer this fall. She met new friends and learned some basic soccer skills. She is looking forward to doing it all over again next fall.

Hopefully she will gain a bit more confidence and have a bit more interest next year. She is only 5 after all and socializing with her friends is more her "thing" right now. Even her coach commented about how Abby knows "everybody" LOL

We will miss soccer, but not sitting out in the cold!

Winter is approaching, we will be looking for an indoor activity to keep us busy!

Jumping in the leaves!

2008-10-13T18:33:00.004-04:00

Fun Fun Fun.....................for Abby!

Kevin raked the entire back yard today. This is 1/2 the leaves he collected!

Abby enjoyed the afternoon jumping in the pile Dad left her at the bottom of her slide!

We love doing this every year!

K,K A

update!!!!!!! :)

2008-09-25T18:59:00.003-04:00

Well, things are going just as planned with the Thailand program. It is still consistent to when we started and we are so happy about that! We should be hearing about Shaun sometime between March and June. Too many factors to know for sure, but I have a good feeling! I have been saying March for a few months now, I just feel it.

So we gladly take the good news! Sure we have to re-do some things, but we've done it all before! It's hard to believe we started the process for him long, long ago. It's amazing where time takes us. From Mongolia to Thailand...................

Abby told me the other day that Shaun was born in June..........? What do you all think? Any feeling out there yet? I do feel him in my heart. I am starting to "miss" him, just the way I "missed" Abby before we met her. He has entered my dreams, and I love him already. I just cannot wait to see his face, see his eyes and hear his sounds.

We talked about him with Abby yesterday, about the update. She seems so comfortable, so healthy and honest in her thinking. I am no longer sorry for telling her about the adoption. She is a big part of why we are doing it and to hear her thoughts, just adds to mine. She is feeling him in her heart too..........

Here are some silly, cute adorable pics of Abby yesterday in the yard. Kev and I think she is just so beautiful and seeing her in these pics makes us realize the size lock we will have to get when she turns into a teenager! (SCARY)

Enjoy!

When the wind comes.......

2008-09-17T10:16:00.003-04:00

When the wind comes and blows all the apples off your tree..........................why not spend the day making APPLESAUCE!!!!

Abby had no school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday because we got hit with high winds that brought down a ton of trees and power lines on Sunday afternoon. Most of Southern Ohio lost power, some still don't have it (it is now wednesday afternoon). We were lucky not having any major tree breaks or any other damage. But let me tell you, it was scary! I have never experienced wind like this, ever! We watched our neighbors shingles fly right off their roofs, trees split and some large pines fell over root ball and all. We even have a large trampoline in our neighborhood that wrapped around a telephone pole! Thankfully we have not heard of anybody being hurt, what a blessing.

Apples Apples everywhere................
Made our house smell sooooo good!
Abby and Mommy's Applesauce!

This was the first time I have ever canned anything...........it won't be the last! Next year..........I think I will have a veggie garden!

Kindergarden...............

2008-09-08T18:08:00.003-04:00

First Day of School, Friday September 5.

It rained on Abby's first day of school, but she went on the bus just fine. It picks her up right on our corner. We still aren't sure exactly what time, we almost missed it on the first day!

Today, she got home a bit earlier, but not on time. I guess we will have to let the buses get it all squared a way in the first couple of weeks. This morning we went out ten minutes before we were told and still missed it! Luckily he passes our house 2 or 3 times so he did pick her up at about 10 after.

This pic is of her getting off today, she had another great day at school!

Saturday she had her first soccer game and team pictures (minus 3 players)

They do not keep score at this age, but Kev said they won like 7 to zip!

Enjoy!

Kat

ps. we have been waiting another month! 4 months down!

5 and full of energy!

2008-09-01T21:35:00.003-04:00

The princess cake (made by Mommy)
Abby and friends..Lucy, Abigail, Izzy, Caitlin, Abby Liz,Cait, Christa, Caroline, Alicia and Zan

(missing from Photo Meckenzie and Lei-lei)

Happy to be 5!

Abby Liz

For weeks she has been waiting for this..............to finally be five like all her friends. It was soo hard being just four! Abby had her party this weekend, a PRINCESS PARTY!

12 girls in all, she had a wonderful day! With all her friends around her, making crowns and just being silly. What a beautiful day! She was proud to wear her new dress her Aunt Sharon had made for this special day. The color fits her so well, I could not help but think it should be the color of her prom dress some day..............silly of me, I know!

Tomorrow is the official day, the day she was born in China on a cool summer morning. I will tell her the birds were just starting their songs, the sun was just peaking from the horizon. It was a special day, September 2, 2003. The day she was born to be our daughter from another land. We will also think of her bith parents and how they made a choice. A choice that may have brought them great sorrow, but at the same time brought us hope and joy. We thank them for giving Abby life. With out them, Abby would not be, and we would not be the wonderful family we are.

Abby Liz, ..............wo ah ni

The Anqing Sisters!

2008-08-31T18:06:00.002-04:00

A special treat for Abby was a visit from her Anqing Sister, Lucy Rae.

These two girls were born just a week apart in the same town in China (Anqing City). They spent their first 10 months together at the Anqing SWI while we (their parents) waited together. At the time we were living in Evansville,IN. We knew Carol and Chris and stared the process at exactly the same time. I will never forget the shock seeing them at the very first informational meeting we attended at FTIA. Carol and I grew close while we waited, always wondering if our girls were together. Well, here they are...........5 years old! Aren't they beautiful! They see each

other only once a year, but you would

never know it.

Two peas in a pod is what I think we first started calling them. What a special friendship!
The same height! The same weight!

The same stride!

Totally unique....................

Lucy Rae and Abby Liz
Anqing Sisters
King's Island Mason, Ohio
2008

Longs Retreat!

2008-08-17T22:20:00.009-04:00

We enjoyed the weekend at Long's Retreat in Latham, Ohio. It was a quick 2 hour drive from home. We found this place on the Internet and had no idea if it was going to be like. (Internet pics can be very deceiving!)

Well, we had a blast! Lots of fun and relaxation. Abby had a fun time having Mom and Dad all to herself and we enjoyed the down time with her. She surprised us in so many ways. She is starting to be more brave and as you can see in the photos she had her very first go-cart ride with Dad and went on a water slide all alone. She is really growing up fast, she even took a few excellent pictures of Mom and Dad. The three of us even took an hour on a paddle boat!

This was our first real camping trip, just the three of us. We use to go all the time before we became parents and we are glad that we decided to do this with Abby. We plan on making a trip out to this retreat every year. Next year she can bring a friend and have an even better time.

What a great weekend away from work, laundry and the normal.................

Three Months waiting........

2008-08-06T18:40:00.002-04:00

Three months waiting..................just times that by 5 and we might have our little boy! I have to admit at times the wait is hard, but most it is okay. We have learned to be patient and wait our turn. I try to remember that by now our son could be in this world and that he is waiting for us too. Our time will come, we are certain. Today Abby and I found a stuffed Elephant for Shaun. It is soft and sweet, we'll be sending it to Shaun when we find out where he is.

Yesterday was my Birthday, I am 29 again! My cell phone rang off the hook with calls and messages from family and friends, Thank you for remembering my special day. I had a great relaxing day with Kevin and Abby. We are all at our best when we are lazy. It was a wonderful day! Abby made me not one, but two cards. All glittery and beautiful! She and Dad gave me a beautiful water fountain for my garden. I love it and cannot wait to have it working. I am anxious to sit in the yard, close my eyes and listen to the water.

Abby's birthday is next, in September. Then Dads is in October. I wonder where Shaun will fit his birthday? July??........November???

Soccer Star

2008-08-02T10:10:00.002-04:00

Abby had her very first soccer practice last week. She is very excited to be on the team with her friends Caitlin and Alicia (twins from preschool class)

9 kids on the team (6 girls, 3 boys)

We had a great time picking out her own soccer ball, cleats and shin guards. As you can see from the pictures, she chose pink cleats and pink shin guards! I didn't even know they made them in pink! Much has changed since my soccer days............I might have chosen pink too,

at 4............almost 5.

Kevin and I enjoyed watching her participate in practice, she can be such a goof! What surprised us and her coach was her ability to use both feet. Abby is a lefty, but in sports she uses both with no difficulty. At the end of practice they had a scrimmage, while all other players bunched up, she spread out and yelled for them to pass it to her. Her coach asked if she had ever played before...........................I guess she was listening to me in the back yard the day before! Huh.......

We look forward to watching her this season. It brings so many great memories back to me from when I played and my parents watched from the side lines, they were pretty faithful when it came to my soccer. I kept thinking of the way my Dad would yell "that's my boy!".

At the time I hated the title, I am a girl after all. But I look back now and realize that my Dad really enjoyed watching me play, he just liked to raze me! In his "older generation mind" girls were supposed to wear dresses and knit, not play soccer, especially a goalie!

Times certainly have changed! Soccer is so much more popular now.

Enjoy the pics, I am certain that there will be many more of our soccer star on here this fall!

Abby singing Chinese

2008-07-26T18:20:00.002-04:00

This is the song Grandma M taught Abby Liz when they came to visit earlier this summer. Abby seemed to remember it pretty fast, but is just now showing her confidence singing it !

Hopefully she will sing it to Grandma over the phone next time!

Enjoy! Isn't she just too cute!

My Garden

2008-07-23T21:52:00.004-04:00

Welcome to my Garden!

I Have much more to come, but this is a peak at what my garden has done so far this summer.

Clemetis Petunias
Black eyed susan
Purple Cone Flowers
Purple/Blue Butterfly bush

We have so many Shasta daisies! And we love it!

When we moved into this house, a friend gave me a pot of Shasta Daisies. Since then, we have many many plants! I invision them being everywhere within a counple of years. They are my favorite summer time bloom.

Enjoy the pics! They really cheer me up in February!

NY VACATION FULL OF FAMILY FUN !!!!!

2008-07-18T12:27:00.003-04:00

OUR FAMILY

Well, we survived another vacation in NY with our almost entire family!

We started off our vacation on Tuesday evening with a treat for Mom and Dad, we saw Tom Petty in concert at the riverbend and he was great, one our our favorites! This was our second time seeing him, but it was new experience to be outside on the river. Abby had a sleep over with a friend and we are so thankful for them to have Abby stay the night. It was a special treat to her, she loved it!

At 8 am on Wednesday we started our 8+ hour drive to NY. The drive itself was very uneventful, thank God! Abby was so quiet, at times we had to make sure she didn't escape out the back door. Once we got off the thru-way we decided to pop by Kevin's sister's in Waterloo. We have waited so long to meet our new niece Julia, we could not wait any longer :) Abby also got to see her cousins, Maria and Anneka at this stop which was at the top of her list!

We made it to G+G's by dinner, which was nice! Grandpa set the camper all up for us and even had coffee and accessories ready for Mommy in the morning. This was a treat to Abby, she had never slept in a camper! On Thursday we met Aunt Kate and the girls for some time by the lake. We went to Seneca Lake state park, which is really fabulous! The girls and all enjoyed the dry park as well as the spray park. It was so nice to enjoy a day of outside play by the lake, it just feels like home to me. Plus, G+G treated us all to Friendly's for lunch..............YYYUUUUMMMM. And the girls were sooooo good. It was easy to see that they had really missed each others company. It was nice for Kevin and I as well, we miss them terribly and feel so disconnected in their lives. It was nice to see smiles and hear them talk about what they like to do. They are growing so fast...............not fare :(

On Thursday evening we headed to Aunt Sharon's (Kat's sis) in Liverpool NY. We actually by-passed her house to meet up with even more family at a local Mexican restaurant. It was nice to sit and eat and chat with everyone. Ava graced us with her presence and starred me down until she was sure I was all her Daddy told her I was. She is a beauty, and I am so glad that we finally had the chance to meet her. She is my nephews new daughter, their first. It was so nice to see them in their semi-new role as parents.

On Friday, after shopping for food with my sister, we headed to Lake Ontario to claim our family compound (campsites!) we had four site for many tents. These are the people we had the chance to see and spend time with:

Aunt Sharon (Captain Camp)

Uncle Peter

Aunt Val

Eric

Aunt Rosie

Uncle John

Patrick

Corey

Greg

Leigh

Jenny

Scott

Erica

Ava

Jason

Kate

Maria

Anneka

Julia

If I missed anyone, I am so sorry, it was a whirlwind!

We had planned on staying at the Lake until Monday, but that was cut short. Saturday at about 2 am it stated to rain, hard. I think it was about noon on Sunday when we all just decided to pack it up and get dry. Even though it was short, we had fun. I love being around family. Everyone did there own thing and just enjoyed each other. Abby really enjoyed playing with all her cousins. Kev and I enjoyed the late night camp fires with the adults which now include some of the next generation. Leigh enjoyed her wine :) and we enjoyed Corey's comedy! He really is so funny!

Sunday evening and Monday we just hung out at Aunt Sharon's pool. Abby and Daddy swam, while Mommy did laundry and unpacked our wet car! It was so sunny everything dried up fast and we headed to our Hotel. My niece Amanda works at a hotel and got us 2 night FREE!! WE are so grateful, Thank you, Plammy! :)

Monday evening we headed to Aunt Rosie's house! Abby swam in her pool and we enjoyed another meal with the family. How nice to just sit, talk and enjoy! Our family photo (above) was taken from there.

Early Tuesday morning I was picked up at the hotel by Aunt Val, we headed to the casino, I won't mention how much I lost..................not good! Kevin and Abby spent a relaxing morning at the Hotel and swam a bit. In the afternoon Kev and Abby headed to Aunt Val's and Kev went Golfing with Uncle Pete. Abby played with Eric and decided she was sleeping over. Val and I enjoyed some quiet time to look around her garden, which is just lovely! Kev and I headed back to the Hotel and enjoyed our own quiet time watching the play-off game :}

On Wednesday we met Aunt Sharon for breakfast (thanks Uncle Mark!) at Denny's. Then we headed toward Aunt Val's to pick up Abby. When we arrived, no one was around. A few minutes later they showed up riding in the back of the pick-up truck! They went fishing at the canal! Abby caught 1, Eric caught 2!

At Noon we hopped on the thru-way and headed west to G+G's for our last day. Once again we went to the Park! It was so nice........as I said before!

At 6:30pm we were off, looking forward to getting home. We pulled into our drive way at 3am, put Abby in her bead and woke about 10 am.

What a great family vacation! Enjoy the pics in the posts below........

Our NY vacation.............

2008-07-17T16:24:00.004-04:00

Jenny and Abby
Swimming in Aunt Sharon's pool
Swimming in Aunt Rosie's pool
Abby with GodParents Jenny and Scott
Sleep over with Cousin Eric at Aunt Val's house

Seneca Lake State Park -waterpark!!
Posing with Cousins, Maria and Anneka!
Three minds...........hmmmmmm
Julia! Isn't she a cutie!
Follow me, Abby! What fun!

Our NY vacation..........

2008-07-17T16:15:00.003-04:00

Aunt Sharon packing up her new mini-van
Starting off camp with some rocket fun!
Finally meeting new cousin Ava!
Playin on the beach!
The Martin family at camp!

"Gotcha Day" Party 2008

2008-07-06T21:36:00.003-04:00

Gotcha Day 2008

Lily-Caroline-AbbyLiz-Abigail

Isabelle

"RED THREAD FRIENDS"

Once upon a time in China there lived four girls, 2 in Anqing City and 2 in Guangdong. In the summer of 2004 they found their forever families and each other.....................

Fate brought them together.........they are connected by a Single RED THREAD.

Today we celebrate our GOTCHA DAY. It is the day we GOT each other. It is a day we celebrate FOREVER<>

(Miss Izabelle was adopted in 2007, she is Abigail's little sister)