I'm getting this walking thing down pretty good!Monday, March 19, 2007
Bath time.
I'll share my butterfly with you, bubbles and all.
Look mom, I'm standing! Yea yea I know, sit my butt down.
Spur of the moment play date.
Tuesday morning, March 14th I received a call from one of our good friends, Amber. She needed us to watch Carson because she was going to the hospital (not to deliver their 2nd baby) but to find out if the pain she was having was another kidney stone or something else. Thankfully it was a small kidney stone and she did not have to stay overnight. We are glad you are feeling better Amber.
Emma and Carson (10 mths old) sharing Old MacDonald's farm.
Hands off! That is my snack dish and telephone.
Look at us!
Ouch! Let go of my hair, or I'll grab your lip. (she is really good at that)
Look at the mess behind us. We did good!A visit from our Social Worker
Sunday, March 12th our social worker, Joann came for our one month visit. Can you believe we have had Emma for over a month already? It seems like she has been with us forever. When she arrived Emma was still asleep, but it was not long before she was awake, thanks to Theo barking. She made quite the first impression, 2 poops back to back. That's our girl! She also showed off her personality too. What a charmer.
Joann was really surprised how well she has adapted to our schedule. She had a few things for us to do, get a gate for the stairs and stay close to home. During the first six months familiarity and consistency are really important. So no long trips and no overnights. It is part of the attachment and adjustment period.
Our next visit will be in early July.
Joann was really surprised how well she has adapted to our schedule. She had a few things for us to do, get a gate for the stairs and stay close to home. During the first six months familiarity and consistency are really important. So no long trips and no overnights. It is part of the attachment and adjustment period.
Our next visit will be in early July.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Jake turns 8 years old.
Can you imagine Scott, Grandpa and Grandma and 7 boys at a WSU Shocker game? It really was a party, nachos, pretzels with cheese, soda and Twizzlers and a win for the Shockers 3-0! Now according to mom, they really did not watch much of the game, just being "8".
Emma and I stayed home. Emma napped and I got everything ready for make your own pizza and ice cream sundaes. When the boys arrived they played basketball and then baseball. The thicks vs. the thins. Jake was a thin, you can look at the pictures and see where everyone else fell.
Looks like pizza eating, but it was really comedy central.
Layton, Carson, Harrison, Jake, Kaden, Jordan and Hunter
Watching "Like Mike" (Jake's favorite movie) while enjoying ice cream.
Best buddies.
Their favorite past time, playing GameBoy, PSP, and Nintindo DS.
Emma and I stayed home. Emma napped and I got everything ready for make your own pizza and ice cream sundaes. When the boys arrived they played basketball and then baseball. The thicks vs. the thins. Jake was a thin, you can look at the pictures and see where everyone else fell.
Looks like pizza eating, but it was really comedy central.
Layton, Carson, Harrison, Jake, Kaden, Jordan and Hunter
Watching "Like Mike" (Jake's favorite movie) while enjoying ice cream.
Best buddies.
Their favorite past time, playing GameBoy, PSP, and Nintindo DS. At last, I meet my KC cousins.
Steve, Amy and the girls (Lucy 7, Josie 4 and Anna 7 mths) came for a visit March 10th and 11th. The girls were really excited to meet Emma. When they arrived Emma was already asleep. The next morning was filled with lots of playing. After breakfast, Scott, Steve, Jake and Lucy went to Jake's baseball practice and Amy, Josie, Anna, Emma and myself stayed home to play. What a great time everyone had. Lots and lots of girls.
Thanks for coming to see us!!! We cannot wait to see you all again!!!
Hugs and Kisses!!!
Josie just got done combing Emma's hair.
Our first meeting, Emma and Cousin Anna.
Uncle Steve and me.
Miss Josie
Anna getting kisses from big sister Lucy.
What's everyone looking at?
Yes, we see all of you.
Jake, Lucy and Josie.
Anna.Sunday, March 04, 2007
Shower Photos
Emma and friends, Layton, Haley & Emily 
Emma getting loves from Corina.
Elliott, Emma, Sarah (feeding Emma) & Emily
Elliott and Emma
Shannon and Emma
Hannah with Emma, Linsday & Carson
Theresa reading Emma's new book, Lovebug.
The morning after the big day, trying out her new ride.
She loved the bow!
Settling In
Hi Friends and Family:
It has been a fast and exciting two weeks since we arrived home from China. I must admit we hit the ground running and Emma is quickly getting up to speed. She has about 750 "frequent rider" miles around Wichita already. She has gotten around and many have come to see her. She is doing great and has fully recovered from a little "crackle" in her chest thanks to a good round of antibiotics.
She has had quite a long list of visitors many eager to see their little blog star from China. It has been overwhelming the support and love shown by our friends and family. It is so nice to see so many people cheering and praying for her. We are greatly blessed by the addition to our family. It feels as if the house is complete with each room securely occupied by two gifts from God.
Jake is doing well. He loves to be back in his routine and hanging out with his friends and classmates. Baseball practice has started for him and he is ready to go. He has really taken to looking after Emma and is always there to give her a hug and a smile of encouragement. Jake has responded with unconditional love and no jealousy for Emma at all. We are so proud of the way he has adjusted and how he gives without reservation.
Come and visit anytime!
It has been a fast and exciting two weeks since we arrived home from China. I must admit we hit the ground running and Emma is quickly getting up to speed. She has about 750 "frequent rider" miles around Wichita already. She has gotten around and many have come to see her. She is doing great and has fully recovered from a little "crackle" in her chest thanks to a good round of antibiotics.
She has had quite a long list of visitors many eager to see their little blog star from China. It has been overwhelming the support and love shown by our friends and family. It is so nice to see so many people cheering and praying for her. We are greatly blessed by the addition to our family. It feels as if the house is complete with each room securely occupied by two gifts from God.
Jake is doing well. He loves to be back in his routine and hanging out with his friends and classmates. Baseball practice has started for him and he is ready to go. He has really taken to looking after Emma and is always there to give her a hug and a smile of encouragement. Jake has responded with unconditional love and no jealousy for Emma at all. We are so proud of the way he has adjusted and how he gives without reservation.
Come and visit anytime!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The 36 Hour Day, Home At Last!!
We made it!! After a 90 minute delay in Chicago we touched down in Wichita at about 6:30 pm our time after leaving at 4:30 am China time, which made our travel time almost exactly 24 hours to the minute. With the time change and the 14 hour flight the "day" for us turned out to be about 36 hours long by the time we went to bed.
Sleeping was another story last night. We are mostly tired and ready for sleep but our stomachs and other parts seem to be on a different schedules right now.
Emma, the first night in her new home, slept for about 4 1/2 hours and was up and fussy from about 2 am on until we got around this morning at about 6:45. Long night to say the least. Come to find out she has a pretty good cold and was beginning to run a fever. It didn't break until around noon today and when it was gone the Emma we know was back and smiling.
Jake had a fun time last night; we took him to his last basketball game and he had a great time seeing his teammates for the game. It was a surprise to most of the team and parents that we were there, but Jake wanted to go and he had been talking about playing for the entire trip. It was hard to ignore basketball because Yao Ming was on every advertisement in China. He did great and had the best time just being with his friends and being a kid having fun. When he did go to bed he was up at about 2:30 with Emma but only because he couldn't sleep anymore. 2:30 am to him was really 4:30 pm in the afternoon in China so he was really supposed to be up. He was really good, just reading his new book for an hour or so and still trying to rest a little but at around 6:00 got up for good and watched some cartoons that he could understand. We tried watching cartoons over there but it was hard. Later in the morning we got him some pancakes like he had been asking for for almost 2 weeks, since Beijing. Today he also had baseball practice and did very well. Once again great to see his friends and teammates and have some fun.
We had a few visitors today to welcome us home and help us get some things we needed for Emma. It was great to see our friends and family and for those of you we have not seen or heard from we can't wait for you to meet Emma. Give us a call and come on over. We would love to hear from all of you.
Lastly, thanks again for all of you checking out our adventures. We may not be posting quite as often for a little while as we get back to normal. Thanks again and give us a call or drop a note on e-mail, we would love to hear from all of you.
Just a note, I know some of you are having trouble posting comments. We are working on an answer. Fellow bloggers if you have any suggestions let us know. Thanks again. See you all soon.
Sleeping was another story last night. We are mostly tired and ready for sleep but our stomachs and other parts seem to be on a different schedules right now.
Emma, the first night in her new home, slept for about 4 1/2 hours and was up and fussy from about 2 am on until we got around this morning at about 6:45. Long night to say the least. Come to find out she has a pretty good cold and was beginning to run a fever. It didn't break until around noon today and when it was gone the Emma we know was back and smiling.
Jake had a fun time last night; we took him to his last basketball game and he had a great time seeing his teammates for the game. It was a surprise to most of the team and parents that we were there, but Jake wanted to go and he had been talking about playing for the entire trip. It was hard to ignore basketball because Yao Ming was on every advertisement in China. He did great and had the best time just being with his friends and being a kid having fun. When he did go to bed he was up at about 2:30 with Emma but only because he couldn't sleep anymore. 2:30 am to him was really 4:30 pm in the afternoon in China so he was really supposed to be up. He was really good, just reading his new book for an hour or so and still trying to rest a little but at around 6:00 got up for good and watched some cartoons that he could understand. We tried watching cartoons over there but it was hard. Later in the morning we got him some pancakes like he had been asking for for almost 2 weeks, since Beijing. Today he also had baseball practice and did very well. Once again great to see his friends and teammates and have some fun.
We had a few visitors today to welcome us home and help us get some things we needed for Emma. It was great to see our friends and family and for those of you we have not seen or heard from we can't wait for you to meet Emma. Give us a call and come on over. We would love to hear from all of you.
Lastly, thanks again for all of you checking out our adventures. We may not be posting quite as often for a little while as we get back to normal. Thanks again and give us a call or drop a note on e-mail, we would love to hear from all of you.
Just a note, I know some of you are having trouble posting comments. We are working on an answer. Fellow bloggers if you have any suggestions let us know. Thanks again. See you all soon.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Made In China
After 17 days and about to be a total of 20,000 miles travel per person we will be arriving back in Wichita on Friday evening. The journey has been long, and at times tedious but when you see the bundle of joy we bring home you will know it was pure joy and worth every minute.
We would like to take a moment to thank each of you for sharing in our journey especially while we have been in China. It has been amazing the responses and the many people that have been following and sharing in our joy from Dallas, to Fort Worth, to Plano, TX; Dillon, CO, Minneapolis, MN; Missouri, North Carolina, Iowa; Topeka, Kansas City; Hunan, China and of course all of our friends and family in the greater Wichita area.
Just a few parting words from Guangzhou, China:
After spending these past weeks traveling and experiencing another culture up close and personal, I feel each of us have been changed by what we have learned from other families, from the people of China and from of course the reason we came, Emma.
As I have said earlier many of the people here consider the girls and boys that get adopted to be the "lucky" ones but you all know we all are the lucky ones to get to experience their innocence and joy unhindered by the life they were destined to live in an orphanage. We are truly blessed, each one of us. Through prayer and love this chapter comes to an end with a happy ending. But the story goes on and life begins anew for all of us in our new family. We still need your prayers as we all get adjusted to our new life together at home.
Lastly, a short story about our trip to Walmart in Nanning, Guangxi. Our guide who knowingly or not made a very funny joke. She said, "You will notice that all of the things in our Walmart, unlike in America, are "Made in China!" When you think about that statement many thoughts may come to mind but for me that phrase has a whole new meaning!!
We love you Emma (Made in China)
We would like to take a moment to thank each of you for sharing in our journey especially while we have been in China. It has been amazing the responses and the many people that have been following and sharing in our joy from Dallas, to Fort Worth, to Plano, TX; Dillon, CO, Minneapolis, MN; Missouri, North Carolina, Iowa; Topeka, Kansas City; Hunan, China and of course all of our friends and family in the greater Wichita area.
Just a few parting words from Guangzhou, China:
After spending these past weeks traveling and experiencing another culture up close and personal, I feel each of us have been changed by what we have learned from other families, from the people of China and from of course the reason we came, Emma.
As I have said earlier many of the people here consider the girls and boys that get adopted to be the "lucky" ones but you all know we all are the lucky ones to get to experience their innocence and joy unhindered by the life they were destined to live in an orphanage. We are truly blessed, each one of us. Through prayer and love this chapter comes to an end with a happy ending. But the story goes on and life begins anew for all of us in our new family. We still need your prayers as we all get adjusted to our new life together at home.
Lastly, a short story about our trip to Walmart in Nanning, Guangxi. Our guide who knowingly or not made a very funny joke. She said, "You will notice that all of the things in our Walmart, unlike in America, are "Made in China!" When you think about that statement many thoughts may come to mind but for me that phrase has a whole new meaning!!
We love you Emma (Made in China)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentines Day 2007
Happy Valentines Day everyone. Our day was fairly uneventful except for one very important and final step in our journey to bring Emma home. Today we received her VISA, no not her credit card; but I am sure that she will be soon receiving those solicitations soon. We had to take a 45 minute bus ride through terrible traffic in the middle of nap time to get to the U.S. Consulate where we waited in a big room and waited for a lady to come talk to us for a few minutes and then we raised our right hands and took an oath affirming all of the years of paper work was correct to the best of our knowledge. We did.
We then received here VISA packet that is sealed and can't be opened by anyone but the immigration officer in our port of entry, Chicago, on Friday. This last thing was the official end of our trip. Now we are just on vacation in China with our family waiting to come home on Friday.
At the consulate no pictures were allowed and no video or electronics, so the memories will be preserved on here Chinese passport and in our hearts as the favorite valentine we received in 2007.
Later to night we will rap up our blogging from China and look forward to seeing all of you at home. It has been fun and exciting but as you might be able to tell we are all ready to come home.
We then received here VISA packet that is sealed and can't be opened by anyone but the immigration officer in our port of entry, Chicago, on Friday. This last thing was the official end of our trip. Now we are just on vacation in China with our family waiting to come home on Friday.
At the consulate no pictures were allowed and no video or electronics, so the memories will be preserved on here Chinese passport and in our hearts as the favorite valentine we received in 2007.
Later to night we will rap up our blogging from China and look forward to seeing all of you at home. It has been fun and exciting but as you might be able to tell we are all ready to come home.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
A day of relaxation, February 13th
Today was a free day for us. We had breakfast and headed out to do some shopping. Yes, shopping again. Scott and Jake are becoming pros! Emma and I are just along for the ride. Scott attended the checkout meeting and what to expect for tomorrows visit to the US Consulate. We get Emma Visa and then we can come home.
I had a surprise this afternoon. Can anyone guess? Scott found me enough power so I could use my flat iron. I'm back!!! Thanks babe!
I had a surprise this afternoon. Can anyone guess? Scott found me enough power so I could use my flat iron. I'm back!!! Thanks babe!
We loaded up at 5:30pm for our dinner cruise. On our way to the boat we saw two different men walking monkeys on a leash. When we got to the dock we had to wait to get on. The boat had 3 levels. We were on the 2nd level and we all had window tables for viewing the city. Our ride was 2 hours long and they had a buffet dinner. Of course there was nothing that Jake would eat. But once again Dad came to the rescue. McDonald's, (they told us that the children would not like the dinner and suggested we have an alternative plan) The dinner was okay and the beer was great! The beer always seem great! We have been drinking a local brew, Tsingtao.
We're back to the hotel and everyone is tired, even Jake. Tomorrow is a big day. We go the the Buddhist Temple for a blessing in the morning and to the US Consulate in the afternoon to take an oath and receive all the documents for Emma so she can come home.
Sorry, no pictures tonight. I tried, but it was taking over 10 minutes to load just one. I will try again tomorrow.
Good night!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Red Couch Day, February 12th
Our mornings are quite busy. We get started at 6:30am when Emma wakes up. She is so happy. By the time we all shower and Emma eats it is already 8:30 and time for breakfast. This photo is taken where we eat very morning.
This morning was group photo time. Looking at this picture you could only imagine the chaos. From left to right, Katie Classe, Emma, Tessa Burkle(they were in the same orphanage together), Waverly Au, Jolene Hernandez and Violet Ramsey.
All the mommies.
Two peas in a pod.
In the park, Emma meets her first dog and he was just her size.
After the group photos we went shopping. We picked up a few souvenirs and had Starbucks. Emma and Scott were all shopped out. We stopped at Lucy's Grill for lunch.
The last bit of energy for the day.
We are all ready to come home! Tomorrow is a free day for us until dinner. We are going on a River Boat Cruise. Emma is getting pretty spoiled and Jake has been such a grown-up boy. We have been doing homework about every other day if we are lucky. The last few days we have been working on math flash cards. It is now a timed game for both Scott and Jake. Jake wrapped up two books today! Hooray!! We get to start a new one tomorrow, "The Mouse and the Motorcycle".
Good night everyone!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
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