Twolitlones

Holy Moly, Has it been a year!!!

2010-12-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry to those of you who are not friends on Facebook! I seem to update and keep more in touch there. Wow have things been busy busy busy with twin two year olds. As they say pictures are worth thousands of words so...

Christmas came and Went!

2009-12-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was an interesting one to say the least. Here we are brand new parents of twin 15 month olds!!! WOW!!! Need I say more! We tried the traditions that we have kept in years past and quickly needed to adapt them to be more age appropriate. We decided to host our annual Christmas day dinner, despite my panic about it the night before, and it was OK but perhaps a mistake to take that on too. Thankfully we have loving family members who are seasoned parents and have been there and done that. Wish this parenting thing came with a handbook. Live and learn. Luckily we have time off together until after the new year and we are just relaxing and enjoying our home and new love.

The love we have for our precious daughters is indescribable. They have brought us more joy in these past few months that we could have ever imagined. They are like little sponges, learning so many new things every day. Both Anna and Serra are walking and trying their best at talking. Cat seems to be their favorite word, much to our cats' dismay. They love their cousins Rowan and Charley Rose. Papa and Uncle George seem to be Anna's favorites. Serra loves her mama and is beginning to welcome the snuggles of others! We are teaching them sign language and their repertoire is growing daily. It is amazing how this has helped them communicate their needs to us with only a few signs!!! They had their 15 month checkup yesterday and all is well and on target developmentally. Hated the shots and fevers that followed but the girls are healthy and in great care with our doctor.

Much Love and Peace in the New Year! Karin

December is Here Already!?!?

2009-12-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while... life has been busy to say the least. Serra Jie and Anna Mei are amazing. They are so smart and are hitting all their developmental milestones and then some. They are like little sponges and love to copy our actions and tones. They both say hi, dada, baba and papa. They also say mama but it is usually when they are crying, I don't mind. We are teaching them sign language and their signs are coming along. They can say more, eat, mama, dada, all done, thank you and hat. They are beginning to use the sign for more for not just food. I was playing with Anna the other day and she said more! Love it. They love to read books and play all day. They also love music, we often put the music channel on the TV and dance. It is so amazing how they can keep a beat, very musically inclined! Scott plays the guitar and sings with them every day and they sing along in such a soft sweet tone! Anna started taking steps while we were in China and now is walking around all the time. Serra is taking her time with it but tonight walked across the living room! Mommy and Daddy are better than ever! We are so in love with each other and our girls. I cannot express in words the new found love and happiness. Scott is an amazing Dad and the girls love him! I started back to work last Monday and was pretty sad. Having an amazing spouse that takes such loving care of everything has made this transition easier! The pictures are just a few of life since we have been home and the video is my favorite so far, hysterical! My goal is to get back on a regular monthly posting routine again!!!! We are so looking forward to Christmas next week and all the love of having family celebrate with us! Much Love!!!!

We Are Home!

2009-11-04T15:56:00.001-08:00

We got home October 25th after 30 hours of travelling and layovers, exhausted and jet lagged but happier than we have ever been. Our family and best friends met us at the airport with a huge celebration, posters, presents, hugs and lots of love. It was very emotional and much needed after the long trip. I will post about the trip later, still adjusting to life with twin 1 year olds but for those of you about to travel a few tips...

Bring pleanty of fever reducer 2 bottles of baby motrin and tylenol (if you need it you will be thankful and if you don't loan some to someone that does) and MAKE SURE YOUR TICKETS FOR YOUR CHILDREN ARE IN THEIR CHINESE NAMES! Their passports will be in their Chinese names and it will be very difficult to travel when the tickets dont match the passports!!! Trust me, I know! Some families had medicines for their children with them, we did not and the hospitals were interesting to say the least. I brought a zpak and ended up taking it when I caught what the girls had, Scott was perscribed medicine there that made him sick in other ways so I wish we had brought 2 zpacks.
That all for now! We are happy to be home!

Still more pictures from Ghuangzhou

2009-10-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

More Pictures from Ghuangzhou

2009-10-19T09:36:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Ghuangzhou

2009-10-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Karin sent many photos today!

2009-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Karin writes: "Today was a good day. We walked to our medical appointment and the girls are happy and healthy! We took a long walk back and through the park. It is so beautiful and family oriented. Old and young playing hacky sack (Scott joined in a game), playing cards, taking singing lessons, dance lessons, tai chi. It was really nice to watch. Of course the girls were the center of attention as always. People really believe that twins are lucky and they swarm us. If the girls happen to smile or laugh at someone they are thrilled. People are always reaching their hands to the girls with hope they will send them luck by reaching back. How cool to have two little movie stars. We went downtown and visited a Temple of 500 Faces of Buddah! It was very cool. On the way back we went through a market for all sorts of fried delicacies on a stick. Huge black scorpions, enormous beetles and all sorts of creepy crawlie things. No takers in our group!
The girls are talking up a storm...baby talk and of course saying dadadada which is thrilling Scott.
Love, Karin"

A few more photos from the last day in Nanchang

2009-10-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

Scott and Karin both write today!

2009-10-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

Scott writes: "Today was hopefully my final day in the hospital. I think Karin mentioned the experience she had in a prior blog, but I am glad she went on the best day. She might have lost it completely if she saw what I have seen. Today was no better. A couple of missed veins, blood everywhere, person walking on the flimsy roof overhead sending down dust, a fluorescent light bulb and exposed wires from a light fixture and a whole list of other things. But now I have mentioned the bad stuff, I do want to talk about the amazing part of the trip to the hospital, because good things have been hard to come by.
For some reason today I was very much the center of attention because I was a American with a Chinese baby. I have had this attenenion before, but it was usually when I was getting chastised for not putting enough clothes on the girls.
An elderly grandmotherly woman was among a group of 10 or so mothers who all came over in a rush once they noticed I had a translator. They had so many questions and every one was happy for us. The "grandmother" read Serra's hand and noticed her knuckles had a slight indent and she said that was a sign of good luck. She also said that since the baby has such good luck, it must be meant to be that her path crossed with mine. She said we will be very lucky in the future. Once the excitement wound down, all of the women went back to their families. The grandmother, however, came back when everybody left me, including Cobe our translator. She grabbed Serra's hand and stared at her for a moment. She then said something to me in Chinese in a very heartfelt tone and started to cry. She did her best to smile, gave me a thumbs up and went on her way. Although we have commented on many of the crazy things we have seen and done, I wanted to make sure that people realize that MOST, if not ALL of the people we have encountered have been amazingly caring and sincerely happy to see Karin and I with our new family. They make me feel blessed for this opportunity and proud to have China as a part of my life, through my daughters, forever."-Scott

Karin writes: "So our last day in Nanchang didn't suck. The girls are under 100 degrees without fever reducer. Anna started to play and be a really happy girl and Serra, although had to get an IV today and was a little cranky was a trooper. While they napped Coby and I went and did a little shopping. I got some cute things for Rowan and Charley Rose and some material for Anne to make dresses for Christmas with. When we got back we had a calligrapher come to our room and make these amazing 6ft scrolls with the girls names where they are from and well wishes for their lives! very pretty! We then took a walk in this huge outdoor mall that was nice. Coby got a private room in a restaurant and treated us to an amazing meal. It was a really great day. While we were walking through the mall we kept getting stopped by hoards of people admiring the girls and wishing us well. It is so funny how people just love us and think twins are just the coolest thing and amazing blessing!!! Of course we do too! We leave here tomorrow morning for Guangzhou. I hope they are good travellers. They really like to be snuggled into their carriers, thank goodness for that. It might be a day or so before I figure out the whole Internet thing in our new place, I will try to do so quickly." - :o) Karin

2009-10-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Karin writes: "Here are some more pictures. We have not done much site seeing as we have been taking care of sick babies. Serra had to be seen in the hospital today along with Anna so I went too. She has to go back tomorrow too. We are all on the road to recovery though. Anna was under 100 all day without meds and I am sure Serra is soon to follow. We had the buffet lunch in our hotel today and wow--does real Chinese food taste good. The girls had broth with carrots and rice and steamed egg. The egg seemed to be Anna's favorite. Congi is Serra's but her tummy get upset when she eats a lot of it. Anna will eat anything. Serra wants nothing of our western foods. LOL. Although she was scarfing up pizza crust yesterday. When we got back to our room after lunch Coby who has been by our side for everything had ordered a birthday cake and it was waiting for me!!! Too cool. I am hoping to get to that beautiful temple this evening after the girls' naps and to a market tomorrow while they are napping to buy porcelain and material for dresses! Love for now, Karin"

2009-10-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

They had lunch at a Pizza Hut yesterday and then went to Walmart! More pictures! I couldn't upload all of them in one post! Karin also write that the babies love their photo book. They are already recognizing certain people, like Rowan and Charley Rose (their cousins in AZ!) They are very loving to each other and give each other big hugs and kisses. What blessings that Karin and Scott were able to keep them sisters together forever!

2009-10-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

October 14, 2009 Karin writes:
"Coby hired a calligrapher to come to the hotel friday and make their names and good wishes on rice paper for their bedroom walls. How cool is that!"
These pictures are from our hotel window. We are on the 16 th floor so we have interesting views.We had pizza hut for a late lunch and went to Walmart. It was funny how people flock to the twins here and touch their faces and tell us how beautiful they are!!! and I do mean flock, we were surrounded by about 10 people at one time in Walmart. We took some photos to try to capture the chaos that is the driving here. No one pays attention to any of the lines even the double yellow. they go in and out like mad people almost running into pedestrians and such. it is so crazy. My only comfort is that none of the cars are banged up so I guess there is a method to this madness. Tomorrow when the girls are napping Coby is taking me to a market where I can buy material and porcelain.
:o) Karin"

Breakfast pictures day 4

2009-10-13T21:36:00.001-07:00

2009-10-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

Day four: More pictures!!

Anna is doing better. She needs to return to the hospital to receive more antibiotics (just in case) but the tylenol and motrin Karin & Scott have been giving is working! She's eating cheerios and apple juice (with her sister in their froggie pajamas of course!)--but they're hoping by tomorrow she will be well and they can venture out with her. The bandaid on Anna's head is where they have to administer an IV in an infant. This is normal--most babies will receive IVs throught the head so they don't touch it. (Yes, in the US too!)

Karin writes:

"I think we might even venture out and see a 1005 year old temple across the street. I went to the super market with Serra and Coby (our guide who is amazing) yesterday and it was quite the experince! Taxi's are even more fun than walking. Put NY cabbies on speed, crack and give them all adhd and then times that by 100. Scary does not describe it. Poor people ride scooters and bycicles, less poor take busses (one came to a screaching stop an inch from Scott's window Monday) and taxi's, the wealthy all drive toyotas, which Coby complains about. LOL"

I will keep updating the blog everytime they share more information and pictures. Send love to them always! What a journey! -Maryellen (Karin's sister in AZ)

2009-10-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the first day! I am blogging for Karin and Scott who cannot sign in in China from the hotel they are currently staying. The girls are doing great. They are bonding with Karin and Scott--initially Anna with Scott and Serra with Karin. Anna had a pretty bad fever and had to be treated at the hospital. She is doing much better--with antibiotics and fever/pain relievers.

They have also met some American families who are there adopting as well. The moms and dads have been a huge support--as Anna's fever had them pretty concerned. They have been able to borrow some health care items and talk with some "veteran" parents to ease their concern :)

Karin and Scott report that the girls crawl and sit up beautifully, and are beginning to bond with both of them! They can handle Mommy or Daddy leaving their sight without crying today!

As they send more information, I will update the blog--or once they find access--they will do so.

Look at how gorgeous they all are!

Day one of Travel

2009-10-10T16:26:00.001-07:00

We are in the Nagoya airport waiting for our flight to China. We may meet our daughters later today but definatly by tomorrow. It was a crazy day of travel, leaving home at 5:15 and travelling for 24 hours before we got to a resting place. We were going to stay in the airport but this airport closes overnight so we got a hotel within walking distance. It was good that it ended up that way because we were extremely tired and needed the few hours of sleep.

Some thoughts so far, WE LOVE JAPAN and the people we have encountered. Everyone is so polite and helpful. It seems like this kindness and caring is a part of their culture and we have been treated so well here.

We're Off!!!

2009-10-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

We are about to leave for the trip of a lifetime. We hope the girls can feel the love we, and everyone we know, are sending their way. We will be a forever family soon! I just can't wait to love them in person!!!

Latest Photos

2009-08-31T19:34:00.001-07:00

Serra Jie

Anna Mei

Anna Mei & Serra Jie

We got updated info and photos. The girls are now 11 months old and are close to 20lbs. Serra has 4 teeth and Anna has 7. They are just adorable!!!!

Origional Photos!!!

2009-08-26T15:57:00.001-07:00

Anna Mei

Anna Mei

Anna Mei

Anna Mei Serra Jie

Serra Jie

Twins!

2009-08-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

There have been some questions about our girls...
Yes, we requested to be matched to twins, way back in 3/06!!!! We are so in love with these little girls already!!!!

More Info!!!

2009-08-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

They are 11 months old, born on 9/26/08. Currently living in Jiangxi. The referral is being translated but we know they are about 14lbs and 2ft tall. They seem to have darling personalities!!! Good sleepers, love music and are just precious!!! We are soooo in LOVE!!!

Our Referral

2009-08-24T09:54:00.001-07:00

Introducing Anna Mei and Serra Jie Little :-)

Three years and 5 months to the day......And now that we have seen those precious faces it was, without a doubt, worth the wait. Sorry for the short post, but we have some calls to make :-) Thank you to all that have supported and encouraged us during our journey.

Keeping busy this weekend!!!

2009-08-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well last month was a dissapointment! What we thought was our LID 3/22/06 was in fact not! Our correct LID is 3/24/06 which is matched and referrals have started arriving this past Friday. We should recieve our referral Monday 8/24/09, exactly 3 years 5 months since our paperwork was received in China. We know for sure that we are matched to twin girls living in Jiangxi, China and cannot wait to get more info!!! We are keeping busy with projects this weekend and have fun stuff planned with our best friends, Christy and Jessica, tomorrow! Bowling and then a bbq!!! They are the best and no matter how crazy nervous/excited crazy we act they love us!!!! Will post pictures as soon as we get them on Monday!!!

Freaking out...

Karin & Scott

July 21, 2009 Waiting for Our Call

2009-07-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

We are sure we will hear something today or tomorrow. One family posted their baby picture on the RQ Website and I broke down in happy tears... We are numb with excitement. I will post pictures as soon as we get them!!!!!! In Love today more than ever!!!

July 16th No news yet!!!

2009-07-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

We are getting very excited though. I really believe in the next week or so we will be getting a call from our agency!!! Holy cow this is the best roller coaster I have ever ridden!!! Will post as soon as we hear!!!!

Wow!!! Is it May already?!?!

2009-05-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while but... life has been crazy. Scott and I moved back into our Tempe home and life is getting back to as normal as it can be. I have been commuting since March 40+ minutes each way and am not very happy about the drive. My search is on for a closer job that will make me happy. I really love my current job and school so the debate is... do I leave for a lesser commute or stay and deal with driving?!?!? Hopefully that will all work itself out in the next few weeks!

CCAA Status: Children have been matched to their forever families through:March 14, 2006!

Wow!!! We could be next!!! But again, to protect our hearts we are thinking we will be matched in August.

Here are the latest projections. It looks like we could have a referral in June or July!!!! Holy cow are we getting excited!!!

:o) Karin

January's News

2009-01-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

The CCAA has matched children to their forever families with the log in dates up to March 2, 2006.

The chart to the left shows the possible projections for referrals. I am expecting to hear something this May and, if so, possibly travel this summer.

This month has been a little bit of a roller coaster ride emotionally as the website I frequent kind of sucked us in the rumor mill. There was a rumor that CCAA was going to send out referrals for most of March and we bought into it a tiny bit. When the actual referrals came and it was a 2 day batch we learned our lesson!!! We really need to continue to protect our hearts and keep our summer projections as reality right now. If it happens sooner, GREAT, but we are prepared for it to be later.

Scott is painting away in the home in Tempe. We have not sold our Phoenix home yet but are moving back to Tempe over spring break either way. We had do have a master bath remodel due to severe water damage from the renters. That is scheduled to happen the first 2 weeks in March. Right before the move.

Things are falling into place. Scott and I are closer than ever and really happy. :o)

Two Referral Batches in December!!!

2009-01-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

CCAA Status: Reviewed through February 28, 2007 Placed through:February 28, 2006.

That was incredible news when I logged on today!!! They are moving fast... We really could see our daughters' faces this May!!! That was a thrill to see!!!

We had an excellent holiday season!!! Great time spent with family and friends!!!

Here are some Holiday Photos...

Happy Holidays!!!!

2008-12-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

December CCAA Status: The CCAA has placed children with their forever families up to and including February 23, 2006!!!

Wouldn't it be fabulous it this were true and we saw our daughters' beautiful faces this May!!!

November

2008-11-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Well, the speed up came to a screeching halt!!! It looks like this month CCAA only matched 2 days taking us to February 17th.... Yikes! We are still hopeful that we will hear something this spring and travel this summer. Stay hopeful with us!!!

Our new home is for sale in Phoenix and we are going to move back to Tempe as soon as it sells. We are trying to stay positive in these trying times!!! Heard any good jokes lately?!?!?

The good news we have this month is that our log in date ( March 22) was mentioned on the projections chart on that website that I get all my China adoption information. Keep in mind that we have been moving at the "Spr 2008 Small" column on this chart. But at least we make it!!! If you notice, if there is a speedup to the "Bad Case" Senario... we may hear news sometime this February!!! Doubtful but still hopeful!!!

:o) Karin

October

2008-10-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the referrals took a little longer this month, but only 29 days... That's not bad. The CCAA is now through February 15, 2006 in matching families. March 22, 2006 here we come!!!!

Based on a recent poll that was done, on that website we frequent, we are figuring we're about 5 months from referral. That brings us to spring. We really need the time to resettle ourselves, anyway!

Everything happens for a reason. Right? Sometimes it is just hard to figure what that reason is....

We are selling our lovely large home, too far away and too large home, and moving back into our home in Tempe. Unfortunately, it is not the home we left!!! Scott has been spending every day there degrossing it, yes that is an official term!!! We have to gut and repair the master bath and paint it a pretty shade of yellow!!!! Then it will be livable!!!

We have been exposed to the greedy, corporate, ugly side of life, are a little stunned and scared, but have learned a lot. We confirmed, through the experiences of the past year or so, that our family and friends are most important to us and that we are not materialistic at all!!! We want our lives to be small, happy and honest. We want to raise our children that way too!!! It is our ultimate goal to get back to that and stay there!!!!!

:o) Scott and Karin

September Update

2008-09-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

CCAA Status: Children have been placed with their forever families through: February 9, 2006

Wow, that was quick!!! A record 22 days since the last referrals arrived!!!! I really mean it. That has not happened that fast in 4 years!!! And... there were only three other months in the last 4 years that had days between in the 20's. Lets really hope this is a sign of things to come!!!!

Gotta get to work, will post more next month!!!

August Update

2008-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

CCAA Status Babies have been placed with forever families through: January 31, 2006

Remeber our log in date is March 22, 2006

So... It took 3 months for CCAA to get through the January dates. It would be nice if that meant 6months until our match but... March is a month that had a lot of log in dates so... realistically it could be 9months to 1 year still (unless there is a unexpected speed up after the Olympics). We're in the homestretch!!!!

I went back to work two weeks ago and OMG I am stressed. It is starting to get a little easier but, getting my room organized, learning new programs, names, etc. has had me in a whirlwind of stress and not sleeping well. Unfortunatly, it didn't take long for Scott to become the same way with his crazy job after vacation.

Thank God for the Olympics so there is at least a television diversion! How about the opening ceremony!!!! Incredible!!!! NBC is going to sell the DVD starting in September. I think I'll definatly get one!!!

Until Next Month!!!!

July Update

2008-07-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Montana was incredible. It was filled with tons of love from family, friends and mother nature. We consider ourselves tremendously blessed that we have had these experiences.

The Photos Speak for themselves!!! We had a blast!!

Adoption News...
It looks like the CCAA got through January 25, 2006 in the matching process. Lets hope for a speed up after the olympics!!!! Christmas in China, who could complain!!!

June Referrals

2008-06-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

CCAA Status Placed through: January 20, 2006

The June referrals have arrived and it looks like the CCAA have matched families through January 20th. We are about 2 months away in Log in Dates from being matched ourselves. I wish that was real time! I really am not expecting anything until winter!!

I got a new job closer to home. I will be the Special Education teacher for students with Learning Disabilities at an elementary school 5 miles away. The program is a pullout program so the students will be assigned to homerooms where they spend most of their day and come to me for added service in the area they are struggling. It will take me 10 minutes to get to work instead of the 1-2 hours it had been. Yeah!!!!

Scott and I are going up to Montana for the 4th of July. It really is a great time to get up there with the rodeo, parade, fireworks and barbecues. We can't wait to get away and spend some time with family!!!! We did not take a vacation last year because of the move and the new job. Scott has had no time off from work so he is going to dig it the most!

I will add pics of our vacation next month.

May Update

2008-05-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

CCAA Status Reviewed through: December 31, 2006 Placed through: January 12, 2006

Yes, that does mean that they matched families within 3 days of last months. Hopefully things will pick up after the olympics.

Please direct your thoughts and prayers to the families who's lives were effected by the tremendous earthquake. I have been paying attention to the usgs earthquake site and the area has been experiencing aftershock quakes in the 5. range several times a day since the big one hit. That has to be incredible to deal with as well as the tremendous loss of life!

April 25th

2008-04-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

Adoption News...
As of today the CCAA has moved from a snails pace to a sloths pace in matching families to their children. We are currently through January 9, 2006... It is what it is folks!!!

Karin News...

I am applying for a job closer to home for the next school year. I have an interview this Wednesday so cross your fingers. The commute to Tempe every day is too much!! With gas prices the way they are it is costing me $700.00+ every month in gas!! Yikes.

Craptacular News...

Last Sunday was Scott's birthday so Saturday night we went to a killer concert that rocked!!! Unfortunately due to an overzealous slam dancer, that pushed his way in front of me for the last song, I have a lasting memory of the show. He jumped up, landed on my big toe (of course open toed shoes) and ripped my big toe nail mostly off. We spent the whole next day (Scott's birthday) in the ER having it cleaned out and stitched back on. It is not Broken but EIWWW!!!! does it look gross and I probably will lose the nail. It should grow back in a few months!

OK, on to the latest news from the AZ girls of the family...Drum roll please......

Maryellen organized a fantastic charity event where 3 children and 12 ladies donated their hair to the Million Inch Chain sponsored by Pantene. Together we donated 150" to the chain!! The evening was a ton of fun. It was not a coincidence the event fell on our dear mother's birthday whom we all love and miss tremendously! I think she was there in spirit, probably knitting booties or something!!

Anniversary

2008-03-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today is the 2nd anniversary of when our paperwork was entered into the system in China. I know!!!! An elephant could have had 2 babies in the time this is taking but... be patient!!!!

If you are an optimist.... The longest part of our wait is probably over!!!! If you are not, follow these instructions to a blog that will show some wonderful pics!!! Go to http://www.chinaadopttalk.com/ , click on the word forum on the right hand side of the page, click on General Discussion button, look for a blog named "This Was Worth the Wait" and click on it. The 6+ pages of pics the families have posted are heartwarming!!!

I am told that this whole time of waiting fades away from our memories as soon as we are handed our daughters. I am sure for you all it will to when I get to post our first pics!!!

Easter is tomorrow and we are having a houseful as we did on Christmas. I am making brunch for everyone and got some sidewalk chalk and bubbles, Maryellen is making dessert (baking is her specialty), and Theresa and Adam are planning an egg hunt! Good times!!!

Happy Easter!!!

This Month's Referrals

2008-03-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

CCAA Status
Reviewed through:
October 31, 2006
Placed through:
January 4, 2006

So this month's referrals have gotten us into 2006!!!! They only have to get through 10 weeks of dates until ours. Sounds easy but... To protect our hearts we are planning for next winter but secretly are wishing for sooner. If you need a baby picture fix go to the www.chinaadopttalk.com web page and click on the links under the title Babies! You will be directed to the web pages of the families that were just matched! Cutie petuties!!!!

Other news...
I came home today and the Ocotillo we planted in our front yard has buds on its tips. That was exciting to see because sometimes the shock of planting keeps them bare for a year or two! Spring break is next week so I plan to get my summer vegetable garden planted. My winter garden produced a lot of herbs, radishes and broccoli. My carrots are almost big enough to pick. Unfortunately my lettuces and spinach bit the dust with a warm spell. I wasn't aggressive enough with the bugaloos! My artichoke plants are 3' by 3' and should start blooming with artichokes soon. I cant wait for that!!!!!

Happy Spring!!!!

Latest News

2008-02-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with their office before December 27, 2005.

Getting closer!!

Sorry for not posting lately. The holidays came fast and were a whirlwind of activity. I was waiting to get the latest information to add.

The holiday season was fantastic. Thanksgiving was wonderful at Maryellen and George's home. We spent Christmas eve with them as well having a great time with tons of friends and family at their open house. (Unfortunatly Scott had to miss this due to work obligations, he was there in spirit) Bill was here from California and we had a great time building our gingerbread houses in our anual Christmas eve competition. The judging was done by the guests on Christmas day. Scott won this year, we're all already planning for the next one! Christmas day was great! We had a housefull, Adam, Theresa and kiddo's came over as well as Bill and George's nephews! It really was great to fill our new home with the laughter and joy the holidays bring. I posted the pics of Dad and I and the gingerbread houses. Enjoy!!!

We are busy now saving$$$ and preparing for our new arrivals sometime this year. Believe me I wish I knew an exact date to tell you all but that is not a luxury in the adoption world. I'll keep posting updates and lets all hope that things speed up a little more! Remember they need to get to our Log in Date of March 22, 2006!!! Not too far away now!!!

CCAA Update

2007-11-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before August 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 8, 2005.

Thay matched 8 days into December. I hope this means they are speeding things up a bit! We shall see next month. You can visit the website www.chinaadopttalk.com on Monday there should be links to referral pictures again. I love to see all the beautiful faces and read about how excited the families are! I just can't wait until it is our turn!!!!

CCAA Update and Other News

2007-10-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before August 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 30, 2005.

Three months and 22 days to go!!!! Which could be 9+ months in real time. Rumors have it that a couple of those months have low numbers of waiting families so... Keep your fingers crossed for speedy referrals!!!!

Other news...
We moved!!! We are officially in and out of boxes. Organized???? Not!!!! Little by little our new place is feeling more like our home. We will be renting our home in Tempe as of the 15th. We are very happy that did not take too long!

Things are good!
:o)

CCAA Update

2007-09-02T21:10:00.001-07:00

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before June 30, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 25, 2005.

Busy Busy Busy

2007-07-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

We found a new home!!! Scott's new job is an hour away so... We started looking at neighborhoods closer to work when we came upon a home that was too good to be true. It is in a new community half way between both our jobs. It's a spec home that was in the works so we did not have a lot of building options to choose from but we were still able to pick all the design options, floors, cabinets, counter tops and fixtures. It has been very exciting yet a little stressful. We never thought we'd leave our current home, we love it where we live!!!

Things are still moving slowly on the adoption front. Unless things speed up, which is not the trend, it looks like our time frame may be as late as next summer. It will happen so I will keep you informed.

Check out the website from the last post. The June baby referrals are arriving for some families in November log in groups. Adorable pictures will be posted in the next few days! Just a reminder that our log in date is March 22. Only 4 months of families to match and then it is our turn!!!!

Updated China Information and other Good News

2007-06-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
The families that were logged in earlier than November 7th have received news. Go to the below link and scroll down until you see the blog title, June Babies! Click on the links with pictures to get a good baby fix. I do this the beginning of every month, referral time. It makes my heart swell to see all those beautiful little faces and think of the unbelievable happiness those families are experiencing right now! Our time will come when the time is absolutly right and not a moment sooner. Until, enjoy in the dreams come true below...

www.chinaadopttalk.com (I will remind you all next month when referrals come again]

Updated news from the CCAA website...

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 31, 2006.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 7, 2005.

Other news,
Scott is now the Director of Golf at Anthem Golf and Country Club. He started his new job Monday. We couldn't be happier and I am so proud of his accomplishments!

Update

2007-05-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is the current updated information from the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) website...
November is good!!!! Getting closer and closer to March 22nd!!!

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 1, 2005.

Update

2007-04-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

We had our fingerprints redone no other new news. I thought this picture was fun!

Spring

2007-03-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Oh my, is the weather beautiful!!! It is warm out and orange blossom scent has filled the air! Everything is blooming and perfect! This is why we live in Arizona!

We have recently had to update our home study for our adoption. Our federal fingerprints have expired so we have an appointment to get those re-done. Everything else is great as the wait continues. This process may take as late as next winter unless things speed up. We will keep posting information as we know it!!

Anniversary

2007-03-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

The fact that we are coming up on our one year anniversary from when our paperwork was logged in to the China Center For Adoption Affairs (CCAA) office is creating much excitememt! We are getting closer and closer to our dream of becoming a family!!!

The Process

2007-02-24T12:32:00.002-08:00

Here is what we have been doing and where we are in the process... Two years ago Scott and I began to put together all the paperwork, or our dossier, that was to be sent to China. We had physicals, psychiatric evaluations, home visits from social workers, financial evaluations, federal state and local fingerprinting, and probably a host of other things I am forgetting. We attended parenting classes and began to do some fun stuff like ready the nursery! We prepped our home with child proofing locks and fences and anything we needed to make our house as safe as possible. Our information was presented to the Courts in Arizona and we were declared parents fit for adoption. Next all out paperwork was compiled into a huge dossier, including family photos, translated into Chinese, and sent to the Adoption Affairs offices in China. A letter from us accompanied this dossier requesting the government of China to bless us by allowing us to adopt twin baby girls! Our dossier was logged into the system March 22, 2006. Now we wait and prepare to become parents. Recently the China website has been updated, stating that they are past our Log in Date for files that have been reviewed. We are assuming that there were no issues with our dossier and it is on its way to the matching department. Here the workers have the monumental task of matching all the waiting children to families. The website has also posted that they have finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with their office before October 13, 2005. Although that date is only five months prior to our date, of March 22, it seems that things have slowed down and the wait will be longer than that. We are hoping we hear something this spring or summer, so lets keep that positive vibe going. We just don't know when?!?! Trust us that you will know as soon as we do!!! Please keep our little ones in your hearts and think of them often!!! We are keeping very positive! We truly believe that our children will be here when they are meant to be with us and not a moment sooner or later!

Happy New Year

2007-02-24T12:32:00.001-08:00

It is not only the year of the Pig, it is the Year of the Golden Pig. According to Chinese Foklore, this is an event that occurs once in every 600 years and will ensure that a baby born on this year will experience a prosperous and wealthy life.

Happy New Year

2007-02-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 18, 2007 is Chinese New Year!!! Happy New Year!!!

Red Thread

2007-02-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance.The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break.

Ancient Chinese Legend

Update

2007-02-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

The China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) has updated their website stating that all paperwork has been reviewed up until March 22, 2006. Our paperwork was logged into their system March 22, 2006. We are hoping we are on our way to the matching department to get matched to our children. This is a long process so keep our little ones in your prayers!

Mural

2007-02-04T13:02:00.001-08:00

This is the mural Karin painted in the toy room of the nursery. To the right there is a bookcase and room for two little chairs. To the left is a toybox with lots of room to play.

Nursery

2007-02-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of the nursery. We still need to purchase bedding, curtains, etc. but the painting is complete and the furniture put together. We just can't wait to fill those cribs!!!!

Welcome!

2007-02-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

Join us as we begin the wonderful process of becoming parents! We are very excited and nervous! We have been very busy getting ready. I will post some pictures of the nursery. We're pretty proud of how it turned out!!!