First photos from China!

 

 

 

 

Day 3 in China...

Well, here it is, bed time at day 3. Here is the events of the day.
Thanks Mom for keeping everyone in the loop, please continue to keep Kyle's family updated. He was concerned about this.
How are things at home! We miss home!
DAY 3...

Started at 4 in the morning, Kyle couldn't sleep and I was in and out. Got up when he did. Had a nice long shower and felt great! Lauryn slept until about 6 ish. She woke up with some babble and then started a little cry but nothing to big. Then the smiles started!
We went for breakfast around 6:30. Before we left Lauryn had some oatmeal, a bit of goldfish and some milk. At the restaurant she had some watermelon, a boiled egg and some chinese porridge! She tried some french toast and some apple juice. It was pretty funny... she took a big bite of watermelon and the juice came out her nose! She wasn't sure about apple juice... the first drink made her shiver! Then I watered it down and it was much better.
She had some trouble getting to sleep last night. She is amazed by all the lights and is a big wide eyed girl who stops herself from going to sleep, I think she wants to see more and more and more! Its pretty amazing to see. We both watched her for a long time and then just listened to her little baby sounds.
We had to meet in the lobby for 8:30. Back to the adoption centre! The adoption was finalized today! She is all ours. We met with a notary and another government official. We had about 10 - 12 questions from each of them. Things like Are you happy with this child? Do you want to make this child yours? DUH!! I would love to see someone try to take her away! Kyle is totally in awe of her. I love seeing them together. It really is amazing!
Lauryn got her land legs that's forsure! Her legs are very skinny and not strong at all. Today we put some running shoes on her. The adoption centre is a very big room and she went for it! She ran and walked and exhausted both Kyle and I! Our guide laughed at me! We had to take our first family photo. Something for the orphanage I think... I didn't know that it was our turn, then Ava came to get us and I was a sweaty hot mess! Told her I needed time to fix myself up! She thought that this was hysterical! You should see my hair. It is so humid that the its just crazy... nothing works! Oh well! LOL!
At the adoption centre we had some time to sit and really get to know our girl. She is so smart! She imitates EVERYTHING! She now says mama!!! YUP! She does! And she can wave bye - bye! The nanny told us yesterday to give her soft food. Her palate is effected and hardfood might bother her... not our girl. She will try everything! If she doesn't like it... no big deal she will spit it out!
After everything was finalized, we got back in our van and headed to the Chinese equivalent to walmart... OMG, what an experience. They sell everything there... EVERYTHING and it's all cheap, bad quality. Dawn (the lady that also adopted, and is staying in the same hotel) well, she loves to buy her older daughter shirts from these stores. The english is terrible. The one she bought today said M KOOKS... My Happy Hollida?? What the heck that is suppose to mean, I will never know. Kyle also bought some eggroll flavoured pringles... gross!
We loaded up on diapers, rice cereal and bottled water. I also bought some baby food - fruit mostly. I was worried b/c Lauryn hadn't pooped yet! We toyed with the idea of a stroller. We will be doing a lot of sight seeing in Beijing. Instead we bought a baby carrier.
Got back to the hotel and Lauryn was overtire, hot, hungry and pretty grumpy. She cried big tears for the first time! Then wanted to be held. Tried to settle her down and it eventually worked, but it took both of us! I think we have a lot to learn! But, we did just fine. She napped for about 2 hours. Kyle and I did too!
It was great! Starting to get use to the time change!
When she got up we changed her bum, and she had done what she was suppose to! Kyle said it smelled really bad... this cold I have prevented me from smelling anything. So I got to change her! Lauryn is pretty cranky today! I think the last two days have been totally overwhelming and she is just as tired as we are. I wonder what is going on in her mind! Then Kyle tested out the new baby carrier while I got ready for dinner. Cool!
She was pretty funny. I have some pictures. I think Kyle was pretty pleased with himself. He just adores her!
We met with Dawn, Lynne, Quinnlynne and Lindsay for our first authetic chinese dinner. It wasn't nearly as crazy as a I thought. You order for the table and all the dishes are put on a big lazy suzzane and shared. Well, Lauryn is a messy eater and certainly doesn't like anything being taken away from her. She had a minor melt down. It was pretty funny, we ordered some Teryaki noddles, well we were all pretty useless getting the noodles out of the bowl onto our plates so the restaurant sent over a lady to give us a hand! When we sat down, another waitress came over to ask me if I would like a fork! Then she came back to ask me if I would like a knife! LOL!
After lauryn's minor melt down we went back to the room. We are pretty tired again and Lauryn is cranky! Kyle went out to see if her could find some cold water. There isn't any such thing as cold in China. Everything is luke warm. Well Kyle went for his adventure, I tackled bath time alone...
It went okay... She cried... a lot! However she was standing in the tub holding on to me and wanted to sit down... and then she would cry harder....Got the job done and dressed her and combed her hair. I put baby lotion on her for the first time. She thought that was pretty cool! she giggles at a lot of things. Baby lotion was a hit. She smells fantastic...I can even smell her!
So, I have just come down to the business centre for the update! We all send out love and we are telling Lauryn of all the family she has at home who can't wait to meet her. You guys are going to be over the moon in love.
Tomorrow we get her passport and don't have to meet until 3.
We are going to meet for breakfast and then head to Beijing Street. I guess this is just packed with kids clothes vendors! Should be an interesting day! I will write more tomorrow.
I hope to have some pictures tomorrow too. I working on it!
The 3 of us send out love!
We love you all more then you could ever know or possibly understand! It seems so weird not having our family with us at such a special time! Can't wait to introduce you!
We love you! Sweet dreams... sorry, sweet dreams for us... have a great day to you!
Thanks for everything.
xo

Day 2 -posted by Mom - Lauryn is where she belongs!!!!

Hi there,
I knew you would be waiting patiently for this email. I am at the business centre in Guangzhou. It has been an unbelievable day. I am exhausted... we both are... so mind the spelling! LOL!
We slept well last night. We both just kinda crashed. Our day started at 4 a.m. Wasn't really too bad because it felt like 4 in the afternoon. We both got ready and waited in the lobby for everyone. We were the first ones downstairs and eager to start our day. We boarded the bus with about 14 other people. We had breakfast on the bus. While we ate Yulin told us what to expect and how to handle our children. She says that they are all different and she doesn't know what to tell us on how they will react. We got to the airport around 6:30. Dawn, her sister Lynne and Dawn's daughter (adopted 5 years ago) Quinnlynne were flying to our province. I can't tell you what a relief it was to have them there. There are sooooo nice! We found a coffee spot and sat and got to know each other. It was so funny. Kyle asked for cream in his coffee... you know what he got... WHIPPED CREAM! LOL! He was a sport about it and said it wasn't too bad!
We played crazy 8's and UNO with Quinnlynne and watched the clock, our plane didn't board until 8:45! We did some shopping. I found chedder goldfish! Kyle bought some crazy pork thing.. gross.. went through security and waited for our plane.
The day seemed to drag and drag. Beijing to Guangzhou is a 3 hour flight... what a crazy flight. I cant tell you how weird it is to be in a place where you are the minority! Landed safely and got off the plane to meet our guide Ava. Now things were getting exciting. We boarded a bus and off to the hotel.
Ava told us we had about 10 mins. We had to get all our papers in order (thankfully ours were already) bring one gift for the nanny, and meet in the lobby. Things were moving so fast. Kyle and I still had to exchange our money. We met in the lobby and Ava wisked us off to the bank of china. It was crazy. They took our passports inspected every bill. over and over again. We left with literally a shopping bag full of yuen. We were 20 mins. away from the adoption centre and needed every minute to count our cash and get them in the right envelope! It was so quick. We left the bus in the middle of a very busy road. Crossed the street. AND THIS WAS IT.
The building is very run down. The room where all the babies were was very bright and comfy. I have seen it online before. Ava came to us and told us that our baby was here! I lost it for a minute. Kyle too, and then we were signing papers and counting money and it was all such a whirlwind.
THEN AVA came back and got Dawn to be introduced to her baby. Her baby's name is Lindsay and the second Lindsay saw Dawn she WAILED... I have never heard a baby cry like that before!
Ava came back and told us it was our turn. Kyle and I were sweaty and teary and shaky and then we saw her. My tears stopped immediately. Kyle started filiming and it was love at first sight. There was no tears from anyone. She looked at me and hit the chinese doll! LOL! and then I reached for her and she giggled... Mom, she is the most precious thing in the whole world.
She took to us both right away. Her palate is affected. Not a big deal, but it was nice to see her. She was clean and just beautiful. She was weraring little flower sandals, a white t-shirt and pink short overalls. Adorable. We played for a long time while our paper work was reviewed. We got to speak to her nanny, not the lady in the picture. We were there for probably an hour or so. She has since reached for both Kyle and I. Time to get back on the bus. She was all eyes. She is very alert and loves to look around. She also loves goldfish! Back at the hotel we did our first diaper change... we put it on backwards.. we are so tired!
Then Ava came back to do more paperwork. The whole time Lauryn played with her stacking cups!When Ava left I was giving Lauryn more fish and she put like 10 in her mouth... her face got all red and she started to choke! Nothing to serious, but she's a little hoarder! LOL!Very common I guess!
Kyle went to the store to get some juice and water and milk. I was playing with her on the bed, she reached up for me and wanted to be cuddled. I cuddled her and rubbed her back and she fell asleep! Kyle came back and we just stared at her.
She started to stir about 40 mins. later and then started to cry. Very easily settled. She had some mashed banana, rice cereal, half a bun and a strawberry yogurt bar for dinner. We attempted a bath...she was very nervous. Kyle was awesome. He brough her stacking cups in the tub and eventually she sat down. She let us know that enough was enough. We wrapped her in a towel. Put socks on and clean jama's with a clean bum and she is a whole new kid. She adores the blanket that you made her! I left her lying on Kyle's tummy all wrapped up and falling asleep!It has all been very natural. Kyle is a natural and she adores him!
When I was giving her dinner, she kept putting her mouth toward me... I would say No, Lauryn in your hand. She would sit back down and place her hand out... adorable. We both think that she is very smart. She imitates EVERYTHING! No words yet, but she bablles!
You guys are going to be head over heels! I really think she will come off the plane all smiles! Can't wait to come home. So there you go! Day 2 update and all is well!
We are back at the adoption centre tomorrow and then shopping! Should be interesting. Thanks for taking care of the boys! We miss everyone and although this was a crazy life changing day, we both want to come home! LOL!Have a good night... er... morning!
Lots of love to everyone. Have a safe trip home. I will send pictures when I can.
Love ya. xo

First message from China! - posted by Mom xo

Ni Hao!! We made it!
We are safe and sound in our hotel's business center. The Beijing Airport was really big! No air conditioning just big vents in the roof. The people have all been very nice. There was 4 couples on our flight. 2 of them have children with them. One couple adopted their little girl 5 years ago. They are all at the hotel.
Our flight was LONG, but good. We ate really well. Kyle and I both got some sleep and are all caught up on the latest movies. We have to meet our group at 5:15 AM in the lobby, our flight for Guangzhou leaves at 9, I think! We have all our documents and are ready to go and get our girl. We are really tired, but super excited.
Beijing traffic is like something out of a movie. Its so busy and people cut each other off and honk after to say Thanks! Random!It is already dark out and it's really humid. There is a light rain but the temp. is still 35! HOT and Humid! We got the missing travel documents and have done some bag re-organizing and that's about it. We will leave in the morning. Hope we can write more. If not... we will take lots of pictures. We are back at the presidential plaza on Friday. If I can't email from the next hotel, I will get you guys all caught up on Friday! Hope you can wait that long.
Other then a little bitchy, we are very excited! We can't believe it's tomorrow! OMG!
Hope things are well at home. We are already missing the comforts of home.
Give our love to everyone. Please take care of our boys. Hope the fireworks aren't to loud!
Lots of love from half way around the world! We love you very much! Talk to you soon!
One more sleep... well kinda a half sleep!
Love you, have a wonderful night... or morning... or whatever!xo

Finally!

When another door closes, another one opens!
We are off to bring our girl home!
I can't believe the day has finally come!
This time tomorrow, we will be landing in China!
48 hours away from meeting our daughter!
OMG! My Mom will be posting for me while we are gone.
Stay tuned!
Mommy and Daddy are really close now baby Lauryn!
See you soon!
Keep Happy!
xo

Times, they are a changin'

Well, what a weekend. Our family threw us one heck of a party! It was like a Jack and Jill / Shower combo! My Mom should be a party planner. We had a ton of friends and family. Their generosity was overwhelming! Thanks to each and everyone of you for making our weekend so special.
I have said a million times that we have the best family and friends and we are surrounded by such a good support system! This weekend confirmed this once again. Everyone came in a good mood and ready to have a great time. Boy did we!
Thanks to everyone for all of their help and gifts! You are all so appreciated!
Also, today is my last day of work... wow!
I am on vacation for a couple of weeks and then I start parental leave! Wow! I never ever thought that this day would come! I am so excited... kinda of shell shocked too!
Kyle and I have also decided that I will not return to work! Awhile ago, separation packages were offered. I took the opportunity when it presented itself and haven't looked back since. It was always the plan to work closer from home when Lauryn was home.
So, I am mixed with mixed emotions today. I say goodbye to a career that I loved and was rewarding and fulfilling and certainly kept me busy!
I am also saying goodbye to a fabulous group of people that are more like family then friends! I know we will be part of each others lives for a long time!
The next chapter is beginning! I can't believe it.
I feel ready... although nervous and anxious and a bit scared!
We have been waiting for this for so long and now it's right around the corner!
Here we go...
Keep Happy!
xo

Happy Mother's Day!

To my MOM,
You are my everything. Words can't describe how special you are and how much you mean to me. You've been there for everything. All the heartbreaks, all the ups and downs and still have a way of finding a solution to make things okay. Growing up, you gave me one day for a pity party... then it was back to looking at things positively and counting our blessings. Thanks for holding my hand and making me stronger. Thanks for knowing the right time to let me figure things out on my own. Hope you know how full my heart is, and how wonderful seeing you as a Nana will be. You are so good at being a Mom... I have no doubt that you will be the kind of Nana that my Nana was... we are going to have to take Lauryn aside and prepare her for leaving Nana's house just like you had to do with me.
Thanks Mom! Hope you know how much you mean to us.

Kyle surprised me with a beautiful photo album and a letter from Lauryn! awwww.
This is Lauryn's letter on my Happy Mother's to be day:

Dear Mommy,
Although we have not officially met yet, I feel as though I need to tell you something on this special day. I asked Daddy to help me. I don't know how to write until you teach me!
I am so overwhelmed with joy that I will have you in my life. Through all the good and the bad, the boo-boos and heartaches and all those kind of things that Mommy's make special. I hope you like the gift that Daddy and I decided on. I am looking forward to filling it up with my new family and all the happy times, and special moments that we will share.
We love you.
Love the both of us!
xo
So thoughtful! Thanks to my darling for making this day special. To my girl, Mommy's coming. I can't wait to hold you. You've been in my heart for years... soon you will be in my arms. xo

For all the Mom's who are still waiting. I know the struggle and have come out stronger on the other side. Stay strong and positive your miracle is waiting. It will happen before you know it.
Keep Happy!

Not long now!
xo