CNY Party 2008

Well another CNY Party without my TWO Girls. We had a great time! Pictures came out lousy. Dark and lots of people walking in front of the camera, not on purpose, just a crowded and busy place!
We had a Chinese buffet and chicken fingers and fries for the children.
Then make your own sundaes for dessert and an assortment of cookies!
There was face painting, and crafts for the children...and of course lots of vendor booths to shop!!
I ordered a mother's bracelet with my 2 girls names on it. I will post a picture of it when I get it. I also bought a gold necklace with a double happiness charm. It was marked down from $245.00 to $90.00. I just couldn't resist. I won't wear these until I am home with both my girls.
I also bought 2 tee shirts with the "Meant To Be Together" logo on it.
Donations to the Rainbow Fund for orphanages in China. I also donated to the Rainbow Fund to help with the hard times they are having in China due to the horrible weather. They mentioned that some of the children in the orphanages are suffering from frost bite. This broke my heart that these children are so very very cold. Our children, waiting to come home.
So come on referrals. Let us bring our children home!

This is just a small picture of the Dragon Dance. See what I mean about the pics being dark?


Loren enjoys watching the Chinese Performers, she loves to watch the Chinese girls dancing and loves to listen to the Chinese instruments but Loren is a bit afraid of the Dragon portion of the show.
The drums are very loud and Loren's sensory issues come in too play.
This is the only time she wants to "hang around" with me.
I have to cover her ears because her "arms get tired" covering her OWN ears!
She sits in front of me and I cover her ears so she can enjoy the show.
Not too many pictures when my hands are "tied up".

A good time was had by All!

Another Anniversary

I wonder just how many more of these I will need to post??

Congratulations to all who received referrals this month!
It has been a very long wait. Enjoy!!

Do I Dare??

Do I dare believe the rumors??
Its starting to look like referrals MAY be up to Dec. 27th!!! That is 8 days of LID's (log in dates)!!
I am SO trying to remain CALM! But all this chatter about the 27th is making me weak.
If and I say IF this is true then I may get a referral in March or April! I was really starting to think that a June referral was for me. IF this is true, then I really need to get organized!
I have left this adoption on the back burner for so long that now I am going to need to get serious and start MOVING!!
I need to get some crisp bills (if this is still required). I need to start buying some gifts to take with me. I need to check out the summer wardrobe for Loren and I. Get some good comfortable sandals, sneakers.
Need to get the bedroom ready for both girls! No...wait....I better wait on that. Not sure how old she will be. Don't want to put up the bed thinking an older child and find out that I really needed a crib. I better wait on that.
File my taxes!! So I can have some extra money for my 12 week leave.....ahhh , now that sounds nice!
Come On CCAA ...Let it be TRUE!!

How Old Are You Abigail?

*The poll was not working correctly. ( yeah blogger!) So I started it again. Please try to vote again.
I am truly curious what all of you think.
Thanks.

*UPDATE: I have been asked by a few what age was requested by the "older parents"?
Below is part of the response from my agency to me via email .
They don't mention the actual age requested by the older parents just that they were referred "outside the age range"
"The children who have been referred that were outside the age range that the parents were requesting were 3 or 4 years old. "

So come on people!! Please vote! It only takes a second!
What age do you think Abigail will be at referral?
It's just for fun and something to do during the wait!









With my agency's monthly update there was mention that the CCAA is now referring older children to older parents...(that would be me).
So that got me thinking???? I emailed my agency with that question. I asked them how old are the children that are being referred to the older parents?
The answer was 3-4 years old! Wow! So now I am thinking that Abigail may be 4 Years Old!!
Not only has this wait gotten so very unpredictable, now the age of my daughter has gotten that way as well!! I am so glad I have not bought anything for Abigail as yet.
I have now started saying "little sister" when speaking of Abigail to Loren instead of "baby sister"!
Just for fun I asked Loren how old she thought her sister was and she said 4 Years Old!! (she is not aware of what ages are being referred)
Loren also told me in 2006 that we would not be going to China until June!
I knew it wasn't June 06 (that was too soon) and at the time I thought that June 07 was out of the question because that was too too long a wait (ha! ha!) But now I think she may be right!! June of 2008!! I still can't believe that it has gotten this long.
With all that said, I have started a poll on the sidebar of how old you think Abigail will be at time of referral.
I will be interested to see what you all think.
Until that day....I wait.

If You Have a Few Minutes

It just takes a few minutes of your time. Please listen

Thank You.

What's a Mother To Do?

Saturday Loren went to a Birthday (Pool) Party. It was one of her "China Sisters" Birthday Party so J had also invited her school friends.
Loren does not like conflict or any type of aggression. She does not know how to deal with it and it makes her very very anxious. Because of this Loren will allow someone, anyone to S#&t all over her.
SO.. Loren is swimming (with floaties) she wades over to the higher side of the pool, making me a bit nervous but I am watching closely. She finally makes it to the ladder (whew) and is beginning to climb up it when "Miss Blondie" decides she wants to climb into the pool. She says to Loren..."could you move!" Loren climbs down and begins wading again. Miss Blondie decides she is going to stay on the ladder!! Uh..Nope not with my daughter wading on the high side!! So I get up from the chair and suddenly Miss Blondie climbs into the water.
I said to Loren go ahead you can climb out. And she does.
THEN..later when it was Pinata time all the girls are waiting in line for their turn to be blindfolded and take their swing, Loren realizes that she has her glasses on and she says to me.."Mom my glasses!" Loren steps out of line briefly to give me her glasses and returns back to her place in line when Miss Blondie says to her..."Hey you can't stay here!" Loren walks to the back of the line...UH NOPE!!...
Big Momma gets up again, takes Loren's hand and politely places her back in line where she was. Saying..."Loren its ok to go back to where you were in line, you ONLY left to give me your glasses". As I walk away I give Miss Blondie "A LOOK".
Now I know kids have to fight their own battles and I am trying to teach Loren to do just that, but a BRAT is a BRAT and I CANNOT stand a BRAT!!

Blogging with a Purpose

Don & Be at Pregnancy by Adoption nominated me for the "Blogging with a Purpose" Award.
Thank You Don & Be.
I was thinking about what the purpose of my blog is.
I started this blog back in May 07 after waiting much much longer than anticipated for my second daughter. I wanted a place where I could vent my frustrations, fears and concerns about this adoption wait, as well as share stories about my life with my beautiful daughter Loren.
Loren had/has many emotional issues but we are working through them with therapy, laughter, tears and of course Prayer.
Many issues I have not discussed here for certain reasons. Mainly Loren's privacy. But please be aware that Attachment, PTSD,and SID issues are REAL. Be prepared. I was not.
Being a mother is the MOST important part of my life. I cherish every moment.
Even during the difficult times, and Boy there are those times!!
Especially when you have to be both Mom AND Dad!



The Award now has to go to 5 bloggers who have not received this award.

So (to my knowledge) the Award now goes to the following bloggers..



Lisa- a cyberfriend who has been there for pep talks, emotional support and cyber hugs when I needed it.

Lisa has just recently received her referral of her second daughter.

Congratulations Lisa!



Kris- the first who welcomed me to "Blogland". She inspires me with her courage and faith.

Carrie- a future travel mate. One that can find humor in most everything during this difficult wait. She has given me a few chuckles from time to time.

Laura- a single mom of 2, waiting for #3! That alone deserves an award!

Hugh and Sonia- a couple who are enjoying their life with their daughter Kailee and
who have given me encouragement during this long wait. I Thank You.





AWARD GUIDELINES:


1. Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.


2. The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.


3. In their post about the award they need to link back to the original entry.


4. Awarded parties must post the award banner on their site. The banner must remain linked to Eric Novak's site.

WHAT?

Myspace Comments

I found this bit of info on another blog.
Their agency sent this email to them with the breakdown of when to expect referrals.
Read'em and Weep.

Here is a breakdown of their ESTIMATES:

2008 - Up to mid March - somewhere between the 14th & 20
2009 - Up to Mid May - somewhere between the 20-30
2010 - Up to the end of August (remember this is a 2006 LID)
2011 - Up to the end of November
2012 - US...we are the beginning of December.

I can only hope that this is JUST an estimate and referrals will eventually speed up.

It just has too.

LID 1-5-06 Happy Anniversary to ME!!

Will there ever be an end???
To tell you the truth..I am really getting tired of this wait.
And to think that I thought the wait for Loren was long!!
(14 itzy bitzy months!)
"sigh"

The Journey Continues........

BUT ARE THEY??

Well it looks like another 5 days worth of referrals.
Congratulations to All who received their referral. It's been a long wait and I am very happy for everyone and LOVE seeing all the baby pictures!!
My guess was that the CCAA would refer up to Dec. 20th. I was off by 1 day.
But 1 day could mean 1-2 months longer before I get a referral.
Right now (and this may change again) I think that I will get a referral in May (good case) or June (not so good case).
What I can't believe (well maybe I can) is that my friend Karyn had a LID of 10-26-05
Remember that 2 day referral batch?
She got her referral in April 07 and traveled the end of May.
My LID is 1-5-06 which is 10 WEEKS after Karyn's and it looks like I will get my referral ONE YEAR later!!!
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT IS UP WITH THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since I have ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL over this ridiculous, scary and unsettling wait,
I try to look at the postives...

1. Packing will be lighter traveling in the HOT HOT HOT humid weather.

2. I am able to save more money.

3.I will have the whole summer off from work!
4. Loren will miss very little (if any) school.
5. And last but not least...maybe I can lose some weight before travel!
Diet #1,782,345.

Here's to a Great 2008!

In the New Year, Loren and I wish you all the best.
May you realize your fondest dreams
and take time to recognize and enjoy
each and every blessing.
Happy New Year!

My Special Angel

From Our Home to Yours

This and That

Here are a few pics of just This and That

Here is a picture of Nick. Nick was 7mos old when I brought him home. People ask me where I got Nick. Well, I saw a posting on the bulletin board at work "7 month old Cock-a-poo, great with kids." I had just recently lost my best friend Bear (Black Chow). Bear was killed by a car and I was mourning his loss terribly.
I was in the "waiting stage" of adopting Loren. When I saw "good with kids" I called about him, went to visit and took him home that day!
His name was Snickers. I didn't care for that name, so I cut it down to NICK aka "New Baby" which eventually got to be "Newby"
Now when I call him Newby he will immediately lie down (and many times howl) and want his belly scratched.
I don't know when this started or even why he reacts that way when he hears the name Newby, but it cracks me up everytime!
These 2 pics are of Nick before and after I called him Newby!



This next picture is a gift from a co-worker. When I opened it, there were 3 ceramic Chinese girls. The Mama (that's me) A medium sized one (Loren) and a Small one (Abigail). I have the small one still in the box waiting and waiting to be added to this little family. It has been in the box for about 1 1/2 years. Maybe someday I will be able to add her. : (



Next is my Nativity Set. I love it! I got it at Epcot in Mexico.
It is so different. I think that's why I love it so much!



Our Christmas Tree



Loren... Maybe 10 minutes home from school. One minute I was talking to her, then silence. When I went to check and see why the silence, this is what I found!



I have to explain this "get up". I love Dunkin Donuts Coffee! One night around 7:30pm I really wanted a coffee. Being a single mom, when you want something you just have to go get it yourself. So I said to Loren "I think I want to go get a coffee"... "OK Mom" And this is what I saw a few minutes later!! She had Sponge Bob pajamas on and CARS slippers.
I had to get a picture!



And last but not least...Loren playing outside during a snow storm.
This girl LOVES the snow! Hard to believe that she was born in a very Southern part of China!


Well thats about it with This and That. Hope I didn't bore you.
Loren and I are feeling much better. Thanks for all the well wishes!

A Blue Christmas Tree

Sounds kind of nice. Although I've never had a blue tree.

You Should Have a Blue Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of calm, understanding, and peace. You avoid family fights, and you don't get too stressed out - even when things are crazy! You like to make Christmas about making everyone's life a little bit better. You don't get caught up in greed or commercialism. You're too sincere for that. Your blue tree would look great with: Lots of silver tinsel You should spend Christmas Eve watching: It's a Wonderful Life What you should bake for Santa: Chocolate chip cookies

What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

We're Sick : (

Talk to you soon.

Referrals!

Congratulations to all who received their referral this month!




Another 6 days worth.

It's Anniversary Time Again!!

Yippee!!
MONTHS

Aboard the Polar Express

We went on a trip to the North Pole via the Polar Express.
This is a fairly new adventure. All proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House.
It was so VERY VERY COLD (20's), but then again isn't the North Pole cold?
We managed to stay as warm as possible. Loren was layered.. she had thermal underwear on under her pajamas!!
Thank goodness there was a very big tent set up at the North Pole for the show.
At least we were out of the wind!
On the way out of the tent, Hot Chocolate was served.
I was happy to get back on the train where it was nice and warm. : )
Here are some pictures of our trip.

A Couple of Pictures

This is our New Christmas Tree Topper. Isn't she adorable?
Since both of my daughter's are God's Gifts from China I couldn't think of a better Angel to be placed on Our Christmas Tree.


These are the very FIRST clothes for Abigail!
My friend and co-worker, Amy bought these for Abigail. I LOVE them!
And while I was admiring them I realized that Abigail didn't have anything yet!
So I had to post Abigail's First!
First Gift, First Clothes, First Ladybug!!
Thanks Amy :)

The Elf Dance!

Watch Loren and I perform the "Elf Dance"!
Click on the link below!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9578929011

A Trip to Edaville Railroad!

Recently we took a trip to Edaville USA with Karyn, Tori and Libby.
It was pretty cold, but we had a great time!!
Got to see Santa!! The girls told him what they wanted for Christmas.
We took a ride on the Edaville Train, played some games. Loren won a snowman and Tori won a reindeer! Had a "yummy and healthy" supper. Hotdogs and Hamburgers, Fries and Onion Rings!
Hot Chocolate...a little watery :(
All in all... a great time with great friends!
I couldn't help but think of Abigail. Next year she WILL be with us!
Here are a few pics from that night.

Animal Lovers!! Take a Look!

My friend Karyn got a new puppy! His name is Louie.
Take a look at that face!
A wet nose, sharp tiny teeth and puppy breath!
I'm in Love!!

YEP

Another Month Down..... or Up, I guess it depends on how you look at it.
I'm trying to be positive. :)
Congratulations to ALL who received referrals this month!!

Halloween Pictures