A quick update to let you all know we have just arrived safely back at home today ! We were supposed to return by last evening, but missed our flight due to inclement weather and had to stay an extra night in Hong Kong. Happy to be home and look forward to catching up with you all soon :-)
Love,
Michelle
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Update on our travels...
Thank you every one for all of your prayers and good wishes being sent our way, we appreciate all of the positive energy!
I haven't had access to a computer to update but here's a little about our time here in China and our experience with Kaylin.
First let me tell you more about Kaylin.... On February 22 our gotcha day was magical....Kaylin was quite upset but calmed fairly quickly and within two hours we had a smile and playfulness......she loves to play...play with others, with toys...and everything is new and exciting...even a piece of paper, grass, or your hand. Her smile is adorable and we love her laugh. If she sneezes she chuckles.
Our time in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province at the Jin Feng Hotel was good, Kaylin was sick with bronchitis, so difficult at times. But she is a strong little girl and she doesn't even let something like bronchitis get in her way of having fun. We did a lot of touring, we saw the Teng Wang Palace/Pavilion,with a beautiful musical show.We went to Walmart~what an experience to say the least~we got ran over a few times....and saw some amazing things to eat that you would ever imagine !
We had the opportunity to see the orphanage and finding location..which was very surreal . It was a great opportunity, but very difficult and at the same time were so appreciative of the chance to see where her story begins. It made me feel very close to her, to understand where she's been and now look forward to the future.
We meet with one of her caregivers, who was very fond of her, apparently Kaylin was a favorite at her orphanage!
She seems very well cared for and we are so appreciative of the good care she received before her life began with us.
We are now in Guangzhou, at The White Swan Hotel and so happy to be here.
It is a beautiful hotel and we can walk everywhere and eat a little better, than at The Jin Feng. Our days have been filled with not a moment to spare...not as much down time as I imagined that there would be.
Today we visited the Guangzhou Zoo and Kaylin pointed to all the animals and smiled. Gregory enjoyed it just as much.....let me say this about Gregory....he is amazing...such a great helper and so good with Kaylin...he is adapting so well to all the different hotels and time change..foods...not to mention having a new sister. He is truly in love with her.
Today we will take the oath to promise to care for Kaylin at the us consulate, and tomorrow we leave back for the states. her visa has been approved and no more worries about the paperwork!!! Yeah!!!! What a relief!!
My mom has been a godsend on this trip, I couldn't have done it without her. Kaylin loves her to no end, and I think the feeling is mutual. It has been hard on all of us to be away from Jerry, but there is no way his back would have survived this trip and airplane ride alone. He is with us in spirit and we look forward to a great reunion when we get home and start our lives as a family of four.
I must go as I'm borrowing a laptop from a wonderful family, The Batson's who have helped me tremendously on this trip. Also I couldn't have done this without my friend Kelley who has organized this beautiful blog and made sense of it all so you all can read it.
Hopefully more pictures to follow...I love you all
Michelle
I haven't had access to a computer to update but here's a little about our time here in China and our experience with Kaylin.
First let me tell you more about Kaylin.... On February 22 our gotcha day was magical....Kaylin was quite upset but calmed fairly quickly and within two hours we had a smile and playfulness......she loves to play...play with others, with toys...and everything is new and exciting...even a piece of paper, grass, or your hand. Her smile is adorable and we love her laugh. If she sneezes she chuckles.
Our time in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province at the Jin Feng Hotel was good, Kaylin was sick with bronchitis, so difficult at times. But she is a strong little girl and she doesn't even let something like bronchitis get in her way of having fun. We did a lot of touring, we saw the Teng Wang Palace/Pavilion,with a beautiful musical show.We went to Walmart~what an experience to say the least~we got ran over a few times....and saw some amazing things to eat that you would ever imagine !
We had the opportunity to see the orphanage and finding location..which was very surreal . It was a great opportunity, but very difficult and at the same time were so appreciative of the chance to see where her story begins. It made me feel very close to her, to understand where she's been and now look forward to the future.
We meet with one of her caregivers, who was very fond of her, apparently Kaylin was a favorite at her orphanage!
She seems very well cared for and we are so appreciative of the good care she received before her life began with us.
We are now in Guangzhou, at The White Swan Hotel and so happy to be here.
It is a beautiful hotel and we can walk everywhere and eat a little better, than at The Jin Feng. Our days have been filled with not a moment to spare...not as much down time as I imagined that there would be.
Today we visited the Guangzhou Zoo and Kaylin pointed to all the animals and smiled. Gregory enjoyed it just as much.....let me say this about Gregory....he is amazing...such a great helper and so good with Kaylin...he is adapting so well to all the different hotels and time change..foods...not to mention having a new sister. He is truly in love with her.
Today we will take the oath to promise to care for Kaylin at the us consulate, and tomorrow we leave back for the states. her visa has been approved and no more worries about the paperwork!!! Yeah!!!! What a relief!!
My mom has been a godsend on this trip, I couldn't have done it without her. Kaylin loves her to no end, and I think the feeling is mutual. It has been hard on all of us to be away from Jerry, but there is no way his back would have survived this trip and airplane ride alone. He is with us in spirit and we look forward to a great reunion when we get home and start our lives as a family of four.
I must go as I'm borrowing a laptop from a wonderful family, The Batson's who have helped me tremendously on this trip. Also I couldn't have done this without my friend Kelley who has organized this beautiful blog and made sense of it all so you all can read it.
Hopefully more pictures to follow...I love you all
Michelle
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
SHE IS FINALLY IN OUR ARMS!!
Kaylin is amazing! She likes to talk, move around constantly, play with EVERYTHING! We are all fairing well (absolutely exhausted) and today finally having some time to update everyone. We are all in love in with Kaylin.... she is full of life and love.
We will update more when we get a chance...just borrowing a friend's laptop. We love you all and thank you for all of your love and support that is carrying us through this journey.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
WE ARE ON OUR WAY!
In the morning (2/19) we will be leaving the U.S. for Hong Kong!!
Here's the itinerary so you can follow along each day if you like!.....
We arrive in Hong Kong on the 20th
2/21 Hong Kong tour
2/22 We leave HK for Nanchang in the am, that afternoon Kaylin will be in our arms!!
This is called Gotcha Day!....our forever day!
2/23 Adoption Registration and applying for her passport. The adoption is now finalized!!
2/24 The doctor will check Kaylin out
2/25 City tour of Nanchang
2/26 Receive notarized adoption document, hang out in the hotel with all the other families (there are 6 in our travel group)
2/27 Receive Registration certificate and passport
2/28 Leave for Guangzhou for the White Swan
3/1 Rest, shop, play!!
3/2 Kaylin's visa physical and picture
3/3 Our Consulate Appointment!!
3/4 Take our oath
3/5 Fly back to Hong Kong, then back to the States!!
We appreciate all your love and prayers so much, couldn't do this without all of your support!
Here's the itinerary so you can follow along each day if you like!.....
We arrive in Hong Kong on the 20th
2/21 Hong Kong tour
2/22 We leave HK for Nanchang in the am, that afternoon Kaylin will be in our arms!!
This is called Gotcha Day!....our forever day!
2/23 Adoption Registration and applying for her passport. The adoption is now finalized!!
2/24 The doctor will check Kaylin out
2/25 City tour of Nanchang
2/26 Receive notarized adoption document, hang out in the hotel with all the other families (there are 6 in our travel group)
2/27 Receive Registration certificate and passport
2/28 Leave for Guangzhou for the White Swan
3/1 Rest, shop, play!!
3/2 Kaylin's visa physical and picture
3/3 Our Consulate Appointment!!
3/4 Take our oath
3/5 Fly back to Hong Kong, then back to the States!!
We appreciate all your love and prayers so much, couldn't do this without all of your support!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
KAYLIN GRACE
We received new pictures of Kaylin...what a big girl already! Can't wait to kiss those cheeks! We have learned that she was in foster care for the first 7-8 months, and now she is in the orphange. The Fuzhou orphange is funded by a program called Half The Sky, and we are assured that she is very well taken care of.
The last few weeks have been full, I had a wonderful baby shower (for those of you asking I registered at BABIES R'US..so much fun!!), I have been working tons trying to make money for the trip, packing and tying up loose ends.
We can't wait to travel and come get you Kaylin! Soon, baby soon.
OUR TRAVEL APPROVAL HAS ARRIVED!
Kaylin we're coming!
We are leaving Feb. 19th to fly 16 hours to Hong Kong, stay overnight to get "accustomed to the time change" (I think it's going to take a little longer than that to switch my biorythm clock 12 hours!) and then fly to Nanchang to get Kaylin. I can't wait to hold her in my arms!!
We will stay in Nanchang for about 5 nights with the rest of our travel group, and then all fly to Guangzhou for our stay at the adoption famous White Swan Hotel. We'll stay there for another 5 nights or so and then have our Consulate appointment March 3. After the oath on the 4th we wait 24 hours until we can leave the country and then are homeward bound! We will arrive back in the states on the 5th of March making our trip a full 2 weeks.
We just got the official word yesterday, so flights were just purchased. What an awesome feeling....finally!!
One of my patients asked me the other day how this whole process of adopting began, and it was kind of funny how I had to think back for a minute, because she has been in my heart for what seems like a long time now. As I began to tell her, I thought to myself "wow" what a journey it has been to Kaylin...and it all started with a lighbulb over my head...literally.
Jerry and I decided when Gregory was 3 turning four that it was time to try again. And to our surprise immediately I was pregnant and we were thrilled. It was the Summer of '03. However by the Fall things didn't seem right and unfortunately we lost the baby. We were both pretty devastated. I had felt so blessed to be pregnant and I knew that God would bless us again. But that didn't happen, and after about a year plus of infertilty, doctors and medical tests I had had enough. I'll never forget the day I was at Yale for an appointment, and I was waiting for the doctor to come in, this overwhelming feeling came over me....there has to be a better way...Michelle what are you doing?..Lord please show me the way...I laid back on the table ,I looked up with tears running down my face and there was a lightbulb in the ceiling with one word on it ...CHINA. Not Made in China, as we often see so much. Just..CHINA. And at that, a strange peace came over me, like nothing I can describe.
I know the Lord speaks in many ways, and I did feel pretty peaceful after that experience, and driving home that day I felt better than I had in awhile. But I still went back for my appoitment the next day, went in the same room, and I laid back on the table, and looked up...but the bulb didn't say anything! I got up from the table, tried to turn the light brighter...nothing. And at that point I knew..I knew I wouldn't be back next month for treatment. I asked...He answered...there was no reason to keep asking, (or keep looking for lightbulbs!)
We started the paperwork right after that in late summer '05. At that time the process for China adoptions was only 6-9 months. Shortly after our paperwork went in things started to slow down with the China government giving out adoptions, we never really knew the reasons why. They say there are more Chinese domestic adoptions, possibly the Olympics, fewer babies.
Well as the months and years went on, Gregory got older....more losses took place...diagnosis were made..finnacial status for our family changed...but I never gave up hope. I knew she was there and one day she would be home..and it was always God's timing...not mine.
And now the time has come to complete our family and finally bring her home. And what a journey it has been.
And now a new journey to begin.....Kaylin we love you so!!
We are leaving Feb. 19th to fly 16 hours to Hong Kong, stay overnight to get "accustomed to the time change" (I think it's going to take a little longer than that to switch my biorythm clock 12 hours!) and then fly to Nanchang to get Kaylin. I can't wait to hold her in my arms!!
We will stay in Nanchang for about 5 nights with the rest of our travel group, and then all fly to Guangzhou for our stay at the adoption famous White Swan Hotel. We'll stay there for another 5 nights or so and then have our Consulate appointment March 3. After the oath on the 4th we wait 24 hours until we can leave the country and then are homeward bound! We will arrive back in the states on the 5th of March making our trip a full 2 weeks.
We just got the official word yesterday, so flights were just purchased. What an awesome feeling....finally!!
One of my patients asked me the other day how this whole process of adopting began, and it was kind of funny how I had to think back for a minute, because she has been in my heart for what seems like a long time now. As I began to tell her, I thought to myself "wow" what a journey it has been to Kaylin...and it all started with a lighbulb over my head...literally.
Jerry and I decided when Gregory was 3 turning four that it was time to try again. And to our surprise immediately I was pregnant and we were thrilled. It was the Summer of '03. However by the Fall things didn't seem right and unfortunately we lost the baby. We were both pretty devastated. I had felt so blessed to be pregnant and I knew that God would bless us again. But that didn't happen, and after about a year plus of infertilty, doctors and medical tests I had had enough. I'll never forget the day I was at Yale for an appointment, and I was waiting for the doctor to come in, this overwhelming feeling came over me....there has to be a better way...Michelle what are you doing?..Lord please show me the way...I laid back on the table ,I looked up with tears running down my face and there was a lightbulb in the ceiling with one word on it ...CHINA. Not Made in China, as we often see so much. Just..CHINA. And at that, a strange peace came over me, like nothing I can describe.
I know the Lord speaks in many ways, and I did feel pretty peaceful after that experience, and driving home that day I felt better than I had in awhile. But I still went back for my appoitment the next day, went in the same room, and I laid back on the table, and looked up...but the bulb didn't say anything! I got up from the table, tried to turn the light brighter...nothing. And at that point I knew..I knew I wouldn't be back next month for treatment. I asked...He answered...there was no reason to keep asking, (or keep looking for lightbulbs!)
We started the paperwork right after that in late summer '05. At that time the process for China adoptions was only 6-9 months. Shortly after our paperwork went in things started to slow down with the China government giving out adoptions, we never really knew the reasons why. They say there are more Chinese domestic adoptions, possibly the Olympics, fewer babies.
Well as the months and years went on, Gregory got older....more losses took place...diagnosis were made..finnacial status for our family changed...but I never gave up hope. I knew she was there and one day she would be home..and it was always God's timing...not mine.
And now the time has come to complete our family and finally bring her home. And what a journey it has been.
And now a new journey to begin.....Kaylin we love you so!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
We have updated pictures!
GOD IS GOOD!
An amazing thing happened, for which I will be eternally greatful. A mom, who was visiting Kaylin's orphanage over the summer with her family contacted ME with pictures of Kaylin! She had seen my blog and recognized Kay Kay. Her friend also had visited Fuzhou over the summer and had amazing pictures, our own little photo shoot of Kaylin. Isn't she something? And aren't the wonders of God's work something? These are to be treasured forever!! No news yet on our TA's (travel approval that comes from China)...but possibly the 12th? Can't wait!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thank You All!
Hi everyone! The last week has been somewhat of a whirlwind (lots of papers to sign, Visa's to apply for, and care-packages to send (Yes we each "wore" Kaylin's blankets and toys to get our "scent" on them before sending them to China!) So I wanted to share a few thoughts and notes of appreciation.
I wish to thank each of you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your love, support,and prayers on this journey to Kaylin. We are so blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives. We really couldn't do all this without you!
From helping with this blog, Neighborhood Tag Sale Fundraiser (and hot apple cider stand!), book fundraiser, sending checks in the mail to us with your extremely generous donations, contributing to "CHIP IN", (THANK YOU SO MUCH..each dollar brings us closer to bringing Kaylin home and helps us more than you know..considering the year we've had)...You all know who you are and we love you and couldn't do this without you!!!
I wish to thank each of you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your love, support,and prayers on this journey to Kaylin. We are so blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives. We really couldn't do all this without you!
From helping with this blog, Neighborhood Tag Sale Fundraiser (and hot apple cider stand!), book fundraiser, sending checks in the mail to us with your extremely generous donations, contributing to "CHIP IN", (THANK YOU SO MUCH..each dollar brings us closer to bringing Kaylin home and helps us more than you know..considering the year we've had)...You all know who you are and we love you and couldn't do this without you!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
More Pictures and Info about Kaylin
We are in love!!
Kaylin Driving Home!
We learned that our baby girl:
Crawls on her hands and knees
She laughs aloud
Has a ready smile
Is active and is fond of playing with other children and games
She is a moderate sleeper (sucks her fingers while sleeping!)
Has a good appetite! YEAh!-(Unlike her brother)
As of 9/22/08 she weighed 16.5 pounds
We will be receiving more info in a few weeks. The last few days have been like a whirlwind, we are exhausted, excited and feel so very blessed.
On New Years Day we wish you all a glorious 2009.
Our wishes have come true.......................
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