April Vacation
The schools around here have been on break all week. It's definitely been a busy one. Last Saturday I wento a friend's house for a scrapbooking crop 2-11. I got a lot done although I highly doubt I'll ever be caught up. Monday I took the kids to the Roger Williams Zoo in RI. We go there a few times a year. They're renovating it; I can't wait to see what they do. Jess's favorite part was the giraffes and the fountain where she got soaked. Tuesday I met a friend and her son for lunch. I haven't seen her in 2 years and it was great to catch up. I took Jess with me to lunch but left Jason home since he would have been bored eating with 2 toddlers. He ended up having a friend over which kept him busy. Thursday we went to the Cape. We started off at Plymouth's Hearth and Kettle for breakfast so that we'd be ready for our excursion. Next it was off to the Sandwich glass blowing museum and then a hike at the Green Briar Nature Center. Later we went to the taco bar for lunch at Sam Diegos and toured the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory. We stopped at the Cape Cod mall so Jason could play at the arcade and the kids rode the carousel. On the way home, we stopped to buy sandals for Jason. Jess was exhausted by the time we got home and gave little fuss when it was time for bed. Friday I took Jess to the Plimoth Plantation for a couple of hours. She had fun chasing the chickens and petting the cow. She wasn't thrilled going inside the dark houses though. I went scrapbooking again that night. The week has flown by; only 36 more days until summer vacation!

Ready to start our excursion. Off for M&M pancakes!!

Resting during our hike at Green Briar.

Like it or not, you're one of us now!








Since both Mike and I traveled to China, we didn't have to readopt once in the US to make it official because it was finalized in China (if only one of us had traveled, we would have had to finalize in the US). However, in MA, you do need to readopt if you want a US birth certificate. So, off to court we went. My mom and Mike's parents joined us. I kept Jason out of school for the morning because it was important to me that we were all there. The judge asked Jason how he likes being a big brother and then talked to Mike about hockey. Jess went right up to the judge and said hi which is unusual for her. The Plymouth lawyers donate money to buy teddy bears for all of the children who are adopted. Jess loves her new teddy. Mike had to go to work afterward but the rest of us went to the Hearth and Kettle for breakfast before I dropped Jason at school and Jess at the sitter's.

Grandparents and grandkids waiting for the judge











Mike and the kids waiting













Before leaving, we got a group picture.

Robots and Princesses

Jason has been participating in an afterschool Lego Robotics program for the past month. They built robots out of legos and had them perform stunts such as going through barrels and maneuvering a lego professor onto a mat. Thursday was his rally and the family went to Plymouth South Middle to watch it. It was a bit chaotic since it was all the schools in Plymouth but it was fun.

Jason doing the YMCA













The robot










Smile for the camera!!










Lynn came to visit us on Saturday. We haven't seen her for quite a while. Here is Jess in her Princess outfit that Lynn brought.

At first I couldn't get the costume on her but she would put on the shoes. I love this picture of her looking out the door.













The princess in her cottage



















The princess looking very happy with herself.

Easter


Mike had to work on Easter but he was able to get someone to stay a little late so he could be with us Easter morning. The kids were up at 6:30. Jess enjoyed her basket. I think her favorite part was the bubbles. We picked my mom up at her hotel and went to church. I had planned on going to the 8 am service figuring Jess would have me up anyway but Jason was put on the schedule to alcolyte at the 10 am service. Mike couldn't come because he had to get going to work. After church we stopped at Paneras since we wouldn't be having dinner for a while. I used to love Panera's but the one that just opened by my house is not very good. They were out of teabags. The iced tea was very weak. They forgot to give my mom the bread she bought. The one near my old work made the strongest ice tea I've ever had and this place makes the absolute weakest. Soon before dinner, Jess crashed. I'd tried to get her down for a nap before everyone came but she wouldn't have that.


Jason trying a Harry Potter jelly bean

Jess and Nana Ruth

Jess asleep on the chair before dinner











Jess at church before service












Jess and Jack









Jess and Nana Pat at Paneras

Getting Ready for Easter

There's an outdoor mall near us that has an event room. At Christmas, you can bring your camera and take pics with Santa for free. At Easter, you can do the same with the Easter Bunny. Definitely beats paying $20+ at the regular mall. Jess was not thrilled when Jason walked over to him with her. Afterward the kids went to sit on a bench with some blowup bunnies. The Easter Bunny came behind them and bent down so I could snap a photo. Jess turned and saw him but was giggling so I guess she overcame her fear of him. She and Jason colored eggs later that day.

Easter Finery





I hadn't planned on getting a new dress for Jess for Easter but this was on sale and I couldn't resist. She loves the way it flares out and keeps twirling around so she can see it. I had thought that if I got anything I was going to get something purple as I really like that color on her but this dress was just perfect. Finding shoes was a little harder. I went to several Payless stores before finding something I liked in her size. Why do they make toddlers shoes with heels? What happened to the little patent leather mary janes? I did finally find a pair of white leather shoes that looked appropriate. Of course, since Easter is so early this year, she'll be wearing a sweater on top of her dress. We'll just have to turn the heat up at home so she can take the sweater off when we get back from church.

She's pouting because she wants to see the picture I took but doesn't realize I can't take a picture until she sits somewhat still. The embroidery on the top is of Minnie Mouse (of course!!).











Playing around with her cottage

Click on the video below and you can see Jess twirling around in her new dress.

February 25, 2007 February 25, 2008

One Year Later - Happy Gotcha Day Anniversary!!! (a little late)

I'm a little late with this post but life has been a bit chaotic and our internet's been unreliable. But, better late than never. I cannot believe Jess has been with us a year. On February 25, 2007 we flew with the Goulds to Jinan expecting to receive the babies the next day. On the bus to the hotel, our guide casually told us that the babies may already be at the hotel when we get there. We were in shock. The Goulds hadn't charged their videocamera. I didn't have my extra batteries and film out. The snacks we brought for Jess were packed. They weren't there when we got there so Jason and Mike went to the bathroom while John, our guide, started to check us in. We saw a woman come in holding a baby but since there was only one child we didn't think it could be the nanny. I noticed she was holding a plastic bag with what looked like disposable cameras so I started calling to Mike & Jason who were headed back to hurry up! A few seconds later another woman walked in with another baby. John went to talk to them and sure enough, they were there for us. The next half hour or so is not totally clear for me. Jess was handed to me. I'd heard about how they keep their babies very warm so I wasn't sure whether to take her coat off. The nanny fixed that problem by taking it off for me. Jess started sobbing. At one point I remember Mike holding her when she wasn't crying and I thought what if she won't come to me? No need to worry on that count - for the next 2 weeks it was me and only me 24/7. Our guide wanted to know why we didn't have food to stop her from crying. Hmmm....maybe because we'd been told we wouldn't get the babies until the next day so everything was packed?!? We eventually got upstairs (I was dying to get out from under the nanny's watchful eye) and spent some time with Jess. There was one scene I wished I'd been able to catch on film but didn't get it quick enough of Jason with Jess sitting in front of him on the bed and he was feeding her fruit puffs. She was starting to calm down at that point. She was wearing tights, pj's, red shoes, the dress I'd sent in the care package, and an orange winter coat. I got back everything I'd sent to her except, of course, the candy. So many people said they didn't get anything back I really wasn't expecting to. The most priceless thing to me was the 2 disposable cameras that I'd sent that they filled as well as the list of questions that I'd sent and they answered. John translated them for us. We'd been told Jess could walk well. She was able to walk if someone held both of her hands but not independently. Fast forward a year later and this child is ready for gymnastics class. She runs, skips, hops, jumps, climbs. She's almost never still. I have a quilt rack in the living room that she pulls herself up on. She's going up and down stairs and is Miss Independent. When I face her on the stairs so she doesn't fall she tells me to "round" (turn around). She's been getting Early Intervention for a year and is going to be re-evaluated in May. If she qualifies at all, it'll only be for speech but I'm doubtful she'll even qualify for that anymore. This child is simply amazing! We'll be visiting Dr. Rhodes again soon (her cardiologist). Hopefully she'll let them do the echo. If not, they may have to sedate her which I'm not crazy about.

Our referral picture

The nanny with Jess, Mike and Jason

Our first family picture

Jess and Mike in the hotel room












Taken the first morning with us. She looked so sad.

Jason and Jess when we went out to dinner for Gotcha Day anniversary

Just a cute picture of Jess. I think it was Fat Tuesday at church

Cyberfriends - In rememberance of Sara


Definition: Friends you talk to online through messageboards and chatrooms but haven't met in real life.



There's a forum that I go to quite frequently and have been going to for many years. I can vent, celebrate, and whine if I need to. I give my opinions and advice (hopefully good). I ask questions and look for other's ideas. I've never met any of the women or the one known man who also post there in real life even though I "talk" to many of them almost daily. Is it possible to really have friends you never met?



Yes, I think it is. Three years ago today, our forum friend Sara died from an aneurysm. She was 39. She had gone to bed with a headache posting that she'd be back on later that evening. She never logged on again. The next day, her husband let us know what happened. Sara was a practicer of Wicca and her screen name was White Witch. People from all over went to OK to go to her crossover. I saw pictures and it looked like a beautiful ceremony. People still remember Sara, quote her, and laugh as they retell some of her stories. That's especially true today as we are remembering the last time we "talked" with her. When Sara died, I felt the loss of a friend. It didn't matter that I had never seen her except in a picture she posted online. She always seemed to know when people weren't feeling well or were down. Out of the blue, she'd send a PM letting you know she was thinking of you and wishing you well. I don't give out my address online but people who do have talked about surprises they'd find in the mail from her. Sara was opinionated but would listen to your side of an issue.



Sara, I hope wherever you are, there are lots of poptarts. Rest in peace.

Little Mouse Emergency Fund

I'm sure many of you have heard about the horrible snow storms in China and how unprepared they are for weather like this. When we were in Guangzhou last February, we wore shorts and t-shirts; that is the type of weather they are used to. Half the Sky is an organization which helps children in orphanages in China. They have been in contact with the orphanages they support and have passed on the following information:

Changzhou, Jiangsu – UPDATE: The orphanage now reports they are running out of diapers and need 750 diapers per day for an estimated 10 days.
Chengdu, Sichuan – UPDATE: Chengdu repeats their request for a large heater and disposable diapers. They also request 80 warm quilts.
Chenzhou, Hunan – UPDATE: The largest hotel in Chenzhou is running on one emergency generator and townsfolk who’ve been without power for days have filled all rooms and lobbies. There are very few places in town with even emergency power now. Hopes are to get some electricity by next weekend. We are in daily touch with the orphanage. They know that everyone is thinking of them and determined to get them the help they need.
Chongqing – UPDATE: Temperatures continue to drop - request warm blankets and floor mats.
Chuzhou, Anhui - UPDATE: Reports that their industrial clothes dryer broke down two days ago. They’ve tried to repair but it is still not working and they have no way to dry clothes and diapers in the cold. They ask for purchase of a new dryer and for disposable diapers.
Guiyang, Guizhou – UPDATE: Power is intermittant. They repeat the request for diapers and now understand that HTS has okayed the purchase.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang - Because of snow, they’ve been unable to get vegetables for several days. They request a subsidy to purchase food at higher prices and also ask for disposable diapers.
Hefei, Anhui – UPDATE: The orphanage now realizes they will soon run out of disposable diapers. They ask for funds to purchase 7500 diapers.
Nanchang, Jiangxi – UPDATE: Their boiler for hot water supply has broken down. They ask for funds to purchase a new one.
Qingyuan, Guangdong – UPDATE: With HTS funds, they have purchased 110 sets of quilts and padded jackets but have been unable to find heaters anywhere in Qingyuan. They are going to try to send someone south to Guangzhou to find heaters.
Shaodian, Henan - HTS supports a Family Village here for children orphaned by AIDS. Due to the heavy snow and bitter cold, the children suffer from chilblains on their hands and feet. Water pipes have frozen and they are now able to get water only a few hours a day. Food costs are rising. Power supply is intermittant. They request heaters and cream for chilblains as well as a subsidy for food.
Xinyang, Henan – UPDATE: It seems first information on Xinyang did not come from director of institution. Today’s news is not so favorable. It has been snowing since January 10 and temperatures are the lowest in history. Some heaters are broken. The institution has gathered all of the children together in the largest HTS activity room to kep them warm. Due to the weight of ice, the roof has cracked and there are leaks into some of the HTS activity rooms as well as the nurseries. They are installing a “temporary” toilet on the same floor as the big activity room so children and caregivers don’t slip on the icy corridors and stairs. They ask for disposable diapers, winter clothes, cream for chilblains for the children’s hands and feet. HTS staff continues to walk to work through the snow and ice; there is no public transportation.
Yangchun, Guangdong - reports a need for space heaters and hot water bottles for 88 babies at two sites.

My heart breaks for the children who are there and for the parents here who have children there and must feel so helpless. Donations to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund which has been set up to help the orphanages deal with this situation can be at http://give.halfthesky.org/prostores/servlet/Categories?category=Little+Mouse+Emergency+Fund

Our trip to NY/NJ

We got an email over Christmas break that the Children's Director from Jess's SWI would be coming to the US with 3 other people. Of course the day they were coming closest to MA was the Friday after we started back to school. I took a personal day and took Jason out of school so we could drive to NJ. Mike couldn't get the day off so he wasn't able to come. We got to NJ in good time and went swimming at the hotel pool. We didn't stay at the same hotel as the visitors because there was no pool there. We got lost finding it and got stuck in Prudential Center traffic in Newark but, since I'm anal about being on time and left really early, we got to their hotel right on time. We saw Debbie, Audrey and Bea (Bea comes from the same SWI as Jess and our families had traveled together last year) in the lobby. We checked with the front desk and were told that the travel company they're with usually doesn't check in until around 9. We'd been told they'd be there at 7. I had tried calling the translator's number I'd been given but he'd had no idea what I'd been talking about. The front desk staff weren't very busy so they called the tour company for us and got us connected with the new translator. We were told they'd be there in 20 minutes which was a relief. I had no idea what I was going to do if they weren't coming until really late; I hated to think I'd driven all that way with the kids for nothing. We went to the lounge to eat and as soon as we'd ordered, they came. They seemed very happy to see the kids and asked lots of questions through their translator. Jess was less than pleased about anyone but me trying to hold her. After a while, she did relax and hugged the director's legs but she still didn't want to be picked up. We visited for about an hour and a half. They gave us a bracelet that the children in the SWI had made, a pair of chopsticks, and a dvd about Jinan and the SWI. The next day, I took the kids to Ellis Island and to the Statue of Liberty before heading home. I didn't know that the Statue was not on Ellis Island but rather on its own island. Jason was disappointed that you can't actually climb into the statue anymore but simply climb the pedastal. I was fine with that since I'm terrified of heights. On the ferry back from the Statue to where we left out car, Jess passed out. It was a very long drive home but we'd had a good time.








The kids enjoying the pool. The water wasn't very warm so Jess didn't want to go in further than the 2nd step which was fine with me.

The kids dressed and ready to go for the meeting in our hotel lobby.

The director with Jess right after she first came in.















Jess and me with the director's boss. I'm not sure what her title is.











On the ferry from NJ to Ellis Island. It was COLD on the water!!!















Jess wouldn't go near the huge body parts.













Picture of Lady Liberty taken from the ground.













Ferry ride back to the car. Jess is bushed!!

Catching up on Christmas

It's been busy so I haven't had a chance to update my blog. On 12/23, Jason was in our church's Christmas pageant. He played Joseph and did a wonderful job! He seems to learn by osmosis because I never saw him practice his lines yet he knew them all.

That night we went to our church's Christmas party where I finally got a picture of Jess on Santa's lap without her crying. At first I couldn't get her near him but then another woman picked her up and plopped him on his lap quickly and I snapped the shot.

Christmas Eve we put out reindeer food - oatmeal and colored sugar -NEVER GLITTER because it's bad for the birds that may peck at the oatmeal. Jess didn't quite get the idea of sprinkling it and just kept throwing the baggie of oatmeal.

Christmas morning we went downstairs at 6:45. Thankfully Mike didn't have to work. Other years, if he was working on Christmas, Jason and I would get up at 5 with him. If he was getting off Christmas morning, Jason and I would wait until he got home before going downstairs. The kids got a ton of stuff.

Evidence that the man in red had been there.

Jason with his glow in the dark ghost pirate ship.

This will probably be the last Christmas she's excited about getting clothes until she's a teenager.

Jess with her new Elmo potty. She loves it but only wants to sit on it fully dressed.

Jess with her new backpack and her rose petal cottage. That thing was a pain to put together!!

Jason with his pig launcher.

That afternoon we went to Mike's aunt's house in Stoneham. It was fun introducing Jess to people she hasn't met yet. She really took to Margaret and threw her arms around her legs. That's unusual for her to do with a stranger. She enjoyed playing ring around the rosey with her.

My niece with Jess. My sister, mom, niece and nephew all met us at Mary's house so we got to see both sides of the family which was nice.

Every time we all get together, we try to get a pic of all the grandkids on Mike's side. It's very tough trying to get all 4 to look at once.