Surprise at my door and more....

I was so excited when this showed up at our door today! Today is our 2 month anniversary home with "Sugar Pie"!! Perfect cake to mark the date! It's soooo beautiful I don't want to eat it!!! What a blessing!!!

Daddy went to the store earlier and bought Sugar a new toy, (striking a pose here) she is totally head over heals about Kia Lan...we have every DVD on the market and she is wearing them out!!! She has every Kia Lan piece of clothing that Zellers has! I secretly think she thinks SHE is Kia Lan ;O).

I wish I'd grabbed the camera earlier, Sugar Pie had a full blown belly giggle attack and was talking and chattering all the way!!!!

Wow time is flying. Sugar Pie is doing amazing. She is everything we prayed for and sooooo much more. I told someone this week that in all my wildest dreams (and I did a lot of dreaming over the last 4 years) I never dreamt Sugar would be such a PERFECT fit for our family and sooooo wonderful, joyful, happy, lovable, caring, witty, daring, and down right adorable. She has molded herself to us and our lifestyle like she was always here. (and in our hearts she certainly was). We feel so blessed!!!!!

Been super busy with Sugar Pie, reno's on playroom/craft/mini gym room, quilt square swap (done and ready to send out), Christmas Recipe Card swap (24 signed up on Facebook...(thanks Kim LOL ;O) she was the only blog participant ha ha) half way done of that, working on getting stuff done with my "Island Tart-N-Soul" tarts for craft fair next weekend, and working on some wholesale bows, plus trying to put together a Christmas list and trying to get down to the storage room to dig out the Christmas decorations so I can decide what to put up and what to skip this year as Sugar Pie picks up, moves and touches everything!!! No need to make it a stressful time for her...we'll skip the breakables this year ;O). I can't wait to see what her reaction will be when she sees the tree!!! So ya it's a little busy around here right now! I'm loving it! Hope your having a wonderful day.

Christmas Recipe Card Swap!!!

Not sure if anyone ever did this before but I thought of it the other day and figured I'd give it a go and see what happens. I bought a beautiful new recipe box and some sweet recipe cards and I'm ready to fill my box with your favorite Christmas Family recipes!!!

I'm looking for about 20 people or so interested in doing the same. I put it on facebook and I have 13 people already! So 7-10 more would be AWESOME!

So basically we each get a list of the 20 or so people who want to do the swap and send each of them a Christmas card with a wish, prayer or blessing plus a 4x6 embellished, prettied-up or pre-designed recipe card with your favorite Christmas recipe. There are some sites that you can print them off if you have some cardstock (cardstock is relatively inexpensive at an office supply store.) Here is one site for example HERE. Please print or type on the cards rather than hand writing. Your recipe can be anything from pasta & breads, desserts, a favorite drink, appetizer, soup & salad, vegetable & side dish or any other miscellaneous dish.

I'll set a cut off date to have them sent out by Nov. 30th. If it goes well I'll do it again sometime! I'm excited!!!! This is gonna be fun! I love mail when it's not bills!!!

So let me know if your up for it, leave me your e-mail and I'll get your address.

PS. Also big thanks to everyone who gave me ideas for a name for my little tar business. I'm still trying to decide which one I like best. One of the funniest ones I had was "Excuse Me I Tarted!" LOL. I would never....but I thought it was pretty darn cute!!! Queen of Tarts was cute too.....but I'm NO QUEEN! Just a simple Peasant Lady.... ;O)

Need a Name!

I'm not the type of person to sit idle...............................at all! LOL! I know a few friends of mine who are shaking their heads in agreement right now ;O).

Perhaps a few of you have seen my post on facebook about my "Scented Wax Melting Tarts" that I've been making. I did a post here on my blog when I first started making tarts as a fun little hobby.

After Sugar goes to bed I usually stay up for 3-4 hours playing with all my crafty things and I decided to make them and sell them wholesale to local businesses and promote them as a fundraising idea. I will sell them to friends and family too ;O). I have 2 local stores that are carrying them so far but I don't want to go any further until my friend helps me make up a web site and a brochure with a price list on it and scent list.

I want to order some primitive labels to add to the presentation....here is where you come in!!!!!!!....what can I name this little business.....I plan on using my "Salon" business number as I do sell retail product so it's less paperwork hassle. Here are a few pictures of the product. Shoot me some idea's and whoever has the best name will win a package of my scented melts! I'll let it run for a couple of days before I pick a name so if you get a brainstorm in a roll over moment in a couple of days come back and add some more names! I put it on facebook last night and got a few but only one really stands out (Tart and Soul) but doesn't quite sound primitive, crafty, antique"y", vintage kitchen"Y", natural enough....perhaps something is missing from it.

Ps...I have something else in the works too but we'll keep that under my hat until I'm ready to reveal! :o)

We Will Remember

Today is Remembrance Day here in Canada. This year not only will I Remember and be thankful for the brave men and women who served our country and fought for our freedom...here is what else it means to me today. Yesterday we received Sugar's official Citizenship Certificate! One of Canada's newest citizens. For this we are very thankful for the freedom they fought for.

Below is an e-mail that was forwarded to me that I thought was too good not to share. I usually delete forwards but this one really caught my eye...you'll see why.

A lesson that should be taught in all schools . . And colleges

Back in September, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social
studies school teacher at Robinson High School, did something not to be
forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school
superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all
of the desks out of her classroom.

When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there
were no desks.

'Ms.. Cothren, where're our desks?'

She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the
right to sit at a desk.'

They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'

'No,' she said.

'Maybe it's our behavior.'

She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.'

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period.
Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in
Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken
all the desks out of her room.

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats
on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout
the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn
the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom.
Now I am going to tell you.'

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and
opened it.

Twenty-seven (27) War Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that
classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the
school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside
the wall... By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place
those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their
lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned..

Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These
heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to
you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good
students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have
the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'

By the way, this is a true story.

Please consider passing this along so others won't forget that the
freedoms we have in this great country were earned by War Veterans.

6 Weeks Home....

The second picture above is one from the first week we were home. Sugar's face is so full of uncertaintity....confusion.....fear......sadness......everything smells funny.....people look funny.....sound funny.....food tastes different......but she likes that this man and woman who have opened their home to her show her so much patience, acceptance, gentleness and love....below is a girl who looks very different in the 6 short weeks to follow. I looked at her the other day and I can't believe this is the same little girl, she doesn't even look the same.

This little girl loves to pose like a Princess or in her words "Print test".
She loves her little niece Miss K with all her heart and has clearly done this prior to her coming to live with our family.
Once timid of the furry black and while noisy thing, now the furry thing is looking for new places to hide from the little short person who moved into her world.
Even after the "miracle fruit" (aka Cheerios) invasion of the many river-o-tears while in China Sugar is still a huge fan and has learned many creative ways to incorporate them into playtime.
Sugar loves to lend a helping hand in the kitchen. Any chance to get wet, dusty, dirty or sticky and she is game.

We have a great daily schedule established. She definitely likes consistancy. This is what our daily routine looks like.

6:30 Wake up. Have a pee. Give Bailey and Midgie their treats. Have breakfast. Tidy up her rooms and get dressed. Have her vitamin. Brush teeth, wash face and do her hair. Then she will go have playtime while I do the same things. Some days we may have a play date with a friend.
10:30 Snack time. We are so far pretty successful in sticking with healthy snacks and avoiding sugary type snacks. She loves "Peadut Bunner" and crackers, apples and bananas. Then playtime.
12:00 Dinner...(Yes, where we live everyone calls noontime meal Dinner)
1:00 Nap time....she usually reminds me!
2-2:30 wake up and play/learn. This is when I spend an hour or more counting, singing, coloring, looking at books and playing on the chalk board. If it's nice outside we will go to the park.
5:00 Supper time (not "dinner" like at your house ;O)...)
6:00 bath time...which she loves!!! I can't wait until summer already, she is going to LOVE the beach!
7:00 bedtime snack/snuggle time on the couch.
7:30 brush teeth and go to bed.

She continues to want me to sit by her bed until she goes to sleep. She will wake up 2-5 times each night to have a pee. We are investigating this. She will go to the bathroom up to 20 or more times in a day (including night). We ruled out any sort of infection and figure one of 4 things. She is 1. Still a little nervous (especially of sleeping in a room alone). 2. It was normal routine at the orphanage and it may take exercising her bladder to grow. or 3. Nerve damage from her corrected condition. 4. ....well we're still running tests. She had a number of fluid tests done and we're continuing then for a couple of weeks. We also just did an ultrasound. It will be a comfort to know what the reason is.

Sugar's communication skills have come leaps and bounds. We can totally understand each other and she can easily communicate her wants/needs to me with every day things. She does still chatter in Chinese. I can't tell her a story or she can't tell be one yet of course but that will come sooner than not at this point. When people said she would learn quick I didn't think it would happen this fast. We very much still want her to keep as much of her language as possible. We have met a family here in our town who are from China and are hoping to spend lots of time with them. They also have a Chinese School for the young children in the city that I'll hopefully get to a few times here and there.

On Halloween night we didn't take her out "trick or treating" instead we went to a little Halloween party for the Chinese adoption community here in our town. The host did an awesome job and Sugar had a wonderful time. She dressed up as a "Ladybug" and was soo adorable.

Happy Birthday Grandbutton!!!!

My sweet little Grandbutton turns 1 today! She has added so much joy to our family I can't imagine what life would be without her. My heart leaps every time I see that sweet little smile. Makes me grit my teeth....I could just bite into those juicy cheeks! Yesterday Jaclyn had her saying Nana!!!! Yay!

Jaclyn and Miss K apple picking.

A baby girl brings worlds of joy
By merely being there.
Within the shelter of your arms,
The comfort of your care,

And may this joy be just a hint
Of happy years to be
Not only for you, Miss K,
But for all our family.

Miss K We Love You!!! Have a wonderful First Birthday!!!Nana, Papa and Auntie Jazmyn!!!

Little Butterfly

*I can hardly believe we have been home for a month tomorrow already! We have had Jazmyn with us for 6 weeks! Wow, where is the time going?! In 11 months I'll be back to work....gosh at this rate it will be here before you know it. It sure isn't going to be fun sending her off to Kindergarten or daycare when the time comes :O( makes be queasy thinking about it.

*As promised Kim here is a picture of our Sugar being all spicy in her Butterfly costume. Daddy was totally smitten when he seen her in it. Brought tears to my eyes seeing her strutting her stuff and daddy's eyes lighting up when he looked down at his girl in all her cuteness ;O). Jaclyn wants one for Kennady. That's gonna be pretty cute to see!

*Jazmyn is getting along really well, she has been adjusting not too badly to our food. I went to an Asian food store and bought some sticky rice and a rice steamer. Man it smells nice in the house when it's cooking! She was pretty excited to see something familiar! I thought I'd give her poor little digestive system a little break from all our food.

*I had her to the Dr. regarding her frequent trips to the bathroom. Sometimes she will say she needs to go with a panic in her voice and when we get there she only dribbles. Of course you know where my head went first thing..."Melamine tainted milk". My family Dr. doesn't like to hear your diagnoses on any matter so he ran some tests and asked me to bring in some treats ;O). They came back negative for parasites which was what he was thinking. When I called to get the results I asked if I could be referred to a pediatrician. I'll know Friday if he gives me the referral. Our pediatrician is Chinese and I think it would be awesome for him to be able to communicate with Sugar. It is quite possible that when she was in the orphanage they did pee and poo runs that often...and woak them up at night 2-3 times (she still wakes up that much each night), I just want to rule out all other suspicions.

*She is doing great with her English. She can count to 10 and she knows where all the parts of her body are....except her back...we got stumped on that one when Aunt Lori asked her where hers was ;O). When she says something like she needs to pee, I say it in English and she is quick to copy me. She is a little sponge. She loves Kia Lan and Dora. She's still a little timid around Bailey (our dog) but she is picking Midgie (cat) up by the neck these last couple of days :o0.

*I have a photo album of pics that were taken at the orphanage and I gave it to her to look at one day and she carried it around with her for the longest time...I grabbed the video camera and taped her. I'm hoping I'll be able to have someone translate it for me so I can find out what she was saying. It seemed to be all about things in the pictures besides herself. Perhaps she was telling me what it was like, or that she missed her friends, or who knows. I think it will make a nice addition to her adoption video too.

*She is still pretty attached to her Baba but she has attached to me very nicely over these last 3 weeks. I think she will always be a daddy's girl but we have a special bond too. She seems more secure with Daddy when we are in public but runs to me for the necessities of life. When we are home she is my shadow! She holds onto my shirt tail most of the time. We spend a lot of time with flash cards and counting things. She loves to help out with anything your doing, and has no problem cleaning up after herself. Before she starts to play with another toy she will put the others away. Now if we can keep that habit going it will be awesome!

*I limit her sugar intake, since she threw up twice while we were in China from it...it's impossible to cut it out entirely but trust me I'll do my best! She had cake and fortune cookies last Saturday night at my birthday get together and it took her 1 1/2 hours to get herself settled in bed from wiggling! It was our own fault so we each sat on the floor by her bed with her til she finally dozed off. That's what we have to do each night but it usually only takes 15 minutes before she is out like a light. Same thing each time she wakes up for a pee. Makes for a l-o-n-g night...hopefully when she settles in more she will make it threw the night will no need for pee breaks.

*This weekend looks like it's going to be a wet and cool one. Miss K turns one on Saturday! Can you believe it! I had her for a couple of hours the other day and Jazmyn was quick to help feed her and do anything she could to help out. She's a wonderful little auntie! Jaclyn is having a "Cupcake" themed party on Sunday. Should be pretty cute. Can't wait to take pics!

*The three of us have come down with head colds...hopefully we can battle it out fast, I hate feeling icky....I hate it when little ones feel icky...makes me sad that I can't make it go away with just a kiss :O(.

*Have a great rest of the week everyone!

CackleBerry Farms

Trying out the apples!
The apple of our eye!
Mama and Jazmyn.
Baba and Jazmyn on her first pony ride.
In the pumpkin patch.

40! Is This Where Life Begins?

Today I turn 40....Gaaaw! I would like to say I demand a recount but what's the sense...numbers don't lie and nor does the experience I have behind be. Would I go back to 30 now? No, I wouldn't. I have grown, stretched and realized no matter how hard I tried to live my own way I couldn't do it without my best friend and confidant Jesus. For 40 years the Israelite's wandered threw the wilderness......after I turned 39 last year I started to pray that God would take me threw my wilderness and get me to the riverbank. Like the Israelite's I was trying to do things my way and in my timing. This year that past I worked through a lot of stuff in my heart and mind. God revealed some pretty complex things I had to deal with and overcome before I could walk in freedom. I'm not saying I'm completely healed but I will say that I'm happy I'm not where I was. It might be coincidence but the proverbial saying "Life begins at 40" may stand true in my case. So here's to turning 40! Might I just add I don't feel a day over 33. ;O) Young at heart forever!

Saturday evening we will celebrate surrounded by friends and family over Chinese food at my favorite restaurant. My wonderful husband gave me a Canon 50D with all the bells and whistles for my birthday. I have lots to learn about it and can't wait to take some really nice pics. He also bought a photo session with a local well known photographer. I'm looking forward to our first family photo!!! My mom gave me new Tink slippers, 4 really nice hard covered "Company's Coming" cook books and some candles. My sister got me a sweet picture for my wall that goes with the collection of other ones from the same company, I love it.



My Grandma came for a visit yesterday to meet Jazmyn for the first time. She is 89 years old and is healthy as an Ox. She still has her licence and drove here from 1 1/2 hours away! She was welcomed with a hug from Jazmyn (which is not something she freely gives). She showed Great Grammy her bedroom and when my Grammy seen the Welcome Home balloons she started to weep...it hit me all of a sudden that this lady has been praying for me since I was a baby and has seen my life unfold.....how it must have impacted her to see just how God answered her prayers. To see this woman weep truly humbled me.


Had Jazmyn to the dentist for the first time yesterday too. She did really well. The dentist said her teeth looked great and he didn't need to see her for another 6 months. Today we have our first Dr. appointment, hope it goes as well as the dentist! Wish us luck!

Things I'm Thankful For...

This was us at the wedding"s" last weekend. I'm so thankful for Jazmyn and Shane.
I'm thankful for all our family.

I'm so thankful for my Jac and grandbutton Miss K. I love them more than they will ever understand.

I am thankful that one of our fellow travel mates took this picture....Jazmyn loved the way we carted her around like this!

So far this is the smartest investment I've made...I'm so thankful for the trampoline.......Jazmyn loves it and what a great way to spend some energy on a rainy day! Here are my three favorite girls enjoying jumping.

I missed my grandbutton so much when we were away. Look at those eyes! So pretty! Can you believe she is going to be 1 on the 24th!!! Gosh where did the last year go!? I'm so thankful one of the years we waited for Jazmyn was spent with Miss K.

Ok now I'm showing her off ;O).

I'm thankful for infertility......and how God used it to bring Jazmyn into our lives.

I am so thankful our journey to her is over.

I'm thankful that I live in a country where I am free to express that I love Jesus with all my heart and I could have never made it here today without him. I'm thankful that I can spend time each week with my church family.

Thank you Jesus for the people you have put in my life.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A Monumental Moment....grab your kleenex!

This is her nap time pillow. When I pull it out around 12:30 or 1:00 she jumps up on the couch and pulls the socks off and lays down for an hour. No resistance at all. I love watching her sleep. ;O).

Things are going well on our second week home. Sugar hasn't packed her belongings to go back to the orphanage since we returned home so looks like she'll stay ;o). She and I were flying solo all week cause Baba had to go back to work. He was home on Monday then off to work until tomorrow. We get on Skype each night with Baba so he can see her and say goodnight. He has this Monday off cause it's Thanksgiving here in Canada.........we have so much to be thankful for this year!

As I said before, Jazmyn took to Baba much easier than me. So this week was going to be a pretty good gauge of where I stood, having the choice of me or Baba taken away from her. I thought she handled it very well. She and I mention his name many times threw the day when she sees a picture or I show her something that belongs to him. We have a pretty good schedule that she has conformed to nicely all week. When she wakes up from nap or in the morning at first she's a little fuzzy, she looks for Baba then a few minutes later she comes around and is full of smiles, hugs, giggles and kisses.

Her feelings towards me were solidified today threw both actions and words when I was looking for a couple of easy Chinese songs to learn and this little song came up.......They must have sung it to her at the orphanage.....Jazmyn wanted me to pick her up and "she" sang it "to me"....it didn't occur to me what she was singing until I seen the lyrics.....in Chinese it went like this:

Shir shahng jir yo mah how

you mah duh hi dzuh shyanhng kwye baow

toe jean mah mah duh hwye baow

sheeng foo shyahng boo lyaow.

This is where a tissue might come in handy.

The English translation:

On earth only mother is good.

A child who has a mother is like a treasure.

To rest in Mother's embrace,

is an endless blessing.

My heart is still melting.

It was impossible to stop the tears.

God is so good.

Praising Him for little breakthrew's that change our world.

Quick Update

I know I haven't been blogging much since we got home a week ago from China. Hopefully things will quiet down and I'll get over my jet let soon and be able to visit a few blogs. By the time Jazmyn goes to bed a 7 I feel like it's bed time for me too! Welcome to toddler hood eh?!
This is what 12:30 looked like at our house all week. Hope we will be able to continue this after Baba goes back to work next week. They sleep for 1/2 to 3/4 an hour. Not long but it gives me a few moments to straighten the house a bit! Thank heavens for all the ladies in our church who have been blessing our socks off with meals!!!! I don't know what I'd have done without them this week! My sister was also wonderful she made a couple of meals, had the house all clean and ready for us and the grass was freshly cut! Thanks to Gary!

Jazmyn is settling in really nicely. She goes to bed at 7 after he bath then wakes up once through the night and I take her in bed with us til morning. She is bonding much much better with me. I would say Baba and Mama are pretty much on par now...well almost. It will come. I'm impressed with the advancement just since we arrived home.

Hamming it up for the camera! She loves to strike a pose then see it on the screen afterwards.

She is a pro chopsticker! You should see her go! I hope to keep her using them as much as possible. It's so cute to watch her!

Mama and Jazmyn doing the cheesy grin smile/peace sign!

Here is her first crack at opening up a gift wrapped present! This was from Kerri and family, you hit the nail on the head with that one! She loves her little bath toy! She put the PJ's on right away, and she is so huggable in them! Loves the little Kia Lan doll too! Thank you so much!

Catchin' Up

Saying goodbye to China.

Playing "Lady and the Tramp" with Mama!

Wearing her pretty little welcome home dress.

First time being tucked into her own bed and saying bedtime prayers.

Thursday we made a quick last trip to the market to get a couple of little things. Our flight was at 6pm and a few others were leaving at 4pm so with the bus only making one trip to the airport we had no choice but to go 5 hours early. We made the best of it though. I'd rather be early than late anyway. Mind you it was a long time for our little Jazmyn to have to wait before a 13 hour flight. She fussed a little at the gate (boredom I'm sure) but seemed ok once we got on the plane.....noticed I said *seemed*.....first of all she had been waiting for what felt like forever in the airport, we put her in this seat and put a seat belt on her(Chinese aren't required to wear a seat belt in China...I totally don't understand this with the way they drive!) She started to wiggle and squirm and fuss until she knew it was a battle she couldn't win then she fell sound asleep for a couple of hours. 13 hours later we arrived in Toronto to be welcomed by this sweet bloggy friend with her 2 sweet daughters and a sign welcoming us home. It was nice to see a familiar face. Thanks Lisa!

We spent the night in a hotel close by and got up early to catch a flight home. Jazmyn did pretty good on the flight to Halifax but once again there was a long wait. This time it was only 4 hours. Two days to get home with all this waiting in airports and such! We boarded the plane from Halifax to Charlottetown and Jazmyn slept threw the entire thing! It was only a short flight anyway. We arrived and headed up the ramp and were met by a wonderful welcome home committee here too! It was sooo nice to see Jaclyn and Kennady! I missed them so much! It was nice to see so many family members and friends from church, a few of the youth came down and they made a welcome home sign too, it was adorable! Carolyn and Marvin were there too, it was nice to have the support and welcome from others in the adoption community.

Lori and Dara grabbed our bags and took them out to the van which was sooo nice! We were pretty happy to be finally heading home...*sigh*. We arrived home and took Jazmyn to her room and let her check it out. She was so overwhelmed with everything she didn't know where to begin. She wasn't entirely impressed with the cat and dog though. She has probably never seen one so close. We got her dressed for bed and after a little melt down she finally fell asleep. It didn't last long though, we ended up having her sleep with us. I did try to rock her and it worked a tiny bit but not enough I guess. Her timing is pretty messed up still being on China time.

We stayed around home yesterday and today. Jazmyn hasn't been bonding to me as much as Baba and only wanted him to do stuff for her so we thought it best to just lay low from people until she gets more familiar with the house and new surroundings and bond to me more. She woak up at 1 am Friday night and was up for the day...then last night she was up at 2 and didn't go back to bed. We kept her up all day today, had she wanted to nap early we would have been fine but when she started to fade at 4pm we kept her busy to stay awake until at least 6. After a little supper and a bath she was ready for bed . She fussed a little but was down for the count in no time. I'm praying she will sleep the night threw but if she doesn't we will just try again until we get her on a schedule. Both Jazmyn and myself have jet leg. Shane was more bothered on the way to China.

We are trying to settle this week, I've done the travel laundry, my sweet little sister had the house all cleaned for us when we got home. She made a chicken soup for us for supper which was sooo wonderful. I really appreciated this! It's been a long couple of days I have to admit. We will find a new normal soon. I figured I'd better try to catch you up on what was going on since we left China, I hadn't had a chance until now. Jazmyn is doing better today than yesterday, she played and interacted with me much more. ;O) this is good.

Today we got up and headed to T Square and the Forbidden City after a nice big breakfast. The architecture was amazing! Simply beautiful, which is a good thing because the grounds are pretty much completely brick or stone. There is a little grass here and there between bricks but that's it. The reason the Emperor didn't want trees and vegetation was because he didn't want anyone to sneak in and hide behind anything. The Forbidden City was given that name because only higher class citizens who were invited could come inside, it was forbidden to the common man to enter and if he did the cost would be his life. Under the brick or stone there is rock so no one will try to dig a tunnel to enter. We went from one court yard to another to another, etc...it was nice to see the first couple but it just got to be too muck for most of the children after that. I'm glad we did all these things but like I said before it's too much for the children, but on the other hand I'm glad we got to see these things too. After that we came back to the hotel. Jazmyn and Shane had a nap and I went up to Yulin's room to order our DVD's and give them some pics. Around four we went to the market to look around. I picked up a couple of lanterns for our local "Harvest Moon Festival". Shane got a couple of t-shirts and we got Jazmyn a watch cause she was always taking Baba's ;O). She was glued to him once again today, she will come to me for the necessities of life but right now she is really taking to her Baba so I just have to step back and let that happen. I have to say it hurts a tinge....ok I'm lying "IT'S KILLING ME INSIDE!!!" *Sigh*...I know she loves me too.....and she will give me kisses so...I'm just being selfish. I'm a big girl I can handle it ;O). She will grow to love the both of us more and more, probably in different ways so I can be comforted for now that when she needs to squaty pot she comes looking for me :oI. LOL!
I think next we will need prayer for when Baba has to go back to work.....I don't think it's going to be a happy time for her. How did that transition work for any of you who have been there? Are there any tips or tricks? I suggested that he may have to sneak out of the house the first little while but now I'm not so sure that would be a good idea. I don't want her to think people can just walk into and out of her life with no explanation...even if it is only for a week to a child it's so much longer...for a child who doesn't understand your language it's got to be even that much harder, but saying good bye to her sends her into a tantrum.....(understandably so). I don't believe in long drawn out goodbyes either...those are truly excruciatingly painful for children. Sometimes children mistakenly comprehend that your never coming back or your going to be in danger if you leave...it can be a frightening time for a child who is 4 years old. I remember sometimes when I was very very young and my mom had to go somewhere I couldn't sleep until I knew she was home. I would worry about her. If she made her goodbye a long one it would make me worry even more and I was afraid she would never come back for me. I'm thinking Skype might be a good idea when he is gone for the week. That was she still hear him and see him every night before bedtime.
Ok speaking of goodbye's we had our "Good Bye China" party tonight. We had Peking Duck and other dishes then a beautiful cake. Mr. lee dressed up as a clown and did a magic show and then came out later and did a dance in a really cool costume where the mask changed all the time it was really cool. Jazmyn didn't think so though. Mr. Lee came close to her and she got scared and turned around on Baba's knee and muckled onto his neck. She was also getting pretty tired by the time supper was over. Yulin gave each of the children a little toy and a scroll with their Chinese name on it. We also got a jade stamp we had ordered with her name on it in both English and Chinese.
We got back to the hotel and we packed up all our stuff because we fly home tomorrow..*sigh*....it's going to be nice to get back to a "new" kinda normal. Some of the couples leave at 4 and the rest at 6 but the bus is taking everyone tomorrow at 1:00pm so we will be sitting at the airport until 6....that is going to make for a very loooooong day for poor little Jazmyn. Perhaps I'll take Tammy's advice and try to get her a Magna Doodle for the flight and the gate. We arrive in Toronto at 6:45pm.....Lisa B if you want to still meet us our flight is #32.....times are subject to change I guess with all flights so just check our flight number to see if we are on time or not. Looks like we have to collect our luggage too so ....You know the airport better than I do. Hopefully we'll see you! We leave at 9 the next morning to head to Halifax then Charlottetown. We'll be home around 4. Can't wait to see some familiar faces when we arrive at the gate!
This trip has been amazing, it had it's ups and downs, good times and hard times, sad and happy times, stretching and growing times, heart wrenching times and over joyed times. It was bitter sweet and yes if I had the chance to do it again I certainly would...in a heart beat. It's been such a faith building 2 weeks for the both of us. We feel so honoured and blessed to have been given the opportunity ti grow our families this way and I think it was all the masters plan straight from the get go. Everything happens for a reason... His reason, Not luck chance, carma or good fortune, simply because we were faithful to hold on to God's promise that he would give us the desire of our hearts...and if it were something that would glorify His then all the more reason ti felt so write from the beginning. All in his timing...however long that is. Tomorrow will be such a wonderful day. I can't wait until our new little Canadian citizen touches her feet on Canadian soil! As of today she is officially a canuck!

Today was a little bit of a quieter day as far as group activities go. We have a couple more to go then we finally head home. Yay! We had breakfast and headed to the Pearl market, there was a lot of vendors there. You name it they sold it. Jazmyn was a little quieter than usual today, we figured it was just because of her cold. She did well to stay in her stroller, she usually want to stand in it! Baba's bad tricks ;O). So it's a battle sometimes to get her to sit. We had pretty much had it with rushing around always feeling like we had to keep Jazmyn quiet or still so I didn't do much shopping instead I wheeled Jazmyn around and played a cheerio game with her. It kept her content while Baba bartered for a few things. We then went to a tea ceremony where we were shown how to properly steep and drink tea. It was so eloquent! I bought some tea for my sore throat.
We headed back to the hotel for an hour and then we were heading to the Silk market which is another indoor barter centre essentially. Turned out the traffic was so thick and congested it put us wayyyy behind in time so we opted to go to a Steak and Egg joint one of the ladies wanted to go to. The man who runs it is from Pictuo Nova Scotia so it was really nice to eat western food and better yet Maritime beef! The staff there were soooo accommodating it brought tears to my eyes cause with the traffic it took us 1 1/2 hours to get there when it should have only taken 20 min. normally. Jazmyn fell asleep then had a cough and ....ya....she "power shot" all over Baba again... I was ready this time JUST in case with an extra set of clothing. So with another 1/2 hour to go after cleaning her up she fell asleep again. I carried he into the Steak and Egg place sound asleep in my arms and just about 2 minutes after I picket my fork up I had 3 ladies pull 4 chairs together like a crib spread a blanket across it and we put her on it. Now that right there is costumer service, talk about making you feel at home! One of the other couples was eating and feeding their child and one of the waitresses came over and took the spoon and started to feed their child for them....some may have not approved
but she was so graceful about it that they didn't object.
Jazmin stuck pretty close to her Baba today, in fact she preferred him to me the last couple of days, It's nice that they are bonding so well. She still feels she wants mama to do all the nurturing things like take her to the bathroom, prepare her food and bathe her but she would rather have Abba carry her and sit on his knee. She is becoming a very affectionate little girl, loves to hug and give kisses to both of us so as far as I can see she is bonding well with he both of us and the transition is relatively natural for her. She didn't have a meltdown to really speak of today, other than when Baba was no where in sight. I think she is pretty comfortable with us. Moving from the hotel in Harbin to the hotel in Beijing was a little tough on her so please think of her Thursday night when we have to stay in Toronto for the night and then moving her once again to her home...Oh! I just got goosebumps! I can't wait until she sees her room! She is going to love it! Hey! I'm gonna love watching her love it!
Jazmyn continues to have a cough but is better than yesterday. My voice is almost gone but I'm feeling it's on the mend. Shane says his is probably going to go threw the same motions as mine as far as the sinus drip and stuffy head goes. We are into the vitamines and cold FX so hopefully it will kick it.
Tomorrow is the Forbidden City. I think we will lay low for the rest of the evening after that. Perhaps go to the pool in the hotel or something. It will be so nice to get home and into a new normal! *sigh*
Thinking of you!

Hi everyone, Big Thanks to Carolyn for helping me post to my blog!
Yesterday: Well this will be an anniversary I'll never forget! Yesterday we stopped first at the Jade factory which was full of beautiful figurines. We had to make a dash for the bathroom first thing which is always an adventure in a public place in China. I think I explained in a past post how fun it is straddling a toddler over one of those squat pots. It's a true art let me just say! We walked around and looked at some stuff then we were off to the Great Wall.
There are so many photo's I don't know which ones to pick! It was a great day but a long hard one for a toddler. We got out and our guide gave us instructions and off we went with the determination to reach the top. Shane carried Jazmyn for quite a ways up the hill then she thought she would try and off we went to the very top! My poor legs were like cooked noodles!!!! They were sooo wobbly! The wall is really steep in spots ( your so right S. Betts!) and some of the steps are high and some are really low, then there is area where it is just stone walkway. Once we were at the top we bought little commemorative medals proving we did it...I think Jazmyn deserves mine! She totally walked DOWN the wall all by herself with neither of us picking her up! I was thinking a few times I was just going to give up and slide down a banister cause my legs were going to give out! Shane did well too, he wasn't bothered by the incline/decline...perhaps my calves are too short I don't know ;O). Jazmyn had a ton of spectators following her taking her picture. When we were at the first landing a guy took a picture of the three of us , I was holding the local news paper from home. (They like to publish pics of local people holding the paper in different parts of the world.) Oh and listen to this...what an example Jazmyn is to me...I mean just taking time to enjoy the little things, she didn't care that she was on one of the 7 wonders of the world, but when she seen a butterfly and held it by the outside wings so that she wouldn't harm him she certainly cared....she ever so delicately let it go after careful inspection. The butterfly flew away unharmed. (Lori, isn't that beautiful! Did you know that about butterflies?) It was so sweet. How many times do we rush to get things done and we miss out on the little things that give us joy. That little girl was so filled with glee when the butterfly flew away it totally slapped me upside the head cause I was certain the thing was going to be torn in half when she picked it up! We went to a little coffee shop and Jazmyn was a little fussy so we gave her a granola bar to keep her entertained while we waited for the rest of the group. She actually doesn't do well if she is not tired in the bus, they don't have to wear a seat belt here in China...(which is truly ridiculous if you have ever been here!...you know what I'm saying!)
So to keep her from wiggling, kicking and screaming away from you we feed her little things like Cheerios, gold fish crackers, granola, and little sugar free candies. Well with all the excitement/munchies and the walk then sitting in a HOT bus the poor little tike power chucked all over herself and baba. Now that was fun to clean on a moving bus! Gaaww!
After the Wall we went to the Cloisonne Factory to see all the copper vases and ornaments and wall art. It was really interesting how they make it. I got an ornament for our Christmas tree. We ate upstairs in the restaurant. Shane was feeling a little overwhelmed with all of the rushing here and there so it was good to sit down and have a rest during supper. Once we finished that we headed to the Olympic Stadium aka Birdsnest to have a quick look at it and the Aquatic Centre too. Jazmyn had fallen asleep so I stayed back in the bus while Shane went to take some pictures. Jazmyn woak up and was whimpering a bit then started to cry "Wha da baba ahhh" which to me translated into "Where's the Father at". She was looking for him and crying hard. This was so sad she then started to say something else and I couldn't make it out or even ask the usual questions Shway? (water), Naeh Naeh? (need to pee) or La Ba? (need to poo), finally I was able to get her attention between sobs and me wiping the biggest tears you'd ever seen and I asked if she needed to pee...she said yes so off we went. It was quite a hike to get there and when we did.....low and behold another squat pot...(some bathrooms DO have a regular toilet...not that you would ever want to sit so hey your squatting anyways!) I pulled her pants down and seen why she was so upset. This girl has been with us for a week and hasn't as much as tinkled in her undies, I felt soooo bad, she had pooped. I took off her sneakers and pants and removed the undies to clean her up, she was 100%convinceded I was going to bathe her in the squat which was going off every 2 minutes cause the sensor caught me moving around. Finally we got her cleaned up and headed back to the bus. I sat on the seat and Shane had been back from taking pictures. I sat at the window and looked outside quietly bawling my eyes out inside while a stream of tears poured down my neck. My poor little girl tried so hard to tell me she needed to use the washroom and I couldn't understand her. This sort of thing must be so incredibly frustration for her. I guess it's normal to have these little meltdowns as a parent too. Some of the other ladies shared their meltdown stories with me. It was a comfort to know I wasn't standing alone. So today was a little rocky in spots. It was nice to get Sugar into a nice bath and into bed. Baba had to go to the store to get Mama some lemon for my sore throat. I had a nice long bath and prayed for our day tomorrow and for the other people on our trip. I really missed talking to Laura, the lady I met in Jazmyn's province. I can't wait to get back to Canada so I can go check out her blog to see how the rest of her trip went.
Today: We got up and got ready to go to breakfast. Jazmyn wanted to eat Cheerios and goldfish crackers while we got ready but I knew it would spoil her breakfast so I managed to hold her off. She is still coughing so we hid her cough meds in her grape juice :o) (Hey Jac! It worked for her!!!.) The chef came over and told us our daughter was beautiful. He said he once found a baby in the "rubbish" and he picked her up and took her to the hospital and wanted to take her home but the doctors said her heart was not good and so he had to leave her, so since then he really has a heart for children.
At 10:30 we went to the indoor market a block away to get a stroller. We got a few things and headed back to the hotel to eat dinner then off to the Summer Palace. We walked her in the stroller and that lasted about 5 minutes before she decided she wanted to use ....yes the potty....so off we went again..(we always stray from the group them have to go on the hunt!) She then decided it would be more fun to push the stroller.....she was banging into everyone. So we pealed her off and she reluctantly obeyed. She walked up and down steps and little landings. Many times she wouldn't let me hold her hand and would bolt off in another direction. This little girl I tell you is going to keep me young and fit just so you know! Gaaaw! LOL. I don't mind, she is worth it ;O)
Summer Palace is very beautiful. We walked around it and took some pictures of the architecture.
We got to go for a ride on the dragon boat. Jazmyn really enjoyed that. Took a nice picture of the Marble Boat, it was built in the 1700's! Amazing! I wish they would let you go inside! I would have loved to see it!
On the way back we stopped at the Silk Factory. It was very cool to see how everything is made from a worm! We couldn't resist and got bed-set. Then went into the clothing spot and got Jazmyn a couple of Chinese Silk dresses and one for my Grandbutton who I miss so much! Hi Miss K! Nana Loves you!!
Jazmyn has been sleeping witha pashmina scarf at night for the last few nights, it's lighter than the blankets they have here and I prayed a blessing over it so trust me when I say she REALLY did sleep better with this than the sheets they have here but really it's all about the soverenty of our Lord, and I just believed Him for it while I held it and prayed.
Tomorrow we are off to the Forbidden City and the Pearl Market. It's going to be another busy day for our little girl. It's so hard to get in all the sights when we know it isn't like we can just come here anytime but she would be just as happy if we found a little park with swings and a slide. It will be nice to get home...we are ready for it.
Thank you for all your wonderful comments, we are missing home like you wouldn't believe so they really are our only connection to you cause I can't access my facebook or blog but I can recieve the comments from both blogger and facebook on my Blackberry.
Please continue to cover us in prayer, Jazmyn is still coughing, Shane is a little stuffed up and I am nursing a sinus cold with . I felt achy and took some cold-FX so hopefully that will help. The air is incredibly dry in the hotel. Also if you could lift up another couple who came with us...they got here and the child they had been referred was more than they could handle so they went home empty arms. I don't want t o share any of the details they could just really use the prayer support. I can't imagine how they must be feeling right now.
4 more sleeps and we're heading home!!!!!!!! I can't wait til you all meet her! She is definitly more amazing than we ever could have drempt. (Kim G your dream was bang on!) This journey had tripled my faith in my Lord. God is so good....He really really is!

Beijing!

Hi! We are now back in Beijing. Yesterday was a long day, we did passports and notarization paperwork scanning (for miss spellings or wrong numbers ect.) Then we had about an hour and a half to kill before we headed to the airport so we went with the couple we met from Colorado to Walmart. I am really going to miss this family, we were an instant bond with them. I gave her a bracelet I had on and told her I would be praying for them the remainder of this journey for safety, health and such. She was thinking the same thing at the same time about a ring she had with a cross on it, she gave it to me and said they would also be praying for us. We lost each other in Walmart and they had to leave for the airport before us so I was kinda sad I didn't get a chance to say good bye. I'm really glad we exchanged e-mail addresses, so we can stay in touch.
We headed to the airport at 1:30 and said goodbye to Lynn (our guide) and went to our gate. We were there 2 hours early so Sugar turned into Spice in no time cause it was sooooooo long to do.....well nothing! We just kept her occupied by moving seats to change the scenery and walk on the escalator. She was very good on the plane ride. It put pressure on her ears going up and it frightened her but I kept handing her jellybeans (she's not a gum chewer) and they helped. Once in a while she would look up at me with those worried eyes, glazed in tears trying her best to stay strong cause she didn't see fret in Mama or Baba's eyes and that seemed to give her comfort. She felt safe cause we felt safe. I was worried she wouldn't keep her seatbelt on but she did. It was her very first time flying so I thought she did amazing! We only had to go to the bathroom once ...thank heavens! Trying to straddle a 4 year old on a toilet that you don't want her bottom to touch when your going threw turbulence is not my idea of fun. She did cry once when I rested my head back with my eyes closed so I stayed awake until we got to the hotel and settled, which took a while cause I wanted to sort some stuff out and see where all the dirty laundry was. So all in all she only had 1 1/2 melt downs today.
Today we got up and did the paperwork for the Citizenship. Then a group picture in the lobby. (The Presidential Plaza) amazing, the lobby is incredible, there are glass elevators that go the the top floor. I think there are like 25 floors in the one. Right after that we headed for the bus to go to the Zoo. It was beautiful, we seen a few Panda's and bears ect.but just really enjoyed being out enjoying each other. Sugar fell asleep on the way and once she woak up she decided to give this Baba guy a "chance". He picked her up and she stayed with him! When he got a little restless carrying her he put her down and held her hand. I thought she would reach for mine too but she didn't and that was fine, she was bonding with Baba and I needed to allow that to happen so I was there when she looked for me and of course the squat runs, sneezes and sticky fingers but it was Baba's day.......and he was soaking up E.V.E.R.Y second of it. I was snapping pictures of them all afternoon instead of the animals. My heart was swelling, I thought it would burst! This was the sweet moment I've been imagining in my mind since we first started trying to begin a family. Only this was 10 times better. I was praising God each and every time I looked over at them. I would have to look away so she didn't see me crying and get confused. They were long awaited tears of joy. He was beaming with pride when people would look at him acting silly trying to get Sugar to smile, it was almost like he was showing her off ;O). LOL...who am I kidding ! HE WAS! She was looking at him with eyes that said, "Hey your not so bad Baba, I think I can trust you and I know you will protect me." She was glowing with sheer glee when he would lift her to the sky and put her on his shoulders.
We came back to the hotel and we played for a while then got ready to regroup with the others and go for supper. We were waiting for everyone in the lobby and Baba had Sugar sitting on the counter and Baba pointed at his cheek and he got "the" first kiss....do you have goosebumps? I melted when I seen that!!! The meal was nice, met up with a couple more wonderful couples. We clicked right away as well.
We got back to the hotel and I had a massage which was awesome! I wish that lady would come to our town to work, I'd be her loyal customer. Tomorrow we celebrate our 7th anniversary on one of the 7 wonders of the world, The Great Wall. I'm pretty excited about that!
Our Internet isn't free at this hotel so if anyone is trying to skype the best time to catch us would be morning unless we are leaving for an early excursion. We still can't access face-book or the blog, only by Blackberry (Dara any news on that?) but I didn't get an international package for the trip. (Does anyone know if there are any roaming charges to check your e-mails from your phone? It didn't cost anything when we were in California last fall to check e-mails, but there was a charge for using face-book I think..like an Internet browser fee) I didn't think I would need it so once or twice a day I'll turn it on and read the comments which by the way are********* really encouraging,******* it's so nice to hear your sweet kind words. Keep em coming they inspire me to blog straight from my heart.
If you are praying for us we really do feel covered, neither of us is stressed, or anxious...and this is a first for me, I would love for you to join us and pray for Jazmyn's little cough, it's normal for these children to have a little bit of a cough when they leave the orphanages, I just don't want it to get worse. Shane for his blood sugars to stay level when we do all the walking at the wall. Myself for my back and the back of my nose, not quite at my throat or tonsils, is dry and a little swollen and of course that we will thoughally enjoy the rest of this journey especially our anniversary on the Great Wall tomorrow! Blessing to you all!!!

Just wanted to let you all know that Deb sent me an edited version of her last post and added a few pics! It's all included in the post before this one :)



Hi everyone, this morning I was able to talk to my daughter, sister and friend on Skype. It's amazing that you can Skype half way across the world isn't it!
We went for breakfast with another wonderful couple from Colorado, they have 3 bio children and 3 adopted from China. Wonderful godly couple, who are caring, gentle and kind.

Jazmyn slept 13 hours last night. I tell ya this gal plays hard and is spent by 6-7 at night sleeping sound until morning. The first night she fell asleep crying and I didn't bother to put a pull-up on her.,I wasn't too worried cause she hadn't drank much since earlier that day and she had no accidents. The next night I put one on her just in case and she fussed and squirmed and was trying to rearrange the pull-up and was sighing with grief so I pulled-down and hid them all away....clearly she didn't need them and hasn't had an accident yet.
She is eating really well. She loves beans...yes I know ;O)...she loves boiled eggs and rice of course. She does have a bit of a sweet tooth...I introduced her to a fruit roll up today and she very much approved. Some things don't impress her much if they are a rich sweet like jam....hummmm I wonder if she will like Skittles like her Momma does?

We set out at 10am to Pinfang district to find the street that has the park where she was found. This particular area is a suburb of Harbin, it took over an get there. It is actually a bad area to be in. Like every other city there is always an area you would never walk at night. The driver stopped twice to ask for directions and finally we found it. daddy got out and took a picture of the street sign. About that same time I started feeling physically sick, I was wondering if I might have to cough up my cookies. I just got this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. We pulled up to the park and I couldn't believe my eyes...I have never in my life seen a park that was so incredibly run down, dark and dreary...it was as if we walked into a black and white photo from the 30s...the walk way was crushed in spots. There was nasty writing on the wall, a little miniature church ( about 8 feet tall and wide)turned upside down. The playground equipment was vandalized. We walked threw the gate and a gang of men followed us wondering what we were doing and staring at me...they don't see tourists in this town we were told. They just surrounded us and stared...they were not intending to hurt us or anything it just didn't feel right to me..I'm not used to that sort of thing. Shane walked around with the video camera trying to capture it...it has to be a 100 year old park, There was actually a flood there at one time so perhaps it just never recovered. I asked our guide to take a picture of us sitting on the bench as if we were waiting there for her, then one of the 3 of us. I was saddened to see the park but so glad we did and so grateful our guides were willing to try finding it. We got back in the van and headed back out onto the highway. We were not even off that street for a minute and I started to feel better. I found myself looking out the window tears streaming down my face as I looked into the faces of the people there and couldn't stop the thoughts wondering if they were an aunt, uncle, grandparent or parent. I didn't want to entertain the thought so I tried to block it but part of me wanted to look...not sure how to explain that one...perhaps I just really wanted to get a feel for her area....it was hard but I think having experienced it for the brief moment will help me describe what her part of the city looks like.

We went to Saint Sophia's Russian Orthodox Church which is now a museum. The architecture was something else! I was able to learn a little more about the history of Harbin and on the way out we found a bunch of postcards from the Ice Festival they have every winter on the river. These will make a perfect addition to either Jazmyn's keepsake box or memory book.

We went to Walmart to pick up a few things and came back to the hotel and Sugar melted for a little while once again...she was saying something else this time so we called a guide who was staying at the hotel and she came over to see if she could help us with what she was saying. Jazmyn was a little shy of her and didn't say it again...hey we tried right. I wish we could meet her every need during these days of transition....but we can't so we make the best of it. She was ok for a little while then the little alligator tears started again. We are very patient with her when she feels sad and it helps her to see someone being calm and compassionate toward her. Daddy started to run the bath and she went for it. That right there is our charm when the going gets tough. All in all she is a real trooper. Today we had a tiny break though! She repeated a few words after me.she is whispering them but you can tell she is mouthing the words. YAY!!! They are little sponges at this age anyway. Can't wait to hear her voice when she is home and playing with her little friends!

Went for a coffee with the lady from Colorado tonight and we had a great visit. We shared our day with one another and prayed for one anothers families. Tomorrow we get Sugar"s passport and documents then fly back to Beijing in the evening. Please pray Jazmyn's first plane ride is easy on her. I have trouble with my ears so I feel bad for little ones that don't understand why they get an ear ache.

Enjoy this pics..1. Momma and Baba waiting looking toward the park gate for their girl...2. Forever-a-family. 3. Saint Sophie's Church.

Edited version of last post...

Hi everyone,
I don't have any pictures from today so here is just a couple of randon shots from yesterday. I'm getting a "Memory card error" on my camera so I have to try to fiddle with it somehow.

Once again Jazmyn slept a full night. She woak up about 3 times for a pee....(Last evenings fruit smoothy with daddy ;O).) but went right back to sleep.

We went to the Wild Tiger Park today. It was a lot of fun...you don't have to wear seat belts here so driving the proper vans through some rather rough terrain made for some awkwardly funny moments of people landing on one another! LOL. At least the van windows are caged wire. The tigers will sometimes attack the van. It was very interesting to see how they eat! I won't go there....lets just say.....feathers as a beard on a tiger is NOT cute. A.T A.L.L !

Jazmyn took a little tantrum today when we took her for a walk on the river bank...she seen a little girl with bubbles and wanted some. ( Chances are that at the orphanage if one child gets something they no doubt all do, hence her adimency) Shane got them for her and she ran wild with the wand giggling all the way. I was not liking her taking off so fast with that many people walking around the riverfront. It made me nervious. People look at you here not only because I'm a blond but because they are courious as to why we are Canadian and have a Chinese child. When they fixate on you it's like your driving on the road looking into the field...you start to drive that way! Well they near run into when they want a closer look! LOL.

We got back to the hotel and Jazmyn took another wee little meltdown..I couldn't make out what she was saying but I know she wanted me to take her back to the orphanage....she gathered all her stufff, put on her shoes and jacket then strapped on her little napsack. She stood there crying when I wouldn't agree to put my shoes on. I held my arms out and at first she didn't want me to touch her....I tell you this just so that I can perhaps light a little candle for you......if anything I say can minutly prepare you for what "MAY" possibly happen then I haven't waisted my breath. ....it isn't easy to watch your child do this and it truly breaks my heart but I know in my heart that each day will get better. I sat there and looked in her eyes as they teared...I smiled a gentle smile and held back my own tears and soon she sat on my knee while I gently ran my fingers threw her hair. Then I asked if she wanted a bath and she took off her napsack to stay for another day ;O). After a nice long soak she looked a tiny sad so I just wrapped her in the towel and held her til she fell asleep.....it was only 5 pm....she had a full day thought so no wonder the little tike was tired.

Our guide Lynn just called us and said she would take us to the park where Jazmyn was found, (this is favor in their eyes if you ask me...God will make all things possible if we just have faith and ask the impossible..) so this is what we are doing tomorrow morning. I wasn't sure she would allow it as the park is in a district that doesn't impress her. I'm so happy that they said yes. I would really like to capture as much of this as possible for when jazmyn is older.

I was able to skype with Dara and her family this morning, It was nice to touch base with back home.
I also skyped with Jac. Which was really nice. I miss her so much. I was able to skype with her tonight for a few minutes. It was hard to say bye...we have to go on the count of three. I caught a glimps of her crying as I disconnected...that was really hard...I lost it for a few moments...becoming a big sister is just becoming a reality to her and I'er been a half a world away from her ever. Jac I love you and miss you sooooo much.

Jazmyn

Hi everyone, I still don't have acess to facebook or the blog here in China unless it's on my Blackberry but I can't post pics from it so I asked a friend of mine to help out. Thanks Carolyn!

Last night after Sugar had her melt down she slept for 12 1/2 hours. She had a pretty big day yesterday. We got up and she had a bath and got some fresh clothes on. The ones she had on from the orphanage came off as soon as we got into the hotel room. I'll wash them and put them in a keepsake box for her. I didn't put a pull up on her and she slept between Daddy and Mommy...I might have been taking a chance but I figured I'd let sleeping puppies lie ;O).

Today we officially signed the adoption documents. SHE IS OURS!!!!!!!!!! It has totally sunk in! There were four families that were there with us. 3 of them were beautiful toddler boys and then our Spicy girl. One of them was in her orphanage and it was so cute they held each others hands in the lobby while we were waiting for our guide. The paperwork was crazy, four families being switched from one room to another to sign here and fingerprint there, nannies from orphanages running amuck, someone else asking you to smile for picture, another telling you what happens next, children running the hallway.....oh wait mine was in there too...Niao Niao!!! Oh crap! She has to pee, where in the bathroom??? Someone pointed and we ran...only to find our first squaty potty!!!!! Gaaaaw! How do you suspend a 4 year old with short legs over that thing!!! I....almost dropped her in it!!!! ...a greater power than me got us threw the entire ordeal. Somehow! ;O).

We paid the orphanage director the donation and we gave her knitted hats. mitts, blankets and treats for the other children. Her orphanage holds 400-500 children and is one of the biggest ones in China, I guess Harbin having a population of 5 million would have something to add to that. This city is beautiful. Our guide was told we were not allowed to visit the orphanage which pretty much made me cry. I was really hoping to go. They said with the H1N1 they didn't want to take any chances...I guess I can understand that. I asked if they could find me any younger pictures of her and pics she might have colored or drawn. They were great to answere any questions I had.

We had one of the guides develope the pics from the disposable camera we sent in her care pkg and they are wonderful!!! She is so cute in them. I'm so glad they used it cause I have heard that some didn't have theirs even opened.

When we FINALLY finished the paper work we came back to the hotel and Shane went with one of the drivers to the airport to pic up the lost luggage. While he was gone Sugar had another melt down..I just held her and let her get it out. She settled and when she was done she walked into the bathroom and stripped down and jumped in the dry tub.....this girl has a water fetish like you would not believe! Ifwasn't enought before she went down tonight she had a third! About 3 hours later she had a meltdown again and I held her for a bit then soothed her by taking her for a walk. We went to Pizza Hut and she picked at some food. Her and Daddy shared a frozen Dragonfruit smoothy it was the sweetest thing ever to see them both with the straw in their mouth...giggling was all I could do to keep from crying....one piece of advice I got about the first couple of days was if you have the choice to laught or cry, laugh. It really is the best advice. ;O) and smiling of course.

We went for a walk with her down the river bank and people were looking and talk ing and smiling at her. I stopped to take pictures and Daddy said to warn him when I do because Spicy goes wild looking for me...I kept stopping to take pics.....I told daddy that I really want as many as possible so she can have them when she asks for them....then it hit me again.......she is leaving everything she knows.....her people, her culture, the smells, the food, her caregivers, friends, .....everything she knows......I know we will give her a wonderful life and she will never lack for anything....but when a child can't fully understand and they are in your aching arms weeping for another woman...(even if it is only her job...she still loved her...we can tell)....it breaks a part of you you didn't know was there....God has shown me with His eyes how she feels and has revieled to my heart a grace and mercy for her little heart. I love her so much..I'm in tears just admitting this.....cause yes I'm human and I wondered if I could love her as if she were my bio child......and I most certainly do..... more than I ever dreampt I humanly could. Dear Jesus.....keep this journey forever in the imagination of my heart and use it to draw me onto you when I'm ungratful or selfish or unkind to anyone. This last couple of days has transformed me inside. I'm broken but stronger than I've ever been...if that makes sence to anyone.

Bless you all, thank you for putting up with my long winded post...I miss you all, can't wait for you to meet her!!!!

Lori, We had a monarc butterfly follow us into the hotel lobby today and thought of you!
Jac, I could hear you when we tried to connect to Skype but my connection was bad, I think we fixed that problem. I love you sweety, hugs to Miss K for Nana and ya Ty too.

Jazmyn just got up twice to pee...I'm thinking my typing close to her ear isn't helping her sleep soundly....so until next time hugs to all! Tomorrow we go to the Tiger park!!! We stay in the Van and the tigers walk around us!!! Exciting!

Got-our-mits-on-jazmyn-finally-day!

Didn't sleep well last night.....surprised? Still no access to blogger or facebook on laptop so no pics yet sorry.
Got on in-country flight at 7ish. Got to Harbin and settled in hotel then met another couple from the States going to same orphanage. They have 3 adopted from China. At 2 we went to "Harbin Civil Adoption Affairs" where we met in an office and were able to interact with the children a few minutes before signing some papers. Jazmyn accepted a hug from me then pushed away to find her napsack and pulled out a picture of us. I gave her some little toys and she gave me a kiss on the cheek......melted my heart like butter on a hot bun. She has a Pokie tail in her hair! I was very pleased to see that! Brought her back to the hotel. She is a really busy girl! She is euber facinated with water and washing.......hands and teeth. Went to the lobby and seen her buddy from orphanage.
We had MacD's for supper. Afterwards she fed Shane and I fries one at a time. It was a sweet bonding moment albiet the honeymoon stage......about 6:30 she looked in the mirror and then me and started to cry a bit saying "Mama Na" repeatedly. Which means where is my Mommy.....I was ready for what came next. The little darling was so sad. She cried for about an hour, pushing me, hugging me, hitting me, yelling in my ear and laying her head on my shoulder......broke our hearts but it shows us right away she was very loved and cared for but also she is capable of loving her care givers. This is a very healthy thing for her to do. She is small for 4 yrs but SOLID! She is beautiful. God is so wonderful to us. We feel so blessed and covered by His presence. I can't believe how at piece we are feeling...it truly feels like divine intervention.....there hasn't been anything to really be anxious about...the luggage hasn't arrived yet but I'm not worried. It will show up.
Tommorrow we go to the civil affairs again to sign and do more paper work. Tomorrow she is officially ours! This City is one of the biggest in China 5 million peps live here! Very clean in most places. I'm trying to take as many pics as I can for her for when she gets older. Jac your gonna love her! She has your spicy attitude but is pure sugar! Sweet as cherrypie! Miss Kennady will have an auntie to play and grow up with. I can't wait for you to meet her!
Love you all and please anyone out there who is waiting for anything at all in life.....be faithful with the wait, Gods timing really is perfect.....otherwise we wouldn't have Jazmyn.....the four years wait plus 2 years trying was worth this VERY DAY!!!!! God is faithful, we recieved the fruit of that today. Bless you all!!!!! We are so in love with this little miracle!!!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

We made it!

Tried blogger from laptop and facebook......both appear to be blocked.....other sites are coming up. :o( try to figure something out tomorrow.
Lost some luggage.....it stayed in Toronto. Will be sent to our daughters province tomorrow night.
Flight was long but no real complaints....meals were good.
We are doing great. Met 2 other couples from our group on our flight. We are ready for tomorrow!!! We get Jazmyn in the afternoon!!!!!
Love you all!!! Hi Jac! Ty, Miss K, Lori! Miss you!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

One Day left!!!!!!!!

Today will probably be the last chance we have to post before we get to China, unless I send an odd update from my blackberry. Had a great sleep last night...when we did finally get to sleep. We visited a few people and said our good byes. Had a really, really, really great prayer session at youth group last night. I love those kids sooo much. They're some POWERFUL little prayer warriors let me tell you. They are going to be wonderful big sisters, brothers and godly role models to our Jazmyn. They all totally blessed our socks off. Today we have to double check our baggage weight and perhaps shift a few things around, make some phone calls, visit a couple of people, pick up the lap top from the repair shop (they cleaned it up a bit and made it faster),banking, wait for the Fed Ex dude to bring Shane a package he ordered, do a quick sweep of the house, download some podcasts onto my MP3, go kiss my daughter and Grandbutton, and watch the clock. 5 am will come quickly....I hope!

Please pray for safe travels....good health plus my back and hubby's diabeties wouldn't become an issue.....favor in the eyes of the Chinese Officials....smooth ending to the paper trail...wisdom and disernment while Jazmyn transitions those first few days...and that we would enjoy every waking moment of this journey of faith! Gaaaaaaah! Ok Here we go!!!!! :o)

2 Days or better yet 46 1/2 hours and we are on our WAY!!!

We received our itinerary today. Here is what our trip will look like. It is subject to change so I'm hoping the day we go to the Great Wall will be the 20th instead of the 19th. I was really hoping we would be on the Wall on our anniversary. One of the 7 wonders of the world on our 7th anniversary. Oh well it's close enough we can still claim it. Ok for those of you who don't know China is about 12 hours time difference. So if you go to bed at 7pm we will be just waking up at 7am in China. (edit: there was a mixup on the dates our agency sent for our itinery. It's all fixed now and we DO get to spend our anniversary on the Great Wall!!!)

My heart is beating to a new drum, can't wait to see the Beijing sunrise and feel it's blazing rays on my face as I look toward it, eyes closed, satisfied little smile, taking a big deep breath and release it's sigh of relief that our 4 year wait has almost seen the finish line in victory. That thought makes my heart swell with anticipation.

* Saturday 12th: Leave at 5 am!! Destination China!!!!

*Sunday 13th: Arrive in China!!!

*Monday 14th: 8:35 Depart for Harbin, 11:00 Arrive in Harbin, receive our Jazmyn in the afternoon!!!

*Tuesday 15th: 8:30 Family Picture, Registration at provincial government office, Notarization of Documents.

*Wednesday 16th: 9:00 Administration activities, 2:00 shopping.

*Thursday 17th: 10:00 City tour, Receive child's documents and passport (ask if we can visit the aquarium and the park where she was found.)

*Friday 18th: 1:40 Leave for airport, 4:40 Leave for Beijing, 7:40 arrive in Beijing

*Saturday 19th: 9:00 Children's pictures in the hotel, group picture, assembling documents for Canadian Embassy, Beijing Zoo in the afternoon.

*Sunday 20th: 8:30 The Great Wall, Jade Factory, Cloisonne Factory, Olympic 2008 grounds.

*Monday 21st: 8:00 Children's medical exams (immigration applications only so we are free that morning), The Summer Palace....(Kinda romantic to be at a Palace for our anniversary don't you think!) The silk Factory.

*Tuesday 22nd: 9:00 The Pearl Market, Indoor Market.

*Wednesday 23rd: 9:00 Tienanmen Square, Forbidden City, Receive child's Canadian documents, Good-bye/Birthday Party

*Thursday 24th: Free day...packing and such and depart for Canada in the evening. 12 Hour time change and ....we arive in Toronto at 9:00 pm.

*Friday 25th: Depart from Toronto at 9:00am, arrive in Halifax and depart for Charlottetown @ 3:55 and arrive at 4:30. Home sweet Home, with our daughter!

3 to go !!! Not Long Now!

THREE DAYS TO GO!!!!!
Thank You Michelle for letting me play on your blog giveaway. Thanks for the adorable frame, beautiful bracelet and the sweet post you did about what the bracelet meant to you as you made it. Your post brought me to tears. I too hope that one day we will see many more people adopting older children. She also added a few other treats to this package for our sweet girl. Thanks for thinking of us! I have to say as soon as I seen the bracelet I had to put it on...I'll take it off and put it on her when we get to China.

If you would like to have a bracelet made Michelle makes them for 20.00 each. This will be a treasure in our home and a conversation piece. If anyone ever asks where it came from. I will tell them what a wonderful community of bloggy friends I have and how we are truly connected each one of us by a tiny red thread leading us all to a far away land where our hearts hold the hand of a little child with brown hair and beautiful almond shaped brown eyes. Thank you Michelle more than you know.

I spent over an hour last night on the phone with THIS bloggy friend who adopted a toddler a couple of years ago. It was nice to hear her experience. It wasn't the fairy tail that most people believe it to be. I am prepared for that in my heart but to hear someone who had a bit of difficulty seemed to drive it home. Our daughter hasn't been waiting for us for 4 years like we have been waiting for her so we need to know that in all likelihood she will not come running into our arms in slow motion. We have both accepted in our hearts that we need to be what ever she wants us to be for those first couple of weeks until she understands and trusts us. We just don't want to have unrealistic expectations and be disappointed or take it personally. She said her daughter started to grieve right away. I think it is a good think that a child does this so soon. Especially an older child. We would know that she can indeed attach herself to someone. I wouldn't want our daughter to suppress her feelings or think it's wrong to express them.

Our conversation on the phone last night was awesome. She told me lots of wonderful things about how everything panned out and how well her sweet daughter has adjusted. She also gave me some great travel tips such as buy LOTS of shoes and dresses. She had a super easy formula for clothing sizes, you take the size on the garment and divide it by 2 and that will give you the child's age. Another tip was to keep our guide with us in the hotel until we have the Internet up and running in case we need a password from the front desk. All in all it was a wonderful conversation. I'm so glad we had the chance to talk before we leave.

So today I plan to wash the bed clothes, do some cleaning. Go get bed rails and a mattress cover. I need to tie up some loose ends at work and do my quarterly tax return. Call a few people and touch base before we leave and at some point go for a nice long walk in the fresh air. I'm such a doer.....it heps pass the time ;O).