Day 3-What a Great Laugh!

We have had a great day and a good night of sleep. It was hard to get Lillie settled after our day! we started with a call to Pop pop, then later in the morning went swimming. Lillie enjoyed the pool, but didn't like the water to get very deep. She did get braver as our time passed. We also had lots of fun playing today...she loves to rough house and Nai Nai was happy to do that with her. She also loves to write...and Ms. Julie will be happy to hear that she already has a great grasp! At dinner we ate with Levi and his family again and She and Levi had fun reaquainting themselves with one another. Lillie also got a lesson from the waitress on using chopsticks which was a lot of fun. (she also got chocolate from Nai Nai which might have contributed to our trouble getting to sleep!) We finished the day with our new toothbrush from Donna...she loves it! We are off today to see the pandas...that is if it stops raining...the only thing more overwhelming than being in one of China's
3 furnaces is to be here with 100% humidity! We love you all and can't wait to see everyone back home!

Things I've Learned during Day #2

I have learned that my Spicy Chongqing girl LOVES water! She loves her bath, she loves fountains and I am hoping she will love the pool tomorrow! She loves to eat... congee, egg, cereal bites, etc. Even more...she loves to be independent! (and of course, that means that 2 spoons are better than one!) I have learned that her independence means that she does not show any interest at this time in her bottle. She doesn't really even like the sippy cup... an open cup, however, is wonderful! I learned that my girl is still a bit uncertain about new places and people... we need a fairly calm environment, or it really stresses her out. I have learned that when you go to have your family picture made for your official documents, you should not have to wake your baby from a nap...the results are a not our best picture! I have learned that once you finally sign those papers and get your forms and are an official family, it is a bit emotional. I didn't have time to get weepy yesterday with the stress of her fear...but today I did cry a bit... I know everyone is surpised! And finally, I have learned that I have received a wonderful blessing from God named Lillie Elizabeth Baoyun Nielsen, who is blessed in turn with so many people who love her. Lets pray that she sleeps better tonight and that tomorrow she feels even more secure!

Gotcha Day!

Where do I begin? We were up early for our trip to Chongqing, expecting to come to the hotel, then to the orphanage. Not a chance! We went straight to the SWI, and after a brief chat with the head nanny and Vice Director Chen, (I also gave them the scrapbook from the other Fuling Parents...i will post pictures of that soon) then I looked out the window and there she was! Our initial time together was a little rough and confusing for her, but we did have a short tour of the Orphan Care Center and could meet the other nannies. Lillie is quite popular there also! We returned to our hotel and as the evening progressed, she became much more confident and animated! She loves Lotion...and chap stick...and all things flashing and musical! We finally headed for bed, with a rough time sleeping...we were up several times and the last 3 hours she slept on my chest. It is now Monday morning and today we sign our official paperwork! I will post again as soon as possible!
Interesting side note, i can open blogger and add things,but cannot open my site...Maybe because the word China is in the title? Anyway, If there are mistakes...

A Busy Day in Beijing!

Today we have traveled and seen so much! We started at the Jade factory and learned about Jade. Then a trip to the Great Wall.... mom and I did more taking pictures than walking up and I am thankful. Those who did try to go up are now not feeling well due to the heat and being already exhausted. It was quite amazing to see! We also went to the Summer Palace, the Pearl Market and a Cloisonne shop. So much to see! We are, of course, extremely tired so mom and I are turning in early. We must be up, checked out and ready to go to the airport by 6:00 am...and we want to be as rested as possible to meet Lillie! I am including a few pics from today...and 2 more of Lillie that were taken by a visiting family last week! Check out that fabulous smile!!!!!
We will see it in person in less than a day!

ok, after several tries, I can't get the pics of Lillie on here...you can go to http://web.mac.com/azuckerman/iWeb/Site/Fuling%20SWI.html and scroll down...you will find 2 pics of her!

We have Arrived in Beijing!

After hours and hours of travel, some really bad movies, some really interesting people and very crowded airports we have arrived in Beijing! There are 7 families from all over and we are quickly getting to know one another! It is now 11:30 pm and we are finally in our hotel room, ready to sleep and shower for a full day tomorrow. The bellboys have brought our luggage up, we've set our room safe and we are headed to bed. The most interesting part of our hotel is that the electricity in the room will not work without the room key being inserted into a slot! A pretty ingenious way to keep electricity use to a minimum! I also noticed that in Japan and here in China there are a lot more recycling bins available.

Tomorrow we are off the the Great Wall and the Summer Palace! Only 1 and 1/2 days till Lillie!!!!!!

A Small Change in Plans!

Well, today I found out there has been a small change in our itinerary! Due to an issue that arose with a recent adoption through our agency, there is now a requirement that parents meet their children the day BEFORE paperwork is filled out. What this means is that mom and I will not be staying in Beijing long enough to see the Forbidden City and Tien An Men Square, but will be flying Sunday morning to Chongqing, driving to Fuling, and getting Lillie on SUNDAY AFTERNOON! It seems that there are changes that will be taking place in the entire Province, however the China office of A Helping Hand have worked it out so that our only change will be meeting the children one day earlier. I know that my gain comes from another family's misfortune and my heart aches for them. Please keep Lillie and all the other little ones in your thoughts and prayers.... 6 days till we meet...and counting!

Lillie's Bedroom!

Although there will still be things to do to Lillie's room once she gets home (figuring out what her favorite toys are and putting them within her reach, etc.) her bedroom is now officiallly ready! I added a toybox/bench that I repainted... a treasure passed to Lillie from my friend Sydney, who is now too old to need it! I have also added the BEAUTIFUL quilt that my cousin Ashley made for Lillie. She mailed it to me to make sure it was on the bed before Lillie arrived and it looks perfect. Amazingly enough, Ashley has not see the room in person but worked from pictures and descriptions I sent. This is a gift from Ashley and not the 100 Good Wishes Quilt. The quilt was definately the homey touch needed to complete her room.... It is ready to welcome her home!

One More Week!

We are officially one week away from our departure date for China. Mom and I are doing all we can to pack lightly...without forgetting anything and everything that we might need! It is amazing to think that I will FINALLY have Lillie in my arms in about 10 days!
For those of you who don't know, my daughter's name will be Lillie Elizabeth Baoyun Nielsen. I chose the name Lillie after my great grandmother, Lillie Belle Depp Matthews. Her second name, Elizabeth, was chosen because it is a family name and was my grandmother, Margerett Matthews Alexander's middle name. Baoyun is her name now. An interesting side note to this explanation is that our Forever Family Day (the day Lillie and I will be united) is the same date as my grandmother's birthday, July 9th. It seems fitting that we become a family on that day, with her being named for Nana and her mother.

Family is very important to me and I am lucky to be a part of a large and loving family. God has blessed me with this wonderful family and with amazing friends...and now a beautiful daughter! When I think about my support system and the people that are excited about her arrival, I know Lillie will be one of the most loved children in all the world! (She already is!!!!!)

Tickets have been Purchased!!!

We have our tickets purchased and now it is time to really get some tasks finished! I have a classroom to finish moving, reports to complete, a house to get in order..... so much to do in the next two weeks! I am so thankful for everyone who has been surpportive through this entire process...pelase know that Lillie and I will continue to need your support and prayers but are so thankful for all that we have received!
Here is our itenerary:
7/05 NW3715 (1114A/1230P) Lexington/Detroit
7/05 NW25 (230P/425P) Detroit/Tokyo (arrive Tokyo on 7/06)
7/06 NW11 (625P/920P) Tokyo/Beijing
Coming Home:
7/18 NW10 (820A/200P) Guangzhou/Tokyo
7/18 NW26 (300P/145P) Tokyo/Detroit
7/18 NW5885 (456P/608P) Detroit/Lexington
It is hard to believe she will be home in less than a month!!!!

I am also including some pictures I recently received. They are from Eric Stowe, who is the Director of A Child's Right. They recently put in a new water purification system at the Fuling SWI.

I Finally recieved TA!!!

This week I have been on a mission trip with my youth group. We went to texas to work at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. I told the group that I was hoping to recieve a call from my Adoption Agency saying I had received Travel Approval. We went through the week with every phone call being followed by , "Andrea, Is that the call?!?!" Well, Thursday, we went into Mexico to visit the Casita project and Casa Betel, the orphanage supported by SWGSM. We met some of the children at Casa Betel and were on our way back when my phone rang! There was no way to know who was calling so with great restraint I waited until we reached the border crossing...Only to find out it WAS the call! So.... In a hot, unairconditioned van, with my youth group, waiting to cross back into the US I finally found out I was going to China! What an amazing situation to be in when I finally found out I was so close to meeting my daughter in person! Friday, I was able to check my email and find out our estimated date for departure is July 5! I can't wait...Lillie I am counting the days!

Still waiting

I am still waiting to hear about TA (Travel Approval). Once it comes...things will move a bit quickly with regard to getting our tickets, knowing our consolate date, etc. I will definately let everyone know. There are a few new pics from families who recently traveled. Just wanted to share them with you all!

Today I Received my LOA!!!!!

Today, while out on the playground with my class, I got a message from Amy, our bookkeeper, that the Adoption Agency was on the phone! Well, after running all the way to the office (yes, there was another adult with my class and yes, I actually ran) I heard the wonderful news from Grace! My Letter of Acceptance has arrived, which means I will sign it, and have it returned by Monday so that it can be sent to China on Tuesday! We will meet as a travel group on Tuesday, May 22 and will hopefully travel by the end of June, first of July. Keep those prayers coming... and know how thankful I am that each of you continue to be such a wonderful support through this process.

By the way... Today marks the 9 month mark from the day I first saw Lillie's beautiful face. I guess that means today is my "due date". Pretty amazing how everything works.

My First Lillie Shower!

I recently had my first Shower...a combine shower with Katie Adams at our school! Our wonderful friends and co-workers planned a beautiful afternoon for us both. It was a lot of fun.... Katie and I took turns opening gifts; hers for the daughter she is expecting Elysia, and mine for a 2 year old. It was fun to see the differences.
I am certain that many people beleive that they are blessed by having a good work environment. I however, feel like my school and co-workers are gifts from God, who support one another through ups, downs, long waits and uncertainty. I recieved some wonderful gifts, only a few of which I can add to the blog. I received a wonderful stroller, toys and clothes for Lillie, gift cards and more. Best of all, I receive the gift of friendship and support. I can't wait for Lillie to feel the same support and love!

Progress on the Quilt

Here are a few pictures that Ashley sent that show some of the work started on the quilt. There will be turtles, then other fabric squares from wishes fabric. I am so excited about how the quilt is progressing! I am sending more fabric to Ashley this weekend, so I am hoping to get the last of the squares in over the next few weeks. Lillie is going to be wrapped in love and wonderful wishes!