Video from SWI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXmDA8rsjKE

This is a video shot by Janelle Ryan and her family while visiting the SWI. If you watch VERY CLOSELY, you will see a really quick glimpse of Lillie walking on her own coming out of the back room. I realize it is about a fourth of a second long... but I will take what I can get!

Quilt update

I have received over 25 squares...yeah! We are over a fourth of the way there! I am planning to spend some time with my cousin Ashley this weekend to make some style decisions about the quilt. I am trying to post squares soon after I receive them. If you would like to see what I have received so far, click on the link at the top of the side bar!

Updates...

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still waiting for confirmation of my LID. I have talked with Grace, my coordinator, and she let me know that, in all actuality, I am presently logged in. Unfortunately, notification of your log in does not come as quickly as it actually occurs. Which means...the wait still continues. I am hoping, however, that with the wait for confirmation taking so long, I will receive my LOA not long after I receive confirmation. All that is to say... I am hoping that the wait is getting shorter and shorter!
On another note, Janelle Ryan, who traveled to get her daughter 2 weeks ago, said Lillie is now walking independently! I had guessed that, but now have confirmation.

Video of Lillie from December!

Okay...I know it seems a bit late since this is from December...HOWEVER...It has been a long hard technology road to get them on here. It is great to see her walking...I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have.

Two of the videos have her walking and interacting...the third shows the other babies in her room. It helps tell a bit more of the story!

Another View of Lillie's Room

Here are a few more pics of Lillie's room and the progress made. I finally got the top done (It's a small world) and the pictures on the wall. The 2 you see by her bed are both from Fuling ( I found them in pictures posted by other parents who have traveled to the area.) One is a Stick Stick Soldier and the other is women doing Tai Chi. The little mirror and the beautiful elephant pillow were chosen for her by her cousins Patricia and Clarissa...they are both from Pakistan via Switzerland. The Japanese figures are from my friend Allyson.
The other picture is another corner of her room. The wonderful rocker was given by Sydney Sampson and her family... a transfer from her playroom to Lillie's bedroom. The shelf is full of wonderful books and a few toys. I am sure we will add more as time gets closer to Lillie's arrival. The pretty pink blanket peeking out from the side of the picture is from Meg and Caroline...one that I am sure will be a favorite!
Just thought I would help give everyone a better "view"!

Progress on the 100 wishes quilt

Thank you so much to everryone who has sent fabric for the 100 wishes quilt! I received another square today.
There are so many people who keep telling me they plan to contribute and I can't imagine the quilt without your wish! I would love to have all of the peices (or at least most of them) by the first week of April so that over spring break we can begin working on it. Although I don't know for certain, i should have a log in date soon, which means travel could come sooner rather than later...finally! (don't get too excited...I am still expecting late summer at the soonest) Thanks again to everyone. Your prayers and good wishes are greatly appreciated!

Pictures from Fuling

Another three Fuling girls have found their forever families! These families went to the Orphanage today and took lots of gifts for the children and nannies. They also had the chance to meet Lillie! One of the ladies, Janelle, spent time with Lillie and told her how much I loved her and that I would come for her soon. The picture Lillie is holding in her hand is the one I sent to Janelle so she could find Fu Bao Yun once they arrived in Fuling. It is good to see her looking healthy and strong! Hold on Lillie...I am coming as soon as I can!

My Daughter the "Drinker"!

I recieved an email a few days ago from a kind woman named Jean Casey. She had been to Fuling in the fall to pick up her beautiful daughter Ellen and realized she had pictures of Lillie. She let me know she would send them to me...so I was very excited to find the pictures waiting in my e-mail tonight. They are so fun! The pictures are of Lillie and her freinds at bottle time. She is in the one in the light blue outfit and she clearly LOVES her bottle! as Jean wrote..."Beware when she is older - do not send her off to a bar alone with her friends!! " That says it all! What a girl!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy year of the Boar! The lunar new year, which is celebrated in China as the Chinese New Year, begins today! It is one of the 2 largest holidays in the country and is a time to celebrate with friends and family. It is also a time to get rid of the previous years bad luck and to usher in new good luck. I guess for me, it is both since I know the holiday will delay slightly my dossier being processed, but know that this next year will be good luck with the addition of Lilliie to make our forever family! I know that Lillie is a "Rat" and I am a "Horse"...I am sure they are greatly complatible! If you want to see what your zodiac sign is, you can go to: http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/zodiac.html
Happy New Year!

DTC...Dossier to China 2/9/2007

My Dossier is off to China! Some of you may wonder, what IS a dossier…well it is a collection of paperwork and information going to the CCAA that tells them EVERYTHING about me.
I have already sent….
LOI (Letter of Intent)
PAPL (Prospective Adoptive Parents Letter)
These forms were sent in September to the CCAA in order to be officially matched with Lillie. These two forms essentially gave the Chinese Government a little information about me and explained what I know about Fu Bao Yun's special need and what I will do for her once she arrives in the US.

The Dossier is SOOOO much more. Here is a list of what I can remember that are included in the Dossier:
1. Home Study completed which included having forms and info including…
• Application letter (notarized, etc.)
• Adoptive parents fact sheet (notarized, etc.)
• Autobiography
• Letter to birth parents
• Guardian Information Sheet
• Medical Information/physical/blood work/TB test (notarized, etc.)
• Explanation of any surgeries I have had and how it will affect my ability to parent (my sinus surgery)
• Explanations of any medications I take and why
• Financial Information Sheet (assets and bills…net worth information) (notarized)

2. 2 criminal records checks – state and federal
3. Records check for child abuse
4. Original Birth Certificate with State Seal
(My birthplace on my BC has changed…crazy huh!)
5. Letter of Employment (notarized)
6. Letter from Bank with balance in checking account
7. Letter from Bank with balance of savings account
8. Letter from bank about any loans I have
9. Certified copy of I 171 H (notarized, etc.)
10. 6 pictures of parent, family, home, etc.
11. 3 letters of reference
12. Single status statement (notarized, etc.)
13. Guardian Statement (notarized, etc.)

Several of the forms that are part of the Home Study are also part of the Dossier. In addition, all of the forms that were notarized also had to be county, state and consulate authenticated. I know I am probably forgetting something, but it at least tells you a little bit about what an exciting thing it is to have this complete and on it’s way!

On a side note…I also have to have parent education and specific parent education that relates to Lillie’s special need. After attending a training tomorrow afternoon, I will have that completed also…at least what is required. There may be more training that I want to attend!

P.S. I wanted to add this picture. I found this in the pictures from the orphanage that parents have taken and sent to a site called image events. I was so excited to find it! It was taken in November!

Another Exciting Arrival!

I had a very exciting and unexpected arrival today! I opened my email to find that Grace, my coordinator at AHH had received another update on Lillie! I have more new friend that are in China this week to pick up their beautiful daughter Zoe. On Monday, they received her from the nannies and found out she was in foster care through the SWI. They chose not to travel to Fuling, but were able to ask about Lillie and another beautiful little Fulinger named Mia (Mia is also named Fu Bao Yun, but is a little younger than Lillie, with a birthday in September). Mia is also in foster care and therefore her new mommy and daddy have received very few pictures of her. I am praying that they too will get some pictures. Kristen and Sean (Zoe's new mommy and daddy) spoke with nannies and also the Director of the Orphanage on Thursday. Here is Kristen's note about Lillie...
"Your girl must have a great personality! The two nannies we saw at Gotcha day and Director Chen both laughed and smiled with much love at your Lillie's picture! I sense she has great favor with them and is a character!! Can't wait for your travel and your take on her personality!"
It is such a blessing to know there are people who love her so much!
I also received some new size updates... apparently, she has grown since the last update I received! She is 2 feet 7 inches, she weighs about 32 pounds (that could be with all her clothes on, which would add a few pounds possibly) and her foot is 6 inches long. My girl is getting very big! ...and apparently has had another haircut!

Just wanted to share the newest! Thank you for loving Lillie!

My I-171H has Arrived!

Yesterday, my I-171 H finally arrived! It was the last peice of paperwork I needed in order to send my Dossier to China! It is also the paper that will serve as Lillie's visa back into the US when I finally travel. I had the form notarized, and authenticated and took it to the agency...and now it is off to DC and then will be off to China! It is yet another step in the right direction and means that hopefully it will arrive in China, be translated into Chinese and logged in within the next 5 or 6 weeks. It seems like forever, but I am hoping that it will go quickly. As soon as I have an official log in date, I have a better idea of how long until travel. Prayers and good thoughts, please!

Bai Jia Bei...the 100 Good Wishes Quilt

“To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is a custom to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth with a wish for the baby. Part of the patch of cloth goes into the quilt for the baby, and the other part of the cloth can go into a scrapbook with the wish for the child. The quilt contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. “
I would love to do this for Lillie! I would love for everyone who has a special wish for Lillie to help with this project! Your time and help will be greatly appreciated… and I think it will be a wonderful way to welcome Lillie and to continue a tradition from her home country!
If you would like to contribute, please send a 6"x6" square of 100% cotton fabric. It can be gently used fabric that is special, or just be fabric you really like! When you send the fabric for the quilt I would also appreciate your sending a "wish" or prayer or blessing on a card with your name and address and a small piece of the cloth attached to it. I will make a scrapbook for Lillie to have when she is older that will tell her about how much she was loved before she arrived. Her "Wishes" Book with the matching material from the will help to tell her story.
Thank you for helping with this special project! I will post pictures of the Quilt when it is complete! I am hoping my wonderful cousin Ashley…quilter extrordinaire, will help me with this project. She is already creating beautiful quilts for Lillie and her friends in Fuling!
Send fabric and wishes for the quilt to:
Andrea Nielsen
401 Redding Rd #16
Lexington, Kentucky 40517

Thank you for loving Lillie!

The Mystery of Split Pants

One of the images of Lillie that constantly draws questions from everyone is about her pants. Split pants are pants with a giant hole on the bottom - known in Chinese as "kaidangku" (literally "open-crotch pants"). Although many people in China now use disposable diapers, several still use the split pants…including Fuling SWI. These pants not only make it easier to change a diaper, but I have learned that they assist with potty training. Apparently, it would not be unusual to see a bare baby bottom out in public…or even stopping to go to the bathroom…right on the street! Bare baby bottoms are an increasingly rare sight…but apparently kaidangku used to be almost a uniform for toddlers. I guess this explains why some of us have heard that the Chinese potty train their children at a young age! I thought this might help explain Lillie’s present fashion to everyone!

Pictures from MaryHelen

With my new hobby of reading about all things China and Fuling, I found out that another new mom...MaryHelen, would be traveling to China to receive her daughter, Rose. It is so exciting to follow the path that each of these new families take and is always a time that I ask others to check on my beautiful Lillie. It is always with the understanding that they may not be able to travel to the SWI, or upon arriving there, may not be near her. I knew this was a possibility with MaryHelen's visit also. When I quickly checked HER blog earlier today, she told about her visit and explained she had only had the opportunity to visit 2 baby rooms. I assumed that it would be very unlikely that she saw my Lillie....so imagine my surprise when i received this email and pictures!
"i visited the fuling swi today, we were only able to visit two baby rooms but guess what? your lillie is in the same room that my rose was. i took photos and i'm attaching some photos here.
i hope i have the right baby - i took her name and birthdate and my guide went to the office to find out which baby - she's a waiting child? she has a problem with her foot? i have to say, she held her nanny's hand and walked all over so it doesn't appear to be slowing her down too much. so i'm attaching the pics. "
I must say that this waiting has been terribly painful, but again I thank God for the kindness of others and the good fortune I have had. I must say that after speaking with other waiting parents...as well as other adoptive parents....I have been truly blessed! I pray that the time between now and the Lillie's "Gotcha Day" is short and moves quickly!

Prayers and Positive Thoughts

Just wanted to let everyone know that I checked the Immigration site today and they are now processing I 600A's from October....YEAHHHHH! I filed in mid October so I am hoping that means I will recieve my I 171H in the next few days! This would be a wonderful gift, since it is the form needed before my Dossier can be sent to China. Please send prayers and positive energy that this too will move quickly and we can get all the paperwork of to China...the sooner the paperwork goes, the sooner the LID (log in date) and the sooner the LID, the sooner we travel to bring Lillie home!

Udate on Lillie's freind Michelle

I recently received an e-mail from Mimi with this precious picture of Michelle! She let me know that Michelle is adjusting well to her new family and home. She also let me know that Michelle blossoms each day and that it is hard for her not to spend every minute with a camera or video camera to document every moment! Michelle is now doing a lot of cruising around and is trying very hard to walk. I have this vision in my head of she and Lillie in their beds, each longing to "get up and go". Mimi let me know that she is sending a CD with pictures from the orphanage and the video clips...she also said it is amazing to realize how simple tasks (like going to the post office) become a major undertaking with a child! Another quick reminder that my life is about to change...
I can't wait!

An update from Fuling!

Today I came hope to a great surprise...an update on Lillie from China! I asked, upon receiving approval from the CCAA, for an update from the SWI on Lillie and her development. Grace received the information today and sent it on to me, including 2 new pictures! There were several documents...7 in all...but they are still in Chinese - SO some information will take a few days to translate! The developmental information, however, is in English and Chinese so I have also attached those forms for you to see. These forms tell me that Lillie is a deep sleeper, can pick a pill up with her thumb and index finger (why in the world would she have a pill???) and can stand alone steadily. She likes to bang blocks together, knows what the word "NO"means and can point to her eyes, ears, nose, etc. when asked. The personality section says she is restless, likes to sing and listen to music, has a ready smile AND is talkative. (I clearly must learn some Chinese!)
Just wanted to share with everyone my newest information! It is another exciting step toward Lillie's coming home to Kentucky! Keep those prayers coming!

Translated Letter!

My letter to the orphanage has been translated into Chinese, so I can finally send Lillie's care package! Adele with Blessed Kids did the translation... a wonderful service that will help the director and nannies know about the items in the care package. The package will include a blanket that Ashley made, some small books, a hat I knit, a disposable camera, a small toy and candy for the nannies. (One book will be pictures of the family.) I will take pictures before sending the package off and will post them soon. I cut and paste the letter (in English) below.

Dear Director and Nannies,
I am eagerly looking forward to adopting Fu Baoyun. I
feel honored that I will be the mother of this
wonderful little girl soon. Thank you for all the love
and care you have given her.

I are enclosing a disposable camera in this package,
hoping you might be able to take some photographs of
Fu Baoyun at the orphanage, with her nannies, and
anything that you feel may be important to us or her
in the future. I will keep these pictures to share
with her when she is older. I am sure they will mean
so much to both of us and we will definitely cherish
them in the future. I can get the pictures developed
while I am there and send you copies, if you would
like.

Please accept the enclosed candy and chocolate for the
orphanage caretakers and children. I deeply appreciate
the time and effort you and your staff devote to
helping orphans have a good place to live and grow.

Thank you for all you have done for Fu Baoyun. I will
forever be grateful.

The Fuling SWI

I know I have shared some information about the Social Welfare Institute in Fuling, but thought I would post a few pictures! This is the present building they are located in, with the entrance and gate being seen in one of the pictures. This picture is particularly significant to Lillie's "story" since that is where she was found April 23, 2005. The sign is located at the Lily Orphan Care Center located in the SWI. The translation of the sign is:

Our Promise to the Children:
Children are the Most Important.
We Treasure Them.
Treat Them Equally.
Care for Them with Love
And in an Educated Way.
It is nice to know that Lillie is being treasured there as well as here!