Leaving today for Beijing

I can't believe that I am leaving today for Beijing. We will arrive there tomorrow (well, if we catch our layover in Narita, Tokyo). The weather here is fabulous so hopefully there aren't any issues taking off on time. I am all packed and now trying to figure out how I waste time until I need to leave for the airport. Maybe I will try some Guitar Hero to focus on something other than that I will be with Malia in 5 days!!! I will post again when we get to Beijing.

One week until Malia

One week from today I will be holding my little girl. I can't believe how slow and fast this time has went. I am ready to leave on Wednesday for a couple days in Beijing before getting Malia next Monday. Easter was good and I am getting through the to do list and the packing. Both suitcases are under 45 lbs and thanks to mom and dad for packing the food and gifts in their suitcases. I am actually feeling really prepared packing wise, now it is just the emotional side. Thank you again to everyone for the support. It has been great to know that I can count on my friends and family to help with stuff while I am in China.

One week.... I can make it!

New addition - Baby Aislinn

My brother and sister in law had their little baby this morning at 8:45 am. Baby and mom are doing well. She is 8 lbs 7 oz. and 21 1/4 inches long. Update: I visited tonight and she is a wonderful little cutie and I can wait for the girls to grow up together.

Congratulations to Jeff, Amy and big brother Garrett. ... And under two weeks until I hold my little girl. The family is growing.

Two weeks until Malia Day!!

It is only two more weeks from today until I get to hold Malia!!! I can't believe that I am leaving in a week and a half from today for China. Each day seems harder and harder to make it through. Although I know I am getting so close.

Many people have asked about my flight information for when we return. We are on flight 20 from Narita - Tokyo to MSP. We arrive at 12:20 pm and you will want to factor in about 1/2 hour for customs. People can meet us at the far end of baggage claim on Friday, 4/11, if you want to be there.

Now, back to packing, to do lists, and everything else that needs to be done before we leave. Thank you for the many offers to help out and a special call out to those that are taking on some work (i.e. dog sitting, paperwork keeper, house/mail watcher.

Grandma Update - After breaking her leg in two places and getting a steel rod and pins put in, she is recouping and getting therapy. She is staying at Presbyterian Homes & Services in Roseville, MN. She is in the same place as my aunt Arlene so we can visit both at the same time.

Leaving 3/26, Returning 4/11 - It's finally happening!

So 27 months later, Malia and I will finally be together. I first get to hold her on March 31. We got our flights booked last night and leave March 26 for a couple days in Beijing first to sight see and get used to the time change. Then I get Malia on March 31st and we leave Guangzhou on 4/9 to spend some time in Hong Kong and fly back on 4/11. It is finally feeling very real that I will finally be together with her. Thanks again to everyone for their love and support during this trying process. Now, a time to finish packing, preparing, and for my new niece to make her appearance in this world before we leave (hopefully)!

READY TO GO!!!

I got the consulate approval and I get to hold Malia for the first time on 3/31. I will post more later but I need to work with the travel agent right now.

Travel Approval is here!!!

So late yesterday afternoon I heard that travel approval was formally accepted by the agency. We now only have one more step and I can book our flights. We need the confirmed U.S. Consulate Appointment. The agency is asking for April 7th or the soonest thereafter. This would mean that we would leave around 3/19. So close now!!!! It should only take a couple business days to hear back from the U.S. Consulate so Tuesday or Wednesday the travel becomes fully real. I will keep you updated once I hear back.

It's working - TA is on it's way!

What a roller coaster still. I just got an email from my agency saying that the travel approval is on its way. They are still hoping for us to travel in March and be back early April. YEA!!! It might take a couple days to get the formal approval and then consulate appointment but we are getting closer to Malia.

OK, now waiting for Travel Approval!!!

So it has been one month since I first saw Malia Feng Sha and it has been busy but still more waiting as well. Now I am waiting to hear on travel approval. This is in China's hands to send back a letter to the agency giving us approval to travel to get Malia. Then it takes a couple days to get a confirmed consulate appointment before we can book our flights. I am really praying hard that we get travel approval soon. We need to be in and out of China before the April trade shows start on the 12th if at all possible. Otherwise, I will have to wait until May to get Malia home and that is just not something I want to accept at this point. Any prayers to get our travel approval faster will be greatly appreciated. I will keep you posted if I hear anything.

One step closer...

I just got the approval from CIS on my fingerprints (for the third time)!!!! This is required for me to be able to travel so I am REALLY relieved that the approval came through.

Now we want Travel Approval to come in this week so I can know my travel dates...

Malia Update

I just got updated measurements on Malia. The other measurements were from September. I am so excited because this helps me to know what size she might be in when I travel to get her.

Height: 34 inches
Weight: 26.9 lbs
Foot length: 4.8 inches

This puts her now closer to the 50th percentile for weight and height on the U.S. charts.

As far as I can tell this means that she might be in a maybe a size 5 shoe and 24 month/2T clothes. Whew, our initial guess is right based on the growth charts we did.

No update on travel approval yet. I am hoping to hear in the next week or two.

Spend, spend, spend, spend..

OK, you know me and shopping. I have to say that some of the outfits are gifts also.

Guanzhou Social Welfare Institute

So I found some pictures of the Guangzhou SWI that Malia was at from April 2006 until November 2007. Half the Sky (non-profit) helps at this orphange and created the playground and the classrooms. China is also renovating sections of the building which is great.

Referral Acceptance and Happy Chinese New Year

This week has been a blur but it was wonderful. I can't believe that it will be a week tomorrow since I first saw Malia Feng Sha. I turned in my letter of acceptance on Thursday and went out to dinner with friends that all have 2 year old girls from China. I also hosted a Chinese New Year party at my house on Saturday. Thank you to those that made it with the snow and really cold winds. It was a great time and awesome to think Malia will be here next year for the celebration.

Now, I am waiting for acceptances to go back to China so we can get travel approval. The estimated time for travel approval is 2-3 weeks. From there it might be another 3-4 weeks until I travel to CHINA!!!!

I believe in the red thread.....

I don't know how it is possible that this little girl is so perfect for me. Not only was she born on Christmas day, which is the ultimate holiday in my family but her personality is such a match.

• She loves watching singing and dancing shows on TV (OK, we can watch American Idol and Dancing with the Star together).
• She is quiet and fairly introverted but she adjusts well to strangers and new environments
• Her favorite place is to play outdoors and if she is upset you can calm her by going outside (glad we are coming home in the spring)
• She is speaking one to two syllable words (oh, oh - better practice my Chinese)
• She has 16 teeth but loves candies (better think about the dentist appointment)
• She goes by the name Feng Sha (so this will be her middle name)

I just had the pediatrician appointment and everything looks really good. She even typed in all of Malia's measurements over the past two years and printed off height and weight growth charts for me. It was so neat to see how she progressed over this time.

Thank you to everyone for the kind words and support. This is an awesome journey and I love that you are all in it with me.

It's a Girl!!!

It’s a girl!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: Li Feng Sha
Bday: 12/25/05 (Christmas baby)
Province: Guangdong
She is in foster care.

Height: 31.5 in
Weight: 23.8 lbs

Stork Update...

So it looks like it might be Friday or Monday.... What a roller coaster ride but I know it will not be coming today but it is so close!

More coming....

Stork Alert????

From what I am hearing, the referrals might be on their way here and I should be in it!!!!!!

Oh my God!!!!!

More rumors... still including 12/22 for this month...

So here is the latest from the Rumor Queen.

Still hearing that the 22nd will be included.
Just to be clear, this rumor is not that the cut off is the 22nd, this rumor is that the 22nd will be included.
We’re still at the R2 level

I know most of you may not be familiar with the ratings. So here is quick summary.
R1 - A rumor that is very, very suspect
R2 - A rumor to keep an eye on
R3 - A rumor we feel good about as accurate
R4 - A very, very, very reliable rumor.

We want to see this hit an R3 and find out when they might be coming. I am continuing to work on projects this weekend so I will be really ready for the call if it comes next week. My prediction is Tuesday or Wednesday because I am in all day classes at work those days. My agency was checking that all of my paperwork was ready so I take that also as a good sign that it might happen soon.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed. It seems like it might be working. I believe.... I believe....

Referral Rumors Starting!!!

The referral rumors for this months are starting and I like the sound of this one. One agency said that 12/22 would be getting referrals this month (that would be my date). However, since this is only one agency and it is still a little early in the month, I am not counting on it yet. It would be great if they can get thru 12/22 but it would be even better if they could go farther for the people that are behind me in this wait.

Continue to keep your fingers crossed. It might actually work!!

P.S. I had another dream last night about getting "the call" for my referral.

Rumors on next set of referrals

It is still unclear whether I will be included in the next set of referrals or not since 12/20 is so big. But here is the information on when we might see the next update.

"The soonest I’d expect to see them this month is Friday, January 25 and the latest is Monday, February 4. The most likely arrival based on the numbers would be Thursday, January 31."

I am so excited that I should finally see Malia in February (hopeful) or March (at the worst). YEA!!! KEEP YOUR FINGERS, TOES, ETC CROSSED!!!

For my birthday?

Referrals came over the New Years holiday and they did 5 days (12/15 - 12/19). This means that we need them to match 3 days for February. In theory this should be no problem; however, 12/20 has a ton of families. Please, please, please.... let them match 3 days during this month. I think this means that I will get a referral early February (just in time for my birthday). But, even if it is not February, the longest it could be would be March.

As for other updates, Christmas was good. It was so weird to think that next year I will be celebrating Christmas with Malia!!! I spent time with family and friends. Even though it snowed a lot, I still was able to have fun. New Years was also a nice time. I watched some movies with my parents and we welcomed 2008. I just know that 2008 will be special because I will be getting my referral, I will finally see Malia's face and learn about her personality. I am so looking forward to going to China and meeting/holding my daughter for the first time. I hope everyone also has a great 2008!

Next week???

It is rumored that the next set of referrals may be coming next week. I need everyone to wish and pray really hard that 12/22 is included this month. I know they can match 8 days... the question is will they? I will keep you posted!

P.S. I hope everyone had a nice Christmas.

2 years ago today...

So it was exactly two years ago today that China officially logged my paperwork into their system and the clock started. I am having fun with the Christmas season knowing that next year I will be celebrating it with Malia. Also, just this morning I received my finished 100 wishes quilt for Malia and it is gorgeous. My grandma Betty and her friends in Arizona assembled it for me and I can't believe how wonderful it turned out. They also surprised me and made two pillow cases that match it. Later today I am also celebrating Christmas with my friends I have know since childhood. Finally, my sister, brother in law, and new baby Jude are coming in from Chicago to celebrate Christmas. I hope everyone has a great Christmas!!!

....maybe January...

So I have heard more from my agency and others that are waiting with similar log in dates and it seems like January is pretty possible. According to my agency "The month prior, the CCAA was able to match 8 days of LIDs. What this means for you is that since your LID is 8 days out from 12/14, you have a good chance of being referred in January, though it is also possible you won't be matched until February. I've got my fingers crossed for January though!".

Hey, I will take a good chance for January!!!

Here is a new pictures of Jude.

Well, still waiting for Malia....

So they just updated the CCAA website a couple minutes ago and only matched 12/9 - 12/14. This still leaves me 8 days out log in date from my referral of Malia. It is hard to be so close and yet so far from seeing her face for the first time. I really hope they can still match me with Malia for January but it is going to be hard to know for sure at this point. I continue to do my best to enjoy the holidays knowing that shortly I will be with my daughter forever.

On a happier note, my sister gave birth to her son, Jude Christopher Hall, on November 21st. He was about a month early but they are both doing well. I lucked out and was already planning to be in Chicago with her for Thanksgiving so I was one of the first people to see him and hold him. He is a wonderful baby and made me realize how badly I am looking forward to being a mother. I can't wait for the moment when my life will change forever. Congratulations to the Hall family and their new addition!!!

In November, I also had my neighbors and friends shower. It was a ton of fun and I can't believe how everyone is so excited to see Malia. Thank you again for Donna and Betsy for hosting such a great event. Every little detail was perfect. They did a Nursery Book theme where everyone brought one of their favorite books for Malia. It will be so cool to read these books to Malia someday and be able to tell her who bought her each book while I was waiting.

My friend, Elizabeth, is also in China to get her daughter, Taylan. They return tomorrow and I will be going to the airport to welcome them home. It is so exciting to see more parents and children united forever. Elizabeth and Taylan - my best wishes go out to both of you!

I hope you all have a special, memorable Christmas. I can't wait until next year when my family will be complete. It is a great feeling to know that this isn't a dream and that my future is within reach. Always reach and work towards what you want out of life....

Getting Closer...

So it seems like this wait has been never ending but I am starting to feel like it will soon end. The November batch of referral covered 8 days so I am 14 log in days out yet. I think it looks like I should get a referral for January. It would be a wonderful New Years gift.

As for other events it was fun celebrating Halloween with my brother, sister in law, and nephew. Garrett was a really cute Donald Duck. I had to dress up as Mickey to surprise him since he did so well at Disney World this summer. Unfortunately I think I confused him versus making him happy. At least I didn't scare him :)

I also visited my sister and brother in law in Chicago and we had a great weekend shopping and enjoying the nice fall weather.

Elizabeth, the single mom who got her referral in October, got her travel approval and consulate date so she will be going to China in a couple weeks to get her daughter, Taylan. I am so excited to see this happen for her since we have waited about the same amount of time. I went to her shower a couple weeks ago and it is exciting to see everything happening.

I am looking forward to my sisters baby which is due December 12th. We also found out my sister in law is having a girl this time and she is due in March. It will be so much fun this summer with the little kids around. Thank you to everyone for your support during the wait and I can't wait to share my good news soon. I will keep you posted!!!

Fall is here...

So fall is here, again, and I am still waiting. Referrals came today and my friend Elizabeth got matched to her daughter. They will hopefully be together by her daughters first birthday in November. So the official site was not updated due to CCAA being out for the Fall Festival this week. It appears that they matched at least through the end of November 2005 but we are unsure if they matched anyone between Dec 1-4 or not. We will have to wait until they come back and update their site to know for sure. This means that I am either 22 or 18 paperwork days away. I am currently thinking this leads to a referral in December or maybe January. Only time, and CCAA, will tell when I will finally see my daughter.

As for how I am spending my time during the wait, September was busy. As I last posted, I went to Disney (I know... again) and I had my first shower (see pictures). I also helped host a shower for my sister and all of our grandparents were in town. She is due December 11th with her first child. I attended some China events with our group, including dinner out for the Moon Festival on Sept. 25th. I saw movies and went to a Wild hockey game (sorry Susie but we beat Chicago 5-2). Thanks again for the support while I am waiting and CONGRATULATIONS to Elizabeth and her daughter Taylan!!

The roller coaster....

So, the new analogy for the adoption is the roller coaster. The ups when you think that they will finally start going faster and the dips when they don't make as much progress as you think. This month was a dip for referrals. They only matched 4 days of paperwork for the entire month!!!~!!!@@!!! You have to keep in mind that they used to match a month for a month and then a half month for a month so that is why 4 days is so frustrating. They are now through Nov. 25th, 2005 so they are 27 days away from my paperwork date. It is really hard to say what impact this will have on me getting my referral before Christmas so we will all have to keep praying and see what happens. I figure it should be time for an up month so here is hoping that October is better.

As for other news, I just got back from Disney World with my parents, and my brother and his family. It was so cool to see Disney through the eyes of a little kid. Garrett had a blast. Also, I had my first baby shower and it was wonderful how nice everything was. The decorations and everything was coordinated so well and the gifts were perfect to get ready for Malia. It was a ladybug and China theme (the ladybug is an adoption sign of referrals coming).

Well, that is it for now. I will keep everyone posted as we hope to see Malia's face by Christmas (.... this year.... ha, ha...).

My wish....

OK, this past month has been really strange. I kind of came to terms with the extra wait and went on a trip to New York around the 4th of July and booked a flight to go to Florida with my brother, sister in law, and nephew for September. Now today they matched the next set of people and they are done through 11/21/05. That means they have one month of paperwork to match before me. SO CLOSE!!!! I am now 95% sure that I will have my referral/picture of Malia by Christmas.

On that note, I had a dream Wednesday night and I had to jot down my thoughts (in the dark at 2 a.m.). Here is a draft of what popped in my head at the time as my wish for my future daughter, Malia.

My wish for you...

May you experience happiness, laughter, giggles, and love.

But when you experience sadness, I will dry your eyes.

When you experience fear, I will comfort you.

When you experience pain, I will protect you.

My wish for you my daughter is that you have a wonderful, happy, and fulfilled life.

OK, it might be a little sappy but what can I say when I came up with it in the middle of the night.

Other news: My sister and brother in law, who are expecting their first child in December, just found out that she is having a boy (see the cute ultrasound picture). And we found out this month that my brother and sister in law are expecting their second child in March (almost on the same date as Garrett, their first child, was born). Congratulations to both families. We keep telling my parents (well my mom) to be careful when she wished for grandkids. We will have a full house this time next year!

P.S. There was also the obsession with Harry Potter in July. Not only did I see the new movie twice. I also finished the last book in a week... I will not disclose the ending, but it is well worth reading!

Summer is here!!!

Well, June is almost over and the next batch of referrals should be arriving in the next week or so. We had a big Q&A session at the agency a couple weeks ago and they warned that the slow down may last for awhile yet and are preparing new families for a 2 1/2 year wait. I called them to discuss what they thought for when I would get a referral and they are guessing 5-7 months (remember this is just a guess). So, I continue to have fun during the wait and leave for a vacation to New York on Wednesday. It should be a lot of fun. I also went to a picnic with the China Singles group at Tracy's house and have attached some pictures. Other than that it will be more pool time since the weather has been cooperating. I hope everyone has a safe and fabulous summer.

I can't believe it is June!!!

Well, May seemed to fly by. Me and my family all did the walk for the cure on Mother's Day to support breast cancer research. It turned out as a nice day for everyone and a great way to spend the time with my mom. I also hosted the China single mom's group at my house and those of us waiting for our daughters were able to get our kid fix. I got the pictures hung in the nursery and it is really coming together. I am also starting to think about the registry. Another update is that my friend had her son who is extremely premature. We all continue to pray for Elijah and his parents (Renee and Cliff) to stay strong and think of him every day. On that note, the biggest news is that my sister, Susie, and her husband Ryan are expecting their first child. She just made it through her first trimester and is due in early December. A big congratulations to the Hall family and I can't wait to find out if she is having a girl or a boy. I think those are the major updates for May. I can't close without an update on the wait. We thought it might be a big month finally but it looks like they may have only matched 6 days (Nov. 2 - Nov 7, 2005). With this kind of update, I give up predicting when Malia and I will be together. The only thing keeping me sane is knowing we will be together and I just need to wait for my turn.

16 months and yes, still counting

The new referrals will be coming this week and CCAA did matching only for people from Oct 27, 2005 - November 1, 2005. That means I still have a ways to go but at least I can now say that they are working on November applications (mine is 12/22/05). In the meantime, I am trying to continue to stay busy. I have been to a couple movies, enjoy dinners out, and always shopping. For Easter we took a trip to Chicago to spend the holiday with my sister and brother in law. It was a lot of fun and we were lucky enough to get last minute tickets to see Wicked. It was an awesome show and we had seats all the way up front but to one side. You could see all of their emotions and facial expressions. As for the wait for Malia, maybe God is just trying to make sure we don't have to travel to China in the heat of the summer. 100+ degrees plus add in major humidity... Yuk! My best guess at this time is that I will receive a referral in the fall and travel hopefully before the holidays. More updates next month (and lets all pray for a bigger batch of referrals that time)!!!

Walk for the Cure - Mother's Day

I am going to do the Race for the Cure 5K walk on Mother's Day this year. If you are interested in donating, you can follow the link: http://www.active.com/donate/komentc07/MAnders71

Spring is here!!!!

It is almost April and the snow has almost all melted (except the plow piles). It was another quiet month unless you count the back to back snow storms a couple weeks ago (hence the snow piles). I am continuing to try and learn Mandarin but it is a really hard language to learn. Yesterday was exciting. I went to travel orientation at my travel agency with my parents and it makes it more real that we will be traveling this fall to get Malia. Today was also a lot of fun. It is Garrett's first birthday (my nephew/godson). I have attached a couple pictures.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Well, I survived another month during the wait, another birthday, and we have crossed in the "Year of the Pig" according to the Chinese calendar. As I feel that I am getting closer to Malia, I have renewed my efforts to finish projects, including the inside of the dollhouse and her room (see pictures of both above). This month, I also found out a friend is pregnant and is due in August. I guess we are now both pregnant together, in a manner of speaking (ha, ha, ha...). Next month continues to look busy so hopefully that means that the wait will be easier to take. I also hope we start to get nice weather, especially after the foot of snow this weekend:)

Welcome 2007!!!

The new update is that CCAA is completed matching children to families that sent paperwork up until 10/13/05 (and mine is 12/22/05). They have been matching around 2 - 2 1/2 weeks of paperwork each month. At this pace (as long as it doesn't slow down), I am estimating that I will get a referral in June or July. As for January updates, it was pretty quiet again. However, I have had some events with other singles that are adopting. We went to a China exhibit at Minneapolis Institute of Arts and recently had a brunch with a couple friends from the adoption group (see pictures of their children). Now the plan is to spend the next couple months getting organized and complete the nursery, work on house projects, etc. I will keep you posted on progress. Enjoy the Chinese New Year which starts on February 18th.

Christmas Arizona Trip

I got the chance to visit my grandparents for Christmas this year. I went with my parents and grandma and we went to Arizona. Here are some pictures from the trip.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Well, I was hoping to be able to post more information on the wait but the CCAA (China Center of Adoptive Affairs) is still working on the referrals for December. Even with the wait I still had a nice Christmas with family and friends. In December the CCAA announced that starting in May 2007 they will no longer accept single applications for adoption in China. Therefore I consider myself fortunate that I started the process when I did and got my paperwork to China. I continue to use the extra time to have some fun and prepare for Malia. Also, in December I had other single friends bring their daughters home. It helps to know that it does happen. I wish everyone the best in 2007!!!

November Update

Well, it has been a quiet month. The China Center of Adoptive Affairs is done matching kids with families that sent paperwork up thru Sept 8th of 2005 (and my paperwork was received Dec. 22, 2005). This means there is still a long wait. Based on their progress, I would guess I will get Malia's picture in June or July.

As for November, I have other single friends that either got their daughter home or the picture of their daughter. It is fun to see the girls and know that my turn will come. I also received some neat gifts (from Grandma Bev, Tracy (adoptive mom), and my adoption group secret pal).




























Finally, I have been practicing my baby skills watching Garrett.