Big Strides...

...so bath time. It rolled around again today, like it always does. :-) Lia gave it her level best to make that water and those stacking cups look like the BEST fun ever. Jillian and Jim viewed it all from behind the window that looks into the bathroom from the bedroom. (and here...I feel the need to digress. While WE have found some use to the window...would most people? There is a shade that can go up and down...but really...what WOULD be the proper situation to put that blind UP????)

Jillian watched and laughed all from the safety of the bedroom. I got Lia out and we started to dry her off. I planned to try Jillian's bath after our McDonald's dinner (yum!). The next thing I knew Jillian got up and came into the bathroom. She went on the potty...AND THEN STRIPPED OFF THE REST OF HER CLOTHES. I wasted no time in filling the tub again...and in she went. She had a ball. She did everything Lia had done...and loved every minute of it. And we even got her reasonably clean. :-)

She cried WHEN IT WAS OVER.

What a difference a day makes. We continue to be amazed with Jillian and Lia...and are so proud to call them each daughter.

In official business...Jillian passed her medical exam for her exit visa with flying colors. She charmed all of the clinic personnel...and didn't even cry when they administered her TB test. We will return to Shamian Island on Saturday to have that read.

Tomorrow we will visit Guangzhou City SWI. After talking to our guide and feeling good about Jillian's adjustment, we have decided to take both girls with us and go as a family.

We are half way through our trip to Jillian. In some ways that doesn't seem possible...and in other ways I feel like we have been here for months. We are excited to take in some local sightseeing in the next few days...with visits planned for several parks and a temple.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and good thoughts. We definitely feel them.











This one's for you, Laura! Jillian loves the soft nightgown. It's way too hot...but she won't take it off. :-)

Settling In

WE have made some big strides in the last 24 hours. We had Jillian watch Lia in the tub last night. Lia was MOST excellent in hamming it up and having a blast with the bath toys (ha!). Jillian stood by the tub with me laughing so hard and babbling on in Chinese. So stinking cute!

So...I thought it was time to bite the bullet. She did not like having her clothes removed...and the bath was more of a stand in the water, it takes three people to help...and you get partially clean kind of thing...but as soon as we wrapped her in a towel and she was safe in Jim's arms, she was fine. I massaged her with some lotion a little bit, which she also seemed to like. She was fine when I dressed her in some clean pajamas...and LOVED having her hair brushed. Success!

This morning, she started to get upset when I took of her pajama bottoms...but relaxed when I pulled on a different pair of leggings. I think she thought I was going to put her in the tub again. :-)

The girls spent part of the morning playing in the room. Lia made them hats (always crafting...even in China!)...and then fixed Jillian hair in sweet little pigtails. Jillian was thrilled when she saw herself in the mirror...and watching them together made me just as thrilled. Lia continues to make us so proud in assuming her big sister role. She is extremely protective of Jillian...even getting frustrated with me when she thinks I am not doing something correctly...imagine that! :-)

Our group then took a walking trip to a nearby mall where we scored some underwear in 12-18 month size that should fit Jillian a little better. :-)

Everyone is napping now and in a few hours, we will head to Shamian Island to do passport stuff for Jillian...and shop!

That's it from China today...we are starting to look ahead to coming home. We are enjoying our time here, getting to know Jillian...but we can't wait to get her home!

She is ours

Today we returned to the Civil Affairs Office for our official adoption Day. WE had no problem assuring the official that we were happy with Jillian and that we would provide her the best life we could. Jillian was so mellow during the appointment. We continue to shake our heads at her easy-going manner!

She has become a bit of a Daddy's girl during the course of the day. I made her mad when I tried to put a pull up on her before our appointments. She won that battle and we packed extra clothes in case of an accident. She slept through the night dry...and stayed dry today as well. The whole potty thing was one of my biggest concerns and I anticipated some accidents until we all figured it out...but she has made herself clear about not wanting a pull up...and continues to let us know when she needs to go. We took her to her appointments in the same clothes she came in. She got upset even looking at the clothes I have for her...shaking her head no and brushing me of with her hand.

This afternoon she watched Lia take a bath and became so animated and giggly that I thought I would give it a try with her. She cried mightily when I took her clothes off (upsetting Lia SO much!)...but we got her to stand in the tub and cleaned her in some manner. She seemed to accept her new pajamas happily and was soon back to her happy self. Tomorrow we will have some time to shop on Shamian Island in the morning and then apply for Jillian's passport in the afternoon.

Tonight there is one less...

We received Jillian this afternoon. Of our group of four families, she was the first to be brought out. The two nannies who accompanied her talked to her a bit and pointed at us a lot. Jillian's just shook her head no...and her little eyes welled up (but not a tear was shed!). Once we moved to a couch area to sit down, I had Lia sit beside her. We just spoke quietly to her and rubbed her back and arm a little bit from time to time. I could not have been more proud of Lia. She definitely made Jillian feel more comfortable. Slowly we introduced some toys...and before I knew it, Jillian was high five-ing and laughing out loud at our silly antics with goldfish crackers. She is quite adept with her short arm and in no time, was navigating a snack trap cup to get some goldfish herself...to eat, to feed to Lia...and eventually to me.

Her favorite toy was the play cell phone we brought...and she loved pushing the buttons and looking for Jim...who would then open HIS phone and "answer". The nannies said over and over how smart Jillian is...and used the word "easy-going" at least three times. So far we can agree!

When it was time to leave, Lia took Jillian's hand and walked her to the elevator. I had to pick her up to get her in the elevator...and she fussed for a moment...but got over it soon...and rode home on the bus on my lap.

Back here, at the hotel, we just let her play. She has a bit of a runny nose...and when I brought a tissue, she very sweetly blew her nose! Then...every time her nose would run, she started pointing to the tissue box for me to get busy. I stole a little kiss each time I did her nose. :-)

Jim and Lia elicited belly laughs by pretending to fall on the bed. We have it on tape...will post soon.

She was wearing a diaper when we met her, but her nanny said they put it on her only because the ride/day was long. When I took off her diaper, she was still dry...and she proceeded to use the potty. She let me know she had to go later as well.

She is smaller than I anticipated. We may be doing some fast shopping for a few outfits and shoes. What I brought for Lia in 2006 was a bit too small. It seems I am not a great extrapolator of size estimates. :-)

She speaks more Cantonese dialect than Mandarin. We throught this might be the case...but so far language does not seem to be throwing her and she has already repeated "all done".

Jillian brushed her teeth after watching Lia do it...but not sure she was overly fond of the flavor. She already seems to understand, at least in part, our English instructions.

I know this post is jumbled...just wanted to get down my thoughts and get some quick, unedited (how that pains me!) photos up. Right now, both girls are sleeping on Lia's bed. Jillian let me snuggle her a bit...but then pointed plainly to Lia laying on her bed. I laid down on her other side...and in no time, we were all sleeping. I got up eventually...but I am letting sleeping dogs lie with the girls. We will try a bath with Jillian tomorrow. I remember how traumatized Lia seemed by her first bath, the first night we had her...and while I really wanted to get Jillian in the tub...her security trumps that. For tonight at least. Other than the training pants I put on her, she sleeps in the clothes she came in. :-)

All in all...not a bad first day. :-) We are blessed beyond reason.

And now...onto the good stuff...

I couldn't think of a title for this post. So much I want to say...and I can't find the words. We are here in Guangzhou, sleeping tonight under the same moon and stars as our Yu Ying. Tomorrow she will become Jillian Snow...and so perfectly fill that empty place, we, her family, have been carrying around for four long years.

I could write about how prayers were answered for a safe (if not very long and brutal) flight. How we successfully maneuvered our way from Newark to Hong Kong to Guangzhou...and lost one day in the process due to time differences (but bonus for us because we travel BACK on Thanksgiving, thus giving us TWO Thanksgivings. But probably no turkey on Air Napon. We'll see..)I could write how Lia is a true travel rock star who is successfully charming everyone from taxi drivers to bellboys. How tonight that girl, so tired from jet lag she has barely eaten all day (please pray), asked for her crayons to make her mom and dad a card congratulating us. With a small attachment for her baby sister. How, as I type in this far-away from home hotel room, with my husband and my daughter sleeping away, I can barely keep the tears from coming...so overwhelmed with it ALL, I am.

But, instead, tonight, the detail I would like to remember from the last 40 hours is the conversation I had with our guide, Kelly, as we made our way to our hotel room this afternoon. She told me she had seen Jillian last week when she visited the orphanage with another family. She observed Jillian taking part in a class of some sort where she was singing. And dancing. With great enthusiasm. Be.Still.My.Heart. I asked if Jillian had been told that we were coming...and Kelly said that she had been. Kelly herself, asked Jillian if her Mama and Daddy were coming for her...and she said Jillian didn't answer. She just smiled.

Sweet Yu Ying...tonight you sleep alone for the last time. Tomorrow, you will know the great big love of a Mama, a Daddy...and a big sister. You will never be alone again. And that sweet girl?? THAT makes your Mama smile.

We will meet Jillian at 2:30 pm tomorrow (1:30 am EST). Please pray for all of us...but mostly that sweet baby girl sleeping somewhere out there...so very very close...

Travel Itinerary/Prayer Requests

My friend, Lisa, who traveled to China just about a month ago to bring home her sweet Millie Mei, posted an itinerary with specific prayer requests for each day of their trip. As I cheered her on from the other side of the world, these requests gave focus to me in my daily prayers for them and I was happy to support them in this specific way.

I have decided to do the same...and if you are so inclined we would be happy for your prayers and/or good thoughts during each day of the journey ahead!

November 11th/12th: Traveling. Leave Newark the afternoon of the 11th, to arrive in Hong Kong the evening of the 12th. Please pray for a safe and easy flight for all of us. I am not sure Lia has fully grasped the idea of 16 hours in flight...and for those of us who do....well...we need the prayers.

November 13th: We will take the noon train into mainland China. Please pray for safe travels and that we are able to figure out HOW to get to the train station as we will not meet our guide until we get to Guangzhou.

November 14th: Jillian Day. Please pray that somehow Jillian senses our love and is not too scared. Jim and I would appreciate prayers for a calm sense of direction as we guide our two daughters through a difficult transition. We hope that we are able to provide them BOTH with the support they need.

November 15th: We will go back to the Civil Affairs Bureau to do the adoption registration. This is our official adoption day in the eyes of the Chinese Government. Please pray that the return to the Office is not traumatic for Jillian...and that all paperwork is completed smoothly.

Novmeber 16th: A day for shopping! We ask for prayers for Jillian's continued bonding with us.

November 17th: Visa photo for Jillian/medical exam/TB test. We ask for prayers for Jillian's comfort...and that all of her tests get the all clear.

November 18th: I will be visiting the orphanage this morning. I ask for prayers for comfort and peace as I anticipate this to be very emotional. Also, I have been asked by several families to try to photograph their children and this weighs heavily on me. I would appreciate prayers that I am able to do that for them. Finally, I ask for prayers that I am able to adequately express our thank you to the staff who cared for our Jillian so lovingly for three years. I also ask for prayers for Jim as he takes care of both girls for the first time by himself while I am at the orphanage. :-)

In the afternoon we will be taking a sightseeing tour of Yuntai Park.

November 19th: Get results of TB test. Tour Yuexiu Park. Please pray for a clear TB test and continued bonding for our family.

November 20th: Sightseeing tour of Chen Family Temple. Please pray for our continued health and bonding.

November 21st: We will receive Jillian's passport. Please pray for our continued health and bonding.

November 22nd:We will travel to the American Consulate for Jillian's Oath Taking Ceremony. I remember this being very emotional for me with Lia. It is the last official act we need to complete before bringing Jillian to the US. We ask for prayers that everything goes smoothly.

November 23rd: We will receive Jillian's visa and then hop the train back to Guangzhou. We ask for prayers that we stay organized and healthy in getting us all packed up and ready for travel. We will spend the night in Hong Kong.

November 24th: Fly home! We will have a layover in Tokyo, Japan. We ask for prayers for safe travels and that all flights leave on time. This will be Jillian's first time in a plane and we ask that you pray for her comfort. We ask that you pray for Jim and I as this trip home is something we have been thinking (and worrying) about a lot in the past few months. We did not have an easy trip home with Lia...and while we got through it...we have no desire to repeat it. We pray that we all stay healthy, are able to sleep a little...and...dare I say...even try to enjoy the flight. :-)

We will arrive home on Thanksgiving afternoon....definitely a day of thanks for our family! Miss Jillian will officially become a US citizen the minute her feet hit the ground. In Newark.(I just know that should be followed by a "ba-dum-dum" on the drums...but this is a serious post...so I will leave the ironic humor for another time). We ask that you pray for our quick trip through the immigration line with our paperwork and two tired girls. :-)

Our family has been showered with support from the moment we announced we were adding Jillian. I have stated it here before...but we are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring. We sincerely thank each and every one of you who has supported us in any way during this long journey. We have been blessed by you all in ways that I could never articulate. We are honored to have you all in our corner. Thank you.

Jillian turns 3 (really!)

Jillian turned 3 on October 24th. From the time we sent in our Letter of Intent (the first notice that let China know we would like to adopt Zhang Yu Ying) WAAAAAAAAAY back at the end of April, it was my goal to be in China in time for the big day. We missed it by mere weeks...and I'm not going to lie...it was hard!

But...3 is a big deal...and we couldn't let it go without fanfare. We sent a cake through the sweet Ann at Redthreads. We had used Ann back in the spring to send a care package to Jillian...and despite some serious dogging (all polite, I have no doubt)...we were unable (sob sob!) to get ONE PICTURE!!! Heartbreak city, peeps. Luckily, my agency came through with a few updates through the summer...each with a few photos. They kept us going...and made us fall a little more in love with each glance.

So...the cake. You KNOW I wanted photos. Jim and Lia wanted photos. But Ann, nicely, told us the chance of photos was zero. She asked us if we still wanted to send Jillian a cake. Of course we did. Expecting no photos, I was happy knowing that her day was special and that one day we could TELL her about the cake.

So you can imagine my surprise when I woke up today to 50...(that's right 5-0) photos from her party on the 24th. It has been the most unproductive day as we just keep going back to every photo, every expression, every piece of background art, the other children, the lovely fruit on the table, the way the nannies seem to care for the children...those oh-so cute hair clippies...that delicious smile as she looks at her cake. I am feeling over the top gratitude. For it all. For this child. For those who care for her. For her birth country. For the opportunity we have to call her ours. In 11 days. My heart is full...and my blessings overflowing. So...without further ado...onto the good stuff. The photos that made this mom's heart skip a beat. Happy happy birthday to my "big" little girl. :-)

(and a quick note about the "peace sign" they seem to be giving...I don't know why, but this is common in many photos I see from China. They do have three candles on her cake and do indeed know she is 3! (my mom thought they were having Jillian hold up two fingers...but no worries! She IS 3! :-)).