March 5, Police Station

This picture of Daddy and his boy are from March 4, but isn't it so precious! Makes Mommy's heart sing!
Beautiful sleeping boy. Yes, I'm hovering, just waiting for him to wake up!

I got lots of giggles this morning while dressing him.


All boy, everything is made for hitting! The adorable shoes and clothes were a hunted treasure from the night before. Smiles for mommy. The dinosaur is his favorite toy. A last minute find in Kuyler and Kolton's matchbox car collection (thanks, Bubbas!)
The police station.
First, I'm trying to recreate this post after spending an hour and losing the entire entry. I'd like to know just where the "save as draft" goes! Moving on ...

Today was light on pictures but high on emotions! We had a leisurely morning with breakfast and shopping the island. The kids had a short nap and then we went to the Deli Shop for lunch, followed by ice cream. We met Rebecca at 3:15 to go to the Police Station where they begin the paperwork for Kaeleb's passport. We then went to an electronics superstore to replace April's battery charger. the 220 voltage did a number on her old one! Then on to a baby store for a few more outfits for the kids and winter coats on sale for next year. We then had supper at Lucy's, picked up our laundry and were ready to crash! Probably an early bedtime is why I was up at 4 this morning, again.

Kaeleb is going through what I would consider a typical transition period. To enhance bonding and attachment, we searched the island for a carrier and finally found a donated one at Jennifer's. We call it the Ugli Snugli, but it was free and it fits! He would cry every time the three of us would scrunch him into it. Even the sight of it made him scream. Once inside, he would settle down and eventually relax. I fed him lunch, a bottle and allowed him to nap in it yesterday, and by the end of the day he was ok with the Ugli Snugli!

Every time we walked outside he would cry, and when we entered the van he would cry out in fear. I have to think of his Monday. He was carried outside, placed into a van, driven two hours and handed over to strange-looking, strange-smelling and strange-sounding people who just never go away! I can't imagine what's going through his mind. Fortunately, God has given me compassion and patience to respond to his needs. At the end of the day, he no longer cried when getting into the van. We are making progress!

Kaeleb also exhibits some soothing technics. He will rock back and forth or shake his head side to side. When he starts doing this, I scoop him up, cuddle him and he stops. He is starting to loosen up a little, and we got some smiles.

Though his information said he has eaten some food, he doesn't know how to chew, but he is learning. He had oatmeal for breakfast, a little rice and ice cream for lunch and Lucy's mashed potatoes for supper. Rebecca helped us find his snack, little round crackers that taste like lemon animal crackers. He loves his bottle! Speaking of bottle, his orphanage sister, Zian, and her parents left today and surprised us with a treasured gift: a beautiful picture book of Australia, a card for Kaeleb, two Phil & Ted's travel bottles, two packages of formula, two pacifiers which Kambry has taken a liking to, and a race car for Kaeleb! We pray they have smooth travel back to their family. Clayton says looks like we'll make a trip to Australia!

We received the translation of Kaeleb's "finding ad" today. It lists the address where he was found, and that his hair and naval were wet, on June 10, 2006. It makes me so sad, except that he is now in my arms. I am grateful his birth mother chose life for this precious boy who will now call me Mommy. I am certain God doesn't intend for children to be abandoned, but He does turn ashes into beauty. Just as He has given us the desire to seek after this precious boy, He seeks us, His precious children.

Kaeleb is also having a difficult bedtime. I can no longer feed him his bottle and then place him in the crib. Even when he appears to be sleeping, he will scream with fear the minute I lay him down. I tried three times last night and finally put him in bed between us. Clayton joked that I have already spoiled him, but all I can think of are the countless times he has cried himself to sleep with no one to respond. God has allowed me to be his mommy so he will no longer have to do that. I will gladly comfort him, and eventually he will understand I will never leave him. I am anxious to see what today brings. I hope he will blossom even more, showing us hints of his true personality.

Kambry is doing beautifully. She's sleeping well, eating well and learning to cope with little bubba, "Kawbel". We all miss Kuyler, Kolton, Kenzie and Kayden! I am so grateful for those caring for and loving our kids in our absence. We also miss our family, friends and church family. We will attend a worship service here on the island Sunday, but it won't be the same. We also met three "brothers and sisters," and I believe April will share much about that on her blog. I often just stand back and marvel at God's work through Clayton and April.

We have a great day planned, visiting the botanical gardens at 9:30, then lunch at a local noodle restaurant. Probably more shopping this afternoon and Papa John's delivery for supper! Rebecca rocks :) Tomorrow, Rebecca plans to take April and I to the spa while Clayton babysits ~ yes! We are having a blast with her.

I hope to have beautiful pictures to share from today. And maybe I won't lose my original post again - grin and bear it.

Thank you to all who gave me suggestions for our "carrier" situation. We are eagerly reading all your emails. It's difficult to access Blogger in China, so we post but rarely view the blog. We receive the comments via email, and they make our day! Prayer requests:

April's improving dizziness (I think she was dehydrated, and that is better now)

Kaeleb's sadness

Kambry's adjustment to baby brother

Clayton and I to have increased energy

Our kids left behind

My mom, dad, brothers and their families

We love you all! Clayton, Connie, April, Kambry and Kaeleb ...

March 4, Civil Affairs

Today was a paperwork day. We had our first breakfast with two toddlers, after being awakened by the 'morning person,' April :) Yes, we finally overslept. Kaeleb and Kambry slept all night - yeah! We met Rebecca at 9:30 and went to Civil Affairs to finalize the adoption. I must say, when the notary asked if we were satisfied with this child, I began to cry, but happy tears. How can I be so blessed?!? I am beyond satisfied. I finally have my son, and I'm never going to let go!

The first time April held Kaeleb, nearly 24 hours after we had him - good grief, what was I thinking! I just want to say how much I appreciate her. She took a million pictures yesterday and captured all the emotions of the most remarkable day. Thanks to her, we will have this day memorialized forever. What a trooper she has been, and a huge blessing!
After the finalization.
Two silly girls killing time before "Gotcha" at Lucy's.
Today we met another Lifeline family, the "T's for lunch at Cow and Bridge. Delicious!After lunch we did a little shopping. It's going to hit 84 degrees before we leave here, and I only brought winter clothes for the kids. They now have 4 outfits, and we'll walk the island again tonight after supper at Lucy's. I'm desperately looking for a baby carrier for Kaeleb. He only weighs 10 kilos, about 22 pounds, and I could so "wear" him. We finally got to skype the kids with Kaeleb this morning. Right now Kaeleb is practicing walking in his new squeaky shoes. Oh happy day!

Gotcha ~ The Rest of The Story ...

We had a very long day of counting down the hours. We were actually ready for breakfast by 7, had the luggage unpacked and the room organized (as much as possible with 2 cribs). April and I blogged while Clayton and Kambry took a mid morning nap, and finally at 12:30 decided we'd go to Lucy's and pretend to eat lunch! It was something to pass the time. We've met many families here, and had the privilege of meeting Jo and Dave, the family who visited the SWI and took the pix of Kaeleb last Thursday. We will also have lunch with another Lifeline family today and hope to catch up to other October/November LID families. Okay, back to the day ...Finally at 2 p.m. we met Rebecca in the lobby and drove to the Civil Affairs Office.

After about 15 minutes, the adoption representative from Foshan Nanhai walked in with the most beautiful boy. We were so surprised because his pictures make him look so big, but he only weighs 24 pounds and isn't very big at all. One of our missions today is to find a carrier ~ I insist on "wearing" him :)

Since we have not received an update from the orphanage, we really didn't know whether he was walking, on the bottle, potty trained or what. When I finally had to put him down to do paperwork we found that he loves to walk around objects, and can walk unsupported but will easily fall. He has not had any potty training, and he has 4 bottles each day that are more like porridge with the formula and rice cereal mixed. We gave him meat congee (rice cooked down to very thin consistency with tiny bits of soft meat) for supper, and he eagerly ate from the spoon but held the solids in his mouth. We will try smoother consistency today. And he wasn't too picky about his bottles. I mixed them as I was told, guessed at the temperature he'd prefer, cut a hole in the nipple, and he downed them, in my arms of course, looking up at me most of the time :) :) At the Civil Affairs Office Kambry was constantly telling stories and playing with Kaeleb. We learned his nick name is Hao Gao, which if pronounced incorrectly means monkey (perhaps fitting). Rebecca suggested we just call him Kaeleb.

You want my dinosaur, Mommy? I know in these pictures he appears to be making contact with us and laughing, but the truth is these were fleeting moments. He avoided eye contact and he was very quiet. He is a rough-houser! He is the King Monkey at the orphanage. His playmate is a little boy whose waiting family has named Aiden, and he climbs over his crib into Aiden's! And if other children try to take toys away from him, they are always unsuccessful. Hmm, he and Kambry have a lot in common! She was so precious to watch. She would squeal, "Bubba," and play cars with him. Then in the van she stroked his arm. Kaeleb doesn't know how to use a sippy cup, but he can drink from a regular cup with assistance.
Is this Heaven? I just need the other four!
Trust me when I say those cheeks ARE kissable!
He was so tired from his 2 hour trip and his rock-my-world day that he fell asleep in my arms during our ride back to the hotel. And did I mention, Daddy is smitten!
This has been an amazing day. All the paperwork, interviews, clearances, applications and waiting have brought us to the beginning of the real journey ~ life with our newest son. It is a day I will treasure forever. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect setting. Since I brought winter clothes for both children, after supper at Lucy's we shopped a little, but the kids were so tired we came back for a quick bath, bottles and bed. Kaeleb has had a cold and still has a runny nose. Kambry is a bit congested also. We have medicine for that, if necessary. Kambry fell asleep in Daddy's arms after her bedtime bottle, and I gave Kaeleb his bottle, as he stroked my "funny looking" hair. When I asked his bedtime routine, I was told, "Oh, easy. Give bottle and turn out light." Well, this mommy held him for a while, then placed him in his crib and he very soon drifted off to sleep. I've been waking up every hour just to look at him! It's now only 3:45 a.m., but we went to bed pretty early and there just isn't any sleep left in me! Kaeleb has been reserved, as we expected, but even by the end of the day he was beginning to open up. I look forward to watching him blossom with each coming day. Today we will go to the Civil Affairs Office at 10:00 to complete the adoption paperwork, then we'll go shopping for more appropriate clothing. We will visit the orphanage on Saturday. It will be a very emotional day, I'm sure, but will hold precious answers to questions my son will have many years from now. Thank you so much for your prayers, your comments and emails. I have been writing through tears as I realize how God has not only led us down this amazing path, but many times carried us through the fire. God is so very good, all the time!

WE HAVE OUR SON!

I know you really just want to see the pictures, so I'll skip the details for now. Suffice it to say we are praising our amazing God for His miraculous works!
Entering the Civil Affairs Office

We can't wait any longer!

Hai Zi Hao in Mommy's arms finally!

Oh, the joy!

He has a ticklish tummy!
Very ticklish boy!
We'll fill in the blanks later. Must take care of my precious boy now :)

I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psa 9:1

Ramblings from an "expectant" mommy

Just a few pix in the hours of countdown to Kaeleb - and something I've been dying to share with you!

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psa 16:7-8

Her royal highness at the White Swan :)

Can you tell it was cold yesterday??? Very hard to enjoy the Summer Palace. That's our guide, Michelle, on the right.

Can we please go already???

Goodbye, Beijing, you're too cold!

Yesterday was a day of highs and lows, one that truly tested our endurance as we concluded 3 days worth of touring in 1 and 1/2 days, a horrible mix-up at the airport followed by the worst flight ever, but also one in which God revealed Himself, and I've been dying to brag on Him. My prayer is that I can describe it adequately. Our Beijing guide, Michelle, is strictly a tour guide, not an adoption facilitator. She was only somewhat familiar with families from other countries coming to China to adopt, and couldn't fully understand how we can love a child not born to us. As much as we like to believe domestic adoption is growing within China, we must understand her culture and tradition in which "blood" family is so important. It is not "acceptable" to welcome a child not of one's own blood, and if a family were to adopt, they would likely keep it a secret. Of course, there are exceptions to this. The more we learn of Chinese tradition, the more we realize so much of it is followed without even understanding why, merely that it's "just the way it's always been." All that to say, Michelle asked me why we would choose to adopt from China. I am very careful to choose my words for fear of disrespecting her beliefs, unlike Clayton who will so easily find an opportunity to speak of our beliefs. I simply told her that we are Christians, and we believe adoption is something God desires for us, to care for others, but that we are the ones who have been so blessed by His plans. She told us she was shocked to know we have six children, three who are China-born. Throughout the first day there were many opportunities to discuss our beliefs and hers. On Sunday morning she completely surprised us by telling us she had gone home that night and discussed our conversations with her sister, and they were both very moved and decided when they are married they would both like to adopt! She understood that God had spoken to us, and though she wasn't sure it was Him telling her to adopt, she felt "something" told her it was the right thing to do. Now, Michelle is not one to be "swayed by the changing winds." I believe seeds were planted, and we were blessed to see the first sprouts. Thank you, God! I'll end this post at that because this is a very emotional day for me, and I'm just soaking in every moment!

Arrived in Guangzhou!

This is April

Great news, Gotcha day is less than 24 hours away. Our gotcha time is 2:30 pm (12:30 am Monday morning). Yeah..... :) Oh the emotions that come with this experience, it is so hard to describe. I am in tears just thinking about what tomorrow brings, for Clayton and Connie, and for just being able to experience the adoption process so closely. Please pray for a smooth transition with Kaeleb.

We are here in Guangzhou. After a long day at Beijing, and a exhausting afternoon at the airport we arrived here at 7:25 pm. The airport experience was not the most pleasant, but we finally made it though check in and security. The flight in my book will go down as the worst. It was very rough and I am sure that I removed all the air out of the plane at least 3 times. Guangzhou is a beautiful city, and I can't wait to see it in the daytime. Our guide, Rebecca is very sweet, friendly, accommodating, and fun. It is so awesome to be here, and we are all very excited and tired. Kaeleb, we are here and mommy will be holding you soon.

Early Sunday a.m.

It's around 5 a.m. Sunday, and we just can't sleep anymore ... so I thought I'd share a few more pictures. We hope to have time to skype the kids this morning before we leave for breakfast. Kambry has kept us in stitches the entire trip. I'm so proud of her. She's sleeping at night (well, the two nights so far), and all her constant jabbering is turning into words! Right now her favorite phrase is "zippity do da," and it comes out something like "blippy blloooo bllllaaa." Then she has these very serious discussions with us, like the one pictured below. As you can imagine, she is the attraction at all the places we visit.We are soooo roughing it in the Marriott Beijing West!
This is another picture of Kaeleb and one of his SWI brothers. The words that Jodie used to describe his personality make my heart sing for joy. I can just tell he is a charm, a joyful spirit and very warm. As soon as we arrive in Guangzhou Rebecca, our Lifeline guide, will confirm our Gotcha time tomorrow morning. I'm so grateful the SWI director, Ms. Tang, told Jodie that we indeed would receive him Monday! And believe it or not, apparently he only weighs 24 lbs! He's actually 6 lbs lighter than Kambry, but lighter is good for this Mama's back :)
And another crib picture. Even though he is 20 months old, I don't know if he's walking. I've not seen any photos of him standing unsupported. However, this doesn't concern me at all because I believe he will be developmentally on target in a very short time with just a fraction of the love that is bursting from our hearts, and the attention from his 5 siblings.
Stop the girl in red! Little Miss Independence must prove she can walk anywhere she wants!
We so much appreciate your comments and emails. It makes us feel at home halfway around the world. And we are so grateful that April is here with us. It's really cool to see her drink in this new culture, and at those rare times when Kambry just can't take it anymore, she steps in with the "Abby" touch. While we are absolutely dreading another flight today, we realize it is a means to the true reason we are here ~ Kaeleb, Mommy is coming to get you! May your Sunday be one of true worship and fellowship with the Lord. We will miss the fellowship of our church family, but we know that God is with us here in Beijing, Guangzhou and everywhere else. He has truly revealed Himself throughout this miraculous journey. Blessings to you all, and until Guangzhou ... Clayton, Connie, Kambry and April

Beijing, March 1

Much to report! After getting four hours of sleep, we had breakfast and met our guide, Michelle, at 8 a.m. for what would be a very full day of sightseeing. The pictures are out of order, but I'll describe them.
This is the drum ceremony in the Drum Tower near the Hutong area.

Rice with chopsticks ~ works for me! This was our traditional Chinese lunch.
April and I in the rickshaw on the Hutong tour.
Must be hungry people!
The Great Wall ~ one of the Wonders of the World. This is our third visit to the Wall, and I am still fascinated by its history and magnificence.
Great Wall.
The soup's not bad, until she's done and pours it on Mom!
Daddy and his girl in the rickshaw.
The Temple of Heaven.
Olympics sign at Great Wall. The Olympics will officially begin at 8 p.m. on August 8 (8/8/08 at 8). 8 is a lucky number in China. Opening Ceremony tickets are around $300, which I don't think is too bad, but I'm pretty sure I'll be watching it in my living room for nearly free.

The Olympic Aquatic Center. This photo really doesn't do it justice.

April, Kambry and I on the Great Wall.

Ah, now this is April in her element ~ shopping :) We were at the Jade factory and made some very nice purchases.
And my dear husband who knows no stranger.
On the road again ...

Stairway to the Drum Tower. Don't look up and don't look down!

Baskin Robins in China, perfect ending to an awesome day!
To sum up our day, we started at the Jade factory, then walked the Great Wall, had a traditional Chinese lunch, took the Hutong tour and visited a local family. The Hutong area is the "old China" which is maintained to preserve the culture and history of Beijing. Many of the homes are hundreds of years old. They are courtyard style housing with a building for each room, all surrounding a courtyard, with several generations of families living in each one. We had the pleasure of visiting one of the local families. Then we went to the Temple of Heaven, an ancient Chinese place of worship. Then on to the silk factory and finally at 6:30 arrived back at the hotel and enjoyed Subway and Baskin Robins. It was a very long day! We must be packed and ready to tour by 8 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday). We will visit the Pearl factory, Summer Palace and have a "dumpling" lunch before arriving at the airport for our flight to Guangzhou. We won't arrive at the White Swan until 8:30 p.m. so it will be another very long day. But this mama will likely not sleep as I envision the miraculous events of the next day, God joining us with our son! We will try to post once checked in and then as soon as we have Kaeleb! Don't forget to check out April's blog for more pix and posts. Thank you so much for your comments and emails. We love hearing from you! Kuyler, Kolton, Kenzie and Kayden, we love you and miss you like crazy!