Saturday, December 29, 2007
Promised Pictures
I planned on getting a bunch more online, but with the sun down and need for sleep, I want to keep to my promise to post pics. Details coming. Promise. We're a little distracted with ear infections right now. At first I was beginning to think she was allergic to airplanes b/c the first flight to Guangzhou was the time we discovered little LuZi had a fever. And I stayed home from a festival that Troy told me he knew was too loud for me. :) I'm going to bed, but posting a few before midnight to keep my promise.....so much more to tell. so much more. i feel like eating lunch. better go to sleep instead. xoxoamy
Friday, December 28, 2007
In the dark, anyone?
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Christmas Eve Gift
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Guangzhou aka Canton
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Fishing in China
The biggest point of conversation in the village was my lack of "layers" and the fact that Li Li only had two sweaters on over her T-shirt. In the winter the Chinese put layer upon layer on themselves and their children. Our guide explained to them them I could wear short sleeves because my arms are so hairy. That got a huge cackle out of the entire group. One older lady (probably 70 years old) went as far as to walk up to Amy and start counting the layers that Li Li had on then stuck her tongue out at her. It was pretty funny....
The Village also grows mushrooms to sell in the local market. One picture below is of a mushroom house. - Troy
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Dang, Where's the Tang?
Monday, December 17, 2007
SSSHHHhhhhh
I want to tell you about her...
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Li Li (Yes, you read that right) GOTCHA
We left Beijing this morning and flew to Nanchang. Got to our hotel room around 3PM then went straight to the Adoption Center.... We are tired just hanging out in the hotel room. Dodger is bouncing off the walls and Li Li is eating cheerios for the first time...one after another.
BTW, blogs are blocked in China so we can't view our own postings but we have figured out how to post. Also, we can't read any comments that are being left so sorry if we don't reply.
MORE Li Li...
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Today's Adventures
Thursday, December 13, 2007
from Tokyo...
Tomorrow is sight seeing in Beijing all day....Great Wall, Forbidden City, etc... and I'm sure they'll try to get us to buy some ridiculously expensive jade...
LuZi Jubilee in two more days.....
- Troy
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
DAY TWO...
We spent our first morning trying to sleep in. Dodger woke up at 5am (HI time) but we were able to talk him into sleeping in until about 7. Dodger and I then walked Robin and Steve's youngest, Grace, to school while Amy started re-packing all of our luggage (for the 4th time). We then went to the beach to let Dodger get wet....Robin took us to the famous North Shore so that we could experience the sea turtles coming in to sun. We then stopped by Dole's tourist trap to eat some pineapple ice cream and apple bananas.
BTW, Hickam AFB is a really nice base and we can see Pearl Harbor from the home we are staying at. Last night we drove around the harbor and one of the big ships...and I mean BIG...was a Japanese destroyer. Facinating and surreal to see it in the Harbor...can you imagine what those sailors were thinking this first time they pulled in?One more day until we leave for China to pick up our little one!!!
A FEW PICS FROM OUR DAY IN HAWAII
(name the artist for extra credit)
(click the arrow above)
Day One
Friday, December 07, 2007
Luggin' Luggage
Our friends in Hawaii love us no matter how many suitcases we carry, but let's just say I'll post a photo soon of the THREE of us carrying SEVEN suitcases. Three of which will go to a foster home for wonderful special needs children in Beijing. Dodger wrote a letter to his classmates and gave them each a picture of Zi Zi so they could collect preemie diapers, hand sanitizer and cough meds that aren't available in China. We have a class photo and cards that read "I'm sorry you don't have a mom or dad" or "What is China like?" We stuffed a few Santa candies and Praise Baby videos in the mix. Hopefully the Hope Foster Home will have a warm, cozy Christmas! OH- Go over to the sidebar on the left, there is a link to Hope Foster Home and pictures of the children we will be sending goodies to!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Dodger's Thoughts on Zi Zi
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Dodger is Thriving
Monday, November 19, 2007
What's in a name?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
China Trip Needs
Diapers (15-20 lb) baby weight, that is. :) It may be a size 3? That's what they're in the longest...month wise, not each. We don't let it fill up to 20 lbs before we change it in case you're reading this, dad.
Baby Wipes
Suction Bulb - for Troy :)
Baby Ambesol
Powdered Pedialyte from Walgreens.com
Bottles - the kind with the inserts so we can pre-pack formula and just add hot water.
Formula - any brand, since she eats Chinese formula. Good Start has a positive mental image.
Instant/one use hand warmers - we have heard there's only heat in the hotel! We're practicing now by keeping our house at a cozy 64.
Baby shampoo/soap/lotion
Warm Baby Blanket
(Don't need clothes - I covered that last week! ) ;)
Digital Camera - Just Kidding - I do need another card for our Nikon D70.
Money Belt
Ziplock bags - all sizes
Cash
Small Flashlight
Poi
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Oh the weather outside is frightful
December in Beijing ranges from 30ish F to 40ish F
Jianxi Province is 45-55ish
Guangzhou may be in the 60's!
Tell me I'm wrong...What is Christmas like in China? Does Santa come on the 24th or does he save himself a trip and leave presents at your casa? Who wants to be santa at my house this year???
This is not Zi Zi
No, we didn't just get back from China with a baby that looks Guatamalan. This is sweet Macy Bell! And I've decided not to put her down until I have another 15 pounder in my arms. Macy is the wonderful daughter of dear friends (who are also neighbors) Derek and Jennifer. Since she lives just down the road, I'm looking forward to many play dates. And Macy has a new brother, Parker, who is just over a week old, and came into the world at 9.4 (lbs, that is)! ! ! I just might get to hold Macy a bunch before our trip to the East.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Zi Zi's room
This is the fabric I chose for Zi Zi's room. I don't sew much. I've attempted curtains with the help of friends, but my brain is not mathematical enough to enjoy this type of work. However, there is just nothing out there when you've painted your baby's room burnt orange. It thrilled me when Nancy Bailey gave me some fabric finding tips. What do you think? The brown fabric pattern actually has asian fans in it, so it was an easy choice. If I have left over material, I'll have to make a bag. Wanna come over and sew?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Jesus and Dodger
Zhuang Lu Zi
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Li Li's Development as of June 15, 2007
With the good care of ‘mother’ after she came to our Institute, Zi Zi has been growing healthily. Her crying sounds are loud; she has good sucking strength.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Can't Sleep
Monday, November 05, 2007
An Elephant Pregnancy
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Our Jubilee
In the picture above, Dodger is holding a Jubilee tomato. We planted these in the spring and are watching them grow. It seemed like forever, waiting for our tomato plants to produce fruit. But they arrived when they were ready. And they continue to be so so good. I can only imagine how perfect God's timing will be when he brings Jubilee home.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Summer Fun
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Dodger's Class Party
Dodger had a class party that I can't fail to mention. He was king for a day and loved it. He requested green and blue rice krispy treats, and i was just glad he didn't want cupcakes. More work. Troy came and his whole class sang. He loves to be celebrated! And celebrate we did. Look at the Lick-A-Stick powder on his tongue.
Dodger Turned 6
Friday, March 16, 2007
I AM written by Nichole Nordeman
Pencil marks on a wall
I wasn't always this tall,
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed,
You watched my team win,
You watched my team lose,
You watched when my bicycle went down again,
And When I was weak unable to speak,
still I could call You by name,
and I said “Elbow healer, Superhero,
come if You can,” and You said “I am”
Only 16, life is so mean, what kind of curfew is at ten PM
You saw my mistakes, You watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I’d never love again
When I was weak, unable to speak,
still I could call You by name,
and I said “Heart-ache Healer, Secret-keeper,
be my Best Friend” and You said “I am”
You saw me wear white, by pale candlelight,
I said forever to what lies ahead
two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
too much it might seem when it’s two AM
When I am weak, unable to speak,
still I will call You by name.
“Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-maker,
hold on to my hand,” and You say “I am.”
The winds of change,
And circumstance blow in and all around
us so we find a foothold that’s familiar,
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer
Life had begun, I was woven and spun,
You let the angels dance around the throne, who can say when,
But they’ll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak,
still I will call You by name
“Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,
Lord and King, Beginning and
the End, I am, yes, I am.”
This morning I was dancing and singing to Nichole's Recollection CD that Troy just gave me - what a gift. At the same time I was stirring sausage, unsticking rice crispies from my fingers and watching Dodger play with his new birthday toys. Just now I was stopped in my tracks by this song and literally went to my knees, and then into a fetal position (or yoga if that suits your fancy) on the song above. You've got to hear it, and it will be the theme song on this blog, if I can figure out how to attach it.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Coffee For Li Li and Bainbridge Island Coffee Roasters
Our good friend, Hugh Robertson and former boss (where Troy and I met and fell for each other) came to town to host our very first coffee tasting. We have a history of good times, and having him here really made me nostalgic for the days when I was his assistant and he was telling Troy not to boss me around. :) Hugh has transitioned from the music biz to roasting high quality coffee, and since it is by far my favorite beverage and morning meal, I love that he is allowing us the opportunity to enjoy great, fantabulous coffee and raise funds to bring our daughter home at the same time. We had a coffee tasting on Friday, February 23rd. Did I mention that? I have some great photos from the soiree, and I was thrilled to have the event at our house so that I would finally make time to feng shui and bake. Not only was our time with friends a blast, we were so coffeed up, that we stayed up until Midnight and I heard some of the rest of our guests did too. I won't mention your name, Shell. :) There's much more to tell about how fab this coffee is, but first enjoy the pictures.
Coffee Tasting for Li Li
I was thrilled to have sister come a little before everyone else so we could talk and prepare. We all munched on Chic-Fil-A and talked about our week. She's my bud and I don't see her enough. Plus, she and I (and Tanner below) moved here together when he was 8 months old. We've both stayed and he's now a tween. I'm getting to be the age where I can't remember exactly how old I am, what year I was born or what day our anniversary is on. Don't tell Troy. No, tell him it is May 30th AND May 31st. That way he can take me to a B&B before Li Li comes.
One of the other things that brought joy to my heart Friday was that my nephew Tanner wanted to come with Page (his mom, my sis). He doesn't even drink coffee, but wants to help bring Li Li home, and that means the world to me. He has a tender heart towards God and others. He is going to be a great husband and father someday - it was evident the way he loved on Ayana.
Coffee Tasting Pictures
These two girls holding bebe Ward are Ikuho and Liho - our beloved neighbors from Japan. We are praying God will keep them in America longer than expected. Pray with us for that! :) Masako is my good good friend and I just realized that when I pronounce her name, I put the wrong emphASIS on the wrong syllABLE. Ayana Ward is with her mama, Sonya and she, Bryan and Jarett have recently adopted her from Ethiopia. One of the coffees that we tasted was an Ethiopian bean and it was Troy's favorite... I'm sure it would be Ayana's too, if she were allowed to imbibe.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Kindergarten Days
THE RED BALLOON
(my emotional letting go of Dodger into Kindergarten)
Red
Not the square, flat color of a brick
Not the shell of a ladybug, that is more orange than red anyway
A bright, round candy-apple red
The kind of red that makes your eyes smile when you see it
The red that looks so good you want to eat it
Balloon
Not the kind you blow up yourself, wearing out your cheeks and your
Lungs
Not one from the grocery store that looses all its air and pops on the
Way home
A carefree, weightless balloon floating in the sunny breezy weather
The only way to keep it with you is to hold on tight
Red
How I'm feeling
Gravel dusting my shoes, everything grey at the carnival, except...
The reddest shiniest candied apple
The kind you don't care to spend two dollars for
Hardly waiting to take the first bite
Getting sticky on my face
Sticky on my fingers
But I'm no way ready to clean up
(Unless licking counts)
Balloon
Cheery cherry balloons lined up near the stone steps
Attached to poles, these weightless fliers
All those balloons who can't stand still
They're blowing back and forth, back and forth in the breeze
I wanted to tell them they didn't need the poles
They could fly around the whole world if they wanted to
But would they come back to me?
A Red Balloon
It caught my eye - It made me think
I stopped my step - I couldn't blink
I closed my eyes and imagined that red feeling
The crisp autumn air
A candy apple in one hand and a red balloon in the other
I took a step
I headed away from the school and toward the car
I placed both hands on the apple
Something slipped through my hand
I took a bite with sticky on my fingers
Just then, the red balloon floated
Happy and carefree
I held on to my apple and I set the balloon free