Chongqing

Pre-Approval

I was checking emails when I got home from work tonight, and guess what I found? An email from Tina that we received our PA!!!! That was fast!!! I wonder how long before we actually get to hold her?

Surprise!!!!

Jason was working all weekend and most of next weekend too. It had already been a whole day now and the only person I told was Ashlee! Bless her heart she is only four, but she didn't tell anyone! She did however tease her mom by telling Alanna she had a surprise but it was a secret. Funny girl! Calling everyone on the phone and telling them was a good idea....Jason's good idea. Now how am I going to take pictures of that? He must have forgot that I have a "small" stash of scrapbook supplies that have been patiently waiting for pictures. Don't worry. I had a plan! Since Ashlee went everywhere with me when we getting our dossier ready (in an infant carrier...yep took that long), she has to go with me to tell everyone. I picked her up after work, and we headed to W*l-mart. Ashlee decided on what picture frames we needed. Then we off to find little bags...pink bags of course!! After print pictures and packaging them up, we rehearsed what we going to do. Little stinker was READY! We called ahead and told everyone Ashlee had a big surprise that she made them.

My Mom's house was the first stop. We did a little more rehearsing. Ashlee was going to hand everyone the pink bag while I took a picture. Then as they took the picture out, she suppose to yell "It's Jadalyn!" Remember we still had a while to wait because our log in date is 8/8/2006. CCAA is still working on April 2006. Jadalyn was a surprise. She was on the waiting children's list. So here we go!

I couldn't have done a better job myself!! Ashlee did a great job! She did exactly what we had practiced. My mom was totally shocked. It even took her a minute after Ashlee told her it was Jadalyn. She is so surprised. She is going to ride with us to tell everyone else.

The next stop on adventure was Ashlee's house. She was soooo excited and was telling me how she can keep big secrets because she is a big girl now. Poor Adam was in the middle of installing a new kitchen sink, but he stopped to see what Ashlee had made them. They were totally shocked. I am still amazed that Ash didn't tell them!

We stopped at my sister's house next. I promised not to post pictures. She just had surgery and is still in bed recovering. She gets a pass this time. I saved Jason's parents and sister for last. I was waiting to see if he could go too. Oh well that didn't work out, so off to Lynchburg we go! Ashlee is my niece, so I bet they were wondering what in the world she had made them?

They are so surprised. I would show up at supper time. I couldn't wait any longer. This is their first grandchild!! Think she will be rotten? Ashlee was more than willing to let them practice a little. She rode the four wheeler to the barn and bottle fed a calf.

We had a big day. Still waiting on Jill to get home, so we can stop at her house. Poor Ashlee is worn out. She fell asleep in her car seat on the way to Jill's house. She had the giggles when I woke her up. Jill was shocked. I bet it was all Jason's mom and dad could do to not call her!!

Whew. I'm tired!

Our Daughter!

Xiu Si Yang

born January 9, 2009

Chongqing Municipality, China

We have a daughter!! Isn't she the cutest little thing!! She is a little peanut...at 6 months just over 12 pounds and 24 inches. I can't wait to go get her!! She sucks her fingers while she sleeps!

It"s a Girl!

The phone started ringing about 10:00 Thursday night (March 18). I was throwing the last load of the laundry in the washer, so I just let the phone ring. I thought it was my friend calling and was just going to call her when I was done. The next thing I know the answering machine is picking up, and our adoption agency is leaving a message. They are emailing us a child's file to review and will call us in the morning. Surprise!!! That is the last thing I was expecting. Suddenly I'm not very tired any more! And guess what happened to the clothes in the washer? Yep! Those had to be rewashed Friday afternoon when I discovered them still wet sitting in the washing machine. Needless to say, I spent the next few hours glued to my laptop staring at the sweetest little face while I researched anything and everything I could find about from her file. I already knew this was our daughter.

Did I mention that Jason came downstairs and asked me who had called. I showed him the picture and told him what I knew so far. Then he went to bed!! TO BED!!! How in the world can he sleep now?! He did remind me that HE had to WORK 14 hours tomorrow. Good grief!