What a Treat!

A big shout-out to the LaRosa's---they have sent an adorable package for Gi. Gigi has just received her first lucky dollar and bathtime book. Love the tiny pink sweater. Thank you for thinking of our "little cherub."

Hanchuan SWI (State Welfare Institute)

playground at the SWI
exterior of SWI
exterior of SWI
front entrance of SWI
exterior of SWI where the elderly is housed
interior of SWI---bathroom facility
interior of SWI---director's office
interior of SWI---babies' room
exterior of SWI
exterior of SWI
exterior of SWI---possibly the courtyard or front entrance

I downloaded these pictures from my Hanchuan Yahoo group. They were taken by a member several years ago. This SWI was most likely where Gigi started her life. She is now in foster care in the same city. I have been told that all of the children of this SWI are in foster care. However, they come back to the SWI once a month for medical check-ups and social interaction with the other children. Our agency will most likely have us stay in Wuhan (capital of Hubei). Gigi will likely be brought to us from Hanchuan. So it is uncertain if we will have a chance to visit her birth city or the SWI where she was most likely "processed." I have been told by my Yahoo group that many parents of children adopted from Hubei province receive a photo album chronicling the first few months of their life in the SWI or in fostercare. I pray that I will be one of those lucky moms who will receive this precious gift.

Streets of Hanchuan City, Hubei

I recently joined a Yahoo group which consists of parents from all over the world who have adopted their children from Hanchuan, Hubei Province. This is most likely the city in which my sweet little Gigi was born. I downloaded these pictures from that Yahoo group. The year in which these pictures were taken was 2002-2003.

Taffy

This morning I took Taffy, our 14 year old tan mutt, to our vet's office. Hubs and I are very sad to announce that she had to be put to sleep. X-rays showed that age-related spinal disc problems and extensive arthritis may have caused her to be unable to walk comfortably the last few days. She was not able to relieve herself properly or go to her water and food bowl to eat independently. She had also lost a significant amount of weight recently. I am sad that Gi will not have a chance to love her and play with her. My sis sent me this montage of sweet Taffy in healthier days. My mom, pictured above, adored Taffy the most.

One Step Closer

Just been given permission by our adoption agency to download Travel Packet II. More paperwork to complete and notarized. But I'm not complaining. Hubs and I are one step closer to Gi! Also finished registering at BRU thanks to Kim and Brea. They are the greatest!

Care Package

Just mailed off a care package to my sweet Gi. It should arrive in the orphanage by June 18th. I enclosed a blanket, stuffed elephant, disposable camera, small photo album of her forever family, make-up and lots of fruit flavored candies.

Thank You, Joyce and Castor

How cool are these mugs??!! Gi is immortalized on one side and a great message on the other side. Thank you, Joyce and Castor for such an original gift. My coffee in the morning will be all that much sweeter.

Who Else is Waiting for Gi?

FedEx Package

All good things come to those who wait and wait and wait. The FedEx man apparently didn't even bother to ring my doorbell. Just left the much anticipated package by my front door and split. Sorry, friends, no picture of the FedEx man. By 1:30, I finally checked the tracking online which stated that it was delivered at 11:47. Needless to say, I ran to my front door nearly tripping on myself to retrieve my Gigi package. Enjoy the additional pictures!

Referral Day Getting The Call

Good friend, Kim, along with daughter, Brea, and I were in BRU today when I got THE CALL. Thank goodness Kim was there to hold my hand. I was a blithering idiot after hanging up. Afterwards, we lunched, met with the hubbies at Mama Chang's and then celebrated again at Mississppi Sweets. Thank you, KTB, for sharing this VERY SPECIAL day with us! We are overjoyed, overwhelmed and over excited!

Introducing Gigi!!!

Hello Everyone!!!
Our Gigi is finally here. Here's some basic info. We are so overjoyed!!!
Hubei Province
Born 8/14/06
Currently around 10 months old
On April 4th exam---26.7 inches long, about 20 lbs., basically healthy
Currently in foster care
Likes to play outside
Naps between 8-10 a.m. and 4-5 p.m.
Bedtime around 10 pm
Wakes up at 6:00 am (uh oh, Ron)
Basically eats all day long (sounds like our kid, she's in the right household)

Life is good and we are very thankful!!! Enjoy everyone!!!

Are We There Yet???

I received this reply email today from my agency concerning whether we should renew our 171.
Does this mean we are getting closer to a referral??? Oh, if I only had a crystal ball...

Hi Ana-

I would say you are in good standing with your I-171 H and do not need to proceed with filing.
Take care!

The ABCs (Advice, Brea and Cookies)

Hubby and I had a great visit with the Van Clan tonight. They are doing great! Kim offered many useful tips and advice. Todd shared delightful stories of Brea (a certain stuffed red pepper comes to mind). Brea munched on sugar cookies and showed us her amazing progress and super duper smile. And I took a lot of notes! Thank you, KTB!

Gardening Boots

Ladybug gardening boots for Gi.
Thank you Wendy and Ed!

Sammi's Christening

What a wonderful day! Sammi was christened today as beaming family and friends looked on. Silky red rose petals blessed Sammi's newly coiffed head. Little cousins doted on and buzzed about Sammi. Thank you, Wendy and Ed for including us on this very special day!

Caved In

I finally caved in! A couple of days ago, I went to the Rumor Queen website for the first time in search of any news about upcoming referrals. There are analysis!!?? Too complicated for me. I am a RQ novice after all. Anyway nothing to dispel or confirm what my agency is predicting. There is something discomforting about that. However, there are some good news. If we have to renew our 171 on or after July 30th, we will not have to pay additional fees.

The Latest...

Shot an email to our agency this morning just out of curiosity, well, really out of desperation on when we might get news of our referral. This is our agency's response.

There is a possibility you will be matched with the next group with your LID of 5/17/06...it all just depends on how far into May the CCAA goes with the matches, and that, we never know until the match day information comes to us. (insert smiley face here) However, either way, the time should be arriving soon! (insert smiley face here) Hope this answers your question, please let me know if you need anything else!

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, the latest from the greatest, CCAI. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that we will be in the next batch.