Pregnancy by Adoption - One Couple's Blog of the Adoption Adventure

This Just In ......

2010-04-14T14:02:00.000-04:00

http://joannamei.blogspot.com

New Stuff @ joannamei.blogspot.com

2010-03-17T11:45:00.002-04:00

I've started posting weekly updates over on

http://joannamei.blogspot.com

They should be available each Monday morning

along with a few pictures.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Y'all!!!!!!

Gnu Post

2010-03-03T04:33:00.002-05:00

Gnu post over on
JMei, Bebe & HomeDaddy -or-
Tales from the Cryb

Hanna Is In Catherine's Arms

2009-11-02T14:42:00.003-05:00

Those on the adoption highway who are bloggers have probably met
Catherine of Catherine's Chatter.
This wonderful woman finally met her daughter, Hannah, after a 3.5 year wait (from LID).
It was 16 months ago that we stood in the very same room in the Chengsha, Hunan government building and met our Joanna Mei for the first time.
We are so very happy for you Catherine!
Click on the hyperlink above and leave her some congratulatory remarks .....

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T09:11:00.002-04:00

FaceBook

2009-10-21T08:28:00.003-04:00

I have set up a FaceBook account which pretty much
chronicles life with a 3 year old.
Join me in my adventure.
If you have a FaceBook account click on my address below
and request access ......

http://www.facebook.com/orlandodon

You can set up an account easily by clicking the image above
and then going back and clicking on my address.

Cracks - A Drama For The Foundations Sermon

2009-10-08T22:39:00.001-04:00

HomeDaddy goes Hollywood - performed @ our church, First Baptist Windermere about building on a solid foundation.

Greaser Babies

2009-09-12T22:14:00.001-04:00

2009-09-11T06:52:00.002-04:00

Justin Roberts "Stay-at-Home Dad"

2009-09-01T11:48:00.001-04:00

Potty Humor

2009-08-26T15:52:00.003-04:00

It's come down to this. My first post on poop.
I try to maintain poise and dignity over here on this blog,
so you'll have to go over to
"The Other Blog - Content: Questionable"
for HomeDaddy's reflections on the rite of passage from diapers to potty.

Enjoy.

Great Chinese State Circus - Swan Lake

2009-08-18T17:17:00.001-04:00

While surfing things "China", I came across this piece. Remarkable

New Hope, PA

2009-08-12T11:02:00.002-04:00

While walking the sidewalks of New Hope, PA, on a recent visit,
a local told us to be sure to see the artwork in the alleyway near the main intersection.
Well, this is what we saw.
We're happy to report that the rest of this little berg is quite charming.
See our photos over on
"Joanna Mei, BeBe & HomeDaddy - or - Tales from the Cryb"

Okra!

2009-08-06T09:02:00.004-04:00

"The Other Blog - Content: Questionable"

Eclipse

2009-07-23T14:08:00.002-04:00

Residents watch a solar eclipse at a square in Chongqing municipality July 22, 2009. A total solar eclipse on Wednesday swept across a narrow swathe of Asia, where hundreds of millions of people watched the skies darken, though in some places thick summer clouds blocked the sun. REUTERS/China Daily

Babies for Sale

2009-07-05T22:08:00.003-04:00

From The BBC - July 2, 2009

Dozens of baby girls in southern C**na have reportedly been taken from parents who broke family-planning laws, and then sold for adoption overseas.

An investigation by the state-owned Southern Metropolis News found that about 80 girls in one county had been sold for $3,000 (£1,800).

The babies were taken when the parents could not pay the steep fines imposed for having too many children.

Local officials may have forged papers to complete the deals, the report said.

Unpopular policy

Parents in rural areas are allowed two children, unlike urban dwellers who are allowed one.

But if they have more than that, they face a fine of about $3,000 -several times many farmers' annual income.

The policy is deeply unpopular among rural residents, says the BBC's Quentin Somerville in Beijing.

Nearly 80 baby girls in a county in Guizhou province, in the south of the country, were confiscated from their families when their parents could not or would not pay the fine, Southern Metropolis News said.

The girls were taken into orphanages and then adopted by couples from the United States and a number of European countries.

The adoption fee was split between the orphanages and local officials, the newspaper said.

Child trafficking is widespread. A tightening of adoption rules for foreigners in 2006 has proved ineffective in the face of local corruption.

Support Breat Cancer Research

2009-06-30T12:53:00.003-04:00

With a 2 year old and a breast cancer survivor in the family,
this pic has special significance to HomeDaddy.

You Know You're an Older Than Dirt Parent When ....

2009-06-23T19:22:00.002-04:00

..... you slice nuts for your little girl's Almond Chicken dinner

with your pill splitter.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T11:00:00.003-04:00

HomeDaddy's First Father's Day
Picture is stock Google stock photo

Coming Up On A Year

2009-06-15T21:29:00.003-04:00

In celebration of 1 year as a family of 3, we would like to do a raffle for a CD of Chinese lullabies sung by the Beijing Angelic Choir. This music has soothed Joanna Mei to sleep each night and we'd like to pass on this beautiful music to a lucky winner. Just go over to "The Other Blog - Content: Questionable" and leave a comment on the raffle item indicating that you'd like to win. Joanna Mei will draw a winner on July 14, our Forever Family Day.

Check Out The Empress' Swimming Lessons

2009-06-11T06:13:00.002-04:00

Joanna Mei is 2 weeks into the Safe Start infant swimming program at the YMCA. Check out my Facebook log of her progress over on "JoannaMei, Bebe & HomeDaddy - or - Tales From the Cryb"

Arte du JMei

2009-06-07T17:30:00.003-04:00

"Daddy! Rabbit! Mommy! Rabbit!"
Joanna Mei repeated it several times as we ate our
breakfast this morning and held up the paper on which she was drawing.
We were quite impressed. There on the paper were 3 rabbits which
were easily identifiable in a Salvatore Dali sort of way.
Be added whiskers and a missing ear or two as well as the
dinosaur looking character in the lower right.
Not bad for a 31 month year old kid.
OK - I'll quit tootin' my horn.

Boycott "Orphan" Movie

2009-06-04T03:33:00.003-04:00

On July 24, 2009, Warner Brothers Pictures and Dark Castle Entertainment plans to release the movie, “Orphan” nationwide. This horror movie is a fictional story of a couple who loses their unborn child and decides to adopt a 9-year-old girl, Esther, from a local orphanage. The tagline for the movie is, “There is something wrong with Esther”. Another line from the movie states, “It must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own".The adoption community adamantly opposes the themes in this movie which suggest that orphans are 'problem children' who will bring nothing but destruction and violence to a family. This deception also brings unnecessary fear to families considering adoption.This theme is extremely offensive and hurtful to the hundreds of thousands of families who have adopted. Unlike the message that this film portrays, these families can attest to the great blessings of adoption, and their unmeasurable love for their children. Sign the petition here .........

Adoption Event in The Smoky Mountains

2009-05-31T04:10:00.004-04:00

Hi Y'all,We've decided to attend the Adoption Reunion Event in the Smokies. It will be a great getaway for us (part of a round robin vacation visiting family in North Carolina and New Jersey) as well as a 'nice package' with the cultural focus as well as the Cirque du Chine show. Once out of the Gatlinburg area, the Smoky Mountain National Park is breathtaking. We will be skipping the Dollywood visit (lots of Disney where we live.)

Our accommodations will be at the Wyndham Resort, just up the hill from the event site (very handy at nap time), We stayed there for a week before Joanna Mei and it's quite nice.

I've hyperlinked the Reunion web page and the Wyndham Resort just in case there are some China Adoption Bloggers who might be interested. There is a registration page which also has a schedule of events and prices (a reasonably priced package including activities, souvenirs, games and stories of the Chinese culture as well as the acrobatic show for 24 bucks per person (kids are free) - 10 bucks if you'd like the buffet lunch.It would be great to meet some Blog friends there. Give it a thought for vacation ......

New Adoption Movie Due in Theatres

2009-05-29T16:38:00.005-04:00

Adoptive Parents Say 'Orphan' Exploits Fears
Amid Outcry, Film Execs Strike Line:

'It Must Be Hard to Love an Adopted Child as Much as Your Own'
Adoption Deepest Fears
Other adoptive parents, whose own young children would never see the R-rated film, were concerned about its impact on teens.
"The audience for horror movies tends to be teenagers and young adult men," said Andy, the mother of a 6-year-old adopted son who did not want his last named used. " Many of us wrestle with our identity during our teen years and some of us used the 'I'm going to find a family that loves me' threats during our teen years to our biological parents."
" I can't imagine how an adopted child of impressionable age would feel hearing that line in the trailer," the 46-year-old from Chicago told ABCNews.com.
Peggy Scott, 58, of Berkeley, Calif., is not surprised the trailer taps into the fear that adopted children won't be loved enough.
" It's no coincidence they came up with this line as a hook," said Scott, who has a 15-year-old adopted daughter. "But it has nothing to do with reality."
Scott, a single mother, said she has never seen her adopted daughter as anything but, "my own."
Meanwhile, Amy Eldridge said she cannot distinguish between her seven children, two of whom are adopted.
"Every child has the desire to be part of a family," she said. "It's a longing they can't even put into words," she said. "My children are my own and one of my jobs as a parent is to make sure all of my children realize there is no difference in the way I feel about them."
And as her 10-year-old Anna pursues the questions about her own adoption, her mother always answers with, "Love has nothing to do with genetics, it has to do with your heart."

'Orphan' Sends Negative MessageBut Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Institute, said the film itself sends a negative message to the tens of thousands of American children in foster care who desperately need adoptive homes.
"The fundamental premise [echoes] so many fears among Americans, that kids adopted from foster care are damaged goods and they can hurt you," said he said.
By rescinding the trailers, Warner Brothers has shown "they are responsive," he told ABCNews.com. But the film itself is still perpetuates the stereotypes about adoption.

"The film preys on who these older kids are," Pertman said. "That's why we have so much trouble getting older kids adopted. I fully respect that they are not going to pull a multi-million-dollar movie out of the theater, but they can mitigate the damage and make the ads less corrosive."
Pertman said that suggesting parents don't love an adoptive child as much as a biological one is inconceivable to adoptive parents.
"To love my kids any more, I would have to grow a second heart," he said.
Adoption experts say that while the adoption landscape is changing, older foster children are the hardest to place in permanent homes. The difficulty lies in prejudices and lack of knowledge about the joys of adopting an older child.
Older Foster Children Hardest to Place
"A younger child is easier to get a home," he said. "Five is harder than three, and seven is harder than five."
"The good news is there is a concerted effort to help these kids and it's working," he said. "There is an incrementally larger number of them being adopted."
An estimated 129,000 American children are waiting for adoption, according the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Of those, 48 percent are 8 or older, the hardest age group to place.
About 60 percent of these children have been in foster care for two years or more and 20 percent have been without permanent homes for five years.
"The longer they sit, the longer they wait," said Soronen, noting that about 20,000 who turn 18 leave the foster care system each year.
Many of the older children in need of adoption have special needs and many have "flitted from home to home," according to Pertman.
"Many have been abused and neglected, so already these kids haven't had an easy time," said Pertman. "Adopted kids aren't without problems, but adoption is part of the solution."

New Post

2009-05-23T12:24:00.005-04:00

...... over on

"Joanna Mei, BeBe & HomeDaddy

-or-

Tales From the Cryb"

Conversation with The Empress

2009-05-01T14:07:00.004-04:00

I heard The Empress fall in the living room. She was up, crying and running to me before I could get out of my chair ......

JMei (crying) - Daddy. JMei fall. JMei have owie.

Daddy - I'm so sorry, baby. How did you fall?

JMei - Down.

2009-04-24T14:20:00.002-04:00

Last July, our family expanded a bit when our daughter became a member of our clan by adoption. She is the joy of our lives. It became increasingly evident that, as time went on, our vehicles did not suit our needs so we bought a Ford F150 with extended cab. We needed room for a car seat, and I like to ride high off the road.Shortly after the purchase, a neighbor, who had never met my new daughter, came by to congratulate the family. I was gracious and told him what a good girl she is, how our family was enriched by the whole experience and how much we appreciate her. His response ..... "Yep! That's one fine truck!"

New Post on JMei's Blog

2009-04-19T08:19:00.006-04:00

Check out Steve Martin and Joanna Mei displaying their language skills over on "Joanna Mei, Bebe & HomeDaddy - or - Tales From the Cryb" - if you would like a password, drop us an e mail at duoloco@cfl.rr.com and we'll set you up with one.

Happy Resurrection Day!

2009-04-10T15:55:00.003-04:00

It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna ( the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household), Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

We had many considerations in choosing our daughter's name, like any parent. I have always liked the name Joanna.

It is the title of a song of unattainable love as a "commoner" in a favorite musical sings to his beloved Joanna, daughter of an upper class politician.

Joanne is Be's sister's name - she passed away only recently.

And after just a little bit of biblical research, we found that Joanna was one of the first people on the scene after Jesus' resurrection. The angel at the tomb spoke directly to Joanna and the other women when he said "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" ...... so ..... Joanna it is! (We added Mei -beautiful - to the name in recognition of her heritage.)

And our heart's desire is that she come to faith in Christ early on and serve Him with zeal. Joanna of the Bible must have been one special gal. After all, God chose her to be one of the first to spread the message "He is risen!" - the fact which is central to the Christian faith.

So, from our family to yours, Happy Easter. He is risen!

May the risen Christ shine His light upon you and remain with you. ..... and even if you are not Christian, we wish you His light and peace. He is central to our faith. Our faith identifies who we are.

And when a holy day central to your faith comes along, we will receive your blessings with honor and appreciation as well.

Luke 24

The Resurrection

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

You Know You're an Older Than Dirt Parent When ....

2009-04-06T18:58:00.003-04:00

...... a rainy day activity includes your toddler helping you fill your monthly pill organizer ......

Suitable for Framing

2009-04-01T20:28:00.000-04:00

On July 14, 2008, when we received Joanna Mei into our family,

she was wearing a pair of split pant pajamas and jelly slippers.

That was the extent of earthly treasures that accompanied our

frightened little daughter.

JMei's Jellies

While sorting out some clothes the other day, we came across the shoes
and decided that they were a significant part of her story, so we framed
them up in a shadowbox frame.

They now occupy a place of honor in her room

beneath a beautiful

Welcome Wish from our friend, Molly.

We Have A Court Date!

2009-03-27T14:11:00.003-04:00

May 20

in the court of

Orange County Florida.

Judgement will be handed down that Joanna Mei

was truly born.

She'll receive a Florida Birth Certificate indicating that her birthplace was Hunan, China.

(for a fee, of course)

IKEA Playroom

2009-03-24T10:39:00.000-04:00

We took on the major task of re-locating JMei's playroom from our

spare room downstairs to the 2nd floor loft, adjacent to her bedroom.

We chose IKEA again for their creativity and price.

The additions brightened up an otherwise dark room.

JMei's tuffet for viewing her Disney & Blue's Clues videos.

At her musical playstation, a Christmas gift from Aunt Aly & Uncle Ford.

Toy storage doubles as wall decoration.

Waiting for a Court Date

2009-03-20T04:03:00.000-04:00

Our petition for Adoption Certification with the State of Florida (giving JMei a Florida Birth Certificate) has been filed with the Orange County Court. In about 2 weeks, we'll receive a court date to finalize this ongoing adoption process.
We were fortunate to be referred to an attorney who adopted his daughter from China and now guides parents through the process and attends the hearing with the family. His assistant spent a year volunteering in a Chinese orphanage. We feel a wonderful team is representing our family.
In Orange County, the Adoption Certification hearings are clumped in with the non-contested divorce cases. When an AC item comes up, the attitude of the whole court changes ...... it's not in any procedure manual, it just happens. Judges will stop for pictures, interview the family and generally make it a happy and honoring occasion. We're looking forward to this family time with Joanna Mei. We'll post video if it's allowed ........

A Wash of a Weekend

2009-03-17T19:00:00.003-04:00

Head on over to "The Other Blog - Content Questionable" and read about HomeDaddy's weekend .......

Our Testimony

2009-03-03T11:02:00.003-05:00

Our church, First Baptist Church of Windermere, has been doing a video series called "Transformed Lives". Troy, one of our pastors (a really neat guy), realized that we probably had a transformation story relative to our adoption of Joanna Mei. He is right. We probably did about 5 minutes of video which was edited down to 60 seconds or so.

So folks, it can be a bit preachy - after all, it is a presentation for our church. Our faith is the major influence of our lives. Our faith makes us who we are.

Happy Velentine's Day ...... WHAT! No Magpies!?!?!?

2009-02-14T08:26:00.003-05:00

On the evening of the seventh day of the seventh month on the Chinese lunar calendar, don't forget to look carefully at the summer sky. You'll find the Cowherd (a bright star in the constellation Aquila, west of the Milky Way) and the Weaving Maid (the star Vega, east of the Milky Way) appear closer together than at any other time of the year. Chinese believe the stars are lovers who are permitted to meet by the queen of Heaven once a year. That day falls on the double seventh (Qixi in Chinese), which is China's own Valentine's Day.
Most Chinese remember being told a romantic tragedy when they were children on the double seventh. In the legend, the cowherd and the Weaving Maid will meet on a bridge of magpies across the Milky Way once a year. Chinese grannies will remind children that they would not be able to see any magpies on that evening because all the magpies have left to form a bridge in the heavens with their wings.

More Change

2009-02-08T12:12:00.003-05:00

I had some fun on obamaconme.com with one of JMei's pics.

Head on over to

JoannaMei, Bebe & HomeDaddy - or - Tales from the Cryb

and have a look at the original.

Happy New Year! Our Daughter Is Into Pyro!

2009-02-01T19:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Year of the Ox.

We are moderately concerned (at this point in her life) that our daughter be aware of her Chinese culture. She is American by citizenship, but her heritage is Chinese and we plan to cultivate that awareness as she progresses in age. A local organization was having a Chinese New Year celebration which was aimed toward children from China who were adopted by American parents and we decided to take the young Empress to the affair.Both myself and the Empress are just about over The Cruds and we’re still not 100%, so venturing out to a gathering of this nature was not my top priority. But we embarked on the journey to the other side of town for the sake of the young ‘un – and she could have cared less.

We pulled up to the church (which had hired out a hall to the sponsoring organization) to find it being pressure washed. “Maybe it’s a building purification ritual for the Year of the Ox” I said to my wife as the compressor roared and our daughter squirmed to break free of her loving embrace. Both mother and daughter were attired in Asian garb crafted of the finest imitation silk, so as the Empress did the ‘alligator death roll’ to gain her freedom, the 2 slippery surfaces of the garments made for difficult carriage of the squirming package. “Here you go, HomeDaddy” said Mama and she handed over our writhing tot to daddy as we entered through the gentle shower of mist from the pressure washer. “Just get me an eggroll and some Tylenol and I’ll be a happy man” said HomeDaddy as he took on the task of playing pack mule and beast of burden for the Empress.

We entered the room to the peaceful sound and vision of little Chinese cherubs running about the dining area whilst screaming and producing sounds similar to that of a hole being bored in one’s scull. They were followed by event organizers who were attempting to corral them for activities and games. It was actually rather calming. No really. I whispered a quiet prayer of thanksgiving. “Thank you, God. I’m not the only one.”

The line for “The Slow Boat to China Buffet” was probably 30 hungry folks long and we shared stories about our adoption including Beijing in the dead heat of summer and ‘through the roof’ laundry bills at The White Swine. After 22 minutes, when we got to the steam tables, we were greeted with the news that they had run out of rice (fried and steamed) as well as noodles. Dang! 40 bucks and no rice?!?! Oh joy, oh rapture. I longed for some of the unidentifiable delicacies from the buffet tables back in China. I grabbed the 2 remaining eggrolls, and some fried nasties with sweet ‘n sour sauce and headed on as some kid grabbed the last crab rangoon. Twit!

We had pleasant conversation with the couples at our table and made the most of our incomplete meal. We gave thanks that we brought along the booster seat complete with child containment straps. After a truly primitive dining experience, the Empress delicately removed her bib and flung it on top of a decorative tea candle placed on our table for proper ambiance. As the bib went up in flames and began melting the plastic tablecloth, I thought “Just throw me on the fire and end it all” as I reached for my plastic cup of Sprite and doused what looked like a burnt offering at our table. “JMei, I know your food was cold, but I think I could have found a microwave in this place!”

After a family portrait in front of a bamboo screen, we bid a fond farewell to the remaining revelers and headed back to the sanctuary of my Ford F150. The pressure washers had left the scene, but the compressor remained behind. “Hhhhmmmm ……. Could’ve used that at our table.”

So, Happy !#@$ Year of the Ox, Y’all! Anyone have a Tylenol?

Baby Hanger - or - How's The View Up There in the Cheap Seats?

2009-01-30T15:54:00.004-05:00

Ever seen one of these?

The Baby Keeper - for a Bird's Eye View!

Smarty Pants Dance

2009-01-28T17:15:00.003-05:00

Brightman Review

2009-01-13T12:14:00.003-05:00

We recently attended a Sarah Brightman concert here in Central Florida.

Head on over to The Other Blog - Content: Questionable for my review of the over the top event featuring popera's biggest nutjob.

Pray for Our President Elect

2009-01-09T00:57:00.001-05:00

We are about 10 days out from the beginning of a new presidency in the United States. We've had some tough times this last decade and Barach Obama is going to have a full plate when he takes office shortly.
Regardless of party affiliation, our nation needs to come together and pray to God for this man who will lead our nation. God will hear the prayers of the people as we pray for wisdom, direction and peace for Barach Obama.
The election circus is over - it is time to put it behind us and get on board in the reconstruction of a country in need of God's hand directly on the shoulders of our new president ....... let us pray .......

Giant Lemon Arrives in Central Florida

2009-01-07T09:26:00.003-05:00

Story at

http://joannamei.blogspot.com

Need access? Drop us an e-mail .....

duoloco@cfl.rr.com

What to Do With Great Art .......

2009-01-04T17:05:00.004-05:00

..... when there's no more room on the refrigerator .....

JMei's Wall of Art on the way to the utility room.

We bought some shirt gift boxes after Christmas.

When the wall is full, the objects d'arte get stowed away in the boxes

until she's ..... maybe 18 .....

when we'll give her the boxes of art to do with what she wants.

Happy New Year and Congratulations!

2009-01-02T08:35:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year, Y'all ....... and congratulations to all those who received their first glimpse of their new family member!

LIDs through the review room:

February 28, 2007 (no change)

LIDs through referral:

February 28, 2006

Ye Dan Kuai Le

2008-12-24T10:53:00.004-05:00

The closest I could come to "Merry Christmas" in Chinese ......

Ye is short for Ye Su, which is the transliterated name for Jesus.
Su means to revive, to come to, or to rise again.
Kuai le is happiness, joy, delight, or rejoicing.
Thus, Ye Dan Kuai Le, or Jesus' Birth Happy, is how you say Merry Christmas in Chinese.

.... and Happy Hanukah (The name "Hanukkah" derives from the Hebrew verb "חנך", meaning "to dedicate". On Hanukkah, the Jews regained control of Jerusalem from an invading army and rededicated the Temple. At the re-dedication there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil. So, Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days and nights) to our Jewish friends in Blogland ..... Joanna Mei reminded me of this yesterday as she babbled along in the back seat and said something that sounded like "Shalom" ..... from the mouths of babes.

The Narnia Tree - Then & Now

2008-12-20T02:41:00.006-05:00

The spirit of the past 2 or 3 Christmases without Joanna Mei are reflected in the pics below.

Christmas decorations & lights were minimal.

In 2007, we put "The Narnia Tree" in the thicket on the side of our house.

It was named for the mythical land in CS Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia".

The land was always cold and snowy

and the blue lights on the tree gave the area the feel of a cool evening.

Click on the pic above for the full view. It's kinda cool......

This year, the addition of the lights strung in the trees was added.

The presence of Joanna Mei in our home is reflected in the decorations throughout the house.

Referrals!

2008-12-12T07:47:00.004-05:00

CCAA has updated the portal to reflect referrals matched through LID February 22, 2006. Some blogs are reporting 2/23/2006.

We congratulate the new parents who have been waiting for this news.

JMei is doing the dance of joy for y'all.

And the prize for the LONGEST PREGNANCY goes to......

2008-12-07T02:46:00.003-05:00

.......the Alpine Salamander.........found in the central and eastern Alps. It gives birth to 2 young .... at lower altitudes, the pregnancy lasts for 2 years and at higher altitudes it jumps to 3 years ...... longer than placement of a child from China. We should all rejoice that we are not Alpine Salamanders living above the tree line!

......and the runner up......... the African Elephant.......the pregnancy lasts for around 22 - 24 months.This is one of the longest gestation periods in the animal kingdom. (The blue whale, for example, has a gestation period of around 1 year.)

As for those in the Waiting Room for China Adoption, does the pregnancy begin with the decision to adopt and attendance at an informational meeting - or - with the LID. If we're talking about the latter, then we're doing a bit better than the elephant and hopefully ....... the salamander.

It was 2 years ago that we originally posted this peice. Well, it indeed WAS 3 years from the beginning of the paperchase to our Forever Day, so at that point, the gestation period of the Alpine Salamander at high altitude was just about in line with the CCAA's time frame.

"Merry Christmas" from "Habitat for Insanity"

2008-11-30T15:32:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo Boo?

2008-11-29T05:47:00.005-05:00

Living so close to the Magic Kingdom, The Empress and myself get to visit often (annual passes - big Disney bucks) and love the place. She gets a ride or two and I get some exercise pushing the royal stroller. This happens just as the parks open as crowds increase over the course of 2 hours - then, it's back home for a nap and lunch.
Many times, we observe young girls, around 5ish, decked out in princess costumes (made of the finest 100% polyester) accompanied by tierras, scepters, big hair and rather garish makeup. Turns out, these lovely little girls have been to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
One morning, after a visit to the MK, I stumbled across a reference to the attraction in an adoption blog. Here is one person's description of the pamper parlor ....... At the Bibbidi Bobbibi Boutique, Disney takes dress-up to a new level, giving each girl her own station in the salon and her very own “Fairy Godmother-in-training” whose job is to pamper her with every accessory and service a Princess could possibly want. Parents can choose from three packages at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: the “Coach Package” which includes a hair style and shimmering make-up (for $35), the “Crown Package” which includes hair style, shimmering make-up and nails (for $45), or the ultimate “Castle Package” which includes the Crown Package plus a Princess photo shoot and a complete Disney Princess costume of her choice with accessories (starting at $175). After her makeover, each girl is given a pink sash that says “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique” — so everyone who sees her knows that she’s an official Disney Princess.

For some folks, the money is a drop in the bucket (not for this HomeDaddy), however, beyond the big bucks, is this giving the girls a false sense of value? I mean, $200.00 for a temporary fantasy? Maybe I'm making too much of it. After all, aren't we adults entitled to $200.00 fantasies on another level? Shouldn't we get our little girls ready to grow into bigger fantasies? Am I stirring the pot here?

Here is Disney's Web blurb on the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, as well as another blogger who comes close to my feelings on the Baby Spa.

Don't get me wrong ...... we LOVE the Disney parks. I'm just a bit unsettled on this one. Next month's topic .......
"Children's Beauty Pageants".

Happy Thanksgiving......

2008-11-25T16:09:00.001-05:00

.........from Joanna Mei

JMei's 2nd Birthday Pics

2008-11-22T20:25:00.001-05:00

Head on over to

JMei, Bebe & HomeDaddy -or- Tales from the Cryb

for some great pics of JMei's big day!

Baby in a Tree

2008-11-15T12:25:00.004-05:00

A friend sent us this illustration.

If you don't look for a baby, you'll see the baby.

Pretty cool..........

Deja Vu

2008-11-12T06:51:00.003-05:00

Joanna Mei returns to her homeland via the China pavillion at EPCOT.

Pics over at Joanna Mei, Bebe & HomeDaddy - or - Tales from the Cryb

2008-11-06T20:30:00.003-05:00

JMei enjoys a performance of "Beauty and the Beast" at the Disney Holloywood Studios. We found a walkway along a canal which leads from the Boardwalk Hotel (where we sometimes take walks around the lagoon) to the Studios. Since we were already there, we went inside and caught a show. Not sure there's much else there for toddlers.

More pics of our morning at the Studios over on "Joanna Mei, Bebe & HomeDaddy -or- Tales from the Cryb"

Brunch With The Empress

2008-11-03T21:04:00.004-05:00

....... just in case you happen to be in Orlando .....

Please join us for

A Brunch to Cover All Bases

Including

Welcome Joanna Mei
Be’s 50th Birthday
Joanna Mei’s 2nd Birthday

Saturday, November 8, 10 AM

Bring a brunch item to share – we’ll have some breakfast casseroles and coffee for y’all.

Gifts: Not necessary. JMei received SO many that we’re rewrapping some and giving them to her at Christmas!(of course ….. we could STILL use that SUV)

Drop us an e-mail at duoloco@cfl.rr.com for directions.

Trunk or Treat

2008-11-02T18:36:00.004-05:00

Our church, Windermere Baptist Church, sponsors the annual Trunk or Treat in our area and this year's event was quite a success. Church members deck out their trunks with family oriented themes, dress themselves up and give out the treats to the attendees. People came by the hundreds figuring that the Baptists were 'low risk' for handing out tainted/booby trapped candies. 10 inflatable play areas, a contemporary gospel band and food prepared by the Boy Scouts completed the offerings of the evening.

Other pics are over on "Joanna Mei, Bebe & HomeDaddy - Tales From the Cryb".

Sign in is required - leave an e-mail at duoloco@cfl.rr.com if you'd like to follow Joanna Mei's journey.

Windermere Police officer, John, catches Joanna Mei 'double dipping' in one of the candy tubs.

Vince, one of the founding members of the church, displays his great sense of humor as he poses between 2 skeletons singing Old Time Gospel Music. He rigged the skeletons so that he could control the jaws to move as Bill Gaither music played.
His theme was
"Old Time Gospel Music Never Dies".
I laughed like a soprano when I saw Vince and his buddies.

The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe Slide.
One of 10 inflatables at "Trunk or Treat".

Katie - one of Joanna Mei's best friends at church.

I can't comeup with a caption for this one.

Check It Out

2008-10-27T20:14:00.003-04:00

Check out "Stay at Home Dad" rap vid over at "The Other Blog - Content Questionable"

This guy is wild!

New Post ......

2008-10-23T03:23:00.002-04:00

....... on "Joanna Mei, Bebe & Home Daddy - Tales from the Cryb".

Head on over there and take a look at "Hu Flung Galumkie".

Hello Dolly

2008-10-21T21:09:00.003-04:00

Hey, y'all. We went to see Dolly Parton the other night and what a hoot! I wrote about the evening on "The Other Blog", so head on over a take a read.......

What Province?

2008-10-19T06:10:00.000-04:00

We lived on the south end of Runway 3-west at Newark Airport - well, not exactly ON the runway, but close enough that if you were seeing someone off and said "I'll wave to you when you're on the plane" it meant "I'll be waving from my bedroom window." If you wanted to get to my hometown of Elizabeth, NJ from the New Jersey Turnpike, you would take Exit 13, go past the oil refineries, warehouses and railroad yards to the north end. If you make it to the Budweiser Brewery surrounded by 3 cemeteries, you've gone too far - back up about 3 blocks and you're in my 'hood'. It was a rough area and I'm proud to say that I survived 17 years at Elizabeth's North End with no visible scars - except 2 which were inflicted by Benedictine nuns - but that's a post unto itself. When fellow Jerseyites would be introduced the conversation would go something like "Hey! You're from Jersey? What exit?" "13" "Eeww!"

Disney World is just a hop skip and a jump from our home in Orlando. We love to schlep ourselves over to the Boardwalk Hotel area and wheel JoannaMei around in her stroller on the boardwalk which is reminiscent of some of the grand old towns along the Jersey shore. As we strolled this evening, I noticed a pasty white couple with a beautiful little Asian girl. I have found it awkward to strike up a conversation about adoption with a complete stranger as some people can be ssoo sensitive about the topic. But tonight, I had a flashback of my past. "Hey! What province?" "Sichuan" "Oh yeah? I've got Hunan in the stroller here." ....... and the conversation began ...........

Object d' Art

2008-10-17T04:53:00.001-04:00

JMei's first art project (painted with a toothbrush) in the Mom's Day Out preschool program.

(Yes, I have petitioned to have "HomeDaddy's Day Out"

as the program's name once a month.)

JMei did fine and she'll attend twice a week for 6 hours each time.

.........

12 weeks ago, 2 nannies from her orphanage in the Hunan province, China, drove her 2-3 hours

to a government building where she was handed over, kicking and screaming, to total strangers, never to see her nannies again.

What goes through little Joanna Mei's mind as I hand her over, kicking and screaming to her pre-school teacher who, until her first visit was a total stranger?

I realize that this should change as she is socalized with the children in her class, becomes familiar with the staff and realizes that HomeDaddy will always be there to pick her up.

Still, its a heartbreaker.....

Waiting for Mama to Come Home From Work

2008-10-13T21:10:00.003-04:00

I love this shot of our little girl, JMei, and her doggie, Diva.

Other new pictures will be available on Joanna Mei, Bebe & HomeDaddy

on Thursday, October 16.

D, B & JM to Sit On Adoption Q&A Panel

2008-10-09T12:39:00.004-04:00

Our agency, Bethany Christian Services, has scheduled us for participation on a discussion panel taking questions about our adoption journey. The event takes place this Saturday, October 11 in Orlando. Below is the information that we have about the panel. If you are in the Orlando area, come on by if you can - we'd love to meet with you and discuss our adoption journey.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Bethany Christian Services is hosting an Informational Meeting on Domestic and International Adoptions on Saturday,
October 11, 2008
From 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church
427 N. Magnolia Avenue
Orlando, FL
RSVP (407) 877-4006

DIRECTIONS

From Tampa:
Take I-4 East to Robinson St exit. You will exit onto Garland Ave. Continue on Garland to Livingston St. Turn right onto Livingston St. and follow road. Turn left onto Rosalind/Magnolia. Church office is a brown brick building across from the backside of the Court House.

From Daytona:
Take I-4 west to Amelia St. exit. Exit on to Hughey Ave. Follow Hughey to Livingston St. and turn left. Follow Livingston St and turn left on to Rosalind/Magnolia Ave. The church office is in a brown brick building across from the backside of the Court House.

From the Beach:
Take the Beachline (528) to 417 North. Take the 417 to SR 408 toward Orlando. Follow the 408 to I-4. Take I-4 East to Robinson St exit. Exit onto Garland Ave.
Follow Garland to Livingston St. Turn right on to Livingston Street and turn left onto Rosalind/Magnolia. Church office is a brown brick building across from the backside of the Court House.

From the South:
Take Florida Turnpike North to Orlando and exit onto I-4 East toward Daytona. Stay on
I-4 to Robinson St. exit. Exit onto Garland Avenue. Follow Garland to Livingston St. and
turn right. Follow Livingston St to Roslind Ave./Magnolia Ave. and turn left. Church office is a brown brick building across from the backside of the Court House.

The Weather in Central Florida is Breaking!

2008-09-24T16:40:00.006-04:00

We have experienced the first hint of fall! The air has a bit of a nip and the breeze is just delightful! Neighbors are coming out of their houses just to enjoy the weather!
This past summer, when we visited China during the adoption procedings of our daughter,
the weather was hot (real hot!), humid and polluted in the cities.
"I should be used to this!" I said to myself as we toured the Forbidden City, climbed The Great Wall and stood atop the solid heat absorbing concrete in Tienemman Square.
After all, I live in Central Florida, the humidity capital of the US - then it dawned on me -
"I don't go outside in this weather when I'm at home!"
And here I was, playing tourist in the equivalent of a steam room!
Anyway, the peasants are rejoicing - fall will be here soon!

What is Your Favorite "Most Annoying Song of All Time?"

2008-09-18T17:16:00.010-04:00

Recently, we took our daughter to The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

We went on that ride which features, in my opinion, "The Most Annoying Song of All Time".

I can't even say the name of the song without getting annoyed, so here's a picture.......

It was her favorite ride - she smiled throughout and screamed with delight at some of the scenes. Since we have Annual Passes, I imagine I'll be hearing the song many times over.

It's just one of those lessons in tolerance in parenthood.

So, what's your nomination for

******************************

The Most Annoying Song of All Time

******************************

Leave a comment indicating your nomination .....

and, if you feel led ...... why do you find it so annoying?

**************************

No contest .... no prizes .... just for fun

"Catherine's Chatter" Author Interviewed for Toronto Star

2008-09-14T20:13:00.002-04:00

Fellow Blogsters - Head on over to the Toronto Star and take a look at the article on international adoptions. Our friend and blogger, Catherine, was interviewed to participate in a pretty good article where she lends her upbeat view on the subject. Go Catherine - you're the best!

A Letter to J Mei

2008-09-06T19:21:00.002-04:00

Several weeks back, our wonderful friend of 20+ years (number of years we've been friends - not necessarily referring to age) Molly, gave J Mei a welcoming party attended by many of my co-workers and retirees (such as myself). She surprized us with a beautiful letter, written from the hearts of parents longing to have her in their lives. Here is her letter .......

..........

Little girl of our dreams, you come from a land so far away..A land of magical dragons and bright colors all covered in mist.How could you know we wished for you over the years, day by day? Though the years of our lives were busy and full, we worked so hard to make our way, while keeping in our hearts the Lord's pathway of light. We served Him and praised Him with song. We knew all along we had an abundance of love we needed to share. As we studied His Word and followed His path, our hearts were opened to the Message He sent..."And a little child shall lead them." So, Joanna Mei, our journey to find you began. We searched the world over, we prayed night and day for the sweetest of God's little angels to come our way. Our hearts and our home are ready to welcome you now...where you will thrive in His Love and His Light. You are all we could wish for - our heart's delight. You are our dream come true......We love you so much! Mommy and Daddy.

..........

The letter is now framed and hangs over her crib. Thank you, Molly for your thoughtfulness and friendship.

Another Theory of the Adoption Showdown

2008-08-22T08:29:00.002-04:00

Fewer Kids Available for Adoption by Foreigners

from "The China Daily"

A view of the adoption slowdown by a Chinese journalist

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-08/20/content_6952813.htm

Larry King Reflects on the Chapman Family

2008-08-15T12:11:00.004-04:00

......scroll on down to the bottom of the page for Larry King's reaction to his interview with the Steven Curtis Chapman family.

In Search of the Right Men's Diaper Bag

2008-08-14T02:40:00.002-04:00

Several months back, a wonderful friend threw us a brunch/shower for Joanna Mei.

One of the beautiful gifts was a pink diaper bag. Be really likes it. I don't do pink.

I'm going to be the stay-at-home-dad. I will not be carrying a pink diaper bag.

Be says she'll carry it. Fine. But what do I do when Be's not with me?

I need MY OWN diaper bag......and it has to meet MY specifications.

* it must double as a personal 'carry-on' bag when Joanna Mei is not flying with us.

*must have a flap to accommodate airline boarding passes and baggage receipts.

* it must hold a lap top.

* it must double as a beach bag for our Hawaiian vacation

the week before Joanna Mei's adoption.

*it must have compartments for easy accessability

to cell phones, CD players, keys and sunglasses.

* it must not look like a diaper bag when not being used as a diaper bag.

The bag we chose was the "Eddie Bauer" model pictured above. It actually looks like a regular tote type bag disguising the fact that contained within it's synthetic fabric walls there are wipes, a sippy cup, emergency diapers, an airtight plastic pouch for dirty diapers (Yuk! Does anyone actually carry around a diaper defiled by baby poopie inside their diaper bag? What kind of a wacko thing is that? Perhaps it's there as a conversation piece ...... Guess what I have in my diaper bag? Yikes! There's GOT to be some other use for the airtight plastic pouch!), Pediassure, apple juice as well as

sunglasses, cell phone, water bottle and change of shoes for dad.It's a great piece of luggage for the discriminating DiaperBaggist.

Along the way, I discovered that there are several versions available to taste specific men. I have included several examples below for your shopping pleasure ......

The Camouflage Diaper Bag
In case you need to change your baby while hunting.

The Ninja Diaper Bag
(also comes with orange trim and dragon)
The packaging includes the warning

"Ninja practices not to be used while diapering baby."

The Peace Sign Diaper Bag

Caution: Users of this diaper bag may be subject to additional SW questioning.

The Flamingo Diaper Bag

For the man with a good self image.

For some reason, during my internet search for "Men's Diaper Bags", this
manual came up. I thought "What the heck!" I ordered it.

The Skull and Crossbones Diaper Bag

Aarrgh!

The Diaper Vest
Now who the heck came up with this one?
Here's something that'll really disguise the fact that you're carrying baby equipment
much the same way the combover disguises baldness.
This brilliantly designed garment includes pockets for diapers, wipes, bottles, cell phones and the piece de resistance ----
a slim design diaper changing pad in a hidden pocket in the back of the vest!!!!
Isn't that fabulous? Maybe for someone who doesn't mind being called "Lumpy"!
Actually, I thought of buying it but alas ......
Some fool didn't include an airtight pouch for poopied diapers!

I'm outtahere.

You Know You Are An Old First-Time Parent If .......

2008-08-13T14:12:00.003-04:00

........ wine glasses and sippy cups occupy the same shelf in your kitchen cabinet.

Any other suggestions for

You Know You Are An Old First -Time Parent If .........

Congratulations!! January 2006 Referrals!!

2008-08-12T07:31:00.005-04:00

CCAA Update!

LID’s through the review room: JANUARY 31, 2007 (no change)

LID’s through referral: JANUARY 31, 2006

CCAA advanced 6 calendar days

(4 business days + 2 weekend days; landing during the CNY), from January 25, 2006.

SW Follow Up

2008-08-06T06:41:00.002-04:00

The Empress was on her best behavior last Friday as we had our post adoption follow-up visit. She could charm just about anyone as she babbled like Pebbles Flintstone and demonstrated how a triangular block fits into a round hole quite unsuccessfully.

Everything seemed to be status quo so our SW invited us to sit on a panel at an adoption event the agency is hosting in October. We'll take questions on "Special Needs" adoption (our agency calls SN kids "Children of Promise") and our experiences until that point.

Why Is It Taking So Long?

2008-08-03T15:55:00.005-04:00

I wish I had this vid while going through the 3+ year adoption process.
This is all information that prospective adoptive parents already know, but get SSOO tired of explaining. Next time, just tell them I'll send you a link ........

Today Show video on China adoption......

2008-07-30T05:27:00.004-04:00

Here's some great advice for new parents - tuck it away for future reference....
Most of America 's populace think it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of 'those moments.' One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk.Some say it's the vibration from the car, others say it's the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc.Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.

I think this will work with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as well.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

2008-07-25T18:49:00.003-04:00

Jet lagged and jazzed, we have returned from China with our beautiful little daughter, Joanna Mei. The pic was taken at Orlando Airport where JM entertained our welcoming friends for about an hour. Our entire journey has been journaled on our blog http://joannamei.blogspot.com/ - what an incredible event in our lives! Our family is complete!
We've been homenow for 2 days and jet lag is doing a real number on all of us - we don't know what time to eat or sleep. Hopefully, we'll have recovered by Monday - SW visits Friday for initial adoption follow up.
Drop us an e-mail if you're not on the list for the secure site and you too can be in with the in crowd. Please use your server's e-mail instead of a Blogger response. Keying off Blogger results in a 'no reply' response.

Ringo Starr

2008-07-18T06:58:00.002-04:00

You'd better dial 911 - I'm naming the light fixtures in Joanna's room - I must be losin' it during this wait - first, I'm naming the gopher tortoises on my daily walks in the park with Diva - now, I'm naming light fixtures. Oy!

On a recent trip to IKEA

(Be is going to issue a restraining order keeping me at least one mile from IKEA),

I saw the star light pictured above. I'm a Beatles fan, and somehow, the ceiling light, in the shape of the sun, became "Good Day Sunshine".

The moon light became known as "Mr Moonlight", a lesser known Beatles song.

So, it's only natural that the most recent addition be named "Ringo Starr".

Get this guy to China and back quick before his head explodes!

Wonder what those doo-dads on the electric cords are?

Electrician alligator clips with stars and moons super glued on.

Answer to the Mystery Item

2008-07-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

Another IKEA find .........

The product information says .......

A colorful cushion with pockets that can keep a child's feet warm.

We howled when we saw it and had to have it for Joanna Mei.

Nifty Gifties for the Nannies

2008-07-11T18:59:00.001-04:00

The purchase of the obligatory gifts for care givers and such has been accomplished.

Looks like they'll get Mickey Mouse soaps.

I've seen pictures of the presentation of the gifts to the different adoption personnel and

it appears that they are set aside and pooled amongst the recipients.

One official was pictured surrounded by red gift bags with tissues flowing out the top of each,

as she signed off the docs.

OK - it's time that the whole journey sees it's end and Joanna Mei is in her

new home. I'm getting a bit tired of all this red tape.

Take a Guess - What is It?

2008-07-07T06:51:00.001-04:00

We bought the item pictured on the left for Joanna Mei.
We laughed out loud when we saw it and realized what it was.
Any guesses?
We'll reveal the true identity and use for the object in question on July 14.

Thank You

2008-07-04T15:37:00.000-04:00

.....to all who made it posible!

Another Adoption Meet-Up

2008-07-02T11:49:00.003-04:00

We were SSOO jazzed to have the opportunity to meet up with Brian, Dawn & Courtney Mei at EPCOT this past weekend. Their China adoption travel group had a reunion at the park and we were invited to have dinner with the families. What a hoot! It was hotter than fish grease outside but it was sure a cool bunch of people.
Don was able to meet the trio back in April when he passed through their hometown, so it was a treat for Be.
In addition, we met other families with beautiful little girls adopted from China and have already started planning to hook up with a family from the Tampa area from their group.
Click here for more of Dawn & Brian's pics from the event.

Joanna Mei Is Making Out Like A Bandit!

2008-06-29T22:45:00.004-04:00

Some wonderful friends, both locally and bloggally (if that word has not been invented yet, it's mine!) have gifted Joanna Mei with some beautiful outfits.

Lovely girly clothes from some wonderful people -

Thank You Carol, April and Paula.

A colorful 'lovey' from April.

Thank Y'all SSOO much!

Diva Catches Air

2008-06-22T20:02:00.001-04:00

After we watched an old Esther Williams movie, Diva became inspired.

Last Chance for the LadyBug Soap Contest

2008-06-20T12:55:00.003-04:00

Here it is folks ....... the last, final, definitive, conclusive, absolute, closing, ending, finishing, decisive, ultimate and irrevocable giveaway (can you tell I hit 'Thesarus' in 'Word?') in our string of crowd pleasing contests to ease the pain in our wait for Joanna Mei.

On June 24, we bid a fond farewell to the LIDiversary contest which has become a rich tradition on "The Other Blog - Content: Questionable". The adoption blogging world gives a collective sigh as, it seems, the event has played itself out.

So, be a part of history ..... head over to http://contentquestionable.blogspot.com/, find the item for the LadyBug Soap giveaway, leave a comment requesting to be a part of this diminutive race for the optimum in cleanliness and personal hygiene, and watch as a tradition of times past becomes but a point on the timeline of the road to adoption. Good luck, contestants!

More Gifts for Joanna Mei

2008-06-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

Our Friend Patty made this baby quilt with the softest pink lining you've ever felt. She put lots of love and prayers into it's construction. It will be great in the crib (we will use one for a few months) or in the big girl bed. Patty is giving me a swatch of the soft fabric to bring to China as a 'lovie' for Joanna.

Other friends Lili and Jose got Joanna Mei the little pink puppy. Look at Diva checking it out.

Thanks friends, we are blessed

Dear HomeDaddy

2008-06-14T16:50:00.014-04:00

Happy Father's Day

(in Chinese)

Stepping out of my comfort zone here, folks. I wrote a Father's Day wish from Joanna Mei to me, her HomeDaddy.......

Dear HomeDaddy,

Happy Father's Day! I sure wish we were together for this special day. I can't wait until I see you and MamaBe next month - it's been hard waiting for our Forever Family Day. I think about you 2 all the time, although I'm blessed to know that only 2 Mother's Days & Father's Days have gone by since I've been alive - some of the kids at the orphanage have been here a lot longer than me and I don't know if many of them will ever know what "Father's Day" is.

I feel sorrow for my father who had to leave me at the police station last year. He and my mom left me with food and warm clothes when I was only 2 months old, probably because they were not able to take care of me or because someone told them they had to do it that way. How their hearts must have ached! Please pray for them. They really tried. They took care of me for as long as they could. They are good people. But now, God has provided you and MamaBe. That gives me hope. That gives me peace. I know that you already love me like I love you even though we've never met.

By the way - next month when you come to get me, there's going to be a whole lot of kids crying, yelling and making all kinds of noise - I just may be the loudest one there. If I'm screaming and searching out every nerve ending in your spinal cord, it's because I want to be the one heard above everyone else saying "I love you!" Don't let it scare you. It happens so quick and I just want you to get used to that sound early on.

So ...... we hang here in China for a week or so ..... I know that you have already 'bonded' with me in your hearts, but I just may need some time, so, respectfully, cut me some slack.

There's a good chance that I may not have been fed alot of the trendy foods that you're accoustomed to, so ..... hoping you like fish congee ...... Google THAT one, HomeDaddy. It can be scary, but I got used to it and I trust that if you love me, you will as well.

And we're going to a hotel, eh? Do you know that I don't have the foggiest what a hotel is? Hello!! For the last 18 months, I've had the familiar sounds of the kids around me crying in the night, people in the streets making all kinds of noise and smells that you probably don't even want to know about. So. I hear that there's only going to be 3 of us in the 'hotel' room. Me in a strange crib and you and MamaBe in your bed(s) - the silence will, most likely, be deafening - unless, of course, you, HomeDaddy, are snoring like a buzz-saw. So, I'll be needing some processing time - I'll bet one of those courses you took for adoption already has you prepared for that eventuality. Fat chance!

And what's this about a plane ride? I swear on a stack of eggrolls that I've never been on one, much less ridden anything except (maybe) a seesaw! Almost 20 some hours, I'm supposed to be the perfect little China Doll? (Sorry, that's a derogatory term, no?) For crying out loud, it will be the "Year of the Ox" before we get to Orlando! Please have lots of fish congee on hand!

I know you have made all kinds of provisions for me at our home, and, really, I'm looking forward to seeing it. But seriously, folks, there's no guarantee I'm going to LIKE it at first. So, give me some breathing space - let me explore - I'll probably need to get used to some of your smells (Air freshener? - YIKES! Where's that familiar aroma of fish congee?) And what's with this cutsie little room? Where are the cinderblock walls, the gray paint and the other screaming kids. This is WAY too pretty. Just give me some time ..... I'll adapt - I trust you will.

So, HomeDaddy - we're gonna have a fun time getting into each other's heads. We're gonna laugh and cry, stumble and fall, like and dislike and all those things that make us so different and cause us love each other. You have waited 3 long years so that I can be the one that God chose for your daughter. I love you and together, we'll make this happen.

Fasten your seatbelt, HomeDaddy - this is going to be one wild ride!
Happy Father's Day,
Love,
Joanna Mei

Gifts from Auntie Joanne

2008-06-12T22:22:00.006-04:00

Auntie Jo sent this beautiful, one of a kind, tye dye dress and hat for Joanna Mei. Very Cool JoJo! She also sent me the diaper bag for a very proud momma. Look how you can put 5 different pictures in the clear pockets. That way I will always have the latest photo of Joanna Mei at my fingertips! Thank you Auntie Joanne.

Jan 20, 2006 - 8 Days!

2008-06-12T17:26:00.004-04:00

Congrats to the new parents who made the cut!

Happy Birthday, Be

2008-06-09T20:28:00.006-04:00

My wonderful wife turned the big Five Oh today -

she looks like she did 20 years ago and continues to

grow in grace, beauty and love.

You're the best, Bebe!

Looking SO fine - we attended an event on Saturday evening

to benefit the new School of Medicine at University of Central Florida.

A small gathering of friends at the Samba Room on Sunday evening.

We'll have a bigger bash later to celebrate Joanna Mei's arrival as well as

Be's landmark birthday.

Always in style - The Birthday Girl.

Step Aside, Capt. Jack Sparrow!

2008-06-07T16:08:00.001-04:00

Pics from the (Baby) Shower

2008-06-04T04:47:00.017-04:00

Thank you, Dan Lee, for the fun pics of the Joanna Mei's baby shower.

Thank you, Stan & Carol for throwing a great party.

Thank you, all who came. We are overwhelmed with your

generosity, support and encouragement.

Be 'n the girls
Don was thrilled with pink - he is also thankful for his good self-image.

Jenny 'n Be

From good friends Dannye (LayDfrog) & Ray -
Onsies, Ladybug brush & comb, fun alphabet letters for the bathtub.

A Be in her Bonnet

Hey, Sandy - Is that a yawn or are you just in awe of Don's wild hair?

So, Don ..... without using words ......

Give us your commentary on baby showers.

Coming Up on June 24 - LIDiversary Number ...... Dang! I'm Losing Count!

2008-06-01T21:33:00.005-04:00

........ so whatever the heck anniversary it is, we're celebrating with another gigantic give- away over on "The Other Blog - Content: Questionable"

http://contentquestionable.blogspot.com/

Just find the item for the Ladybug Soap Drawing and leave a comment telling us you want to be in the running. That's it ...... no fine print.

Wishing everyone a great week ........

!!!! Baby Shower !!!!

2008-05-31T15:43:00.007-04:00

Friends Carol & Stan threw down a wonderful baby shower for Joanna Mei today,

starting with a sumptuous brunch and providing our precious girl with so many

things she'll be needing. Having not done this parenting thing before, we are starting

from scratch with all the necessities. Our church choir as well as friends from our

previous church all gathered to help us out in getting a jump start on outfits, books, supplies,

a stroller & a car seat. We are blessed beyond words at their generosity.

Our friend, Dan, was snapping away with his camera and we'll hit him up for some pictures for the blog and post them later in the week.

Diva & Be amongst Joanna Mei's treasures.

Wonderful Adoption Story!

2008-05-30T07:57:00.003-04:00

Sorry about that Sharon Stone item, folks.

It ticked me off so much that I had to share the love.

Now, turn your attention to Ira Kaplan, a girl adopted from Siberia, who

does not let being armless stand in her way from accomplishing extraordinary things.

CLICK HERE

Sharon Stone Calls China Quakes "Karma" for Tibetans

2008-05-28T07:23:00.001-04:00

.....is it karma that this dingbat hasn't had a movie since ....... never mind.