Joanna Mei Is Making Out Like A Bandit!

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

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

Last Chance for the LadyBug Soap Contest

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

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

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

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!

Congrats to the new parents who made the cut!

Happy Birthday, Be

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!

Pics from the (Baby) Shower

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!

........ 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 !!!!

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!

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

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

Alyson's Birthday

The Schooner "Freedom"


St Augustine, a cool Saturday evening, the 72’ Schooner Freedom and really good friends made for a totally wonderful, blogworthy event. The occasion was Alyson’s @#th birthday -it’s a milestone year I should probably not reveal – perhaps she’ll do the deed over on “Imagine Alyzabeth An”.
The afternoon was a hot one and we had planned on arriving in St Augustine before noon and doing the sights before the event. We thought better of it as we would probably look a hot mess by sailing time, so we did our usual Saturday morning thing and started for St A at about 3 PM. We were right – the city had absorbed the heat of the day and we felt like Thanksgiving turkeys fresh out of the oven. At the marina, the temp was considerably lower with the breeze coming off the Intercoastal Waterway making the evening perfect for a 2 hour sail.
Aly & Ford’s family and friends boarded the schooner and took to the waters where we laughed, sang, posed for pictures and toasted the birthday girl as the sun set and provided the perfect backdrop for Aly’s special occasion. Happy Birthday, Aly! Your grace, beauty and kindness are a gift to us. Thank you for inviting us. What a blast!

Alyson, the Birthday Girl

On the Intercoastal Waterway with

the Old City of St Augustine in the background.

(Internet photo)

Exiting the Bridge of Lions

(Internet photo)

Aly & Ford

Ford hoists

Be hoists

(Note the delicate evening bag with Blackberry attached)

Ford & Be

Don & Ford

Up close at The Bridge of Lions reconstruction.

The Bridge of Lions @ Sunset

Temporary bridge during the restoration with original bridge in the background.

One of the few remaining ornamental bridges on the East Coast of the United States, the Bridge of Lions has become one of St. Augustine's most familiar features. Opened in 1927, it furthered the development of Anastasia Island and St. Augustine Beach and is guarded by its marble lions.

Be & Don @ sunset on the Schooner Freedom.

Don didn't look good in color and he doesn't look good in black & white.

Be always looks great - sometimes.

26 Months

Check out

http://contentquestionable.blogspot.com

for the China Goody contest winner

later today.

Doggie Door

Diva, the multi ethnic canine love sponge, brings the term 'doggie door' to new heights.

Two Days Left - Drawing for Treats from China on May 24

Celebrate our 27th LIDiversary - we have a drawing for some goodies from China over on

"The Other Blog - Content: Questionable".

Drawing will be on May 24.

Come on over and check it out!

China: An Aerial View

Check out this National Geographic video .........

Please Continue to Pray for China

Please pray for the survivors of the earthquake, that the injured receive medical help quickly and the homeless receive urgent relief supplies.
Pray that the Chinese authorities respond effectively in Sichuan, one of the country’s poorest provinces.
Pray that God gives people in the affected areas a sense of his strength and that they will show unity in responding to this disaster.