tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161809048577349922024-02-20T19:53:58.669-06:00Make Room For Mei Mei"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Lao TzuDon and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-47363819244590925352012-01-20T11:19:00.002-06:002012-01-20T12:34:05.207-06:00...and now the rest of the story...<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">In my post on <a href="http://makeroomformeimei.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-4-2011.html">January 4th</a>, I shared the story of the call that ended our Taiwan adoption journey. Today, I'm going to finish the story. So in memory of legendary radio host Paul Harvey, "and now the rest of the (too long for radio) story..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> I've had many painful, <i>"why this, "</i> and <i>"why me"</i> moments in my life but I really think this one took the prize for being the most hurtful and devastating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">The days and nights following that call on January 4th were terrible. Not only was I was in the process of telling loved ones we were moving in a few weeks, getting a house ready to put on the market, and fretting about all the unknowns of the new year, I now carried the grief of losing a child of my heart. Few know this but our Taiwanese baby was not the first child of our heart we had lost. Seven months earlier, we had lost another child we thought was intended to be our daughter. I cannot write about her but losing her was not easy emotionally. Two times we stepped out in faith and waited and endured (Taiwan MUCH longer than the other situation) and two times we were told, "no." Two "miscarriages"of the heart were more than I thought I could bear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Don and I were certain our adoption journey was over. Done. Finished. In some ways it made perfect sense. God knew we had reservations about being older parents, the ever-growing age gap between Lindy and her unknown sister, and now concerns about how we could possibly pay for an adoption along with the move to a much more expensive area. We weren't sure why we had been taken on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions since April 2007 (when we started the process) if the answer was inevitably, "no." We weren't sure why he'd allow us to spend so much (unrecoverable) money on a process that didn't result in helping one of His own. We weren't sure why the brain surgery in 2004 that had finally gotten us off the fence and led us to pursue adoption was now the event keeping us from being parents again. The whys definitely outweighed what we felt sure of during those days but we were sure we were getting off the ride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Since we were no longer on the journey and in the throes of packing and decluttering we gave away almost 16 bins of clothing, shoes, and baby stuff to those who could benefit. I remember touching each outfit, remembering my sweet Lindy in it, and trying to push out the pain of the hope I had felt of seeing another raven-haired daughter running around in it. I also remember feeling the sting of how time had gone so quickly with Lindy and how I'd hoped for another chance. The grief was tremendous. In fact, as I write I'm weeping because it still feels terribly real and my heart aches for those who've also suffered this loss and for those who will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I wasn't getting out or socializing much at that point mainly because I was so busy at home preparing for our move but I also wasn't feeling too festive, either. Besides family, my biggest source of support was my friend, Elissa. Whether it was a dozen roses on my doorstep, a call, or an email, she KNEW from experience what I was going through and was equipped to minister to me in a special way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I consented to breakfast at our favorite meeting place on Thursday, January 20th, one year ago today. During our extended visit we shared tears, anger, and laughter. Elissa didn't really like my message of being finished with our journey. She reminded me God detests the idea of orphans more than I do and told me if God wanted us to be parents again, He'd bring our child to us. I really tried to not be cynical and faithless and shoot her well-meaning words down but here were my thoughts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">1. Yeah, right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">2. How's that going to happen? If I get pregnant for the first time ever at this age that would be cruel and wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">3. I'm pretty sure the stork doesn't deliver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">4. I'm not lookin'. Period. End of subject.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> The irony is that not only had Elissa suffered from a miscarriage of the heart when the Nepal program suddenly closed in 2009 (on MY birthday, no less), Elissa had thought they didn't have any viable options available to them but God had other plans for them when (through me, a totally frowned on sidebar conversation in MOPS, and a forwarded email), He brought <a href="http://plansforhope.blogspot.com/2010/10/red-light-green-light.html">Hope</a> to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I don't know what time it was when we finally left our booth but I went home and decided there wasn't enough time to do something industrious like get rid of all the recipes I tear out of magazines or dust, so I did what anyone would do, get on the computer. Did I mention I hadn't been feeling very social? I really don't think I'd been on Facebook much (or at all) since the "call." I decided to take a quick peek and see what was happening in the world of social networking and that is when IT happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I am sure the Facebook "newsfeed" has changed 100 times since that day but at that time I think you saw EVERY friend's status, as well as every website or group you were a fan of or liked. I used to scroll back to see what I had missed but I was WAY too behind to do that. So, all I did was start with the feed that popped on my screen. That's when I saw her. That's when I felt electricity and a sensation close to that of <a href="http://lindyli.blogspot.com/2006/01/we-got-call.html">January 25, 2006</a>. That's when I laughed out loud and said, <i>"Who is she?"</i> That's when I saw a postage stamp-sized picture of the happiest little girl only to find it was OUR agency announcing the launch of their new special needs/waiting children photo site. I clicked on the link, requested a password, and before I knew it I was searching their site, and subsequently requesting the file of the adorable little face I'd felt that spark over.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdESHJIha2C-zriD0Of76FiB4ypdQBUoGyyuFkiY_kvWNw_v3uh1k7FTgqTPB-9HdKsarRTI5Jziy_MQkfF-m_ka9mYvj6qJHrP8kNRw1yqromVoPHytiw0FuIGXVy_nIHaNxaTJl4fA/s1600/Mei+Mei+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdESHJIha2C-zriD0Of76FiB4ypdQBUoGyyuFkiY_kvWNw_v3uh1k7FTgqTPB-9HdKsarRTI5Jziy_MQkfF-m_ka9mYvj6qJHrP8kNRw1yqromVoPHytiw0FuIGXVy_nIHaNxaTJl4fA/s400/Mei+Mei+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBVJcigyHp9joAA67KrzopM-RBjnsg-mfYK25lTeXzADUC32e6LllBSb9Aahi5YFkEGcNXj3_UT5RhM8xy5oYW7xIfLDJZemkmWg788Pv1oPj0yB-xYVh6Rr97aT4Q0NiD9mcoCKrOJU/s1600/Mei+Mei+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBVJcigyHp9joAA67KrzopM-RBjnsg-mfYK25lTeXzADUC32e6LllBSb9Aahi5YFkEGcNXj3_UT5RhM8xy5oYW7xIfLDJZemkmWg788Pv1oPj0yB-xYVh6Rr97aT4Q0NiD9mcoCKrOJU/s400/Mei+Mei+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SDXebEdV5mgV7ZBhY5T_fgaQFUzFGfmLSyK2nuVj1N8Pci7X6v_tdXAr-qnIkWY4AN4UOkOssREict1Q0SeemBKEC5p8P8iN7T9fx29vBRWZfCUGAhRxiaji63QO7Cu8UKpxeDO7bj0/s1600/Mei+Mei+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SDXebEdV5mgV7ZBhY5T_fgaQFUzFGfmLSyK2nuVj1N8Pci7X6v_tdXAr-qnIkWY4AN4UOkOssREict1Q0SeemBKEC5p8P8iN7T9fx29vBRWZfCUGAhRxiaji63QO7Cu8UKpxeDO7bj0/s400/Mei+Mei+2.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I am sure I set off bells and whistles at our agency when I requested the information because they pretty much knew they were about to lose us as clients. I also remember I had to run and get Lindy from school. However, RIGHT before I had to leave I got into her file and discovered her nickname was "Mei Mei" and her first name was <i><b>ACTUALLY</b></i> Mei. I remember saying, <b><i>"Really, God, really?"</i></b> As you can tell by the name of this blog, "Mei Mei" is what we had called our little lady. I know that's pretty normal and not original because it means, "little sister" or "little girl" but we really had not (officially and collectively) chosen a name for her. I did know I wanted to use Mei and had always thought it'd be cool if Mei was part of her name but I had never encountered a child from China with that name. (I'm sure there are some I just wasn't aware of any.) I also remember thinking I was not in the business of looking for signs anymore and in NO WAY was I going to get bogged down with these details. I just wanted to look at her and find out about her because she was so stinkin' cute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">As I read her file, I did not feel fear. I believe I had the peace that passes understanding. I think it is important to document that during our long wait I had requested files of other waiting/special needs children. In honesty, I had tried to "make" myself feel love for other children and when I read files, watched videos, and saw photographs, I felt fear. I did not feel the assurance that I was meant to be their mom. I wanted to but I didn't. I never quite understood that and suffered from silent guilt as a result.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I know this is the longest story but I think it is an important one to document for our family and today felt like a fitting day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">When Don came home from work that night I was an emotional mess. I think I was an emotional mess most of last year but I remember as he washed the dishes (love that man!) I told him about my breakfast with Elissa and then about the adorable little girl called Mei Mei. I remember asking in tears, <i>"Why am I looking at children and requesting files? We are through. We are not in a position to consider a special needs child with all we have on our plates." </i>His answer, in typical Don fashion was, <i>"I don't know why you're looking at files."</i> I was thinking he might say, "You're grieving darling. You don't want to close this chapter of our lives..." Oh, wait, that's my own self-dialogue writing scripts of what others should say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I continued to think about Mei Mei all evening and into the next day. That Friday, I received a call from the supervisor of the Asian program at our agency sort of fishing about our interest (because we had told her we weren't interested in anything 10 days earlier) and informing us about the program. She explained that they had her file and had been tasked with matching her with a family. She also explained their committee would meet at the end of the month and they would consider all the interested families and make a choice. She made it very clear people were already lining up for Mei Mei and we needed to make it known ASAP (like no later than the beginning of the week) if we wished to be considered. She mentioned one of the hugest considerations for the committee would be who could get Mei Mei home the fastest. It was then she told us some very shocking and pivotal news: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>OUR DOSSIER HAD NOT BEEN PULLED FROM CHINA </b>(as requested two years earlier when we moved to the Taiwan program)<b>!!! WE WERE STILL LOGGED IN! </b>For those not familiar with the lingo, it meant we were still in line, waiting for a child in the eyes of China. Furthermore, we were current on everything else because we recently and begrudgingly had just shelled out lots of money to update our fingerprints and a home study.<b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I tried to remember all the details so I could relay them to Don. I recall giving him all the information and trying to spark conversation but it just didn't really go anywhere. He wasn't saying, "no." He just wasn't saying anything. Meanwhile, I could not get her sweet smile out of my head...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Fast forward to Tuesday morning. As I drove the 14-17 minute commute to Ladies Bible Class, I decided to call and check in with my mom. During that brief call I told her about Mei Mei and how I could not get her out of my heart or mind and that the feeling I felt for her was pretty much "love at first sight." She basically told me she didn't understand and was under the impression we were through and moving (literally) on. I remember feeling short and frustrated and telling her I didn't expect her to understand. It is imperative to note my mom was being very protective of my heart. She has had to pick up the pieces over and over and glue them back together and I know she was thoroughly confused and surprised by my revelation. At that point I had to go or I was going to be late.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Normally after class I would go have lunch with my friend, Ashleigh. However, for some reason I didn't that day. I went straight home and not long after I got home I got a call from my mom. I don't remember her words but the essence of the message was that she loved me and would support whatever decision I (we) make. I asked her if she wanted to see why I was so smitten and she said, "yes." I immediately sent the little pictures and thanks to some high speed internet, she opened them right away. You would have to know my mom to fully appreciate what ensued. I recall there was a REALLY goofy, giddy, girlish giggle (how's that for amazing alliteration) and then she said something like, <i>"Would you look at her? That's her. That's our Millie Mei. She belongs in our family. I know it."</i> There were some tears of joy and excitement. I went on to share all I knew about her, the process, and the urgency of taking action if we wanted to pursue her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I strongly believe her reaction and blessing helped me have the courage to tell Don what I was feeling and thinking. It is not easy for me to say what I want. I often don't really have a preference but the more I thought about Mei Mei and prayed about it, the more I knew I would always regret if we didn't at least put our names in the hat. If we didn't get chosen, then we would know God had spoken again, accept His answer, and keep on going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I nervously told Don my desires and he said, <i>"Okay. I'm good with that."</i> What? That simple? Yep. That simple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Well, we asked our agency to consider us, prayed for several days, and at the end of January discovered we had been chosen to be Mei Mei's parents. As you know, that Mei Mei became our Millie Mei on October 10, 2011.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">After three months, she still seems foreign to us at times but when I look at her I can't miss that she is a living, breathing testament to God's faithfulness to us and our family. Every time we wanted to blow off having fingerprints done or getting a medical exam, or having another social worker come visit, something held us there and told us to keep going. We signed and had a letter notarized asking China to withdraw our dossier but it didn't happen. I hadn't been on Facebook but got on at that moment and saw her on the page. I could have missed that but I didn't. God's fingerprints are all over this story. I even see His fingerprints when I think about all the stuff we gave away. The only stuff we had to pass down to her was what still fit Lindy last year and/or what was still in her drawers and closets. Everything else was gone (except for the stuff a couple of stubborn friends gave back). Well, Millie is a BIG girl. She'll be three in a month but she's 33 pounds and wearing size 4T and a size 8 or 9 shoe. I literally take it out of Lindy's closet because it is too short and basically put it right on Millie or in her closet. Thank you, God, for your provision in these tighter economic times. More than that, thank you for your faithfulness!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Millie is asking me for lunch. It is time. It is also time for me to end this story. So I'll sign off in a non-original way. "And now you know the rest of the story."</span><br />
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</span>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-47208719045306827362012-01-10T14:17:00.001-06:002012-01-10T15:08:36.628-06:00Three months with Millie Mei<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RL_180M9bef0FTw8a1uIyWl6qupYI5BN4bSwi_xedZ9JNNOZVOU7LeB61-vzieUiKyobeBfzs41CZR5jVqjBXs9B9Dt4n9zGssOK-PmNH5_p00QwBmO-8eEkZRKEsCz5n4XUokc6zXI/s1600/IMG_7976-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RL_180M9bef0FTw8a1uIyWl6qupYI5BN4bSwi_xedZ9JNNOZVOU7LeB61-vzieUiKyobeBfzs41CZR5jVqjBXs9B9Dt4n9zGssOK-PmNH5_p00QwBmO-8eEkZRKEsCz5n4XUokc6zXI/s1600/IMG_7976-1.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Three months ago today we became the parents of this sweet little girl. It is weird how time is so deceptive. In many ways, I can't believe it has <i><b>already</b></i> been three months and in other ways I can't believe it has <i><b>only</b></i> been three months. What is that strange paradox?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I remember wishing so many people could experience Lindy like I experience(d) her and I feel exactly the same way about Millie. I can't begin to explain her. She is probably the most loving child I've ever come in contact with and she is oh so grateful. She craves love and gives it freely. Again, I find myself being humbled and learning--often painful--lessons of obedience, grace, patience, gratitude and a million other things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I could go on and on telling you about her but I hear her whimpering upstairs as she doesn't really seem to be napping today. :( I also have to use my energies writing about her on her three month post placement report--due tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-2501887163063247342012-01-04T11:09:00.000-06:002012-01-04T11:09:08.033-06:00January 4, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMK8aYdoRqWYtB7PaLArcwLU4wXYwiklt4FXFV0ZLwzwTYI4S3jrvRxZB-TR6NJAG-RL0MJQp51dlwx8OHYeV3fdQ1Po0wPEpYsykT8wrGtXVxw-fkLq0zQSABoPJ0H4UJYUUStWQ6Tk/s1600/IMG_7913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMK8aYdoRqWYtB7PaLArcwLU4wXYwiklt4FXFV0ZLwzwTYI4S3jrvRxZB-TR6NJAG-RL0MJQp51dlwx8OHYeV3fdQ1Po0wPEpYsykT8wrGtXVxw-fkLq0zQSABoPJ0H4UJYUUStWQ6Tk/s640/IMG_7913.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice. <br />
In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."</i> Psalm 5:3 </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Perhaps I'll get to sharing some pictures later. I am chronically behind.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">This morning as I was "getting ready" (and I DO use the phrase loosely), I was transported to January 4, 2011. I almost remember it like it happened yesterday. I was blow drying my hair and praying, earnestly praying, for God to give me something that day about our stalled Taiwan adoption. It was a new year, the first day back in the routine, I knew we were embarking on a huge change with an impending move, and I really wanted to know what was going to happen with our wait for our next daughter, so I asked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I proceeded to take Lindy to school, go to the store to restock our bare refrigerator shelves and pantry, and get things accomplished with a new energy that seemed to accompany the new year (that I'd love to have today).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I got back from the store and checked my email and found one from our case worker with our adoption agency. It said our file had been reviewed by the organization in Taiwan and they had concerns about my medical history and she needed to speak with us immediately. I think I was so happy to hear our file was finally being reviewed for a potential match that I didn't pick up on the tone of the message. I quickly responded and attached medicals (they already had) and an optimistic let's just talk this thing through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At 11:11 a.m., I got a call from our agency that permanently changed our life. Can I just tell you for dozens of years I've always been convinced in a very non-superstitious way that something really bad or really good would happen for me at that time? My case worker informed us the organization in Taiwan didn't want or need any clarification on my medicals. They were turning us down. The pre-approval we'd obtained exactly two years earlier was now worthless. We now had a failed adoption to add to our list of life experiences and we were absolutely devastated and heartbroken. I had asked for God to give me something that day and He delivered in a way I didn't expect or think I wanted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I will share more of the story and ensuing days later. However, today I just want to remind you that when you ask God for something, you really need to be prepared for Him to answer. I realized that day I was extremely surprised He delivered an answer so quickly. That's kind of a sad and fairly faithless testimony to think I was pretty shocked that God--the creator of this universe--would give an answer of such magnitude in a span of less than five hours. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I believe He wants us to ask but I also believe He wants us to trust that He will answer us. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Second, and probably more obvious, the answer might not always be what you want but it is what He KNOWS is best for us. Being lavished with smooshy kisses and hugs as I attempt to type this post, totally substantiates that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Blessings in this new year!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lisa</span><br />
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</span>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-70924127361833027152011-11-21T15:15:00.001-06:002011-11-21T15:15:00.584-06:00Sweet sisters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpGuEhqZlvyq1kk0P8korcfhoOjFWggiyprewCYGV1K4_pnA_no2DDIUbNr9md_6QAtUNUNZFEjMNmHVc2oiKJmBCLHbNGnm39WSu4VqTiit6st8YlmHHIVnvI7tc6hcLb_CUsugvv1o/s1600/IMG_7340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpGuEhqZlvyq1kk0P8korcfhoOjFWggiyprewCYGV1K4_pnA_no2DDIUbNr9md_6QAtUNUNZFEjMNmHVc2oiKJmBCLHbNGnm39WSu4VqTiit6st8YlmHHIVnvI7tc6hcLb_CUsugvv1o/s400/IMG_7340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've had a lot of people ask how things are going with the sisters. I've been wanting to do this post for a while but I wasn't sure whose blog to put it on (Millie's, Lindy's, or the family blog). Just another reason I need to merge the three. It is on the list of things to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Things are going <b>EXCEPTIONALLY </b>well with the Osborn sisters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I had worried there would be some jealousy, bossiness, and attention hogging on Lindy's part when we got home. Afterall, Lindy had 5 1/2 years as an only child and has never lacked for attention. I had picked up on some jealous statements before we brought home Millie and was worried the green-eyed monster was making its way into her heart and mind. However, if I can just take a moment and brag I just can't put into words how proud I've been of Lindy. She welcomed Millie with an open heart and arms and has not only been loving, sweet, and mature about her new sister, but she has also been proactively helpful--so much so that I have to watch that she does not think she's the mommy. She is quite patient with her and also very nurturing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">EVERY once in a while I see some jockeying for attention but overall she's been fantastic. I also have to keep reminding her that Millie is only two and does not understand everything she is saying to her and that two year olds don't know how to engage in a lot of interactive play. We've been reading <u>Beezus and Ramona</u> together and she can relate to the story fairly well. God really did a great job answering our prayers in preparing her for her new role and we are so thankful to him for how he equipped her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Millie came to us knowing Lindy was her big sister--jie jie in Chinese--and upon meeting her at the airport Millie couldn't wait to pull out her picture album and show off all the pictures of Lindy. It was stinkin' cute. A</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">lthough she's never told me, judging by what I've been witnessing, I think Millie is a pretty big fan of her big sister. Millie might've been the queen bee where she came from and it doesn't appear she was wanting for attention. We just don't know what the dynamic was and how she fit in. Initially, Millie seemed to be a bit more volatile with Lindy. Some days she squealed with delight when she'd see Lindy in the morning or we'd pick her up from school and then other times she didn't want to play with her, give or receive affection from her, she was mean-spirited and aggressive toward her, and she definitely did not want her help in any capacity. We've made significant strides over the past several days and Millie seems much more accepting of Lindy's help and seems to be much nicer to her on a consistent basis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Millie knows we're not going to tolerate swatting, biting, screaming, or being mean. I hear her repeating, "Lindy help" and "love Lindy," so I think it is coming together in her mind. She mimics everything Lindy does and cannot wait to pick her up in the afternoon. We meet Lindy in the library at the school and she about tackles her when she sees her and definitely does not greet her in hushed tones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lest you think it is all roses, there are moments of impatience, copying, tattling, being territorial, and other typical things. However, they really are pretty few and far between considering they've been together just a month today and both have pretty big personalities. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk89WRrf5NIGS2ufu_YwWVb9yEnJxa0Z3nH_kJWYiePeh0JP5dCn8UoP28Z84h-hbjGamu_poX-zZur9wgJ7e9yTsiFNIY3PsI0vJjAPJhODVWxddonH7c36hEUDnKBeuwuHHNZsQDmi8/s1600/IMG_7582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk89WRrf5NIGS2ufu_YwWVb9yEnJxa0Z3nH_kJWYiePeh0JP5dCn8UoP28Z84h-hbjGamu_poX-zZur9wgJ7e9yTsiFNIY3PsI0vJjAPJhODVWxddonH7c36hEUDnKBeuwuHHNZsQDmi8/s400/IMG_7582.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObLx9M54UuzTQscvaXJxYZ45RN2kv4zzWd_ISauVYw1uNFujbQutzbuOLVhwMe_CWSseqGnanFpTZnmg1KYgt080vsNB4j6BbAdXzPnXjivcJwIZgS9lBYgCnFluD6RihP5SAt0WfXqA/s1600/IMG_3297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I know there will probably be seasons where they don't like each other but I really hope there will be a time when they are the best of friends and that they will always love one another.</span>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-79662159093800284742011-11-17T12:32:00.000-06:002011-11-17T12:32:47.641-06:00Getting to you know her; getting to know all about her...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEErfxFngpjELobSLVkeZNX0XW4xOejABiuO_28pLQ6-_qmWIrzabMwO_242_4PHtcVszXBOWqZgF0d-qapVddo1OJ5p3R-pHgXtR1TVVeDGP1ZkBrairETxdTdho2P0Ce8yQ987pYJuA/s1600/IMG_7651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEErfxFngpjELobSLVkeZNX0XW4xOejABiuO_28pLQ6-_qmWIrzabMwO_242_4PHtcVszXBOWqZgF0d-qapVddo1OJ5p3R-pHgXtR1TVVeDGP1ZkBrairETxdTdho2P0Ce8yQ987pYJuA/s400/IMG_7651.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's a very ancient saying, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> But a true and honest thought, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> That if you become a teacher, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> By your pupils you'll be taught. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2OWBFMx1kHq-hdIOS47PswiNv-erOXwHO_l3YmPUWz9WANYGpVhUR8CGn-1jv1MYpNSmqjk4H8xDTz9mBSz1E48_42U8YOnr3JK5xTtsEI5VmMWEnNN0WEs7ysptcQAb_75s86199YI/s1600/IMG_7653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2OWBFMx1kHq-hdIOS47PswiNv-erOXwHO_l3YmPUWz9WANYGpVhUR8CGn-1jv1MYpNSmqjk4H8xDTz9mBSz1E48_42U8YOnr3JK5xTtsEI5VmMWEnNN0WEs7ysptcQAb_75s86199YI/s400/IMG_7653.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">As a teacher I've been learning --<br />
You'll forgive me if I boast -- <br />
And I've now become an expert, <b style="color: black;">(Not really; not yet!)</b><br />
On the subject I like most. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGCHwrLL8dkwcAX9WdXA9MXLNjKhDT4vJ5B5IENRJmC16CwSyu7QEKNv7wYmy6_xiKCcgDuJ0f_cn_g41_TlEUJ-z4HRJQwtdJ7ZOcOzU2rJnj4mekYLmQKTPkbsImGwwPd9zgdWZtCc/s1600/IMG_7654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGCHwrLL8dkwcAX9WdXA9MXLNjKhDT4vJ5B5IENRJmC16CwSyu7QEKNv7wYmy6_xiKCcgDuJ0f_cn_g41_TlEUJ-z4HRJQwtdJ7ZOcOzU2rJnj4mekYLmQKTPkbsImGwwPd9zgdWZtCc/s400/IMG_7654.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
Getting to know you, <br />
Getting to know all about you. <br />
Getting to like you, <br />
Getting to hope you like me. <br />
<br />
Getting to know you, <br />
Putting it my way, <br />
But nicely, <br />
You are precisely, <br />
My cup of tea.<br />
<br />
Getting to know you, <br />
Getting to know all about you. <br />
Getting to like you, <br />
Getting to hope you like me. <br />
<br />
Getting to know you, <br />
Putting it my way, <br />
But nicely, <br />
You are precisely, <br />
My cup of tea. <br />
<br />
Getting to know you, <br />
Getting to feel free and easy<br />
When I am with you, <br />
Getting to know what to say <br />
<br />
Haven't you noticed<br />
Suddenly I'm bright and breezy? <b>(Um, not exactly!!!)</b><br />
Because of all the beautiful and new <br />
Things I'm learning about you <br />
Day...by...day. <br />
<br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">--From the "King and I"--Richard Rodgers </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This little tune sums up the way--<b><i>for the most part</i></b>--things are going around here this week. I'm by no means an "expert" and am definitely not "bright and breezy" yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Last week I was in the throes of being schooled by Miss Millie Mei and it was pretty tough. I was overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhausted. Things I thought worked, backfired. She threw curve balls right and left. Nothing seemed to work. There was absolutely <b>NO WAY</b> I could have busted out in this song at any point and, if you know me, you know I love a good show tune!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This week has been going significantly better. I think there are many things I can chalk it up to but I will admit </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've been thinking a lot about what it says </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">in Lamentations 3:22-23: </span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."</b> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love that every day God gives us a fresh start with new opportunities. I love that we also are given a choice to look at things in a positive or negative manner. After a couple of uplifting talks with friends who've walked this path, our first post placement visit with our social worker, encouraging notes and words from friends and family, prayer, and some internal pep talks, I've been trying to have more peace in the process of getting to know Millie. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to bust out in this song like Deborah Kerr (or is it Carr?) and really be "bright and breezy" because I am an "expert" on all things Millie Mei.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">xo~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lisa</span></div>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-19805344525813646172011-11-10T06:30:00.234-06:002011-11-10T06:30:02.038-06:00Our first month with Millie Mei<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFKuK7o33CFzhFUQnvKMh_O2J53KtrdGnI8IYIsfME6RRkfnq6ZMhHqJtk7tbHL3tz_Rl2FmXfjZ_Etf1Sdc0ouGVrgvHi6L_nbgyhK2PpYX-EUmKFW0ddAbHkzqB8c18DAg-MJMNhU8/s1600/IMG_7372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFKuK7o33CFzhFUQnvKMh_O2J53KtrdGnI8IYIsfME6RRkfnq6ZMhHqJtk7tbHL3tz_Rl2FmXfjZ_Etf1Sdc0ouGVrgvHi6L_nbgyhK2PpYX-EUmKFW0ddAbHkzqB8c18DAg-MJMNhU8/s640/IMG_7372.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I truly can't believe we have had Millie for a month. In many ways, it really just seems like we met her. I guess in other ways we are still "meeting" her. Since about 3/4 of the time we have been together has not been our true "new normal," we are really only about one week into trying to get settled into our new routine. I've contemplated and struggled about what to write for this post. I will write the truth. The first month has been one of emotional highs and joyful, happy moments but it has also been one of sobering, exhausting lows. Isn't that really parenthood in a nutshell, though? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Millie is a very sweet and sensitive child. She is well-behaved and <i><b>extremely</b></i> loving and affectionate. Her kisses are big, long, and sloppy and her hugs are so tight and she never wants to let go. She is quick to say, "I love you" and I know she knows what it means and means it. Having all that by now from a child her age is such a blessing! Millie has shown she can be very happy like all the handful of pictures we'd seen of her before we met her. She is a teaser and a ham with a multitude of crazy facial expressions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">She is also smart as a whip. That's a weird expression. Who deemed whips smart, or tacks for that matter? Weird expressions aside, she is smart. She is soaking up English like crazy and I know it won't be long until she is getting in her 10,000 words by noon in English. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">She is also 32 months old and she lives up to every bit of her age at times. Thankfully, tantrums are few and far between and her stubborn side is usually short-lived with a bit of redirection or correction. She is also, at times, very emotional or on the opposite end she goes into these moments of what I would call despondency. Either the crying or vacant, faraway look can come on without warning and I don't think I've ever felt more helpless. I believe it is grief on some level and it is heart wrenching to watch as I just.don't.know.what.to.do! I pray these moments will go away in time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I thought I had done a lot of thinking, praying, and preparation before Millie came home but I will admit the area that has been the biggest struggle for me is that I don't <i><b>know</b></i> Millie and she really seems foreign to me. (I'm not at all talking about the Chinese part; although, there are times I wish I knew what she was saying because I think it'd be funny or I'd find out she has a mouth like a sailor.) Somehow, whether it was ignorance or arrogance, I skipped over this part the process. I am embarrassed that I missed the fact that it would take time for ME to get to know her and subsequently learn to parent her accordingly. I always thought of things from HER perspective of her having the challenge of getting to know us, her new surroundings, her new language, her new life, etc. However, I guess I hadn't really thought of all the time and challenges I would have in getting to know her intimately and understand her quirks, likes, and dislikes. We are in a discovery phase which is a humbling place to be. Daily, I cry out for wisdom and guidance as I try to learn to be the Mommy <i><b>Millie</b></i> needs, which is proving to be much different than the one Lindy needed/needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">We are so thrilled that God has blessed us with Millie. We are also thankful for all the happy moments of love and joy we've already had with her and we look forward to so many more in the future. I am also trying to be thankful for these moments of learning and difficulty because I know this is a time of refinement and period of growth. Please pray for us to learn what God is trying to teach us. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"></span>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-27052795801904827782011-11-02T14:04:00.000-05:002011-11-02T14:04:01.596-05:00So much to say...so little time...<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am on completely borrowed time as I no longer have <a href="http://footballandfriedrice.blogspot.com/">Sara </a>or Don blogging for me. Sadly, I haven't had a moment to blog before now. However, it is naptime--not a fun time for Miss Millie. During our last week in China, Millie decided to boycott naps and she's been doing it ever since. I have faith she will embrace it again soon. Failure is not an option.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am going to make this quick and then I will look for opportunities to post other things as I get more into a routine.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have been home almost two weeks and we are doing well. Millie is an amazing, brave, bright, and beautiful little girl. She is doing great and we are so proud of her. I think every day gets a little better. When I step back and think of all she has been through since October 10th it brings me to tears. When I step back even more and think of all that I don't know that she's been through, it makes me cry harder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you to everyone who sent comments, emails, read the blog, and prayed for us while we were away. It was such an encouragement and we believe things are going so well because of those prayers! Thank you so much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'll keep the post short and the pictures plentiful!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Love~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lisa </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Millie's signature dance move. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">She figured since Lindy has a dance named after her </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(the Lindy Hop)</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, she deserves one, too. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My super sweet super stars! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Getting her spaghetti on! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">No noodle is safe if Millie is around.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My pinkalicious cupcake showing off her new word, "smile." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My pumpkin!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-39725837704980228572011-10-19T07:52:00.000-05:002011-10-19T07:56:58.806-05:00Consulate Appointment is Done!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today was Wednesday in Guanzhou. We were up really
early as we had our Consulate Appointment at 8:30. We should have
Millie's visa back on Thursday in time for our return on Friday morning.
When we got back from the Consulate we felt adventurous so we tried to ride the
Guangzhou metro. It was a piece of cake and we went back to Shamian
Island for a little more shopping and a grilled cheese sandwich at Lucy's. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">While Lisa was in one store, Don broke out some bubbles and Millie chased them
around popping them. all of a sudden she attracted about 6 or 7 people
with cameras who started shooting her like she was a rock star. I beleive
they were photography students who were on Shamian to photograph various
scenes. You wouldn't beleive all the models and brides getting their
pictures taken around the place. We never get tired of that place. </span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">For dinner we went out with a family from Georgia who came to pick up two kids
from two separate provinces. They have seven kids total and now 5 from
China. They seem to be beyond building their family and are all about
rescuing orphans that have a bleak future. Very inspiring to see
faith in action. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">We enjoyed the Brazilian steakhouse again as they didn't
feel like Chinese food and were happy to get some real meat and desserts.
Tomorrow is our last day in Guangzhou. We were told about a very
beautiful park that is a couple of miles from our hotel. We may try to
walk over their and play around near the lake. Thanks again for the
prayers and encouraging notes. Millie continues to grow closer to us each
day and we can't wait for Lindy to meet her when we get back home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">Lindy - we hope you enjoy your field trip to the farm this
week and can't wait to hear all about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(on the metro)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">(White Swan waterfall) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(Millie attracting the photography students)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">(at dinner with a family from Georgia)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">Don and Lisa</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-88435387661230692472011-10-18T07:52:00.000-05:002011-10-19T07:56:12.284-05:00Twinkle Twinkle Little Star<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today we didn't have any tours until the afternoon as our guide had an annual tour guide exam in the morning. This allowed us time to sleep in for the first time and just tool around near the hotel. Millie woke up in a good mood so little spent some time singing songs with her. She likes "If you're happy and you know it" and apparently knew the tune to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." When Lisa sang the English version to her she picked up the words pretty quickly although I caught a few blah blahs in there. I caught the funny moments on video. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">We went on a big walking trip around all the shopping malls near us. It was a little bright outside so Millie wanted to wear her sunglasses. After lunch and a nap, we went to a old school/temple. Once we were there, we realized it was a place we toured on our first visit to Guangzhou five and a half years ago. It was fun to just leisurely walk around and take in the sights. I got some additional video when Millie attracted a crowd to her as she was looking at some statues. It's pretty funny when she starts conversing with the locals in Chinese and we just sit back and watch. lots of people comment about her beautiful eyes and then I can tell they are asking where she is from. The answer Urumqi in Xinjiang province usually draws a comment about how far away that place is. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(Millie in her sunglasses!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">For dinner we went to a Mexican food place (Tekilas) that we found earlier in the day. It's always a good sign to see Mexican cook in the back and we were able to talk to the owner who is from Guadalajara. The food was really authentic and was better than the Mexican food we've had so far in Virginia. Tomorrow we're up early for our Consulate appointment and then plan to go to dinner with a family from Georgia we met in our hotel. Each day gets better and better - though bath time is marginally better. Oh well, baby steps.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">Love, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">Don and Lisa</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-809504233331537352011-10-17T09:26:00.001-05:002011-10-17T09:26:30.017-05:00Killing time in Guangzhou<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, we're still killing time in Guangzhou. We've
been to the zoo to see Pandas and we went back to the doctor to have Millie's
TB test read. Thankfully she passed. We've been enjoying the
civilization of Guangzhou. It seems like such a modern city with western
style breakfasts, bathrooms with commodes, and a soft hotel bed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Millie
continues to grow closer to us each day. She is picking up on a little
English and seems to understand more each day. It is a little difficult
with so many Chinese speakers around that pay so much attention to her.
She seems to go into ignore parents mode and avoid eye contact when we call her
name. We've been enjoying various types of food around the downtown area.
We've had Italian (not Pizza Hut) and Millie seems to like pizza. We
headed to what was supposed to be Latin Mexican food however we discovered it
was really a Brazilian steakhouse so we were able to sink out teeth into meat
from a cow. They also had a great dessert table which we haven't had at all in
a week and a half. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I think Millie has gained even more weight each day as
she continues to really eat well. On Sunday she weighed in at 32 pounds
which is only a few shy of her older sister. People we meet are
surprised to learn that she is only 2 and a half. The playground at
the hotel seems like a big hit. On Tuesday we finally get to sleep in and
then head to a museum in the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just a couple of funny Millie stories. We've been
calling her whatever she will answer to - Mei Ting, Mei Mei, and Millie.
When Lisa practices saying Millie, little miss suddenly lacks her parroting
ability and repeats "Mollie." She can't seem to get the
"I" sound in her name. She also struck up a conversation
with our van driver. He asked her where her home is and she replied
"Far away." (Apparently the hotel living and flights have
thoroughly confused her.) Anyway he asked her if her home was in America
and she replied, "No, it's in Mongolia." Not sure if her
dialect is a little off or if she's really heard of Mongolia. She makes
everyone laugh and seems top live in a world that revolves around her.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuNZg6iFrGNYQHV2zuwUfUfzS0NxagFcuvGzIhpBrkj_3p6PLH3zl-7ThNDMhQj2fNNbo6x1h5sRfK-1Z_riC9tO-qoghqj_Wav-1Ri-iqi0Oi57lKiwyps4KiMF8ZDdeetmuf8XhUdA/s1600/IMG_5829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuNZg6iFrGNYQHV2zuwUfUfzS0NxagFcuvGzIhpBrkj_3p6PLH3zl-7ThNDMhQj2fNNbo6x1h5sRfK-1Z_riC9tO-qoghqj_Wav-1Ri-iqi0Oi57lKiwyps4KiMF8ZDdeetmuf8XhUdA/s400/IMG_5829.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(chowing at the Brazilian Restaurant)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTX_2pVjPUE09aViKWXBC7HwklkwG_K6v6MaCyYlUIvCDCKMm2Mddq4dX9JXwLSwdCRD-d7K9tx__8gKhF_J2w5l5QdridG9UK14s14uphuEnZczBgBdSuktRiYMZWf27SYO05qV81HI/s1600/IMG_5830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTX_2pVjPUE09aViKWXBC7HwklkwG_K6v6MaCyYlUIvCDCKMm2Mddq4dX9JXwLSwdCRD-d7K9tx__8gKhF_J2w5l5QdridG9UK14s14uphuEnZczBgBdSuktRiYMZWf27SYO05qV81HI/s400/IMG_5830.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(A waiter at the Brazilian Restaurant)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LbYnYOim376qopgOLKok3KqAxyyKL0n_FpjQT6SVXGbWCEhGoiLMwAXH3SQ9O8I-Y_MRMt0fJ77zvLsYB-I2jaqoiRQEp3yMe_6HPvV-j85Epyvmj2DHt5dXtvcKC02e6VHQMzfzxAU/s1600/IMG_5834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LbYnYOim376qopgOLKok3KqAxyyKL0n_FpjQT6SVXGbWCEhGoiLMwAXH3SQ9O8I-Y_MRMt0fJ77zvLsYB-I2jaqoiRQEp3yMe_6HPvV-j85Epyvmj2DHt5dXtvcKC02e6VHQMzfzxAU/s400/IMG_5834.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(on the playground at the hotel)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYjZ1JEPYAXOBlYNToP4KnzKHabvwbIJq5W9sZaywAvTJLkb7eeoozuimDV-9CWYloZRFdkiOnQ6MXWFuGdVuzZD2SrTnJqBiHQi34sMMpRNr4xkOt1KwJ16sT8mS6GfGbDZUQ4SSwIc/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYjZ1JEPYAXOBlYNToP4KnzKHabvwbIJq5W9sZaywAvTJLkb7eeoozuimDV-9CWYloZRFdkiOnQ6MXWFuGdVuzZD2SrTnJqBiHQi34sMMpRNr4xkOt1KwJ16sT8mS6GfGbDZUQ4SSwIc/s400/IMG_5837.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(on the hotel playground with Mom)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbwu-R_fCiUv9avKwlRgm0Mh0kH8jyZSk5siJA9KpQOTrR-Pzr84w-SrB63ZbVpE23ViPUr8ZY_nutXve2yA2RuVyOES0081wV8zpiBeSMu0B7n-vfZ0jJb-tT8U7E1eZozjfb7wMezU/s1600/IMG_5839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbwu-R_fCiUv9avKwlRgm0Mh0kH8jyZSk5siJA9KpQOTrR-Pzr84w-SrB63ZbVpE23ViPUr8ZY_nutXve2yA2RuVyOES0081wV8zpiBeSMu0B7n-vfZ0jJb-tT8U7E1eZozjfb7wMezU/s400/IMG_5839.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(Spotting an airplane; they are still a wonder to her!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizJ1tC4b1oKwDXJEbPKvrbgnFWR2FtumwsR35AZAjnUvFaZBj2qErpq_dWfe01k7oMOXidSQtwgZkLg_CzER4Y9xo7h8F5Pg4Ikvel2wpo5ov0aQIKYVEyloRQt1RbGziA95ttrnteLQ/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizJ1tC4b1oKwDXJEbPKvrbgnFWR2FtumwsR35AZAjnUvFaZBj2qErpq_dWfe01k7oMOXidSQtwgZkLg_CzER4Y9xo7h8F5Pg4Ikvel2wpo5ov0aQIKYVEyloRQt1RbGziA95ttrnteLQ/s400/IMG_5840.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(Shopping on Shamian Island)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju3lQI6eJVG33jwkZJXZHufAOrMch-qH9UpvdcSvuFoo25gez3bI1AFeTIbIZQhc7hbisYBqKIP7GNDldfDZrkB3iJ6TLrPHVaBiy7fhk6_q0jkp2ub_pXgP9WD8xQBDCNk5GJutHYG0/s1600/IMG_5844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju3lQI6eJVG33jwkZJXZHufAOrMch-qH9UpvdcSvuFoo25gez3bI1AFeTIbIZQhc7hbisYBqKIP7GNDldfDZrkB3iJ6TLrPHVaBiy7fhk6_q0jkp2ub_pXgP9WD8xQBDCNk5GJutHYG0/s400/IMG_5844.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(on the red couch at the White Swan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBXtLCrdjVWDNE5yCWobnPs63m4PcyWt4ISeYk99-57EKS0EipHnhJ_NF2nunMxU1aVQRCsLRD_KONGHWLzGaOhrJUhoIHgNUM7wssPHyGJhuRgq4IggTHCr-oWLiGh3dxvTMfPAJlOo/s1600/IMG_5845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBXtLCrdjVWDNE5yCWobnPs63m4PcyWt4ISeYk99-57EKS0EipHnhJ_NF2nunMxU1aVQRCsLRD_KONGHWLzGaOhrJUhoIHgNUM7wssPHyGJhuRgq4IggTHCr-oWLiGh3dxvTMfPAJlOo/s400/IMG_5845.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(Millie hamming it up on the White Swan red couch)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNfjRWM2rgmvUpHySTHZVG8ffXSVUf2l2xzbfrz_JbnrusR08HsFe-Hz7kxEtpDVEFGsyYKIh6J8W7_RhBzZcmgbsko6hdnh9t0QmBpL9otx2CYAW86b3I3shh0p6Pa7KyhdvJeBeXfU/s1600/IMG_5849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNfjRWM2rgmvUpHySTHZVG8ffXSVUf2l2xzbfrz_JbnrusR08HsFe-Hz7kxEtpDVEFGsyYKIh6J8W7_RhBzZcmgbsko6hdnh9t0QmBpL9otx2CYAW86b3I3shh0p6Pa7KyhdvJeBeXfU/s400/IMG_5849.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(in front of the waterfall at the White Swan) </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Well, that's all for now. We have our Consulate
appointment on Wednesday and leave town early on Friday morning. Take
care and keep those notes and comments coming. They are really nice to
read after being gone for a week and a half.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don And Lisa<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-57563719716872480672011-10-15T09:55:00.001-05:002011-10-15T09:55:25.747-05:00Leaving Urumqi<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">(Millie in the hotel in Urumqi Thursday morning)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">Wednesday evening, Lisa commented that we had just seen a different child. Millie was in one of the most pleasant moods and we sat around in the hotel just laughing and playing. She seems to be getting much more comfortable with us. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On Thursday, our last full day in Urumqi, we went to the International Bazaar. It is a big Uygher market where they sell all kinds of jewelry, rugs, clothes, knives, nuts, and raisins. We were expecting it to be busy but is was just right and we found it to be really interesting. Our guide rushed us a little because she needed to pick up Millie's passport at the end of the day. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZhBEqiVdQ2i8tXTfUIMzZ4Py_5mhZCzcut51crVtKmsQ62aRtZCIw6qDg_cYI4akJCIJQTKiRIIcsdvu7bNFIJi8qTFZO1vCOa9jT6wRo-IXT0FqtaNCZlEyJpOHeXluuElpImmdUeI/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZhBEqiVdQ2i8tXTfUIMzZ4Py_5mhZCzcut51crVtKmsQ62aRtZCIw6qDg_cYI4akJCIJQTKiRIIcsdvu7bNFIJi8qTFZO1vCOa9jT6wRo-IXT0FqtaNCZlEyJpOHeXluuElpImmdUeI/s400/IMG_5790.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnpjbTEw9EoIBOoy8yBC_Nt1aOz4MPPdCNCiTjNpuKkrDyWeYIdsiVPbvMh0HdBAnH3AuE3BrFIdyFiRXSkag57COfRBJmui8c55n0Sr3A8ucSbkeeTGPaulUlJJvV3Fl8n5sAnBCHmU/s1600/IMG_5791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnpjbTEw9EoIBOoy8yBC_Nt1aOz4MPPdCNCiTjNpuKkrDyWeYIdsiVPbvMh0HdBAnH3AuE3BrFIdyFiRXSkag57COfRBJmui8c55n0Sr3A8ucSbkeeTGPaulUlJJvV3Fl8n5sAnBCHmU/s400/IMG_5791.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(at the International Bazaar)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On Friday we left Urumqi
among tight security as a flight the day before from Beijing to Urumqi was
diverted because of a bomb scare. Our guide got us there several hours
early just to be safe. We were about ready to leave Urumqi behind so we
didn't mind. Millie loved sitting at the airport watching planes go by.
She got really excited when she could see them rotate and take off. She
was pretty cool on the plane until the pilot banked just shortly after takeoff
and she saw the ground whizzing by below us. That kind of spooked her for
a little bit. Fortunately, lunch is always a favorite and she scarfed
down some noodles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At the Urumqi Airport</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4Iwbv5F1xyACkUZKyEqyGUG49hzYb4ANQEiHKVG0rBViLWGIzKvVr8_NrUUG72p-us6RqoScljG3snCLRJ6SCj1ZauwxinYdCfSZzZSOKr78bEiEIIsYk69HYl6SJVAQxV14VUwEGoU/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4Iwbv5F1xyACkUZKyEqyGUG49hzYb4ANQEiHKVG0rBViLWGIzKvVr8_NrUUG72p-us6RqoScljG3snCLRJ6SCj1ZauwxinYdCfSZzZSOKr78bEiEIIsYk69HYl6SJVAQxV14VUwEGoU/s400/IMG_5792.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDWuneqDPc-uL1gnZuas-37T6snernAqYBRr-hWtE_NlwQ2QgyLASLf8qyA5zSIf7_TdHf5nTH3TJqD9MsmzkYTZ_Fr6jz5Y-jrMARBdR54T7KEa4ugPhnRXGsegs1WXbmzZXJxadx0k/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDWuneqDPc-uL1gnZuas-37T6snernAqYBRr-hWtE_NlwQ2QgyLASLf8qyA5zSIf7_TdHf5nTH3TJqD9MsmzkYTZ_Fr6jz5Y-jrMARBdR54T7KEa4ugPhnRXGsegs1WXbmzZXJxadx0k/s400/IMG_5794.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(Millie, striking up a conversation with a cleaning lady! Showing her pictures of her family back home :))</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HE-0ff_D-t3POUgxC_q0Wdt0Q93yCC4coNfWJPbEIXBewO535A85QUowiymPWKFjgCsPw2HuKbhlkzfFeDaQT_0oXzyKks00NBIV4Q9GHtkoFV5fCcfoh8OY5RNveUt2_IBrawsedmI/s1600/IMG_5797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HE-0ff_D-t3POUgxC_q0Wdt0Q93yCC4coNfWJPbEIXBewO535A85QUowiymPWKFjgCsPw2HuKbhlkzfFeDaQT_0oXzyKks00NBIV4Q9GHtkoFV5fCcfoh8OY5RNveUt2_IBrawsedmI/s400/IMG_5797.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeuc-RXdS2gCvqo0_-IJmVjN67cEVQSVjaLE_nv9_uqnV7eiFL0PxIR0eJHkj0sSf-k55NIgfONo3cthcaGWOmNQ1FwOh1jx_A1019cHCyYrUTBVAB8D6dpBAOogUjc81lY5-VdZTX_k/s1600/IMG_5798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeuc-RXdS2gCvqo0_-IJmVjN67cEVQSVjaLE_nv9_uqnV7eiFL0PxIR0eJHkj0sSf-k55NIgfONo3cthcaGWOmNQ1FwOh1jx_A1019cHCyYrUTBVAB8D6dpBAOogUjc81lY5-VdZTX_k/s400/IMG_5798.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">She was
pretty good on the 5-hour flight to Guangzhou until we started descending at
which time she freaked a little again. Hopefully, she will be old hat by
the next time we fly, which will be home. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">We got to Guangzhou and were
pleasantly surprised by how nice the Garden Hotel is in person. It looked
nice but it is really something else plus they put us in a suite which is,
well, Sweet. The Trade Fair is going on in Guangzhou so the city is crazy
with people from all over the world. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">On Friday, we knocked out the
medical appointment and the US visa picture. We were able to walk around
Shamian Island and stroll through the streets and do a little shopping.
It's a little slower with the White Swan closed for renovations but still a
cool place. We'll be back there on Monday to have Millie's TB test read
and do some more shopping. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">On Sunday, we're headed to the zoo for a few
hours and will basically just look around the hotel area, which is full of
shops. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAf5BA8vvp3r4UIMin2OSCGoV2LQVUU3t6F5v97-Znr_OQ2Eh1-qkOt3nkznxY3J1G3cu3VjzpNNXE4C_bKGo2UIt77j6d3MXhy1XGfgeKT1OVGNpPdSaqsQOYUAKIq-Zb_2HMU24Yb4/s1600/IMG_5800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAf5BA8vvp3r4UIMin2OSCGoV2LQVUU3t6F5v97-Znr_OQ2Eh1-qkOt3nkznxY3J1G3cu3VjzpNNXE4C_bKGo2UIt77j6d3MXhy1XGfgeKT1OVGNpPdSaqsQOYUAKIq-Zb_2HMU24Yb4/s400/IMG_5800.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(there were apples on the living room table at The Garden)</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEPspR00wezPLvSabUlH8P2LGNK_W6VCaOqaG6jQvLXza9wqY9ITatKmDLO6BqoJMmi5jFfBWh4wMIYOiV7JDLO-ESg28h12Ro8dihR6Px2j1n_-gsiwed58ij_nqzaVAiSfUzl8v6I/s1600/IMG_5808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEPspR00wezPLvSabUlH8P2LGNK_W6VCaOqaG6jQvLXza9wqY9ITatKmDLO6BqoJMmi5jFfBWh4wMIYOiV7JDLO-ESg28h12Ro8dihR6Px2j1n_-gsiwed58ij_nqzaVAiSfUzl8v6I/s400/IMG_5808.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(this is what happens when Millie gets her head wet!)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgzO6yBbdyFjjV5dzk8YP04T-Ql75EsuJtRtOqtiN3vsle29817cHnDPFGShmYSdZrZxSN6ijLeD0DLUevwg8O7IjtmA2cdykkRu9mWXKfYjVpVE683EOswbLpJs7vbVIrIC3hHKL-uo/s1600/IMG_5810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgzO6yBbdyFjjV5dzk8YP04T-Ql75EsuJtRtOqtiN3vsle29817cHnDPFGShmYSdZrZxSN6ijLeD0DLUevwg8O7IjtmA2cdykkRu9mWXKfYjVpVE683EOswbLpJs7vbVIrIC3hHKL-uo/s400/IMG_5810.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(at the medical clinic on Shamian Island)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxezf1KtLw_uksnMxxN7NdJ-8UGPcAGw9LQBQ4ZUQqd9dXBRE1OnW5yBCGlrAvAiDu8_qW7C7etX9O7XmUdvco5QXDPx_09SuWgemBlRtSkTNknmxIlgAFZoehyphenhyphen69yhTTa6LIb_H7TRuw/s1600/IMG_5812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxezf1KtLw_uksnMxxN7NdJ-8UGPcAGw9LQBQ4ZUQqd9dXBRE1OnW5yBCGlrAvAiDu8_qW7C7etX9O7XmUdvco5QXDPx_09SuWgemBlRtSkTNknmxIlgAFZoehyphenhyphen69yhTTa6LIb_H7TRuw/s400/IMG_5812.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Millie continues to be a great kid. She is
occasionally moody but is really good the majority of the time. She says
hi to everyone and strikes up all kinds of conversations to anyone speaking
Chinese. We're learning a few more words to try to communicate. We
see the typical two year old on occasion but we can usually get through that
pretty quickly. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> Apparently she likes Taylor Swift as she started singing
and dancing when one of her videos came on TV today. She is a really good
impersonator and mimics all kinds of words and actions. We had Pizza in
an Italian restaurant and she watched both of us eat our pizza so she would
know how to do it. She continues to eat everything in sight.
We love to sit and play with her and she loves to make us laugh. So far
tickle spots and funny faces are working for us.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(lunch at the Thai restaurant)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(walking around the area by the hotel)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Playground at the hotel)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's all for now. Thanks for your continued
comments, emails, and prayers. We feel blessed so far.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don and Lisa and Millie</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-69442628387452826162011-10-12T10:35:00.002-05:002011-10-12T18:40:37.312-05:00A visit to the orphanage (with pictures!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(Millie Mei in the hotel)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">On Wednesday we had the opportunity to go visit the
Orphanage in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Urumqi. It is actually two places as there is a
downtown branch and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">the main site out past the airport. When we arrived,
little miss rock </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">star took over. The teachers (nannies) all ran to
her and picked her </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">up and passed her around. She saw a little boy that
she used to play </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">with and immediately started bossing him around. It
was obvious that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">she didn't lack for attention - rather she was probably
pretty </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">spoiled. We believe she moved to the downtown branch
a few months ago </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">as it houses kids over 2. Her teacher/foster mom was
very nice and we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">toured the room where she lived. We found out she
loves grapes and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">she downed quite a few. She also likes what they
called biscuits </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(shortbread cookies) and ate two packages of those.
All of this was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">about an hour after breakfast. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">We then drove out to
the main </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">orphanage which was a very nice place. We were
greeted by two </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">teachers who immediately carted Millie around. They
told us she was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">one of the leaders there which I think was code for bossy.
We were </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">initially told she lived there but later found out she
lived in a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">foster home nearby up until a few months ago. I think
the trip set us </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">back a little in bonding because of all the attention she
got from her </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">teachers which caused her to reject mom and dad a little.
However, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">that was all over once we got in the van back to town.
It was good to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">see the place and to find out more about her. I
believe some </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">pictures from the last two days should make their way onto
this post.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">She sure is a cute thing. We'll work on the temper
and bonding as we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">go along but we think that it is going better than we
expected with a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">two and a half year old. We're definitely ready to
get home but will </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">keep playing the Chinese waiting game for another week and
a half. We </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">leave for Guangzhou on Friday. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">At the orphanage visit)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Hopefully the
computer situation will </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">improve there as I know where there are internet cafes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Lots of love to family and friends. Thanks Grandma
and Grandpa for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">the updates on Lindy. It's comforting to know she is
fine until we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">return.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Take care for now.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-44900152688567855052011-10-12T08:26:00.001-05:002011-10-12T08:27:13.316-05:00Tuesday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tuesday was a pretty relaxing day here. In the
morning, we just ate </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">breakfast in the hotel and tried to load up on a few of
the known </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">foods - eggs, toast, noodles, and juices. Most of
the breakfast </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">buffet is unknown quantities which we try to limit since
you never </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">know what type of bathroom will be around if you need it.
We walked </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">around near the hotel which is quite an unusual
experience. Around </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">the corner is a street full of vendors and lots of people.
There are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">a lot of Uyghers who bring out little grills and fire up
roasted corn, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">meats, and all kinds of things. We usually draw lots
of stares and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">comments which we have no idea what they are saying. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">In the afternoon </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">we went to the Provincial Museum which details the history
of Western </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">China. Urumqi is along the Silk Road so that brings
lots of things. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">The nearby desert preserved quite a few mummies dating
back 2000-3000 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">years which were found recently.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Millie was a trooper. She is still pretty headstrong
so it's a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">little bit of a battle trying to manage behavior when all
eyes are on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">you. She seems to be afraid of men and shopping carts and
screamed her </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">head off when we rinsed her hair during her bath. We
later found out </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">that those are three things the nannies told us she didn't
like.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Since Daddy is a man we're still trying to work our in.
We also found </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">out that the girl can shovel the food in. She can
handle a fork as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">well as chop sticks but pretty much likes to put her mouth
near her </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">plate and shove it in. We'll definitely have to
limit her so she </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">doesn't overeat. Bedtime has gone well and she goes
to sleep within </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">about 15-30 minutes of going down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wednesday we are headed to visit the Orphanage and try to
find out </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">more about Millie. Hopefully we'll get lots of info.
Thanks for all </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';">your prayers and notes.</span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-19427727562396516942011-10-10T06:48:00.000-05:002011-10-11T06:52:18.609-05:00Gotcha Day<br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well we have Millie. I know everyone just wants to
see pictures but </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">we are using the hotel business center and our picture
resolution is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">too hi to upload. I'll change the settings in one
camera and get some </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">photos uploaded soon.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We went to the Provincial center on Monday at aout 10:30.
As we drove </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">up a lady from the orphanage was also arriving with
Millie so we got </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">to see her right away and ride with her in the elevator up
to the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">ninth floor. She knew we were mama and baba as she
had seen the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">picture book we sent. She was beautiful and was in
pretty good </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">spirits. She allowed Lisa to hold her but was afraid
of Don. She has </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">a little temper and will let you know when she isn't happy
although </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">she doesn't fight too long and chills out pretty quickly.
She is </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">quite a talker, is very determined when she wants to see
something, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">and is very neat and orderly. She is potty trained
which is nice but </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">she will only tell you she needs to go so we quickly had
to learn to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">recognize that Chinese phrase. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Overall the day was
long as we </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">completed all adoption paperwork and applied for her
passport. Now we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">get to relax for a few days, bond with her, and wait for
passport </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">pickup on Friday in order to head to Guangzhou.
Today (Tuesday) we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">are relaxing at the hotel and then going out this
afternoon to tour a </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">museum. Urumqi is a very interesting place with all
the various </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">cultures. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">Thanks for all the emails. I'm
assuming there are some</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blog comments but Blogger seems to be blocked here.
Off to work on </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">smaller pictures.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-59831119440778007772011-10-09T06:47:00.000-05:002011-10-11T06:50:23.972-05:00Urumqi<br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well we finished up in Beijing and headed on to Urumqi.
It was about </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">4.5 hours away by air to the Northwest part of China.
When we landed </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">it was pouring rain and about 48 degrees. The hotel
was supposed to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">be only about 30 minutes from the airport but with traffic
and rain it </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">took 2.5 hours. Oh well. We're here and get
Millie at 10am on Monday </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: large;">morning. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Can't wait.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-74478012053706417712011-10-08T09:48:00.002-05:002011-10-08T09:53:31.447-05:00We made it to Beijing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjownPU56mTg_x7abXsfadEZwEcD8sAnJKdkaRwbkxAG9zO4aSMjzD1Nzm0Exg5CFi5EDejEcGOiJKgH_Wmk5i8T5T60AXrk8FHj7B7BKr2Ps15yJV56OqYnTvAH-2oJHY7gHwcoWWoLcE/s1600/IMG_6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjownPU56mTg_x7abXsfadEZwEcD8sAnJKdkaRwbkxAG9zO4aSMjzD1Nzm0Exg5CFi5EDejEcGOiJKgH_Wmk5i8T5T60AXrk8FHj7B7BKr2Ps15yJV56OqYnTvAH-2oJHY7gHwcoWWoLcE/s400/IMG_6625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13pt;">Ni hao from Beijing! We made it to Beijing on
Friday with no problems. We were able to get a fairly decent night's
sleep and filled up on a good breakfast before hitting the traffic and sights
of Beijing. Last time we did not have a chance to see the Forbidden City
so we were thankful to have the opportunity to visit it today with a few
thousand of our closest friends. Our guide, Sue, took more pictures of us
together than we have had in 19 years. The area was much larger than
we had imagined! After that, we saw a Cloisonne factory, had lunch, and
then went to the Great Wall--which we didn't know was on the itinerary again.
We worked off our big breakfast and lived to tell about it. For some
reason there is always a 90 year old woman climbing that gives that extra dose
of inspiration or guilt. Today there were old women AND a man with one
leg climbing. Like most places of interest and history there was some
vandalism on the wall. However, one of my favorite pictures of the
day--although vandalism--pretty much sums how we feel.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Bi1PEPjG7sTLiIo1r-_koY2wSVZqxSfsZnYVBFcZmEHi2UjbYR5JIlCUCyt4_A0ZTnG5Y1FyMOQapIs4dKYCLGcHp1pQgpV8cqnlQyfr2hCZ2OZtHXen7KTOn6Yb2DQabuVoTck-_c/s1600/IMG_6711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Bi1PEPjG7sTLiIo1r-_koY2wSVZqxSfsZnYVBFcZmEHi2UjbYR5JIlCUCyt4_A0ZTnG5Y1FyMOQapIs4dKYCLGcHp1pQgpV8cqnlQyfr2hCZ2OZtHXen7KTOn6Yb2DQabuVoTck-_c/s400/IMG_6711.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13pt;">Don is super happy because the hotel has ESPN and
we were able to watch some baseball and hear which team the Rangers
will be playing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13pt;">Tomorrow we depart Beijing and travel to the
city of Urumqi which is where Millie is. We are getting closer to our
girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13pt;">We miss home but feel your prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13pt;">We will post again when we have the chance!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTOdZob8WZNwzJWfBBiK7qjLHkmChM0LfOnd6PlEA7YMB0mWZ_VER7G-cU3jANJUmipg_lmwBrCbjjBVqlvLUNTxcw_gkeBRF1Rfcle__-6WJvo3O_dTKngzYppMnMWCA9DiSMI08bZY/s1600/IMG_6719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTOdZob8WZNwzJWfBBiK7qjLHkmChM0LfOnd6PlEA7YMB0mWZ_VER7G-cU3jANJUmipg_lmwBrCbjjBVqlvLUNTxcw_gkeBRF1Rfcle__-6WJvo3O_dTKngzYppMnMWCA9DiSMI08bZY/s400/IMG_6719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13pt;">Love~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13pt;">Don & Lisa </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-46804388382172746502011-09-30T07:16:00.000-05:002011-09-30T06:17:45.874-05:00Your gift to us<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr07n1lTiFKpEH5wVIuEOgWVt8WlAd18dHyVv8KYLQz7W7_cYiUPKmdHRjMfJPknACt3wjmVceKSKndzbJBVUbRL2Ygme0HO9hXlo8gPZ7gaawDtckk7J-89b39hzqDYdhemkz7Z2uBE/s1600/IMG_6590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr07n1lTiFKpEH5wVIuEOgWVt8WlAd18dHyVv8KYLQz7W7_cYiUPKmdHRjMfJPknACt3wjmVceKSKndzbJBVUbRL2Ygme0HO9hXlo8gPZ7gaawDtckk7J-89b39hzqDYdhemkz7Z2uBE/s400/IMG_6590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658107191101364738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Philippians 4:6</span></span><br /></div><br /><br />Prior to leaving to bring home <a href="http://plansforhope.blogspot.com/">Hope</a> this past summer, my super cool friend, <a href="http://theharrells.blogspot.com/">Elissa</a>, sent out a prayer itinerary to her family and friends. I thought it was a fantastic idea, so I decided to snag her idea and come up with one of our own. Imitation is a great form of flattery, right?<br /><br />So, if you would, please give us the gift of prayer. It would mean so much to us.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Proposed Itinerary<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Now</span>-Pray for our health, stamina, and attitudes as we try to attend to each detail prior to the trip. Don has been away on business all week and is flying the red eye home and won't roll in until today sometime. (Can you say tired?) We have (lots of) funds to gather, bags to pack, prescriptions to be filled, paperwork to assemble, copies to be made, doctors to be contacted, notes to be sent, bills to be paid, housework to be done, etc., etc.<br /><br />Please pray for us to be able to think clearly and know what needs to be done, what can be delegated, and not go crazy in the process. I'm not going to lie, I'm a stress case right now and my need for control is making me a bear. I need to breathe and have peace. I become happier as I see visible progress and things crossed off the list. Praying to see <span style="font-weight: bold;">MANY</span> more items crossed off my list in the next day.<br /><br />Please pray for my parents to arrive safely (on Monday) and stay healthy as they make their way to our home to stay with Lindy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Thursday, October 6th</span>-Don and I are scheduled to leave at 12:39 pm. Please pray for easy goodbyes as we drop off Lindy to school, our departure to be on time, and for a very capable crew as we "fly the friendly skies" and head to China! It is supposed to be a non-stop flight, we'd like for it to stay that way.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Friday, October 7th</span>- We are scheduled to arrive in Beijing at 2:20 pm. Based on experience, my biggest prayer is for a good night's sleep. This travel does CRAZY things to one's body.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Saturday, October 8th</span>- We are supposed to have an opportunity to do some sightseeing--most likely in the Forbidden City, an excursion we missed last time. Prayers for a nice, relaxing day for the two of us. Having the time as just a couple is a rare commodity for us. I imagine it will not get any easier to find alone time with two children. We'd also love for our nephew, Jake, to have a super birthday!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sunday, October 9th</span>-Please pray for our safety as we leave Beijing and fly to Urumqi City on an airline I've never heard of. Their website says they are a "world five star airline," so I don't anticipate hanging out with cargo. It is about a six hour flight. China is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">BIG</span> country! Prayers of thanksgiving for my Grandpa as he celebrates his 86th birthday!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Monday, October 10th</span>-<span style="font-weight: bold;">MILLIE MEI DAY!</span> We don't have a time yet but at some point during this day we will finally meet Xin Mei Ting in the Xinjiang Provincial Adoption Center. I'm not really clear but it looks like it might be our official adoption day, too. With Lindy it was "official" on the day <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">after</span> we met her and that is what we called our "Forever Family Day."<br /><br />Lately, when I look at Xin Mei Ting's smiling face, I see a child who is so loved. She is <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">already</span> part of a family--just not the family God intended for her. She has fingernail polish and styled hair and is clearly given the gift of time and attention. All this brings such happiness to my waiting heart but it also brings the reality of what is going to happen on this day. A child is going to be removed from <span style="font-weight: bold;">EVERYTHING</span> familiar and placed in the arms of strangers. Please pray for Xin Mei Ting to work through this initial shock as easily as possible and for us to be strong for her and to have the wisdom to help her through her grief. Also, please pray for her foster family who loved her and is now saying, "goodbye." I imagine that little sweetheart who captured our hearts with her big smile will leave a big void in their hearts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tuesday, October 11th</span>-Please pray we'll be able to have the ability to communicate with loved ones back home via some method during our trip. <a href="http://footballandfriedrice.blogspot.com/">Sweet Sara</a> is going to be my guest blogger (will take our emails and pictures and put them in the blog). I know there will be a very anxious <span style="font-weight: bold;">BIG SISTER</span> waiting to see her little sister but time differences and other factors can make communication a challenge. Oh, since we're talking communication, please pray we'll be able to successfully communicate with our toddler who knows Mandarin. We know the handful of words we've learned on Ni Hao Kai-Lan.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wednesday, October 12th</span>-We didn't see it on our itinerary but we've asked to build in time to tour the orphanage. We want to see where Millie has been for her entire life. Please pray we will be allowed to visit. Additionally, I have "met" a fellow Urumqi waiting mom and am hoping to deliver a care package to the daughter for whom she waits and take pictures of her.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Thursday, October 13th</span>-Please pray for the three of us to have a special day as we tour Urumqi City. Please pray for continued bonding, developing trust, and for us to learn more and more about Millie.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Friday, October 14th</span>-Happy birthday, Uncle Robbie! After we pick up essential adoption paperwork and Millie's passport in the morning, we will make our way to the airport. Oh how I wish we were heading home. However, at this point we will only be halfway through our trip. We will leave Millie's province and head to the city of Guangzhou. Please pray for our safety and an uneventful flying debut for Millie. It is about the equivalent of a coast-to-coast flight and we'll have a limited bag of tricks. Benadryl anyone? NO JUDGING! We've had more than one very fine pediatrician recommend this little cocktail. It didn't work for big sis. Let's pray it does for the little one!<br /><br />I remember such a sadness and the tears I had when we left Changsha with Lindy. I anticipate I will have a similar sadness as I leave my daughter's first home. These first few days together are filled with so many bittersweet moments.<br /><br />I am pretty sure my parents will be taking a road trip this weekend after Lindy gets out of school. Please pray for their safety and a lot of fun times!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Saturday, October 15th</span>-Sleep in right? Oh no. Today we will do paperwork, have Millie's pictures taken (not for fun), and have the mandatory medical examination. Please pray for Millie's exam to go well. This exam will include a TB test and possibly some vaccinations. Please pray for her to be found healthy and pass her exam. If she doesn't, we could have an undesired extended stay. We wouldn't mind prayers for our health, too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sunday, October 16th</span>-Please pray we can attend church. I think it would be an amazing opportunity and experience for many reasons.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Monday, October 17th</span>-We will return to the medical clinic to receive the results of Millie's TB exam. Please pray for favorable news and minimal flashbacks or trauma as she sees the men and women in white coats again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tuesday, October 18th</span>-Please pray for our family at home--especially for Lindy to be focusing at school and behaving well for my parents.<br /><br />Also, please pray for us to have some fun family times in Guangzhou.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wednesday, October 19th</span>-Today is our Visa appointment at the US Consulate. Please pray all our paperwork is in good order and for this part of the process to go as smoothly as we expect.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Thursday, October 20th</span>-Please pray for us to have a great last day in China and for our Visa package to be ready at 3:30 pm--the <span style="font-weight: bold;">LAST</span> thing we need to leave.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Friday, October 21st</span>-<span style="font-weight: bold;">AKA longest.day.ever.</span> At about 6:00 in the morning we will leave Guangzhou to make our way via van to the airport in Hong Kong. At 11:50 our flight is scheduled to leave and the really long journey begins. Please pray for our flight to be on time and for safe travels. Also, please pray that all of us will be able to rest at some point during the flight and for Millie to be a champ.<br /><br />Millie will become an <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">American citizen</span> during our layover in Chicago. Woo hoo!!! We will have a couple hours there and then make our way home, hopefully landing close to 7:00 pm EDT where we will do our best to get to the excited big sister and grandparents as soon as possible.<br /><br />I could use your prayers for my heart. Leaving China is a bittersweet time. This time it is even more bittersweet and I pray I won't be a complete emotional wreck in my presumed broken down, hormonal, weary state of exhaustion. I already know it'll be sad to leave the land of our daughters. I think most adoptive parents have encountered that feeling on some level. The happy part is that we're coming home with the daughter we waited so long for, prayed so hard for, and many times thought we just might never have. We will have living, breathing proof of God's amazing love and faithfulness and answered prayer! However, I'm not going to lie, it is so hard for me not to be bringing Millie home to San Antonio. Although it feels like a lifetime, we will only have been gone from San Antonio for six months on October 10th. The pain of the move is still very real to me and I carry a great ache in my heart knowing that so many of the people who faithfully prayed for us and carried us these past four and a half years won't be meeting Millie and be a part of her homecoming. In some cases, the day we showed people Millie's picture was the same day we told people we were moving. I am not sharing this to sound self-absorbed, selfish, or pathetic. They are my true feelings and truth is what you get here. I'm just so grateful for the people who were by our side through the good and bad, so I know I'll be missing them a lot more on this particular day.<br /><br />That is not to say that Millie won't be loved in her new home and I in <span style="font-weight: bold;">NO WAY</span> want to take away from anyone else outside of San Antonio who has been supportive of us on <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">any part</span> of this journey. She is, without a doubt, loved and we are so blessed and humbled knowing that.<br /><br />I apologize for the very lengthy post. If we aren't able to post during our travels, you will at least be able to "picture" what we might be doing. While you're picturing us, please make sure to see me <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">at least</span> 10 pounds thinner, with good hair, and a cute outfit. Ha ha!!!<br /><br />Thank you, in advance, for your prayers. It will bring us great peace knowing we are covered.Don and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05919491910263541538noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-47083770570187232292011-09-23T11:35:00.000-05:002011-09-23T11:35:12.131-05:00At long last<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm baaccckkk.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've been a very negligent blogger. It is hard to believe that I haven't blogged (on any of our blogs) in 13 months. So much has happened during my absence. (So much has changed with Blogger and my blog is way broken!) It has been a long, hard, emotional year. The best news is that "mei mei" the reason for this blog is REAL; she has a name; she has a face; and she is almost home.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One day I will document her story. It is too long to do now but too special not to be recorded. For now, I am taking a break from packing and I want to share her beautiful face and the awesome news that in a little over two weeks we will have her in our arms and she will be our daughter forever.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We hope to be able to blog while we are in China and would love for you to follow along. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">Meet Xin Mei Ting--soon to be Millie Mei Osborn.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF77Q0vL2SH57qoAT4kXeTI2oGmBiiBNpSJR1z8y9492p9c5xGfoL2AjhhBlHp4htRIyZ9JH_s7FzEdADK5Kfc9GyS8QLvXIvi3SEVgnpUHQmdTNCYALwxn-sVB-henZGWE4v8iJyzkU/s1600/Mei+Mei+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF77Q0vL2SH57qoAT4kXeTI2oGmBiiBNpSJR1z8y9492p9c5xGfoL2AjhhBlHp4htRIyZ9JH_s7FzEdADK5Kfc9GyS8QLvXIvi3SEVgnpUHQmdTNCYALwxn-sVB-henZGWE4v8iJyzkU/s320/Mei+Mei+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the first picture I saw of her and the rest is history...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLeTfwGvBtiw4YiGu9fORYOMrT9O2qFSSWDUfoDxg2YexFFqCqK8lu-oig1fUcuM9PXgF33KJcmC8R0dxSP1aqieVhfe3AwMxzrfNDGC_4XsR_yX2QLJIGJ2HFvCu2lWLxbg5dKDtz_M/s1600/Mei+Mei+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLeTfwGvBtiw4YiGu9fORYOMrT9O2qFSSWDUfoDxg2YexFFqCqK8lu-oig1fUcuM9PXgF33KJcmC8R0dxSP1aqieVhfe3AwMxzrfNDGC_4XsR_yX2QLJIGJ2HFvCu2lWLxbg5dKDtz_M/s320/Mei+Mei+2.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Sweet girl with a confusing, lost-in-translation dress!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZmkLhSEWOza-2UzRKrI6RPDfVWKE0PE2yQNaiJsCAH4e27KVLfXE5DUQ6YI6mzqxs-bWzBTqtWq-DhVWR8YdpDsXbQLaF-NSUA6AUPZPiI6jcg0CTQ_zrtUTXKwtoA9G8X7zbHCUMM0/s1600/%25E6%2596%25B0%25E7%25BE%258E%25E5%25A9%25B7%25E7%2594%259F%25E6%25B4%25BB%25E7%2585%25A72011.2.18_%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZmkLhSEWOza-2UzRKrI6RPDfVWKE0PE2yQNaiJsCAH4e27KVLfXE5DUQ6YI6mzqxs-bWzBTqtWq-DhVWR8YdpDsXbQLaF-NSUA6AUPZPiI6jcg0CTQ_zrtUTXKwtoA9G8X7zbHCUMM0/s320/%25E6%2596%25B0%25E7%25BE%258E%25E5%25A9%25B7%25E7%2594%259F%25E6%25B4%25BB%25E7%2585%25A72011.2.18_%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bundled for winter. Almost two years old. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiHky6z3ZFjGaBCAp2UeiX6QHIsF9qMc9iHFDokYy4QLUHmZUGUrdqsJL4uEi4BSL5NFaCARDMjXdASBb7BDiMXA4Ncq-DK5MfROTPMFXd1vmHl1cqecWag7Tb9R-oBRUoUBKM4gtEFg/s1600/Mei+Mei+3+June+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiHky6z3ZFjGaBCAp2UeiX6QHIsF9qMc9iHFDokYy4QLUHmZUGUrdqsJL4uEi4BSL5NFaCARDMjXdASBb7BDiMXA4Ncq-DK5MfROTPMFXd1vmHl1cqecWag7Tb9R-oBRUoUBKM4gtEFg/s320/Mei+Mei+3+June+2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">Playing during summer.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_px_9G2znkSQ3FOom4T7bZCnHzTSnVpbt0Bdma7cs2jXGuNH76hkafQ0fLDcBT0RXvmNSGCCl0KTn8QNbuHLDHp84kVLC_mafdGJQ4_gUtamodD5UybvJ1Dcf_ZSD9wP2cUle24g3iQ/s1600/Mei+Mei+June+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_px_9G2znkSQ3FOom4T7bZCnHzTSnVpbt0Bdma7cs2jXGuNH76hkafQ0fLDcBT0RXvmNSGCCl0KTn8QNbuHLDHp84kVLC_mafdGJQ4_gUtamodD5UybvJ1Dcf_ZSD9wP2cUle24g3iQ/s320/Mei+Mei+June+2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"> Playground princess!</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmELnePjOUDH5VOqRlCEZn3edYVZ1XgqqE36P0Kvq2E7UlOXAOb6nXXxPe2-8oUFOI4rKv24nZSPaTJfy9aacvjTr3YlYYw6nyrKPi912AfhHC2M1v-xliHJDU5Vmjor433DqIIorGpQ/s1600/Mei+Mei+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmELnePjOUDH5VOqRlCEZn3edYVZ1XgqqE36P0Kvq2E7UlOXAOb6nXXxPe2-8oUFOI4rKv24nZSPaTJfy9aacvjTr3YlYYw6nyrKPi912AfhHC2M1v-xliHJDU5Vmjor433DqIIorGpQ/s320/Mei+Mei+1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"> Pretty in pink!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvGNP_5K1G9Aagi71i_RESmvpUB8adEn5Nehj6mkIf_p_IBCz4ZWXMa9swdt7iPXVJUw1CubTGAVERkPvE3RkSVf0QHisqMr0O5zAjs2RGi02QOPF5CQ-j-h9LGlIWspDYVHVXNxvwqo/s1600/Mei+Mei+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvGNP_5K1G9Aagi71i_RESmvpUB8adEn5Nehj6mkIf_p_IBCz4ZWXMa9swdt7iPXVJUw1CubTGAVERkPvE3RkSVf0QHisqMr0O5zAjs2RGi02QOPF5CQ-j-h9LGlIWspDYVHVXNxvwqo/s320/Mei+Mei+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">I can't believe how big my 2 1/2 year old is!</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Nf-dONoLvjOWib8pFAop_J_wlajbNkp-WQzwTQvxQzuYuTEGOQN8EQvMrAiieJTV6goTHM0sD-QN_OVj8m1dmERjfNOJpuQPwdeDR_Js0pDpJdg2pFeG112w9rgis8gwWa53LrFugSo/s1600/Mei+Mei+4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Nf-dONoLvjOWib8pFAop_J_wlajbNkp-WQzwTQvxQzuYuTEGOQN8EQvMrAiieJTV6goTHM0sD-QN_OVj8m1dmERjfNOJpuQPwdeDR_Js0pDpJdg2pFeG112w9rgis8gwWa53LrFugSo/s320/Mei+Mei+4a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">Words can't express how much I love her!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27AQcZVD7dr503ERi29TuBo7Zu0RPBFVT5Cin6vty7_hMC9IJ6CI3Fg_QzyTpL6YGbFJXpl5O7_vrbO7BAdoXnBuF8oTGsZgs87GPD3TqU0ZMnYkdSsxMbV5nXeItHjWWwpJxV5W2q3w/s1600/Mei+Mei+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27AQcZVD7dr503ERi29TuBo7Zu0RPBFVT5Cin6vty7_hMC9IJ6CI3Fg_QzyTpL6YGbFJXpl5O7_vrbO7BAdoXnBuF8oTGsZgs87GPD3TqU0ZMnYkdSsxMbV5nXeItHjWWwpJxV5W2q3w/s320/Mei+Mei+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">Tickled pink!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-58340632593901552842010-08-18T09:37:00.000-05:002010-08-18T09:37:05.613-05:00What is going on???Just checked out this very neglected blog to see that my wallpaper is gone. What happened? I don't know...Maybe this blog is about to expire due to neglect and abuse...<br />
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I'll add this to the to-do list.<br />
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Oh, and by the way, we're still waiting...Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-50083001732474853362010-02-10T17:20:00.002-06:002010-02-10T17:20:00.460-06:00The sweetness of trying to find the "perfect" name<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs9FU7oF0_91uFo-AjuYGRRCv4AqD5UEvqbIbHWg58tRM9vNLB1dkGQusikohnc5IxaoAaUFgL2S5O5j0Dx-UIcXd-wgW5Tpg7BcVHpnGCYGy4n54pmmxbL4pSgh5ImP-q-jBt9qUzEQ/s1600-h/IMG_4452.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs9FU7oF0_91uFo-AjuYGRRCv4AqD5UEvqbIbHWg58tRM9vNLB1dkGQusikohnc5IxaoAaUFgL2S5O5j0Dx-UIcXd-wgW5Tpg7BcVHpnGCYGy4n54pmmxbL4pSgh5ImP-q-jBt9qUzEQ/s400/IMG_4452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436746781349813346" border="0" /></a><br />Since we've been waiting for mei mei for well over two years, one might think we'd be completely ready. We're not. One of the exciting things about having a new addition is coming up with a name.<br /><br />Coming up with Lindy's name was pretty painless. There weren't any knockdown drag out fights, tears, or hurt feelings which has been known to take place in other households. Lindy is STILL really into pretend play and naming things; therefore, she has taken a great interest in what her sister's name will be. For fun, I've asked some of her suggestions. She has taken it quite seriously and usually says something like this: "Hey momma, what about _________ as a name for mei mei? Is that the perfect name? Is it? Is it? Is it?"<br /><br />Here is what she's come up with lately:<br /><br />1. Lulu (this has been the one she's said from the start)<br />2. Petal-October 2009<br />3. Cupcake-November 2009<br />4. Muffin-November 2009<br />5. Candycorn-November 25, 2009<br />6. Chippewa-November 25, 2009<br />7. Sprinkles-November 26, 2009<br />8. Lindy-November 26, 2009<br />9. Mei mei-January 2010<br />10.Sweetie-February 2010<br />11. Little Popcorn Pop-February 2010<br />12. Sugar Heart-February 2010<br /><br />Based on her name selections, it sounds like we better keep our good dental insurance!<br /><br />As painful as this wait has been at times, it thrills me that Lindy has maintained such an interest in her sister.<br /><br />By the way, we don't have a name selected yet and I can confidently say that I don't think any of these sweet ideas will make the cut. However, we've all probably heard the urban legend of the twins named Lemonjello and Orangejello (say it together with a French sound), so you just never know...<br /><br />Love with sprinkles on top~<br />LisaDon and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-40751656998232942442010-01-12T16:55:00.002-06:002010-01-12T17:52:50.704-06:00Disillusioned, down, discouraged, disappointed, devastated but not desertedThe title of this post is how I feel regarding this journey. I'm not sure many people read this blog but I want to capture some of my thoughts on virtual paper for the future. <br /><br />In late November we received some information that helped us have a bit of a clearer picture as to how many families were ahead of us (with our agency). All of a sudden, Don and I had a revival of hope and we decided to pray this baby home in 2010. We believed it could and would happen in 2010 and projects concerning a nursery for baby girl and transitioning Lindy to a new room seemed potentially more pressing than they have in the past. I felt like an expectant mother (in my third year of gestation) and was happily thinking pink. The dreaming and excitement was fun while it lasted!<br /><br />Not long after our new found excitement--December 8th to be exact--we received an email from our agency which contained some very discouraging news informing us we could be looking at potential delays of six to eight months (in addition to the built in wait time). In a word, I was devastated.<br /><br />We have had two group conference calls with our agency and one individual call with our case worker but we still don't have much information as it appears things are still unfolding for them. We are supposed to have another conference call in February. Bottom line is that we (along with all the other waiting families) are victims of some red tape. When you hear words and phrases like "restructure," "regroup," "examine processes," you know things can't be great. I won't bore you with all the details that we know but I don't think it is realistic that we will bring home our daughter this year.<br /><br />This past month hasn't been easy for me emotionally. Everything that seemed right has now caused me pain and has me feeling disillusioned. I know God holds the answers and knows how the story goes and He wants me to trust him, no matter what. I know He hasn't deserted us, nor will He. I just wish I felt stronger and more confident about things and my ability to endure.<br /><br />As I write this, I really don't know what to write. As I pray, I really don't know what to pray. I guess our prayer is really the same that we one day (sooner than later) will have a beautiful, healthy baby girl to add to our family. However, we also desire clarity and peace in the process.<br /><br />Many of you who have walked the adoption journey have experienced the kind of heartbreak we're dealing with right now, others have experienced disappointment in other areas of life. No matter what your story, thank you for the support you've shown and prayers you've offered. We truly appreciate them.<br /><br />I will continue to provide updates as I hear them.<br /><br />Hanging on by a thin <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">red</span> thread~<br />LisaDon and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-11065821819558844702009-11-27T10:13:00.003-06:002009-11-27T10:42:53.933-06:00YIKES!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GpJlW9pFli1sUGIsVF5jqGx3gpzUgcj0NIhi6ETu2Arpb9Prlnwu2VtOUnN_XQX8OlIB6msDeQbIZHZD9w4wq6BNyxRJaUiuA0ggq_0Ev2xHqt_VM1KC4oojtZl-irv2AGLda5EgoJ0/s1600/woman_screaming.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GpJlW9pFli1sUGIsVF5jqGx3gpzUgcj0NIhi6ETu2Arpb9Prlnwu2VtOUnN_XQX8OlIB6msDeQbIZHZD9w4wq6BNyxRJaUiuA0ggq_0Ev2xHqt_VM1KC4oojtZl-irv2AGLda5EgoJ0/s400/woman_screaming.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408822729446194370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I had a "yikes" moment a couple of days ago. Well, let's be honest, it was really more of a freak out moment. I saw a Facebook status update from a mommy who just returned from Taiwan last week with her sweet little daughter, Emily. It said something about jet lag and an almost seven month old, don't really go that well together.<br /><br />Then it clicked--an almost seven month old is a six month old!!! Six month old!?!? Lindy was just a few days from being eleven months old when we met her. That's almost twice as old as a six month old (I'm awful at math, so I'm not going to bother to figure out the real number). Six months old sounds so young and little and, and, and...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BREATHE!</span> I polled some of the other mommies who have adopted from Taiwan and most of the babies have been between five to eight months old when they've come home. Wow! That's awesome and it would be so wonderful but I skipped right over those months in the What to Expect...book and a baby that young seems so mysterious to me.<br /><br />I'm not sure how old our daughter will be but I'm going to trust that no matter how old she is, that God will help us figure out our new little creature and bundle of love just like he did with Lindy.<br /><br />If she is that young, looks like this momma bear will be doing some <span style="font-weight: bold;">SHOPPING</span> for smaller clothes and toys but man I hope I don't have to cart around one of those infant carriers that look so heavy and cumbersome!Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-20207199850978316042009-09-21T16:53:00.002-05:002009-09-21T17:05:32.599-05:00September swap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraHXTGZE5ffWO5zPu9x5Ta8l3PnnkLTQF4iPF95-Racsq59-zEJymB_4i9mjiBfRrwLvI37BSdbRmZ-PtxU0zSYk3lRgvzEZL3CUiFn2K-ZM_CehqZXcsvzuy0mFuBPHELU2NV-CW8GY/s1600-h/IMG_5553.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraHXTGZE5ffWO5zPu9x5Ta8l3PnnkLTQF4iPF95-Racsq59-zEJymB_4i9mjiBfRrwLvI37BSdbRmZ-PtxU0zSYk3lRgvzEZL3CUiFn2K-ZM_CehqZXcsvzuy0mFuBPHELU2NV-CW8GY/s400/IMG_5553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384042273720366770" border="0" /></a><br />Accessories--that is what the swap theme was for September. Well, as a girl who appreciates HER accessories, of course she LOVES them for her future baby girl!<br /><br />Katie was so sweet to send this fun stuff!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRZDjlZIWVUS57HlKUlG_ZQ8coawaEsFJGNwUPGFNVZK9fChT4vgghVFzd9tJD-nHVqNM4rwHglcRvBuooQgVa88lcDHSIaaD_B1fZAAby_bhCHsQJdD0qBIhaUCjiSkDNImo1_mT7D0/s1600-h/IMG_5554.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRZDjlZIWVUS57HlKUlG_ZQ8coawaEsFJGNwUPGFNVZK9fChT4vgghVFzd9tJD-nHVqNM4rwHglcRvBuooQgVa88lcDHSIaaD_B1fZAAby_bhCHsQJdD0qBIhaUCjiSkDNImo1_mT7D0/s400/IMG_5554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384042281057320530" border="0" /></a><br />As you can see, Baby Osborn got some bows, socks, cute little comfy shoes, and some much-needed travel toiletries.<br /><br />This was the last swap gift and a great way to end a fun activity that helped get me in the mindset of having a baby again and pass the time in a good way. Thanks, Katie, for your generosity.<br /><br />Please keep praying for the process to progress.Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-54522956484651017042009-09-02T10:42:00.004-05:002009-09-02T10:53:14.000-05:00August swap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9AlfKsfRORv9yILvUkGdtCP2VIHGvKUK18Lo_qAklBGL5w-cEMYdWlRGoBhB8udzAV2Sy6ELg6iQzQvbtne3xbiSlwE0XtefksxuI5Ohtp1xXyX2pIzuGKJVB4f0rgQrPgEmGXoMqmE/s1600-h/IMG_0681.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9AlfKsfRORv9yILvUkGdtCP2VIHGvKUK18Lo_qAklBGL5w-cEMYdWlRGoBhB8udzAV2Sy6ELg6iQzQvbtne3xbiSlwE0XtefksxuI5Ohtp1xXyX2pIzuGKJVB4f0rgQrPgEmGXoMqmE/s400/IMG_0681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376896282366088466" border="0" /></a><br />My monthly gift swap gifts arrived a few days ago. This month's theme was "Nursery." Well, I probably didn't give Heather much to go on as I have NO idea what mei mei's nursery will look like. I am not even sure which room she'll be living in. However, despite the fact that I didn't give any clues, Heather really blessed us!<br /><br />First, one must love the pink, purple, and polka-dotted paper! I think I even have that same paper! I also loved the flocked or is it fleeced cherry blossom note card she sent--so pretty...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtL5cPwpzUKou5QkmFpZte4NYCOZpg8MCC6Rg8BdAxW7Fv1D8tEDUyVe0FwQNhDYInsDEgkTaZRS9AQ4SIAbBktz5QucjulJo4beq4HBo1TpyGnw3eEnfufx7ioOzoOLiFxLXmgQmB-8/s1600-h/IMG_0682.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtL5cPwpzUKou5QkmFpZte4NYCOZpg8MCC6Rg8BdAxW7Fv1D8tEDUyVe0FwQNhDYInsDEgkTaZRS9AQ4SIAbBktz5QucjulJo4beq4HBo1TpyGnw3eEnfufx7ioOzoOLiFxLXmgQmB-8/s400/IMG_0682.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376896290019494530" border="0" /></a><br />Here are the goodies she sent...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcb3Sp5ixfrm315mjmY_m5kmqe9EbYuyIA1R5yErWY_rkA3mKpJmywONTYXOT4_bB6W0IEklBuwdLMnSnDayTNd4btCjspRlA5Y25NSSmvhEWIK_rSlZF-pSLeiwB-L_NmVB0EenL6A8/s1600-h/IMG_0683.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcb3Sp5ixfrm315mjmY_m5kmqe9EbYuyIA1R5yErWY_rkA3mKpJmywONTYXOT4_bB6W0IEklBuwdLMnSnDayTNd4btCjspRlA5Y25NSSmvhEWIK_rSlZF-pSLeiwB-L_NmVB0EenL6A8/s400/IMG_0683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376896295568813314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A precious shabby chic pink frame...Can't wait to see mei mei's face in there!!!</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTF1sqfzzZyC_P-ZY6XXaru7SmDP8NCDZAxIOcbSw9u5bra6IvX2ta8zcgSNKE1kQ_sJkN3P1z-0fV0wu0C4lDDdK_szhNH72A5msR3u2vVfZj3hZ9eRLEkmgOKKZfnXh9WZ0Z-M9Tbo/s1600-h/IMG_0685.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTF1sqfzzZyC_P-ZY6XXaru7SmDP8NCDZAxIOcbSw9u5bra6IvX2ta8zcgSNKE1kQ_sJkN3P1z-0fV0wu0C4lDDdK_szhNH72A5msR3u2vVfZj3hZ9eRLEkmgOKKZfnXh9WZ0Z-M9Tbo/s400/IMG_0685.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376896298864584114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">A wonderful pink crib sheet. <br />I'm pretty sure baby girl pink will be in the nursery no matter what.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyOtlKqXihd9RL1V4mGu2bqHSqJbXSYW3lWVyY-qS24qfP6vbahE89vvwkPxo80aYrw2_scsU_GaUwpzbQqNgmsCOrcMxzJbqDCsNQGO7N3LXaspDpQmp0wF41HLIihiJ54sTYPU0yVs/s1600-h/IMG_0686.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyOtlKqXihd9RL1V4mGu2bqHSqJbXSYW3lWVyY-qS24qfP6vbahE89vvwkPxo80aYrw2_scsU_GaUwpzbQqNgmsCOrcMxzJbqDCsNQGO7N3LXaspDpQmp0wF41HLIihiJ54sTYPU0yVs/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376896308514783426" border="0" /></a>A sweet bedtime book. <br />Ironically, I sent this to one of my swap buddies earlier. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FD1khOy29SkXMYKg-AEJzgHMIpYDBUimhyphenhyphenxLorFw070uQOqyGH6g2jYbcQ2wodC50bON8AEZnRJBz-VFkInETySs_bzGwe-wow9oj7pObd80si_R_8-MdoHLrdEfnTAKmbXJv9jzL_4/s1600-h/IMG_0687.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FD1khOy29SkXMYKg-AEJzgHMIpYDBUimhyphenhyphenxLorFw070uQOqyGH6g2jYbcQ2wodC50bON8AEZnRJBz-VFkInETySs_bzGwe-wow9oj7pObd80si_R_8-MdoHLrdEfnTAKmbXJv9jzL_4/s400/IMG_0687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376896394145511474" border="0" /></a>Ballerina stickers for Lindy! So thoughtful!<br /></div><br />Thank you, Heather, for blessing our family!Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616180904857734992.post-22011389749096763122009-08-12T17:00:00.004-05:002009-08-12T17:10:15.979-05:00July swap ( a month later)<div style="text-align: center;">As I mentioned in my last post, some gifts have been rolling in for mei mei...<br /><br />In July the gift swap theme was playtime. Beth, who is waiting to bring home Emily, sent me an awesome box of goodies for our girl(s)...<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XP_-LmIq8Haglx0iIO5B3C79d5EE77L2KBaIjg4QIkcHbXGB6ZbgSrhiFSElpwKAivt6iS7m0J8YYtQPdSuubpoRryUmMdLMs4jUEzML8RYuG9KjRPX_morT_Nfx947E3REX4R7Smqg/s1600-h/IMG_5418.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XP_-LmIq8Haglx0iIO5B3C79d5EE77L2KBaIjg4QIkcHbXGB6ZbgSrhiFSElpwKAivt6iS7m0J8YYtQPdSuubpoRryUmMdLMs4jUEzML8RYuG9KjRPX_morT_Nfx947E3REX4R7Smqg/s400/IMG_5418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369201704511455106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa2gkux6iLBK5tjeflrq8bCnMMAurm0_fi3tdvNwAWmtjEzKB4hdj9CWaxxxsqwIhvbXiN1E0wQY8dzbuenEZKD7IsjKvVEVSit-bo7X0lnzWm3v3zXyWCDHlMuuw93Yw1iRFxNe2p1Y/s1600-h/IMG_5422.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa2gkux6iLBK5tjeflrq8bCnMMAurm0_fi3tdvNwAWmtjEzKB4hdj9CWaxxxsqwIhvbXiN1E0wQY8dzbuenEZKD7IsjKvVEVSit-bo7X0lnzWm3v3zXyWCDHlMuuw93Yw1iRFxNe2p1Y/s400/IMG_5422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369201706683722498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It was as if she knew Lindy always wears a bow!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz8PqyzGCODbZDWl17uGYhiwZLes2TDfRmB9hRZPI9x9pJlrJOzFbyr_GJ0A5ZhG0f7QsIBAXe428tX3or551GNERgomqa4SVjzWuJA9aXNITvvDe2GBTFfaA40VEAj_YHWMfFpacwJo/s1600-h/IMG_5434.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz8PqyzGCODbZDWl17uGYhiwZLes2TDfRmB9hRZPI9x9pJlrJOzFbyr_GJ0A5ZhG0f7QsIBAXe428tX3or551GNERgomqa4SVjzWuJA9aXNITvvDe2GBTFfaA40VEAj_YHWMfFpacwJo/s400/IMG_5434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369201854701791762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Lindy tried it out and approves</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFMHH7W3-k_TFlEsnY_LDL_RDd3uXO9AGKeAZq8DKLiA2tJXf7W8D0rW8XPcelmlSa7iSlTNm2lwLkIV91x4uHKe9_eI72Pk9C-hUgV9j8au9mRo3e5xUGS0gbSFopJQsrUpg0YSqkVQ/s1600-h/IMG_5433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFMHH7W3-k_TFlEsnY_LDL_RDd3uXO9AGKeAZq8DKLiA2tJXf7W8D0rW8XPcelmlSa7iSlTNm2lwLkIV91x4uHKe9_eI72Pk9C-hUgV9j8au9mRo3e5xUGS0gbSFopJQsrUpg0YSqkVQ/s400/IMG_5433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369201727966896418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">So soft and sweet</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1-6qHUgvuaQMwEPRUIFO2XnwXULo4uATqFbj3JedurtS00e11ZCj1riOBqU5A42Jy3x-wnsxba_RTo6ws1vQeCvIG7ae76AymIXV1H6DTPBMZZCNHyX5xI8Hc7kWpQMrVv1eKDv0dr0/s1600-h/IMG_5432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1-6qHUgvuaQMwEPRUIFO2XnwXULo4uATqFbj3JedurtS00e11ZCj1riOBqU5A42Jy3x-wnsxba_RTo6ws1vQeCvIG7ae76AymIXV1H6DTPBMZZCNHyX5xI8Hc7kWpQMrVv1eKDv0dr0/s400/IMG_5432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369201718813870210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">We will use this to send pictures of our family to our baby girl after referral and while we wait to bring her home</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmM0DUFlFYFOdaZkZ4KTdoFOnCW6p4kHS02l3Ff6wdP4C3sRFLZpvTpSYGGva_AgthyOvCx6-iqaSEpIpdriO8LduRY2CXOdtwsscvgLU9liWMVyQ7988K79JqlAq23H95j6lxnMAzME/s1600-h/IMG_5430.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmM0DUFlFYFOdaZkZ4KTdoFOnCW6p4kHS02l3Ff6wdP4C3sRFLZpvTpSYGGva_AgthyOvCx6-iqaSEpIpdriO8LduRY2CXOdtwsscvgLU9liWMVyQ7988K79JqlAq23H95j6lxnMAzME/s400/IMG_5430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369201715667843618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Mei mei will also be a bow wearer even sooner than Lindy was</span><br /><br />Thanks for the wonderful gifts, Beth! Can't wait to see you bring home Emily.<br /><br /></div>Don and Lisa Osbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447300760785998746noreply@blogger.com0