My 90 Day Warranty is up - I think I made it!  Don't jobs have a 90 day probational period?  Don't some products come with a 90 day warranty?  How about motherhood?  Does Maggie get to "send me home" if she wants after 90 days?

Well, Maggie and I have been a family for 90 days.  And she is still here!  She did not leave, she has not packed her bags and she has not booked a flight - well that I know of at least.  She may, in fact, still want to be with me!!!!!  LOL

I cannot believe that we have been a family for 3 months.  The time has on one hand flown but yet I feel like we have been together forever.  I don't miss my life before her and would never want to return to it.  She has filled that missing piece in my life and I hope I have in hers.  We are a pair - mother and daughter forever.  Magster, I love you and delight in what you teach me every minute of every day.  I love living life through your sweet two year old eyes.

I thank God for you every day.  How He brought us together at just the perfect time.  How He laid the pathway for me to get to you.  How He opened doors that would normally have been closed so I could be your mom.  I love how you are learning about Him and learning to sing His praises.  One day, hopefully soon, you will know who Jesus is and that He died for your sins.  One day, hopefully soon, you will learn about the peace that loving and following Him means.  Jesus LOVES you more than you will ever know and I am so very thankful that you now live in a country where you can get to know Him freely.  I am extremely privileged to be your mom and I love you with every fiber of my being and everything I am capable of.

So what is Maggie doing now?

• Weighs 20 lbs - lost 1/2 lbs
• Had her first ear infection
• Says HI - to everyone and I mean everyone - at the store, daycare, restaurant, me, etc...
• Says Bye-Bye to the same people as we leave
• Loves to say good girl or "goot url" - I must say that a lot
• Blows kisses without  having to prompt her - so sweet
• Calls herself - "Baggie" instead of Maggie and calls me Momma (taps my chest as she says it like I do hers)
• Does not like icing or anything sweet - can this girl really be mine????
• Loves food (but not sweets or fruit) and no snacks
• Loves to dance
• Has started to sing in the car with the 101 Bible Songs - really cute!  Yesterday we were coming home from work and Crown Him was playing - at the end of the song they shout Crown Him very loud to end it - when it got to that part all of a sudden I heard Maggie shout something like Crown Him - she knows these songs and it is hilarious - she claps after every song too
• Dances to the Auburn fight song (keychain plays song) and knows how to do War Eagle, Hey at the end - fist pumps and all
• LOVES the outside
• Rolls the ball to you
• Kicks the ball - sometimes
• Runs to her daycare room every morning - then remembers that I am leaving her so she cries  LOL
• Can sorta count to four - there are four scoops of formula in her bottle - I say one then she says the sweetest two, three and four
• Feeds herself - well some food gets in her mouth but needless to say, Izzy is getting fatter!
• Knows  how to blow (or I call it spit) on her food to cool it down
• Knows the word HOT
• Plays this game with me by cowering up to me and putting her finger in front of her mouth and going "shhhhh"  I do it back and we just laugh and giggle - so precious
• Kisses me every night before bed and every morning when I get  her out of bed - my love tank is full with this child!
• Learning how to WHINE - Yuck I wish she hadn't learned this one!
• We are working on the word Please so maybe she wont whine too much (I know BTDT parents - they still will!  LOL)
• Got her first haircut - a little short but cute

  Overall day at daycare - Mom don't look (my mother  HATES overalls and jeans on Maggie LOL) - I think she looks precious!

  Don't tell Maggie but she has a hair bow in her hair!

 At the hair salon about to get my first hair cut


  I love this picture - good shot of her double crown!

 Being very still!

OK I dont really like this anymore

All done!  The sweet hair stylist, Stephanie, was awesome - she even thought to give me the first lock of hair to save.  How sweet!  Here Maggie is with my neighbor, Barbara, who babysat while mom got her hair done too.  Thanks Barb!

Today was just so much fun!  Maggie had a great day.  Mom and Pete came down this morning and we opened up gifts and then played outside.  This was the first day we could play outside and the weather be nice.  She had a great time chasing Izzy and me and throwing the ball.

After a nap and some lunch given by Pete, my brother and his family got here.  We all went back outside and played kick ball.  Took a lot of pictures then it was time for cake and ice cream.  Below are the pictures!

Maggie had nothing to do with her cake or ice cream - this kid is just not mine - I LOVE Ice Cream!!!  LOL  No playing in the cake or anything.  She would get some icing on her finger and then give it to me to get it off.  Oh well maybe next year!  However, we all LOVED the cake and ice cream!



  The shirt and hat that Patti Stutts gave Maggie!



  Playing in the back yard!



  Aunt Lisa brought me Mardi Gras beads!!!!



 Kicking the ball with Mommy and Ty

  Pete brought her an Auburn piggy bank and helped her put money in it.  Thanks Pete!

  Lunchtime with Pete

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Sunday, February 14, 2010 was Chinese New Year. This was Maggie's and my first one to celebrate together. Every year our Shelby County FCC (Families with Children from China) get together and eat at a Chinese Restaurant and visit. This year, I finally got to take Maggie!!!  It was a lot of fun to get to dress her up in her Chinese outfit and visit with some good friends.

Below are some of the pictures from that night!



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Here are some pictures of Maggie playing at home. Enjoy!





  See my new teeth?  I have 4 new 1 year old molars - 12 teeth in all.


  Gotta love that she brought me one shoe to put on over her pj's. She ran around like this for about an hour before she brought me the other one. This girls likes to ... << MORE >>

One day last week was wear "red/pink" day at daycare. I dressed Maggie in a red and white polka dot onesie and red pants and of course red squeaky shoes!  Here is a picture of her in the car on the way to daycare.  She was wearing her hat on her head but figured out how to unroll the front.  She didn't quite grasp the idea that she could roll it back up!  LOL

This daycare thing is great for her sleep (and mine!)  She went to bed at 8:00 and didn't wake up until I got her at 6:30.  2 nights in a row!!!!  WHOOOOOOHOOOOOO.





I left my camera at the daycare so they could take come pictures of her and her classmates at the Valentine's Day party on Thursday.  I think they turned out cute.  I am also putting a few pictures of her "artwork".  She is a budding artist, don't you think?  LOL





  Maggie and her friend Piper

  Being cooperative?  I don't think so....

  Some of her buddies

  The other table of kiddos

  Do you have to keep taking pictures?  My back is hurting...

  Art work after learning about hearts

  Her birth date is on the wall

  Art work after learning about squares

  Fingerpainting

  This is her envelope at daycare where I get all her reports



  I love the bye bye buggie - sitting next to Zoe!

  Trying to put her coat on

Well, I have started back to work after having several weeks off.  I must be honest that in a way it is good to be back!  I know that Maggie is very happy at daycare so that makes it easier.  I seem to be a creature that likes schedules and it is good to have one for ME!  Is that bad?

Don't get me wrong, I have loved every second with Maggie.  Her laugh is contagious, energy high and if I could see her brain, I know it would be going ninety-to-nothing.  But I am tired!!!  LOL 

Now the next stage is our morning routine.  Wow is it early!  I decided to change my hours to 8:00 - 4:30 so I could have more time with Maggie and hopefully get ahead of some of the rush hour traffic in downtown Birmingham.  So that means I am getting up at 5:30.  Yes that is A.M. folks and until I had a daughter, I only knew that there was a 5:30 P.M.  Needless to say, I am not a morning person.  But to get ready for work then get Maggie up and ready and fed, it takes that long.  But oh the reward - I get to see a smiling little face every morning that is glad to see me and get some major morning snuggling in before work.  She wakes up happy and is easy to dress and loves her eggs for breakfast.  She has learned to take her morning bottle in the car on the way to work so that has helped a lot.  Once she learns to eat the breakfast foods at daycare, that will help a lot too.

Now if I could just get Izzy back on this routine.  Last night, Maggie was so exhausted from daycare (more on that in a minute) that she was fast asleep by 8:15 and I didn't hear anything from her until I woke her this morning.  But Izzy decided she needed a drink of water at midnight, then the neighbors needed to be informed on what was on her mind at 1:30 (otherwise known as barking and she got spanked for that one) then at 3:30 needed to go check on Maggie in her room (cute but not needed).  ARG but it will take a little while for this spoiled fur kid to get into the routine.  I really just think that she was lonely yesterday and was ready to play last night.  Need to get back to those doggy walks.

Let's talk daycare!  Maggie is having the time of her life.  On Mondays the Children's Theatre comes and sings, dances and plays instruments with the kids.  Last Monday was Maggie's first trial day and she just loved it.  I was able to watch her and was told that yesterday she had fun doing this again.  I love her daycare.  They are so attentive to her and want to see her succeed.  The little ones in her room are also just precious.  She will develop some good friends from this group.  She attended 3 days last week for a while each day.  Yesterday was her first full day.  She was exhausted but glad to see me!  Be still my heart!

Pictures were taken last Thursday and I will be anxious to see what they look like.  These will be the first professional photos taken of Maggie.  I will get her two year old pictures made within the next few weeks - she turns 2 on Wednesday - Feb. 17.  Can you believe it?

We had our follow-up visit last week to the International Adoption Clinic and they were really pleased with her progress.  They think she is about 6 months delayed which is right on track with a child who was in an orphanage.  She also has gained 1.5 lbs since we have been home - 19.5 lbs. total.  I am so very proud of Maggie and how far she has come.  I did not think that a child could learn so quickly and catch up developmentally as fast as she has.  That is my girl...

Now what have we been doing lately?  We went back to Decatur to see some more of mom's friends.  There are so many people who had purchased the cookbook I made for funding the adoption that I want them to see who they supported and prayed for.  After that, we headed to Auburn for the weekend.  While there, we got together with some of my friends and mom's friends so they could meet Maggie.  She was in rare form and just as sweet as can be.

I pulled another rookie mom mistake - Let's just hope that the Good Lord will let her live to be at least 5 with all the mistakes I am making.  I decided to try a cheaper formula - the Target brand, I heard, was just like Enfamil ProSobee.  Well NOT!!!!!  She had a horrible case of diarrhea and it took me 2 days to figure out the problem.  Then that problem developed into a drastic case of diaper rash.  Poor thing was just raw and screamed every time she had to potty!  I promptly discarded that formula and went back to the good stuff.  Poor thing.

Maggie attended her first Auburn basketball game.  She absolutely loved everything about it.  We watched the Auburn girls play Georgia and she danced, watched and was attentive the whole time.  I got her a shaker and she was all over that the whole game.  The whole section was playing with her.  She also warmed my heart by learning to say "WAR EAGLE, HEY!  Actually it is WOOOOOOOOOOOO (drawn out)- EGG-EL, A.  It is so precious!

Some things she does now are:

• pushes any musical toy to make it work
• brings all toys to me to play
• dances freely and often
• blows kisses
• has added 4 more teeth to her mouth - 1 year molars
• says "bye bye" and waves her hand toward herself - cute
• knows what "sit down" means
• runs full force into my arms when I come get her at daycare - that is what I have been waiting for my whole life!!!!
• bangs on the piano as she walks by
• pets Izzy - well most of the time pets her - or as she calls her "i-url"
• Says War Eagle Hey
• Says "tak-ew" to everyone (thank you)
• plays in her food most every meal
• finally is leaving Izzy's food alone
• gets me wetter than she gets during her bath and squeels with delight
• loves our family members - immediate family and cousins
• gives a high five when you put your hand out
• wants to wear her squeaky shoes at all times even if just in the house
• still brings me shoes to put on even when I am wearing shoes
• loves to comb her hair
• not liking brushing her teeth but we are working on that one
• still does not like fruit or anything cold
• tolerates mom's cooking!

Here are the pictures!

 

  She has Auburn squeaky shoes and cute socks!  (Thanks Pete!)
  Asleep in her car seat!

  Give me a kiss!



  Maggie's first day of daycare!
Maggie at daycare with the Children's Theatre (she is in the pink jumper to the left of the teacher)  Look how small she is compared to her classmates!

So sorry that it has been so long since I blogged.  We have been really busy lately traveling the state to see friends and family.  Below is a little about what we have been up to as well as some ways Maggie has grown and become more attached.  Pictures are at the bottom (if you want to skip the commentary).

We visited her new daycare and Maggie seemed to be very interested in the kids and opportunities to play.  I think it will be good for her.  They have something new every 30 minutes of day, it seems.  She will really develop and learn alot there.  Her first day will be for a few hours on Monday, Feb. 1.  I will be there watching her through a video feed to see how she reacts.  Tuesday, we will do the same thing, this time maybe during nap time.  Wednesday, we have doctor appts all day so no daycare.  Her first full day in daycare will be on Thursday.  I will take that day to rest and run errands.  My first day back to work will be Friday, Feb. 5.

I really hate to go back but it is time for us to tackle this next stage in our life.  I have loved every second of this quick time of being home with Maggie.  I have loved getting to know her and watching her grow in so many ways.  She is such a delight and most of the time she is really good!  LOL

Case in point.  This week, Maggie decided that her diet was lacking a certain food group - dog food!  I found her playing in Izzy's food and water.  It was actually really funny but gross.  As I said, it was funny but not so much after the 4th time that day.  She changed clothes 3 times because she was soaking wet.  Poor Izzy only has water out now and has to eat when I can distract Maggie.  Today, Maggie decided that the water container was really a lot of fun too.  So she played in it too.  You know, all of this in a split second that it takes me to go to the bathroom or put a load of clothes in.  That stinker!!!!

Two weekends ago, Maggie, Izzy and I drove to Mobile to visit my brother and is family.  We had a blast.  They just love her and I love watching her go from one to the other.  She feels like a queen and I got a well needed break.  She did not sleep well the whole weekend, I guess just being away from home, but had a blast playing.  Izzy got some well deserved love too!  I ate lunch with my college roommate, Kim, as she wanted to meet Maggie.  It was a great time of catching up!

We came home for one day and then drove to see my mom in Decatur.  There are so many people in Decatur that helped me bring Maggie home.  We were able to see some of these sweet people at the church dinner on Wednesday night.  The next few days were spent visiting others and catching up with family.  We had a really good time!

We came home and haven't left again for a few days.  Maggie got a small grade fever after getting her Flu and H1N1 shots so we laid low.  She didn't feel bad just ran a fever.  Nothing a little Motrin couldn't fix.

The weather has been nice lately so we have spent some time out doors.  A good friend, DeEtte and her 2 precious little ones from China came to meet Maggie on Sunday.  Her youngest, Sadie (4), walked in and said "she looks like me!"  It was cute and yes, Sadie, I do think Maggie looks like you!  And I love that!  Her oldest, Hannah (6) was such a good playmate with Maggie.  She was so nurturing and gentle with her.  Maggie kept falling into her arms for a hug.  it was so sweet.  I foresee a great relationship between these three.

So what is Maggie doing now?  How is she growing?

• She can turn a somersault - by herself it is a little sideways
• She runs around the house - of course in her squeaky shoes
• She plays with many of her toys and know how to work them - yes she still loves the musical toys the best
• She uses her tongue more now while eating - hopefully she will be chewing better soon
• She is curious about her sippy cup and likes water in it - apple juice not so much!
• She has started playing with her food - evidence below
• She goes to other people but immediately comes back to me
• She cries when friends leave the house after playing with her
• She tries to blow her nose with a Kleenex - she scrunches up her nose and blows thru her mouth - so funny
• Still gives the best kisses ever

Words Maggie say (of course all in Maggie language!)

• Hello? = "O?" and said anytime any phone rings
• Thank you = "Tak ew - doesn't know what it means but repeats it a lot
• Hi = "i"
• I say "Cows say moo" = she says "boo"
• Auburn = "au-ern"
• Izzy - sometimes called Izzy girl = "i-url"

We are headed to Auburn tomorrow to hang out at the condo.  There are some great friends in Auburn for Maggie to meet too.  And she will watch her first basketball game this weekend.  Let's hope that she likes noise and Aubie.  Pictures to come next week.  Thank you all for checking in!

Tricia, Maggie and Izzy
 I love my baths

  Macaroni and Cheese - YUM (notice the pasta in her hair and on the floor)  Izzy was in heaven!

  Hannah and Maggie  Sadie and Maggie   Izzy's food AFTER Maggie sampled it!  GROSS!!!! Maggie's first time on a trampoline - Thank you cousin Ty






  Maggie learning to blow her nose

 

What a great day!  It started out with my cousin, Laurie and her daughter, Leslie visiting Maggie. Yes I am not delusional thinking that they came to see me!  LOL  We had a great visit and I hope they come back soon. I have loaded some pictures below from their visit.

Maggie likes to walk under my legs now. It is pretty funny. I was hanging up some of her clothes today and she walked right under my legs and back. How did she know that that would be fun?  This girl amazes ...

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We had a good friend, one that I haven't seen in 3 years, visit us today.  She brought her 3 month old daughter and it was so good to catch up.  I am posting a picture of me holding Maggie and Anna.  It was so good to catch up, Tammy!  She also brought Maggie a little doll and a Valentine's outfit that is so precious!  Thanks Tammy!

Here are some "isms" that Maggie is doing lately.

• Today we did our first somersault - Maggie loved it!
• Today we learned how to blow kisses
• She has learned how to play with one of her gifts from Santa that is a musical Ladybug.  It is precious!
• Yesterday Maggie greeted me getting out of the shower with my Auburn crocs.  Today she did it again and wanted me to put them on!  It was really funny getting dried off with crocs on!  Thanks sweet girl, but I really do need to get dressed before I put on my shoes!

Tomorrow my cousin and Maggie's God mother, Laurie,  is coming to visit. She is bringing her daughter, Leslie too.  I can't wait for them to get to play with Maggie.  More pictures posted tomorrow!

Thanks for checking in.  We are doing well and getting our routine down.  Now if I could just get her to sleep the whole night and Izzy not to wake up too early I would be set.

I am also starting to work on those dreaded taxes.  Thank you, God, for allowing me to get an adoption credit for this year!  I just squeezed that one in under the deadline.

Love,

Tricia, Maggie and Izzy

Well it is so cold outside that Maggie and I are trying to stay inside.  But I have to admit that I am getting major cabin fever.  However, the little giggles are well worth it.

We are working on the following areas (reality of a toddler)

• Sleeping thru the night - so far only 3 nights since we have been home
• Teething - she hasn't eaten anything but formula for 2 days now because her mouth hurts.  I did get some great Hylands tablets that seem to be working - Thanks Kris!
• Slapping momma - she seems to think that it is okay to slap momma in the face using either hand.  We are working on that boundary.  It was better today - repetition will be the key to this one I think!
• Leaving Izzy alone when she curls up in her bed - poor Izzy is suicidal

Here are some cute pictures from yesterday and today.  She has some really cute Auburn pants in some of the pictures.  My girl can raise her arms when I say Touchdown Auburn!  Priceless.  She also puts her head on the floor with her rear in the air.  Today she starting walking like this - the crab walk I think we used to call it.  She is babbling all day long and tries to say Thank You when I do.  My favorite new "trick" is that when she sneezes I always say "bless you".  Yesterday she started fake sneezing by shaking her head up and down and making a "shoooo" sound.  I still say Bless you and she just loves this.  It is hysterical.

  Touchdown Auburn (sorry for the quality of photo)

 Crab Walk

  Running towards momma for a lift into the air

Today is one month as a Family! I received Maggie on December 7, 2009. WOW what a difference a month makes. Let me try to describe what she was like one month ago today.

• Maggie did not cry - she had the "orphanage stare" and really had no emotion what so ever
• She could not grasp anything
• She did not know how to play
• She liked a bottle and scrambled eggs - does not like anything cold - no fruits
• She was scared
• She loved her squeaky shoes
• She loves my iPhone because it plays 102 Kids Bible Songs - Gran and I are about over listening to these! LOL

One month later, I have a totally different little girl:

• Maggie has a million faces - my favorite is when she crinkles up her nose
• She knows who her momma is
• She laughs out loud and thinks all things are funny
• She is really happy and loves to play
• She still loves her squeaky shoes - even more if that is possible
• She can play with her toys and can play by herself when needed
• She roams the house on her own but comes back to her momma just to make sure I am still here
• She gives kisses freely to her momma
• She will go to a friend or family member but usually comes right back to her momma
• She loves to be flipped upside down or tossed up in the air
• She is very flexible and will be our little gymnast
• She loves music and tries to sing - still loves the Bible songs but now also likes classical
• She can say Uh Oh and today she learned Thank You or some form of that! She really just mocks what I say
• She still loves scrambled eggs but also eats macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, chicken and rice and broccoli and cheese soup
• Still does not put anything in her mouth - no cheerios, goldfish, or anything cold
• Is teething
• Loves her bottles still
• Likes to ride in her cozy coupe that my brother's family gave her for Christmas
• Wears 12 month old clothes but the pants are WAY too big
• Likes to torture our dog, Izzy

I could write a whole other list of how my life has changed. I could never have imagine how wonderful being a mother truly is. God gave me the PERFECT daughter. He knew what type of child I needed and matched us perfectly. I can truly say that I already love Maggie with all my heart. It is like she has always been a part of my life. Now don't get me wrong - that lack of sleep thing is for the birds. I need my sleep but this little one has only slept thru the night 3 nights since we have been home. But I can truly say that I would stay up all night every night if she needed me but someone might have to commit me if we do that! I hope we are now getting the sleep thing down.

I have been so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends that are so excited about Maggie being home as well. I took her to the office this week to meet everyone and it was such a special time. I left her for the first time too. I had my cousin keep her for a little while and I ran some errands. Maggie was wonderful and had a great time with her CuzAunt Leigh. By the way, the pictures below are from their play date! LOL

Maggie, I love you and am so excited that we are a family. You have made my life special and I look forward to many more family anniversaries to come.

 

  Maggie's Fishy Face



  Laughing "AT" mommy

  Smiling at CuzAunt Leigh



  Playing with her phone my co-worker Sheryl gave her 

 

We are home after celebrating a late Christmas with my family. Maggie slept through the night last night - first time!!!!  Whooooo Hooooo. I will try to write details of the past two weeks soon. But I kmow you only want pictures anyway.LOL  Happy New Year!

Tricia and Maggie

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I'm so sorry I have not posted pics or information yet. Maggie has bad
jet lag and got overwhelmed with visitors so we have gone into
seclusion with no visitors. Sleep may get better tonight as I have
taken her out shopping with me today. The sunshine is good for her
internal click to get reset.

We are tired but doing well. Some stomach issues and a slight ear
infection put her on some antibiotics. She did NOT like going to the
doctor yesterday. Some of you in north Alabama might have heard her
screaming. This girl has some lungs!

I promise to post soon. We are having a low key Christmas here at the
house with my mom and Pete coming just for the day. The family will
all get together next week. The Decatur crew sorry but we are not
going to be there this week.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. I know that we will with
this very special gift from God. Thank you all for sending the
beautiful comments. Love to you

Tricia, Maggie and Izzy (TMI)

Sent from my iPhone

We are home and doing well. Very jet lagged and got the days and
nights mixed up. Once we get settled I will do a post. She loves Izzy
and Izzy likes her they are so cute as Maggie walks around the house
Izzy follows her. We go to the international adoption clinic tomorrow.
I will try to post tomorrow provided the little one doesn't try to
stay up all night again.

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Waiting to board last leg of flight. We should be on time

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Well it is official by US standards.  I have taken the oath and unexpectantly cried like a baby!  I wasn't expecting the swearing in ceremony to be emotional.  I guess it is the end of 4 years of hard work.  Maggie is my daughter - I am so blessed!

We started the day off at the Six Banyan Pagoda Buddha Temple.  It was very pretty.  Two of the six banyan trees are left.  They are 1200 years old.  They were just beautiful.  The people were praying to the Buddha.  The light incense and wave the smoke upwards to get the Buddha's attention so they can pray.  The pagoda was really pretty too.  There was a priest conducting a blessing for the adoptive children for some families.  We went in and looked at the three Buddhas.  They were for past, present and future.  It was a nice place.  After that we went to the Toy Market.  It really was a really large mall.  A little too busy for my standards.

We came home and Maggie took a nap.  We left for the Consulate at 2:15.  We were not able to bring any cameras to the consulate so no pictures of that time. I really hate that as it would have been nice to have gotten that on video.

We will be packing tomorrow and leaving the hotel at 5:00 p.m. for the airport.  Please pray for Maggie to have a good flight.  I thought I would spare the other passengers on the plane and not bring the squeeky shoes!  We take off at 9:00 pm so maybe she will be ready to go to bed.

We will be meeting my cousin again in Los Angeles for dinner on Friday night.  Saturday morning we will be having breakfast with a family who adopted a little girl from Maggie's orphanage.  They live about 30 minutes from the airport and wanted to come meet her.  How fun to meet another little girl from the same orphanage.  They even resemble each other.

I hope those of you close to Birmingham can meet us at the airport on Saturday night.  Again, we fly in at 9:44 pm on Delta 1607.  See you guys in Birmingham!

Love to you all,

Tricia

Here are the pictures from yesterday.  So sorry - I was exhausted last night!  We start our journey home in one day!
  I have a glo stick at Willow's birthday party!


  Birthday girl
  Seahorses!

  Starfish  Scorpions







  Alligator head and part of body  Snakes


  Turtles



  Hat Renee Smith (co-worker) made her!

  Pearl Market

  Cruise on Pearl River

Day 10

Well it is official, Maggie is my daughter in the eyes of the USA! She will become a citizen when her feet hit the ground in Los Angeles. I am so excited! Tomorrow we have our swearing in ceremony in the afternoon at the US Consulate. There can be no cameras so we will not have a picture of this.

In the morning we will go to the oldest Buddist Temple - it is 1200 years old. Then we are off to the toy market then home ...

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Day 9 - The Village Tour

Today we drove to a Chinese village. It was really nice to see where the local people live. It turned out to be a rather upper middle class area. To our standards, it was really poor. It was sad. Maggie's parents are probably living in much worse conditions and she would have had that life too.

We saw ladies washing dishes with almost black water. We saw one lady sweeping the dirt and many men laying brick and repairing their walkways. I must say, though, the people were just so sweet. Many of the older generation were coming up to us and smiling and many let us take their pictures. It was really nice. There were little sticks outside most of their doors. They were for the people to light in the morning for their praise of Buddha. We also saw a family temple. It was really nice and very similar to the Chen Family Temple we saw the other day.

We ate at a place that was as authentic Chinese food as we have had yet. Ok, I am officially grossed out. I ended up eating Maggie's Cheerios. She didn't eat anything. They brought out a fish dish first that just about made me sick. First of all, I hate fish; second of all it smelled really fishy; and third, it was little minows - heads tails and all. Our guide and driver just ate it up! Then a few other dishes came out that were interesting as well. I found in the chicken, real chicken feet with nails and all. I took a picture but it didn't come out to well. I will see if I can edit it.

When we came back to the room, I had a peanut butter sandwich and some Pringles. Good eating....

One of our travel girls has a birthday today. Willow (April and Patrick's daughter) turned 2 today. Maggie, Mom and I attended her party tonight. The White Swan gave them a cake for her and everyone said it was really good. Maggie had a slight meltdown - I think it was too overwhelming for her. She was exhausted - no nap today because of being gone to the village for so long - and she was starving. I gave her a bottle and she was out cold in 15 minutes. Bless her heart!

Tomorrow we have to stay in the room while our guide, Rebecca, goes to the consulate for us. After she calls we are free until 5:45 when we go on our cruise of the Pearl River. It is supposed to be really cold tomorrow. It rained today and cooled us off considerably. Finally, my kind of weather!

We are leaving in 2 days (Friday) and I am ready to come home. I am going to miss my new friends but hopefully we can keep in touch.

Maggie giggled out loud today several times.  Mom got it on video as it was so cute.  She just kept us laughing all afternoon (when she was supposed to be having a nap!)  She is just the happiest little girl and tonight was really the only time she has just cried like crazy.  But she was just hungry.  I am still so blessed!

Enjoy the pics!

Love to all,

Tricia





  Bamboo



  House made of oyster shells

  Inside a house - very nice!

  Peeling turnips





  Are these not the cutest little twins?

Maggie is such a happy little girl - and so good too.  She just giggles and gives kisses all day long.  She wrinkles up her nose and smiles so big after she gives me a kiss.  She has a 100 little faces that just crack mom and me up.  I am so blessed and so happy to have to such a beautiful little girl.

Today we went to the botanical garden.  It was really pretty.  Lots of walking and just gorgeous.  The orchids were all in a large greenhouse and there were so many different kinds.

Tomorrow we will go to a typical Chinese village.  I am looking forward to this.  I'm sure it will be sad but I really want to see what Maggie's family's is like so I can answer those questions for her later.

We have met some of the nicest people while here.  We met a family from Georgia today and one from Maryland.  I love meeting all of these families and we all have so much in common.  It is nice to talk with people who understand the joy you are experiencing after waiting so long.

Mom again is invaluable!  She is my "nanny" as she calls herself.  I don't know what I will do without all her help when I get home.  But I will manage.  LOL  At least "I" can wear what I want when I get home!  LOL  She is my fashion police here - "you are not wearing that are you?"

Below are some pics from today.  Thank you for  all your comments.  They keep us going...

Amy Maze, any news on your end?  Sonya, Connie, Alicia, Emily, Mary Louise and anyone else I missed  - do you guys want to get together when I am in Decatur?  I will be there Christmas Eve day through a couple of days after Christmas.

To the family - I cannot wait until you guys meet Maggie. Enjoy the Family Christmas get together.  We will truly miss being there!  I love you all.

Tricia


  Touchdown Auburn!!!!








  Dancing Orchids - they look like little ladies with yellow dresses on

  Sorry it is sideways  Nemo

Day 7 as a family and I got kisses tonight at dinner!  Maggie was on my lap playing and laughing when she leaned in a gave me a kiss.  Several times in fact.  It was so precious!  My love tank is FULL!!!!!  She kept doing it when I would pucker my lips and say give me a kiss.   I just love this little girl.

Today we met in the lobby of the White Swan Hotel with our travel group for the famous Red Couch Pictures.  The hotel has several red couches and all the adoption families have their pictures made with their children.  The adopted children are usually dressed in Chinese outfits and Maggie looked so pretty.

After pictures we went shopping to the pearl market and mall.  Can we just say that mom and I put a lot of money into the Chinese economy today!  We stopped for lunch at KFC and that was the nastiest thing I have ever tasted!  YUCK!  No white meat chicken anywhere to be found and we ended up having a chicken burger that was processed chicken with english peas in it.  Did I say YUCK???  The shopping area was a really fun place to be - there were many many people.  It was cool to see this part of China.

We came back and Maggie and I took a nap while Gran went to get a pedicure.  She really enjoyed the pedicure but the ride back to the hotel was a nightmare for her.  The lady at the salon got her a taxi and told the driver where to take her.  She told mom not to pay more than 30 yen for the taxi.  He took mom all over the city and through the rough parts taking as long as he could to get her to the hotel.  An hour and fifteen minutes later she arrived at the hotel with a charge of 40 yen.  She was so shaken when she got back.  I felt sorry for her.  I think it scared her a little to be out there being so vulnerable.  I hate that for her but she is good now!  That glass of wine at dinner helped!

Here are some pics from today.  We are going to the botanical garden tomorrow.  I hear that it is a beautiful place!  Thanks for reading and your comments are so appreciated.  By the way, many of you have asked about our return flight.  We are leaving China on the 18th at 9:50 pm and arriving in LAX at 5:30 pm.  We will be staying in LAX for the night and leaving the next day for Birmingham.  We will be arriving in Birmingham through ATL on the Saturday, Dec. 19th on Delta 1607 coming in at 9:44 pm.  We would love to see you guys at the airport if you can come!

Thanks for reading and love to you all!

Tricia and Maggie

  Left to right:  Jennifer and Piper; Tricia and Maggie; Katie and her daughters (new to our group); and April and Willow and Eliana.
  Maggie



  Willow, Piper and Maggie - all adopted on Dec. 7, 2009 from Guangdong Province.  Willow will be two on Wednesday, Piper is 13 months and Maggie is almost 22 months.


  Great picture of Gran and Maggie on the red couch.

  All families - Patrick and April Holm, Willow and Eliana; Tricia and Maggie; Jennifer and Dupree Bingham and Piper; and Tom and Katie Marabello (sp?)

  Jennifer and Dupree Bingham and Piper - they are from Charlotte, NC

  Maggie was not cooperating in this picture.  She wanted to watch the Christmas tree and waterfall instead of looking at the camera - well who could blame her they were pretty.

  Playing in the Swan Room at the hotel.  It is sponsored by Mattel and is filled with fun toys for the kids.  This was a zebra that bounced up and down and talked to you.  Maggie loved it.

  Gran and Maggie playing in the Swan Room


 


  Look at that smile!  My kisses!

Day 6 - Free Day

We had a free day this morning. We got to take our time after breakfast and spend some time with Skyping with our family. Maggie was in rare form this morning and having a blast. She was able to smile and show off her squeeky shoes. She just loves it when I pick her up and drop her on her feet so they squeek. It is rather funny.

Congratulations to my oldest nephew, Jordan and Shana. They are engaged but will be waiting a little while before they get married. I am very proud of you both. I love you both!

Mom and I went shopping today for Maggie some more squeeky shoes! She just loves them and you can't beat full leather shoes for $5. This girl now has about 11 pair. WOW! That is more than me! We also got her a traditional Chinese red outfit for tomorrow's red couch photos. That is when our travel group gets together in the White Swan on the red couch and take pictures. We will also have a family picture made and a group picture made in front of the water fall. I am very excited!

This afternoon I had to finish up some paperwork. This was the US side of the paperwork. These forms were so I could apply for her VISA to get her out of the country. There were a lot of forms - the good ole US of A! There were also very confusing Hopefully I am almost done with the paperwork. I am about tired of my long name and Maggie's even longer name! LOL

The three families went to dinner tonight too. We all met at the German restaurant which was playing Michael Jackson music in China! HA HA HA We had a great dinner and even had a little toddy! It was a lot of fun and I really enjoy their company. I hate that we are all spread across the country though - Bingham's are in Charlotte and the Holm's are in Washington State.

Maggie wore the cutest purple outfit today. She looks really cute in purple with her dark hair and dark eyes. Her smile was big and she was her happy self. She found her hair bow today and I am sure that it is just a matter of time before she starts pulling it out. Well, that was a short honeymoon - I thought she was going to like bows! There still is hope!

One of the funnniest things she is doing now is when she goes to sleep. I give her a bottle and rock her a minute then put her in the crib. I turn on the 102 Kids Bible Songs music that I have (about sick of that by now! HA HA HA) She just takes her little hands and clasp them and shakes them to the beat of the music. Then she adds her legs up in the air one at a time just a swinging to the beat. It is hilarious. I took a video of her today but don't know how to put that on the blog. I just love her little personality. She is such a good little girl too. Very easy right now but we will see.

She hates to be wet which may be a good sign of potty training soon. She hates to have food on her at all. The one thing I really don't like is that she really wants to stand up to eat while stomping her squeeky shoes. It is really cute but I want us to eat at the table. Right now - our motto is survival in China - teach when we get home.

Here are some pics from the day. Sorry - not too many. Good day though.

Love,

Tricia

 

   Lucy's Iced Tea - YUMMY!!!!




 

Well, squeeky shoes are a hit! She didn't like them at first but once she figured them out - life was great! She just slams down those little legs to make the shoes squeek and just giggles. Yes we have a new girl on our hands.

Maggie has been grinning from ear to ear today. Tonight we even got a few giggles. It is just music to my ears. She even has dimples that we didn't know about. I have never seen her smile ...

<< MORE >>

The Chen Family Temple and playtime in the park.  Maggie is such a blessing!




... << MORE >>

Well we have POOP. Hurray! Goodness she will kill me when she is 16.
She is taking a bottle - three today and most of her problem was that
she was constipated. Poor thing

She is a new child today. She got some new squeeky shoes and wasn't
sure about them at first. Oh my goodness she loves them now and just
stomps her foot to hear them. It is so funny.

She is babbling and that little girl in the elevator (mirror) just
keeps her entertained. She still loves to walk and we have made many
laps in the hotel today. We also discovered that the stroller is cool
too. But nothing beats momma's arms. And of course I love that!

The Internet connection is really slow tonight so I am posting with my
iPhone. Sorry pics will have to come tomorrow along with the blog info

Tomorrow we meet at 930 to go to the Guangzhou Zoo. It will be fun.
The moms and I are getting massages tomorrow afternoon. Gram is
babysitting Maggie during her nap. Thx gran my shoulders are so tight!

Sorry about no pics tonight. It is almost 10 and I am wiped out. I'm
going to bed. I am so happy and blessed. I LOVE being a mom!!!

Live all
Tricia


Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Somehow I lost everything that I had written for yesterday's blog under hairbow training 101.  I hate that and thought it has posted correctly so I will try to recreate it again.

Hair bow training is going well.  She is letting me put them in and doesn't seem to mind.  She finally found the hair bow but did leave it in so we are moving ahead!

Well Day 2 begins with us getting a bath.  She loved it but didn't know really what to do.  I sprayed her with the nozzle to the shower and played with the stacking cups.  She did not like for me to wash her hair but hey, who does?

We then got to meet Uncle Art, Aunt Lisa, Cousins Jordan, Ty and Wes and her puppy Izzy.  We are loving Skype as it is allowing all of us connect and for my family to share in this joy.  We had a good time talking and wouldn't you know, Maggie feel promptly asleep during our talk.  I guess we need to be a little more exciting!  LOL

I had to wake her up so we could head to the Civil Affairs office again.  It was there that I was interviewed by the Chinese officials regarding my adoption of Maggie.  Will I love her, provide for her, never leave her and educate her?  Do I want to adopt her after having had her for 24 hours?  Why did I want to adopt from China?  Apparently I answered okay as she approved me!  In the eyes of China, Maggie is my legal daughter!  My guide, Rebecca, was taking pictures during this interview and there is one that is so hilarious.  Maggie is holding up her finger and it looks like she is objecting to me adopting her!  Smart little girl but unfortunately, she was overruled!  See pics below.

I then had to stand in line to get everything notarized.  The lady once again asked many questions.  Apparently, we passed that one too and they let me leave with her!

We came back and Maggie ate a big lunch of meat congee.  It is not really bad.  It is something like rice with meat broth with a few pieces of meat in it.  She ate two baby bowls of this!  She was hungry.  She then took a good nap. Unfortunately I still cannot get her to take formula.  I will still work on it.  At least she is having wet diapers so she is not dehydrated.  No poopie yet so we may have to intervene soon.

We walked the halls again as this child loves that.  We played with the stacking cups again,  She is really getting these but cannot stack them just yet.  We are still working on that.  Remember that although is she 21 months old she has been in a orphanage for her whole life and has not had access to many toys.  She was really loved but not stimulated.  Usually you can take 1 month off of her age for every 3 months she was in the orphanage.  That would make her about developmentally as a 1 year old.  She is just that.  But she will catch up quickly.  We have already seen such a big change in her in 24 hours.

All three families met at Lucy's for dinner.  We had a good time and came back and got ready for bed.  She was out by 7:30.  The only time she wakes up is when she runs out of room in her crib to roll around.  She is my daughter alright as I roll around at night too and use the whole bed.  These cribs are so small that she doesn't have a lot of room.  It is pretty funny to watch though.

Sorry about the post yesterday - somehow I just lost everything that I had written except for the last two pictures.  I will add the pics below:


  I object!  LOL

Well Praise Jesus - she finally ate something - do you know what she ate?  Spaghetti.  Is this my child or what?  She also drank a whole bottle of water at dinner.  Now if we could just get some formula down her...

She also said MAMA two times tonight at dinner.  She may not know what she was saying but I sure heard it!!!!  She is babbling today and coming out of her shell.  She cried or whimpered most of the morning and the only thing that settled her was to walk - a LOT!  We made 7 loops of the hall to the elevator and back and it is a pretty long way - thank you MOM for walking with her as well.  She wore us out!  She walks on her own now, especially with Gran, but still likes to hold mama's finger most of the time.  She is just precious.  Every time we get into the elevator and ride up to our floor (15th floor) she just looks at herself in the mirrors.  There seems to be a little girl that looks just like her following into the elevator every time!  She just looks at her and then loves to watch the lights move to each floor.

Today was our medical exam day.  The US government requires that all the adopted children be seen by three doctors:  Heart and Lung, ENT and Weight.  She did not want anything to do with this.  All three of our babies cried or should I say screamed!  They have some lungs on them.  We really liked that as they all three have been very good and not cried much at all.  The crying shows us that they are experiencing emotions.  Now where did I put those earplugs???  We are very fortunate that all three of our families are I-600 families and not the new Hague rule families.  We did not have to get any shots today and some of the Hague families have to have up to 7 shots all at the same visit.  Isn't that just horrible?

After that we came home and this little one took a 2 hour nap.  She was just exhausted.

OK first rookie mistake as a mom.  And it was a biggie!  I have been pinning up her pants because they are just falling off of her.  She wears a size 6 month pant I think.  Anyway, the safety pin I used came loose and I didn't know.  At one time, she just screamed bloody murder and I thought she was just constipated.  How horrible is that?  It took me several minutes to figure out that she was being stuck by the pin.  She had little pricks on her bottom and a little blood in her diaper.  It had stuck her about 4 times.  Oh how I felt so horrible!  Poor baby!  She was fine once I took the pin out of her pants and put a cold diaper wipe on it.  Well who wouldn't be?  I told her that she had a rookie as a mom and unfortunately i would make some more mistakes but hopefully ones that did not physically hurt her!

This afternoon we went to the police station to start the process of her passport.  Cameras were not allowed.  It didn't take us to long and when we returned we headed to the Italian restaurant for dinner with our group.  Mom stayed back at the room and relaxed a little.  It was my first venture out to a restaurant by myself.  Well let's just say that my restaurant days are going to be limited for awhile.  She just likes to get down and walk everywhere.

God has so blessed me with having my mom on this trip.  She is just so helpful and Maggie loves her.  I have been ordering her here,  there and give me that and do that.  She has been so good with going with the flow.  So she so deserved a night off tonight.  She is already in bed and it is 8:30.

I have also been so blessed with the 2 other families with us.  The Holm's and Bingham's are so much fun and very helpful to me.  We are able to reassure each other that we are all doing fine.  It is great  having someone else there that understands your feelings and encourages you on the way.  it is so hard knowing how to interpret the littles ones' needs when you have only known them for 2 days.  We are all getting thru it together.  Dupree Bingham even loves to bargain for me.  He helped us buy a cute little dress for Maggie today.

Here are a few pics from the day.  Tomorrow is sightseeing day, we are going to the Chen Family Temple.  Friday, we are going to the Guangzhou zoo which is supposed to be a great place.



  She weighs 18 lbs.
  She is 29" long - she hated this!Looking into her ears

  MMMM, meat congee for lunch!  She ate two bowls...

  What I am looking at now - NAP!  (Gran is out too!!!)

Today is FAMILY DAY!  I am so blessed! ... << MORE >>

Pictures coming. I am blessed!

Mom and I are sitting in the Lobby waiting on our group. I am ready!
Getting anxious now and had to be reminded to eat. That is anxious for
me. Lol. Next post is with Maggie. I'm so excited!!!!!

Mom and I had dinner with our guide, Rebecca, and another couple here from North Carolina.  They are adopting a little 13 month old girl and she will join their other 4 precious children.  I really liked them and enjoyed meeting them tonight.  Bless their hearts as they flew in today at noon and I don't know how they were still awake.

We meet in the lobby tomorrow at 2:00 to leave for the Civil Affairs offices.  It is there that I will get Maggie.  I have packed her diaper bag - I'm sure ... << MORE >>

Mom and I attended the Chinese-English service this morning.  It was packed and Lucky sat next to us.  He was very excited to talk to Americans.  The music was nice and we sang He is Exalted.  At least I knew that one!  I loved watching and listening to the Christian Chinese people praising God!  It was awesome to hear them sing to our God.  Outside the church, a girl named Judy came and talked with us.  She said she has been a Christian for 4 years and an adoptive family led her to Christ.  She wanted to practice ... << MORE >>

Our first full day in Guangzhou started early!  Mom (Ann or Gran) and I could not stay up  more than 7:30 p.m. last night so that means that we were awake by 4:00 a.m.  The beds are SO HARD that we had to try all kinds of things to get comfortable.  Once up and about, we Skyped with Art, Lisa and the boys (my brother and his family) and enjoyed talking and visiting with them.

It is during the call that I realized how bad my math must be!  We are 14 hours different on Central time, not 12 hours that I thought.  Oh well, that just makes it more difficult to determine the time back home.  It was a rather humorous discussion trying to figure that out!  Let's just say math is not my strong suit!  LOL  I set my iPhone to display both times so now I can remember.

Mom and I went down for the White Swan breakfast buffet.  WOW was it good.  I had eggs, ham, bacon, etc.  But I tried rice noodles (just okay), and fried milk (pretty good).  Had some fruit and a muffin too.  We were stuffed after breakfast and I fell asleep back in the room for 2 hours.

Then we decided to explore the island more.  We found lots of the "famous" places to shop - Jordan's, Andy's, Jenny's, etc.  We bought some fun items in Jenny's place.  She is a Christian and I really enjoyed visiting with her.  Her mother lives in Maggie's city  of Huazhou and taught me about the items that her city is known for.  We got some beautiful Cloisonné ornaments and a few small items for Maggie's family days in the future.  Kris (friend from Orlando),  I also purchased the 3 pj's that  you wanted!

We took Sharon's advice (friend from Orlando) and found the Chinese Medicine shop and got foot massages!  OK, they do not just massage your feet but your whole body!  OH MY GOODNESS it was awesome.  70 minutes of Chinese torture that felt awesome.  It was just heaven and only costs $11 each.  I might do this every day!

Then we ventured, rather slowly, due to the wobbly legs, to Lucy's to eat lunch.  I had a Chicken Quesadilla and mom had fish and chips with fries.  They all were really good.  One hard thing for me so far is to find a diet coke!  The 7-11 did not have Coca-cola Light and Lucy's didn't have any.  I finally located some at the Deli Shop next to the hotel.  HEAVEN!

Mom went back to the hotel and I walked around some more.  I found the Christian church where they have an English speaking service tomorrow at 11:00.  Mom and I are going to attend in the morning.  I can't wait.  When I located the church, they were having a wedding inside.  I stood outside and watched a little, it was very pretty.

It is amazing all the brides we have seen on the island.  They were all over yesterday getting their pictures made.  Some of the dresses are just beautiful and some were interesting but all the brides were beautiful.

One disappointment is that the island is under major construction.  Just about every building is covered up with scaffolding and getting a face lift.  It is very dusty and noisy and not pretty at all.  You can't see any of the buildings.  The parks are still awesome and we have spent some time just strolling around those.  I found the park that Maggie will love to play in and we will frequent there.

I was given my Going Home Barbie today.  It is so precious.  I will attach a picture below.  Some other pictures of our adventures are also below. 

Two more sleeps until I get Maggie!  I am getting so excited now and am loving to see all the adopted children in the hotel.  Please keep praying and thank you for all the encouragement in emails.  I promise, mom and I are reading every one it is just hard to reply back to each one.  Love to all,

Tricia

Tricia in LAX before our flight to Guangzhou

  Mom on the computer in China
   Our bathroom with bottled water for brushing teeth - notice the green duck tape on the faucet so we don't use it.  (Yes Starling, I found Lime Green duck tape)


  Maggie's crib! Food area  View from the room.  The Pearl River Going Home Barbie  Tricia's Massage Girl

  Mom's Massage Girl

We made it to Guangzhou this morning around 6:30 a.m.  Boy was that a long flight.  We left Los Angeles at 11:50 PM after having a great dinner with my cousin, Johnny.  He lives in LA and was kind enough to drive an hour to the airport and take us to dinner.  Johnny, we loved seeing you.

Once on the plane, I took an Ambien and was out 10 minutes later - I even don't know when we took off.  LOL  We were in Premium Economy which is something like Business class.  The seats were good but did not have foot rests so we could not lay down.  There were about 15 people in our whole section so I ended up moving to two other seats to try and lay down across two seats.  Mom and I slept on and off for the 16 hour flight.  They never turned on the lights inside the plane as everyone tried to sleep the whole way.

At one time I got up to use the lavatory and while I was on the "seat" the smoke alarm went off.  Only me!!!  The flight attendant had to come in while I was still seated and turn it off.  Who knows!  LOL

Once we landed we met Rebecca, our guide from our Agency.  She took us to the White Swan Hotel and checked us in.  It is just beautiful here - a 5 star hotel - and we have a room with a river view.  The Pearl River is just beautiful and the weather is just cool enough to enjoy walking around.  Mom unpacked while I went out to find the 7-11 for some bottled water and a few items for the room.  They brought the crib in right after we got here.  It made my heart beat faster and mom cried!  I cannot believe I am finally about to have Maggie in my arms!

After a well needed shower, we then headed out to roam the Shamian Island and to find some lunch.  So many of the buildings on the island are being renovated due to the upcoming Asian Olympics in Guangzhou.  We passed Jordan's, Michael's, Jennifer's Place, found Starbucks and Lucy's. These are all the places I have read about for years.   We decided on La Dolce Vita, an Italian restaurant for lunch.  It was so good.  Who goes to China and eat Italian?  Me and mom!  Mom doesn't like Chinese, I do but I'm not quite up to some of the "delicacies" of Chinese food here.

Back at the room, I blew the fuse 3 times but luckily I watched how the hotel maintenance guy fixed it and was able to do it myself the next two times.  Note to self, don't always trust the adapters that say China on them.  The ones I have are not correct.  They are to be 3 prongs and the ones I have are only 2 prongs and will not work.  The hotel is awesome and brought up a surge protector for us that works beautifully.  But I probably have a red flag against my name as a trouble maker!  LOL  I also called down and asked for more towels and another comforter for our beds as the beds are hard as rocks.  They didn't quite understand the comforter request and brought up 2 tubes of body soap.  Oh well. 

There is a new time for me getting Maggie.  I thought I was to get her on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. local time but it is now going to be Monday afternoon at 2:30 local time.  That will be Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m for your guys on Central Time.  I'm a little disappointed but understand that my original time was a best guess.  Please keep those prayers for the original time and now add some more for Sunday before you go to bed!!!!  Mom and I are planning on attending the English speaking church on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.  We will then meet the other 2 families that are with Rebecca for dinner.

I found out how to say Maggie's Chinese name.  Sheng is her name but the nannies speak Cantonese where she is living not Mandarin.  So Sheng in Cantonese is pronounced Sung.  So she is probably known as Sung Sung and I will just add Maggie to the end of that until she gets used to it.  I think it is just  a beautiful name.

So sorry for the dissertation but I am trying to keep this as a journal to share with Maggie throughout the years.  Mom and I are doing well and having a fun adventure!  Please keep those prayers coming.  Love to all,

Tricia

Mom and I made it! We are in the White Swan Hotel and it is just
beautiful. I will post later with pictures

I have a crib in my room! How cool is that?

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia Thompson
Training Analyst
Email: Tricia.Thompson@burr.com
205-410-2225

Mom and I are in LA in the worlds longest layover. Eleven hours! We
left the house at 430 am in the pouring down rain. It is beautiful
here though. I have a cousin that lives here that may join us for
dinner. We leave for Guanzhou China at 1150 pm. Looking forward to my
Ambien and sleep!

I have been asked if I am nervous. No just really excited. I feel
prepared after 5 years and know that God is all over this adoption! I
am so blessed and He is so good.

Thanks for all the comments so far. I probably will not be able to
return them individually but please know each one is read and
appreciated.

Next stop...China.

Tricia

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia Thompson
Training Analyst
Email: Tricia.Thompson@burr.com
205-410-2225

It is 11 p.m. and I will be leaving for China in 5 hours.  As I sit by the Christmas tree my mom put up today, I am finding the need to journal a little.  The emotions are so strong tonight as I sit and pray and think about what is about to happen.

The suitcases are packed and in the car ready for the airport - and yes they weigh more than they should!   The house is as close to being ready as it will ever be.  All of Maggie's things are ready for her first night home.

I have some awesome friends and family that are helping me get to China and back and taking care of my house.  I want to thank Barbara, my neighbor,. for the big sacrifice of taking us to the airport at 4:00 a.m.  Now that is a good friend!  There are so many people who have helped me prepare for this trip and prepare over the past 5 years.  I could not even begin to thank you all.

Bless my brother, sister-in-law and nephews' hearts as they are taking care of Izzy while I am gone.  Now that is a sacrifice but I told my brother that payback is hell - remember all the times I kept the boys?  LOL

Today was my last day at work before my 3 month leave.  The people at the firm are my family and they have embraced Maggie as much as I have.  She is one lucky girl.  Today they gifted me with $1600 to help cover the costs of me being off for 3 months.  THANK YOU Burr & Forman, you guys have blessed me!

My agency, Lifeline Children's Services and especially my social worker Karla Thrasher have been absolutely awesome!  I was stressed getting all my paperwork ready to take to China and I went in to meet with Karla.  She handed me an envelope and said this is what you take to China with you - nothing else.  She has taken my crazy question calls for 5 years and has held my hand along the way.  She was even the one who introduced my daughter to me.  A Big Thank you to all of you at Lifeline but especially Karla!

Maggie, I sit here so emotional as I think of how our lives are about to change.  Me, I've been waiting for you my whole life and cannot wait to be your mother.  You, you have no idea what is about to happen to you.  I know you will be so scared and if I could take that away, I would in a heart beat.  Just please trust that God has brought us together and He knows best.  We will be okay - both of us.  We will take it one step at a time, one day at a time.  I promise to love you, protect you, teach you, laugh with you, provide for you, and even cry with you.  You are my daughter forever.  I will celebrate our family day on Sunday and please know that I will never leave you.  You are part of me, my heart and soul, and I love you!

I cannot wait to meet you soon.  Hang tight, I'm coming for you Sheng.  I love you more than you will ever know!

Mom (gotta love writing that!!!!)

Well, mom and I will be leaving for China on Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m.  Our flight will go to ATL, then off to Los Angeles.  There, we will board a China Southern plane to Guangzhou, China at 11:50 p.m.  We arrive in Guangzhou 2 days later on the 4th.  The time change makes the flight seem longer than it is!  It is really only 11 hours!

At this time it looks like I will be getting Maggie on Sunday around 9:00 a.m.  That will be Saturday night around 9:00 p.m. for you guys.  Please pray for her as she embarks on this scary process.  I want her to feel love and calm when I hold her.  She is going to be so scared and that just upsets me to death.  Just please Pray Pray Pray.

I will be updating my site while I am there.  I hope to be able to read all of your messages but please understand that I may not be able to reply back to them individually.

Thank you all again for helping make this happen!  Maggie, momma is coming for you sweet girl...

Love

Tricia

Do's & Don'ts for Family & Friends (A4everFamily.org - Do's & Don'ts)

Do

1. Offer household help (running errands, preparing meals that can go right from the freezer to the oven, etc.) so the mother can spend more time holding the child.

2. Trust the mother's instincts. Even a first time mother may notice subtle symptoms that ...

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First of all, I would like to thank you all for your prayers and support over the past 5 years.  I am so blessed to have so many people that love me and Maggie.  As I prepare to leave for China this week, I wanted to let you know what you to expect once we return.

I would LOVE for all of you who can to come to the Birmingham Airport as our Delta flight comes into BHM at 9:44 p.m.  This will be such a great time to see all of you and for you to get to see Maggie.  I cannot promise you that we will be totally awake or alert as it will have been a really long day for all of us!  LOL

I ask that you please do not try to hold Maggie during this time and give her a little space as she is likely to be overwhelmed at all of the attention.  If she reaches for you, please give her a hug and then lean back.  She needs time for us to bond and for her to know that I am her mother.

Many of you have walked this "attachment" journey before with you own children so just endure the rest of the letter. For others who haven't yet walked this road of international adoption I'd like to give you an idea of what to expect when we come home. I have no idea what this next few months or year will hold. i do however know that it will be rewarding, trying , exhausting,  etc.  i know all children are different and unique so i am just trusting Him to guide me. 

I have spent a lot of time researching and preparing for what to expect when bringing home an adopted child. Hey what else was I supposed to do during those 5 years of waiting.  I am using a wonderful clinic in Birmingham called the International Adoption Clinic. I want to take this opportunity to share a little of the knowledge I have gained and ask for your help in making our transition to a family an easy (easier) one. I know this is lengthy but please just bear with me.

It's easy to assume that parenting Maggie will be no different than parenting any other 21 month old child. There are some things about adoptive parenting that are the same as parenting a biological child. However, there are also quite a few areas that I have learned and know are very different (especially for institutionalized children). The main area is the one of attachment. In addition, the physical development can be quite delayed at first. This usually catches up quickly. So, Maggie probably will not be doing the things that a normal 21 month old is doing. In fact she may resemble a 12 month old more than she does a 21 month old, but I know with love and care it will be no time at all before she's talking and into everything.

Through the adoption agency, the UAB International Adoption Clinic, books and research, adoption social workers, occupational therapists, pediatricians, and firsthand experience I know that Maggie needs a specific type of environment and parenting when she first comes home in order to make her feel safe and secure and to learn how to adjust to being a part of my family. I want to do everything I can to make this very scary transition as easy as possible for her. I try to put Myself in her position and imagine how she must feel—new smells, new language, strange people with funny noses and eyes. If I were thrown into this situation, it would take me months to adjust and trust these strange creatures.

When Maggie gets home, at the recommendation of experienced adoption professionals, I need to implement some specific parenting approaches to help encourage a strong, attached, and emotionally healthy child. She must learn that I am her mother and I will be the one meeting her needs. She is not used to having a mother to love and care for her. This is why this time is so critical.

There are some things that I will be doing when I get home for quite some time until I can see that Maggie has adjusted, attached, and bonded the way that is appropriate. This could take 3-4 months or it could take up to a year or more. I have been advised that the approaches that I'm about to mention be carried out no less than 3-4 months. I know that you will all understand and respect why we are living as we are. Please be patient with me since some of the requests may seem a little strange or even silly at times.

From the moment we arrive home, we will be living a very quiet life with limited trips out and few visitors in for a little while. Adoption professionals tell us that when children are first adopted, they may be overwhelmed, scared, and nervous. By keeping our lives a little boring at first, it will be helping Maggie to get used to her new home, new room, new toys, new family, new time zone and help her feel safe. This does NOT mean that I do not want visitors coming to see Maggie for the first time. Of course, I want to show her off! We will just have to limit it so it is not so overwhelming for her.

I know that a number of people are planning to meet us at the airport when we arrive home. I am definitely looking forward to that. Please come and welcome us home. I know that you will understand that I will not be able to pass Maggie around for everyone to hold and I will have to be careful not to overload her with new things and people not only at the airport but for the months to come. I know all of you want to hug, kiss, love on, and help spoil Maggie. Don't worry—you'll get your chance! But, it is recommended that I be the only one to do that at first to improve her chances of attaching strongly to me. A biological mother has the benefit of her unborn baby knowing her smell, hearing her voice before he/she is born. This helps with the bonding process. Unfortunately, I don't have this benefit so it is going to be a little extra work and take some extra time for me. Until I feel Maggie has attached and clearly knows I am her mother, I will need to feed, change and take care of her. So, I won't be putting her in the nursery or leaving her with friends or babysitters for quite awhile. I know that missing out on some diaper changes will disappoint many of you. Have no fear; there will be many more once she becomes comfortable at home. 

As strange as it may seem, adopted children who act very outgoing and affectionate with strangers is not a healthy thing. It is called "indiscriminate affection" and can mean that they haven't really attached to anyone. It would not be a good sign that Maggie has attached to me if during her first months home she will let just anyone take her and hold her without searching for her mom.

It will be trying at times and wonderful all at the same time. But, the sacrifices we make in these first months and even first year will reap huge rewards down the road.  The consequences could be even greater so I just want to know that I have done all that I can to help Maggie adjust to her new world. 

You all have been such a support and blessing to me and I thank you so much.

With love,

Tricia

I finished Maggie's nursery and playroom tonight. I think they turned out rather cute.

Nursery:


   
  

Playroom:

  

Yesterday I received Maggie's new crib.  It is just beautiful!  I washed all her bedding last night so I will make it up when I get home.  Her room is coming together now just trying to figure out where that Glider is that I ordered!  Below is a picture of the crib and you can see Izzy's little head checking it out - snif snif - that dog has a good sniffer on her!

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I received my Consulate Appointment today.  I will get Maggie on December 6, 2009 and will have my Consultate Appointment on December 16, 2009.  We will be home for Christmas.



My mom and I will fly out on Wednesday, December 2 (that is next Wednesday!!!!) and fly home on the 19th arriving in Birmingham at 9:44 PM.  If you are in the area, I would love for you to come
to the airport to see us.  We will then go "in hiding" for a little while to let Maggie get settled into her new ... << MORE >>

Ok, who knew that getting a daycare spot would be more trouble than the adoption process itself?  When I began this adoption journey back in Dec. 2005, I applied to a daycare here in
Birmingham.  I really like this one and hope to be able to get a spot for Maggie. 



I called the daycare every 6 months or so to let them know that I was still in the process of adopting but don't forget about me.  I talked to them today and they are full.  No room in the
Inn for ... << MORE >>

My Travel Approval (TA) arrived today from China!  China has now officially okay'd me to travel and get my daughter.  My social worker, Karla, said that we may hear my Consulate Appointment (CA) date as early as Monday.  Then it is off to buy the airline tickets and get to China!  How exciting!

Tricia

I heard from my social worker that my TA or Travel Approval was sent yesterday.  I should receive it tomorrow (Thursday).  That means that China has given me approval to come to China to get Maggie.  The next step is to wait 3 or 4 days on my Consulate Appointment or my CA.  Got to love all the acronyms, right?

The CA will be my last day in China so then I take that date and back up 2 1/2 weeks for my date to leave for China!  I hope it is soon as I cannot wait to hold my baby in my arms!  Maggie, mommy is coming soon sweetheart.

Thanks to everyone for your kind notes and prayers.  Please keep praying!

Tricia

My Sweet Co-workers in the Atlanta office threw me a surprise baby shower today.  This was my first shower ever.  I have never been married so this was my first shower.  It was so
special.  I recieved so many wonderful things.  Maggie will be one of the best dressed lIttle girls out there.  Pics wIll follow when they are forwarded to me.  Thank you sweet
co-workers, today was a special day!   

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