Our Chosen Child

Our family day ~~

2011-10-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today Ellie Pei Hua was placed into my arms...

I'm still in disbelieve how time has flown by and my baby is no longer a baby:( She's this amazing little girl that's so witty and funny (check out the videos on FB this past week) ~ And you continue to make mommy and daddy's heart melt with this enormous love for you!!

~~~ What amazing gift that God has given us, to LOVE ~~~

~~Ellie P ~ Mommy and daddy love you so much ~~ You're such a super duper, wonderful and amazing daughter ~~ We're so proud to be your parents..xoxo

We have been so blessed with our beautiful family and we're so grateful that God chose us to be Ellie's mommy and daddy... God is good!

Nana...

2011-03-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Brian's sweet, sweet Nana passed away today ... She was an amazing woman that I grew to love dearly. I remember meeting her for the first time, and her giving me the most warm and welcoming hug like I'd been apart of her life for years. There were so many things that I admired about Nana, like riding a jet ski in her 70's or her keeping up with the young ones on the dance floor at our wedding. So many wonderful memories for Brian as child on the lake with his Nana and his grandfather. Precious, precious memories...

She embraced life with this beautiful spirit, kind and loving heart...

And with adventure...

We're very thankful that Nana got to meet her sweet angel great~grandbaby, Ellie. I think our hearts would've been crushed if she didn't get to meet Ellie. Ellie brought her love and closure....

Grieving is the price you pay to love...
Nana.... We love you! We will miss you dearly!!! Go get fitted for your wings..

Ellie's 2nd Birthday...

2011-02-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

(I will be going private in the next month with our blog. If you're following our blog, please let me know if would love to continue to follow our family blog. I'm getting some weird hits on blog that we're not comfortable with)

Ellie.. your mommy and daddy love you so much!!!! We couldn't imagine life without you or before you! You're the most amazing daughter!!! We had a wondeful weekend celebrating your special day, so many laughs, giggles, kisses and hugs! Happy Birthday sweetie...xoxoxo

There was a baby at the next table that Ellie enjoyed watching while having her breakfast... too cute!

My sweet, sweet, sweet baby girl...

I just LOVE this great family picture...

Love.Love.Love.

2011-01-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY is OUR month of LOVE.........................

Daddy's birthday is Wednesday, February 2nd and Ellie will be turning 2 on Saturday, February 5th., The Chinese New Year celebrations begins February 3rd (we're hoping to take part in some of the chinese festivities), which is Uncle Anthony's birthday, then Ya Ya's birthday is February 14th, Then Great Aunt Martie's birthday is February 17th...... Lots of love, fun and pics ahead!

I remember seeing Ellie's smile for the first time (orphanage update photos), and it still melts mommy's heart...

Taiwan R.O.C.ks...

2011-01-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

... has launched on Facebook!!! It's growing by the day, everyone is seeing new faces for the first time or old faces that haven't seen in while. It's quite amazing watching these families that are coming together, sharing photos and their journey to their children.

Taiwan R.O.C.ks was launched to get the invitation out to families across the country for the 1st Annual Taiwan R.O.C.ks reunion in Dallas, Texas in August 2011. This will be the first gathering for the families and children from Taiwan and other Asia countries. If this is a HUGE success, then it will moving annually across the country, so families can be apart of the annual gathering as the location moves closer to their region.... That's the goal!

However, Taiwan R.O.C.ks has became much more than an invite these last few days on Facebook, it's become a HUGE place to meet other families to chat. If you would like to join the group, go to Facebook, and search for "Taiwan R.O.C.ks" If you're not on Facebook, there will be a blog popping up soon for families to share photos and of course, more information on the reunion in August.

Wrapping up another year...

2011-01-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

~~~ 2011 Here we come!! ~~~

Ellie received her Fairy wings this year at Renaissance Festival...

We discovered an AWESOME playground...

We had to share our discovery with Miss Hayden and her mommy when they met us for some play time on their visit to Houston...

And the girls LOVED it!!! We can't wait to visit with them very soon!

We just loved hearing their giggles...

the joy they bring into our lives is SO magical...

it just melts our hearts to see our girls come together by LOVE and adoption...

to watch this wonderful friendship blossom is the MOST two amazing gifts that two mothers could receive ...our daughters.

A Christmas Festival with SNOW... Ellie isn't too fond of it though...

The night before Christmas, and Ellie is still awake with a snack..

Thank you mommy and daddy for the box that's just my size!!!!

These boots are for dancing!!

"Who let the dogs out?"...

2010-11-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!! I hope everyone enjoyed their night out with their ghosts, goblins, fairies, super heros and sweet doggies..

Pumpkin Patch...

2010-10-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

We had a blast as you can tell by all!!! We were some tired puppies later though, but SO WORTH it!!! We're loving these special times with Ellie, she just melts your heart...

Our Family Adventure...

2010-10-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Our family adventure was the best!!! We had a blast as a family! We've never giggled, laughed, and cried (laughing so hard) through the Safari... We also had a great time in San Antonio. The Alamo was really neat. Ellie loved her first carriage ride too. She loved it so much that we made another step towards in liking men that she waved and said "bye" within feet of him....

Life is priceless...

The best seat in the car for the safari ride...

Ellie loved the Zebras (mommy too). I think it's a Madagascar thing...

Ellie's special dress made for her (Esty) for our family adventure day...

Ellie loving the petting the goats, especially the babies...

Ellie was in heaven at the "Chalk Art"...it was actually really cool!

Ellie's expression when the horse carriage started to pull away with the sound of "clip clop"

Ellie's first horse carriage ride...

Ellie's first "bubble tea"...

Ellie learning to drive...

Our Daughter...

2010-10-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Ellie Pei Hua was place in our arms on October 5, 2009 in Taiwan. It was the most amazing day of our lives that we will always treasure as Ellie's parents. As we reflect on that special day, all those wonderful, precious and amazing memories FLOODS back like it was yesterday. At times its hard to comprehend where a year has gone, and knowing a year ago I was holding my daughter for the very first time and crying with this unbelievable emotion in my heart. What an amazing gift to be given to LOVE...

Taiwan is a beautiful country with the most loving, kind and respectful people. Our hearts ached for Ellie on that day as we departed from Taiwan to come home. We had the most wonderful experience and time while in Taiwan that we did not want to leave on Day 7... we could've of easily stayed another week in Taiwan!! We can not wait to return with Ellie one day to share with her this amazing culture and Country.

Ellie is the most amazing, beautiful, silly, funny, smart, curious little girl. There are still days where I'm still in this "awh" over my daughter. We were given this amazing gift from God. We are very humble with our blessings and we're thankful that God has chosen Ellie to be our daughter.

God knew all a long that Ellie was "Our Chosen Child"...

As we celebrate with Ellie of this special day, we decided to scratch the "~~gotcha day~~" day thing. On that day it was a very emotional day for Ellie, mommy and daddy. My heart still aches to think of the pain she went through on that day, weeks and months later. She was taken from the only thing (s) (attached) that she ever knew. Care givers, friends, food, clothing and culture..so on. We decided not to focus on those losses for Ellie as "gotcha day". As we walked out of the orphanage on that day with Ellie sleep in daddy's arms, at that moment, Ellie's life changed forever, she was seeing things for the first time, tasting and smelling. Seeing something for the first through our daughter's eyes is the most "heart flutterly" gift to be given as her parents. We decided to make October 5th our family adventure day for Ellie...seeing something for the very first time. On October 5, 2009, Ellie was seeing the world for first time as we stood on those orphanage steps as a family. It's been this UNBELIEVABLE journey for us, and it continues to warm our hearts daily.

p.s. Ellie will be seeing the "Alamo" with a carriage ride for the first time this weekend. (pics will follow soon)

p.s.s. I left out a very special "aha moment" that happened last night. After I went to bed last night 8:30ish, Ellie came into our room on my bed side at 10pm and said "mama"... At 10 PM was exactly 12 hours behind in Taiwan to the date at 10 AM when we held Ellie for the first time.

Ellie is a girly girl...

2010-09-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

Ellie mastering the "puddle jumper"... such a water bug!!!!!!
Being Ellie.. creative and adventurous..
Ellie looking beautiful in her MJC "Cher" dress... And below.. "the sweetest soul"
We're (daddy loves it too) so bless to have a girly girl, but she also loves being a "tom-boy".. she can wear out a slide, the higher the better!! She loves her tricycle...faster the better!! She is a confident little girl with this amazing spirit and so much fun!! She is always making our hearts flutter daily...

I will be writing more in a few weeks as we celebrate our 1 year Gotcha Day...

Ellie the Elephant..

2010-08-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

There's so much I want to share about our amazing summer. The little girl and elephant picture above is apart of a sweet memory that was shared by her grandpa a few months ago to us. Ellie has a book that daddy got for her when we shortly moved to Houston, it's called "Big and Little". It's about a elephant named "Ellie" and a mouse that does a circus trick with Ellie. Ellie LOVES this book, and when we get to the part when the little mouse announces "the Amazing Ellie".. my Ellie squeaks and screams! It's very precious. A few months ago, her grandpa told us that when he was little, he had a stuffed elephant named Ellie. I thought, how sweet. Then I thought, it's really amazing how something that was so dear to you comes back into your life, a complete circle. A very sweet story to share with Ellie one day...

It's time to blog...

2010-06-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

We're having a wonderful summer. I'm enjoying being home with Ellie. She is such a silly, funny, and a wonderful little girl. I just love watching her explore or seeing something for the first time. We haven't held back too much on Ellie being engaged with activities this summer. We want Ellie to become a very confident child. Early on she has shown qualities of be a leader not a follower. She doesn't get afraid too much, just the normal things ~~ doesn't care for horses, but what little person wouldn't be afraid of HUGE horse. She doesn't care for you to put her up high in the air, but she likes heights on her terms~~~ like climbing tables, chairs, and gym class. She likes having control of her heights! She is NOT afraid of water ~~~ It's a workout at the pool with Miss Ellie Pei Hua!~! She walks off the pool's edge like Jesus walked on water! It's her way of jumping into the water or she will get on a step to jump onto her purple noodle. She is still shy with new faces which doesn't concerned us at all because that's continueous stimulation with attachment, and it's not overbearing with her shyish. It takes a little time with her to warm up to anyone and she will become your bestie! And we have also discovered that NEVER, I mean never let them EVER out of their restaurant high chair because they will NEVER want to sit in one again ~~ she wants to play instead of sitting in her chair, and the melting downs that comes with our dining experiences! Wow!! Someone needs to write this in a book somewhere!!!!!! I thought my child was sick the first time this happen, and poor Brian was freaking out! Thank God mommy's know how to calm situations!

Ellie has graduated to a big girl bed, and she loves it! We decided it was time when her legs where hanging out through the posts of her crib, and waking up stuck/crying in the middle of the night. It was sad taking down her crib ~~ watching your baby go from a baby to toddler stinks! She has become a good sleeper since we moved to Houston, but that 7am waking has changed one bit!! She fights us ( not too bad) about going to bed every night, but she peeks through door at us, and yells "mommy" ~~~ and I go to door to put her back in bed, then she will do this quick escape to her daddy ~~ giggling, laughing and running to her daddy ~~ it's so precious to see that you want her to escape! She has also graduated from baby bottles ~~ I've put thoses away the other day. She has been on straw sippy cups since 9mos old, and I've noticed that she wasn't finishing her bottles, and started stucking them like a straw. So, I knew it was time. However, I'm very thankful the removal of bottles was painless! She has never been attached to blankies, pacifiers or bottles. Now, she loves her babies, and she attached to several of thoses! She love thems and give them kisses.. it's really sweet.

We know as parents that we don't follow a strict schedule or all the rules. Life is too short not to live in the moment with our daughter. We do keep Ellie on a nap schedule, because if we don't, her evening will be ruined! We do keep Ellie on a healthy diet ~~ She does get treats every once in awhile, but it's a treat. Ellie has become a good eater because I've stuck to healthy food. She will eat any meat, vegs & fruits! I can't wait until she has full mouth of teeth ...Oh she going to really love food! Ellie is normal on the charts, she is 23lbs and 32 inches tall!! yikes! Her height is making her tiny in the waist though .. she is staying in 12 mos clothes, so I predict she will be wearing 18mos clothes for the winter/spring, and she has a size 5 foot! Doing good for a 16 month Asian baby!

This July 4th is going to be so special for Ellie, and I just can't wait to celebrate Ellie's first July 4th as a family! On these holidays to come, I will always reflect back to when we went through customs to be process through and Ellie becoming a US Citizen on that day 1o.9.2009. I just remember having so much joy and tears running down my face as we walked through those double doors. What a day that I will always treasure with Ellie.

I hope you enjoy the photos of our summer so far.. more to come!!

Ellie loves watermelon!! Mommy found out quickly watermelon stains!
Ellie playing in a splash pad...
Brian's 1st Father's Day... we had a blast on Kemah boardwalk!
Just funny... Ellie will fall asleep to anything moving!
Ellie's first train ride...

Ellie running in the breezy night at the drive-in movie...
Ellie in the Texas sky...

I just love that BIG smile and giggles...
Ellie enjoying the wind blowing under the big screen... "deer in headlights look"
And whose says you can't go to the movies with a 1 yr... YOU CAN..we took Ellie to see Toy Story 3 at a drive-in. Ellie watched 1/2 the movie, then she fell asleep. I wish I could've gotten a picture of the expression on her face when the movie started... it was priceless! :0
Ellie posing in her 1st Matilda Jane Clothing...

Long Story...

My 1st Mother's Day...
Ellie's chair from her grandpa and Ya Ya and she took procession immediately...
Ellie looks like "Boo" from Monster Inc.,..
Ellie loving her swim time...

I love being her mommy...

2010-05-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's unbelievable how much Ellie has changed so quickly in a short period of time! It's scary!! Before we know it, she will be going to college!!! It seems everyday there's something new with Ellie.. new words or making gestures to communicate with me or attaching to her doll/pillow or walking the dog -- And so smart! I will show her something one time, and she gets it! She has not became a cartoon fan (only a couple of shows) but a HUGE fan of baby signing time, and which she is starting to sign to me... it's really cool:) Here's a couple of pictures of my baby growing into a toddler!!!!

Yesterday she was playing in her cabinet of bowls, cups & spoons, and she decided to climb up into a chair to pretend to be eating to the point she was making smacking noises.. Growing up too FAST! But so cute!

Here's Ellie at Matilda Jane trunk/shoot for the MJ cover girl next month! We had a blast!
One word: H.O.L.L.Y.W.O.O.D.

Ellie's first bike ride.. not scare at all!

Here's Ellie walking Beatrice like a big girl! We had to switch out dogs, Beatrice is a little fast pace for her, but lazy Fergie is just her speed... s.l.o.w....

Ellie's P. Mother's Day card...

2010-05-13T15:51:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to share this since Mother's Day, but my camera was broken.. now repaired. You can't have a broken camera with a 1 yr running around!! My husband "got it right".. I have to share my Mother's Day card from my Ellie P. It was a wonderful day for me. I've waited for so many years to celebrate that special day! And Ellie calling me mommy is like music to my ears.. I thank everyone for my Happy Mother's day wishes, and my beautiful cards. It really meant a lot to me on my 1st Mother's Day. I hope one day I will have the opportunity to return the gesture to someone that has been through a difficult journey wanting to be mom, and touch their lives...

Ellie's new chair...

2010-05-05T06:20:00.001-07:00

Ellie got a new chair for the patio at Grandpa & Ya Ya's house .. She went straight to her chair when she hit the patio area. It was too funny, she knew.. that's my chair! It has an umbrella, but my camera was giving me problems, but it's green with white polka a dots... sooo cute!

We moved to Houston!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, Houston, Texas!!! Yea! We are so excited about this new change in our life. It's been a crazy "over the top" past months for us. Our lives are starting to settle down, and return back to normal for us since the move. We have been so blessed - we sold our house in the worse market ever! Brian received a outstanding job offer in Houston, and we knew we needed this change for our new family - we decided "let's go for it"... We figured if we did not make this huge move in our forties, we would never will. We're glad we did!! The move 1/2 cross the country with a baby, 2 dogs & 1 cat went awesome!!! I was truly fearing the worse - I had 1 dog/1cat/1baby in my SUV pulling a u-haul. Yikes!!! They all did awesome - mommy had everything in order for our road trip!!! Brian had it easy - 1 dog on drugs in a 26' truck.. lol..

Okay... things will be getting back to normal soon which means I can get back into my blog, and keep it update to date with Ellie moments. Ellie has changed so much since she has turn one. I'm just living in the moment with my daughter. I'm just soaking up my daughter's every move & the joy that Ellie brings into my life daily. It's amazing!!!

We're moving...

2010-04-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

We're moving!!! I promise to update with Easter pictures & our new chapter as soon as I can find the scan card cable to down load pics...

stay tune...

"Elton John style..."

2010-03-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

I'm wwway behind on Ellie's milestones on the blog .... catch up time!! I purchased Ellie a grand piano at our neighborhood consignment sale, and Ellie spent her whole weekend playing the piano or "ON" the piano. These pictures are just adorable! She has been walking for about three weeks now. She took her first step's during the Superbowl half time show, dancing to the "The Who". The following weekend she took several more step's and during that week she turned it up a notch, and has been walking ever since. It's amazing to watch her grow and explore ... AND watch her mind tick....She is extremely smart! I'm adding another picture(s) of her eating with a spoon/fork for the 1st time. She plays in her cabinet of stuff,,,spoons, bowls & cups..etc. She pulls out a bowl & spoon and starts stirring away.. too cute! I was making her scrambled eggs the other day, and was stirring away in front of her cabinet. She stood there and studied me for a few minutes on my stirring action, then moved me out of her way to get into her stuff, she grabbed a bowl & spoon begun stirring away.. too funny!

This picture cracks me up, it just keeps coming into my mind ...

"SUPER STAR"

Our Monkey is coming alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here's some fun photos of Ellie from these past weeks. I'm hoping to get a video very soon of Ellie taking her steps of walking. This morning, she took several steps, but I wasn't in arms reach of any camera or video...NOTHING!..lol~ go figure?

Ellie's Birthday Celebration continues...

2010-02-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

We took Ellie to the Tennessee Aquarium for her birthday, which she loved!! She did not care for the penguins at all! She grab onto her mommy with her first glance at those HUGE birds!!

"Dancing those feet for fish watching"

"Looking for Nemo"

"I'm pushing my own scroller from now on"

"We had too much fun with the diver -- he was great with everyone" However, Ellie was not scared of him at all!! It's crazy sometimes trying to navigate through what may scare her with new experiences & faces, and then she does the opposite. I truly believe they can sense when someone is on they're level (positive & fun), loving, gentle & kind. However, they can sense the opposite.. Ellie is awesome child... I know I've said this "million times" we have been truly bless with a wonderful child. She has the "sweetest soul", and when she meets a new face, she does this shy thing with her hand over one eye, then she will gradually open up, then she will eventually come to you. "High-energy/Positive" folks.. you will be her best bud fairly quickly!! I really saw this for the first time at her Dr. appt. the other day. Her new doctor was outstanding with Ellie, and Ellie sense her kindest...

"HI" -- too much fun!

Ellie turning ONE!!!!

2010-02-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

Every morning is so sweet to wake up to Ellie talking to herself in her crib, but this morning was extra special...I could not wait to give her birthday kisses!! As I gave her kisses I could only think of her birthmother and what she might had felt today (12 hrs ahead of us)... I could only imagine the pain she may felt, and not to be the one to give her special kisses this morning....so I could not stop giving her kisses from the both of us. I want Ellie to know how she was loved by her birthmother, and what a beautiful gift she gave us.."our precious daughter"....

Enjoy Ellie's special day...

Ellie loves balloons!!! So, we surrounded her with balloons, balloons, balloons!!
Awesome birthday smiles and giggles at 7am!!!

Yeah more balloons!

Ellie had a special treat for her birthday breakfast "blueberry pancakes"!!!
Yum Mommy!

Loving her balloons!! I hope they're still alive for her tomorrow for more fun!

"my sweetie turning one"
"I'm going to chew my way through my present with the only two teeth I have!!!
"My own computer" yay!!!! (I wish I could got her first reaction on a picture--she was smiling when I open the top cover to the computer....too cute).
Is that sweet or what???
Yes, I got my own computer at one!!!

"Summer clothes"
"summer P.J's...needed thoses"

"My own telephone too"

"Mommy painted my toes while I was sleeping --- in the dark! My mommy is super clever!
"Check out my birthday outfit for today's outing...too, too stinky cute!!!"

"I had my first hair cut today.....Well, let's say, it wasn't the highlight of my day. I don't care for new faces...
"I have bangs now"

"My birthday cake..

"she could not let go of her balloons to have some of her cake"
"yes, I'm over this cake thing"... "I think I rather have some fruits & vegs"
"bath time..my favorite time"

Sweet Ellie had a wonderful day. She crashed early this evening, and I don't think we will hear a peep tonight, and she MIGHT sleep-in late.. 8'ish! Oh, mommy & daddy would looovee that!

Ellie's 1st Christmas...

2010-01-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

Ellie's 1st Christmas was full with wonderful memories. However, I did not take a lot of pictures:) I really enjoyed being off from work for the holiday and spending time with Ellie that I totally forgot about the camera & taking pictures!!!! I love watching Ellie's expressions to new things, or people... it's amazing to watch Ellie grow, love & live!

Here's a few holiday pictures

Our 1st Family Picture...

This is my favorite picture the three of us...

"The beginning of our family"

This was the 1st ornament hung on our Christmas tree...

Ellie with her Ya Ya... Ellie is admiring her beautiful dress from her Grandpa & Ya Ya.

Ellie's matching head band that matched her dress.. which she does not mind all that girlie stuff (she left it on for a while).

Ellie checking out her puppet book from her grandpa...

We visited our agency, Bethany while we were in Kansas for Christmas!! Love these ladies!!

Ellie's ggrandma Nana....sweet, sweet lady. She has waited 13 yrs to hold her ggrandbaby!

Brian's ggrandmother's house in Lawerence, KS.. it was so cool to see after hearing him speak of it so many times... really neat!

Ggrandma Nana giving Ellie a Christmas stocking & tin can of chocolate!

Four generations (except for me) Ellie, Brian, grandma & ggrandma Nana!

We made it!!

Bethany...

2009-12-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

We visited our "wonderful" agency, Bethany today. We enjoyed meeting you, and we thank you for your hospitality. You ladies are outstanding, and we could not be more pleased to had you for our agency!! We're going to miss talking to you!

Naming Ellie's Elf...

2009-12-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

The Elf on the Shelf

A Christmas Tradition

I was having a hard time coming up with a idea or name for Ellie's elf. I was wanting it to be Taiwan related, and then oneday she will past our family tradition to her own family. So, I came up with the idea to name her elf after one of the families CHOSEN child from Taiwan that I've been following since the beginning of time. The children names that Ellie got to choose from is the following: Cooper, Tessa, Hayden, Ella, Elli, Paige, Claire, Allie, Myah, Po-Chin, Harrison, Sammy, Janie, Sydney, Lauren, Sadie, C.J. & Brooke. We have either cross each other's path during our journeys, or exchange support to each other, or Taiwan babies mommy's chat buddies for a while.

And Ellie has chosen her Elf to be named "Sammy"!! Our Elf Sammy is in training this year, but were going to have some wonderful memories in the years to come with Sammy our Elf....

Ellie's 1st Christmas Tree...

2009-11-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

Ellie's 1st Christimas tree turned out to be beautiful, and I had so much fun decorating her tree! And it matched her room perfectly!

I love her so...

2009-11-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

Ellie's 1st Dr visit...

2009-11-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

Check out our chubby monkey on the scale! Wow!!

And she seems very comfortable at the Dr.'s office!

9 Months Old Today...

2009-11-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

Ellie was placed in our arms 4 weeks ago. Where does time go? A month ago we we're laying on the floor for tummy time in the hotel with Ellie. Ellie was cooing, da da everything & swimming on her stomach, which it was very cute to see her swim like a fish! And she was also doing an upside down "V" stand, and I knew at that moment we would be approaching several milestones sooner than later. Ellie has no teeth yet! She is teething off & on, which teething could take several weeks or months. Woohoo..Fun times!!! After home a week, Ellie started to do a reverse crawl for a week or so, then she started to crawl forward, then she started to pull herself up on furniture, toys & people. On Halloween, she was standing with both of her legs straight on the back of her bumbu seat, then a couple days later, she was standing with both of her legs straight again on her walking & musical toy in a shock look "Deer in head lights look"... it was like "what do I do now??" ....oh I thought... I think my little monkey has arrived, look out Beatrice & Fergie, Ellie is about to rock your world!

Ellie's first week home was rough for all three of us. Trying to flip the 12 hour time change was difficult at times, but I kept thinking "this is not going to last forever"... THANK GOD! We did get her flip around in about week, and it wasn't an easy task trying to kept her awake for few of those first few days. But we did it!! Then the next task was getting her on a schedule! She adjusted to a schedule quickly, and the first few nights I did not think I would be able to achieve a TRUE bedtime time in a short period, but guess what?? I did it! Between 6 to 7:30, she starts rubbing her eyes with a little of cranky, then 7:30 its time for dinner, then by 8pm, she is in bed! A child that comes from orphanage environment likes a schedule, and she will let you know it when you're off her schedule and that includes playtime!

Ellie and I are starting to bond which I know takes time, but these past weeks I've felt like Ellie's babysitter not her mom. And this is very normal to have these feelings. I thank God I have a wonderful support system that has been through international adoption that has experience these feelings, and understands attachment issues. Ellie is an awesome baby, and I'm not saying that because she is mine:)) Ellie is still waking up crying few times a night. I know this not normal, she is grieving. So, I will continue my quest to identify these attachment issues, and by having a schedule for Ellie, she will build a trust with us. Bonding does not happen overnight, it takes time.

Here's a few pictures of Ellie's milestones... Ellie standing for the first time and her favorite time..."Bath time" yay! And of course, Beatrice on guard!!!

Beatrice stole someone's sock...
Beatrice sneaking her kisses in...
I will kept a eye on Ellie for you...

I put Ellie on the rug to watch her crawl to her bath...it's too cute! I hope this pays off in a couple of years! And look at my baby standing for the 1st time...just too sweet!

Ellie is a beach babe...

2009-11-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

Ellie had a blast at the beach! She loves water & sand as a meal:)

Happy Halloween...

2009-11-01T18:27:00.001-08:00

We had blast on Ellie's first Halloween!!! We have waited for this day for SO long, and as we were out getting treats, we were also receiving congratulations from all of our neighbors of Ellie's arrival. It was very warming on a chilly & rainy Halloween!

Ellie's 1st Fall...

2009-10-28T17:37:00.001-07:00

I still can't believe Ellie is here, and I'm enjoying every minute that I spend with her before I go back to work! She is such blessing...

Ellie's First Swing...

2009-10-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

These pictures of Ellie are the cutest... and yeah.. she is still licking everything.

***yes, I did wipe down everything that her tongue or fingers could touch..LOL!

Ellie the Explorer...

2009-10-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

What a week can make!!! Ellie has discovered & changed so much these past days. We're starting to get back to normal...ooohh does it feel good to be normal again!!

Hey Barbara,, she found your cow you gave her!! And she also found Dora, computer, diapers and how to stand up in her crib!! Whew....What will next week bring us?

Pumpkin Patch with my Pumpkin..

2009-10-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day at the pumpkin patch today...

She slept from 12am to 8am...woohoo!!! Mommy loving it!

Were coming around...

2009-10-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Each day Ellie is adjusting to the time change, and hopefully her runny nose will be bye bye soon. It's getting better each passing day... more smiles coming your way soon!

Whew!!!

2009-10-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Were still here...exhausted but here! Hey Ladies, Lora, Mel, Melissa OR anyone. Ellie has adjusted well, and is a wonderful baby! However, she has her nights/days SO mixed up, and we cannot figure this one out for her to get her on a schedule. Also, she got a cold too. We are needing any advice to get through this... help! Other than that... we love being parents, it's a wonderful thing to hear her laugh or see that beautiful smile. We love her so much!

Were home...

2009-10-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures of our 1st day home with Ellie...

Our Final Night in Taiwan...

2009-10-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

This is the hospital & county where Ellie was born...

Our Favorite restaurant... Din Tai Fung...yum!

Our favorite place in Taipei "Sun Merry"... these speciality shops are throughout Taipei...yummy!

Woke up to this morning... We love Taiwan, beautiful country with beautiful people:)

Ellie's blessing...

2009-10-07T04:58:00.001-07:00

AIT appt today... 3 hours!!!

2009-10-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Long day at AIT... 3 hours... had a problem, and were thankful everything worked out:) Visa pick up tomorrow, Yay! Now off to the Handmarket and redo Ellie's blessing...

The Grand Tour..

2009-10-06T04:42:00.000-07:00

Ellie Pei-Hua Dunn

2009-10-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

(start with the pictures from the bottom to top---that's in order)

Grab your tissues... Ellie has been grieving a little, and it just breaks our hearts. I don't know who is crying more...me or her:( What a amazing day...we have been so blessed with a beautiful daughter...

2nd day pics....Ellie day tomorrow!!

2009-10-04T04:47:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A few pics of our 1st day..

2009-10-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

Typhoon... and weather follows us!

2009-10-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have this inside joke about going to Nascar races..."don't take the Dunns if you want to see a wreck" well, new inside joke... "don't take the Dunns if you want good weather". I actually called this one (typhoon in Taiwan) after experiencing an "unusual cool front" that came through Panana City, FL in May, and a "unusual cool front" in San Diego at Christmas. I will soon have a nice collection of sweat shirts..LOL Pray this typhoon moves away from Taiwan, and the people south of the island will not be affected through another typhoon.

San Francisco...we love San Francisco!

2009-10-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Were here!!!!

2009-10-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

We are here...yay!! That was a long 13 hour flight..whew!! We are doing fine with energy... a little tired, but after we get a good night sleep in a bed, we should be fine!

One more day before Ellie day!!!

Waiting for our Flight...

2009-10-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

We're about 4 hours from boarding our flight to Ellie!!!! We have enjoyed our 6 hour tour of San Franisico. It was a beautiful day here to watch the seals at Fisherman's Wharf, trolley ride & Golden Gate. Now, we are ready for some ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ..... next stop, Taiwan!!

Our Travel Journey to Ellie has Begun....

2009-10-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

We're at the Atlanta airport waiting to board the plane to San Francisco. It's starting to feel real to us that we will be holding Ellie in our arms in four days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to be an emotional mess when she's placed in my arms...grab your tissues & stay tuned!

Count down begins...

2009-09-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

We are counting down the days until Ellie's little toes will be in the next picture, and completing our family of three + 2 dogs & 1 cat! Stay tune...

Final updates for September...Leaving on a Jet Plane in 2 Weeks!!!!

2009-09-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

Our final pictures & updates of Ellie... and our beautiful daughter will be in arms in 2 weeks! yay!

Lots of pictures..enjoy:)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

TRAVEL NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-04T16:18:00.001-07:00

We received our travel news today!!!!!!! yippee!!!!! Were so excited & overwhelmed with emotions, we just can't believe that were going to be parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God is Awesome!! I prayed last night to God to help the staff at Cathwel that has been working so hard for the children and forever families. The staff at Cathwel are amazing, and love their children. We so blessed to be working with outstanding orphanage and Bethany our agency!!!!! Thank you God!

Our travel plans should be completed in a few days!! I'm still in this bubble of disbelieve~

"5th picture rule.... I think I'm onto something here"

August Updates

2009-08-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

We finally got a smile, and a beautiful one at that!!!! Ok... here's our chunky monkey's charts--- Her last chart was noted on the 8/18, and she will be 7 months on Sept. 5th, which I'm having a hard time believing it will be Sept. 1st on Tuesday!!! On 8/18 she weighted 18.5 lbs, 26.5 inches, and some of the growth status for the past 6 weeks are.... babbles, localizes direction of sound, initiates vocalization with adults (I love that one), her & Beatrice (english springer) will get along very well, and verbalizes for attention... and like I said, her and Beatrice will truly get along well... Oh, there will be plenty of future videos of those two together! She has been eating rice noodle, mashed fruit, rice porridge, and of course 150cc of milk! Good little eater, mommy likes that:)

We keep praying for that phone call to travel any day now, and it's going to be unbelievable day on that special day! We can't wait!!!!! Literally, we can't wait!

I kind came up with this "5th picture rule" on the Taiwan family blogs that I followed in the past months that have been waiting to travel/ruling news. I've noticed (most of the families) when a family has received that 5th picture/update, they will receive final ruling/travel news shortly after.

GUESS what??? We received our 5th picture of Ellie!!!! Come on travel news!!!

Parents to be in Training....

2009-08-22T14:11:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun baby sitting the "Luke Man" this morning! Tara is a very good friend of mine, and Luke is her little man. He is such a joy, and the sweetest little thing! Ok....What's up with the I can't go to bathroom, brush my teeth, take a shower, and EAT? I'm just kidding:)) I'm so expecting those things to be delayed in my near future, and we did enjoyed our pre-run this morning! I know things will come together, and I will treasure those moments with her:)

Oh by the way... this waiting stinks!!! No news to share:((

Amazing Friends...

2009-08-10T18:15:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

July's update...

2009-07-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

We've been needing a Ellie fix these past few days. The waiting is starting to become overwhelming at times. I don't want to start whining.... but it's my blog and I can whine if I need to, and oh do I ever need to whine!! We have a waited SO LONG to become parents, and we know we're so close to completing this journey. We're getting very excited to bring her home, and starting the 2nd chapter of our life. We have become stagnant on our "To Do List" ... no pep in our step to get things done! You know if we receive word of our final ruling tomorrow there would be more than a pep in the step. Brian and I are an amazing team when we need to get things done. We just pray we will receive word very soon to bring Ellie, our precious daughter home!

We can't wait to get our hands on our "sweet thing"... she is absolutely beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! Does she look good in orange too?? I thought pink was her color. I'm a little disappointed she's not dressed in some of the clothing that I sent last month, not even a hair bow!! I'm just happy she looks healthy & happy, and well taken care of. And talk about healthy... check out her charts! This was dated on 6/30 - she is 16.7 lbs and 25.2 inches in height. It was also noted, rolls front to back and laughs during play. We can't wait to hear her laugh... it's coming soon!

July 4th, 2009

2009-07-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here drinking my "early" morning coffee, and Brian is off to run the Peachtree Road Race 10k, and as I sit here, I just think about all things that we're so thankful for this past year. Today is our 1 year anniversary when we were "officially" on Cathwel's wait list for a referral. The one thing I remember a year ago, and was so heavy on my heart at that time, she was coming sooner than what our agency quoted us and the chatting on the adoption boards. I knew would not receive a referral in 2008, so I could not wait for 2008 to end! I kept saying to myself and out loud at times "Come on 2009"!!! This July 4th, we have been so blessed, and we have come so far. We have a baby girl, Ellie is absolutely beautiful, and we cannot wait to hold her forever! Were SO close to bringing her home, and I'm getting a little nervous. I'm having these "gut" feelings that something is about to happen! It's a good nervous, but I've never realize how well of an organized person I am until this past year. Maybe it's a mommy thing, now if I can get Brian to be more organize:)) I just like to know "what's coming down the pipeline" and prepare for it. I guess I just need to go ahead and throw that out the window:))

What a day of celebration? We have our beautiful daughter that were expecting, and we have wonderful support from our family, friends & new friends in Taiwan. I've always taken a moment to stop think about our "freedom" and I'm very thankful for those men and women in the military that are serving our country to bring us freedom, and protect our country! These men and women are amazing individuals, they're away from their families in arms way. Some return home to their families, and some do not!!! Thank you for serving our country!!! God Bless America!!!!

June's Update photos...

2009-06-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

Now, we wait for court....

2009-06-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

** This is a good outline on how the court proceedings processes. We had our court hearing on May 22nd, but I do not know how many weeks before the first ruling-- which has become a million dollar question for me lately! 2 or 4 weeks or 3 months -- who knows! I just pray that we receive word of the first ruling! SOON :-)

First Ruling -
Once the hearing has been completed and the judge has had time to review all the information, he/she issues the First Ruling. This is a short statement signed by the judge that is forwarded to all parties involved (social services organization on behalf of the adoptive family and the birth family) notifying everyone of his/her decision to finalize the adoption. This first part of the Final Decree must go to each party and there is a waiting period of 10 days before any further court action can occur. The birth family has until the end of this 10 day period to change their mind regarding the adoption. Once the 10 day period is passed however, the judge can make the final decree.

Final Ruling - Once the 10 day waiting period is over (and the court staff finds time!), the second part of the Final Decree is forwarded to all parties. When the second part of the decree is received by your child's social service organization, the court process is DONE! Time line for 2nd Ruling - 2-6 weeks after the 1st ruling

Ellie's journey to us....

2009-06-04T04:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited this morning!! I do not need any caffeine this morning!! We received word that Ellie Pei-Hua's hearing was on May 22nd!! I prayed that day to be her hearing date, because it was day before my birthday, and it was the last day of the work week! What a awesome birthday present, that's all I wanted this year and many years! So, what does all this mean? Well, we're getting very close ... we're about 2 months out from travel news. We will have 2 more court hearings (I think) 2nd hearing and final hearing, then we receive word to travel to Taiwan to bring Ellie home! I'm one happy, excited, over the top mommy right now! Now, we have some planning to do, pick out a pediatrician, child care, baby showers!

Our last vacation as a couple...

2009-05-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

And we wished she was with us on this beach vacation!!! We can't wait to share our vacations together as a family, there's so much fun for kids at Pier Park and a gorgeous State Park with a beautiful beach! Of course I did some Ellie shopping! We purchased "Life is Good" t-shirts, one of them has written "Flower Child" which "Hua" means flower, and a daisy is my favorite flower... Cool, huh? And Brian chosen the second one "Little chick"- too cute! And I could not pass up the HUGE Carter's store, which I purchased a outfit for next summer, and her first hair bows! That was all my Ellie shopping!

If we win the FLORIDA lottery....

2009-05-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Then you will find us at "Alyce"...

If you do not find us at Alyce...

2009-05-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Then you may find us at "Rosemary Beach"...

May's update photos....

2009-05-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby doll.... I love those lips!!!!

What a sweetie she is? Her clothes that I've sent to her in her care package appear to be too big for her, except one of the outfits, which would be true to her size. I love the photo of her with her very 1st baby doll!!! (the photo above)

Mother's Day..

2009-05-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

I know I've been lacking in the blogging area this past month, and I need to update our progress. Everything has been going extremely well, Cathwel received all of our legal documents for court and now we wait for a hearing date. It may be 2 to 4 weeks or longer, but Cathwel is AWESOME, so I feel we will receive our court hearing soon. It would be a wonderful present for me on my birthday to receive word of our hearing date!! So, once we receive hearing date, things will move a little faster- but there my be a good chance we may not receive word of the hearing date, 2nd hearing or final!! We may just get a phone call to travel to bring Ellie home! At this moment, I just can't wait to see an update pictures of Ellie to see her changes & charts! Just living day by day!

Yesterday was a special day for me. I feel like I'm pregnant and I'm going to be a mother for the very first time!!! It's a great feeling to know in a few months I will have her in my arms forever. Then, I started to think about the sweet stuff about her, how will it sound to hear her call me mommy or Brian daddy? Or how will her voice sound? Squeaky and cute? Or a little Asian girl with a southern accent? which I predict will happen...too cute! Or will she be another monkey like the other bloggers' I follow? It amazes me how the little Asian girls climb, climb, and climb! I haven't seen too many boy climbers like the girls! I'm hoping that the time with her as a baby doesn't disappear too quickly, and we get to experience the baby, baby stuff.

We have hung Ellie's wooden letters up in her room, and they look super! So, Ellie's room is official completed, and it's beautiful!!! Now, we only need Ellie in the room!!!

Brian & I will be traveling to Florida for our last vacation together as a couple this weekend, but I bet we will be talking about Ellie, and wishing she was apart of this trip!!! We can't wait to share the world with her, especially through her eyes! Wow, what a day that's going to be!

more Ellie photos...

2009-04-16T18:07:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Ellie Pei-Hua....

2009-04-15T09:14:00.001-07:00

Hi grandmas.... check out those "chewy" cheeks--- more pictures tomorrow & updated info this evening.

Our child has been chosen...

2009-04-04T04:51:00.000-07:00

We (I) received a phone call yesterday morning from our caseworker that we received a referral of baby girl from Taiwan! We have been very blessed this month with a lot of activity, and when we received that call yesterday - we just knew where our hearts has been for year now. It was amazing to follow God's direction and have a wonderful peaceful feeling inside- and after 12 years struggling to become parents, came to a stand still yesterday..... it brings tears to me every time I think about our journey, our love for each other-- and how we were tested (oh, we so were tested). We joke that we're going to be living our 2nd part of our life when she comes home... oh, do we need to to write a book on the 1st part of our life! And then get a gig on Oprah!

Ok.. details! We do not have a picture(s) yet, but we're praying for next week. She will be 2 months old on Sunday. She was born on Feb 5th. Brian's birthday is Feb 2nd, so he thinks that's cool they will be sharing close birthdays together, but I think someone is going to hog all the attention for many years! We're praying for court completion within 3 to 4 months, then we will travel to bring her home. She will be our daughter before we leave the US!!! I will post a layout on how the court proceeds goes, I pray it goes quick! I'm a in fog of disbelieve I'm going to be a mommy very soon! I can't wait to have my Ellie in my arms..

Blog where have you been....

2009-01-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

I'm so far behind with our blog! So, I will be quickly putting together the last few months!

However, as of January 7th, we have been waiting for a referral for 7 months.....Keep praying for us.....We can feel your prayers! Thank you!!!

"Brian running his first marathon...lost picture in camera was recovered"

"The girls were ready for some football....or was that treats they were ready for"

Mom...this one is for you :-)

2008-12-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

I hope this eases your blog withdrawals...... love you :-)

Fall is here....

2008-11-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

This is our favorite time of the year. We did not get a chance to go to the mountains this year, but we went to Washington instead. Brian ran the Marine marathon in 4:16!!!! Brian 1st Marathon but not his last!! He ran for Love without Boundaries charity to help to two children in foster care in China. I'm so very proud of him! Washington monuments...

Of course, I can't leave out my fall babies out...they love playing in the leaves! We're having a beautiful fall this year, the leaves & weather are gorgeous! I wish we could of made it to the mountains, maybe Thanksgiving we can drive upto the mountains with the dogs for the day.

Harvest moon...

2008-10-14T04:15:00.000-07:00

It's so wonderful to start you're day out to something SO beautiful that God has created...

"diaper dud.....your baby's bottom is always covered"

2008-09-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

My "diaper dud" has been born....

when the rolling, crawling, climbing and walking begins..... your baby's bottom needs some decor!

And I have two wonderful snorers...

I mean helpers.......zzzzzzz........

"Beatrice and Fergie"

and my hardworking staff waits for "diaper dud" debut....

And my finish product....

Gymboree Strikes Again.......

2008-08-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

I found matching outfits to my giraffe hat (thanks Heather) which was too adorable to pass up ...and a cutie of a bikini that I could not leave the store without! AND the Gymboree bucks you receive.... "I'm liking this store"

"Her Yellow Polka Dot Bikini"

Hmmm... could this be a sign?

2008-08-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

I had a few good signs today...one being from this picture I took at the Georgia Aquarium at my favorite gallery.... I know somewhere in the adoption world or at least on the Taiwan board, moms have referred to their newly referrals as "XY" .... check out this picture....

Playful Otter...Sun bathing Sea Lion...Swimming bird...

Guess who found the Pink Chair????

2008-08-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

My Coco ... And I do think she likes Ellie's new pj's too..

Gymboree here I come....

2008-08-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

I was good today and I did not go over board.....but I could not pass up Gymboree today at the mall. I went straight to the clearance racks...check out Ellie's new pj's and hat...too cute!

The Best Taco Shells in the world....

2008-08-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

These are the best taco shells in the world....but you only can get them in KANSAS!!! And we're (Brian) not in Kansas anymore..... so, my taco shipper (Aunt B) sent me 36 boxes of shells...yippie!!!!! Thank you Aunt "B"!! If you're ever in the KC area, stock up! Trust me on this one....oh, don't forget the Silva's chips. Can't get those here either!

More photos of Ellie's room...

2008-08-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

I do have one last thing to add to her room, it's her wooden letters "Ellie" to the wall....but I need to order them & paint them!

Brian & I copied "Pottery Barn" doll house bookcase and built it ourselves!!! It turn out beautiful (and bigger) with a savings of a few hundred dollars!

My sweet, sweet, sweet Beatrice....

2008-08-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Once Ellie is here, I think I know where Beatrice is going to be 24/7..... she loves babies!! I can be blogging and listening to families updated videos of their babies, I don't care where Beatrice is in the house, she will come running to the monitor & paw at me to see...it's really super sweet to see Beatrice love babies :-)

"Ellie's Room is no longer under construction"

2008-08-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our fat cat.... Thumbs

2008-08-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our Thumbs has been fighting a bad infection the last few weeks, and he has lost his battle with diabetes also. We made a decision to put him down lastnight, which was difficult because he has been apart of family from the beginning of our marriage. He was a wonderful cat, so friendly, lovable & FAT! He was everyone's friend, would rub up against & sleep with the neighbor's HUGE chow! Beatrice grew to love Thumbs and I think Thumbs loved Beatrice too... Fergie could care less, she just wanted him for his food. You were a wonderful cat and you brought great joy to our lives the last twelve years. We will miss you, Thumbsy!

I Made the PRESS!!!!!

2008-07-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

About six months ago, I submitted photos of our vacation to Costa Rica to the AJC newspaper for the "Photo of the Day" section.... My photos FINALLY made it to the press!! TWICE too!! How cool? huh?

2008-07-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox free ecard

Third time is a charm......

2008-07-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

We have reached our final step before receiving our INS approval certificate, we had our fingerprint invitations today...sigh :-0 It's pretty sad when we recognize the USCIS staff from the past four years...arrh! Please continue to pray for us that we will have Ellie home before our INS approval expires in 18 months! We know that God has chosen our child for us.....We pray and wait for Ellie to be with her mommy and daddy soon....

Love without Boundaries.....

2008-07-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,
On October 26th, I will be running the 33rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. I am running to benefit Chinese orphans, on a team for Love Without Boundaries (http://www.teamlwb.com/ ) I have commited to run for this important cause and I am asking for your help to make an even greater difference.
There are over a million orphaned children in China, many of them living in institutions. The purpose of LWB’s foster care program is to remove a child from the institutional setting of an orphanage and allow the child to develop to his or her full potential in the loving care of a foster family. The money raised by Team LWB in the marathon will benefit over 300 children already in Love Without Boundaries’ 15 foster care programs throughout China and allow LWB to reach many more children. No child should grow up in an orphanage. The gift of a foster family can forever change a child's future. When a child is sponsored by LWB, they get to experience the love of a temporary family and often have their adoption paperwork submitted so that one day they may have a forever family of their own.
These children are more than just numbers or statistics. They are children, who through no fault of their own are abandoned, without a family to care for them. I am running on behalf of Julie, pictured above. Julie lives in Xinxiang, Henan and was born in July 2005. She is a beautiful little girl who has learned to walk since being moved into her very own family. She was born with cleft lip and palate - her lip has been repaired but she still needs surgery to repair her palate. The progress she has made since moving to a foster family is a true testament to the power of family!
I am writing to ask for your help. My goal is to raise $750, which will help support a child like Julie in foster care for one year. If you would like to help me reach my goal, you can donate online specifically for me by going to http://www.teamlwb.com/ and click on the Sponsor button. Or you may send a check to LWB, P.O. Box 25016 Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0016. Please make the check payable to LWB and note my name and MCM 2008 on your check.
Love Without Boundaries is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. In 2007 they delivered over one million dollars of direct humanitarian aid to children, while maintaining an overhead of less than 3%. Your donation will truly change the lives of children. Thank you for helping me give the priceless gift of hope and love to a child.
In hope,
Brian Dunn

Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

2008-07-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at Cloudland Canyon, it's a beautiful park. We're very happy we did not bring our babies along for this hiking trip, they could have not handled 400+ steps down to the two waterfalls (which did not have any water from the fall) drought..arrh!

Look at Debbie go down those 400+ steps....whew!!! Oh, yeah.. I have to climb those 400 + steps on the return??.....wow! I'm surprised my legs and rear end don't ache today because I felt the pain climbing back up!

You might have the brains but I'm fun to be around!!!

"Beautiful Beatrice a.k.a "BB"

2008-07-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here's our beautiful Beatrice on July 4th, she did not care too much for the fireworks. However, Fergie baby sat on my lap for the show!

Happy, Happy, Happy ...July 4th!!!

2008-07-04T04:24:00.000-07:00

Today were not only celebrating our Country's freedom and Independence on July 4th...... this will mark our first "official" day on the wait list for Cathwel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, the waiting has begun for us. We have waited for a 11 yrs to be parents, this should be a piece of cake, right? Please keep us in your prayers that we get chosen by a birth mother very soon and this time next year, she will be home with her new mommy and daddy!

Happy July 4th everyone!!! Check out this video that's flying through internet this July 4th!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0

Chinese Anyone......

2008-06-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

We're getting closer to the BIG wait....we received our translated home study in Chinese. We're hoping to be on the waitlist within 2 weeks...or maybe sooner. It's a wonderful feeling that were one step closer to our daughter. I'm attaching a sneak preview of her new room (waiting on her/our chair for those pictures) & a clue to her chosen name.....

Another Labor Pain......

2008-06-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

The past 2 1/2 weeks I've left several phone messages and emails to USCIS to follow up with our INS approval..... And I have not heard anything from the USCIS office YET! So, I decided to take a drive down to their office to ask them in person "what's holding up my petition and when will I receive our invitations for fingerprints?" I'm sure anyone in the international adoption world knows that you need to have a infopass to get INTO the building...right? Well... the security guard ask if I had a infopass appt...and I said, no I did not. He ask why was I here for? I said, adoption. Then he said, let me see your ID. I handed him my ID and then he ran my purse & me through security ... and up I went to the second floor..yes! I walk off the elevator into lobby area where 200+ people sat waiting for their turn. I said to myself, this does not look good and this is not going to work out!! I went to the window (only window) for Citizen interviews to ask if I could get information on my petition, she ask "do you have an infopass appt"? No, I said. You need an infopass appt to speak to someone and you were not allowed by security without an appt. (thank you, God & guard). However, she had me to write down my name & number so she can hand deliver to the adoption unit. I continue to ask her a couple more questions, she made a phone call and could not reach anyone, so she said to me to have a seat. She was gone for 20 minutes and came back with good news about my petition. They received my home study and they would comb through my docs to see if anything is missing, then schedule an invitation for our fingerprints...may take 3 weeks for the invitations. Then, on my drive back to work, I received a call from the head officer to tell me the same thing. Now, I pray for a miracle, so we can get approval certificate from INS to get on the waitlist for Taiwan by end of July or may be until August. Keep us in your prayers...

Under Construction......

2008-06-23T18:28:00.001-07:00

I also (not we) decided to repaint her room to match her new baby bedding .....OH, what a work out with my thighs, but I completed her room less than 5 hours. The only thing I have left to paint is the roof top of her doll house bookcase, which will be pink! I'm very please how everything is coming together nicely.

Outstanding Job Shutterfly...................

2008-06-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

We received our photo album from Shutterfly for our adoption today. It turned out wonderful!!!!! I was so surprise how accurate the online preview on Shutterfly was compare to the real thing!! Were VERY pleased with our album!!!

New Look.....

2008-06-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

When I got home from work this evening, I received our new baby bedding. Originally the baby's room was completed in 2004/2005 but we lost our adoption in 2006/2007....... So, her room has sat empty for almost 4 yrs....WOW, it's hard to believe we have fought this battle this long! I (not we) decided to redo her room.. I want everything to have a fresh start including a new name which we are still pondering on... and getting closer to a decision. I wanted to redo her room in something pink/green with a little pop to it....just could not find anything I liked online. I fell in love with a bedding set at Pottery Barn that I really liked, but the bumper was no longer available....bummer! However, I keep going back to the Pottery Barn site because I like their clean line look....AND I found her new bedding AND it's perfect!! It has cherry blossoms & Chinese people & stuff on the sheets...how neat, huh? And cherry blossoms in Chinese means: Feminine Beauty

And on the sad note, as I removed the old bedding and curtains. There's several areas where the sun has bleached the fabric. But her name (wooden letters) that was her original her chosen name is still in good condition....so I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the bedding, most likely yard sale it.

Sign, Sealed and Deliver......

2008-06-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's a official, were one step closer to becoming parents. As of Friday, we have ALL of our seals on our home study. We should receive our photo album by next Monday from Shutterfly.....which is a WONDERFUL site to create a photo album, calendar ..you name it! We're waiting for our invitation from INS for our fingerprints....I'm praying soon! And that will be the final piece before the big WAIT.