I've been tagged, by my cyber-friend Megan. She's another adoptive parent who's blog is
http://owenbowen.blogspot.com (which has really great music, by the way).
Here are the rules:
1. List 7 random things about yourself that people may not know.
2. Link the person who sent this to you, and leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours.
3. Post the rules on your blog.
4. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Here are my 7 Random Things:
I'll try hard to think of something interesting!
1. I ate half a bag of girl scout cookies today.
2. I have a minor in music. I can sing, and play the piano and flute.
3. We are converting my garage in to an efficiency apartment for my mom. We are excited to have her moving in with us!
4. Much teenage drama is occurring at our house. I will leave out lots of details, but two car wrecks are involved.
5. I will soon be a parent (again). We should be getting the referral of our baby boy from Vietnam in March or April!
6. I haven't vacuumed in a very long time. I'm just not motivated....
7. I would like to buy some land in the Kiamichi mountains in Oklahoma. Surely we can afford $20,000 or $30,000 right now....no problem. Eddie's favorite (pond): http://www.landwatch.com/Pushmataha-County-Oklahoma-Land-for-sale/pid/148129. My favorite (in mountains with stream): http://www.landwatch.com/Pushmataha-County-Oklahoma-Land-for-sale/pid/97444.
I can't think of 7 people with blogs, but I will tag my friend Heather at www.colesonfamily.blogspot.com and my cousin Whitney at www.whitneydove.blogspot.com.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Vietnam Baby Smuggling
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7257123.stm
http://www.earthtim es.org/articles/ show/186495, police-in- vietnam-arrest-three- for-smuggling- babies.html
Two articles about baby smuggling in Vietnam. Interestingly, these babies were not being taken for US adoption--they were mainly boys being taken over the border and sold to parents in China who were unable to have sons biologically. Hmmm....
http://www.earthtim es.org/articles/ show/186495, police-in- vietnam-arrest-three- for-smuggling- babies.html
Two articles about baby smuggling in Vietnam. Interestingly, these babies were not being taken for US adoption--they were mainly boys being taken over the border and sold to parents in China who were unable to have sons biologically. Hmmm....
Lots of baby girl referrals!
I heard through the grapevine that our agency had gotten 18 referrals in the last two weeks. This is a LOT, as they supposedly only got 5 last month. I thought SURELY we would be almost there. But NO! 17 of the 18 babies were girls! What are the odds of that? So strange.
But, I talked to our agency worker and she said we should get our referral in late March or early
April....the sooner the better!!!! Cross your fingers for lots of boy referrals now!
But, I talked to our agency worker and she said we should get our referral in late March or early
April....the sooner the better!!!! Cross your fingers for lots of boy referrals now!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Vietnam Update
Here's another bit of info I got from my discussion lists. Again, I'm not sure if it's really true.
One Vietnam adoption agency is saying: "The government of Vietnam has stated that all families with dossiers received before August 31, 2008 will be able to complete their adoptions but there is no guarantee this will be honored." (This is if the agreement between the US and Vietnam ends without renewal and adoptions cease.)
Our dossier is already in Vietnam, so no matter how long things take (even past Aug 31) we would be okay.
However, I'm suspicious of this as well....why wouldn't Vietnam make a general announcement, rather than telling just one agency? We will cross our fingers and hope it's true!
One Vietnam adoption agency is saying: "The government of Vietnam has stated that all families with dossiers received before August 31, 2008 will be able to complete their adoptions but there is no guarantee this will be honored." (This is if the agreement between the US and Vietnam ends without renewal and adoptions cease.)
Our dossier is already in Vietnam, so no matter how long things take (even past Aug 31) we would be okay.
However, I'm suspicious of this as well....why wouldn't Vietnam make a general announcement, rather than telling just one agency? We will cross our fingers and hope it's true!
China Update
Here's something I heard on one of my discussion lists. I'm not sure if it's really true (sometimes wild rumors fly on these discussionl lists) but we can hope!
Supposedly the China Center for Adoption Affairs wrote a letter to a European adoption agency saying that people who were logged in during 2007 (that's us) will wait about three years. That would put us getting our baby girl in 2010 (probably spring or summer). Still a long ways away, but better than some other estimates we've heard!
I find it somewhat suspicious, though....why would only this European agency be notified and no one else?
Supposedly the China Center for Adoption Affairs wrote a letter to a European adoption agency saying that people who were logged in during 2007 (that's us) will wait about three years. That would put us getting our baby girl in 2010 (probably spring or summer). Still a long ways away, but better than some other estimates we've heard!
I find it somewhat suspicious, though....why would only this European agency be notified and no one else?
Monday, February 18, 2008
A new interest....
Since the wait has become so long, I thought I would develop some new interests to help pass the time.
My lastest "interest" is Michael Buble....I have developed a crush (don't worry, Eddie already knows!).
Check him out in this Youtube video....sigh =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjxDqlvZgL0
My lastest "interest" is Michael Buble....I have developed a crush (don't worry, Eddie already knows!).
Check him out in this Youtube video....sigh =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjxDqlvZgL0
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Interesting CNN post
Just discovered this interesting CNN post.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/14/chinese.women.ap/index.html
In 1973, Chinese leader Mao said that "China has an excess of women" and offered the US ten million of them....
And now we're adopting thousands of their girls...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/14/chinese.women.ap/index.html
In 1973, Chinese leader Mao said that "China has an excess of women" and offered the US ten million of them....
And now we're adopting thousands of their girls...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Not #5 yet...
I've learned from our agency that they will notify us when we are "getting close" to a referral....meaning when we're #5 or lower on the list for a boy. We haven't been notified yet, so I know we're not #5 yet. Darn. I did speak to another parent who's "officially getting close" and she sent her paperwork in just a couple of months before us, so hopefully we're not far behind. I hope "the call" will come soon! Cross your fingers!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Baby's First Adopted Moments
This story is one that I "borrowed" from an adoption website (http://www.a4everfamily.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=78)
that helps parents bond with their newly adopted babies. It's very eye-opening (not to mention heart-wrenching). You can also find tips on what to do when the baby first arrives. I'm sure we'll be following most of this advice.
Different Perspective Immense Loss; Walk a Mile in Baby’s Booties
Imagine for a moment… You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world…the person who will be with you for the rest of your life. The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face. But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved? You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay. But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?
Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone. You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.
Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it. More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you? You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried. The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you. You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy.
The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy. The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation. Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair. Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before. He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black. You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss.
The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep. People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness. Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along. Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait. --Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller
that helps parents bond with their newly adopted babies. It's very eye-opening (not to mention heart-wrenching). You can also find tips on what to do when the baby first arrives. I'm sure we'll be following most of this advice.
Different Perspective Immense Loss; Walk a Mile in Baby’s Booties
Imagine for a moment… You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world…the person who will be with you for the rest of your life. The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face. But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved? You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay. But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?
Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone. You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.
Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it. More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you? You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried. The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you. You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy.
The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy. The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation. Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair. Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before. He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black. You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss.
The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep. People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness. Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along. Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait. --Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller
New York Times Article
This article is from the New York Times and it is one of the best explanations I've seen about what's going on right now in the world of Vietnam adoptions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/us/11adopt.html
Cross your fingers that everything will go much more smoothly for us!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/us/11adopt.html
Cross your fingers that everything will go much more smoothly for us!
Vietnam Orphanage Video
Check out this video I found on another adoptive parent's website. I hope she doesn't mind that I'm sharing it. I believe she took it when visiting her baby's orphanage. It is in Da Nang, Vietnam. Our agency has an orphanage there, but I'm not sure if it's the same one. It's an interesting (and heartbreaking) look at orphanage life.
http://lovingsquirrel.wordpress.com/
http://lovingsquirrel.wordpress.com/
Friday, February 1, 2008
More Pictures from my January Trip to the Valley
Mom and Adrianna
Adrianna and me
Me, Mom, and Adrianna playing skipbo (grandma's taking picture)
Grandma and Adrianna (two main activities of the trip, as you can tell, were eating and playing games!)
Pictures from Christmas with Eddie's family
Kay opening present of concert tickets!
Mike, Tammy, and Will
Me holding baby Lexie
Eddie holding baby Lexie
Nieces K
Kay and Callie
Lisa with her new Wii
Susan and Sammy
Joe and girlfriend Mandy
Eddie @ Cousin David's house
Kay and brother Mark
Back at work...
Well, I'm back at work after two days of being sick! Thank goodness I'm feeling so much better. While I was sick, however, I discovered two very interesting TV shows that I want to share!
1. No Reservations, by Anthony Bourdain. He's a travel channel host who goes all over the world touring and eating. Check out the Vietnam episode....scary!
2. My Big Redneck Wedding. This one's great for lots of laughs! I can't make fun of it too much, however, as one of the bachelor parties I saw bears great resemblence to parties when Eddie and his brothers get together.
Also, I finally uploaded the pictures from my new camera! Unfortunately, they're not great quality (too dark, fuzzy, etc). I've got to get the manual out....
Here are a couple of Lisa and her boyfriend, Eric.
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