Table for Two

Monday Menu

2012-02-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

I always plan our meals...but I've started looking at the meal planning blogs again, and decided to link up. My favorite is organizing junkie....so here we go!

Tatum is home sick today. She has a respiratory virus and a fever for 2 days now...cabin fever?! But I've loved my time with Tatum, she has been so sweet and cuddly. BUT eating me out of house and home!!

Monday: pork slices in gravy, leftover pioneer woman potatoes au gratin and beans

Tuesday: BLTs

Wednesday: chicken cordon blue with rice

Thursday: spaghetti carbonara and salad

Friday: pork chops, stuffing and beans

Saturday: Ava's pizza

Sunday: crockpot chicken, baked potatoes, broccoli

Have a great week!!

Catching up....

2012-01-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

Tatum's first time paiting after a morning of swimming with Aunt April

Spirit week at Daycare....thanks Alice for the Jersey!

PJ day, but Tatum would not take off her coat!

All set for dedication at church and ready to celebrate Chinese New Year

Brunch at the house after church

Cory and Nick came up from SC for the weekend of celebrations...Tatum has the best Godparents a little girl could ask for...and we have the best friends anyone could ask for...we love you guys so much!!

Cheese!!!

Helping Nai Nai open her presents--Happy Birthday!

Aunt La La gave Tatum a beautiful Chinese vest....

Tatum put it right on a paraded around the house....beautiful!

Thank you everyone for helping to make this weekend so special for our family. It certainly is one I will remember for a long time. We are so lucky to have such special friends and family members in our lives...

Beach visit...and other...

2012-01-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday we got up early and drove to Rehobeth to take Tatum to the beach for the first time.

We had a lot of fun taking her onto the beach for the first time, eating lunch at Grotto's and spending some time and a little money at the outlets!

Thank you to the kind man who took our family photo, but I don't think we were all quite ready...

Loved the rides at the outlets!

Wham-o loved driving the car...Todd thought she loved the horn just as much as her Mommy!

Monday night, Tatum and Daddy worked on our new word and activity from infants and toddlers....'Mo Bubble'...too cute!! We are so happy with our first session of speech therapy, and can't wait for next month when Miss Bonnie comes to the house again.

Every night Tatum helps us feed the dogs. She loves it! Tonight she decided to climb into the cabinet...crazy little girl!

Tomorrow we are heading to our first session of tumble bunnies at a local gymnastic club. I am so excited to see how Tatum likes it. :)

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

We took Tatum out to enjoy some sushi and chicken fried rice at Cafe Sado in Chester on New Years Eve...it was a fun time. Originally we planned on staying in to enjoy a bottle of wine and a pot of chili after Tatum went to bed...however she slept unitl 5pm that afternoon and we knew that she would be up for awhile! She loved waving HI to all the wait staff--we then visited Nai Nai and Pop Pop at their dinner for two at the Narrows and were all home in bed by 9pm!!

Happy New Year...I have a feeling this will be the best year ever!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, we went with Todd's family to the Elks Club for Breakfast with Santa. It was a lot of fun, and Tatum LOVED Santa.

Tatum before her Christmas program at daycare. They Peapod and Strawberry Patch rooms stood upfront, held babies and rocked them as we all sung away in a manger. The practice night did NOT go well for Tatum, but amazingly the big night of the show, was a success!!

Tatum upfront with all her friends and one crooked bow!

Christmas Eve we went to Nai Nai and Pop Pop's for dinner with Todd's whole extended family--Tatum took a great nap which allowed us to enjoy dinner without feeding anyone! Tatum loved to help Mom Mom open her gifts. :)

Uncle Brent and Tatum snuck off to enjoy a tea party....SO sweet.

Christmas morning we had Todd's family over for breakfast so they could enjoy Tatum opening presents. Tatum and I both we suffering from a cold/cough, so we were pretty slow moving that morning. She really enjoyed opening presents and understood what to do.

A snowman from Grandma and Grandpa

A beautiful sweater dress from Grandma and Grandpa

A field hockey stick just Tatum's size from Aunt Jena

Enjoying a morning snack and the new book that Nai Nai gave Tatum with a recorded story read by her-so special & Tatum loves it!

Christmas night we went to Todd's parents for a prime rib dinner and open more presents-Santa visited Nai Nai and Pop Pop's house too--Tatum's first car

Tatum's 3 in 1 tricycle (Smart Trike)

And a wagon for Raggedy Anne and Andy...

Over all, we had a great holiday and thankfully are now all feeling better. Tatum goes back to the dr this week to get her ears looked at again to be sure her ear infection has cleared up after her antibiotics, and we want to get her cough checked out again. We are also applying for her passport!! Yippee!!

Now....we are gearing up for a very quiet New Years Eve. I have some red wine and a pot of chili cooking on the stove...we are going to put Tatum to bed and enjoy a picnic in front of the fire and making a bucket list....many of our dreams have come true this year, but we still have a lifetime of things to go and do with our beautiful daughter. 2011 was one of our best years ever welcoming Tatum home...I can't even imagine how 2012 can live up to that!

A sick little girl....

2011-12-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

This was yesterday...Tatum just arrived home from the doctor with the diagnosis of a COLD and an EAR INFECTION. We were so happy to be given some antibiotics, and I think Tatum was happy to spend the day home with her Daddy recovering. (Although, I think she only sat still long enough eat this yogurt--which is by the way, her FAVORITE food ever!!) Pop-Pop also stopped by for a few hours to hang out with Tatum while Daddy attended a meeting at work...I am out of time off, so me staying home was not an option for me :(

Tatum bounced back pretty quick and is back to school today..there were still a few tears at drop off this morning, but I bet if she understood that tomorrow was her Christmas party, she would be excited!! :)

Tatum's first day at 'school'

2011-12-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Our little munchkin ready to go this morning before leaving for the Kinder Garden.

Mommy and Tatum

Daddy and a squirmy Tatum

We both dropped Tatum off this morning at daycare. I was an obvious bundle of nerves and tears, but our beautiful little girl marched right in and sat down at the play table and made herself right at home. I hung her coat, her bag and placed her lunch in her cubby that was labelled for her already. I kissed her good-bye and tried desperately to hold back tears, but Miss Patty, Tatum's teacher hugged me and told me everything would be ok. :) And....it was. Todd and I met for lunch, which was really nice. We both asked if either had called to check in on Tatum, and the answers were both no. I wanted to...but then I didn't want to be THAT Mom. I figured if they needed me, they would call. Tatum took a 2 hour nap in the afternoon and had a change of t-shirts due to spaghetti o's getting all over her! :)

We both met to pick up Tatum after spending our days apart. I cleaned our house from top to bottom and finished tying up some loose ends before going back to work on Thursday. Thursday....how did the last 12 weeks go by so fast?! I will miss my days with Tatum, but know (hope) this is just short term....that's the only thing keeping me going. I have a job and I am thankful, however being Tatum's Mommy is honestly the best job I have ever had....and the reward/pay is much more priceless than dollars....if only it would pay the bills!! ; ) Tatum was helping pick up the chairs and sweep the floor when we arrived. We walked into her classroom and just watched her. I wanted to run in and swoop her up, but I was just so proud of her. She was such a big girl, and was interacting how she should. It was beautiful to see. Finally I stooped down to her level and caught her eye....she came running right over and my heart melted. I have never been so in love with someone I just met.....this little girl is going to make a difference in this world and I am lucky to be her Mommy and hold her hand the whole way.

Tomorrow is a new day...and infants and toddlers are coming to meet with me in the morning to discuss our development plan for Tatum. Some states know this as early intervention. We were concerned with some motor skills and language delay for Tatum. Part of it is being in an institution for 2 years and the other is learning English for the first time. Anyway, she qualifies for services and we will find out in the morning what those services are. Again, just more things that will help this little girl of ours grow leaps and bounds!!

Firsts....

2011-12-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

First trip the dentist and Miss Tatum handled it like such a big girl...she even let them clean her teeth and look in her mouth! Our pediatric dentist asks that parents wait in the waiting room, but let me go back since Tatum is only 2....I stood in the doorway with tears in my eyes the whole time. Super proud of my baby girl :)

First Thanksgiving with a morning trip to the park

First Thanksgiving...and first ride in the baby doll stroller with Aunt April

First Turkey dinner....yummy!

First trip to the mall with Nai-Nai. They were waiting for the train to take them both for a ride!

First visit with Santa at the Salisbury Mall...she loved him!

First Easton Christmas parade

First time getting into the Christmas ornaments

First time putting the tree topper up with Daddy

First pig tails and Christmas pjs

First time hanging an ornament on the Christmas tree

First Christmas tree with Tatum....we will go next weekend to cut down a fresh one!!

And tomorrow is Tatum's first day at the Kinder Garden....my first day without Tatum in the last 2.5 months.....my first day of tears for sure!!

A windy photo shoot....

2011-11-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

A local photographer offered us a photo shoot as a welcome home gift for Tatum. We wanted to capture some shots of Tatum in her new 'downtown'...we had a good time, bumps and bruises, and A LOT of WIND.....

Tatum outside the Historic Tidewater Inn

Showing us those beautiful dimples (and trying to find some shelter from the wind)

Kisses for Mommy

Our very happy family....Tatum McKenlin, we love you and are so happy to be sharing our lives with you. You bring so much love and joy, and are so proud of the beautiful little girl you are inside and out.

http://www.karenadixon.com/

Breakfast with Tatum and Baby Julin...

2011-11-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

We had a busy Halloween weekend. Friday we went to our bank to trick or treat and enter some competitions and to win a savings bond.

Our beautiful bumble bee

Miss Casey teaching Tatum how to trick or treat at the bank

Saturday was a dreary day....so Sunday we went out to the Pumpkin Patch to get Tatum's first pumpkin

The we stopped for lunch and Tatum enjoyed her first ice-cream....YUMMY!

After nap time, Tatum went to a friend's Birthday party and LOVED the moon bounce

Monday night, we went to the Fall Festival in our town and Tatum rode her first pony....she held on tight and had a great time.

Then we rode up to surprise Nai-Nai and Pop-Pop and went trick or treating in their neighborhood. We really wanted a safe neigborhood, and we knew they would have a lot of fun with Tatum. Our neighborhood is great, but filled with many old people (golf course community) and just wouldn't have been fun for Tatum.

Tatum wanted to hand her treats back!

Then, she wanted to take more than one treat when the whole bowl was presented to her!

I typically HATE Halloween...I'm not into dressing up at all. Don't get me wrong, I love the decorating and the candy, but that's it....this year was different. I had a great time seeing Halloween through my daughter's eyes and I LOVED it!

This week we've have our first hair cut, our first trip to the dentist and infants and toddlers are coming out to do an evaluation on Tatum to offer assistance on getting her up to speed. She is doing great on her own, but we want to offer her the best care we can. Next week my dearest friend from my childhood, Susan, is flying out from Oklahoma to spend a long weekend with us, and we can't wait!! I'm also excited about a little adult girl time....and quality time with such a dear friend. :)

Storytime at the Easton Library

2011-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

We went to storytime this morning with Wendy and Leland. It was SO much fun!! Tatum really enjoyed herself and had a lot of fun with the stories, songs and other children.

And Tatum always wanted to be right up front!

It was so nice to see Tatum interact with the stories, other children and the songs. And yes, I was the Mommy in the background with tears in my eyes!! ; )

Tot Time at St Michaels Library

2011-10-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

This morning, Tatum and I went to the St Michaels library for Tot Time. This morning they colored a pumpkin cut out and glued it onto a poster, listed to a pumpkin story and got a bag of goodies to take home. It was nice to see Tatum interact with other children....and march right up from to the librarian reading to point at the pictures in the book ;).

Tatum had a lot of fun coloring and listening to the story...even if we didn't sit still for too long....

Let's go Mom, I got my treat bag and I am ready!

Hanna and Haley turn 3

2011-10-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hanna and Haley turn 3 and they invited Tatum to share in the fun!! This was Tatum's first Birthday party to attend, and she had a great time once she warmed up.

Hanna and Haley were so sweet to share their toys and then Tatum would bring them to Mommy

So excited to go down the BIG slide

The colorful tube was fun too and Tatum went through it many times.

Thanks again Hanna and Haley for letting us share your Birthday fun!

Apple Picking

2011-10-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my friend Wendy and I took Tatum and Leland apple picking at Blades Orchard in Preston. We had beautiful weather and the best time together. Then, on Sunday we baked our goodies and made 10 pies! We still had apples left over...I think this week, I will make an apple bundt cake or some muffins. We were able to freeze our pies, so that will help them last longer.

Tatum wanted to pull Leland in the wagon

Tatum really enjoyed the wagon ride

She was so pretty sitting with her apples

Helping Mommy and eating what she picked

Is this not the cutest picture ever!! I think Blades Orchard could advertise with this shot!!

Thanks to Wendy and Leland for a great weekend!! Fall is my absolutel favorite time of year...and I couldn't be happier to share it with Tatum this year.

Library and Pumpkin Patch Fun

2011-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

This morning, Tatum and I met some of my friends from high school and their children for some fun at the Punpkin Patch

Tatum loved the corn maze

Emma, Taylor, Leland and Tatum driving the combine

Fun in the corn table

Earlier in the week, we had a rainy dreary day...and it was perfect for heading tot he library to join and find out when storytime is. Tatum wanted to check out all the fun arts and crafts there are to do.

On our way out, we had some fun a the lego table. Tatum loves to take things apart and put them back together.

We had a good week! We also enjoyed a photo session for what we hope will be some nice Christmas cards....as soon as we can share some shots from the photographer, we will. We also had out first bump and bruise from that session. Tatum is fine...just a little skinned nose and forehead from falling off a brick step....nothing major!

We have a busy weekend planned. Tomorrow we are going apple picking with Wendy and Leland in Preston and then we will bake our apple pies on Sunday!! :) Then, that afternoon we are heading to our first Birthday party for 2 special 3 year old twins.

Happy Fall!!

What a difference a month can make...

2011-10-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Gotcha Day-September 19, 2011

This was the best day of our lives...we met our beautiful little daughter at the Hangzhou Civil Affairs Office. We were scared, anxious, excited...but probably feeling nothing like our sweet Tatum was feeling. Now that we have known our daughter for a month, we know how in shock she was, how scared she was and how uncertain she was about trusting these two people that loved her even before they were matched with her in April. The love we had for Tatum was and is so amazing.

One month later...Tatum is full of life, full of love and blossoms daily. It is amazing what LOVE can do for these beautiful children...just amazing, it leaves me speechless.

Tatum has adjusted really well to being at home just a little over 2 weeks. We couldn't be happier with her progress, and are so proud of the beautiful little girl she is growing into. Each day she surprises us, and we fall more in love.

Tatum can say Mama, Dada, Dog, Hi, No No, bye-bye. She can wave hello and good-bye, blow kisses, she can walk much better than in China, pull herself up from a sitting position, love and hug the baby when we tell her to....and those are just a few of the highlights!

Tatum McKenlin thank you for giving your Daddy and I joy like we have never felt before....we love you!!

Fun Times

2011-10-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Fun times at the pumpkin patch when Aunt Cory and Uncle Nick were in town for Tatum's Birthday

Tatum loved the corn table

Tatum was so excited to wear her new apron this morning to help Mommy bake some pumpkin pies

Nai-Nai came over to play after her hair appointment and Tatum LOVES to put on her reading glasses. Unfortunately she broke them later that morning....but it was fun while it lasted...

We have had a busy 2 weeks settling in at home, and have had many visitors. I am learning to get into a routine, and it is tough. Marley and Winston are both home from the kennel now and Todd is back to work. We are so happy, and Tatum keeps us BUSY!! This weekend we are going to try and go to Annapolis to the Boat Show as we do every year....let's keep our fingers crossed that Tatum is just as excited! ; )

Happy 2nd Birthday Tatum!

2011-10-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy these past few days...Friday was Tatum's 2nd Birthday and our very best friends came to town for the weekend from South Carolina to help us celebrate Tatum's Birthday.

We had a small party for our closest friends and family members, and Tatum had a blast!! We asked for orphanage donations instead of gifts for Tatum since she absolutely needs nothing. We also want to start something each year where Tatum donates to her orphanage each year with toys she does not play with anymore, or something else she chooses. We may change the donation each year, but for now this is what we plan to do.

We are now getting caught back up on laundry, still unpacking and getting into a schedule as this is our 2nd week at home. This morning, Tatum and I visited Aunt April at work and then hit the grocery store, as we plan to every Monday morning while I am home. We are also working on getting some laundry done too!!

Life is good...and we are soooo happy and tired all at the same time.

Doctor Visit

2011-10-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Leslie was Tatum's nurse today at the doctor for her check up...Leslie and I went to high school together, it was so great to see her again and Tatum loved her!!

Thirsty work at the doctor!

Tatum weighed 21lb, 4oz

32.5 inches tall

18 inch head circum.

We had a great visit and go back in a few weeks for our 2 year appointment and a new weigh in. We need to gain some weight!!

My first Present to open!

2011-10-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Brown sent a Welcome Home gift for Tatum! This was the first present that Tatum has ever opened. She seemed to really get the hang of the wrapping paper, and loved to see what was inside.

Tatum LOVES crayons, so this was a big hit!!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for my drawing pad, pre-school learning books, crayons and Disney bedtime story book. I love them!!

Love, Tatum xoxo

We are home!

2011-10-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

Chillin' while Mommy packed us to leave for Hong Kong

Tatum loved the train to Hong Kong

The Visa envelope our guide collected. We handed this over to immigration and customs when we arrived in the US.

Lunch at the Regal Hotel in Hong Kong. Our flight was delayed for over 6 hours on the way home due to the Typhoon. The hotel we stayed at for the night was connected to the airport, so we just walked back and hung out there for a LONG time. We hoped Tatum would nap....but no way! There was too much to explore for this girl!

The view from our gate waiting for our plane to arrive to take us HOME sweet HOME

Welcome home message for Tatum. April and Jena stayed at the house to take care of the dogs for 2 weeks. We are so thankful for their kindness. The dogs are now at the kennel for a week while Tatum adjusts to her new home.

Welcome home sign outside

Aunt Laura came to visit the first day we were home....Tatum LOVES her Aunt Laura

Mommy got Tatum this giraffe for her room, it arrived at Laura's while we were away....Nai Nai put Tatum on there to ride and have fun!

Talking and telling stories from China....so happy to be home!!

We arrived home Saturday morning around 4am....it was a very late night! Tatum did really well on the flight home and slept about 10 hours from Hong Kong until Chicago. We had a quick layover in Chicago, had our custons meeting in the office and we were on our way running to the gate to take the next plane to Dulles. When we got to Dulles around 12:45am, Nai-Nai, Pop-Pop, Aunt Jena, Uncle Travis, Aunt April, and Uncle Brent were there to welcome us all home. Lisa and Angie were there to take pictures, which I was so thankful for! It was wonderful to see everyone again....

When we got home, Daddy took a nap for a few hours as he is sick. Mommy and Tatum stayed up and we welcomed our first visitors that afternoon. Tatum finally went down to sleep around 2pm, and Todd and I were quick behind her! We all slept and Todd and I got up around midnight and Tatum at 2am. Then, we got her down for a nap around 8:30am and woke her up at 11:30am. Aunt April and Uncle Travis came over....Tom and Brenda were next with a fun pig pillow pet....Brooke and Zoe with a ladybug pillow pet...then Nai-Nai, Pop-Pop, Aunt Jena and Uncle Brent came over while Laura, Beth and the girls were over. Laura had brought us some pasta salad and coleslaw and Jena and Brent brought us some leftovers from Brent's 30th Birthday party, which we were so sorry to miss. We all grabbed a quick bite to eat and Tatum fell asleep around 8pm. We were so happy! She slept through the night and woke up at 5:30am this morning. I think we are getting these days and nights turned around!!

Today Todd is still home from work. He just ran out to check on some property projects we have going on, then we are heading up to the outlets to do some shoe shopping for Miss Tatum, and grab a few essentials that we are finding we need at Target.

Tatum is adjusting really well at home with us. We are trying to learn her demands, and yes, she has them!! Yesterday was our 7 year wedding anniversary....best celebration ever! Todd got me the most beautiful flowers and card, and we enjoyed spending the day at home with our little munchkin. We are IN LOVE!!

We are a family!!

2011-09-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

This morning was our American Consulate Appointment and we officially have a new family member. Tomorrow afternoon we pick up Tatum's Visa and we are on our way to Hong Kong!!

This afternoon we will head to the Island for a few last minute purchases, have some dinner on the Island and start the packing process before we check out of this beautiful Marriott to head home.

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am so thankful to have shared this journey with my best friend. Todd has been amazing these past two weeks and I think I have fallen more in love with him (if that is even possible). It's been hard, challenging, exhausting, and tense at times....but I am thankful to say we have had many more happy times than the other emotions. Adjusting to life with a toddler is hard for anyone, especially first time parents....but we are learning all of our needs and then we work it out with ease.

2 more sleeps until we are home!!

Guangzhou Zoo

2011-09-27T01:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at the zoo in Guangzhou. It was HOT, a lot of walking, and Tatum is still not really a fan of her stroller....but it was beautiful!

Map of the zoo layout

Tatum and Daddy watching the Monkey show

So sweet....holding Daddy's hand watching the monkey show

Getting sleepy on the train ride through the safari

Feeding the giraffes for $1

I feel like this was a dream come true...I LOVE Pandas

Chillin' on some ice....I wish he would have shared!

Laid back eating some bamboo

Fun with Mom on the bus ride back to the hotel

We had a great time today....no nap, but it is 5pm and we are still smiling! I think this evening we will get an early bed time at last!! :)

Tomorrow is our American Consulate Appointment...Yahoo!! We are going to the Island in the afternoon then getting ready for some packing!! We leave for Hong Kong on Thursday.

Chen Family Temple and Pearl Shopping

2011-09-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Today we toured the Chen Family Temple with our guide and travel group. It was a hot, humid day...so it was tiring walking around the temple with Tatum. Thankfully she enjoyed some Daddy time which is a welcomed break for my hips!!

We had Tatum's chop/stamp made by this man. He carved her Engligh and Chinese name on the stamp

Daddy and Tatum taking a break from touring and shopping

Mommy and Tatum getting ready to leave the Temple

A view inside the market we bought some pearls. It was amazing-all these stores were jewelry as far as the eye could see.

Inside the store we bought Tatum's pearls

The sweetest lady helping me choose the strands I wanted for myself, Tatum and our beautiful God-daughter, Lucy. I can't tell you how inexpensive these are here, and so beautiful.

Then, you choose the clasp you want and they string the pearls for you as you wait...what a neat thing to see.

We also walked across the street to another market and bought some squeaky shoes. Tatum wasn't too sure of them at first...but I think the more she wears them the more she will like them. It's so funny to hear them walk with these shoes on!

We got back to the hotel and we played for a little before heading to dinner with David, Tia and their family. We ate at the hotel restaurant and then were all in bed very early...Tatum had a long day with a very short nap. This baby needs her sleep!!

Today we are scheduled to go to the zoo here in GZ, but I think we will see what time Tatum wakes up. It is going to be hot and humid again today, and as much as I want to see a real Panda in China....a happy baby is my priority! I really want to go back to the Island for some more shopping and we need to buy a new suitcase to bring home all the goodies!! :) This adventure has been life changing, but I am also very ready to go home and get into our daily routine. I feel like there is so much to still see in China and I am worried we will miss something, so that is hard too. I hope one day we will return....who knows, maybe we will adopt again?!

Tomorrow is our American Consulate Appointment, then on Thursday we travel to Hong Kong and Friday we fly HOME!! This really is the home stretch now....I will miss our travel group so much, they are all wonderful people and such special friends. I hope we meet up in years to come.

Guangzhou-day 2

2011-09-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

We had a very relaxing Sunday at the hotel today...Tatum is NOT much of a morning girl, so we skipped out on the Park Tour today and just enjoyed some time playing and bonding as a family.

Not really a bath fan still....so we bribe her with toys afterwards

Fun in the hotel play room

A family from our travel group is staying in the room right next door to us. They have a 6 year old, Sophia, that loves to play cups with Tatum!

As soon as Tatum went down for a nap today, I slipped out and enjoyed a 2.5 hour hair cut, shampoo and blow dry...it was heavenly and I felt HUMAN again! Tatum woke up while I was gone and Todd changed a dirty diaper and set her up with some Smurfs on the IPad. I think that really helped her get over the hurdle with him.

Guys, I can put my shoes on myself...backwards, but on by myself!

Before dinner....Tatum and Daddy were walking down the hall together holding hands....then she let him pick her up. This melted all of our hearts....I think the day off paid off leaps and bounds!!

Dinner....chicken and rice....she is a rice machine!! We also gave her a spoon tonight, and she would push it to her mouth then use her hands to shovel the rice in....too funny!

Today we have a tour planned for the Chen Temple then the Pearl Market in the afternoon. I am not sure if we will do both yet or not. We will see how Tatum wakes up this morning. I definately want to do the Pearl Market in the afternoon though. We want to get a strand of pearls to add to her Wedding Box for the future.

First day in Guangzhou (Saturday) and Medical Exam

2011-09-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

One interesting sleeper!

On the island...outside the visa photo store/laundry/clothes store

with our travel group

Outside the Physical Exam office

Inside the clinic

Waiting our turn to be seen by the doctors and nurses. There were 3 steps to the process: ENT, physical and height and weight

Physical-head measurement

Pretty nurses weighing me (22lbs)

I did not like the ENT exam Mommy!!

A beautiful bride getting her pre-wedding photos

This is HUGE in China. They rent dresses from the photography store and get photos before the wedding with their groom....so pretty to see!

Happy baby playing on the bed before a LATE bedtime Saturday night

Daddy and Tatum playing together

We had a great afternoon playing in the playroom at the hotel. We did ALOT of walking back and forth between Mommy and Daddy, and lots of giggles. Then, we went to dinner and enjoyed rice, chicken, watermelon and cantaloupe. This was one of Tatum's best meals and happiest. We even tried ice-cream for the first time, but that was pretty cold.

I didn't have my camera with me for the walking or dinner...and it was totally worth it. Those are memories I will never forget...and it was nice not to lug things around. Poor Todd is really feeling like a pack mule, but Tatum wants me to hold her constantly...which we will happily abide to!

After dinner, we played in the hotel room with lotion, rolled around on the bed and giggle alot! It was fabulous.

Today we are skipping the tour to Chen's family temple. Tatum needs a break from tours and buses to just be a 2 year old....and we need a break from a fussy baby!! As soon as she goes down for a nap today, I am high tailing it to the salon for a hair cut and blow dry...Todd went yesterday and said it was fabulous! Once she is down for a nap, we have a good 2-3 hours....and I can't wait for some pretty hair. It's been a tough week with a poor hair dryer and winging it in the beauty department....I need to feel pretty again!! LOL

Tatum is still waking up right now...she is a SLOW waker upper that's for sure. We are learning that and rolling with it. Anything to do what she wants so we win her trust and have fun together as a family.

Happy Sunday from Guangzhou!! We couldn't be happier as a family of THREE!!

West Lake and Guangzhou arrival

2011-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

This girl LOVES to eat!! (Sorry about the yucky nose....)

Our happy family of 3 at West Lake

Stacey, Ray and Zhou Lei (our friends for life...I don't know what we would have done without them this trip)

Beautiful view of the lake

So happy to be leaving our hotel in Hangzhou!!

We had to meet at 4:30pm to get a van to the airport with the Constantian family and our guide, Michael. Our flight to Guangzhou was at 7:05pm. Tatum played really hard and really happy on Friday afternoon in the hotel...and only took a 1.5 hour nap, if that! I was really nervous for what the flight would bring....but we still had a happy baby and it was a success!!

(Pictures from the flight to come from Todd's i-phone...he's sleeping right now so I can't upload)

The beautiful Marriott in Guangzhou...we arrived a little after 10:00pm and I cried tears of joy entering this hotel room!

Tatum and Daddy spending some time getting to know one another...she is slowly warming up to him

Thank you Marriott-Guangzhou for our baby arrival basket!

Update....

2011-09-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

Monday night one our way to dinner as a family for the first time

Our first night in fresh clean PJs

Tuesday at the Passport office in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province

Wednesday morning bath....not so much a fan of this, but we needed to get clean

Wednesday-free day for us

Stacking cups are my new favorite toy

Waffles and stacking cups...life is good

Thursday on our way to find Subway for lunch...getting sleepy

Tuesday

Tuesday was a VERY long day. It was also my Birthday....we met our group and went back to the Civil Affairs office and signed our paperwork...we are officially a family of three! Tatum was having a tough time drinking from a sippy cup, bottle or a straw...food was not an issue though. Then we went to get one families passport photo/application before we headed to Tatum's orphanage. We are choosing not to share those photos at this time, as it was very emotional for Todd and I to see where our sweet baby girl lived for the first 2 years of her life. It was a 2 hour car ride from the hotel, and we had to stop and do our passpot application first. We didn't get to the orphanage until 5pm and then we were home to the hotel clost to 8:30pm. We were all exhausted, especially Tatum. There was a lot of crying, and I think her belly hurt so much. No poopies on Tuesday....and did I mention we are teething? When we got back to the hotel, we got Tatum into her crib and Todd ordered room service. 2 steak dinners to celebrate my birthday in the dark while our precious baby girl got some much needed rest. There were so many tears today....she was exhausted.

Wednesday

This was a free day for our family. We got up and got breakfast and we awoke to a big poopie diaper! Let me tell you it brought tears to both of our eyes....it was rough and STINKY! All day the diapers were poopie, I think the banana helped! We also learned to drink from the sippy cup today, I was so happy. She needed to get water into that tiny little body. We napped for a few hours in the afternoon and did some walking in the evening. Lots of teething again....and a high fever. It started out around 102, and it was scary for us. Thankfully we have motrin and tylenol with us, so that helped.

We were woken in the middle of the night with tummy issues and more poopie diapers...she slept, but it was not as peaceful as the first few nights.

Thursday

Today we woke up at 6:30am with a poopie diaper and went back to sleep for a few hours. We had to meet at 9:30am for our guide to take us to the Lake....however we found out our van could not drive us because it is a no car day in China....really our guide didn't know until today?! Anyway.....we went with the other family to Subway for lunch and then we headed back to the hotel for a nap. There are tears still today and she is not a fan of Todd still. I think the first day she was just so in shock and didn't know who she was going to. It breaks my heart to see how unhappy she is....I know with time it will get better. It has been hard with the tummy issues yesterday and all the teething. She has to feel just awful. Such a tiny little thing to be going through so much. It has been exhausting and hard, but she is worth it! The other family with us have adopted a 9 year old little girl and she is a great help with Tatum. She can make her smile....which is a blessing to see. I have had a few small smiles....but not many. She will sleep on my chest to go down for her nap, then she will want to roll over and sleep on her back on the bed. She slept in the crib all nights except last night when we woke up to the dirty diaper at 1:30am. She did sleep in our bed in between us. I think we all needed that.

I am hopeful that when she wakes up soon we have a happier baby....we are making baby steps, but she is very independent and so strong. I know she is grieving terribly....I would be too. The nannies at the orphanage loved her so much, and they made her so happy. They told us that they loved her and that they were so thankful we were adopting her....she was one of the few girls in the orphanage and I think they helped her find us because they wanted her to have a family.

Tomorrow we get her passport then we fly to Guangzhou. Wish us luck for the 2 hour flight....I know we will be THAT family with a screaming baby....but we are on the home stretch now. We are so thankful to have the other family with us. It would be very lonely in this strange but beautiful country.....

Love to all at home....we miss everyone! xoxoxo

Gotcha Day!!

2011-09-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful new friends that are travelling in China with us....they are adopting a beautiful 9 year old little girl from the same province. This is the 4 of us before we left for the civil affairs office in the hotel lobby

The moment Tatum walked into the room with her Nanny

We are all getting to know each other

My first smile from Tatum

Our family of THREE!!

We had a great day meeting and bonding with Tatum. It was a long one though. Poor thing didn't get a nap until about 4pm....and we woke her up around 6pm and headed to dinner.

The day consisted of getting to the Civil Affairs office at 9:15 am. Tatum was the last child to arrive out of 4 families. (There was 3 in our group and one from Spain) Of course...she's an Elliott! :) There were NO tears when she was handed to me. Her Nanny loves her so much and really stayed a long time. That caused some tears, but we dealt with it and calmed down pretty quick. Since then....NO tears I am so happy. We went to Wal-Mart to get a stroller and a few snack items. She is completely on table food now.

We all were exhausted when we got back to the hotel. Tatum took a nap and then the 3 of us headed to Pizza Hut for dinner. What a success that was!

She went down around 8:30-9pm and slept until just a little before 7am this morning. We are now enjoying some quiet time, she had some banana and cheerios for breakfast and we are working on warming up to Daddy this morning....she will take food from Todd but this morning hugs and kisses are a little more hard.

We couldn't be happier with our new daughter....today we go back to the Civil Affairs office to sign all the paperwork and then we are going to her orphanage this afternoon to visit. Tomorrow will be much more of a free day, and we are looking forward to that. We are also looking forward to leaving Hangzhou and going to Guangzhou on Friday. The hotel here is NOT the best....and I am ready for some more American food!! I never want to see or cook rice again when we are home! LOL

Sunday-arrival in Hangzhou

2011-09-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

We woke up and 4:30am and had our bags picked up from the room at 5:15am to leave the Poly Plaza Hotel in Beijing and ride with all 5 families to the Beijing Airport. We were getting a flight with Ray and Stacey to Hangzhou, the city in Zhejiang Province in China where Tatum lives. (We found out her orphanage is 2 hours away from where we are right now)

We arrived in Hangzhou a little after 9am and met our new guide Michael. He took us all to the Hangzhou Hotel, which appears to be downtown. (I'm sorry there are no photos of this yet....I didn't have my camera out and then I took some at night....more to follow!) We are surrounded by two malls, and MAJOR deisgner stores. Not what I expected in China at all.

We had some disruption checking into our rooms. They were dirty and smoking rooms....not what we wanted with a new baby. We worked it out and exchanged rooms and are happier now. However, we are thinking of upgrading to a suite in Guangzhou to enjoy some more space for us and Tatum.

After we settled into the room, Michael took us to the mall to show us the food court where to eat lunch. It was ALL Chinese....I tell you I am starting to miss the comforts of home and meat and potatoes! We solidered through lunch with Ray and Stacey had the waitress call a friend and ordered our meals through the cell phone. It was very smart of her! Then we all came back to the hotel to rest. I think that was our last nap ever! LOL

When we got up, we met Ray and Stacey and wandred the streets of Hangzhou. It was amazing to walk the streets with the locals. Then we ate dinner at KFC. It is pretty different than at home....but it comforted us. We did some more shopping. Ray and Stacey wanted to find some crafts to do with their daughter who is 9. I think that will be great for bonding. We bought some books for Tatum and our Goddaughter, Lucy. They are in English and Chinese and I thought it would be a fun momento for them both.

We made it to bed by about 10:30pm and I think I slept on and off but woke up ever hour. It is now 5:45am and I have been up officially since 5:00am....this is it I don't think I will fall back to sleep now. Today is finally Tatum Day....I can't believe this day is here. We meet our guide at 8:30 am to leave for the Civil Affairs office, which is 30 minutes away. We will go there with Ray and Stacey and a new family that has been added to the group. They are adopting a child with a major heart defect and will leave for the US onthe 20th the head home for her heart surgery.

I have a mixture of emotions going through my mind right now...it's exciting and scary all at the same time. I just hope and pray that we are the perfect parents for this beautiful little girl. I hope that the transition is handled with ease for all of us, and that we bond really well together. I know there are many friends and family members that can't wait to meet this beauty....we promise to update when we are ready to Skype!!

This is it....3 more hours until we meet our beautiful daughter!! Wish us luck!! :)

Tour day in Beijing

2011-09-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

Tianamen Square

Veronica-the BEST guide ever!! I cried when we left her-so caring and sweet

The Forbidden City

Trash lady....I loved her!

The Great Wall (the beginning of the walk up)-the chain of locks on the right (we didn't add one)

Todd and Diane at the Great Wall-such a beautiful and touching experience. Lots of tears for me

Chinese Graffiti

We had a great day touring the Forbidden City, Tianamen Square and the Great Wall. We ate lunch at the Jade Factory and I bought a bangle for Tatum and a gift for Todd's parents.

Today we flew to Hangzhou and we are at the Hangzhou Hotel in Hangzhou. Change of hotel that we didn't know about, but we are ok and settling in to get ready for tomorrow morning. I can't believe we meet our baby girl in less than 24 hours.

Tomorrow is Tatum Day!!!!

Our first night and meal....

2011-09-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

View of Beijing from our hotel window (9th floor room 919 at the Poly Plaza)

Flowers for sale around the corner from the hotel

McDonalds....Todd hasn't eaten here yet but is comforted to know it is right around the corner

Produce section of the grocery store

Fresh crab at the grocery store, Wu-Mart

Our first meal....chicken and rice

We bought 4 bottles of water (water in the hotel is not potable), 2 sprites, 2 cans of coke and it was ~$2 I can't believe it.

We slept OK last night....as well as you can on these HARD Poly Plaza Hotel beds!! All the reviews are correct and other families comments....we were so thankful for clean sheets, a full tummy and a hot shower we didn't mind too much. It is 5am right now and we are up on the lap top and Todd is watching a movie on the IPad. We have to meet our group this morning at 8:30am for a full day of tours....I think it will be a long day, but we are so excited to tour this beautiful country. I am thankful for the snacks I packed us, as we enjoyed a few already this morning....our days and nights are still a little off, so pringles for a early morning snack don't seem too out of the ordinary!

More to come after today.....blogger is slow at uploading photos, so be will have to be patient!

2 more days until Tatum!! :)

Our journey to Beijing...

2011-09-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

Diane on the flight from Dulles to Beijing

A view of the North Pole

Our hotel room....and the bed we are both crashing into. We have now been up for 24 hours and are meeting our guide with 5 other families tomorrow morning at 8:30am for a full day of tours to the Great Walll, The Forbidden City, etc....

We had a great Chinese meal at the hotel this evening (Poly Plaza) with another family we are travelling with. They are so kind, and treated us to dinner tonight to celebrate becoming parents for the first time. I know we will enjoy their company for the next 2 weeks, and all the advice they can give us. They are adopting their second international child, and this will make child number 7 for them...so we are in the hands of pros!!

I had more pictures, but we timed out uploading and I just don't have it in me to stay awake any longer....sweet dreams!

3 days until TATUM!!! :)

Ready....

2011-09-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

We are packed and ready to go! All that is left is to pack the electronics, Todd needs to download some books to the IPad and we are hoping to get some sleep before tomorrow's journey to the airport. I have checked us in online and we upgraded to Economy Plus which has 5 inches more leg room & was a minimal fee for this luxury. We also booked the emergency exit row and have just 2 seats together....

Sweet dreams....our next post will be in Beijing!!

Dear Tatum,

Mommy and Daddy are so excited to meet you and can't wait until Monday morning. We know this will be a confusing day for you, but hope that you handle it with ease. We love you and are so proud of how brave you have already been in your sweet little life.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

xoxoxo

Almost there...

2011-09-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday we leave for China! I never thought this day would come. We are trying to get our life ready at home, which as you can imagine is not an easy task! I'm finished with work now for 12 weeks which helps ally with the final packing, cleaning the house and crossing off the final items from my LONG to do lists!!

We've downloaded a VPN to our laptop, so we hope to be able to update everyone while we are away. We get to China Friday afternoon...the Saturday we are touring Beijing and the Great Wall. I can't believe we will be exploring such a beautiful country. The country that our daughter was born in, for that we are so thankful. Sunday we fly to Hangzhou with 2 other families to prepare for the Monday morning where we all meet our children for the first time. I can't even begin to tell you the excitement I am feeling right now...we are so ready for this, and cannot wait to be a family of 3!!!

Getting Ready

2011-09-03T05:24:00.000-07:00

First of all...please excue the poor cellphone camera that took these photos, but hope you enjoy seeing how we are getting ready for Tatum's arrival!

View of nursery from door way

View of Crib

Inside crib...don't worry it all won't be in there with her!

This girl will be WELL dressed. Keep in mind I have already packed her bag for China too! So there are clothes missing from this closet! YIKES

Highchair with leftover balloons from my shower at work

Tatum's TV chair

Bathroom-we decided to keep this as grown up as possible since this is also the guest bathroom...but with a pink potty and a basket of hair bows, it does scream little girl!

Thanks Aunt Laura!

We will put her bookcase up today infront of the tree...(it's open) for now the books are in the basket on the floor

We are overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends and co-workers! Tatum has SO many toys. We will work to widdle these down over the next week so she is not overwhelmed when she comes home.

Kitchen set

I think we are ready! Todd is putting up the baby gates today and putting the bookcase together. We have a few more things to pack, but otherwise....China here we come!

We have received confirmation of our international flights, our inner China travel details and all of our appointments we have for Tatum, sighseeing and our consulate appointment. This is all happening so fast and after many years of waiting, this is it!! We are so thankful for the love and support of our friends throughout this process, I can't tell you how much that has meant to us. The other day, we had so many gifts arrive, I literally just sat in the floor surrounded by them and sobbed. All good tears, but sobbed none the less. Todd hadn't warned me about some of the gifts because of who they were from and he knew I would be touched, and now I know why...he didn't want a lunatic calling him in tears! LOL

Today I am taking one of my best friends ever to lunch for her birthday. She will celebrate her birthday the day before we leave for China, and I know I just won't have myself together to celebrate with her then...so today is a day for us to spend together, to celebrate, giggle and just have fun together! Happy early Birthday....Laura!!

Tomorrow we are celebrating baby Leland's first birthday and Monday is my Father in Law's 60th Birthday. They are just getting home from a cruise, so it will be exciting to hear all abou that and catch up with the girls (my sister in laws) too!! :)

One last piece of good news....we found out we are able to travel to Tatum's orphanage while we are in China. I am so happy to receive that news!! We will go there on my Birthday to see where she spent the first 2 years of her life. I am very thankful to be blessed with this opportunity.

12 more sleeps before we fly out from Dulles to Beijing!!

Consulate Appointment confirmed!

2011-08-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

We received word this morning that our consulate appointment has been approved for 9/28/2011. We are so excited, I can't even begin to tell you what we are feeling.

Here is our tentative schedule...we leave for China on 9/15!!

09/15 – Depart US
09/16 – Arrive in Beijing to participate in the Beijing tours on 9/17
09/18 – Arrive in province if you’re not participating in the Beijing Tours
09/19 – Gotcha Day!
09/23 – Fly to Guangzhou
09/24 – Medical exam/TB Test in Guangzhou
09/28 - AC appointment – Oath Taking Ceremony
09/29 - Family goes to AC to pick up passport with visa at ~ 3:30 pm
09/30 - Departure from China

We are working to get flights approved, etc... right now. Wish us luck!!

PS My Birthday is 9/20...best.birthday.ever this year!!!

Two Letters...

2011-08-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

TA

I am one happy girl! We are hoping to leave September 8th, and I can't wait!!

We have a huge weekend planned. My family and friends are hosting a shower for us this weekend, and we have a ton of out of town friends coming in...and Irene needs to back off!

I will be back soon....I am exhausted and I need to start packing!!!

Struggling...

2011-08-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

This is it, the final wait on a government body to issue something for the adoption process to bring Tatum home. We are waiting on our Travel Approval (TA). I look at blogs, forums, you name it...anything associated with a way for me to estimate when we can expect to receive our TA. I'm going crazy...my phone is with me at all times, I'm not sleeping well...and did I mention that we were in an earthquake today here in MD? In addition to that...we are expecting a hurricane this weekend. We are hosting a crab feast for 22 of our closest friends and family who are in turn hosting a shower for me to celebrate the homecoming of Tatum.

Tomorrow night, I am hosting a Cookie Lee jewelry party and my friend Jodi has offered 30% of all sales to be donated towards the orphanage fee that is needed to bring Tatum home. I'm looking forward to a night with some ladies to kick back and relax.

On top of all of this, work is nuts. I have just about zero interest in being there, I've had enough and I need a break....a 12 week break for me to be with my baby girl....so, come on TA!! (according to my neurotic math, we should receive TA this Friday...just saying)

Update

2011-08-14T15:35:00.001-07:00

Last week we received an update on Tatum!! I took this picture from the lap top to brighten it up a little...our little beauty is 22 lbs now and just beautiful! I can't wait to get over there to get my hands on her and bring her home...I'm ready to see that first smile!

Article 5

2011-08-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Good News...our Article 5 was picked up!!! Now we wait for Travel Approval (TA)!! I can't believe this good news.......YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nursery Sneak Peak

2011-07-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Chair ready for bed time stories...

Crib with the quilt from PK Kids (Jungle Friends)

Dresser-I still need a lampshade and a changing pad

Letters hung above crib

View of room from doorway

We were very lucky to receive the furniture we bought from craigslist at a SUPER deal! We went to pick it up on Friday evening and got it put together and set up that same night! I couldn't be happier. I still have a long way to go, but this is a great start!!

Happy Monday...it was a rough one at work for me! I need a glass of wine!!

NVC

2011-07-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

We received a copy of our NVC letter via e-mail yesterday, I was so happy!! Thank you to this website that I found that prompted me to chech where my letter was in the system.

Now we wait for our Article 5, which I believe takes 3-4 weeks.

Tonight we are headed to Crofton to pick up some nursery furniture from a family that was selling on Craigslist. We saw this last weekend, and fell in love. It is just meant to be, and we are getting a great deal! More pictures to follow....

Happy weekend, I am enjoying a little early with today off from work, and boy is it HOT!!

Giveaway

2011-07-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Oh my how I would LOVE to win this wonderful giveaway!! Check it out!!

And today begins my stalking of the mail lady for our NVC letter....keep your fingers crossed!

Catch up & Meal Plan

2011-07-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Tatum's closet is finally complete! The clothes are ALL washed and I just need to add some baskets and move a lot of the toys to the playroom and we will be all set!

My friend, Laura, got me this wall decal for Christmas and after we decided to do jungle animals in the nursery, we knew the bathroom with butterflies and birds was the best place for such a wonderful saying. Thank you Laura!

Here's a little update on life here.....

Today we received our I-800 Provisional Approval! Yahoo! We are 5 steps (count them....5 steps!!) away from Gotcha Day!

NVC letter in ~7-10 days
Cable to China ~2 days
Article 5 ~3-4 weeks
TA ~2-9 weeks
Travel ~3-5 weeks

I can't believe how far we have come! My friends and Todd's family are throwing me a shower on August 27th. We have a few friends from out of town coming, and I can't wait for some good girlfriend time celebrating Tatum's arrival. I really feel ready for this, despite my pages and pages of lists of things I need to do before she arrives, to prepare for her room, bathroom, food for her, while in China, when home, etc....the lists are endless, but SO worth it!

And...because I have grounded us from eating out right now....back to meal planning....

Monday-Pork chops, stuffing, green beans

Tuesday-pizza and salad

Wednesday-chicken picatta with pasta

Thursday-tuna, mashed potatoes, beans

Friday-Chicken alfredo

Saturday- Rockfish, baked potato, salad

Sunday-shrimp with pasta

Have a great week everyone!

The light at the end of the tunnel to China....

2011-06-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today, we sent our I800 application and supplement 3 (to switch from healthy to SN) to USCIS (aka the Department of Homeland Security). What a big step in the process to bring Tatum home!

Now...we wait for I800 approval and then our approval will go the National Visa Center. We will then get a letter from the NVC that our information is cabeled to the US Embassy in Guangzhou. Our adoption agency will send our signed referral and LSC, DS-230 and NVC letter to Bejjing. The agency staff there will then forward it to the American consulate for pre approval and issuance of the Article 5.

In 2-3 weeks, then Article 5 and signed LSC will be sent to the the CCCWA. Then, we wait for them to give us TRAVEL APPROVAL. Once we obtain Travel Approval, our agency requests a Consulate Appointment. When that appointment is confirmed, our travel is arranged around that.

I think we are still on target to travel in early October (I hope)! Someone pinch me, because this just doesn't feel real!!

LSC!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

It gives me great joy to announce to the WORLD....our daughter!

Ni Ju Lin

Born in our hearts 10/07/2009

Zhejiang Province, China

18 months

10 months

We will call her Tatum McKenlin Elliott and are on track to bring her home by this November!! It feels so good to share this news with everyone....

We are celebrating tonight!! :)

Update....

2011-06-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

Nothing really new to report....we are still waiting on on LSC. Today marks the 4 week mark for waiting, and currently we are being told our wait will be 5-12 weeks.

These are a few things we have purchased over the past few weeks, been given and painted....enjoy!

Eddie Bauer wooden high purchased from Little Rascals Consignment store for $30

Kitchen set from a friend. He daughter has outgrown it, and we painted it pink! We are so thankful for the generosity of our friends

Clothes that I have bought so far....not many and most have been on SALE!! The Carters outlet is wonderful for bargains, and I have learned that I really love http://www.zulily.com/. Check it out!!

The Schwinn jogging stroller Todd found on Craigslist for $40.

Jeep Umbrella stroller that was $15 on craigslist

Toys from my Aunt Christine (Mom's sister). She also lives in England. The one on the left is to send with the carepackage once we get our LSC and the one on the right is to keep for when Tatum comes home!

So, that's our update....I am organizing all the adoption papers (finally) and keeping all my receipts together for our accountant. This weekend will be low key. The weather is beautiful after a very HOT Memorial Day weekend. I would like to go to the beach (Ocean City) one day for some sun, fries and lemonade....doesn't get any better!!

Happy Friday!

Name

2011-05-16T16:28:00.001-07:00

I forgot to tell you....we have a name....our daughter's name will be.....

Tatum McKenlin Elliott

xoxo

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day in the US is in May, and in March in England-where my parents live. For Mother's Day this year for my Mom, we sent her a new pendant for this magnetic exchangeable necklace and a knitted wrap in a pretty cornflower blue color that I always love seeing on my Mom and I called to wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

For US Mother's Day, Todd wanted to have his family over. This is the cake I ordered from a good friend, Lisa that I used to work with. Recently, Lisa started a baking business with a friend and they make some of the most beautiful creations.

We wanted a Ladybug to celebrate Tatum and China. We found out April 25th that our adoption agency locked a file for us. The following week, we received our LOI and we were over the moon with joy. I called my parents to tell them first, and sent a Fed-Ex package with a letter describing Tatum and her Special Needs and the few pictures we have of her. We wanted Mom and Dad to be the first to see their new Grand-daughter!

Todd's Parents after we broke the news to them.

Todd's sister April, Mom Elliott and Mom-Mom Ross. Tatum will be Mom-Mom's 10th Great-Grandchild.

Then, Todd surprised me with a beautiful necklace from Etsy with our daughter's name and date of birth as well as a birthstone pearl. As soon as we can share that information, I will happily post a close up of the necklace!!

It was a fun week of telling our families and our friends.

Home Study Update

2011-05-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

This morning we had our home study update....with a new social worker. That always adds a little extra stress to the situation. Even though I knew everything would be fine, you still scrub the floors a little extra, hope and pray the dogs don't bark too much while cooped up in the garage and hope you answer all the questions the way you should. It went well...our new social worker is very easy to get a long with, and we are happy. We aren't always so happy with the agency we chose to use for the home study part of the adoption...however we do love GWCA who is taking care of the international portion of things. I am sure our MD agency has flagged our file!! We have written a few e-mails to express our dissatisfaction in the past, and typically they pay off. Today went well. We are just waiting for our CPS clearances to come in for our county and our social worker will work to make the changes to encompass Tatum's special needs and we will submit to GWCA for review and have China review with our current logged in dossier. The next step will be obtaining our LSC after China's review. I think that if things stick to the current plan, we could still look at travelling in October/November of this year.

We've started to work on her nursery and have finally agreed on a theme...and how we would like to see it decorated. I ordered the bumper for the crib this morning. No, we don't have a crib...but that's the easy part. These decoartions are the hard part! We have decided on Pottery Barn Kids Jungle Friends, but aren't going over the top. We want this to be educational for her....yet girlie too. Todd just couldn't agree to me getting flowers and pink, etc... although we have agreed on a beautiful pink slip covered chair that rocks for the corner in her room. This will be great for bed time stories and bonding.

I had a half day at work today...but have to go in this afternoon. 4 hours....I can do it!! Have a great week! I am off tomorrow meeting up with my bestest friend ever (Deb) for lunch. Boy do we have a lot to catch up on!! They just got from Paris with their daughter, so I can't wait to hear all about that trip.

Announcement....

2011-05-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

It gives me great joy to announce we accepted the file of a beautiful little girl on April 28th...and we received our PA just one short week later! We are over the moon with joy, and can't wait to complete the journey of bringing our daughter home to her forever family.

When we can share more information, please know that I will....this is one Mother's Day to remember!!

We are in love with our daughter xoxo

China Timeline

2011-05-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Just a little something added to the side of the blog to keep me going...I am a real planner and list maker, so every little helps! No matter what stage of the process we are....

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommy's out there!

China

2011-04-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

China is updating the Special Needs list tonight....so fingers crossed, this could be our night we are matched with our daughter!! We have been waiting 5 months since LID, so here goes nothing!! I literally have every finger and toe crossed. I spoke to a friend last week. She has a biological child, a child she adopted domestically and a child she adopted from China. She told me there is nothing like travelling half way around the world and have a child you have hoped and prayed for for years be placed in your arms for the first time...this gives me goose bumps and makes me tear up...I get it, and I can't wait to travel.

Baby Girl-We love you already and are SOOOO ready to bring you home. xoxo

Recovering From the weekend & Meal Plan

2011-04-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

I really intended to be better at posting last week while I was off, but I actually was super busy and I didn't want to waste a lot of time indoors blogging...the weather was GREAT!!

Wednesday, I won 5 tickets to the Baltimore Orioles game, and the seats were 26 rows behind home plate!! The view was awesome!! Todd wanted to take his parents with us, so we had one extra ticket that didn't get used.

Thursday, we took the Ferry to Cape May in New Jersey from Lewes, DE. It was a great day and we look forward to going back there in the summer for a few days. There were some beautiful houses and alot of nice stores and restaurants.

Saturday morning, I fell in the garage trying to hold the dogs back from running out of the open door. I didn't realize that Todd had the door open and I walked out there to feed them...well boom, down I went. I hurt my back at work a few weeks ago, and this didn't help things one bit. Todd helped grab Winston and I fell onto Marley and we got them inside. Adrenaline definately kicked in. I got to the bench I have inside and I just sat and sobbed. Todd came running in and I couldn't move. He carried me to the sofa where I stayed all day. We had a birthday dinner for his cousin that just turned 40 in Laurel (an hour away) so I knew I needed to rest for this. Lots of ice and meds from the previous injury. NOTHING was touching this pain. Saturday morning I was still hobbling around and I finally gave in and went to Your Docs In (urgent care) and they gave me prednisone, valium and percocet. You ask for it, they would hand it out...scary! I took the prednisone and 1 percocet before Easter dinner and a valium before bed. Boy did I sleep WELL! I took the prednisone again today and only one percocet...no more valium for me. I have a drug hangover today, that's for sure! We went to Easter dinner at my in-laws and my sister in laws brought their boyfriends. It was nice and relaxing...Winston went a long to play in the neighbors yard. It is so nice to see him run!

Today, I stayed home from work. Todd went in to grab a lap top for me and I completed some reports that have been needed to be completed and relaxed with ice packs and some rest.

Here's the meal plan for this week....

Monday-Spaghetti
Tuesday-pork chops, stuffing, green bean casserole
Wednesday-BLTs - I have a conference in Baltimore and then book club
Thursday-cheeseburger helper
Friday-chicken, mac & cheese, salad
Saturday-mahi-mahi, rice, salad
Sunday-The Rockfish in Annapolis then Rockapella at Rams Head

Have a great week!

Meal Plan & a recipe

2011-04-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have been away from blogging for a little while. Work has been VERY busy for me, and my husband....thankfully I took some time off this week just for me! It is like and adult Spring Break! HA HA I am hoping to spend some time connecting with some friends for lunches, and connecting with some blog friends again. I have been very MIA from visiting/commenting on blogs.

One of my favorite things that started me with blogging is Monday's Meal Plan....

Monday-tuna pasta *see recipe below
Tuesday-tacos
Wednesday-out (we are hoping to go to Cape May for the day)
Thursday-pork chops, stuffing and green beans
Friday-Mahi-Mahi and rice
Saturday-Out
Sunday-Easter Dinner

tuna pasta

2 carrots-chopped and diced

2 stalks of celery-chopped and diced

1 small onion-chopped and diced

2 dill pickle spears-chopped and diced

1 lemon-zest only

1/2 box pasta-cooked and drained (rotini works well)

1 cup mayo

Old Bay Seasoning

Ground Black Pepper

Cook pasta, drain and mix all other ingredients together. Add the pasta and mix well. This is delicious served warm, but makes great left overs for the week stored in the fridge.

Today, I met up with Lisa from The Long Road to China. We had a great lunch, and I really enjoyed meeting Lisa in person and hearing her stories of adoption. She is just as beautiful and sweet in person as she appears in her blog. Thank you Lisa for a great lunch and for taking time out of your day to meet in person!! : )

Tomorrow, I am running errands in town and dropping off my spring/summer drop off to Little Rascals (our local consignment store). I have started really linking up with coupons and this blog which is a local lady that helps with coupon matching for our local MD stores. I spent $56 at the grocery store on Saturday and saved just over $35! I was happy with that first attempt of stacking coupons, etc... Once I get better, I will be glad to post my deals!

Have a great week!! I know I will : )

Weekend and Meal Plan Monday

2011-02-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we went to see Hall Pass....it was HILARIOUS!! Finally a movie to watch that the trailers and commercials didn't give away all the funny moments. We really enjoyed it!

The rest of the weekend was spent doing the typical chores....shopping, cleaning, etc...we also took some pictures of some property for a company in TX that will pay us $100/location to take 15 pictures and write a brief bio on the subject. We did 3 this weekend, so we will see how long it takes for the check to come! If it does come, this could be a good little hustle.

Sunday-Pioneer Woman's chicken spaghetti...readapted to use turkey, no green peppers and cream of chicken soup not cream of mushroom...it was yummy!

Monday-beef tenderloin and twice baked potatoes

Tuesday-pork chops, mac & cheese and salad

Wednesday-hamburger helper

Thursday-chicken picatta

Friday-lasagna and garlic bread

Have a great week everyone!! I'm hoping for a less stressful week at work, because lately it has just been too much for me...I'm on the 7-4 shift this week so I look forward to catching a few episodes of Oprah too! ;)

Meal Plan Monday

2011-02-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Monday-BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, baked beans
Tuesday-tuna and white beans (Williams and Sonoma Recipe)
Wednesday-In-laws Anniversary dinner at Doc's
Thursday-steak tacos
Friday-shepherd's pie
Saturday-Perry Cabin with our gift card from Christmas
Sunday-Roast chicken, mashed potatos, broccoli

Have a great week! We celebrated Valentine's Day on Saturday night...I cooked beef tenderloin and lobster tails-they were delicious! xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T11:06:00.001-08:00

Meal Plan Monday

2011-02-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts-mini bagels with cream cheese, toast, poptarts, and Todd's occasional trip to Wawa

Lunches-packed everyday this week but Wednesday--most sandwiches and leftovers

Dinners-

Monday-chicken noodle soup
Tuesday-Spaghetti and meat sauce
Wednesday-BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, baked beans
Thursday-chicken cordon blue, rice and salad
Friday-Chicken pesto pasta or chicken picatta with egg noodles
Saturday-date night

Have a great week!

Boat Show and Meal Plan

2011-01-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the Baltimore Boat Show, we go every year. A few years ago, we owned a Shamrock 22, cuddy cabin and loved it. We sold it to a guy in Canada, and it was a sad day for us. We knew it was a good time to sell, but now we are trying to find something else that we want and can agree on! It was window shopping this year...but we saw a few things that caught our eye!

Then, we stopped at Cafe Sado for some wine and Sushi on our way home. It was our first time going there, and we loved it! Buy One Get one Free sushi is always a good deal to me :)

We are having a lazy Sunday, and gearing up for the week...lots going on for us this week. Thursday, some friends of Todd's from High School (Benyaro) will be staying with us because they are performing at Night Cat at 8pm. We are really looking forward to it!! I have Friday off work, so we will also look forward to a long weekend.

My meal plan for the week typically starts on Sundays...since I work, I use the weekends to get ready for the week, and Sunday's are almost always 'roasted poultry' days....

Sunday-Roast Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad
Monday-pork chops, stuffing, beans and corn
Tuesday-Trader Joe's Lobster Ravioli and homemade cream sauce
Wednesday-Book Club-on your own
Thursday-chicken pesto pasta
Friday-Scossa Dinner with work
Saturday-Beef Ragu with pasta
Have a great week everyone! I'm about to nudge a sleepy husband off the couch to work on our taxes, and take some clothes to Goodwill....; )

No Phone Call

2011-01-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

Finally, after 3am we stopped waking up to listen for the phone and to look at the alarm clock....maybe next month?!

On another note, work has been super busy this week and I am EXHAUSTED! Thank Goodnes tomorrow is Friday!!

Waiting for the phone to RING

2011-01-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

I received a phone call from our Adoption agency this afternoon, and as soon as I hung up, I called Todd and e-mailed my parents to share the news.

The CCAA is updating their shared list for the Waiting Children List. There could be anywhere from 50-600 children added to this shared list. Our agency is in TX and will be working late into the night/early tomorrow morning viewing the children's files as they are added to the list. (As I am sure other agencies are going the same...) Anyway, if they see a file that we could be matched with, they will lock the file and call us tonight. We will then have 72 hours to make a decision.

Now...this could also go the opposite way, we could not receive a phone call. But, we are thinking positive...have our laptop in our room, phones on charge by the bed and we are ready for the news, you know, just in case...!!

So, keep your fingers crossed for our family tonight...we could see the face of our daughter tonight!!

Quiet weekend and meal plan

2011-01-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

We've had a quiet weekend, after a rough week at work for me, so it has been nice. Friday night, I didn't get out of work until 6pm, so we were late being able to leave for dinner AND a movie, so we just had dinner at Olive Garden instead. It was delicious, and cheap (I had a coupon for $5 off!)!!

Saturday, Todd got up at the crack of dawn to goose/duck hunt. I couldn't really go back to sleep, so I got up and headed to the mall. We had about 2 inches of snow, but the roads were fine. I got a much needed mani and pedi and then met Deb for lunch at Brio. Brio is one of my favorite restaurants, and I had never been there for lunch before...we usually just do dinner there. We both had frozen peach bellinis and the Asian Citrus salad with shrimp...we talked and talked and talked...so much to catch up on!! It was a great boost after a rough week, I always look forward to my time spent with Deb. Then, Todd and I enjoyed some good cooking at Kays Retaurant at the little airport in Cambridge...fried chick and mashed potatoes...we have LOTS of leftovers from this weekend of eating out.

Today, we got up and cleaned the house. Then, I am going to roast a chicken for dinner tonight...Todd loves roasted poultry on Sundays : ) Gearing up for a rough week...my lab assistant is on vacation this week and there are many demands to support production.

So, here's the meal plan a day early...have a great week!

Monday-Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Tuesday-Tuna nicoise salad
Wednesday-pizza and oven fries
Thursday-pot roast (crock pot)
Friday-herb chicken with orzo pasta salad
Saturday-beef stew
Sunday-Dinner at a friends house (Fondu..yum!)

The Bachelor

2011-01-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

It's that time again....just me, the dogs, in my pjs and in bed at 8pm!! I can't wait!!

menu for the week

2011-01-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

This time at home over the holidays has come to an abrupt end, and boy was it hard to get up and back into my workday routine this morning!! Here's my menu for the week...hope you are all having an easier time getting back into the swing of things...I mean isn't it time for my daily nap and dose of Ellen and Oprah on tv?!

Monday-roast pork, twice baked potatoes, salad
Tuesday-Shrimp with a creamy pasta sauce (Williams-Sonoma recipe)
Wenesday-Chicken Pot Pie and Mashed Potatoes
Thursday-Leftover chili
Friday-herb chicken with parsley orzo pasta

I am linking up to Meal Plan Monday, enjoy!

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind of the last few days of 2010...

We have had a rocky relationship with Todd's parents for the past few years, but after much thought and consideration, we crossed the bridge and went to family Christmas Eve at his parents house. Many emotions were shared, and we were thankful there was a full house, all of Todd's extended family gets together at the holidays. I'm not sure when we will see them again, but baby steps.

Then, on NYE we found out that two of our dearest friends are going through a rough time. We love them both so much and want them to be happy. Marriage is something you work at, whether it is good, bad or somewhere in between. We know that the next few days, weeks and months will be a challenge for them, but know that they will do what is best for their relationship and marriage. Everything happens for a reason, but what that reason is...I don't always know. I just know that we are here for them both and love them both very much.

So...we travel this New Year road with a new outlook on life...our relationship...our journey to adopt from China...and our future. I think this will be a wonderful year filled with many wonderful possibilities for us.

Happy 2011!!

making laundry detergent

2010-12-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

I have been making my own laundry detergent for a few months now...it saves me SO much money, and works really well for our household.

These are the ingredients....Washing SODA, Borax and Ivory Soap bars (although I am sure you could use any soap bar depending on your fragrance desired--we use Ivory because I can get 10 bars at the dollar store for $4)

Recipe

1/2 cup borax

1 cup washing soda

1 grated bar of soap

I usually triple this to make at one time to fill the jar below.

Grate bar of soap and combine with other ingredients. Then, I put it all through the food processor to grind fine. ( I find this helps for the soap flakes to dissolve in our washer ).

Finished product

I usually use 2-3 teaspoons (and keep a spoon right in the jar) per load. 2 for a medium load and 3 for a large load, but you can adjust as needed.

Next I want to try making my own dishwasher detergent (but I have some store bought to finish), and then move into making my own cleaning products. I have this book that I bought in Philadelphia that tells you all products to make using natural items and essential oils. LOVE it!

menu for the week

2010-12-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, I know we did! We spent Christmas Eve with my in-laws...Christmas Day with our friends, John and Laura...and enjoyed talking to my parents and Nick, Cory and Lucy on Christmas Day too!

I am off this week...so it is a lot of days spent cooking, cleaning and organizing closets...it is SO nice to be home. I have been off since last Tuesday, and I know this Monday will be hard for me to go back.

So, better late than ever...

Monday-Shrimp and Crab Creamy Pasta (Williams and Sonoma)
Tuesday-Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pot Pie with baked potatoes and rolls
Wednesday-Tacos (hard and soft)
Thursday-Rockfish (thanks to Todd's cousin Nick), red potatoes, salad
Friday-lamb, twice baked potatoes, creamed spinach and salad
Saturday-Chili
Sunday-Pork Roast, mashed potatoes, broccoli and asparagus

Today, hubby and I went up to Kent Island to look at a house for a job bid (paint and carpet) and then we stopped at the outlets on the way home...I scored a new Coach wallet for $46 (including tax!), and we exchanged a sweater that I bought Todd the wrong size. I was so mad that I did that, but he ended up getting something different anyway...so it worked out.

We stopped at Blockbuster to use a gift card we got (thanks Mike and Krista) and are going to curl up tonight in front of the fire and watch Knight and Day....and the new Wall Street Movie.

Have a great week!

Meal Plan and weekend catch up

2010-12-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend...Todd got some winterizations done for a few houses, and I got the house decorated for Christmas. We went Saturday afternoon to cut down our own Christmas tree. I think this was a first for me, it was so much fun. $40 for any size tree, and we got a beauty! (pictures to follow...)

Yesterday, Todd went to work on his duck blind for hunting...and I stayed home in my PJs ALL day. It was great. I cooked a roast port, and we just vegged out in front of the fire in the evening. Today, I am home sick and after a trip to the Dr. , I have a sinus and ear infection She wrote a script for a Z-pak and some ear drops...should be good as new soon!

Mon-Spaghetti
Tues-BLTs with fries
Wednesday-Book Club/pizza
Thursday-pork chops, mashed potatoes, baked beans

Then we are on our own for Friday and the weekend. I am leaving work early to meet Laura and go to the Philadelphia airport to pick Cory up from the airport, and head to King of Prussia Mall this weekend to shop, shop shop!

Happy Holidays!

LID!!!!!!!!

2010-12-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

It's official.....we are paper pregnant!!! Our log in date (LID) is 11/8/2010. Now we still have a long road to go, but this is a huge milestone and we couldn't be happier.

I'm off to www.etsy.com to find the most perfect hand stamped necklace to mark this specaial date, and to enjoy a glass of wine to celebrate!!

Menu for the week

2010-11-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

Monday-Chicken cordon Blue with rice

Tuesday-Sausage, tomato and arugula pasta

Wednesday-sea scallops with brussel sprouts and bacon

Thursday-tuna with mashed potatoes and salad

Friday-steak and baked potatoes

This weekend I will be decorating for Christmas. We are staying home for Christmas this year...so we are getting a real tree, I am putting the train set up around the bottom....and looking forward to a relaxing holiday season. Next weekend I am travelling to King of Prussia Mall with some girlfriends to go shopping, and we can't wait! We are also going in to the city (Philadelphia) for dinner that Saturday night...it's going to be so much fun!

Thanksgiving 2010 in the Southern Caribbean

2010-11-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

We took a 9 night cruise from Miami to the Southern Caribbean this Thanksgiving...it was wonderful! We travelled with Air Tran from Baltimore to Miami then with NCL cruise line. Our ship was the Norwegian Dawn.

Our ports of call were Samana, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados and St Kitts

What a view in Antigua

Max, my new friend!

Me and my wonderful hubby one evening before one of the fantastic shows on board the ship

On Thanksgiving, we were in St Kitts. This was our lobster lunch...then it was turkey and all the fixings on the cruise ship that night....delicious!

It was a chilly arrival back home to 30 degree weather...and we are expecting to get some snow this weekend! I miss the 80 degree weather and sun already....next trip is to England to see my parents in February, we can't wait!

Weekly Meal Plan

2010-11-09T03:33:00.000-08:00

I've been slacking with this recently...and am back on the band wagon, and my checking account thanked me! I only spent $68 at the grocery store this week!

Monday-Cheeseburgers and Fries
Tuesday-Chicken picatta with fresh stuffed pasta
Wednesday-shrimp with basil and tomato pasta
Thursday-Leftovers
Friday-Steak, mashed potatoes, salad
Saturday-Scossa-it's Waterfowl this weekend
Sunday-Roast Chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Have a great week!

Shutterfly

2010-11-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

It's almost that time of year....yes, you guessed it, it's time to start thinking about Christmas Cards....I was blog hopping and found this link:

http://bit.ly/sfly2010 to receive 50 FREE Christmas Cards....what?! 50 FREE?! I Love Shutterfly for almost all of my picture needs...and I LOVE the idea of beautiful Christmas photo cards...with no fancy note, just pop in the envelope and mail them off...easy peasy!

Head over using the link above and get your FREE cards too!

Lucy's baptism

2010-11-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

We had the honor of being asked to be Godparents to our best friend's baby girl, Lucy in July....Lucy was born August 13, 2010 and this weekend we travelled to SC for her baptism.

Lucy and I before the baptism...all dressed up and ready to go!

Lucy in the car with her pearls on--the perfect baptism gift! I had to start her out right.

What a special day...we can't thank Nick and Cory enough for asking us to be part of Lucy's special day and her life....we love you guys so much!!

Today is the day!!

2010-10-29T05:01:00.001-07:00

After nearly 2 years....our Dossier is heading to China today!! Yahoo!!!

Dossier COMPLETE

2010-10-27T04:36:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a day yesterday was! We FINALLY received our paperwork back from the DC Chinese Consulate with the final authentication stamps before everything can head to China in the form a of our dossier! Of course there was a hiccup along the way...but Todd stepped up and really showed me what a wonderful Father he will be to our baby girl. I think I fell in love all over again....

So, last night, we packaged everything up and make 2 photocopies of all that paperwork and got it in the last Fed Ex pick up to head to TX to our agency for review and submission to CHINA! I can't believe this day finally arrived. We started the paperchase pn December 17, 2008. There were some reasons it took us so long...that I will discuss one day, but mostly it was our agency we used for the home study. (Slow as a snail) But now, we are hopeful for Friday. Dossiers leave our agency and go to China every Friday. I really hope there aren't any errors and we make it this week. That would be the best gift to us ever right now.

Keep posted...next up....LID!! YAY!!

We are headed to Charleston this weekend for our God-daughter's baptism and to celebrate our Best Friends Birthday....what a fun weekend to one of our favorite places. : )

Adoption Update and more

2010-10-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Today we sent all our paperwork off to the necessary Chinese Consulates. What a relief! They say the turn around time is 4 days, and don't you know I included an overnight Fed-Ex envelope for each consulate to mail back to us! Ha! Once these papers return back to us, we can submit everything to our agency in TX to be reviewed, translated and then it will be submitted to China. We are SOOOO close to receiving a Log In date, I just can't stand it!! This weekend we are going to sit down and try to decide on some lifestyle shots to send with all our paperwork.

Work has been AWFUL recently. We are so busy and there just doesn't seem to be any relief coming soon. Thankfully my boss did let us all leave at 4pm, and they are going to look for a temp to help me out in the lab for 8-12 weeks...what a great plan!

Tomorrow, I am going to enjoy an hour massage that my wonderful hubby got me for our Anniversary last weekend. I am going to LOVE every minute of it.

Have a great weekend!! The weather here is beautiful...I can't wait to get some pumpkins and mums to decorate outside. : )

Happy Birthday to ME!

2010-09-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

Husby bought me a K*ndle and I am one happy Lady tonight curled up in my PJs while all the new tv shows are on. The dogs are sleeping, laundry is done, clothes are unpacked from our trip to Georgetown for a beautiful wedding....and a nice dinner was had after a really sh*tty day at work. Yes, they chose today to tell me I didn't get an internal position I applied for. But you know what, who cares...because I have a K*ndle....at last!!

SHOW US YOUR LIFE---LIVING ROOMS

2010-09-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

This week over at Kelly's Korner, Kelly is hosting Show Us Your Life-Living Rooms. I participated last year, and it was a lot of fun. This year, I have some new items in my rooms...and still have some pending....Enjoy!

This is our formal living room at the front of the house. I HATE this furniture!! I just recently made the curtains to go in this room, which has helped a little bit...

I'd really like to add some pictures on this wall between the windows...I think it will be a small collage of some adoption lifestyle shots we had taken at a local park with gold frames.

The family room at the back of the house...I am going to order some frames from PB soon to make a collage on this wall above the sofa also. There are some really great burlap matte frames that I know would be perfect!

This is our Loft area above the garage. The plats inthe frames are projects that Todd has developed over the years.

View of the loft facing the stair case. We have the fooseball table and it never gets used, but we like how it looks in here.

View from the stairs facing into the Loft. This will one day become the playroom since it is upstairs and hidden from the entry of the house.

Hope you have enjoyed the tour! Come back again next week!!

Hope

2010-09-16T04:38:00.000-07:00

The Vintage Pearl is helping bring babies home!! Check out the blog and website for more details...I received my necklace in the mail yesterday and am in LOVE with it.

Day 4

2010-08-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Day4-Favorite Book

I am part of a Book Club that I started last year...we haven't read this book, however this is one of my favorites that I have read in a long time. Check it out, you will enjoy it!

Meal Planning for the week...

2010-08-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

A day late....but none the less here it is!!

Monday: Grilled Fish, baked potatoes and cuke and tomato salad

Tuesday: Chicken Pesto Pasta with tomatoes

Wednesday: On your own...out to Martini's with the girls for dinner

Thursday: tuna, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Friday: Fisherman's Inn with some work colleagues

What's on your menu this week??

More Lifestyle Pictures...

2010-08-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Maggie Gowe from Doodle Beans Photography took these shots of us this weekend in Oxford...I am so happy with the way they turned out. We are going to have many shots in addition to vacation pictures from the past few years to choose from.

Thank you Maggie for taking time to do this and being such a special part of our adoption journey!!

30 Day Blog Journal

2010-08-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

I saw this over on this beautiful blog here , and I thought it looked fun!

Day 1 (Aug. 1) - your favorite song

Day 2 - your favorite movie

Day 3 - your favorite television program

Day 4 - your favorite book

Day 5 - your favorite quote

Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things

Day 7 - a photo that makes you happy

Day 8 - a photo that makes you angry/sad

Day 9 - a photo you took

Day 10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of you

Day 11 - a photo of you recently

Day 12 - something you are OCD about

Day 13 - a fictional book

Day 14 - a non-fictional book

Day 15 - your dream house

Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)

Day 17 - an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)

Day 18 - my wedding/future wedding/past wedding

Day 19 - a talent of yours

Day 20 - a hobby of yours

Day 21 - a recipe

Day 22 - a website

Day 23 - a youtube video

Day 24 - where I live

Day 25 - your day, in great detail

Day 26 - your week, in great detail

Day 27 - my worst habit

Day 28 - whats in my handbag/purse

Day 29 - hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days

Day 30 - a dream for the future

Will you join me??? I've missed the first few days....but here is Day 3 for me!!

My Favorite TV show (s):

Bachelor/Bachelorette
Real Housewives
Bethenny Getting Married
Desperate Housewives
HGTV
Food Network (Giada & Barefoot Contessa are my favorites)
Law and Order
Greys Anatomy
CSI

Just to name a few....

Florida bound for the weekend

2010-07-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

I am off to Jacksonville, FL this weekend to see this pretty lady....Krista and I have been friends since middle school. She is pregnant with TWINS, and in this picture she is at the end of 21 weeks. She is due at the beginning of October. She is expecting a BOY and a GIRL and right now they are known as Sweetpea and Peanut since the names are a secret.

I mailed all the items for the shower this weekend since I am flying down for the quickest visit ever...arrive tonight at 10:15pm them home again on Sunday afternoon...and thankfully everything arrived intact--even the diaper cake!

Be back next week, have a great weekend!!

Adoption Pictures

2010-07-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

These were taken by a friend of mine, Lisa who I used to work with....thank you Lisa for such an amazing gift. There are many more, but these are some of the highlights!! We can't wait for the day when we get to take our daughter to play at this park.

Winston

2010-07-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Was introduced to this blog today....http://www.jessicaclaire.net/ ...and wish we had the same 'baby' pictures to share.

Meal Plan Monday

2010-07-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's Monday, again....here is our plan for the week!! I am excited to have a few meals where we are eating out, then hubby is on his own while I am off to Florida for the weekend to help with the baby shower for my best friend!! She is expecting twins (boy and girl), and we are all ready to shower them with love.

Monday: Rockfish and tomatoes in the oven with rice and broccoli

Tuesday: Out with Deb (hubby on his own)

Wednesday: Dinner with Adele

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce

Friday: I leave for Florida : )

Saturday: Florida

Sunday: Hope to make it home for a dinner date with hubby after my weekend away

Have a great week, it will be nice and easy cooking here!! :)

Adoption Update

2010-07-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our I-800A application is officially in the mail and off to Texas!! We received our approved and notarized homestudy in the mail yesterday, and I wasted NO time getting everything put together to be sent via Fed-Ex this morning. I mean after all, the form was filled out, the check was made out, and the certificate copies were made....I was more than ready! Right now they are telling us the wait time is 35-40 days for turnaround time. I have a photographer scheduled for July 31st to take some lifestyle shots of us, and something to document our journey. We had our passport pictures taken on Friday, and I need to remember to pick them up...there are a few forms left to update, but we are very, very close to having everything we need for our dossier. I can't wait to be DTC!!!

Feeling a little OLD...

2010-07-16T12:52:00.001-07:00

I have seen a few blogs over the past few days posting '30 before 30', where you post a list of 30 things to do before you are 30 years old....I thought wow, that sounds like fun. I wonder what I would post? Travel to Asia, tour a west coat winery, advance in my career?? Then wait, it hit me....I am 32....does this mean I have to post a '40 before 40' list?! UGH....

Meal Plan for the week

2010-07-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

Monday: GNO---Ava's with Brooke

Tuesday: Shrimp and tomato and feta cheese salad

Wednesday: Shrimp and fresh pasta with pesto

Thursday: BLTs with tater tots

Friday: tuna with mashed potatoes and vegetables

Saturday: Charthouse with Bennett and his wife....a FB reconnection from Elementary School!! : )

Sunday: spaghetti with meat sauce

Have a great week!! We had a nice weekend....enjoyed a ~10 mile bike ride up on Kent Island on the Cross Island Trail. It was beautiful riding along the water and in the trees. Much prettier than we anticipated. This is a new find and something we will go back to for sure! I wish I had my camera with me to post pictures....next time!

Adoption Update...

2010-07-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

We have been in the process of gathering paperwork to adopt a little girl from China for a little over a year now...it is a LONG tedious process but I know that it will be worth it in the end when we are holding our daughter in our arms one day. However, that day seems to be further and further away every day. It's hard for me. Todd and I are the type of people that we will analyze something to the nth degree...then once we make up our mind we are READY! When we started the paperwork process we were told 3-5 years...we then went to a conference that told us they were hopeful that the wait time would shorten to 18 months again...now we are being told 7-10 years. Really?! 7-10 years???!! That's just insane to me. And, to make matters worse our home study agency is taking their sweet little time getting this home study complete AND the international agency is being very picky about the wording they would like to see...I am trying to stay level headed and calm...but really I just want to bang both of their heads together and tell them to just get this done.

We've been working on our homestudy since September 2009...it's just the 2 of us in the household...nothing fancy to us either....now I have NOT met the dossier submission log in date with my international agency and have to go 'on hold' until I have all the paperwork gathered. Once we get the homestudy approved we can apply for the I-800A...but in addition to that I have other paperwork that has to be updated....this is a long journey, it's heartbreaking, and there are times I don't feel like I have anyone other than Todd to turn to....I long for our daughter from China. I feel this is what we are meant to do in life....we are fortunate enough to supply a warm, loving, caring home for a child in need....but why does it have to be this hard????

Good news is that today the social workers have communicated and they hope to have some resolution to the home study by the end of the week..fingers crossed!!

Meal Plan

2010-07-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is a little late in the week....but I will be linking up with Meal Plan Monday....check it out for other meal plans!!

Tuesday-Taco night
Wednesday-leftover roast chicken with fresh pasta and marinara sauce
Thursday-St.Michaels concert picnic...tomato, mozzarella, basil and proscuitto sanwiches and fruit
Friday-shrimp and heirloom tomato salad with feta cheese and balsamic dressing
Saturday-spaghetti with meat sauce
Sunday-shrimp with fresh pasta and pesto sauce

Have a great week!

Our weekend in Charleston

2010-07-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

The other weekend, we flew to Charleston to stay with Nick and Cory who are expecting their first baby in August. It's a GIRL and her name will be Lucy Ryan McBee. We had a wonderfully relaxing weekend with such good friends and their families...here are a few shots from the festivities...

The Tearoom in Summerville, SC that had the BEST Sunday brunch

Todd and Nick escaping cleaning inside and spending some 'quality time' together

Presents for baby Lucy

The delicious food and diaper cake by the fabulous hostesses and Cory's Mom

Nick and Cory...the happy parents to be!!

Todd and Whitney...friends from college. Whitney is getting married in October, we can't wait!!

Nick, Cory, Me and Todd

Dinner at Magnolia's in Charleston....right after they asked us to be Lucy's Godparents. We were so honored and Nick brought tears to both mine and Todd's eyes when he asked us. We were very happy and shocked all at the same time. Lucy...we can't wait to meet you and share such a special part of your life with you. You will be one loved little girl!!

Thank you Nick and Cory for a great weekend....

Girls weekend

2010-04-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

I am travelling to Tulsa, OK this weekend to see this beautiful lady....Susan and I have been friends since we were 3 years old when we lived across the street from each other. We were side by side all through Elementary School...then my family moved us to Maryland, where I live now...but we continued our friendship through the years, through highschool, through college....and I am finally making the trip back 'home'. She has a wonderful weekend planned for us and I can't wait!! We are even catching up with some other girls we knew from Elementary School....and I haven't seen them in 21 years!! Can you believe it?!

I leave Thursday and will be back Sunday....I hope Hubby will miss me....but with a fishing trip planned I am not thinking he will so much ; )

HUGE catch up

2010-04-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

This is the wonderful chalkboard that y hubby made for the hallway downstairs that leads to the garage and half bath.

This is the finished project with chalk!

These are the curtains that I MADE!! And....without a sewing machine! My friend Sara had a link on her blog and it inspired me!! Just a little no sew hem tape...an iron...some pre-bought panesl from Wal-Mart ($13 for 2) and 2.5 yards of fabric fro Wal-Mart at $5.88/yard....it was the cheapest project ever and I am so happy with the way they turned out. They are hanging in our office and look great!

My beautiful Golden Retriever, Marley in our backyard the day after Todd cleaned things all up. Marley has her 'summer-do' here and my house is so much cleaner without the dog fur!

Thanks, Daniel for sending out such a yummy piece of cake for dessert!

April and Todd....brother and sister who share a birthday one day and five years apart!! We met at Mason's for a delicious lunch to celebrate their Birthdays.

For Todd's Birthday this year, we ended up eating dinner at Scossa and then went to see Date Night together. It was a wonderful evening. Then, on Sunday we had a brunch with 10 of our closest friends and their kids down in Cabridge at Clearview. It was a delicious all you can eat and drink champagne brunch and of course I left my camera at home!

Relaxing weekend

2010-03-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Friday night we went to In Japan--the new Japanese Steakhouse restaurant in town--with some colleagues from work. It was a great night!! Then, Saturday we stopped by the Open House our realtor was having on the flip property we just finished in Denton. She had a lot of people threw the house and there were 3 showings today. I hope we get a contract soon!! We were then able to relax that afternoon and took a 2 hour nap! Wow, that felt great. We ate dinner at home then went to Dairy Queen for some ice cream and Red Box to rent I Love You, Man.

This morning, we surprised a friend for brunch at Clearview in Cambridge to celebrate her Birthday. It was a delicious Champagne brunch, that I look forward to going back to again soon!! Her husband did a nice job of surprising her with our company...we had a great time!!

Now, I am relaxing, AGAIN, finishing up my Book Club book. This month we are reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. I am near the end and love how it is all starting to come together. We neet Wednesday night, and I can't wait. We don't stay on the book topic too long ; )

Hope your weekend was just as relaxing!!