Gotcha Day

As I type this it is still hard to fathom today, the last day of 2012, was the day we waited seven years to happen. Kristin Scott was placed in our arms and Scott and I were finally parents to a beautiful daughter. This morning our group met for breakfast and our scheduled time to meet our girls was at 10:20. The hour between breakfast and this important meeting seemed to tick by slowly. Scott and I headed to the conference room and all the families began to wait. A family from Virginia received their beautiful daughter first - she is so adorable. The Divis family from Ohio and our daughter were from the same area and we waited a little longer. Finally both of our girls arrived in matching tiger suits! When the director walked in I recognized Kristin Scott right away - she was placed in my arms and I was flooded with praise and thanksgiving to finally be a mom to such a sweet girl. She is already a daddy's girl and it is so special to see your husband care for someone else so much. Today was a busy day going from office to office to finalize the adoption process since these offices will be closed for the next three days and we leave for Guangzho on Friday. Traffic in China is insane and crossing the road with a baby in your arms is quite a feat! We learned Kristin has a great set of lungs and uses these when she is sleepy - :-). Our busy schedule did not allow her to have a morning or afternoon nap - just a cat nap here and there in one of the offices. She finally took a bottle when we returned to the hotel around 5:30 which comforted her. Kristin loves to bounce to music - we brought a lullaby CD, and another musical toy we received at the shower given to us by my coworkers at Westwood - it has been a huge hit! Thank you again Westwood friends! Kristin loves to have us hold her so she can bounce and bounce standing up on our legs. We ate dinner in the hotel - Kristin loves bread and tried some mashed potatoes - she mostly loved banging the spoon on the table. By the end of the meal she was ready for bed. We brought her back to the room and put on fresh pj's putting her in her crib a little after 8. She slept through the night and woke up around 6 this morning. She has been a happy baby this morning - she ate her bottle and we are headed down to the hotel breakfast in a bit before a walk around Nanchang. Today we will mostly spend time bonding with her and gaining her trust so she will know we are her forever family. We are blessed beyond our imagination and look forward to sharing our sweet girl with friends and family in the states!

Presenting The Thrower Family

On our way to Nanchang

On our way to Nanchang This morning we left Beijing to fly to Nanchang. We will stay here until Friday. Nanchang is a southern city in China - it is warmer similar to Virginia temperatures. The belief in China is to keep homes VERY WARM - most American families who visit keep the windows open and are still quite warm. Nanchang is very busy - the traffic is really crazy in China - there are lots of cars, everyone beeps their horn and people make their own lanes all the time. There are also lots of mopeds buzzing around the city. Our guide, Echo, told us to be very careful in front of the hotel when walking. It is easy to spot us - we are the only pedestrians RUNNING across the street - traffic comes from both ways and at night many mopeds do not have lights. It has been quite comical. At dinner, we asked our guide if she had any accidents and she said in China they do not call it "hits" - just scratches. Many Chinese will "scratch" other cars or people and say - "That's okay". We saw a lady who was "scratched" by a car in Beijing and she literally looked at the car to see if it was okay, gave the driver a thumbs up about the car and then proceeded to the sidewalk. We explained to our guide in America if someone was hit, it was likely 5 attorney firms would magically appear offering business cards and advice to explain "WE MEAN BUSINESS" before anyone would leave the scene of an accident! We arrived in Nanchang around 1:45 and on the ride to the hotel, she explained our daughters were coming to us tomorrow morning (New Year's Eve) instead of this afternoon. It was disappointing, but on the other hand, it was nice to have extra time last night, to unpack , rest, shop at the Super Market, and enjoy one more dinner with the Divis, a family from Ohio, we have really had a great time traveling with during this journey. After arriving at the hotel we checked in. Shortly after arriving housekeeping arrived with a crib, stroller, and baby bathtub - this was exciting for us! Next, we all met in the lobby to walk to a grocery store to purchase bottled water. The grocery store is like a Super Target or Wal Mart with a floor for fresh food, and then you take a sloping escalator to another floor for other items - clothes, televisions, blankets, books, etc. I loved seeing all the Asian families - many had more than one child - they were all so cute! Everyone was staring at the "American families" shopping. I was happy to find Coke Zero! I looked at the Children's Books, but the selection was small and I did not recognize any of the titles. We walked back to the hotel and then met again for dinner -another short walk from the hotel. It was great to be outside in cold, but comfortable, temperatures to walk to places. In China it is common to have private rooms available to eat in as group. Since smoking is allowed in restaurants, hotels, etc. we ate in a private room. Food is also served family style - tonight we had eggplant, spicy chicken, sweet and sour pork, fried rice, eggplant egg roll, and another vegetable. We had an enjoyable meal with lots of conversation. Meals in China are similar to European meals, lasting a long time, - much different than the "hurry up and eat" American style. We walked back to the hotel and our guide showed us where we would meet in the morning to meet our daughters. Tonight we organized the room, set out Kristin's clothes. sterilized bottles, packed the diaper bag, etc in preparation for tomorrow morning. Tomorrow will be a busy day with paperwork to fill out at the hotel - this will take about 1 hour or more. In the afternoon we travel as a family for our "interview" - this whole process will take about 3 hours before returning to the hotel! We will celebrate Gotcha Day/New Years Eve with the Divis and then tomorrow we do not have any scheduled plans. As soon as we are able I will send pictures of our new family! Thank you again for the prayers, e-mails, and thoughts! It is hard to be away from friends and family during this experience, but the trip has been amazing so it helps! We look forward to reading the e-mails from everyone! Enjoy New Year's Eve! PS We become a 3 member family with Kristin at 9pm your time (Sunday)

Pictures in Bejing

1st Full Day in Beijing Scott and I had a restful night and began the morning with breakfast in the hotel and then meeting the Divis family from Ohio, like Scott, Mark is also fascinated by cars so the men enjoyed chatting about this on our bus rides today. We also met the Smith family who have a 17 month old daughter and the daughter from China is 4 months younger. Our day began with a trip to a Jade factory - it was really fascinating to see the intricate work involved in the pieces created by these workers. We learned the jade workers learn these skills from their family and this trade is handed down from generation to generation. Scott purchased a jade dragon, since Kristin was born in the Year of the Dragon. We also bought a bracelet to give to Kristin one day. Our next stop was The Great Wall - it was bitter cold, but an amazing view. The steps were very steep with some covered in ice - Scott walked a good distance with the Divis family up to the tower - while I waited at a lower section - the heights and unevenness of the steps made me uneasy - going up and down The Great Wall so I decided to wait instead of climb higher. After leaving The Great Wall we had lunch at a local restaurant - our group was in a private room and we were served a variety of Chinese dishes including lamb, chicken, pork meatballs, fried rice, sliced potatoes, dumplings, etc. We had wonderful conversation with the families and our guide, Dion, and our driver. It warmed my heart when Dion said he was planning to go to Seminary School in Indiana by the fall of 2013. He then proceeded to tell us Christianity was quite prevalent in China with many people turning towards God for hope and comfort through Christianity. Another surprise to us was to see so many places decorated for Christmas - many beautifully decorated trees and buildings for the Christmas season. Our next adventure was a stop by "The Bird's Nest", where the Olympics were held. Again, it was VERY COLD, so we stopped for a quick photo before heading to a Tea Shop. The tea Shop was an interesting experience - similar to a wine tasting tour. All of us went to a room and a lady explained the different types of tea and how each tea offered some type of medicinal health benefit. We tried seven different types of tea ranging in flavors - we also learned the first tea served had to be consumed in three sips and how men and ladies should hold the tea cup. The shop had beautiful tea sets for sale. We also saw an acrobat/Kung Fu show. It was entertaining, however, more geared towards children. On the way back to the hotel we stopped by a bakery for a few pastries. Everyone was really tired. We had a great day and will meet in the morning at 8:45 to travel to Nanchang and meet our daughters at 4:00.

We finally left Dulles around 1:00 pm and the flight was uneventful. The passenger sitting with us was so happy we were adopting from China and commented on what a wonderful life Kristin would be offered. We both slept off and on the flight. We arrived in Beijing this afternoon around 3:3O (Beijing time). Scott and I went through customs and picked up our luggage. We then met a driver who took us to the hotel, which was about 90 minutes away. It was lightly snowing and there was lots of traffic - from cars, bicycles, mopeds, "container- looking" type vehicles and buses - not to mention the walkers. Our facilitator met us at the hotel and we ate dinner at a Chinese Restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. Scott and I are headed to bed. We are both tired and have to meet everyone in the lobby at 8:30. Tomorrow we travel to The Great Wall and maybe see an Acrobat Show and then do some shopping. We are getting closer and closer to meeting our daughter! We will send pictures tomorrow!

Disappointed in United Airlines

We are waiting for a pilot to arrive ...this was the "mechanical" issue yesterday. Honesty and communication go a LONG way United Airlines. We should leave shortly....we are excited to see China and meet sweet Kristin.

New pictures while we wait!

Still waiting at the Dulles airport..... we received an e-mail from our agency with new pictures and updated measurements. It seems Kristin Scott is also tired of waiting..... Her face has changed and now she weighs 16.5 pounds - we think the clothes we brought will fit, but some may be a tad big. We can't wait to hold her close. Another announcement was just made.... they are determining what the next step will be to get us to China today! Until then - we are happy to have new photos to look at during the wait! Final Announcement - it will take the mechanic until 6:00 to fix the part -we are now departing at 7:00 pm -a later arrival to Beijing - tomorrow we head to Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Acrobat show. Hopefully we will get some sleep on the plane - but then again we are so excited - hard to sleep!

Patiently waiting in the airport......

After driving through wintry weather to get to our first destination - we left SHD airport only 90 minutes late (due to deicing of the plane prior to take off). We arrived to Dulles in plenty of time! This flight was delayed due to runaway traffic, but we finally boarded about an hour late..... Yea, the adventure was about to begin. But WAIT.... there is now a mechanical problem they are hoping to fix. About 20 minutes later another announcement is made.... everyone has to disembark the airplane with the goal of getting us to China today. Currently we are waiting comfortably in the airport and being thankful this mechanical issue was found prior to take off. We are hoping the next post is a little more exciting!

Headed to the airport

In less than two hours, Scott and I are headed to the airport to fly to China! I can honestly say it is finally starting to feel real. It is our hope to post updates during this journey - my mom will make posts for us if we are unable to post from China! We wish you all a restful holiday and a wonderful New Year! Thank you all for your prayers, well wishes, and support during this journey!

Checking our List, packing, and repacking!

Scott and I have been super busy since we found out our travel dates! Packing has been almost comical - with looks of how will all this fit in 2 suitcases and what do you pack exactly for a daughter you have never met and with guesstimates on her measurements - ummm..... we are hoping for the best and trusting we will be able to purchase anything we need in China! There is a winter mix in the forecast which hopefully will have minimal impact on our travel plans. Tomorrow we head to South Boston to spend Christmas with family, leave Boozer boy with the grandparents who will spoil him while we are away. We plan to return home the Christmas Day to finalize our packing and checking our list of recommended items to bring at least one more time! This will be our last Christmas with just the two of us - hard to believe!

Travel Dates Set ..... New Year's In China!

Yesterday, our agency called in the afternoon to see if we would be available to travel the day after Christmas - I took about 1/2 a second and immediately said we will be ready! God's Timing is always perfect! We leave the day after Christmas and Kristin Scott will be in our arms New Year's Eve. We can't think of a better way to bring in the New Year -Christmas with family and New Year's Eve we become a family of three! Lots to do, but we are beyond excited! Just a month ago our agency told us it was HIGHLY unlikely our paperwork would be ready by the end of December and to plan on traveling early to mid January! We are thrilled to travel sooner than expected!

So Bo Shower

The journey to parenthood really began in South Boston when our good friend, Sherry Link, set up a blind date for Scott and me on February 27, 1998. Who knew after this meeting we would date for many years and finally after many years of prayers have the opportunity to raise a child together. Denise and Sherry were in our wedding and today a shower with some of my best friends from South of Dan gathered at Denise's home to shower Kristin Scott with more gifts! One of my former students and Denise's daughter, Katy, did a fabulous job decorating - the diaper cake was gorgeous and the games were lots of fun! We had a wonderful time, talking, eating, opening gifts, and sharing stories! Kristin received more beautiful gifts and well wishes for a safe trip to China. It was wonderful to see everyone and I can't wait to meet again when we bring Kristin home!

Friday Surprise

What a wonderful way to end the work week! When I opened e-mail this morning there was an e-mail from our agency with updated pictures of Kristin Scott! I love her smile and we can't wait to bring her home!

Shower with Friends

Some wonderful friends who have supported Scott and me during this journey had a shower for us after church. It was wonderful to be with friends and to have our mom's travel from South Boston to join in the fun. Paula's home was decorated beautifully and Kelly and Elizabeth made everything just perfect for the day! It was a great time to get together with coworkers to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Kristin Scott. Kristin received lots of books, outfits, soft toys, musical toys, bath items, handmade clothing and a beautiful handmade quilt. I also received a beautiful silver bracelet with 1 Samuel 27 engraved on it with Kristin Scott also engraved on the inside, it was beautiful and the bible verse we have over Kristin's crib. " I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted what I asked for him."Thanks, ladies - it was amazing and it was so much fun to see everyone!

Amazing Shower

Today we had our first baby shower for Kristin Scott! It was an amazing day with beautiful decorations and a great time to visit with family, friends from church, and friends from the church where Scott and I got married. We were both overwhelmed with the excitement and generosity of everyone. Scott's cousin and aunt, Sha, along with our moms, friends from church, and others did an outstanding job preparing for this day. It was so inviting with decorations representing China's culture, delicious food, lots of books, and lavender and yellow throughout the fellowship hall. We received so many wonderful gifts and greatly appreciate the prayers and well wishes as we continue to wait to bring home our daughter who is already loved and cared for so much! Thank you to everyone who was part of making this day so special. A few pictures of this special day are below!

Unexpected Phone Call

I checked Rumor Queen at lunch to see no updates on referrals - the latest predictions were referrals would arrive next week. In less than 2 hours I received a voice mail to call our agency. Initially I thought this was about some paperwork we submitted, but instead she shared the news we were waiting for - we have a daughter! Kristin Scott was born March 3, 2012 - Our prayers for a young referral were answered. Today school

had a scheduled late meeting and then Scott and I headed to Lynchburg to open the e-mail with our family - Thank you Panera Bread for Wi Fi access! We can't wait to hold our daughter close to us and bring her home! After six years... we know this time will pass quickly! What a Wonderful Wednesday!

Ladybug luck....Is this is a sign????

This week was back to school for me - lots of meetings and never enough time to get everything done. Two new wonderful co-workers to work with makes this year even better! This week we received a letter to inform us our I800A form had been received and will take 10-14 days for processing and shipping! I also contacted our future pediatrician's office to set up an appointment to have our child(ren)'s records read when we receive them. Yesterday our principal brought in fresh cucumbers to give away and I made a delicious cucumber salad with balsamic vinegar for dinner. As we were eating a bug kept flying around us. It finally landed - right on top of my cucumbers - a lovely ladybug. We had to throw the cucumber salad away, but took this as a lucky sign referrals are on the way. Ladybug Luck what will you bring us? Our 7 year wait is coming closer to an end - But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:25

Fed Ex delivers final application

This morning we finalized all of our paperwork for the I-800A to receive approval again to adopt our family from China. We will anxiously be awaiting the approval letter to take with us to China! Another item checked off the list - now we can sit back and wait for referral day!!! It has been exciting to read about the July referrals - a 5 month old baby girl, a surprise boy, and a beautiful 18 month old girl. What blessing does God have in store for us??? Jeremiah 29:11 sums it up best - "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Bring on the future.... we are ready to be parents!

3 more days..... Can it be true???

It is official there are only 3 more days left before China begins processing our paperwork and we are finally expanding our family along with the other friends in our travel group. Referrals were just made to families logged in up to September 19, 2006 and our log in date is September 22, 2006. Currently, Scott and I are awaiting our final home study to send in with our I800A application. We are very excited and have shared the news with our family who were supposed to hold on to this until our referral arrived since we have learned anything can happen to slow things down. This weekend while visiting South Boston we saw a friend of "grandma" who ran up to us to say Congratulations - we laughed and decided to just go with it. The secret is out and hopefully this journey will move right along with a referral at the end of August or September. July's referrals included a surprise BOY - that would be a shock, but we would embrace any opportunity to be parents! While Scott and I have two names for girls, we have not picked out names for a boy! We have strapped ourselves in as we see & feel this roller coaster coming to a screeching halt. We anxiously await what blessing(s) God will give us. This child(ren) is already so loved and we are looking forward to sharing this long awaited journey with everyone who has prayed for us, encouraged, and supported us during this seven year wait!