Journey To Ryan

We Are Home

2009-03-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that we are now home safe and sound in Texas. I dont think I have ever seen my little girl happier. She is soo glad to be back home. As an adoptive parent you dream of taking your child back to their birth country and them having some great profound moment. We forget that they they truly feel at home with us now. The last day of China was a whirlwind. We did alot of shopping! We meet some really nice families while in China and had dinner with them.. I will be posting a slide show soon. Thanks Everyone for following our journey.

Home Study Problem

2009-03-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry that it seems as though we fell off the planet but yesterday was horrendous. We had some major problems with U.S. Consulate. They refused our homestudy and would not issue Ryan a visa due to an age discrepency. Ryan's homestudy stated that we were adopting a boy that was 0-36 months. Ryan just turned 4! He actually turned 4 just a few days before we got on the air plane to come to China. Can you beleive that? The consulate wanted a adendum done before we were issued a visa. Therefore we had to wake up my sister at home to contact our Adoption Agency and our Social Worker to get this stupid adendum or we would not be allowed to leave the conuntry tomorrow. We finally got our adendum done and Ryan will be issued a visa to enter the United States. Well I got to go and head out to our "Swearing In" and the we are done.... Cant wait to be home. I will post pictures tonight.

Sunday Morning Guangzhou Stlye

2009-02-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

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Today we went to English service at a Christian church here in Guangzhou. It was amazing to sit in God's house surrounded by fellow Christians. Although the service it self was kind of hard to follow because it was in English and Chinese. It was really a wonderful experience. Then we went to the Jade/Pearl market and the Toy Market. I bought the kids some cars and 2 movies for the plane rides home. Ryan seems to have turned a huge corner. He really warming up to me and actually letting me pick him up and carry him. He is even letting me give him affection from time to time. So I am SO happy. He really seems to love his big sister. He seems like such a happy go lucky boy. He pretty much goes with flow and if he gets in trouble its just a few tears and the he is fine. Lets hope he stays that (lol). Because his big sister has the market cornered on "drama" in our house. (lol) They have been really mischievous together though. Emmie has gotten in trouble a few times for "following brother's lead". She will say "Mom, he did it first" (lol) I am going to have have my hands full.

Meltdowns, Medical Exam, and Mayhem

2009-02-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

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Today we had Ryan's medical exam. It went really well and he passed with flying colors. He seemed to handle it pretty well, just a few tears. Emmalyn on the other hand was having a meltdown. She did not want to be in that building at ALL. I wonder if it might have brought back some kind of emotional memory for her. She has been really accepting of her little brother. I am so proud of her. Jeff and I are amazed at her love and kindness for him. Ryan is having some trouble sharing daddy with her though. He has tried several times to push her

out of the way when she was holding Jeff's hand. We tell him "boo-boo" (no) or boo-yow (please don't) That seems to stop the problem after he has a little tantrum. His personality is sooo different from Emmalyn. He seems to pitch a small fit where Emmalyn pitched a horrendous fit when we first met her. We are grateful that he appears more of a compliant personality. Mommy is very grateful (lol) They are both great kids and very happy. Although Emmie keeps saying "Mommy I am ready to go home." I know honey so are we. 'Well I am going to head off to bed. We found a Christian church with an English service which we are going to attend and then off to the Toy market. We can't wait for everyone to meet our boy!! Here are some misc. pictures. I hope you enjoy.

Stuck In the Airport

2009-02-27T04:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry I havent posted but we were stuck in the airport yesterday and truly did not think that we were going to make it to the hotel. We were delayed in the airport for 4 hours yesterday. Then they annouced in garbled Chinese/English that they moved the gate. Thank Gooddness that Jeff thought to check with the infromation desk or we would have missed our plane to Guangzhou. We finally made to the hotel and were just so tired that we went straight to bed. We are staying at the Victory hotel this time instead of the White Swan. We have truly enjoyed it so far and our room is huge. We have a small sitting room off to one sided where the kids are sleeping. I am so glad not be sharing a bed with them anymore. I thought I would post a little video that I took of the kids playing cars at the airport while we were delayed. Hope you enjoy =0)

Summer Palace and Zoo

2009-02-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

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Let me just begin my apologize for the lateness in this post. This adoption trip has been soo different that when we came to China the first time. We are moving A LOT. Jeff counted that we have been on a 5 different Chinese trains. Yes you heard that 5! The longest that we have been at a hotel is 2 nights. So to say were are sooo looking forward to staying put for bit doesn't begin to cover it. We had a blast at the Summer Palace and the Zoo. To actually see the Panda's in person and to watch Ryan's face light up for the first time was breathtaking. He walked through the entire zoo and palace humming/singing a tune. He is begging to smile a lot and his personality it wonderful. He is very very curious and busy.He still doesn't prefer me but will let me bath,feed and touch him. That's progress. Him and Emma are still doing wonderfully, No major issues there just the typical sibling stuff from time to time. They are wonderful together. Lets just hope it is the same at home.(lol) We will get Ry ans passport today and head off to the white swan. I will be so grateful to see some other Americans but most of all Lucy's. Yes Debby tuna is getting old =0) Write again when we arrive and let you know how Ryan's plane ride went .

We Made it Back to Beijing

2009-02-24T06:23:00.000-08:00

First let me apologize for the horrible typing mistakes in my earlier post. Oy! The only thing that I can say in my defense is that it was done WAY early in the morning.(lol) We have been traveling via the train stations between the cities. Oh my, has it been interesting. (enough said till we get home. (lol)) Mind you we have 4 suitcases. Yep you heard that right 4 suitcases not to forget the two kiddos, Jeff and myself. Oh yea and the guide too. So you can just imagine how that has been. Ryan has really taken to Jeff. He deals with me a little bit but prefers his Daddy. That's fine with me though. He needs to feel safe with someone right now. He is still clinging to our guide a bit but is slowly warming up to us everyday. He seems to be a very happy little boy. He LOVES to EAT. He reminds me of when Emmie first came home. She NEVER stopped eating. Well it is way late and I am tired. Tomorrow we are going to the summer palace and the zoo for the kids to see the pandas. Today we did some shopping. I feel truly blessed to have these two precious kids call me mommy. I will post more pictures soon.

We have Ryan!

2009-02-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

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Well yesterday was such a whirlwind. I am still trying to catch my breath. We headed out to captial of the province fairly early yesterday morning. It took us about 1 hour to reach the city and then onto the civil affairs building. Ryan arrived shortly there after wih several ladied one of which was the associate orphanage director. It seemed as though the director did not want to let him go. Ryan was not interested in mommy at all she did not seem to really push the subject. He did take to his big sister right away though. They played non stop while daddy did all the paperwork. I just sat there taking in the two kids play with each other. Him and Emma really took to each other. She was such a good big sister! She showed him all his toys and of course the snacks that we brought. Once we left the civil affairs building, we headed out to the notary office. Again the director stepped in when Ryan did not want to go with us. She took him in her car and meet us there. I was not happy but if it helped him, then whatever it takes. Once at the notary we finished the paperwork to head back to Boading. He did not want to go with us of course so the director walked to our awaiting car and proceeded to give him to our guide. This seemed to help though because he only cried alittle bit. Then back to the train station and on to the security office in Boading. Where we meet the assistant orphange director. Once we left their he had a melt down when trying to go car. I picked him up but assoc. orphange director came over and took him out of my arms and walked him to the taxi and again gave him to our guide. He cried a little bit but has seemed to really calm down once we got back to the hotel. So far so good. He is a really happy little boy full of smiles so far.
Well I took alot of video but I cant seem to get it to load on my computer but I will post you some pictures. Again we are truly blessed with out little boy and awesome big sister.

Nia Hao From Boading

2009-02-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was a whirl wind to say the least. We went to the great wall and boy was it awe inspiring. Jeff actually climbed up to the top while Emma and I waited behind. There was NO way I was having my rambucous child climb those VERY steep steps. I will be posting pictures soon from that journey. Today is going to be "Gotcha" day and everyone else is sound asleep while I am up typing. Can you believe that. I guess I have too much on mind to sleep. Emma has done really well so far. Although she has been the center of attention lol. Well I am going to lay back down for a bit... Ive got to get rest while I can,

Hello From China

2009-02-20T22:27:00.000-08:00

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Hello from Beijing China!!! We nally made it here. We are beyond exhausted but happy to be finally settled into our room for the next day or so. We are staying at a really nice hotel/apartment place. As tired as I am I don't think that I even got his name. He was such a nice man. I couldn't seem to get the internet to work here and he made sure that the hotel had it set up and ready to go. Emma did an awesome on the plane ride here. We kept her wide awake during our flight from Houston to LA and during the lay over in LA as well. To say she wasn't a happy camper dosen't seem to cover that statement,m(lol) However it worked out in our favor because she slept for 9 1/2 hours of the 13 hour plance ride. I even managed to get some sleep on the plance as well. Last time I made this trip to bring Emma home I dont think that I sleep at at all. I think Jeff is the only person who did not get some sleep. Also Korea had wonderful indoor playground for Emma to play in while we waited for our plane there. Emma seemed to be very "very graceful" during the trip. she mangaged to spill organe juice and sprite not only on me but her self as well. Also she was given the "No bathrooms readily available in China speech" several times but still decided at the very last minute when we leaving the airplane that she HAD TO POTTY! of course this is when we are totally surronded on all sides.(lol) I told her that their was no way that we could get to the potty and she would have to wait. But of course she started doing the potty dance. Poor Jeff ended up taking her to potty way in the BACK of the plance. It soo reminded me of fish going up stream. But alls well that ends well. She made it to the potty in tinme and niether of them are worse for wear. Well I am going to get Emmie in the bath tub and lay down myself. Tomorrow we are going to the forbidden city so I should post tomorrow.

We are off to China TODAY

2009-02-19T04:02:00.000-08:00

Well we are off to Cbina today. We leave at 6:05 p.m. I am going to tad bit CRAZY trying to finish the very last packing checking. Jeff keeps telling me to calm down that we have done this before but I wasnt a mommy before when he headed TO China. (Not in the physical way at least) Now that I am a BTDT mom. I realize how much kiddos need. Niot to mention Jeff and I. Well I had better get finishing up the details. The next post ya'll should reveive is from some airport on the way to China or when we arrive there. Wish Us Luck,

Birthday Update

2009-02-16T06:09:00.000-08:00

I talked to Ann at Red Thread China today via e-mail. I wanted to make sure that Ryan had received his birthday presents and cake from Jeff, Emmie and I. She told that he definately did and that she had request birthday pictures from the orphanage. Birthday Pictures!!! Ryan's very first birthday ever and we MIGHT get pictures. I know that there is a good chance that we might not get them until later or not at all. But as an adoptive mommy, you treasure even the slightest hope of pictures or information. 4 more days until we board the plane to go bring Ryan home!!!

2009-02-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

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Happy Birthday Our Darling Boy!!

Today is a day filled with mixed emotions for your mommy and family. We are missing your 4th birthday and yet we know that we will be together soon. We have missed so much time together already and I dont want to miss a minute more. We sent you a birthday cake through a wonderful lady named Ann at Red Thread China. I hope you received it today and and are currently eatingp your way through icing. I know that your previous birthdays have not been happy, but I promise you my darling that once you come your birthday's will be joyus and filled with love.

We Cant Wait To Have Your Our Arms.

p.s Just so you know, your mommy is a terrible typist. Sorry if there any typos. (lol) Sorry honey,

TA TA TA TA

2009-02-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well we finally our TA!!! We will be leaving for China on Feb 19th. Wow what a whirlwind, It seems that we have waited for him for sooo long and now everything is happening soo fast! We WILL be updating our blog while in China since Mommy and Daddy purchased a lap top. So please stay tuned.. I got to go pack lol

2008-12-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

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Dearest Ryan

Well Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is fast approaching. I can't beleive that we are going to be spending another holiday without you home. I thought for sure that you would be home with us by now. We talk about you everyday so it feels as if you are already home in some small way. Emma is so excited to be your big sister! She has even asked Santa Claus to leave your presents with us just in case he can't locate you in China. What a wonderful imagination she has. Daddy and I talk of you everyday. We can't wait to hear your voice, and get to know you. We wonder if you are going to be out going like your big sister or shy and quiet. We wonder what toys you will like or if you will like any of the toys that we have already bought you. You have your own Christmas ornament on the tree and stocking hung on the fireplace. My darling boy I want so badly to hold you in my arms. Nothing feels complete. We are missing a vital piece to our family our son. I made this video so that one day you might know how we missed you during this time of year.

Love Mommy

2008-11-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

Oh My Goodness. I did not realzie how bad I have been about updating our blogs. We have been soo busy with getting our paperwork completed to bring our little one home that I seem to have forgot to update about our happenings. Ryan is always in hearts and minds but I tend to forgot that other people (aka family and friends) want to know our progress as well. So please forgive me =0) 1) We are finally DTC as of Sept 15 2008. 2) We are offically LID as of Sept 19 2008. We are soo HAPPY!!! Now It's just count down time.

2007-12-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

I found this video on God Tube today and thought that I should post it. I often wonder about Emma and now Ryan's biological mother. Espically during the Holidays and their birthdays. I wonder how they are doing and wish that they knew that was a family who loves thier child. As an adpotive mother you are happy for all your child's milestones and in any mother and yet your heart breaks for the women who is missing that milestone. I know that Emma and Ryan's mother had to love them. That it had to be hardest decision that they ever made to give up their child. I wish that somehow I could find them and tell them about the wonderful gift they gave our family.

Hurry Up China

2007-11-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well before Thanksgiving we called our agency and asked if they had heard any word on our PA for Ryan. They said they hadn't and if they don't hear anything this week they will call China. I want to know already. I want those majic words. "You are approved for Dang Yue". I don't honsetly beleive that China would come back and say NO. We are praying and hoping that we get an answer soon. We feel that this is the little boy for our family. We feel that God has led us to him. We just wish they would HURRY!!! So for the mean time. I guess no news is good news. I found the following poem on another mother's site and thought I should share it.

My waiting child
I was not there the first time you laughed. I missed the first bottle, I missed the first bath. I did not witness your first steps. You’re growing so big without me. I hope I will be there to teach you to trust. You'll learn to speak my mother tongue. You won't be adopted when you're young, but you'll know the love of a family. God has not forgotten every tear you have cried alone, my waiting child. And I have not forgotten that you are there. My days would be empty without you. Amy Heymann

Kisses In The Wind

2007-10-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams. You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems. I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long. But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong. Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin... Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you. I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do. Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend. But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight. And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night. --- Unknown

2007-10-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend we attended a fall carnival and pumkin patch with our freinds from our China Moms of Kingwood play group. Emma had a blast!! Yet, while I was enjoying Emma play with her friends I couldn't help but feel someone was missing. I am thinking alot about him lately. I wonder what he would think of pumpkins, costumes and candy. What would he want to dress up as? A dinosaur, a cowboy, doctor? Who knows! Would he a quite a spirit or rough a tumble boy?? As we left with all three girls in one wagon, another mother said "You know next year we will need two wagons". Abiigal's mommy and daddy are awating approval for her Mei Mei Kaylyn to come home from China as well. So pretty soon there will be two new members to the "three muskteers". My heart just warmed at the thought of Ryan being home. I can't wait to get to know him!!

Thoughts About Ryan

2007-09-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today I have been thinking a lot about Ryan. A family who is adopting a little girl from the same orphange where Ryan is from our in China becoming a family. This family also has an older daughter and so they bring thoughts of how our family will change once Ryan is home. Same days I am totally ready to get on an plane today and bring him home. Other's I think about how our family is going to change so dramticlly. The one the constant question I have is "What is he like?" I guess I had the same questions on my heart when we were waiting on Emma and yet here I am again. God has so wonderfully provided us with Emma. She is such a joy to our hearts that I know Ryan will be too. I can't wait to meet him, see his smiling face and hear his laugh for the first time. I feel as if he is here in our hearts already!! I just wish China would hurry up and send our LOA already.

It's A Boy!!

2007-09-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well never in a millon years did I think that Jeff and I would began this adventure so soon after brining Emma home. I know that it has been a year and that is a while but it still seems like yesterday that we become a family. Emma is such an awesome joy to us that we felt our family needed .....drum roll please......A BOY!! Ryan Scott Yue to be exact. His Chinese name is Dang Yue and he is in Hebei provience. We are soo excited to become his family. I will keep everyone updated on how our progess is going. Right now we are awaiting LOA (letter of acceptance) from China. This letter is the offical "OK" for us to adopt him. So for now we paper chase (AGAIN) and wait...