The Story of Gracie

Visit to Gracie's Orphanage

2007-03-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, March 7th, we were fortunate enough to be able to visit Gracie's orphanage. We had a 2 hour bus trip to Dianjiang, and spent part of the day touring the orphanage and the finding places of our babies. The Dianjiang Social Welfare Institute is the name of Gracie's orphanage. The captions for the pictures will explain for the most part what was going on. They prepared a typical Chinese lunch for us and it was delicious. I did get fussed at going to and coming from the room to change Gracie because I didn't have a jacket on her. They sure do like their babies all bundled up! Gracie seemed to enjoy seeing her ayis [nannies] and the other babies still at the orphanage. She sure showed us that she has been around a few chopsticks--she looked like a little bird when they came out with lunch! She started to baby babble in baby Chinese and has continued it a bit since the visit.
It was bittersweet for us to visit the orphanage, but it is a great feeling to get "thumbs up" from the older people when they see that she is with us!

Orphanage Visit March 7, 2007

Day 6: Gracie Up Close and Personal

2007-03-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pics of Gracie. Today was a pretty low key day, with a trip to Walmart for clothes and formula. We couldn't do the trip to see the pandas at the zoo because of the rainy weather. A good nap,some soft rice for her, and room service for us! Nice to have a pretty easy day!

March 6, 2007 Chonqing

Pictures from Gotcha Day!

2007-03-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

I couldn't get the picture folder from Picasa to work with the previous blog entry, but I think I got it now:

Gotcha Day! 3-5-07

If Susan or I can get it to work, we'll attach it to the previous blog entry.
Off to make a bottle for a happy baby who is multitasking with cheerios and stacking cups!

Gotcha Day is here!

2007-03-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

We finally boarded the bus to go to the Civil Affairs Office..was to be orderly, alphabetically, systematically...NOT! We walked into the office, and there they were with some nannies and the director and assistant director! Mass bedlam ensued, cameras and videorecorders were flung from person to person, babies were given out from last to first! Grace AiWan Barousse was given to Mike, and she has since declared herself a daddy's girl, just like her older sister! She did great! Aside from a heat rash and inability to squeeze into 99% of the clothes we brought for her, she did great! A little quivering lip for a few seconds, water filled eyes for a few seconds, and that was it! She took a bottle great, slept on the bus ride and into the hotel, and played with toys in her crib, checking us and the toys out off and on! She loves the "little sis" bracelet from Jenn, and was attached to the family picture brag book. She loved her bath, and just stares at the other babies when they cry! She likes to socialize, but in a laid back way. She is an angel. Jenn is going to love her like crazy. She points to Mike's picture and Jenn's cheerleading picture in the book!
Well, off to Walmart tomorrow to stock up on 18 month sizes and to see the Pandas at the zoo!

On Our Way to Civil Affairs Office!

2007-03-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

We leave in 1 hour to go to the Civil Affairs Office! We are so nervous with this downtime; it is so hard to WAIT and I am not known for possessing much of the virtue of patience! She is on her way to the office right now; the orphanage is 2 hours away from here. We only have to cross from the southside of Chongqing over the Yantze River Bridge to the North side, so it won't take us long to go meet her. Over 2 years of wait almost over! :)

Day 4 in China...Heading to Gracie's Home Munincipality

2007-03-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today we had to meet our guide in the lobby of the Beijing hotel at 5:45 a.m. I couldn't believe it when I looked out of the window and saw the cars and grounds covered in a blanket of snow! It was beautiful, and unusual at this time of the year for Beijing. Unfortunately, we had to sit on the plane for 3 hours waiting for them to de-ice the plane. We got in to Chongqing late, and when we opened the hotel door, it really hits you when you see the baby crib, stroller, and baby tub all set up for you! We then had to go to the store, which was several blocks away in the basement level of a 6 story department store, and return and tie up loose ends for the paperwork. It was exciting to experience a culture like this in Chongqing, where it isn't touristy, it is the real thing. This city has over 10 million people in it, and it sure feels like it when you are in the stores or on the roads! Today is the last day that they celebrate the Chinese New Year, and it is the lantern festival. The fireworks are out of this world! We have a terrific view from our window on the 12th floor overlooking the Yantze River and the North bank. I am exhausted and want my energy for Gotcha Day, which is tomorrow! We will post tomorrow with pictures no matter how tired we are! :)
Jill and Mike

Day 3 in China...Lots of Tours of Beijing

2007-03-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a post I recieved this morning from Jill.

Our third day in China was a whirlwind experience; a coldy, rainy day with an all day tour of three places; Tiannamen Square, The Forbidden City, and The Great Wall. If you click on the picture for this post, it will take you to a public library of what we did. It is amazing that we are across the world, having these wonderful experiences, and soon to be with Gracie. We miss Jenn a ton and can't wait to have her hold her baby sister! Tomorrow we leave early to go to Chongqing muncipality, settle in and get our ducks in a row to go to the Civil Affairs office to get Grace!

Day 3 in China--Tiannamen Square, Forbidden City, and the Great Wall

In Beijing!

2007-03-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Susan and I will be posting for Jill while she is in China. She is having problems with Blogger in China so when she emails me I will post it here for you to see.

We finally made it here! If you click on the photo, it will take you to our Picasa public photo gallery to see other pictures from our trip. Just experimenting with this, so if it works, we'll be able to send many more pictures in the blog from the trip. Our first day, Feb. 27th, was travel to Houston, then Newark. We decided to stay in New Jersey and just went to a huge outlet mall for a few things that we forgot for the trip. By the weight of our luggage though, you'd think that there couldn't possibly be anything that was left behind! The next morning we headed over to the airport and boarded before noon. That became the 13 hour flight. The food was awesome, but we didn't sleep as we should have because we were so wound up! We landed in Beijing at 1:30 in the morning, which was now 3:30 in the afternoon Beijing time. We met up with Scott and Victoria on the flight, who are also with GW and picking up their daughter in the same municipality. Our tour guide picked us up and showed us to the hotel, and to some stores and places to eat nearby. We ended up just eating in the hotel since we were so exhausted. Went to sleep early, but I woke up at 3. Today we went on a rickshaw tour of an old area of Beijing where the hutong are. Shopping at a 5 story department store, as well as a group meal of peking duck and many other dishes followed. We came back to the hotel and will probably hit the Subway around the corner for a light dinner. Tomorrow is the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tianamen Square tours! We are exhausted, but having a blast, keeping busy until we head over to Gracie's municipality on Sunday!

Days 1 and 2 Itinerary

Our Travel Itinerary!

2007-02-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

We leave Lafayette on February 27th, fly to Houston, then Newark. Since we arrive in Newark around 3:00 pm, we are going to go in to NYC for the evening! Leave Newark around noon on Feb. 28th, arrive in Beijing 3:00 p.m. the next afternoon.

Stay at the Poly Plaza Hotel until March 4th. [top photo]

March 4th: Fly to Chongqing, Gracie's municipality, stay at the Holiday Inn Yangtze Chongqing Hotel. [right photo].

March 5th: Gotcha Day! We will be parents again! Jenn's an older sister! Gracie's a little sis!

March 9th: Get Gracie's passport; fly to Guangzhou in the evening. Now staying at the White Swan Hotel. [bottom photo]

March 10th: Gracie's visa photo/medical exam.

March 12th: Go to American Consulate for interview/visa

March 14th: Return to home sweet home! [also known as the "36 hour day going home!"]

We will fill in with daily itineraries as we take pictures and post while there.

Birthday Girl!

2007-02-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to Gracie AiWan Barousse! She is one year old today! Jenn's little sister is a Valentine Baby!

There was a celebration of sorts in that my coworkers had a baby shower for us today after school! Pictures from that to come. . . It was fun to have the support and well wishes for us, and especially wonderful to have the shower on Gracie's birthday. And the presents were so fun to open--little girl clothes are so cute!

Thanks to Ginnie in our GreatWall travel group, we have found Gracie's finding announcement that was published in the local newspaper in her municipality. It came in email today of all days!! I ran home and verified her Chinese name, and sure enough, this is our Grace! What a wonderful thing to receive on of all days but her birthday!

What To Expect on Our Journey?

2007-02-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

We have our travel to and from China finalized, and we should be getting our intra China travel sent to us next week, so as soon as we have the whole trip itinerary, I'll post it. We leave Lafayette on February 27th and return home on March 14th.
In the meantime, here are my favorite links to families with similar journeys. Their trips will give you a feel for what we can expect!
http://home.comcast.net/~r.noonan/index.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~benjenn/
http://miraclesoflove.spaces.live.com/

A Little Geography Lesson

2007-02-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

We arrive in Beijing [top right of China], go to Gracie's municipality, Chongqing [central China], go to Guangzhou [bottom right of China], then fly out of Hong Kong to return home! An exhausting, exhiliarating nine leg journey with an incredible ending! I'll post our travel itinerary next time!

So Who IS the Luckiest Sister in the World??

2007-02-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

Well, that would have to be Gracie, because she has THE best older sister waiting over here for her! Jennifer is a great kid with great qualities: she is compassionate and nurturing ...she volunteers with ARF to help foster dogs from the "Arfanage Animal Sanctuary" [Animal Rescue Foundation, www.arfla.org]. She is very active, positive, and driven... head cheerleader for her school squad and a chosen participant for the NCA/NDA Orange Bowl pre game performance. She is spiritual...an altar server for our church and a caring and sensitive person. She is open and sharing...she has been so happy about having her little family circle expand to include a sibling after being the only child for so long! Jennifer is such a great daughter--being an older sister will be another accomplishment in her life that I know she will shine in! We love you, MoonPie!

Gracie's Bedroom

2007-02-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Gracie's room. Jenn still has some decorating ideas...a girl's room can never be too girlie or pink, you know! Right now, it is a smorgasbord of the saying "something borrowed" which would be the bumper pads from Madison's mom, Lisa; "something blue" which would be the glider rocker, "something old" which would be Jenn's toys {in between the glider rocker and the dresser}, and from my generation, the pastel art from Granny Cagle [I remember her asking us when we were little what we would like for her to make, and we would sit and watch her create our personalized masterpieces! I asked for the kitten, and the little fairies were for me and Holly]; and finally "something new" the various decorative attempts that we've done for her room while waiting!

Updated pictures of Gracie at the Orphanage!

2007-01-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

We've been in cloud nine since the referral! We are so fortunate that Gracie is in an orphanage that has a loving and caring environment. Visitors are allowed, so another member of the DiangJiang Message Board [for families who have adopted from/are in the process of adopting from this orphanage] took the names of our babies who are still there so that she could take pictures of them for us--thank you so much, Dawn!
So without further ado, here is Gracie, along with an excerpt of Dawn's email:

We were at the Dianjiang SWI on Monday and asked to see your daughter, Jiang Ai Wan. She was in the same room as our daughter, Jiang Ai Zhang!

We were able to visit the room and took a few pictures of her. Unfortunately, it was nap time and most of the children were asleep. Ofcourse, when we walked in (me, my husband, our 5 yr old son, my mom and 2-3 nannies) about 1/2 of the children woke up and stood in their cribs to see what the fuss was about. But Ai Wan just kept sleeping. She looks like a litte angel and was so relaxed and comfortable.

Sorry that we could not get any pictures of her 'in action', but all the children we did see who were awake were alert, happy, well fed and very much loved by the nannies.

Now Introducing... Gracie!

2007-01-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Here is Gracie! Her Chinese name is Jiang Ai Wan. Birthdate is February 14, 2006, referral date is January 3, 2007! I received the call at 3:55 p.m. today from Great Wall. I couldn't think straight, but here is what I could make out of my crazy notes that I took...Gracie is from the ChongQing province, along with quite a few from our referral batch. She is currently at the Dian Jiang Social Welfare Institute. Her height is 64 cm, weight is 7.2 kg [about 15 pounds], she likes toys, is active, smiles alot, and is quite attached to her caregiver.
More info. to come on Friday, as that is the date that her package is delivered by FedEx!

Referrals on the way! West coast first!

2007-01-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the West Coast people with the same login date as us have started receiving referrals, so us soon, too?!! I called the office at Great Wall, and they said that they haven't heard anything yet, so I said that we shouldn't expect a call for the next two days, and I was told that today or tomorrow is still a possibility! I reviewed numbers for the thousandth time with the agency, and I am glued to my cell....first number on the list of course! Will update as soon as possible!
Jenn had a great time at the Orange Bowl cheering. I'll have her blog about it soon.

Rumour du Jour

2006-12-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well, on the Rumour Queen website someone else with the same LID of 9/12 said that their agency told them that the referrals are being mailed on Friday! I don't know if that means that we get "The Call" on Friday as well, accompanied by an email of a picture. Information is to be translated by the agencies on Tuesday, and FedExed on Wednesday. This isn't from our agency, though, and when I called this afternoon [Wednesday], our agency was already closed for the day. I will definitely have an update tomorrow or Friday on this site. Crossing fingers and toes!

When do we get "The Call"???

2006-12-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

After seeing rumours and grabbing at straws on message boards, I just went ahead and called our agency. I was told that it was not going to happen right before Christmas-impossible, but it CAN be expected either the end of next week or beginning of the following week! Jennifer and I will be in Miami at the Orange Bowl right smack dab in the middle of that time frame... Should be o.k. because the first thing is "The Call", where they tell you what is in the packet, baby's name, age, province, height/weight, foster/orphanage..... anything that they have on the documents. Then it is sent to us. If I can get anything, I will have them fax it to me at the Marriott, if I can see a picture. The ball is finally rolling!!! Thanks for all that have been on this roller coaster ride with us! We are about to depart from this roller coaster in the very near future!

A Little Christmas Cheer!

2006-12-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

This link is to a YouTube video that has the "Merry Christmas" song from the group Third Day. The song is about China adoption, put to the pictures of a waiting family, and it is so spot on with our journey to Gracie. Break out the tissues! [Well, maybe I am being just a little emotional with everything going on, but at least the moms out there will know where I'm coming from maternally speaking!]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcPBA9-wyZE

An Insight into the Mysterious Matching Room!

2006-12-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a great link that shows the referral/matching process in China. After seeing the importance of passport photos in matching families to babies, I certainly wished I would have tried a few retakes! :) This shows the magnitude of dossiers and paperwork that is gone through in China.
And to think that our "many inches thick" dossier doesn't go to the matching room! Sigh!
http://www.wesselsworld.nl/ccaa.htm

Missed this month...

2006-11-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the update from the China Center for Adoption Affairs:

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before January 31, 2006.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before September 8, 2005.

Needless to say, I feel such a loss right now. So close and yet so far away! It is out of our control, the waiting game continues.
We are only 4 days away from this last cutoff, but when you look at a calendar from last month, September 10th and 11th were the weekend, so technically, we are 2 business days off of the cutoff.
I've certainly learned through this long process that there are no guarantees [like once upon a time being 5 or 6 months to referral?!!], but I'll feel secure enough in saying that this will be our last month waiting. Travel now? Most likely right after the Chinese New Year [February 18th]. This has a positive spin, being that Mardi Gras holidays [Feb. 19 to 23] and Easter holidays [April 6 to 13] will be 2 weeks that I won't have to use up my sick days for maternity leave! That would put me back to work towards the end of April, then May, then my summer off to be at home with Gracie and Jenn. Ok, God's plan does take some twists and turns along the path, but this one gives me precious more time for us to bond and adjust at home.
Well, going to start off the day trying to keep it together and face the troops [junior high classes today]. That should be a distraction from the let-down, to say the least!
Jill

The Waiting Game, Take 14

2006-11-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

Well, last week had optimistic rumours about including September, at least half of September with the batch that is expected to come up any day now. Today, however, had rumours floating out there that some agencies have told some with Sept. 12 LID's that they would not be included in this batch. Talk about a see saw of emotions... I am getting tired of this waiting game, not easy for an impatient person, but a lesson that we are certainly not The One in charge around here! :)
I would like peace of mind either way. At the rate that information is moving [read here: actually NOT moving...]I don't anticipate hearing about the cut off date for referrals until later in the week, but that doesn't mean that I won't still be trying to find glimmers of hope and rumours that are in our favor!
It is a difficult position emotionally to have a referral date on the balance like this. Please pray for our phone call to come through!
Jill

Just how do they match referrals so well??

2006-11-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

I have read [and this is speculation by others] that a match is made based on Chinese astrology, the child's facial shape as compared to passport photos submitted in the dossiers, and any traits displayed by the child that correlate to hobbies, talents, etc. as indicated in the homestudy. The zodiac is interesting; Mike and I are snakes, and Jennifer is a rooster. In the link for the Chinese zodiac, it shows that we would be compatible with an ox or a rooster, so the rooster is a sign that we all would be compatible with. As for the passport photos, all I can say is "yikes!"--I hope they look a little further into the dossier for other family pictures! And finally, the traits--they actually do seem to get spot on with this! It seems like such perfect matches when we see the personalities and dispositions of our friends who have adopted and their children! It just really all works together--its a beautiful thing!
Check out the Chinese astrology link; its fun to see the traits, friends, and foes [!] of the zodiac!
Here is a good link for the Chinese zodiac:
http://www.horoscope.com/chinesezodiac.html
Happy Turkey Day!

'Twas the Night Before Leaving Poem

2006-11-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Yet another poem from the talented Jack from the September Message Boards!

Twas the night before leaving
when all through the house
not a creature was stirring,
including my spouse.

The luggage was packed
and repacked with care
in hope that our daughter
would soon find us there.

No child was nestled
or snug in our bed,
she slept that night
in her orphanage bed.

And Mama in her kerchief
with luggage in sight
had just settled our brains
for a long sleepless night.

When out on the lawn
there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed
to see what was the matter.

Away to the window
I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter,
and threw up the sash.

The sun on the grass
and the newly formed dew
gave promise of morning
time to bid our adieu.

When, what to my wondering
eyes should appear,
but a yellow airport taxi
and our friends we hold dear.

With a little old driver,
so lively and pip,
I new in a moment
we started our trip.

More rapid than eagles,
to our cities we came,
and we whistled and shouted
and called them by name:

Albuquerque! Dallas! Phoenix ! LA!
Hong Kong! Beijing! Guangzhou today!

From the Great wall of China
To the Province of Guandong
Now Dash Away! Dash Away! Dash Away ALL!

Like treasure from heaven
in our arms they did place
our precious new daughter
tears fell from our face.

So up to the hotel room
with our child we flew
our new bundle of joy
"We have presents for you."

And then, in a twinkling,
I heard from the door
"Paperwork to do!"
I heard myself "MORE?"

Like rain from the heavens
when hurricanes fly
Tears just like raindrops
fell from our eyes.

We bathed her and dressed her
from her head to her toe.
With ribbons and dresses
and a giant hair bow.

A bundle of clothes we had
that were to big or to small
We sent to the orphanage
to be shared by them all.

Her eyes- how they twinkled!
Her dimples, how merry!
Her cheeks were like roses,
my nose red as a cherry!

Her beautiful smile
was drawn up like a bow,
and both of her parents
seemed to give off a glow.

A stamp of her foot
and a print from our thumb
made a family of us
the adoption was done!

Passport! and Visa!
then the Consulate Visit.
Our paperwork done?
Afraid that it isn't.

A wink of an eye
and a twist of a head
soon gave me to know
We had nothing to dread.

He spoke a few words,
went straight through our work
double checked our documents
then turned with a jerk.

He wanted to know
"was this the daughter we chose"
and giving a nod,
up from his desk he arose.

They gave the approval
and we gave a loud whistle,
And away we all flew
like the down of a thistle.

They heard us exclaim,
both me and my wife:
"Blessings to all and to all a good life!"

Jack Hilton

'Twas the Night Before Referrals Poem

2006-11-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

This poem is written by Jack Hilton, a member of the September Message Boards that I belong to. It is copied with permission given on the message board from the author.

'Twas the night before Referrals, when all through the house
Not a brain cell was left between me and my spouse.
Our family was working and taking such care,
In hopes that our baby would soon be here;

My child in China nestled all snug in her bed,
While visions of mooncakes danced in her head;
The moon on the breast of the new-dawn appear
The child that I love, will soon be here.

The day is upon us, the time is so near,
To calm all my nerves, I'm in need of a beer,
The sound of the phone it rings from a far;
Dang it! I've locked the phone in the car.

No time do I waste looking for keys,
I pray to God as I fall on my knees,
Then on the floor beside me appears,
my trusty ole hammer, I swing without fear.

Wham! Bang! Crash! Ouch! Dang it! Smash
The floor is now covered with nothing but glass.

From the depths of the floorboard
I retrieved it just fine,
I pushed the talk button
and found a dead line.

So back into the house
with my dead phone I flew,
I rushed by my spouse,
She Said "It's for you"

And then, for a moment,
My confusion did clear,
To see my wife holding,
our home phone and a beer.

Like rain from the heavens
when hurricanes fly
Tears just like raindrops
fell from my eyes.

"Hello" they did say,
"We've got you some news,
She's healthy and pretty,
and waiting for you"

"Her eyes- how they twinkle!
Her dimples, how merry!
Her cheeks are like roses,
She's happy and merry!"

"Her beautiful smile
is drawn up like a bow,
and both of her feet
have all five of her toes!"

While waiting for Fed-Ex, I thought I would die,
He stepped off his truck, and I tackled the guy,
My wife hopes they won't sue and that I can cope,
after I rip open, that Fed-Ex Envelope.

Her picture is here and how real she is now,
The emotions intense, our love it out pours,
The only word that I can utter is "WOW!"
as my knees seem to buckle and I head toward the floor.

Passports! and Visa!
A Consulate Visit,
Our paperwork done?
Afraid that it isn't.

My wife says to cope and wait for TA's to come here,
but easier said with your child so near.
My wife she has hope, she's a saint I confide,
she's convinced my doctor I need tranquilizers prescribed!

Jack

The Name Dilemma...

2006-11-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, for Jennifer, it didn't seem like there was much "interference" with baby name choices. We were seesawing between Gabrielle and Jennifer without much conflict or disagreement. Now, for our second go round, I don't seem to have the final say-so! Now, Mike has more of an opinion [or ast least he voices it loud and clear this time!] and Jennifer, well, being a 13 year old, has an opinion about everything under the sun, especially when it comes to baby sister names! I started off knowing, way before when, that Charlotte Grace would be the name. That was shot down by both, although I still love it. Then, Sophie Grace would be it [according to me only, apparently, although I had more support from that one.Thanks, Noreen!] We also posted a name voting site somewhere out in the WWW, which I forgot where, its been so long since we started this process!]and we noticed that we, family and friends had Grace almost every time a combination of names was made. So, Grace naturally became the first name. Middle name? I love family names [Jenn has Luria, I love that last name as part of a name!]. We want to see the name that Grace has in China as well to incorporate into the name. I love the idea of using Mei as part of the name, because Mei means sister, and MeiMei means little sister. Gracie Mei sounds so cute together! Mei also reminds me of Granny's first name, Edmée, so there's a family name connection. We used to laugh about Jennifer's name when she was little, how it ended up so long that it would curve around the margin of the pages of worksheets, and how it must cut into her standardized testing time to bubble in all those letters! :) Please leave comments as to your suggestions or input for Gracie's name!

Before and After Referral Pictures...

2006-11-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

I love this site because it shows the referral pictures of some of the children, and when you point your mouse over the referral pictures, it shows you an updated picture of what they currently look like! I can't wait to see Gracie's referral picture, and then see her blossom into her own, just like these precious children did!
http://www.maoming.homestead.com/Children.html

So what do those acronyms stand for?

2006-11-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

The most important acronym is your LID, or Log In Date. This is the date that the dossier is officially accepted by the CCAA [China Center for Adoption Affairs] and is the date that is used to determine which batch [goes by dates of LID]of referrals are matched. Last month's cutoff was all referrals with LID's by August 25, 2005.

WC or WCP: Waiting Child or Waiting Child Program
SN: Special Needs
NSN: Non-Special Needs
LOI: Letter of Intent (The letter you send to the CCAA requesting permission to adopt a particular child)
PA: Pre-approval (The CCAA has pre-approved you to adopt the child you requested and you are officially matched to the child)
DOPA: Date of your PA
DTC: Dossier to China
LID: Log In Date (The date your dossier is logged in to the CCAA)
WTA: The amount of time you have waited for TA after you have both TA & PA
TA: Travel Approval (This is final approval in the waiting children program; it is issued by the CCAA)
DOTA: Date of TA DOT: Date of Travel
CCAA: China Center of Adoption Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption From China

2006-11-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Q: Why are there so many children in orphanages in China?
A: Several decades ago, China experienced a huge population growth without nearly as much growth in their food production. As a result millions of people starved to death. The Chinese government developed population control regulations which limited the number of children each family may have. This has come to be known as the 'one child' policy, however in many provinces in China it would be more realistic to call it the 'one boy or two children' policy. There are stiff fines and penalties imposed on families who do not follow this policy. However, the Chinese people have a great love for children. In many cases, they prefer to bring the child into the world even if they must later abandon them. It is important to note that abandonment may not be the right word here - in the US, mothers and families can make adoption plans for their children. In China, this is not possible. Many people prefer to think of the predicament that faces Chinese mothers and families not as abandoning a child, but as making the best plans they possibly can to ensure that their child is found, and has a chance at a better life.

Q: Why are so many girls abandoned?
A: Because of culture and tradition, male children are often perceived as having more value than female children. Traditionally it is the responsibility of the male child to care for his parents when they are no longer able to work, while the female child would marry into another family and care for them.

If a couples first child is a boy, the will usually keep him. If they couples first or second child is a girl, is a child born out of marriage or a child with some disability or abnormality, that child may be abandoned.

Q: Why Adopt from China?
A: There is no one easy answer for this question. It has to do with personal choice, financial reasons and a myriad of emotional choices. The short answer is that China and the US have a long standing relationship as far as adoptions go. The process is well mapped out and has been very successful. The children are some of the healthiest adopted internationally, and they are well cared for and loved. Adoption from China can also cost significantly less than other international adoptions, and in many cases domestic adoption as well.

Q: How long does it take to adopt from China?
A: We wish we knew! There are so many factors that go into the process, which involves many individuals, several government branches, agencies and two world powers. Even averages are hard to give as the process can change and issues such as SARS can dramatically change things. However, not all changes are bad - recently the China Center for Adoption Affairs has committed themselves to increasing the speed with which referrals are made. So to give you a guesstimate at the length of the process we'd say anywhere between 14 months to 18 months from initial application to having your child in your arms.

Q: Do you have to travel to China?
A: Yes! China requires that at least one parent travel to China to complete the adoption. The trip is normally between 12 and 14 days in length, with a week in the child's home province. At this time there is plenty of paperwork to fill out, and lots of bonding to do with your child. Then you travel to Guangzhou, where the US Consulate is located. Here your child is given a quick physical, their papers are looked at and they are given a visa to enter the US. Many, many parents feel that the trip to China has vastly increased their understanding of their children's birth culture.

Q: When is the adoption final?
A: When you adopt from China, the adoption is normally completed in the child's province. In domestic adoptions and some international adoptions there is a period where the child is at risk - a time when the child is placed with you but the adoption has not been finalized. When adopting from China this is not the case.

Q: When does the child become a US Citizen?
A: The minute they touch US soil. Thanks to some new laws and regulations, children (those under the age of 18) who enter this country with their legal guardians immediately become United States Citizens. There are still a few US agencies who have not caught up with the times however, and it may be a good idea to readopt your child through your state court system.

Chicago Tribune articles

2006-11-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

This is a link to articles written by someone who is right before us with a September LID.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-adoption1-storygallery,0,4755819.storygallery

Getting closer!

2006-11-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

The CCAA has approved referrals with Log In Dates up to, but not including August 25th, 2005! This means that we are getting very close [finally!] to our referral! We will be right at our near the next batch of referrals, which is very nerve wracking! September is rumoured to be a light month as far as referrals go, so we're going to be optimistic that our referral may be included in the next month!
Time to wrap up the baby's room, get travel and adoption finance ducks all in a row, and start thinking of what and how to pack!

Our Sonogram!

2006-11-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

A few of the sites that I check on in anticipation...

2006-10-17T20:55:00.000-06:00

Here is the latest news from the China Center of Adoption Affairs:
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before August 25, 2005.

Here is the linkfor the CCAA; the posts about referrals are listed on the right side of the site:
http://www.china-ccaa.org/frames/index_unlogin_en.jsp

We are hoping for a referral next month!Cross your fingers! It all depends on how many dossiers are ahead of us, and that is left up for speculation.
A favorite site for adoption speculation is The Rumour Queen:http://chinaadopttalk.com/

Welcome to our blogspot!

2006-04-05T13:23:00.000-06:00

We are trying out a way to share with family and friends our adoption journey to embrace Gracie into our family. Jennifer will most likely be our resident blog editor, so please refer any technical suggestions to her. :)
By starting our blog, we will at least feel like we have something constructive to do during our LOOONG wait for our match. Please leave comments and check back often for updates!