117b party of 8???

From what I can tell, we have travel approval from China. Now we just need dates to travel (Consulate Appointment) and then we will be able to book tickets. We have been keeping tabs on tickets this month and they have gone from $700 to almost $2000 each. Would anyone like to vote on when we will travel and what our ticket will cost? We cannot afford $6000 tickets so if we don't get some dates to travel soon we are going to be outside of our "window" and will have to travel next month :( I never dreamed we would be this close and still so far away from knowing when we will see our daughter.

Visa Application on its Way!!!

We have finally gotten our Visa application mailed. Sent it off this afternoon YAY!!!

Congratulations to all the families that are getting referrals this month!!! YAY! It's exciting to see the good news being posted that your babies are here! And no rumors or waiting on the stork, what a blessing!


*Update
Checked on Sunday morning and the Visa application package has finally been logged in and is on its way to America!!!

Fingerprints and passport photos...

We had our fingerprints redone and in the mail yesterday, hopefully they arrive and the 171H is updated quickly...takes about two weeks the nice lady on the phone said.

We had our passport photos done today...Scotts turned out well - should I post them? Mine is preeeetty scary! We are still trying to figure out the whole visa application thing. After several phone calls to curier services we thinks we have it somewhat figured out...now to figure out how to get a FedX package mailed from here...

Complications and paperjams should be the title of this blog.

Fingerprints and guardian angels...

I called Frankfurt CIS office yesterday to check on our fingerprints/171-H and the prints I sent them Jul 14 have been lost in the mail...they never recieved them!!! They moved last year after our original request (didn't know this) So now we have to add re-do fingerprinting (again) to our list of things to do right away.

We talked with some friends last night whom are willing to keep the boys for us. There is still a lot of things to work out yet but we have a strong sense that this might just be ok after all. The boys will not miss any school and they will have the comforts of home during this high stress time. I still wish there were some way for them to come with but with all things considered, they will be better off not traveling right now...maybe we can plan a China trip someday as a family; when the planning part of it is actually in our control.

Visas and flying solo....

So Visa paperwork finally arrived via FedX yesterday!!! Woo Hooo! We need to complete more paperwork, get more notaries done...send in passports (yikes!) and wait some more for Travel Approval.

We also got word yesterday from a travel agency that tickets from Frankfurt to Beijing run somewhere along the lines of $2000! OUCH! Cha-ching! Cha-ching! Cha-ching! Cha-ching! Cha-ching! (You get the picture) We have been saving all year so the kids could make the trip with us but at this price it is unthinkable. Soooo...one of us has to stay behind with the boys while the other goes to China for Jaiden. Scott nominated me - I nominated him...late night discussing what to do. It is only 6 am so too early to check with local sources for airfare right now but travelocity is telling me that the cost of a roundtrip ticket from Frankfurt to Beijing is around $1300 - which is still pricey and we can't really afford this x5. Plus the issue of whether or not the boys can use their government issued passports is still unresolved...

It will be a highly stressful and emotional two weeks and the more I think about it the more I'm thinking that maybe the boys would benefit more from meeting their sister on their own turf instead of in a hotel room for two weeks...plus this would give Jaiden a chance to build a bond of trust with me so when she is thrown full throttle into this new world maybe she will be able to bounce back a little quicker.

I don't want to take this experience away from the boys and I worry about Jaiden's bond with Scott if he isn't there those first few days but I'm thinking maybe it will be easier on them all if they meet her at home. This is such a new twist and I have not even given a moments thought to what if the boys couldn't come along. I've always thought we would make this journey as a family. I could use all the advice I could get on this matter. What should we do?

Baby Stuff!!!

We went to the cleaners to pick up uniforms...and we couldn't resist picking up a bit of baby stuff too. So Jaiden now has diapers... lavender scented powder, lotion and a PINK bottle w/bottle accessories!!!

I couldn't resist "shopping" for Jaiden. I "fluffed" up the gift registry a bit. Amazon has more baby gear than I could have ever imagined!!! I added a lot of stuff but I had Jaiden's Birthday and Christmas in mind as I was doing it. I figured that whatever wasn't purchased for her homecoming would be on the list for later and it is so much easier shopping from one list. I know babies don't need that much stuff but it was all soooo cute that I couldn't resist putting it in the registry...just in case! :) Being on one list also makes it so much easier for everyone to see what she already has and what she needs.


*Question to bloggers - are you having trouble loading photos??? It takes forever to load just one or two photos - that is why there are not more pieces to Jaiden's quilt on the blog.

Thought You'd be Here...

Your mother and I
We’re praying through our tears that somehow
We might hear your sweet cry
Have we waited too long
It’s getting harder to be strong
Is there something we’ve done wrong
But if you like dancing
I'll make it rain rhythm, and rhyme, and melodies, child
And if you like dreaming
Your mother will make your imagination run wild
Somehow, we thought you’d be here by now
We have a room just for you upstairs
It’s right down the hall
So we’ll be close should you ever get scared
We’ll come when you call
It’s a room full of stories
Waiting to be told
Longing to behold
And if you like laughing
I’ll paint you a circus of smiles and ferris wheels, dear
And if you like living
Your mother will fly you to worlds both far and near
Somehow...
I never knew the silence could make me so deaf
I never knew that I could miss someone I’ve never met
Miss someone I haven’t met yet
We’ll be waiting

Lyrics by Wes King
... mirror the words in my heart

Do they really need a letter?

Our acceptance letter (like we would NOT accept this child) is now on its way back to China!!! Wooo Hooo!!! MAJOR hurdle crossing! Now we wait for TA (travel approval). The FedX man finally delivered our referral package today - hmmmm only 2 weeks after the Stork left China! That stork needs to be retired ;) We did a quick turn and got the signed letter back on the FedX truck this afternoon - boy I didn't think I would get all emotional over more paperwork but handing that package over to the guy got me all misty eyed and giddy. Our baby is one step closer to being ours forever!

In the referral packet there were lots of letters - most of which I've shared already (the medical and developement reports) and the original photos with Jaiden's chinese name written in Chinese characters on the back (which I plan on getting sewn into a tapestry while in China) I do plan on preserving her Chinese name too - it is a special part of who she is.

Here is another quick review of her developement report:
- Deep sleeper
- Holds head up while lying on stomach
- Rolls from supine to prone position by herself
- Grasps toy near hand
- Locates the direction of sound/voice
- Visually follows moving toys
- Holds blocks on each hand at the same time
- Looks for the dropped toy
- Reach and grasp a toy beyond
- Follows you with moving head from one side to the other
- Laughs aloud (there are belly laughs in there! I just knew it!)
- Distinguishes between acquaintance and strangers
- Sounds directed at someone or something
- Active
- Restless
- Fond of imitating
- Fond of listening to music
- Fond of playing with toys
- Quick in reaction
- Having a ready smile :)
- Closest to caretaker

This last one is a heart tugger because I know with all my heart that this miracle from God has not gone a day of her entire life without love. It took her birth mother 6 days to give her up and she is not living in an orphanage but rather in the care of a very special foster mother that devotes her every waking moment to the care and nurturing of this amazing child. She is happy, she is healthy and she is loved. What greater blessing can a mother pray for her child? I know as we prepare for her to come into our lives, there is a special family preparing their hearts to give her up and preparing her for the journey ahead. I pray that they somehow know that this beloved child will always know love and happiness, she will always be warm and welcomed into our family as the blessing she was born to be. I pray that they are blessed beyond measure for giving so selflessly to this child. They had her only for a moment but you can feel the love in the words that are written in the reports. She will not forget; their memories are sealed into her heart snug and tight and will unfold in her dreams as she sleeps soundly into the night. We will remember them often and pray for them much and maybe someday our paths will meet and we can express to them how much their care truly meant to us and our daughter.

Until then, we gaze upon her precious photos and fall deeper in love with her every day. We pray that she is having an extra special day today and that somehow she knows that we are here. Waiting for her to come into our lives. To bring a joy that we didn't know was missing. To light our lives with her amazing love. And maybe as she dreams tonight her dreams will unfold... and be of the family in the west that loves her more than they ever imagined possible....so much more that words cannot describe. I knew it would be easy to love her; I loved her deeply before we ever saw her face - but I never knew it would feel like this...it's like falling in love for the very first time and looking into the eyes of my children for the first time - it's deep and it's real and it has a strength and a bond like none other.

Jade

Jaiden's name comes from the jewel jade and means "God has heard". I did some research yesterday and found that the name fits more than I could have ever imagined. I was a bit worried about choosing this name and then it would be all wrong if she were a delicate flower sort of girl...the name Chloe is the name we have picked for that one :) Jaiden is a beautiful girl but also very strong and resilient. She glows from within; God has certainly blessed us with a beautiful jewel to treasure for all our lives! We fall more in love with our Jaiden every day! She is perfect and we couldn't possibly be any happier - ok, if she were home THAT would make us happier! :) We haven't even met yet but her personality shines through already in her eyes and her facial expressions. We can't get enough of that cute button nose and those sweet kiss me now cheeks! Those shining eyes and thick unruly hair! It will be so incredible to meet this child and bring her into our lives. I think she will be bubbles of fun and belly laughs ...or will she will clever and serious? Hmmm...we can only wonder. But we will always treasure her and give thanks for the blessing of having her in our lives.

Jade

The myth of jade

Jade – a gemstone of unique symbolic energy, and unique in the myths that surround it. With its beauty and wide-ranging expressiveness, jade has held a special attraction for mankind for thousands of years.

This gem, with its discreet yet rather greasy lustre, which comes in many fine nuances of green, but also in shades of white, grey, black, yellow, and orange and in delicate violet tones, has been known to Man for some 7000 years. In prehistoric times, however, it was esteemed rather more for its toughness, which made it an ideal material for weapons and tools. Yet as early as 3000 B.C. jade was known in China as yu, the 'royal gem'. In the long history of the art and culture of the enormous Chinese empire, jade has always had a very special significance, roughly comparable with that of gold and diamonds in the West. Jade was used not only for the finest objects and cult figures, but also in grave furnishings for high-ranking members of the imperial family. Today, too, this gem is regarded as a symbol of the good, the beautiful and the precious. It embodies the Confucian virtues of wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty and courage, yet it also symbolises the female-erotic. A visit to the jade market, be it in Hong Kong or Rangoon, or at one of the Hong Kong jade auctions organised by Christie's, can give some idea of the significance this gem has for the people of Asia.

However, as long ago as the pre-Columbian period, the Mayas, Aztecs and Olmecs of Central America also honoured and esteemed jade more highly than gold. New Zealand's Maoris began carving weapons and cult instruments from native jade in early times, a tradition which has continued to the present day. In ancient Egypt, jade was admired as the stone of love, inner peace, harmony and balance. In other regions and cultures too, jade was regarded as a lucky or protective stone; yet it had nowhere near the significance that it had in Asia, which was presumably due to the fact that people knew relatively little about this fascinating gem. Fortunately however, in recent times, people's understanding of this gem, which fascinates not only the connoisseurs by its perfect interplay of hardness and toughness with an enchanting range of colours and fine lustre, has improved; and their esteem for it has been on the increase all over the world.

What is jade?

'Jade', or yu, as it is called in China, is strictly speaking a generic term for two different gems, nephrite and jadeite. The name is derived from the Spanish piedra de ijada, loin-stone, jade having been recognised by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Because of its beneficial effect on the kidneys, the stone was also known as lapis nephriticus. That, indeed, is where the term 'nephrite' came from.

Jadeite and nephrite are both regarded in China as zhen yu, 'genuine jade'. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that mineralogists and gemmologists started to differentiate between them, since they bear a considerable resemblance to each other in terms of their appearance, their hardness and the properties they exhibit when being processed. Both are tough, since they consist of dense, close-grained, matted aggregates, but they differ from one another in their chemical composition and colours. Nephrite ranges mainly from mid to dark green or grey-green, but it can also be white, yellowish or reddish. Rarer, and somewhat tougher, jadeite displays hues which include green, but also white or pink, and reds, blacks, browns and violets. In both minerals, the way the colour is distributed varies a great deal. Only in the very finest jade is the colour evenly distributed. Both nephrite and jadeite often have veins, blemishes and streaks running through them, though these may not always be regarded as flaws. On the contrary, some of these patterns are considered particularly valuable.

Jade: from raw material to finished product

Jadeite is rarer than nephrite and is therefore regarded as more precious. Nephrite deposits have been found in China, New Zealand, Russia, Guatemala and the Swiss Alps. Dark green jade, so-called Canada jade, is also found in Western Canada. Jadeite is found in China, Russia and Guatemala, but the best stones come from Burma, now known as Myanmar. There, at the annual 'Gems, Jade and Pearls Emporium', blocks of jade in all sizes are auctioned. When purchasing the raw materials, the dealers need to be fairly lucky, since the nodules, blocks and fragments are sold either whole or after having been cut into slices, and there is only a very small window, the result of some initial grinding. So the buyer cannot see exactly what is hidden on the inside: valuable green jade, or an almost worthless, speckled or streaky material. It is not until the cutting process begins that the real quality is revealed.

In the jade-cutting centres of Canton, Beijing and Hong Kong, the raw material is processed with carborundum and diamond powder. Since jade is, as a rule, not transparent, but has a fine lustre, the cabochon is the form best suited to it. Thin slivers, which can be worn as pendants, and jade bracelets are popular too. Round, cylindrical and flat shapes can be combined to make attractive necklaces. Traditionally, jade is processed into slender figures, filigree images or thin-walled vessels. This is sometimes erroneously referred to as jade carving. Unwanted material is in fact removed during the cutting process, and the stone is subsequently polished. Here once again we see the subtle difference between nephrite and jadeite: whilst polished nephrite has a surface with a resinous lustre, the glassy lustre of jadeite after polishing seems to shine almost like that of a mirror.

What distinguishes good jade?

For collectors as well as jewellery lovers, jade is a fascinating gemstone. In Asia, above all, it is collected as an antique. Besides the quality of the gem and its processing, religion and faith also play an important role. In the West, many people prefer to collect jade in the form of snuff-boxes, cigarette holders, small bowls or rings. Since each collector has his or her own taste and his or her own likings with regard to colour, style and shape, it is no easy matter giving definite advice on the purchase of jade objects.

However, jade is, at the same time, a wonderful gem, not only in its traditional guise, but also in more modern designs. Especially in recent years, creative jewellery and gemstone producers have come up with some wonderful, up-to-date jewellery design, thus sprucing up the image of jade, which had had rather a traditional character for quite some time.

In general, the value of jade is determined according to its colour and the intensity of that colour, the vivacity and texture, and its clarity and transparency. Likings for particular colours vary very considerably from region to region and culture to culture. In green jade alone, the connoisseurs differentiate between seven main qualities, from the intense, even green of imperial jade, via apple green and spinach green, all the way to the lighter and to more heavily speckled shades of green. These special nuances often overlap and can hardly be recognised by the untrained eye. In the USA and Europe, emerald green, spinach green and apple green are regarded as particularly valuable. In the Far East, on the other hand, pure white or a fine yellow with a delicate pink undertone is highly esteemed. In the world of jewellery, the fine violet nuances of lavender jade are very popular. It is however the rare, emerald green of imperial jade, which shines through at the edges, a colour of incredible depth, which fetches the highest prices. Unfortunately, since not only good and natural jade is offered for sale, but often fake or poor-quality products or stones which have been coloured or otherwise treated, it is advisable to buy good jade only from reputable dealers and jewellers, whether the purchase is being made for a collection or as an individual piece of jewellery.

Symbolic energy and beauty, the traditional and the modern are combined in jade in a particularly harmonious way. And in gemstone therapy it is said that jade 'stimulates creativity and mental agility on the one hand, while also having a balancing and harmonising effect.' So this beautiful gemstone brings us joy, vivacity and happiness all at the same time – and what, in our times, could we possibly need more?

Jaiden's Registry

Not sure how to add this link to the sidebar so here is the link to Jaiden's Registry.

Jaiden doesn't have much baby stuff yet, I'd love suggestions on what a baby girl needs! Thank You!

Love from Canada

My Dragonfly secret pal sent Jaiden these adorable gifts last week! They came on the same day as Jaiden's photo but I have been on cloud 9 since then and haven't had a moment to post the photo. Karla, Thank You so very much!!!!

Jaiden's new clothes

Since we found out that Jaiden's current weight is 16 lbs and she has only toddler sized clothing 18mo+, Jared and I took a little shopping trip yesterday. She now has diapers and a few cute things. Baby things are so expensive! We have to start thinking about her first Birthday and Christmas.... which comes right after our trip to China. Cha Ching!

We have been so blessed with the funds to pursue this adoption and I know things will be fine. But for those considering adoption, it does take grace to make it happen. There is nothing we could ever do to deserve this honor of being Jaiden's parents. The cost may be high but the blessings recieved are priceless! Anyone can adopt if they have the heart to adopt - the finances will come if it is meant to happen. Follow your heart and you will be richly blessed.

Jaiden's Hometown

Jaiden currently lives in Tonggu, Jiangxi Province, China. Tonggu, is a small county of 29,000 people under the jurisdiction of Yichun City. Eighty percent of the population are Chinese minority. The county encompasses a small urban area and much rural farm land and mountains. The urban area has several schools, the West Lake Square which hosts community gatherings, a hospital, a sprawling market, two hotels, a social welfare institute, and many apartment buildings, within its boundaries. The Ding Jiang (River) runs directly through town. The rural area includes vegetable farms, expansive rice paddies, bamboo forests and is home to lots of water buffalo.The Tonggu Social Welfare Institute, which houses both children and senior citizens, is run by Director Guo Luosheng. It is a complex of four buildings. Construction of a new facility was begun in 2004 at which time the old building was torn down. As of this writing senior citizens occupy two buildings, the administrative offices occupy another building and the orphanage building is still under construction. Several older special needs children reside at the complex under the care of aunties. All babies are in foster care during the construction.International adoptions began in earnest in 2003, although some children were adopted earlier through Yichun City administration. The first international adoption from Tonggu was in 1995 but domestic adoptions began earlier. Adoptive parents travel to Nanchang, the provincial capital, to complete paperwork and receive their children. Some families visit Tonggu, a 4-hour drive west southwest of Nanchang near the border with Hunan province, through arrangements with their agency or on their own. Families are welcomed by the director and his staff. They are usually treated to a tour of the town and a delicious celebratory meal.

Jaiden's Medical and Developement Report

*Cody made the photo collage for his sister



Name: Tong, Minse "cold" DOB: Dec 20, 2005

Height: 59cm Weight: 5.6kg Head circumference 39cm chest circumference 39cm
normal checkup Heart rate: 106 bpm
result: healthy! test date: April 27, 2006

Developement Report:
She was found on Dec 26, 2005 in front of the orphanage. She was sent in by the local police. We (the orphanage?) named her. Her date of birth is estimated. Her mecial at that time: weight 2.8 kg height 40cm, head 31 cm, chest 31 cm. She entered the orphanage with teh permission from the local Social Welfare Bureau.

She has been healthy without any major sickness. We (The orphanage staff?) visited her foster home every week and provide instruction to the foster mother as to how to raise scenically...? (maybe I could use some instruction on this one too) She has received several immunization shots. She is a lovely child with reddish skin.

At 1 month, she could suck strongly, cry loudly
At 2 month, she could move her arms and legs a lot, liked to watch moving toys
At 3 months, she could raise her head when facing down. her arms andlegs became more flexible, always tried to get toys.
At 4 months, she recognized people she knew, liked the foster mother, turned her face when you called her name, liked to play games with other kids, liked to be outside with the foster mother (that's my girl!)

Her main food is milk with rice cereal at 260 ml each time, 4 meals a day. Normal bowel functions, sleep normal. She gets up at 8:00 am, nap for 2 hours, goes to bed at 9:00 pm.

She has a happy life thanks to the orphanage staff and the foster mother.

Most favorite activities: play with other kids
Most favorite toy: toys that can make sounds

Photos are here!!!!

Mr FexEx is bringing our baby girl to our agency RIGHT NOW - it's currently 6:34 pm in Germany...

8:30 pm She's Here!!! Announcing:
Jaiden Riley Katheleen Klein


Here she is world!!! Isn't she precious! We are sooooo in Love!

Interesting reading about Year of the Rooster

Its a little boring waiting for a photo so in the meantime, here are some interesting reading materials about our chicks.


http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Rooster.htm

http://chinese.astrology.com/rooster.html

Jaiden's names

I had the name mispelled on my blog originally - sooo sorry! I wasn't thinking quite clearly yesterday :)

Tong means Copper, Ming means of the people and I have to find out what Se means.

Soon to be known as Jaiden Riley Katheleen

Jaiden means "God has heard"
Ai in China means LOVE
Riley is my Dad's middle name
Katheleen is my Mom's middle name

Somewhere in Jiangxi....

Tong Min Se waits for me!!!

God has heard my prayer and I HAVE A DAUGHTER!!!

Tong Min Se born on Dec 20, 2005 in Jiangxi Province and currently possibly resides in Foster Care.

We will 3 photos tommorrow and finally meet :)

We are overjoyed!!!

Tonight as she sleeps in Jiangxi, someone is watching over her and rocking her to sleep. I hope as she dreams she will be thinking of her family that will soon come. There is a very special family taking care of our little angel right now - please say a special prayer for them as they prepare their hearts to let her go. I can't imagine how difficult that will be. I know once she is placed in my arms I am never going to want to let her go! I will always have a special place in my heart for her birth mother and for her foster family. They gave her the first months of her life and we are so blessed to share in the gift of raising this precious child.