Gabriella's diagnosed special need is a small cerebellum. We are praying that God will miraculously touch her body.
I think there might be some other issues going on. She appears to have mild scoliosis of her back, and possibly short tendons in her legs towards her ankles or possibly even bones missing. She also has symptoms of mild CP. Her feet walk completely flat and with extreme awkwardness. She currently has limited mobility but is VERY DETERMINED.
She doesn't have the muscle strength to catch herself, so we will have to be very vigilant to make sure she doesn't fall. She is a fragile baby. She could move around the bed, she could use the bed to pull herself up, and she crawls. But, her attempts to walking even 2 steps are much like that of an 11 or 12 month old.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Her First Foods
Mama gave Gabriella a bottle with water... she needs to develop her mouth muscles to help her with her speech. Plus, it allows us to bond. She could not suck the bottle though for quite some time. We tried a cup as well, just to get liquids into her.
Her temperature was 101.6. We prayed over her, got liquids into her and stuck to the BRAT diet today: Banana, plain white rice, organic apple chips, and organic cheerio type cereals. It all worked. By the time she went to bed, her temperature was normal.
We decided not to give her any Tylenol. We really felt the diet and prayer would work for her this time... and, wanted her little body to fight whatever it was... off.
Later, we added some Univera Essentials. This product will get all the vitamins, minerals, protein, and nutrition her body needs. We call this, "juice." She would point to the one she wanted.
I really believe God is giving her a supernatural understanding of English words. She has picked up on EVERYTHING I have said... sometimes even repeating it.
Her temperature was 101.6. We prayed over her, got liquids into her and stuck to the BRAT diet today: Banana, plain white rice, organic apple chips, and organic cheerio type cereals. It all worked. By the time she went to bed, her temperature was normal.
We decided not to give her any Tylenol. We really felt the diet and prayer would work for her this time... and, wanted her little body to fight whatever it was... off.
Later, we added some Univera Essentials. This product will get all the vitamins, minerals, protein, and nutrition her body needs. We call this, "juice." She would point to the one she wanted.
I really believe God is giving her a supernatural understanding of English words. She has picked up on EVERYTHING I have said... sometimes even repeating it.
Her First Words
When Gabriella saw the "parent" photo album we had given her Chinese foster parents, on the bed, she pointed, grunted, and stretched her arms towards it. We handed it to her.
She opened the photo album up, turned to the first photo and pointed to mama and said, "Mama". She pointed to daddy and said, "Baba." She pointed to Tyanna and said, "Jie Jie", she pointed to Kai and said "Gu Gu". She also pointed to Grandma Hoppins and said "Nai Nai." I called her "Grandma Angel"... not sure if we will keep that name or not... but, since she took off for heaven just 3 weeks ago, I thought we might keep it.
This clearly was her favorite thing. It even beat out the Telatubbie toy. She really was prepared for us.
Later, I handed her, her monkey toy and pointed to Chai and Belle, our dogs. She said, "Gou Gou". Daddy's not sure what she will do when she sees the dogs. That might be a big problem. But, we've been told that she really isn't afraid of anything except animals that fly.
She opened the photo album up, turned to the first photo and pointed to mama and said, "Mama". She pointed to daddy and said, "Baba." She pointed to Tyanna and said, "Jie Jie", she pointed to Kai and said "Gu Gu". She also pointed to Grandma Hoppins and said "Nai Nai." I called her "Grandma Angel"... not sure if we will keep that name or not... but, since she took off for heaven just 3 weeks ago, I thought we might keep it.
This clearly was her favorite thing. It even beat out the Telatubbie toy. She really was prepared for us.
Later, I handed her, her monkey toy and pointed to Chai and Belle, our dogs. She said, "Gou Gou". Daddy's not sure what she will do when she sees the dogs. That might be a big problem. But, we've been told that she really isn't afraid of anything except animals that fly.
Her First Giggles
That hard, plastic, red Telatubbie telephone toy brought many giggles. She wanted to show it to us and push the different buttons. We started to make real connections just a couple minutes after placing her on the bed.
She would show mama while she ran the video camera. She would show baba as he got closer to her. It was so sweet.
Can't wait to post the videos.
She would show mama while she ran the video camera. She would show baba as he got closer to her. It was so sweet.
Can't wait to post the videos.
Her Backpack of Goodies
After Jason and I arrived back at the hotel, we placed Gabriella on the bed and gave her a bit of space. We opened her Mickey Mouse backpack of goodies that were given by her Chinese foster mom.
She had her giraffee-moo-moo, her soft pink bear, a yellow dress, a cow rattle, the monkey toy with our photos in it and both photo albums we sent... the one for the parents and the soft baby one for her. All of these items we had sent her in our care package.
Her foster mama also added a pink doggie like "Blue" and a red Tellatubies telephone which sang songs (this was her favorite toy and brought much comfort to her).
Gabriella came to us in an orange and white striped shirt and some matching shorts. She wore some blue plastic sandals with a little lamb a top them. The piece of candy in her hand was melting, so we threw it away. (Don't get upset... she wasn't. Besides, it wasn't organic... someday she'll understand).
She had her giraffee-moo-moo, her soft pink bear, a yellow dress, a cow rattle, the monkey toy with our photos in it and both photo albums we sent... the one for the parents and the soft baby one for her. All of these items we had sent her in our care package.
Her foster mama also added a pink doggie like "Blue" and a red Tellatubies telephone which sang songs (this was her favorite toy and brought much comfort to her).
Gabriella came to us in an orange and white striped shirt and some matching shorts. She wore some blue plastic sandals with a little lamb a top them. The piece of candy in her hand was melting, so we threw it away. (Don't get upset... she wasn't. Besides, it wasn't organic... someday she'll understand).
Her First Tear
While we were playing on the bed, Gabriella passed gas. A tear and whimper came. Jason heard the gas passing and said, "I think she has to go potty."
I picked her up and took her to the potty. She was in a diaper because she acquired diarrhea in the last day... most probably from nerves. But, we hope to find out that story later.
I sat her on the toilet and said, "Go potty." Boy did she have to go. Not sure where all of that came from. But, since that moment, she seemed to feel much better.
In fact, this is what we did moments later... we looked at her photo book of her family... she named us all!
I picked her up and took her to the potty. She was in a diaper because she acquired diarrhea in the last day... most probably from nerves. But, we hope to find out that story later.
I sat her on the toilet and said, "Go potty." Boy did she have to go. Not sure where all of that came from. But, since that moment, she seemed to feel much better.
In fact, this is what we did moments later... we looked at her photo book of her family... she named us all!
Gotcha Day... Whose Baby Didn't Cry?
Gotcha Day is the day that changes an orphan's life. Often times, with little or no preparation by the orphanage, the child is dropped off or handed over to a family and the caregiver turns and walks away... without ever saying anything.
I will admit, that in those first few moments with us, she seemed to be looking at us and wanting to say,"Who the heck are you?" We just kept pointing to ourselves and saying, "Baba aiy ne" or "Mama aiy ne." Which translates into Daddy (Mommy) loves you.
Within maybe 5 minutes or so of getting Gabriella, David whisked us all out of the room and back to the van... off to the Wharton Hotel. That part was a little frustrating. I was trying to document this moment... and, he was dragging me out of the room. Argh!
We did manage to stop at the bottom of the elevator to take a couple more photos. Still no tears from our little princess. It began to worry the new baba... but, I reminded him, that I never expected tears from our baby. I always thought she would just sit in our arms and smile. That's just what she did. Thank you Jesus for such a perfect start!
Gabriella was the last of the four children to enter the room. The other three children were hysterical... the crying could have been heard way down the hall. It's a scary day because the children don't know who those foreigners are... they are just handed to them with generally no explanation.
Gabriella's caregiver walked in, handed her to me and walked out. I had to have David, our guide, get her and have her come back for a picture. Geez! As David said, this process is full of many types of tears, tears of joy and tears of sadness.
Gabriella never cried. She sat with us and looked at both Jason and I. The video camera was going... we also had a chance to get a few photos as well. Gabriella looked at both devices and smiled.
I will admit, that in those first few moments with us, she seemed to be looking at us and wanting to say,"Who the heck are you?" We just kept pointing to ourselves and saying, "Baba aiy ne" or "Mama aiy ne." Which translates into Daddy (Mommy) loves you.
Within maybe 5 minutes or so of getting Gabriella, David whisked us all out of the room and back to the van... off to the Wharton Hotel. That part was a little frustrating. I was trying to document this moment... and, he was dragging me out of the room. Argh!
We did manage to stop at the bottom of the elevator to take a couple more photos. Still no tears from our little princess. It began to worry the new baba... but, I reminded him, that I never expected tears from our baby. I always thought she would just sit in our arms and smile. That's just what she did. Thank you Jesus for such a perfect start!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Forbidden Burritos!
We left Seattle, Friday, July 16th at 9pm with that amazing visa I flew to San Francisco for the day before. We arrived in Beijing. Spent the night in the airport with many others... with no opportunity to buy food the entire time we were there.
I packed an entire suitcase of snacks and baby food, and had dispersed them among the bags. It was a good thing. We nibbled on some of that HOPING that something would open up. We did get a miniature "mocha" coffee just before take-off. It was definitely miniature... maybe the equivalent of 3 shots. Oh how I wish one of their Starbucks had been opened.
My $15 Q'doba burritos were confiscated after getting our luggage at the Beijing airport. We had walked through "security" with them and was questioned.
There was no negotiating. But, it was rather hysterical to watch their faces as they pointed to my burrito and asked, "What dis?" When I told them, they made another funny face as they carefully unwrapped it. Though they treated it like it might have had a disease, I really thought they were eventually going to eat it right in front of me. "It meat?" Yes, I said... cooked meat. They told me, "forbidden!" I could not take it and walk 3 steps backward out of their "security" area.
I had been looking forward to eating that burrito for 12 hours. I wasn't happy, but I didn't want to end up in trouble. Someone later emailed me and said I was VERY LUCKY not to get fined. Geez! I need to be a little more careful.
I packed an entire suitcase of snacks and baby food, and had dispersed them among the bags. It was a good thing. We nibbled on some of that HOPING that something would open up. We did get a miniature "mocha" coffee just before take-off. It was definitely miniature... maybe the equivalent of 3 shots. Oh how I wish one of their Starbucks had been opened.
My $15 Q'doba burritos were confiscated after getting our luggage at the Beijing airport. We had walked through "security" with them and was questioned.
There was no negotiating. But, it was rather hysterical to watch their faces as they pointed to my burrito and asked, "What dis?" When I told them, they made another funny face as they carefully unwrapped it. Though they treated it like it might have had a disease, I really thought they were eventually going to eat it right in front of me. "It meat?" Yes, I said... cooked meat. They told me, "forbidden!" I could not take it and walk 3 steps backward out of their "security" area.
I had been looking forward to eating that burrito for 12 hours. I wasn't happy, but I didn't want to end up in trouble. Someone later emailed me and said I was VERY LUCKY not to get fined. Geez! I need to be a little more careful.
From Seattle to Beijing to Nanning
Last airplane trip without our littlest princess. We had our picture taken with Gabriella's photo. Can't wait to meet her. Landed in Nanning on Sunday, July 18th.
Gotcha Day tomorrow!
Gotcha Day tomorrow!
Welcome to Nanning, Guangxi, China… 11:11am
Sunday, July 18...
Welcome to Nanning, Guangxi, China… the place where you will get your first Chinese daughter tomorrow. Jason and I got off the plane, took the little bus to the baggage area, grabbed all 5 of our large checked bags, and our 4 carry-ons, and headed out of the area… Jason noticed the clock… it was 11:11am.
Every time we look at the clock it’s 11:11am. For years and years we have wondered why it is that when we look at the clock it is ALWAYS this time. A handful of times I looked up either in the actual Bible or computerized Bible every verse with 11:11. Then, I typed up the verses that could possibly relate to our family. There were 4 the last time I looked up the verses. I can't wait to re-read the ones I thought might be pertinent to our family.
In the last month, our lives have changed so drastically with Grandma Hoppins passing away suddenly, that I am going to look up the verses again. It's interesting that God allowed us to see the clock as we left baggage.
I wonder if 11:11 had to do with this day?
Welcome to Nanning, Guangxi, China… the place where you will get your first Chinese daughter tomorrow. Jason and I got off the plane, took the little bus to the baggage area, grabbed all 5 of our large checked bags, and our 4 carry-ons, and headed out of the area… Jason noticed the clock… it was 11:11am.
Every time we look at the clock it’s 11:11am. For years and years we have wondered why it is that when we look at the clock it is ALWAYS this time. A handful of times I looked up either in the actual Bible or computerized Bible every verse with 11:11. Then, I typed up the verses that could possibly relate to our family. There were 4 the last time I looked up the verses. I can't wait to re-read the ones I thought might be pertinent to our family.
In the last month, our lives have changed so drastically with Grandma Hoppins passing away suddenly, that I am going to look up the verses again. It's interesting that God allowed us to see the clock as we left baggage.
I wonder if 11:11 had to do with this day?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Our First Quilt Square: Angels Singing Over Me
Because we launched the "100 Wishes Quilt" on Take-Off day, Grandma Hoppins didn't get a chance to write anything for Gabriella. So, mommy took the liberty of choosing a square of fabric in Grandma's house.
Ironically, it was the only square of fabric in her home... little angels. At her life celebration June 26, 2010, daddy discovered a special song while we were waiting for Grandma to see Jesus. The song was "Singing Over Me" by Building 429.
You You’re singing over me
You’re singing over me tonight
With every star that’s in this midnight sky
You, You’re singing over me
You’re singing over me tonight
And my heart is overcome with Your song
with Your song
During the time that Grandma Hoppins was preparing to enter Heaven, it was comforting to imagine the angels singing over her.
For this, I am adding this 8x8 square of fabric for Grandma Hoppins. She joins the angels as they now sing and watch over our growing family.
Ironically, it was the only square of fabric in her home... little angels. At her life celebration June 26, 2010, daddy discovered a special song while we were waiting for Grandma to see Jesus. The song was "Singing Over Me" by Building 429.
You You’re singing over me
You’re singing over me tonight
With every star that’s in this midnight sky
You, You’re singing over me
You’re singing over me tonight
And my heart is overcome with Your song
with Your song
During the time that Grandma Hoppins was preparing to enter Heaven, it was comforting to imagine the angels singing over her.
For this, I am adding this 8x8 square of fabric for Grandma Hoppins. She joins the angels as they now sing and watch over our growing family.
Quilt Instructions!
Dear family and friends,
As you know, Jason and I are in the process of adopting our first little Chinese princess... Gabriella Grace Xu Zhi Ming Fouts. She will joining our family Monday, July 19, 2010 on her Gotcha Day.
While we wait, Grandma Pirate (Jason's mom) would like to continue the tradition in her family to make a quilt for each of her grandchildren.
She has asked me to gather contributions to make this a special memory for Gabriella.
To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." It is a custom to invite family and friends to contribute a square patch of cloth. The patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.
If you would like to contribute to this project, we would love it! Here is what we would like you to do:
1. Choose ANY 100% cotton fabric that you like. It can be from clothing or from a fabric store. It can be a design and color that you like or that represents who you are… (for example, it might be a pirate scrap of fabric for Grandma and Grandpa Pirate, for Grandpa Fouts, it might be a Bob the Builder scrap of fabric because he is a builder, for Uncle Todd it might be an airplane scrap of fabric because he is an airplane pilot). It could also be a bit of fabric that you've used to create something else wonderful for your family.
2. Cut one 8x8 square from the fabric. I will scan that piece of fabric to place in her "100 Good Wishes Quilt” scrapbook.
3. Each member of your family can contribute a different square of fabric and well wish.
4. Also, could you please include your "good wish note" via e-mail to plfouts@mns.com. It also would help me if you could print your “good wish note” and send it with your piece of fabric as well.
5. Finally, I would love to add a digital photo of the contributor… and/or your family. Can you send this also to my email at plfouts@msn.com.
6. The fabric and note can be folded up and put into a regular envelope. Please send it to me:
Patty Fouts
PO BOX 1634
Bothell, WA 98041
Ideas for a your good wishes note: What would you wish for Gabriella's life?
This wish can be your own words or thoughts, a favorite poem or quote, a blessing for our little princess, a prayer for her, a favorite Bible verse or promise, etc.
Grandma Pirate wants to get this started... would you join our family and be part of this special memory for Gabriella?
Thanks! Jason, Patty, Kai, Tyanna, and Gabriella (Take-off Day, July 16, 2010)
As you know, Jason and I are in the process of adopting our first little Chinese princess... Gabriella Grace Xu Zhi Ming Fouts. She will joining our family Monday, July 19, 2010 on her Gotcha Day.
While we wait, Grandma Pirate (Jason's mom) would like to continue the tradition in her family to make a quilt for each of her grandchildren.
She has asked me to gather contributions to make this a special memory for Gabriella.
To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." It is a custom to invite family and friends to contribute a square patch of cloth. The patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.
If you would like to contribute to this project, we would love it! Here is what we would like you to do:
1. Choose ANY 100% cotton fabric that you like. It can be from clothing or from a fabric store. It can be a design and color that you like or that represents who you are… (for example, it might be a pirate scrap of fabric for Grandma and Grandpa Pirate, for Grandpa Fouts, it might be a Bob the Builder scrap of fabric because he is a builder, for Uncle Todd it might be an airplane scrap of fabric because he is an airplane pilot). It could also be a bit of fabric that you've used to create something else wonderful for your family.
2. Cut one 8x8 square from the fabric. I will scan that piece of fabric to place in her "100 Good Wishes Quilt” scrapbook.
3. Each member of your family can contribute a different square of fabric and well wish.
4. Also, could you please include your "good wish note" via e-mail to plfouts@mns.com. It also would help me if you could print your “good wish note” and send it with your piece of fabric as well.
5. Finally, I would love to add a digital photo of the contributor… and/or your family. Can you send this also to my email at plfouts@msn.com.
6. The fabric and note can be folded up and put into a regular envelope. Please send it to me:
Patty Fouts
PO BOX 1634
Bothell, WA 98041
Ideas for a your good wishes note: What would you wish for Gabriella's life?
This wish can be your own words or thoughts, a favorite poem or quote, a blessing for our little princess, a prayer for her, a favorite Bible verse or promise, etc.
Grandma Pirate wants to get this started... would you join our family and be part of this special memory for Gabriella?
Thanks! Jason, Patty, Kai, Tyanna, and Gabriella (Take-off Day, July 16, 2010)
100 Wishes Quilt Take-off Day
To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt."
It is a custom to invite family and friends to contribute a square patch of cloth. The patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric.
We want to add your thoughts and prayers not only to the quilt but to a "100 Wishes Scrapbook."
This quilt is for all our family, friends, preschool families, and adoption friends to be part of.
The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.
It is a custom to invite family and friends to contribute a square patch of cloth. The patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric.
We want to add your thoughts and prayers not only to the quilt but to a "100 Wishes Scrapbook."
This quilt is for all our family, friends, preschool families, and adoption friends to be part of.
The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Amazing Race for the Visa!
Landed in San Francisco with my passport and EVERY document I thought we might possibly need to show in the event that they questioned whether I needed the visa immediately or in a day or two.
Ate breakfast (and got lunch) at Starbucks at 3am in the Seattle airport. $15
Alaska Air safely delivered me to SF. $210
Took my first cab trip (by myself) to the consulate. $40
Ordered my visa with rush status. $170
Took my first bus ride on the BART system. $2
Took BART to the airport. $8
Ate dinner in the airport. $12
Flew Virgin Air (with my own personal tv) back to Seattle. $206
Paid for Seattle parking. $28
Learned many lessons... including that people are VERY kind when you need help... including the bus driver. I always seemed to have some college student or 20-something helping me get where I needed to go.
In the end, this mistake cost us about $700. Would I do it again? If I knew that it meant the difference of holding our little princess in our arms or not.
MORAL: Get your passport stamped for the country you are traveling to at minimum a couple weeks before you go. You can Fed-Ex your passport and info. to a carrier and they walk it in to the consulate. There were several carriers, and they all seemed to be well known.
The Chinese consulate in San Francisco can give you your rushed visa the same day if you have your paperwork processed between 9am and 11:15am. You will get it back in your hands by 2:30pm whether you go in at 9am or 11am. Don't go on Mondays.
It was an amazing race! I felt like I had won the price!
Thank you Jesus for watching over me and getting me back to Seattle in time to fly with my husband to China.
Ate breakfast (and got lunch) at Starbucks at 3am in the Seattle airport. $15
Alaska Air safely delivered me to SF. $210
Took my first cab trip (by myself) to the consulate. $40
Ordered my visa with rush status. $170
Took my first bus ride on the BART system. $2
Took BART to the airport. $8
Ate dinner in the airport. $12
Flew Virgin Air (with my own personal tv) back to Seattle. $206
Paid for Seattle parking. $28
Learned many lessons... including that people are VERY kind when you need help... including the bus driver. I always seemed to have some college student or 20-something helping me get where I needed to go.
In the end, this mistake cost us about $700. Would I do it again? If I knew that it meant the difference of holding our little princess in our arms or not.
MORAL: Get your passport stamped for the country you are traveling to at minimum a couple weeks before you go. You can Fed-Ex your passport and info. to a carrier and they walk it in to the consulate. There were several carriers, and they all seemed to be well known.
The Chinese consulate in San Francisco can give you your rushed visa the same day if you have your paperwork processed between 9am and 11:15am. You will get it back in your hands by 2:30pm whether you go in at 9am or 11am. Don't go on Mondays.
It was an amazing race! I felt like I had won the price!
Thank you Jesus for watching over me and getting me back to Seattle in time to fly with my husband to China.
>24 HRS to Take-off and NO VISA!
With less than 24 hours before we are taking off, Jason realized that we hadn't got my passport stamped for China. No stamp; no trip. No trip; no kid.
While I knew God had everything under control, Jason was FREAKING out!
With the help of many praying friends and adopting friends, I think we all put our heads together and realized I needed to get the next flight to San Francisco to the Chinese Consulate.
Rather than going to bed, I took one of the 5 pre-packed suitcases... dumped it out, and re-packed it for SF and the possibility of going straight to China.
With little info. on the web, it appeared that our best bet was to fly it down and wait. Maybe I would have to wait hours, maybe a day. Maybe I would have to leave without the passport and come home.
I bought my ticket and waited at the airport from 3am until the flight left at 6am.
I didn't know where the Chinese Consulate was, but I had an address. Many prayed for favor for me.
Here is the website if you ever need it:
http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/qianzhen/t42285.htm
While I knew God had everything under control, Jason was FREAKING out!
With the help of many praying friends and adopting friends, I think we all put our heads together and realized I needed to get the next flight to San Francisco to the Chinese Consulate.
Rather than going to bed, I took one of the 5 pre-packed suitcases... dumped it out, and re-packed it for SF and the possibility of going straight to China.
With little info. on the web, it appeared that our best bet was to fly it down and wait. Maybe I would have to wait hours, maybe a day. Maybe I would have to leave without the passport and come home.
I bought my ticket and waited at the airport from 3am until the flight left at 6am.
I didn't know where the Chinese Consulate was, but I had an address. Many prayed for favor for me.
Here is the website if you ever need it:
http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/qianzhen/t42285.htm
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Grandma's Birthday is in Heaven
July 7, 2010
Today we will celebrate Grandma Hoppins 66th birthday. This birthday is extra special because she is in heaven. She went to be with Jesus June 26, 2010.
Daddy, mommy, Kai, Tyanna, and Corban will visit Aunt Becky and Uncle Ian. We will enjoy some dessert in Grandma's honor.
Today we will celebrate Grandma Hoppins 66th birthday. This birthday is extra special because she is in heaven. She went to be with Jesus June 26, 2010.
Daddy, mommy, Kai, Tyanna, and Corban will visit Aunt Becky and Uncle Ian. We will enjoy some dessert in Grandma's honor.
Our Consulate Appointment (CA) is July 28th
July 6, 2010
Today is Aunt Becky's birthday. But better news than even that, is that we have your consulate appointment and we can buy our tickets to come get you. Oh, craziness. The tickets are not cheep; but God will provide.
Because of Grandma's death, and our travel to China, daddy will only work 7 days this month. God is going to show us great and mighty miracles... because He always does.
Today is Aunt Becky's birthday. But better news than even that, is that we have your consulate appointment and we can buy our tickets to come get you. Oh, craziness. The tickets are not cheep; but God will provide.
Because of Grandma's death, and our travel to China, daddy will only work 7 days this month. God is going to show us great and mighty miracles... because He always does.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Our Travel Approval (TA) Came Today
July 2, 2010
Today is many things. It's a Friday. We celebrated the life of Grandma Hoppins. It was her would-be 44th wedding anniversary to Grandpa Hoppins. Today was also the day to finish packing up Grandma's home and bring what we would need or could use up to our home.
After dinner, while eating at the local Thai restaurant in Coos Bay, mommy asked daddy if he would check his email to see if Karla had emailed us with our TA. To our delight, while we were eating with Mrs. Todd, Taylor, and Grandma and Grandpa Fouts, daddy, Tyanna, Corban, and I found our our TA had arrived.
We also found out that we should know our consulate appointment (CA) date on Tuesday.
God is so good. He turns our sorrows into joy.
Today is many things. It's a Friday. We celebrated the life of Grandma Hoppins. It was her would-be 44th wedding anniversary to Grandpa Hoppins. Today was also the day to finish packing up Grandma's home and bring what we would need or could use up to our home.
After dinner, while eating at the local Thai restaurant in Coos Bay, mommy asked daddy if he would check his email to see if Karla had emailed us with our TA. To our delight, while we were eating with Mrs. Todd, Taylor, and Grandma and Grandpa Fouts, daddy, Tyanna, Corban, and I found our our TA had arrived.
We also found out that we should know our consulate appointment (CA) date on Tuesday.
God is so good. He turns our sorrows into joy.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Heaven Called Grandma Hoppins Home
Dear Little Princess,
With just days before you are in OUR arms, Jesus called Grandma Hoppins home.
Her time on earth was finished. And, even though she was only 65 and incredibly healthy, she had done what she needed to do. We will miss her deary. Mommy made a special DVD to honor Grandma's life and will be working on a special memory of who your Grandma Hoppins was in a special scrapbook.
Grandma Hoppins went to be with Jesus on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 8:12pm.
She would have loved to have known you. I asked her to send us ladybugs from time to time. I know she will.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Baba Day!
June 20, 2010
I really believed with all my heart that we would be holding Gabriella in our arms today in China. We are not.
Instead, we are praying and believing that God is protecting her, her foster sister Monique, and her foster family from the horrendous floods in Guilin and other neighboring cities and countrysides.
Lord Jesus... you have shown Yourself faithful. You have blessed us with many miracles that let us know that You are ABSOLUTELY in this journey with us and You are watching over every detail. We trust that You will put a hedge of protection over our baby girl.
I really believed with all my heart that we would be holding Gabriella in our arms today in China. We are not.
Instead, we are praying and believing that God is protecting her, her foster sister Monique, and her foster family from the horrendous floods in Guilin and other neighboring cities and countrysides.
Lord Jesus... you have shown Yourself faithful. You have blessed us with many miracles that let us know that You are ABSOLUTELY in this journey with us and You are watching over every detail. We trust that You will put a hedge of protection over our baby girl.
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