Saturday, January 27, 2007

Home sweet home!


OK...it is near 4am Saturday morning and we have been home sweet home for hours...guess who is still awake! I've unpacked just about everything and am obsessively listening to the baby monitor...yes, she is still breathing!
The flight home went very well because there was a free seat next to ours so Ellie slept there for about eight of the twelve hours we were in flight...Mom got a lot of sleep too which is why she is awake and blogging at 4am!
This whole experience has been amazing. I feel so incredibly blessed that I feel like shouting to the world. It has been some time since I was reminded of how lucky we are to live in the United States. Our freedoms and our bounty are so often taken for granted. I was incredibly happy to come home to Arizona and begin our life with Ellie, always respecting the country that gave her to us, but unbelievably happy to live here in the good ol USA...(Canada is pretty cool too for all you Lougheads!)
I know I've said it before, but the love and support we received from our you all continues to astound us...you're the best group of friends and families a couple of Zonies could ask for! love, Cassie & Shaun

Thursday, January 25, 2007

The Red Couch...finally!








This red couch is famous here at the White swan because for years families have taken photos of the children and their families to commemorate their adoption...not sure how the tradition started, but you know what they say about tradition...don't mess with it. So, here are the three children from Gansu Province. From the left: Lola, Ellie & Sam. Ellie and Sam are the exact same age and from the same orphanage in Huining. Sam's Chinese name is Hui Ning and Ellie's is Hui Ping...I love the picture below here, it looks like they are having a long conversation about their new parents!


We went and swore an honesty oath before the US consulate today and when our passports are stamped in LA Ellie will be an official citizen of the USA! She is celebrating by playing and jabbering on the floor in the hotel room! We went out with Kelly and Ellen (otherwise known as Sam's parents!) after the consulate appointment and had burgers at a restaurant called Lucy's...reminded me of home...


We are so excited to start our journey home tomorrow..It is unbelievable that it is nearly over. What a fantastic experience...and what a wonderful blessing our little Ellie is. All things are perfect in His time...Don't know if we will get another post in before we head home...we have loved sharing these amazing moments in our lives with all of you. love, Cassie& Shaun






Tuesday, January 23, 2007

By the Pearl River



Well...we are having fun exploring the area...

Today we walked along the Pearl River and enjoyed the sights and sounds...It is not very warm here, but it isn't too bad with a coat. Ellie wore the hat Aunt Robin gave her today and made quite a fashion statement...I think pink bears everywhere were pleased.


Ellie is crawling a little now which is a treat to watch...she's pretty slow so we can keep up...give her a week and we'll be chasing her about!

We sure are looking forward to coming home...love, C & S





Sunday, January 21, 2007

Ellie reads...well she plays with books!



She's come a long way...when I first showed her the book she just would close it...now it can keep her entertained for at least five minutes or so!

It is hard to believe we have just had her a little over one week. She has changed so much it is incredible!




Out and About in Guangzhou



We took to the streets today...at least for a little while. The weather has cleared up considerably and we are thankful for that...

Ellie is sitting on the floor making the most hysterical gutteral noises...it sounds like she swallowed a small monster!

Shaun and I watched a little Football while she took her morning nap...felt like being at home minus the potato skins!

I tried taking some artistic shots while Shaun carried Ellie...the ally one was pretty good I thought...he took this bridge picture...much better than my attempts!

More later...love, C





What a Sweetie!




What can I say...She has completely stolen our hearts...We stayed in most of today because the wind picked up with the rain and it was a bit chilly, but tonight it calmed down and we went out with the two other couples to Thai food. The curry was great...the place was very kid friendly and was packed with other adopting families. So many adorable babies and happy parents. It is wonderful to witness.
Ellie made it through the day with no fever...just a 24 hour thing thank goodness. We're all caught up on sleep and feeling good. We are starting to miss home. We can't wait to see Ellie in her room and see Kata's reaction to her (I doubt he'll be jealous...Ha ha) but we are content to take advantage of this very special time with our little girl...