Yes sir...that's my baby!

Can you believe it?! We are finally parents....for going on sixteen hours! Let me tell you we are the luckiest people in the world...Our little Ellie is absolutely positively more than we had ever imagined. I have a zillion more pics, but Shaun forgot a cord so we had to switch to the old camera for blog purposes...I promise, more are coming! These pictures were taken after we officially became Ellie's parents. 1/15/07

So...here's the breakdown...

Shaun and I spent thirty six hours in very close proximity to one another ...traveling in a foreign land...where surprisingly few people in the airports spoke English...and came out of it still loving eachother...what a team. I laugh though because at one point Shaun looked at me and said...It's definate, we could never do the Amazing Race...I agreed.

When we arrived in Lanzhou at 6pm Sunday night, we were greeted at the airport by Steed and he took us to the hotel..about 75 km. When we got here it was 8pm and the babies were given to us in the lobby at 9pm. What an experience! All of this waiting came down to this moment. Shaun started saying, "I'm going to be sick." and I just fluttered about looking for bottles..picking things up and setting them back down. Let me tell you it was quite a scene!

Anyway, the babies...the reason it is plural is that the Shafers son is also coming from Ellie's orphanage and they brought him too....In our babies came with their entourage from the orphanage. The director, asst. director and a local policeman and friend who transported them to us. I couldn't believe my eyes...she was breathtaking...when I picked her up I realized that she was half as big as she looked...four layer of clothes on her! She had on her little red hat and a red dot on her forehead...we just held her and let her stare at us...I see from the video that all I did was say, "I'm your Mommie!" and act like a blithering idiot...but hey.. OH, and then she finally showed us that smile! It is so cute...she has two bottom teeth and she likes showing them off by smiling...she also squinches up her nose and eyes sometimes when she is smiling...reminds me of my nephew Johnathan.

I realize this is terribly rambly, but I'm doing it while she is down for a nap so I am rushing.

As I said in the e mail, she didn't want to be put down at all last night, until I finally put her in the crib and she zonked out. (We had to lay down on the bed next to it where she could see us though.) She slept all through the night...even though Shaun and I couldn't...By her third diaper change. (Which Daddy did all by himself) she didn't cry anymore. This morning I put her on my bed with a few toys and she sat straight up and played while I sat with her...she was very aware of where Shaun was though...I must say, Ellie sure likes her Daddy...And he's over the moon for her...I feel great when he's holding her and she does the lean toward Mommie! We are so happy..happy...I wish I could think of some fabulous metaphors for how happy we are, but all my literary abilities have left me...I will ramble on.

This morning after breakfast we went to officially adopt Ellie. We were interviewed by government officials...Ellie was just charming all of them. They seemed very happy that I pronounced Hui Ping properly. The director of the orphanage was there with the officials and they were all very kind. When the interview was over, we put her foot into red ink and stamped the official adoption papers. Shaun and I had to put our thumbs in the ink as well and put our thumbprint over all of our signatures. It was very emotional for Shaun and I...Ellie just played with her feet!

I'll keep the blogs coming now that our computer is hooked up to the internet....Many more pics to come...this is just the start

Packing...and grinning.

OK....so the packing is in full force. The update is this...all of Ellie's things fit in two suitcases....40lbs each...and mostly Pink. Shaun and I have two carry ons...I'm thinking that there needs to be an adjustment...Or maybe we can wear the same clothes over and over...

We did the math and now realize that with three layovers...it is looking like 36 hours of travel time...never fear dear love ones...we've packed Snickers and Pringles! When we arrive at the hotel to see our dear daughter for the first time we may smell, but we won't be hungry! Again...the prayers are needed! Love you all. C&S

Let the packing begin!

We finally got the call this week....we are heading to China a week from tomorrow! We can hardly believe it is finally happening! I am now realizing that packing for Shaun and I to travel is one thing...but the baby stuff is a tad confusing for those of us rookies! So many people have given great advice so I think we are doing pretty well...The house looks like three bombs went off in it (which I'm told is how it will look all of the time when the children come...so we'll get used to it!)

We found out that once our 24 hour travel marathon is over, our little girl will be waiting to meet us at the hotel...my heart races a bit just imagining that moment...The China Director at our agency says just jump in and start swimming...I guess that's what we are about to do and we can't stop smiling.

Shaun and I celebrate our 11th anniversary this weekend, and though it seems like small potatoes compared to the other happenings in our lives, we are going to pause and go to our last dinner and a movie without getting a babysitter...We are taking movie suggestions...please give a star rating...or bag of popcorn rating...love all you guys. C

Here's the other new picture

Here is the other updated picture we received...It's such a similar pose as the earlier one, that when you see them side by side you can really see that time is certainly flying by and she's growing bigger and cuter by the minute! We are so ready to get over there!

Merry Christmas to us...more pictures!

I was so surprised to get the more recent pictures from our agency...It just never occurred to me that we would get any more. I was stunned as I sat at the computer looking at our little girl...just getting older and cuter by the minute! I must say that my emotions are all over the place...I just want to have her in my arms.

Doesn't she look sassy all standing up! She looks so strong and like they are taking good care of her...but I can't wait to see her smile. All of her paperwork says she is quick to smile, but we haven't seen it...I guess that will be one of our treasured moments in China....Seeing that first smile at us...ahhhh! Get me on a plane!

Huining....wish I were there...

I just wanted to get Ellie's pic back up here where I could see it first thing! Ahhh...I never get tired of looking at her sweet little face. I've become pretty compulsive about looking up the weather in Huining...my boss just chuckles at my weather reports. I just say, "It keeps me closer, knowing even just a little bit about where she is!"

How cool is cold?

Shaun and I continue to be amazed that the time has finally arrived. It's go time and we are looking at eachother as if to say, "When are you gonna get packing?" Every conversation about the trip ends in, "Thermal underwear, yeah, we gotta get some of that...you really think the silk things are warm?" So no Thermals packed yet...except some for Ellie that are pink with purple letters that say, "Little Princess," (I couldn't resist).

I've been checking the weather in Lanzhou regularly. 26 degrees is the Hi today...a storm is coming. Boy I sure hope they are keeping socks on Ellie! I wish we had her already here...what a wonderful Christmas that would be!

I thought I would show you all a few photos from the day we got Ellie's information...I can't take my eyes off of her...those sweet little cheeks.

The picture above were taken right after we saw Ellie for the first time...a bit misty...or maybe a bit more that misty! Sonja is on the left and she is our agency connection. They have all been so wonderful to Shaun and I!

If you come to our house, we could subject you to the video docudrama that was referral day...we are real goobs in it...especially on the drive to the agency! What can we say...we're happy goobers.

Exciting Times!

As you all can imagine, Shaun and I are still smiling ear to ear about our little girl. We have been doing a bit of research about the area that Ellie will be coming from and are so excited to go and get her!

We were imediately blessed by Dr. and Mrs. Tan, my friend Tavia's Mother-in-law and Father-in-law. They translated Ellie's documents for us. We were so happy to quickly find out all about her...and they were just wonderful to do it for us! We learned that she is healthy, likes to be held and the outdoors, she likes to tear paper, laughs out loud, is a sound sleeper (yeah!) and eats a variety of foods.

We also have met via the wild world of the internet someone who also adopted from Huining China. She tells us that there are not too many babies adopted out of that area and that they have only been doing international adoptions for two years. She also informed us that the orphanage where Ellie is living is quite small and the babies are taken home by their caretakers when they are not working. This would explain why Ellie is closest to her caretaker. (As it said in her report.) The hat that Ellie is wearing is a type of hat that the orphanage gives all of their baby. My new friend sent me a picture of her little girl with her hat on.

I also have been in contact with one of the mothers (Ellen) that will be traveling with us (She and her husband) to get her little boy from the same orphanage. Their little boy was born on the same day as Ellie and is adorable. He too is wearing the Huining Hat and is sitting next to the same doll that Ellie was with in her picture. I am so happy to be traveling with Ellen because she has already adopted two babies and will definately be a nice resource for two first time parents like us! I'm sure Ellie and Sam are buds and will have fun hanging out in the hotel, (away from the cold) together.

I feel like I have been rambling, but there really is so much happening that I feel like I better start filling you all in on the excitement!

We will be traveling to Lanzhou, a large city in the Gansu province when we travel. I will send more info on the city etc...sooon. love you all! Cassie

So here's the scoop

Hellooooo...we are so happy and crazed that I hope this post makes sense! Here's the scoop...

Her name is Hui Ping soon to be Elaine (Ellie) Hui Ping Holmes
Born April 12, 2006 (Only a little over 7months!)
She is in the Gansu Province of China which is in the northern part of the country...almost to Mongolia!....yes...we are going to be cold cold cold in January!

Trust me...more is coming!
Here she is again!

More pictures

Introducing Elaine (Ellie) Hui Ping Holmes

I can still hardly believe it...I'll give you all the details soon, but I know that you want to see pictures so I'll work on those first!

we're in!

China has made it past our log in date!!! Should be hearing today or tomorrow! We're on pins and needles!

Oh the fabulous waiting!

It is way past my bedtime, (Shaun is already fast asleep!) but I am wide awake...hoping to see something change on China's website...yes...after two years of waiting, the mind is going a little crazy...this even after phone calls to my sister and Father-in-law (Thanks for all the great encouragement you two!)

I can't believe that it has really come down to these final days. The rumor queen website is filled with people just like me...deliriously excited....one of them is baking banana bread at 10pm...so I guess I'm not that bad off! I'll post the little one's picture etc...as soon as we get it. Love you guys. Cassie

This Week is THE Week!

This quote comes from the Rumor Queen blog..."An agency tells their people that referrals have been mailed and should be here Thursday. I’ve heard this from more than one person from this agency. " This means that we will most certaily get to see a picture of our little girl within the week! Unbelievable! The Champagne is on ice! Wahoo! Love, Cassie & Shaun

We are NEXT!

We are next...we are next (cue yippee doo da music!) Shaun and I keep looking at eachother and saying...."Twenty days!" (Or some similar number depending on the day. Last night we were talking about how unreal it feels that it is actually going to happen soon...funny, since we thought we would already be home with our little Ellie months ago....but we are so so so excited to finally see our Ellie's picture and know more about her. If all goes well, we will be posting her picture soon so keep checking!

FYI...Once we get the referral at the end of this month we are told that it will be four to eight weeks before we travel to China to pick up our little precious girl. We both are sure it will be closer to eight weeks so it will most likely be January before we go....I have a feeling that time will fly (It already is!)

Referrals are here...yeah!

The October batch of baby referrals arrived a tad bit late...but they have arrived! They made it through August 25th log ins...as you all know, we are a August 31st log in....so that means, yesireeee..we are next. yipeee. We should have Ellie's picture and information right around Thanksgiving! I'm just beside myself with happiness. Shaun and I will most likely be traveling in mid to late January. What a great birthday present for me! We love you all...

The Pool is Here!

OK....I forgot to tell you all the exciting news...Our pool is done! Seriously...We're filling it up right now! It is about half way full. I guess on Wednesday they will come and do the final details and then...we just might jump in, even though I know the water will be freezing! It's supposed to hit 100 this week so we'll see....I'll have Shaun take a picture to post when it is all done.

Some Referral News

Well, the September referrals have arrived and as you can see from the clip China only made it through August 9th this month. For those of you who don't know, Shaun and I have a log in date of August 31st. So that means we don't get to see Ellie's picture this month. We are getting close though...really close. I have been thinking about how it will feel when we actually get the call letting us know that we finally have a face to put with the little girl in our hearts.

The next batch of referrals will be released toward the end of October. Shaun's parents will be visiting during that time and it sure would be wonderful if we got our referral during their stay...here's hoping and praying!

Hope all is well with you all. Stay tuned...this month is a downer, but the excitement is on the way! love, C&S

The Wait Goes on...and on....and on....

Just thought I would put it in writing that the wait seems to be extending again. I wish it were better news. After re-reading my last post, I am reminded that we have had more highs and lows in the last two years than Space Mountain...but nowhere near as fun. We just keep thinking that this time will pass...and sometime...only God and China know we will get our little girl home! Thanks for all your love and support...C&S

Time moves on!

And the wait continues! We should be hearing some news in the next couple of weeks that will help clarify how fast China is moving right now, but we are really starting to believe that we will be receiving Ellie's picture by the end of October at the latest! This is really getting so exciting! There is a chance we could be in the end of September referrals, but it is not likely. If we are in the October referrals, like we believe we will be, that means we will most likely have our little girl home for Christmas! I didn't think that we would get to celebrate her first Christmas with her, but it looks like I'll be able to get one of those "Baby's first Christmas" ornaments for her anyway!