Life with Ellie

We went out for a bit today on our own with Ellie...Lots of stares. When someone came up to us we showed them a card that explained that we came from America to Adopt Ellie. Many people thanked us and played with the baby.

Ellie is doing great...she just had her first stinky diaper with us! I know you all were dying to know! Shaun did most of the changing and I assisted...and yes, it was clean poo!

We made it through night number two!

Here we are becoming official...Our thumbprints and Ellie's little footprint...By the way, her feet are tiny! I thought they looked big in the referral pictures and couldn't decide what size...OK, I still don't know what size...but tiny!

Good morning all...Though I think it is night there. We attempted to put Ellie to bed early last night (Usual bedtime it 1030pm...which is way late for us). She did go down but woke up a few times...Shaun & I changed her and then he rocked her back to sleep. Tomorrow night is my night as we are still fighting the sleepy jet lag monster!

Shaun has completely charmed the socks off of our little girl. She thinks I'm swell, but she cracks that huge smile whenever he comes into sight. I guess I have some catching up to do! I have a little video of Ellie that I'm trying to post here, but It only loads halfway...if anyone knows how to do it...email me. Until then, here are more pics!

Place Your Bets on the Number Two

Daddy's Turn: OK...It's been nearly 24 hours and she hasn't pooped yet. Despite our efforts to motivate her delicate system, the best she can do is make noise. Poop pool anyone? Everyone pick a day and time. We'll let you know when the big event arrives. If you are within 10 minutes (which is likely...I know lots of people are tuning in), proclaim yourself the winner, leave us your home address, and we'll FedEx you the dirty duds!

And if your just now finding our blog, you should check out the previous four posts...Cassie has done a great job giving an actual account of what we've been doing. I on the other hand seemed to be obsessed with her system.

Shaun

On our way to becoming "Official"

We got no complaints about not bundling up Ellie enough for our outing to the government offices for her official adoption....Everyone just smiled at the pink puff going by...and who wouldn't smile at all of that adorableness?

Above is a picture of the officials and the other two families with us at the government building after the adoptions were complete.

Pictures of Ellie Hui Ping

This is when Ellie finally decided it was ok to sit and play...Shaun was making her crack up with his antics...I always knew his dance moves would come in handy!

Hey Robin....she loves the blocks!

Here are more pics!

For those of you just waking up...the post below has all the ramblings...we got our pics straightened out so I'm just going to put up pictures...Also...our email is on the fritz...not sure why, so we haven't been able to check them today...if you have messages...post them here!

Yippee! Love you all....by the way...the reason I have time for this is because Ellie is sleeping...again! Three naps a day...astounding.

This was right after they brought Ellie off of the elevator...she was so bundled up!

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