Three Months Ago Today

Today...

Day at the Zoo

Last Thursday was my first birthday as a mommy and wow was it wonderful! We went to the zoo for the first time and Lauren had a blast! She loved feeding the Giraffe, Sam, and clapped each time after she fed him. The train ride was another big hit, she loved yelling "choo choo!" throughout the zoo. The animals were really active and it was just such a fun day!

To all my friends who were anxiously awaiting referrals only to find the CC*A*A did not send them in September....I am truly sorry. It's so hard to take off the armour only to have put it back on again. Just know you all will be holding your daughters and enjoying times like these very soon. I have felt since having Lauren that somehow she knew she was waiting for us. Also, from our experiences in China, I believe your daughters are safe, cared for, and being told mommy and daddy are coming soon. They are anxiously awaiting you just as much as you are awaiting them. I look back on our whole experience and look into Lauren's eyes and just think...what a miracle. Only God could orchestrate something so beautiful.

It's the Craziest Time Ever, It's The Most Wonderful Time Ever

Life is like I've never experienced before. Lauren brings such joy into my life. Her hugs melt away any anxiety or stress I have. As I see more and more of her personality, I am amazed at what an incredible little girl she is. I am so grateful that God placed her in my life.

School right now consists of 3 (soon to be 4) full days of clinical, a Capstone research project, weekly discussion boards, 2 research papers, 6 practicum expanded clinical notes, 2 clinical papers in APA format, 4 specialty rotations (some are 2 hour commutes), and a partroge in a pair tree...I mean and I work three 12 hour shifts a week! Can I say...I cannot wait until December 18th! Graduation day!

Some days I feel paralyzed by the weight of school and wonder how it will all be done, but Danny keeps reminding me to take one day at a time. He is my voice of reason lately. I love him so much. As I am taking on this mountain, he is being such an amazing Daddy to Lauren (and tutoring part-time). They read, sing songs, go to the mall, play at the Children's Museum, etc. She loves her daddy so much and what is encouraging to me is that despite my busyness, she has attached to both Danny and I. Whenever she sees one of us after being away she smiles so big, jumps up in our arms, and squeezes our necks soo tight! It's the best. :)

Lauren just loves dancing, singing, and climbing anything in site(I see gymnastics in her near future) :). She recently started to take an interest in books too. She is saying more and more words every day. Last night as we layed in bed together reading, she pointed to my nose and said, "nose", and then my chin and said, "chin" and so on. Her little, sweet voice is just too cute. She also has surprised us in how she loves to pray. She will say "pre!" grab both of are hands and close her eyes and whisper her words only she understands. Then she says "ameen" and claps her hands so excitedly! I really need to get it on video. :)

This week is such an exciting week because many, if not all, of the March LIDers will be matched and receive referals of their little long-waited gifts! It brings back memories of our referral day and I am so excited for you all. It's been a loong wait and it's finally your turn. I love you all and am so thankful to have met such amazing friends like you on this journey to our daughters.

Our first post-adoption visit was last week and it was nice to see our SW who we've gotten to know over the years at our yearly homestudies. Lauren showed off for her the whole time and brought out every toy we own and kept walking through the living room with her doll in the baby stroller and saying "hello". :) We have two more post-placement visits and then we are done with the paperwork process of our adoption.

Well, I better get back to my work. It's been nice to have some extra time today. When I got to my clinical, my preceptor was off for a conference, so I got a surprise day off! ;)

I'll try to update again soon.

West Fork Trail w/Lauren

Last weekend we headed up north to our favorite hiking trail with Lauren for the first time. Lauren had so much fun and,as Dan and I said while we were hiking,as good as it was with the three of us before, it's even better with the four of us now.



Half way through the trail there is a swimming hole where the creek gets deeper and we sat in the shallow end with Lauren. She had so much fun, she didn't want to get out!


Bailey also had a great time and I think it made her feel a little more like things were going to be okay in this new life with our newest addition.

One Great Day

We recieved Lauren's official U.S. Citizenship document today and it was such an awesome feeling seeing this document with, "Lauren Elizabeth Yu Davenport, US Citizen" written on it. She's official! :)

We all had the day off together today as well and since Lauren has been starting to run we decided it was time for her first pair of running shoes! Uncle Larry, we thought of you a lot today and these pic's are especially for you. :)

I also brought out the rebounder today and she had a blast jumping on this with her new shoes. Today was just one of those days that I know I will look back on as some of the best times in my life. As I rocked Lauren to sleep tonight, I put her in her crib, and then sat back in the rocker and just watched her. She is so beautiful inside and out. I am just amazed that I have been chosen to be this incredible little girls mommy.

I also found out today that referrals from China have been sent out and they are now up to the LID of March 24th. This means many of my fellow March LIDers are NEXT in line! I am soo excited and am looking forward to the day that I am able to see all of you with your daughters. Take it from me, as hard as it is to believe right now, this wait will be a distant memory very soon. :)

Love to all,

Goodnight :)

Birthday Party Pic's

Hi everyone,
First of all thank you so much for all the gifts, cards, calls, etc. We are just amazed at what an awesome family and group of friends we have. Life continues to be the best of our "golden years". It's been hard going back to work and school, but it makes me just that much more happy to pull into my driveway each night.

We are really excited to be going to welcome Kailahni Schneider home! She arrives tonight on the same flight from China that we arrived on just 3 weeks ago! We are soo excited for Mary and it's awesome seeing our March LID group coming home with our daughters! Terri will be at the airport as well and I can't wait to be greeting her soon with her new daughter! Kayce, Steph, and Sooze, you're soo close!! I'm rooting for a big batch of referrals and cannot wait to follow you all on your journeys. We will definetly all have to get together once we are all back from China.

Love you all. Hi to my Michigan family. You are such a blessing to us and we are praying you are able to come visit at Christmas!!

Happy Birthday to My Angel!

It's been a wonderful day again with my sweet girl. It's nearing the end of her 2nd birthday and I wanted to have a post for her special day. Right now she is enjoying a bowl of ice cream on daddy's lap watching Noggin TV. I start back to my schedule of clinicals and work tomorrow and it is going to be so hard to be away from her sweet smile.

Goodnight everyone!

10 Days @ Home

Our first time in the pool. We went to a community Aquatic Center and Lauren had so much fun! She took it slow at first, but then started splashing and screaching with laughter! :)


She actually prefers chopsticks! I was eating with chopsticks one day and she kept reaching for them, so I gave them to her to see what she would do with them...she went to town on her noodles! She's a pro! Steph, I thought the little chopsticks you had sent years ago were so cute, but I never dreamt she would be using them regularly! :)


Ahhh...there's nothing like a yogurt snack just after a nap.


Lauren has come to LOVE bathtime. She especially likes her Duck bathtub and how she can make it quack by pushing it's nose.



It's funny what she will do without any prompting. She loves to put my shoes on and walk around the house. She thinks she is just something else in my shoes with a purse on her arm!

The past 10 days have seemed surreal. The Jet lag took a pretty good toll on all of us, but we are finally coming around. I felt like a zombie the first few days. Sleep was a definite issue for Lauren the first few days. She has now adjusted to her crib, but she continues to fight pretty hard to not go to sleep. She has a tantrum each time she starts to get tired, she can be smiling and playful one minute and as soon as she feels she is drifting off, she screams, stiffens and throws a tantrum. Some nights it's been as long as 2 hours. The good news is, she is doing this less and less each time. We just keep doing all we know to do and praying God will comfort her.

Ove the past 10 days she has just amazed us each new day. She learned to give hugs and she gives the sweetest hug I have ever received. She puts her arms out and ever so lightly tap, tap, taps you on the shoulder. Her smile is all I dream about as well. She is just a sweetheart. She also has such a sense of humor! She cracks Danny and I up all the time. Last night we were at the mall and she made friends with this little boy who she walked up to slowly and softly patted his hand, she then tried to hold his hand and smiled at him. It was so sweet! Funny thing was, they were the same size, but he was only 8 months old! :)

Well, I could go on forever about Lauren. It's amazing how fast she felt like "mine". It feels as if I have known her forever. When we were coming into the US, the customs person directed us to the immigrant line and said, "just adopted your daughter?", for a split second I thought, "oh, how could he tell?". I forget she doesn't look like me. All I know is we were created for eachother.

Lauren's Journey Home...is Complete.

We are home safely and our flight home went as well as flying 26 hours can go! ;)
Coming home we were welcomed by signs and balloons at the Airport by my wonderful friends Terri, Mary, and others. It was soo wonderful to see them and finally have Lauren in my arms! Mary leaves this Wednesday for this amazing trip that we just completed. It's soo good to see our March group finally bringing our daughter's home!! Terri, Steph, Kayce, Sooze, and other's I'm rooting for you and following you closely! Kayce, Lauren wore your bib the other day to eat her coveted watermelon! It was so nice, I almost hated to put in on her, but it fits perfectly and works great!!

When we came home our family was all waiting to welcome Lauren home and it was so wonderful to have those closest to us to celebrate this amazing moment. Lauren's Journey Home at it's completion. Now, our new journey begins...

Lauren did great and she is just blossoming now that she is home. It's amazing to see more and more of her personality come our each new day. Today she surprised us by saying "yee ha!" while riding her little pony and dancing when hearing music. She is so perfectly ours! Our first two night here have been rough since our Guizhou girl is still on Guizhou time, however, we managed to keep her up all day today and she just fell asleep, so we are hoping we can get back on Phoenix time. I'll post here from now on. Oddly enough, our Shutterfly website won't let me post a journel entry right now, so I just left a quick note in the title.

I love you all! Here are some pic's since home.

36 hours

We leave in 36 hours! Work is behind me, schoolwork is checked off and the only thing I have to concentrate on now is...Lauren!!! I thought this picture I saw on Seventh Diamond's blog was perfect for how I am feeling today. I'm packing our things tomorrow. There is little room left for us after packing all of little miss Lauren's belongings! :) Gosh, someone pinch me, I must be dreaming!! One week from today I will be holding her!

I will be posting as often as possible at our travel site that is linked at the right. If I am not able to post due to censorship, Steph, my wonderful dear friend has offered to post for me. So, we'll see how this all goes!

Love you all!

Six Sleeps!

This week is so surreal. I am working 85 hours this week to get all my shifts in before I leave and to get as much clinical time in as well. So, it's helping to keep me sane by just waking, going to work, coming home, sleeping. As I go throughout my day, there are moments when it hits me that we are leaving next week and that I will be holding Lauren in 12 days and it just brings a smile to my heart. It is absolutely incredible to be finally reaching this point after this long, long wait. I started a journal 2 nights ago that I am writing letter's to Lauren in. I plan to continue this and give her the journal when she is older.

You know how there are different stages to pregnancy? well, I'm finding there are stages to adoption as well. My heart is changing from "I'm waiting" to "I'm a mom" and I find myself trying to do everything I can to help her lead the life God has chosen for her. My mom has been such an amazing role model and I think of her often and it reminds me of all she has done for her children throughout our lives. I am praying Jesus shows me how to lead and love Lauren the best that I can.

Let the Packing Begin!

My guestroom has looked this way for over a month and I am finally rolling clothing, assessing our needs and packing! Lauren's things are almost all packed now. We have a total of one checked bag each (44lb max per China requirements) and one carry-on (which we are each carrying a backpack). I thought I'd post what we are doing to pack in case it helps anyone else. It's a small miracle to pack for this trip! ;)

Dan's backpack will have our original documents for the adoption and all electronics such as cameras, laptop, extension cords, batteries, mini surge protector (those following us soon--go get one of these), and hand sanitizer.

My backpack will have copies of all adoption documents, plane ride items such as playing cards (the deck that is in Chinese characters that my sweet secret pal, Steph gave me!),books, an outfit each for Dan and I,tylenol,and of course, hand sanitizer! :)

I'm packing our checked luggage as if I'm planning on losing one of them. I like to plan for the worst and hope for the best. So... I have Lauren's clothing, Dan's clothing, and my clothing separated into each piece. I split the bottles, drop-ins, diapers, etc. into the two luggages as well. As I packed clothing, Dan cut out the directions to all over the counter medications and then rubber banded the medication to the directions and put them in a ziplock bag(This way it cuts down on space). I have put all OTC medications, lotions, baby wash, nail clippers,etc. into a rectangle tupperware in which I will use to wash bottles, nipples, etc. when in China.

I bought a "heating coil" from REI that Steph recommended. This nifty device boils water quickly. I plan to use this to warm water in a large cup and then warm Lauren's bottles in this. ~note to Steph~ can I make coffee with this? Is it safe to drink the water after I use this coil?
I plan to give Lauren a morning bottle and an nighttime bottle for the purposes of attachment and bonding mostly. During the day, she will most likely eat her normal table foods, etc. This of course, will be guided by what her nanny tells me when we meet.

Dan has a money belt in which we will be keeping our money "crisp" and I pray we can hand it over to the officials soon after landing.

To you, my awesome friends who are going on this journey soon, I'm also writing down everything I put into each bag and I will post this. As far as formula, I am bringing one can of Similac Sensitive, just in case I need it. I may end up buying what Lauren has been on in a local store or maybe her nanny's will give me something. If not, I know the sensitive is better for digestion and figure, we can start there.

I cannot tell you how excited I am. If I'm not working or at clinical, I HAVE to be doing something toward our trip to China. Yesterday Dan and I watched "Wild China" on the Travel Channel for 2 hours. I go to bed looking at Lauren's face and she is the first thing on my mind when I awake. I am so in love.

Today, being Dan's first baba's day, Lauren gave him a sweet card and a Red Tie. :)

Travel Site

I have created a new site that I will post to and update with pictures while in China. I have heard from numerous people that they have been unable to access blogs while in China, so I have followed Steph's lead and created a travel site on Shutterfly. I'll copy it here and I've also added a link to the right margin for future reference.

http://ourjourneytolauren.shutterfly.com/

23 sleeps until China! ;)

Our Anniversary Weekend

What an amazing time away. We sat by the pool reading, listening to the waterfalls all around, and talking about our past 10 years together.


Each night there was entertainment at the open lobby bar. So relaxing...we sat under the stars, enjoyed a glass of wine, and listened to the beautiful music.


On Friday afternoon there was a Native American Dance that was so fun to watch!This hoop dancer was extremely talented! He could "jump rope" with a small little hoop!


Danny wrote me a letter that was absolutely beautiful, I will cherish it forever. It's the greatest gift I have ever recieved from him.

What an amazing journey we have had together this far. I am forever grateful to God for placing Danny in my life and allowing me to live each day with this incredible man. We know this 10 year anniversay also marks a chapter in our lives that is soon to close and a new, exciting, wonderful chapter is to start. Just 3 weeks until we make the most miraculous trip we've ever taken. We will hold our daughter for the first time and I cannot even fathom how that will feel. We are so incredibly blessed...

Cautiously Excited!!

Just back from our wonderful anniversary getaway and I have good news! We bought our tickets to China yesterday! We received news from our agency that we have now been given confirmed approval from Guizhou adoption center and the ACIS for us to travel! I thought my friend Bella stated it perfectly...we are cautiously excited!

We had to laugh when we opened our hotel door Friday morning to the USA Today lying at the door step with a picture of two little girls from Hong Kong wearing their H1N1protective masks on the front page! :) This is going to be quite the trip. There is a pretty high probability that we may be quarantined while there, but we really don't mind at this point. Just get us to Lauren! :)

We stopped by REI on the way home and bought a few more travel items including a luggage scale. I thought I'd leave you a link to Waiting for LaurenElizabeth's blog. She has a great, detailed travel list and great travel tips. When going to her site, click on 2008 in the archives on the right and you will see her travel tip posts.

24 sleeps until China!!!

Anniversary Get Away

Tomorrow Dan and I celebrate our 10th Anniversary. What an amazing 10 years...we are headed now to the Gainey Ranch Hyatt in Scottsdale for 3 nights. We have never stayed here before, but it has amazing amenities. Gondola rides, pools, sand beaches, outdoor bar, spa, etc. So.. after just spending 6 hours at the computer finishing school assignments...I am off to spend hours just looking into Danny's eyes. :)

Speaking of eyes, we will see Lauren's eyes face to face July 12th! We received a wonderful email today that notified us that Guizhou adoption center is now stating we can pick up Lauren on July 12th! This means we will leave approx. July 7th! We are just waiting for one more confirmation from the US embassy and we can then book our flights again!! woohoo!

I'll post later with pictures of our trip!

Buying Bows

Last night Dan and I met with a few of our travel group members that live nearby and had dinner at Mimi's. We had such a good time! One of the girls has been to China before and had great tips! One I hadn't thought about was to call our bank and credit card company to let them know we would be traveling in China so they wouldn't deny our purchases. Also, she said we can easily go to ATM's and get money using our debit card, so no need to bring Yuan with us. What a blessing to have met these wonderful people in our group and I look forward to our trip even more now!

This morning, I am up shopping for bows! Seventh Diamond has started her own shop and her bows are unique and wonderful! Click on the picture above to go check out her boutique!

Agency Update

I just recieved the following email from our agency. There is still an "IF" in this email, however, it's something! :)

Dear Guizhou families,

I received this information from our BJ Staff.

“The appeal letter has helped.

I contacted Guizhou local adoption center and the director gave us an approximate travel date. She said that if the H1N1 flu is not getting worse, they would like to receive our families in the middle of July. I have sent the appointment request for July 13th to meet the children. She told me to check with her early next week and she would confirm the date by June 10th.

Please see the tentative itinerary of Guizhou group below. Please do not let families book their airline tickets until all dates are confirmed. We have to change the ACS appts when the adoption date is confirmed.”

For: Guizhou
Fri, July 10-arrive in BJ
Sat, July 11- sightseeing in BJ
Sun, July 12-travel to province
Mon, July 13-receive children
Tues, July 14-adoption process
Wed-Fri, July 15 - 17-sightseeing and free days
Fri, July 17-fly to GZ in the evening
Sat: July 18-Medical in GZ in the morning
Sun: July 19 – free day
Mon: July 20-free day
Tues, July 21-free day (will receive children’s passports from Guizhou)
Wed, July 22- appt at ACS (first choice)
Thurs, July 23-take oath
Fri, July 24, departure from Guangzhou (depends of date of ACS appt)


p.s. I have no idea why I chose this picture...I really am going crazy over here!:)

Dan and I went to see "UP" yesterday. We went looking for laughs and a good time. We did laugh and had a great time, but something surprising happened during the movie. As we sat arm in arm, my head on his shoulder, together with our 3D glass on,tears were streaming down our cheeks! It was such an endearing movie! It has a lot of great life lessons and it renewed our gratefulness for our present state. The Now. What a wonderful life God has given us. Our marriage, our joy-filled pup, our beautiful daughter with her red shoes, our families...life is just so good! I have been tempted recently to be angry at my current situation with our wait seeming endless, but this movie reminded me that everyday counts and is a blessing.

If you haven't seen this movie, grab a kleenex box, your 3D glasses and go have a wonderful time!! I give it 4 Stars! :)

Worth It All

When things go wrong
and sometimes they will
when the road you are struggling in
Is a twisted hill

When you need help
and the debts are high,
you want to smile
But you have to sigh

When care is pressing
you down a bit
rest if you must
But never quit

Life is hard
during its twists and turns
as everyone of us
Sometimes learns

And many a failure
will turn about
when we might have won
Had we stuck it out

Never give up
though the pace seems slow
you just may succeed
With another blow

You never can tell
how close you are
it may be near
and still seem so far

Stick to the fight
when at your hardest hit
its when things seem worse
That you must never quit
~by Felipe Gomez

Trusting God

Today, the eve of when we were originally to be leaving for Lauren, I received this email from our agency:

Dear Guizhou Families,

I am very sorry to deliver this news, but I just received this information from our staff in Beijing (at June 1, 3:04am St. Louis time).

“The director of Guizhou local adoption center told us just now that they couldn't receive adoption families in June. She said that there was a group for touring which was just quarantined for 7 days. So Guizhou local government canceled all adoption appointments in June. They couldn't tell when they would be available for adoption appointments. I will keep contacting them every day from now to see when they would be open.”

Unfortunately until they tell us when they will be able to give us an adoption appointment, we will not be able to make any travel plans for the Guizhou group.

I am very, very sorry.