A New Home for Katie Hai Shun

Some fun with friends!

2008-07-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Me and the girls took off to Jacksonville for the weekend!!! My best friend Cindy lives there and we hadn't seen each other in a while and she hadn't met Kate yet...so off we went. We took all the kids to the zoo and played a little Wii while we were there. Here are a couple of pictures! Kate is doing well and starting to speak quite a bit more English now! Check out her "Don't take a picture of me mom" picture...notice the Wii controller in hand! She loves to play and is pretty good at it. She is getting along good with her sisters, but Kayli has attached herself to Kate's hip and Kate's does not like that AT ALL! So, Kayli is backing off a bit! Keira got to feed a bird and it even got on her arm to eat! That was cool! I'll post again soon!!! Sorry I am a little lame with the info, but soooo much going on right now...vacations are over for the summer and mom goes back to work tomorrow :(

Tracy

Alright already....so it's been a month or so...

2008-06-23T16:21:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry I am so lame! I am just a tad bit busy with three girls and a 16 year old boy! SOORRRRRY!!! I thought I could do this hands down...NOT! It is much easier said than done. I am running around crazy trying to control eveything, and in turn....life is out of control! In a good way though. Kate is doing well. Her broken English sentences crack me up. She is sad that school is out for the summer. She didn't know that mommy actually has a paid full time job so that bums her out a bit. Like it isn't enough to just take care of all the kids. But, at least my job is Starbucks!!!! Can you say Caffeine? I need it! All is well...typical kids fighting, trying to decide who gets moms attention and trying to get through the summer with no casualties! You know, Chaos as Steph puts it! Life with Chaos...that is exactly right Steph! I am joining your club!
I love every minute! Life is good (and chaotic!)
:)

2008-06-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

These steps are empty now!

2008-05-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

These amazing 11 girls are all with their families now!!! Hai Ping (the one with the yellow shirt on the far left, middle row, in the picture!)was placed in mamas arms today at 2:30pm China time. She was the last of the 11 to go home! We are hopeful that they will all see eachother again later this year or early next year! We know these girls are forever sisters and I cannot wait to share our memories with eachother!!! God has blessed all of us and we will live up to the challenges ahead!!! What a great day!!!

Tracy

A Tribute to Directv!!!

2008-05-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

I love my new daughter...she loves WWE! For those of you that are not familiar with WWE...it is a Pay per view wrestling channel that costs ALLOT of money! Yes...my adorable 13 year old learned how to order 200 dollars worth of WWE pay per view from Directv! It is funny now, but when I got a 300 dollar bill for what normally is 100, I nearly had a heart attack! Thank goodness they believed my story! We have had Directv for years and never ordered these shows before, so they laughed when I told them what happened!!! My account was credited, Kate felt bad because she didn't know it costs money and she knows never to order it again!!! Very funny! We watched wrestling in China, but it was free!!!
Yes...to have another teenager in the house!!!
Gotta love it!
:)
Tracy

My girls!!!

2008-05-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

So we have been having a little fun in the Scheet house for the past couple of weeks! The girls are getting to know each other, and know what to do and NOT to do. Kate loves school thanks to Mackie and Haley. Kayli and Keira like having an older sister, but they each have to find their place in the mix! All is good! We have an occasional spat and then things settle down and we move on. I am so happy things have been so smooth! I will see what the next couple of weeks bring and hope for the best! Kate has started to open up and speak in full English sentences!!! That is great! I'll keep you all posted!

Bye for now from the Chaos at the scheet home!

Tracy

The Honeymoon period!

2008-04-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

The girls are bonding well...all is good so far. It took us three days to get Kate out of her "scared of the dogs" stage...I am so glad because I don't like to keep them tied up!!! The trip home was good and tomorrow Kate will meet all of our friends at a park party. We are so happy that things are going well. I'll write more later, but poor Kate has already been to the doctors, a meeting at school and next week has the dentist and eye doctor. For those who have older adopted children make sure you bring them to the eye doctor!!!! Talk with you all soon!! Thanks for all of the support during my trip!
Love from home with Kate!!
Tracy

Pool time!!!

2008-04-19T10:30:00.001-07:00

The kids having fun!!

2008-04-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

My funny girl!

2008-04-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is just a cute little video clip of Kate trying to avoid the camera!!! This shows her funny personality...she is a character for sure!!

2008-04-16T04:09:00.000-07:00

*********WELCOME HOME TRACY AND KATE*********

2008-04-15T12:22:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to see all of you on Sunday. Thanks for keeping up on our story, and I'll talk to you all real soon!!!
Goodbye from China!!!
Tracy and Kate

2008-04-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in the hotel room getting ready to put the computer away...I had to post one more time!!! Shelley from Andy's place came over to play cards with Katie. Katie found such a good friend in Shelley that she asked if she could come over for an hour to play...I had to say yes because Katie was bummed all day knowing she won't see Shelley again. So, from half way around the world, my daughter says..."peace out, and I'm on my way to America!!!"
Enjoy this last photo!!!
Peace out from China!

2008-04-14T04:23:00.000-07:00

From Tracy, ready to come home. Monday 7:23 AM
Hi,
We walked around a bit today. Not too much going on. I think we are both ready for our flight. We leave here Wednesday. Everything went well with the US Consulate today. Our swearing in ceremony is tomorrow aat 4pm...then we are free to leave once we get Kate's visa in hand. We have packed up already, but I will try to post one more time from here. It has been a great trip, and I couldn't have asked for the tansition to go any better. She is opening up more every day and very happy! Me too! Once we get adjusted with the rest of the family, life will just begin for Kate...she has not been dealt a great deal till now. All of us are fortunate to be where we are today...it is not about luck...someone else has a hand in all of this!!!
Tracy and Kate
Notice the t shirt!!
:)
Smiles from China to home!

2008-04-14T04:21:00.000-07:00

2008-04-13T05:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! here we go...Kate spent aboout 30 minutes in the bathroom taking pictures of herself with our digital camera. They did not have mirrors at the orphanage, so I guess all of the girls from there have been a bit obsessed with their reflection. Kate has a full size mirror at home in her room because I was warned about it. But when I saw a flash go off from the bathroom i was cracking up.

Here are a few of her self potraits from the bethroom...She also told me she wants long hair...yeah! I was told that the get their hair cut based on their wishes, so I thought Katie wanted short hair...nope...I told her she can grow it down to her ankles like Keira and Kayli!!!
:)
Tracy

2008-04-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

2008-04-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

@@@@PARTY FOR KATE@@@@
Anyone in Orlando area...Sunday April 20th...Trotwood Park, 701 Northern Way & 1224 Trotwood Blvd, Winter Springs...2-4 PM...Bring own drinks and snacks to share if you'd like.

2008-04-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

From Tracy. Saturday night 8:00 PM

Yeah! I went to kiss her on the head and say goodnight, like I do evey night, and she pulled me down to give her a BIG hug. We have had little hugs, but this was so BIG...and then she kissed my cheek and said I love you!!! She is so incredibly happy to have a mommy!!! I can't wait for the rest of the family to get to know her.

She does at times, seem a little younger than 13, but I think she is just feeling so comfortable with me that she can act like a kid. She is super smart...has caught me on a couple of occasions being wrong about something. I am still not over the Uno thing...I'm going to play the game she plays today and we will see who wins (Ha Ha Ha)

Everyday has been better than the last, but every day has been great!! She has set aside the frilly clothes for Keira and Kayli (only after I said it was okay) and we bought a few t-shirts to last until we get home. Keira and Kayli will be happy to wear the frilly girl clothes.

I better get info for a basketball team...she is good and she loves it!! She is as much a Tomboy as I was!!!! Gotta love that!!
Tracy and Kate

2008-04-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

Tracy needs her Starbucks even in CHINA!!!!

Kate finally bought something-the shirt says 'LOVE'

2008-04-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

This is front of the gate of Kate's orphanage.

2008-04-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

From Tracy. Friday night.

Hi there,
I only have a couple of pictures of our food from dinner last night and the kids of the family we went out to dinner with. Katie was funny. She doesn't like to get her picture taken in front of other poeple. I think after the 200 or so pictures, she will be happy to get home so I stop snapping more. Little does she know the girls are all getting their pictures taken together when we get home.

I have two disposible cameras that Katie used to take pictures of her riends at the orphanage. I can't wait to get home and have them developed. She said it was mostly of older kids and Mrs. Zhong...she loves her so much. What a great person she is. I don't remember if I told you but I had an etching in stone of Kate, and my guide will mail it to her for me. It is so cute. I kow Mrs. Zhong will keep it close to her. I told her we would come visit when Katie turns 18...anyone want to come??? Gina, Avery will be 7! Perfect timimg.

We have paperwork to do today and a trip planned to LeWan Plaza. Kate wants a sweatsuit...she called it a sport suit, but the guide said like a sweatsuit! She has been so good...much better than I expexted.
Love from China!
Tracy

2008-04-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

New from Tracy: 8:25 AM Friday...

How's it going? We had such a great day. When she won at Uno she hugged me and we were rolling on the bed laughing. Seriously...she went from feeling bad giving me a draw four, to saving three up for her last cards so I had to draw twelve...then she laughed about it!!! Yes...she is a teenager. I think she will be attached to me for quite some time. I am thankful that Mrs. Zhong prepared her well! How do I get so lucky??? Someone is watching out for me. Love the messages to me...keep writing. Only 4 days left to shop and eat. Lots of fun and enjoying every minute!!!
Love from China!
Tracy and Kate

2008-04-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

2008-04-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

Kate has a STARBUCKS cup in her hand!!!!!

Tell me if this works!!

2008-04-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I cannot see my blog, but it looks like I may be able to post. Everything is going great! Katie is just such a sweet tenager. I know we are in the honeymoon stages, but I think it is in her nature to be like this. II did see some of her fun personality at the orphanage on Wednesday. She was laughing and playing with all of the kids, but made sure she came over to hold my hand every once in a while, just so I knew, she knew, she was staying with me when we left!!! She had some ice cream yesterday...finally she let me buy her something! She told the guide that she want some sport clothes...like sweatsuits. Yes, she is a tomboy! That is okay with me. I haven't purchased any dresses for her, and I guess I won't any time soon!!! Let me know if this post works. Email me when you have time!!
Love from China!
Tracy

2008-04-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

2008-04-10T05:15:00.000-07:00

2008-04-10T05:13:00.000-07:00

2008-04-10T05:11:00.000-07:00

Medical appointment. She got three shots and did great! She is holding my hand, calling me mama and really connecting with me now. She tugs on my sleeve whenever a baby is near and goes to say hello. After the parents approve of course.

This is a quiet day. We stayed in the room and I taught Kate how to play Uno...she beat me!!! She loved it and was laughing so hard when I would ave allot of points. But, at times she would not give me the draw four card...I told her it is okay, but she would fel bad!!! She cares about other peoples feling allot. It didn't help that I would stick my bottom lip out when she made me draw four!!!!

Another great day!
Tracy

Here are some pictures of us at the White Swan. It is very pretty inside. We walked through and took so pix just to say we were there! I think for the money, the Victory is worth it! And, I get free internet here. It is not as pretty though.

Kate did well...no reactions from the shots. She is really liking this having a mom thing. I fear she will not attach as much to Troy because we have had such a great start. She is great! She finally let me buy her something today. We were walking around before dinner and I wanted to try a different place, so we walked to a small restaurant and she said no, and continued on like she was on a mission to find a certain restaurant. She leads me to 7-11 for an ice cream...NOT HAPPENING for dinner anyway!!! I said to her that we have to eat dinner first, and then I will be happy to buy her an ice cream! She totally understood, and we went to dinner. She ate every bite and then she enjoyed an ice cream!!! Very cute!

She really liked playing uno. It was a great bonding game...a fun thing to get her to learn colors and numbeers too. Today at the medical exam I asked her to say the alphabet...she did and then told the guide, "that is easy!"...I guess 26 letters is nothing compared to the 22 thousand they have to learn!!! She is so smart!!!
That's all for now...I'll email again later!

2008-04-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken 12 1/2 years ago. A gift for Kate to have this baby picture!!!!

2008-04-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Last from Tracy before her bedtime...

Staying at the Victory.I will go to the White Swan for a picture of Kate on the red couch. She is a trooper. Awesome kiddo. A little younger in spirit than most 13 year olds. But, she is very smart...thinks things through, and street wise too! Very good decision to go to the orphanage...it changed our relationship. She keeps getting my attention by saying mama then showing me something!!! I am lucky again!
Goodnight!
Tracy

2008-04-09T05:55:00.001-07:00

I (Gina) asked Tracy how Kate is doing...

She is awesome! Her true colors showed at the orphanage...playing and having fun. I was getting worried before that because she was so quiet. She was so proud to show off mom and the PSP she had to play with. She didn't shed a tear...very happy to leave with me!All the kids are so great! All three of the children I took pictures of are terrific...all of the kids are. There is a set of 12 year old twins that might not be able to get adopted because there is no police report. I am so bummed for them...they are so nice and sweet. A 13 year old 4 months from 14, and so sweet. She needs a family. I was not able to take her picture though. All is good!
:)
Tracy

2008-04-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

2008-04-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Just in from Tracy....7:28 AM Wednesday

First of all...it was a great visit...I left there so happy with all of the pictures I got for thre other moms. I stopped at a shop when I got back to have a shop person pull one of the pictures off my computer to make one of those drawings on stone. Bottom line, my card got messed up in his computer and I lost almost all of my pictures. I was in tears and Katie didn't know what was wrong. I explained and I am so sad and so sorry for Tina and Steph. I had the most precious pictures of Audrey and Teddi. I have asked my guide to call the orphanage as they were taking pictures too. I can't believe it! What a big fat bummer to a great day!

The good news...those two moms already have many pictures from the CD's that I got from Mrs. Zhong, and they already received LOA so they will be trraveling soon. I still have the pictures of little Isabelle and will send those to her mom tonight. Here are a few pictures from today! My guide is pictured in one with Katie.

One more thing...I will post some pictures of pictures of Katie as a baby!!! PRICELESS for sure. All of the children were truly beautiful. Gina...I found a little one for you! She is nine months old and not yet paper ready because they have to find out if she has a special need. It doesn't look like it to me, and she is Katie's favorite little baby. She has been taking carre of her for 6 months!!!
:)
Tracy

2008-04-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is from Tracy at 7:31 PM Tuesday night. I know that many of you are waiting for new pictures of your children from Tracy's visit. She will post as soon as she can. I get to work at 6:40am and will start checking email. As soon as she gets the pictures I will post them but you may have to find your own babies, I may not have time to organize them and title them but you know who your babies are :) Try to get some sleep tonight and tomorrow you'll have new pictures to cry over!!!!!

Leaving for the orphanage now...won't be back till 5 am your time...will post to you quickly!!!
Tracy

2008-04-08T12:39:00.001-07:00

2008-04-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

2008-04-08T12:37:00.002-07:00

2008-04-08T12:37:00.001-07:00

Thanks Gina...you are a life saver! Here are some more pictures! We finalized the adoption and Kate told me and everyone there that she loves me and is very happy! I took it well, but I am tearing up now. She is very smart...thinks allot before answering questions from people. She is warm hearted and truly wanted to have a family.

We will visit the orphanage on Wednesday, not Thursday because Mrs. Zhong has a training class and will not be there Thursday. Yet another sign to show how much she cares about these children. She called my guide today and said she will bring the kiddos out for photos...I know how excited you on the Zhuhai group are about this. I remember the days I looked forward to getting pictures of Katie. I bought some toys and books from Ada, and I'll get a bunch of gum and candy from 7-11.

She is sleeping now (they would take naps everyday), so she asked and it gives me time to post! Maybe they Chinese women have great skin because they nap everyday??? I think I'll ask my boss at Starbucks for a cot in the backroom! Could you imagine how much younger I will look???

I'll check in later!!!
Tracy

2008-04-08T06:14:00.002-07:00

2008-04-08T06:14:00.001-07:00

2008-04-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

2008-04-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 9:11 AM From Tracy: I will try my best to get photos posted...

I know you are teaching right now, but I have a few photos from dinner to add. Today was relaxing mostly. Katie took a 2 hour nap before I woke her for a late lunch. Her sleeping schedule is a little weird, but I think she is tired and sick. She has a cough and a stuffy nose, but no fever and she won't complain about anything.

She is opposite the girls...she will not let me buy anything for her. We went shopping for the orphanage kids...candy and toys, but nothing for her. She understands because I had Ada from Andy's place talk with her in Cantonese. She just doesn't want to be a bother. At least one of my girls are low maintenance!!! Just kidding, Keira and Kayli are great!

Here are a couple pictures from out late lunch. The little boy was keeping us laughing while we ate. Very funny child!
Tracy

2008-04-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Again! I fogot to mention that I am sending your messages to Tracy so feel free to leave a comment!! If anyone is wondering who I am :) this is my website... www.myfamily.com click ORIGINAL username: averydx password: ladybug

2008-04-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

7:23 PM Monday night. Tracy just started her day in Guangzhou...

I just got out of the shower and I heard an alarm. It was Kate's watch...she set her alarm at 6:45am...I am letting her sleep. I think we got lucky AGAIN! She is so sweet and funny. It is a little awkward, but just because of the language. My phrase book and dictionary are help. I know she knows English because I brought pictures up on the computer and they were from DC and the History museum. She named all of the animals in English!!! Yeah!

2008-04-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

Tracy and Kate with SWI caretakers!!

2008-04-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is Kate peeking around the corner to see Tracy!!!

News From Tracy

2008-04-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

HELLO!! This is Tracy's friend, Gina. She is unable to post to her blog so I will be trying to do it for her. I'm not used to blogspot so bear with me but I will get the pictures in here and her message. Waiting moms: Tracy will be going to the SWI on Thrusday and she will get pictures for you :)

From Tracy: Kate met me with the outfit I sent to her in December, and it is her favorite colors! She is sleping right now. Last night was great...we were watching the Chinese version of America's funniest home vidos...she has the cutest laugh ever! She was practically rolling on the floor. Then we watched Home Alone...again totally cracking up.

Mrs. Zhong, from the orphanage was so upset...she has raised Kate since Kate was brought to the orphanage. Mrs. Zhong has ben there for 15 years and really cares about these girls. Kate and Audrey (a ten year old waiting for her mama) spent this past wekend with Mrs. Zhong, at her home. There they took lots of pictures and Mrs. Zhong is going to email them to me!

Kate came with two backpacks full of things. She has everything I sent to her, 2 CD's full of pictures, a glamour shots photo book, another photo album with all her friends from the orphanage, and more. She was visibly happy with the peking picture, and just as sad to have to leave Mrs. Zhong. I was told that she spent MANY times in the hospital with Kate when she was a baby...bad colds and sometimes she wondered if she would make it through. I guess she knew eventually her mama was coming...a very strong young lady!

Mrs. Zhong had two precious photos to show me of Kate when she was about 6 months old...PRICELESS! She has the scanned in the computer and will email them to me! Truly beautiful!!!

We are going to the orphanage on Thursday. I asked that we get there when the kids are home from school, so I can take pictures of Audrey for Stephanie. I also asked to take pictures of Teddi (Tina's daughter, and Isabelle (Carolines daughter)...Mrs. Zhong said yes! It will be another emotional day for us, but Kate can take it, and I want to see my daughters home during her first 13 years of life!

TA is here!!!!!

2008-03-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

I called my agency today to ask the question...and he looked on his email link to CCAA and guess what????? It will be here tomorrow. We are trying for a consulate appt on or about the 16th of April, and traveling on April4th...then I meet Katie on April 7th, just two days after her 13th birthday!!! Wish me luck!!!
:))))) We are so happy!
Tracy

Teddi with Katie

2008-03-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

LOA IS HERE!

Hopefully these two will be playing at the Victory hotel together in early April!!! I got "The Call" today on day 84 of the wait! It is exciting (even though I was sick in bed when the call came!). I hope to travel with a couple of my friends from the Zhuhai SWI board. They are on the same time frame and should be getting their call any day now! Since Katie has been so helpful with the little ones at the orphanage, it would be great to travel together and spend time in Guangzhou together too! It looks like about 2-3 weeks before I receive TA (travel approval) and then I will travel one week after that! I hope to be in Guangzhou just a few days after Katies birthday! Wish all of us Zhuhai SWI families luck and pray that we can travel together!!! The journey has reached the next step! Thanks for all of your prayers and support!

2008-03-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

Look at the bottom right..."Your Daughter, Katie!"

The middle section that is kind of squarish is a riddle...hopefully I can understand it after I get it translated!!

2008-03-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

Our first letter from Katie...she LOVES her American name and she is even signing her letters, "Your Daughter, Katie!" She is amazing! Her nickname is new-new (sp)which means Monkey in Mandarin! She will fit in great with the rest of us Monkeys! I still haven't received "The Call", but I hope it comes this week!

New updated weight and height! But, no LOA yet!

2008-02-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that I got a call from Journeys yesterday with weight and height info. Katie is 5 feet tall, and weighs 79 pounds. She has a shoe size of 6.5...that is a pretty big foot! Anyway, as I type this I am hoping for a call with LOA! Receiving the LOA over these next few days will be my only hope to get to Katie for her birthday! Still crossing fingers, but any prayers from you all will be appreciated! I'll keep you posted!

2008-02-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

This is what my friend said about Katie today...,"Katie is more than ready to come home. When I told her how much hernew family loves her and how hard you're trying to come quickly shesmiled (through a translator of course). When she heard her bedroomwill be purple, her head went back (like a 'thank you Lord'sort ofway and her eyes got all misty - which was hard to see through thatgiant beautiful smile of hers." She got to meet her today and was able to take these pictures!!! I am so thankful for all of those who have traveled before me!!! THANK YOU SUE! I am waiting for a phone call to go to China! Everyone help me out!!! Wish, Pray, whatever you need to do to get me to my daughter before her birthday!!!!

2008-02-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

http://zhuhai.expat9.com/fgallery/266

Check out this link about Zhuhai City

2008-02-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

A little fun on the side!!! While we are waiting (so impatiently at this point) we went to Homosassa Florida for a little fun with the manitee's. I actually kissed one. We had 11 women and girls at my friend Ronda's house. It was great fun, we grilled and really burnt the burgers...thank goodness we had lots of other stuff to eat. You could have used the burger for hockey pucks!!! We are now at day 61, and hoping for a call before the end of February. I got a call from my agency on Friday saying that Kate had received the packages I sent to her and she asks all the time, "When is my mom coming to get me?" It is so sad for her to see all of the other older girls go home and she has to wait for me. One other 9 year old is going home tomorrow (Happy day for the Hubers!) and Kate will once again wish it was her! "I am coming Kate, and we love you so much!!"

Kisses and hugs from your mom and dad in America!

XOXO

A Little News from Hai Shun

2008-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

"Tracy, Hai Shun was very "in the know" about where she was going and seemed very confident about it!! She is ready to go!"

I received a surprise note from one of my Zhu Hai Yahoo group efriends!!! The quote is above. Kirsten got to meet Katie in late January and this is what she experienced during the meeting! I guess she is ready for a family to love her unconditionally! We are ready for her to come home!!! Thank you Kirsten for the little information that is really BIG to us! We feel a liitle piece of our hearts are already with Hai Shun as she waits for us to pick her up!!
LOA come on! 55 days and counting!

How fortunate we are!

2008-02-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

I am forever grateful to all the Zhu Hai families that travel before me and get to meet my daughter and take pictures at the orphanage! It is such a blessing to see the smiles of our children and know that they "Know" their parents are coming for them soon! Thanks to Steven, Kristy, Brenda, Lynn, Kirsten, Joel and any others who look out for us here waiting to get "The Call" We appreciate it beyond words!! Here is the latest picture taken just last week! I was so happy when I came home and saw this precious pictures of Katie!!!
Life is good!

A new picture from 2/2006!

2008-01-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! We received this picture from a friend that also adopted an older child from Zhuhai! Katie Hai Shun is on the far right in the back! This may be on of the few pictures we have at age ten. Thanks Steven and Kristy! You guys are so awesome!
Still no word of LOA...43 days and counting...

Ladybug sighting!

2008-01-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

While I was at work yesterday a ladybug crawled onto Keira lunch plate and the table. It was not your standar red ladybug, but a yellow one! I got home and the girls came running over to tell me. They didn't know it could be a good sign that news is coming for Katie soon. I am calling my agency today to try to get more information. I hope they can confirm my LID and soon LOA! Here are a couple new pictures that another family send to me from Katies orphanage. The girls look well taken care of and seem pretty happy. I asked a friend of mine (in China now) to drive west and pick Katie up for me, but the orphanage director told her no! Can you believe that? Thanks for trying Tamara!
:)
Tracy

Keira and Kayli on Gotcha Anniversary Day

2008-01-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

We found Keira and Kayli listed on our agencys website on November 20th 2005. We met them in person exactly one year later. Now we wait for their older sister, knowing she is meant to be with our family. Katie will be home for her birthday (hopefully) and the girls can make her a cake to celebrate not only that they have a Big sister, but that their big sister is turning 13! We can't wait!

Time Frames

2008-01-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

So we talked about adopting again, and had sort of stopped looking. But...I kept my ears and eyes open just in case...yeah right! I always knew there was another daughter out there waiting for me to love. Keira and Kayli needed a big sister, so on October 9th, I found Katie Hai Shun. I hadn't seen how beautiful she was until the next day. I knew the moment I read about her, that she would be our next daughter and I would be flying to China ASAP!
Oct 9- found information about Hai Shun through JOH (Journeys of the Heart)
Oct 12- sent LOI (Letter of Intent to adopt her)
Dec 14-PA (Prior approval from China saying she is ours!
Dec 14- unofficial Log In Date for China
Currently...waiting for official Log In Date and LOA (Letter of Acceptence)
We travel about 6 weeks after the LOA which is taking anywhere from 49 days to 100 days...we will keep you all posted!!

Our daughter in China

2008-01-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone...I just thought I would start a Blog to keep all of you posted on what's going on with Katie Hai Shun, and our timeframe for bringing her home. Hai Shun will be 13 years old on April 5th. We are hoping to get to her before she becomes a teenager. I'll give you a little background on her and post a few photos too. This is my first Blog, so forgive me if it ins't very well organized.
Zhu Hai Shun was left at a doorstep of a womans house when she was 1 month and 3 days old. Her mom loved her very much and wanted someone to take care of her, feed her and give her opportunities that she could not give to her. She left a note that told us Hai Shun was born on April 5th. At the time she was found, she only weighed 4 pounds.

The police were called and they brought her to Zhu Hai SWI, where she has lived for the past 12 1/2 years. She was sick allot as an infant, but the wonderful nannies at the orphanage got her through it and she is a healthy happy adolescent. This orphanage did not become eligible for International Adoptions until May 2005, so the older children there were not able to be adopted when they were small children. But, thanks to the wonderful people on our yahoo group site, most of the older girls are coming home to America!!!

There are 11 girls 8 years old to 13, and all of them are coming home! We wish all of them well and I am going to try to set up a reunion for all of them to meet here in the United States.

That is some of our story. Tune in for more in the coming days and weeks!