Our Journey as a Family of Four

Celebrting our 3rd Forever Family Day

2011-09-16T22:00:00.000-04:00

Enjoying our "traditional" Chinese dinner at the Dragon Express

Mama and Papa arrived today just to help celebrate

Our beautiful China doll with her "Gotcha Day" gift

It is so hard to realize Carissa Joy-Le (Yue Qiaole) has been home with her "forever family" three years now. What a fun three years it as been. She has gone from a little scared one year old to a blossoming preschooler. She is becoming more and more independent wanting to do most everything "herself". She now tells me I am not a little baby anymore, I am a "big girl". As much as I love watching her grow and mature, I am a little sad she is a little baby or toddler anymore.

FAMILY DAY!!!

2010-09-16T20:01:00.000-04:00

Right after they handed Carissa to us for the first time.

A few minutes later when she had stopped crying.

One Year Later!!

Two Years Later!!

Today marks the second anniverary of Carissa's Forever Family Day. Two years ago we met our precious daughter for the first time in the Hunan Adoption Affairs office in Changsha, Hunan, China. It still amazes me often of what a perfect fit she is for our family. She has grown sooooo much in these past two years. She was once a scared, chunky little baby and now she has blossomed into a beautiful and silly little girl. I am forever grateful for the life her birthparents gave her, for the Yueyang City SWI that took such good care of her that first year of life, and that God chose her to place in our home. We are celebrating tomorrow evening with dinner out at a local Chinese buffet.

Happy 3rd Birthday Carissa!!

2010-09-12T20:25:00.000-04:00

The beautiful birthday girl with her "stash"

What a silly girl!!

The GIANT cupcake she requested!!

Carissa opening up her present from her friend Ezri!!

Carissa with her birthday money from Mama and Papa

Chasing Mommy!!

Today was Carissa's 3rd birthday. We began the day with going to church. After church, her friend Ezri along with her parents came over for lunch and birthday cake. Mama and Papa Smith also came to visit for her special day. We had a nice lunch with a LARGE cupcake for desert. She got lots of fun presents and loves telling people that she is three and a Big Girl now. We love you Carissa Joy-Le!!

First Day at Grandma and Grandpa Freed's in Minnesota

2010-07-18T11:56:00.009-04:00

Today is a first full day at Grandma and Grandpa Freeds and we are enjoying a day of relaxing. We went downtown Edina for ice cream in the evening and met an Asian family. Some were from China and some from Vietnam. Carissa met a little girl, Janessa, who was 18 months old. Soooo cute!! After some yummy ice cream, we walked around a little then went to have some fun at a local playground.

Carissa's new Chinese/Vietnamese friend, Janessa, we met at the Ice Cream Shop

This is fun!!

Happy 4th of July 2010

2010-07-11T00:09:00.001-04:00

My beautiful Chinese-American Girl!!

Ryan and Carissa playing nose-nose

Carissa is leaning in for a kiss or a "lick"

One of her favorite things to do at the park is swing

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

Second Chinese New Year Party

2010-02-16T14:40:00.001-05:00

Carissa in one of my favorite Chinese outfits

Carissa Making her Chinese mask

Getting ready to make her Chinese Lantern

Natalie, Carissa and Megan

Tonight we were invited by some friends to a Chinese pot luck sponsored by the language school their two daughters attend in Zeeland. The food was great and they had several crafts for the kids and some of the classes performed traditional Chinese dance for us. There were several Chinese exchange students there as well and one performed a beautiful dance and the other played an instrument (can't remember what it was and as of right now, I am unable to upload the videos.

My Little Valentine!!

2010-02-14T22:09:00.002-05:00

Not only is it Chinese New Year today but it is also Valentines Day. Carissa got a few fun gifts for both Valentines Day and some new Chinese children's book for CNY.

Happy Chinese New Year!!

2010-02-13T22:30:00.003-05:00

Today we had the pleasure of attending our first annual Chinese New Year Party at Rivertree Community Church. It was fun to meet new families and to also see some of our new friends. There were crafts, food and some great entertainment. This is the first of four celebrations we will have this busy week but it so fun to share this adoption experience with other families and enjoy Carissa's heritage with her. I am having trouble with the spacing with my pictures so I will describe then here. Picture (1) New friends Kate and Carissa (2) Abigail and Carissa (3) Carissa with her Chinese dragon (4) Dancing dragon (5) Carissa and Natalie

Finally home!!

2009-09-27T01:15:00.003-04:00

Hanging out in the Tokyo airport ready to fly home

We have finally arrived at the Minneapolis Airport

Our welcome back home at the Grand Rapids Airport

Feeling the carpet for the very fist time after

a long screaming ride in her first car seat.

We finally landed in Minneapolis 24 hours later than planned and Carissa became an official citizen of the U.S.A. She slept through it since it was her night time in China. We met with some of Curt's family that lives in the area, then got back on the airplane and finally headed by home to Spring Lake. Our journey home is over!!!!

A year ago today, Carissa left China for the good ole U.S.A.

2009-09-26T01:03:00.001-04:00

A year ago today Carissa left her home land of China headed for the U.S.A. Little did we know at the time that we would be stuck in Tokyo for another 24 hours before heading home. She didn't seem to mind!!

One year ago the adoption was finalized!!

2009-09-17T00:48:00.000-04:00

Our new family with Carissa's old family

One of her nannies and the Yueyang City SWI Orphanage Director

Curt's thumb print

My thumbprint

Carissa's foot print

It's official - we are her parents!!

Meeting Carissa for the first time last year

2009-09-16T00:30:00.001-04:00

Forever Family Day!!

2009-09-16T00:14:00.004-04:00

Carissa at exactly 3:07 a.m. (U.S. Time)

which is 3:07 p.m. (China Time). The exact time

she was placed in my arms one year ago.

Eating a wonderful Chinese dinner

Daddy and Carissa with her new Chinese dolly
we named her "Jordan" since that is where I
purchased it from Jordan's in Guangzhou

Today we celebrated our first "Forever Family Day" by going for a nice Chinese Buffet dinner and giving Carissa one of the many gifts we purchased from her home land, China.

This year has flown by soooo fast and we have enjoyed every minute of getting to know our precious daughter that we waited so long for. She has truly made our family complete and we can't imagine our life without her. She has gone from a scared, crying little baby to a fun loving, busy toddler (and I do mean busy!!). There are days that I am exhausted just keeping up with her but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. She is now talking and trying to say sentences. Her favorite things are her books and dollies. She is starting to play imaginatively and we are enjoying all of the new things she is trying.

When we look back at this last year, we are amazed at how perfectly she fits in with our family. God knows long before we do where each of us belong. I often think of her birthmother back in China and how I wish I could write to her to let her know how she is growing and progressing and that she is loved more than words can say. I just pray that the Lord places peace in her heart and that she know somewhere, her precious daughter is safe and sound and loved unconditionally. If it weren't for her giving Carissa life, we wouldn't have her in our life.

Carissa 2nd Birthday!!

2009-09-12T23:50:00.002-04:00

Waking up on her birthday (not a happy camper)

Carissa with Pastor Eric

Beth Evans, Sunflower Swan and Carissa

They both have adopted Chinese daughters

Some of Carissa's guests enjoying a cookout

Erika has the coolest shirt that you can change around

The Pink Panda Cake

Carissa with her adopted "Auntie" Michelle

Her Pink Panda Cake made by her adopted "Auntie Michelle"

Getting ready to cut the cake

Posing with all of her "STUFF"

Trying on the outfit given to her by one of her Hunan Sisters, Alyssa Allen

Playing with her back pack and new cell phone

Today we celebrated Carissa 2nd Birthday with a cookout at Rycenga Park. We missed her 1st birthday by four days last year and even though we celebrated when she was 13 months old, it wasn't the same as the "first" birthday celebration every child should have. We decided to make this a big one for her and we had a wonderful turn out of families and friends that have been with us during this long journey and have welcomed Carissa into their hearts over this past year. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends to celebrate with!! She also got a ton of "stuff" for her birthday!!

It has been a tradition since Ryan was a baby to tape him first thing in the morning on his birthday (he was born at 8:17 in the morning so we try to get him up at the same time). We don't know what time of day Carissa was actually born so we went into her room as soon as we heard her getting up. She wasn't really fond of being video taped but we did it any way - LOL!!

Last Post Placement Visit

2009-09-09T23:32:00.000-04:00

We had our last post placement visit with Sarah today. It was four years ago in September 2005 that we first met Sarah. A process that we thought was going to take at the most 18 months ended up being three years and would have been longer if we were still waiting for a "non-special needs" referral. She was such an encourager throughout these last four years. In March 2008 I was so discouraged and she encouraged me to look at the next COP list. You never know if your child is on that list if you are open. She was soooo right and we found Carissa.

Even though our "official" time is done, we will forever hold a special place in our hearts for Sarah and we can now be "real" friends as she said. All it takes is a little drive to Holland, MI!!

A short visit from the Cattell's

2009-09-07T03:27:00.005-04:00

Together again!!

They have grown soooo much in one year

Watching NiHao Kilan Goes to China

Sisterly Hugs!!

Opening up a birthday present from the Cattell's

Playing in the COLD (and I do mean Cold)

waters of Lake Michigan

Playing in the sand

Ryan burying Amber in the sand

Carissa running towards mommy screaming.

We were trying to get a picture with all three girls

but she would have nothing to do with it.

Snack time!!

On Friday night, the Cattell's (Eric, Joanne, Amber and Jade) came to visit just for the night and part of Saturday. We originally met over the internet. Both of our families has received referrals the very same day back in April of 2008. We started talking via e-mail in May and finally met last September in Beijing, China. Both of our daughters are from the Hunan province so we traveled with them the entire trip.

We enjoyed dinner out on Friday night at a local mexican restaurant, Prueblo's, then headed home for some play time. The girls were having so much fun and got pretty roudy for a little bit. On Saturday, we headed to Lake Michigan to our favorite beach. While there, we met a couple that had also adopted their daughter at the EXACT same time but through a different agency. They live around the Detroit area and were just visiting the West side of Michigan for the day. It is amazing how the Lord brings people together!! After talking a bit, we remembered meeting each other in the elevator of the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou. Their daughter Lila will be turning two a couple weeks after Carissa.

It is fun to see the girls get together and will continue to be fun watching them grow up.

First day of Gymnastics and Dance

2009-09-07T03:07:00.003-04:00

Checking herself out in the mirror

Aren't I cute!!

Running around the white line to warm up

Rolling the ball back and forth

Learning the log roll

WEEE!!! Watch me bounce!!

Muscle women!!!

Carissa enjoyed her first combo class last Tuesday. She is taking dance/music for the first 30 minutes and then gymnastics for the last 30 minutes. She wasn't too sure about the dance part of it but absolutely loved running around trying out all of the gym equipment.

Just being goofy!!

2009-09-07T03:02:00.002-04:00

We got our new lap top in the mail last week and Carissa had the most fun playing with the packing peanuts. The joys of finding the simplest things in life to have fun with!!

Beach Day with the Cramblets

2009-09-07T02:34:00.004-04:00

Several weeks ago, my friend Michelle, took us to a private beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline that was owned by her brother-in-law. It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The kids (and us two grown women) had fun building sand castles and playing in the water. This was a rare day where the Lake Michigan waters were quite warm.

Bethany's Multi-Cultural Festival - August 15th

2009-09-07T02:19:00.008-04:00

Mei Mei (little sister) and Ge Ge (Big brother)
Carissa giving Mr. Lee a kiss on the cheek

Playing horseshoes Ryan helping with a bigger kids game.

Ryan and Elizabeth Lee on racing
to see who can reach the farthest

Elizabeth Lee helping Carissa in the Crazy Bounce

It was a HOT day so they were giving out
ice cream. I think Carissa enjoyed it!!

This year Bethany Christian Services had a Serve-a-thon in the morning then that afternoon they had a "scaled" down version of their Multi-cultural festival. We had never been able to end in the previous years when it was much bigger so we decided to check it out this year. There weren't too many people in attendance, but we had fun meeting a few new families and seeing a few we already knew.

Minocqua Wisconsin with the Freed Family

2009-09-07T01:36:00.008-04:00

Playing with daddy on the boat

Hanging out with Grandad in the hotel lobby
Carissa and Josie eating lunch!!

Sunset view from our patio - Beautiful!!

Miniature golfing with Scott, Ryan and Andrew

Josie and Carissa wearing their matching Chinese

PJ's that were bought for them in China.

Family picture taken outside of our room

Carissa and Ryan up on the deck of the

S.S. Badger on the way home

Celebrating the Summer Birthdays!!

The only three girls on this trip

Josie, Elizabeth and Carissa

Carissa hanging out with her cousin Andrew Ready to go for a swim!!

My water baby!!

Lake Minocqua

Every August for years, we have been getting together for a long weekend with Curt's family. For the last three years we have been going to Minocqua, Wisconsin. We take the Ferry across Lake Michigan from Ludington to Manitowac then head north past Green Bay. Carissa met everyone except her cousins, Will and Josie, at the Minneapolis airport they day we arrived back in America with her. Josie is just 4 months older than Carissa so it was fun to have the little girls together for the first time. The weather was a chillier than normal but the guys were still able to go fishing during the mornings in Uncle Jeff's boat. We didn't tube this year like we had in the past but was still a fun, relaxing trip. We also celebrated the summer birthdays.

My mom's 80th Surprise Birthday Party!!

2009-09-07T01:24:00.003-04:00

Great Grandkids
Grandkids

Kids

Mom and her sister Donalee

My nephew Todd and Aunt Allie

On August 1, my mom celebrated her 80th birthday with a surprise party. All of her children, grand children and great-grand children were present (except for a few).

Visiting Mama and Papa's house in West Virginia

2009-09-07T01:16:00.004-04:00

Waiting for our plane to arrive so we can fly to WV
Ice Cream truck in Mama and Papa's neighborhood

Playing with Uncle Bruce
Trying on Ry-ry's shoes
Carissa meeting her Great-Aunt Donalee for the first time.

My dad had right knee replacement surgery the middle of July. I decided to fly out with Ryan and Carissa to help once he got home. He was in the hospital a little longer than we thought but we had fun just visiting family that we don't get to see too often. While we were there, my Aunt Donalee flew out from Oregon and surprised my mom for her birthday.

Saying good-bye to the Hammond girls - July 20th

2009-09-07T01:00:00.004-04:00

Carissa, Ryan, Sydney, Zoe and Breece

Amber playing on the teeter totter with Carissa

I first met the Hammond's when they moved back to Michigan from Australia and she was pregnant with Sydney, their oldest. Ryan was just a 1 1/2 year old when Sydney was born. A few months later we moved into the house right next door. Amber was always there, when I needed someone to talk to and they were wonderful neighbors. She was such an encouragement when Curt was going to job transitioning and also during our long journey of adoption. We moved away for a couple of years and when we came back in 2004, we picked up our friendship as if we had never been away (even though we didn't get to spend as much time together). During this past year, God has been leading their family to another area and they recently moved to Colorado. We had one last Pizza Hut lunch with her and the girls then we went to a park to play. We will miss them greatly but know that God will use them both greatly in Colorado. Who know, they may be back here in Michigan in a few years like we did.

Ryan's 13th Birthday - July 15th

2009-09-07T00:44:00.005-04:00

The night before Ryan's birthday we surprised him by inviting three of his friends to Pizza Hut then out for three rounds of bowling. One of his friends then spent the night and on his actual birthday he chose to go to Red Lobster for lunch then shopping for an air soft gun. Carissa had fun helping him open up his presents. I can't believe that I now have a Thirteen year old. He is such a great kid!!

Shipshewana Indiana

2009-09-07T00:25:00.006-04:00

Ryan and Carissa in the lazy river

Swimming in the kiddy pool

Playing in the shallow part of the kiddy pool

Carissa giggling with excitement!!

We took a short trip to Shipshewana, Indiana the end of June for my birthday. It was fun to just get out of town and take a break. We stayed at the Amish Inn, which also had an indoor water park attached. We had wonderful Amish food, visited the mid-wests largest flea market (nothing to brag about in my opinion), spent time browsing the small town shops and playing in the water at the water park. Carissa really enjoys the water so I don't think it will be a problem for her to learn to swim early.

Strawberry Time!!!!

2009-06-28T19:21:00.004-04:00

Hey guys, wait for me!!!!!!

Auntie Michelle and Carissa

Mommy and Carissa

Does anyone need another container?

Aren't I cute!!!!!

Want one?

Look at all my berries!!

Yummy!!

On Monday, Carissa and I met up with her adopted Aunt, Michelle and her son Tyler to pick strawberries. Someone had given me a little dress with strawberries on it so, of course, I had to make a photo opportunity with it. I picked 10 lbs. of berries and made freezer jam with it. I hadn't made it in years so it was about time. Carissa had fun being out in the fresh air but it was quite warm that day so we went out in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

A Beautiful Afternoon At The Beach

2009-06-16T01:11:00.004-04:00

Bathing Beauty!!

Ryan is trying to convince Carissa that the water is fun

Love the hat!!

CHEESE!!

Letting Ryan bury her legs in the sand (this is a first!!)

This is fun!!

Ryan with his whole body buried and Carissa with 1/2 of a body!!

Looks like they are having a serious conversation

She is getting tired at this point

Snug as a bug at the beach!!

Today was a beautiful start to the week so we decided to get out of the house while our house is being painted and go to the beach. This was Carissa's second time to this beach but her first time actually enjoying the sand and playing in it for a while. She also was a little braver with the "COLD" water and got in up to her waist. She was fascinated with Ryan digging a big hole and then putting his feet in it. She then wanted to put her feet and legs in like he was doing. He then started to slowly pour sand in the hole and bury both of their legs. She thought that was fun so started helping. She actually sat there for about 30 minutes playing in the sand with half her body covered up.

After we finally pulled her out of the hole, she was so covered with sand that we went down to the water to wash off. She was a brave soul and got in up to her waist. She then proceeded to bend over and splash and sit down part way. She LOVES the bath tub and water so I wasn't too surprised at her reaction to the water. She was getting tired since we were there during her nap time so she and ryan just sat and let the water run over their legs. I then brought her back up to where we had camped out and wrapped her in her towel and cuddled a little to get her warm. She was sooooo tired that she fell asleep so I laid her down on the beach blanket and then took a little nap beside her. What a fun relaxing afternoon we had and hope to have many more enjoyable days like it this Summer!!

Carissa is 21 months old and had her First Visit to Lake Michigan - Friday, June 12th

2009-06-15T23:51:00.015-04:00

Ryan and Carissa enjoying a rest on a washed up log

WEEEEE!! (A.K.A. Swing - Her favorite thing to do!!)

Finally enjoying the sand!!

Watching the waves come in and out

Mommy and Carissa

Carissa after the fall in the water

She had to ride home with just her diaper since her clothes were all wet.

On Friday, Ryan, Carissa and I headed out for a picnic. We ended up at one of our favorite spots here in West Michigan. North Beach Park in Ferrysburg. Carissa loves to swing. She calls it her WEEEEEE!!! So, we went there for several reasons: (1) to have lunch because the weather was finally beautiful, (2) for Carissa to swing and (3) to get her used to the sand. Up to this point she wasn't too fond of the stuff.

After playing at the playground, we took her down to the water. That she loved!! She loved it so much that she walked right in (after the initial shock of the cold) and fell. There was a 3" or so drop off right at the beginning of the waves that we didn't see and it set her off balance so in she went clothes and all. She whimpered for a few minutes but then looked up at us and smiled. We were excited to see she at least enjoyed the water. We spend a lot of time at the beach in the summer around here so we need her to get used to it.

18 Months Old - Easter Dress Pictures!!

2009-04-30T16:16:00.003-04:00

One Year Ago Today!!

2009-04-23T23:47:00.001-04:00

It has been one year today, since we received our first pictures of Carissa and information from our SW. We had a few days to review her file (along with another little girls file) and submit our names to be prayerfully considered by Bethany (or not to be chosen) to become the parents of one of them. Someone asked me the following Sunday, how I could choose between them and I said that I was leaving that decision up to God and Bethany (He knows best!!). The following Tuesday afernoon, April 29th, we received the wonderful news that we had been matched with Yue, Quiaole. We had waited almost three years to finally hear that word "Matched".A year later I can honestly say that we have the perfect little girl for our family. The other little girl is also in a wonderful loving family whom we have had the priviledge of meeting and becoming friends. They will forever be "Hunan Sisters". We thank God everyday for entrusting her to our care and have been blessed to have been given such a wonderful gift.

Brother and Sisterly Love

2009-03-04T00:26:00.002-05:00

Ryan loves to cuddle with his little sister

VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2009-03-04T00:17:00.003-05:00

Is our food coming soon - I'm hungry!!

May I have the camera please???

Carissa's sign for I LOVE YOU - I YU YOU!!

I like my flowers from Daddy!!

Aren't they pretty!!

On Valentine's Day, we went out to Logan's for lunch as a family. Daddy gave a rose to mommy and me. It was my first rose (of many I am sure) from my daddy. Mommy gave me a lift and flap book (which are my favorite) and a little baby doll. Dolly's are one of my favorite toys!!

Making Valentines Cookies!!

2009-03-04T00:07:00.003-05:00

Adding sprinkles to her creation

My two buddies!!

I like these cookies Ryan

I don't think anyone will want to eat this cookie . . .

so I will just have to eat it myself!!

Like at Christmas time, it has always been a traditio to make cut-out cookies and decorate them. My mom and I used to do this growing up then I started it with Ryan. I put the butter frosting on and he decorates them however he wants. We both had fun passing this tradition on to Carissa this year. She had more fun eating the sprinkles and tasting the frosting more than anything.

PRETTY IN PINK!!

2009-03-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

I love my thumb and Peter "Babbit"
Look how big and tall I am getting!!

So Sweet!!

I was having fun one day with dressing up a little girl, that

I couldn't resist taking pictures of her in pink.

I Got My Social Security Card Today!!

2009-02-02T19:54:00.002-05:00

Carissa is an official American Citizen - She looks happy about it!!

Notice the red, white and blue theme.

Are we done taking pictures, I am tired of trying to smile!!

My two favorite kiddos!!

Today we received Carissa's Social Security card (I can now file our taxes - Ha! Ha!). We realized that we hadn't taken any pictures with her American Citizenship Certificate we received a couple of months ago. Today marks the last little bit of paperwork that we had to do for Carissa. We still have our 6 and 12 months home visits by our social worker but I am pretty sure that we don't have to do any more official paperwork (or rather spend any more money - Ha! Ha!)

Applying for Social Security Card and Visiting with Sarah

2009-02-02T19:48:00.002-05:00

Last Tuesday we finally went and applied for Carissa's Social Security card in Holland, MI. It didn't take too long, so we stopped by to see our social worker, Sarah. We had not taken a picture of Carissa with her so we finally got one. She was a huge part of why we chose to go special needs last April. If we had not of changed our plans and gone this route, we would still be waiting and Carissa would be living with someone else or still be in the orphanage. I cannot imagine life without her and am so glad for the nudge Sarah gave us last April.

Rubba Dub Dub!!

2009-02-02T19:42:00.002-05:00

Carissa loves to play in the bath tub. We decided to try out some new hair styles since she is getting more of it. Here are some of the samples of our bathing beauty.

Carissa Loves to Play the Piano

2009-01-13T23:35:00.003-05:00

Here mom, "take the phone while I play the piano"!!
Doesn't this sound great!!

Adding my vocals to the mix!!

I Am Finally Walking!!!!!

2009-01-13T23:21:00.002-05:00

Carissa has been attempting to walk since the weekend before Christmas but while we were at my parents house in West Virginia she really gained the confidence and started walking. Since being home she walks in circles and follows me everywhere. She was walking with her hands in the air but now she is beginning to pick up things and carry them around without her hands in the air. Now starts the fun - she is into everything!!

Helping Mom Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-01-13T23:06:00.002-05:00

Helping mix

Taste Testing

It's on my hands!!
Are they done yet?

Random pictures of our days at home

2009-01-13T22:44:00.003-05:00

Piggy Tails - Very short piggy tails!!

Ryan reading one of his favorite books he got for Christmas

Reading one of Carissa's favorite books - All About Girls!!
Coloring with my new fancy crayons

Uh, Oh!! I dumped all of my raisins on the floor.

Ryan thought it would be funny to put a "Made in China" sticker on my forehead

Crazy brother!!!!

Ryan's starting his snow fort

Snow, snow and more snow - It's Michigan!!

My Sleeping Beauty

2009-01-13T22:40:00.005-05:00

Surrounded by all of her dollies and animals
Snug as a bug!!

I surrender!!

More pictures while in West Virginia

2009-01-13T21:36:00.005-05:00

Uncle Bruce and Aunt Diana's house on New Years DayrRockin away in Mamaw's rocker

Cuddle time with Aunt Mary

Giggles, giggles and more giggles!!

My cousin Todd. He was my new buddy for a few days!

Sleepy time with Great Aunt Allie

Christmas in West Virginia

2009-01-13T20:20:00.009-05:00

Little Emma (Emmakins)
Getting ready to open presents

Ryan with his second cousins Timothy III and Anna

Some first but mostly second cousins

Trying on Uncle Charlie's hat

Carissa with some of her girl cousins

Caitlyn, Carissa, Jessica, Aislinn and Megan (Meggie Pie)

Having fun with Mamaw Smith

Carissa and Great Aunt Allie

Sarah and Carissa

Uncle Tim reading me a book

We enjoyed a large family gathering on the Friday after Christmas. We had 42 people at my parents house. All of them except for my parents were meeting Carissa for the first time. She was a bit overwhelmed at first but quickly became her silly self and was the life of the party. She has shown us in the last few weeks that she is definitely a people person and loves to socialize. She makes us all laugh!!

Our Traditional Butter Cookies - YUMMY!!

2009-01-13T20:10:00.004-05:00

Ryan helping Carissa with sprinkles

Carissa enjoyed the taste test!!

Every year, Ryan and I have had a tradition of making butter cookies. I frost them and he has free reign of decorating. This year we included Carissa in our tradition. She was mostly interested in how they tasted rather than decorating. This was a tradition I used to do with my mother and now I have it with my children. We also make them at Valentines - YUMMY!!

Opening Presents!!

2009-01-13T19:52:00.004-05:00

Stocking Time!!

Ryan's favorite present this Christmas except for his sister!!

My New Kitchen

A new baby with a stroller and high chair

Ryan was good about helping me open my presents!!

Our First Christmas with Carissa

2009-01-13T19:29:00.007-05:00

Traditional Chinese Dress
Dad and Carissa looking at new puzzle

Carissa's favorite big brother!!

Me and my favorite girl

We celebrated Christmas a few days early as our new family of four. Curt had to work on Christmas Eve then early on Christmas moring, we drove to my parents house in West Virginia to have a large family gathering on Friday. Carissa wasn't sure of what to do with the presents quite yet but really liked her new books and her kitchen. She did great on our 10 hour drive to West Virginia and was the hit of the party on Friday night. We had 42 at my parents house, which was a record. We also got to see our newest member of the family, Emma. She was born just after Thanksgiving and is such a tiny precious little girl. Carissa thought she was doll and wanted to hold her. My brother is now a father for the first time at the age of 54. Good things come to those who wait was out motto this year. We waited for three years to finally celebrate Christmas with Carissa and David waited for years to finally become a father. What a blessed Christmas we celebrated this year.

Thanksgiving - Late Post

2009-01-08T16:36:00.007-05:00

On Thanksgiving Day we had a quiet day at home with just the four of us. Carissa enjoyed her first bites of pumpkin pie. Actually, it was dad's and she ate most of it. She will eat pretty much anything you give her. While I was cleaning up and resting, Curt took her for a little walk along the bike path all bundled up in her snow suit.

2008-12-16T23:29:00.007-05:00

Yesterday marked our three month anniversary with Carissa Joy Le. We are just amazed at how much of a perfect fit she is for our family and we couldn't imagine life without her. She has such a fun, sweet and loving personality. She loves giving hugs and kisses, and giggles with delight at the funny things Ryan does. She has only been with us for a short while but it seems like she has always been a part of our family. She is almost walking but like her big brother is hesitant to let go. She has resorted to the "monkey crawl". She calls Ryan her "brubber". She loves to now play with her "babies" and "bear bears". She has recently started to play imaginatively, pretending to eat and feed us. It is soooo fun to see her little personality blossom and can't wait to see what Christmas and the new year will bring.

Suckers anyone??

2008-11-17T20:08:00.000-05:00

Last week, Ryan got one of his suckers out of his Trick or Treat bag and Carissa pointed to her tongue. We decided to see what she would do with a little Dum-dum sucker. She really loved it and did well with handling it. I would only let her have one in the high chair or she would have it every where. She was highly disappointed when it disappeared and was all gone!! There is always a first for everything!!

Let's Cook!!

2008-11-17T20:04:00.000-05:00

Since Carissa likes to know what I am doing at all times, I decided to introduce her to some kitchen utensils to keep her occupied while I am cooking. She had quite a bit of fun - so much for toys!!

Nap Time!!

2008-11-17T20:01:00.000-05:00

Last week she was finishing up her lunch when I was on the phone. I thought she was unusually quiet and when I walked into the kitchen, this was what I found. Too Cute!!

Playing in the leaves (or not)!!

2008-11-17T19:57:00.000-05:00

Ryan and I thought it would be fun to rake a big pile of leaves for them to play in. Well, she would have none of it. It's obvious in the pictures that she did not like them at all!! We even tried to throw them in the air but to no avail, it was a short romp in the leaves this Fall. Maybe next year!!

Carissa and Ryan Playing at the Park

2008-11-17T17:15:00.002-05:00

After I went and voted, I took the kids to the park to play. The weather was so warm and beautiful and here in Michigan, you grab the nice November days and run because you know the cold is coming soon. Today it is snowing as I am posting these pics.

Carissa is like Ryan in the fact that she doesn't like to swing. See the progression in the pictures. She did, however, love the slide and the teeter totter. She also watches intently as Ryan plays his Nintendo DS so he gave it to here to see what she would do. As you can see, she seems to really enjoy video games also. Too Cute!!

Carissa's First Trick or Treating

2008-11-14T09:51:00.003-05:00

We took Carissa downtown Grand Haven for her first Trick or Treating experience. We went with some of our homeschool friends this year. We have had this tradition of visiting the downtown stores since Ryan was Carissa's age and have only missed one year. When Ryan was in 2nd grade, we were living in West Virginia that year. Later she had fun visiting a few of the neighbors but mostly helping mom pass out candy. Ryan decided to be a dog house (or pretend he was "in the dog house"). People kept asking him what he did to deserve being "in the dog house". He had fun with that, but the costume was a bit large for some of the doors. He and his dad painted Carissa's car seat box and then he and I embellished it a little. We decided Carissa was going to be a lady bug this year, since ladybugs are a sign of good luck in China. Had to keep up with the Chinese theme this year!!

Pictures of Baby Dedication

2008-11-13T16:50:00.001-05:00

Baby Dedication on October 26, 2008

2008-11-13T16:32:00.004-05:00

On October 26th, we had a baby dedication at our church along with three other couples. Carissa, of course, being the oldest and the other two born just a few months ago. Pastor Eric made a point to share each of the meanings of her Chinese name, given by the orphanage, and her American name, given by us. She is truly a blessing and a Gift from God. I would do it over ten times if I could. We couldn't imagine our life without her. Pictures are post above. I am having trouble downloading them directly onto the blogger sight so I have to send it through my e-mail.

Visit to the Pediatric Cardiologist

2008-11-11T11:37:00.003-05:00

We visited the Pediatric Cardiologist a week ago. She had an EKG done then the next step would have been a Sonogram. The Dr. looked at her EKG and listened very closely to her heart and did not even hear a slight murmur or anything that would alarm him to do further testing. Her EKG was also completely normal. The medical report that we received (done when she was about 3 1/2 months old) said that she was diagnosed with a shunt at Interatrial septum and for us to recheck at one year.

We are happy to say that this is not even an issue and her heart is completely health and normal.

Pictures will be posted soon!!

Update from Carissa's visit to the Audiologist

2008-10-24T23:24:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, Carissa had a hearing test with an Audiologist at Devos Children Hospital in Grand Rapids. They had to give her oral sedation which made her sleep for about 2 1/2 hours (the test only took 30 minutes). We received great news regarding her hearing capability, which we were not surprised about since she tries to repeat things we say.

Her right ear is completely normal and the left ear, which has the deformity, was also receiving sound and causing brain waves during the test. This indicated that she has hearing in that ear and the cochlea is in place. Since the ear is covered, we don't know if she has the ear canal that connect to the inner workings of the ear or not. That will be determined by an MRI. They can make an ear canal if not. She has her first visit with the pediatric plastic surgeon the first part of December. They don't usually do repairs to the ear until 6-7 years old (according to what I've read). We will find out when we see the physician in December.

As far as her heart murmur that was also diagnosed with her special need, her physician said that he did not hear anything that would concern him. We also consulted with a Pediatric surgeon yesterday that was examining Carissa before her hearing test. She couldn't detect a heart murmur either. We are seeing a Pediatric Cardiologist next Thursday just to make sure since her Chinese physical from when she was 4 months old stated this condition. We want to make sure we cover all bases.

She is such a healthy little chunk, weighing in at 24 lbs. and 30 inches. She loves to eat!!

We love her soooo much and can't imagine life without her. The three year wait was worth it! Now that it is over - HA! HA! - I can now say that!!

MORE PICTURES!!

2008-10-24T22:45:00.001-04:00

Pictures from Carissa's first month at home!!

2008-10-24T22:35:00.001-04:00

Pictures of Carissa's First Birthday Celebration!!

2008-10-24T22:21:00.001-04:00

Carissa's First Month Home

2008-10-24T20:24:00.006-04:00

As I sit and type this new post, I am amazed at how our family has changed in the past month. Four weeks ago tomorrow we brought Carissa home to America. She has adjusted so well. Her personality is fairly easy going and soooo much fun and silly. She reminds me a lot of Ryan when he was a baby. If this is any indication of her future personality, we should be soooo lucky and can only pray!! He was such a good baby and has always been a pretty easy going kid (almost teenager - ugghh!!).

The first two weeks we were home we started to slowly get back into the swing of our American life. Ryan went back to homeschooling and Carissa began to get adjusted to sleeping in her new bed and room. She is sleeping through the night by herself now and sleeps through the night. Naps are shorter than I like but that will come.

Two weeks ago my parents came. We bought a home in June that needed two bathrooms re-done so my dad finished one while he was here and will finish the next one later. They had so much fun getting to know her and play with her. She also got to know them well and loved and cuddled on them like she does with us. She definitely prefers her mommy, though!! I am not complaining. She has attached so well.

We missed her birthday on September 12th so on October 12th (her 13 month birthday) we celebrated with my parents. We went to church then to Lewis Farmer Market and Orchard. It was such a warm, beautiful, sunny day that we decided to pick apples. They also had a petting zoo. The only thing that she liked was the cat. The rest of the animals were totally ignored by her. She was also tired so that was part of her lack of interest in the animals. She was next to the sheep when he loudly went BAAAA and that scared her. Later that evening we celebrated with cake and we had fun getting her messy. She didn't like the feeling of the icing at first but soon learned that it was edible and enjoyed it. Ryan did the same exact thing when he turned one.

She is getting more comfortable with our friends when they are around and loves to make faces at them. I am going to post some fun pictures of her past month at home. Enjoy!!

Arriving at GR Aiport - Very Tired!!

2008-09-28T23:00:00.001-04:00

Pictures with Minnesota Family

2008-09-28T22:56:00.001-04:00

2008-09-28T22:52:00.000-04:00

2008-09-28T22:48:00.000-04:00

2008-09-28T22:32:00.000-04:00

Pictures of our last final days in China

2008-09-28T22:27:00.001-04:00

Finally Home!!

2008-09-28T21:01:00.002-04:00

We are finally home!! We left Guangzhou on Friday morning at 5:45 heading to Tokyo on a 4 hour flight. We got onto our 10 hour connection in Tokyo but after being in the air about 45 minutes the pilot alerted us that we would be turning around and heading back to Tokyo due to mechanical difficulties (both stabilizers went out). We had to hover over the ocean about 1 hour before landing to dump a lot of fuel so when we landed the plane would not catch on fire (comforting to know!!) . We heard that it was about $100,000 worth of fuel. We were suppose to all get back on to another plane within the hour but after that time, they ended up cancelling the flight and re-routing everying the following afternoon. Needless to say the craziness began with the Japanese trying to figure everthing out for us. They had to open the immigration office for us so we could get temporary visas to enter Japan since we only had visas to enter China and Carissa had only one to enter America. They sent us all to hotels with food vouchers and then we found out our flight schedules the next morning. Many families were split up on different flights. We were all together except Curt's mom but we were able to switch her to our flight. We did, however, end up with bulk head seats which were GREAT!! We also got 27,000 more flight miles for each of us so that is a free flight somewhere in the US. Maybe we will use it for Disney next summer!!!

I did not post while in Guangzhou due to our busy schedules (shopping most of the time!!) and our limited access to a computer. We arrived in Guangzou Monday evening and ate at Lucy's. They served most American food and we LOVED IT!! They had the best french fries. We looked through a few stores that evening before heading back to the White Swan. That was my favorite hotel of all. They were so nice and the whole area we were in catered to us American's and adoptive families. I guess it's because we all spend money shopping there!!

On Tuesday we shopped in the morning and then in the afternoon our Bethany group took the babies for their medical exams. There were three stations and they all went quickly. Some cried and some didn't. Carissa only fussed a little when getting her measurements. According to them her weight is 24 lbs. and height is 29". She goes to her first American doctor's appointment on Tuesday morning so we will know more on her ear condition and her weight and height. Should be fun!! We shopped for a little while in the afternoon before our group got together for a traditional Chinese dinner around a big table. That was the best Chinese we had eaten the whole trip. We then shopped more after dinner before meeting with our group leader, Shiyan, to make sure we had all of our paperwork in order. We had to re-fill out two different forms because ours were out of date (several of us had to do this). We also found out that Shiyan had put the wrong babies picture on Carissa;s medical file that was going to the U.S. Consulate the next day so we had schedule to go back to the medical office to get that straightened out before going to the consulate the next morning. She then later called me to let me know that another form was not properly notarized by my SW so Curt had to go with her to the consulate the next day.

Wednesday was suppose to be our free day, while Shiyan delivered all of our paperwork to the U.S. Consulate. I was to meet her at 7:30 to go the medical office and then go with her to the consulate. When I got up I looked outside to see that the street were flooded to peoples knees. A typhoon had hit Guangzhou on the other side but the river had risen and flooded some of the stores. Shiyan and I were supposed to walk several blocks to the medical office so we were not able to before we left for the consulate. Curt decided to go in my place so he went with Shiyan then by the time they got back to water had receeded and he went in my place to the medical office. Shiyan then took it back to the consulate that afternoon to fix the problem. We enjoyed more shopping that afternoon in between down pours of rain from the typhoon. At least it was cooler. We were disappointed that we didn't get to swim in the beautiful White Swan pools. Somehow the yucky waters had gotten into the pools so they had to close them. I didn't even get to see the beautiful water falls outside but the inside of the hotel was beautiful. That evening we went to a wonderful Italian restaurant that many had recommended. It was such a delight to finally eat some normal foods and the pizza was incredible.

On Thursday morning we met as a group for the red couch pictures. We had three girls in our group from the Hunan province. They were sooo good getting their pictures taken. I was even able to get a bow that a local store owner given her (for her future hair-ha! ha!) to stay for a little while. She was soooo cute in her traditional Chinese outfits and squeeky shoes (which she loves). Later that afternoon we along with other familes from other agencies met at the U.S. Consulate for the rest of our pick up our paperwork and for our swearing in. It was official she was finally ours and on her way to becoming a U.S. Citizen. She fell asleep about 5 minutes before the swearing in so she missed it. We were not allowed cameras so we don't have any pictures from that day. We went back to Lucy's for dinner with our new friends and "spicy girl" parents. It was so much fun getting to know everyone from our group and other groups as we all begin this new journey together. I know many of us will stay in touch with each other. We then packed for a LONG journey home. I posted at the beginning about our extra day in Tokyo so I won't repeat that.

Once we finally arrived in Minneapolis we were directed to customs and went through like a breeze in less than 15 minutes. I was expecting 2 hours. Babies do come in handy at times!! We were able to go out to the main part and meet with Curt's dad, sister Katy and his sister Sue and her family. They won't see Carissa for a while so they joined us at the airport there. We had a short flight home to Grand Rapids then were greeted by some great friends. All except one has adopted children from China and Russia. Carissa was a little shy but seemed to not mind it. She is so easy going right now. She didn't like the car seat ride home. That was the first time she really screamed and cried. She has never been in one so it was new to her. We are going to have to do some adjusting to fit her. Hopefully next time will be better.

Our sleep patterns today were a little out of wack but we all fee much better tonight and pray that she stays asleep. We just put her down for the night at 10:00 p.m. It will take about a week to get back to a normal schedule.

I am posting some pictures from the rest of our trip. I will also post most of our entire trip on my facebook if anyone is interested in all of them.

The rest of the pictures!!

2008-09-21T01:04:00.001-04:00

The last two days!

2008-09-21T01:01:00.001-04:00

We have one more day here in Changsha (thank goodness!!). We are all going stir crazy. Curt is not feeling well and I was not feeling well yesterday (that's why I didn't post). Yesterday we went to the Martyrs Park and to the Silk Factory. It is ridiculously HOT here with a ton of smog. It is so hard to even step outside so we all just hang out in the hotel pretty much. Today we went to the Provincial Museum which was cooler. Tomorrow we leave the hotel in the afternoon and fly to Guangzhou to finish up our paperwork at the U.S. Embassy. We will be able to "safely" go out side and shop for about three days (when we aren't doing "business). The traffic here is really crazy. There would be some major road rage if we drove like they do here but amazingly enough there aren't many accidents. You have to see it to believe it. Cars, buses, people, bikes and scooters all on the same busy road. Even on the side walks (that is why we stay inside a building). They don't stop for people, you just gotta run!!

I am sending more pictures. Sorry for no captions but for dad. We went to Wal-mart and the picture of food is of dried intestines. They eat just about every part of an animal. There meat department is just laid out there for you to grab. GROSS!!!! However, they are so particular in the hotel that you have to wear a cap to swim, hence the pictures of Carissa in a cap. Curt and Ryan had taken theirs off. The smell of the meat department made my stomach turn a bit!!

We thank you for all of your prayers. She is really warming up to us and playing very well. We are teaching her many tricks. She is silly!!

Some of the pictures of the other little girls are Jade and Alyssa. There are three families here in Hunan and we will join up with the other Bethany families tomorrow afternoon. Jade will live in New Jersey and Alyssa will live in Tennessee. She had a Tennessee outfit on yesterday. She is the oldest at 18 months old but the tiniest little thing (and I do mean tiny!!). We got them to take a picture on the steps at our hotel this morning. They are our three spice girls!!

I will type more in a couple of days. Tomorrow we will be packing and traveling to Guanghzou.

A variety of pictures from our trip so far

2008-09-19T03:40:00.002-04:00

Now that I figured out the picture thing. I am sending a few more pics from our days in Beijing. We will be here in Changsha until Monday afternoon (Monday morning for you guys). We have to wait for the paperwork to be finished and processed. Today we went to one of the oldest Ancient Universities on the world. It was soooooooo hot that we were all sweating from places we didn't know you could sweat. The humidity here is crazy. We all took a dip in the pool when we got back. There are three families from our agency here. Carissa is the youngest but the biggest. The oldest one Alyssa is a tiny little thing at 18 months old (and I do mean TINY!!). Many of you know that we had requested information on two babies back in April and she was one of them. Her parents are from Tenessee and she is their first child. Their log in date is the same as ours so they to have waited for three years as is the case with most of our group and other people we have met from other agencies. We have met people with Great Wall and CCAI as well as several from Hawaii. They are all leaving today for Guangzhou as we stay on until Monday.

Tomorrow we will go to the Silk Factory and a nearby famous park (cannot remember the name). I will post more as I can now that I have this picture thing figured out and Carissa is adjust well to all of us.

I can't believe what a sweet disposition she has. Today she has really come out of her shell and is becoming really fun and silly. She seems to love to be held and cuddled (not a problem for me). She also loves to read books, play with her stacking cups and bang on things. I can't wait for everyone to meet her.

Bye for today and will post more tomorrow!!

PICTURES FINALLY!!

2008-09-19T03:08:00.001-04:00

I think I finally found the way to post pictures. I hope this works!!

She is officially ours

2008-09-18T09:44:00.001-04:00

As I sit here and type, Carissa is in my lap sleeping away. Yesterday we went back to the Civil affairs office and made it official. We were able to meet with her orphanage director and nanny and ask questions. They said she was a very good baby and very content and sweet. They lovesd to spoil her and I can tell. She loves to be held and cuddled. Today was a free day so we wallked around Changsha a little. It is extremely hot here so we can't spend much time out side. We have enjoyed the playroom here and the pool. We even ordered out Pizza Hut tonight. I will post more when I can. Hopefully I can get these pictures downloaded without any problems. If not, please forgive me, I am honestly trying!! Tomorrow and the following two days will be some sightseeing around the city then onto to Guangzhou on Monday afternoon

PICTURES!!

2008-09-16T10:49:00.001-04:00

I will post pictures tomorrow during her nap. I am having technical difficulties at this time!! Sorry!!

GOTCHA DAY and the Two Days Before

2008-09-16T10:32:00.001-04:00

Well, what can I say!!!

The last three days have been a whirlwind of activity. On Sunday we left the hotel at 8:00 a.m. for the Cloisonee Factory then on to the Great Wall (which was absolutly breath taking and packed with millions of people (so it seemed). The Chinese really don't mind togetherness as they push and shove through lines just to get where they need and no one yells at them like in America (that's just what they do!!). After the Great Wall, we stopped by a Jade factory and had a tradionional Chinese dinner. We then drove by the Olympic Village and were able to see a few sights but most were covered by trees or fence. We did see the bird's nest and the flam is going now due to the Para Olympics.

On Monday we left at 8:30 a.m. to tour Tianneman Square (spelling may not be correct - I'm tired!!), Forbidden City (super crowded again!!) and then a Hutong City tour by Rickshaw. That was the hightlight of the day to see how many Chinese actually live. Being in the city we didn't see that as much until yesterday.

We woke up this mornining at 3:30 a.m., our group got on the bus at 5:00 a.m. to head to the Beijing Airport then we all separated to fly to our prospective provinces. Three families are with us here in Changsha. We arrived around 10:45 and met our guide, Vicky. She took us to the hotel, let us settle in for a little while (I do mean a little while). We met her at 1:30 for some paper work. She walked us down to the small market to buy some formula, rice cereal, juice and water. We walked back to the hotel and 5 minutes laster boarded the bus heading towards the Civil Affairs office. There we met little Carissa and her nanny and orphanage director. They seemed to care for her and watched for the first 30-40 minutes to see how she was adjusting. She did cry for the first 10-15 minutes or so calling for "mama" - her care taker (nanny). She then calmed down and seemed to be sullen for a while. We took some passport photos with her. Signed some paperwork and then headed back to the hotel on the bus. She seemed to be very serious. Ryan was really good at interacting with her and she has warmed up very quickly. Around 5:30 I was feeding her a bottle and she started to smile. We started lauphing and so did she. We gave her her first bath and she loved it. She got dressed up in a cute outfit and we headed out for dinner. She is some what active (as a one year old should be) but so far her personality seems very pleasant and fairly calm. I cannot say "mama" because that makes her cry. Mama is a term they used for her care taker so it probably makes her think of that so we have to come up with something else for now.
Her left ear is severly deformed in that there is no hole. She can hear though because we call her by her chinese name she responds and she heard a little girl adopted by another couple (and a different agency) and turned her head to see who it was.

She is definitely a chunk. She had bigger thighs than Ryan. I chinese baby with some definite rolls!! I love leg rolls (on babies). Her eyes are so dark and bright that everyone we see stops to say "beautifle eyes". The orphanage director called her "beautiful girl" when he handed her to me. She seems to have a fond liking to males which is good for Curt. The orphanage director is a male.

I could go on and on but need to go back up to the room and check on Curt and Carissa. They both crashed. It says that she is a good sleeper. She went to bed around 8:45 (like her paper work said) and is also sais that she sleeps unitl 6:30. I hope that it is right.

The pictures that I am posting may not be in any order due to some wacky thing with my camera so please bear with them. I am also posting from my e-mail address since the directions to the blog are in chinese. I haven't mastered that language yet (nor do I think I ever can).

Thanks for all of your prayers and we will try posting when we can. Tomorrow we go back to the Civil affairs office and give them the orphanage donation along with finishing up the paper work. We still have to stay for another 3 1/2 days for the paper work to be processed so we can then fly to Guangzhou.

Goodnight!!

Our First Day in Beijing China

2008-09-13T10:29:00.001-04:00

We finally arrived at our hotel sometime after 11:00 p.m. last night. We started the day with a good breakfast at the hotel then a meeting with our group and guide. Joy, our Beijing guide took us to a grocery store for snacks and drinks. It is amazing the different flavored chips they have here. Most are quite gross!!

Half of our group went to take naps in the afternoon then later today we were taken to an Acrobatic show. It is amazing to see the flexibility and strength they have. We got back to the hotel around 6:30 then several families walked down to a local chinese restaraunt for dinner. We chose to try the duck, per Joy's recommendation. Ryan and I were the least thrilled but Curt and his mother, Connie, seemed to like it. Tonight we are going to get a good nights rest then off to the Great Wall and Cloisonne factory for a tour.

We Are Leaving

2008-09-10T22:53:00.002-04:00

We will be leaving at 7:15 a.m. to head to the airport. Please keep us in your prayers that travel will go smoothly and we all arrive in Beijing in one piece with all of our luggage. We will try to post as much as possible to keep you informed of our daily lives. We will meet Carissa for the first time on Tuesday afternoon (while everyone should be sleeping here in America). Please pray for bonding and adjustment. This is going to be a whole other world for her little life. Off we go!!!

Holiday Adoption Fundraiser

2008-09-08T13:41:00.000-04:00

I know we are a few months away from Christmas, but we have a wonderful opportunity to be in on an adoption fundraiser and I wanted to post about it. I think these ornaments are beautiful and Christine is an adoptive mother and has a heart to help other adoptive families. SO- if you like these as much as I do and want to order one or a whole set - she said to order soon - they sell quickly and they do come all the way from China! Oh, and if you want the proceeds to help our family - just add "Freed family" somehwere in your email - then she gives the proceeds to us. (If you don't care who the proceeds go to, you don't need to add anything and she just divides it evenly. ) We are so grateful to people like this that are willing to help adoptive families!

You can find them at www.HolidayAdoptionFundraiser.blogspot.com

Baby Shower and 5 Days til Travel

2008-09-07T00:48:00.000-04:00

Today some dear friends gave me a shower for Carissa. We played some fun games, opened presents and then my friends and some of their children gathered around me and they prayed for Carissa, our trip and her adjustment to our family. What a fun and neat time we had!! Our pastor's wife bought Carissa her first little doll. It even smelled like a baby. How fun!! I loved dolls when I was a young girl so I am hoping that she will love them as well.

When I got home, the roll of border that I had ordered had finally arrived so we put that up, got her gifts put away and now her room is complete. Very girly, with lots of pink and some green. We have 4 full days until we travel on Thursday so we still have some things to accomplish before traveling. I think that I will be ready to rest on the long plan ride over there.

One More Week Until Travel Day!!

2008-09-04T09:34:00.000-04:00

We leave for China in one more week. Our travel visas arrived yesterday so the last thing to do is get all of our fresh crisp bills ready for our orphanage donation, etc. For those of you who want to follow our schedule here is our itinerary (remember that China is 12 hours ahead of our time):

September 11 - Leave Grand Rapids at 10:05 a.m. Arrive in Minneapolis at 10:40. We will meet up with Curt's mother at some point (she is traveling with us). Leave Minneapolis at 3:00 p.m. for the LOOONNNGGG flight to Tokyo arriving at 5:25 p.m. (13 hours ahead). Leave Tokyo at 6:35 p.m. and arrive in Beijing at 9:35 p.m. (on the 12th).
September 12 - Arrive in Beijing at 9:35 p.m. Travel to Days Hotel and Suites.
September 13 - Orientation meeting in morning. Acrobatic show in afternoon.
September 14 - Vist the Great Well and Cloisonne Factory
September 15 - Visit Tiananment Square, the Forbidden City and Hutong Tour.
SEPTEMBER 16 (FAMILY DAY!!) - Fly to Changsha (Hunan Province) in the morning & check in to the Dolton Hotel. We will meet Carissa for the first time in the afternoon.
September 17 - Adoptoin registration and notarization
September 18 - Free Day (probably shop!!)
September 19 - Visit Hunan Embroidery Factory & Yuelu Academy
September 20 - Visit Hunan Museum
September 21 - Visit Bayli Park
September 22 - Receive all the documents. Fly to Guanghzou and stay at the White Swan Hotel
September 23 - Medical Exam for the children
September 24 - Visa appointment (U.S. Consulate/Embassy)
September 25 - 3:00 p.m. go to the consulate to take the oath and pick up visa.
September 26 - 8:20 a.m. leave Guangzhou and fly to Tokyo arriving at 1: 55 p.m. Leave Tokyo at 3:25 p.m. (another LOOONNNGGG flight) and arrive in Minneapolis at 12:05 p.m. (Once we land in Minneapolis, Carissa will become a U.S. Citizen). Leave Minneapolis at 4:55 to finally return home to Grand Rapids at 7:17 p.m.

Since we have such a long lay over in Minneapolis, we will have time for Carissa to meet some of her Aunts and cousins that will be coming to the airport to see her. Hopefully customs won't be too bad, but even so we have almost about a 4 1/2 hour lay over in the airport to give us time to visit a little while.

We are very excited for this new chapter in our lives and hopefully we will be able to post while in China to keep everyone up to speed while we are gone. Thank you for your prayers and support during this three year adventure that will be ending and beginning soon!!

Current Measurements But No Pictures

2008-08-26T16:15:00.000-04:00

We received Carissa's updated measurements today but not a current picture. I guess we have to wait until we get there to see her. I converted her measurements and she weighs 21 lbs. and is 28.7". She will be one years old in two weeks so she isn't a tiny little Chinese girl. She is about the same in weight and height that Ryan was at one years old. If any of you knew him when he was a baby, he was a little chunk (not a big chunk but a healthy chunk). Several friends had told me to get 9-12 months clothing but I hadn't purchased too many until we knew her measurements which I am glad. She is at the end of 9 month clothing charts and beginning of 12 month clothing charts so she seems to be right where she should be. I will post more information as it gets closer. Only two weeks and one day!!

Travel Visa applications are on there way!!

2008-08-20T02:08:00.000-04:00

We received our hotel confirmation for our time in Beijing today. We can now submit our Visa applications for travel. This is the last major paper work that has to be done UNTIL we get to Changsha. The rest of our travel plans are still being worked on by Bethany Christian Services. We should have an update within a week or so, as well as, an updated medical report (and hopefully newer pictures). Keep watching for new posts. Three weeks and one day until we leave!!

Four More Weeks

2008-08-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

Four weeks from today we will be traveling to China!!! We have a lot of packing for our trip and unpacking from our move to do in the next four weeks. Several kind and gracious friends are throwing me a baby shower on September 6th. How fun will that be!! One of them has two girls she adopted from China (ages 12 and 10 now). She is just as excited as we are to see her. We will spend several days in Beijing then three out of 10 families will fly to Changsha on the 15th and get our girls on the 16th. I can't believe after three years that it is almost here.

THE RED THREAD

2008-08-09T15:58:00.000-04:00

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined

to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance.

The thread may stretch or tangle,

but will never break.

Chinese Proverb

2008-08-08T20:36:00.000-04:00

Picture of the Yueyang City Social Welfare Institute where Carissa has been living since she was nine days old. Only 5 1/2 more weeks until she is with her "forever" family.

This picture was taken by Halfthesky.com foundation.

2008-08-08T12:23:00.000-04:00

Yue Qiaole

(Chinese name given to her upon arrival at orphanage when she was 9 days old)

Qiao - Tall Tree

Le - Hope for a Happy Home

Carissa Joy Le Freed

(American name given by us!!)

Carissa = Full of Grace

Joy = Joyful

Le = She will be in a

happy home!!

Birthday: September 12, 2007

Birthplace: Yueyang, Hunan Province, China

LID: May15, 2006

Referral: April 29, 2008

Travel Dates: September 11-26, 2008

Bethany Christian Services

Travel Plans

2008-08-08T10:18:00.000-04:00

We have tentative travel plans for September 11-26. Now comes the packing, planning and prep for this big trip. I have never been out of the country but Curt and my mother-in-law, Connie, have. Ryan is also going with us to finally meet his little sister he has wanted for soooo long. It will be a long but exciting journer for all of us.

The beginning of our Journey

2008-08-08T09:13:00.001-04:00

Our journey began in September 2005 when we first called Bethany Christian Services. We went to informational meetings, had our homestudy and decided that China was where we were going. In April of 2006 our paperwork finally went to China and in May of 2006 we were logged in with the CCAA. The wait at that time was 10-12 months for referral so we anticipated in traveling to China during the summer of 2007. Not the case!! Referrals really slowed down and we were caught in the middle of the slowest time in the history of Chinese adoption. We then began to look at some of the special needs children that Bethany had been entrusted to place. We had requested a specific child a couple of times but we were not matched then in April, we requested two special needs children and were chosen on April 29, 2008 to be the proud parents of Yue Qiaole (prounced Chowla) from Yueyang City Social Welfare Institute in the Hunan Province of China. She was born on September 12, 2007 so is just hitting her one year birthday soon. We began the final paperwork for her referral and on July 8 we received Carissa's Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from China. We mailed it back on July 14th and on August 7th we were finally called with travel plans. We on our way Carissa!!