Current Measurements But No Pictures

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!!

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

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

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

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.

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

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.