Where this blog ends

Well, now that we have been home for almost 2 weeks. Everyone is doing great and madisyn is doing wonderful. This is where this blog ends and a new may begin. I will post the new blog address as soon as I have it up and running.

I want to thank everyone who followed our journey and prayed for us during our journey. Thank you and God bless.

Home !!!!

 Madisyn saying good bye to her homeland. This made me kind of sad. I wish there was a mandarin speaking school here in town. I have to do some investigating a little later.

Well, we are home! The flight from Beijing was long and tiring but little miss diva did quite well. She is such a wonderful traveler. The time change for her is going to a hard adjustment I think..it's 1:23 in the morning and she is awake! Other wise, she is doing awesome!!! We are so happy!

The Great Wall

Today we went to the Great Wall, but little miss diva wasn't feeling 100%. I am not sure what was wrong, but she slept most of the day. I am thinking that it has been too busy since we have been back here in Beijing. We came back to the hotel and she slept most of the afternoon and, needless to say, she went to bed fine as well. I hope tomorrow is back to normal. I hate seeing her like this. Just two more sleeps and we will be on our way home!

A tradition with adoptive families -- a family lock on the Great Wall....a key stays in China and a key is with you in Canada...

Forbidden City

Here are some pics of Emily, Jason, and Madisyn visiting the Forbidden City...

Back in Beijing

Well, we left for Beijing with our friends with us,which we were really happy about. Had a few issues at the airport in Hohhot with our boarding passes being mixed up. It worked itself out in the end.

Madisyn was great with the take off, but started freaking out about halfway through the flight. I am going to get the doctor to check her ears on Monday when we see the international doctor. She was shaking and screaming -- to the point that she literally hopped out of my arms and into Jason's. This is the first time he held Madisyn. He sat on the plane and rocked and sang her to sleep. I know that made his day! I am worried about the 13 hour plane ride home..

Now that we are back in Beijing, she is doing well. Today we went to the temple of heaven and then to the silk factory. Wow, did I ever spend money there! She now has a silk bed set, spoiled girlie. It was amazing, because they showed us how the silk worms do it and the process in making the comforters.

In the afternoon,we finally got to met the families and their babies. They are all so adorable. Then, in the afternoon, we had more paperwork to get done. I am so tired of paperwork!!!! We went for dinner and now we are back at the hotel and little miss diva is sleeping.

Oh, oh, oh! She had her first subway ride today too! I was really expecting her to freak out, but nothing. She is very nosey to see what and who is around her.

Love from Beijing

Shopping Day!

This post was sent two days ago. Unfortunately, Blogger was down for quite a period of time and this is the first chance I have had to post. I haven't heard from them since this post -- they are most likely now back in Beijing and settling in after their first flight with Madisyn.

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Today was a shopping day. Jason and I went to find little miss Diva a drinking cup because she prefers a cup over a sippy cup or bottle. She is very independent and very smart. We didn't have any success in finding her a cup but we found her two pairs of shoes. She really liked shopping for shoes and wanted to try them on as soon as we returned to the hotel room. A shopping buddy for momma!

Since she decided to wake at 5:45am this morning, by 10:30am she was exhausted. I put her down for her nap and Jason went shopping with the other family. He came back with a phonics reading set in Manadrin and English, and a Mongolian dress. It's so sweet.

Later in the afternoon our guide took us shopping to different factories. She took us to the cashmere, jade, milk candy, silk and tons more. Wow, what an experience! I spent lots of money. Then we came home and had dinner. Madisyn had congee -- she tolerated it, but she enjoyed Momma's ceaser salad even more. lol.

Now little miss diva is sleeping and I am doing this. Tomorrow we leave to go back to Beijing. I am having mixed feelings because I can't wait to see the other families, but Madisyn is leaving "her homeland," which makes me a little sad. We will for sure return for a homeland visit.

Loving my daughter's homeland
from Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
Em

Day 4 - Love is felt the same way in every language...

Today was very emotional for me. We were up early and we went to visit Hohhot CWI, where Madisyn lived for the last 23 months.

When I first walked through the doors of the building, I was greeted by an Americian family who's little guy was in the room with Madisyn. He recongized her and called her "Yan Yan", which is her nickname. That made the tears come to the surface quickly. As we followed the director through the building, we finally came to the room - Half the Sky Program room, where Madisyn lived for 23 months.

I walked in behind Jason and there were kids on the floor playing with the Nannies. There was one Nanny who saw Madisyn and she quickly put down the baby she had in her arms and came trembling before me. She held her hands out and Madisyn quickly wanted out of the carrier I had her in, on me. I began to worry.

She snuggled and kissed the Nanny while tears flowed down her Nanny's face. She told our guide that Madisyn was very special to her and to please tell us that she is very smart and loves music. I was literally sobbing in tears leaving that room knowing that this Nanny had loved our daughter so much. I gave her a hug and she rubbed my back and said "please love her." She agreed to take her picture with us and gave Madisyn a quick hug because Madisyn wanted back with me. Phew, I was so happy that she needed to be with me.

There is one thing in this whole world that we as a human race experience -- no matter the language barrier or the culture differences ...and that's love.

To my daughter's Nanny at Hohhot CWI -- we love you, we thank you and you are a blessing to her. Thank you for loving her!!!



Pictures!!!



Day 3

Madisyn woke up at 5:45am, with big smiles and lots of hugs and kisses for Momma. Dadda got a wave! She is just too cute. We got ready and went for breakfast. Wow, this girl sure can put the food away! We tried giving her watermelon, she threw it back at me. What a funny kid!

After breakfast was over, we decided to be brave and go for a walk. Jason had warned me about the smells but wow, it's awful. It smells like raw sewage. Lovely! People here did their share of staring and I keep walking proud as a peacock. She is beautiful, how can I not?

On our way down the left side of the hotel, Jason and I noticed a gated building which looks very interesting. We are not sure if it's an orphanage, but it's very questionable.

We did get some sad news today. The family from Newfoundland who is here with us in Hohhot is going to have to stay another week. Something to do with the power of attorney. This really sucks because our families have become very close. I am going to miss them so much.

Anyway, we are totally in love and can't wait to get back to Beijing. It's so rural here that even finding water and food is a chore.



Forever Family Day

I received an email from Emily and Jason this morning. Unfortunately, the Internet in Hohhot is not working very well -- we will all have to be patient and possibly wait until they return to Beijing for pictures. The most important part is that they are now a family of three!

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Yesterday, at 2pm, Madisyn arrived at our hotel, much to our surprise. We didn't know this would be the case until we were on our way to the hotel. We had 1 hour to prepare. We quickly got everything done and went to our room. We freshened up and headed to the lobby. Madisyn was waiting there with her Nanny from the orphanage. It took three tries to pick her up. When I did, she totally lost it. My heart shattered.

We did the paperwork and headed to our room. We stayed there until dinner.We had dinner with the other family and Madisyn did wonderful. Then, we came back to the room and got MISS DIVA ready for bed. Today we finished all the paperwork with the higher officials. That was kind of nerve wracking.

We are now broke - but so much richer!!! Madisyn did wonderful until about 3:30 today. She had a meltdown and so did Momma. It sucks seeing your little one cry and in pain and there is nothing you can do but let her work it through it.

We can't wait to get to Beijing and be with the other families.

Ni Hao From Beijing & Mother's Day!

Hi there -- my name is Jan and I am happy to be blog-hosting for Emily and Jason while they are on their amazing adventure in China. My husband and I are blessed with a daughter of our own, who joined our family last July. It has been less than a year since our trip to China and we are so very excited to be a part of Emily and Jason's adventure.

Blogger is difficult to access in Beijing, so Emily and Jason will be emailing me information and pictures as they are able to -- and I cannot wait to share them with you, here!

On a side note -- please feel free to comment on each post, as Emily and Jason will get email notifications and be able to read the comments. Even if you are not a registered blogger, you can comment as an anonymous writer, then simply include your name in the comment. It can be such a blessing to receive positive comments when you are so far away from home.

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Mother's day!!!

Well, it's 7am here and I am sitting in the lounge!

Our flight to Beijing was really good. It didn't seem that long and all we did was eat. There were a few hiccups; Jason had his suitcase ripped, the agency changed our hotel because the new one was cleaner. Also, Air Canada lost our stroller, not a huge deal. We will buy another in Hohhot.

Jason and I adventured out on own yesterday to explore. This place is busyyyyy! The people kept staring at Jason and I - we found it very amusing. We went to McDonald's down the street. Jason had the fun of ordering for us. The other families in our group arrived and we went to have dinner with them. We went to bed early in the hope to get a good night sleep, but that really didn't happen. I think jet lag gets you on the second day, here.

We leave shortly to go to the airport to fly to Madisyn's province. We are supposed to get her this afternoon. I will blog later, hopefully with pics.

Love from Beijing
Emily

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Jan here again -- just thought I would share a few pics of what Emily and Jason are most likely experiencing....

Leaving on a jet plane... :)

Landing in Beijing

Traffic in Beijing

Most likely the McDonald's where Emily and Jason ate yesterday...

well on our way

Well, with one issue, we are in the airport and all checked in. The only that went wrong was the Limo driver ripped Jason lounge taking it out of the trunk. The ladies at the check in counter was amazing. They bagged it for us.

The one lady asked us if we were forgetting a little someone because she was looking at the stroller. I responded with "no ,we are on our way to get our little someone." She was literally in tears. God bless these wonderful people.

So glad we choose to bring the laptop, apparently there has been Hotel changes in Beijing. We  are now staying at the crown plaza which is going to cost us $550dollars more. GGGGRRR not going to worry about it.

will blog again later

1

1 day left, I am extremely tired. Can't belive it's here. I am going to bed. I will blog when I can. The Limo arrives @ 7 tomorrow morning!

2

2 days......wowzers. This really crept up on us but of course being the OCD that I am, I am ready to go. I am so excited. Just wish that my mom was here to see us off. I really miss having her around. Love you mom.

3

3 days and totally ready to get on the plane. So excited!!!

4

Today we are just cleaning the house and making sure everything is done. We have to get Jason's parental papers done and enjoy our last week without Madisyn. I am so looking forward to spending all my free time with her. I have waited 5 years, 3 months and 3 days for this. Ssssoooooooo excited.

5

Well, today we did almost all our final running around. Jason and I are all packed. Just the last minute things now. Phew! Can't wait!

6 and gifts

 These are gifts that were given to Madisyn by her Opa and Grammie Schraud,Auntie Jessica, Uncle Chad and Cousin Victoria.

These are gifts that were given to her from some co-workers of Jason's. Thank you everyone. We feel turly blessed to have such caring people in our lives.

7

7 days to go! We got our in China Itinerary today. All I can say is B U S YYYYY!!!!! I can't wait. So excited to finally see our little girl. We get her on Mother's day. The best gift ever!

8

Eight days until we leave. I am so excited!!!! Just wish all my family could be at the airport when we arrive home. Nanna and Poppa please watch over her from above until I have her in my arms.

9

Nine days and I have a China to do list that is keeping me awake at night. I hope I can sleep better tonight.

countdown....

10 days and counting. I have a list of things I need to get done. Jason and I are starting to get nervous. eeeek. Can't wait to finally see our little girl.

travel group dinner

last night the families that were in our travel group and that was in southern ontario got together for dinner in Mississauga. Another family that did Adopt Talk with us last October joined us. They have been home with their little guy for a month. What a cutie. We had a wonderful time, lots of laughs and questions for Nancy and Neilson.

While traveling home, it really hit me how very close we are getting to traveling and became very emotional. Worried about forgetting paperwork, excited to finally see and be with our daughter, scared of the unknown, happy to spend time with these families and last overwhelmed with just the whole process coming up. I will be okay after all the fees are paid in China and we no longer need to carry around that amount of cash.

We are very busy the next two weeks and we also need to finish packing, if I don't post, you'll know why.

packing?????

 starting to throw things we think we should pack into Madisyn's room...what a mess .wow!

 I am not sure how we are suppose to take everything...I am packing 7 days worth of old clothes and that's it, I will buy more there if need be and the old stuff is staying there.

Madisyn's suitcase...with her little baby from Jan, Paul and Maelyn

Rollercoaster ride

Sorry I haven't posted in a while but things have been crazy busy around here. Doing paperwork, getting things ready for travel, working and just lately, my Uncle Bert has fallen very ill. We have been spending as much time as possible @ the hospital with him and the family.

I have all these emotions going on inside my head and heart and I don't really know how I feel. Jason and I feel very blessed to have a family so big but sometime it seems as if a smaller one would be easier. Wow! I am not sure what to think or feel anymore.

So, with saying that I very excited to be a month away from traveling to China to finally meet our little girl. I use to keep thinking and wishing time would go faster but now I  have learned that everything happens for a reason, every bump along the way makes you end where you are suppose to be and who you are suppose to be with. We are very blessed to have this little girl as our daughter. I can't wait to hold her, touch her, smell her , hug her and just be with her.

God knows best and he knew that Wang Feng Yan is suppose to join our crazy family and bring us pure joy.

God Bless everyone!

LSC...Letter Seeking Confirmation

the final paperwork we were waiting for!!!!

Here we come little girl.Momma and Baba are on their way.... We love you!!!!

Patiently waiting!

We are patiently waiting for our TA to arrive. Apparently the CCAA has told the agency they will be sending it "soon," that was sunday night our time, monday morning China time. GRRRR this waiting is worse.

Stressed!

So apparently, China has lost our TA. Just lovely! I was emailed stating that Esther would be contacting the CCAA to find out what has happened to it or is it enroute to the agency. I have never been so stressed in my entire life. This means we have to travel alone. This really sucks! Please pray for a speedy solution to this problem. Thank you so much

god bless

Japan......

As I creep slowly toward my final destination in China..my heart breaks for the people of Japan. My heart as always been with the Asians and this really makes my heart break. I feel blessed once again that our daughter is safe.

GOD bless the people in Japan, I will be praying for you.

Ultrasound

We received the results of the ultrasound and everything seems to be normal to us, then again, I am not very good at translating medical terms.LOL.

Today I read about another earthquake in China. My heart is aching and feeling a little anxious about going to get our daughter. I want her home now. The quake is in southeast China and Madisyn is in Northern China. This is a blessing!

I really love you Madisyn Feng Yan Schraud

Phew!!!

We had word that there was no paperwork attached to little miss diva's ultrasound. That's a relief!. We should get TA very very soon. Like I am hoping this week ....soon.

A little Upset!!!!

So way back in December, we ordered and ultrasound of our daughters throat because it was saying it had a deformity. Well, now I have chatted with other families, who adopted from China, it's the palate they are talking about. Well, that's all fine and dandy, but they lost the ultrasound film somewhere in the mail and Children's Bridge thought that there was paperwork with it.. TA!!! So, yesterday, we got an email from Children's Bridge saying that they called the CCAA to see what was happening. They assured them that they are processing our daughters paperwork. We should receive TA soon. I hope so because now I am getting frustrated!!!!Please keep her in your prayers while we wait for this to be ironed out....

SURPRISE!!!!!

 Here are all the goodies that my little princess received today from the surprise baby shower that my friends had for me. I had no idea and I was turly surprised to the point I cried. I have the most wonderful friends in the world and  I am  turly blessed to have them in my life. Thank you Michelle, Lauren and Angie, this means so much to me and Jason. Thank you for all my other friends and parents of the daycare kids for coming.

This is a framed picture signed by the the friends that came to the shower. Thank you for the wonderful memories. We love you!

SO true!!!!!

Hoping for TA today!!!!

So today has been three months since we received our referral. We should hear today or tomorrow about our LSC and TA. I am going to say tomorrow because last night the new SN list came out and Cathy and Shelley worked during the night. I will keep you posted!

NEW PICTURES!!!!!!

Madisyn @ Hohhot Social Welfare Institute(SWI) Feb 17,2011

I am totally in love with this picture.

 Waving hi to Momma and Baba

This is the outside of the SWI

More Pics

I am very excited to write this post.

Just after we found Madisyn on the other mom's photos, I was curious to see if I could find more. I went to the yahoo group once again and posted this message

"Just wondering if anyone is going to Hohhot soon and planning on visiting the SWI? Wondering if you could take a few pics of our little girl?"

To my surprise I got a email back with a few hours from a lady who was already in Hohhot. She said she was visiting the SWI on thursday. She asked for Madisyn's info(name, SN and how she might be able to recongize her.) I emailed her the information and kind of forgot about it.

So today, I went again to the yahoo and to my surprise there were 9 more pictures of our beautiful little girl.
I really started to shed the tears and I am getting to the point where waiting is getting the better end of me. I want to thank Helen and God Bless you!

New Pics

 Isn't she just the cutest ... I am so curious to know what she might be thinking here.

So here are they new pictures I found on the yahoo group. The Mom cropped them and I was so happy to see my little princess once again.

OH MY!!!!

Yesterday while the daycare kids were taking their nap, I decided to go on the yahoo group for the orphanage where Madisyn is living. There was a lady, who is living in Denver, posted her new updated pictures of her son. Guess who was playing behind him? Little Miss Diva...Madisyn. I was thrilled to see her in her environment. She looks happy and very healthy. This mom has more pictures and is going to post them. I am so happy to get more pictures of our little girl.

Care package update

Just got an email from The Children's Bridge with the tracking number for Madisyn's Package. It's in Beijing already. I am thinking it may be next week sometime before she gets because of CNY. I wish I could see her open it. We love you little girl.

Over the Moon.....

I am so happy to receive an update photo of our precious little girl. I am a very proud momma. Libby today said to me "ummm, Nen, don't you think you looked @ your baby enough?" Lol,  I think I am a proud momma. I can't wait to kiss those cheeks!

Update pic of Madisyn

This is the photo we got today. Momma can't wait to kiss those cheeks!

Forever Friends

In october we had to do a weekend of adopt talk meetings with The Children's Bridge. We did our thing all weekend and met some wonderful families and became friends with them. On the sunday afternoon, they had a family come to chat to us who had adopted within the  Special Needs program  and who had just returned home in July with their little girl. We chatted and got information, Jan (the mom) collected our email addresses and said she would forward her packing list and the name of the baby carrier that they used while in China. After, we left and came home. Shortly after we received an email from Jan saying that Maelyn was having her palate repaired within the next few days and felt she should forward the information she promised. Thru out the next few months, Jan and I was emailing back and forth. She invited Jason and I to their home in Newmarket for dinner. Jason and I was thrilled. The saturday finally came and it was stormy here, and there , so we chose to stay home. Being very disappointed Jason and I patiently waited for the 29 to come ..our rescheduled visit. Yesterday we woke , soooo excited to see Jan , Paul and Maelyn. Again it was snowing here but Jason said "I think we'll be alright, Let's go." We did and by 2:30 pm there was nothing happening weather wise. Yahoooo! We arrived to Jan and Paul's shortly after 4:30. While standing outside the door, we could hear Maelyn running to the door. Super cute.
   We had brought gifts for Maelyn and for Paul and Jan. Maelyn was so excited to have presents. She is adorable. We chatted, looked @ pictures , watched the video of their forever family day and items they had bought and brought home from China. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see them again.

Thanks Jan and Paul

Ladybugs

In china, ladybugs are considered good luck. We have them throughout our home and they mean a lot to me. I thought this was a super cute bath toy. All ready for little miss diva to come home and play!

Care Package to Madisyn

This is the items we put in the package to send to Madisyn. A blanket that one of the daycare families gave her. We love it and it nice and soft. I slept with this blanket 2 weeks so that my scent would be on it and she would recongize it. There is a photo album with pictures of the family and lots of momma and babba. A napsack and a Kai-lan doll.

2 months

Well, it's been 2 months since we seen our sweet little girls face for the first time. I can't believe that!!! I am hoping to get an update soon. I want to see our little diva with her lip repaired. I bet she is even cuter. Is that possible?

Not Much!!!!

Just waiting for out LSC to come from China. In the mean time, we are having our tub replaced on tuesday and trying to enjoy the cold weather. Key word is trying and it's not working very well. Haha!

The Breton's

So today I am happy and a little sad. Our friends Normand And Shau left for China. They will receive their little girl on monday. It's a bittersweet thing.They have waited way longer then we have. God bless friends and we'll see you sometime after you return home.

Travel Date

So from the numbers and dates that were given to me today, it looks like April 22 could be our departure date. I am a little sad, was wishing a little bit sooner.Oh well, I guess I will enjoy before a family of 2 for a while longer. Think I might go away for a weekend with just my hubby.

MRI Results

SO, today Cathy Murphy called to tell us the results are in and there is nothing to be worried about. PHEW!!! Now it's just waiting for a travel date. Thanks to everyone who is thinking and praying for our daughter. We love you.

Cleft Team Meeting...

So today was a little nerve wrecking for me. We don't even have Madisyn home yet and I am worrying about how she is going to respond to this surgery. I had myself all worked up to the point where I thought I was going to be physcially ill. Jason told me that she is strong and has figured out all this stuff on her own and she will have a family here to help, support and love her unconditionally.
  Sue Eastwood was very calm , collective and informative. She had a diary of kids with before and after pictures of  their clefts. WOW!!! It's amazing what they can do. She gave us information and answered every question I had. Jason seems so calm and is going to be our support beam. I am so thankful for a wonderful loving husband and he is already a super babba.I am turly blessed.
   Please contuine to pray for us as we wait for TA and gather our final paperwork for travel. I am so worried about the trip and all the stuff that goes with it. Seeing her picture everyday is making my life worthwhile.

Patience..Momma

I am trying to wait as patiently as possible for TA. Man this waiting business is for the birds. I thought this wait would be easier knowing who is she and what she looks like. With her being so damn adorable, I can't wait to touch those little fingers and kiss those little cheeks. I am totally in love and could never be happier. God always knows best and man , he as proven once again that he is in total control.

Happy New Year In Mandarin

This is how to say Happy New Year in Mandarin


Xin Nian Yu Kuai

Present's from The Bishop's

This is the blanket from Michelle, We love it! we are going to take it with us to China. Thanks Michelle.

The Package!!!!

Jason with the Package from Brian Stuy containing the Inner Mongolia Daily Newspaper where Madisyn's finding ad was placed