Updated Pictures!

What started out as a pre-menstrual, two bags of peanut m&m's ho-hum day, turned out to be amazing! A woman I don't even know emailed me pictures of Quinn!! This good samaritan named Kate knew a friend of a friend of a friend who worked in Quinn's orphanage, traded some shoes and in return got pictures of this beautiful pint-sized "lady in red!"

I've never seen her smile before so this is truly a special gift. THANK YOU KATE!!

Blessed

I feel like God's presence is all around me lately. He is in my heart. I've had many ah-ha moments over the past two years. Things I've thought were important just really aren't. My family is what is important; as goofy and eclectic as we may be. I love them and thank God for them every day! However, my heart aches for Quinn right now. I pray that she is safe; that she is comforted at night when she cries; that she is hugged and kissed and read to by her nannies. Please keep Quinn Yu and her birthmother in your prayers. I grieve for her mother. Her circumstances must have been drastic to have given her baby away. I hope God is in her heart too and eventually eases her pain. God is truly good.
We've had a group of about 8 monarch catepillars nibbling and hanging out on our fennel for about three weeks. MaryKatherine has named them all: Betty, Brad, Sandy, Debbie...........and Linc. They sound surprising like the cast from Hairspray.

One More Thing

I found this quote by Gloria Gaither that I really loved. I think this should be my mantra for the remainder of my adoption:
"Memories, important yesterdays, were once todays. Treasure and notice today."

The Olympics are Awesome!

so...the opening ceremonies were the other night. It was amazing. I've never seen anything like it. I've taped the opening ceremony for Quinn. I know it's silly, but I thought someday she would enjoy seeing it. When she is older, I will tell her that the "Olympics were in Beijing the same year we came to get you in China." It really makes me miss her even more. A lady from our yahoo group will be traveling to the orphanage soon and is going to take pictures of Quinn. I can't wait to see them.
Quinn - You would have loved playing cheerleader with MaryKatherine and me last night. We did cartwheels, somersaults and cheerleading stunts. MaryKatherine was perfect! It would have been even better if you could have been there with us. You are going to be spoiled by your sister! She has already asked if she can dress you every day. Watch out! You will be unique and eclectic every day! I hope you like pink.

A Surprise

Today my son went to a birthday party at a friend's home. The friend's mother adopted a beautiful little girl from Guatemala last year and works for Journeytome. She is a wonderful artist and designs many adoption pieces for their website. (Wallenvy.com)

Anyway, today she sent me a lovely card with the story of the starfish on it and a necklace with a picture of Quinn in it. It was such a suprise. I cried when I saw it. I will wear it until it rots off my neck!

Also this evening I sent our first care package to Quinn. It contained a doll, letter, pajamas, blanket and candies for her nannies. I hope she gets it soon! Here is a picture of what I sent her:

I hope she likes it!!

INTRODUCING....ELIZABETH QUINN YU ASBELL

She's here!!
Name: (Qian Yu) Elizabeth Quinn Yu Asbell
Date of Birth: May 6, 2007
Finding Spot: Yongsheng Auto Repair Factory
Favorite Toy: Her red toy that makes a lot of noise.
Favorite Activity: Following around the adults in the orphanage playground.
Description from caregivers: At the age of 1-3 months she slept in most of the time, would cry noisily and kick with both feet with strength when being hungry, was quiet in the other times. At the age of 4-5 months she tried to roll over but can not succeed. When the adult talking to her she would smile at the person. She had grasping actions with both hands. At the age of 6-7 months she was restless, can roll over from back to stomach easily, liked adults staying with her to play. When called she would smile at you with wide open mouth. At the age of 8-9 months she can sit with support, roll over easily, tried to grasp the feeding bottle when having milk, but can not hold it. At the age of 10-11 months she can sit with support for a long time, had rich facial expressions. Seeing familiar people she would show smile on her face at once. Now she can sit alone, hold toys to play with both hands, laugh aloud when teased.
3 Personalities and interests
Qian Yu is active, restless, has a ready smile. Normally she likes to listen to music as well as adults holding her to play together.
4 Medical History
Qian Yu is has not got serious illness since her admission, has only occasionally suffered common diseases of children like cold and minor indigestion. But she recovered soon after careful medical treatment by our medical staff. Qian Yu is a child sponsored by ¡®Tomorrow Plan¡¯ to have operations. She had bilateral cleft lip repair operation successfully in the operation room of Donghua Hospital in this city on Dec.19 2007 with good postoperative incision healing. The child has no history of drug allergy.
I WANT TO GET HER RIGHT NOW!!!! IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

All Is Quiet.....

It's been a week since we sent our LOI. It can take up to 10 weeks for pre-approval but lately they have only been taking one to two weeks. I'm nervous. I emailed our agency yesterday and she said not to worry; they've never had a PA denied. What if we're the first? I'm scared.

I can't wait to post our China Baby's beautiful picture!! She's beautiful. Keep us all in your prayers, and keep our little one in your prayers too.

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west." - Isaiah 43:5