DAY 1 – Travel & Beijing!
WOW! What an amazing, interesting journey we have had already!!! Our flight from RDU was switched to a different airline and I had my bag searched for something suspicious... my converter kit!! The flight was so incredibly long and we are THRILLED to say that we are finally here... the birthplace of OUR DAUGHTER!! We are overwhelmed at the thought that we will see and hold our sweet Lilli in just 4 short days!
We have received so many wonderful emails already and want you to know that we will respond as quickly as we can. Our apologies if we can't get to all of them...
Beijing is incredible! There are so many people... it's unreal!! Think - New York City, times a ba-zillion!!!!!!
Stay tuned & check back tomorrow for more!
WOW! What an amazing, interesting journey we have had already!!! Our flight from RDU was switched to a different airline and I had my bag searched for something suspicious... my converter kit!! The flight was so incredibly long and we are THRILLED to say that we are finally here... the birthplace of OUR DAUGHTER!! We are overwhelmed at the thought that we will see and hold our sweet Lilli in just 4 short days!
We have received so many wonderful emails already and want you to know that we will respond as quickly as we can. Our apologies if we can't get to all of them...
Beijing is incredible! There are so many people... it's unreal!! Think - New York City, times a ba-zillion!!!!!!
Stay tuned & check back tomorrow for more!
Jenny's parents pose with Danny before the flight from RDU to Chicago
Loving their little girl goodbye, Jenny with her parent's - Lilli's Nana and Papa
With travel friends from Burgaw, NC... Pat and Ronnie Casteen.
With travel friends from Burgaw, NC... Pat and Ronnie Casteen.They are adopting 14 month old Isabella
Our airplane from Chicago to Beijing!!
Our airplane from Chicago to Beijing!!
New friends... some of Travel Group 132 leaving from Chicago
Touch Down Beijing, China
Our AWAA tour guide Sherri
A view from our hotel room
His,
Danny & Jenny
DAY 2 – “Hutong” Old Beijing
Hi everyone!
Well, we saw so much today! Where should I begin??
First... we went to the Carrefore Store. Carrefore is like a Walmart, but with the smell of fresh fish in the air, much smaller and 100 times more people inside - all of them very aggressive!!!!!! Everything was so cheap. We needed bottled water for the room, as well as a few snacks and Diet Pepsi. Spent a total of 32 yuan which equates to about $3.50 USD... crazy cheap!!!!
I am so glad we opted to go on a tour of the older part of Beijing or "Hutong". Hutong means deep water-well. Later the word hutong morphed into meaning "narrow street" or "avenue".
We learned so much about the older Chinese traditions of this area and saw so many beautiful sites!!! A real treat.... we were able to visit "King Garden" a Children's School. Later we were invited into a local resident's home. We saw how primitively they live, as well as were explained "tradition" of the living arrangements in this older part of Beijing. After touring the area by a rickshaw, we had a wonderful lunch at the Sichuan Restaurant. The meal was served "family style" and was absolutely delicious. Chinese food in China is MUCH different than American Chinese food.
Our Rickshaw ride through "old Beijing"... the first and probably the last. That was one WILD RIDE!
Our Rickshaw driver, Juan is on the left.
Happy Beijing citizen
Bicycling is the main mode of transportation in Beijing
Bicycling is the main mode of transportation in Beijing
Outside the King Garden" Children's School
Some of the precious children from King Garden Children's School eating their lunches
Entrance of a family home - notice the grapevine which the Chinese believe to be a symbol of family strength. Many times you will find a grapevine canopy like this, in the family's courtyard in Hutong.
Entrance of a family home - notice the grapevine which the Chinese believe to be a symbol of family strength. Many times you will find a grapevine canopy like this, in the family's courtyard in Hutong.
Eating lunch at Sichuan Restaurant with some of our travel friends
A Beijing local resting on his cart after a hard day's work
I am going to try to twist the arms of the others in our group into having "American food" tonight... maybe a little pizza?? Since we had Asian food today for lunch, I don't think it'll be that hard to do. I also walked about 10 miles today, so it'll be alright!! Even though I'm not getting my Curves workout in... I am still working out!!
Love to all,
Jenny (& Danny)
DAY 3 – Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Olympic Stadium & Summer Palace
Hi everyone,
Well, we are exhausted! Our bodies (especially knees) are sore...
We did so much today!!! Our AWAA guides Sherry & Lineker have really kept us busy!
We started off the day at Tian'anmen Square, followed by The Forbidden City. Everything was so beautiful and ornate! We couldn't believe the size of it all. To see photos of it... and actually being in the middle of it all, is quite different and very overwhelming. We were unable to get really close up to the Great Hall of People within Tian'anmen Square because there was a meeting of public officials. We were told they were deciding "on a new president".
Following the Forbidden City, we had a delicious lunch and then drove past Olympic Stadium. We weren't able to get close due to construction, but it was fascinating to see "The Bird's Nest". It’s hard to imagine that construction will be complete! We can't wait to see the Olympics this summer. We'll have to tape it for Lilli to see in the future. She probably won't be very interested this year...
Next, we went to the Summer Palace. This beautiful palace was built during the Jin Dynasty for Emperor Zhenyuan. It is surrounded by a man-made lake called Kunming Lake. It is absolutely beautiful... totally takes your breath away!!!
We then were able to do a "little" shopping at the Beijing Pearl Market and the Silk Museum. We did not buy anything at the Silk Museum, but did splurge on a beautiful pair of pearl earrings and pendant for Lilli's 16th birthday or wedding. Danny and I believe Lilli should have something from the country of her birth on those big day's in her life.
The day ended with a delicious duck dinner with all of our travel mates...
We are having a blast!! Can you tell??? Time's actually flying by...
We miss all of you and just in case you need to be reminded, there's only 1 more day until we get Miss Lilli! Woooo-hooooo!
Tomorrow we are heading to the GREAT WALL OF CHINA! We are going to try and climb up as far as we can... provided our knees hold out!!!
Stay tuned!!!
In Tian'anmen Square, in front of the infamous picture of China's beloved Chairman Mao
I am going to try to twist the arms of the others in our group into having "American food" tonight... maybe a little pizza?? Since we had Asian food today for lunch, I don't think it'll be that hard to do. I also walked about 10 miles today, so it'll be alright!! Even though I'm not getting my Curves workout in... I am still working out!!
Love to all,
Jenny (& Danny)
DAY 3 – Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Olympic Stadium & Summer Palace
Hi everyone,
Well, we are exhausted! Our bodies (especially knees) are sore...
We did so much today!!! Our AWAA guides Sherry & Lineker have really kept us busy!
We started off the day at Tian'anmen Square, followed by The Forbidden City. Everything was so beautiful and ornate! We couldn't believe the size of it all. To see photos of it... and actually being in the middle of it all, is quite different and very overwhelming. We were unable to get really close up to the Great Hall of People within Tian'anmen Square because there was a meeting of public officials. We were told they were deciding "on a new president".
Following the Forbidden City, we had a delicious lunch and then drove past Olympic Stadium. We weren't able to get close due to construction, but it was fascinating to see "The Bird's Nest". It’s hard to imagine that construction will be complete! We can't wait to see the Olympics this summer. We'll have to tape it for Lilli to see in the future. She probably won't be very interested this year...
Next, we went to the Summer Palace. This beautiful palace was built during the Jin Dynasty for Emperor Zhenyuan. It is surrounded by a man-made lake called Kunming Lake. It is absolutely beautiful... totally takes your breath away!!!
We then were able to do a "little" shopping at the Beijing Pearl Market and the Silk Museum. We did not buy anything at the Silk Museum, but did splurge on a beautiful pair of pearl earrings and pendant for Lilli's 16th birthday or wedding. Danny and I believe Lilli should have something from the country of her birth on those big day's in her life.
The day ended with a delicious duck dinner with all of our travel mates...
We are having a blast!! Can you tell??? Time's actually flying by...
We miss all of you and just in case you need to be reminded, there's only 1 more day until we get Miss Lilli! Woooo-hooooo!
Tomorrow we are heading to the GREAT WALL OF CHINA! We are going to try and climb up as far as we can... provided our knees hold out!!!
Stay tuned!!!
In Tian'anmen Square, in front of the infamous picture of China's beloved Chairman Mao
One of the many temples in the Forbidden City
Inside the Forbidden City
The Imperial Garden within the Forbidden City
The Imperial Garden within the Forbidden City
The Eagle's Nest Olympic Stadium... "Under Construction" for 2008 Summer Olympics
In front of the Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace
Our love,
Jenny & Danny
DAY 4 – Palm Sunday at the Great Wall!
Hi everyone...
So we tried to tackle the Great Wall today and it tackled us back!!! We did give it our best effort though... Very few in our group could do it. We made it up half-way up, but then Danny got winded and my knees started to give out. It was a glorious site to see. Very neat to be there!!!
We also went to the Jade Factory and to a Palm Sunday service where I was able to meet up with a few of my friends a part of my Log-in group, but in a different travel group...
We are both so tired. We have an early flight tomorrow morning... so we need to go to bed.
Enjoy the pictures from today's adventures.
With Dan, Amy and Drew Dockerty and Alissa Potocnik. Amy and Alissa are two of my original "Dossier Sisters" from LID Group 244. Unfortunately, we were seperated for the Beijing tour.
With our wonderful AWAA Beijing tour guide Sherry! We love her soooooo much!!!
With new friends Stephanie and Jamie Davis from Athens, TN. They are adopting their daughter “Lily” from the same province as our Lilli.
Legend says that if you place a lock on this chain attached to the wall... the love in your relationship will last forever!
Here is a performance picture from the Acrobatic Show.... One word - AMAZING!!!
At the Acrobatic Show with friends Jonda & John Heckle from Shakopee, MN
Lots of love,
Jenny (& Danny)
DAY 5 – LILLI’S GOTCHA DAY!!!!
Hey everyone,
What a day we have had! I wish I had the energy to write a lot, but I have been going since 4:00 this morning and I am both physically & emotionally drained!
Lilli is soooooo BEAUTIFUL! Everything we could hope and dream for... She was so quiet when we got her... she let out a few whimpers on the way back to the hotel from the Civil Affairs Office, but never really cried... UNTIL... we got into the elevator. She saw her reflection on the elevator doors and let out a cry like you wouldn't believe... wailing with BIG crocodile tears!!! Bless her heart!!! There was lots of paperwork to fill out around 5:00 p.m., but sweet Lilli wouldn't let go of my shirt, so Danny went instead. Lilli and I stayed back and had a little “girl time” with some other Mommies on our hallway!! Apparently, most of the babies were attached to the Mommies!!! This is normal because they only around the nannies in the orphanage.
We have tried our best to make her comfortable. We have even taken to calling her nickname in the orphanage... "Sho-Sho". Our guide, Lineker says that we won't see her true personality for several days. Our little "Sho-Sho" has already got us wrapped around her perfect little finger. I think her Daddy is ready to go buy her a pony!
She's a true blessing from God... the greatest gift we have ever been given. WE ARE IN LOVE!!! We will send more photos soon. Enjoy the joy of our day!!!
Flying to get our Sweet Lilli... about 2 hours before touch down in Nanchang
Nanchang Airport in Jiangxi Province
Just moments after the "hand-off"
Daddy's little girl... He's one proud Papa!!
OUR BEAUTY... Look at those eyes, those rosy cheeks!!
Sleeping Beauty - She fell asleep in our bed... and after we stared at her for an hour, we moved her over to her crib
XO,
Jen, Danny and “Sho-Sho”
DAY 6 – Lots of Appointments in Nanchang
Ni-Hao Everyone,
Well, Lilli is officially ours!!! We had several appointments today, went to Walmart to buy a few necessities and then back to the hotel room to rest and get better acquainted with our daughter!!!
Lilli slept well last night. She went to sleep around 8:30, woke at about midnight wanting to play... we put her in bed with us. She just giggled and kicked her feet, touched and rubbed our faces. After about 30 minutes, see settled down and we were able to put her back in her crib. She slept until 6:00!!! Not for our first night... right?
She is eating well... didn't want her bottle at first, but is doing better. She even ate pancakes (no syrup!) this morning. Ohhhh & does love Cheerios!!! She likes to pack food in her mouth like a chipmunk though... so we need to be careful and give her food to her slowly. I don't know if this has something to do with the orphanage environment.... Could be??!!
Lilli is the "Raspberry Queen" of this bunch of babies... blowing raspberries left and right!!! Soooo cute, but we need to teach her better manners!! :o)-
As I type this she is sitting on my lap with her head on my shoulder... just loving on her Mommy!!! I hate to tell y'all, but there won't be any sugar left when we get home with her!!!
Playing with my Daddy
Civil Affairs Office... MAKING IT OFFICIAL!!!!!
You can see how much my Mommy loves me by looking in her eyes!!!
On our way to one of our many adoption appointments
I'm such a good girl, so content and lovable!!
I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!!!!
Lots of love,
Jenny (Danny... & Lilli)
DAY 7 - Lilli’s 1st Bath & Jiangxi Site-Seeing
Hey y'all,
Things keep getting better & better... not that they were ever bad, but everyday Lilli gets happier and has a wider smile. We are so in LOVE with our girl!!!!! She has got the best personality for a baby... so full of giggles, grins and loads of energy.
After having a bath last night (which she loved!!) she went to bed at 8:00. She woke up at 4:00 a.m. and we put her in our bed again (we know, bad habit) and she fell back to sleep. We all slept until 6:00. Sho-Sho woke us with a squeal of delight... as if to say, "Oh, boy, oh boy, oh boy. It's time for you to feed me!!!" She never cried once!! We fed her and placed her on the potty, as we were told to do... and guess what???!!!! She went!!!! Can you believe it??? We were told that they did that in the orphanages right after their morning feeding. I was in shock!!! I think potty training her is going to be fairly easy!!! AWESOME!
Today, we had an easy day of site-seeing and then went back to the hotel room. We are enjoying spending a little quiet time in the room right now. We may run down to the pool later... we will see.
We hope you are enjoying the pictures... we have so many more to share, but can't send them all... You'll have to visit us when we get home & see them all...
I love taking baths!! Actually, I really love splashing and getting my Mommy wet from head to toe!!
Hey Bright Eyes!
Ready for bed... well, after I play with my stacking cups just a bit more
I'm a happy, happy girl!!!
Daddy and his "Sho-Sho"... Lilli is a Daddy's girl!!!
The beauty of Nanchang... how breathtaking!
Nanchang is a huge harbor town for the Jiangxi Province
Sending everyone in USA a great BIG raspberry!!
Finally, a FAMILY!! Priceless...
Lots of love,
Jenny, Danny & "Sho-Sho"
DAY 8 – Village in Nanchang
Ni Hao,
Today was overwhelming!!! We visited a local village in Nanchang. We saw living conditions that we were told were possibly similar to that of Lilli's birth mother. The smell in the air was terrible. Raw sewage ran down the middle of the dirt road... pigs, chickens and ducks all resided WITH the residents... no electricity, no running water... They had nothing, yet they were all so happy and hospitable. Young women would approach us with their children, pleading in their native Mandarin, as if to say, "Take my child!"
We left the village realizing that we were taking Lilli away from this life... giving her something that she wouldn't have had before... an education, food to eat, a warm comfortable bed to sleep in every night... the chance to know Jesus Christ!
Today, be thankful for the little things in life.... clean running water, electricity, your next meal... a toilet!!!
We will never take those "simple things" for granted again! PERIOD!!!
Happy girl!!!
Mommy, Daddy and Lilli on our way to the village in Nanchang
Within the village, this gentleman smiles, as he heads out to peddle his merchandise
This elderly man loved Lilli so much... he desperately wanted to hold her
Fish hanging out to dry
Heading to the field to work for the day
Children of the village
A friendly driver waves from beneath the cover of his rikshaw
We drew quite a crowd of onlookers on the streets of Nanchang... we got a "thumbs up" for the way we had Lilli wrapped up!!
Love,
Jenny, Danny and Sho-Sho
DAY 9 – Heading to Guangzhou...
Hi all,
Well, we're heading to Guangzhou today for the final leg of our trip. Say it with me... pheeeewwww!!!! We will finish up some necessary paperwork there, as well obtain Lilli's visa, so she can leave China with us.
We can hardly believe that we have been in this beautiful country for 9 days already!!! Because we are flying out shortly and checking into a different hotel... we aren't sure when we will be able to email an update. Therefore, we have decided to attach a few of our favorite pictures that we haven't shared before. Enjoy photos of our sunshine... she is the light of our lives!!!! She makes our hearts burst with pride!!
I'm a hairbow girl... & Mommy's not complaining!
Sho-Sho taking her first swim with her Daddy I love the water...
I love to splash!!
Could I be any cuter??
Riding on the bus to one of our many appointments,...
Lilli looks at Daddy as if to say... "Are we there yet?"
Mommy with her little sweetie on Gotcha Day!
Much love & Good Friday blessings,
Jenny, Danny & Lilli
DAY 10 – Medical Exam in Guangzhou
Hi all,
Well today was eventful!!! Lilli had her medical examination. This is necessary for her to obtain her visa. We are so glad it is over. The place was crowded and stuffy!!!! She did well and as we suspected was very healthy... almost too healthy. She weighs in at a whoppin’ 20 POUNDS!!!! So much for my "little baby"... I knew she was a little bigger than I originally thought she would be, but WOW!!!
This afternoon, I am going to the paperwork party... however, it's not a "party" at all. We have to make sure we have all the i's dotted and t's crossed! Very serious stuff. Daddy is going to hang out in the room with sweet Sho-Sho. They have big plans for a BIG nap!!
Ohhhh, and before I forget, I just want you to know that I will not be checking my email as often. I will be sending an update everyday, but otherwise not doing so much internet. Internet service in the room is not free... and because we are trying to save every penny while we are here, I am typing this from the Starbucks in the lobby... where it's free!
When will they examine me Mommy? Can we leave this place??? PUUuLEASE!!!
Measuring my noggin'
I'm being so good while I get checked out by the doctor
I weigh WHAT???
Checking my ears
I LOVE MY DADDY!!! Can’t cha’ tell??
Love to all!!!
His,
Jenny
DAY 11- Museum and Tea Room
Happy Easter Everyone!!!!
We are so thankful to be typing this to you on this glorious Easter day... with our new daughter! What a joyous Easter blessing!!!! God has richly blessed us more than we possibly could have imagined with the gift of this beautiful child! Lilli is the greatest thing that has ever happen to us. Just like the translation of her Chinese given name Zhang Bi Shu... Lilli is our "perfect jewel"!!!
This morning, we went to the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. Guangdong is the province that the city Guangzhou is located... Following the museum, we went to an authentic Chinese Tea House. We were given a demonstration about tea pots and treated to a tea sampling. We sampled so many different types of tea, from ginseng tea to green tea, & all were delicious!!!
We are now hanging out in the hotel, having a little quiet time. I broke down and bought internet access for the room. Going to Starbucks was great, but it was just as expensive as ordering internet for your room, by the time you ordered a cup of coffee... Here coffee is NOT cheap!
Tomorrow we will be heading over to Shamian Island. It is well-known for wonderful, authentic Chinese gifts, always at a good price!!! We really want to buy Lilli a Chinese outfit or two, a tea set, as well as some "Squeeky Shoes". We also have several other souvenirs to buy...
I'M MOMMY & DADDY'S EASTER BLESSING!!!!
Lilli & Daddy pose with our wonderful tour guides, Amy & Lineker
Mommy with her "dossier sisters" Jonda & Dawn
At the museum, this artist was creating beautiful ink artwork with the side of his hand... AMAZING!
Our family Easter photo, taken in the garden at the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum
A hungry little Sho-Sho gets her bottle at the museum
Tea pot demostration at the Tea House
Tea is served!
All tuckered out... & on our way back to the hotel for a well-deserved nap
Again, our Easter blessings to everyone!!
Missing all of you,
Jenny (... & Danny and "Sho-Sho")
XOXOXOXOXO
DAY 12 – Shamian Island & SHOPPING!!!
Hi Everyone,
Today was filled with loads of shopping! In fact, ALL DAY LONG... Bless Danny’s heart! We were able to pick up so many goodies for Miss Lilli and a few souvenirs of our own. We saved the majority of our spending money until the end of our trip, because we had heard so many good things about Shamian Island. We even met "Stella" at a store called A Home of Love. Stella is very well-known by many adoptive families... She was so sweet and insisted on giving Lilli her bottle while we shopped! She gave Lilli a jingle bell rattle and a little book of Chinese words and phrases as a gift. So sweet!!
We are taking it easy tonight... had dinner downstairs in the Cafe' Veranda. We had a delicious meal and then headed back upstairs to our hotel room. Poor Lilli "thinks" our hotel room is home. Can't wait to introduce her to the "real thing"!!!
Tomorrow we are having group pictures in the lobby and then are going back to Shamian Island by cab with a few friends for lunch at "Lucy's"...
After lunch we will be having our Chinese Consulate interview. Please keep us in your prayers... we are very nervous about the interview. They'll be asking all kinds of questions and we aren't sure what to expect!!?!
Looking forward to seeing all of you soon.
Miss Lilli posing with her Daddy outside our hotel room on the balcony
A quick "power nap" before heading out shopping at Shamian Island
Miss Sho-Sho with Stella at "A Home of Love"
All three of us are wiped out at Shamian Island
Yeah... I may look innocent!?!
Shopping wears me out...
Lots of love,
Jenny (... and Danny & Lilli)
XOXO
DAY 13 – Swearing-In Ceremony
Hi everyone,
Well today was a BIG day... we were sworn in by the Adopted Children Immigrant Visa Unit at the US General Consulate in Guangzhou. We have Lilli's passport with Visa stamp in it, so NOW we are ready to head home. We are soooooo excited!!!!
After our travel group photos in the lobby of the hotel this morning, Danny, Lilli and I took a cab back to Shamian Island to have a celebratory lunch at "Lucy's" with some of our new travel buddies! Lucy's is a restaurant known for it's American cuisine. It was sooooo good... & actually reminded us of home!!!!
We are packing up our belongings tonight... Catching an early morning flight... so this will probably be the last journal until we get home.
Travel Group 132 on the stairs of The China Hotel
All of the Jiangxi Province Babies
Lilli with her Zhangshu SWI Orphanage "sisters"
Lilli with her buddy "Trudy" Grace Wren
Back to Shamian Island for lunch at Lucy's
The famous "RED COUCH" at the White Swan Hotel (no we didn't stay at the hotel, but we had to have our picture taken on the couch!!!)
Looking forward to seeing all of you when we get back to Kinston!!!
Lots of love and hugs coming your way...
Jenny, Danny & Lilli
DAY 14 – COMING HOME!!!
LOoooo-Oooooong Day!! Left the hotel at 6:00 a.m., to arrive at Guangzhou Airport for a 9:30 flight. Flew from Guangzhou to Beijing... Lilli slept!!
Got to Beijing around 11:30... check-in was a nightmare. Thank goodness Rosa (the guide for the other travel group) was there. She was so great! Got us thru the line in no time. It was CRAZY!
Lilli fell asleep, and I was left holding her bottle of formula at Security. Y'all... they made me drink it to prove it was formula... then after a few sips still made me pour it out!!! It didn't taste good!! It was a cross between glue and Coffeemate.
We finally boarded the plane for USA and prayed Lilli would sleep a lot... and SHE DID! She slept almost the whole way!! What a good girl!!
As soon as we touched down in Chicago!! Lilli became a US Citizen!!! Wooo-hooo!!
We went thru the Immigration Services... (yuck!) They were rude!!
We went to get our luggage (double yuck!) Our luggage looked like it had been drug through a pig pin!
Went through US Customs (triple yuck!) The US Custom's agents were so much ruder than the Immigration Services folks!
Then on to Security!!! I (Jenny) had Lilli strapped on in the Snugli...therefore, Danny (bless his heart!) was carrying ALL the carry-ons! Security made us pour out Lilli's bottle again... & sadly, this time Lilli was drinking it! Lilli screamed the entire way thru Security Checkpoint!!
Got onto the plane for RDU and a wave of emotion swept over both of us! We were heading home.... on the final leg of our trip. We would see our parents, family and friends in just a few hours!!!
Landed at RDU at 9:40 and was greeted by our loved ones! Thanks everyone for showing up... Pictures of RDU celebration to come!!!! I am having the photos developed!!
Hanging out at the terminal in Beijing with my good friend "Tru" Trudy Grace Wren
ALL "future" US Citizens now boarding flight US850 to Chicago at Gate A24
North Carolina's 2 newest residents... Isabella Casteen & Lilli Daughety (with their Mommies & Daddies)
Our love,
Jenny & Danny
DAY 4 – Palm Sunday at the Great Wall!
Hi everyone...
So we tried to tackle the Great Wall today and it tackled us back!!! We did give it our best effort though... Very few in our group could do it. We made it up half-way up, but then Danny got winded and my knees started to give out. It was a glorious site to see. Very neat to be there!!!
We also went to the Jade Factory and to a Palm Sunday service where I was able to meet up with a few of my friends a part of my Log-in group, but in a different travel group...
We are both so tired. We have an early flight tomorrow morning... so we need to go to bed.
Enjoy the pictures from today's adventures.
With Dan, Amy and Drew Dockerty and Alissa Potocnik. Amy and Alissa are two of my original "Dossier Sisters" from LID Group 244. Unfortunately, we were seperated for the Beijing tour.
With our wonderful AWAA Beijing tour guide Sherry! We love her soooooo much!!!
With new friends Stephanie and Jamie Davis from Athens, TN. They are adopting their daughter “Lily” from the same province as our Lilli.
Legend says that if you place a lock on this chain attached to the wall... the love in your relationship will last forever!
Here is a performance picture from the Acrobatic Show.... One word - AMAZING!!!
At the Acrobatic Show with friends Jonda & John Heckle from Shakopee, MN
Lots of love,
Jenny (& Danny)
DAY 5 – LILLI’S GOTCHA DAY!!!!
Hey everyone,
What a day we have had! I wish I had the energy to write a lot, but I have been going since 4:00 this morning and I am both physically & emotionally drained!
Lilli is soooooo BEAUTIFUL! Everything we could hope and dream for... She was so quiet when we got her... she let out a few whimpers on the way back to the hotel from the Civil Affairs Office, but never really cried... UNTIL... we got into the elevator. She saw her reflection on the elevator doors and let out a cry like you wouldn't believe... wailing with BIG crocodile tears!!! Bless her heart!!! There was lots of paperwork to fill out around 5:00 p.m., but sweet Lilli wouldn't let go of my shirt, so Danny went instead. Lilli and I stayed back and had a little “girl time” with some other Mommies on our hallway!! Apparently, most of the babies were attached to the Mommies!!! This is normal because they only around the nannies in the orphanage.
We have tried our best to make her comfortable. We have even taken to calling her nickname in the orphanage... "Sho-Sho". Our guide, Lineker says that we won't see her true personality for several days. Our little "Sho-Sho" has already got us wrapped around her perfect little finger. I think her Daddy is ready to go buy her a pony!
She's a true blessing from God... the greatest gift we have ever been given. WE ARE IN LOVE!!! We will send more photos soon. Enjoy the joy of our day!!!
Flying to get our Sweet Lilli... about 2 hours before touch down in Nanchang
Nanchang Airport in Jiangxi Province
Just moments after the "hand-off"
Daddy's little girl... He's one proud Papa!!
OUR BEAUTY... Look at those eyes, those rosy cheeks!!
Sleeping Beauty - She fell asleep in our bed... and after we stared at her for an hour, we moved her over to her crib
XO,
Jen, Danny and “Sho-Sho”
DAY 6 – Lots of Appointments in Nanchang
Ni-Hao Everyone,
Well, Lilli is officially ours!!! We had several appointments today, went to Walmart to buy a few necessities and then back to the hotel room to rest and get better acquainted with our daughter!!!
Lilli slept well last night. She went to sleep around 8:30, woke at about midnight wanting to play... we put her in bed with us. She just giggled and kicked her feet, touched and rubbed our faces. After about 30 minutes, see settled down and we were able to put her back in her crib. She slept until 6:00!!! Not for our first night... right?
She is eating well... didn't want her bottle at first, but is doing better. She even ate pancakes (no syrup!) this morning. Ohhhh & does love Cheerios!!! She likes to pack food in her mouth like a chipmunk though... so we need to be careful and give her food to her slowly. I don't know if this has something to do with the orphanage environment.... Could be??!!
Lilli is the "Raspberry Queen" of this bunch of babies... blowing raspberries left and right!!! Soooo cute, but we need to teach her better manners!! :o)-
As I type this she is sitting on my lap with her head on my shoulder... just loving on her Mommy!!! I hate to tell y'all, but there won't be any sugar left when we get home with her!!!
Playing with my Daddy
Civil Affairs Office... MAKING IT OFFICIAL!!!!!
You can see how much my Mommy loves me by looking in her eyes!!!
On our way to one of our many adoption appointments
I'm such a good girl, so content and lovable!!
I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!!!!
Lots of love,
Jenny (Danny... & Lilli)
DAY 7 - Lilli’s 1st Bath & Jiangxi Site-Seeing
Hey y'all,
Things keep getting better & better... not that they were ever bad, but everyday Lilli gets happier and has a wider smile. We are so in LOVE with our girl!!!!! She has got the best personality for a baby... so full of giggles, grins and loads of energy.
After having a bath last night (which she loved!!) she went to bed at 8:00. She woke up at 4:00 a.m. and we put her in our bed again (we know, bad habit) and she fell back to sleep. We all slept until 6:00. Sho-Sho woke us with a squeal of delight... as if to say, "Oh, boy, oh boy, oh boy. It's time for you to feed me!!!" She never cried once!! We fed her and placed her on the potty, as we were told to do... and guess what???!!!! She went!!!! Can you believe it??? We were told that they did that in the orphanages right after their morning feeding. I was in shock!!! I think potty training her is going to be fairly easy!!! AWESOME!
Today, we had an easy day of site-seeing and then went back to the hotel room. We are enjoying spending a little quiet time in the room right now. We may run down to the pool later... we will see.
We hope you are enjoying the pictures... we have so many more to share, but can't send them all... You'll have to visit us when we get home & see them all...
I love taking baths!! Actually, I really love splashing and getting my Mommy wet from head to toe!!
Hey Bright Eyes!
Ready for bed... well, after I play with my stacking cups just a bit more
I'm a happy, happy girl!!!
Daddy and his "Sho-Sho"... Lilli is a Daddy's girl!!!
The beauty of Nanchang... how breathtaking!
Nanchang is a huge harbor town for the Jiangxi Province
Sending everyone in USA a great BIG raspberry!!
Finally, a FAMILY!! Priceless...
Lots of love,
Jenny, Danny & "Sho-Sho"
DAY 8 – Village in Nanchang
Ni Hao,
Today was overwhelming!!! We visited a local village in Nanchang. We saw living conditions that we were told were possibly similar to that of Lilli's birth mother. The smell in the air was terrible. Raw sewage ran down the middle of the dirt road... pigs, chickens and ducks all resided WITH the residents... no electricity, no running water... They had nothing, yet they were all so happy and hospitable. Young women would approach us with their children, pleading in their native Mandarin, as if to say, "Take my child!"
We left the village realizing that we were taking Lilli away from this life... giving her something that she wouldn't have had before... an education, food to eat, a warm comfortable bed to sleep in every night... the chance to know Jesus Christ!
Today, be thankful for the little things in life.... clean running water, electricity, your next meal... a toilet!!!
We will never take those "simple things" for granted again! PERIOD!!!
Happy girl!!!
Mommy, Daddy and Lilli on our way to the village in Nanchang
Within the village, this gentleman smiles, as he heads out to peddle his merchandise
This elderly man loved Lilli so much... he desperately wanted to hold her
Fish hanging out to dry
Heading to the field to work for the day
Children of the village
A friendly driver waves from beneath the cover of his rikshaw
We drew quite a crowd of onlookers on the streets of Nanchang... we got a "thumbs up" for the way we had Lilli wrapped up!!
Love,
Jenny, Danny and Sho-Sho
DAY 9 – Heading to Guangzhou...
Hi all,
Well, we're heading to Guangzhou today for the final leg of our trip. Say it with me... pheeeewwww!!!! We will finish up some necessary paperwork there, as well obtain Lilli's visa, so she can leave China with us.
We can hardly believe that we have been in this beautiful country for 9 days already!!! Because we are flying out shortly and checking into a different hotel... we aren't sure when we will be able to email an update. Therefore, we have decided to attach a few of our favorite pictures that we haven't shared before. Enjoy photos of our sunshine... she is the light of our lives!!!! She makes our hearts burst with pride!!
I'm a hairbow girl... & Mommy's not complaining!
Sho-Sho taking her first swim with her Daddy I love the water...
I love to splash!!
Could I be any cuter??
Riding on the bus to one of our many appointments,...
Lilli looks at Daddy as if to say... "Are we there yet?"
Mommy with her little sweetie on Gotcha Day!
Much love & Good Friday blessings,
Jenny, Danny & Lilli
DAY 10 – Medical Exam in Guangzhou
Hi all,
Well today was eventful!!! Lilli had her medical examination. This is necessary for her to obtain her visa. We are so glad it is over. The place was crowded and stuffy!!!! She did well and as we suspected was very healthy... almost too healthy. She weighs in at a whoppin’ 20 POUNDS!!!! So much for my "little baby"... I knew she was a little bigger than I originally thought she would be, but WOW!!!
This afternoon, I am going to the paperwork party... however, it's not a "party" at all. We have to make sure we have all the i's dotted and t's crossed! Very serious stuff. Daddy is going to hang out in the room with sweet Sho-Sho. They have big plans for a BIG nap!!
Ohhhh, and before I forget, I just want you to know that I will not be checking my email as often. I will be sending an update everyday, but otherwise not doing so much internet. Internet service in the room is not free... and because we are trying to save every penny while we are here, I am typing this from the Starbucks in the lobby... where it's free!
When will they examine me Mommy? Can we leave this place??? PUUuLEASE!!!
Measuring my noggin'
I'm being so good while I get checked out by the doctor
I weigh WHAT???
Checking my ears
I LOVE MY DADDY!!! Can’t cha’ tell??
Love to all!!!
His,
Jenny
DAY 11- Museum and Tea Room
Happy Easter Everyone!!!!
We are so thankful to be typing this to you on this glorious Easter day... with our new daughter! What a joyous Easter blessing!!!! God has richly blessed us more than we possibly could have imagined with the gift of this beautiful child! Lilli is the greatest thing that has ever happen to us. Just like the translation of her Chinese given name Zhang Bi Shu... Lilli is our "perfect jewel"!!!
This morning, we went to the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. Guangdong is the province that the city Guangzhou is located... Following the museum, we went to an authentic Chinese Tea House. We were given a demonstration about tea pots and treated to a tea sampling. We sampled so many different types of tea, from ginseng tea to green tea, & all were delicious!!!
We are now hanging out in the hotel, having a little quiet time. I broke down and bought internet access for the room. Going to Starbucks was great, but it was just as expensive as ordering internet for your room, by the time you ordered a cup of coffee... Here coffee is NOT cheap!
Tomorrow we will be heading over to Shamian Island. It is well-known for wonderful, authentic Chinese gifts, always at a good price!!! We really want to buy Lilli a Chinese outfit or two, a tea set, as well as some "Squeeky Shoes". We also have several other souvenirs to buy...
I'M MOMMY & DADDY'S EASTER BLESSING!!!!
Lilli & Daddy pose with our wonderful tour guides, Amy & Lineker
Mommy with her "dossier sisters" Jonda & Dawn
At the museum, this artist was creating beautiful ink artwork with the side of his hand... AMAZING!
Our family Easter photo, taken in the garden at the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum
A hungry little Sho-Sho gets her bottle at the museum
Tea pot demostration at the Tea House
Tea is served!
All tuckered out... & on our way back to the hotel for a well-deserved nap
Again, our Easter blessings to everyone!!
Missing all of you,
Jenny (... & Danny and "Sho-Sho")
XOXOXOXOXO
DAY 12 – Shamian Island & SHOPPING!!!
Hi Everyone,
Today was filled with loads of shopping! In fact, ALL DAY LONG... Bless Danny’s heart! We were able to pick up so many goodies for Miss Lilli and a few souvenirs of our own. We saved the majority of our spending money until the end of our trip, because we had heard so many good things about Shamian Island. We even met "Stella" at a store called A Home of Love. Stella is very well-known by many adoptive families... She was so sweet and insisted on giving Lilli her bottle while we shopped! She gave Lilli a jingle bell rattle and a little book of Chinese words and phrases as a gift. So sweet!!
We are taking it easy tonight... had dinner downstairs in the Cafe' Veranda. We had a delicious meal and then headed back upstairs to our hotel room. Poor Lilli "thinks" our hotel room is home. Can't wait to introduce her to the "real thing"!!!
Tomorrow we are having group pictures in the lobby and then are going back to Shamian Island by cab with a few friends for lunch at "Lucy's"...
After lunch we will be having our Chinese Consulate interview. Please keep us in your prayers... we are very nervous about the interview. They'll be asking all kinds of questions and we aren't sure what to expect!!?!
Looking forward to seeing all of you soon.
Miss Lilli posing with her Daddy outside our hotel room on the balcony
A quick "power nap" before heading out shopping at Shamian Island
Miss Sho-Sho with Stella at "A Home of Love"
All three of us are wiped out at Shamian Island
Yeah... I may look innocent!?!
Shopping wears me out...
Lots of love,
Jenny (... and Danny & Lilli)
XOXO
DAY 13 – Swearing-In Ceremony
Hi everyone,
Well today was a BIG day... we were sworn in by the Adopted Children Immigrant Visa Unit at the US General Consulate in Guangzhou. We have Lilli's passport with Visa stamp in it, so NOW we are ready to head home. We are soooooo excited!!!!
After our travel group photos in the lobby of the hotel this morning, Danny, Lilli and I took a cab back to Shamian Island to have a celebratory lunch at "Lucy's" with some of our new travel buddies! Lucy's is a restaurant known for it's American cuisine. It was sooooo good... & actually reminded us of home!!!!
We are packing up our belongings tonight... Catching an early morning flight... so this will probably be the last journal until we get home.
Travel Group 132 on the stairs of The China Hotel
All of the Jiangxi Province Babies
Lilli with her Zhangshu SWI Orphanage "sisters"
Lilli with her buddy "Trudy" Grace Wren
Back to Shamian Island for lunch at Lucy's
The famous "RED COUCH" at the White Swan Hotel (no we didn't stay at the hotel, but we had to have our picture taken on the couch!!!)
Looking forward to seeing all of you when we get back to Kinston!!!
Lots of love and hugs coming your way...
Jenny, Danny & Lilli
DAY 14 – COMING HOME!!!
LOoooo-Oooooong Day!! Left the hotel at 6:00 a.m., to arrive at Guangzhou Airport for a 9:30 flight. Flew from Guangzhou to Beijing... Lilli slept!!
Got to Beijing around 11:30... check-in was a nightmare. Thank goodness Rosa (the guide for the other travel group) was there. She was so great! Got us thru the line in no time. It was CRAZY!
Lilli fell asleep, and I was left holding her bottle of formula at Security. Y'all... they made me drink it to prove it was formula... then after a few sips still made me pour it out!!! It didn't taste good!! It was a cross between glue and Coffeemate.
We finally boarded the plane for USA and prayed Lilli would sleep a lot... and SHE DID! She slept almost the whole way!! What a good girl!!
As soon as we touched down in Chicago!! Lilli became a US Citizen!!! Wooo-hooo!!
We went thru the Immigration Services... (yuck!) They were rude!!
We went to get our luggage (double yuck!) Our luggage looked like it had been drug through a pig pin!
Went through US Customs (triple yuck!) The US Custom's agents were so much ruder than the Immigration Services folks!
Then on to Security!!! I (Jenny) had Lilli strapped on in the Snugli...therefore, Danny (bless his heart!) was carrying ALL the carry-ons! Security made us pour out Lilli's bottle again... & sadly, this time Lilli was drinking it! Lilli screamed the entire way thru Security Checkpoint!!
Got onto the plane for RDU and a wave of emotion swept over both of us! We were heading home.... on the final leg of our trip. We would see our parents, family and friends in just a few hours!!!
Landed at RDU at 9:40 and was greeted by our loved ones! Thanks everyone for showing up... Pictures of RDU celebration to come!!!! I am having the photos developed!!
Hanging out at the terminal in Beijing with my good friend "Tru" Trudy Grace Wren
ALL "future" US Citizens now boarding flight US850 to Chicago at Gate A24
North Carolina's 2 newest residents... Isabella Casteen & Lilli Daughety (with their Mommies & Daddies)
We are thrilled to be able to use this adorable hand-painted piece of furniture in Lilli’s nursery. I painted the walls with trees, bumble bees, clouds, butterflies, & ladybugs. I purchased a bookshelf from our office’s Relay for Life Yard sale and painted it to match the armoire. Danny’s Mother pulled Danny’s rocking chair down from the attic and I painted it red and put a new cushion on it. 
Mom and Dad gave us a crib… and away we go! We are so excited to have the nursery almost complete. Just need a rocking chair and a sweet baby to sing lullabies. We couldn’t be MORE ready for Miss Lilli to make her grand appearance!!
