the greatest of these is love!

The Journey of a Lifetime!!!!

2008-08-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

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!

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.

They are adopting 14 month old IsabellaOur airplane from Chicago to Beijing!!

New friends... some of Travel Group 132 leaving from ChicagoTouch Down Beijing, ChinaOur 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

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.

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

One of the many temples in the Forbidden City

Inside 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 Travel Itinerary...

2008-08-20T07:54:00.003-07:00

Hopefully, our luggage is within the 44 lb. weight restriction... We are sooooo doubtful!

Wednesday, March 12th - Depart for Beijing

Thursday, March 13th - Arrive in Beijing

Friday, March 14th - Free Day...

Saturday, March 15th - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace

Sunday, March 16th - Palm Sunday Church Service and The Great Wall

Monday, March 17th -

GOTCHA DAY!!!
Depart for Nanchang, Jiangxi in the morning.
Meet LilliAn Adele in the afternoon.

Tuesday, March 18th - Civil Affairs Appointment

Wednesday, March 19th - Sightseeing, Paperwork & Shopping

Thursday, March 20th - Sightseeing, Paperwork & Shopping

Friday, March 21st - Depart for Guangzhou

Saturday, March 22nd - Lilli's Medical Exam, Shamian Island... GREAT Shopping!

Sunday, March 23rd - Happy Easter Everyone! Paperwork Party...

Monday, March 24th - Consulate Appointment, 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, March 25th - Pick up Lilli's Visa

Wednesday, March 26th - Depart for HOME!!!
Arrive at RDU with USA's newest citizen around 9:30 p.m.!!!

It's here! It's here!

2008-08-20T07:54:00.001-07:00

Zhang Bi Shu

(soon to be called LilliAn Adele)

She was born on June 5, 2007

Lilli is at the Zhangshu SWI in the Jiangxi Province...

She is just beautiful!!! We are in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!

Lilli is said to have a ready smile and can be obstinate sometimes (oh my!)She is a moderate sleeper and can be active & restless!!

We just don't know what to think of this little one!!

We know we are blessed beyond measure...

God had HIS hand in matching us with the most perfect little angel!!!

We hope to travel in late March or early April!!!

Am I the cutest baby in the whole wide world... or what??!!

Mommy & Daddy love me so good!!! I have lots of sugar saved up... just for them!!!

This is my mug shot... I am soooo serious in this shot, but still adorable!

"The Stork" - Poor guy had no idea for what was in store.

Mommy didn't tackle him to the ground like she thought she would!

While we waited... and waited... and waited...

2008-08-18T13:48:00.001-07:00

5/10/05: * Prayed about international adoption and decided to order information from several different international adoption agency websites.

5/22/05: * The decision was almost too easy… We feel called to adopt a baby girl from China. We also decided that AWAA is the right agency to handle our international adoption!

5/31/05: * Application sent to America World Adoption Association

6/8/05: * Application was approved with AWAA

6/10/05: * Application sent to New Life Christian Adoptions for Home Study

7/1/05: * First of many dossier documents are obtained

7/29/05: * First Home Study Interview with New Life Christian Adoptions

8/3/05: * Doctor’s exams and blood work at Lenoir Family Medicine

8/6/05: * I-600A and fingerprints submitted to U.S.C.I.S. in Charlotte, NC

8/8/05: * Ordered Danny’s original Birth Certificate from Raleigh

8/12/05: * Second Home Study Interview with New Life Christian Adoptions

8/15/05: * Applied for Passports at Clerk of Court office in Lenoir County

8/15/05: * Ordered Police Background Checks at Court House

8/18/05: * Third and Final Home Study Interview with New Life Christian Adoptions

9/12/05: * Began Authentication/Certification process on 7 of our dossier documents

9/15/05: * Received a postcard from Passport Agency saying there is a problem. We were told our Passport Information was lost due to Hurricane Katrina. The US Passport Agency is in New Orleans… who knew!?? (yikes)

9/16/05: * Re-applied for Passports at Clerk of Court in Lenoir County

10/7/05: * Received passports from Charleston Branch of US Passport Agency

10/8/05: * Home Study is completed and sent to U.S.C.I.S.

10/21/05: * Received USCIS approval!!! Yip-pee!

10/25/05: * Remaining documents sent for Authentication/Certification

12/4/05: * FINALLY, our dossier paperwork is complete!!!

12/5/05: * Fed EX’ed our dossier to AWAA

12/6/05: * AWAA received our dossier

12/9/05: * AWAA mailed our dossier to China with “Travel Group 244”

12/13/05: * CCAA signed for dossiers in “Travel Group 244”

12/22/05: * The CCAA logged in our dossier ... (we are officially “paperwork pregnant”) We should get a referral in about 8-9 months.

1/10/06: * Brown Envelope received from the US consulate in China with our Adoption Case number.

2/4/06: * Lots and lots of “delay rumors”…

3/9/06: * Joined BaiJiaBei quilter’s group with fellow AWAA friends and family

3/15/06: * It’s official: The wait has now been extended from referral to LID, 11-12 months total! (ouch)

4/7/06: * Prayed on the way home from work that God would send me a sign of peace. There was a Morning dove resting in the middle of my yard when I pulled into the driveway. The dove wouldn’t move! I asked if he thought he was hurt. Danny said, “No, just waiting, he’s been there for most of the afternoon.” I told him about my prayer on the way home. He said, “Well there’s your sign of peace.” When Danny said this, the dove got up, took a few steps towards us and flew away. We know that God is control and that He has the perfect baby picked out for us. It will be only in His perfect time, and not one minute sooner!

4/15/06: * Picked out a shamrock pattern to mail to friends in BaiJiaBei Quilt Group.

6/11/06: * More delay rumors! We are soooo sad, but know God has a plan! I think I will indulge in some double chocolate, chocolate chuck ice cream tonight…

7/15/06: * Joined another “swap” group. This swap will be monthly. This month we will be exchanging “hair barrettes”… What fun!!

8/5/06: * Finally began working on the BaiJiaBei Quilt.

8/15/06: * More delay rumors… it appears that the CCAA will be pushing referral out 16-18 months from log-in date. This means we won’t travel until mid-summer 2007!!! (double ouch) Decided to again indulge in some double chocolate, chocolate chuck ice cream with homemade oatmeal cookies… (hey, at least I’m admitting to it!)

8/23/06: * Called and wrote Congressman Walter B. Jones office to lobby that bill -“H.R 5888, the ‘Helping Families Adopt Orphans Act,’ be passed, extending current fingerprints and I-600A forms to 24 months. Pray, pray, pray!!!

9/1/06: * New swap this month: “socks”. During last month’s barrette swap, we received so many precious hair barrettes, we can hardly wait to see what will be in the mail!!!

9/6/06: * Decided we needed to go ahead and mail a letter to U.S.C.I.S. to have our fingerprints renewed, just in case Congress drops the ball...

9/19/06: * December LID's are officially out of the Review Room at the CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs) This means that we have been evaluated and have met all of the Chinese government's strict criteria for adoption. Our paperwork will now be moved to the "Matching Room"!!! Yeaaaaaaaah God! Yeaaaaaaaah US! This is such good news and has really given us a much-needed spirit boost. The wait will still be a long one... but we have made it this far with God's help, and we know that God will hold our hand the remainder of the way!!!!

10/17/06: * Traveled to USCIS Office in Charlotte, NC to be re-fingerprinted. Fingerprints must stay current to obtain Chinese Visas.

11/15/06: * Received approved fingerprint "update" status from USCIS. Yeaaaaaaahhh!

1/1/07: * Happy New Year 2007! Our New Year's Resolution... to be GREAT PARENTS!!!! We have great faith that Miss Lilli will come home this year. We pray that she is safe and warm & that she is being loved and cared for... We pray that if she hasn't yet been born, that her birth mother will have peace of mind, knowing that Lilli will be provided for... by nurturing, loving parents...dreaming and praying for a daughter just like Lilli!!!

2/6/07: * Homestudy Update with Nicole from New Life Christian Adoptions. A Homestudy Update is required to obtain a new I-171H through the USCIS - Department of Homeland Security. An I-171H is required to obtain a Chinese Visa. A Chinese Visa will allow us to bring Miss Lilli home. More paperwork... but we know Lilli will be worth it! God is sooooo GOOD!!!!

3/5/07: * Referrals came today for those logged-in through 10/24/05... Is the CCAA getting slower or is it just me?

3/6/07: * Mailed USCIS Department of Homeland Security a copy of our "Reaffirmation of Approval" for our fingerprints, copies of our driver's licenses, a newly completed I-600A form and a great BIG check. Our homestudy agency will be supplying them with a updated homestudy and once USCIS receives it... we should receive a new I-171H!!!

4/5/07: * Received updated I-171H in the mail from the USCIS! Wonderful News!!! We are approved AGAIN! Now we will continue to patiently wait for Miss Lilli's referral. The I-171H will be good for 18 months... Let's hope that we don't have to have it updated again. Let's pray Miss Lilli comes home this year!!

4/8/07: * BAD NEWS! The China Center for Adoption Affairs only got through 2 days of dossiers in this batch of referrals. When will this waiting "nightmare" end? While reading my bible this evening, I came across the following scriptures:
"Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." -- James 1: 3 & 4
"I waited patiently in the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry." -- Psalm 40:1
Both of us are feeling more than a little stressed out, but continue to have faith that God has a plan! He already has Miss Lilli picked out for us and as difficult as this wait may be for us... we must be patient and wait for God!

5/15/07: * Well, Danny has been promoted with the Sheriff's Department! Yip-pee... woooo-hoooo!!!! Danny has patiently waited for this promotion for over 5 years!!! He will have to begin school in August for 16 weeks. You know, God really proves to us in so many ways, that although the wait to be with our daughter is hard, there are reasons!! He shows us His reasons EVERYDAY! It's truly a blessing to have these "signs" of His love and affection everywhere... everyday! In HIS perfect time!! :o)

6/4/07: * Slow down... waaaaaay down! Referrals only came thru 11/7/05... AWAA didn't receive any this month!! We now truly believe that it may be late this year before we get a referral & possibly won't travel to get our precious Lilli until January or February 2008. Boy, oh boy... is she WORTH THE WAIT though! Please keep us in your prayers...
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen." -- Hebrews 11:1
"... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." -- Galatians 5:22

8/10/07: * Received "On Deck" Referral notification. Typically, this would be a fantastic email, as these are normally received when your log-in date is about a month or two from referral. BUT... don't get too excited!! The letter included lots of words like "unsure" and "unknown". It will probably be several more months before we get Lilli's referral. My guess... December or January. Please keep praying!!!!

10/6/07: * Woooo-hoooo! My Travel Group #244 buddy Sherri has received a referral for a Special Needs daughter to be named Grace! They signed up in March for SN. Grace is absolutely beautiful!!!! God is sooooo GOOD!!! Sherri, if you don't travel with our group, we feel blessed for having met you. Blessings!!!

11/6/07: * The CCAA has finally referred into December. They officially referred through December 8, 2005. Remember, we are December 22, 2005. My friends Patty and Sherri from my first swap group both received their referrals. Annika and Caroline are adorable. Can't wait to follow your journey girls... the wait has been so long, but soooooo worth it!!! Danny and I feel certain we will receive a referral by January 2008! Yip-pee!!!

11/17/07: * Mailed letter to USCIS to request to be re-fingerprinted for the 3rd and hopefully last time... It's all good! We don't have to pay for this set of fingerprints... just make the drive to Charlotte, NC

12/13/07: * Danny finished BLET and took the State Exam. I am so proud of his accomplishments!!!

12/14/07: * Had our fingerprints taken in Charlotte at USCIS for the 3rd and hopefully final time!!!

1/2/08: * Referrals began to arrive today, but only through 12/19/05 LIDs. Maybe we'll see Lilli's beautiful picture next month... sigh!! Not much longer... HOLD ON!!! February's referrals are just around the corner!

1/4/08: * Referrals came through December 19th 2005, therefore we feel confident that we are NEXT!!! Yippee!!

2/4/08: * Received "The Call"... We have a daughter!!! Her name is Zhang Bi Shu and she is 8 months old. She is located in the Jiangxi Province. We will travel around late March!! Wooo-hoooo!! Yay God!!!

2/5/08: * Received our packet of pictures and acceptance forms from America World Adoption Association! Our hearts are full!!!

2/6/08: * America World received our signed acceptance letter for our sweet Lilli!!!

2/12/08: * Received Travel Packet Information and Visa Applications from America World. We are officially in Travel Group 132 now! This group includes both LID Group's 243 and 244...

2/14/08: * Faxed over Visa applications, copies of passport photo pages and travel preferences for AWAA's approval.

2/19/08: * Reviewed Vias and travel arrangements with Kristen at AWAA. She handles all travel for our group. We have been told that tentatively we will leave on March 27th to... GO GET OUR GIRL!!!

2/25/08: * We received a very unexpected surprise today... Our agency received Travel Approvals early!!! A Travel Approval (or a "TA") means that we have China's "permission" to come get Lilli!!!! Can you believe it??? After all the delays in our adoption process, we are actually leaving earlier than originally expected. Who'da thought?!!! Our agency says we will "tentatively" leave on March 13th... a whole 2 weeks earlier than expected! We are filled with so much anticipation... we are just about to burst!!! We trust God will prepare us for this amazing, life changing trip in time... because we know EVERYTHING IS IN HIS TIME! We will be in China for Easter... What a miraculous Easter blessing!!! Praise God!!!!

Lilli's Nursery

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We decided to go with the “100 Acre Woods” theme for Lilli’s nursery, after our sister-in-law, Suzanne generously loaned us our niece’s Pooh Bear armoire. How precious!!!! 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!!

Monthly LID Group 244 Swaps

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Monthly AWAA Swaps

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Lilli's Love Letters

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September 07, 2006 - 06:54 AM Martha
You and Samuel will have so much fun playing together.

September 07, 2006 - 05:43 PM Dianne Riley
I can't wait to have you visit Mount Olive College! I have pictures of your mom to show you. Love, Ms. Dianne

September 08, 2006 - 09:12 AM Donna Guy
Wow this is sooo neat!

September 16, 2006 - 08:58 AM John & Caroline
Dear Lilli,
We love you. Caroline has a loose tooth. Right now you don't have any teeth. One day we hope you have the bravery to pull your teeth out.Love, John and Caroline

March 22, 2007 - 08:53 AM Patty Mears
Lilli,
It has been so fun getting to know your mommy through our swaps. I hope we travel together, then I can meet you. God has blessed you with a loving mom and dad. Best Wishes from Pennsylvania.

June 28, 2007 - 11:17 AM Liesel & Lainey
Lilli,
We can't wait for you to come home. We are your cousins.We hope that you like Winnie the Pooh, because your room is decorated in it. It's all the stuff that was in our room when we were little. You will have lots of our clothes too!We love you & can't wait to finally hug and kiss you. Love, Lainey & Liesel

February 04, 2008 - 01:47 PM Martha, James, & Samuel
TODAY IS YOUR REFERRAL DAY!!! WE ARE SO SERIOUSLY EXCITED ABOUT YOU, LITTLE LILLI "ZHANG". WE CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE YOUR PRETTY PICTURE!!!!!

February 05, 2008 - 08:41 AM Scarlett & Chris
THE REFERRAL IS HERE!!! Your Mommy and Daddy have wanted you for so long! We can't wait to meet you sweet baby girl! Congratulations to you all!!!

February 06, 2008 - 05:15 AM Amy Docherty
We are so happy for you! She is beautiful!! We can't wait for our families to meet! Praise God for bringing our girls to us and our families together!Love Amy (one of your "aunts" from Group #244)

February 06, 2008 - 02:20 PM The 4 Shear's
Lilli is absolutely beautiful & precious. We can't wait to see her in person. Congratulations to everyone.It's a match made in heaven.

February 13, 2008 - 03:32 PM Angela Chapin
Lilli & family-- I was so excited to see Lilli's precious little face!! We are also with AWAA so I've come to your website off and on to see if you had received your precious daughter.... I was sooooo excited to see her sweet face today! Congrats on becoming a Mommy & Daddy! Lilli's going to be a spoiled little girl (as should be- ha!) I'm sure! :)

February 22, 2008 - 08:06 AM Amy, Troy, Ty & Callie Eason
Lilli is beautiful! We are all very excited for you and can't wait to meet her.
Have a safe trip and get lots of rest before the little "moderate sleeper" arrives. Trust me... you will need it! :)

February 24, 2008 - 07:14 AM Carrie Dobbins
Hey Lilli, Jenny, and Danny--
I can't even tell you how excited I am to see her! Congratulations! I will be happppppy to babysit any time you need for me to, even though I'm sure Jenny will not let Lilli leave her side (and I wouldn't either)! I know you both have waited so long for an answer to your prayers and God has answered in a big way. Congratulations and I love ALL 3 OF YOU very much! :)
Love Always, Carrie

February 24, 2008 - 04:49 PM The Howell's
Hey Lilli,
We wanted to tell you that you are coming home to a great, loving family. You have an awesome mom, and we're sure you'll be one of the sweetest kids on the planet!
Ms. Jenny:
We hope that the trip to China is successful and full of blessings for you and Lilli.
Congratulations!! Sonya, Cameron, and Jacob Howell

February 25, 2008 - 04:51 PM Aunt Susan
My precious little LilliAn,
I am so excited about meeting you! I have your picture in my hall and get a little sugar everytime I walk by-that means I give you a little kiss. I am the crazy aunt. You will/are loved already more than you can imagine. Tell your Mom to stop worrying so much about things like the right sized diapers and clothes. Those things don't even matter in God's big scheme of your wonderful future in our family. I'll tell you a secret... I got you a cutie potootie stroller today. Just remember NOT to tell your Mom or Dad! Sleep tight little angel!Love,Aunt Susan
PS: Uncle Jay is writing a song for you on his yukulele...I know, I told you we were a little crazy!! John and Caroline send their love too!

March 07, 2008 - 01:48 PM Denese Harris
Hi Jenny,
I have been thinking of you often and am so thrilled to see your news. I have been keeping an eye on the website and lately it has been calling my name. Lilli is beautiful. You will be leaving on my first child’s 30th birthday. I am so delighted that you have maintained the website and look forward to following your progress. Your news brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart!!!Wishing you nothing but the best,Denese

March 09, 2008 - 02:15 PM Nana and Papa
Precious little grandchild,
We have waited so long to see your little face and now Mommy and Daddy are going to China to bring you back to us. We will be waiting with open arms and hearts to take you into our lives and to love you. Forever.You will be our 8th grandchild and very special to us.Your loving grandparents,Nana and PapaXOXOXOXOXO

March 11, 2008 - 08:04 AM Samuel
Hi Lilli:
Can I call you sometime? We can watch Noggin together. - Samuel Aycock

March 11, 2008 - 08:27 AM Suzanne, Liesel and Lainey
Lilli!We have waited soooo long to see you! Your pictures are just beautiful! We can not wait for you to get HOME! Only 2 more weeks. All of our beloved Pooh things wait for you in your new room! We hope you like them.
Liesel can't wait to be your first babysitter, well, after the Nana's! She owes alot of "free' babysitting to your Mommy! She wrote a book just for you called "Waiting for Lilli" and she can't wait to read it to you!
Lainey is so excited too! She loves to help her Aunt "Nenny" and Uncle Danny. She will be alot of help when you get here, too! Lainey has written a special poem about you! We have lots of talents in this family! I am not so sure about Uncle Jay and the ukelele though!
I hope to be "one" of your favorite aunts! You can call me Aunt Boo (Boo is a nickname given to me by my Dad). I call Lainey, Lainey Bug and Chicken Little. Liesel is Sweet Pea and sometimes Pumpkin Head! I wonder what your nickname will be?
We love you to the "Moon and Back" a million times!
Love,
Aunt BOO, Lainey Bug and Sweet Pea1

March 13, 2008 - 01:46 PM Camille
Lilli,
I have worked beside your Mom for what seems like ages waiting for you. Everyday she spoke about you, thought about you and dreamed about your arrival.
You couldn't have picked a better mother and she deserves to have you in her arms to hold, love and kiss. (She's really mushy and likes to hug me sometimes-I let her 'cause sometimes I need them)
Believe me when I say that every one of your mother's family and friends already love you and will always be here for you just as your mother has been there for our children when she was needed. (And if you ever want to really have a good time-call me, we'll go get your pretty dresses dirty!)
My only words of wisdom (at this time) are:"accept the things you can not change, change the things you can and have the wisdom to know the difference".
Lots of Love,
Camille

March 14, 2008 - 05:34 AM Sara Wallace
Sweet Lillie,
How much you mean to your new Mommy and Daddy. They have waited so long for you and its time for them to bring you home.We so look forward to having you home in your own house.
A lot of the children at First Presbyterian Church call us PaPa and Grandma Sara, I hope you will too.
We can't to hold you in our arms.
Love, Frank and Sara Wallace (PaPa and Grandma Sara)

March 15, 2008 - 07:27 AM Amy Nix
Lilli...We're ready to give you a HIGH FIVE baby girl (and of course, hold you and kiss you and hug you and love you)....Come on home.
Love, Aunt Amy, Kyle, Jack and Ella

March 16, 2008 - 07:29 PM Scarlett & Chris
It's Lilli's GOTCHA DAY!!! Today you will get to hold your baby girl. And, she will get to meet her wonderful Mommy and Daddy. We are so happy for the three of you. God is GOOD!!

March 17, 2008 - 09:32 AM Tony, Rachel and Madison
Hey Lilli! We saw your picture today with your mommy and daddy. I hope you always remember how much everyone loves you!!!Madison can't wait to play with his new friend.

March 17, 2008 - 09:55 AM Pat Pat
What a beautiful family picture. You both looked so natural holding Lilli. You can actually feel the love in this picture. I think a lot of people here cried also when we saw it. Tears of joy! God is so good. We at Field Controls can not hardly wait to spoil you.
Lots of love & blessings, PatPat

March 17, 2008 - 03:07 PM Martha
Lilli - you are beautiful!! I can't wait to get a hold of those cheeks and kiss, kiss, kiss them (that is if your mom and dad have left any sugar for the rest of us). Samuel was so excited this morning when I told him that your parents had you that he said "go." He was ready to come visit. I had to explain that you all are still far away, but that we will be able to see you soon.

March 17, 2008 - 05:11 PM Chris & Scarlett
Oh, Miss Lilli! What a sweet little angel you are!! We know your Mommy and Daddy are enjoying smooching those rosy cheeks! What a joy it is to see the three of you together at last.

March 17, 2008 - 07:32 PM Auntie Jo
Lilli, as I looked at you and your Mommy and Daddy holding you today with tears in their eyes, all I could think was "GOD is GOOD". He made sure you got a Mommy and Daddy that loved you so much even before you were born. Now we get a chance to watch you grow into a beautiful young lady. Hurry home so we can smoooooch your cheeks and spoil you. Love Always!

March 18, 2008 - 05:27 AM Sara Wallace & Frank Wallace
Sweet Lilli, you were truly worth waiting for. God in his wisdom knows just the right time. One only has to look at your Mommy and Daddy to know this is really the right time.Hurry home.
The Wallaces

March 18, 2008 - 10:13 AMChristina, Kevin and Brandon Zoltek
Lilli, Jenny, and Danny,
We are so happy you are all together as a family atlast. May God always shine brightly in your future.
This poem was going to be given to your Mom and Dad for your quilt and I never got it to them. I hope you enjoy it for many years to come.
Celebrate All That Binds Us Together
Celebrate the budding flowers, the clear blue sky, the deep green forests, the perfect full moon, the twinkling stars.
Celebrate the miracle of a baby, the optimism of children, the laughter of adolescents, the responsiblity of adults, the wisdom of our elders.
Celebrate the love in our hearts, the spirit in our souls, the health of our bodies.
Celebrate all that binds us together as one...
(Author Unknown)
Love, Christina, Kevin and Brandon

March 18, 2008 - 01:50 PM Roxie Cay
Lilli is a very pretty baby and could not say how happy I am for you. Take Lilli home and when you get through with that come and see me and the fammily. Love you and can't wait to see you and Lilli!!!!!!
Love, Roxie

March 18, 2008 - 04:17 PM Lisa Horner
What a wonderful way to celebrate Lilli's arrival! I LOVE the webpage. I know you all are SO EXCITED and we are all looking forward to meeting Lilli when you get home!

March 18, 2008 - 04:23 PM Susan Wilson
Dear Lilli,
You are so cute and adorable. I hope you have a happy life. I was also adopted from China. My gotcha day is September 5. I was living at the QidongSocial Welfare House. I was adopted when I was 18 months old. I am now 10 years old. You and I will always be connected by the invisible red thread. We are like Chinese sisters and I hope to meet you this summer. Love,
Bella Rose Fu Yun Wilson

March 18, 2008 - 04:27 PM Susan Wilson
Dear Lilli,
I love you. I was born in China. My name is Anne Mallott Yan Wei Wilson. I was adopted when I was 1 year old. My gotcha day is August 18. I am now 5 years old. I can't wait to meet you and give you kisses. You and I are like each other.
Love,
Anne Mallott

March 18, 2008 - 04:38 PM Tom and Susan Wilson
Dear Lilli,
What a beautiful little girl you are. Many years ago my husband Tom and I traveled to China and brought home two beautiful little girls. We love them sooo much and I know how much you'll be loved as well.
Even though you don't us yet, we love you. We've followed your journey and have prayed for you and your Mom and Dad daily. My little girls, Bella Rose and Anne Mallott, look forward to welcoming you home. They are already calling you "mei mei" - little sister.
Love,
Susan Wilson

March 19, 2008 - 05:32 PM Donna and Catherine Anne XiuJin
Dear Lilli:
Congratulations on joining your new family. We are a Zhangshu family as well. Catherine Anne XiuJin AKA Zhang Xiu Jin, was placed in our arms 2 years ago! We are wishing you all the love, laughter and blessings you so deserve. Your Mommy said you are a Child Of God and she is so right. What better time to be celebrating new life being brought together then during the week of the Resurrection of Our Lord. The same week we were joined with Catherine in 2006. Many blessings and a safe journey home!
In His Service,
onna, Mark, James(14) and Catherine aka Princess, 2 years 10 months

March 19, 2008 - 07:30 PM Amy Docherty
Hi Jenny and Danny!
Lilli is too cute!! You all look so happy! Things are going great in Gansu! Kayla is perfect! Can't wait to see you Friday!
Love, Dan, Amy, Abby, Drew & Kayla

March 20, 2008 - 06:11 AM Jane & Larry
Dear Lilli,
What a beautiful little girl you are, we can't wait for a chance to hold you! God has sent you to a wonderful family, you are all truly blessed.

March 20, 2008 - 06:33 PM Caroline Pusey
I love you so much already and want you to come home now! By the way, Happy Easter! John says Easter is about Jesus rising from the dead. He loves you so much!

March 22, 2008 - 08:17 AM Anna Parker
Hey Lilli! I am so excited about meeting you and I can hardly wait for us to have our first tea party!! My mommy showed me your pictures and you are so pretty. I guess my mommy thinks so too because she is smiling and crying at the same time. I love you Lilli, please come home soon so we can play.
Love your friend, Anna Parker

March 22, 2008 - 09:16 AM Amy Nix
Oh where, oh where, can Miss Lilli be... Oh where, oh where, can she be...she's resting under an umbrella of love...for all the world to see.... :)

March 23, 2008 - 08:25 PM Carissa Stone
Would love to share our web site, we returned from China, just 6 months ago, seems like so long now, we adopted Yu Yun Bai from Guangdong China, tell Amy , Linker and Sherry hello, from MyAnn Stone, Eric and Carissa, Cole, Mitchell,and my parents, Ed and Marylee, we all loved them so much. if you send me your email I will give you the link to our site and it has all our travel and other photos posted, Best of love to you tommorrow on Gotcha Day.
Carissa Stone

March 24, 2008 - 02:13 PM Denese Harris
Hi Lilli,
We are so happy you are finally with your Mommy and Daddy. Your mommy is so full of love and had has been waiting to shower that all over you. I hope someday we are blessed to meet you.
Denese Harris & Pro Cad Crew

March 25, 2008 - 08:49 AM Scarlett & Chris
Yea!!! You are ready to come home! We can't wait to see you in person and get some of that good sugar your Mommy and Daddy have been bragging about! Have a safe flight little one!! Love to you all!

March 25, 2008 - 09:25 AM Ella
HEY LILLI,
You looked great in your red rosey dress. I fell in love with you the first picture I saw!! I'm so excited to see you this Thursday!!! I love you tons!!! From your cousin ELLA!<3<3<3<3 heart heart heart heart

March 27, 2008 - 09:55 AM Madison Parrish
Hey Lilli,
Welcome home. I like your pictures, Lilli. I want to teach you how to play golf.

March 28, 2008 - 11:24 AM Martha
So glad you are here!!!! Thanks for the sugar.

April 02, 2008 - 11:37 AM Leslie Bunch
You are the cutest little thing & you have the best parents EVER! Can't wait to meet you :)
Leslie

April 03, 2008 - 03:18 PM Tonya and Brandon
Hey SweetPea!!! You are the prettiest and sweetest little thing ever! We can't wait to see you again! Tell your mommy and daddy if they ever need a break for a little while we'll be more than happy to babysit!
Love, Tonya & Brandon

April 04, 2008 - 11:06 AM Suzanne, Liesel and Lainey
Lilli!!!!
Thank God you are safe and sound now in your new home! Your parents are so excited and we are too! We were soooo excited that we wsited for you in our car, at your house, to get home at 12:30 am! When Papa drove up, Aunt Amy, cousins Ella, Liesel, and Lainey and Aunt Boo waved American flags to welcome you home! You just smiled and grabbed at the flags. We loved on you before you were even out of the car!
We stayed and played with you until about 2:30 in the morning! Boy, we were tired, but you weren't really after all that sleeping on the plane.
We can't wait to see you again soon. Unfortunately, we have had to work and go to school this week while you learn a new schedule. I hear from your Mommy that it is hard work!
We love you to the moon and back!
Love, Aunt Boo, Liesel & Lainey

April 10, 2008 - 07:02 PM Scarlett
Hey Miss Lilli! Thank you for coming to visit me yesterday. You have the sweetest smile and giggle. I can't get over how beautiful and sweet you are!
P.S. Love your squeaky shoes! :)