18 April 2006
12 April 2006
Were Home…..
After over four long years of waiting, paperwork, fingerprints, interviews, stress, country changes, numerous INS trips and reapplications, stress, more paperwork, country closings, redoing paperwork, prayers, stress, updating paperwork, a Chinese lottery slot, stress, even more paperwork, did I mention stress, I finally have my precious angel. I could not be happier. I hate to jinx it, but she is a dream. I could not have wished for more.
There is a reason that we call this an adoption journey. It’s because it is process and there is actually no end. Yes, the adoption is completed but its effects last a lifetime. Your mind is changed, your heart is changed, and you are no longer the person you were when you began. Our flight to China was uneventful. My mom and I slept most of the way. There were five other GW adoptive families on the plane with us so the silver stork to China was a joyous one filled with love and anticipation for our children.
Beijing was so different then I had remembered it. It was more built up and industrial in the 11 years since I was there. I almost didn’t recognize it. The city is massive and the building and construction is non-stop.
My mom and I did all the touristy stuff including visiting the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tian An Men Square, the Summer Palace, seeing the Pandas at the Zoo and of course climbing the Great Wall.
As all of you know I am an Olympic freak, but I am sad to say that I was disappointed on the lack of advertisement Beijing was displaying for the upcoming 2008 games.
March 29-Gotta Day, after leaving the hotel early in the morning, we arrived in Guangzhou around noon after a 3 ½ hour flight. By the time we got to the hotel and was all checked in there was not time to really get ready. We just grabbed the diaper bag, cameras, and the donation money and were on our way to the Civil Affairs Office to meet our babies. All the parents were shuffled into a waiting room and the babies were brought in one by one by the orphanage nannies and director. What an incredible moment! There was so much emotion and I really don’t know exactly how to express what I was feeling. It was so intense, overwhelming and totally miraculous. Everything seemed to go by in fast motion. It felt as if you were on a carnival attraction and didn’t know which way to turn to try to absorb it all in. The exchange itself was very quick and there she was in my arms. All the sounds around me became muted and I could only see my daughter. When they brought her into the room she had the biggest smile on her face. She came to me with out any problems and giggled all the way. She has such a wonderful disposition. Holding her for the first time was a miracle. I will never forget that moment.
The following day we went back the civil affairs office for our interview. The Chinese government wanted to make sure that all of our paperwork was correct and accurate and that they felt that we were good and kind parents. After reviewing my documents and asking me basic questions they asked me to raise my hand and swear that I would always love, and take care of Jin Xiu and never abandon her. That was they easiest question I ever had to answer. After getting our official photo taken and a big stamp from the Civil Affairs Bureau she was mine in the eyes of the Chinese Government.
As the days went on Emilee became more attached to us. She was never an introverted child, but as time went on she began to blossom more and more. When she first came to us she could not sit up, with in a few days not only was she sitting up, but she was pulling her self up and trying to stand. It was amazing to watch. Emilee is such a flirt. She loves people and smiles at everyone. She even wakes up with a smile.
On April 6th, the US Consulate declared that Emilee was now able to come to the US. It was such an emotional celebration. It took place at the US Consulate in Guangzhou. There were about 150 other adoptive families in the room and after they swore us in there was a roar of applause and not a dry eye in the house.
On April 7th, Emilee, my mom and I took the train down to Hong Kong. Emilee toured with us like a pro. She never complained once and amused everyone else on the tour with her smiles and giggles. As you can see from all the pictures, we had a great time.
The plane ride home went fast. It didn’t even seem like a 16 hour trip. Emilee loves to fly and played and slept the entire trip. When we landed, people came over to me saying that they didn’t even know that a baby was on the plane. She is a real trooper.
In closing, I wish everyone who adopted a baby my congratulations and I am so honored I was able to share this experience with you.
I thank everyone who shared this long and incredible experience with me. I hope that you can find the time to visit and get to know Emilee. She is hoping to meet all of you soon.
A special thank you to Kathy for helping me share all of the many pictures I sent from China.
Take care
Staci, Rosalyn, and Emilee Madison Jin Xiu
01 April 2006
The Bracelet
This scarlet cord around my wristSymbolically it standsWith sev'ral precious meaningsThroughout the woven strands.Three different colors make the string:There's reds! ~not one but two.Each stand for someone special:One me, the other you.The interwoven golden threadsThroughout this scarlet stringRemind us there's a Greater Love(They represent what destiny will bring).Fate had connected us long ago, before we were,Before all time and spaceIntricately entwined our livesUnder gods love and guiding grace
Before the bracelet was tied on me
It had two ends that were apart
They represent our lives together
That when united created our start
The circle represents our bond
Entangled together, unbroken and strong
It’s a symbol of my love for you
So you know where you belongWhen I come to get you,The birds will sing that day
The sun will shine upon us
When I bring you home to stay!But now I wait impatiently Until the day arrives
When you will be my daughter
And fate finally unites our lives
21 March 2006
Happy 12th Birthday Joseph....................
My nephew Joseph is turning 12 years old on April 7th. This will be the first year that I will not be with him to celebrate his birthday. Im really sad about that, but we plan to celebrate when I get back. This year he will have a very special guest at his party. His new couisin Emilee.......
To the Left is 12 years of Joseph James....
16 March 2006
Travel Plans
March
22 LEAVE FOR CHINA
Newark, depart 12:15 pm
23 ARRIVE IN CHINA Bejining Airport-3:pm
24 BEIJING
25 BEIJING
26 BEIJING -Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Zoo
27 BEIJING-
28 BEIJING-- Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tian An Men
Jin Xiu’s 9 Month Bday
29 GUANGZHOU ---MEET JIN XIU ---3:00pm
Hotel: White Swan Click here: White Swan Hotel
30 GUANGZHOU -- Go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to do the adoption registration, and then go the Police Station office to do the paperwork.
31 GUANGZHOU -- Shopping for babies.
> April>
1 GUANGZHOU -- Chen Family’s Temple
2 GUANGZHOU --Yuntai Garden
3 GUANGZHOU --Take Jin Xiu's visa picture and Jin Xiu's medical examination
4 GUANGZHOU--Guide goes to Civil Affairs to get baby’s passport. Doing INS Form in the afternoon
5 GUANGZHOU--CONSULATE APPOINTMENT ---Guide goes to AC to hand in families documents in the morning and hand in Visa fee in the afternoon.
6 GUANGZHOU--Six Banyang Tree.
GET JIN XIU'S VISA --go to AC for interview and get visa in the afternoon.
7 HONG KONG
8 HONG KONG
9 HONG KONG
10 HONG KONG
11 HONG KONG---RETURN HOME
Depart 10: 25 am Arrive in Newark 2:05pm
06 March 2006
02 March 2006
Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all."
"One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."
"The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:
"Which wolf wins?"
The old man replied, "The one you feed"
01 March 2006
28 February 2006
A Spark In The Dark
This is the story of a Star in the sky,
of where we all come from and the answer to "why?"
It's about a blue ball, a mountain and tree,
a light in our hearts, and our reason to be.
A long time ago, when the sky was still dark...
In a faraway corner flashed a bright little spark.
It grew into a Star, way up in the sky,
Since no one was there, no one asked "why?"
The star loved the darkness, it helped it to shine,
but was all by itself for a very long time.
and the Star grew lonely up there in the night,
with nothing to shine on or receive its star light.
So it made a blue ball, and spun it around.
It was pretty to look at, but way too far down.
So the star made a mountain grow up from the sea,
and said to itself, "Now it's nearer to me."
But the mountain just sat there, did nothing at all.
So it put a green tree on the little blue ball.
Now the Star had the water, the moutain and tree,
but still was not happy - how could that be?
As the Star looked around and pondered its plight,
it spied down below its reflections of light -
Down on the water they danced and they swam,
The Star had an idea! The Star had a plan...
It took a deep breath, 'til it started to strain,
then starbeams fell down on the mountain, like rain.
They burst into Beings of bright colored light.
They could feel, they could hear, they could see every sight!
They ran, they skipped, they tumbled and played
on the mountain and tree that the Star had just made.
And the Star was so happy with what it had done,
it fell asleep in the sky, tired out from the fun.
When day turned to night, the Star opened its eyes,
to twinkling lights that filled up the skies.
What happens, you see...in each child's heart
glows a piece of the Star, of which we're all part.
In the sky up above, as each child dreams -
like the water, the darkness refleets their light beams.
While the children all sleep on the blue ball below,
their lights twinkle above in a beautiful glow.
The star was delighted, its sparkled with glee,
surrounded by lights from within You and Me.
So remember, tonight as you sleep in your bed,
a light from within shines over your head.
And that is the story of a world that began,
with all little children as part of the plan.
No matter the color, the shape big or small,
the Star loved them all on the little blue ball.
Written by Richard Tichnor and Jenny Smith
26 February 2006
25 February 2006
My Daughters Eyes
In my daughter's eyes, I am a hero.
I am strong and wise, and I know no fear.
But the truth is plain to see.
She was sent to rescue me.
I see who I want to be In my daughter's eyes.
In my daughter's eyes, everyone is equal.
Darkness turns to light, and the world is at peace.
This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak.
I find reason to believe in my daughter's eyes.
And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a a smile in my heart.
Everything becomes a little clearer I realize what life is all about.
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough.
It's giving more when you feel like giving up.
I have seen the light.
It is in my daughter's eyesIn my daughter's eyes,
I can see the future.
A reflection of who I am and what will be.
Though she'll grow and someday leave,
maybe raise a family
When I am gone I hope you'll see how happy she made me.
For I'll be there in my daughter's eyes.
24 February 2006
I live in two time zones, now.
You have brought me 14 hours into the future.
Before dawn here, it is your early evening.
Is someone holding you? Looking into your shining black eyes?
Or, do your eyes search - hungry to reflect a mother's love?
My eyes ache to look into yours for the first time and then again and again.
With your birth, you marked June 28thforever in my consciousness.
I look at the calendar, and calculate, my daughter is 7 months old today.
Yesterday, I learned your name – Xu Jin Xiu- my bright and shining baby girl. Half a planet away and fourteen hours in the future, my consciousness seeks yours offering my time.
Time reaching back to your ancestors and mine.Time reaching forward to the children you will share your time with when my time is past.
23 February 2006
The Children of China
There's an unseen tie that binds them,
A red thread that will not break.
They are woven in a tapestry
It took five thousand years to make.
Their eyes are wide with wonder
Tiny hands reach out to touch
The faces of the families
Who have wanted them so much.
The daughters of China, they fly across the seas,
Off to unseen places and possibilities.
They are gifts to those who cherish them
By those who just could not.
Acts of hope and faith and love
That we never will forget.
They were given up for reasons
That most will never know.
Now they're daughters to the families
Who have come to take them home.
And someday they'll too be mothers
And have children and a home.
Thread by thread they will tie the knots
To weave new tapestries all their own.
The daughters of China, they fly across the seas,
Off to unseen places and possibilities.
They are gifts to those who cherish them
By those who just could not.
Acts of hope and faith and love
*****
Written By Tim Chauvin
Jin Xiu's Finding Ad
Since 1999, the orphanages in China are required to run a provincial newspaper advertisement for children that are found and brought to their orphanage. These ads contain information about where and when the children were found and which orphanage is caring for them. Originally these were text-only ads, but most provinces now include photographs in their ads. These photographs are usually the earliest available pictures of the children. Here is Jin Xiu's finding ad. I am guessing that she is less than 1 month old.
There is an adoptive father who locates finding ads for families and he was able to find Jin Xiu's. The picture is not very good but I am thrilled to have it. I also received a letter certifying that the finding ad for Xu Jin Xiu was published August 30, 2005, in the Nanfang Farmer's Daily and is the 1,664th picture ad for 2005.
I also received translation of her add:
Ad # 1664
Xu Jin Xiu
Finding Date 6/28/05
Found at the gate of the Xu Wen County Orphanage
She was a newborn baby when found.
She looks very different but after looking at the eyes I am certain this is her. I also made sure to match the chinese characters in her name, which are the first three characters and they match!!!
Xuwen
Profile
Xuwen County is located in the southernmost part of China Mainland; bordering South China Sea in the east and Beibu Gulf in the west; being separated from Hainan by the 18-nautical-mile wide Qiongzhou Straits. Coastal line is 372 kilometers, covering an area of 1,779 square kilometers with a population of 680,000.
In Yuanding VI, Han Kingdom (111.B.C), the county was established, capital was in the rear of islets, integrated with Shiwei, Erqiao and Nan wan (Touwang Village, in ancient times), where leans on Shiling Mountain, Passage in the east to South China Sea and adjoins the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to southwestern Asian countries. Creator's preference concentrated on her, thus the superior Port came into being thanks to Providence, then became the starting Port for Sea-Silk-Road. She has experienced two-thousand-year ups and downs. Plain Customs and folks seem to remain. Scenery is charming. Ancient wells, commercial port and docks have testified history.
Now the old battle field, where the PLA across Qiongzhou Straits to liberate Hainan has been sanitary sea and blue sky. Seagulls crying, trade ships sail here and there frequently, (adjacent to a mound) Guangdong-Hainan Railway Ferry Wharf stands grandly. Ancient and contemporary landscapes converge; Culture and economy combine; a conjunction of human civilization and cream of nature.
The initial port of the ancient Silk Road
It is located in the northwest of the northern port of the ferry of Guangdong-Hainan Railway. Around the region of Erqiao, Nanwan and Shiwei Villages there was the Xunwen County set up in 111 AD in Western Han Kingdom. The site covers an area of 25,000 square meters, where has unearthed relics of brick, tile, bronze ware, porcelain, Pearls and ornaments, etc. In November 1993 and December 2002 to January 2003 the provincial archeological institution, municipal museum and the Cultural Administration of Xunwen County jointly made the large-scale exploration after the approval of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and checked that the site was of the early Western Han Kingdom. In November 2001 the Counselor's Office of Guangdong Province, Pearl River Cultural Research Association, Cultural and History Exhibition Hall and the government of Zhanjiang City jointly held the large-scale symposium of South Chinese Port and Marine Silk Road. The expert group again made an investigation on spot and confirmed that the port was the beginning of marine Silk Road of Han Kingdom.
Village of Longevity
Jintu Village of Xilian Town is the poorest one among Xuwen before 1949, but the poor named their village “Jintu”, meaning the golden land. After the founding of the PRC, the village has taken great changes and the life of native villagers has been getting better and better. Its special ecological environment contributes to the village of longevity with over 170 people aged 70 or older, over 150 people aged 80 or older and 7 people aged 100 or older. Entering the village, you will learn effective methods for nourishing the elder, keeping longevity and good health.
Jin Xiu's Orphanage--Xu Wen County CWI
This is the outside of Jin Xiu's Orphanage. It was sent to me by a fellow Xuwen Mom (Thanks Marianne )
WITH GREAT JOY I AM HONORED TO ANNOUNCE
MY DAUGHTER
EMILEE MADISON JINXIU
This is what I know so far
Chinese Name: Xu Jin Xiu
Last name: Xu after her orphanage XuWen
First name: Jin
Middle name: Xiu
Meaning: Splendid and Beautiful ( I agree)
Birthdate: June 28, 2005
Checkup on June 29, 2005
7.04 lb
19.31 inches
Check up at 4 months (October 2005)
12.1 lb
25.02 inches
Development
First Month:
could watch the light, blink when there was a sound and folder her hand when it was touched
Second Month:
She could turn her head after ringing a bell, movement of hand and feet when happy. Would cry when she was wet and hungry. Does not like being wet or hungry.
Third Month:
Was able to support her upper body with forearms while lying on stomach, keeps her head up, rolls overShe likes when people talk to her and moves her lips to imitate Responds to Nannies voice and smiles a lot
Forth Month:
She could hold a toy in her hand and reaches for toys in front of she utters words like Ma and Ba
She loves to smile and is very affectionate She is active, , loves music, and a deep sleeper
A favorite among the nannies the call her "Xiu Xiu"
22 February 2006
Emilees One Hundred Good Wishes Quilt
There is a Northern Chinese tradition of the "Bai Jia Bei" or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." , When a baby was born, family and friends would donate to the child's mother fabric scraps from old clothing with a wish for the baby. To welcome and celebrate a new life, the mother would make a quilt for the child from the scraps. It is said that the luck, energy and good wishes from all of the families and friends who contributed the fabric surrounds the child when she is wrapped in the quilt. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. This idea of the 100 Wishes Quilt really touched me. What a wonderful way to have everyone participate in the celebration of Emilee coming into our lives. The quilt would be a community quilt of love and wishes waiting for her to be snuggled in it. Besides for tradition, she will someday be able to see how much she was wanted and thought about even before she came into our family.
On December 27th, I sent out a letter via email and postal mail to our family and friends explaining what the Bai Jia Bei is and how they can participate. To my surprise, the responses were swift and overwhelming. Everyone wanted to get involved.
I even joined a 100 good wishes swap group on line to share squares and wishes with other families that were going to China this year to get their daughters. Their squares would represent; to the mothers making the quilts, a bond between mothers that have waited and wished for our daughters to come home and to you a sisterhood of knowing that in the blanket there were squares and wishes of other families just like Emilees, who came from the same country and share your same history.
After a long decission I finally decided on a pattern and stiched them together.
As you can see the project got out of hand. I had so many squares and I didnt want to leave anyone out.
The blanket has become a family blanket because I can wrap my whole family in it.
Now that I have the top finished I still have to put it together and quilt it.
21 February 2006
20 February 2006
09 February 2006
China In My Mind
In my mind, I am in China.
I am holding you, your tiny little hand,
in mine.
You are not sure, but I am.
Your beautiful dark eyes stare at me,
in wonder.
I say to you, for the first time,
hand on heart...'Mama'.
You touch my face,
and again I say...'Mama' -
Hopeful you can understand.
What memories you hold in your heart -
I will never know.
What fears, what loneliness, what hurt has lived
in you -
you cannot tell.
But, I can tell you - that time is done.
In my mind, I am in China.
Your Grandma is crying, and we are,
in awe.
Your apple red cheeks glow
with the first smile given,
just for us.
The enormity of the moment hanging -
Just above.
The finality, sure and content in my heart.
In my mind, I am in China.
We are a family
and waiting for you across the ocean
Many cousins, Aunts and Uncles
long awaiting you.
A family tree you join, A place for you,
from time beginning.
Today my arms do not hold you -
Your smile is still unseen -
Still, you live in my heart, in my mind,
In this world!...Somewhere.
The calendar crawls, and the days,
trudge - a flicker of news propels me.
And again, in my mind, I am in China...
I am in love...
And you are forever welcomed home.
----S.A.J.
The Bracelet
This scarlet cord around my wristSymbolically it standsWith sev'ral precious meaningsThroughout the woven strands.Three different colors make the string:There's reds! ~not one but two.Each stand for someone special:One me, the other you.The interwoven golden threadsThroughout this scarlet stringRemind us there's a Greater Love(They represent what destiny will bring).Fate had connected us long ago, before we were,Before all time and spaceIntricately entwined our livesUnder gods love and guiding grace
Before the bracelet was tied on me
It had two ends that were apart
They represent our lives together
That when united created our start
The circle represents our bond
Entangled together, unbroken and strong
It’s a symbol of my love for you
So you know where you belongWhen I come to get you,The birds will sing that day
The sun will shine upon us
When I bring you home to stay!But now I wait impatiently Until the day arrives
When you will be my daughter
And fate finally unites our lives
07 February 2006
06 February 2006
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