Friday, January 28, 2011
Happy Weekend!
It's going to be 60 degrees tomorrow! Not bad for January! Hope you all have a nice weekend and don't work too hard!
Friday, January 21, 2011
5 new China Special Focus referrals received at our agency
Our agency has 5 new files of some sweeties ready to find their forever family! If you are interested in any of these children, feel free to email me directly or email Laura Bussa at AAI ( lbussa@adoptassoc.com ) and she will be glad to share any of the files with you.
To see pictures, please visit AAI's password protected website at http://www.adoptionassociates.net/international/waiting_children/
User name: waiting_children
Password: focus2010
Here is a brief summary of each of the kids (I have several additional pics of Jaxon & Ryan as well as some more info on their special needs):
1. Jaxon - born July 2009
Jaxon is in foster care and is diagnosed with post-operative congenital anal atresia/rectovesical fistula. His report indicates he is on target developmentally, is extroverted, likes to listen to music, likes to be cuddled and he is described as "lovely". An updated developmental report and recent pictures are included with his file.
2. Kristin - born January 2004
Kristin is described in her report as a "beautiful, sensitive and cute girl". She takes anti-seizure medication daily for epilepsy. While this medication is helpful, she is still experiencing seizures 1-2 times per week. Her report describes her as extroverted, but shy in front of strangers. Kristin likes to play with other children and loves to play with dolls. Her report indicates she likes to help caretakers, and is adored by both her caretakers and teachers.
3. Luke - born June 2008
Luke is described as quiet and he gets along well with other children. He likes colorful toys and understands and speaks the language well. Luke likes to listen To music and is on target developmentally. He is diagnosed with a deformity in one finger on the left hand, two fingers on the right hand and two toes on his right foot. His report indicates that he uses his fingers well and can grasp small items as well as use a pen for drawing. He walks easily without help. Please note that there is a dark shadow on the side of his face in this picture. He does not have birthmarks or other markings on his face. An updated picture has been requested.
4. Madelyn - born July 2004
Madelyn is an active little girl diagnosed with post operative anal atresia and two webbed toes on her right foot. She is described as a very active an adorable girl. She likes to play with other children and her report indicates she has a good memory. We have recently received updated developmental information and new pictures.
5. Ryan - born May 2010
Ryan is a young baby boy diagnosed with congenital heart disease. He likes to be held and played with and smiles often. His report mentions that he is curious and likes to be cuddled by caretakers.
To see pictures, please visit AAI's password protected website at http://www.adoptionassociates.net/international/waiting_children/
User name: waiting_children
Password: focus2010
Here is a brief summary of each of the kids (I have several additional pics of Jaxon & Ryan as well as some more info on their special needs):
1. Jaxon - born July 2009
Jaxon is in foster care and is diagnosed with post-operative congenital anal atresia/rectovesical fistula. His report indicates he is on target developmentally, is extroverted, likes to listen to music, likes to be cuddled and he is described as "lovely". An updated developmental report and recent pictures are included with his file.
2. Kristin - born January 2004
Kristin is described in her report as a "beautiful, sensitive and cute girl". She takes anti-seizure medication daily for epilepsy. While this medication is helpful, she is still experiencing seizures 1-2 times per week. Her report describes her as extroverted, but shy in front of strangers. Kristin likes to play with other children and loves to play with dolls. Her report indicates she likes to help caretakers, and is adored by both her caretakers and teachers.
3. Luke - born June 2008
Luke is described as quiet and he gets along well with other children. He likes colorful toys and understands and speaks the language well. Luke likes to listen To music and is on target developmentally. He is diagnosed with a deformity in one finger on the left hand, two fingers on the right hand and two toes on his right foot. His report indicates that he uses his fingers well and can grasp small items as well as use a pen for drawing. He walks easily without help. Please note that there is a dark shadow on the side of his face in this picture. He does not have birthmarks or other markings on his face. An updated picture has been requested.
4. Madelyn - born July 2004
Madelyn is an active little girl diagnosed with post operative anal atresia and two webbed toes on her right foot. She is described as a very active an adorable girl. She likes to play with other children and her report indicates she has a good memory. We have recently received updated developmental information and new pictures.
5. Ryan - born May 2010
Ryan is a young baby boy diagnosed with congenital heart disease. He likes to be held and played with and smiles often. His report mentions that he is curious and likes to be cuddled by caretakers.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Happy Forever Family Day, Anna!!
We will never forget that moment when we turned around and saw Anna for the very first time. Greg and I were both speechless. Anna was the sweetest little pink bundle in world!We couldn't feel more blessed to have Anna as our daughter, she brings us more joy than we could have ever imagined!
Here are a some shots taken in the last couple of weeks. Our baby is such a big girl now! 
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 09, 2010
The move
We are all settled in to the new house (well, there are still boxes everywhere!) and Anna is doing great! We were prepared for her to have some sleep issues, but she totally surprised us and has been sleeping great, just like normal. We have noticed that she's been a little more clingy, but this seems to be getting a little better each day.
She loves seeing the Christmas decorations and whenever she spots Santa, she yells "Claus" and rubs her chin for his beard. Too cute!
She loves seeing the Christmas decorations and whenever she spots Santa, she yells "Claus" and rubs her chin for his beard. Too cute!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
We are so thankful to be celebrating this Thanksgiving as a family of 3! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Oh Happy Day!
Good news ... yesterday someone put an offer in on our house, we counter-offered and as we were walking in to close on the new house this morning our agent told us our counter-offer had been accepted! Big relief and perfect timing ... Praise God!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Big week
Lots of big steps this week for our big girl. Anna went to the nursery at church by herself for the first time this past Sunday! This was such a big step for her and we were so proud!
She also did nap time at Nana's a few days this week and did great. Anna's sleep routine is really good now, but it took many, many months before she was sleeping through the night feeling content and secure in her new home. We haven't wanted to disrupt this great routine, but we decided it might finally be time for her to try nap time at Nana's with the rest of the kids. Anna loves to do what the other kids are doing, so she had no trouble at all making the transition! Another proud moment for us!
We will be moving into our new house the first weekend of December. We have been talking to Anna about it a lot and we just ask for prayers for her as she makes that transition! We are still trying to sell our current house, so prayers for us that we get it sold soon!!
Have a great weekend!
She also did nap time at Nana's a few days this week and did great. Anna's sleep routine is really good now, but it took many, many months before she was sleeping through the night feeling content and secure in her new home. We haven't wanted to disrupt this great routine, but we decided it might finally be time for her to try nap time at Nana's with the rest of the kids. Anna loves to do what the other kids are doing, so she had no trouble at all making the transition! Another proud moment for us!
We will be moving into our new house the first weekend of December. We have been talking to Anna about it a lot and we just ask for prayers for her as she makes that transition! We are still trying to sell our current house, so prayers for us that we get it sold soon!!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
A must read
Here is a great post from an advocacy blog I follow - it's a little long, but please take the time to read it.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Advocating for some children with our agency
We received this info from our agency earlier this week:
The China Waiting Children program has seen significant changes over the last two years. The most significant change was the implementation of CCAA's Online System. This system has allowed agencies to access information on thousands of children waiting for their families.
Now, CCAA has implemented their "Special Focus Children Program" where agencies select children that have been on the Shared List for at least two months and then request that CCAA assign them to their agency as "Individual" referrals. Agencies then have three months in which to find families for the children assigned to them. AAI currently has a list of 10 Special Focus children, both boys and girls ranging from age 11 months to 11 years, that we are advocating for. We would like to ask you, both our past and present clients, to help us in this effort to advocate for these children who are waiting for their forever families.
If you belong to a Yahoo group, forum, or have a blog, we are asking that you consider posting a notice of their availability, listing the children as
follows:
1. Benjamin, born in March of 2009, is diagnosed with albinism.
2. Christopher, born in May of 2007, is diagnosed with albinism.
3. Garrett, born in June of 2008, is diagnosed with congenital heart disease (a family currently has a hold on this file).
4. Hayden, born in November 2009, is diagnosed with cleft lip and palate.
5. Jessie, born in July of 2001, is hepatitis b positive.
6. Lily, born in March of 2003, is diagnosed with anemia and has a significant developmental delay.
7. Liam, born in December of 2007, is hepatitis b positive.
8. Tyler, born in July of 2009, is diagnosed with repaired cleft lip (no cleft palate) and an extra small toe.
9. & 10. Katie & Kyle - TWINS! - born in December of 1998. Katie is healthy and Kyle is hepatitis b positive.
Interested families can contact me directly at 1.800.677.2367 or email me at
lbussa@adoptassoc.com ... to receive detailed medical reports and pictures.
The China Waiting Children program has seen significant changes over the last two years. The most significant change was the implementation of CCAA's Online System. This system has allowed agencies to access information on thousands of children waiting for their families.
Now, CCAA has implemented their "Special Focus Children Program" where agencies select children that have been on the Shared List for at least two months and then request that CCAA assign them to their agency as "Individual" referrals. Agencies then have three months in which to find families for the children assigned to them. AAI currently has a list of 10 Special Focus children, both boys and girls ranging from age 11 months to 11 years, that we are advocating for. We would like to ask you, both our past and present clients, to help us in this effort to advocate for these children who are waiting for their forever families.
If you belong to a Yahoo group, forum, or have a blog, we are asking that you consider posting a notice of their availability, listing the children as
follows:
1. Benjamin, born in March of 2009, is diagnosed with albinism.
2. Christopher, born in May of 2007, is diagnosed with albinism.
3. Garrett, born in June of 2008, is diagnosed with congenital heart disease (a family currently has a hold on this file).
4. Hayden, born in November 2009, is diagnosed with cleft lip and palate.
5. Jessie, born in July of 2001, is hepatitis b positive.
6. Lily, born in March of 2003, is diagnosed with anemia and has a significant developmental delay.
7. Liam, born in December of 2007, is hepatitis b positive.
8. Tyler, born in July of 2009, is diagnosed with repaired cleft lip (no cleft palate) and an extra small toe.
9. & 10. Katie & Kyle - TWINS! - born in December of 1998. Katie is healthy and Kyle is hepatitis b positive.
Interested families can contact me directly at 1.800.677.2367 or email me at
lbussa@adoptassoc.com ... to receive detailed medical reports and pictures.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
On this very morning
One year ago today (at 4:30am), our phone rang with the call we had been praying for and an email with a picture that melted our hearts. Our lives were forever changed. This is the first picture that we saw of Anna.
Here is one from yesterday morning and a couple more that Greg snapped this morning (yes, she's now sporting a ponytail).
Here is one from yesterday morning and a couple more that Greg snapped this morning (yes, she's now sporting a ponytail). It's hard to believe that she'll be 2 in December. She has grown and changed so much over the course of this year ... it's been amazing to watch! We feel incredibly blessed to have her.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Sponsor a Child
I have added some links to the left of some great foster homes in China that allow you to sponsor their children and/or donate to help these homes continue to provide care for these kiddos. Please check them out!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Fall is here!
We are finally having some beautiful fall weather! Anna loves seeing pumpkins everywhere. Every time she spots one she says "ooohhh" and gets really excited! It's crazy how quick she catches on to things!
Saying "hi" to the pumpkins
Some big news in our little world ... we're moving! We've been house hunting for a few months now and last weekend we put a contract on a house! We'll just be moving about 5 minutes from where we are now, but it will give us more space! Now, we are just praying that our current house sells quickly! We put it on the market last weekend as well. So far, we've had 2 showings and are having an open house Sunday. Prayers that we are able to get it sold before our 60 day close comes on the new house!!
Hope you all enjoy this beautiful fall weekend!
Anna dancing to The Wiggles
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