Trying out her new wheels
Any toads in here?
Collecting rocks is serious business!
Collecting rocks is serious business!
First time with sidewalk chalk (Anna, not Greg!)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
China will now allow single women to adopt through the Special Focus Program!!
Big News from China! See the notice below:
Government departments and adoption agencies in receiving countries, In order to promote special needs child adoption and guarantee the basic interests of the orphaned and disabled children, CCAA decides to accept the adoption applications from female single applicants to adopt according to the requirements listed in this notice, starting from March 15, 2011:
•Female single applicants are allowed to adopt special focus children listed on the special Needs System of CCAA.
•One applicant can only adopt one special focus child at a time, with an interval of at least one year between two adoptions.
•The applicant shall have reached the age of 30 years and are under 50. For applicants over 50, the age difference between the child to be adopted and the applicant shall be no more than 45 years.
•The applicant shall provide her civil status certificate. Unmarried applicants shall provide certification for being single and non-homosexual; divorced applicants shall provide the divorce certificate of the last marriage; and widowed applicants shall provide the death certificate of their ex-spouse.
•The reason of being single and attitude towards marriage. Applicants shall have clear indication of willingness to appoint male figures as role models for the adopted child, and welcome male friends to join family gatherings.
•Applicants shall have received inter-country adoption training and training specifically for special needs child adoption so as to understand fully the physical and psychological needs of special needs children.
•Detailed nurturing and rehabilitation plan. Applicants shall be qualified personally and socially for caring special needs children and have wide social and family supporting network which can provide assistance any time.
•Guardians appointed by the applicants shall provide written statement as consent to act as the guardian of the adopted child. X. If the applicant has a stable relationship and lives with a male partner, t he requirements of couple applicants shall be applied.
•Applicants shall be healthy both physically and mentally according to the requirements by CCAA for prospective adoptive couples.
•Applicants shall be law abiding with no criminal records, and have good moral quality and conduct
•The family annual income shall reach $10,000 per family member, including the prospective adoptee and the family net assets value should reach $100,000.
•The applicant shall have good medical insurance which can cover the medical expense of the adopted child.
•Applicants shall be experienced in child caring or be occupied in child-related fields, such as doctor, nurse, teacher, child psychological counselor, etc. It's best that the applicants have already had successful experience in caring for special needs children.
•The number of children in the applicant's family under the age of 18 years shall be no more than two, and the youngest one should have reached the age of 6 years old.
•Applicants shall be fully prepared for adopting a special focus child.
•Social workers shall provide the following information fully and timely in the home study reports besides family visit interviews: Adoption motive. The decision to adopt a special focus child shall be well-considered. Applicants shall be capable of caring for a special need child and be responsible for the well-being of the child.
If you would like to know more about the special focus program, about some great agencies out there that can help you, or about the 2000+ children that are waiting each month, please send me an email or a blog comment and I will be more than happy to help you!!
Government departments and adoption agencies in receiving countries, In order to promote special needs child adoption and guarantee the basic interests of the orphaned and disabled children, CCAA decides to accept the adoption applications from female single applicants to adopt according to the requirements listed in this notice, starting from March 15, 2011:
•Female single applicants are allowed to adopt special focus children listed on the special Needs System of CCAA.
•One applicant can only adopt one special focus child at a time, with an interval of at least one year between two adoptions.
•The applicant shall have reached the age of 30 years and are under 50. For applicants over 50, the age difference between the child to be adopted and the applicant shall be no more than 45 years.
•The applicant shall provide her civil status certificate. Unmarried applicants shall provide certification for being single and non-homosexual; divorced applicants shall provide the divorce certificate of the last marriage; and widowed applicants shall provide the death certificate of their ex-spouse.
•The reason of being single and attitude towards marriage. Applicants shall have clear indication of willingness to appoint male figures as role models for the adopted child, and welcome male friends to join family gatherings.
•Applicants shall have received inter-country adoption training and training specifically for special needs child adoption so as to understand fully the physical and psychological needs of special needs children.
•Detailed nurturing and rehabilitation plan. Applicants shall be qualified personally and socially for caring special needs children and have wide social and family supporting network which can provide assistance any time.
•Guardians appointed by the applicants shall provide written statement as consent to act as the guardian of the adopted child. X. If the applicant has a stable relationship and lives with a male partner, t he requirements of couple applicants shall be applied.
•Applicants shall be healthy both physically and mentally according to the requirements by CCAA for prospective adoptive couples.
•Applicants shall be law abiding with no criminal records, and have good moral quality and conduct
•The family annual income shall reach $10,000 per family member, including the prospective adoptee and the family net assets value should reach $100,000.
•The applicant shall have good medical insurance which can cover the medical expense of the adopted child.
•Applicants shall be experienced in child caring or be occupied in child-related fields, such as doctor, nurse, teacher, child psychological counselor, etc. It's best that the applicants have already had successful experience in caring for special needs children.
•The number of children in the applicant's family under the age of 18 years shall be no more than two, and the youngest one should have reached the age of 6 years old.
•Applicants shall be fully prepared for adopting a special focus child.
•Social workers shall provide the following information fully and timely in the home study reports besides family visit interviews: Adoption motive. The decision to adopt a special focus child shall be well-considered. Applicants shall be capable of caring for a special need child and be responsible for the well-being of the child.
If you would like to know more about the special focus program, about some great agencies out there that can help you, or about the 2000+ children that are waiting each month, please send me an email or a blog comment and I will be more than happy to help you!!
Friday, March 04, 2011
As The Time Goes By: URGENT: Qiong Needs a Family!
In China, when a child turns 14 they "age out" of the international adoption program ... Please click on the link below to read about Qiong and please pray for her...
As The Time Goes By: URGENT: Qiong Needs a Family!
As The Time Goes By: URGENT: Qiong Needs a Family!
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Our little snow bunny
Last year Anna didn't care for snow at all ... this year was a different story! We told her before her nap on Saturday that we would go play in the snow when she woke up. She woke up from her nap yelling "MAMA" and I went in her room the first thing she said was "Dada, Mama, Anna, snow". She couldn't wait to get her snow pants and boots on and get out there. 
Anna's language has really taken off lately. It's so fun to hear her say little sentences. Her latest is on Saturday mornings when we bring her in our bed to snuggle before we all get up ... we say "guess what day it is" and she says "weekend"! Then we say "what does that mean" and she says "Dada, Mama no work". Too cute!
Anna's language has really taken off lately. It's so fun to hear her say little sentences. Her latest is on Saturday mornings when we bring her in our bed to snuggle before we all get up ... we say "guess what day it is" and she says "weekend"! Then we say "what does that mean" and she says "Dada, Mama no work". Too cute!Thursday, February 03, 2011
Happy Chinese New Year!
It's the Year of the Rabbit. Anna had fun making some bunny 
cookies to share with her friends today ...
Our beautiful, 60 degree weekend, turned into 8 below and a foot of snow this week ... great for snow ice cream!!
Stay warm!
cookies to share with her friends today ...
Our beautiful, 60 degree weekend, turned into 8 below and a foot of snow this week ... great for snow ice cream!!
Stay warm!
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.
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