A few more birthday pics....

Here are some pics of her cakes, one just for her and then one to share. One of her and Grandma Peters, then all her gifts (like she needs more) and one of her and I with her new laptop....a girls gotta have a computer right?

Jetta's Birthday Party

Well, yesterday we officially celebrated Jetta's 1st birthday. It was great and we all had a very good time. She was full of smiles and entertainment. She loved her cake and managed to get plenty on her face in order to give us all the opportunity to take pics. Needless to say she got tons of gifts, more than any child her age needs, but everyone seems to love spoiling her.

Several friends came over to share in the fun and Grandma Peters is still here visting, so it was a special day. Once we got her all cleaned up, we let her play with some of her new toys. She seemed to really enjoy them.

She managed to stay awake for most of the afternoon (figure it had something to do with the sugar high from the cake) and then crashed for a bit before dinner. Once she woke up, she was still in the best mood and she continued to play with all of her new toys.

I'm gonna attach some pics from the day and hope you all enjoy them. Again, thanks to everyone for all the wonderful gifts, the well wishes and for just following along in our journey. I'm gonna post again later today, as I have a few other updates, but need to go wake her up from her morning nap and get ready to head out for the day.

Jetta's 1 today....

Yep, today is Jetta's first birthday and it has been a big day for her. Despite the fact that we aren't actually celebrating it until Sunday, she still got alot of presents. Grandma Peters woke up bearning gifts and alot of them. She brought tons of stuff, books, clothes, a dolly that says her bedtime prayers, a silver spoon/fork, first tooth, first curl set and her first savings bond. There were other gifts, but those are the ones that are coming to mind right now. Needless to say, she got a haul.

Then we went and met a friend for lunch and she came with gifts. She brought Jetta several new toys. A little laugh and learn tea set and then also a laugh and learn purse set. Both are very cute and will be great toys for Jetta to play with and to learn from. Needless to say she's already getting spoiled.

She also got her walker from Grandma and Grandpa Vaughn, which has been serving us well. It allows mommy to do a few things without having to hold the baby.

We also got several phone calls from Grandma Alexander, Uncle Matt and Grandpa Vaughn. We also got several texts from friends wishing her well. So, all in all, for her first birthday and it not even being the true celebration, she faired pretty well.

She also got her first haircut today...more like a trim, but her bangs were in her eyes, so went and visited mommy's hairstylist and she trimmed it up. It is very adorable. She was pretty good, all things considered. She did squirm a bit, but Alyscia worked quickly and was able to shape it up. Our next haircut will probably be a little more substantial, but this was just to trim it up and get her all pretty for her 1 year pictures, which we hope to do next week some time.

Well, it's about bath/bed time, so I best go for now. We will post pictures after the celebration on Sunday and hopefully we'll have some good ones to share.

Thanks to everyone for making today a special day and wishing Jetta "birthday" wishes.

A few more pics......

These are of my friend Tammy and her daughter Paige at the airport when we got home. Grandpa and Jetta sucking her fingers, Jetta, Grandma and me, Jetta in her new walker last night and Jetta and Shinko (one of our guides in China) at the train station before we left Guangzhou.

Various Pics.....

These are some pics of 5 of the girls, as a couple of the families were not available the first time we took pics, then there is one with all of the girls, as well as the moms. Jetta in her first Chinese dress and Jetta in her suitcase, ready to come home.

We're home!!!

Oh my gosh it is so great to be home. We left Guangzhou on Wednesday the 18th right after the Visa ceremony and headed back to Hong Kong. We had to say goodbye to everyone at the Consulate, so that was a little tough. We didn't have much time to get to the train station and had to make the goodbye's quick. We traveled with a great group of people and hope that we can stay in touch with all of them for years to come. I will post a pic of all the girls from the hotel, as well as a pic of all the moms with the girls.

Once we got back to Hong Kong, we checked back into the Disney hotel and grabbed a bite to eat. It was nice to be back in Hong Kong and knowing that we would soon be leaving China to head home. Leaving was bitter sweet. Bitter in the sense that we were leaving Jetta's home and sweet in the sense that we were taking her HOME!

The plane ride was long, but not because of Jetta, just because 14 hours on a plane is a long time. Both Shannon and I seem to have caught a cold the last day we were in China and had some sinus issues on the plane, so the ride home was a bit tough. Neither of us slept at all, so by the time we got home, we'd been up for over 24 hours. Jetta was great on the plane....she didn't cry at all, not even on decent. She was great and didn't even seem to mind the ride. I still can't believe what an easy baby she is.

Once we got back to the states, clearing customs and Immigration was much easier than I anticipated. One of the TSA specialists jumped us in line at the customs counter, which was nice since the line was really long and then at Immigration we got right through. Once we collected our luggage, my friend Wendy (who used to live in Belleville) came to the airport with her mom and her daughter Mara (who is also adopted from China). It was great to see them and it definitely made the layover much more tolerable. It was great to see them and they will be coming down next weekend to visit Wendy's bestfriend (who lives near Highland). She and a few other people I've know for awhile will be at her friends house and will meet Jetta....we can't wait.

Once we got back to St. Louis, my friend Tammy, her daughter Paige (who is adopted from China), and two of my other close friends Jen and Kristy and her family came to the airport to meet us. It was great. It was nice to see familiar faces and for all of them to meet Jetta. It was emotional, just knowing the whole process was finally over.

We gathered our luggage and headed home. Jen had driven my car to airport, as I had the carseat in there and figured that would be easiest. Well, it was easy in the sense that Jen had my car, but not in the sense of the carseat. It took 3 of us, me, Jen and Kristy to figure out how to put Jetta in the carseat. I guess it may have been wise to have read the instructions prior to installing, err I mean putting Jetta in the seat. She didn't know what quite to think of it , but soon became very vocal and let Jen, Shannon and I know just what she thought. It wasn't pretty....40 mins of non-stop screaming and crying. It was my first true experience of her crying uncontrollably. She hadn't done that up to this point. The most I had heard her cry was for 5 mins or less. She was not happy, but I don't blame her, as she had never been in a carseat and was used to being in our laps while we were in China. We made a pit stop at a gas station to get some hot water to make her a bottle in the hopes that would help, but it didn't, and she finally cried herself to sleep.

Once we got home, Zack and Grandma and Grandpa Vaughn, as well as our dogs were at the house to meet us. It was great to see all of them, the dogs didn't even bark when we walked in. They all seemed very happy to see us. Jetta was not sure of what to make of the dogs and wasn't real fond of them last night, as I think she was extremely tired. She is doing much better today. She has actually pet them and doesn't mind them coming around her. She warmed right up to Grandma and Grandpa and they warmed right up to her. Grandpa brought her a walker with alot of gadgets on it and she loved it. It was her first birthday present. They stayed for a bit then left to go stay at a local hotel, in order to give us some time to rest.

We finally got Jetta down around 11:00 and we went straight to bed and think we collapsed. We slept for about 3 hours when she woke up for the first time. She was a little disoriented, not sure of what to make of her new room and the ceiling fan. Just one more thing she'd never seen. I gave her a bottle and rocked her for over an hour and finally got her back to sleep, but only for about 2 hours. She woke up again around 4 o'clock and daddy took care of her, until I got up at 7. We called Grandma and Grandpa and they came back over to visit before they headed back home. She really enjoyed them. We put her down for a nap and they headed back home. Grandpa brought her her first baseball glove, as they stopped at WalMart to bring us some soda and juice.

Next week she will get to meet my mom and Arland and I know they can't wait and I can't wait for them to meet her. I got a package in the mail today from Grandma Peters (my mom). I was on the phone with her and she was telling me that I would be getting a package for Jetta and that I couldn't open it, as it's one of Jetta's first bday presents. So, I think her first birthday is gonna be a blowout. Between Grandma and Grandpa Vaughn, Grandma and Grandpa Peters and Grandma and Grandpa Alexander, I think she'll be plenty spoiled.

When we woke her up, we thought, well we'll try the carseat again, as we needed some essentials from WalMart. She was still partially asleep, but woke up and didn't seem to mind her second encounter with the carseat. Well, at least not on the way to WalMart. After we got done with WalMart, we stopped to get gas, a coffee and some lunch and then she decided she didn't like it any more. The last 7 miles home were a bit unpleasant, but hopefully with time she'll realize she has to stay in there and that it's not that bad.

She is down for her second nap of the day, hence why I can compose such a long post, but am sure she'll be waking up soon. So, I best get going, post some pics and try to put some more stuff away.

Thanks for following along while we gone, all the great comments, the visit at the airport, the texts to check in on us once we got home and can't wait for you to meet Jetta.

Just one more day...

In 24 hours we'll be on our way to the American Consulate to complete the Visa ceremony and that will make all of this final. Once the ceremony is over we will head over the train station and head back to HK for our final night in China. We are more than ready to come home.

We have enjoyed our time here, but are very ready to get home and start our lives with her in our house.

Today I had to go to the American Consulate to complete one final form, as one of the forms I brought with me was not a signed and notarized original. Fortunately we were just able to go to the Consulate, spend a few hours waiting and complete the form. Once that was complete, we were able to head back to the hotel. The traffic was crazy today and it took us about 45 mins to make the drive.

Since I had to go the Consulate and it was going to be a long morning, daddy and Jetta stayed at the hotel. Their first real time alone. It went well, dadyy was able to get her down for her nap, but she seemed very excited to see me when I came back and kept following me around the room and wanting me to pick her up. She is such a good baby.

I think tonight we may head back to Shamian Island one last time, but then tomorrow will finish packing and get ready to leave. We'll head back to HK and the Disney hotel and then get up early and head to the airport. While I'm looking forward to getting home, I'm not looking forward to the 14 hour plane ride with Jetta, but she has been so good, I don't know that we'll have much trouble.

Well, I have a fussy baby, who is ready to get moving....she loves to be on the go....so, I'm gonna close for now and will try to post before we leave.

Love to all.

A few new pics

Well, today is Sunday and we have been here in Guangzhou for a week now. Today Shannon headed to the zoo with the group and Jetta and I stayed in the room. She is teething, so she is a bit fussy and didn't want to mess with her nap schedule. So, we stayed back and just spent some quality time together.

Once daddy got back, we got ready and headede to the Carrefour, a shopping/grocery store. We headed over there because one of the other families had their daughters hair done the last time we were there (when I dropped Jetta on the ground and hurt my foot). So, we wanted to have hers done and decided to venture out.

She was so good. The girls took her from us and she just went right to them and let them fuss with her hair. She didn't even cry....she is such a sweet baby. She doesn't seem to mind strangers to much and I hope it stays that way. Once we got back to the room, we put her in a traditonal Chinese outfit and took a few pics....

We are headed out for dinner over on Shamian Island at a German restaurant. We're gonna try something different....non American. Only a few more days and we will be on our way home and we will be able to have some home cooked food.

I'm gonna sign off, as I'm using Abby's computer and Jetta's ready to go....she hates to sit still for very long. Her paperwork said she was active and energetic and boy that was no lie. So here a few new pics....check out her shades, her cute tooshie and her new hair do. I'm so in love...I didn't think she could get any cuter.

Just a few more days....

We only have 5 more days left in China and then we'll finally be on our way home. It's hard to believe we've already been here for more than a week and have had Jetta for nearly 5 days now. The time has gone by very quickly. Today has been a lazy day. We all decided to take a day to rest and shop and that is exactly what we did.

We have been over to Shamian Island several times and to the Pearl and Jade market(s). We have bought alot of traditional clothing for Jetta, a jade rat (since she was born in the year of the rat), some squeaky shoes and several other treasures. The prices here are amazing. It always amazing at how much we get for so little, but that all the shop keepers are so happy to have us buy from them. I figure I'll get as much as I can now, cuz I surely won't be able to buy this stuff in the states for these prices.

Yesterday we did some more sightseeing and went to a Monestary and had the babies blessed. It was an interesting ceremony, but felt like it was something we wanted to do. We also went to a Pagoda, another temple and then headed back. Tomorrow we are going to the zoo and hope to see some more panda bears. We saw some in HK, but hope the ones tomorrow are a bit more lively.

Jetta is doing great, she has been taking her bottles very well and is always very happy. She is cutting a few new teeth, so from time to time she's a bit fussy, but all in all, nothing to complain about. She is making this parenting thing seem easy. I'm sure the tough days are just ahead, but so far so good.

We have enjoyed all the families that we are traveling with, they are all very nice. Several of the babies have been sick, so some of them have been in their rooms quite a bit, but hopefully they are all on the mends and can join us tomorrow for the zoo. Hopefully once we return to the states we will be able to stay in touch, as most all of the families live in IL, up and around the Chicago area. The babies seem to recognize each other and can always seem to make each other smile. I almost feel bad taking them away from each other, but this will just be another chapter in their lives and I know a good one for all of them.

Other than that, not much going on, the weather has been great the last two days, the temps much more mild and very little humidity, which has been nice. So, for now, I'm gonna close, as Jetta is probably due to wake up from her nap and we have to try to figure out what we are going to eat for dinner. Can't wait to get home and have a home cooked meal, definitely tired of eating out.

No new pics this time, as I'm on the hotels computer and have no way to upload, but if I get a chance a little later, I'll put some more out there, as goodness knows daddy has taken plenty for us to share.

Love to all.

A few more pics....

A Little Update

Well we've had Jetta for 3 days now and she is perfect. She is such a joy. She cries very little and seems to always be curious. She loves her baths and loves to play. Oh, and her favorite is the mirror.....every time she sees herself in one she just giggles and I giggle right back. She is perfect for us, she fits right in.

Yesterday we did the babies medicals and she checked out very well. According to their scales she weighs about 16.2 lbs. She is very small, but very healthy. While we were there she was the ham of the group. She was up and walking all around. I think she'll be off and running before I know it.....

Today we did some sigthseeing and saw a beautiful Chinese garden. It was very nice to see the beautiful side of China, as the scenery directly around our hotel is not the nicest. However, as I mentioned before, it shows us the true living of the Chinese.

After sightseeing, we went over to Shamian Island and purchased some traditional Chinese dresses and pant sets for her. They are going to make for great pictures.

Speaking of pictures, I'm gonna post several and hope you enjoy them. For now, I'm gonna log off, as daddy is upstairs with her while she naps. She has really taken to him and he has taken to her as well. He has been a great help and seems to really enjoy the whole daddy thing. Plus, he's been a great help since I hurt my foot, which is feeling much better, but not much to look at. So, for now, here are the pics and we'll post again soon.

Love to all.

Day 2....

Well, we still are in love. She is amazing and so sweet and happy. Well, at least until I decide to take a fall, twist my ankle and drop her on the ground. Yep, we just got done telling the Cival Affairs people we would not harm her and I got and drop her. We stopped at a local supermarket and once we were done shopping, several of us ran up to Starbucks. As we were heading back to the bus, I missed a curb and down we went. I think Shannon caught her before she hit the ground. She did cry, but for just a minute and doesn't seem to be hurt at all. She's a real trooper. My foot, on the other hand, well, I guess we'll see how it goes. I just think it's a really bad sprain.

Other news....she slept all night for us last night, we put her down at 8:30 and she woke up around 6:15. It takes her a bit to wake up (kind like her mommy), but she is a real cuddle bug while she's waking up, which is perfectly fine with me.

She has taken 3 bottles and has had a couple of wet diapers...nothing solid yet, but that is to be expected. Hopefully that will still happen today.

Thanks for all the great comments, we think she's adorable too....we are so in love. I can't wait to get her home and for all of you to meet her.

I'm gonna close for now, as we're meeting everyone in the lobby in 5 mins to head to Shamian Island to do a little shopping and to have dinner. I'm taking a taxi, while everyone else walks. Figure I need to save my foot for shopping vs walking to the island. So, I'll post again soon.

Love to everyone!

Gotcha Day....

We have her and it is more amazing than I even thought possible. We left the hotel at 2:30 this afternoon to head to pick the girls up. They were not there when we arrived, they were stuck in a traffic jam. However, about 20 mins later they showed up and we caught a quick glimpse of them as they walked by. Shannon saw Jetta, but I missed her. They told us what order the babies would be coming out and we were 2nd. As soon as they came thru the curtain, I lost it....she was even cuter and more perfect than her referral pictures. Once I got done looking her over, I handed her over to Shannon and she was just fine. She doesn't seem to mind people at all.

She has the most amazing personality. So lively, energetic and curious. She has only cried once and that was when I left the room and Shannon was going to changer her diaper. Other than a few whimpers when I laid her down, nothing.

At the hotel they have an Executive Lounge that we all have been meeting in. So several of us were down there and Jetta was putting on a show. She is very strong, she stands, sit and moves all on her own. She also was throwing her head back and making herself laugh. She has been great. I got her to take a full 8 oz of formula so far and she seems content with just that. Tomorrow we may try a little more.

So, I'll stop rambling for now, and will post more again tomorrow, but wanted to let you know, we have her, she perfect and is in great health and has been a real joy. Oh, and I also wanted to post some pics....after all that is why you're following along right? So, here they are! Enjoy and isn't she precious, those eyes are so round and perfect. And I'm so glad they didn't cut her hair.

3 hours and counting......

Yep, that's right 3 hours, not 3 years, not 3 days, 3 hours until we meet Jetta. We went to the bank this morning and exchanged our money to pay all the adoption fees, so short of getting on a bus to go to the Cival Affairs building and to meet her, not much left to do. I can't believe this is really gonna happen.

We got checked into the hotel last night and attempted to sleep on the table, err, I mean the bed. OMG it is so stinking hard. I think I will have to sleep on the couch, as it will be softer or maybe even the floor. Other wise the room is great. Nothing to complain about. The area outside the hotel is a bit depressed, but it gives you the true sense of China. Hong Kong was much more modern. However, I am looking forward to getting out and venturing around. Shamian Island supposedly is a lot more Westernized, so I'm looking forward to that and Starbucks.

Not much else new to post right now, but just thought I'd post quick. I plan to post tonight and hope to upload some photos of our "Gotcha" moment and some new updated pics of Jetta.

So for now, I'm gonna go and try to keep my mind busy with something other than thinking that in just a few hours my life is going to change and I'm gonna be a mommy. Wish me luck and can't wait to post again soon.

We've made it to China....

We are here and have been for about 48 hours now. Our plane ride was uneventful, which is always a plus. Upon arrival, clearing Immigration and Customs was a breeze. We caught a cab to Hong Kong Disney and got all checked in. The hotel is great and the shower even better. The staff has been wonderful, Henry, Kay and Gary have all been very helpful...yep, those are there names and they are so Chinese. We went straight to bed, as it had been 24+ hours since we slept, minus the few winks we caught on the plane.

Once we woke up, at about 6:00 a.m., we decided we needed to try to head out and to find a telephone card, so we could call home and let everyone know we made it safely. Who knew that would be such an adventure. After searching for a SIM card or a telephone card, I finally decided I needed a coffee. I couldn't find a Starbucks, but asked a very nice Englishman, if he could tell me where one was and he suggested Pacific Coffee, and I said thanks, I've been looking for Starbucks and his reply was "Starbucks coffee is crap, Pacific Coffee is much better". Well, I gave it a whirl and today I made my way back to Starbucks! I guess I like crap coffee..... Back to the calling card.....well, once we finally found one, we headed back to Disney, where we hoped to use it....nope that wasn't happening. So, we decided we'd do the park and figure it out later. And sure enough once we got back to the hotel, Gary helped us figure out how to use it. Who knew using a calling card could be so difficult, the train system was much easier. However, finally this morning we got it figured out and called home.

We have been very adventureous, we have been to HK Disney, which was great, but very small. After that we headed back out to do a little sightseeing. We went into Kowloon and checked out the harbour and the old clock tower. It was very nice. We really enjoyed our train ride, as the system is very easy to use. Today we headed back into the city, this time directly into HK and went to the HK Ocean Park and got to see Panda bears, which was great. They even had one by the name of Jia Jia....just like Jetta, it must be a sign. The description of her said she was very quiet and affable, man I hope that holds true for our baby girl. The whole time we were there, she was zonked out, again, hope Jetta is the same.

Then we headed to the Great Budda and great it was. We took the train back a couple of stations and then caught a bus that took us up through the mountains and finally we reached the Great Budda. The clouds were very low, but we still got some amazing pics. We walked up many flights of stairs just so we could see it up close (I'm sure I'll pay for that tomorrow). Once we made our way back down, we headed to the Monestary and enjoyed that also. Then we headed back down the mountain to catch a train back to the hotel.

A few other items to note....we have been eating the breakfast buffet every morning at the Disney hotel....we eat the American cuisine and the Chinese eat pancakes and sushi....interesting to say the least.

The other thing that is really catching our eye is the fact that there are so many little girls.....yep, little girls. I think we have seen more little girls than little boys. We have been very shocked and amazed, considering the stories we hear. However, it does make me feel better, knowing that not all little girls are being abandoned. I'm am however thankful that someone made that choice and we soon will have Jetta in our arms very soon. To be exact, in less than two days!

The next time we post, we will have her and that will be amazing and hope at that time we can post some pics. As I am just using the hotels computer tonight and don't want to take the time to post pics from our adventures thus far. However, I promise we'll post them later.

So, I best go for now and will post again soon.