Six!

I believe my new favorite number is 6!

This may be WAY out there, but when you line up the dates, who can argue?

Log in Date ~ 4/12/06

Date of Referral ~ 4/06/10

Travel Approval ~ 4/26/10

Zac Day! ~ 5/16/10

Can't argue with the numbers!

Our Travel Itinerary!

Click on the calendar to enlarge.

Where is Polar Cub?

Several people have asked where Polar Cub is, so I thought I would do a quick post to show his location.

Polar Cub is in the Jiangxi Province:

The earthquake that hit China on April 14th struck the Qinghai Province. Thankfully it was far west of Zac. That morning several of my students rushed into the classroom to ask if I had heard about the earthquake. I hadn't. One of the girls then said, "But don't worry it isn't where Zac is."

I thought it was so sweet that they cared so much about Polar Cub to make sure the he wasn't affected by the horrible earthquake.

Zac is in the capital City of Nanchang.

Polar Cub is somewhere in this SWI.

I know that I mentioned before what SWI Zac is in, but for some reason I don't want to make that public knowledge any more.

Another tidbit of information:

We have received our TA!!
When the dates are final I will post more!!

You Might Be Adopting...

Margaret from my April LID Yahoo group posted this to our group. I thought it was so perfect and wanted to share. I just love the last line. It's so true!

You might be adopting from China if...

...you've been expecting a baby for 4 years.

...you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways.

...you understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world.

...you've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S.

...you know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes

...your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4)

...you're more interested in what will happen with April 2006 than what will happen in April 2010

...you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime

...you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl

...you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big)

...you look twice when you see a lady bug

...you never know how many days will be in the next month

...you know that babies come in batches

...you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 3 day months

...your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years

...you know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is

...you've waited so long, that they checked your fingerprints to see if they changed

...if...while trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.

...when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals

* * * You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart.

I just love the last line. It's so true!

Thank you Margaret!!

Switching Out Pinks for Blues

Over the last four years I have collected a few things for polar cub. I haven't gone wild shopping, but I have gotten a few things here and there that I thought were adorable. We've also received gifts over the years. 99.9% of the outfits that we've accumulated are for a girl.

Last week I went through the drawers and closet in the nursery and pulled out the clothes and toys that Zac wouldn't wear. Here is the small pile:

The tub has our 'going to China' items. It's not full of girl clothes.

My favorite things went to friends who are waiting.

Our secret pal gave us these two outfits several years ago.

I am really sad that we won't be able to use them. It was such a thoughtful gift.

I had to take a picture to remember it.

Here is all that was left after the clean out. It was quite sparse...

No need to worry ~ Thanks to a couple of shopping trips,

two wonderful grandmas, and

a couple of thoughtful friends

Zac's closet is starting to fill.

I don't know who said that shopping for a boy wasn't fun ~ I am having a blast!!!

Care Packages

For a long, long time I have been thinking about what I would send in a care package. I’ve had a small photo album and a small polar bear ready and waiting for YEARS. I remember buying each of them dreaming of the day I could mail them to our polar cub.

As you read this, the care packages are in the mail. Yes, I sent two. I had heard that if you send a package through Ann of Red Threads she can sometimes get updated photos of the baby. I sent Zac a package from Ann with the hope that we may get an updated photo or two.

Unfortunately I received an email from Ann last night stating that she would suggest we not ask for updated pictures. She said that since the pictures we have are from February the orphanage may not appreciate being asked for new pictures so soon. The pictures we have are considered current.

As hard as it is, I do respect their feelings. To me a current picture of our lil' man would be priceless. I also understand that if everyone constantly wanted photos it would be a hardship for the staff. I would much rather think they are spending time with the babies and not running around snapping pictures. I am thankful that Ann will be able to get a package to Zac quickly.

I decided to still send our package, also. I really wanted Zac to have something from us. My mom also sent a little teether for him. Here are a few pictures of the things I sent:

A photo album of pictures including very happy grandparents.

A blanket, sleeper, and polar bear toy (of course)!

Candies for the nannies and socks for babies.

(I wish I would have sent more socks.)

I printed out labels with Zac's name and picture in hopes that he will receive the package.

My mom added the Bug-a-Loop toy! :o)

The package was sent in the mail yesterday. The lady at the post office said it should arrive in China in 10 days. I'm hoping that between the two packages one will make it to Zac. It would be really cool if he got both packages, but I'll be happy if he gets one.

The Stork!

During the referral phone call Kim told us that we would be getting a Fed3x package the next day. The package would contain Zac’s information, a Letter of Acceptance, some paper work that needed attention, and a couple more pictures. Woot! Woot!

I didn’t go to bed on Tuesday night until after 3AM. I couldn’t sleep, and really didn’t want to. I was too excited, and I was worried that I may wake up and all of this would be a dream. (Crazy ~ I know)

Weeks prior to spring break I made an appointment for Bailey and Tucker to go to the vet on the Wednesday I was off for spring break. I had to have the boys at the vet’s office between 7:30-8:00AM. Also a few weeks before spring break we contracted a guy to rebuild our back deck. The contractor told Big Bear that he would get back to him about a starting day, he had another job to complete first. That was the last we had heard from him, until Wednesday morning.

Even after only a couple hours of sleep I was up at 7:00AM. Ready to tackle the world. The dogs were out back and all of a sudden they started barking like crazy. I looked out and there were two men standing in the driveway. Big Bear went out to see what they were doing. I couldn’t believe it when he came back in to say that they were here to start the deck. TODAY! Normally this would bother me. I am one who usually needs a plan. That day, it was no problem.

I loaded up the boys and took them out to the vet’s office, yes we were late. Once I got home I had a few hours to kill before the anticipated delivery. Unfortunately, the mush brain from Tuesday carried over to Wednesday. I couldn’t really concentrate. I had many things I should be doing, but just couldn’t focus long enough to get too deep into a project. I would like to blame it all on the deconstruction of the old deck, even though that was annoyingly loud, it didn’t bother me.

In all the years I have lived here the Fed3x truck has always run down our road between 11:00AM and 1:00PM. As each hour passed I was getting more nervous. Poor Kaeliegh, she and I walked up and down our street so many times wishing that truck would turn the corner. I was still carrying my phone everywhere, just in case. I took this picture on one of our walks.
A little after 1:00PM K had posted that she received her package. Ok! I wanted ours. K and I had traded phone numbers earlier. She phoned a little after 2:00PM. I really enjoyed talking to her. While we were talking I saw the Fed3x truck drive past the house. I yelled, “It’s the truck!” She understood completely as I quickly hung up and rushed outside.

The truck had passed our house! I went out and took this picture after he turned around:
The driver pulled up to the house and hollered, “Are you waiting for me?”

“Yes!” I shouted, “You’re delivering our baby!” I swore I wouldn’t do anything goofy, silly but I did! I blame lack of sleep and baby brain. OK?!?!

Thankfully he laughed and said, “I am?”

“You’re our stork today,” I told him. Yes, another baby brain comment.

As he got out of the truck he said that means I would have papers that needed to be delivered back. (Obviously he has done this before.) I told him that I did, but that I had to go to my husband’s office to sign the papers first. The driver proceeded to tell me time for the last pick up for the drop boxes in the area. How sweet was that?!?

Before he left I asked him if he would mind if I took his picture for our scrapbook. Meet the stork:
I rushed inside and looked at the pictures of Zachary.

Love! I never ~in my wildest dreams~ thought I would have such deep emotional feelings for a small, adorable little person in the little 3x5 picture. I do.

I called Big Bear. I took a picture of the sweet pictures and text them to Big Bear. I ran and took a shower then headed to the bank.

Once at the bank Big Bear and I thought long and hard before signing the Letter of Acceptance. NOT!!!!
Two hours after the package was dropped off at the house that letter was signed, sealed, and on it’s way back to Colorado!! It only took that long because I had to take a shower before heading down to the bank.

Also in the package was a list of all the things we needed to do and paperwork that needed to be taken care of. That memory I don’t need to remember.

On the way home I stopped and made copies of the pictures that were in the package. A few years ago, when I was having a really, REALLY hard time with the wait, a friend sent me a picture frame. The frame has the word 'believe' on it. This little frame gave me such a boost way back when. I've had the frame sitting on our sofa table since the day I received it. I longed for the day I could put a picture into it.

Wednesday night I finally was able to fulfill that dream:

If you have stuck through and read all of the last two posts, thank you! These posts were mainly for me. I NEVER, EVER want to forget April 6th and 7th of 2010. Two days that have truly changed my life forever.

The Call

For years I have dreamt of what it would be like the day we received the call from our adoption agency about our baby. In all those daydreams the actual scenario that played out Tuesday never once entered my head.

On Monday we knew that our agency had gotten referrals for April 12th and 17th of 2006. For four years I have said that April 12th was our log in date. All day that Monday I worried that maybe we wouldn’t get our referral. Maybe our file was misplaced, or worse.

Big Bear and I scoured the Internet all day for any referral news. The last email I read before going to bed was from a woman in Colorado, K, who is also with our agency. She said in her email that she had news that she has a boy, he was 11 months old, and that was all she knew.

I didn’t sleep very well that night. When I did wake up the first thing I said to Big Bear was, “K has a referral for a boy, we are going to get a girl.”

The morning was crazy. I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I had all sorts of projects started, but would think of something else before finishing any one thing and move on. I think it took three hours and about four tries just to get the dishwasher unloaded.

I was carrying around my cell phone EVERYWHERE. I had listed my cell phone as the first contact number. We knew the agency was going to begin making calls at 10AM Mountain Time. I was going to be dressed and ready to go down to Big Bear’s office the minute we hung up the phone. We wanted to see our baby’s picture together.

My mom had called a couple of times and each time she asked if I had taken a shower yet. I kept thinking I had time. In my little brain I didn’t think we would get the call until one or two in the afternoon ~ at the earliest. The last thing I remember is being on the computer. I gave myself until 12:30 and then I was going to get in the shower.

At 12:19 the home phone rang. The caller ID said it was a private caller. I was going to let it go, thinking it was a salesman. They are usually the only ones who call under private caller. At the last second, I don’t know why, but I answered the call. It was Kim from our agency!!!

She asked if it was me and I said, “Yes! But you’re supposed to call my cell phone.”

Yes! I really did.

Kim asked if Big Bear was with me, and I told her he was at work. She asked if she could call him and get him on the line. I told her that would be perfect. In the meantime I am trying to text Big Bear as quickly as I could to tell him to pick up the phone. It was the agency calling.

Kim finally gets us both on the line and she asks if we are next to a computer. I told her that we were going to see the baby’s picture together, that if she could just give us the information we would see the picture later. Kim was disappointed. She asked us several times to get to the computer, but I really wanted to see the picture with Big Bear. Finally she agreed to go on.

Kim said, “Well, I am looking at the most beautiful little …

In my head I am hearing Kim say girl. I am so nervous and excited that I am practically willing her to say the words. So when she said, …most beautiful little boy…” the ugly cry started. I mean U-G-L-Y cry and I couldn’t stop. I kept apologizing over and over because I couldn’t get it back together. Kim just kept saying it was ok she’d wait.

After a few moments Kim said, “I see you put down either on your paperwork. Is this a good cry?”

“YES!!!” I screeched.

Finally I was able to gather myself enough to listen to what Kim had to say about our baby. I had that fancy call sheet all ready and was trying to fill it out, but I could barely see it through the tears, and my hand was shaking so bad, I just did the best I could. Luckily Big Bear was also taking notes. His notes are on a legal pad all nice and neat in outline form. :o)

Unfortunately I don’t remember much of the phone call. I do have the information on the sheet, but I only remember bits and pieces of the conversation. After we hung up Big Bear called me. I told him that I needed to take shower, but I would be there as fast as I could. We hung up, but I couldn’t move. The ugly cry started again. I could not ~ and still can’t ~ believe how fortunate we are. Even now thinking about it still makes me cry.

Before heading upstairs I had to call Sandra. I just had to tell her the news. We screamed, cried, and laughed like high school girls. It was awesome!!!

Big Bear and I weren’t going to tell our parents until we saw them that evening. I couldn’t wait, I had to call my mom. I found out later that Big Bear called his mom, too. How could we wait? What amazing news!!

I honestly don’t remember getting ready. I think I was on cloud nine, 12, and 15!! On my way out to the car my friend Lynette sent a text. She asked if we had news. I text her back wondering how she knew? She just did! :o) We chatted and cried for a few minutes.

While heading to Big Bear’s office I called my friend MaryEllen. More tears. Thank Heavens for that call, because otherwise I may have gone insane driving all the way to town.

At Big Bear’s office everyone was so excited. I tell you, he couldn’t pull up that picture fast enough. This is what we saw:

I sent a text to my mom to come to the bank. One of the best surprises of all was when my good friend Amy showed up, too. Not long after my phone rang and it was Pug Mama. We had been playing phone tag, but I was finally able to tell her the glorious, amazing news, while she stood in the middle of a zoo! It was amazing to share such a wonderful moment with family and friends.

A few hours later we went to dinner with my parents. The waiter brought a piece of cake with a candle. Look at this very happy proud dad.

What a wonderful, marvelous Day!!!

OH! Remember K who found out the night before she was referred a boy who is 11 months old? Well, it turns out our boys are both in the Nanchang City SWI!!! We will be traveling together!! How Cool!!!

Our Baby is One Year Old Today!

Today is Zac's first birthday.

If I stop to think ~ it makes me sad.

Sad not only by this first, but the many other 'firsts' we've missed.

In a few weeks we will be together. I promise Zachary, this will

be the last first Daddy and Mommy will ever miss!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!

We Love You!

What A Spring Break!!!!!!

This has been the most exhilarating, exhausting, memorable, awesomely fantastic spring breaks I've ever had. A week crazy with appointments and deadlines. Time spent dumbstruck by all that has happened. Celebrating with friends and family both around the country and close to home. A week spending hours starring at a picture of a tiny, beautiful boy. The week that we saw our son for the very first time. A week that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Monday ~

I had several errands to run on Monday. I had to take the car to the dealer for some routine maintenance. I stopped in at the eye doctor to get my glasses fixed, just run of the mill errands that I don’t have time for when I am in school. I also began to plaster holes and tape off the small bathroom so I could paint it on Tuesday.

I can’t remember when exactly I heard the news, but it was some time in the morning, that Rumor Queen had posted that referrals were coming. While sitting at the car dealer I received an email that referrals were indeed coming. Then someone from my April LID Yahoo group posted that our agency had new information on their web site that referrals were in and they would begin making calls on Tuesday.

Big Bear and I looked for any tidbit of information all day. The only thing I learned right before going to bed was that our agency would begin making calls at 10am Mountain time, that was noon our time.

Tuesday~

I carried my cell phone around with me, EVERY where, beginning at 10am our time ~ just in case. The plan was that we would get the call and then I would go to Big Bear’s office to see the picture. I figured the call would come anywhere from 1:00 – 2:00 our time. I had heard they make calls alphabetically, so I didn’t think it would be too early.

Nothing happened like I had planned. The call came to the house phone, NOT my cell phone. The call came at 12:19pm., NOT later like I had thought…

I am going to write a post about the call later this week. I want to get it all down, so I don’t forget anything.

That evening when Big Bear and I got home from visiting family there was a huge pile of lumber in the driveway. The week before last we had contracted a guy to redo our deck, but we he had never given a starting date. He had to finish another job first and then he would get back with us.

I guess the contractor was getting ready to start the deck.

Wednesday~

At 7:30am the dogs started barking like crazy. I look out and there are two men standing in the drivewaylooking at the lumber. Big Bear goes out and we discover that they are going to start the deck, TODAY!

OK. No stress.

I had to get the big dogs down to the vet’s office by 8:00AM for their annual check-up. Needless to say I was late.

Usually in the summer when I am off of school I see the FedEx truck run down our street between 11:00 – 12:00pm. every day. On Wednesday the FedEx truck was delivering the paper work from our agency with Zachary’s information. I tracked that package until 3AM. the night before. I knew when it landed in Memphis, TN. I saw when it hit the distribution center in Huntington, WV. When it hit the truck for delivery I knew it!

Of course, that truck didn’t drive down our street until 2:30pm. I was a nervous wreck.

The rest of this story is coming in another post, because I don’t want to forget this afternoon either.

Thursday~

The deck guys show up again at 7:30AM.

I had a doctor’s appointment, which turned out to be a good thing because I was able to get my prescriptions for antibiotics to take to China. Then I met my mother-in-law for an early lunch. After lunch I we walked around the mall and did a little shopping. Soon my mom and Big Bear joined us. It was fun to shop in the little boy section. The only trouble was trying to figure out what size to buy.

Friday~

Crazy Day!

A couple of weeks ago we had ordered a new TV and dishwasher and set delivery for when I would be home on spring break. So not only did I have the deck carpenters here, there were also Best Buy guys, along with my three dogs who had had just about all they could take of all the strange men coming and going all week.

I couldn’t concentrate longer than five minutes on any one thing. The bathroom that I had started on Monday had not been touched all week. Then Friday afternoon Big Bear tells me that we need to get the bathroom painted because they want to lay the tile on Monday. WHAT?!?!

I didn't paint the bathroom in the morning because I was waiting and dealing with the deliveries. I couldn’t paint Friday afternoon because I had an appointment with a pediatrician. By mid-afternoon my stress level had hit an all time high. Our house is so dirty. I think all of the banging from the deck tear-down and rebuilding has loosened all the dust in the rafters and it has coated my house.

We have a TV stand in the middle of the family room that needs to be put together. The Geek Squad isn’t coming until next Friday to hook up the ‘sound system’ and components to the new TV so we have a mess there.

The new dishwasher installer can’t come until April 20^th. So the new dishwasher is in the hole, but not all of the way in, and I can only use one side of the sink until they come and fix it.

The toilet from the bathroom is now sitting on pallets in my dining room. I KNOW ~ don’t go there. I’m trying to not think about it. The hall to the bathroom is littered with paint supplies and tools. I want my house back!!

Saturday~

Big Bear and I had plans with friends, but before that we had several errands we had to run. One of which, was to pick out new tile for the bathroom. Needless to say we couldn’t stay home and get the jobs done. Big Bear did manage to get the first coat of paint on the bathroom before we left. Thankfully!

We had a really fun evening with friends and saw the movie Date Night. It was a good movie. (I only took out my phone once to look at Zac's picture during the movie.)

Sunday~

Between a golf outing and birthday party we managed to get the second coat on the bathroom. I can honestly say, the only saving grace to my sanity this week has been the moments that I stop and take a look at our baby’s picture. He makes it all worth it!!

Pure Love...

Big Bear and I received two more pictures yesterday in Zac's packet. This little man has already brought amazing joy to our family. I can't stop starring at his pictures. I am in love. When I stop and think about all that has happened I still get all teary. It is amazing. The wait has been horrible, but seeing this little face has made every dang minute of the wait worth it.

It has been a crazy, wild few days. I am exhausted and yet can't sleep. My mind is racing with a million things we need to do, yet I feel very calm ~ at the moment. I have so many things I want to post. The past two days have been AMAZING, and I don't want to forget a minute of it.

There are so many emails and phone calls that I need to return. I will get to them as soon as I can, promise. Tonight, though, we are going to sit back and take it all in. We haven't really had time to do that, yet. In the morning the whirlwind can start again.

We Are A Family of THREE!!!!

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails,

And puppy dog tails,

That's what little boys are made of!

I am so proud to introduce our little boy!!

Zachary Rohn Min Yang

We are over the moon thrilled. I can't even begin to describe this day. It has been a day filled with family, friends, and love. All sharing in the joy that is our son.

We only have the one picture right now. More will come tomorrow. Zac is Nanchang, Jiangxi Province.

Zac will be 12 months old next week on April 14th.

We have a bit more information, but I will share it later. I know right now most everyone just wants the basics.

I cannot believe we have a son. I haven't seen Big Bear so happy and proud!!! We have a son!

We've Been Waiting...

3 years, 11.8 months, 17 days

or

47.8 months

or

207.7 weeks

or

1,454 days

If all goes according to plan this will be the last night before many questions will be answered.

This may just be the longest night in the last ~ 3 years, 11.8 months, 17 days!

It seems surreal that this dream may finally be coming true!

Big Bear has several closings and meetings tomorrow, so I will post about Polar Cub AFTER we have been to our see our families. I hope you all understand.

A Four Letter Word ~ WAIT

This has been a week of incredible highs, and deflating lows. If someone had told me that the wait would get more difficult, I would not have believed them. After four years I thought I had been through all of the highs and lows of waiting. Nope! The lows get deeper as we get closer.

I was sucked in and I let myself get excited that this would be the week we would finally see Polar Cub’s picture. Big Bear and I planned our days ‘in case’ we got the call. I talked and planned with friends. My students came in every passing period wanting to know if I had any news. Friends stopped by my classroom searching for news. The texts and emails throughout the day were so fun and encouraging! It was exciting!

I should have known better. You’d think that I would have learned by now NOTHING ever goes as planned with this wait ~

N – O – T – H – I – N – G!!!

The rumors aren’t great for next week, but then again they are just rumors.

Yesterday I was ok with having to wait until maybe next week.

Today is not so ok.

Tomorrow ~ who knows?!? I do know that nothing has really changed…

…the wait continues!