Time at the Beach and with Big Buddha

Today has been a difficult day. Luckily we woke up little later today at 5:15 am instead of 3:30 am.  We rented a scooter to visit the Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) and to go out for lunch.  The Big Buddha is amazing and overwhelming. The Thai food has been pretty good but I am missing my Dr. Pepper a little :).

We then thought we should spend some time at the beach but that didn't last too long.  It is HOT and not Arizona hot but Arizona + Muggy Hot which is totally different!  So we quickly went back to the hotel so we could jump into the cool pool but instead of jumping Brian slipped and fell into the pool straining his back and hitting the edge.  Now he is covered in deep scratches and serious bruising.  Now he has to lay in bed with an ice pack.  Haven't been able to find any bandages to cover it or care for the wound. We are just laying low and hopefully he is feeling better tomorrow since we have a busy last day here planned.

We also heard that our daughter is in quaratine at the orphanage for what sounds like the flu.  We think this should end before her we get there but we are praying for a healthy Le Le.  She is going to be going through a large transition and being sick won't help it go any smoother.  I can't wait to have her in our arms.

Best way to get around the island for super cheap!

This is a beautiful Big Buddha.

Even though we decided Xiao Gou is a boy,
he insisted on making him a "Mer-dog"

Playing in the sand

While enjoying the sun, Xiao Gou has all the essentials!

Even the water was warm!  Hot day at the Beach!

Brian is always ready to explore.

Le Le

Having Fun with Xiao Gou

Today started off the same as it did yesterday: up at 3 am and ready to go with nothing to do! We love Jet Lag... I hope that this consistency of going to bed early and awaking early might help out with Le Le. 

After a wonderful breakfast on the beach, we left for a 4 x 4 safari with Xiao Gou.  By now people around us  either know who Xiao Gou is and why we are taking our pictures with a stuffed animal or they just think we are weird tourists by the looks we get.

We went to several key historical sites, some scenic locations, and also just played a little.  We are easily setting ourselves up to have to bring Le Le back here when she realizes everything Xiao Gou got to do.  Did I mention we got to ride elephants!?!?!  Highlight of the day!

Tomorrow should be much more relaxing!

We loved riding on top of the 4 x 4 but
we were almost decapitated numerous times by tree branches or power lines!

Xiao Gou enjoyed being held by this beautiful statue
in the Magical Garden which was built by one man
over 40 years!

Xiao Gou at the temple.

Insanity!!!!

This elephant is literally tapping her on the rear!

Xiao Gou meets the baby elephant.

More Bananas please!

Hiked up to this amazing waterfall.
Can you see Xiao Gou relaxing?

There he is!

This moment was incredible and yet we have so many more to look forward to...

Wish Le Le was with us...

After traveling for over 30 hours with 25 hours of flight time, we finally got some sleep for almost 12 hours!  Wide awake at 4 am, not much to do... so we went swimming out our front door, walked on the beach, and had breakfast exactly at 6:30 am when they opened.  So it really wasn't so bad.

Most of the day we spent explaring the island of Koh Samui on a scooter and at the Aquarium with Tiger show.  I can't tell you how many times we said, "I really wish Le Le was here." or "I bet Le Le would really like this." It is nice to spend this last week of just Brian and I together but we miss her already and we have waited long enough to become a family.  1 more week!

Bangkok Airport

Crowded shuttle from plane to airport in Koh Samui

Finally made it to Koh Samui

Pool off of our hotel room

Adorable Sea Otter

Sea Lion giving a kiss.  Brian refused animal pictures!?

This Tiger wanted to EAT Xiao Gou

Baby Tiger Pup

Waiting to watch to Tiger Show

Xiao Gou meeting the kitty following us all over the resort.
Brian named him White Ninja Tiger.

Xiao Gou made it to Taiwan

We made it to Taiwan with no leg room and not very good food! Xiao Gou didn't seem to mind though. We are waiting for the next flight which luckily will be so much shorter. It is already so hard being this close to her and having to wait to meet her still.

We couldn't be more excited!

Good entertainment during a very long flight!

Safety First

At least one of us got a little sleep...

Taiwan LOVES Hello Kitty

Brian sent mail home from a mailbox just like this one.
He was so excited!!

Xaio Gou is jealous of the Hello Kitty EVA plane.

Bolanders are cleared for Take Off

Bags are packed and if we forgot something, Brian says we can get it in Taiwan! The last few weeks have been crazy busy but so exciting. We are now sitting at the Southwest Terminal with yet another delay in our flight...

We were given a great idea to document our trip to Le Le with her new best friend Xiao Gou (Little Dog). He will make this long journey with us as I hope anyone reading this will join all of us. We are so anxious and excited with only 10 days and 20 hours until we see our little girl for the first time!

Xiao Gou in Le Le's Crib

Riding next to Brian on the way to the airport

Nana giving a kiss good-bye

We are packed and ready to go!

Southwest to LAX

Getting a little help through the airport!


Le Le we are on our Way!!!!

Last Package and Travel Dates

Third and Final Package was sent last week.  

The day we sent the final package was the same day as our update and final decree! We posted that received the final decree but I didn't take the time to outline the details of that amazing day.  We were out shopping in the morning together when received an update on our little girl from the agency.  We were so thrilled to get the first update in months.  She was getting so big and eating so many more solid foods.  She weighs 18 lbs!  We immediately updated our families who all wanted an update on our court status.  We still had no updates on that and did not expect to hear much for a few months.  We were told that you get an official court date, first decree, and then a final decree.  Each step can take quite a bit of time depending on your judge and the additional information they might request.  Anyway, we were just excited to share the new pictures and update on how well she was doing in the orphanage.

After updating everyone I had to go teach at Midwestern. About an hour after I got to the school I received the following text from Brian (April 26):

I panicked!!!! I thought for sure something horrible had happened.  I immediately thought another dog was injured or worried about our family.  I tried calling over and over again but as you can see by the text, it kept going straight to voicemail!  Finally he called back in tears, "Did you see? Did you see? We got our Final Decree!"  Now I thought he must be crazy or pulling the worst joke of all time.  We only received an update hours before and now she is legally a part of our family forever!  I immediately left all the students in the middle of class (Sorry!!) and went home to get caught up on the last hour.  I found out that Brian was getting the address to send her package off his email when a new email pulled up that said we got our final decree!!  He went into shock and started to pace circles around our kitchen island while texting me the 911 messages.  Then when I didn't answer his pleading text, he said all he could think to do was to run down to my mom and dad's house in tears so he could share the news with someone and see if they had any idea how to reach me.  Yes, my parents knew before me!  We have now decided on a different "good emergency" code to text so 911 won't freak me out again!

May Package

She will receive the final package from us in May.  There will be no package in June since we will be able to bring everything to her ourselves!  We never thought this day would come and yet here it is... 6 weeks away from seeing her for the very first time!  We received our travel dates for June.  We are able to pick her up on June 18, 2013 and on June 19, 2013 we have an appointment with AIT (American Institute in Taiwan) for her Visa.  We will likely stay another week to take her around Taiwan and let her adjust to us before the 14 hour flight home.  I am now waking up like clockwork between 2:30 am and 3:00 am panicking about everything that needs to get done in the next few weeks!!!  I'm not sure how we will get it all done.  We are blessed to have amazing family and friends to help us with all the last minute checklist items.  We are so excited and can not wait to hold her for the first time and see her first smile.  

Final Decree!

Our Adoption is Finalized!!!  After nearly 2 1/2 years of waiting and worrying we are so grateful to announce that we are parents of a 1 year old little girl.  We went straight from finally finding out we made the April 1st deadline into court 2 weeks ago to receiving the Final Decree!  Usually there are a few more steps involved and much more waiting but we are thrilled that how ever it all worked out in Taiwan, she is now officially our daughter!

We are so grateful for all the prayers and support from our family and friends during this long process.  She is so lucky to have each and everyone of you in her life.  We would have never made it through this process without you and there are no words to express the love we have for all of you.  THANK YOU!!

We are excited to share the first pictures we ever saw of her (9 mo.) and the most recent pictures after 4 months.  We are definitely biased but we think she is so beautiful!  I am now one of those mom's that can say that!

Everyone asks whats next?  We will let you know as soon as we know.  We should receive travel dates sometimes this week which is scheduled around a Visa appointment for her in Taiwan.  This is typically about 4 weeks but could be sooner or later... now the anxiety of getting everything ready, Fast!

Emotional Roller Coaster!

The last few weeks have really challenged me and my family.  Not sure where to start.  Lets first do an adoption update as of April 24th.  We sent off the 2nd package that should get to her in April.  This time we went to Build-a-Bear and made her a sock monkey that when hugged you hear a recorded message from us.  We also included clothes that we hope fit.  Still not sure if she got the first package since we haven't received many updates.  Last we saw of her was in a video from Jan.  She is getting so big and it gives me comfort that she is doing great with her milestones since she was about ready to crawl.













As for the emotional roller coaster, in 2 weeks I had surgery, my dad had back surgery, my dog broke her leg and needed an amputation, my husband was out of town for these 2 weeks fishing a BIG tournament, one of my best friend's had her baby and let me be with her every step of the way, and I won a really big raffle... well two of them.  Now do you see what I mean?  So many ups and downs that my mind couldn't handle it and my body hurt.

As for updates on all of these: I am doing great and the surgery went well.  My dad is home from the hospital and is in the process of rehabilitation. Kya's amputation was the hardest decision I've ever made but she is ready to start swimming again.  She gets her sutures out this weekend!  Brian is back from fishing in Clearlake, CA and the Arizona Team took 2nd (missing 1st by only 1 1/2 lbs). Dani had a beautiful baby girl named Berkley and she could be the poster mom for the perfect delivery with only 20 min. of pushing!  Berkley is perfect and healthy. The raffle was at the Grand Opening of Babystop. First I won over $500 worth of kids toys from Kidstop and the next day I won a $1200 crib and they threw in a Perfect Sepora mattress for free.  There is a video on FB showing my reaction to the phone call.  I was very emotional.  Since most of the toys were for older kids, they let me trade some out for a giftcard which is going to really come in handy.  Some of the other toys we can give to the orphange.  They are such supporters of our adoption and I LOVE their stores!!  Below are some pictures to summarize what I have a difficult time doing in words:

Kya standing for the first time

Kya after surgery

Beautiful crib I won, which is at
Papa Steve and Nana's house
for now (notice the fishing on the bedding?!?)

And this is only half of the bath full of toys prize?!?!

Glowing Dani minutes after giving birth to Berkley (8 lb 8 oz)

Brian at Clearlake for Bass Tournament