The Desires of my Heart...

So long.... farewell

2010-03-20T01:33:00.002-05:00

No, no, no I'm not going anywhere! I just gave myself a blog-over! This blog was primarily about our China journey. Since Norah has been home almost 2 years now and since she seems to be running the show and talking 24/7, I wanted to do a more family friendly blog. So if you would like to follow, go to:

www.threebirdsinournest.blogspot.com

Until then...

This is for a friend :)

2010-02-08T16:21:00.006-05:00

This is the main street that the SWI was off of

The sign

As we were leaving the SWI. The buildings that you see are the back of stores

The clinic that is on the grounds in between the swi and the foster family housing

Laundry day :) The special care nursery is to the right on the second floor

The playground

Main awning

The main gate as you are leaving. The swi is behind us

SWI

Elder housing

Playground

The room Norah was in

This is where Norah lived. The bottom is the toddler room. The top is the special care nursery. See the yellow shirts that are in the blue left window? These were the "half the Sky" shirts for the nannies

Coming into the gates

Leaving... :( Turned around to catch another big picture. The pointy red top that you see us the SWI

Her Arms....

2010-01-02T22:52:00.004-05:00

There is a woman around the world, an ocean away that carried my daughter. She nourished her and kept her warm. She fed and clothed her for six months of her life. Their bond, no matter how deep, finds its way back to one single thing. Her belly button. The tell tale sign that there was another woman, another mother before me. I sometimes have to remind myself that I did not give birth to my daughter. I did not carry her nor did I endure pain and was not covered in sweat when she made her grand entrance into this big world.

As Norah's birthday approaches I find myself thinking of this mysterious woman. And the man that helped bring her into this world. To say that I am not curious would be a lie. But the unspoken contract remains. We will never know. We will never know of their existence, their circumstances around our daughters birth. The few things I do know I hold onto with clenched fists. She kept her for six months. How heart breaking that must have been for her. Were they married, were they young, educated, tall, short... the list could certainly go on and on. Norah has the longest fingers I have ever seen. And she is tiny. Very petite and very girly. I wonder who she looks like...

On her birthday, I will think of this woman. Her birth mother. As I know she will probably be thinking of Norah. The daughter she holds in her heart and will never again see.

If I could tell her, I would tell her this:

Norah is so gentle. She has a smile that would light up a room and sparkling eyes. She is funny and incredibly smart. She is beautiful and is so nurturing. She is the first to say Bless You after a sneeze. She is a Daddy's girl in the best way possible and I have never seen something so small bring a grown man to his knees.
She is the daughter that I always prayed for and how she made her way to our family is a miracle to me. I am so blessed just to know her and to be a part of her life.
I would tell her thank you. Thank you for making that sacrifice, no matter the circumstances. For loving her enough to do what was best for her.
She is the apple of our eye and the song in our heart.

So on her birthday we will sing and blow out candles. We will all clap and open presents and eat tons and tons of cake and ice cream. We will hold our special gift close as we welcome her third birthday. She will have been home almost as long as she was in China. I wonder how much of that she really remembers. I hope and pray she keeps it in her heart forever. That is the only link that she has to her "China Mommy". And I know that someday she will have questions. I know that one day I will have to explain everything as best as I can. And for that day I pray for strength.

And on her birthday I will remember that special woman. I pray that she has peace in her heart and if there was someway I could let her know that her daughter is loved more than anything, I would. I hope that she is thinking of us on this special day, as I am sure I will be thinking of her. And for a brief moment as my daughter blows out her candles, I will close my eyes. I will take a deep breath and I will whisper, "thank you." And maybe, just maybe, it will make its way to China and into that mother's heart.

"Heaven is the face of a little girl
With dark brown eyes
That disappear when she smiles"

~Steven Curtis Chapman~
"Heaven Is the Face"

Two days before Christmas...

2009-12-22T22:32:00.003-05:00

It is two days before Christmas and I haven't sent out a single Christmas card. Haven't made any cookies. The lights on the tree haven't been on in 2 days. I admit it... no Christmas spirit here. No twinge of excitement that Christmas is 2 days away. I am really trying not to be Scrooge like for the kids. They deserve Christmas in their hearts and they deserve the magic that it brings. What I would really like to do instead is run away. Maybe bury my head in the sand somewhere or sleep until its over.
I took Elias to the doctor a few weeks ago because he had been throwing up since September. I honestly chalked it up to school stress or maybe something he ate. We did some blood work and an ultrasound and his white count came up high showing that there was an infection somewhere in his body. His ultrasound showed that there was something going on with his kidneys. We then waited for 2 (AGONIZING) weeks until he could have the CT scan and the urologist appointment. After the 5 of us held down a screaming sweating 7 year old boy his IV was ready to go and they proceeded with the CT scan. They also did an x-ray while we were there. What a draining day... I didn't sleep a wink last night and today feels as if it has lasted forever.
We met with the urologist, who was the nicest person that anyone would want to meet. Very kid friendly and took his time with us as he explained the diagnosis at hand. Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction. Basically when Elias was being formed in my tum the junction between his kidneys and the ureter never formed properly, therefore he is not able to properly drain anything from his kidney to the ureter to the bladder. His kidney is distended and large and it is misshaped from continual kidney damage.
So we go back in the morning for another procedure - a renogram with lasix washout. It is about an hour and a half and it will tell us what his kidney function is in that kidney. Best case scenario from what I understand is a shunt to open up the obstruction. Worst case scenario would be to remove the kidney. So far the other kidney is working properly and that is what we want!
So that's where we are 2 days before Christmas. I am sad and I am angry. I am confused and concerned. One minute I am smiling and the next I am a blubbering idiot. But he is my baby. When I cannot fix him I feel insecure and scared. I want him to be okay and I want it now, please and thank you.
Everyone has been so kind with their well wishes and calls and positive thoughts. We appreciate them and please don't be offended if we don't want to talk about it alot. We are trying to make sense of this ourselves.
But I really don't want to be dealing with this at all. Yes he is 7, but he is my baby. He will always be my baby. The child I so miraculously gave birth to, weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz and kicking and screaming up until he went to bed tonight. I want to be able to look him in the eyes and tell him that he is going to be okay when he asks. I want to be certain of that when he asks. But I cannot be certain. Yes there may be an operation. Yes, he may have to be in the hospital and yes, it may hurt. But when all is said and done I want him well. Shannon said tonight that it could always be worse. Yes, it very well could. But it could also be better. It could not be happening to my child. But it is what it is. I will be strong for him. I will hold his hand and I will pray for him when he is so nervous he can hardly stand up. I will wipe his tears away and I will hold him in my arms just like I did when he was a baby. All the while begging and pleading for God to keep his arms around my precious baby boy and to bring peace and comfort to his heart and to his body.

Merry Christmas everyone. May 2010 be a year of renewed hope for you and your family.

With much love....

2009-11-29T22:02:00.002-05:00

Oh, this gets me everytime I read it. Just sends shivers up my spine..

"And so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in a play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you, about learning to love a woman or a man, about learning to love a child, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God. We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?"
— Donald Miller (Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road)

2009-09-29T19:48:00.001-05:00

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2009-09-28T01:58:00.002-05:00

I feel like I am officially a part of the rat race. Always running here and there. Never a minute to just sit and play. BUT, with a 7 year old and a 2 1/2 year old there really is no time for anything!! I wouldn't trade it for the world!!
We recently got back from a 5 day trip to Disney. It was AMAZING! My mom, my sister, myself and the kids headed out on a Sunday and came home the following Saturday. The kids LOVED it and it was so nice to take a break! We all needed it! I will post pics soon!
Elias has joined the cub scouts and his troop meets every Monday night. Good thing is, his meeting are on the street over! How convenient!! He is such a cool kid. So witty and just down right hysterical! He will never know how much I love him. He will never know what a blessing and miracle he is to me.
Norah is 100 mph. She is now potty trained, talking her head off and extremely independent! Yesterday she got dressed... totally dressed by herself. Shirt, shoes, unders, shorts, socks and shoes. She even folded the socks down... I cannot believe how much she has grown and has become so totally comfortable in her skin. It is amazing to watch both of my kids grow and flourish.
We are meeting Norah's friend from Jiangxi this Tuesday at Charlestown Landing. Norah and Georgie were in pictures together that I got back from her care package. I was able to visit with Georgie when I took a tour of the SWI and when they said "Lan Ping's mama" her sweet little head was looking back and forth, I am sure expecting Norah to walk in the door. I asked them who Norah's best friend was and who she spent most of her time with and it was Georgie :) So it will be nice to get the kids together and see how they interact with one another. I wonder if they remember each other. I feel that they share a kindred spirit. I wish that Lindley could join this group too as I am sure that they spent alot of time together since they are all the same age. I will pot pictures of the visit soon.

2009-08-30T23:42:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have decided to come from under the rocks and update on the Sharp family. We are all alive and well and getting into the grove of a new and improved school year. We had a great summer, but it certainly went by fast!!! Here are a few things that we did and some things that we are doing!!

- We went to Myrtle Beach over Father's Day weekend... a long weekend :) It was so nice to be there with my mom and dad and sister and of course Shannon and the kids. There was no computer and we barely turned the TV on at all. There was a HUGE porch on the back of the house and we honestly spent more time there than anywhere else! Both of the kids loved the beach too. They were brown as little bears by the time we got home! We went to Broadway on the Beach and Barefoot landing. Shannon's mom and dad came down and spent a night with us too! It was alot of fun to just get away and play!!

- We are going to Disney in a few weeks and we are STOKED! We will be there from Sunday and coming home the following Saturday. I can barely sleep at night... Shannon doesn't want to go so it will just be me and mom taking the kids. We cannot wait!!

Here's the scoop on the cool kids:

Elias:
- In the 2nd grade now
- LOVES StarWars and Lego and loves it even more when he is playing StarWars Legos
- He is a really good reader and is fantastic in math!
- He is an amazing big brother
- Wants to play the guitar and take karate
- He is very helpful around the house and earns allowence now... how cute :)
- Everytime I cough or sneeze, he is right there asking, "are you okay momma?"
- He is very independent and knows what he wants
- He gives the best kisses around.
- He picks flowers for me several times a week. Even if it is a weed, he is so pleased with himself.
- He still calls me "girly-girl" and I love it.

Norah:
- A ball of fire
- Is talking our ears off now... seriously...
- When she hugs you, it is with everything she has and then some. She literally squeezes as hard as she can.
- She has to be reminded frequently that I am the momma. Not her.
- She HATES messes. She would be happy with a baby wipe cleaning all day.
- She is scared of the Geico commercial with the eyes on top of the hands
- She is even more afraid of mannequins.
- She is amazing. Beautiful. Smart.

Shannon and I are fantabulous. Now that school is back in session, things are getting a little more routine which I really like.
We are also adopting again. We have completed the classes that are required for DSS and will have our DHEC inspection and fire inspection sometime soon. Mrs. Teresa that did our homestudy for China will also be doing this one. She is such a sweet lady and knows more about us than anyone really should :) Not sure about the time line with this adoption. We are open to either gender ages 4 and under. I will most certainly keep you all updated :)
Anyway, let me know how all of you are doing!! Hope you are all well!

Playing Catch Up!

2009-06-24T22:58:00.004-05:00

I have no idea why I do this to myself! I tell myself that I am going to be better at blogging and somehow it falls by the wayside! Oh well, we are having fun and that's what really matters, right? Right!

So let's see... Elias is out of school now and will be going into the 2nd grade next year. Wasn't it just yesterday that he was in diapers?? Man, that kid is growing up way too fast! It just breaks my heart! He has this really quirky personality. He is funny and way too charming. Everyone that he meets tells me that he is going to be an actor one day. Really? Ya think? Come to our house around 8:30 when it's bedtime and you will be amazed at the drama that unfolds! Tears and falling on the floor, begging and pleading, it truly is Oscar worthy. Wow. We aren't sure if we are going to keep him at the school he went to last year or move him. I am no particularly fond of the school he is going to now. But to switch him to the other public school would be way out of the way and even less sleep for me on the days that I work. We have toyed with Christian school, but money is a real factor these days and for some reason my tree is the back yard is bearing nothing. So we just need to think and pray on this one.
We have been going to the pool alot already and both of my babies are brown as bears! They are so good at the pool and I won't lie, I will tire them out on purpose so we can go back home and take a family nap. There is nothing like a nap after the pool!
Norah is amazing. I cannot believe that we have almost been home one year! It seems like yesterday we were in China being handed a baby that was screaming her face off! And she has just grown into this really cool kid that just takes my breath away!! Her favorite word these days is either NO or NOPE. Most times she will answer with Nope. Pretty cute. If you ask her how old she is she will tell you 2. She knows the hand motions to the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Patty Cake and it is adorable to watch her do it! But one word of advice... There is a 50 song minimum. If you do it once, plan on sticking around for a while! She is just amazing. Her and Elias fight like cats and dogs. But the minute I scold her for something and put her in the naughty chair and turn my back, he is giving her candy or toys or her yaya. And then I send him to his room, she turns to me and gives me the what for and runs to his room and beats on the door until he opens it. I tolerate it. I let alot slide with the two of them. They have both been through so much this past year and for them to come out on top like they have just gives me a renewed passion to be their mom. They are awesome!

So here are a few pics for you. I am pretty tired and should be wrapping this party up right about now.

Sleep tight all :)

Norah and Grandpa at the beach

Norah and Sissy at the beach

I just love this picture

Handsome kid!

One of my favorites

Another favorite

A day at the pool...

2009-06-11T12:39:00.004-05:00

Valarie and her kiddos came over yesterday and we enjoyed a lovely day at the pool! The weather was absolutely awesome! It was Mason's first time in the pool and she did great!! Both her and Norah feel asleep at some point along the way in the pool. My kids were pooped out by the time we got home! My friends Joey and Kerri and their little one Gabe came in from Georgia. They spent some time at the pool with us and then stayed the night before their vacation on Folly Beach. We had a great time and it was so good to see them! Enjoy the pics!!

**While I was sorting through the pics, there isn't one of Tanner. Tanner would be Norah's husband in 20ish years. They have this love for one another that is just so sweet! Anyway, not sure why there are no pics of Tanner. I need to work on that!! Bad Aunt Penny!!

Norah and Gabe having a snack :)

Mason, asleep

Norah, asleep

Kerri, Joey and Gabe

Cole and Elias

Ms. Mason before the bathing suit...

Cole

Elias

Norah

A Bugs Life...

2009-06-11T12:37:00.002-05:00

Elias found this bug outside while he was playing... He thought it was pretty cool. And the bug was playing dead!! Really!

2009-06-10T16:03:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to post and let you all know that we are all alive and well here in the Sharp house :) It is not so easy to post everyday and we are pretty boring and low key....
Last Monday I got my wisdom tooth out. I was pretty stressed about it for sure, but it came out like a champ and I am not back to full power :)
Elias had his last day of school Thursday and I have to say, he did fabulous on his report card! He brought up ever single subject! We are so proud of him and we are just amazed at how much he has grown this year both physical and mentally!!!
Norah is just cruising right along. She is just the coolest thing ever! She and Elias are truly like 2 peas in a pod and he is so good with her. We are so blessed to have to really cool kids!
That's about all really... I will post some pics in the next day or so. We have been pooling and beaching it a good bit, so no time for sitting at home :)

Happy Tuesday!

2009-05-26T16:41:00.003-05:00

I took some pictures of the kids today since it was raining outside and they were a little bored. They, unfortunately, didn't think that was a great idea! But I got a few good shots anyway. And I threw a few in of Norah "telling" her brother just how it is.... boy am I gonna be in for it in a few years!!

What Mother's Day means to me...

2009-05-09T22:20:00.010-05:00

For those of you that have heard this story before please catch up after the photo... :)

I had a dream one night about 8 months after Shannon and I were married. Shannon worked night shift at the time so I was of course, home alone. I dreamed that I was in the hospital. I wasn't sick, I was having a baby. I walked out of my hospital room and down a very familiar hallway. I then walked into a room and sat down in a wooden rocking chair. And just like that, I was holding a baby. Not just any baby, but my baby. He was in a diaper and a t-shirt. The tiniest diaper and t-shirt I had ever seen. Where his bellybutton was, there was blood on his little shirt. I looked down and into this little angel's eyes. His dark brown hair and brown eyes just captured my heart. I cannot explain the feeling... He looked at me and just as plain as day said to me, "Don't worry momma, I will be home soon." And then I woke up. Alone. In bed and not in the hospital. Not a mother at all. Just alone with my thoughts. It was so real this dream. I sobbed and cried and cried thinking this was the worst joke imaginable. I drove to work that day in tears and remained that way for the majority of the day.
Just to clue you in, I wasn't "suppose" to have a baby. It wasn't in the cards for me to be a mother. But the Great Physician had other plans...
I took a test and it was positive. I was indeed pregnant. I was pregnant during that dream and had no idea. Oh my, and how those brown eyes and brown hair can put the best bandaid over this broken heart. He sure did :) May 14th 2002, after 2 days of labor I held this tiny little one. Just like I had in my dreams. He is Mother's Day to me.

Fast forward 5 years. Half way around the world. In a place where we didn't know the language, no familiar faces, no familiar way of life. In a hotel in Nanchang,China, this little precious gift was handed to me kicking and screaming, just as Elias had come out. She too saw no familiar faces and could not understand the language. But she was handed to me just the same. And I was a mother again. We made it. We are a family. Was there ever a time that she was not here? My little "Bella"....

My children are miracles. Both very much prayed for and both very much loved and wanted. Both of them came to me after I spent much time on my knees praying asking God just one more time. One more time to be that mother that I wanted and needed to be. I hope one day they realize how much they mean to me. And how much I really love being their momma. Nothing in this world makes me happier and there is no better place then when they are in my arms. They are my miracles. My angels that walk this world with hidden wings.

And Mother's Day would not be complete without my mom. My steady and my rock. Thank you for all that you do and for all that you have done. I hope I'm as good as you one day. And I hope my kids feel about me the way I feel about you. My love, Minnie XOXO
Momma, this one is for you :) I love you! Happy Mother's Day!!! XOXOXO

Please slow down....

2009-04-06T02:24:00.003-05:00

From the movie Hook"

"Your children love you, they want to play with you. How long do you think that lasts? Soon Jack may not even want you to come to his games. We have a few special years with our children, when they're the ones that want us around. After that you're going to be running after them for a bit of attention. It's so fast Peter. It's a few years, and it's over. And you are not being careful. And YOU ARE MISSING IT!"

This is a quote that I came across today and it spoke volumes to me. Seems that lately I have been busy with work and keeping the house clean and all of the trapping of real life. I feel like most of the time I am barely awake and can hardly function like a normal person. Working nights will do that to you I suppose. I also find myself getting snappy with the kids and get onto them more than I probably should. I am not perfect. I will be the first to admit that.

Our computer has been in the shop since Thursday. Isn't it funny the things that you can get yourself into when you have no internet?? I got up today and hung out with the kids, not rushing to check my email, or Facebook or Craigslist or other blogs that I love so much. And guess what... when I got to work tonight there was no earth shattering news that I missed.

I need to take more time with my kids and a little less time on the computer, or making sure that the house is neat and tidy, or doing all of those things that won't really matter in 5 years. Elias and Norah will be grown before we know it. I cannot belive that Elias is almost 7. Sometimes he looks like a little boy but most of the time he just looks.... big. And Norah. Well, the same things will be happening with her.

Time is going by waaaay to fast for me.
Please slow down and makes these days last.

My Two Kids

2009-03-20T21:29:00.004-05:00

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It seems like it has been forever since I have posted but life waits for no one these day! We have been so busy with the day to day that every time I sit down to post I am so exhausted and would rather looks at everyone else's blogs instead of doing my own!

This past Wednesday Norah had her visit with the International Adoption Clinic at MUSC. We were there about 3 1/2 hours and that fun filled trip included a visit with 2 doctor's that specialize in International Adoption, Physical Therapy, one TB test and at least 8 tubes of blood drawn and an ultrasound. Phew!! By the time we were ready to go home Norah was mad, hungry and oh so sleepy!

Her ultrasound was clear, meaning there were no tumors growing anywhere! With her hemihypertrophy, there is a chance that she will develop Wilm's tumors so we must get an ultrasound every 6 months to check for those. Her TB test was negative also. But they did find a heart murmur that we need to follow up with a peds cardiologist sometime soon. When she was in China she had a Patent Foramen Ovale that resolved itself while she was there. There was no indication of a heart murmur and her pediatrician never heard one at any of her visits. So we will be following up with that as soon as we can. She will also need to make an appt with her Ortho doc in June for her 10 month visit. They will check if her leg length discrepancy has gotten any worse or if it about the same. I am not sure what they would do if it has gotten worse. Some days she looks like she has more trouble than others.
They also wanted us to consider speech therapy if she has not improved over the next three months. She is doing great with just one word but putting two together has seemed the challenge for her. We are constantly working with her and encouraging her to talk instead of whine her way through the day.
And last but no least, they had a question as to whether she was as old as the SWI said that she was. I feel that her birthday is correct since she did have a birth note with her actual birthday on it, but as far as how correct it is I am just not sure. They are going to refer her to a geneticist to make sure that her hemihypertrophy is not associated with any syndrome such as Beckwith-Weidman.
Just keep this little trooper in your prayers :)

Elias is just growing by leaps and bounds! He has lost one of his front teeth and the other is just hanging by a thread. We told him that for his front teeth the tooth fairy will only come when BOOTH teeth are out and he will get double money for them. Hopefully that will encourage him to get that other tooth out!! I can handle just about anything but loose teeth!! ARGHHH!!!
He is doing awesome in school! He whizzes through his homework in no time and is reading everything he can get his hands on. He loves math too and just amazes me with his quick and accurate problem solving skills!! I just cannot get over how much he looks like a big boy and no longer a little boy :( Makes me so sad to think that he is growing up. His behavior at school is rockin too! They score a 0 (perfect day) to a 4 (bad day) and for the last two weeks he has gotten all zero's! For those of you that remember K-5, you will know that this is a HUGE improvement for him!Now if we can just get him to not be such a turkey at home!!!

Norah is just growing like a weed. Although she has only gained 3 pounds since we have been home (gasp!!) her personality and trust have just blossomed! I just cannot belive what a lucky momma I am to have such beautiful children. I am truly blessed!!!

One more time....

2009-03-07T23:03:00.003-05:00

Lately I have been thinking (which is a scary thought in itself) that I may have anther child in China. Now I know that we have been home less that a year with Norah, but I just have that feeling that there is one more... I call it a mother's intuition. Shannon calls it "crazy". BUT... lately he has been talking about it as well. I think that he would do it again in a heartbeat minus the 16 hour plane ride that just about broke us and had me begging to "just jump out of the plane and take a boat".
We were talking at dinner tonight - yes, there were no kids at home so we could actually talk- and he was enjoying a Chinese beer. he treats himself every once in a while to certain kinds of beer that we had while we were there. So I said, "Wouldn't it be great to have just one more?" He looked at me first like I was crazy. Then he said, "No, I guess it wouldn't be so badm would it?" I jumped at the chance to tell him that I thought it would be a great idea and I could get started on the paperwork immediately. He said maybe we should wait until the first of the year!!! Really, we CAN do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!! More on this later....

Just incase you need a little more...

2009-03-06T00:15:00.002-05:00

Mason

2009-03-04T20:11:00.004-05:00

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to my new niece Mason... Isn't she just beautiful??

After 8 hours of labor that looked quite effortless, little Mason was welcomed into this world by her mom, dad and two grandmothers.

I got to the hospital around 9:30 this morning and Val had already been on the pitocin drip for about an hour and a half. She then got her epidural and to be honest she just napped from the 4 centimeter mark until the nurse said, "I think you are ready to push!"

I could not believe it. Now I watch A Baby Story and this was nothing like I have ever seen. Val was so clam and graceful throughout the whole thing. I remember thinking, what is going on here! This looks too easy.

Cole and I had to step out of the room because they only allow 2 people to be in there while she delivered. About 15 minutes later Doug calls to tell us we can come back. 15 minutes... really? 3 good pushes and Mason was here!

Mom and baby are doing very well and she is honesly just the cutest thing you have ever seen! I cannot wait to be a part of her life and watch her grow!

Welcome to our world Mason! We love you!!!!!!!!

It's A Girl!

2009-03-04T19:27:00.003-05:00

Mason was born today!
My very best friend was admitted to the hospital this morning to have her baby girl. I got there around 9:30 and Val was laying in bed

2009-02-12T21:10:00.002-05:00

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2009-02-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

2009-02-02T16:58:00.004-05:00

Elias cheezing it up for the camera

Silly smile

Lucy

They love each other!

Hanging out this morning

What are you looking at??

Kissy kissy

Peek-A-Boo

I see you!

Silly heart

SO serious!!

2009-01-26T22:38:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! We will be celebrating this weekend and I will post pics as soon as I can :)

2009-01-23T20:29:00.003-05:00

Norah LOVES nail polish. I paint her piggies at least once a week, and to be 2 that girl does not MOVE until she blows on them for 5 minutes and then touches them to make sure they aren't tacky. So Santa brought her this really cool (cringe) Princess (cringe) set that has fake makeup and polish. So I sat down beside her the other night and she wanted to paint momma's piggies too. Such a sweet girly girl

My favorites....

2009-01-23T20:27:00.001-05:00

Her first haircut :)

2009-01-23T20:13:00.004-05:00

Norah got her hair cut on Sunday. Just a little trim here and there and the "orphanage mullet" as I call it is gone. She looks so stinkin cute!!!

Before

A little trim here...

A little snip there...

A little chocolate for being such a big girl!

Looks so sassy in the back!!

TA-DA!!!

Thank You Jenna!!!

Our Date with Kate...

2009-01-18T14:27:00.003-05:00

Kate Gosselin that is. I must admit that although I watch this show, I sometimes question the way that Kate treats her husband and I also wonder at what point she is going to go completely postal....

That being said, I was grocery shopping the other day and noticed that they had flyers up advertising that Kate Gosselin would be at Wal-Mart doing a book signing/meet the author for the families book that was just released called Multiple Blessings. I called Elias right away to tell him this wonderful news... I say that half joking!
J and K plus 8 happens to be one of his favorite shows and you can catch him (and usually I) every Monday night snuggled in bed watching the show. He knows all of the kids names and can recall episodes like nobodies business.

So I call him to tell him the big news and from that day he counted down every single day until she would be here. In the mornings he would say, "Momma, only 6 more days!" And the countdown continued until Friday. He stayed at my moms house Thursday night because he didn't have school Friday and I was working Thursday night.

We got to Wal-Mart about 5:15 to wait in line. Lucky for us, we were about the 30th person to get in line. By the time 7 rolled around the line had wrapped all the way around the store and into lawn and garden. Oh, I forgot to add that when we woke up at my moms house on Friday he said, "Nana, today is the day. Today I am going to meet Kate. Can you believe it??" Seriously.

I had gone to Wal-Mart earlier that day to get the book for her to sign. And gave it to elias when he got home from my moms. We ate dinner really quick and hit the road to meet Kate. Like I said, we stood in line for about an hour and 45 minutes. I finally gave Elias my watch because every 5 minutes he would ask me what time it was. Not such a great idea. I then heard, "Momma, it's 5:45". "Momma, it's 5:46". "Momma, it's 5:47" You get the picture.

FINALLY!!! IT IS 7:00!!!!!!!! Ryan, my next door neighbors boyfriend, came up to see what the fuss was about and soon found himself with a 6 year old on his shoulders craning his neck to see "Kate". yes, they are on a first name basis.

He finally saw her coming down one of the isles and I seriously thought that kis was going to pass out. His face tuned 5 shades of red and these welp things were crawling up his neck. I honestly couldn't help but laugh. Is that bad???

The line moved really fast and then it was Elias's turn. he had rehearsed for days what he was going to say to her and as he approached the table the conversation went a little something like this:

K: Hi! How are you!
E: Hi
(He hands her his book at this point)
E: I love your show (Deer in the headlights look on his face)
K: Well good, I am so glad that you enjoy it!
E: Me and my mom snuggle down and watch your show every Monday night (Deer in the headlights still there...)
K: Well thank you so much! Have a good night!
E: I love your show. Bye! Thank you!

Seriously, I laughed the whole way home.

He woke up the next morning and said, "Momma, can you belive that we met Kate? this is too good to be true."

Wow.

I will laugh at this picture for years to come...

This is where we were in line. Not too bad considering
it was wrapped all the way around the store!!!

Norah's 2nd Birthday

2009-01-11T19:30:00.007-05:00

We had Norah's party on Saturday at Gahagan Park. Now you would THINK that in January you would never think of having a party at the park but it was 70 degrees and beautiful!! We were going to originally have it at my house but when I saw that the weather would be nice I deceided to change the location. I am so glad that I did and it turned out wonderful. We had just a few friends and family celebrate Norah's 2nd birthday. I know that she was slightly overwhelmed and when it came time to sing happy birthday she did her best shy face and started picking her fingernails. She was so happy to be able to run around and play. All the kids had a blast! W took alot of pics, but these are my favorite ones. Hope you enjoy!!

Elias... You will notice he isn't in alot of the pictures. He was playing
the whole time and avoiding the camera.

She loves her babies.

I'm sorry, did you say there were no more presents???

Norah and her cupcake purse :)

Grandpa and Zoey

Her first piece of birthday cake given by Mi-mi :)

A little quiet time with momma

Make a wish baby girl :)

awwww :)

Wes the tree monkey :)

Maria and her girls :)

Movie-Star

Gammy, Poppy, Elias and Norah

Cole, Zo-Bug and Norah

A little trip to Daddy's work...

2009-01-07T15:05:00.001-05:00

2009-01-06T04:36:00.003-05:00

I knew that Norah's birthday would stir some emotions that would cause me to swallow the lump in my throat. I knew this. I just didn't believe it. I was at work tonight and as I looked at the clock at 00:05 on January 6, 2009, my mind was taken to a place that I have feared many times.
I began to immediately feel this soreness in my chest. A tightening that would wrap itself around my heart and just squeeze. A feeling of wanting to ball up in a corner and sob. A feeling of helplessness and tragedy.
I just think back to this day 2 years ago, and can only begin to feel what Norah's Birth Mother must have been feeling. To have her fate played out like it had with so many women in China. To give birth to this amazing creature that stirred inside of her for 9 months only to have that small one ripped out of her life forever. As a mother to Elias and Norah, hell nor high water could keep me from my children. There is not a mountain that I wouldn't jump nor an ocean that I would not swim to get to my children. And to loose all of that... I would be a shell of a woman.

To give birth to this perfect creature, this little girl named Norah, and know that she would eventually have to give her up... I am sure that this "birth"day was one of mixed emotions. To look into those eyes for the very first time and also for the very last. To kiss those sweet, sweet cheeks as she was cuddling her daughter and to kiss those same sweet cheeks as she said goodbye. The heartbreak would be unbearable. But today, I honor her. Norah's birth mother. The woman that gave birth to her somewhere in China. A woman that is no doubt thinking of her baby today. I hope that she has peace in her heart.

I know that Norah's birth mother will never read this. I know that things did not play out the way they have been depicted in this post. I know that the circumstances were different. But I hope and pray that her mother knew that halfway across the world, there was another mother praying for her and her daughter. Another mother that can't wait to see her sweet baby girl blow out her birthday candles. A mother that thanks her for being so courageous and so selfless.

Norah has been through so much these past two years. Her first six months with her birth mother. The next year with her nanny, and now with her forever family. I hope that I am one day as resilient as she is. She is amazing.

And she is my daughter.

2009-01-06T01:02:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday my sweet Norah! We can hardly believe that six months has come and gone since you have been home with us. Everyday you amaze us and we are so blessed to have you for a daughter. There is not a day that goes by that I don't look at you in awe and thank God that you are actually mine and you are home.

So Happy Birthday baby girl. Your daddy and I, and Elias too, love you so very much and wish you the best birthday.

XOXO....

2008-12-28T04:34:00.002-05:00

Thought you would all enjoy this. Edwin... my most favorite musician of all times. Seriously people. He is amazing. Takes my breath away every time. WOW...

Christmas is OVER :)

2008-12-26T22:46:00.004-05:00

And I mean that in the nicest way possible. Really, I do. This year Christmas just wiped me out! WOW! I really didn't do alot of shopping, I think a majority of my meltdown was traveling. Christmas Eve day we had Shannon's family over for Christmas Brunch. It was yummy and delicious and the company was even better :) Then off to my dad and step-moms house in Walterboro for their annual party. There were so many people there that had never met Norah, so that was a real treat to see family that we haven't seen since she has been home. Of course she loved being the center of attention once she settled in and she had a blast! She was running around after Elias the other boys chasing them and then they would chase her. Then back to my moms house to spend the night. We can;t stay at our house because we do not have a chimney, and Santa cannot get inside without a chimney dontcha know. I didn't get to bed until around 1:30 and Elias was in my face, literally, at 6am. That kid has never woken at 6 his whole entire life. Lovely. So we opened gifts and made the traditional Hazelnut coffee and mom made her famous sausage and cheese biscuits. It is divine I tell you. I HAD to nap. I knew that I was going to collapse at any moment if I didn't close my eyes. Mom woke me up at 2:00. We had to leave to go back to Walterboro for Christmas with my mom;s side of the family. One hour to shower, bathe the kids, get them dressed as well as get all of our things together to head back home straight from Wallyworld. Ugh. We did it though :) Walterboro was fun times as usual. It is so good to see everyone and spend time with family this time of the year. Gives me warm fuzzies :) Shannon;s mom and dad and brother Nick and his wife Jess will be coming in a few days to wrap up the Christmas festivities. And a good night was had by all :) Here are some pics that I have been meaning to post as well as some from Christmas. Enjoy :)

2008-12-14T22:18:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I've Been Tagged!

2008-12-06T14:59:00.002-05:00

I have been tagged by my friend Peggy to list my 8 favorites. I was also tagged by Denise, but I will finish that another day as the children allow me very little time to cut and paste on the computer! I promise that I will finish that one up!! So here goes:

8 Favorite TV Shows:
1. Jon and Kate plus 8... guilty pleasure :)
2. House Hunters
3. The Take Home Chef (For those of you that have seen this, no explanation necessary)
4. Saved By The Bell (I plead the 5th)
5. A Baby Story
6. CSI any of them
7. Gilmore Girls
8. The Bachelor

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Took a shower (Thank God for small miracles)
2. Cooked Breakfast
3. Cleaned house - ALOT
4. Washed about 7 loads of laundry
5. Went to my mom's house
6. Met the girl's at StarBucks
7. Went to Target
8. Went to Kohl's

8 Things I look forward to:
1. Christmas morning with my kids
2. Spending time with family this holiday season
3. MASON!!!!!!!!!!!!
4. Watching my kids grow up - But not too fast!
5. Going back to China one day
6. Possibly adding to our family
7. My 34th birthday :)
8. Seeing Edwin in January!!!

8 Things I wish for:
1. That all chidlren have the love of a mother and father
2. Peace from the inside out
3. My children are safe and happy in theeir life
4. That my family stays safe and taken care of
5. That this cold will go away and the frog will remove itself from my throat
6. Looong many years of marriage
7. Happiness
8. One more sweet baby from China :)

Possibly Picasso??

2008-12-03T16:11:00.005-05:00

Elias brought home his Tuesday folder with assorted papers and things from his last week at school. A+, smiley faces, good jobs, FABULOUS ART WORK, keep it up stickers, 100%, I'm sorry... did you say ART WORK??? Why that is a child after my own heart!!! I was beside myself looking at all of the really cool things that he did in art class. BLOGWORTHY things!!! So here you go!!

PART 1- That would be me with the huge red lips and ginormous eyes, thank you very much :) Our house, Norah (sister) and "bad" dad. Now look at the following pic...

This would be Shannon at the shooting range. The black square with the yellow head would be the target at the shooting range. COOL!!! And Elias in his car :)

Three trees on top, and on the bottom there is a monster, a rabbit head and a cat. Nice.

Perhaps my favorite :)

Smells....

2008-12-03T05:29:00.001-05:00

For those of you that have adopted from China...

Have you ever been just minding your business, perhaps working, and that smell hits you? That smell of "China", the smell that takes you back there and makes you reminese about your China days? I smelled Hong Kong tonight at work and had to stop and let my mind wonder.... ahhhhhhh

THANKSgiving

2008-11-29T05:06:00.022-05:00

I am sitting at my computer this morning completely overwhelmed by emotion at writing about what I am thankful for this year, 2008. I knew that 2008 would be much better than 2007... it just had to be. 2007 was not a good year for me personally. 2008 has super exceeded it. So without further ado...

- I am thankful for my husband. He is so gentle and loving and is an amazing father. There is no where he would rather be than with his wife and children. We have been married almost 8 years and they have been the most amazing years of my life. He brought to life my passion of adopting, although at first it was from the outside looking in. He didn't understand it, didn't ask questions about it, he just knew that it was my desire and he dived in head first. There is something special about a man that is able to love a child that is "not his own". And when I say "not his own" I mean a child that was not created by him. He was hesitant and nervous at first, I am not going to lie. He played both sides of the fence at times but he was just being realistic. On Gotcha Day he stood back videotaping, so scared to touch or feel this dream that we had seen come to life for fear that it would be snatched away. In that hotel in Nanchang he fell in love with a little girl that had never known the love of a father. A little girl so scared and frail and unsure of these people she was now stuck with. To see him being so gentle and kind to her would touch even the hardest of hearts. He fell in love with a little girl that knew nothing of a family and did not know how to trust. He put himself out there for her, to be the father that she needed. And now it is evident that she is so in love with him and it just melts his heart for him to hear her say, "I yub you dada".

- I am thankful for my son Elias. Elias was the baby that was never supposed to be. The baby that I carried in my broken heart years before he was born. I had been told for years that I would never conceive because my eggs were like that of a 70 year old woman's. Nice. I had a dream one night, a dream so real that I wept when I woke up. I dreamed that I had delivered a little boy and I was walking down the hall to visit him in the nursery. The nursery in the hospital was under construction so I was actually visiting a room with a bassinet, a rocking chair and some other random equipment. I lifted my baby boy out of the bassinet and cradled him gently in my arms. I sat in the rocking chair holding my baby and touching the top of his hair. He had on a white t-shirt and a diaper. He had a head full of dark brown hair. There was a little stain on his t-sirt from his bleeding umbilical cord and I could smell his baby smell. As I was stroking his head he looked at me and said, "Don't worry momma, I will be home soon." And then I woke up. Sobbing and sobbing and just aching to hold that baby that had been in my dreams. I was pregnant and didn't know it.
So Elias and I have a history I guess you could say. He is my angel. He made me a mother. Something that I desperately wanted to be. He is an old soul that has been around for a while. Wise beyond his years. Intelligent and sarcastic... such a wonderful combination. He will say the sweetest things to me and I love when he calls me his girly-girl. I like that better than momma, because he made that up. He is incredibly witty. In a different time and in another world if we were to meet, we would be best friends I am sure. He has a kind heart and a quick temper. He is amazing to me and I am so thankful for the joy that he has brought to my world since he entered his. I love you Elias, with all of my heart.

- I am thankful for Norah. Thankful that she took that leap of faith right along with us and trusted us. She has come so far in her life and she is braver than I could ever be. She too has made me a mother twice over. I never thought I would have one child, but I have been blessed with 2. The wait, the trip, the journey was all for her. We love her so much and cannot wait to see her blossom even more. We pray everyday that she will be safe and feel secure in her new world. So much joy... all of the tears and pain have been erased and I am whole again.

- I am thankful for my family - thankful that they have always been by my side in this crazy world. Thankful that my mom sacrificed and worked to give me the best of everything. Thankful that Bill overcame the cancer that was found. Thankful that we have another year to love him and to learn from him. Thankful that my sister was kept safe this year. She is amazing in more ways than one. She is funny and beautiful. I am pretty sure that God gave us to mom 13 years apart because we would have been to much of a handful if we were several years apart. She is half of my heart. She has so much to offer this world and will figure everything out in time. I love her so very much.

-I am thankful that my step-mom, Carrie, is in remission. For 6 months she was tortured by chemo. She is so strong and brave and fought her cancer head on. Her kids and grandkids are the most important to her and she did it for them, I know she did. My dad has been healthy this year... one more year thankful to be with him. Amen!

- I am thankful for all of Shannon's family. Thankful that they all shaped him, in one form or another, into the man that he is. Thankful that they love both of my kids. Thankful that families were reunited. Thankful that there were no illnesses and that we all had one more year to share with one another in love. They are my family too and I am so thankful that they treat me that way. I am thankful that Nick and Jess are married :) Now she is stuck. Jess, welcome to the family. You and Nick will be very happy together I just know it. Those Sharp men are easy to love :)

- I am thankful that Mason will make her entrance into the world in early 2009. I am thankful that she is healthy and she will be so loved. Valarie and I tend to have our kids one right after another. It makes sense, we are soul sisters. So after settling down from the excitement of her being pregnant, it didn't surprise me that she would have another baby. Norah and Mason will carry on our legacy and I am so thankful for that. I cannot wait to see her and hold her and lick her head. Yes, I said lick her head. Don't touch that one, that's just what we do. :) I am thankful that I have had the same best friend for 20 years and all of the things that I don't say she gets. She is my Anam Cara. My soul friend.

- After traveling to China I am thankful for so much that I always took for granted. Thankful that we can all worship however we choose, thankful that we can have good jobs that pay well, thankful that we have a house, and that I have lots of nieces and nephews. Thankful for my car, the food on my table and for freedom. Freedom to do what I want, when I want, how I want. I learned so much while there. It would take your breath away. I am most thankful that they entrusted us with one of their daughters. I will never be the same.

-I am thankful for all of my "old" friends and for the new friends that I have met along the way. I am thankful that each brings a unique gift to my life and I hope that I do the same for them. There have been some good times with these girls, some good times and some true friendships. Thank you :)

- I am thankful for all of the blessings that God has given me this year. Thankful for His mercy and for His grace. Thankful that He does provide what we need but He also provides extra. Thankful that He has taken this woman's heart and has put all of the necessary band-aids on it so as not to break. And they are, respectively, Elias and Norah. Thank you God, for both of my children. Thank you for choosing me to be their mother. I pray that they never doubt for one minute that I love them with all of my heart.

I hope that all of you found things that you are thankful for this year. Things that are beyond the normal house, car, and money. Things that make up the real things in this life. And that is the love of a family and your children.

My cup runneth over...

There's no place like the park...

2008-11-21T00:07:00.013-05:00

Before I can even begin to tell you about Norah's day, I have to say a HUGE thank you to Brendon. Brendon and I went to highschool together and I really haven't seen him since. We are friends on facebook though. So to make a long story short, I had some pictures that didn't upload to my computer. I did everything that I knew, but
nothing. They were gone. Brendon messaged me on FB and gave me a program that allowed me to retrieve EVERY SINGLE picture that was ever on that camera and deleted. I am very very thankful that he was able to help me, and that he took the time to do it! Thank you Brendon!!!!! :)

We took Norah to the park today for the first time. At first she was a bit unsure of the situation at hand, but she got warmed up to the idea at 20 screaming kids and a HUGE playground! I took tons of pics (that were RECOVERED!!!!!!!!!!) Elias had a great time! I overheard him saying this to a little girl as they passed Norah:

Elias: Hi Norah!
RandomGirl: You KNOW her?
E: Yes, that's my little sister.
RG: Your SISTER?
E: Yes, she is from China. My parents went over there and got her out of a box. Her mom and dad left her there. Can you believe that? They just left her! Now she's my baby sister! Isn't she the cutest thing?
RG: speechless

Needless to say we had the talk about appropriate and inappropriate and what to tell and what not to say. Ugh. We are working on it! But it is interesting to hear it from his perspective.

So here they are, the lovely pictures (THAT BRENDON HELPED ME GET BACK!!!!!!!!)

Gahagan Park

I see you!!

Hangin out on the slide...

Daddy and Norah swinging

UP!

UP!

And away!!

Taking time for some sugar :)

I love this picture! It reminds me of Elias... In constant motion!

A little more sugar...

Cheese!

And again... How can I resist!

I LOVE this smile!

Momma and Norah

Momma's Prayers :)

Sweet Boy

I love the way she looks at her daddy...

And the way he looks at her. They have something very special!

I'm not too sure about this thing...

But I will give it a try...

Look at me momma!

No hands!!!

I think I might just stick with my Ya-Ya

You can't catch me!!!

Photos

2008-11-15T00:38:00.009-05:00

I have been meaning to post these for some time. I just keep forgetting! We sent a camera in Norah's care package, not knowing if they would take the pictures or not. We got the camera developed in GZ and much to my surprise they were awesome! For any of you out there that may be debating sending a camera, DO IT! I will cherish these photos forever and I am sure that Norah will too! So here ya go! I will post the ones that are clear. Three or four of them are pretty dark as they were apparently taken at night.
*I will label them at the bottom of each picture*

Norah and her nanny. She is pointing to our picture :)

This is the one that takes the cake for me. She is in her crib covered by the blanket that we sent...

Maybe saying goodbye to friends? This was apparently the same day as Gotcha Day.

One last walk with her girl

Happy Girl!

LOOK AT ME!!!!

Norah and her best friend... a little boy maybe??** (see below)

Doesn't her nanny look proud??

**If any of you know who this little boy might be or if you know if anyone has adopted him, can you please email me? Apparently he and Norah were together alot. I saw him when I went and visited the orphanage and showed him pictures of her.**

November 2008

2008-11-09T22:28:00.001-05:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More pics...

2008-11-04T22:39:00.002-05:00

I have been meaning to scan these for a few days now. Elias looks so handsome in his school pictures! What a handsome boy he is!!!

Sittin on the couch chillin' with my bro'

2008-10-30T20:22:00.003-05:00

Mason!

2008-10-30T20:15:00.004-05:00

Val and the boys came over tonight for a little while. Norah took this opportunity to say hello to her best friend Mason. She was sooooo cute! And she loves her Mimi too!

Body Guards....

2008-10-30T20:08:00.002-05:00

Cole, Tanner and Elias laid some smooches on Norah tonight. That poor girl doesn't have a chance in the dating world. I feel really sorry for the boys that show up on our door in 12 (or 25) years!

2008-10-30T20:03:00.003-05:00

I was in the middle of cooking dinner last night. I had meat in the pan cooking, mashed potatoes boiling, and I was also peeling and cutting up apples for an apple pie. Elias was running around the house like a wild man, and Norah was playing with her babies. Well, wouldn't ya know. As soon as I have all eight of my hands in food/apples/potatoes, Norah wants to be held. And she wants to be held NOW, not 5 minutes from now. Great. She kept pointing to her bottles, so I thought I would make her a little bottle and she could sit on the stool and have a little snacky-doo while I finished up things. It was a good try, but a no go. She got weepy and walked into the living room. I am stirring the potatoes and I notice that the house is quiet. It is NEVER quiet unless someone is doing something they aren't supposed to do. I look over the counter and this is what I see....

It's been a while...

2008-10-29T12:44:00.005-05:00

Yes, I know. It has been a while! We have been a busy bunch!
I took a few pics of Norah today since she was in an incredibly good mood and she was just as happy to be in front of the camera. She is such a ham when she wants to be!
Things are just getting better and better with her. She has been having a really hard time with her tummy. After several trips to the peds office, we are now going to see a GI doctor tomorrow. I cannot wait to finally get everything straight with her. I know that she is in so much pain sometimes, and after the 15 minute scream fest yesterday that ended with her shaking and pulling her hair we are going to the doctor tomorrow. I will keep you posted on that situation.

Her appetite is not as good as it was when we got home, although I expected that. We try to keep cheerios or goldfish out so she can "graze" and that has really helped with her stressing out anytime food is concerned. She is still taking one bottle a day (night usually) and she sleeps very well! She is down for a nap right now, and those usually last about 3 hours... I'm lucky... I know!

Her personality is coming out day by day and as the minutes go by I fall more and more in love with that child. She is surely a blessing to us and to everyone she meets. She was placed in our family for a reason and I couldn't imagine a day without her. Both of my kids are amazing, and if you don't believe me ask their dad! :) Norah has turned into quite the daddies girl. Her little eyes light up when she sees him. She runs to the door squealing when he comes home. It is precious. I am so glad they have finally connected. It was really hard in China because she wanted nothing to do with him. But now... She is her daddies girl for sure.

Elias is doing awesome! He has learned about recycling in school so we are now a recycling family. We should have done it sooner, I know. But there is nothing like a 6 year old telling you to get a move on. He is incredibly smart and funny! Football season is over for him but I know that he is very much looking forward to playing next year.

I gave him the Toy's R Us big toy book that came with the Sunday paper. I told him to circle some things that he might want Santa to bring him this Christmas. Of course, every toy that a little boy might dream of was circled. But as I looked closer, there was girl stuff circled to. And I noticed that within that circle he wrote an "N"... for Norah. What a sweet little boy he is. So very kind and precious to my heart.

My kids are amazing, and I really dread the day they grow up and move out. We have so much fun when we are all together.

Here are some pics that I took of Norah today! Enjoy! :)

2008-10-23T04:30:00.002-05:00

P.S. Edwin is going to be at the House of Blues in MB January 3rd!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone wanna join me???? I can hardly stand being around myself at this moment :)

2008-10-23T02:15:00.002-05:00

I do want to let everyone know that we are alive and well apologize for not posting as often as I would like. I have every intention of putting pictures on here, but honestly by the time I get around to it I am pretty exhausted! Life with a 6 year old and an almost 2 year old, work, football, homework, and wifery and I am pooped! I wouldn't trade it for the world though! So where should I begin....

Elias is doing awesome in first grade! He loves his teacher and is doing well academically. He comes home and talks about stars and the moon, does math like nobody's business, and is eating us out of house and home. His football season is over on Saturday and I know that he is already looking forward to next years season! He has the most amazing personality and says the funniest things! He is an old soul. He loves having a baby sister and on most days they get along. He torments her and takes her yaya (blanket) on a daily basis, but he will defend her at a seconds notice. He told me the other daym, "Momma, I hope that we never give Norah back. She is just the cutest little thing!" Like giving her back was an option. He gets very concerned when she cries, and tunes her out when she screeches. He is a great kid.

Norah is getting better and better everyday. For a few weeks there it was pretty rough, I'm not going to lie. I thought for sure the attachment wasn't happening for us. I was getting stressed out and I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. There were a few days that I cried... alot. Then it seemed overnight she was the same little girl that was making so much progress again. We have had a fabulous last few days and everyday it is a step in the right direction. I know that she was probably mourning a bit those few weeks. She just wasn't herself and seemed so irratated. But just as quickly as it came, it left. She is such an amazing child. And funny! Her personality is so much like Elias. THIS is going to be fun! She loves to help me clean the house and is so funny when you give her "jobs". Anything that goes into the trash can usually gets there by way of her. She is telling me now when she goes #1 in her diaper. She will get a diaper and lay down in front of me and throw her legs up in the air. She HATES poopy diapers and usually puts a quickness behind the diaper change. I am thinking that she is too little to potty train! Do they even have panties that small???
I love my life. I love my friends and family. I am thankful that I have a job and a roof over my head. We may live paycheck to paycheck but we have an over abundance of love and memories to keep us warm. I am thankful for the gifts that I have been given, large and small. I am thankful I haven't had to work at loving Shannon. We just mesh. I am comfortable in his arms each day.
I am thankful for His grace and for trusting me with these two beautiful children. I will forever be greatful that he chose me to be their momma.

TWO

2008-10-15T00:22:00.001-05:00

Two good days in a row! Maybe we are on to something!! :)

2008-10-12T22:53:00.004-05:00

Shannon and I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone again for all of the gifts, dinner, visits and calls since we have been home with Norah. It means more to us than you will ever know and we appreciate it so much. Norah is the apple of our eye and such a dream come true. She has grown so much since she has gotten home and her personality is amazing. We are so very blessed!

We would like to ask a favor of all of you at this time.

For the next few weeks we will be living a very quiet life with limited trips out and few visitors in for a little while. Social workers and psychologists tell us that when children are first adopted, they may be overwhelmed, scared, and nervous. By keeping our lives very boring for a while, we'll be helping Norah feel safe. This does NOT mean that we do not want visitors!!!! We do not want family to stay away from us. We just can't pass Norah around for everyone to hold a lot and we will have to be mindful of overloading her with new things.

We know you'll all want to hug and kiss on her, but it is recommended that we be the only ones to do that at first to improve her chances of attaching strongly to us. Until we feel she has attached and clearly knows we are her parents, we will need to feed, change and take care of her. I know that missing out on some diaper changes will disappoint many of you. Have no fear, there will be many more once she becomes comfortable at home! But right now she needs to feel secure in us and we need to make sure that she has a firm foundation with us.

As strange as it may seem, adopted children who act very outgoing and affectionate with strangers is not a healthy thing. It is called "indiscriminate affection" and can mean that they haven't really attached to anyone.

Things are just a little different when you are adopting a baby rather than having a biological child. She is adapting to a lot of new things right now . . . new parents, new family, new home, new foods, new time zone (totally opposite what she's used to). That's a lot to swallow at one time.

We appreciate your support and love in bringing Norah home. We feel confident that everything will smooth out over time, but our main concern right now is making Norah feel secure and loved and that this is her forever family.

We feel that we have encountered a few set-backs with her attaching and adjusting and these changes are things that we should have been doing from day one. we were so wrapped up in the moment of getting home, being exhausted and also wanting all of you to get to know this incredible little girl that is now part of our family. These small set-backs are nothing major, but our main priority is for her to adjust and to feel completely safe with us and for her to know that we are not going anywhere.

Thanks so much for your support and for your love. We would have never been able to get through this journey without it.

For any of you BTDT adoptive parents, we welcome any and all advice and thoughts!

Much Love to all,

Shannon, Penny, Elias and Norah

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-28T12:48:00.005-05:00

I am so happy to announce that Valarie is having a girl! We are so very excited about this news! We went for her ultrasound this morning and it was confirmed. Her boys and Elias are best friends and I just know that little "Mason" (that is her name for now...) will have Norah for a best friend too! Val and I have been friends for 20 years and now our daughters can carry on our Anam Cara tradition! Time to start shopping :) We are in trouble!!!!!!!

For your Norah fix :)

2008-09-21T21:51:00.004-05:00

Some recent pictures of Norah. I will try to update as soon as I can! As you can imagine she keeps us pretty busy :)

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???

2008-09-21T20:04:00.003-05:00

Elias is playing football this year! This is his first year and I have to say he is enjoying it so much! We are so proud of him and really enjoying watching him give his all out on the field. He is playing for Sertoma this year and he is on the Falcon's team. He has made some really great friends and I cannot say enough good things about his coaches! I am so thankful to them for their patience and encouragement to all of those little boys! So here are some pics from their practices and their first game. Elias is # 14 :)

The Beach

2008-09-09T16:06:00.001-05:00

I have been meaning to do this for quite some time, just haven't gotten around to it. I hope you all enjoy!!! I know the kids had a great time and made tons of memories!! Peace and Love :)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2008-09-05T22:03:00.005-05:00

I have been thinking alot lately about Norah's birth mom. I will just tell you now that this post will probably be all over the place and I apologize in advance. There are just some things that I want to put out here and I cannot completely wrap my head around my feelings just yet.

When we got our referral for Norah, we were sooo excited! We immediately began fixing up her room, decorating and just preparing to add a daughter to our lives. We talked about her as if she were here already, perhaps in another room or away for a while. We would dream of her and think of what she may be doing at that particular moment half way across the world. In our hearts and head she was already our daughter. But in fact she was a stranger. The only way she knew us was by pictures that her nanny showed her from the book that we sent.

But could she really understand that we were her parents? Would she think that we would leave her too after some time? After all she had been through I wouldn't doubt it. I am sure that there are times now that she may feel uneasy and wonder when her time is up with us. But we will prove her wrong. We will never leave her. She is home.

But I wonder about her birth parents alot these days. Normally in Chinese adoptions, the birth mother leaves them a few days after birth. Perhaps because they have to. Norah was with her birth parents for 6 months. Six months! Can you imagine the pain that she felt leaving her? We have had her for almost two months and I am sure that I would be broken if I had to leave her. Add four months onto that I would be a gonner.

Were her parents poor? Were they married? Does she have brothers and sisters? Was she from a country side like we saw when we were there? Why would they keep her six months and then abandon? Does she have her father's eyes? Does she look like her mother? Was her mother in tears the first time she saw her like I was? Did she count all ten fingers and toes like I did? Was she born in a hospital? Did the nurses's gather around and proclaim that she was the cutest baby they had ever seen? Was her father proud of his newdaughter? Did her aunts and uncles and grandparents rejoice the day she was born? Were the devastated when she was gone?

Oh the stories that little one has in her heart. Stories of beginnings and endings. She is the main character. The beautiful princess playing a role that she was born to play. She now has her happy ending. Her once upon a time.

I cannot imagine the grief and the pain that her mother must have endured. The very thought takes my breath away. I wonder if she wanted to scream at the top of her lungs that night laying in bed after she left her. I wonder if she sobbed into her pillow knowing that she would never see her daughter again.

I just wish that I could tell her about Norah.

How her smile lights up the room, how her laugh is breathtaking.

I would tell her that she is walking so well now and that she has a big brother that thinks she hung the moon and stars.

I would tell her that she loves having two scrambled eggs and peaches for breakfast and she hates pineapple.

I would tell her that she loves birds and she screams when she sees them.

I would tell her so much. I know that I will never be able to. I would tell her that Norah will always be reminded of how much her birth mother loved her and that she gave her up to be taken care of. I will tell her that her birth mom will live in her heart just like Jesus does.

I wonder what Norah was wearing the day that she was left. How did her mother pick out her clothes knowing that would be the last time. Did she keep anything that belonged to her? Oh the questions that spill out of my heart daily.

I wish her peace. Peace in her heart that will forever remain broken for the loss of her baby girl. I wish her courage through her days. I wish her love.

If I could just tell her somethings about Norah I would.

I would tell her how kind and sweet she is.

I would tell her that she yells at the dog twenty times a day just because she can.

I would tell her that I love the way she looks at me while she is taking her bottle.

I would tell her that she is my dream come true.

Thank you. I do not know who you are, and I never will. Thank you for having the courage to give her up so she could be taken care of. We love her so much and could never imagine how you must have felt that July morning. I hope and pray that your heart is healing. Don't worry, we are taking good care of her and she is happy. She has that light in her eyes and has such a happy heart. She will always know of you. We will never with hold that from her. She will know the love of her first mother. But we are so glad that she is home. She is finally home.

This girl can eat!!

2008-09-05T22:01:00.001-05:00

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More Gotcha Moments :)

2008-09-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share a few more pictures from Gotcha Day. The batteries died in our camera (go figure) and a young lady that was there doing her internship was kind enough to take some pictures for us. Enjoy :)

2008-08-31T23:26:00.000-05:00

Is he looking at me??? I think he is looking at me.... dreamy :)

Work...

2008-08-31T20:51:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow night is the big night. My "maternity" leave is officially over. I am so sad that I will no longer be a stay at home mom, I have really enjoyed it. The time that I got to spend with Norah and Elias was so precious to me.
Norah will be staying at Gail's house. Gail is Val's sister and I have known her since she was a little girl. She is a stay at home mom with 3 kids. Peyton, Dechlan and little Harper. Peyton will be going to half day K-4 this year and riding the big boy bus :) Dechlan and Harper will be at home hanging with Norah. I took Norah over there today to visit and she had a great time! I know that she will love spending time with them, and I know that I will be able to sleep well knowing that she is there and doing okay. I am so excited for her that she will have little ones to play with!
I really don't hate going to work. I love love love my job, and I love the people that I work with. I have really missed everyone since I have been gone and I know that they will make it easy to be back. I am so blessed with such great work friends.
So, I will write more probably Wednesday. I work Monday night and Tuesday night. Until then....

2008-08-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures of me and the kids. I like being behind the camera much much better!

The Not So Photo Shoot

2008-08-30T21:23:00.002-05:00

I tried to dress Norah up today and take some pictures of her. I can tell you right now that she doesn't really care for the camera. She was really having no part of it, but I did manage to get a few cute pictures. I have to hide the camera and just pull it out and snap when she least expects it! Either she sticks her hand in front of the camera or she has her eyes closed. Never fails! But here are the ones that turned out pretty good. Maybe another day :)

Tubby Time!

2008-08-30T21:20:00.001-05:00

Here are a few picture of the kids in the tub. Normally Elias wants to take a shower by himself, but for time and energy sake I decided to put them in the "tubby" together. And this is what I got. Man, these kids are really cute :)

New Bathroom

2008-08-30T21:15:00.001-05:00

I decided before we left for China that the main bathroom needed and overhaul. The "theme" in the bathroom was sports. It was really cool, but 1.) It is the bathroom that people use when they come over and 2.) Norah is a girl. Not that she wouldn't appreciate the jersey hanging on the wall or the baseball mask and hockey puck on the shelf, but it was time for something new. So here it is :) And all for $25.00... even better!

Ultrasound

2008-08-28T11:58:00.003-05:00

Norah had her first ultrasound this morning and as far as the ultrasonographer could tell it look good and there was no tumor. She will go back again in 3 months to have another one done. Norah was NOT, I repeat NOT happy with all of the shenanigans going down this morning. She screamed. They bribed her with cookies and juice and she still let everyone (in the hospital) know how she felt about being there! But, when all was said and done we got the job done. She wasn't able to eat or drink anything this morning so I am sure that had alot to do with her unhappiness. She is a 2-scrambled-egg-and-half-a-banana kinda gal in the mornings.
Please continue to pray that she remains tumor free!!

Peace and Love!

The Cupcake

2008-08-27T19:22:00.001-05:00

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Hemihypertrophy

2008-08-26T21:11:00.002-05:00

When we learned of Norah a few months back, her special need, they said, was left hip dysplasia. We were sent an xray of her legs by the orphanage and I was just thrilled at that. I took it to work a few nights later and had one of the ortho guys look at it. He told me that if it was indeed hip dysplasia, it was the mildest that he had ever seen.
When Norah joined our family in China, I did what every mother does. I counted all 10 fingers and toes. I also noticed that her left leg was smaller than the right. It was shorter as well as smaller in circumference. She was walking in China, but it wasn't without falling alot and needing to hold my finger.
When we got home, Norah started walking really well. She wasn't needing assistance. She was and is all over the place. She seems to have compensated for her limb difference (2 cm when we went to get her medical check-up in China) and for the most part she doesn't let anything slow her down.
Before we left for China, I made an appointment for her at MUSC Children's Hospital with a Pediatric Orthopedic doctor. He basically said that she does not have hip dysplasia, she has what is called hemihypertrophy (hemihyperplasia).
Hemi, as it is generally called, it a rare condition that is characterized by the unequal growth of one side of the body. Hence, why one leg is bigger than the other. It can affect the outside of the body and/or the inside as well. There is an increased risk for childhood cancers in people with hemihypertrophy (about 6%), particularly cancers of the kidney (Wilms tumor, 3% of individuals), adrenals, and liver. So Ms. Norah will have a full schedule I think. Her treatment plan will be:

-Once a year (maybe more) visit with her Ortho Dr at MUSC
-Blood work every 6 weeks to check her AFP until age 4( alpha-fetoprotein) levels - for cancer
-Ultrasound to check for tumors (Wilm's Tumor) every 3 months until the age of 7
-A friendly visit with the local podiatry clinic to fit her for lifts for her shoes
-She will also see a Geneticist to get a conclusive diagnosis.

Lifts are used in her shoes to help compensate for her limb difference. She doesn't HAVE to have them, but it will help deter scoliosis and hip problems due to the unnatural way that her body moves when she walks.

She will be able to play sports, take dancing, run, anything that normal kids can do. Hemi will not shorten her lifespan and she will not be discouraged due to her special need. She will be encouraged to live her life to the fullest.

There are a few websites that you can visit if you want to learn more. I am still learning everyday and I am sure that I still have alot to learn!

www.hemisupport.com
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6112/

So that is where we are right now. We will be seeing someone in the next few weeks to have her fitted for a lift and we will also schedule her ultrasound and blood work. Please pray that our insurance will be cooperative and cover some of this! We have not always had the best of luck with them! Also please pray that her body will remain cancer free and that all of these routine tests will not take a toll on her body and spirit.

I love being her mother. I love the fact that God chose ME to be her mom, out of all the other women in this world. I just cannot imagine what we ever did before her. She is just an amazing little girl, already touching lives by her smile. I will never be the same.

She's Having a BABY!!!

2008-08-26T10:55:00.004-05:00

So this was my big news! My best friend of 20 years is having a baby! Val will officially be in her 2nd trimester on Saturday! Her two boys are Tanner and Cole and they are Elias's best friends. You will see them in many many pictures with Elias.
Tanner is 8 and Cole is 6.
I was packing for China and Val came over one day just to pop in to say hi. I was pretty flustered from packing and looking a hot mess on top of it. She came in and we made the small talk, you know... How is your day going, blah blah blah. She says, "Let me show you these really cute cards that I got for the boys." She hands me this card that says, "Guess who is going to be a big brother!!" I thought it was cute but to be honest, it really didn't dawn on me! I said, "oh VAl that is cute!" And then it sank in... YOU ARE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!! We were laughing, and I was crying just beside myself! I am soooo very happy for her and her family! She had a rough beginning with the pregnancy and was on bed rest for a while, but she looks amazing! I am so happy to be sharing this with her. We are hoping and praying it is a girl so her and Norah can grow up together like we did. If not, Norah will be the only girl and will probably never have a boyfriend if it is up to the boys! Tanner and Cole are amazing with Norah and I am so glad that they will have a new baby in their life too! I love you AC and I cannot wait to kiss that peanut!! XOXO So here is a pic of Val a few days ago... look at that precious belly! And then my favorite picture of us... Enjoy! Please keep Val and our peanut in your prayers!

2008-08-25T21:38:00.002-05:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2008-08-19T23:56:00.002-05:00

So I am walking through WalMart tonight to pick up some eggs and brownie mix with KT. We make it through the doors and about 20 steps on the inside. We see this little girl who was maybe 5 - and that is pushing it - carrying a 6 pack of Modelo beer. She very proudly taps her father (I guess it was her father) on the shirt and offers it to him. He takes it and puts it in the buggy. Now for those of you that are familiar with Wal-Mart, it is a BIG store. So the beer/eggs/dairy are in the very back. This poor little girl walked to the back of the store and got her dad beer. And she was a tiny little thing! Bread, maybe I can understand that because that is about 4 isles in, a can of green beans which is about 6 isles in is pushing it as far as I am concerned! So KT and I walked to the back of the store to the beer aisle and sure enough... on the second shelf there was one case of Modelo missing. Unbelievable. I am still trying to wrap my head around this one.

Monday, Monday...

2008-08-18T19:34:00.003-05:00

Such a beautiful Monday morning! I love love love Monday's! Why am I so happy? Because school started today! That's right! Elias is in the 1st grade this year! He started getting ready for school last night. For those of you that know us, know that we have a family bed. That's right, all 4 of us in a king sized bed. And that would be Shannon, me, Elias and our dog Lucy. Norah wants no part of this snuggle time and does her spread eagles in her lovely crib. Yes we have a monitor. :) Anyway, last night was like the night before Christmas. Elias was so nervous/excited that he hardly slept! Which means that we hardly slept. But I digress... He woke up this morning before the alarm... WEIRD! That kid loved to sleep! So he gets up, bee-bops around the house, brushes his teeth and gets dressed with time to spare! He had a great day at school and was as happy as a lark! Then we went home, rested a bit, and off to football practice. The kids really didn't do a whole lot since it was raining, but they stretched and did a few drills so that tired him out too! I love it! I hope that he has a really good year this year. His teacher seems really cool, so we shall see!
Norah is doing well also. She has picked up a few more signs. She already did "more". She now does "eat", "all done", and "thank you". She will do "juice" when she is feeling froggy :) She is still sleeping 12 hours with a nap during the day, and of course still taking 3 bottles a day. I just can't take that away yet :) She says mama, da, bubba (Elias), this, and bir (bird). We are just amazed at how much she has picked up! She is walking around the house like nobody's business and has the funniest personality! She loves music and dances when she hears it. She is really enjoying her bath now and doesn't like to get out. She loves Elias and thinks he is the funniest thing around. Which in turn makes him so happy and he is constantly doing things to make her laugh.
I am really enjoying this stay at home gig and I am really going to be sad when it is time to return to the work force. Good thing for me... I work with some great people and I love my job so I know that I will get right back into the swing of things! Hope that you all are doing well! I will leave you with a few pics from todays events, and some recent pics of the kids. Peace and Love! The Sharp 4

Gammy and Poppy

2008-08-08T15:38:00.003-05:00

My dad and Carrie came over to visit Elias and Norah today. My dad had already seen her but Carrie wasn't able to come at that time. She is undergoing chemo every other week and is extremely tired the whole next week after. We are so thankful for the time that we are able to spend with them and we are thankful that Carrie is doing better every day! Elias loves his Gammy and Poppy so much and he really enjoys their visits! Today DJ came also and Elias had a blast playing with him! DJ is my nephew and he is such a cool guy! I cannot believe that he is 15 this year! I have known him since he was born and he has grown up to be a nice young man! So needless to say Elias and Norah enjoyed every minute that they spend with Gammy, Poppy and DJ and Norah took right to them! So here are the pics from our visit today.

More Thankful

2008-08-07T21:11:00.003-05:00

My life is more amazing that I ever dreamed. When I was a little girl, I would sit on the floor and play with my Barbie's and just dream of how my life would be right down to my perfect 2.5 kids. Boy was that WAY off the mark! Nothing happened in the order that it was planned. And it is perfect. Sometimes the way WE want things to happen and the way GOD wants things to happen are totally different. I have learned to rest in His perfect peace and His will for my life. He has given me over and above what I deserve and more than I ever wanted. I am so thankful for everything in my life even when things do not go perfectly or when I really want to pull my hair out... which tends to happen more frequently now. Everyday when I see Norah open up a bit more I can't help but capture that playful spirit as well. When she was first placed in my arms her eyes had no shine. I now see a small sparkle and I see a beautiful flower blossoming into a happy child. I know that it will take time and nurturing for that flower to fully bloom. We are all doing the best that we can to make sure her needs are met and that she is a happy girl. And a majority of the time she is! But it's those sweet tender moments that I am holding her and she is taking her last bottle of the day. She rubs my hands so gently and looks me square in the eyes. When I look back at her I see a little more trust and a little girl that is healing day by day. I see another sparkle in her eye. She will come full circle and she will be comfortable in her skin one day. And when she does, the world better watch out... She will be the most beautiful flower the world has ever seen.

Pink...

2008-08-04T09:07:00.001-05:00

That is what color her toes are now.... hehe :)

Finally!

2008-08-03T22:13:00.006-05:00

So sorry to have kept you all waiting :) Every time I try to post something comes up :) We are all loving being home and Norah seems to be fitting in perfectly, although I never doubted that for a moment! We have had an incredible first week home and are loving every moment that we have with that sweet thing! Elias loves her so much and cannot get enough of her! Thanks to all that stopped by this week to visit! We all enjoyed you coming over and seeing everyone!
So I thought I would begin by telling you some things that we know about Norah this far:
* She LOVES her yellow blanket. When she gets tired she shoves (and I do mean shoves) it into her mouth and sucks on it. That is her pappy. It is precious but it needs to be washed every other day...
* She knows the sign for "more"
* She says mama and dada already and uses it appropriately. We are still working on
Elias! That one could be a bit harder!
* She LOVES to eat! She is not a big meat or cheese eater but she did surprise
herself the other night and she ate barbecue chicken from the grill. She has an
appetite like a grown man... seriously.
* She will do the fake cough if you pat her on the back and ask her if she is okay
(CUTE!!)
* She will fake a sneeze
* She is a great sleeper! Like a 12 hour sleeper! Don't be jealous :)
* She gives the sweetest kisses EVER!
* When she eats something that she really likes she does the "mmmmm"

She is such a joy to us and everyone that she meets! I am going to post some pics from the last week. Today we went to Wild Dunes with my in laws and SIL and nieces and nephew. Some of the pics are with the cool kids :) Hope you enjoy!!!

WE AREW HOME!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-28T08:56:00.002-05:00

Finally! After 32 hours of traveling we are finally home! We got stuck in Newark for about 10 hours and then they were on the verge of cancelling our flight. Bad weather... Anyway, I was so thankful that we were able to make it home because I was going to loose my mind! I didn't think that I would ever sit on an airport floor much less lay on it, but I did. I was so tired and both Shannon and I had been up about 32hours by the time we made it home. I almost kissed the dude in security getting off the plane, but I thought that may be a bit over the top. And I am sure he wouldn't have appreciated that. So I refrained. I almost kissed the ground in Charleston but again refrained. I didn't care for flying too much if you can tell and I was so glad to be home! Norah was awesome on the way home and she held up much better than I did on that long flight home!
When we pulled into the Charleston airport I was already in tears and was just overjoyed that I would be seeing Elias in just a few minutes! We got off the plane and that is when I saw this group of people and flashes going off. Our family and friends... such a beautiful sight! I am so glad that everyone came to welcome us home and it was go good to have both of my babies in my arms! Elias looked soooo big! I could not believe how much he had grown in 2 weeks! I was sort of nervous how he would react with Norah but that was a sight in itself.
He saw her and just melted. Honestly. He just kissed on her and he was so incredibly sweet with her. And she was just as smitten by him. She really showed her cute personality with everyone and was blowing kisses and even walking! She thought Elias was just the coolest and I think that feeling for him was mutual. We put her in her carseat for the first time and WOW! She did not like it! She was screaming her little face off and Elias was so worried about her that he started crying. He didnt understand that she had never been in a carseat before. Once he understood what was going on he was okay. But he was in the backseat trying to make her laugh and he was rubbing her arm and trying to make her calm. I too was trying to console but that was sort of hard from the back seat. She slept very well that night and we all finally woke about 10am.
She has done so well and her and Elias are so funny together. He kisses her head every night before bed and always tells her how much he loves her. We were on the floor this morning playing and he said, "Mom, if Norah didn't join our family we would have been so sad forever." He is such a cool kid. I am so glad to be home and have both of my babies here too. My cup truly runneth over.

Goodby GZ, hello Hong Kong

2008-07-25T08:54:00.001-05:00

We are leaving in the morning at 6:30am to fly to Hong Kong for the day and we will be leaving from HK to come home Sunday! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have so enjoyed our time here, and we have loved being in Norah's place of birth but it is time to go back to the states! We miss Elias terribly and I cannot wait to hug that sweet thing! So goodbye for now. Not sure if we will unpack the laptop tomorrow or not... guess that will be a surprise! If we don't the next time I post will be from HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is no place like it! :)

I wonder...

2008-07-23T02:21:00.002-05:00

As I sit here typing this, Shannon and Norah are snuggled up together in the bed taking a nap. This little girl is amazing. In the last 18 months, she has been loved by her birth parents. She was obviously loved by her nanny. And now she is loved by us. She was born into one family, taken care of by another and now we will run the rest of the race by her side. We are the lucky ones. The blessed ones.
I wonder what her birth mother was thinking that July morning. I wonder if she kissed the same cheeks that I kiss every day. I wonder if she looked into those eyes and quietly whispered "I love you" like I do everyday. How hard that must have been for her to leave her. To hope and pray that someone honorable would hear her tiny cry and take her someplace safe. They did. We know his name and where he works. We would love to thank him but that cannot happen. I could never imagine leaving her alone. Leaving her fate up to a complete stranger. I am only going to believe that she was left so that someone could give her the medical help that she needed because her parents could not. They tried to take care of her for six months. They did the best that they could until they could no longer. I never really gave it that much thought until she was placed in my arms the very first time. She had a mother and father. Her mother carried her for 9 months and gave birth to her. I am sure she cried when she saw her beautiful face for the first time. How could she not?? To wake up to her for 6 months. To love her so much that she gave her up so she could be taken care of. How honorable. Was she sitting behind a bush or on a bench watching and waiting for someone to pick her up. I am sure that she was. I am sure that she cried tears of joy and sadness.
I look at her now resting so peacefully amidst all that she has been through. To loose her first two loves. I could not imagine the pain that her little heart must have felt. And to be able to smile through it all is amazing to me. She will touch a million lives with that smile and that courage. And through it all... She will be loved...

2008-07-23T00:17:00.003-05:00

Today was a pretty laid back kinda day! We finally woke up at 8:30 (even Norah!) and we went down and had some breakfast. After breakfast we had to run to a few stores and we also needed to pick up our laundry. We went by Starbucks (KT, I do not have to order this CM with 6 pumps of vanilla. It is not that strong at all! And I am not sure that they get the whole extra caramel thing, but it gets the job done. Can't wait to have one from home!!) and Norah got a sucker. She LOVED it! She had it all over here and at one point it was in her hair... just hanging there! It was too funny! So here are some random pics. We miss home and can't wait to see Elias! We miss him so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kirstin T....

2008-07-22T08:21:00.001-05:00

Can you please send me your email address?? Ours is spesharp@yahoo.com
Thanks! The Sharp 4 :)

Elias in the boat...

2008-07-22T08:07:00.004-05:00

Since we are gone, Val and Doug took Elias out in their boat. I will admit that I was pretty nervous! But I know that he had a great time, as you can tell by these pictures. He loves Tanner and Cole so much and I was so glad that he got to hang out with them while we were gone.
We miss Elias so much and we are so eager to get home to him! We think that he is so courageous to let go of his mom and dad for 2 weeks! I know that Norah is going to love him and they are going to have such a great time together. He is such a neat kid and we are so happy that he is ours! Here are some pics from their boating trip... and yes, he caught a shark!!!

Pictures...

2008-07-22T04:23:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to share a bit of good news. I went to a place here on the island and got the camera developed that I sent to Norah in her care package. I could hardly believe my eyes. There were so many great pictures of her and of her life there. She seemed like a very well loved little girl! In several of the photos her nanny is showing her our photo album and in several of the photos she is wearing the outfit that we sent her. But the best picture of all was her laying in her crib wrapped in the blanket that we sent. She is looking at the photo album that we sent her. I wonder if she was thinking of us like we were thinking of her...

Red Couch Pictures

2008-07-20T07:56:00.006-05:00

Today we had the Red Couch pictures. When adoptive families come to GZ, it is a tradition that everyone in the travel group take pictures at the red couch. The red couch is at the White Swan hotel close to the Victory where we are staying. Very nice hotel!! So everyone buys traditional Chinese outfits for the kids and piles them all onto the red couch for a pictures. Now I was really unsure how Norah would do because she is pretty much stuck to me like glue. She did pretty well though! There are also pictures of the Butterworth family (Jim, Shannon, Grace, Ashley and Brooke) and the Swank family (Denise, Ryan, Emma, Jenna and Julia) in here for your viewing pleasure as well as individual shots of Ryan and Grace - who in my opinion are the nicest looking kids in China! So enjoy!

Hello from Guangzhou~

2008-07-19T05:14:00.003-05:00

We finally made it to GZ! This is our last stop before home! I miss Elias so much and I can't wait to give him a big hug and kiss!
We flew into GZ today about 11. We were taken to our hotel and then we went to get some lunch. We went to Lucy's on Shamian Island. It serves Western style food! I had a cheeseburger and frencg fries and Norah has a grilled cheese and french fries. She wasn't too hip on the grilled cheese but she loved the tomato that was on my burger! That kid can house some food! I don't know who is going to eat more - Norah or Elias! Then we went to some of the shops here that are along the street. Where we are staying is sort of the last gathering place of all Chinese adoptions. The consulate is here, so if you are adopting from China, you come through here. It is beautiful! The streets and shops are alot like Savannah. There are alot of palm trees and it is right on the water. We went to a few stores but I havent bought anything becuse I am holding out for Jennifer's place!
I promise I will post more pictures tomorrow :) Today has been kinda crazy with flying and checking into the hotel and stuff :) Hope all of you are doing well and we miss home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Norah is walking!

2008-07-19T05:01:00.003-05:00

Last night while we were packing, Norah was getting pretty fussy. So we took a break and sat on the floor and played with her. She wanted to stand so badly so I said what the hey! I stood her up and she steadied herself and took her first steps to Shannon! She was so eager and so very proud of herself! She took about 5 steps pretty consistently back and forth! We are so very proud of her! I don't think her small limb difference will slow her down any! Here are some pictures!

ALL BY HERSELF!!!

NO MORE PICTURES MOMMY!!!

Tenwang Pavilion and of course Norah :)

2008-07-17T18:35:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we went to the Tenweng Pavilion and it was awesome! It was such a beautiful structure and the view was just breathtaking! We were able to see a live show of singers and dancers and of course that was amazing! After visiting the pavilion we went to lunch (awesome) and then some of us went and had a foot massage. We were all placed in a large room with reclining chairs. They did a one hour massage on our feet and legs and backs. It cost 40 RMB which is about 5 US dollars. It was pretty great... very relaxing! We stopped by a local bakery by our hotel and got a few things for dinner. That too was wonderful! Can you tell we are enjoying our time here??? Shannon stayed home with Norah during the fantastic foot rub so I brought them dinner back from the bakery. Norah sat on the floor and housed a good majority of what I brought back. Enjoy!

Nanchang SWI

2008-07-16T18:54:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we were also able to visit Norah's home for the last year. It was a very important day for me because now I will be able to tell her about her life before us. Evelyn arranged the visit with the director, who also was the lady that placed Norah in my arms. We went by taxi - which was an experience in itself- and it took about 10 minutes from our hotel to get there. I was so in awe of everything I saw and experienced. First we went to the kindergarten room. There were about 8 kids in there singing and playing. They were so happy to see us and came over to talk to us and touch us. They were precious and I am already thinking in my mind how quickly I can do paperwork again.
We then went to Norah's room. Remember the pictures that I got from the yahoo group of Norah when she is about 6 months old? This is the same room that we went into. It was pretty big and all of the babies were on the floor with the nannies. The director told the nannies that I was LanPing's mama and they all got huge smiles on their faces and came over to greet me. I got to meet her nanny (if you remember she is the one that took pics with her that we recently got). I got a picture with her and also got to show her pictures on my digital camera that we have taken these past few days. She kept saying, Oh! And she would point and turn around and talk to the other nannies. When we would come to the ones of her smiling, she would say "Oh" again and she had tears in her eyes. She kept touching my shoulder and saying "thank you". I really wanted to say, no thank you! I was able to tell her through Evelyn that I was so greatful to her for taking such good care of Norah and that she will be happy with her new life and I would never let her forget her or where she came from. It was very very special to me!
I also saw the little boy that she was good friends with. I also showed him the pics of Norah and he would look at me and then touch the camera.
It was amazing.
We also got to see where she was left that July morning. Shannon and I have decided that we will show those pictures to Norah when she gets a bit older and let her decide if she wants to share that part of her story.
She is such a strong little girl who has overcome so much in her short life. We are so proud and honored to call her our daughter.

Trip to a local town

2008-07-16T18:47:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we had a pretty amazing day. First we went to a local village about 30 minutes from our hotel. We were dropped off on a street corner and we were met by local people selling fresh pigs feet and meat. The meat was hanging by a string and every once in a while the lady selling it would give it a good smack to chase the flies away. Rice lined the walkway of the village on either side, and the people of the town were busy scooping it up and putting it in big bags. Some rice was covered by tarps so the rain would not ruin it. The rice was not white rice yet. This rice had to be peeled by a machine before it would be ready for eating.
The people of the town were as curious about us as we were of them. Most of the doors were wide open and there were only 2 housed that had air conditioner. The kids were running up and down the street and were stopping to chat with us and touch the babies. These kids were no older than 7 maybe. At the end of this street, there were rice paddies and a cemetery off to the left. Evelyn said these people that lived in this town were a family group and they all had the same sur name. The cemetery was for that family as well. It was an amazing experience to say the least. The kids were adorable and the people of the town were very very nice to us. On our way back we stopped at a store and got the kids coloring books and candy. They all piled into the store with us and we were almost run over trying to get out! Here are some pics from todays adventures! Enjoy! I know we did. And I am very thankful for my vacuum and dishwasher…. For everything that I have really. We are truly blessed beyond measure.

Happy Tuesday!

2008-07-15T01:57:00.007-05:00

Just a few picks of Norah to get your day started! We had a great day today. We went to the People's Park today and it was beautiful! There are so many things to do and see. Poor Norah was sweating terribly because it was so hot outside. No hotter than home really, just very humid. I am so glad we went though. We went back to the hotel and ate a really great lunch. Chinese of course :) We came back to the room and put Norah down for a nap. Or should I say Shannon put Norah down for a nap. For reasons I cannot tell, Shannon had to hold her and she screamed her head off. But he had to do it. Had no choice of ya know what I mean ;) He just held her close and talked to her gently. She feel asleep! We are making progress! She is a tiny little thing, but holding her all the time is giving me a workout! A pediatrician is coming at 5 to check out the babies. We are thinking that she maybe has a cavity. Her bottom tooth in the back has a hole in it and it is grey. We shall see.
So here is what you really want...
Elias, have a great day sugar! We miss you like crazy caked but we are SO PROUD that everyone has told us that you have been soooo good! We knew you could do it! Think of a special place you would like to go when we get home! Love you sooooo much!!!!!!

**THE PICS OF HER LOOKING TO THE RIGHT (YOUR RIGHT) SHE IS MAKING FUNNY FACES AT SHANNON... )**

A Simple Thank-You

2008-07-14T17:19:00.002-05:00

Shannon and I just wanted to say thank you for all of your comments that you are sending us. We are able to read them and we are so very thankful for them. We are so far away from home and just knowing that you are all there rooting for us means more than you will ever know. So thank you very very much. Please keep them coming! We enjoy reading them and Johnny O, Shannon got the biggest smile on his face when he saw your first post. He said, "Is that Johnny O from work?" I said yes. He said, "He posted a comment??" I said yes. He thought that was pretty awesome! So thank you from Nanchang and sweet dreams!!!!!!!!!!! Peace and Love! The Sharp Four :)

Hands Full

2008-07-14T16:51:00.011-05:00

Well, yesterday we had a really great day. We had a bunch of paperwork to do for Norah to become officially ours. And guess what… she is  Now officically Norah Catherine LanPing Sharp. It was pretty wild going into all of these buildings. We went to the Jiangxi Adoption Center, the place to get the babies visa’s and to the notary. While we were at the notary, the gentleman asked us, “Will you promise to never abandon her or mistreat her?” I wanted to say to him… Have you seen this face??? Of course our answer is no and we are falling more and more in love with her by the second.
After we got back from running around town al day we had a really nice lunch at a place near our hotel. Our guide Evelyn said it was a local favorite. It was yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!Evelyn ordered a bunch of things for us and everything is served family style. This are placed on a table with a piece that spins around and everyone serves themselves. Very very good! Very local. Shannon ate a piece of spicy chicken and he immediately broke into a sweat. I am talking HOT… sweat running down his face, under his eyes, his nose. It was crazy. He loved it though! Then in the afternoon, we went to (drumroll please) WALMART! That’s right people, Walmart. This place is 3 stories. The second and third floor is actually Walmart. It was similar to ours, but there is not a huge selection of anything really. It was really neat to be able to say I have been to walmart in China 
So about Norah, because I know that you could all care less about what we are seeing and doing here  Norah Is really coming out of her shell. I can tell that her and Elias are going to give me a run for my money already! She makes the cutest facial expressions. She loves to copy what I am doing. We made kiss faces and she will just out of the blue just come at me with her lips puckered and plant one wherever those lips fall. She can blow raspberries, roll her tongue, clap for herself, and she makes this really funny face that looks like a pirate. But to top it all off… We were walking out of Walmart yesterday and I was holding her and she patted my chest and said “mama”. I almost took a stroke right there people.
We went back to the hotel and played a bit more on the bed with Shannon. We are having a bit of trouble right now because she is a momma’s girl. It is inevitable that it happens to one of us. They either attach for a short time to mom or dad. We need to start working on her with Shannon. She will be the only one feeding her right now so that she can know that he is a provider. Now I know that he is going to be really mad at me for typing this. I know that he isn’t going to read this so just don’t bring it up. He is an AMAZING dad. Now I know why I would like to have 5 or 6 kids… he is a natural. He will jus t get tears in his eyes looking at her or holding her finger. He will say, “I love her so much already”. He is very attentive to her and very very loving with her. He says to me, “She is just beautiful Pen! She is perfect!” We are both pretty smitten with her and we are so looking forward to you all meeting her. Oh, and that girl can EAT! Don’t let that small frame fool you. When I say she can eat, I mean it and you better just get out the way. She loves everything that she puts in her mouth. Especially watermelon and fruit. I will try to take some picks today of her chowing down. It is pretty funny! Have a good night y’all! It is Tuesday am here and looks like it is going to be a beautiful day!
**Elias, we saw the pics of you fishing and daddy was soooooo jealous because he says he never catches anything. He said when we get home you guys are going to go fishing and maybe you can teach him how to catch a shark! We LOVED the pictures and we know that you had a great time with Aunt Val! When we went to Wal-Mart today we got you some skittles. They are like regular skittles I guess but they are in a Chinese wrapper. We took Norah to the pool at the hotel last night and she LOVED it. She was splashing and laughing and everything. It was her first time in a pool and I was telling her that her GeGe was a really good swimmer and she can’t wait to see you do flips. We miss you so much buddy and we are counting the days like you are. It is really beautiful here, but nothing compares to waking up to your stinky breath in the morning. We love you and miss you like crazy cakes! XOXOXOXO

Melanie Wyrick....

2008-07-13T16:57:00.002-05:00

Can you please email me your email address??? I have some questions for you! Thank you soooo much for getting in touch with us!!!!!!!! XOXO Email address is spesharp@yahoo.com

More on Norah

2008-07-13T16:36:00.008-05:00

So sorry that this took so long for me to post. Norah had a MAJOR meltdown last night, but all is well. It is about 445am monday morning here. I can't sleep. My heart has been doing flipflops all night and I wake jus to make sure that she is real and she is still here. I figured that now would be a good time to catch up on the days events.
We flew into Nanchang and got here about 1245ish. I could be totally off here, but I am pretty sure that was around the time. We were met by our guide Evelyn who is just awesome!!! We were taken to the hotel which is the nicest hotel that I have even stayed in. I wish I could transport the bathroom home. It is beautiful!
Nanchang is a very poor place. People are sweeping with straw brooms and it is very run down. The people drive…. Different. It is just kind of a free for all. Lots of horns honking and crazy driving. We are somewhat like celebrities here as they are not accustomed to seeing Westerner’s. They would honk at the bus we were in and wave and smile. When we walked into the hotel people just stopped and time stood still for a few minutes. It was wild! I feel so warm and safe here despite the façade. Maybe it is because this is Norah’s birthplace. The only home that she has ever known. I just really feels good here.
So we had a meeting at 3:00 in the conference room with our guide. We went over the next few days itinerary and some paperwork and then around 4:30 Evelyn told us to go back to our room and get our things together because the babies would be here at 5. So at 4:30 we went our room and gathered some paperwork, her giraffe, some snacks for her and her blanket. As we were getting off the elevator to meet everyone at the conference room I hear this baby just wailing. I mean MAD! I said, That is probably Norah. Boy was I right. There were just three of us in that room. Shannon and her hubby and girls waiting on Grace. And Denise and her family waiting on Ryan. It was 445 and the crying was getting closer. I mean really close and then I went in panic mode. I had dreamed this scenario a hundred different times. Sometimes she was happy and sometimes she was sad. But nothing in this world prepared me for meeting Norah for the first time. Nothing.
I saw her out in the hallway. And did I say before she was MAD? I just want to make sure that you are getting that. So Grace was handed to her family and then Evelyn looked at us and said, you ready? And it was like slow motion. I stood up, Shannon was videotaping, and they handed her to me. All I could say was thank you, thank you God. She was sweaty, she was screaming, and she was in my arms. Isn’t that the way it normally works? I held her and kissed her head. She is soooo tiny! She was wearing the outfit that we sent her in her care package. The pants we big, but the top was alright. She is just awesome. As I was trying to console her in the room, the orphanage director came to me with a gift for Norah (Which is not something that they do often).I could tell when she was giving it to me that she had tears in her eyes. How hard that must have been for her. And all I could do was say thank you with tears in my eyes. Evelyn came over and told me that they scanned her birth note for us as well. It is nothing more than her date of birth and the time that she was born. We went back to the room a few minutes later because she was screaming her face off. When we got to the room, we went to the window that overlooks the city and just sat there with her. She would not make any eye contact and was limp. She did not want a bottle; she did not want food, nothing. We talked really soft to her and she stopped crying after a while. I finally had to hand her over to Shannon because I had to take care of some business and the crying started all over again. He was talking so sweet to her and just rubbing her back and walking with her. Man, he is amazing. She calmed down and fell asleep on his shoulder. He laid her in the middle of the bed and I had to meet the other parents for more paperwork. At the meeting, they gave me a brochure for the orphanage, her shot records and the newspaper that has her finding ad in. I just cannot believe that they have been so good to us and to Norah. The things they brought, the gift, her toys everything. It is not something that they are required to. She got the bag that we sent her a few weeks ago and it is awesome! They had all of her things in that bag along with some hotdog things that she loves and some cookies.
Anyway, she slept for about an hour and woke up and started coming around. She was sitting on the bed and she actually took a bottle from me. She made eye contact several times, so that is good. I think she even smiled… We had to run a spoon to another family so I took her with me. We took her stacking cups and was a really happy girl! We went and checked on Denise and Ryan too. Ryan is 2 ½ and he was in there as well as Jenna who is 5 and Emma who is 1. She was really happy to be around the other kids. She actually let me put her down and she stood up at the edge of the bed looking around. She is very very observant like Elias is. He is going to LOVE her!
Then we went back to our room and Shannon was already sleeping. I put her in bed and gave her her blanket and she just stuck it in her mouth and laid there until she went to sleep. She just put a bit of blanket in her mouth and suck s it like a paci. The blanket that we gave her is from my Uncle Chuck. It is beautiful. And that is the only blanket that will work for her. She was lying in bed last night and she was sucking her blanket, and she was taking her hands and picking up the sides and rubbing them on her face. Beautiful.
She they are sleeping right now and she slept all through the night. This morning I woke up to her rubbing my arm in her sleep.
Mom, thank you so much for the comment that you left. That meant so much to me; I wish all of you were here to see her. Especially Elias. He would have loved this.

This is amazing. Truly. Nothing could have ever prepared me for this. My heart is full.
I will post more later. Stuart, to answer your questions, we have HBO and Cinemax in our room. We haven’t eaten anything really weird yet, I think they were letting us take baby steps. Last night we had pizza  We were just too tired to go anywhere. We sure miss you guys, you would love it here! But I am excited that we have a few days here to explore Norah’s home. Man I love that kid!
Elias, we miss you buddy! Daddy and I cannto wait to be home with you and snuggle. We were just talking about what a really cool kid you were to one of the other family members yesterday. I miss you squirt.I hope that you are having a good time! Love you so very much !!!!!

2008-07-13T16:36:00.007-05:00

We have Norah!

2008-07-13T05:44:00.003-05:00

Just wanted you all to know that we got Norah about 4:45 pm today. I will post all of the details later. But I will leave you with a few pics. I have to go to a meeting at 7 and Norah is asleep. Love you all!

Off to Nanchang

2008-07-12T17:02:00.002-05:00

Good morning! This is our last day in Hong Kong and this mornign we are on our way to Nanchang. I could hardly sleep last night. Shannon woke up about 6pm yesterday and we went walking around our hotel There was supposed to be a laser light show but I am thinking that we missed it due to the fog. We went walking around and just people watched. It was pretty amazing. Shannon and Denise's family was with us and then they went back o their room for the night. I ordered room service for dinner because Shannon wasnt too hungry. It was some chicken dish and it was expensive! About 40 american dollars. It was a few slices of chicken with the skin still on, some veggies... not too sure what they were to be honest, a small bowl of white rice and a coke. Needless to say I am still hungry. Well, I have lots to do here in this next hour. Thank you to everyone that has posted comments on our blog. We really appreciate that more than you will ever know. Stuart, you made Shannon's day with your post. Keep them coming! Love and hugs and kisses to all! We are of to get Ms. Norah! XOXO

2008-07-12T05:21:00.003-05:00

Wow! Seems like I have more time on my hands than I should! I figured that I should just go ahead and type type type all I can today because I have a feeling when Norah Catherine gets here tomorrow our world is going to be turned upside down! Shannon is napping right now. I asked him, "You are really going to nap when there is so much to see and do here!" Apparently he thought it was a good idea. He has been sleeping about 3 hours now. I went downstairs and did a bit of galavanting myself today. I didnt want to wander too far for fear of not finding my way back. But I did it :) This place is wild! It is so completely different than Charleston. I think we have seen 2 police officers since we have been here and they were on motorcycle. I have yet to see a car. The smells and the sights are truly one of a kind.
I cannot belive that this time tomorrow we will have Norah. I just cannot believe it. I know that I packed her suitcase and we flew a bajillion miles to get her, but it just does not feel real. Doesnt that sound crazy! I know that when we finally see her tomorrow that will be a real reality check. I am just so excited about it all and about seeing her sweet face. I really hope that she doesnt have a hard time with leaving the only home that she has ever known. I am so excited for her and for the journey that she is about to experience. Now it will just be convincing HER that it is alright :) Just Keep us in your prayers tomorrow :) Okay enough for now. I am going to try and wake the angry bear and see if he will go with me walking. We are going to meet the rest of our group at 7:30 in the lobby so we can see the laser show. Our guide told us that it was really pretty. The next time I post will be after we get Norah. We have to have our bags packed at outside our door at 710 am tomorow. Our flight from HK to Nanchang is 1 hour and 20 minutes. I will post pics as soon as I can! Love and Peace to you all!
Elias, you would have loved the shopping today! We are going to look for some thigns for you tomorrow. They were a bit expensice today when we went to the market. Things are supposed to be alot cheaper in mainland CHina. We miss you buddy and we are counting down the days that we will be back home so we can hug and snuggle down :) Love you buddy! XOXO SugarMomma and DaddyO

The surprise...

2008-07-12T03:47:00.001-05:00

I cannot reveal at this time what the surprise is. I can however tell you that it has nothing to do with me per say. Not physically anyway. I will be able to tell you in about 5 weeksish?? Good stuff, I promise :)

Pictures from Hong Kong...

2008-07-12T02:26:00.008-05:00

I have a little bit of time here so I want to upload the pics and stuff that I took today. We went to the Jade factory today and some pictures are from that tour. We also went to the Aberdeen fishing village in HK. We took a boat tour of the village and surrounding buildings. And then I took some pictures of the outfits that we got for Elias and Norah. Enjoy :)