Journey to Adopt Savannah

The end of this blog

2008-07-15T20:16:00.003-05:00

Well folks, the journey I suppose will never really end, but since our family is now complete, the title of this blog seems inappropriate. We will keep this blog up here - hopefully someday it will still exist for Savannah's viewing...

... Now, however, please visit our new and improved family blog, Two Parents, Two Kids & Two Schnoodles, at http://DoyleMania.blogspot.com for the latest on the Doyle family and musings from two writers, two wonderful children and two energetic schnoodles ready to tackle the next pages of our adventurous life!

Dog, dog, dog!! Actually, that's a deer, Savannah

2008-07-07T07:42:00.003-05:00

The deer are back! We hadn't seen any for awhile and now they're making their weekly visits. One of my swimmers actually stared one down in the driveway the other day, and last Thursday three walked right by while I was giving a lesson. Savannah has seen one twice now (see below photos)... she screams, or rather shrieks, a word over and over again that we know to be "dog," too funny.

Anyway, in the first photo she's pointing at the deer and shouting the dog word and the deer is staring her down - I zoomed in on the second photo. Can't wait for her to see the bear. OK, as long as we're INSIDE.

Happy 7th Birthday Adam!!!!

2008-07-02T19:13:00.004-05:00

I must be too petered out to write much lately so thankfully I have lots o' videos & pictures to post!!! This time it's the birthday boy's turn... what a great weekend we had, with a visit from Grandma Cher and Grandpa Jon, who took Adam to an awesome splash park, and a day of celebrating seven years of Adam's great life. Our hearts were so full watching Adam with his friends. Last year he seemed so surprised just to have a special pirate cake. This year he was so relaxed and just oooozing with happiness, which is of course what this Mom wanted and had been thinking about for weeks now!

Also, thanks mom and dad for sending Adam this week to a GREAT camp at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, where he's been singing and dancing his heart out (again). We can't wait to see his show tomorrow, which includes 5 Disney Broadway hits all choreographed to cool dance moves. He's been loving every minute!

What a difference a big brother makes!

2008-06-26T06:21:00.003-05:00

If you're trying to get your little one to walk, and you don't have a big brother or sister, rent one... they do wonders!!!!

Our girl decides to walk on her 15-month birthday today!

2008-06-20T18:40:00.004-05:00

Savannah has walked 2-3 steps before. But tonite I was sitting at my desk and she was looking at me so matter-of-factly, stood up slowly and just walked over to me, real slowly. In the past she's tried to do it super fast and just crashed. So I was stunned at her sudden new more methodical balancing technique! I grabbed the video camera and yelled for Steve. I was just bummed that Adam already was asleep and missed it - basketball camp wore him out. But we are expecting many do-overs tomorrow from our baby girl!

This week: Basketball camp / Next stop: Orlando Magic?

2008-06-18T07:47:00.009-05:00

Well, what a difference a year of growth and two days of basketball camp makes!!!

Adam went outside this morning (his own initiative) to practice BEFORE camp. I went out a few minutes later and he was so fired up, said he'd already made 3 baskets. So I watched, pretty stunned - he was dribbling and looked like he was 10. OK 8. He calmly said, "Mom, I just aim for that square up there and it goes right in" - and he made THREE MORE IN A ROW! He was so cute yesterday - he said their word of the day at camp was "Effort" and added, "That word it really works mom!" He dribbles up to the line (well, the cracks in our driveway, whispers, 'I think I can,' and shoots). So precious.

He's been asking repeatedly if he can go for the full-day camp next year (he's half-day this week). I'm so glad he's having such a great start to his summer (last week he had a wonderful week at the beach with grandma and grandpa, see photos below. And he was loving basketball camp even before he could make any baskets - so making some hoops now is icing on the cake.

So last night I took Savannah and Adam to Applebees for Kids Night (one of my swim moms told me about it). We all got full bellies, balloon art from Tulips the Clown, body painting (Adam got a basketball on his arm, Savannah got a blue and gold heart for spirit week this week at daycare, silly) -- all for $9.52 + tip!!! Plus Adam got to go to Mickey D's after basketball with Mom while Savannah was still at daycare which was probably really his top thing. :)

OK, I am off to a full morning of swim lessons, pick up the kids from daycare and bball camp, see if they can entertain themselves while I make a writing deadline, then Adam and I are off to take Savannah to her first haircut/trim appointment. Never a dull moment around here!

Two Great Dads

2008-06-15T11:51:00.012-05:00

Well, I cannot say enough today about the two greatest fathers I know. My own dad, I see in a whole different way this Father's Day. Yesterday Steve drove to Savannah, Ga. (sans Savannah, cute, I know) to pick up Adam, who had spent the week with my mom and dad at their beach place in S.C. Well, Adam could not stop talking about his Grandpa Jon last night and today. Watching him talk about 3M like it's the coolest company on the planet and some other things Adam says about dad, reminds in my some ways of my self at the age. I was 6 (same age as Adam is now) when my mom married my dad, and he officially adopted me. He was absolutely the best guy around and I could believe he was MY DAD. That's how Adam talks now about his Grandpa Jon, so now, I am now not only so proud to call him my father, but so proud to be able to watch him over the years as my children's grandfather.

And Steve, well, gosh... Happy Father's Day sweetie. I look at our two wonders, Adam and Savannah, and think of all our family has gone through to become a family - the ups and downs are way to numerous to write about here, and I shake my head in amazement at the man, the Dad of our family, who was there for us through each step. Every tear, every smile, every scary moment, every airplane ride (ha!), every everything, he's been our rock. And when I say "there for us" I mean that in the strongest sense possible. Really there, at ever turn, physically, emotionally, however we needed him to be. Sure, he does the typical "guy's guy" stuff and supports our family, works hard at his job, takes the recycling bin to the curb, makes sure the cars keep running, all that wonderful stuff. But at the risk of embarrassing him a tad, Steve's list of wonderfulness does not stop there. So in honor of father's day, below are just a few things, I would like to thank Steve for doing for his children (not saying he necessarily enjoys all of it either!! but he does it all without ever complaining - methinks Barbara Sue Doyle may have something to do with this). And for all these things, today dad got three huge banana nut pancakes, a homemade book from Adam, some other fun gifts, a relaxing day at the pool (see photos!), and soon a lounging evening watching the U.S. Open. Seems to me after reading the below, he should get the same a few more weekends in a row!

1. His share of the morning rat race, as I call it. EVERY morning, never misses a beat. Adam's lunch - let's see, not counting field trips and occasional Monday pizzas, that would be 157 "perfectly made," according to Adam, PP&J sandwiches. Not to mention remembering the ice packs, drinks, two sides, and oh yeah, and a snack - packed separately - for the afternoon. Then getting Adam off to school and Savannah, too, to daycare the mornings she goes. Mom only drove Adam to school a few times during the school year so that was about 170 car trips for kindergarten alone, including at least one song per trip - go Dad!

2. Helping Adam pick out his clothes at least 5o+ mornings. I think only twice the whole school year did Mom go, "HUH?"

3. Nightly bedtime reading. Adam's teacher continued to rave during the school year about Adam's fast progression reading. 99.9 % of the credit goes to Dad. Amazingly, every night, after working 9+ hours, Dad walks through the door, our alarm system makes a beeping noise, Adam runs over HI DAD! Dad gets a 5 second break and heads off to read to Adam, or now, vice versa. Painstakingly he would work with Adam during the beginning stages, going over and over and over things (occasionally dozing off Mom has since learned!). But no wonder! Anyway, that's a lot of Dr. Seuess and Give a Mouse a Cookie.

4. Diaper changing. Even the worst of the worst. Need I say more?

5. Long talks. When things get tough we get talking. And talking and talking. I happen to think that's a big reason Adam is doing so well with us. Everything gets talked about and talked about. With everything he's been through and all the feelings he has, he has to be able to do that. So here's the thing. Dad and and Adam do that, too, deep stuff. All the time.

6. Adam: Basketball time, workouts, baseball, Beattles and other songs, 20 questions, Riddledee Me, pool jumps, hula hoop glides and so much more. Savannah: bed tosses, belly beard tickles, nighttime rocks, finger walks around the house - and teaching me sports at such an early age, of course.

7. Lego fixer. I think Adam now panics when he has a Lego crisis and Mom is the only one home.

8. On-the-way-home-from-work helper... "Honey...." If I had a nickel for every time Steve ran and errand for us on the way home from work I'd be at least semi-rich - from picking up more formula to picking up a prescription... So much easier than hauling the kids out! Thanks honey.

9. Going to all of Adam's shows (and some day, I am sure, Savannah's) - from Church to Bugz to High School Musical, he hasn't missed one yet, even if they fall in the middle of the work day.

10. Bringing love and consistency to Adam and Savannah's lives. Showing up for them every day, no matter what's going on at work, no matter how bad the Magic played, or how deadline-stressed out Mom is that day. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the greatest dad!!!!!

P.S. THANKS GRANNY FOR THE NEW FLOATIES!!!!!

HEY Check out dad underneath Adam!!!!

Kindergarten comes to a close

2008-06-03T10:58:00.003-05:00

My oh my, it's almost over... just three more days after today and kindergarten is one for the history books for Adam. It seems like just yesterday we walked him into his new pre-K class where he was the new kid on the block. Now, he's on kindergarten pro, ready to move on and tackle First Grade! A big thanks to this teachers, especially Mrs. Perkins, for making his kindergarten year so wonderful!

Below are some photos from his end-of-the year show, an hour full of fun that included singing, dancing and acting from all six kindergarten classes. As "K-Pod Chair" (head of the kindergarten mom volunteers) Mom is getting ready to pull off an end-of-year bash - Friday is a day of pizza, Popsicles and a time where the kids get to go from classroom to classroom getting their painter caps autographed by their friends. Should be a blast!

Adam is going to miss school immensely but is excited about his summer plans. We hit the beach for the first week, heading to Grandma and Grandpa's place in S.C. After that comes a week of basketball (his choice to repeat this same camp he did last year now that he's had time to practice dribbling and shooting with the new hoop in the driveway he and dad got for Christmas). Then it's two weeks of acting and dancing at two theatre camps followed by Vacation Bible School and two camps at the History Center downtown -- all that and weekly piano lessons to boot -- mom's hoping the gas prices come down, she is going to be driving her boy all over Central Florida this summer!

We especially can't wait for Adam's birthday (June 30) when we finally get to tell him what his huge end-of-the summer, pre-First Grade surprise is going to be. And Adam has no clue about his actual birthday which itself is going to be one surprise after another this year!

6 months post-Gotcha Day, home sale...

2008-06-01T18:57:00.004-05:00

Tonite we had our 6-month post-placement adoption visit by the home study folks we know so well (6 months from "Gotcha Day" will actually be June 23). Ken and Lynn Brown saw us through Adam's adoption and now Savannah's. We have one more visit at the 12-month post adoption for Savannah and then... drum roll... that's it!!!!! For both!!!! We love the Browns (Hope for Families), so no offense guys, but we are SO glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tonite we surprised Ken with some belated birthday cheesecakes and had a blast as Adam sang Happy Birthday and they met Savannah for the first time.

After, I got this great shot of my sweetie girl and my sweetie hubby. Oooh I could just eat them up!
So...big day today... we mulched. Don't you wonder where it goes? Seems we put the bark down. And then a few months later... where does it go? Does some critter eat it? Our realtor suggested we add some more out front, and some hanging flowers, but that other than that our house looks FAB! Yes, you read that right - realtor.

Big news on the Doyle front - we are putting are house on the market after just one year. At the time we moved, we really made the right decision. We felt we had to stay in this neighborhood for Adam's sake - he'd been through quite a bit of instability for 5 years in some areas of his life, then getting a new Mom and Dad, starting real school for the first time, in a totally new state, away from everything he knew... and then we had to up-size, of course, due to Savannah AND Adam, and our choices were so so limited here in this neighborhood... So now that we are all so well-adjusted, we're going to take a look at what else is out there - just moving to another area - same sqft, w/pool would be a huge difference - and allow us to sock more away for the bottomless education funds.

So we put the house on the market last week, and have an agent coming by to show it tomorrow and a realtor caravan on Tuesday, eeeek!

Hug your family a little tighter this week

2008-05-22T11:05:00.006-05:00

I've been too consumed lately with the horrors in China lately. The death toll due to the earthquake has officially risen above 51,000. The number is staggering enough but the stories I hear from my daily emails from Half the Sky of dozens of orphans being brought to oprhanages, of children sleeping outside due to crumbling buildings, just leaves my heart heavy.

To say China holds a special place in my heart, sounds so cliche and is such an understatment. So if you pray, please place these warm people in your prayers, or just think of them from time to time, or at the very least, count your blessings, and give your family some extra hugs this week.

Then today I heard the tragic news that Steven Curtis Chapman's 5-year-old daughter was killed in an accident yesterday afternoon. Chapman has long been my favorite Christian recording artists but also has been such an inspiration to our family. More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. Their goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption - they've already provided grants to more than 1,700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

Their daughter who was killed yesterday was adopted from China. Here's a blurb from the Chapman Web site:

"NASHVILLE, TN…5/21/08… At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters." (you can donate at the above link in memory of Maria, in lieu of flowers, to Shaohannah’s Hope.

Yes, I think we should all give our family members some extra hugs this week.

In closing, although he had lived with us for several months beforehand, one year ago, our son Adam's adoption became official. We love you Adam and cannot imagine what the past year would have been like without you!

Adam the Ant

2008-05-12T17:20:00.009-05:00

Adam was amazing in "Bugz!" And we were so lucky to be able to see the show twice on Saturday. His show was the opening number for the some other shows going on that day... too awesome.

He was so proud of himself and had a blast!

Not enough time right now to say how incredible Mother's Day was, but my heart is so full! I have to somehow get through this week, then I can spend this next weekend remembering how great it was (two biggest writing deadlines of the first half of the year happen to fall this week, plus a gzillion swim lessons...) Will get through it!

Swim Central

2008-05-06T12:55:00.003-05:00

That's what the Doyle household is like these days... I took Adam to his group lesson on Saturday a.m., then I was off to teach a bunch of lessons myself. On Sunday, I taught a triathlon swim clinic (for grown-ups) lesson, then came home and swam with Adam about an hour, at least, taught him some butterfly (his request) and we kicked to China and Thailand and Egypt and back, and then decided to give Savannah her first parent-infant aquatic class, couldn't help but keep "swim central" going.

We did the swishies and kicks and whirlypool things, etc.. and in between the three submerges and SHE WAS AWESOME!!!! She coughed a little the first time only and that was it! She didn't even try to wipe the water out of her eyes. The third time we came up she said "dat! dat!" and pointed to the waterfall, like "hey what did you do that for, I was looking at that!" The swimsuit is so cute on her (thank you Grandma Cher!) We can't wait for Grandma and Grandpa's visit this weekend for some more fun times in the pool.

An adoption poem

2008-04-29T10:56:00.004-05:00

Thank you Aubrey Cooper (and "Mom D" for forwarding it for her) for this adoption poem. This is how we feel about both our wonderful children...

I didn’t give you the gift of life, but in my heart I know
the love I feel is deep and real,
as if it had been so
For us to have each other is like a dream come true!
No, I didn’t give you the gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you
-Author Unknown

Life is good at the Doyles. The boys wen't by themselves to Kentucky for Uncle Tom's wedding as Savannah was sick. They had a grand time! Mom can't believe how busy she is with her swimming lessons, the phone has been ringing off the hook. So she is jumping back and forth between the computer for writing assignments and back into the pool for lessons. It seems like yesterday Swim with Steph was just a concept and now it's as busy as ever and not even summer yet. Adam watches and enterains Savannah in her play yard after school and is earning "points" for a HUGE end-of-the summer surprise - he finds out what it is on his birthday. It has to do with music, of course. Grandma Cher and Grandpa Jon are coming down in a couple weeks for his big Bugz Musical show, we can't wait to see it. Savannah is amazing, trying new foods and wanting to dance just holding onto my two index fingers. She makes us all laugh pretty much non-stop. We all had fun in the pool last week and are going to make it a tradition every Saturday when mom's last lesson is over that we all jump in and have family time - now that the pool is 87 degrees woo hoo!!

Savannah makes newspaper blog (again!)

2008-03-28T19:58:00.003-05:00

Savannah is featured on an Orlando Sentinel.com blog for one of her new tricks!

The New Easter Basket

2008-03-24T13:01:00.006-05:00

Or should I say the Florida Easter basket...

So the Easter Bunny was pretty cool this year... bringing cholocate yes, but also dive toys for the pool, flip-flops and baby crocs for the beach, sunglasses, and other goodies in Easter baskets-turned-sand pails.

Had a great visit with my parents, Adam's training wheels came off his bike - he's still in training but already talking about doing his first kid triathlon! - it was a great weekend overall!

Vote now for Savannah's baby photo!

2008-03-21T13:03:00.004-05:00

I took down the vote-for-the-photo link... they had you fill out this stupid form, trying to sign up for "free" stuff... sorry about that... I'll leave the cute photo up, though :)

My own birthday first bday - in 1972

2008-03-20T15:22:00.007-05:00

OK, Savannah gets Gerber babyfood banana yogurt dessert. I got MY OWN CAKE. And a cool rocking horse, too! Yeeeeehaw! No wonder I grew up to like horse camp so much.

My mom sent me these photos this morning... for more on Savannah's first birthday, see post below...

One year ago...

2008-03-20T11:03:00.006-05:00

Today Savannah turns one!

Unlike many adopted girls from China, there is no question about Savannah's birthday. She was found the day she was born, they could tell by her umbilical cord.

I've been thinking so much about her birthmother today, how she gently placed her daughter in that basket, in a place where she would be quickly found. Having seen interviews of mothers in China, and their struggles with the mindset and policies in their country, I have to imagine she shed tears, and feels pain today. There is no paper trail, so we will never know who Savannah's birthparents were, but I know they are wonderful. As are her fostercare parents, who we have photos of. Her biological side, combined with the couple who raised her from the day she was born until the day she was placed in our arms, has made it easy for us ... they gave us a gift the gift of the most amazing child I could have ever imagined.

I wonder if her birthmother still thinks her little baby still lives in the Jiangxi Province of China...she cannot possibly imagine her here in the Sunshine State gazing out at palm trees and a swimming pool with two schnoodles devouring her face. I wish I could soften her pain and ease her fears, show her this beautiful girl who loves to laugh, and sing and dance. Who has this fierce determination to do anything she sets her mind to, but a fragility that melts your heart. A girl who looks like her, and acts silly like me.

This morning, Savannah didn't know what to make of this new song, Happy Birthday, and these colorful bags, and new things that beep and bonk. Tonite we're having Sloppy Joes (more for the benefit of her brother) and tomorrow, Grandma and Grandpa arrive for a bday/Easter fun weekend! Adam made her the cutest birthday card with a panda on the front and mom pushing her in her Jeep stroller (it even said Jeep) through the trees.

Happy Birthday baby girl!!!

Life...

2008-03-15T13:45:00.013-05:00

...apparently is too busy for blogging!

Don't even know where to begin really, but for those of you who check in daily for kiddo updates ... Mary :) hehe they are G-R-E-A-T. Or spectacular, as Adam would say. Let's start with the birthday girl. Yep, we're gearing up for Savannah's big 1-year bash this Thursday and she's, according to the pediatrician, doing all the things a 1-year-old is supposed to be doing and "thriving." Do people really want to read this stuff? OK, she's "crusing" - doctor term - pulling herself up onto the furniture and walking a long, eating chunkier foods, even some of our stuff (she giggles like crazy when you put something new in her mouth - as if to say what the heck is THAT and what am I supposed to do with it?!)

Like her brother, she's a musician in the making. Well, that's a bit premature, but she rocks out to the music bigtime. She even starts bobbing the head as soon as she sees me turn on the radio button on the car before she even hears the music! She loves "Ni Hao, Kai-Lan," the Dora-like TV show, but with the Asian girl (the voice is by a girl who was adopted from China from the same orphanage as Savannah, can you believe that!?) The only time we watch it is during her twice-daily nebulizer treatments - we're still trying to de-junk her lungs.

As for Adam, sibling issues are waning and he's just doing amazingly well. He's back to swimming, this time with a group, and he's been praciting hard as Adam the Ant for his Bugz the Musical show, which hits the stage in May. He seemed pleased as punch that his mom got "happy tears" while reading what his teacher wrote on his last progress report. It's not that Adam does well in school academically. Sure, that's great. It's seeing how far he has come from those first weeks, and that first teacher conference. My oh my! Socially and emotionally is just leaps and bounds.
And spring is fun. He and his dad have gone to a Braves spring training game and go to another one Easter Sunday. Tomorrow for Palm Sunday the kids sing a neat song and wave banners around. Grandma and Grandpa come down for Easter. Today Adam went on his first Easter Egg hunt (surrounded by Chinese girls no less!) and filled his belly with potluck yummies, as we all did. The last weekend this month he and I are going to see Blues Clues Live at the Orlando Rep Theatre. Talk about a well-rounded kid with well-rounded fun.

Steve's doing well, too, and can't wait to see his family in April, for his brother Tom's wedding, and neither can we. The drama at the Sentinel/Tribune continues, but, alas, can't write much here about that - let's just say he's glad he still has his job after all these years but wishes it was under better circumstances, and was sorry to see the publisher go.

As for me, I can't seem to come up for air these days, but it's all good. I'm still not working out of this house that is! Slowly but surely I get more nibbles on the freelance writing front. This week I interviewed a vein care doc for a profile and wrote a historical piece about our local medical society, and landed another profile about a holistic practitioner (need to find one) and a feature about self-diagnosis on the Web, both for a women's magazine. I managed to make the deadline for my book outline, now I need to write my fanny off - the first 20K words are due, well, I'm not even going to put the deadline here, I may go into cardiac arrest.

I officially started studying for the NASM personal training exam and I LOVE the material. Chapter 5 comes this afternoon. I truly love this stuff! My goal is April but we'll see how it goes. I have a logo - do ya like it? and a Web site domain, and the sooner the better to supplement my writing income...

The big thing, though, sort of a whirlwind two weeks of hard work ... drum roll... the unveling of... Swim with Steph (goes with the theme, Train with Steph). Yep, I decided instead of latching onto a swim organization, to go at it solo. Make more $, create my own schedule, use my own pool (which I love), be my own boss (see a trend here?), etc.. I can't start teaching until the end of April. I take the water safety instructor class the first two weekends in April. Actually I can teach any ol' time, but I am touting myself as having that certification (a big one to have), so am going to wait 'til I actually have it, ethical person I am. So I've started fanning out the flyers, putting links to my Web site anywhere and everywhere. Can't believe I actually have a photo of our pool with the three deer in the background, how appealing is that compared to the rate race lessons (well, the ones I have been to) with the parking hassles, freezing water on certain days, screaming kids?

A Beautiful Gift

2008-03-03T15:10:00.004-06:00

My favorite kind of gift arrived in the mail today. It came from our dear friend Laurie, who also happens to work at our wonderful church. I am leaving off her last name in case she didn't mean for the world to know about this, but I hope others will consider such gifts. Sometimes we get so bogged down with "stuff" we forget about what's really important. Coincidentally, I read about this very issue in The New Earth last night.

The card reads:

To the Doyle Family,
In celebration of Savannah's arrival, a generous donation to Half the Sky Foundation has been made by Laurie ... This gift will give warmth and comfort to orphaned children enduring record cold and snow during the long winter of 2008 in southern and central China.

Thank you Laurie for your beautiful gift!!!!

A good read - we hope

2008-02-29T13:55:00.006-06:00

It's the latest buzz by Oprah... she's even got an online class kicking off this Monday night. I caved. I bought the book, bought a copy for my mom, even jumped on the virtual bandwagon and signed us up for the class, along with apparently more than 25,000 others - talk about a big class. Here's what amazon.com says about the book, A New Earth:

"With his bestselling spiritual guide The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle inspired millions of readers to discover the freedom and joy of a life lived “in the now.” In A New Earth, Tolle expands on these powerful ideas to show how transcending our ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world. Tolle describes how our attachment to the ego creates the dysfunction that leads to anger, jealousy, and unhappiness, and shows readers how to awaken to a new state of consciousness and follow the path to a truly fulfilling existence.
The Power of Now was a question-and-answer handbook. A New Earth has been written as a traditional narrative, offering anecdotes and philosophies in a way that is accessible to all. Illuminating, enlightening, and uplifting, A New Earth is a profoundly spiritual manifesto for a better way of life—and for building a better world."

So who doesn't want a better world, and a better self? I've still got to read Chapter 1 this weekend before the 10-week class begins so don't have any insightful comments as of yet. Just hope I can actually squeeze in some reading between my finishing weekly copyediting class assignments, wiping running noses, and meeting my book deadlines. I think, if anything, the "New Earth journey" will be an adventursome one for my mom and I to take together. She's a trooper for going along with it, not that I really gave her a choice.

P.S. If you jump on the bandwagon, make sure to buy some 3M Post-It Flags to mark your book as you go (OK, I confess my dear dad works for 3M, but trust me these things are GREAT, Oprah thinks so, too!!). Post-It Flags also happens to be sponsoring Oprah's first ever worldwide Web event, but she's been raving about these goodies for a long time...

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

2008-02-09T17:54:00.001-06:00

Out with Savannah's birth year, the Year of the Pig, in with the Year of the Rat... and some silly photos below ... Gerber commerical in her future?

Sad news

2008-02-05T16:07:00.000-06:00

Not doing so well today. Some dear, dear parents lost their daughter yesterday. A friend I used to pal around with when I lived in Charlotte. She was my age and leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter. It was very unexpected. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. I am going to forgo blogging for awhile and leave this up as a tribute to Jennifer, whose bright smile will be missed by so many. Jen co-blogged Charlotte Smarty Pants with her friend, also a Jen, who wrote a beautiful tribute to Jen here.

Aargh!!!!

2008-02-04T12:36:00.000-06:00

That's what pirates say! Birthday day was fun, the play Treasure Island was, well, full of pirate fun, and later Adam surprised me with a Minnesota "Hikings" (ha!) hat. Was nice to spend some solo time with him on my bday. The next morning Adam sang "Tune My Heart Lord" in church and I was never more proud (I know, I always say that, but this is the latest so let Mom gush). It was a tricky song for him (he's one of the youngest in the group that goes all the way through fifth grade) and he practiced his little heart out for two weeks straight, even listening to the CD while in the bathtub. Actually, the best part was his solo performance in the car on the way to church, his dimples popping through cheers and applause when he finished. He even said, "I am really proud of myself." Between him practicing his songs and Savannah bound and determined to crawl - she spends a whole hour trying to get to a particular toy even when she's going backwards the whole time - we have two fiercely determined kids (or two utter perfectionists, but I like to think it's the first!).

Savannah makes a newspaper web blog!

2008-02-04T12:24:00.001-06:00

Check out Ann Helmuth's "Animal Crazy" blog at the Orlando Sentinel!

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_lifestyle_animal/

Scroll down to headline posted February 4, 2008:
"After trip from China, baby gets doggy welcome"

Cuuuuuuuuute!!!!

Thanks Ann!

China's weather-impact on orphanages

2008-02-02T08:04:00.000-06:00

You may be aware of the disastrous weather situation in parts of China. You may not be aware of the impact this having on many of the country's orphanages. My heart is just aching today for the details we are learning from Half the Sky, an amazing foundation that works with some of China's orphanages. Half the Sky typically has not helped with disasters but is bound and determined to not let another Katrina situation happen with the orphanages in China. They have set up a fund to help. Please, if you have $25, or more, you can spare, this is an agency that can get the money to the babies who need it. Half the Sky is responding to the emergency by getting funds directly to the institutions in a variety of ways. Click here to read about the situations at specific orphanages. Get your Kleenex out. We know families who have received referrals for babies in these orphanages. If we all pitch in, we could make a huge difference. I know it seems like an issue we can't really do much about, but we can. Our son Adam is even breaking into his crayon bank to help.

This is all happening at a time when China is about to ring in the Year of the Rat (Year of the Mouse as some of us prefer to call it) - the Chinese New Year, the biggest holiday in the country. It is supposed to be a celebratory happy time. We actually will be celebrating here next weekend at the Ming Court with dozens of other adoptive families. We will feast on all the food we want, go home to our warm homes, where diapers and baby food are plentiful. And hopefully by then we already will be seeing news of improvements in the orphanages - I will post updates here as often as I hear them. Please consider giving to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund, maybe skip dinner out one night this month.

Thanks, and a smile

2008-01-29T15:23:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I promise I'll continue blogging, though this site originally was intended to provide updates about our impending adoption. With much extended family, including Adam's much loved Minnesota family, this is a great way to provide updates and photos, reaching many people during a period in our lives that makes it difficult to keep in touch as much as we would like!

Savannah got Adam's crud, so spent recent time getting the kids back on the mend. Am ready for all of us to be 100 percent healthy again!

Before I forget, some due thanks to many! Thanks so much to the Ericksons - Scott, Elaine, Kari, Kyle and Irene - for the surprise box of special goodies for Adam and Savannah! And to Carie in Minneapolis for the knitted sweater and hat! And also to the big Doyle family. This past weekend we finally spent our belated Christmas with Steve's "kids," Amanda and Kevin - we'd been waiting for Kev to finish his Coast Guard training so we could all be together. It was a special special day ... we all opened our gifts from the Doyle families in Kentucky, too, thanks everyone for all of your thoughtfulness!!! More personal notes to come soon!

This weekend I am going to take some updated photos of Adam, who also is changing so fast!! My birthday is Saturday and my birthday present (I asked for) was to go to a play with him, some Adam/Mom time... we're going to Treasure Island at the Children's Theatre... the kids are allowed to dress up like pirates, should be a hoot!

Here are some super short vides of Savannah (you may have to click the play button twice). I call the LAST VIDEO - TO SMILE, OR NOT TO SMILE. She's like that. She's either beaming, or looks totally serious... too funny.

Faces of China

2008-01-21T13:19:00.000-06:00

Was looking at some of our China photos this weekend - wow that first leg in Beijing seems like a really long time ago. I just have the sweetest memories of the people of China, from the ladies dancing with Adam in the park, to the old men waving at us on that side street in Nanchang, to the rickshaw driver. Just wonderful, wonderful people with the warmest smiles. The cheerfulness, the music, the dancing in the parks -- despite the gray smoggy conditions is amazing!

Thought I would post my favorite "Faces of China" photos. Enjoying time home with Adam today (MLK holiday). We introduced Savannah today to High School Musical, she got her groove on. Later Adam and I are going to do some "Mind Blowing Science" experiments, including an underwater volcano (a gift we gave him) while Savannah naps. Hopefully the house will stay in one piece!

One Hundred Wishes

2008-01-14T19:18:00.000-06:00

To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is a custom to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth with a wish for the baby. Part of the patch of cloth goes into the quilt for the baby, and the other part of the cloth can go into a creative memory notebook with the wish for the child. The quilt contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. We started collecting pieces of fabric from family and friends more than two years ago.

And this week, we received an exciting email -- a photo of the quilt from the woman who put it all together for us, Rhonda Baker of Dogwood Lane Quilts in Tarpon Springs, FL. Isn't it wonderful? The middle 20 alphabet squares come from my parents, and our immediate family spreads out from there - Steve's below and mine above the alphabet, followed by friends, and then the outer edges on the top and two sides are from our "Internet adoption family" with whom we participated in cool swaps with to get animal- and Asian-themed squares. People were so creative in their contributions - one of Steve's friends, Howard, actually sacrificed his favorite shirt for it, while my best friend Bridget, contributed fabric used to decorate her son's own nursery. There's even a square taken from a quilt made by my great-grandmother Henderson, and one made long ago by Steve's "Mammaw."

You should be able to click on the photo to enlarge it - see if you can find your square/s! I also put together a memory book for Savannah and I can't wait until she is old enough to read it. Thank you dear ones who contributed, this truly is the most special gift, and we cannot wait for it to arrive and hang it in Savannah's nursery (heck, it's in the 40s here this week, maybe she can even use it!). Mom, please share this with our wonderful Charlotte friends!

Bloggin' with a purpose - who me?

2008-01-13T17:25:00.000-06:00

My Internet soul sista Kim is too cool for nominating me on her site, Ruby is Coming, for a blogging with a purpose award! Sometimes I feel like a ramblin' fool so thanks chica :)
Here's what she said:

Journey to Adopt Savannah: I was Stephanie's secret pal and I can't believe how much we have in common! Sometimes from reading Stephanie's posts, I feel like I'm right there, experiencing hers and Steve's joy as new parents of Savannah and recent parents of Adam. Your love and spirit shines through, my friend. I'm so pleased to be a part of your journey - and hope one day soon we can get together with our kids, share favorite writings and readings, discuss exercise and nutrition, and watch our kids play together.

Amen to that! And I cannot wait to read about Ruby when Ruby is Home! Now that we've BTDT in China, I'm that much more excited for you guys, it's such an amazing journey and travel experience! And I love that you are moving to Colorado but I can't really be sad since we're Internet neighbors. Steve has a best bud in Denver - I see a Ruby-Savannah playdate in our future! But just between you and I, can we call it something besides that hokey suburbanite word!?

Shelby, caffeine, numbered baby food, medical reports

2008-01-10T10:43:00.000-06:00

Never a dull moment these days at the Doyles, I get to use some bullets, one of my favorite tools from my newspaper reporting days. First off, say a doggie prayer for Shelby today. Our first Schnoodle has a ton of bladder stones and is having surgery today to get them removed.

Today, while trying to get Shelby to come back to the house (we didn't know yet she had the stones, thought she had a UTI, which she was being treated for), Steve yanked her leash pretty good. Unbeknownst to him, it was wrapped around a PVC pipe in our yard. My husband works out a lot... you can imagine what happened... I was trying to make Savannah's bottle - to no water pressure - and went outside to find a geiser in the front yard. Meanwhile, had to have the dogs to the groomers by 7:30, which is when we had Shelby re-checked and X-rays showed the stones. Nearly $1,000 in vet and home repair bills later... and it wasn't even 8 a.m. yet!!

The good news is, Savannah finally only woke us up ONCE last night WOO HOO, and high-fives this morning all around. I gave Steve a full night off, slept on the couch, tried some new techniques (more on that in a sec) and it all paid off. She woke up at around 2 for a feeding and change, and the next thing I knew Steve, not a crying baby, was waking me up at 6:30. AHHHH!!!!

So apparently I've been feeding Savannah BABY baby food as in food for newborns. I was at Babies R' Us yesterday and they have all their food labeled - she should be on Stage 3 (it's more chunky) so I loaded up on it, couldn't wait to get home and try it out on her for dinner, which clearly sustained her better through the night. Who knew?! Obviously not me.

I am back on regular doses of caffeine after a LONG time being off. Oh well. I at least feel good that it's somewhat nutritious. Instead of coffee I am drinking an Advocare product called Spark, which a lot of athletes drink. It's packed with vitamins. And Yummy. The orange reminds me of this stuff called Tang I used to suck down as a kid. I could not operate without caffeine right now. I don't want to be one of those parents who makes the headlines by leaving their baby behind in the shopping cart at the grocery store parking lot.

Medical update - my de-worming process began this morning and I swear I am feeling somewhat better already. I am supposed to be doing the BRAT diet - Bananas, Rices, Applesauce, and, OK, I forget the T, but I am pretty much over this whole thing and ready to eat some pizza. OK, admittedly, I did try that one of our first nights home and it was not pretty.

In other body parts, my chest apparently is packed with all kinds of junk still, and that is what they are more worried about. I feel SO much better than I did in China that it's hard not to be overly optimistic. I had a breathing treatment yesterday, and a shot of antibiotics in the rump. Not sure how long it will take to get "it" out of my lungs, but they just want to make sure it doesn't develop into pneumonia until "it" gets out (I guess I have China's smog with me still, one souvenier I wish I could ditch).

My parents arrive this afternoon. Thank goodness. Between taking Adam to his music class, and picking up one dog from the groomers and the other from surgery, it will be a big help. But I am like a kid on Christmas morning, I cannot wait for them to meet their granddaughter. I haven't felt this antsy about anything in a loooong time, other than our own waiting to meet her. She's napping right now and although I run around like a chicken with my head cut off while she sleeps, I absolutely cannot wait for her to wake up from naps. Usually, within about one minute flat she just beams that gorgeous smile and I melt all over again like the first time I saw it.

Adam is gaga over her, too... above is a photo of him introducing her to the exer-saucer thing which she thinks is pretty cool, although I'd rather have her on my lap and stare at her... I know I keep saying it, but life is good!
Thanks so much for all the nice cards, notes, etc.. I am hoping by early next week to get all caught up on so many emails I want to write, and send out our annual S&S Inquirer newsletter, which is New Year's edition this year.

Savannah's favorite noise

2008-01-08T04:58:00.000-06:00

Meet Savannah... she loves to copy this clicking noise with her tongue! (click twice on the play button) ... yes, I am doing this at 6:10 a.m., and not because I just got up, but have been up for the second night in a row... can't seem to get this girl back on U.S. time!

We're Home!!!!!!

2008-01-06T10:46:00.000-06:00

One fiasco after another, three planes, and more than 24 hours of travel later, we are back at home and loving our new life as a family of four! I'll spare you the sob stories of our travel home -- the important part is that we made it safely, we're still married and still loving, non-abusive parents. :)

I am not exactly sure what's happened since, it's a bit of a blur when you get home around 2 a.m. and your baby girl is bound and determine to stay on China time since she's the only one who slept on the plane/s... so I think I went to bed around 6 a.m. and then slept until about 3 p.m. Saturday. THANK YOU HUBBY! I have the lovely giardia parasite which has had me tossing my cookies. Ever looking for the ray of sunshine, I'll take the several pounds weight loss - I can focus on "getting healthy" for new year's now right? Anyway, I should be able to get into the doctor ASAP tomorrow for treatment to eradicate it.

Gosh being home with Savannah is so much fun, especially watching her interact with our two schnoodles, which started out with sheer terror, quickly moved to curiousity, and now even a few giggles. We're just soaking it all in, and trying to get some things done when she naps (and we're not). Our pool is nasty dirty, our lawn is a mess, our pool table is covered with future birthday gifts for Savannah, our Christmas decorations may stay up 'til Valentines Day, but we just don't care. We have clean undies, milk and cereal, my parents are coming down in a few days to meet their granddaughter, and we do have, as biased as we are, the best daughter ever who also happens to have the most special big brother around. Life is good!

Below is a photo taken our last night in China, at Lucy's in Guangzhou. It was bitter sweet, saying goodbye to our amazing guide Grace, who was more a friend than a guide through 2/3 of our trip. Adam, too, had a special connection with her and I hope that some day, if Savannah wants to return to China, we can meet up with her. It's so strange to take off literally half way around the world, leaving the place where your daughter's life began, a place so completely different than here, yet knowing you are giving her a better life, one filled with countless opportunities. The Chinese people are so wonderful, and despite a policy and culture that does not bode well for girls, I hope she can find pride in her heart for her homeland. I certainly have.

Last Word from China

2008-01-03T16:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally caved and hobbled my barely breathing, sweaty self to a clinic... the doctor spoke very little English, if any, but smiled a lot... and after about 30 minutes of tests she got our hotel asst manager on the phone who told me I was "very sick" and asked me how much longer we were here for. So encouraging! But I was given some medicine vapor treatment that did wonders to numb my lungs, or something, went back again for that this morning, and between that and all the meds (enough to cure an army it seems, or at least put me to sleep for 10 hours) and I am doing much better!!
Today we have our last appt - the big American Consulate one - at 2:45 p.m. Then we'll celebrate with dinner out, our last hurrah, and am on a mission to find Savannah a jade bracelet to give to her when she turns 16. Right now Adam and Dad are playing Uno 'with Savannah' (she's really napping but they like to add her in), it's pretty funny. Adam is ahead winning Uno games on this trip by about 22 games. He's turned into quite the card shark. In fact, he just one again!
So tonite we pack up and tomorrow morning we fly back up to Beijing, have a not-so-fun layover there and then take off for Newark at about 5 p.m. We end up gaining the 13 hours flying home and get in to Orlando about 11 p.m. on the 4th, my grandma's birthday. Gosh, we're so ready to come home, but already getting teary, having to say goodbye to the other families we've become close with, our guide, and Savannah's homeland. Some families are so ready to get the heck out of here and never look back, and I don't feel that way at all. I can't wait to return some day, if Savannah wants to, of course. The people here are so beautiful, and it's just been everything I ever dreamed it would be. It's a strange policy and situation that brought us here, but I can't imagine it any other way. And being here with Adam, who just over a year ago, was himself nervous about making his way into our family, well, what more needs to be said!
See you all soon!

3 More Days!

2007-12-31T09:28:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!Here’s a shutterfly link to some new photos from Guangzhou and the White Swan Hotel, famous for hosting adopting families as they await their babies’ visas from the American Consulate here.http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZOGrRs2YtWOW&notag=1It’s been awhile since we posted. All is great, but the Doyle’s have had a rough go in the health dept here in China. Steve is all better, Adam’s fever has finally broke but now, Guangzhou is not sitting well with me. Well, none of China was kind to my lungs, but this city has my sinuses in the most pain ever! I’m taking several allergy medicines and still when I walk outside in just five minutes my nasal passages burn like nothing I've ever experienced. Get up just about ever hour at night to shower steam the bathroom and breath it in to stop coughing. Just getting pretty antsy trying to stay indoors as much as possible. Of course I try to be positive…only three days left, we have a beautiful baby, but I am pretty much spent. So anyway, back to positivity … only three more days, woo hoo! Not much left to do… a mandatory medical checkup for Savannah, pretty funny since she’s the healthy one around here and the big American Consulate appointment.Had an emotional day the other day, visiting Savannah’s birthtown and “finding spot.” It took about an hour and a half to get to Gao’An. We passed tiered rice paddies and oxen and chickens and just tons of poverty. After driving through the downtown area, our guide took us through the places where the “peasants” live, where she said Savannah came from, given the short walk it would have been to the old “cinema” were she was left in a basket. It was so muddy, and squalid, and worse than anything I have ever seen or could have ever imagined, and my newspaper reporting days had opened my eyes to severe poverty.After that, our guide rolled down the window and was asking for directions in Chinese and eventually the van stopped and I just got this chill and don’t ask me how in the world I knew, but I just thought, this is where Savannah was left. To read about it was one thing. But now that she has been with us, and we are so totally in love with her, to have that visual of her, lying in that spot that frigid morning, was tough. Even our driver was crying. I am so glad we convinced our guide to take us there, though. Some day, Savannah will know we made that effort for her. And maybe she won’t want to know much. But maybe she will. And we will be able to answer more questions for her now, even show her photos. And, by the way, the throw-away camera we sent to Savannah while she was still in foster care at the orphanage – the orphanage director gave it back to us! And we had the photos developed in Nanchang. Her foster mom and dad are an obviously warm and wonderful couple and THE reason she is so well adjusted. There’s also a photo of her on the back of a bicycle, so she should be ready to hit The West Orange Trail with me ASAP!!!! Too cool.Love to you all, especially Kim and Joel, who are suffering the pain of a horrific domestic adoption horror story – big hugs to you.Steve, Stephanie, Adam & Savannah

Winning Christmas Photo

2007-12-25T16:14:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T07:13:00.000-06:00

http://share.shutterfly.com:80/action/welcome?sid=8AZOGrRs2YtWN4&emid=sharview&linkid=link4

She's Ours

2007-12-23T14:14:00.000-06:00

No crying, not a peep. She loves Adam to pieces. Wailed like a banshee when we took off all her many layers of clothes. Isn't she beautiful?

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZOGrRs2YtWNp&emid=sharview&linkid=link4

One More Hour!

2007-12-23T08:25:00.000-06:00

As I type this, we have been at the Jin Feng hotel in Nanchang for about an hour
and a half... we ordered room service for lunch, Adam is in the bath, I have
showered and Steve is showering. My hands are shaking. They bumped up our time. We meet in the lobby (three amazing familes, I am crying for them at the drop of a hat)... at 2:45... the civil affairs office is just 15 minutes away. I am pretty calm but the need some tear-blocking potion. This morning they woke us up at 4:30 a.m. A bunch of families met in the lobby and we were all bused the Beijing airport... we all went our separate ways, wished each other well - we will meet up in Guangzhou later...
On our bus ride to the Beijing airport we sat near Rachel, a seventh-grader
adopted from Nanchang as a baby.... she shared with us our story (she also is a
budding writer and loved to talk with us about that). Her birth family put burns
on her legs... burns that said that they loved her and did not want to give her
away. She was obviously very upset that they did this to her. I didn't know what to say and just said that different cultures do things so very differently it's just so hard to wrap our minds our it all. She said, "I just can't believe I will have them forever..." She really wanted her sister to be from Nanchang so she go back for a visit - they specifically requested that but no dice... we promised to take lots of photos for her.
Then on the hour bus ride from the Nanchang airport to our hotel, I went and sat
next to our incredible guide Grace and told her my main questions would be about
Savannah's feeding (the tongue-tie issue and her slow eating)... she said, "Oh the foster care mom will not be there... this is her worst day. It is very rare that a foster mom have baby from first day. They cannot have own daughter so this very special. She will be so so sad." So I am trying to imagine this woman, getting angry at this country and its men, wanting to hug her and love her for taking such wonderful care of our daugher every day for nine months."
It's just difficult to put all the emotions into the right words. My heart just wants to explode, and having Adam see all this, my gosh...
We walked into our room at the Nanchang.. and there was a crib next to our bed,
WOW. Tonite what will it be like???
Grace is trying to arrange a special Christmas dinner for us three families...
what will that be like - what is she like??? I just want to sit and watch her.
Just do nothing really. Just take her back to the room and plop her down! Grace
also said we "might" be able to visit Gao'An (her village) - about a two-hour
drive. Hope so!
Ah, our Gotcha Day is here and our Gotcha Hour is right around the corner!!!

Pictues from China

2007-12-22T15:09:00.000-06:00

This is an incredible country...just take a look!

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZOGrRs2YtWNa

2007-12-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone –this is Steph’s dad here… they are unable to access their blog from China, so I will post every so often for them. They are having a great time and here’s what they have to say so far:
We made it! What a flight my goodness!!! When we left Newark Adam saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time, and we did fly right over the North Pole - I have a photo of the airline radar thing to prove it!
Adam is such a trooper and has recovered well from jet lag, seems content with just about everything we do. "I love China," he says in the taxi cab today and the taxi driver just beams… today he waved a Chinese flag around and boy he had some fans.
Plenty of signs Christmas, too. The hostesses here at the Poly Plaza hotel in Beijing are wearing Santa outfits and some buildings around here have xmas lights all over it...
The traffic makes NYC look tame! Can’t imagine what it will be like during the Olympics. I mean this is the OFF season and it’s crazy.
ADAM is the talk everywhere we go. "Hey cute boy!" "Do you have lots of girlfriends?" "Look at your pretty eyes!" "You need Chinese girlfriend!" They reach out, touch his hand, touch his cheek. And read the sign on his neck, the laminated one that explains what to do if he gets lost from us, how he is with his parents who are adopting his little sister - they are all yelling "oooh mama, oooh baba! Where baby!?" Then we show photo... then we have crowd... now fussing over Adam AND Savannah. "Look same eyes!" "Ooooh little Adam you come with me, you so handsome!" Sometimes he would laugh so hard, other times he would say "What?!" or "What are you even talking about, girlfriends?"
The rickshaw ride ranks up there as one of the coolest things I've ever done. There are about 8 different tours to pick from and we chose the Hotungs, less flashy I suppose – "real old Beijing" one. Wish I could upload photos – the "real faces" of Beijing are a wonderful sight, and it was special (yet sad) to see a part of the city that is so quickly disappearing. My new camera got some good use that’s for sure. We all barely fit in the back of the thing and a couple times passersby helped the poor skinny Chinese man push us up a small hill when his scrawny legs couldn’t pedal us up it himself, and we all cheered.
Tiananmen Square is awe inspiring, as is the Forbidden City, and tomorrow (Saturday for us) we venture out with the whole group to the Great Wall… The next day, Sunday, we fly early to Nanchang and in the afternoon, it all happens, the real reason we came to China.
The other day at breakfast we ran into a Canadian couple and their newly adopted 10-month-old daughter (from China). Adam was enthralled, and his excitement adds a whole new dimension to this for us.
We’ve been fairly adventurous with the food – Adam even - and so far only my stomach’s been a little rumbly, but today I also got water in my mouth during the shower, oops.
I guess that’s all for now… China is incredible, the people are the friendliest I’ve met ANYwhere, and we couldn’t have asked for a better to start to our trip. Hard to believe tomorrow is our last day in Beijing!!
Don’t forget to check out the Orlando Sentinel Christmas morning! (www.orlandosentinel.com)!
We love you all are checking our email regularly!!!

China

2007-12-20T08:18:00.000-06:00

Well, China won't let us get on our blog... so am asking my Dad to put up some messages for us.

We are ok and survived the flight! Just getting settled now and will give more details after some sleep.

THANK YOU!!!!

Ready as ready can be

2007-12-16T17:35:00.000-06:00

New coat, new luggage! We're packed! We're ready! Tonight we all watched National Geographic's great special "Lost Daughters", which Steve and I watched more than two years ago as we began soul searching China adoption. Adam hadn't seen it yet. He got fired up seeing the sights and seeing the siblings when they met their little sister. And hearing the older kids talk about what it meant to be adopted resulted in some deep and frank questions and discussions. I cried, Steve and I held hands tightly, and decided we were more than ready to do this. It's a good, good thing. One more day of work and we're off!

Hope you'll read this Newsweek article

2007-12-15T07:38:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone who stumbles upon this blog will read this story in Newsweek...Faces of the Abandoned... and this is a perfect segue for a post today... we recently learned that our little Savannah has a condition called ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. Through a recent medical report it appears to be affecting her eating, and if not fixed it can later affect speech. But this is totally correctable and we have a pediatric otolaryngologist lined up to see her as soon as we get back. We have complete faith that she will be just fine, we will 'fatten her up' :) .

However, in China, had they discovered this condition early on, she most likely would have been labeled a "special needs child," and most likely her time in China would have lasted much longer... we would have never met Savannah Mei as we applied for a "healthy child." Even the children with the most minor "special needs" (correctable conditions, including an extra toe, which we may or may not even correct here in the U.S.!) are classified under a separate category. Last year, on two different occassions, Steve and I applied for children with two of these "special needs." We fell in love with them, went through the special needs application process, but were not destined to be either of their parents. And now here we are... perfectly matched with the daughter we ultimately were meant to be with.

Random thoughts as we near our departure

2007-12-14T13:32:00.000-06:00

1) Pack-mates really DO rock. They are these plastic bags that some carry-on-only travelers told us about. What the heck, we thought, although the Web site comes across like one of those cheesy infommercials. We're going carry-on only on the way over, trying to get through Beijing with hardly a thing, ahhh, then we'll by a bag in Nanchang, possibly a larger one in Guangzhou (they're like $10 over there), shop like mad and check our clothes on the way back. I finally tried one and it turned a big bulky sweater into a shriveled up prune. Well, not exactly, but it's at least half its size. I'm not sure how to get the sweater out of it! ** Be sure to call and ask for the adoption special if you're interested!

2) Our families rock. We have Christmas cards from all of our immediate family already which just amazes me (even the procrastinators). My parents even drove all the way down here for a very early holiday send-off. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful parents and actually love my in-laws... in fact, I hate calling them that because 'in-laws' sounds so icky. We're going to miss my folks terribly this year, and miss going to Kentucky. I mean it's not like we're going to be gone a week. It's 18 days, wow. Thankfully, my dad has a show in Orlando a week after we get home, so they'll be popping in for a visit, and Steve's brother Tom is getting married in April so we won't have to long to wait to see everyone. And Kentucky in the spring, ahhh!

3) The annual S&S Inquirer newsletter isn't coming out this year on time. Expect it sometime in 2008, hopefully more a New Year's news flash than a St. Patty's Day news flash.

4) In our China blog photos, you WILL see us in the same 2-3 outfits over the entire trip but I promise we will take showers and we also know how to get our laundry done in China. We're adventurous that way. Everyone always says we would kick butt on Amazing Race and I have to agree.

5) By the way, on the current Amazing Race (I think we are caught up, we don't watch much TV)... we are pulling for Ronald & Christina... he can be really annoying at times, but that whole father-daughter thing is cool. And he's in sales like my dad. There's also a grandson/grandfather pair but that grandson is such a weeny... at least Ronald the dad has been duking it out with a hernia. The whining on this one has been gagging. One girl kept crying over milking a camel. Please.

6) The worst thing to put together ON THE PLANET - even worse than our guest room furniture, even worse than our crib - is the Evenflo Exersaucer 3-in-1 Pond. I mean c'mon people... when you're making us put together the pieces of plastic AND THE SPRINGS THEMSELVES that's a little detailed. IT'S A TOY! Kuddos to the hubby, who did most of it (I was there for consultation/reassurance - the usual response: "I guess so.")

But now that's it's done, I wish they made one for grown ups. It's pretty cool. I think, though, that coming from what I assume is fairly minimalistic living, we'll have to introduce Savannah to it slowly. It blinks, it spins, it boinks, it dings... The plan, though, is, she'll love it apparently as much as just about every other baby out there - enough to let me squeeze in my freelance writing interviews without me having to put her out in the garage if she's freaking out (just kidding DCF, I would never do that!!) Come to think of it, maybe this would distract the dogs when the UPS man comes to the door!

6) It's strange to love someone so much and to have never even met her.

7) We're so busy but it feels like a creeping crawl these last few days... tomorrow morning I mow the lawn and clean the pool one last time and tomorrow night we have our little three-of-us Christmas. Sunday we're doing Adam's "Minnesota Christmas" to celebrate long-distance with his Grandma Mary and Grandpa Burt, and later that day we're driving to the cute little town of Celebration to watch the fake snow fall (I think it's bubbles) and listen to the older kids from Adam's music program sing some holiday tunes. Then ONE MORE DAY!!!! I've been told I HAVE to come to work on Monday so I think they have a little surprise for me, too sweet. On Tuesday, our airport car picks us up at 5 a.m. for our 6:50 a.m. to Newark and then we're off to Beijing. Oh my goodness...

Our Wonderful Church

2007-12-14T08:02:00.000-06:00

I unfortunately did not have my camera at the wonderful "Sounds of the Season" concert at church last week, and the singing videos I took are all took are all too large to upload here, but here is a very brief peek at the neat "Colors of Christmas" story the kids did (click on play twice). Adam is in the second row from the bottom, second from the right, wrapped in the gray shawl, representing a donkey :) I cannot say enough about this church (Wekiva Presbyterian - or Wekiva Express as Adam used to say before he could pronouce it) and their fantastic kids club program, particularly Miss Laurie and Miss Aloma. Adam just adores them. And Adam truly is the one that brought us here. To be perfectly honest, we simply wanted a church closer to home. We knew we wanted to me more involved, and our work schedules needed convenience. How blessed we were to find such wonderful place.

At the concert, the kids received a standing ovation and the audience was lucky enough to get another round of "Jingle Bells." I think they could have kept singing all night!

Savannah's American newspaper debut ... and a love story...

2007-12-12T13:36:00.000-06:00

So Savannah's American newspaper debut could be Christmas morning!!! Wow, it took me until middle school! She's actually already appeared in the Jiangxi Economic Daily (see December 4 post) but with her eyes shut, we think it may not be her most flattering photo.

But the Orlando Sentinel (circulation a lot - 240,000 daily) may be featuring our China adoption story on Christmas morning, possibly as the front page centerpiece - journalist lingo for smack-dab in the middle with photos. This is sweet for us... the Sentinel actually brought Steve and I together to begin with. I was a reporter there beginning in 2000. I started out covering everything from crime to political drama when I decided to take on an extra gig being the "Girls Night Out" reporter... I figured it would be fun... as a columnist I'd get my photo in the paper... and I was single so maybe I'd finally meet my mate with all the places I'd be exploring.

My interview for that extra side job was with none other than Steve Doyle, features editor at the time. Quite the handsome chap, I thought, and then some. And a runner. And, as we'd later find out, we had many other things in common. Who knew then that HE and I would end up going out and he would quickly put a damper on all my single column experiences... not that I minded! It was shortly after 9-11...I had that sort of what-the-heck-the-world-could-end-tomorrow attitude and asked HIM out on a date. That's the truth. I think people assumed - older guy putting the moves on younger gal, but not so! Anyway, we sat at Sam Snead's in Maitland and talked for hours that first night - they kicked us out as I remember.

We tried to keep our dating under wraps... not that he was MY editor by the time we were dating, but newsrooms are gossipy and given that I hadn't exactly married anyone else I'd gone out with in recent history... OK, ever... what was the point of making a big brouhaha if it wasn't going to last anyway, eh?

But then a month turned into a few, and we were finally busted (caught smooching under the Mount Dora Christmas lights and out to dinner once with Steve's son), and eventually the once juicy gossip turned old and boring (while for us things turned serious and more interesting)... and on October 18, 2002 at the Grand Canyon Mr. Romance popped the question... (exactly one year after our first date...) and another year passed, and on October 18, 2003, we were married in front of our dear family and friends, many who still work at the Sentinel.

So here we are, building a family, first Savannah... then wow, first Adam, the unexpected adoption of the most amazing little boy who changed our lives... For Steve it's the second time around, and I just think he's amazing for doing so at this stage in life when most of his friends see retirement on the horizon and are increasingly playing more golf - although I do hope his buddy Eric and I can still surprise him with a few rounds now and then, maybe in some spectacular places. And let me tell you, Steve is not just coasting through all of this. He's putting his heart and soul into it. He's just the best dad there is.

So for the Sentinel, the place that brought us together (and Steve's sort of extended family), to have asked us to share our China adoption story with the readers of Central Florida, is just really, really special. For me, it's also being able to share a dream I've had since college. So Charlotte and Ann, thank you for this special opportunity... now we we better finish packing so we can get writing!

Happy on Stage

2007-12-11T19:26:00.000-06:00

Adam had so much fun as Captain Andy in the "Stone Soup" show tonight. Next Generation Kids is the best. Who knows how long music and acting will remain as Adam's passions, but as long as they do this is an incredible place for him to be. It boosts his confidence so much and as you will see in this photo, he loves it! Of course we are so proud of him - he is only six after all - but to see him so thrilled to be doing something he has practiced so much for is very fulfulling. And to see him beat his nerves (coming from someone with her own bundle of them) and let the fun take over makes me say YAHOOO, you go buddy!!!

The group starts up again in January. Next up: "Bugz the Musical." Won't that be a hoot!? Here's the synopsis: There's going to be a picnic and everyone is pitchin' in...the Lady Bugs are in charge of proper etiquette, the Army Ants will handle security, the Fireflies are in charge of lighting, and entertainment will be provided by the Bumble Bees. Looks like everything is set! But what's this!?! The Stink Bug wants to come too! Buzz on over to the country-style hoedown and help the critters rescue the party!

A nice Bon Voyage

2007-12-09T08:55:00.002-06:00

Thanks so much to my mom and dad, who drove all the way down from Charlotte, N.C. to spend an early Christmas with us and give us such a nice send off! Adam was surprised with new luggage - he will be toting his clothes and toys around China in style! It has a space shuttle on it and even his name - he was thrilled. Nine days and counting 'til we blast off to the other side of the earth to meet his little sister!

Pandas and a Christmas Eve Baby, Oh My!

2007-12-06T11:40:00.000-06:00

First there is a sloooow wait of two years. Then, in the span of a few weeks, things really start to pick up... and in the last two weeks, one incredible moment after another happens, sometimes hour by hour!! Today, my boss came in and I was all teary - he has that uncanny timing lately! - I had just found out that our Gotcha Day may very well be Christmas Eve! Yes, today we received our tentative "in-China plans," which include a cultural tour in Beijing on Dec. 21 - the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the pandas at the Beijing Zoo. We will fly to Jiangxi, Savannah's province, the morning of Dec. 23!! Our appointment at the American Consulate is Jan. 2, and we will pick up her passport at the AC the following day - take the oath that day, too! On January 4, we arrive home - and as soon as the plane lands, little Savannah becomes an American citizen. This also happens to be my grandmother's birthday!!

Anyway, lotsa hugs at the office today, and sweet Michelle brought in enough sippy cups to last through all of Savannah's sippin' life and expert mom Maria is providing much needed baby advice. I really love it there and today hung my new China girl calendar - ready to tackle 2008 upon our return!

The Finding Ad

2007-12-04T19:52:00.000-06:00

Since 1999, China has made it mandatory for orphanages to place an ad in a provincial newspaper about babies that are found and brought to their orphanage. These are called 'finding' ads. The finding ads picture the babies after they're brought to the orphange and are likely the earliest photos we could find of our adopted babies. Brian Stuy has made a business out of finding the finding ads. He finds the ad based on the date the baby was found and where she was found... so.....after emailing this information to him, we got an email that he'd found her finding ad!! And here's what arrived in the mail yesterday...

This was published in the Jiangxi Economic Daily and Brian sent us the ORIGINAL newspaper, (it's heart-wrenching to open to the page of babies' ads - hers is No. 25 of dozens, considering that this is just one newspaper from one city published on one particular day); a laminated close-up photograph of the finding ad itself; the negative of the photograph; and an English translation of the finding ad. It reads: “Gao Jian Mei, Female, She was born on March 20, 2007.
On March 20, 2007 she was found at the gate of the Cinema of city. She had a ruddy complexion, thick hair and her eyes were closed.

Her finding ad is so dear to us. We now have what was probably the first picture ever taken of Savannah. Sometime in the future, this will mean so much to her.

Christmas AND New Year's in China!

2007-12-03T11:49:00.000-06:00

I wouldn't even know where to begin explaining the events of the past several days in regards to our tickets except to say that we did not get our TA (travel approval) for Dec. 13 so that threw everything off kilter during the worst travel time of the year (and our previous plans out the window). The short version of a very long story and hours of phone calls and web searches is that we are not going to be able to use our FF miles and we are flying coach. We're not boo-hooing too much, though - life is good and it will all work out the way it is meant to. We COULD have used our points to fly biz class on the way over but in the end we changed it, and decided NOT to burn ALL our saved miles on ONE leg of our journey. We got a good deal by Asia-flying standards (it wasn't much more than the ONE-way back would have cost us anyway) and now we have tons and tons of points to use for many family vacations to come. Anyway, TAs arrived TODAY for Dec. 20 - we except our Consulate Appointment to be sometime the week of Dec. 31 (we find out in 2-7 days), so here is our itinerary barring any strange unforseen happenings!
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Dec. 18 - Orlando to Beijing via Newark, N.J. (on Continental)!
January 4 - Homeward bound, same way...
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There are hardly any flights available AT ALL coming back to the U.S. in early January so we went ahead and booked. American Airlines would have had us taking SIX different planes coming home. NO THANKS. One guy said "it looks like January 10 is the earliest we can get you back." "Uh, can you look some more?" I said.
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Adam, Mr. Planner, wants to know why we're not flying Delta now, why we're not flying back out of Hong Kong, etc.. If this trip doesn't help make him a little more flexible I don't know what will!
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We're just so excited. And things are moving so quickly that sometimes you just have to pause, take a breath, and let it all sink in. Church is the best place for that. Sunday we sat there listening to the choir sing Oh Come, Oh Come, Emanuel - accompanied by an outstanding cellist - and the tears just fell. If it works out as we expect, we'll be cuddling our little baby girl in our arms a day or two before Christmas, with our incredible son looking on. And the other day it finally sunk it for me that years after studying Asia in college and looking at my professor's slides of her many trips there, I am actually going to set foot on that same land. Baby aside (as strange as that sounds), for me this is a trip I have always longed to take. Sure, to see the Forbidden City and Tian'an Men Square (I was a freshman in college during the protests) is amazing enough, but I am also beyond excited to get on a rickshaw and see the old parts and back alleys of Beijing that are fast disappearing. And just sit somewhere in a park and take advantage of my new camera's great zoom and capture great expressions of every walk of life - older folks doing Tai Chi in the morning, babies in their split pants...
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I've also turned my unfortunate 30- to 40- minute commute into a time to slow down and try to let all the feelings catch up with the checking-off-of-the-lists duties. This morning it took the whole drive in just to soak in everything that had happened over the weekend, which included getting our tree (a big one that fell on us at one point, but that's another story), and holding Steve's hand when he got a little choked up at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life," which we saw at Orlando's fabulous children's rep theater.
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This weekend my parents are driving down from Charlotte and we'll have a little early Christmas. That will be nice. There's also my company Christmas party - I can't wait for Steve to meet everyone. I've only been there a few weeks and it it's been an insta-family kind of thing. Then, on Sunday night Adam sings in the Kids Club Sounds of Season concert at church. He's more than fired up about that. He gets to sing 16 songs (likes to remind us that he's the youngest grade AND he also gets to be a donkey). I am so proud of him I could pop. The other night he was talking about being nervous and he was asking me if I was nervous about being mom to Savannah and I said, "of course," and explained why and reminded him how nervous I was about being his mom, too, and vice versa. He said, "Yeah, I was even nervous about my first Christmas here, isn't that strange?" (2006 was Christmas No. 1 with us). So last night after we had walked outside to look at our tree all lit up through the window, he said, "Mom, I'm not nervous about Christmas anymore." Melt my heart!

Exciting times for another family

2007-11-28T16:11:00.000-06:00

I am soooo excited for a friend today!! My former "secret pal" in the China adoption secret pal world who lives in Jax/soon Colorado is awaiting Ruby (her blog is great)... may be getting a baby sister for Ruby! Check out the post from November 28, 2007. Amazing stuff. But I also understand the angst they may go through (as we did with Adam) when it comes to a domestic adoption and not knowing what the birthparent/s ultimately will do. Please send Kim and Joel your hopes and prayers!

Post Thanksgiving Thanks

2007-11-26T12:44:00.000-06:00

The last of our company left yesterday and we spent the day decorating the house. Christmas has arrived at the Doyles! Plus, my parents got us a new kitchen table (growing families need more room to eat!) and Steve and Adam picked out some slick holiday place mats yesterday - it looks superb. It sure is fun being in a new house, figuring out where to put everything. Other than that, I've just been bubbling over with happy thoughts.... here are a few:

1) Got to spend Thanksgiving with my grandparents. The last time they came to this neck of the woods was for our wedding. My grandmother has cancer and we don't think she's going to get any additional treatment (it stopped working), yet it was wonderful to be around her positive spirit. She hopes to do some traveling, and we've toyed around with a granddaughter/grandmother-Thelma/Louise jaunt to Africa, how cool is that? I can't imagine a neater place to have a "generational bond" and for her to reflect on her life. In addition, we sponsor a child through World Vision who lives in Swaziland, so if there is even a remote chance to visit him, WOW. Anyway, it was so amazing watching them with Adam, those quiet times, walking into a room and seeing my grandfather or grandmother deep in conversation with one of them ... he just soaked them up and enjoyed their calmness.

2) Went to an awesome holiday concert with my son, an experience I shall never forget. He doesn't just like music, he doesn't just love music, he basically OOZES music, and it seems to intensify with each passing week. The concert included the older kids from his music school, the Orlando Philharmonic, and great holiday tunes. Adam was mesmerized by the whole thing, I was mesmerized watching him. You know the song "Believe" from the movie "Polar Express?" Well, Adam's music school teacher, David Chernault, belted that out like no other and there was not a dry eye in the place. Watching wide-eyed Adam and knowing how little he believed in ANYthing just one year ago compared to where we are now, and I could have exploded with happy mom feelings.

3) We might be leaving for China on December 13 - can you believe it!? We should find out any day now if that's the big departure date. We have just a few things going on before then, haha - Adam's holiday concert at church, his Stone Soup show (possibly the night before we leave!) and we're also all seeing "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Children's Theatre, taking Adam to see Santa and the lights in Mount Dora.... trying to do all the "normal Christmas stuff" before we leave.

This week we're getting our vaccinations wrapped up, and the last bits of trip shopping done as well as our Christmas shopping-egads, and waiting for word from our "travel coordinator," who gets back into the office tomorrow, about what is next!

Our hearts our full, and we hope all of our friends and family, and anyone who reads, this had a happy Thanksgiving and finds lots of love this holiday season.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2007-11-21T14:17:00.000-06:00

Have a house filled with guests - more blogging and updates coming soon!

Crazy times!

2007-11-14T19:41:00.000-06:00

One day, someone calls and says here's your baby, the next day things get crrrrazy. I am not complaining, however! :) The latest news about the adoption is that our agency called and told us tentatively we could travel Dec. 13 (we had told them we could not travel any sooner than the 12th, which is the night of Adam's big Stone Soup show he's been practicing for with Next Generation Kids - for a couple months). This is earlier than we had expected, so Steve is on the phone at the moment with Delta finding out if it looks like we'll be able to use our frequent flyer points or not. I haven't heard any loud AARGHs yet so maybe that's a good sign.

Tomorrow we are running over to the clerk of court before work to get all of Adam's paperwork done so we can overnight it to a rush passport place - our agency hopes to have all of our passports by Tuesday so they can apply for our visas. Even as I type this it STILL seems so surreal. Tonite we went to an Asian restaurant and Adam was so excited to practice using chopsticks again - he even ate rice with the chopsticks. Go Adam, Go Adam!

Truly, though, it's like I am writing about some OTHER family or something, it's so amazing. If we DO leave on the 13th, there is a good chance we will fly back ON Christmas Day or a day or two after. Adam is ready to tell Santa, "I will be in China, but don't worry I will be back." Cute. Thankfully, my mom and dad will be coming down and can get the stockings and Santa gifts ready by the fireplace - I plan to leave very detailed holiday instructions!

One thing we DO know for sure is that when we stay in Beijing (the first few days of our trip) we'll be staying at the Poly Plaza hotel. Looks good to me although at this point, after waiting two years, I'm easy. Gimme a bed.

OK, Steve just pumped his fists in the air and whistled and looked like he'd won the lottery so a "YAY!" I guess is in order. He just said "These dates HAVE to work - we're going on the 13th Orlando to Newark to Beijing." BUSINESS CLASS. Woooooo hoooo! (FREE). OK, now everyone who reads this, pray or cross your fingers and toes, chant - whatever you do - and we'll make this work. Now he's working to see how we can get home, which is probably more important since WE'LL HAVE OUR NEW BABY!! Did I just type that?? Looks like maybe Guangzhou (our last stop in China) to Hong Kong and home sweet home... We can do all that apparently for 420,000 FF miles (and we have 450,000)... ooohhhhh yeah!

All this and I am cranking at a new job and loving every minute of it, and trying to get ready for company for Thanksgiving, which includes my grandparents, who haven't been here since our wedding. I am so ridiculously happy. Today the kids at church had a little Thanksgiving service and boy are we thankful!

Adam meets his Mei Mei, Savannah Mei

2007-11-09T19:41:00.000-06:00

A Beautiful Baby in a Basket

2007-11-08T18:16:00.001-06:00

First off, Happy Journalist Day to my hubby! Would you believe this happens to be a Chinese holiday!?

Nice segue ....

Today we received an email, "Translated Growth Report." I didn't really expect much more than what we already knew but boy was I in for a surprise. Not only did the report say when and where our little Savannah was found, but it listed the name -- and even the address -- of the man who found her! The report said that she was found at 5:30 a.m. outside a cinema in Gao'An. She was in a basket. The man called police, who took her to the Gao'An orphanage, where she was checked out by a physician and assigned a foster mom. She weighed just 5.28 pounds, she had bushy hair, and could not open her eyes. The report also clarifies that her middle name, Mei, was in fact given to her to mean beautiful, which just melts my heart. "We hope she will have a healthy and beautiful life,'' the report said. There also are plenty of details about her peein', poopin' and other habits. It says she likes colorful musical toys, likes to watch ads on TV, loves baths in the summer, and is "extremely happy when seeing animals and children" and that she is "an extroverted, active and lovely child."

It's so wonderful to have more information about her first days and hear the words of others who know her. It's a mixed bag of emotions, imaging her lying there in a basket waiting to be found... followed by the blessing that she's had a foster mom since Day One. I must have read that report a dozen times tonite. I just try to soak it in, feel her, know her - in some strange way I feel like that is happening, even though she's on the other side of the earth so far away...

What happens next...

2007-11-07T14:00:00.001-06:00

The packet arrived today with Savannah's medical report and original photos (which is neat - her name in Chinese symbols is written on the back of each). Not too much else was revealed (beyond her being a healthy girl, which we knew and are thankful for). Our best bet, based on no specific "finding location" noted, was that she was brought to the orphanage right after she was born. The above map shows the Jiangxi Province where she lives, and where we will spend at least five days on our approximately 14-day adventure in China! The first day or two we'll be in Beijing (and see the Great Wall and other sites), then we'll head south to her province, and then lastly, we'll spend several days in Guangdong province (just east of Jiangxi), which is where the American Consulate is and where the adoption will be finalized.

Tomorrow we will be overnighting several signed forms to our wonderful agency (GWCA) and then we await word on possible travel times. In a few weeks we will receive TA (Travel Approval) and then things really start rolling! Adam is in two big shows in early December - a Christmas concert at church and then he plays Captain Andy in a Stone Soup musical. The latter is on the 12th so the soonest we'd leave is probably the 14th. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US!!!

Thank you

2007-11-06T20:34:00.000-06:00

Thank you all so much, we are overwhelmed by all your kind words!! We will try to respond more personally and individually by the end of the week.

It all still seems so surreal! We have printed out a photo of Savannah and it sits on her highchair, which we've had for nearly two year now. We've been reading lots about her province, the town where she lives, and the experiences of others who have adopted one of the "tall Gao Girls." We also finished up the care package we will send as soon as we get orphanage address confirmation from our agency. In the box are:

A white teddy bear decked in a Mei Mei (little sister) T-shirt, an outfit (sometimes parents meet their baby for the first time and the caretaker has dressed the baby in the outfit the parents included in the care package), a disposable camera (may not get anything, but some parents get a ton of photos!), a cute book with Chinese and English writing, a copy of the popular book Goodnight Moon, and also a baby photo book (see below), with Chinese phrases taped to each photo, such as "This is your dad" and "This is your play area."

I wish I could upload the video of Adam meeting his sister for the first time (seeing the photos). It is priceless. I was so moved I didn't cut the tape off soon enough and the file is a whopping 11MB. He said she looked serious and then he said, "That must be because she hasn't met us yet and she's a little bit nervous." I said, "like you were?" and he said, "yeah." Six years old going on 10 I tell ya!

Here she is !!!!

2007-11-05T15:31:00.001-06:00

Big Brown ones just like me, my mama and Adam!
You can click on the photos (actually one image) to view them larger!

Our baby, Savannah Mei !!!!!

2007-11-05T13:46:00.000-06:00

Oh my gosh my hands are STILL shaking!! Here is what we know so far:

Jian Mei Gao (Gao refers to her orphanage and mei has a ton of meanings, depending on the "mark" above the "e" but for now I will go with the mei that means beautiful!) She was born March 20, 2007 - she is a little less than 8 months old. She was found the same day she was born (most likely in the town of Gao'An or on the outskirts) and has been at the Gao An Welfare Institute in Jiangxi province - WITH A FOSTER CARE MOM!!!! Looks like some of the babies stay at the orphanage during part of the day and with their foster care nanny the rest of the time. We are thrilled about this! Although it will be more difficult in the beginning due to the strong bond Savannah will have formed, in the long run there are so many benefits in terms of attachment because she knows how to attach (but that's an issue for another post!).

On Aug. 20 (she was 5 months old) she was 24 inches long and weighed 12 1/2 pounds. She's a deep sleeper (YES!!!), can hold her head up and roll over, can grab a toy and looks for one when it is dropped, she laughs out loud, knows her name, knows the difference between her foster mom and strangers, is active and restless and impatient at times (sounds like me!), and she smiles a lot! Have spoken to Steve, and my parents. And now we await the photo coming very soon!!!

THE STORK HAS LANDED!!!!!

2007-11-05T12:57:00.001-06:00

We just received the ever anticipated "The Stork Has Landed" email from our agency!! They are translating everything right now and my cell is attached to my hip!!!!

Perfect day for some Perfect news....

2007-11-05T10:01:00.000-06:00

WOW. I've been wanting to post, but it's so hard to put into words how we all feel this morning. I am actually extremely calm, much calmer than Friday. I am at home today and it is crisp and cool out - the coolest day we've had in Florida since last winter - the sky couldn't get more blue, and everything seems so picture perfect.

Our agency IS expected the big package today around noon and here is what they said:

"Barring any unforeseen courier delays, you should expect your phone call later in the day, typically in the afternoon. Once we receive referrals, you will receive an email notifying you that they are here and to expect the phone call and the email with your child’s photo later that day. The day referrals arrive in our office we will contact each and every family to give you your child’s information and their photos. The CCAA typically sends about two or three photos and you will receive all of these photos in the email. We certainly don’t want you missing out on any information! Once everyone has been contacted, it typically takes another day to process referrals so that they can be mailed to you."

So soon, somewhere in Texas, on a desk, photographs of Savannah will sit. And then, thanks to the wonders of the Internet, will be in our home shortly after. It's strange to think how long we've been waiting for this moment, and how little Savannah has absoultely no clue what is about to happen. For one year, most likely, she's been waking up in a crib, most likey in an orphanage, and likely next to a LOT of other babies. And one day soon, she will wake up literally halfway around the world, in her own room, next to her big brother's room, and two schnoodles will run up to her crib wondering what in the heck the little person is all about. I've never been more excited in my life about anything than I am about having Adam meet his little sister. I just hear him, "Don't cry mei mei, it's OK." He came out of his room this morning with a twinkle in his eye (reminding us in case we forgot!) that today is the big day. Adam has an art enrichment class Mondays until 4:00 and I wonder if we will already know something by then. I am guessing that between "the call" and getting the photos, I already will have done some research on her orphanage, or at least the town she is from!!

Stay tuned, really this time!!!

A good sign?

2007-11-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

So being sick, I've been trying to kill time.. and one thing I did yesterday was go into Amazon.com and see if anyone has bought my Florida Unsolved Mysteries book. Cool thing - it says "Only 1 left in stock--order soon (more on the way). " So that's a good thing right? Or perhaps my mother has really got EVERY single friend in Charlotte to buy it? Thanks Mom!!!!

And muchas gracias Mary Berlowe for your sweet comments about the book - made my day!

Everyone, please feel free to send me your "favorite item to bribe you with" so you will fill out a positive review at Amazon.com! :) I don't get any royalties off this book but it sure doesn't hurt for the next two I am working on! One I am working on with a physician, the other a non-fiction true crime book about:

Karyn Slover disappeared after leaving work on September 27, 1996. Her car was found that evening abandoned along an interstate highway outside of Champaign, Illinois, with the driver’s door open and the engine still running. Two days later, a fisherman found parts of her body – cut and in pieces in garbage bags floating in Lake Shelbyville. The case languished for four years before prosecutors sought an indictment. No weapon was ever found. No crime scene was ever found. In the end, dog DNA and a button would finally put her killers behind bars.

-
This book is long overdue, but it's taken me awhile to get in the "right place" to do it. Karyn was a co-worker of mine at the Herald & Review newspaper in Illinois. Police told me I was the last person to see her alive (outside of the killer, of course). We left work together the day she went missing. Still haunts me. Police hypmotized me and the whole nine yards. Mom came up to Illinois from N.C. for a "rescue weekend" (this was before the killers were arrested, it was a creepy creepy thing all around). I won't tell you the outcome - or you won't buy the book right?

In CHINA NEWS, the early rumors today are saying that the "package" some agencies are getting today are TAs (travel approvals for the last group). In the past, on the rare occassion that TAs are mailed before referrrals, referrals have come no more than three days later. So we are closer than close no matter what!

First Boy in Space

2007-10-31T17:27:00.000-05:00

A little pre-trick-or-treating warmup!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love Ya Tomorrow!!!!

2007-10-31T09:04:00.000-05:00

One of Adam's favorite musical lines is oh-so-appropriate!

Our adoption agency just emailed to let us know they have a package on the way from China - scheduled to be delivered TOMORROW. They cannot confirm 100 percent that this package contains referrals but usually when they send a note out like this, referrals it is!!! I am home sick right now with a wicked sinus infection - I don't have enough energy to jump up and down but I do have huge goosebumps!! We will finally know what Savannah looks like, where she is from, where she is found, what she likes, how she sleeps, whether or not she's been in an orphanage, or a foster care home, etc.. etc...

I just dug out the form that you can place by the phone, ready for the BIG CALL, to jot down answers to various questions. Some people get so excited that they forget to ask questions! We will get the information over the phone, and then I think the photo is emailed that day or the next, and then the whole "file" is translated and FedExed to us overnight.

Then, we get to send a care package to our daughter! We're sending a little plastic baby-proof photo album with photos of us and cut-out labels in Chinese (This is your mom, etc...) Apparently the Chinese ladies LOVE photos from Americans and show them to the babies. We're also sending a little teddy bear from Adam that is wearing a T-shirt that says, in Chinese, Little Sister. Lastly, we'll include a disposable camera, which includes instructions in Chinese how to use it and what we hope to have photos of. Some parents never see the camera again. Others not only get the camera back, but developed photos in an album!! We just think the possibility of having photographs of the people and surroundings of Savannah's first year of life in her birth country would be so precious to her.

Alright, it's pouring outside, AGAIN, and the pool is about 1/2 inch from overflowing. I have a guy coming over later to show me how to drain it. Maybe this will be a nice distraction from the hurry-up-and-wait until tomorrow game.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love Ya Tomorrow!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2007-10-30T19:24:00.001-05:00

Hurray for Mr. Lincoln...

2007-10-29T20:45:00.000-05:00

...As Adam sometimes sings... Too tired to write much today (sinus infection) but here is a peek into the latest Doyle adventure!

Next year's Pulitzer photo?

2007-10-29T09:14:00.000-05:00

This is an incredible little story re: the fires out in California. We hope the end comes soon.

SOOOOO CLOSE!!!!!

2007-10-29T08:14:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest from the China Adoption Rumor Site with my comments in bold:

"The Spanish site is saying the 12th is the cut off (we are December 5 and whether or not the cutoff is the 12th, we ARE IN this batch for sure!). They are saying it is a fact. Again, they’ve been wrong a lot, I hope they are right this time, but I would not take this to the bank just yet. I do not have any information that says different, I’m just not wanting people to think it’s a sure thing when I’m not seeing that. At least one American agency is expecting referrals to arrive this week, but most seem to be hoping they are mailed this week (Adam is SO EXCITED knowing that this week or next he will most likely have a photo of his little sister to put in his room!).

On the road again...

2007-10-25T07:36:00.000-05:00

Gosh blogging these days is near impossible with little home time...Last weekend we had company and today we leave for Washington D.C. It's fall break for Adam's school system and he's pretty excited to see where the president lives (I'll try not to cuss when we're there, thinking about who's actually still sitting in the Oval Office). Adam's been singing his "Hurray for Mr. Washington, Hurray for Mr. Lincoln" song a lot this week - he learned it in pre-school last year. Ah, if only politics were so simple and I felt like cheering.

We're staying at another Marriott - we don't get Marriott points or anything, just seems like that's where we land lately when we use Priceline, which I LOVE by the way. We rented our car that way, too - $56 (incl. taxes) for four days - we really need a car because we're visiting friends Don and Cheryl while we're there. They live in Herndon and they've had a heck of a time this year with health issues. We can't wait to give them much needed hugs. I'm excited for them to meet Adam, too.

On our to-do list is to picnic on The National Mall (not tomorrow - 80 percent chance of rain!) Tomorrow we'll hit the air and space museum and the natural history museum - Adam will finally get to see some big ol' dinosaur bones. There's also a carousel on The Mall and we're going to go to the top of the Washington Monument, and check out Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Jefferson (we hear the latter looks really cool at night, all decked out in pretty lights). And along the way we'll try to provide some little history lessons in 6-year-old terms.

In other news, we watched the final episode of Damages last night. It would be challenging to duplicate that incredible season but I do hope they try. We were high-fiving each other at the end when once-naive attorney girl plotted with the FBI to get revenge on her boss, played by the brilliant Glenn Close. We're also glad to be back into Friday Night Lights - wish he'd move back home already!!

OK, time to finish packing and go shock the pool (I haven't turned it green yet!) Adam right now is doing a Disney "show" in his room, and singing at the top of his lungs to "It's a Small World," which drives me nuts because the song will be stuck in my head ALL day. Unless he starts singing Stone Soup, which is just a stick-able.

Have a great weekend everyone. Should have more time for blogging soon - expect much news about Savannah in just a week or two!!

Update: We're here!!!! It's so foggy and misty and the Wash Monument looked so cool driving in. Our hotel is really old, which is eye-opening for Adam. All the buildings here have columns, so he says, "Is THAT the White House?" around every corner. Will be fun to hoof around tomorrow in the daylight.

Mr. October is Born

2007-10-18T15:07:00.001-05:00

Steve had a neat story run today in the Orlando Sentinel, took up the front of sports and a whole inside page... you don't have to like sports to enjoy this one!

And... Happy Anniversary to us! Smooches to you, honey!!

We're off!

2007-10-10T20:12:00.000-05:00

Won't be blogging for a few days. Tomorrow right after Adam's music classes we're heading off for Atlanta. I will be attending a writing conference there, staying at the Marriot Marquis - two afternoon workshops for my AMWA editing certificate I am working towards. We'll drive just a little tomorrow but that will make sure I get to my first session by 2:00 Friday. We'll have plenty of family fun, too - going to the Coca Cola museum Saturday morning (funny since none of us drink Coke!) and also Boo at the Zoo at the (duh) zoo that night, and looks like Steve and Adam will be playing plenty of Trouble and Chutes and Ladders. Then we'll drive home Sunday. Have a great rest of the week everyone!

A puking memory, and much more

2007-10-07T13:46:00.000-05:00

WOW. One year ago today, we woke up in a hotel room in Minneapolis and on the floor next to our bed, curled up in a Nemo sleeping bag with his little tush hangin' out, was a little boy. I just remember staring at him, and staring at him. I couldn't believe there was a little boy in our room, and we were about to take him on an airplane and home to Florida with us. I had MAJOR scared-to-be-a-mom feelings, let me tell ya. But at one point I came out of the shower and saw this - and took a photo. Steve and Adam looking out at the most beautiful sunrise (this picture doesn't do it justice, it was SO pink). It was like God telling us, everything will be just fine. Right after that we ordered some room service, all sharing some good ol' fashioned oatmeal.

Today, I asked Adam what are something he remembered about that day ... "I puked," he said. Yep. Right before we walked out of the room to check out and head to the airport, all of Adam's oatmeal came right back out. We now joke that Mom wanted to puke, too (he likes to hear that I was just as nervous about the whole thing as he was).

To celebrate one year, Dad made some of his famous not-so-pretty but oh-so-delicious banana wheat pancakes (Adam this morning thought they were turkey burgers, but took one bite and rubbed his belly and said, "Go, dad!"). YUM. No one puked. And then we looked at a bunch of photos from our first week together as a family (Adam's idea). Before church Mom painted the guestbath (surprise to MY mom!) and Steve and Adam played Trouble and UNO. Church was so awesome today - world communion Sunday - a lot of people dressed up in Asian, African, etc. garb (old lady in front of us is Swiss and was all Swissed out). I wore this neat Asian jacket I got two years (!!!) ago to wear to Chinese New Year and other events with the Families with Children from China group. Incredibly great music, they even taught us a song from Zimbabwe.

We cannot believe how fast this past year went. For all of those now childless couples who have been waiting (and waiting and waiting) along with us to adopt their daugther or son from China and it seems like pure agony -- look out! The time will spurt to Mach speed before you know it. We were talking about all of our "first year" memories over lunch - Adam said he would definitely "stick it out" for a forever's worth of memories. That's a lot of pumpkins to carve, walks to take, stories to be read, talks to have, songs to sing, and hugs to share. We're such an amazing little family, connected to the most amazing extended family I could have ever imagined. And on this day, I could not feel more blessed. Being Adam's mom goes down in my history book as (I say to Adam) "the coolest thing ever."

Stone Soup anyone?

2007-10-03T20:20:00.000-05:00

Tonite before bed, Adam wanted to put on a show (a sometimes daily occurence around here). His latest lineup includes Annie, the Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, High School Musical, and Stone Soup (the latter he practices weekly at Next Generation Kids). Here's a bit from Stone Soup. And another from "Together" from the High School Musical.

My husband

2007-10-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

OK, so it's my blog and I can go on and on about anything I want, right? Well, today it's my hubby.

This morning, Steve and I had our first parent-teacher conference together. I realized as we sat there how much I take for granted when it comes to him, his involvement in our lives. I never asked if he could go to the conference with me. I just knew he would. He's amazing that way. From the beginning he's always amazed me in some way or another, and made me very proud. When a relative of Adam's emailed us one day about Adam's "situation," Steve was right there along with me knowing we needed to "step up the plate" (he likes baseball, so throwing that in there for his benefit). There was no trying to talk him into anything. He said he knew I would do the same for someone in his family. I would hope so. I guess we're both just that way. Are we lucky or what? Sure, we were both nervous - terrified some days. But his unwavering support, as always, got us through it. And this weekend, we celebrate with our son, one year as a family. One year ago, on October 7, Adam came to live with us. So the timing of the conference this morning was sooooo sweet, reflecting on how much he has grown, academically, emotionally, and socially - by leaps and bounds. I've so much enjoyed the past year, watching Steve grow as Adam's dad. Sometimes its the daily things - making his PP&J lunch each morning, reading to him every single night, even after a long day of work, talking with him about everything from outerspace to the "why's of the world" that Adam is ever inquisitive about, playing basketball in the pool. Other times its so much deeper than that, it's hard to put into words. Everything I knew and thought about Steve has grown in watching him as a father. Of course, he already WAS a father, but it's not something I ever was able to see day in and day out. Amanda and Kevin already have grown into remarkable young adults.

Here are a few more reasons I love my husband, some silly, but true:
1) After a fight, he's always quick to make up.
2) He's strong, but sweet and sensitive.
3) He knows EVERYthing about me, and still loves me.
4) He makes a really good pasta dish, a mean turkey burger, and some seriously savory bean soup.
5) He loves sports -- and cares about what's going on in the world. Dumb jock he ain't.
6) He'll watch chic-flicks with me, or boring intellectual stuff when I feel all anti-fluff.
7) He brings out the better stuff in me, and sticks around when the icky stuff slips out.
8) He listens to me as I drone on and on about my endless worries about the world, the earth, my parenting abilities, and so much more, and lets me vent about everything from job issues to our President.
9) He's a handsome bugger, nice and buff with beautiful blue eyes.
10) He washes the dishes, does the laundry and doesn't get all manly and weird when I want to take out the trash or mow the lawn.
11) He says I cook really well, and doesn't complain when I cook the same things all the time, or don't feel like cooking at all.
12) He'll pick up sushi for us anytime I ask.
13) He doesn't leave the toilet seat up anymore.
14) When I ask him a random question about just about anything, he knows the answer.
15) He makes up silly songs that just crack me up and is good with puns.
16) A bunch o' reasons I shouldn't list in case our mamas read this.
17) He let me take over the home office.
18) The way he says words like "five" and "nine" when he slips into a heavier southern accent.
19) I like how he thinks about our current political state (I can't say what that is here, because, you know, journalists are unbiased).
20) He can read and make sense of my grocery lists (and will get the groceries).
21) He seems to just know when I need to sleep in a little bit.
22) He gets up to get me a glass of water when my glass is empty.
23) He's spiritually grounded, and OK when I am not.
24) He sends me sweet emails every day, buys greeting cards and sends e-cards for those "regular" days.
25) When we put up our Christmas tree, he likes to go through each decoration one by one and remember where we got it, share a little memory.
26) He gets emotional about ornaments his kids have made him.
27) And speaking of Christmas, he LOVES it. And he doesn't mind colored lights.
28) He calls his parents often (he adores his family).
29) He's proud of where he's from.
30) He doesn't kill our dogs when they pee on the floor.
31) He'll go ahead and call the "handyman" when he realizes he (or we) can't fix something. Well, there was that time he worked on the toilet all day, but he DID fix it.
32) He enjoys eating pizza and watching football (and doesn't mind me screaming at the TV) but also enjoys fine dining in a non-snobby kind of way (he doesn't mind when we're out when I say something totally ridiculous - at least he doesn't act like he does).
33) He'll chuckle with me over the silliest things, even in church.
34) He can calm me down when I am in a bad mood.
35) He loves it when I buy him clothes, and puts on a good fashion show.
36) He is such a hard worker, and a non-complainer.
37) He thinks its awesome we're going to help give a better life to one of China's "lost daughters."
38) He doesn't make fun of me when I get overly dramatic about things, like the time I saw the bear in our backyard.
39) He'll be OK that I only have 40 things listed here, not 50.
40) He won't kill me for letting all of Cyberspace read this.

Christmas in China?

2007-10-02T11:40:00.001-05:00

Looks like we are NOT getting our referral this week... the batch only went up through Nov. 30. The good news is ... we WILL get our referral around this time next month - there won't be anymore waiting and wondering. To that I say, "AHHHHHH..." There are NO more LID dates before ours (Dec. 5) so the only question is, when does that mean for travel? Before Christmas, during or right after? Looks like that little Santa Claus rattle we've had for TWO years now might come in handy!!! It will be strange not to visit Steve's family in Kentucky, but the other good news is that Steve's brother Tom is getting married in April. So we'll get nice and settled, get into a routine with Savannah, and bring her for a visit just a few months later!

Below is a little diddy from a blogger who was in China near Christmas for their daughter's adoption:

"During our holiday in China, we saw Christmas decorations at the strangest places. In megastores there were songs like 'We wish you a merry Christmas' and 'Happy New Year' and in several restaurants there were pictures of Santa next to other pictures of other Gods. Even at playgrounds you could hear electronic tunes of every Christmassong. (Played at triple speed!) And notice this, we were in China in May!We've noticed that the people in China do like the typical shiny things, with bright and happy colors, music, fliffy and fluffy tingle tangle things. Flashing lights and noisemaking toys. So Christmas surely is a big candidate to become really popular in China.

And the next articles only confirm our thoughts!
Christmas gaining popularity among Chinese
Sleigh bells ringing throughout China
Christmas celebrations and shopping gain popularity with Chinese

Strange actually, because China is definitely not a Christian country. The real story of Christmas is not an issue there. So they celebrate Christmas for many other reasons. Usually just for the atmosphere, or shopping. Or to do fun things with friends and family. Or like someone says in one of the articles above: 'It's just another extra Valentines Day!'
But how do Chinese celebrate Christmas then?
Have a look!

Tonite???

2007-09-29T10:31:00.000-05:00

If you go to the CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs) Web page...http://www.china-ccaa.org/ (and click on English!) there is a box on the lefthand side that reads:

"The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before August 31, 2006. The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 25, 2005. "

We basically are waiting to see if that last sentence changes to read "November 30" or "December 5." If it changes to December 5, then we'll get our referral, otherwise we'll get it in November and travel in December. We are OK either way, really, it's just SO wonderful to KNOW something for a change. So supposedly the CCAA is working this weekend to get referrals out before their holiday week beginning Monday. If they are going to update the date on the Web site they probably will do it tonite. So if I just happen to not be able to sleep (haven't been able to due to gi-normous tonsils/glands and never-ending stuffy nose) I will stumble to the computer and check. :)

We Might Know Something Soon!

2007-09-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

So the other day someone from our adoption agency called, wanting to find out where to call IF we got our referral for Savannah... WOW. The week before someone called just to "check and see how we were doing." Hmmmm. No one has called us for two years so, as I told the women on the phone, "boy does this all make it sink in!"

All "rumors" at this point have the next batch of referrals including families whose paperwork was submitted betweenn November 30 and December 5 (our paperwork log-in date was December 5!)

We've also heard that there is a weeklong national holiday in China next week, but that the CCAA (the gov't agency in charge of adoptions) is going to work through this weekend to get referrals out before then.

In the meantime, I am sick as a dog, so don't have enough energy to do the things I normally would do to stay busy and keep my mind off of this waiting! I still think we will get our referral next go-around, but that may just be me trying to not get my hopes up that any day now we could see what Savannah looks like, learn where she was found, where she lives (orphanage vs. foster care), and more! WOW.

Shameless Plug from a Newly Published Author

2007-09-27T07:56:00.000-05:00

My book arrived this week!! Was pretty cool because my mom happened to be here when the UPS man arrived with my free "author copies." Up on a ladder painting our guest bath, she looked down while I sang "The UPS man is here!!!" I immediately wrapped up a book to send to Karen Eddlemen, whose son Neil vanished at sea. Of the collection of 24 non-fiction stories I chose her son's story to run first.

Here's my lead-in:

Strange things happen in Florida. Hurricanes, lightning strikes, and alligator attacks aside, Florida possesses a melting pot of unsolved mysteries and spine-chilling legends. From ghost stories and UFO sightings to gruesome slayings and bizarre abductions, the Sunshine State has mystical, and often dark, side. Florida is home to the country’s oldest city, St. Augustine, and one of America’s most fascinating, Key West, both of which hold many eerie tales. Notorious serial killers Ted Bundy and Danny Rolling both spent time here, bringing some of the most infamous murder cases to the state. And, as a slender peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s waters bring their own mysteries, from missing boats to haunted lighthouses.Among the chapters of this book, you will learn about the lives of those who are missing, those who have died or who were terrorized and lived to talk about it, those who have an exceptional story but remain unidentified, and those who seem to stick around in the afterlife to make sure they’re not forgotten. Some stories point to an answer. Some may forever remain a mystery. And some are left to you to decide just how mysterious they really are.

Some stories delve deep into the trenches of Florida’s history. Others – modern-day mysteries – caught me by surprise while I was researching for this book. The stories cover the spectrum of life, from childhood to grandparenthood to strange places beyond.

I dedicate this book to all of the grieving parents, siblings, and friends, who have experienced loss, and do not have the answers they need to help heal their hearts. Special thanks to Karen Eddlemen for sharing so much, and to former editors who helped me see the power of words, especially Jan Touney, Dave Dawson, Chris Weston, Jerry Fallstrom, and Sal Recchi. And to my husband and best friend, Steve, for his unwavering support.

Ground Zero

2007-09-25T10:17:00.001-05:00

The first time Steve and I went to Ground Zero was just a few weeks after 9-11. It was raining that day, very gloomy, and people mulled around the fence around St. Paul's Chapel, which faces Ground Zero, looking at all of the photos and memorials. St. Paul's is the oldest public building in continuous use and the only remaining colonial era church in Manhattan.

There was not a dry eye to be seen that day. It was very surreal. As a teenager my dad took me to the top of the World Trade Center - I still have the now yellowed brochure and ticket stubs. It's still hard to believe they are gone.

That first time Steve and I visited the WTC site we saw the now infamous World Trade Center cross, also known as the Ground Zero cross, a group of steel beams around amidst the Trade Center debris following the attacks. We took a photo of that cross that day as it still stood in the rubble.

Last weekend, as we walked toward Ground Zero, we looked up and saw the cross, now moved away from the site, and this accompanying sign.

It felt good to visit the site again. We popped into a service at St. Paul's and prayed for Steve's friend Don, who is having some health difficulties, and reflected on that day and remembered the victims. The church has a wonderful "Unwavering Spirit" exhibit.

The U.N., security and awesome views

2007-09-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

So we stayed at the Millenium Hotel, thanks to a Priceline.com surprise. The hotel starts on the 28th floor of the building and we were on Floor 36 of 38 floors. The window in our room even opened up - sans screen! - which resulted in a few "whooooas!" when peeking out it. Photo to left is one of many views from our windows - this is the Queensboro Bridge and Roosevelt Island. Our room actually faced straight down First Ave, with the U.N. to our right. You know all those cool rooftop gardens on top of many NYC residential buildings. Well, we overlooked them all. Helicopters flying in to the U.N. were at EYE level. OK, so we were high, you get that now...

Little did we know there'd be so much action around the U.N. that weekend! Dogs sniffed our bags before we went into the hotel. The entire area around the Waldorf Astoria was barricaded off with lots and LOTS of big burly guys in dark suits and ear pieces wandering around. Every so often we were surprised by a blast of sirens followed by a procession of big black SUVs escorting the "France delegation" or Libya or sometimes, who knows what (see photo below). Usually the windows of each vehicle were completely rolled down, and inside, some more of those big secret-service looking guys peering out. Federal agents with ammo vests hung out on street corners. We realized that the oh-so-popular Iranian President probably elicited some worries about security but we never felt safer given the security officer-to-tourist ratio in that area.

Most of the U.N. was staying at the Waldorf, with some at our hotel and the nearby Intercontinental, where they actually scan your bag before you can check in. Constantly running into dignitaries and representatives from throughout the world was really neat. Sometimes (ha, all the time) we are so insulated. We forget that there are big wordly issues going (besides the war)... How funny to go from that to, this week, a SAC meeting at Adam's school! We do get to decide what to do with thousands of A+ dollars but you know...

Celeb sightings

2007-09-24T17:36:00.000-05:00

So much to say about our NYC trip! More posts coming soon. For now, here's a photo of some friends we ran into in the Big Apple. Actually, we were dining at a really neat "organic Indian" restaurant when we saw John Travolta walk by and into a trailer parked right next to us (we had the big bay window view). Little did we know he was in there changing clothes. He went in decked in jeans, T-shirt and cap and came out all decked in a snazzy suit. It was raining, and two guys toting umbrellas walked him to a parked Jaguar, and drove off to the site where they were filming "Old Dogs" (a Disney comedy coming out in 2008, we later learned). I felt like the papparazzi as we later saw Robin Williams walk by and then paid our lunch bill and ran down to where they were shooting. The employees at the restaurant - even more excited than us to see some celeb action - had me promising them that if we got any good photos at the scene we would come back and show them, which we did. The filming was fun to watch and my new camera with its 12x zoom was a blast! The scene was set in Japan - more photos and NYC news soon! Here's a sneak peek: We stayed right near the UN at a time when the UN was going into session AND the Iranian president was visiting. CRAZY.

Bai Jia Bei-100 Good Wishes Quilt

2007-09-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is a custom to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth with a wish for the baby. Part of the patch of cloth goes into the quilt for the baby, and the other part of the cloth can go into a creative memory notebook with the wish for the child. The quilt contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.

Savannah's is going to be incredible. It had been awhile (thanks to good 'ol China adoption delays) since I had looked at the fabric pieces and accompanying good wishes. It was pretty emotional. We even have a piece that Steve's grandmother made, and one that my great-grandmother made that was in a quilt she made me when I was little. The 20 center pieces are from my mom and dad and cover the alphabet in a fun way. From there, it branches it out to immediate family, then friends, and co-workers, and then other people who also are adopting. The top row includes only Asian pieces sent to us by others adopting from China. Now, I will take close-up shots of each quadrant to a quilt-maker. So you have to imagine each piece cut the same size, with a 1/2-inch or so strip of frabric in between each piece.

My best friend sent me fabric that she used to decorate own son's room. Steve's best friend actually cut up his oldest and favorite shirt! Others sent us fabric representing something about their home state, or sent us something about our state, or where one of us was from. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed - this is by far the most special thing in our home. I will post a photo of the final product as soon as it is done!

Savannah's room

2007-09-19T12:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally straightened up Savannah's room - put the car seats in the closet, moved the dog's crates out. Here's a sneak peek... and I wish I could take credit for the murals, and clouds on the ceiling, but they were already there (how fortunate was that?!) The room is gi-normous - this shows about a quarter of it. But... I had to shoot only this side because I have a big 'ol project spread out across the floor on the other side (see next post!)

An Inside Peek at "The Wait"

2007-09-18T07:25:00.000-05:00

So how does this work? Well, referrals typically go out around the beginning of each month. So, beginning in early October, we will be on pins and needles waiting to hear from our agency that they have received the next batch of referrals from China in the mail. Will Savannah's picture be among them?

I will no doubt be checking out the Rumor Queen regularly. The "rumor queen" is an adopting mom like me (her second child from China) who should have been an investigative reporter (she's better than some I have worked with!) Agencies, people, whoever, sometimes email her tips about when the next batch of referrals is coming, and how many days it will cover. Some people don't like her site - they get their hopes up and blame her when her 'guesstimates' are wrong. I take it all with a grain of salt. Honestly, we've waited this long, what's another month...is what I usually think, but then we're pushing up against the holidays again which changes everything!

Here's a little diddy from Rumor Queen's Web site about how the "matching room" in China works:

First they match orphanages up with agencies. This orphanage has six babies, this agency has six families. These two orphanages are in the same province and have a total of 12 babies, this agency has 12 families.

And then they start matching individual babies to individual families. So how do they do that? I’ve heard from several people who have had the opportunity to speak with someone who works in the matching room. The various conversations seem to all agree that they first look for something that stands out: a matching birthday, a baby who looks a lot like a parent, or a baby who likes music and a parent who teaches music. Several matching people have stated they match by bone structure of the baby’s face and the parent’s faces (this is why they need our passport photos, so they can compare our mug shot with the baby’s mug shot). Some have stated that they used Chinese astrology, also. Once they’ve matched the obvious matches they then start to look at things like age of child requested. The age requested is not a priority for them, they feel they are matching families and not filling orders.

Procrastination Station

2007-09-17T19:58:00.000-05:00

Alright. Now that we are the next LID group up in our agency, it's time to buckle down. Here's my hope-to-get-done-before-we-travel list (if it doesn't get done now I might as well put it all in a box and pull it out when the kids graduate from high school). I am hoping that by making this list I can prioritize them, and then the whole bloggin' world wide web will hold my feet to the fire (which I suppose at this point would be my hubby, the ONE person reading this new blog thus far, lol):

1) The 100 Good Wishes Quilt. I need to find a place where I can spread all the fabric squares out, preferably out of reach of schnoodles gone wild, and then take a photo of it. Then find nice quilt-making lady who won't charge $6,345.34 to make the thing. I had this plan of taking a quilting class and learning how to sew. I think that was back when this whole paperchase started, in 2005. I think that hairbrained idea lasted all of five minutes. Then I quickly decided it would be more fun to learn Chinese. I still am leaning toward the latter but should probably get on that soon, too. In fact, I'll make that item No. 2.

2) Learn to speak some Chinese. "Some" gets me out of mastering the whole language, right? And "speak" - well, that's a given. I took a few Chinese classes once and the native Chinese teacher explained how "easy" the characters were to "understand." We all stared at her blank-facedly through the whole lesson. I also had planned to learn calligraphy (of Chinese characters) so that was stymied. But here is Savannah's name in beautiful Chinese characters:
3) Touch up paint throughout the house. So we moved into our new home in June. It's awesome. I went gangbusters that first week making everything perfect. The previous owners left behind some holes (gapping canyons in some cases - I'm not sure what kind of art they had hanging it up there but it must have been "significant"). Anyway, I puttied (is that a word?) and I sanded, and I found the gold paint to touch up the walls. And then I started working again, and writing a book on top of that, and getting Adam ready for a slew of summer camps, followed by kindergarten... It's strange how something that was so annoying for a few days -- those blobby white spots on the wall -- sort of disappear after awhile. I mean I can actually look right at them and I start thinking things like "well, it gives the room character." I think the one of the formal dining room should at least be gone by Thanksgiving.

4) Hang the hallway photos. So my husband way back when got me this awesome frame set/contraption thing from one of our favorite stores, The Red Envelope. It really is cool, and the black and silver would look slick with some b&w photos in it. For some reason, I haven't been able to figure out exactly how to put the thing together.

5) Figure out why the SpongeBob DVD player won't work. This is in Adam's room and it making us NUTS. Steve and I spent a good two hours a few weeks ago, reading EVERY LINE in the stupid manual (I don't understand why a SpongeBob product would need to have a thicker user guide than our own grown-up DVD player). We've gone online and read other posts about how "tricky" it is, yet we seem to be the only ones who can't get past "tricky" to "operational." My dad is coming down this weekend and he will be declared HERO by all of us if he can figure it out. Funny thing is, Adam never watches TV. He's too busy memorizing songs and acting out Jungle Book scenes. But we have it, and it SHOULD work. It's the point of the thing.

Mmmm Jello!

2007-09-17T19:49:00.000-05:00

So Adam LOVES his acting/music class. Here's the Jello commercial he had to memorize after the first class. C'mon, you know it makes you want to slurp some down!

The Big Apple Dillema and "K Pod"

2007-09-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Back in the day.... ha ... Steve and I used to go to NYC a LOT. I mean a few times a year in some cases. We are sooooo excited to be going back up there this weekend. My parents will stay with Adam (thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!). So we were floating in the pool yesterday (a relaxin' birthday weekend for Steve), and talking about what we will do on our trip. We already had decided to rent bikes, which you can do in Central Park. I am doing the MS150 the following weekend, and need to get some biking in. I figure 10 miles in some hilly terrain equates to at least 20 flat Florida miles. So we only have two nights to eat out, and ALWAYS have to spend one night at the Marriott Marquis overlooking Times Square and eating tapas (see photo below, left). So that leaves one night and about 6 places we've been dying to get back to, and then the problem that whenever we go we like to try out at least one new place. We pricelined our hotel and are staying over by the UN, and there's a great Greek place called Avra nearby, where we ate a few trips ago. We'll probably eat there the second night.

Alright, so I guess there are worse things in the world than having to decide where to eat in NYC, and there are starving people in the world, after all... but hey, this could be our last getaway sans kiddos in awhile. For Steve's birthday I made up a gift certificate that entitles him to get some new duds while we are there, probably at Kenneth Cole (so much cooler than Men's Warehouse!) and I am sure we'll walk all over the Village one afternoon.

My parents will experience Steve-Steph-Adam-weekday life to the fullest while we are gone, taking Adam to his music/acting class, piano lesson, soccer, and also I got tickets for my mom to take Adam to see "Annie" at the Bobb Carr. I think HE thinks HE's Annie these days - all we hear these days is "TOMORROW, TOMORROW!" blasting out of his room. He's a regular showboy - Mary Poppins is his favorite, followed by the Sound of Music, although he still can't believe they really are the same person.

Alright, so now the really exciting news. I, Stephanie Doyle, who never thought she'd ever want to be a parent, has been chosen... yes, drum roll please....as THE (are you sitting down??) kindergarten pod chair for Adam's school. Not a lowly classroom helper, or even head of his class, but the whole stinkin' kindergarten pod (their word, not mine!) - I think it's 5 or 6 classes. OK, KIDDING, about the classroom helper, I was just using that for dramatic affect! Steve says my campaign slogan should be Pod Chair to President (in part because we saw the movie "No End in Sight-the American Occupation of Iraq" last night and it makes me want to go into politics just so I can at least say I tried to make a difference - and it all starts with the PTA, right?). So I told Adam about this news this morning while he was eating his Trix and he says, "Whoa! Go Mom!" Too funny. Don't ask me exactly what it means to be pod chair because I am not sure yet what I have gotten myself roped into. I do know that the PTA at this school is serious business (and 100 percent involvement) so I better behave!

And we're off!

2007-09-17T13:23:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am, finally entering the world of blogging. I've always wanted a blog, but after writing books, articles, etc.. I do like to give my fingers a break. But two things have happend:

1) After a loooong two-year wait to adopt a little girl from China, suddenly we are the NEXT group up with our agency. We had created a site, http://www.savannahdoyle.com/, but it's not conducive to "real blogging."

Then, 2) today, my secret pal was revealed, FINALLY!! For the past many, many months, I was in a secret pal exchange with others adopting from China. I've been dying to know who my SP is... I've always felt like we had a ton of stuff in common, and yes, I snooped and looked at the postmark, which several times came from Florida. Neighbors! Anyway, her name is Kim and she lives in just a couple hours northeast of us and has a fun-to-read blog (http://rubyiscoming.blogspot.com/). So I have spent more than hour reading her blog (thanks, Kim, not getting any work done here!!) and she's inspired me to take the leap into the blog world.
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If you look around Savannah's room, and see something oh-so-cute, there's a good chance Kim sent it to us. See photo below for her latest care package, which includes a Christmas ornament from India, which is so awesome because we've been collecting ornaments from all of our trips - our tree is a regular hodgepodge of storytelling pieces. No "sets" of anything on our tree, no red Christmas balls (not that there is anything wrong with that). :) Kim you are the BEST secret pal around and I can't wait to meet you in person one of these days!
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So - the latest on the adoption. To recap, I had studied Asian history in college and wrote about China's "lost daughters." The issue has long tugged at my heartstrings. Girls often are abandoned in China because rural families -- many whom are allowed to have only one child, or must pay a hefty fine -- prefer a boy, who will grow up and work on the farm. There are other cases as well, but that is a fairly common scenario.

Steve and I started the paperwork/adoption process back in June 2005 (!!!) Let's see since then, not much has happened, hahahahahahaha. We adopted Adam, who now is 6 (he'll get his own post and then a gzillion more down the road), got another dog (our second schnoodle), moved to a larger home, and Steph changed jobs, and then wrote two books. I think that covers the big stuff. So for us, the slooooowwww wait for a referral has been a blesssing. But we're ready now!

And the other day our agency, Great Wall of China Adoption, sent out a list that showed that our log-in date (the date our paperwork was 'logged in' in China) was THE NEXT GROUP! Here's where it gets tricky. That doesn't necessarily mean that we'll be included in the next batch of referrals. BUT the next time OUR agency announces they have received referrals WE WILL BE IN IT. EGADS!!! So all of this putting it of our minds for so long (and becoming parents to Adam, and moving) and now we're sort of like whoooooaaaaa!!!! Guess we need to start doing all those things we're supposed to be doing to get ready. We're going to attempt to go ''carry-on only" on the way to China (there is actually a yahoo group that helps you a) figure out if you're the type of person who can do carry-on only and b) gives you tips for how to do it). That way we can buy a ton of stuff IN China and take it back with us. We'd like to get Savannah something for each of her birthdays up through age 18 that we can say was from her birth country.
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So that's where we're at. Our agency should get its next batch of referrals from China in early October. Will we checking out the Great Wall this Thanksgiving and meeting Adam's little sister???