The Caley6 Chronicles

A Day in the Snow

2009-01-29T15:35:00.001-05:00

Autumn Leaves

2008-11-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

More pumpkin Patch!

2008-11-02T15:02:00.001-05:00

Alexandra now 13 in 8th grade! She is taller than her mom now!

Autumn's favorite saying is now "look at me, look at me"

Caley Kids at the Pumpkin Patch Oct 2008

2008-11-02T14:53:00.002-05:00

Mom took the kids to the Pumpkin Patch!! It was a beautiful day. Autumn enjoyed her first ever visit picking a pumpkin.

Anna now almost 11 in 5th grade!

Alexandra helps Autumn pick a white pumpkin! She and Anna both are very wonderful big sisters!

Aaron now 9 in 3rd grade! He has grown up so much.

We took a ride on a trailor to pick our pumpkins.

Say Cheese!

2007-11-04T17:37:00.000-05:00

We actually accomplished everyone looking forward and smiling at the same time. Autumn is growing up so fast. She prances around here like she owns the place. She loves to get dressed everyday and look at herself in the mirror. She is starting to talk quite a bit. Some things we understand and some we don't. The kids are in school and doing well. Guy has begun yet another remodelling project--the upstairs bathroom.

At the Beach in Delaware

2007-08-25T13:58:00.000-05:00

Guy showing his "rebirth" mark--some of you know he had a very large birthmark on his arm. He and I have both joined the ranks of those with tattoos--I, Kathleen however will refrain from posting mine. (ha!) The tattoo artist did a great job covering it up-- My second beauty, Anna!
Some of you know we did a complete kitchen remodel---Guy is so talented and did all of the work from the drywall, electric, plumbing, installing cabinets, tile, and installing new floor. Saved us tons of money! I now enjoy walking into my kitchen.

Catchin' some tasty waves

2007-08-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

Aaron on his board--the waves were awesome. Nice for him to get some of his energy out!
Guy found this horseshoe crab shell--the kids were excited and of course had to touch it. It stunk really bad. My beauty Alexandra!
Audi has taken a liking to the telephone! She will walk around the house with either the phone or the girls' mp player saying "ho" and then will hand it to you to talk.
This was Alexandra's baby doll stroller from Germany. Autumn is enjoying pushing it around.

The Caleys are still alive!!

2007-08-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

Autumn in her usual sleeping place!

Aaron turned 8 August 16th! He got a Spongebob Squarepant TV for his room!
Audi (we have started calling her that) and her mommy!!!
We took a trip to the ocean in Delaware last week! Autumn loved great wide open space and of course the sand.
Just all of the girls in their inappropriate swimsuits (as Anna would say).

Alexandra is as tall as her mom now--no surprise to many of you I am sure. She is starting 7th grade on Monday. She has grown up into quite a beautiful young lady.

Autumn Eating

2007-06-06T16:06:00.001-05:00

Initially Autumn would not eat any solid food at all. At the orphanage she had obviously only gotten a bottle. For quite awhile she would simply clench her mouth and turn away when offered any food item. That all changed with a Cheeto on our trip to see Aunt Chris & the boys in Ohio. Now she likes bread, breakfast cereal, goldfish crackers and has become an afficianado of fries of all kinds--McDonalds being the clear winner.

The First Pic of the Caley6

2007-06-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it? We just hadn't gotten around to a whole family pic. Well actually we had at the Teen Challenge graduation, but then the camera (theirs, not ours) turned up missing. So this one was taken for our church photo directory.

The Sweet Pool Life

2007-06-06T15:44:00.000-05:00

Here are the promised pool pics. Alexandra wasn't swimming this day. The pool has been lots of fun and so far maintenance hasn't been that hard. Aaron has a friend in the neighborhood who's been coming over alot and Kathleen has bought a home-only sunbathing suit. When she first modeled it Anna's response was, "Number one that suit is inappropriate. Number two you were supposed to let me help you bake the pie."

Autumn Takes Her Stand

2007-05-28T08:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been awhile since our last post. We had forgotten how hectic life can be with a one year old.

Autumn wanted to demonstrate her newfound ability to stand unassisted. Walking and running soon to follow.

Today we'll have a family cookout. Daddy got the pool running and we've been enjoying that. Swimming photos to follow.

A New Name for the Blog

2007-04-20T14:43:00.000-05:00

Now that we're home and Autumn is truly a part of our family, it seems appropriate that the Blog no longer be just about her, but about the family as a whole.

We'll post about family trips and adventures, fun photos and great exploits of each of the Caley kids. Anyway, China won't let us adopt again until Alexandra grows up and leaves home (as of next month the family size limit is 4 children). Hmmmm. Maybe Viet Nam next.

Homecoming Video

2007-04-19T13:23:00.000-05:00

With apologies to those who expect to see Bill Gaither and Friends when they hear that title.

More homecoming Pictures!

2007-04-19T12:33:00.000-05:00

Anna and her baby sister Autumn! She does great with her--her only complaint is it's not enough time!
Alexandra--a very sweet big sister!
Aaron has always wanted to be a big brother!
My four babies!
Autumn didn't even get to enjoy a little Chick-fil-A for Alexandra's birthday!

Home Again!!

2007-04-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

Autumn with Cousin Rachel (we met them in Detroit on our way home)
Autumn in the carseat for the first time.
Playing with Daddy!
Aaron and Anna like to push her around in the stroller before heading to school!
Autumn modeling a hat that was Alexandra's when she was a baby!

Sorry that it has taken this long to get an update from us. We arrived home on Saturday evening at 6:15. We survived the flights--a four hour, a 12 hour, and finally a one hour. Autumn was a bit restless on the long flight. However, Daddy walked her around for a bit to help.

Our kids were in great hands while we were away with Grandma. She took them places and told me while I was away that they were now "on a schedule." I just hope that I will be able to keep them on it. -:)

Autumn has adjusted well. She is sleeping good--going to sleep in the early evening (as early as

5:00 pm) and waking up around 3:30 or 4:00 for a bottle and going back to sleep with Mom and Dad in our bed. She has taken to her brother and sisters pretty well. She will let Alexandra walk around with her. Anna and Aaron push her around in the stroller before going to school. We took her to the park yesterday afternoon. She seemed to like the swing. She is finally today warming up to Grandma and Grandpa ( they are heading home tommorrow). It just takes her some time to adjust to new faces. There have obviously been many changes in her life. I am proud to say that she loves Mommy best!! She likes Watson (our dog). She will watch him and has pet him a few times. He is a bit jealous at times, but overall doing well.

Guy will be posting the homecoming video. For now here are some pictures of Autumn and family here at home! Today she is 13 months old!!

Final Post From China

2007-04-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

Well, it's hard to believe we're finally on our way home! We are ready! Today we went to the US consulate to get Autumn's visa and to take the oath for her. Though we didn't post about it here because we didn't want to raise any concerns (especially for our 3 kids waiting at home), this was a cause for serious concern over the last couple of days. People in the groups prior to us had not gotten their visas on time because of a computer glitch in D.C. these people missed their flights and may still be on standby. We were told last night we would not get our visas today and we didn't know where we were going to go to wait because the hotel was booked along with all the others in Guaungzhou for a major trade fair starting tomorrow! Plus all flights were booked solid until the 19th.

We got on the phone to Congressman Holden's staff in Lebanon PA, and everyone else started calling congressmen and sentator's offices too. I guess the pho ne lines got hot because we heard that no less than 16 senators and numerous congressmen called the state department and the Consulate in Guangzhou. There was a rumor the Secretary of State herself got involved, which wouldn't be surprising given that level of congressional interest. Anyway be the time we left for the consulate we were told all the visas but two were done and when we arrived we heard that all were done. A cheer went up from the assembled hosts (our guess is 30-50 families total.

So here's a shot of the 3 passports--2 US and one from the People's Republic of China (Autumn will have her US citizenship as soon as her visa is stamped in the US).

And here is that all important Visa.

Here is a photo of us and another couple in our group with our favorite shopkeepers, Dong and Susan and one of their employees

Here is the famous "Red Couch Photo" It's a tradition for the groups from each adoption agency to take a photo of all the children on this red couch in the lobby of the White Swan Hotel. These are the 16 from the Bethany group we traveled with. Most but not all the girls came from the same orphanage as Autumn. 3 are boys. Sorry we couldn't get one with all the girls smiling. If you can't find Autumn, she's the one on the floor in despair in the second photo.

We love and miss you all and can't wait to get up in 5 hours
at 4 am for the 25 hour journey home!

Autumn's Fan Club and Birds of a Feather!!

2007-04-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

We went to a place called "White Cloud Mountain" today--or rather I should say I walked (Kathleen) up a mountain 1.5 miles carrying Autumn in the carrier. Guy walked carrying the backpack which weighs as much as Autumn. It was very beautiful--however, there was some fog so you couldn't see the city too good. Autumn caught the attention of lots of Chinese people during our walk--when our group stopped for a break the people would almost mob us wanting to talk and touch the babies. I imagine and hope that they are so happy that these precious babies are getting a chance to have a good life. Many of the shopkeepers around here say how lucky she is--we respond with "WE are the lucky ones."

We went to a restaurant that served Cantonese cuisine--our guide who is Cantonese told us that the Chinese have a saying that "the Cantonese will eat anything that flies but an airplane and anything with four legs but a chair." Guy and a couple of the guys from our group decided to try roast baby pigeon. It wasn't too bad--I had a small bite. When you first walk in the place they have everything in buckets--beetles, snake, toads, silkworms, aquariums with fish, and dead pigeons hanging on hooks waiting to be ordered and cooked. Very interesting to say the least!

Happy Birthday Alexandra!!

2007-04-11T21:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to our oldest baby, Alexandra Kathleen Caley!!! 12 years ago our first daughter was born in Springfield, Missouri at 2:25 pm during her daddy's final week at seminary. We love her so much and are very proud of the beautiful sweet spirited young lady that she has become. We know that God has a great plan for her life and are so thrilled that he chose us to be her parents. She is going to be a wonderful big sister to Autumn! Happy Birthday honey!! We will celebrate together as a family when we get home. We love you.

Alexandra and Mommy Christmas 2006

Alexandra's Baptism by her Pastor Daddy, October 2006

Alexandra and her best buddies from School!

Passing time in China

2007-04-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

Note: The pictures for this blog were eaten by the internet. Mrs. Caley resent them so here they are. Sorry! -Matthew

We're just waiting now to get the passports for all of the babies. We toured the Chen Family Cultural & Folk Art musuem yesterday. Autumn slept through the entire thing. We found a great Thai restaurant that we went to for the last two nights. Today we did more shopping--we had a list to help us stay on track. We are ordering in Italian food tonight (I know it just doesn't seem right to do that in China). Thursday is when we have our Consulate appointment.

We are teething for tooth number 5 hence the red-eyed, snotty-nosed picture. We are headed home on Saturday. We have one more tour tomorrow morning. We are well and enjoying this time--however, anxious to get back home with our whole family. Blessings! Thanks for all of those who are posting comments. It is lots of fun checking in everyday!

Giggle Girl!

2007-04-07T07:20:00.000-05:00

I Get Around!

2007-04-07T07:17:00.002-05:00

Pattycake with Autumn

2007-04-07T07:17:00.001-05:00

Gotcha Day Video!

2007-04-06T10:09:00.000-05:00

Note from Matthew:

Hopefully everyone can see this video right in the blog. If you are not able, here is the direct link to the video which should provide you with better results. I am "believing" that the video will work for all.

Medical Examination

2007-04-06T07:10:00.000-05:00

Autumn with wet hair before getting her bows!

We took all of the babies today to have a physical examination in order to state that they were in good enough health to immigrate into the US. They measured their heads, did weight and height, and checked their ears and throat. Some of the babies cried--however, Autumn slept through half. That was nice!

Another baby we passed on the walk back!

A bride getting some pictures taken--one of them by us! -:)

Autumn getting a little tickle from Mommy!

It's [Really] Official!!!

2007-04-06T07:03:00.000-05:00

This is our official adoption registration certificate. China says she belongs to us. We went yesterday to apply for her Chinese passport; this will take about 5 days. We need this done to get a visa for Autumn to come home with us. As soon as we get to the states she will be a US citizen, but until then she is a Chinese citizen with American parents. Today we go to have an immigration physical and that's it until we have the passport. The Chinese paperwork is complete, everything else is for the US.

Autumn continues to sleep well. She is laughing more and crying more(but no more than any one year old). We had a meltdown over hair bows, Autumn made it clear that she was not in favor of this and Mommy made it clear that it doesn't matter what she thinks. Both the laughing and the crying are good because she is opening up, the first day or two she was pretty flat emotionally.

She is eating consistently, but not nearly as much as she needs to. Eventually she'll get hungry enough and used to the American formula we're giving her. We've been encouraged to get her to transition because the nutrition is much better.

Flashback Beijing!!!

2007-04-05T10:58:00.000-05:00

Our visit to the Forbidden City.

I have been making Guy take pictures of the "faces in China"--could possibly be someone with two girls--who knows!

Our rickshaw driver!

We visited a local family--this is the husband Mr. Lu. He is famous for raising fighting crickets in Beijing. This is a sport--in years past people would gamble on the cricket fight--now it is illegal (however in some places it still might be happening.) He showed us a grasshopper which are raised specifically to hear their song kind of like song birds.

Soldier on the Tian'an men Square

Tian'an men Square

Another face of China

End of the Harmonious Period!

2007-04-04T11:07:00.000-05:00

Well we had our first night with Autumn. She fell asleep at 9:30 and woke up at 6:30. YEAH God!! She slept with me (mommy) in a twin bed and did great. I know all of you are thinking (you shouldn't be starting that, but we are bonding and it's OK!!!)

We had a great buffet breakfast this morning before going back to the Guangdong Adoption Office where we had a family photo taken. The period between yesterday when we got her and today when we went to the adoption office is called the "Harmonious Period." This is a time that they give you to decide whether or not you want to keep the baby. Of course you do--however, I guess that there have been some instances where some people decide they don't. We can't imagine how that could happen. We had an interview with two different officials asking us basic questions and making sure that we wanted to keep Autumn.

This is Autumn and Lilly. Lilly is a couple weeks younger than Autumn, came from the same orphanage, and will be moving with her parents to York, PA, about an hour from us.

We came home and took a great nap--woke up and toured the hotel a bit. They have a big playroom for all of the babies where Autumn enjoyed herself. We ate (all 16 families with our babies) at a great Chinese restaurant across the street from the hotel. It was only $12 per couple--super cheap.

We are now back at the hotel where Autumn is enjoying her stacking cups. She loves to feel the textures of everything.

We are able to view the blog site now and see all of your comments. Thanks. We will talk tommorrow. Love, the Caleys

News Flash, First Smile!

2007-04-04T11:04:00.000-05:00

We've been so blessed that Autumn has been very content since we got her. Many of the babies have been crying non-stop. Autumn didn't cry at all until she was tired and hungry today, and even then she was pretty easy to calm. She has just been very curious, checking everything out, very possesive of her toys, and no emotion at all.

But just now Kathleen was playing pat-a-cake with her and we got our first smile and a few minutes later she was laughing out loud.

She's being very picky about food. She's probably eaten about twelve ounces, so that's better than some of the babies. She seems to be quite an actress, she starts acting like she's gagging as soon as you move the bottle toward her mouth.

Gotcha Day! It's Official!!

2007-04-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

Praise the Lord!

We began the morning waking up at 4:30 to leave the hotel at 5:50. We boarded a plane at 7:50 for Guangzhou. We arrived at 11:00, met our guide, and went to the hotel. At 2:00 we left the hotel for the provincial adoption office to get all 16 of our babies. We were in a room just waiting---however, we didn't have to wait that long because our name was the second one called.

It all happened pretty fast, but we got our baby Autumn Xiao Fen Caley that we have been waiting a long time for. She immediately came to us and didn't cry at all--(still hasn't and is now sleeping as we speak). She seemed very curious about me and was very interested in the toys that we had for her. She played with them and just looked around. She did take the bottle for just a bit. She crawled on the floor for a bit as well. We waitied for all of the families to receive their babies.

It was quite chaotic--some babies very quiet--other babies not so quiet. There were a few babies around 17-19 months old--one just kept crying out Mah Mah--wanting her mama (caretaker). It was very heartbreaking. There was also another girl who was about 5 or 6 years old going to a family from another group. They already had a girl around that age that they had adopted--however, it was very emotional for her and tramatic. I was getting emotional just watching the situation. She had obviously been taken care of by a foster family.

We brought Autumn back to the hotel and gave her a bath. She has a very dark skin tone and obviously has lots of hair. We put her in some new clothes and a bow in her hair--she's ready to roll! She played with her toys very well--she has great eye hand coordination and seems to hear just fine. She is very curious! The caretakers said that when she is tired that she will throw her head back--that proved true. I walked around the room holding her for a few minutes and now she is sleeping sound. Autumn and Esther (another little girl from our group) were cribmates in the orphanage we were told.

We had pizza hut for dinner tonight delivered. Guy is right now out getting some of the paperwork filled out. We did visit the Forbidden City yesterday--we visited a local family's home, and took a rickshaw ride while being attacked by some locals trying to get us to buy their stuff. Guy bought a little of everything--they just stood right in front of him while our guide was talking waiting for him to buy--they must have read the word "SUCKER" on his forward. I kept looking over and there was something new they were pulling out and there he was pulling out more money--however, he has learned to bargain pretty well. We will post pictures of that later.

Well my back is hurting and I should rest while Autumn rests. Enjoy the pictures. We love all of you very much and can't wait to have Autumn join our whole family.

Blessings,

The Caley6 (It's official!!)

The Great Wall and..a Squatty Potty?

2007-04-01T12:24:00.000-05:00

This is the last post until we get Autumn...the day after tomorrow! That'll be Monday night as you sleep, Tuesday afternoon for us.

OK, let’s get the obligatory “Tourists standing on the great wall of China” photo out of the way.

It’s still a little surreal to actually be here. We called home on our Panda Phone (Chinese rental cell phone) and spoke to Kathleen’s mom and the kids while we were at the great wall, just so we could say “Guess where we are?!”

We also got a chance to see a lot more of this city of 17 million, the patches of poverty and the transformation it’s been undergoing for the last couple of decades. Everywhere you look new highrises are going up. You have to wonder what was there before and where do they get the skilled labor for hundreds and hundreds of major construction projects simultaneously.

For those wondering, here is the “squatty potty.” If you can’t figure out how to use it, just let your imagination roam awhile.

We also went back to the silk street market for some more gifts, since we heard the prices might not be as good in Guangzhou.

Shopping tip for the day: You probably got a good deal if the merchant throws the merchandise at you at the completion of the transaction and refuses to look at you or say goodbye. “Why you treat me so bad? I don’t make any money this way. I try be your friend but you not friend to me.”

The Caley's Have Arrived In China!

2007-03-31T10:18:00.000-05:00

Well, we really are here. It was a really long trip. We left our house at 6 a.m. Thursday and arrived at 0:30 Saturday. Yes, That's after midnight. Of course we lost a day and gained 12 hours. In other words, the trip was over 24 hours.

Breakfast in the hotel was great, then we made a trip to the grocery store where Kathleen broke out into the Halelujah chorus at the sight of Diet Pepsi.

Next was a trip to the Silk Market--actually an indoor market with all kinds of vendors. We bought too much. Chinese Decor for our home, gifts and silk dresses for the THREE girls and a cool silk outfit for Aaron. The calculator is how you communicate price when there is a language barrier. The vendor types a price, you counter with something 1/4 to 1/3 of that, go back and forth ten times and eventually reach a sale. Yes, you do always reach a sale, because if you try to walk away, suddenly your last offer is enough, "But why you treat me so bad? I offer you best friend price."

Kathleen and I got some Chinese shirts too. Kathleen got her first experience with the "squatty potty." No graphic descriptions here, but those of you close enough to her will eventually have to endure the full living color instant replay, I'm sure.

Tonight we went to see the children who are in training to be the acrobats of China. It was absolutely amazing. Kathleen, however found it necessary to inspect the insides of her eyelids for most of the show. Jet lag? Nah, not us, we're long time international travellers.

It looks like we have no access at all to blogger, so we can't see your comments until we get back, but feel free to post. We can get e-mail, however at our regular e-mail address. It's difficult to reply though, because we have to go to webmail. Maybe we'll get that figured out later. We plan to post again tomorrow and then won't post again until we get Autumn.

We love and miss you all. And, oh, by the way, Two days until we hold Autumn for the first time.

Two Days and Counting!

2007-03-27T11:24:00.000-05:00

So we're officially freaking out. Everything that it seemed like we'd have time to do later, well, how's that working for you? So what to pack? and oh, we better get another battery for the video camera and will we be able to recharge that thing in China? and what about pictures? who will take those as we officially get Autumn? and still or video? how can we get both? Are you packing Baby Shampoo? Do we need Diarhea medicine? When are we going to buy snacks?

Did we mention that the official "Gotcha Day" is April 3 in the afternoon? It's 12 or 13 hours earlier over there, so let's see that'll be in the middle of the night over here.

Also we heard that blogspot is not accessible over in China now, so one of my students, Matthew, has agreed to do the posting for us. We'll e-mail him the photos and posts and he'll upload them. A great big "THANKS" to him for that.

I'm working on uploading video clips via Youtube as well hopefully, that's still available in China.

WE ARE ON OUR WAY!!!!! MARCH 29-APR 14TH

2007-03-12T17:15:00.000-05:00

We made our trip to Congressman Holden's office on Thursday afternoon. We received a phone call that afternoon stating that our form was being mailed that afternoon. It came in the mail today. Praise God!!!!! He must always think "why do you doubt me o ye of little faith?" He truly is faithful and now we are officially on our way. We will be leaving two weeks from this Thursday. Guy is currently putting in new flooring for our beautiful new kitchen. Thank God this remodeling will be done before leaving. It is definitely worth it!!

Thank you for all of your prayers. We appreciate continued prayers for our whole family during our travel. Keep posted!!

Travel Dates!

2007-03-07T17:04:00.000-05:00

We will be traveling to China on March 30th and returning home with Autumn on the 14th of April. That means she'll be in our arms around April 2. Continue to pray that our imigration paperwork comes through, we're not to nervous about it because we have 3 weeks and we're going to our congressman tomorrow to get some help (nothing like a "congressional inquiry" to grease the beauracratic wheels). Still we need that form to go but we're buying the tickets on faith.

Big sister, Alexandra is a little bummed that we'll be gone on her birthday (April 12). But she knows that we have no control and, hey, she may get a really cool brthday gift from China. I mean, really, when have you ever had anything that was made in China!

P.S. Kathleen wants to have "Made in China" tatooed on Autumn's behind, but I'm trying to talk her out of it, Love Guy.

Waiting for word about travel

2007-02-24T11:45:00.000-05:00

For those wondering when we'll be traveling to bring Autumn home--welcome to the wondering party. We won't know until we know. Some are expecting word at the end of this week with travel to follow in about a week. That's a quick turn around.

For those praying for us, here is a specific request. Before we can travel we need a form from the US government (the USCIS) that gives us permission to adopt and bring home a foreign infant. We had this approval, but the length of the wait caused it to expire--that happened to everyone waiting to adopt from China. What is unique to us is that our move to PA delayed our application for reapproval, so we were only able to get the paperwork in last month. It looks like it will come down to the wire and if push comes to shove we won't be able to travel with our group without it. So if you've got special pull in God's throne room, join us in sending up those prayers.

A "Little Fragrant"

2007-02-19T22:44:00.000-05:00

We found out that Xiao translated means "little" and Fen means "fragrant." This is a good fragrant like sweet smelling perfume or something. We know that she will definitely become our little sweetie!!

A Happy Baby!!!!

2007-02-15T19:42:00.000-05:00

We have received our translation about Autumn and I am thrilled to report that our daughter is a "very happy baby." She smiles constantly and is very outgoing. She loves going outdoors and seems to adapt well to new environments. She raises her arms and hands out to give hugs!!! And she is very healthy!!! What more could anyone ask for. To think that she wasn't even conceived when we started this process--all of the time we have wondered about her and prayed for her. God is just so amazing--I feel guilty being surprised at his goodness. He has such great plans for our lives--greater plans than we can even imagine and we know that He has a great plan for Autumn Xiao Fen Caley. We are honored that God looked throughout the world and choose us to be the parents to a little girl from a far away land that would need a family to love and care for her--and most importantly teach her about her loving creator!!! Praise be unto God!!!!

Here she is!

2007-02-02T15:26:00.000-05:00

This is our beautiful Autumn, who we've waited so long for and so often wondered what she looked like. Now we know and we can't wait to have her in our arms.

We don't yet have the translation of the Chinese documents but we know this much. She was born March 19 last year and was found March 20th. That makes the birthdate pretty accurate. We also know she isn't a tiny thing. Birthweight was 3.3 Kilograms or 7 lbs. 4 oz. her photos appear to have some meat on them as well. We'll post full vitals (as of 6 months of age) when we get the translation.

We also know they say she is happy with a ready smile and laugh, restless but also a deep sleeper (thank you Jesus).

It's a Girl!

2007-02-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Proverbs 25:25

It is with unsurpassable joy we announce the refferal of our daughter

Xu Xiao Fen
DOB: 3/19/2006

She is currently at the Xuwen Comprehensive Welfare Institute (or orphanage) in Guangdong Province.

We can't wait to see and share her pictures tomorrow!

Info on Xuwen (the city where Autumn is right now)

Xuwen is at the extreme southern end of China--as far south as you can go on the mainland. See the little finger of a penninsula right above Hainan Island? We also found the native language there is not Mandarin, but Cantonese. We understand that almost everyone will also speak Mandarin because that is the official language. This could complicate the plan to have her learn her native language! We may have to settle for Mandarin since places to learn Cantonese are not so prevalent!

Bethany Referrals Posted

2007-02-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

People from our agency have gotten word about their refferals, so the package definitely arrived in Grand Rapids. We're still waiting on our call. So far the referrals for Bethany are from Guangdong Province. More about that when we get our call!

Referrals are in the US

2007-02-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

People are reporting they've gotten the call. We don't know if Bethany (our agency) has gotten their package (of referrals--for us and all the people we'll be traveling with--around 20 families), or when they'll call, but we're on pins and needles and near worthless at work. Best case scenario is still that we get the basic info today (name, birthdate, location) and the photo & more detailed info tomorrow, it's possible we won't get the photo until Monday. Or, well this we can't think about, but once in awhile a family is "missed" and doesn't get their referral until the next month. But we're trusting for good news today!

Will we hear tomorrow?

2007-01-31T13:40:00.000-05:00

According to the latest juciest rumors, the referrals were sent yesterday from China, so our agency could have them as early as tomorrow (!) As a reminder, the referral is the paperwork inviting us to adopt a particular child, and it includes a photo. Right now the earliest we could see a photo would be Friday and if not then, then early next week. We're hoping for word tomorrow and the photo on Friday. Everyone send up your best prayers for Friday!

This means that we almost certainly have been matched with a child already and are just waiting for the news. Of course we know that we were matched with this child by God long before we thought about adopting from China.

How to make a Comment

2007-01-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

To make a comment click on the "headline" you want to comment on, or you can click on the spot below that tells how many comments were made. You will see a box you can comment in. Unless you have a google account make sure you click "anonymous" or "other."

Commenting allows not only us but everyone else to see your comments. While in China we'll post regularly here on the blog, but won't be on our regular e-mail much so you can communicate with us right here. We'll even try to post some short videos.

The Infamous Rumor Queen

2007-01-24T22:45:00.000-05:00

For those of you fellow travelers along the China adoption path this post means nothing, for friends and family and newbies of other kinds, the Rumor Queen is a clearinghouse for rumors about everything having to do with Chinese adoption. "Why rumors?" you ask? Well the Chinese Government is not very forthcoming about information so we live and breathe by the rumor rollercoaster.

If you'd like to experience this rollercoaster with us you are invited to visit the RQ. Things you need to know: LID=Log In Date, this is your official date from China for when they received your paperwork. Referrals are given to everyone through a certain LID. Our LID is October 10, 2005. Right now the rumors are saying we'll definitely be included in the next set of referrals, but more than one family has been disappointed by rumors. This is not for the faint of heart.

Here is the link: http://www.chinaadopttalk.com

Shoahannah's Hope

2007-01-24T22:34:00.000-05:00

Shaohanna's Hope is Steven Curtis Chapman's foundation which gives grants to adoptive families. You may or may not know that the Chapman's have adpopted three girls from China.

We were blessed to get a grant from them which is a great blessing and will really help us with the expense of an international adoption.

Here is a link to their website: http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer

The Caley 5 (soon to be 6)

2007-01-24T18:06:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of us from Christmas 2005.

...and so it begins!

2007-01-22T16:35:00.000-05:00

We start this blog after more than two years in process to get our Autumn. In October 2004 we felt the Lord was pointing us in this direction and we began the process with an informational meeting in Chicago. After fingerprint fiascos and finally getting a log-in date in China on October 10, 2005, a move across country to Pennsylvannia it finally looks like our referral could come in the next couple of weeks. Until then we'll try to get our blog up to speed to be ready to post referral photos!