Our Miracle Maelin!

Forever Family Day #2

2011-08-27T15:59:00.007-04:00

Thank you God, for blessing our lives with this wonderful and beautiful child.
It's hard to imagine how we lived without her.
She brightens our lives so much, we sometimes wonder how we were so lucky to be blessed with her.

Christmas!!!

2011-01-19T05:05:00.009-05:00

Christmas Day Catnap!

Checking the tree out now that Santa has arrived...

Christmas eve with Daddie

2011-01-19T04:55:00.007-05:00

Visit to Mom at work...

Now we're ready Daddie...

Maelin, looking snazzy in her church outfit!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-01-19T04:48:00.004-05:00

Decorating tires me out...

Maes' attempt at putting up garland :0)

Lessons from Mom on tree decorating

Maemae Camping with Mom & Dad!

2010-08-04T03:03:00.006-04:00

I'm very thirsty, so i need two cups...

Mom & Dad have coffee in the morning, and I have my Malibu "punch"...!

Miss B's Birthday Party!!!

2010-07-25T02:42:00.010-04:00

Lots of fun! As you can see, Maelin really enjoyed herself, and especially the sugar rush after all of icing!! Too Funny!!!

Sticky Baby!!!!

2010-07-18T09:59:00.002-04:00

Our sticky girl was to her 1st parade yesterday and LOVED it...especially all of the candy being thrown!!! Too cute...

Our Trip To PEI!!

2010-06-19T06:59:00.009-04:00

Mommy and Maes' Camp...

Lots of Smiles from Miss Maelin!!!

Helping Dad in the backyard....:)

2010-05-16T14:26:00.006-04:00

Miscellaneous Pics of Miss Maelin!!!

2010-05-03T06:14:00.003-04:00

Easter Sunday!

2010-04-06T06:48:00.010-04:00

Loving Nannies rocking chair and telling us lots of stories!!

Loving her hotdog and salads!

Maelin with Cousin Gracie on Easter Sunday.

Mae is really investigating something from Nannies' fridge...

Maelin, only getting Moms' help with walking a little bit today!

Really excited about her new toy, Elmo took second place to this one...

She doesn't know that there is stuff in the eggs yet....:)

Really On the Move Now...

2010-04-03T08:37:00.006-04:00

Pigtails??? Why is Mommie doing this to me????

Too Cute!! Even with the spaghetti sauce!!!

Yes, I can fit!!!

Watch out Dad...I'm coming to get you!!!

Maelin started walking this week (10 to 20 steps is her limit right now), she's awfully proud of herself! (and we are too of course!!!)

Our First Family Vacation....Halifax!

2010-03-16T04:57:00.002-04:00

Maelin, practicing to do her first back flip off of the diving board downstairs,LOL:)

And Chinese New Year!!!

2010-03-10T06:04:00.003-05:00

Maelin is standing on her own, but not quite ready for walking yet...almost!!!

Birthday Parties Galore!!!

2010-03-10T05:56:00.007-05:00

Some Olympic Fun!!

2010-03-10T05:46:00.003-05:00

Hoooray Canada!!!!

Sixteen Months Old on Monday, Feb 1st!!!

2010-02-04T05:58:00.003-05:00

Our Sweetie sure is growing up fast!!! Hard to believe how much she's grown in such a short period of time!

Maelins' First Luncheon At Nannies' Daycare...

2010-01-23T06:09:00.010-05:00

Mommy is very close by of course!!! LOL!!

We have been going in quite regularly for short visits so that Mae can be around other kids her age and interact. She really likes watching everything that's going on around her and is getting a bit more comfortable there, but not without a lot of hard work on her and Mommies' part. It takes a long time for Maelin to come out of her shell, and she's getting there!!! Yeah Maelin!!! Mommy loves you soooo much!!!

The Girls, Driving the Four Wheeler....

2010-01-09T04:18:00.003-05:00

Maelin seemed a bit nervous of this whole thing, but cousin Gracie had a tight hold on her and she seemed to enjoy it after she realized she wouldn't fall off...:)

Cousin Cameron and Maelin visiting now that he is home again....

2010-01-09T04:09:00.005-05:00

Maelin was very amazed by Cameron and really studied him!! Too cute!

New cousin for Maelin!!!!

2010-01-03T09:34:00.001-05:00

Mike and Cheryl are proud uncle and auntie to Cameron Alexander Morrison, born around 5 AM this morning in Nawigewaulk! Maelin can't wait to meet her healthy new baby boy cousin!

More Christmas....

2009-12-26T13:32:00.002-05:00

Two Toronto Maple Leaf Fans....

Our First Christmas Together!!!! So Wonderful!

2009-12-26T07:26:00.013-05:00

Our First Christmas together was as much as we had dreamed it would be and then some....We are so very blessed to have Maelin in our lives!

Picture #1 Maelin in her sled from Santa!

Picture #2 Maelin coming out of her Handy Manny tent (she loves that show!)

Picture #3 Maelin with Mommy peeking through the other side....

Picture #4 A special suprise from Daddy, lady bug earrings!!

Picture #5 Kailan tree house from Nanny and Poppies....(she loves it!)

All these packages of Popcorn...

2009-12-19T09:39:00.002-05:00

And I can't get a single package to open...!

Almost there!

2009-12-19T09:34:00.001-05:00

I think I figured out a way out of here....

2009-12-16T08:45:00.002-05:00

I think I can do it, if I concentrate....
if only I could reach:(

All smiles!!!

2009-12-16T08:39:00.003-05:00

Who is this Santa fellow anyway?
I'm awfully excited about him coming to town!!!!

snow...

2009-12-16T08:36:00.002-05:00

Not sure what to think of this white stuff...I like watching it fall, but I don't know about sitting in it!!!

Maelin visits Maeghan and Dianne!

2009-12-07T05:37:00.005-05:00

Maelin had a great time this week when she went to Maeghans for a playdate,it was a great morning for Mommy and her both!!!

FINALLY...AN UPDATE!!

2009-12-03T04:51:00.004-05:00

Our sweetie is doing very well, and very busy exploring everything around the house. She is going to definitely be walking very soon (thank goodness, with two dogs in the house~ it's takes an effort to keep her somewhat clean!)

We are all ready for Santa, and are VERY excited for it, Maelin doesn't know what to think yet of the Christmas tree!

She is cutting ALOT of teeth at once (no fun for her), but she seems to be doing not too bad with it (thank god for oragel though....)

We've been so busy with her, we've kind of forgot to do an update on this blog, we can't seem to post on our newest blog (Our Miracle Maelin), and haven't figured out why yet, so I guess we'll continue with this one. Our next post will likely be after Santa comes to the house!!! Merry Christmas every one!!!

Our Sunflower!

2009-11-01T03:02:00.006-05:00

Attachment Info For Family & Friends

2009-10-26T20:12:00.005-04:00

Recently we were given some information from friends in the local adoption community regarding attachment & bonding. Although we had read information about it when preparing for the adoption, we wished we would have had this specific article before we left. In hindsight, we should have informed ourselves better and should have shared this info with family and friends before our trip, but better late than never.

Letter to Family & Friends

Some adoptive parents find it helpful to send a short letter to family & friends in anticipation of the child’s attachment needs. Although Maelin has already arrived, we still feel this is beneficial information for everyone to have as it helps to explain why we are so cautious with her.

Dear Family and Friends,

As we have prepared for the arrival of our daughter, we have learned that while decorating the nursery and stocking up on baby essentials is important, even more important is the emotional health of our baby.

In her short life, Maelin has gone through more changes and life altering experiences than most adults could handle. Imagine how much harder the changes have been for her. While she may not consciously remember the events, she will still experience immense loss, including feelings of grief and trauma.

She has already experienced the loss of a birthmother and has experienced the loss of familiar and comforting caretakers as well as the sights, smells, and language of her birth country. Her world has been turned upside down. She will struggle with feeling safe and secure and she may lack the ability to trust that we will meet her needs.

We have prepared as best as we can to meet her emotional needs by speaking with other families who have gone through the same things and by attending seminars offered by our adoption facilitator and social worker. Maelin still does need to learn that we will always take care of her and we will always keep her safe.

We need your support in order to form a strong and healthy attachment. We will allow her to regress so that she has the opportunity to go through all of the emotional stages with us despite her age. Although it may appear that we are spoiling her at times, we have been advised that it is best that we, her parents, meet every need quickly and consistently. Until she has learned that we are her parents, we will need to be her primary caretakers at all times. It is essential that we always hold her, feed her, and do all of the nurturing. You may wonder how long this will take, but the timeline is different for every child. We will follow her lead and trust our instincts as her parents rather than worry about what society expects.

We have all been waiting anxiously for our daughter to arrive (for years), but she has not been waiting for us and was not prepared for her life to change so drastically. She may show her grief and confusion in many ways and we are prepared to help her through it and prove that we are a forever family and this truly is her last stop. We trust that as our family and friends, you will help us to do what is best for our daughter, and we thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Mike, Cheryl & Maelin

Do’s & Don’ts for Family & Friends

Do:

1. Do offer household help (running errands, preparing meals that can go right from the freezer to the oven, etc.) during the initial arrival home to help family cope with time change, and baby’s adapting to new home.

2. Do trust the mother's instincts. Even a first time mother may notice subtle symptoms or clues that well-meaning family and friends may not notice. Family and Friends may feel that the child has fully adapted to all of the changes, but this may not be the case.

3. Do accept that attachment issues are difficult for anyone outside of the parents of the child to see and understand. They are the ones who have been with the child since day one of leaving the orphanage and know what is her normal behaviour and what is not.

4. Do be supportive even if you think everything looks fine to you.

5.Do allow the parents to be the center of the baby's world. One grandfather, when greeting his grandson, immediately turned him back to his mom and said positive statements about his good mommy.

6. Do tell the baby every time you see her, that she has a good/loving/safe mommy and daddy.

7. When the parents need someone to care for the baby for a night out, offer to babysit in the child's home. (After the child has been home for a substantial period of time.)

8. As hard as it may be for you, abide by the requests of the parents. Even if the baby looks like he really wants to be with Grandma, for example, he needs to have a strong attachment to his parents first. Something as simple as passing the baby from one person to another and allowing others, even grandparents, to hold a baby who is not "attached" can make the attachment process that much longer and harder. Some parents have had to refrain from seeing certain family members or friends because they did not respect the parents' requests.

9.Do accept that parenting children who are at-risk for or who suffer from attachment issues goes against traditional parenting methods and beliefs. Parenting methods that work for many children can be detrimental to a child with attachment issues.

10.Do remember that there is often a honeymoon period after the child arrives. Many babies do not show signs of grief, distress, or anxiety until months after they come home. If the parents are taking precautions, they are smart and should be commended and supported!

Don't:

1. Don’t assume an infant is too young to suffer from emotional issues related to attachment. Babies are not immune.

2. Don’t underestimate a new mother's instincts that something isn't right.

3. Don’t judge the mother or father's parenting abilities. What looks like spoiling or coddling may be exactly what the child needs to overcome a serious attachment disorder. Parenting methods that work for many children can be detrimental to a child with attachment issues.

4. Don’t make excuses for the child's behaviors or try to make the mother feel better by calling certain behaviors "normal". For example, many children who suffer from attachment issues may be labeled strong-willed by well-meaning family members. While being strong-willed can be seen as a positive personality trait, this type of behavior in an attachment-impaired child may signify problems.

5. Don’t accuse the parents of being overly sensitive or neurotic(regarding attachment and bonding). They are in a position to see subtle symptoms that others would not necessarily notice.

6. Don’t take it personally if asked to step back so the parents can help their child heal and form a healthy and secure attachment. You may be asked not to hold the baby for more than a minute, or asked not to take the child directly out of the parents’ view.

This is not meant to hurt you. It is meant to help prove to the baby who her mommy and daddy are, they need to know this before they can even begin to bond with any other family members.

Up until now the child's experience has been that mommies are replaceable. Allowing people to hold the baby before she has accepted who her forever mommy and daddy are can be detrimental to the attachment process.

7. Don’t put your own timeframes on how long attachment should take. One mother was hurt when she was chastised by a relative who couldn't understand...after all, the baby had been home six months. It could take weeks, months, even years. Every child is different.

8. Don’t offer traditional parenting advice. An adopted child, especially one from a foreign country has very different needs than a non-adopted child…traditional parenting advice may be of little of no benefit to an adopted child’s parents.

Some well-meaning family members will tell a new mother not to pick the baby up every time he cries because it will spoil him. A child who is at-risk or who suffers from attachment issues must be picked up every single time he/she cries, this helps them learn to trust their new parents and to feel safe with them. She needs consistent reinforcement that her mommy/daddy will always take care of her.

9. Don’t Fall into the appearance trap. Some babies/toddlers with attachment issues can put on a great show to those outside of the mother/father. What you see is not always a true picture of the child. Even babies as young as 6-months-old are capable of “putting on a good face” in public. In other words, it may appear as though they are fully attached, when they actually are not…

10. Don’t lose hope. With the right kind of parenting and therapy, a child with attachment issues or at great risk of having attachment issues can learn to trust and have healthy relationships throughout their lives. But it does take a lot of work and a good understanding of what these children need from the parents and all family members.

Two Months Ago Yesterday!!!!

2009-10-25T03:48:00.007-04:00

Maelin Today....

and Again today....

Two months Ago, at Guangdong Adoption Affairs....

Our first time holding Maelin, two months ago.

Us, anxiously waiting to leave and meet Maelin for the first time (just 2 months ago ~ hard to believe!)

Yesterday was our "two month anniversary" since we first held Maelin in our arms!!! It's hard to believe that it's only been to months, it feels as though we've known her forever....

Maelin turns One!!!!

2009-10-04T00:55:00.016-04:00

The Concert Pianist, In Training....

Maelin, Testing Out One Of Her Rigs ~and Making Sure Daddy Assembled It Correctly, LOL!

Papa and Nannie R, Cousin Devon and Uncle Thom Taking in All Of The Excitement...

The Little Birthday Cake for Maelin!

The Big Birthday Cake....Orange Being Her Favorite Colour, Hence the Orange Cake!!

The Girls, Loving their Cheesies

Gracie and Nannie M Watching As Papa R Puts Together Maelins' First Gift.

The Cousins, Helping Maelin To Figure Out Her New Toy.

Waiting For her Guests To Arrive

First Pictures Of The Big Day!

Thanks to everyone for coming, it was a fun day for all ~ especially for our Sweetheart, Maelin!

Our Fifth Week

2009-09-29T06:11:00.003-04:00

This is our fifth week since we've become a family!!! I can't believe it, it seems like we've been together so much longer than that! Maelin has made remarkable strides in five weeks. She is a very cheery little girl!!!

Some Pictures of Maelins' arrival to Saint John

2009-09-07T18:21:00.003-04:00

Worth the Wait

2009-09-06T10:05:00.006-04:00

Did that two weeks ever go by fast! We got back into Saint John around 12:30 AM on Sept 5th, after about 30 hours of travel. Maelin was absolutely perfect on both flights, and through all of the security checks - note to anyone traveling with a baby - you can bring just about anything through security if you can convince the security agents that its for the baby (except for a bottle of gin...right Tony?).

We were greeted at the Saint John airport by a group of friends and family, with lots of balloons and flowers. Maelin enjoyed all the attention (who could blame her?), and Grace Marie finally got to meet "Cousin May-in". I've attached a short video clip that Uncle Ryan shot of us coming into the terminal.

All-in-all, it was the experience of a lifetime. A trip to China is no small beans, but to go there to meet this little person who you've been dreaming of for ages and who's going to change your entire life....there aren't words to describe it.

Everything went relatively smoothly in China. Our facilitators here in Canada and the guides in China have all been there and done it, so there weren't many surprises (thanks Linda, Bonnie, Jack and Jennifer). In hindsight, we were quite well prepared, and certainly the advice from our friends who've gone through this same journey was irreplaceable.

We're all still on "China Time"...so add 11 hours to the current time (AST) and that's were our bodies are. Maelin slept all day yesterday, and we let her sleep, as Friday was a long day for everyone. She's been up since 2 AM, and laid down at 10 AM. We're going to start easing into our time zone. She's been so good with everything, like her new family that she's had to train from scratch, we're hopeful that this transition will go smoothly.

She's a wonderful little girl with a very curious and calm personality. She's surprised us by crawling, standing up in her crib and walking around it. Also she can pull herself up on just about anything, and she hasn't been scared by our two doggies, which I'm sure are a first for her.

2009-08-30T13:09:00.001-04:00

Another couple picts - from today. She is not impressed in the one where she jsut got out of the bath (402).

A couple other things - I forgot to tell you that Cheryl used a squat toilet in the GZ airport (she'd kill me if she knew I told everyone!). If you don't know what a squat toilet is, look it up on the net. You have to admire Cheryl's versatility.

Also, Maelin is really tiny, but we are comparing her to Grace, of course. Some of the Chinese women have said she's big, others say tiny...all agree that she is as cute as a button.

Maelin has a little Mongolian spot on one of her buttocks.

You guys should she Cheryl talking to Chinese people in stores...Cheryl keeps saying the same thing over and over again, more slowing each time, in English, they keep saying the same thing over and over again, more slowing each time, in Chinese...it's freaking hilarious!

I've found sharads (not sure of spelling) the most effective.

Did I mention how cute Maelin is?
M

Beijing Update#1

2009-08-30T13:06:00.001-04:00

Finally, an update! The computer is kaput; screen died on it, so using hotel business center. At 1.5 RMB/minute, I better get typing!

It is 5:40 PM on Sunday afternoon here, and Cheryl, Maelin and I just got back from shopping. It was a free day and we rented a car (and driver...you've honestly never seen driving like China...the folks who've been here know what I'm talking about).

We went to a few markets and have another free day tomorrow and will explore some more.

We went to the Great Wall yesterday and some shopping places, also visited some of the olympic venues...all very cool.

We are all doing well here in Beijing. It really is a beautiful, clean city, with unbelievable architecture.

Maelin is doing great...chest infection seems to be clearing thanks to Dr. Cheryl, and poopies are moving (I've never seen two adults get so excited to find you-know-what in a baby's diaper before). You'd think it was chocolate! Maelin's had two big bottles today and some apple sauce, and is letting us sit down with her and sitting on her own and playing with her toys. She also is going in the stroller a bit more (she was scared of it), which is a nice break. She can pull/crawl around on the bedspread to get what she wants, which is awesome! She's not crawling in the traditional sense, but she's mobile! She can also pull herself up in the crib.

Knock on wood, she's been sleeping through the night, and we both pretty much fall asleep the second Maelin does. She's making us stronger though.

She like's kisses a lot and loves to blow raspberries (or strawberry kisses, as Cheryl calls them). She did some on the flight from Guangzhou to Beijing with her formula in her mouth...very funny for Cher and I anyhow! The girl sitting right beside us wasn't laughing. She also did it yesterday and got spittle on the clerk at the silk factory...also very funny.

Speaking of the flight from GZ to BJ, thank goodness for three Chinese women (around our age) sitting behind us. They helped keep Maelin settled when she got riled during the flight a few times. They were very kind and enjoyed playing with her through the seats.

Yesterday at the Jade factory we were like celebrities with Maelin and Tanner. There were families from the US who don't recieve their children until tomorrow and they swarmed Tony and I and the kids. One of the girls working there asked if she could hold Maelin and I let her, then Maelin got fussy and wanted to come back to me...you want to talk about a great feeling to see those arms reaching out for me...tearing up again now thinking about it.

I'll send a few more pictures right away. The one attached is from yesterday and you can see her two bottom front teeth.
Love from Maelin, Cheryl and Mike

2009-08-28T17:13:00.000-04:00

Hi all. We are save in Beijing - it's a beautiful city , we got to hotel at 2 AM last night... Will try to sent a longer message and photos later on.

Love
Maelin Cher mike

Quick Update

2009-08-27T19:48:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone - a quick update - sorry no photo's! Our computer crapped out, unfortunately. I m hopeful that I can get someone to look at it in Beijing.

everything is great and Maelin is doing great! She's sitting on her on and playing today, and lying down better. Also "allowing" us to sit and play with her. She's really improving everyday. She's also eating more (basically she's teaching us how she likes her formula and how she likes to be fed...we're slow learners).

We're off to Beijing today, a day earlier than originally planned, which is great because we are getting a little tired of the same room, shops, etc, especially knowing we are all done the paperwork in this area.

VERY humid here today. We left at 7 AM to take Maelin to a nearby park and video tape some of the plants, trees, etc., and my glasses immediately fogged up and the video camera gave a warning about the humidity and would not work...WOW! We turned back and into Starbucks to regroup...thank goodness for Starbucks!...Maelin likes chocolate glazed, by the way...just a few nibbles, honest.

Tonights flight will be a good warm-up for the flight home next week.

See you all soon.

Mike, Cheryl, & Maelin.

2009-08-25T19:48:00.002-04:00

"We are officially a family!We finalized the adoption process today, so Maelin is legally our daughter (on Cheryl's birthday). What a gift! So far she has been really good to travel with and acted good at the Adoption Center when we were finalizing everything and meeting with the lawyer and registrar.When we were there yesterday she was the ONLY BABY that did not cry...the rest were hysterical, and of course as more started to cry the others joined in on the chaos. Her and Cheryl just snuggled and checked each other out. It was such an emotional thing for me to watch, I'm tearing up as I type.After we were done at the adoption center today, we went shopping! It was fun and we got some more formula, snacks for us and a stroller. She's not liking the stroller too much, but we will go slow with her.It's been a long day, as we did not have the best night last night. Apparently Maelin does not want to take the chance that her new family is going to be there when she naps, so she won't let us set her down! She also doesn't like for us to sit down either.We're laughing as we type this (Cheryl and Maelin are helping over my shoulder...Maelin is in her snuggly, strapped to Cheryl), but it's true. She is very content and even sleeps when we hold her and are walking around, but as soon as we try to sit down with her she starts to get very upset.Maybe she is trying to slim us down a bit?!Regardless, we are tired, and still love her so much. She's dealing with a lot of change right now, and she also has a chest cold. We have also been unable to get the same formula as she had at the orphanage, so she's not eating enough. Again, we think she will come around.She's also got two rookie parents trying to help out...but she's teaching us as we go.A birthday cake was delivered from the hotel tonight for Cheryl. A beautiful cake complete with candles, plates, and a card from the manager. How nice! Cheryl has already dug in, but I'll get a picture of what's left.It's 10 PM local time as I type, and time for my "sleep shift", so gotta run.Thanks everyone for all the support and we will publish the comments just as soon as we can. Even thought we have been unable to publish them right now, we look forward to them and enjoy reading them.Mike (&Cheryl & Maelin, of course!)"

Here are a few more pics!!!

2009-08-24T19:09:00.002-04:00

Oh what the heck...here's a couple more.She sucks here two middle fingers on her left hand.Did I mention how cute she is!?She's not too sure about me yet, but she'll come around...Mike

Introducing Maelin

2009-08-24T19:05:00.002-04:00

Hi all.... I will now be posting for Mike and Cheryl as Dianne is off on a road trip.... enjoy!!! Karen

Hi Everyone,We're pleased to present Maelin Morrison, who has been a little angel from the moment we met her at the adoption centre, approximately 2 hours ago. She's even more precious than we ever imagined.It's around 5 PM local time here, 6 AM AST, and we are back at the hotel, getting to know one another. She's had a nap (that was easy), and now she's demonstrating how well her lungs work (no issues there).

THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE!!

2009-08-23T11:51:00.003-04:00

Here is an e-mail I just received...thought i would share with all you anxious fans awaiting more news....dianne!!

Hi Dianne,

Thanks for posting for us,and we will keep them coming.......I'm sure with lots more big smiles.

We are not starving but had a hard time finding supper tonight. Apparently it is a holiday here today and not everything was open and what was open was very busy. The buffet here at the hotel was insane.... not many dishes that we all liked,so we ordered pizza from Papa John's-we'll be eating there lots,I suspect.

So far so good with the sleep.We are just heading to bed right now and hopefully will sleep well.

One more sleep.......yeah right!

Cheryl & Mike

HERE WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-23T09:29:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone-we arrived safe and sound in Guangzhou City Saturday shortly after midnight.It was a long trip with few delays,but pretty uneventful.We will meet Maelin around 2:30pm local time (which is 3:30am Ast.)we will try to update when we can,however we are having great difficulty from the province we are in.

Here is a photo of us on the street nearby our hotel,in the sweltering heat and humidity.We are VERY hopeful that our next posted photo will be of our new family...I'm sure you are getting tired of looking at pictures of us as well.

I just received an e-mail from Mike and Cheryl asking if I would post this update and photo for them as they are unable to access their blog .......just click on the photo to enlarge..........Dianne

Waiting in Pearson in Toronto...

2009-08-21T08:55:00.004-04:00

Well, we've made it this far and it only took me (Mike) about 2 hours to figure out how to get online. I'm getting more computer savvy each day!

So far so good. Here are a couple pictures of the tired, but happy and excited, travelers from this morning...in the parking lot at the SJ Airport and on the plane.

I still think we're bringing too much stuff, but I'm not going to whine about it...it's not all coming back to SJ though, I promise that!

Stay posted!

only one sleep left!!!!!

2009-08-20T04:37:00.002-04:00

Down to the last sllep, at this time tommoreow, we'll have just taken off from SJ!!! Yeah!!!

Downside is, it will be between 30 to 40 hours before we see a bed again after we leave here tommorow (but SOOOO worth it!)

We will be holding our baby girl sometime Monday afternoon. I can't beleive how fast the time hjas gone from getting her picture to now ~ amazing! We thought this part would drag on and on....

Here's one more picture of our beautiful baby, Maelin...

only 6 more sleeps!!!!

2009-08-15T05:02:00.002-04:00

Then we can get the show on the road (or plane, I guess)!!!

I can't believe how fast this part of the journey has gone! Wow!

More presents for our styling little Miss Maelin!!!!

2009-08-13T08:30:00.004-04:00

We have a secret Santa, or two...there were 3 parcels on the porch last night!!!!

We used our great "detective skills", and discovered who our Secret Santas were...Thank you soooo much to the Mahoneys and Nickersons', everything is so sweet!!

Mike & Cheryl (And soon, Maelin!)

10 more sleeps...

2009-08-13T04:28:00.003-04:00

10 sleeps until we have little Miss Maelin in our arms!!!

We are getting Soooo excited to finally meet our baby girl!!!!

Nine more sleeps!

2009-08-12T03:24:00.001-04:00

NINE more sleeps until we fly off to meet our princess! 11 sleeps until we hold Mae in our arms!!! My sleeps will be very short if I have another fall out of my bed onto the floor like I did this morning!!! LOL! (Kind of a frightening way of waking up....and NO, I don't think it will be very safe to have Maelin sleeping in our bed, very dangerous if I'm sleeping in there!!! LOL!

Four weeks and two days since...

2009-08-09T04:21:00.003-04:00

we saw Maelins' beautiful face for the first time!

Two weeks from today, we will hold her in our arms for the first time, and be a family forever!

We can hardly wait to meet you, our sweet baby girl!!

Mommy & Daddy love you so much already, we can't imagine how much more we will love you when you're placed in our arms in two weeks time....

A Special Gift for Daddy & Maelin!

2009-08-06T18:40:00.002-04:00

A very special friend has given us a very special book for Maelin (and it's beautiful, and made us both cry when we read it!).

The book is called , " Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born".
It's an adoption story, written by Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrated by Laure Cornell & we love it so much.

Also, Daddy got a new t shirt which says "New Dad", and I'm hoping he will wear it on our trip to Maelin!

Thank you Laura,

Hugs,
Mike and Cheryl

Our Shower/Send Off Party!

2009-08-01T20:00:00.013-04:00

Thank you so much everyone for coming today, it was a very special and beautiful day for us! We love you, Cheryl & Mike.

Updated Pictures!!!!

2009-08-01T19:40:00.006-04:00

Our beautiful baby girl, it will be so amazing to finally have her in our arms!!! August 24th is the big day!!!!

Down to 23 sleeps!!

2009-07-30T04:37:00.002-04:00

I can't believe how fast this part is going!!! 23 sleeps!!!! Yeah!

And, I'll finally have our baby girl with us for my Birthday, how perfect is that???

We've met the other couple that we're travelling with (on-line, through emails), and they're going to be the proud Parents of a baby Boy!!! It's soooo exciting!

I wish we were leaving TODAY!!

We are at 24 Sleeps!!!

2009-07-29T04:13:00.002-04:00

24 sleeps till we leave for China, 27 sleeps until we meet Maelin, 28 sleeps until Mamas' Birthday, but we don't count the B'days anymore, LOL!!!!

count down is on!!!!

2009-07-26T04:37:00.002-04:00

Only 27 sleeps to go before we fly, and 3 more weekends!!!
It's flying by now~ finally, yeah!!!:)
We're on our way Maelin En Yu Leigh!

Christmas in JULY!!!!

2009-07-23T04:34:00.004-04:00

Yes~ Santa comes in July sometimes...it's true! Look what Maelin got!!!!

There are 17 pairs of boots and shoes and 26+ pairs of jeans, a holloween costume, and lots and lots of onesies and jammies~ Maelin...you're a lucky girl!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Dianne, Joe, and MAEGHAN!!!

Stork flight pattern has changed....

2009-07-23T04:29:00.002-04:00

We are now on 30 sleeps to China and 32 sleeps until Maelin Day!!!!!!

The count is on!!!!

2009-07-22T04:57:00.003-04:00

28 sleeps until the stork flies us to China!!!

Wow~ that will come quick, Mike...time to pack your knapsack,LOL!!!!!!!!

Care Package Update

2009-07-21T18:08:00.002-04:00

The care package we sent for Maelin and her caregivers arrived at the facility yesterday, according to Canada Post (refer to posting below "Maelin's Care Package Thursday, July 16, 2009".

Seems we (Cheryl & Mike) can ship a big ole' parcel around the world more quickly than the NB Government can ship a little tiny letter....I'm staying positive....just a "little" dig....Mike.

Now ...What could possibly go wrong with this??? :)

2009-07-19T19:41:00.003-04:00

The "Luggage Train"!! I think we might need to throw some backpacks into this picture...and a baby carrier, with Maelin in it of course!!!

So Many Supportive Comments from Friends & Family on Facebook...

2009-07-19T09:45:00.002-04:00

Friends and family have been commenting on my postings on Facebook, and I thought I would copy them over to our blog. Our intention is to save the blog for Maelin to review someday, and I think she would appreciate all of the generousity and excitement for her arrival. Thanks everyone!

PS - if you don't want your name or comment on the blog, let me know and I'll remove it...no trouble.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Facebook:

Mike Morrison
It is with great joy that we announce that we’ve received our referral for our Daughter, En Yu Gao (Maelin). Maelin was born in Gaozhou City, Province of Guangdong on October 1st, 2008. She is reported as healthy, active, not shy in front of strangers and full of curiosity. We can't wait to hold her in our arms. We expect to be with her for her first birthday, and in Canada.

Catherine Smith McRae
Whoo hoo! Congrats!
July 10 at 9:30pm ·

Angela Savoie Marr
Congrats guys! you have been waiting a long time for this, so happy for you. :)
July 10 at 9:37pm ·

Lori Wilson-Gaudet
The pictures are sweet! God works in mysterious ways Mike! Many congrats on yours and Cheryl's new addition! All the very very best!! xo Lor
July 10 at 9:37pm ·

Scott D. Morton
Congratulations Mike and Cheryl.
July 10 at 9:46pm ·

April Mcculloch
that's awesome guys, the wait must seem like an eternity
July 10 at 9:47pm ·

Sandra McKenna McCavour
I am so please for you...will look forward to any further information regarding this joyous event...congrats!!!
July 10 at 10:02pm ·

Jennifer Powell Sears
Excellnt news!!! Congrats :)
July 10 at 10:12pm ·

Jennifer Chamberlain
Congratulations! That is amazing news!!
July 10 at 10:14pm ·

Kathy McMurray Walker
Yipeee, I am sooo happy for you guys :o)
July 10 at 10:14pm ·

Scott Arseneault
Awesome news Mike.....
July 10 at 10:15pm ·

Lorraine Cormier-Whitton
congrats mike!
July 10 at 10:27pm ·

Cheryl Whitton
congrats!!
July 10 at 10:49pm ·

Stacy Mowatt
Awww!! Thats Great News!! Congrads to the both of you!! (Keep in mind if you ever want to borrow, one, or two, or three, or better yet.... HELL take all four of mine for a weekend! LOL!!) Awesome News!!
July 10 at 11:35pm ·

Kristen Sloat
Congratulations!
July 10 at 11:54pm ·

Chachi Arcola McStash
Awesome news, all the best to your whole family!
July 11 at 12:12am ·

Janet Chang
Wow! That's great news...congratulations.
July 11 at 12:21am ·

Jonathan McKeown
Brilliant! Congrats to you both - and to Maelin, too.
July 11 at 12:53am ·

Anna Speakman
What fantastic news!!! I bet you are both feeling amazing right now. I bet lots of happy tears have been shed... I've added a few tears for you too LOL Congratulations! x x x
July 11 at 4:41am ·

Shelley Targett-Leblanc
Oh Mike and Cheryl that is fantastic news. I'm sooooo excited for you I'm sitting here crying. Remind you of anyone lol
July 11 at 5:33am ·

Mike Morrison
Thanks to everyone for the encouraging comments.Shelley - that's just the Targett in you...you should have seen Mom when we stopped in with referral yesterday!
July 11 at 7:06am ·

Amy Fidler Sharpe
Exciting news Your mom must be over the moon!! You guys really deserve this miracle!
July 11 at 7:51am ·

Kim Currie-Spence
That's quite something Mike. Congratulations. Looking forward to the updates!
July 11 at 8:49am ·

Lynn Spear
Mike & Cheryl: congratulations on getting to see your daughter for the very 1st time. I can only imagine the excitement you must feel... I am sitting in the motorhome at Bar Harbor campground and Gracie's 1st birthday picture is stuck in the mirror. I can't wait to add Maelin's.
July 11 at 9:44am ·

Ted Banks
We do not know any of the circumstances but can only imagine the mixture of heart ache and joy at this wonderful news. You second cousin in the UK Susan, sends her love and best wishes to you and all the family and we send you all greetings from the UK.with all our Love Ted & Sue x x HE certainly does work in amazing ways !!!! Be Blessed all of You
July 11 at 10:35am ·

Tanya MacLeod
Congratulations Mike! You guys must be ecstatic! I can only imagine! What wonderful news!
July 11 at 11:30am ·

Danielle Dunlap
Congrats!!!!!
July 11 at 6:51pm ·

Troy LeBlanc
Congrats Mike...that's awesome news..I bet your so relieved and happy....tell Cheryl I said Congratulations too
July 12 at 3:44pm ·

Laura Jackart
thats is such good news and finally got to have happy tears for a change !!
July 13 at 8:57pm ·

Comments on the scatchy “ultrasound” quality pictures:
Jennifer Boughner
congratulations Mike! That is so exciting!
July 10 at 9:28pm ·

Sandra McKenna McCavour
I do know just how you feel....Tear are in my eyes right now..Mealin is beautiful indeed
July 10 at 10:05pm ·

Fern Touchie
Congratulations Mike! What wonderful news!
July 10 at 10:07pm ·

Jocelyn Isaacs Erb
Congratulations Mike and Cheryl! That is wonderful news.
July 10 at 10:28pm ·

Dana Planetta
Awesome! Congratulations to both of you.
July 14 at 9:00pm ·

Mike Morrison
Hi Everyone - colour photo's of Maelin on our blog (link below)....FINALLY!!! She's a beauty!

Jennifer Chamberlain
She is definately a beauty Mike!! Congrats again to you and Cheryl!
July 14 at 5:23pm ·

Bill Morrison
Congrat's Michael. Can't wait to dirty her up in the garden!
July 14 at 5:28pm ·

April Mcculloch
maelin is beautiful and truely one lucky little girl to have found you both.
July 14 at 5:37pm ·

Laura Jackart
She is so cute !!Good things always come to those who wait !! That sure is true for you guys!!
July 14 at 6:54pm ·

Colleen Meagher
She is a beauty Mike!! Congratulations again!
July 14 at 7:13pm ·

Janice Percy
Mike - she is sweet. Congratulation to both you and Cheryl.
July 14 at 9:29pm ·

Dana Corey
What a beautiful little girl Mike,you and Cheryl must be very proud and excited.
July 14 at 9:54pm ·

Beryl M McKeown
she is lovely ... lots of joy to you both
July 15 at 5:43am ·

Sheila Bishop
she is beautiful, so glad to hear that your wait is nearly over
July 15 at 7:50am ·

Dawn Morrison
I love her pics Mike she is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!Cant wait till shes here for good :)
July 14 at 6:49pm

Steven Miller
Congrats mike on the new addition
July 14 at 6:03pm

Lisa Mace
She is so beautiful ......can't wait to meet her one day.
July 15 at 6:37am ·
Mary Roberts
Wow Guys!! I am so happy for you :o) She is gorgeous!
July 14 at 11:55pm

Mike Morrison
We got a few more colour photo's of Maelin today...how exciting...visit our blog (link below).

Tricia Hachey
She is beautiful!! I am sooo excited for you both!!!
July 18 at 2:38pm ·

Bonnie Fowler
Congratulations guys!!!!!!!! She's georgous!!!!!!
July 18 at 10:45am ·

Anna Speakman
She's just perfect! Congrats Mike & Cheryl, we hope you can hold her in your arms very soon! x x
July 18 at 6:00am ·

Diana Mcintyre-Long
Oh my you guys........she is sooo sweet. Can't wait until we can meet her.
July 18 at 12:09am
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Updates! Updates!!!!!!!

2009-07-17T17:12:00.004-04:00

Our Baby Girl is Crawling... and she's even more beautiful!!!

We are sooooo Thrilled!!!!

Height: 68 cm

Weight: 7.2 kg

Head circumference: 42 cm

Chest circumference: 42 cm

Length of foot: 10.5 cm

Number of teeth: 0

Maelins' care package!!!

2009-07-16T04:22:00.004-04:00

Maelins' care package was sent off yesterday, and should arrive to the orphanage in 11 days for her.

We had all kinds of goodies in it for her, and a couple of items for her carevigers as well!!!!

In Living Colour!!!

2009-07-14T16:10:00.001-04:00

Well, finally, we have the colour pictures from our referral and can't believe how beautiful Maelin is!!! We can't wait to hold her in our arms.

Thank you Troy, Kerri, Madison, and Anna!!

2009-07-12T17:07:00.002-04:00

Maelins' Chinese Zodiac Sign

2009-07-12T07:02:00.000-04:00

Chinese zodiac

The Year of the Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

A person born in the Year of the Rat is said to be clever and intelligent. They are self-confident and have an optimistic outlook on life. They work hard to reach their goals and are considered perfectionists. When it comes to money matters they are rather careful even stingy and usually don't lend money. They match persons born in the Year of the Dragon, the Year of the Monkey or the Ox.
http://www.chinaorbit.com/china-culture/chinese-zodiac/year-of-the-rat.html

"I can see clearer now, The rain is gone..."

2009-07-12T04:55:00.003-04:00

This song definitely applies to us now!!!

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
, bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright),
bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

It's gona be a bright (bright) bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

FINALLY!!!

2009-07-10T20:05:00.003-04:00

It is with great joy that we announce that we’ve received our referral for our Daughter, En Yu Gao (Maelin).

Maelin was born in Gaozhou City, Province of Guangdong on October 1st, 2008.

She is reported as healthy, active, not shy in front of strangers and full of curiosity. She is also fond of listening to music…(I wonder if this fondness will carry over to when she hears Mikes’ bagpipes for the first time?!!!).

The photos that we received are faxed copies and we will post the colour ones when we get them.

We are so very excited to reach this milestone, and can't wait to hold Maelin in our arms. We are hopeful that it will be only a matter of weeks and we'll be together.

Sam has found a new Bedroom/Sleeping area of his own...

2009-07-05T10:10:00.002-04:00

I wonder how Maelin will feel about this (and his snoring!!!)

Thank you Nannie M!

2009-07-04T16:07:00.002-04:00

Thanks Irene for spending most of the day helping with packing!!! I really appreciate it!!!

We sure did good for one day, and I sure feel good to have a big part of it done!!!

Now ~ if we could only get the referral...LOL:)

Still No Referral....

2009-06-30T03:07:00.002-04:00

We were speaking with our facilitator this afternoon (Monday Afternoon).....and our referral just left CCAA on Monday~

SO, it doesn't look too good for getting it this week either, being a short week and it would still need translated too~ BUMMER!!!

Maybe next week we'll finally have her picture and info to share with you!!! (this is torturous...)

We're Hanging in....

2009-06-28T04:31:00.001-04:00

Tommorow's the start of another new week, surely we will see Maelins' beautiful face and learn as much as we can about her...right??? Please let it be true!!!! UGGGHHH!!!

Still Waiting...

2009-06-26T13:50:00.002-04:00

It seems as though our file is still in transit, and will still be a few days to get here....Another LOOOOONNNNGGGG weekend!!! This stinks, waiting and wondering....

Another Day...

2009-06-26T05:29:00.001-04:00

Still No News!!! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

All is very quiet on the Morrison home front...

2009-06-24T19:24:00.002-04:00

Very quiet ~ just the sounds of me stirring (not so quietly) through the night!!!
No phone calls...no referrals, but some encouragement from our facilitator (no need to worry yet she tells us, Thank God!!!)

Will post more when we hear something...we do know that our referral has been released from CCAA, that's all so far...

From our adoption facilitator....

2009-06-22T07:16:00.003-04:00

"Hello everyone,

I can now confirm that the latest batch of referrals includes files registered up to March 20, 2006, so you will not be receiving referrals this time around except for the Morrison family in New Brunswick who have a registration date of March 15, 2006. I do not yet have any details about the Morrison referral, but I am sure that they will be happy to share their news with you when the time comes."

Although we are sad that we will not be travelling with our group that we began this journey with, we can't wait to share our news when our referral arrives and we get to see Maelin for the 1st time!!!!!

Happy Fathers' Day Mike!!

2009-06-22T04:07:00.004-04:00

This was Mikes' first Fathers Day!!! Next year will be his first one with Maelin ~ but he did still get a little gift from her (cookies...)

It was a bit of an emotional weekend for us both, knowing that our referral could come any day now!!!!

The 4 long years of waiting are finally coming to an end, and our life as a family are soon going to begin~ finally!!!! We are ecstatic!!!

My Parents were here for Fathers Day supper, and my Mother has came bearing gifts for us and claims that she is going to be giving us a gift every week until Maelin is here (Awesome!).

Last night she had some sweet block letter that spelled out Family ~ which I love....

I do hope that this will be the week that we will get "the call".

And speaking of calls, I fell like I have to post this poem again, as it is definitely applies more to us now than ever...

I stepped into her room today
Knowing she’s not there
This waiting for referral
Is more than one can bear

But taking in the moment
I sit down on the floor
And dream of her here with me
When waiting is no more.

A little giggle fills the air
As I rub her feet
I place my hand upon her heart
To feel its every beat.

A song is sung so very soft
Her eyes begin to close
She’s meeting me in dream land
A place where love still grows.

My vision now is very blurred
The tears stream down my cheeks
I’ve dreamed of her quite often
Throughout these past few weeks.

Suddenly a sound is heard
The phone rings in the hall
Waking up I quickly pray Please let it be “The Call”

Tom Fisher© July 19, 2005
More Adoption Poems "Written While Waiting" by Tom Fisher
A Moonbeam The Rising Moon

Referral Phone Calls Starting for Europe, they're being released!!!

2009-06-19T14:22:00.004-04:00

Phone Calls

June 19th, 2009
There are reports of referral phone calls being made in Europe.
From initial reports, it appears the cut off is the 20th, and that the 21st is not included.
There is still one agency assuring their 21st people that they are in this batch.
If you are expecting a referral in this batch and you would like your blog listed on the Babies!!! post, please include the blog name and blog URL in the comments to this post. If you are adopting from another program and would like to share your news, please list your blog name and blog URL as well (and please let me know what program, so I know how to list it on the post).

How long till calls start for Canada???

Anxiously waiting parents here!!!!

We are a Mommy and Daddy!!!

2009-06-19T05:49:00.001-04:00

We've been matched with Maelin ~ but still no pictures or referral info....SOON though!!!

I Think We've Been Matched with Maelin!!! Oh My God~ I am so excited!!!!

2009-06-17T14:32:00.001-04:00

Some rumors
June 17th, 2009
An agency has reported that matching is complete. No one has let me know which agency is saying it, though. And, depending on who is reporting it, either matches are about to be mailed, or there is no word on when they will be mailed. If someone could send me the exact wording and the agency (privately), that would be wonderful.
Another agency is telling their 20th people they are in, and a third agency is telling their 21st people that they think they are in.
And yet another agency thinks we should know something on Friday or Monday. They don’t say if we’ll know the cut off, or if referrals will be here, or what. It’s just a very cryptic “something” we will know.
I’m not putting anything above an R2 at this point in time.
UPDATE: The rumor that matching is complete is an R3.

Oh~ My Nerves!!! Just Call Already!!!

2009-06-16T19:57:00.001-04:00

Rumour Queens' Latest:

From the most recent When post, we’ve passed Option 1 and our next possible option would be Option 2. That means we’d expect referrals before June 29th, with the most likely date of arrival between Thursday, June 18 and Monday, June 22. That’s this Thursday and a week from today. But if that were the case, surely there would be more rumors? Something more than an agency thinks the CCAA might be matching?

One of My Favorites of My Niece Gracie Marie (taken last summer)

2009-06-05T19:24:00.001-04:00

Gracie is going to have a little Cousin very soon, and a little Brother or Sister shortly after that ~ Good Times Coming for Gracie!!!

TICK TOCK GOES THE CLOCK....

2009-06-05T19:21:00.002-04:00

Still no news...Oh Dear!!!

Maybe it will be the week of the 23rd afterall... I wish there were at least some kind of rumours...only book reviews on Rumour Queen right now ~ I certainly don't have the time or attention span to read any books these days, LOL!!!

MY OWN PREDICTIONS ON "WHEN"!!!!

2009-05-28T15:52:00.002-04:00

Since there are no rumours yet on when the next batch of referrals will start coming... I decided to do my own prediction (it's sort of based on some of what rumour queen said, something about four weeks)...

Four weeks from when she wrote this post would make it around June 23rd ~ the fourth week of June, so I'm going to put my bet on this week... that's when our call will come!!!!

Anyone else who wants to wager in on when will get our call, please do!!!

When~ Next Batch of Referrals....

2009-05-27T04:57:00.001-04:00

May 26th, 2009 (Rumour Queen)

"I’m not exactly sure where to start with the When post this month. So I’ll start with two possibilities.

The referrals that arrived last week would have been mailed at the end of April if not for H1N1. The CCAA has been carrying on as normal since then, with no changes made to this batch once it was completed. They just held onto it until they were told they could mail it, keeping to their regular schedule.

The CCAA continued to work on the current batch once they realized they weren’t going to mail it at the end of April.

If (1) is true then we should expect another batch at the end of May or first of June. If (2) is true then we’re probably about four weeks from another batch.

Personally, I think (1) is more likely, but at this point there are no current rumors to validate either choice. If we look at past performance, then the actions during SARS would point to (1) being correct."

Well, we're at the end of May...so I'll go with scenario #2...

China Adoption Forecaster:

2009-05-24T05:05:00.001-04:00

Our prediction for LID 2006-03-15:

China has 1 days of dossiers to be processed before they get to your dossier. China currently processes about 4.2 days of dossiers each month.

Our best guess: 2009-05-27

They are still predicting that we will receive our referral this month, which is strange because a batch of referrals have already been released this month ~ we'll see, but I doubt we'll hear any phone calls on May 27th... ~ this Wednesday coming....

From Linda (Children from China Adoption Facilitator)

2009-05-22T04:42:00.001-04:00

Hi Mike and Cheryl,

You came close to making it this month. Just take heart that there is no more mystery as to IF you will be in the next batch but simply when.

As soon as I hear anything, I of course will let you know.

Hang in there.

Linda

Hey~ Looks like next month we'll finally see Maelins' cute little face!!!

This comment came (that I Love!) and I know someone who is going to get a kick out of it!!!

2009-05-22T04:33:00.001-04:00

OH BELIEVE it NANNYIRENE...........we are all going to see that adorable little face very soon.................yiiiippppppppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(It turns out that Dianne and I went to nursing school together!!!)

FINALLY, some referrals going out~ THANK GOD!!!

2009-05-20T15:56:00.001-04:00

Rumour Queen:

Good Rumors

May 20th, 2009
I haven’t gone through everything from yesterday, but at first glance I see multiple European agencies saying referrals either will be sent soon or have already been sent, and that the cut off is the 14th.
I do not have reports of any U.S. agencies saying this.
I’m giving this rumor an R2 at this point.

LOTS & LOTS OF RUMOURS!!!!!

2009-05-20T04:01:00.002-04:00

There are many rumour on RQ that March 14th is the cut off for this group of referrals (not really confirmed yet, and not sure when it will be confirmed) ~ but we'll be in the next batch for sure!!! YIPEEEE!!!!

Oh Dear~ Could be a Longer Wait! (if that's possible....)

2009-05-15T14:56:00.003-04:00

Rumors and updates
May 15th, 2009
The provinces I’ve heard about that aren’t confirming appointments to some agencies are:* Guangdong* Jiangxi* Beijing* Shanxi* Guizhou* Liaoning* Shandong

Some agencies are confirming appointments in these provinces with no problems. So far, I can’t find a logical reason why some are allowed to set appointments and others are not.

Five agencies have now confirmed that the CCAA is holding paperwork (referrals and in some cases TA’s) due to the swine flu. Just as many agencies have been told by the CCAA that it is business as usual and the longer period between referrals has nothing to do with the flu. Personally, I believe the first and not the latter at this point.

Two agencies have been told paperwork will be held until June, when the CCAA will look at the situation again. One agency is saying nothing will be mailed until September. The other agencies do not give a date. I tend to think that the CCAA is probably watching the situation and will begin mailing things when they think it is safe to do so.

One agency is saying that the CCAA has stopped matching. I don’t really think that is the case, and I’m mostly basing that on what happened during SARS. During SARS the CCAA kept matching, they just didn’t mail anything. When the crisis was over they mailed them out as fast as the various consulates could keep up.

As for why the CCAA isn’t making an announcement, I can make a few guesses. The first being that if they formally announce it then the press will pick up on it. I’m guessing that the media could make a nice big sensational headline out of it, so they aren’t going to give it to them.

Rumours re: Swine flu...

2009-05-09T10:36:00.001-04:00

Reports on Rumour Queen are saying that two provinces so far in China, are not sceduling appointments for families to adopt at the present time.
Not certain yet if this applies to all provinces or not...NOT GOOD!

Please, please, PLEASE let this one be true!!!!

2009-05-08T04:50:00.002-04:00

From Rumour Queen, of course~LOL!

"May 7th, 2009
This is down in the R1 or R2 range: there is an agency who thinks referrals will make it to the 15th this time."
If you’re not familiar with the rumor ratings you can read what they mean here.

LOOKS MORE PROMISING!!!

2009-05-04T14:58:00.001-04:00

Nothing concrete yet but, sounds more positive about referrals still coming!!!

"May 4th, 2009
So far this morning we have one agency reporting the CCAA will hold referrals due to the swine flu, and one agency reporting that the CCAA told them that referrals will go out as usual.
With the arrival of SN TA’s this morning, and the release of the new WC list last night, I have to think that paperwork is still flowing at this time. Whether that will extend to referrals or not… as always, we will have to wait and see."

More on the Swine Flu....

2009-05-02T06:28:00.001-04:00

Cases are being reported of the swine flu in China:

BEIJING — China's powerful diving team will skip a Grand Prix meet in the United States next month due to concerns over the spread of swine flu, ...

Globally, 14 countries have now reported cases of swine flu, with China, France and Denmark confirming cases Friday. The new cases brought the global total ...

http://news.google.ca/news?hl=en&q=Swine+flu+in+China&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=nh_8SZSfD4nAM9e51MEE&sa=X&oi=news_group&resnum=1&ct=title

OOOOOHHHH~ I'm getting my knickers in a knot, just with the talk of referrals being held back!!!

2009-04-30T19:36:00.002-04:00

As many others have also experienced, the wait to receive our babies referrals is almost intolerable at times...the thoughts of waiting longer because of a new bug (mind you, a serious one...) just SUCKS!!!!!

The talk today on Rumour Queen...

"April 30th, 2009
I have this list in my head of four agencies that, when they say something, you can just about take it to the bank.

Two of those agencies are saying the rumor is false, that the CCAA is not holding anything up due to the swine flu, and that when they return to work next week it will be business as usual.
One of those agencies is saying the CCAA will not be sending referrals out due to swine flu.

Total agencies reporting things at this point:

Six agencies reporting the rumor is false and that it will be business as usual next week.
Eight agencies reporting that the CCAA is not sending them out due to swine flu. One of those agencies is notorious for having bogus information, and another of them isn’t right all that much.

Nothing is above an R3 right now. And if you’ll look at my rumor ratings then we don’t start keeping score until it is an R4. An R3 is just a rumor coming from multiple sources that needs to be reported. I don’t make a statement that I believe a rumor is true or false until it reaches an R4."

I guess will find out next week, but it's not sounding too good at this point!