ADOPTION DAY!!

Today is day two with Collin. He ate a big breakfast and then we were off to the Civil Affairs Building to legally adopt him. He was very solemn when he woke up this morning, but as the morning progressed, we got to hear him giggle and more of his personality was coming out. He is still having emotional times of sadness and quiet tears, but overall is adjusting very well. We are very impressed with his motor skills and are amazed at how smart he is. He went swimming for the first time, however the water was a bit cool so he was not crazy about it, but likes being in water. He is still very attatched to his "papa" or daddy and won't let him out of his sight. He slept with daddy last night and we found out that he snores... now Doug knows how I feel. Ha! Tomorrow is a free day and we are planning on going shopping to the likes of Brooke. Still suffering from jetlag and we're hoping to catch up on our sleep tonight. Sophie has adjusted wonderfully, which was a big worry of ours. God has taken care of every detail. Should we be suprised? He is so good and we are so blessed. Love to you all, -Pam

WE HAVE HIM!!!!!

We finally arrived at our hotel room after 27 hours post take off.  When we met our guide Alan he said that we are going to get Collin at 10am Monday, November 29.  We didn't get much sleep last night because we were all so excited. We picked Collin up at his orphanage which was an hour and a half away.  We were able to see where our little boy spent the first 3 years of his life.  We arrived at his orphanage, they were waiting for us. Very poor conditions and many children there.  Right away I recognized him, he just stared at us when we bent down to speak to him.  I could not believe this was finally happening and the nannies were very nice and answered many questions for us.  Then it was time to go.  As I was leaving a seven year old girl was crying and reached for me to take her too.  It broke my heart and the only consolation is that I know she is going to be adopted soon by another family.  Collin was very happy coming with us and eating candy, until in the van he realized that nobody around him was familiar.  Then his lip puckered and the tears came, he cried himself to sleep.  When we arrived at the hotel, he woke up and began to cry again.  He is such a sweet little boy and we could see in his eyes that he was scared to death.  We did lots of hugging and holding and after about an hour and a half he began to play and things looked brighter.  He was pretty dirty so we gave him a bath then we all left to go out and eat.  He is still having unstable times, but I think he is learning to love us and I know that we are definitely loving him.  Tomorrow is another day and we hope we can see more of his personality in the days to come.  Thanks to all of you for your prayers and most of all we thank God for this huge blessing He gave us today.  We just sit and stare at him because we cannot believe he is ours.  We will blog more tomorrow.  Love to all of you, Pam

On their way to get Collin!!

Doug and Pam ask that we give a quick update.  It's 9pm here and 10am Monday morning in China.  Their guide is on the way to pick them up to go get Collin at his orphanage.  It will be a 2 hour drive to the orphanage and then they will meet their son for the first time!! Please be praying for them all!  Doug and Pam will have a more detailed update for you probably by morning.....with photos! 

For Him<><
Travis and Michelle 

Boarding......next stop Beijing!!!

Yes, we were up early this morning leaving a not so happy dog, but excited for our long journey. We arrived at the airport at 6:30 for our first uneventful flight. Brooke, Sophie, and Pam were upgraded to first class, while Doug was in the back with the toilets :) We had a 3 hour layover at the Chicago Airport, where we found some resources to make a sign for Sophie. She is bouncing off the walls with excitement. We took a quick family picture before boarding the plane for Beijing. We will have more updates when we get there and maybe some interesting stories.



Here We Go!!!!

We are currently in Chicago waiting for our flight to Beijing!!!  Stay tuned.......

Monday we will celebrate two very special occasions.  Finally, we will welcome Collin into our family and we will celebrate the birth of our 3rd daughter Brooke.  Happy Birthday, Brooke!!

OUR SWEET COLLIN

Our Sweet Collin

One last road to travel

One last way to go

One more day to forever

Just to let you konw

The wait is finally over

The journey now is through

So now this comes to let you know...

Dreams really do come true.

We are coming to get you Little Man!
We love you!

Collin age 2 years and 10 months 

Our Itinerary

11/27	Sat	Depart US
11/28	Sun	Arrival in Beijing & connect flight for Chongqing directly
11/29	Mon	Adoption process full day with guide
11/30	Tue	Adoption process full day with guide
12/1	Wed	Hechuan SWI visit
12/2	Thu	Half day sightseeing
12/3	Fri	Morning free on own. Afternoon receive passport. Depart province for Guangzhou
12/4	Sat	Visa physical for your child
12/5	Sun	Free
12/6	Mon	Get Physical results
12/7	Tue	Free
12/8	Wed	Visa Interview
12/9	Thu	Oath and Half day sightseeing.
12/10	Fri	Get visa then leave Guangzhou for Hong Kong
12/11	Sat	Fly home with your new child!

Surprise!!

More details and our itinerary will follow in the next few days!!  Please enjoy the updated pictures below of Collin.  We received these after sending him a birthday care package in August. 

Collin's third birthday in the orphanage

Collin is king for the day dressed in his finest

Collin enjoying some of his birthday cake with friends