We're HOME!!!!

Well I finally crawled out from under the jet lag and laundry mountain enough to make an update post on how we're doing.
(Sorry about the long delay and thanks to all of you who hung in there and kept checking back! Bill has been on the computer the last couple of nights too... oh well. Thanks for being understanding with all the adjusting we are doing right now finding time and energy to post has been hard.)

So here goes...

The plane ride was the longest and hardest one I have ever taken. Since XuXu is still only prefers me I had the job of contending with an almost 17 month old for most of the 12 hours. Coach is uncomfortable in normal situations, but this was extreme air travel. She did sleep some... maybe a total of 5 of hours in two naps. The rest of the time was spent walking her around the plane or wrestling with her in the seat, and also trying to keep Zion happy and entertained. By the way, Bill sat across the aisle from us and enjoyed his i-pod and book and naps, most of the time. (To his credit, he did help out whenever I asked him too... but I'm still jealous.)

It was so good landing and seeing Los Angeles (all together now... I LOVE LA!!... We Love it!). To see the blue sky and the open spaces was such a relief (LA is a big city but not nearly the sky scraper jungle that the three cities in China that we visited were). Getting out of the airport was a task however, especially after traveling for about 20 hours. We had too many carry-ons. Zion didn't fall asleep on the plane till it was almost time to land, so we had to practically drag him through immagration, baggage claim and customs. He was so tired. But we made it and both kids (I 'm still amazed I can say that now) slept the whole car ride home.

Going over the hill from West Lake, driving down the grade and taking in the view from Camarillo through Oxnard to Ventura to the Ocean was wonderful. I always love that view and it was even better this time. Ventura is beautiful place. We are so blessed.

Pulling into our driveway we had a wonderful welcoming committee. My friend Susan organized friends and family to be there to cheer as we pulled up. There were three big welcome home signs, one from Zion's whole first grade class, one from the friends who were there and one from the Woods family. It was a beautiful ending to our long and hard trip to get hugs and congratulations from those that we love. Especially after the anticilmactic official who mumbled XuXu's welcome to America in immigration at LAX. Thank you to everyone who came to greet us! And then thank you for leaving so we could rest. (If I can figure it out, I will post the video of us pulling up.) Here are pics of the signs. (If any of you who were there have photos you could e-mail to me of our arrival, I would love it. I only have video)




Well, I'm trying to type with one hand now and hold XuXu with the other. I will post more later.

Last Day

Today is our last full day in China. I'm so excited to go home... and a little nervous about bringing an active toddler on a 13 hour flight. Also a bit wistful about leaving the only home XuXu has known. (It's 5:30am right now.)

For all you who have been faithful followers of my blog, thank you. Thank you also for all the encouraging comments (high five to those who got the Pee Wee reference.) And I'm sorry that I wasn't able to share more during our trip. The Internet thing was quite a pain for most of the time. And when it wasn't, finding the time to do it was difficult. (If XuXu sees me on the computer she wants to join in, she loves electronics... oh boy!) I will be posting more about our trip when I get home (especially on those jet-lag nights) and lots more pictures!

We have finally been able to catch our breath the last couple of days. On Easter Sunday, our group went to Shamien Island in the morning to shop. We only got about two and a half hours to do it, not much time. So we were not able to get all the souvenirs for friends and family we would have liked too. Since our hotel is about a 15-20 bus ride from the Island we can't just walk outside and shop easily. One souvenir that we always get has not been readily available is our cheesy key chain with the place name on it. I have not seen those ubiquitous plastic key chains that you find everywhere in the US.(For those of you about to travel... if you see something in Beijing that you like BUY IT! It will be difficult if not impossible to get in Guangzhou. Except for jade, pearls,(side note: you don't know if these are real though in Guangzhou) silk clothes, and really typical tourist souvenir type things.)

After the shopping at 3:00 in the afternoon, our group had our own Easter service. We have a pastor and a worship leader in our group (from different families.) They planned and arranged the whole thing. They rented a conference room in our hotel to have it in. We got to dress the new daughters in cute Easter dresses, so fun. And we all worshiped together, beautiful. I cried during the acapella worship. All the babies were mesmerized by the singing and I heard some of them "singing" along too. XuXu and Noelle, the pastor's daughter ;),(those spicy Hefei girls) ran around for most of the sermon. I had to chase her around the room a lot of the time. (For those of you who know Zion, does this sound familiar?) It was a great experience.

After that we just relaxed in our room and ordered take out delivered from Danny's Bagels. An authentic western restaurant, great food! Google it for the menu and info if you are coming here! One does get homesick for real American food... although I have probably enjoyed the great Chinese food more than most, having grown up in a culturally Chinese home.

The night before this we made the mistake of trying to eat at the Chinese restaurant here in the hotel with a picky 7 year old and a toddler who hates high chairs (We were very tired of fast food, McDonald's etc. even though we only had it a few times). It was a large fancy restaurant, but it was empty (only one other table of customers.) Communication between us and the wait staff was a little difficult. The food was excellent, but the menu was difficult to figure out. The English descriptions do not match up with what we are used to at home. We were noisy and made a huge mess. Oh well!

Back to Easter Sunday, having had that time to relax in the room that evening really helped.

The next morning, Monday, we finally did not have to be ready by 9:00am to go somewhere. We got to take our time in the morning. It was our consulate appointment date for XuXu's visa. Our guides went to the appointment as our representatives and we just had to wait in the room in case they had to call us with questions. Our guides said everything went smoothly for all the families. YAY!





Next, on Monday afternoon, we went to the Chen family museum (above). A beautiful place with nice gardens. And it was a gorgeous day. And then back to Shamein Is. for one more hour of shopping. Not enough time to shop. :( (Colette, I'm sorry but I couldn't find the red shoes in a large enough size for you. All the shops a had sizes probably equivalent to US sizes 4 and under. Nothing larger in red, pink yes, not red.) We did a little more pocket book damage there.

Next our guides had a dinner and "show" at a Thai restaurant, called Banana Leaf, planned for us. FUN! and delicious! We thought we were going to see authentic Thai dancing though, but got the exact opposite. There was a group of about 8 dancers (male and female) and 4-5 musicians all dressed up like they were part of a "Love Boat" style cruise ship crew. They used Thai instruments and heavy Filipino accents (our guides said they were from the Philippians) to cover American disco tunes and did music video style dance routines to them. HILARIOUS! and BUMMER! we did not have the video camera. The best part was when the dancers pulled up the older kids and men from our group to join them. Zion and the other boy his age, Drew, were great! Hamming it up and dancing their hearts out (photos below). The Dads weren't bad either. We were quite a site to all the Chinese customers in the crowded and popular theme restaurant. (Like going to something like the Rainforest Cafe in the US.)







So the last two days really helped us to rest up to handle the long trip home. Today we have the morning free again. We will probably get organized to pack. As much as the traveler in me would love to explore more. We can see some interesting places from the view from our 33rd floor room. Dragging the kids around does not sound fun. My arms and back are so tired from carrying XuXu. She wants to be down and walk around where ever she can't do it, such as in the bus or at dinner, so I have to wrestle with her to hold onto her. And when I take her somewhere she can run around, like the park on Shamien Is., she just wants to be held and just stand there with her arms up crying for me to pick her back up. We're going to work on this. Besides, Zion just wants to play with Drew. (It has been so great and helpful that there was a boy his age on this trip!) So packing it is.

So then, this afternoon we go to the "swearing in ceremony" to pick up the girl's visas and then back to pack to come home. We are going to take a group picture in the hotel lobby too. We are going to dress up in the traditional Chinese silk shirts we got.



California here we come! Can't wait to be home and for you all to meet our XuXu, our "Rare and Precious Pearl".

Can you say "exhausted"?

Hi there playhouse friends! The secret word of the day is "exhausted"! Whenever you here the word "exhausted" scream real loud! ;)

I think the only other time I have been this exhausted is a couple of days after giving birth to Zion. You run the "Marathon" that birthing a child is and then you get to be sleep deprived for days on end. International adoption is kind of like that.
Your schedule and everything that you're familiar with is messed up, the child's schedule and everything that they're familiar with is messed up... this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. And the most exhausting! (All you BTDT's are nodding your heads.)

Zion has been a trouper through it all (most of the time... everyone has their moments). I know all of this has been very difficult for him too, but my patience towards him has not displayed this understanding. I need to do better for my special boy.

Today we had the medical exam for XuXu (all the adopted kids do this in order for them to be allowed to immigrate to the US.) And it felt like they all were there in that crowed medical office ;). I found out the XuXu had no ear infections (didn't think she did, they just check them all) and no fever. She is a healthy 25lbs. (You should see the guns I'm building now!;) ) and 82cm long (conversion table anyone?).

After the medical exam the parent most familiar with the paperwork got to go to the "not really a party, paperwork party" (any guess as to what the gender of 90% of the people was). We all spent about an hour filling out forms. Yay! This is the last paperwork we do in China. At least we did it in a very comfortable conference room in the hotel. And it gave PaPa and XuXu some important bonding time. But it still made me dizzy.

The weather here in Guangzhou is tropical (right up the alley of this Hawaii fan). It rained all day but it was warm and humid. The moist air is really helping with my coughing and congestion. I'm feeling much better and so is Bill (thanks for praying).
My ribs are still so strained that I'm beginning to feel like an Ibuprofen junkie. I'm almost out though, and we haven't found any more yet.

The more comfortable XuXu gets with us the more playful she is, which is very playful, fun and adorable, but the more challenging she is. So pray for energy and upper body strength ;). She is strong and wiggly, and difficult to hold on to at times, but often I have no other choice. Also pray for me to be able to affirm and support Zion better through this. Poor Zion has been getting beat on by his little sister. She hit him on the head with a brush, threw her stacking cups in him face, scratched his face and that's just what I can think of.

I have to go to bed now, I'm exhausted. AAAAAAHHHHHHH! (Did you scream?)

Happy Easter everyone! Tomorrow is Easter! I'm ending with a fun picture of Zion on the Great Wall of China.

More Pictures!... and a little info.

This was on Gotcha Day, 3/17/08, the first time XuXu let her new PaPa hold her with out crying.


Me and both of my babies... at last.


This is the family portrait taken on Gotcha Day that was put on XuXu's adoption certificate.


We took a picture in front of the Chinese Flag at the CCAA on the day XuXu officially became a Denzel! 3/18/08


3/19/08 On Wednesday afternoon we finally had a free day and walked to the park across the street with the other two families here in Hefei with us. It is a beautiful park that is around a lake. It is early spring here and the willow trees in the background are just beginning to get their leaves, and other trees are blooming.


From left to right this is: XuXu and I, Jennifer Johnson and Noelle, Amy Woods and Adaiah. We have really enjoyed our time with these two wonderful families. Both are so loving, kind, and generous. I'm so thankful for them. They have enhanced our experience here in Hefei exponentially.


Zion and XuXu! a first measurement of size for the Ge Ge (big brother) and Mei Mei (little sister).


I just love that face... what else can I say.


We conked out after breakfast while waiting for the Johnsons to join us on a trip to the "Carefour" a Chinese mall. 3/20/08 AM


We went to visit XuXu's orphanage today (3/20). I started crying when we got out of the van. But then the orphanage tour became a bit of a whirlwind, and we just tried to keep up. (Hanni, we got great video and pictures of the "girl in pink". And Kim S. your little girl was the first girl we met when we got there, almost at the entrance walking with her nanny. She is beautiful. We got pics and video for you too.) First we went to the 0-2 rooms. The Hefei SWI is open bright and clean and colorful. All the nannies shouted out "Jia Feng!" (XuXu's name in China) happily when they saw her. There was a lot of staff who all seemed to be engaged with and love the babies very much. The are all kind and friendly. It is so reassuring to know first hand the XuXu was so well cared for for the first 16 months of her life. At the babies activity room (where her referral picture was taken) we met her caregiver from the "grandma" program that they have at this orphanage (in the above picture). It was her job to play with certain infants one on one for a while every day. She also is the one who created her life book. She was so happy to see her again and went to take a memento photo with her for herself. It was very obvious she loved her a lot. I found out that her sur name is Xu. What a wonderful connection and reminder that is for us.


This is the crib XuXu slept in, in the her foster family's apartment. She was placed in the foster care village in October of 2007.
She would spend her evenings and nights at their apartment with about 6 other kids. She would go to the infant play and activity rooms during the day.


This is Zion and XuXu playing in the tub together tonight. He really makes her laugh. She love to play games and be silly. She'll fit right in in our family. We just have to do something about those tantrums... hmmmm.



Tomorrow we leave for Guangzhou. Here is where we get her visa for her to go to the USA! Six days left. I am so tired and ready to be home, but know I really understand what I have read in other blog about leaving being bitter sweet. It is hard to leave a place that is so much in my heart.

Pictures of XuXu! On Gotcha Day!

This is when we first walked into the room. Can you find XuXu?


This is the nanny who handed her to us. This was right before the hand off.


The is the first picture of "The Four Denzels".


XuXu looking at me a bit suspiciously at first.


Then she snuggled right in.

We Have XuXu!

Hi Everyone,
I know you all have been anxiously awaiting news from me and pictures. I’m sorry about any delay. At our first hotel in Beijing we could not get on line at all. I think the connection, the actual wire to connect with, was not good, as others were able to get on line and get posts out there. The one post I did I had to use Bill’s blackberry and e-mail that short blurb to my friend Hanni (thank you Hanni, Jane says, “Hello”) for her to post. Everyone has to use “back doors” to get to their blogs and a lot are having trouble getting on line.

Our schedule has also been such a constant pace of going here and there (especially in Beijing) that there hasn’t been time for me to put much effort into blogging. I don’t know how some BTDT’s have had the energy to post after they get back from those days of sight seeing. I think being sick (I have what you had, Jackie, with the horrible constant coughing) has also kept me from putting effort into blogging. I really need my energy for the day and Zion and now XuXu! Etc. etc…

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ME FOR HEALTH! The coughing and congestion (and the uncomfortable beds and room air) have not let me get hardly any sleep. And the busy schedule has not allowed me to rest. Our room in Beijing was way too uncomfortable (the bed was as hard as a rock, especially for my boney butt) to spend the day there resting, so I had to push on. I lost my voice since day 2 and have coughed so much and so hard now that my ribs are strained and any chough is very painful, but I still chough. The air here is very polluted and I know that doesn’t help anything. The dry bad air has also aggravated Zion’s and Bill’s allergies.

So know to the juicy part I know you all have been waiting for… (I won’t delay you with other trip and sight seeing details. I’ll just blog about that later, at home)

GOTCHA DAY!
We are here in Hefei with 2 other families. And we all went first thing in the morning to the CCAA’s office to get our new daughters. It was 8:30am, right after breakfast. We all thought we would get to the office and have to wait a bit before we got them. But as we were walking down the hall to the little room where they do the meetings our guide Jane announced back to us “They are already here!” So they all watched us walk into the room. I thought I recognized XuXu, but I’d had to look at all the babies’ hands to be sure.
She was sitting quietly on a nanny’s lap.

We had to put down our things and then wait for them to call us to go meet the babies. We were all so overwhelmed to walk in and have them already there we didn’t know what to do. Our friend’s the Johnson’s went first and their baby Noelle screamed and cried when she was handed to Jennifer. So that made me nervous. (We were all busy trying to take picture and video tape for each other, too)

We were next… when the nanny hand her to me she just quietly went to me, whew! She is so sweet and so pretty, just like her picture. But she did not want to go to Bill. When I tried to hand her to him, so he could hold her she started to cry. Zion was kind of walking around us not sure what to do as well. But he did great, trying to hand her toys and play with her. I know she was just as stunned as we were. But she was quiet and peaceful and snuggled into me. She was holding tightly onto pieces of candy in each hand and was bundled in a thick winter suit. (I think it is the one that Rob and Jing, at Gospel Light’s Beijing office, got her for us. Thank you both so much. She was also wearing the red sweater and had the Olympic mascot doll you sent. What you sent was so thoughtful,.. a thousand thanks.)

Next they took our official family portrait (just XuXu, Bill and I). And we signed papers saying that we would be caring for her for the time being, she still is a ward of the state right now. Then we were introduced to the orphanage director, a pretty and kind looking lady. I recognized her and the nanny’s that were there from the Fredrick’s SWI tour DVD, thank you both so much! Then we thanked the nanny’s and we walked out with XuXu! Shockingly fast… I know! The whole thing took less than an hour.

XuXu was so sweet and peaceful. (Many the Chinese people we met that day commented on how pretty she is. I could recognize the word “PiaoLiang” for pretty from the little bit I studied. I know now though that she was being so quiet because that is how she is around strangers. All she did at first was hold onto me. We all went to a Chinese super market next (kind of like a Walmart or Target with a bit of everything and food.) She remained stunned all through it. I must have been her first bus ride and trip to a market. She fell asleep on the ride back to the hotel. She was probably exhausted from the stimulation of all the new things. She also was very sweaty from all the layers and she has a cold. So she stayed asleep when I laid her down in the crib and she took a nap for about an hour and a half.

After her nap and some food and Tylenol Cold for kids she started to come out of her shell. She played with Zion and he got the first smile and giggle out of her. (I was showing her pictures of our family on the computer while Zion and Bill were out of the room for a bit and she would point to his picture and make a “huh” sound when ever she saw him. I think she recognized him form the photos we sent.)

She had to be held continually by me at first. Then Zion, XuXu and I lay on the bed and played and he really got her warmed up. By the early afternoon she was laughing and playing and toddling around the room. And by the late after noon she would go to Bill and laugh and play with him. When she feels insecure though she goes to me.

(Finishing this post at 3:11 pm on 3/18/08.)
Long story short for now… she was really comfortable with us and having a great time with her big brother. Zion has been a fantastic big brother and very helpful. She was having so much fun playing that she wouldn’t go down at bedtime. It took me an hour to figure out how to get her to sleep. She likes to be rocked. I don’t know if her foster mom did that or if that is just for me. But I will be glad to get back home to my rocking chair. She is heavy (which is good). My arms are tired and sore already.

Today, Tuesday the 18th she really started displaying her personality. She can be stubborn and throws a little tantrum when she doesn’t get what she wants. She is a feisty little girl, also very smart and curious. Our guide Jane said that the report about her from her foster mom said “She is the youngest in the house, but the smartest.” She figures thing out quickly and seem to be always trying to find out how things work. She recognizes who we are from the pictures we sent, and has already called me ‘Ma Ma’ and Zion “Ge Ge”.

Today we went back to the CCAA office to finalize the adoption. We had a quick 5-question interview. Gave our gifts to the officials and paid our money and that was it. Finally… after all these year and the mountains of paper work Lu Jia Feng is now XuXu Lynn Denzel.

Thank you all for all your patience in waiting for this. Getting on line is difficult and having time to post is even more difficult. It is noon on Wednesday the 19th now and we are all adjusting pretty well. One more final prayer request (if you hung in there to read all of this) Bill is feeling like he has now caught what I had, so pray for energy, healing and strength for him. We now get more time on our own and can rest more, so that is good.

Love and thanks to everyone!

Sorry no pictures yet! I don't get a button to add them and I'm not computer savvy enough to figure out how to do it other wise. There will be lots of pictures when we get back. I will also try to put them on Flicker, and then post about it so you all can see and not have to wait so long. And also maybe Guangzhou will be better internet wise.

We made it!

Hi Everyone!

We made it to Beijing! I have been unable to access my blog so have asked a friend to post whenever we are unable to. We all made it here safely and are enjoying experiencing China. But my cold has become a sinus infection. I am taking antibiotics but feel pretty bad. Please be praying for healing and health for all of us. That's all for now! Will be posting more with pictures soon.

Love from all of us,

Amorisa/Aimee

Our Travel Itinerary

Adoption Itinerary from March 12th to March 26th

Wednesday, March 12th: Depart for Beijing

Thursday, March 13th: Arrive in Beijing

Friday, March 14th: Beijing Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Hutong tour

Saturday, March 15th: Beijing Tour: The Summer Palace and Great Wall

Sunday, March 16th: Palm Sunday church service, Late afternoon flight to Hefei (XuXu's city!)

Gotcha Day!
Monday, March 17th: Meet XuXu Lynn Denzel!

Tuesday, March 18th: Civil Affairs Appointment

March 19th - March 20th: Paperwork, Sight-seeing, & Shopping

Friday, March 21st: Flight to Guangzhou

Saturday, March 22nd: Medical Exam and Paperwork Party (not really much of a party... trust me)

Sunday, March 23rd: Easter Sunday church service and Shopping

Monday, March 24th: Consulate Appointment

Tuesday, March 25th: Pick up Child's Visa

Wednesday, March 26th: Depart from Guangzhou, Depart from Hong Kong... and at last Arrive Home!

OK... so I'm not in China... yet

I can't sleep. I woke up around 3:30-4:00AM after finally getting the packing thing mostly figured out at around 12:00AM (emphasis on mostly). I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve or the night before a trip to Disneyland. I never slept on those kind of nights as a kid. It's just like that feeling, only I think more intense.

In 24 hours from now we will be at LAX (going through security... not looking forward to that). It's such a strange feeling that this is finally happening. My heart is in my throat with nerves and anticipation. What will she look like? How has she grown? Will she recognize us from the pictures we sent? How will Zion do on the plane? Did I pack warm enough clothes for the Great Wall? (The first time I was there it was the end of December and it was cold enough to be dressed like the little brother in "A Christmas Story".) In Beijing, we walked across the lake at the Summer Palace to see the Marble Boat over the ice! It was that cold. There are so many thoughts racing through my head.

Well... I know that God has been guiding us through this process, even when it really didn't feel like it sometimes through that long wait. I know he will continue to do so. " 'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11

Looking toward the future...
Enjoying the joy of today.

Packing Chaos!

Well, we finally seem to be on the mend from all the colds and infections. So first, thank you for all the prayers! We are all still sniffling and coughing, however. But we have ONE MORE DAY! till we're "leaving on a jet plane..." (I know, I know, corny. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.) Hooray!

But... right now we are in the midst of trying to figure out how to pack! AAAHHHHHH! I have never been a light packer. But I must be for this trip. Especially because the flights we take from city to city in China have pretty strict luggage weight restrictions. Only 44lbs. of checked luggage per person. And I have 4 people to pack for and only three people on on first flight from Beijing to Hefei. So... where to put the stuff for the 4th person? (Albeit a small person, but you know how much stuff we moms carry around daily in just a diaper bag, not to mention enough stuff for about 10 days.) I plan on have clothes laundered there and bringing what I consider to be the bare minimum... but... where do I put it?




















Well, I better go figure that out.

By the way... Thank you very much to Shannon, who helped to clean our house today, to Aracely who brought us lunch, and to Dora who got those last four "Benjamin's" for me. What thoughtful and loving friends I am blessed with. I don't know what I'd do with out you women. Also for you readers who live here in beautiful Ventura (Surf, Shop, Stay) Shannon White is coordinating, meals for when we get home. You can contact her at shanmere@gmail.com if you would like to join in.

All of my friends, local and on-line, have been so encouraging and supportive. I feel humbled and deeply blessed. Thank you.

Stay tuned... my next post will be from China!

What a Day!

We really need prayer! I feel like we have been under attack this week. I have been sick and unable to do much (so needless to say I'm way behind on packing). My son came down with pink eye today (thank God on Friday instead of Saturday, because I could still go to the doctor to take care of it instead of spending hours in the emergency room.) And today I had to spend the whole day driving around town try to get the $5000 in crisp $100 bills for the in China adoption fees. UGH!

Let me explain that... about 4 weeks ago I went to my bank (should I say who they are?... hmmm... let's just say their initials are WM) to ask about getting the crisp and clean bills. I wanted to know if I would have to order them or could I just come in and get the money any time. The teller I talked to said "Oh, we always have plenty of crisp bills, that will be no problem any time."

WRONG! When I went in this morning they said that for the amount I needed I should have ordered it and they could only give me what they had on hand... which was only $700. They did ask if I wanted to order it, but it wouldn't be ready till at least Wednesday... TOO LATE! So... I spent the rest of the day (till 5:30pm) going to every branch of my bank in driving distance (and some other banks too) to try to piece together all that we need. Well long story short, I'm still short $400 in clean $100 bills. I hope I can get them by Tuesday. I'm so mad at my bank right now for giving me the wrong information that I could strangle the teller who told me that I could "come in any time."

Sorry to vent. I'm just so frustrated and exhausted right now. I can't wait to be on the plane and have all this behind me.

Second Shower for XuXu

Sorry about the delay in posting friends. All the travel preparations are keeping me busy (we leave in 6 days from today!) And I caught a cold on top of everything. It has me definitely slowed down, but it seems like I will be over it before we leave.

So about the shower... on February 23rd some of my beautiful bridge women friends threw a shower for me. It was masterminded by "my pretty lady" Kat, hosted at the gorgeous home of Tracy, and Jen N. and Jen L. helped with the planning. And also Robyn and Dara were there helping out too.

It had a Chinese theme. The decorations were my favorite colors red and aqua blue and pink too, because "It's a Girl!" Tracy planned a delicious lunch of Chinese chicken salad, egg rolls, pot-stickers, rice (a must at a Chinese meal), fruit salad, and fortune cookies. Jen L. made a super yummy chai iced tea. Jen N. planned the games: a fun quiz about XuXu and I, the classic safety pin don't say "baby" game, and a game inspired by a Chinese baby shower game where the guests try to find the baby's name in balloons (but we used envelopes). Kat coordinated everything, did the invites, cake, balloons... etc. etc.

It was all wonderful, but what blessed me the most and my favorite part of it was getting to see and visit with all my old bridge women friends. I have missed them all so much since the bridge dissolved last fall. (The bridge was our church that, we helped to plant in 1997.) Such a loving, strong, creative, giving, wise and Godly group of women. I love you all and I'm a grateful to call you all friends.

Here are pictures from the shower! Enjoy!