Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Video: We Are Family
Editor's Note: This movie is a compilation of several videos captured between mid-October and mid-November. Total viewing time: 10 minutes, 30 seconds.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Video: Back on the Homefront
Hey Everyone:
Our apologies for not posting anything to the blog recently. We've been back at home for about three days now, but overwhelmed with jet lag, sleep deprivation and just getting settled in. Claire is being a real trooper though ... and attached is a video compilation of some of her adventures at home these past few days.
Thanks for sticking with us!
- The Madsens
Our apologies for not posting anything to the blog recently. We've been back at home for about three days now, but overwhelmed with jet lag, sleep deprivation and just getting settled in. Claire is being a real trooper though ... and attached is a video compilation of some of her adventures at home these past few days.
Thanks for sticking with us!
- The Madsens
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Forward: Gotcha Day
Dear Claire:
What a day this has been for you. When Mommy and Daddy first met you about 12 hours ago, you were a very scared, tired and even angry little girl. You were in a strange city, surrounded by strange people, and you had been up since the wee hours of the morning making the long drive from Guilin to Nanning, where Mommy and Daddy would meet you.
Some dear friends of Mommy and Daddy reminded us that every single little baby that is born into this world is born kicking and screaming. And that reaction is something that every parent hopes for. It means that a child is alive ... has emotions ... and can feel. That was no different than you on Gotcha Day, October 6, 2008. It was so hard for you to see the orphanage director and your nanny leave the room and say goodbye. Mommy and Daddy were smiling at you, but it was probably confusing because we were speaking in a language that was unfamiliar to you. Claire Qiuxia, you were tired. You were scared. You were --- and still are grieving --- all that you've left behind in Guilin. All of your world that was familiar to you. Mommy and Daddy were so tender for you.
And precious child, you know how to grieve. You do it well. You can feel the emotions stirring up inside of you. We're quite confident that you will be a girl who wears her emotions on her sleeve. We've never seen a child sob so deeply. You were even angry. You got back to the hotel room with Mommy and Daddy. And you showed us what was inside your backpack. And then you threw those things while you sobbed, while you grieved. You probably felt very alone at that time.
Then you let Daddy hold you. He just held you and rocked you. Slowly. So slowly. And you took some deep breaths and let go of the sadness, the grief, the anger you had been carrying around for a couple of hours. You stayed there with Daddy for a long time. Just rocking. Slowly. So slowly. And then you took one more deep breath and fell asleep. Such a tired, little girl.
When you woke up later, you still weren't too sure about things. And that's OK. We'll take this real slow, little Claire. We asked you if you were hungry. You shook your head no. We asked you if you were thirsty. You shook your head no. We asked you if you needed the potty. You shook your head no. We think you just needed to look around and soak all of this in. These new people. This new place. This new language. We found a Chinese Children's program on TV. You liked that. A set of voices that sound familiar to you.
Slowly, you became more comfortable with this little place. You let us give you something to drink. You let us take you to the potty. Then you pointed to the window. You wanted Daddy to take you there. You looked out ... awestruck. Maybe you have not seen the world from a 14th floor before. Or maybe it was the beautiful blue, purple and green lights that caught your attention as they flickered across the Nanning skyline. You love that window. We would make several visits.
Then you began to parrott words. We said "Mommy." You said "Mommy" and pointed to her. We said "Daddy." You said "Daddy" and you pointed to me. That touched our hearts, Claire Qiuxia. It had been a tough day up to then. A really tough day. And perhaps God used you and your innocence to let us know that things would get better. Then it was time for Grandma to go. You said "Ni ni, bye, bye" and you waved. Precious.
Then, Claire your switch went on. You came alive. We played with balls. You laughed. You smiled. You colored with Mommy. You laughed and smiled some more. We blew bubbles ... oh, you thought that was simply spectacular. You played with Ling Ling, your new doll. Oh, how you love her. You even showed Mommy and Daddy how to put at pony tail holder in Ling Ling's hair. Then you found Daddy's computer. That was pretty cool too. And better yet, you were mesmerized by all of the pictures of YOU that you were suprised to see on Daddy's computer.
You let us change you into some brand new pajamas and we got you ready for bed. We watched you sleep all night long. All night. You're such a beautiful girl. And you sleep so deeply. (in fact, you're sleeping as I write this). You are also a bed hog and love to sleep on a diagonal. We think you've covered about 110% of the bed tonight. But tonight you've slept so deeply. That is a blessing. We can't even imagine what you're dreaming about, Claire. We sit here and look in wonder at this beautiful little girl who God has chosen just for us. And you too, are trusting us. We see a fiesty, spunky little girl running around the Madsen Ranch. You're so beautiful when you laugh. When you smile. You are our daughter. A treasured child of the most High God.
We don't know what's going to happen when you wake up this morning. Will we meet the girl we first met yesterday? Or will we meet the girl who was laughing, smiling and imitating us when we put you to bed last night? Only God knows which Claire will wake up with us today. But we trust Him completely. And we pray that one day, you'll be able to trust us completely.
Our journey has begun.
We love you,
Mommy and Daddy
P.S. Hey Everyone -- it has been a long, long day for the Madsen Ranch. And to be honest, a really tough one emotionally. For Claire and for us. Hopefully, this entry will give you a better sense of what our first day together was like. We have it all on video too --- the challenging moments and the tender ones --- and we'll share that with you as soon as we're able.
We did feel your prayers yesterday. When we first met Claire, it was the wee hours of Monday morning in Chicago. Most of you were deep asleep too. But when Claire's switch went on late last night our little girl came alive, we knew it was prayer. We felt lifted up. It was clear. it. We love all of you, and please keep the prayers coming!
- Jeff, Helena and Claire
What a day this has been for you. When Mommy and Daddy first met you about 12 hours ago, you were a very scared, tired and even angry little girl. You were in a strange city, surrounded by strange people, and you had been up since the wee hours of the morning making the long drive from Guilin to Nanning, where Mommy and Daddy would meet you.
Some dear friends of Mommy and Daddy reminded us that every single little baby that is born into this world is born kicking and screaming. And that reaction is something that every parent hopes for. It means that a child is alive ... has emotions ... and can feel. That was no different than you on Gotcha Day, October 6, 2008. It was so hard for you to see the orphanage director and your nanny leave the room and say goodbye. Mommy and Daddy were smiling at you, but it was probably confusing because we were speaking in a language that was unfamiliar to you. Claire Qiuxia, you were tired. You were scared. You were --- and still are grieving --- all that you've left behind in Guilin. All of your world that was familiar to you. Mommy and Daddy were so tender for you.
And precious child, you know how to grieve. You do it well. You can feel the emotions stirring up inside of you. We're quite confident that you will be a girl who wears her emotions on her sleeve. We've never seen a child sob so deeply. You were even angry. You got back to the hotel room with Mommy and Daddy. And you showed us what was inside your backpack. And then you threw those things while you sobbed, while you grieved. You probably felt very alone at that time.
Then you let Daddy hold you. He just held you and rocked you. Slowly. So slowly. And you took some deep breaths and let go of the sadness, the grief, the anger you had been carrying around for a couple of hours. You stayed there with Daddy for a long time. Just rocking. Slowly. So slowly. And then you took one more deep breath and fell asleep. Such a tired, little girl.
When you woke up later, you still weren't too sure about things. And that's OK. We'll take this real slow, little Claire. We asked you if you were hungry. You shook your head no. We asked you if you were thirsty. You shook your head no. We asked you if you needed the potty. You shook your head no. We think you just needed to look around and soak all of this in. These new people. This new place. This new language. We found a Chinese Children's program on TV. You liked that. A set of voices that sound familiar to you.
Slowly, you became more comfortable with this little place. You let us give you something to drink. You let us take you to the potty. Then you pointed to the window. You wanted Daddy to take you there. You looked out ... awestruck. Maybe you have not seen the world from a 14th floor before. Or maybe it was the beautiful blue, purple and green lights that caught your attention as they flickered across the Nanning skyline. You love that window. We would make several visits.
Then you began to parrott words. We said "Mommy." You said "Mommy" and pointed to her. We said "Daddy." You said "Daddy" and you pointed to me. That touched our hearts, Claire Qiuxia. It had been a tough day up to then. A really tough day. And perhaps God used you and your innocence to let us know that things would get better. Then it was time for Grandma to go. You said "Ni ni, bye, bye" and you waved. Precious.
Then, Claire your switch went on. You came alive. We played with balls. You laughed. You smiled. You colored with Mommy. You laughed and smiled some more. We blew bubbles ... oh, you thought that was simply spectacular. You played with Ling Ling, your new doll. Oh, how you love her. You even showed Mommy and Daddy how to put at pony tail holder in Ling Ling's hair. Then you found Daddy's computer. That was pretty cool too. And better yet, you were mesmerized by all of the pictures of YOU that you were suprised to see on Daddy's computer.
You let us change you into some brand new pajamas and we got you ready for bed. We watched you sleep all night long. All night. You're such a beautiful girl. And you sleep so deeply. (in fact, you're sleeping as I write this). You are also a bed hog and love to sleep on a diagonal. We think you've covered about 110% of the bed tonight. But tonight you've slept so deeply. That is a blessing. We can't even imagine what you're dreaming about, Claire. We sit here and look in wonder at this beautiful little girl who God has chosen just for us. And you too, are trusting us. We see a fiesty, spunky little girl running around the Madsen Ranch. You're so beautiful when you laugh. When you smile. You are our daughter. A treasured child of the most High God.
We don't know what's going to happen when you wake up this morning. Will we meet the girl we first met yesterday? Or will we meet the girl who was laughing, smiling and imitating us when we put you to bed last night? Only God knows which Claire will wake up with us today. But we trust Him completely. And we pray that one day, you'll be able to trust us completely.
Our journey has begun.
We love you,
Mommy and Daddy
P.S. Hey Everyone -- it has been a long, long day for the Madsen Ranch. And to be honest, a really tough one emotionally. For Claire and for us. Hopefully, this entry will give you a better sense of what our first day together was like. We have it all on video too --- the challenging moments and the tender ones --- and we'll share that with you as soon as we're able.
We did feel your prayers yesterday. When we first met Claire, it was the wee hours of Monday morning in Chicago. Most of you were deep asleep too. But when Claire's switch went on late last night our little girl came alive, we knew it was prayer. We felt lifted up. It was clear. it. We love all of you, and please keep the prayers coming!
- Jeff, Helena and Claire
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Today Is the Day
Dear Claire:
Mommy and Daddy just woke up to a rising sun on the river outside our hotel. It looks like October 6 will be a glorious autumn day here in China. And considering the origins of your name, how fitting that God would design it that way. We're sure He's smiling about that today. At this moment, you are likely in a van or a car somewhere on the 210-mile stretch between Guilin and Nanning. We will meet you in about seven hours.
Today, you woke up for the final time in the Guilin Social Welfare Institute that has been your home since you were three days old. We know they loved you there. They have cared for you well. And we're sure there is so much you will miss about your foster family, your friends, your other caretakers, your language, your food and everything that has become so familiar to you in your four precious years. We believe tears were shed as you left Guilin this morning. We will keep you connected to your foster family and Guilin. You have a story there. Your story belongs to you and will forever be part of you.
Today, we woke up realizing that our deepest hearts desire --- to become your parents --- will be realized by the time this same sun sets tonight over the river. Tears were shed here too, knowing that you are just hours away, that God is with us today ... and that He has orchestrated all of this to come together in a way that only God can.
We have waited for this day a long time. We've trusted God that it would come. And of all the millions and millions of children on this Planet Earth .... God looked down and chose one little girl more than 7,700 miles from our home to be our daughter. He chose you for us, and He chose us for you.
Just like many things will be new to you (a family, a language, a culture, and food) parenthood will be new to Mom and Dad as well. We have prepared extensively for this day. For the things that are within our control, we are as ready as we can be. But many things are not in our control, and that's where we will trust God. God has gotten us this far ... and we're sure there is much He has yet to show all of us as we begin our forever family together.
There are three things we will promise you. Here's what they are:
1. We promise to love you well.
2. We promise to introduce you to God, and trust God as we build our forever family together.
3. We promise to let you tell your story.
We love you, Claire Qiuxia. And we'll see you very soon.
Waiting Patiently,
Mom and Dad
Mommy and Daddy just woke up to a rising sun on the river outside our hotel. It looks like October 6 will be a glorious autumn day here in China. And considering the origins of your name, how fitting that God would design it that way. We're sure He's smiling about that today. At this moment, you are likely in a van or a car somewhere on the 210-mile stretch between Guilin and Nanning. We will meet you in about seven hours.
Today, you woke up for the final time in the Guilin Social Welfare Institute that has been your home since you were three days old. We know they loved you there. They have cared for you well. And we're sure there is so much you will miss about your foster family, your friends, your other caretakers, your language, your food and everything that has become so familiar to you in your four precious years. We believe tears were shed as you left Guilin this morning. We will keep you connected to your foster family and Guilin. You have a story there. Your story belongs to you and will forever be part of you.
Today, we woke up realizing that our deepest hearts desire --- to become your parents --- will be realized by the time this same sun sets tonight over the river. Tears were shed here too, knowing that you are just hours away, that God is with us today ... and that He has orchestrated all of this to come together in a way that only God can.
We have waited for this day a long time. We've trusted God that it would come. And of all the millions and millions of children on this Planet Earth .... God looked down and chose one little girl more than 7,700 miles from our home to be our daughter. He chose you for us, and He chose us for you.
Just like many things will be new to you (a family, a language, a culture, and food) parenthood will be new to Mom and Dad as well. We have prepared extensively for this day. For the things that are within our control, we are as ready as we can be. But many things are not in our control, and that's where we will trust God. God has gotten us this far ... and we're sure there is much He has yet to show all of us as we begin our forever family together.
There are three things we will promise you. Here's what they are:
1. We promise to love you well.
2. We promise to introduce you to God, and trust God as we build our forever family together.
3. We promise to let you tell your story.
We love you, Claire Qiuxia. And we'll see you very soon.
Waiting Patiently,
Mom and Dad
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Safe and Sound in China
Hey Claire:
Just want you to know that we're safe in Nanning, China and very excited about meeting you in just two days. Nanning is a big city of about 6 million, and is the capital of the Guangxi province where you are from. At this moment, only about 210 miles separate us. That sure feels a lot closer than the 7,700 miles the separated us a few days ago when we left Chicago to come get you.
Seeing Nanning and the Guangxi province helps us understand and appreciate why you love the outdoors so much. It is beautiful and very tropical here in southern China! Our guide told us that Nanning is called the "green city" because of its lush foliage. And the weather in the Guangxi province close is to 90 degrees and it is very humid ... and they say it is wintertime here! I think you'll find winter time in Chicago to be quite different than it is in south China. (But we'll wait until we're back home to tell you that story;)
Today our guide told us that we'd meet you for the first time on Monday afternoon. From what we understand, they're going to drive you from Guilin (your birthplace) early Monday morning to meet us here, in Nanning ... the capital of your province. It should be about a six-hour drive for you. We imagine that you'll be very tired after such a long day and a long drive. And we also imagine you'll be scared because everything will be so new to you ... especially us. If it helps, you should know that we are scared too! But more than anything ... we are so excited to see you face-to-face for the first time and to hold you in our arms. We can't imagine anything that would be more special!
Well ... Mommy is already fast asleep (she has something called jet lag). And Daddy's eyes are starting to get blurry as he finishes this entry (he has jet lag too, but is not willing to admit it). We'll be back tomorrow --- and hopefully with some video --- to let you know what we find exploring here in Nanning while we wait for you to arrive.
Sleep tight, little Claire.
Waiting patiently,
Mom and Dad
Just want you to know that we're safe in Nanning, China and very excited about meeting you in just two days. Nanning is a big city of about 6 million, and is the capital of the Guangxi province where you are from. At this moment, only about 210 miles separate us. That sure feels a lot closer than the 7,700 miles the separated us a few days ago when we left Chicago to come get you.
Seeing Nanning and the Guangxi province helps us understand and appreciate why you love the outdoors so much. It is beautiful and very tropical here in southern China! Our guide told us that Nanning is called the "green city" because of its lush foliage. And the weather in the Guangxi province close is to 90 degrees and it is very humid ... and they say it is wintertime here! I think you'll find winter time in Chicago to be quite different than it is in south China. (But we'll wait until we're back home to tell you that story;)
Today our guide told us that we'd meet you for the first time on Monday afternoon. From what we understand, they're going to drive you from Guilin (your birthplace) early Monday morning to meet us here, in Nanning ... the capital of your province. It should be about a six-hour drive for you. We imagine that you'll be very tired after such a long day and a long drive. And we also imagine you'll be scared because everything will be so new to you ... especially us. If it helps, you should know that we are scared too! But more than anything ... we are so excited to see you face-to-face for the first time and to hold you in our arms. We can't imagine anything that would be more special!
Well ... Mommy is already fast asleep (she has something called jet lag). And Daddy's eyes are starting to get blurry as he finishes this entry (he has jet lag too, but is not willing to admit it). We'll be back tomorrow --- and hopefully with some video --- to let you know what we find exploring here in Nanning while we wait for you to arrive.
Sleep tight, little Claire.
Waiting patiently,
Mom and Dad
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Happy Birthday !!!
Hi Claire!
Happy Birthday! My, how you've grown since the last picture we saw of you! We hope you've had a very Happy Birthday and we're praying for you every day. We can't wait for the day we get to swoop you up into our arms! And there are lots of people here who are very excited to meet you, too!
We look at these latest pictures of you and we see a happy little girl, who loves to play, who loves to be outside, and who loves to smile ... we see our daughter. We love you very much, and we'll see you very soon!
Waiting Patiently,
Mom and Dad
Happy Birthday! My, how you've grown since the last picture we saw of you! We hope you've had a very Happy Birthday and we're praying for you every day. We can't wait for the day we get to swoop you up into our arms! And there are lots of people here who are very excited to meet you, too!
We look at these latest pictures of you and we see a happy little girl, who loves to play, who loves to be outside, and who loves to smile ... we see our daughter. We love you very much, and we'll see you very soon!
Waiting Patiently,
Mom and Dad
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Carl's Chair
Hi Claire:
Your Mom just finished working on a neat project that we think you'll enjoy very much ... she just put a special chair in your bedroom that has a very special story behind it. Here's how the story goes: Many years ago your Mom had an older brother. His name was Carl, and he was born in Sweden a few years before your Mom was. Carl was a happy, energetic young boy. In every picture we've seen of Carl, he is always smiling. Sadly, at the tender age of 2, Carl was afflicted with a serious stomach cancer which claimed his life.
A few years ago, your Mom and I were back in Sweden at Mormor's house. One day, Daddy decided to go up into the attic and explore. I wanted to see what was up there. And way back in a corner ... I found a tiny little red chair. It looked like it had been there for several years. It was covered in dust and cobwebs. I was curious about the chair. I thought at one time, it might have belonged to your Mom or her twin sister, Louise. So I brought the chair down to Mormor and asked her about it. She explained that the chair had belonged to Carl. Later in our stay, your Mom and I asked Mormor if we could keep the chair so that one day, we could give it to you. Mormor smiled and thought that was a fantastic idea. So, we packed up the little red chair in a box, and shipped it over the Atlantic Ocean to our house. And for a few years now, we've kept the chair while we waited for you.
Now that we know you're coming, Mommy decided it would be a good time to give some new life to Carl's chair. So, she went out and bought some paint to match the colors in your new bedroom. Then, she asked Daddy to sand the paint off of the little, red chair. And then Mommy went to work. Over a couple of days, she carefully painted the chair. It looks great.
We've put some special friends in the chair. They'll keep the chair warm for you until you come home. We're excited about the day when you sit in that chair. We want to read you lots of stories while you're sitting in that chair. We can imagine you coloring while you're sitting in that chair. And we hope that you have many happy times and smile a lot while you're sitting in that chair. And we also believe that up in heaven, Carl is smiling knowing that his chair has new life.
Waiting patiently,
Mom and Dad
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Meet LuLu
Hi Claire! 
I am LuLu ... the family puppy. I sure am looking forward to you getting here ... it will be nice to have another playmate! I was born in January of this year. Mommy and Daddy took me home in April, when I was about 8 weeks old. Now I'm six months old. But in dog years, I'm about the same age as you and I think that's pretty cool. SO, I figure that you and I will grow up together! And here's another cool thing ... except for Daddy, all girls live in this house! This is a pretty cool place, and I'm pretty much in charge.
One thing I'm in charge of is waking everyone up in the morning. I hope you like to get up early, cuz I usually wake up Mom and Dad between 5-5:30 am. Even on the weekends. I figure as long as I'm awake, everyone should be awake! Mom and Dad aren't as quick as I am to get up in the morning. In fact, they're usually pretty groggy. Dad especially. But, then he eventually snaps to it and gets up to take me for a morning stroll around the neighborhood, so I can make sure everyone else is up too. Maybe you can come with us and I'll show you around? I sure hope you're a morning person!
I spend most of my day doing two things: play and nap. I gotta tell ya, its a pretty good deal. As soon as we get back from our morning walk, I try to convince Daddy to play with me for a little while. He's usually pretty good about it, but sometimes he has to leave for work early. And then once he's gone, I work on Mommy all day long until she has to go to work. Then when they're gone, I take my naps. I have them both wrapped around my paw. Its pretty easy. Stick with me, and
I'll let you in on my secrets.
Basically, it works like this: Wake up. Walk. Play. Eat. Play. Poop. Nap. Play again. Play some more. Nap. Play again. Nap. Eat. Play. Poop. Play. Walk. Sleep for the night. Pretty soon, its 5 am again and time for me to wake everybody up.
Eventually, you'll probably have to go to school. I'll be bummed about that. But when you do, I'll just probably take another nap, just like I am now. (I'm snoozing between Daddy's feet while he writes this. I told him what I wanted him to write for my blog entry ... like I said, I'm pretty much in charge around here).
They've been doing a lot of work in your bedroom. (I gotta be honest ... I was hoping they'd save that room for me ... but I'm OK if they give it to you). Its green and yellow and pink. It looks pretty cool and I think you'll like it. I think I'll like hanging out in there with you. And they're working on a playroom for you too. I've been sniffing around in there ... looks like another cool place to hang out. There's some toys there already, but I can't reach them.
I like to be outside a lot. I either hang out on the deck, or I romp through the yard on my leash. I'd stay out there all day if they let me. I love it when the wind blows in my face, and I love to bury my snout in the the ground and see what I can find. At nighttime, I like to chase lightning bugs. From what Mommy and Daddy tell me, you like to be outside too. So, we can hang out there too, and have a fantastic time together. (they keep saying something about winter .... I'm not quite sure what that means, but I guess we'll find out.)
I'm also a good watchdog (at least, I think I am). When I'm not playing or napping, I hang out by the front door and bark and anyone that walks by. They won't be messing with us, I tell ya! I might be small (I'm only 5 pounds) but I pack a punch. Right now I'm in a dog obedience class. All of the other puppies are way, way, way bigger than I am. But I'm not afraid of any of them. OK ... maybe a couple.
I am one happy puppy when the whole family is home and we're just hanging out together. And I can't wait until you're here and hanging out with us. I have a feeling that you and I are going to be best buddies!
All for now (time to play),
LuLu
I am LuLu ... the family puppy. I sure am looking forward to you getting here ... it will be nice to have another playmate! I was born in January of this year. Mommy and Daddy took me home in April, when I was about 8 weeks old. Now I'm six months old. But in dog years, I'm about the same age as you and I think that's pretty cool. SO, I figure that you and I will grow up together! And here's another cool thing ... except for Daddy, all girls live in this house! This is a pretty cool place, and I'm pretty much in charge.
One thing I'm in charge of is waking everyone up in the morning. I hope you like to get up early, cuz I usually wake up Mom and Dad between 5-5:30 am. Even on the weekends. I figure as long as I'm awake, everyone should be awake! Mom and Dad aren't as quick as I am to get up in the morning. In fact, they're usually pretty groggy. Dad especially. But, then he eventually snaps to it and gets up to take me for a morning stroll around the neighborhood, so I can make sure everyone else is up too. Maybe you can come with us and I'll show you around? I sure hope you're a morning person!
I spend most of my day doing two things: play and nap. I gotta tell ya, its a pretty good deal. As soon as we get back from our morning walk, I try to convince Daddy to play with me for a little while. He's usually pretty good about it, but sometimes he has to leave for work early. And then once he's gone, I work on Mommy all day long until she has to go to work. Then when they're gone, I take my naps. I have them both wrapped around my paw. Its pretty easy. Stick with me, and
I'll let you in on my secrets.Basically, it works like this: Wake up. Walk. Play. Eat. Play. Poop. Nap. Play again. Play some more. Nap. Play again. Nap. Eat. Play. Poop. Play. Walk. Sleep for the night. Pretty soon, its 5 am again and time for me to wake everybody up.
Eventually, you'll probably have to go to school. I'll be bummed about that. But when you do, I'll just probably take another nap, just like I am now. (I'm snoozing between Daddy's feet while he writes this. I told him what I wanted him to write for my blog entry ... like I said, I'm pretty much in charge around here).
They've been doing a lot of work in your bedroom. (I gotta be honest ... I was hoping they'd save that room for me ... but I'm OK if they give it to you). Its green and yellow and pink. It looks pretty cool and I think you'll like it. I think I'll like hanging out in there with you. And they're working on a playroom for you too. I've been sniffing around in there ... looks like another cool place to hang out. There's some toys there already, but I can't reach them.
I like to be outside a lot. I either hang out on the deck, or I romp through the yard on my leash. I'd stay out there all day if they let me. I love it when the wind blows in my face, and I love to bury my snout in the the ground and see what I can find. At nighttime, I like to chase lightning bugs. From what Mommy and Daddy tell me, you like to be outside too. So, we can hang out there too, and have a fantastic time together. (they keep saying something about winter .... I'm not quite sure what that means, but I guess we'll find out.)
I'm also a good watchdog (at least, I think I am). When I'm not playing or napping, I hang out by the front door and bark and anyone that walks by. They won't be messing with us, I tell ya! I might be small (I'm only 5 pounds) but I pack a punch. Right now I'm in a dog obedience class. All of the other puppies are way, way, way bigger than I am. But I'm not afraid of any of them. OK ... maybe a couple.
I am one happy puppy when the whole family is home and we're just hanging out together. And I can't wait until you're here and hanging out with us. I have a feeling that you and I are going to be best buddies!
All for now (time to play),
LuLu
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Meet Your Dad
Dear Claire,
Mom here! Usually it is Dad who is blogging but I snuck in and decided it was time to tell you a little about your father. After all, it's only fair you learn more about the man you have made the happiest father on the planet!
Your dad has been waiting a really really long time for you. He has talked about you often and wondered what your Chinese name is, how old you are, where you live, what you look like and even what your favorite foods are. For so long, he longed to have a daughter and wondered if it would ever really happen.
Then on June 12, 2008, everything changed. We got the call from our adoption agency Children's Hope and they asked if we would like to adopt a little four year old girl from the city of Guilin - YOU! We said yes, and daddy has been floating on air ever since.
There are a couple of things you should know about daddy. First, he is a master planner/organizer. He loves order and does his best to make sure everything is in its proper place in the house. As soon as he heard you were coming, he ran to our back bedroom (soon to be your room) and starting planning where he would put your bed, where the dresser would go, what pictures we would hang on the wall and what kind lamp would be best on your nightstand. He loves you so much already and wants everything to be perfect for when you arrive home to your forever family!
The second thing you should know about your daddy is that he has a very tender heart. He loves to tell people what they mean to him and is very good at showing people love and concern. He is an excellent husband, friend, son, employee, brother and soon to be father. He has an especially tender heart towards our puppy Lulu. You should see him with her Claire! He gets down on his tummy and plays for her for an hour at a time and she just loves it. She climbs in bed with him at night and he lets her lick his face. He talks to her and takes her for walks and even participates in an obedience class with her every Tuesday night. He is definitely puppy and poodle whipped!
Another thing you have already probably figured out by now is that your father is an excellent writer. It started way back in high school when Grandpa suggested he go down to the local newspaper in Woodstock and apply for a job since he was such a good writer. He did and got the job! From then on, every job dad ever had involved writing. He is very versatile and can pretty much write about anything and everything. Although he writes about business and employee communications at Motorola, his dream is to one day get published as a Christian writer. I think that would make God's heart sing, don't you Claire? One day I'll show you all the emails dad wrote to me while we were dating. I saved them all and put them in a large blue binder because they mean so much to me. Daddy has a wonderful way with words and makes me feel so well loved when he writes to me. I'm sure you'll soon feel the same way.
Daddy has a real heart for God too. He is always striving to be a better person and a man more in tune with God. He recently got involved in a wonderful organization called Dare to Soar. He went on a weekend experiential retreat and came back a changed man! He says he wants to be the best husband, father, friend, son and brother he can be so he meets with other men on a weekly basis who hold him accountable. I'm so proud of him and all he does to grow more into the man God created him to be.
To say that your dad loves ice cream would be an understatement! The man is absolutely crazy about ice cream. He could literally eat it morning, noon and night. He told me how he is going to take you to Oberweis, Dairy Queen, and Dairy Mart when you arrive. Daddy wants to introduce you to all kinds of new flavors you have never tasted before. He even took Lulu to Oberweis one day so she could experience it for herself! Mommy thought that was a little extreme!
Well, there is so much more to tell you about when it comes to Daddy, but you'll discover them for yourself when you arrive. We can't wait for you to get here. We are counting the days and getting your room and our house ready for you. We hope you will feel welcomed and loved as soon as you set foot in the door. Daddy and I already love you so much and can't wait to meet you Claire!
Love,
Mommy
Mom here! Usually it is Dad who is blogging but I snuck in and decided it was time to tell you a little about your father. After all, it's only fair you learn more about the man you have made the happiest father on the planet!
Your dad has been waiting a really really long time for you. He has talked about you often and wondered what your Chinese name is, how old you are, where you live, what you look like and even what your favorite foods are. For so long, he longed to have a daughter and wondered if it would ever really happen.
Then on June 12, 2008, everything changed. We got the call from our adoption agency Children's Hope and they asked if we would like to adopt a little four year old girl from the city of Guilin - YOU! We said yes, and daddy has been floating on air ever since.
There are a couple of things you should know about daddy. First, he is a master planner/organizer. He loves order and does his best to make sure everything is in its proper place in the house. As soon as he heard you were coming, he ran to our back bedroom (soon to be your room) and starting planning where he would put your bed, where the dresser would go, what pictures we would hang on the wall and what kind lamp would be best on your nightstand. He loves you so much already and wants everything to be perfect for when you arrive home to your forever family!
The second thing you should know about your daddy is that he has a very tender heart. He loves to tell people what they mean to him and is very good at showing people love and concern. He is an excellent husband, friend, son, employee, brother and soon to be father. He has an especially tender heart towards our puppy Lulu. You should see him with her Claire! He gets down on his tummy and plays for her for an hour at a time and she just loves it. She climbs in bed with him at night and he lets her lick his face. He talks to her and takes her for walks and even participates in an obedience class with her every Tuesday night. He is definitely puppy and poodle whipped!
Another thing you have already probably figured out by now is that your father is an excellent writer. It started way back in high school when Grandpa suggested he go down to the local newspaper in Woodstock and apply for a job since he was such a good writer. He did and got the job! From then on, every job dad ever had involved writing. He is very versatile and can pretty much write about anything and everything. Although he writes about business and employee communications at Motorola, his dream is to one day get published as a Christian writer. I think that would make God's heart sing, don't you Claire? One day I'll show you all the emails dad wrote to me while we were dating. I saved them all and put them in a large blue binder because they mean so much to me. Daddy has a wonderful way with words and makes me feel so well loved when he writes to me. I'm sure you'll soon feel the same way.
Daddy has a real heart for God too. He is always striving to be a better person and a man more in tune with God. He recently got involved in a wonderful organization called Dare to Soar. He went on a weekend experiential retreat and came back a changed man! He says he wants to be the best husband, father, friend, son and brother he can be so he meets with other men on a weekly basis who hold him accountable. I'm so proud of him and all he does to grow more into the man God created him to be.
To say that your dad loves ice cream would be an understatement! The man is absolutely crazy about ice cream. He could literally eat it morning, noon and night. He told me how he is going to take you to Oberweis, Dairy Queen, and Dairy Mart when you arrive. Daddy wants to introduce you to all kinds of new flavors you have never tasted before. He even took Lulu to Oberweis one day so she could experience it for herself! Mommy thought that was a little extreme!
Well, there is so much more to tell you about when it comes to Daddy, but you'll discover them for yourself when you arrive. We can't wait for you to get here. We are counting the days and getting your room and our house ready for you. We hope you will feel welcomed and loved as soon as you set foot in the door. Daddy and I already love you so much and can't wait to meet you Claire!
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day, 2008
I Know Your Name, I See Your Face
Dear Claire:
It is Father's Day, 2008 and I believe that I am the happiest father on the planet!
Claire. I finally know your name! For so long, now ... I've written and thought about a child who I could only call "little one." I did not know your name. I could not see your face. I did not know if "little one" was even a boy or a girl (but I was hoping for a girl!). Your Mom and I have done our best to trust God in building our forever family. But for such a long time, I wasn't sure if my "little one" was real.
Now I know your name. Claire is our chosen name for you. We chose it because Claire means glorious. That fits you well. I haven't even met you, but I know in my heart that you are glorious gift from God. You have a name that also will forever be part of your roots. That name is Qiuxia. In Chinese, it means "clouds in autumn." I suspect you received that name because you were born on August 15, just prior to the autumn harvest in China. Put your names together ... Claire Qiuxia .. and it means "glorious clouds in autumn." I love autumn. I love the briskness in the air, I love the radiance and changing colors of nature. For me, autumn always signaled a season of renewal. And I know that will be true this autumn, when God introduces you to Helena and I and we become a forever family. I've read that you love the outdoors. Here is what the profile about you: "She would touch the flowers and grass and laugh loudly and happily whenver she saw them on the lawn. " I can't wait to take your hand, and go on some Saturday morning Daddy-daughter walks this autumn in the forest preserve near our house. I'll show you the awesome power of God as the leave change colors and nature transforms. I'll show you the glorious clouds in autumn. I believe that same awesome power of God is what brought you to us.
Now I can see your face. You are beautiful! Every time I look at you, I fall more in love with you! I can see a little girl who knows she is well-loved. I can see a little girl who loves to smile, laugh and express herself. I can see a little girl who loves to read picture books. I can see a little girl with precious dreams. I can see a little girl who will become my little princess. And then my big princess. And one day, a beautiful woman whose life and legacy is one that honors and glorifies God.
Being a Daddy has been the deepest desire of my heart for a long time. And to be honest, sometimes I wondered whether that dream would ever come true. Maybe I didn't have what it takes to be a Dad? Maybe God had another plan for me? That made me sad.
But now I know your name. I can see your face. I can imagine you. As I write this on Sunday night in the United States, I know that it is almost noontime on Monday for you. I imagine you coming in from playing outside. You are laughing. You are smiling. And as you eat lunch, you are sharing your food generously with the other children (I know that's true, because they said that's what you do!)
I also know that I'll hold you in my arms very soon. God has blessed me with a wonderful gift, Claire. The gift of fatherhood. The gift of YOU. He does have a plan for me. And He knows I have what it takes to be a Dad. And to prove it, He will entrust me to care for you --- one of His most treasured children. I'm not sad anymore! Now, I feel happy, excited, tender ... and even scared to tell you the truth.
I will love you well, Claire. I promise. Sometimes I'll get that right. And sometimes I'll probably mess that up. But ... I will always do my very best to love you well. I will claim you. I will fight for you. I will cry for you. I will be available and accessible. I will tuck you in at night. I will read you stories. I will teach you how to ride a bike. I'll take you to the park ... and then maybe Oberweiss or Dairy Queen afterward (don't tell Mommy!).
Thanks for making me the happiest Father on the planet this Father's Day!
Love,
Daddy
Dear Claire:
It is Father's Day, 2008 and I believe that I am the happiest father on the planet!
Claire. I finally know your name! For so long, now ... I've written and thought about a child who I could only call "little one." I did not know your name. I could not see your face. I did not know if "little one" was even a boy or a girl (but I was hoping for a girl!). Your Mom and I have done our best to trust God in building our forever family. But for such a long time, I wasn't sure if my "little one" was real.
Now I know your name. Claire is our chosen name for you. We chose it because Claire means glorious. That fits you well. I haven't even met you, but I know in my heart that you are glorious gift from God. You have a name that also will forever be part of your roots. That name is Qiuxia. In Chinese, it means "clouds in autumn." I suspect you received that name because you were born on August 15, just prior to the autumn harvest in China. Put your names together ... Claire Qiuxia .. and it means "glorious clouds in autumn." I love autumn. I love the briskness in the air, I love the radiance and changing colors of nature. For me, autumn always signaled a season of renewal. And I know that will be true this autumn, when God introduces you to Helena and I and we become a forever family. I've read that you love the outdoors. Here is what the profile about you: "She would touch the flowers and grass and laugh loudly and happily whenver she saw them on the lawn. " I can't wait to take your hand, and go on some Saturday morning Daddy-daughter walks this autumn in the forest preserve near our house. I'll show you the awesome power of God as the leave change colors and nature transforms. I'll show you the glorious clouds in autumn. I believe that same awesome power of God is what brought you to us.
Now I can see your face. You are beautiful! Every time I look at you, I fall more in love with you! I can see a little girl who knows she is well-loved. I can see a little girl who loves to smile, laugh and express herself. I can see a little girl who loves to read picture books. I can see a little girl with precious dreams. I can see a little girl who will become my little princess. And then my big princess. And one day, a beautiful woman whose life and legacy is one that honors and glorifies God.
Being a Daddy has been the deepest desire of my heart for a long time. And to be honest, sometimes I wondered whether that dream would ever come true. Maybe I didn't have what it takes to be a Dad? Maybe God had another plan for me? That made me sad.
But now I know your name. I can see your face. I can imagine you. As I write this on Sunday night in the United States, I know that it is almost noontime on Monday for you. I imagine you coming in from playing outside. You are laughing. You are smiling. And as you eat lunch, you are sharing your food generously with the other children (I know that's true, because they said that's what you do!)
I also know that I'll hold you in my arms very soon. God has blessed me with a wonderful gift, Claire. The gift of fatherhood. The gift of YOU. He does have a plan for me. And He knows I have what it takes to be a Dad. And to prove it, He will entrust me to care for you --- one of His most treasured children. I'm not sad anymore! Now, I feel happy, excited, tender ... and even scared to tell you the truth.
I will love you well, Claire. I promise. Sometimes I'll get that right. And sometimes I'll probably mess that up. But ... I will always do my very best to love you well. I will claim you. I will fight for you. I will cry for you. I will be available and accessible. I will tuck you in at night. I will read you stories. I will teach you how to ride a bike. I'll take you to the park ... and then maybe Oberweiss or Dairy Queen afterward (don't tell Mommy!).
Thanks for making me the happiest Father on the planet this Father's Day!
Love,
Daddy
Early Post: Meet Your Mom (December, 2006)
Jeff's Note: This is the second post of an initial blog we started when our adoption process became "official" in December, 2006. At the time, we lived in our first home in Arlington Heights, IL.
30 December 2006
Meet Your Mom
Dear Little One:
Next to the miracle of you coming to us, I believe your Mom is the best part of the entire story. So, I thought I'd introduce you to her first thing. Her name is Helena. And next to the gift of God himself, your Mom is the most magnificent gift that God has ever blessed me with. She is an extraordinary woman. And I know that she and you will become the best of friends. Just this morning, your Mom and I were talking about you. It made her cry. We don't even know you, yet. We don't know if you've even been born. We don't know if you're a boy or a girl. We don't know anything like that. But we do know that some day, you are coming. Mom talks about that day a lot. She imagines what that day will be like. Until then, she prays for you every day. She prays that God will lead us to you. Whenever we talk about you, Mom cries. She doesn't cry because she's sad. She cries because you already have a special place in her heart and she wants to draw closer to you every day.
I knew there was something special about your Mom the day I met her. That would have been sometime back in about ... 2001 or so (she'll probably challenge me on that because she says I always get my numbers mixed up.) I met her at church. I can show you the exact place ... and one day, I will. From the day I met her, I knew I'd see her again. Soon enough, you'll see what I mean. When I think of your Mom, I always go to a verse in the Bible ... it is Matthew 5:16:"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
When I first met your Mom, I knew that God's light is inside of her. And I could see early that she was a light to others. Want to hear something cool? This will give you an idea of how awesome God really is. Take a guess at what your Mom's name - Helena - really means? Well, if you go back to Latin and some of the earliest languages in history, you'll learn that your mom's name means "torch" or "moon." And guess what's special about the moon or a torch? They are always giving off light ... just like your Mom.
I like this picture, over here to the left (she's not as fond of it as I am). In fact, I like
this picture so much, I carry it with me everywhere I go. Tell me what you see? I see a woman who is gentle and tender-hearted. I see someone who is thoughtful and deliberate. I see someone who is beautiful on the inside and on the outside. I see someone who is confident in her relationship with God. I see a woman who is well-loved (I'll take a little credit for that!). I see a woman with a light heart. I see a woman who is incredibly humble (speaking of which, Mom probably thinks I'm getting carried away right now). I see a woman who casts light into others. I see a Mom who some day, will cast light into you. Can you see it, too? I knew you would!
Your mom is smart. She always did really well in school. She studied hard, and she got good grades. She went to high school, college, and then went on to get two different graduate degrees (that's one better than Dad!). For a long time, she worked in the business world. She worked for a large insurance company. She worked hard and did well. But after about 13 years or so, she got a leading from God to do something else (this is where the casting light part comes in). God led Mom on a path to become a Christian counselor. That is what she is today. Mom draws close to other people, helps them with the problems they have in life, and then she helps them draw closer to God. That makes your Mom happy. And it makes God happy, too. Your mom is a great listener, which is probably why God led her to become a counselor. She's going to love listening to you tell her about your day, what you learned, who you met, and how you feel. She'll make you feel like the most special person in the world. (Trust me, I know!)
Your mom loves to read. She'll read up to 4-5 different books at a time (that drives Dad a little crazy. I always wonder how she keeps track of what she's reading! Daddy can only read one book at a time.) In fact, just last night, Mom was up until the wee hours of the morning reading a book that a friend gave her for Christmas. I know that Mom is going to be reading lots and lots of stories to you. (Make sure she reads you one called "You Are Special." That's one of Dad's favorites!)
Your mom loves home more than any other place in the world. Mom loves our house. She says it fits us just right. It is cozy, it is peaceful and it is in a great neighborhood (wait until you see the park down the street!). Dad thinks the house is actually a little small, but Mom loves it ... so I'm not pushing my luck. A perfect day for Mom at home is a good book, a comfortable couch, an open window, a cup of tea, fresh air and sunny skies. She'll love to share a day like that with you.
Your mom loves her family. She especially loves her own Mom ... another very special woman you'll come to know as Mor-Mor (that's Swedish for Grandma). Mor-M
or is your Mom's Inspiration Here's a picture of Mor-Mor and your Mom over to the right. Mor-Mor also loves God very much. God has been a part of Mor-Mor's life for a long time. And thanks to God's faithfulness, Mor-Mor has been a very strong and courageous woman all of her life. Mor-Mor has taught your Mom everything she knows. Mor- Mor has always been faithful (she prays for you all the time). God has blessed Mor-Mor for being faithful.Just like your Mom, Mor-Mor loves God and her family more than anything else in the world. Mor- Mor is your Mom's biggest fan. Once I asked your Mom who understood her better than anyone in the world. Without hesitating, some tears came to her eyes and she said "My Mom." Mor-Mor is the person who taught your Mom how to love God and how to love other people.
My prayer is that one day if somone asks you that question: "Hey little one, who understands you better than anyone else in the world?" That a tear or two will come to your eyes, and ... without hesitating ... you'll say ... "My Mom."
I have a lot more to tell you about your Mom ..... her favorite color (blue), what she likes to eat (fresh fruit), what makes her laugh (Dad), her favorite stories, her best friends, and her favorite childhood memories (growing up on the family farm in Sweden).
But you and I will have plenty of time for that. In the meantime, I hope and pray that you will come to feel the same way that I do about your Mom. You have a special place in Mom's heart ... and it gets bigger and bigger every day.
Waiting patiently,
Dad
30 December 2006
Meet Your Mom
Dear Little One:
Next to the miracle of you coming to us, I believe your Mom is the best part of the entire story. So, I thought I'd introduce you to her first thing. Her name is Helena. And next to the gift of God himself, your Mom is the most magnificent gift that God has ever blessed me with. She is an extraordinary woman. And I know that she and you will become the best of friends. Just this morning, your Mom and I were talking about you. It made her cry. We don't even know you, yet. We don't know if you've even been born. We don't know if you're a boy or a girl. We don't know anything like that. But we do know that some day, you are coming. Mom talks about that day a lot. She imagines what that day will be like. Until then, she prays for you every day. She prays that God will lead us to you. Whenever we talk about you, Mom cries. She doesn't cry because she's sad. She cries because you already have a special place in her heart and she wants to draw closer to you every day.
I knew there was something special about your Mom the day I met her. That would have been sometime back in about ... 2001 or so (she'll probably challenge me on that because she says I always get my numbers mixed up.) I met her at church. I can show you the exact place ... and one day, I will. From the day I met her, I knew I'd see her again. Soon enough, you'll see what I mean. When I think of your Mom, I always go to a verse in the Bible ... it is Matthew 5:16:"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
When I first met your Mom, I knew that God's light is inside of her. And I could see early that she was a light to others. Want to hear something cool? This will give you an idea of how awesome God really is. Take a guess at what your Mom's name - Helena - really means? Well, if you go back to Latin and some of the earliest languages in history, you'll learn that your mom's name means "torch" or "moon." And guess what's special about the moon or a torch? They are always giving off light ... just like your Mom.
I like this picture, over here to the left (she's not as fond of it as I am). In fact, I like
this picture so much, I carry it with me everywhere I go. Tell me what you see? I see a woman who is gentle and tender-hearted. I see someone who is thoughtful and deliberate. I see someone who is beautiful on the inside and on the outside. I see someone who is confident in her relationship with God. I see a woman who is well-loved (I'll take a little credit for that!). I see a woman with a light heart. I see a woman who is incredibly humble (speaking of which, Mom probably thinks I'm getting carried away right now). I see a woman who casts light into others. I see a Mom who some day, will cast light into you. Can you see it, too? I knew you would!Your mom is smart. She always did really well in school. She studied hard, and she got good grades. She went to high school, college, and then went on to get two different graduate degrees (that's one better than Dad!). For a long time, she worked in the business world. She worked for a large insurance company. She worked hard and did well. But after about 13 years or so, she got a leading from God to do something else (this is where the casting light part comes in). God led Mom on a path to become a Christian counselor. That is what she is today. Mom draws close to other people, helps them with the problems they have in life, and then she helps them draw closer to God. That makes your Mom happy. And it makes God happy, too. Your mom is a great listener, which is probably why God led her to become a counselor. She's going to love listening to you tell her about your day, what you learned, who you met, and how you feel. She'll make you feel like the most special person in the world. (Trust me, I know!)
Your mom loves to read. She'll read up to 4-5 different books at a time (that drives Dad a little crazy. I always wonder how she keeps track of what she's reading! Daddy can only read one book at a time.) In fact, just last night, Mom was up until the wee hours of the morning reading a book that a friend gave her for Christmas. I know that Mom is going to be reading lots and lots of stories to you. (Make sure she reads you one called "You Are Special." That's one of Dad's favorites!)
Your mom loves home more than any other place in the world. Mom loves our house. She says it fits us just right. It is cozy, it is peaceful and it is in a great neighborhood (wait until you see the park down the street!). Dad thinks the house is actually a little small, but Mom loves it ... so I'm not pushing my luck. A perfect day for Mom at home is a good book, a comfortable couch, an open window, a cup of tea, fresh air and sunny skies. She'll love to share a day like that with you.
Your mom loves her family. She especially loves her own Mom ... another very special woman you'll come to know as Mor-Mor (that's Swedish for Grandma). Mor-M
or is your Mom's Inspiration Here's a picture of Mor-Mor and your Mom over to the right. Mor-Mor also loves God very much. God has been a part of Mor-Mor's life for a long time. And thanks to God's faithfulness, Mor-Mor has been a very strong and courageous woman all of her life. Mor-Mor has taught your Mom everything she knows. Mor- Mor has always been faithful (she prays for you all the time). God has blessed Mor-Mor for being faithful.Just like your Mom, Mor-Mor loves God and her family more than anything else in the world. Mor- Mor is your Mom's biggest fan. Once I asked your Mom who understood her better than anyone in the world. Without hesitating, some tears came to her eyes and she said "My Mom." Mor-Mor is the person who taught your Mom how to love God and how to love other people.My prayer is that one day if somone asks you that question: "Hey little one, who understands you better than anyone else in the world?" That a tear or two will come to your eyes, and ... without hesitating ... you'll say ... "My Mom."
I have a lot more to tell you about your Mom ..... her favorite color (blue), what she likes to eat (fresh fruit), what makes her laugh (Dad), her favorite stories, her best friends, and her favorite childhood memories (growing up on the family farm in Sweden).
But you and I will have plenty of time for that. In the meantime, I hope and pray that you will come to feel the same way that I do about your Mom. You have a special place in Mom's heart ... and it gets bigger and bigger every day.
Waiting patiently,
Dad
Early Post: The Christmas Story (December, 2006)
Jeff's Note: This is a post from an initial blog we began in December of 2006, when the adoption journey became "official" for us. At this time, we had completed an exhaustive application and home study process that began in June, 2006. About a week prior to this posting, we had completed our formal adoption package (dossier) and sent it to China. The wait for Claire began ...
23 December 2006
The Christmas Story
Dear Little One:
Your story actually starts with another story ... the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the greatest adoption story ever told. I never thought about it that way until I started reading some stuff from Steven Curtis Chapman, a Christian music artist and himself an adoptive parent of three little girls from China. Chapman and his wife Mary Beth also have founded an organization called Shohannah's Hope, which is named after one of his three Asian daughters and focused on mobilizing the body of Christ to care for orphans around the world.
Adoption, Chapman writes, is the perfect picture of what God has done for each of us in making us His children through Christ. Check out what the Bible says in Luke, Chapter 2, Verse 10: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in a town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Jesus, the son of God, came down from heaven to earth on Christmas. He cast aside His divine being and took on human form so that He could become a God who walked
and talked face-to-face with the people He loved so much. Jesus became the light and hope of a world who desperately needed it. In His short 33 years on earth touched hearts, changed lives and produced miracles. Christ changed water to wine. He talked with the poorest of the poor, while others treated them as outcasts. He healed the sick. He fed the masses. He walked on water. He calmed stormy seas. He challenged false authority. He gave sight to the blind. He raised Lazarus from the dead. He washed the feet of His disciples. He taught us about forgiveness, grace, compassion, mercy, humility, hope, joy and love. He was literally heaven on earth.
Jesus kept it pretty simple for us (He knows us well). In order to follow Him and glorify God in our lives, we need only remember two things:
1. Love God
2. Love each other
"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."- John 3:16
The life of Jesus Christ is not as much about Him coming TO us, as it is about Him coming FOR us. Jesus' time on earth was temporary. So is ours. God's true design for us is to live an eternal life with Him in Heaven ... a place so glorious that none of us could possibly imagine it. We are all treasured children of the most high God. I think about it this way: Jesus Christ is the world's greatest adoption agency. It doesn't get any better than a home Heaven, and Jesus is the one who takes us there. If we sign up with Him, believe in Him, profess Him to be the leader of our lives, and model our lives as best we can after His ... we will have eternal life in God's forever family.
For Helena and I ... Jesus Christ is the leader of our lives, our marriage and our family. We stumble and misstep everyday. But Jesus gives us unconditional love. We get back up, ask Him to show us the way and start fresh. Love Each Other.
Helena and I also believe that building our family through adoption is one way we can glorify God with our lives here on earth. As Steven Curtis Chapman points out, God calls after His children to care for widows and orphans in the book of James (1:27).
On Christmas morning this year, all of us will be blessed with presents to open, family to gather with, warm homes, and unconditional love. Meanwhile, for millions of orphaned children in the United States and across the world, Christmas only highlights for them what they don't have and so desperately want and need: a family. Despite the abundance in our lives, our hearts will be a little empty this Christmas morning.
Our deepest desire is to be parents. We realize that one --- maybe two --- Christmases will pass by before we celebrate the glory and majesty of Christmas with a little child in our home. But Christmas is about believing. Christmas is about hope. Christmas is about miracles. We believe our miracle will come ... Some Day.
And the funny thing is, just like Jesus ... you won't be coming TO us. you'll be coming FOR us. We pray that you'll believe this Christmas. We do.
Welcome to your story.
Love,
Mom & Dad ... waiting patiently
23 December 2006
The Christmas Story
Dear Little One:
Your story actually starts with another story ... the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the greatest adoption story ever told. I never thought about it that way until I started reading some stuff from Steven Curtis Chapman, a Christian music artist and himself an adoptive parent of three little girls from China. Chapman and his wife Mary Beth also have founded an organization called Shohannah's Hope, which is named after one of his three Asian daughters and focused on mobilizing the body of Christ to care for orphans around the world.
Adoption, Chapman writes, is the perfect picture of what God has done for each of us in making us His children through Christ. Check out what the Bible says in Luke, Chapter 2, Verse 10: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in a town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Jesus, the son of God, came down from heaven to earth on Christmas. He cast aside His divine being and took on human form so that He could become a God who walked
and talked face-to-face with the people He loved so much. Jesus became the light and hope of a world who desperately needed it. In His short 33 years on earth touched hearts, changed lives and produced miracles. Christ changed water to wine. He talked with the poorest of the poor, while others treated them as outcasts. He healed the sick. He fed the masses. He walked on water. He calmed stormy seas. He challenged false authority. He gave sight to the blind. He raised Lazarus from the dead. He washed the feet of His disciples. He taught us about forgiveness, grace, compassion, mercy, humility, hope, joy and love. He was literally heaven on earth.Jesus kept it pretty simple for us (He knows us well). In order to follow Him and glorify God in our lives, we need only remember two things:
1. Love God
2. Love each other
"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."- John 3:16
The life of Jesus Christ is not as much about Him coming TO us, as it is about Him coming FOR us. Jesus' time on earth was temporary. So is ours. God's true design for us is to live an eternal life with Him in Heaven ... a place so glorious that none of us could possibly imagine it. We are all treasured children of the most high God. I think about it this way: Jesus Christ is the world's greatest adoption agency. It doesn't get any better than a home Heaven, and Jesus is the one who takes us there. If we sign up with Him, believe in Him, profess Him to be the leader of our lives, and model our lives as best we can after His ... we will have eternal life in God's forever family.
For Helena and I ... Jesus Christ is the leader of our lives, our marriage and our family. We stumble and misstep everyday. But Jesus gives us unconditional love. We get back up, ask Him to show us the way and start fresh. Love Each Other.
Helena and I also believe that building our family through adoption is one way we can glorify God with our lives here on earth. As Steven Curtis Chapman points out, God calls after His children to care for widows and orphans in the book of James (1:27).
On Christmas morning this year, all of us will be blessed with presents to open, family to gather with, warm homes, and unconditional love. Meanwhile, for millions of orphaned children in the United States and across the world, Christmas only highlights for them what they don't have and so desperately want and need: a family. Despite the abundance in our lives, our hearts will be a little empty this Christmas morning.
Our deepest desire is to be parents. We realize that one --- maybe two --- Christmases will pass by before we celebrate the glory and majesty of Christmas with a little child in our home. But Christmas is about believing. Christmas is about hope. Christmas is about miracles. We believe our miracle will come ... Some Day.
And the funny thing is, just like Jesus ... you won't be coming TO us. you'll be coming FOR us. We pray that you'll believe this Christmas. We do.
Welcome to your story.
Love,
Mom & Dad ... waiting patiently
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