Our Journey to Grace Cecile

2007-05-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hello all!!! I am turning the family blog job over to Holly because she has been doing her own blog which is much better than mine. Also, she is more committed to posting pictures and staying up to date. Please check it out so you can continue to see Gracie grow and keep up with how all of us are doing.

Holly's blog is: hollysmeimei.blogspot.com

("mei mei" means little sister in Chinese)

2007-03-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
We have created a new blog since we have completed our journey to bring Grace home and are now enjoying her at home. Therefore.... our new site is
www.athomewithgracececile.blogspot.com

We will try to post pictures of all three kids and keep you informed on how Grace is doing!

2007-03-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Steve loved this one!

2007-03-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Our Happy Girl!

2007-03-12T14:38:00.002-07:00

What a sweet face!

2007-03-12T14:38:00.001-07:00

Our little "beach girl"!

2007-03-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

This pose was my favorite!

2007-03-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Just figured out that I could post the portraits we had taken of Grace on February 22, 07. They turned out precious. She is doing great!

2007-02-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

Playtime outside! Gracie loves being outside.

2007-02-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

Steve's Mom, Martha, came for a visit and was able to spend some quality time with Gracie. They had lots of fun together.

2007-02-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Gracie is doing wonderfully. Considering all the changes in this little girls life, she has adjusted wonderfully. She is very loving with all of us and smiles and laughs all the time. She has become part of our family so easily. She was just meant to be with us!

We feel very blessed to have her and she is very precious to all of us!

2007-02-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

Pretty girl!

2007-02-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

This was the best we got!

2007-02-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

Gracie's "boyfriend" Noah came over for playtime. Holly had the difficult task of keeping the two one year olds still for a picture!

2007-02-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

Noodles are still Gracie's favorite food. She has a fabulous appetite and she is a little eating machine! She loves any kind of pasta, chicken, and lots of fruits.

2007-02-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Gracie's Godparents - Cousin Allen and his wife Jeannie. She had a great visit with them and we know they are the perfect choice for Godparents for Grace!

2007-02-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Gracie's cousin Allen came to visit.

2007-02-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

It hasn't taken Gracie long to find out that it is lots of fun dropping food for Abby!

2007-02-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

Noodles are still Gracie's favorite meal!

2007-02-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

We think Gracie likes walking around her yard!

2007-02-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

Holly, Ryan and Gracie chilling outside on the deck.

2007-02-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

I think we have a Duke fan on our hands!

2007-02-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Home at Last!

2007-02-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

Airport! Home at last!

Steve's Mom Martha, was there to meet us at the airport as well as Steve's two sister's Jackie and Cathy.

Our good friends Gracie and her Dad Chuck greeted us right as we got off the plane! And our friend Tiffany and Taylor were there also with big smiles and warm hugs.

Home Sweet Home

2007-02-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

We are all safely home at last! We arrived late Saturday afternoon. Gracie has been sick and is now on antibiotics with an upper respiratory infection. Even with all the changes and being sick on top of it, she is still doing remarkably well adjusting.

Jet lag has been tough. Today we are all starting to feel more like ourselves. Holly and Ryan return to school tomorrow (Tuesday) and Steve went back to work today. I still have 9 weeks left on my family leave and am so glad will be able to spend it with Grace.

Will post some more pictures later.
Love,
Di, Steve, Holly, Ryan and Gracie

2007-02-07T04:22:00.000-08:00

READY TO COME HOME!!!!

Although The White Swan is beautiful and everyone here is very friendly, we are soooo ready to come home. We can't wait to get our new girl home.

We have done so well the whole trip but now Gracie is getting a cold and Mommy too. Many babies and adults in our group have been sick with cold viruses so I guess it is our turn. Hopefully it won't get too bad for Gracie. We are all tired and ready to be home.

Tomorrow is our last day in Guangzhou. We go to the American Consulate tomorrow afternoon to get Grace's Visa and tomorrow night is our farewell banquet. Our group has been wonderful and we have gotten to know some very special families.

Hope everyone is well.
Love to all,
Di, Steve, Holly, Ryan, and Gracie

2007-02-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

Strolling the streets of Guangzhou.

2007-02-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

View of the Pearl river. White Swan hotel is located right on the water.

2007-02-07T04:14:00.000-08:00

Holly took this picture of proud Mom and Dad and Grace.

The grounds around the White Swan are beautiful.

2007-02-07T04:12:00.000-08:00

Goofing around with my big brother!

2007-02-07T04:09:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Morning

Me and my baby girl!

2007-02-07T04:07:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 7th

Yeah!!! Gracie finally doesn't scream the entire time in the bathtub!

2007-02-06T01:38:00.002-08:00

Gracie did not like being weighed or measured.

She is 21 lbs. and 32 inches!!! What a big girl!

2007-02-06T01:38:00.001-08:00

Gracie did not like being weighed or measured.

She is 21 lbs. and 32 inches!!! What a big girl!

2007-02-06T01:38:00.000-08:00

Gracie did not like being weighed or measured.

She is 21 lbs. and 32 inches!!! What a big girl!

2007-02-06T01:36:00.000-08:00

Gracie is not enjoying this!

2007-02-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

Tuesday

Gracie at the medical clinic getting ready for her exam. She is not so sure about this.

2007-02-06T01:31:00.000-08:00

View from our room at The White Swan. Beautiful at night - lights everywhere!

2007-02-06T01:28:00.000-08:00

Lunch at one of the many restaurants at The White Swan. There is a waterfall behind us and lots of fish in the water that Ryan enjoyed feeding his lunch to! We could get used to this place!

2007-02-06T01:26:00.000-08:00

Holly and Gracie after a delicious lunch at The White Swan.

We just love this little girl!

2007-02-06T01:25:00.000-08:00

The store where we bought these outfits are painting their images inside a bottle. They are amazingly beautiful! We are really having a fun day shopping and being outside. The weather is beautiful.

2007-02-06T01:21:00.000-08:00

Guanzhou!!!!

We arrived Monday evening. This is definately the most westernized city that we have been in yet. More people speak English. The food is good. We are staying at the White Swan which is absolutely beautiful. Fountains, plants everywhere.

Here are the kids in their offical Chinese attire!

2007-02-06T01:19:00.000-08:00

Mommy getting some loving from her Gracie girl!

2007-02-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

Very typical apartment view here in Nanchang.

2007-02-06T01:15:00.000-08:00

2007-02-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

One of the beautiful views inside the temple courtyard.

2007-02-06T01:08:00.000-08:00

Holly and Ryan and Haley burning incense for the babies at the temple.

2007-02-06T00:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 4, 2007

2007-02-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Today is a down day for us. Tomorrow on to Guangzhou. We may venture out to the park in a little bit and to a nearby temple. Gracie is doing great and all the babies seem to be adjusting so well. Have included pictures of some of the babies in our group.

Gracie is getting more and more social. She loves interacting with her "best friend" Kaylie. She also seems to love looking at herself in the mirror; perhaps it is the first time for her.
She is very smart and so loving. She has a precious giggle.

Keep the e-mails and comments coming. We have so enjoyed hearing from all of you!

Love to all,
Diane, Steve, Holly, Ryan, and Gracie

2007-02-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

Gracie and Daddy

2007-02-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

2007-02-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Mommy and her precious girl!

2007-02-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Mai, Bill and baby Kate (Mommy Eva was back
at the hotel not feeling great)

2007-02-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Alesa, baby Maya, and Mai

2007-02-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

David, baby Athena, and Kelly

2007-02-03T21:17:00.000-08:00

Gary, Baby Holly Marie, and Mommy Michelle
(Big sister Hayley is sitting with our Holly)

2007-02-03T21:14:00.001-08:00

Our fearless leaders, Cindy and Wu Ja. Cindy is the Family Resource Center
Representative and Wu Ja is our translator. They both are wonderful and couldn't
do any of this without them!!!!

2007-02-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Our fearless leaders, Cindy and Wu Ja. Cindy is the Family Resource Center
Representative and Wu Ja is our translator. They both are wonderful and couldn't
do any of this without them!!!!

2007-02-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

Aunt Kreagh, Mommy Kristen and baby Kaylie

2007-02-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

Dining out with other members of the group.

2007-02-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

We think Gracie has the chop stix thing down pat!!!

2007-02-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

Proud Big Sis!

2007-02-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

Cute Kids!

Sunday, February 4, 2007

2007-02-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

Kisses from brother!

Saturday, February 3, 2007

2007-02-03T01:07:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

We are all great here. We spent today in Fuzchou where Gracie is from. It was a 2 hour bus ride (bumpy ride). It was a special trip.

Gracie is doing so well with all of us. She now goes to sleep and wakes up without crying (big accomplishment). One more day tomorrow in Nanchang and then on Monday we fly to Guangzchou. Will post more pictures later.

Congratulations Rachel, John, and Noah Bear on the birth of baby Oliver. Rachel, I hope everything went smoothly and that you are feeling well. We can't wait to meet him and Gracie can't wait to meet her buddy Noah!

Michelle, good work on the fence. Can't wait to see it!!!!!

Tiffanie, keep cruising in Dolly!
Ryan's class, Ryan misses everybody and can't wait for all of you to meet Gracie. He will be back soon.

Love to all,
Di

February 2, 2007

2007-02-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

Gracie is feeling much happier today. She is bonding with all of us so well.

Yesterday we met with the director of the orphanage. We found out that the day we got her was the same morning they took her from her foster family. He explained that some provinces are taking the children away earlier or as early as when a family accepts the child. He however doesn't do this new practice. He said they found it was too traumatic on the children having to adjust 2 times to major changes - life in the orphange and then with their new families. What a major day of change for Gracie. Considering everything, we think she has done very well. We are all completely in love with this little girl! We can not wait for all our friends and family to meet her! We miss everyone and we especially miss American food!!!!

Love to all,

Steve, Diane, Holly, Ryan, and Grace

2007-02-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

Big brother getting her sugar.

2007-02-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

I Love Noodles!

2007-02-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

KISSES FROM MOMMY

2007-02-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Sharing noodles with big sis Holly!!!!

2007-02-01T20:25:00.001-08:00

Mommy LOVES her little baby Grace!!!!

Gracie squeaky clean after her bath! She still hates them but it is getting better.

Yeah!!! This morning she woke up and didn't cry. She is starting to get much more comfortable with us.

2007-02-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Mommy LOVES her little baby Grace!!!!

Gracie squeaky clean after her bath! She still hates them but it is getting better.

Yeah!!! This morning she woke up and didn't cry. She is starting to get much more comfortable with us.

Thursday February 1, 2007

2007-02-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

Gracie loves her big sis Holly :0)

Today we spent the morning walking about 1/2 mile to a park here in Nanchang. There were some rides for the kids and many people doing dancing and tai chi. We were all approached by many locals who wanted to look at the babies. Many young children were also very curious.

Gracie is having a better day today. She has been practicing walking back and forth from Holly and Ryan laughing the whole time. She loves her brother and sister. She is definately a good eater as long as meat is involved. She even liked KFC chicken and french fries. She definately has some American in her!

We all are well and enjoying getting to know Gracie.

Echo Lab, please update me on Oliver. I'm dying to hear!

Love to all,

Di

2007-02-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

Meet the newest member of

The Contractor Yard family.

2007-02-01T00:28:00.000-08:00

Here is Gracie with her best friend Kaylie sharing her cookie.

2007-02-01T00:25:00.000-08:00

Already a Daddy's girl!

2007-02-01T00:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 1, 2007

We spent our morning at a park in Nanchang with some of the other families in our group. It is beautiful here, and gladly MUCH warmer than Beijing.

2007-02-01T00:18:00.001-08:00

Our cutie pie!

2007-02-01T00:18:00.000-08:00

Our cutie pie!

Ryan and his new "mei mei"

2007-01-31T00:10:00.000-08:00

Gracie is bonding quickly with Holly and Ryan!

Smiles!

2007-01-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

Today Gracie has given us many big smiles! I think she is starting to get used to us and feel how much we love her. Going to sleep and waking up is hard for her, she seems to be scared all over again for a while. Our first night however, she slept straight through the night! We are enjoying every minute with our daughter.

Family of Five!

2007-01-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

In an instant, our family of four becomes a family of five!!!! After 2 years of waiting we finally have our daughter/sister in our arms.

She cried for the first 30 minutes non-stop but then calmed down a bit. The first few hours she wouldn't have anything to do with her Dad, but like all women she warmed up to him! The first day has been tough for her, though today we have actually gotten smiles and giggles from her. She loves playing and walking with Holly and Ryan. Ryan can make her giggle so hard!

Gotcha Day!!!!

2007-01-30T23:52:00.000-08:00

GOTCHA DAY!!!!!!

Here is our precious Gracie right before she was put into our arms!

Tomorrow is "Gotcha Day" !!! YEAH!!

2007-01-28T15:51:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone!

We leave this evening for Nanchang and we will get Gracie on Tuesday morning (11:00am) on the 30th. (Special Gotcha Day on Noah Bear's Birthday) Happy 1st Birthday Noah!!!! Thanks to all who have been leaving comments for us! We really love hearing from everybody back home. Can't wait to be able to post pictures of our little Grace!!!

Charlene, thanks for keeping us updated with Oliver. Is he here yet? Rachel, what's he waiting for, the Chinese New Year?!!?

Love to all,
Di, Steve, Holly, and Ryan

2007-01-28T00:12:00.000-08:00

View of The Summer Palace

2007-01-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

Overlooking the lake at the Summer Palace.

2007-01-28T00:04:00.000-08:00

This picture was right after we arrived at The Emporer's Summer Palace. This group kept saying "Hi, Hi, Hi" to us to get our attention. They wanted to get their picture taken with Kristen and Ryan. One of the girls kept pointing to Ryan and one of the guys asked him "Photo?" She started clapping and jumping up and down. We asked Pan if they were making the "peace" sign in the photo as it would mean to us. She said it means victory, they were victorious in getting their picture taken with the American woman and American boy.

2007-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Another incredible view!

2007-01-27T23:57:00.000-08:00

Holly and Mom have been climbing for some time now. The higher you get, the colder it gets and the windier it gets. This is alot harder than we thought. Boy, walking the 10 flights of stairs at the hospital is a piece of cake compared to this!!!!!!

The view is awesome and truly amazing that this wall was built so long ago. A chance of a lifetime!

2007-01-27T23:52:00.000-08:00

Here we are at The Great Wall of China getting ready to climb. It is bitter cold and windy.

You have to see the wall to appreciate how amazing it is! Well, here we go.....

2007-01-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!!!!!!

The time change is still working on our boy. The hotel had a cake waiting in Ryan's room when we got back. We brought it to dinner in the hotel with the intent to share with our friends. Unfortunately, as you can see, Ryan could not make it through dinner. Too tired!!!!

2007-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Our afternoon was very special. We took a rickshaw ride (now drawn by bicycles) all through the Hutong District, down winding alleys not big enough for cars. There were apartments and small shops throughout the district. We then arrived at this local's residence for an authentic home cooked Chinese lunch. The food was absolutely delicious and the host's were very gracious. It struck me when we walked into her very small apartment and saw crosses and a calendar of Jesus hanging on her wall. Our guide Pan informed us that they were Christians. Not very many in China. The grandmother pictured above with Holly and Ryan was so sweet. She hugged all of us and when she found out it was Ryan's birthday, felt bad she hadn't known because she would have had a cake for him. She left the room and came back with 2 Chinese lollipops for Ryan. When we left she hugged us all and took Ryan's face in her hands and whispered something. Although we didn't understand the words it was apparent it was some kind of loving blessing. This was an incredible experience for all of us. Now we know why all the babies are so bundled. Her apartment was very cold. They heat by using coal. Windows are not sealed nor the doors. Also, they use a community bathroom with toilets in the floor and no privacy doors or walls. It certainly makes us appreciate all that we have at home.

Love to all,

Girls at work - Did Rachel have Oliver yet? Let us know, just leave a comment!

2007-01-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

Ryan in Tienemen Square with Pan.

2007-01-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

This is our entire group in front of the entrance of The Forbidden City. It is amazing how big it is inside. It just keeps going and going and going.

2007-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

This is a picture with our guide, Pan. Our friend and fellow traveler on the far right is Kreagh, Kristen's twin sister. This is in the middle of Tienemen Square.

2007-01-26T02:18:00.000-08:00

Our group in the middle of the square.

2007-01-26T02:08:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Tienamen Square. Our guide Pan took the picture for us. It is VERY, VERY, VERY cold here!!!!! We North Carolinians are not used to this bitter cold weather nor are my friends from Florida. The others in the picture are from Chicago and are coping better.

2007-01-26T01:58:00.000-08:00

Steve was the big hit of Tianeman Square today. (We think it was the hat!) This man grabbed him and insisted on having his picture taken with him. It made his day!!!! Who knows when he gets home who he is going to share this picture with of this crazy tourist.

Beijing Siteseeing

2007-01-26T01:42:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome day today! Went to Tianemen Square and the Forbidden City. Both very impressive.

Welcome to Beijing!

2007-01-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

We arrived safely in Beijing. Unfortunately we can not get wireless internet in the rooms so we don't know if we can download pictures. We'll try again later.

We are heading out to the Forbidden City and Tianemen Square this morning with our tour guide. She met us at the airport yesterday and is wonderful. We are also going to the Hutong District and eating lunch at a local's house.

Today is Ryan's 10th birthday and he is excited to be in China to celebrate!

We'll post later today and hopefully be able to share some photos of our days adventures.

Love to all,

Diane, Steve, Holly and Ryan