Adopting Baby Schlenner

First Time in the ER

2012-01-26T08:32:00.003-06:00

Magnus is the cutest and sweetest walking disaster! He falls, trips, stumbles, and has accidents like no other child I have ever seen!!! Maybe it's because he is growing so fast and catching up now...maybe it's because he's put on 30 % of his body weight since he's been home and his muscles are trying to deal with the extra weight to support...or maybe he is destined to be one of the those kids who continue to have bloody noses, scrapes, and gashes on his face, bruises and broken bones, and never a dull moment in momma's life!!

Magnus was chasing the girls around the house last night and tripped and fell. His poor head ran right into the hallway door hinge and the bleeding wouldn't stop. Ryan rushed him to the ER for stitches. The doctor ended up glueing it together so it wouldn't leave a huge scar. The nurses loved him and he was happy as could be in the ER. They glued him up and sent him home with a bright yellow race car! The moral of this story is-this is only the beginning!!!

Hey Baby!

2012-01-25T12:55:00.002-06:00

Our lil' Magnus is doing wonderful and keeping this momma hop'in! There is not a dull day in our house! And I've never been so tired and happy all at the same time in my life!!!! I grabbed my camera after he had his morning bath. Here is a quick update on Magnus and all the stages he is in.Magnus has been home for 3 months now!! He is growing fast and furious. Last week at the doctor visit his measured 24 lbs. and 32 inches long. On the baby chart he is 50% in height and 30% in weight. Not bad!! He's only 2 lbs. lighter than Ahnya! He had circumcision surgery last Wednesday and all went well. Glad to have that done! Overall, he is healthy and very HAPPY!!!

Look at this nut! His personality steals your heart! Magnus is a charmer from the minute you meet him. He is trying so hard to talk and form words...he gets frustrated because I can't understand him yet. Magnus can say some basic words: momma, dadda, g-g (for gabriella), jojo, ya-ya (for ahnya), nana, bumpa, no-no, up, pee-ewe (that's for stinky!!), bye-bye, see ya, eat, oh-oh, yuck. I would guess words will come more quickly as the days go by!!

This is his MAD face!!! He really can pull off the serious Chinese facial expression!!!! We call this the "don't mess with the Tiger boy" look! I am convinced that lil Magnus will grow up and think his name is Magnus No-no...because I feel like I say this ALL DAY LONGGGGGG!!! Magnus is super busy, active, inquisitive, analytical, and strong willed! He can stand his ground with Ahnya and the big sisters anyday! He doesn't always win--but he puts up a BIG fight!

Magnus LOVES to play with musical toys, blocks, legos, cars, anything he can push or ride (or throw down the stairs), and going places with momma and his sisters! He likes to eat noodles, veggies, yogurt, cheese, any meat, pizza, and ice cream!!! I think he loves all food! Magnus loves taking a bath, playing with his sisters, looking at books, and he loves his stuffed animals.

Magnus has stolen our hearts and this family is lov'in our baby boy!!

Winter Dance Recital

2012-01-03T16:23:00.002-06:00

The girls had their Winter Dance recital and they did fantastic!!! I forgot to post pictures and didn't want you to miss these!! Gabriella and Jocelyn are in tap, ballet, and tumbling. Little Ahnya had her first ballet recital!! She did wonderful, too! Here's a pic of the girls with their friends Maya and Halle! They posed for a picture before their tumbling routine! Too cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-03T15:44:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We celebrate the New Year in style at the lake! Dana and Joel and kids Will and Husdon were with us, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The kids had a great time!!!

All the kids were all smiles..........the girls loved having their cousins to celebrate with!!! And Hudson loved being with the girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will wasn't feel well but he was there to get in on much of the action.
Here's Gabriella, Magnus and cousin Will!

Hudson was hilarious to watch! He absolutely LOVED to play with the girls!! We are all looking forward to spending more time with the "boy" cousins!

.............................Mr. Magnus
By the end of evening the children were striped down and ran around in their panties!!! Here's Ahnya with her blankie....

And Jocelyn has a blankie.............................

Gabriella has a soft bookie.....that she loves to pieces...and goes everywhere. I wanted to capture pics of the kids with their blankies and bookies....everyone has on except Magnus. I'm still hoping he'll grow to sleep with a blankie or bookie for comfort like the sista's.Can you tell that for most pictures Ahnya is hanging on Magnus???? Poor baby can't do anything right with his 3 sisters around!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yet again...Ahnya messing with Magnus. These two are quite the pair!!! Best friends on minute and enemies the next!The kids always stand on the fireplace and sing songs as a performance. Most evenings are filled with dancing, duets, and a full choir!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a riot and wonderful memories to behold!From our family to yours...We wish you all a healthy, happy and magical 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the Meadow We Can Build a Snowman!!

2012-01-03T15:28:00.002-06:00

During our Christmas break vacation we headed up to the lake for some well needed rest and relaxation!!!! We had a blast!!! We were so lucky to have a snowstorm there, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The girls and I headed outside and spent a couple days in the snow. We made a snowman and did some sledding!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the girls were excited to make a snowman!!!! Since we don't have ANY snow in our hometown Marshall...it was a small miracle that we were able to have snow at the lake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My smoochie girls....kissing Frosty...................

Enjoy the rest of Christmas break!!!! We seemed to get most everything crossed off our bucket list for break!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

2011-12-27T17:42:00.007-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our home to yours!!!! We celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior this Christmas!!!! It was the BEST Christmas EVER!!!!!! Having Magnus with us this year was definately extra special, too!!!! Here's some pictures......

Santa Claus came a couple days early to our house before he set off to Europe and left the kids their gifts in their stockings!!!! Some gifts were TOO big to fit in their stockings........

Ryan and I always have our "own family" Christmas the day before Christmas Eve. So Friday was our day to celebrate!!!! The kids played with their Santa gifts all day while I worked on dinner!

We opened our family gifts that evening. The girls opened their American Girl dolls and accessories.

Magnus loved opening his gifts that night....but then be didn't seem to care by the 2nd and 3rd day at the grandparents homes.

Ahnya was all smiles....

Jocelyn...always appreciative for the gifts.

And my Gabriella...had a very special night, too!

We celebrated Christmas Eve day with the Johnson Family at the farm!!! It was a super fun day! Always busy...and always fun!!!

Here's Nana & Bumpa with all the Grandkids.

My beauties.....................................................................

Ahnya and Harley are "naughty" and "naughtier".................................

We went to the Schlenner's on Christmas morning and spent the day there. It was another fun day and the kids in good spirits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Happy Holidays and God Bless Us All...Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Holiday Road Trip!!!

2011-12-10T12:24:00.000-06:00

We have just returned from our 2011 Holiday Road Trip!!! And we had the most fun EVER!!!!!! We picked the two big girls up from school on Friday at noon and told them we were going on a SURPRISE road trip!!! My girls LOVE road trips and we always do crazy weekend get aways and never tell them where we are going until we get to the destination!! I've learned that they don't ask as many questions and everyone is eager and ready for an adventure!!! Anyway as bags and we went to the cities to stay downtown and see the holidazzle parade!Ryan and I always take the kids and watch the downtown Holidazzle Parade together-so it's no huge surprise. But every year we LOVE it! There's really something magical about it! Everyone has their hot cocoa in hand and has the Christmas spirit! The kids were bundled up tighter than fort Knox and we had a super time!
Ahnya and Magnus were happy and content in the stroller for the event!We spent the next day at the Mall of America and the kids had so much fun! Gabbi told me, "Who knew shopping could be this much fun!"We had an early appointment to visit Santa Claus on Saturday morning! The kids had an amazing time talking with Santa and listening to some of his stories. The kids actually spent about 25 minutes with Santa and it was so fun to watch! Santa got out of his chair and sat on the floor with all the kids because his lap wasn't BIG enough!!! Ahnya told Santa that Magnus was on the naughty list and that he was a rotten lil brother and he stinks! Ryan and I just pretty much died laughing! The two older girls are seasoned veterans when it comes to Santa visits and they are always very behaved! Not Ahnya! She is major work in progress.After seeing Santa Claus we took the girls to the American Girl Store! If anyone knows our girls-then you know they have been waiting and WAITING for an American Girl doll! I was boy-cotting the American Girl Store for years because I didn't really think my little girls "fit" the whole American Girl theme! I mean they aren't exactly "American" and the American Girl doll doesn't have adoption related themes....blah, blah. blah...I plain didn't see the point in our family. But they wore me down...and it's not about me and my beliefs anyway. They're little girls and they love their American Girls dolls!!

Magnus was an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G baby for this trip! He shopped great and sat in his stroller with his sister Ahnya the whole day without much complaint!

My friend Jami had told me the whole experience of getting the American Girl doll is actually GOING to the store with the girls and picking it out and etc!!! So with that advise (thank you Jami!) Gabriella had the BEST time picking out a doll that looked just like HER! And to Ryan and my surprise, she named the doll her Russian birth name-Yulia! Ok, American Girl has us now HOOKED!

Here's Jocelyn with her doll that she picked out! She picked one that looks just like her! Jocelyn said to me, "Mommy I want an Asian doll that looks like me!" And she named her doll, Ka In, which is her Korean birth name! I'm so proud of these girls because they are proud of their birth countries and heritage! I tried to get a picture of Ahnya with her doll but she wouldn't cooperate!

After that we went to Under Water World at MOA. They've done great renovations with the sea life at Underwater World! I was impressed! Very educational, informative and not as rushed as before!!

The girls loved the sea turtles the best! Ahnya and Magnus LOVED the hammer head sharks!!The kids ended the day with plenty of sugary sweets and we were all exhausted!! They ALL slept on the way home!! What a road trip to remember!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is the Day!!!

2011-12-04T14:13:00.003-06:00

Happy Baptismal Day Magnus! Today we celebrated Magnus' baptismal day!!! He did wonderful...well as good as a 19 month old can do!!! He wore his silk Chinese outfit and was all smiles!!! Just adorable!!!!!!!!!

Adriann and Tyus DeBoer (my niece and nephew), along with our dear friends Kirstie & Paul were Magnus' God Parents! A special thank you to Angie & Carl and Trey and Bryce for being there, too! We love you guys!!!!!

Nana and Bumpa

Grandpa Bob, Grandma Peggy & Grandma Ro

It was a special day and thank you to everyone for celebrating with our family!

Santa Baby!!!!!

2011-12-03T12:46:00.002-06:00

Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by to visit the children in Marshall today!!!! It was so much fun to see Santa and Mrs. Claus!! We had lunch with them and even did a couple crafts!!!!! Our friends Avery and Julia were there, too! And we had lunch with them!

The girls and Magnus did great and there were NO tears meeting Santa!!!! Gabriella was more nervous than the younger two babies! The countdown til Christmas has begun and we are going to enjoy every single second!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Baby Photo Shoot!!!!

2011-11-29T17:00:00.005-06:00

Magnus had his first baby photo shoot and the pics turned out amazing!!!!!!

I just had to share a couple of my favorites!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's his Chinese outfit that he'll be wearing for baptism on Sunday!

My favorite is this "panda" picture. Enjoy!

The McCorquodale Thanks-Mas Celebration

2011-11-29T10:54:00.002-06:00

On Saturday we kicked off the holiday season with the annual McCorquodale Thanks-Mas (combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one!!!) Here's Gabriella is Nancy!!!!

Ryan and Magnus...Ryan doesn't look very excited...but then again Ryan doesn't EVER get excited!!!!

Jocelyn got exactly what she was hoping for from Grandma Ro!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahnya was a character as always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEre's Grandma Ro with all the Great-Grandchildren!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for another fun and enjoyable time!!

So many things to be THANKFUL for....

2011-11-29T10:28:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful and beautiful thanksgiving! Our family celebrated at Nana and Bumpa's house and then ended the day at DeBoer's for dinner. It was a beautiful day outside and we enjoyed the sunshine and end of the year popcicles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adrianna is the photographer in the family and she is doing an incredible job taking pictures. Thank you Adri for the beautiful pictures you took!!! I will not take any credit for these pics...because they are amazing!!!!!! I especially like the very LAST picture at the bottom!!!!!!!!!!

Momma and the girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Magnus was TOOOOO busy exploring outside to take a pic with me!!!!! That's just one of the differences between girls and boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Girls LOVE camera's and boys RUN AS FAR AWAY FROM THE CAMERA AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!

All my babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adrianna is going to be one of Magnus' Godparents at baptism next week!!!

At dinner we all went around the table and said what we were thankful for. Jocelyn said she was thankful for 'God and Jesus.'

Gabriella is eating a delicious cornish hen and all the fixings! Gabriella said she was thankful for family, friends, food and Nicki!!

Ahnya said she is thankful for Chocolate Cupcakes and her family!!!!

This is my favorite picture of the day!!!! We took a nice walk to the barn and cut evergreen bows down for decorating at the farm site. The girls jumped in Bumpa's old farm truck with Deacon and hauled all the evergreen bows in the back of the pickup. So here's the pic of Deacon driving, with Jocelyn in the middle, Gabriella, and faithful dog Jack looking through the window!!! Ha!!! Cracks me up!!! Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One Day at a Time

2011-11-17T15:03:00.004-06:00

You know the saying, "When it rains....it pours!" Jocelyn AND Ahnya have mono! I found out last night that Jocelyn tested positive for mono. And now today I learn that little Ahnya has it, too! Yes, I am not kidding nor remotely joking about that either. Both are running fevers and are tired, TIRED, T-I-R-E-D!

I ran to the grocery store today when Ryan was home at lunch to stock up on necessities to be able to make it though the days with sick kids and a new baby! This is what I got for emergencies: more coffee, holiday peppermint creamer, diet dr. pepper, zero water, brie cheese, and pistacios. What a strange combination....anyway, wish me luck. We have many weeks to go to get through this mono thing.

Jocelyn is zonked! She stayed in bed all day and had a couple cat naps through the day.!

Ahnya is snoring....poor baby! Both girls cuddled up in my bed all day!

This was taken about a week ago! I was glad I could find a picture with Magnus and Ahnya together without them fighting! They battle hard and both fight to the bitter end until one of them has to tell momma! It's like Magnus has been with us from the beginning! He fits in so well!!!

Because I haven't had time to post picture for awhile, I wanted to put this picture in of the babies! When they aren't fighting they LOVE to take baths together. What ariot!

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-31T20:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween 2010!!!!!!!!!!!! Whew...what a day and night!!! Today I had Gabriella home with high fever and feeling miserable. Ryan brought her to the doctor this morning and she still had a 104.4 temp with Tylenol in her! Needless to say, she slept most the day and woke in the afternoon feeling better. So, as a fun, loving momma that I am, I couldn't tell her NO to Trick-or-Treating. I let her go for about 30 minutes and put her to bed snug as a bug!

Otherwise, we had a fun evening! All three girls kept changing their minds as to what they were going to be for Halloween!!!!!!!! In the picture, you can see what they ended up being. My FOUR sweeties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and looks at Magnus' new "SMILE." He squints and leans forward for the camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Funny, because he doesn't speak a lick of English, but he seems to know everything I'm saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gabriella put on a happy face and wore a Candy Cane outfit! She looked adorable and sweet enough to eat!

Jocelyn decided on being a glitzed up Witch! She, too, was a beautiful sight!

And my little Ahnya...she said she was going to be "herself" because she really REALLY believes she is an Ethiopian Princess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we added a Princess Tiana dress, tiara, some lip gloss and eye shadow and called it good!!!! I HOPE this child always believes she's a princess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My baby Magnus did NOT go Trick-or-Treating. He faught me and so wanted to go with his daddy and his big sisters out the door...but there was NO way I was going to have him get scared AND sugared up on candy! So momma said NO and we handed out candy at the door instead!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next year my little man you will be ready to go!

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween. I, for one, am glad this day is done and my babies are all fast asleep in bed!

Welcome Home Baby Magnus!!! We're Home!!!

2011-10-30T19:22:00.006-05:00

WE ARE HOME!!!! Sorry this took sooooo long to post...but I've been BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We arrived last Saturday at the MSP Airport!!! We had a wonderful Homecoming of family and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a day the girls and I will never forget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will never forget walking off the customs elevator and the doors opening to all our friends and family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing, overwhelming, and the BEST welcome home gift EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daddy was so happy to see us and new baby Magnus in person. There's really no words to explain that day.

Magnus handled the crowd very well. I had him snug in my Ergo carrier and he was calm and exhausted!!!!

From the pics above you can see Gabriella and Jocelyn LOVED having their besties Ella and Annie there to welcome them home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you E and A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Magnus had a horrible flight! The whole 16 hours was terrible. He faught sitting in my lap and cried and cried!!!!!!!!! We will NOT be traveling in the near future with this baby!

Momma and Magnus finally HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's my besties Terese (in the left background with her twin babes) and Kirstie first meeting our lil' man! Thank you for being there you girls. I love you!

Gabriell and Jocelyn with Ella and Annie at the airport!

Ahnya was very scared upon seeing everyone at the airport. She was very happy to be home with family and cousin, Deacon!

Here's a quick pic taken before we left the airport!! We're a family of 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our journey to bring Magnus home is complete. And now we continue our journey as a family!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your prayers and support along the way!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you enjoyed the ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I for one am GLAD to be done with this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Momma is T-I-R-E-D!!!!!!!!! And so thankful for my precious children. What a gift!!!!! I love you all!

Leaving TODAY!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-20T19:33:00.002-05:00

We pick up Magnus' visa today around 4:00 p.m. and then we can leave for Hong Kong!!!!!!!!! We're taking a van taxi to our hotel in Hong Kong this afternoon (4 hour ride). Then we'll arrive tonight in Hong Kong around 9:00 p.m.

Hopefully we'll get some sleep tonight and wake up early to take a shuttle to the HK airport! We leave at 8:30 a.m. and have a layover in Toyko for a couple hours. Then fly to MSP!

We are to arrive on Saturday, October 21st at 12:35 p.m. at the MSP Airport!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We can't wait to see you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This will be the last time I post because I'm not sure what time I will have along journey home! Wish us safe travels and see you in MINNESOTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love and Hugs to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Gotch'a Day Baby Magnus!!!!!

2011-10-20T00:19:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Magnus Shu Shu's Gotch'a Day with McDonald's chicken nuggets and a cake to commemorate the occasion! The kids LOVED the nuggets from McDonalds and the cake was fantastic!!

What a special day and one I will never ever forget!!! Daddy you are going to love this lil guy! He is adorable and such a sweetie! We can't wait to see all our loved ones!!!!!!!! Thank you for all the prayers and support because I couldn't have gotten through this with out them!

I am so glad that we made the decision to bring the girls along. It was the best decision in the end and one that they will always remember, too! What a journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nana and Grandma Peggy are doing good. They have loved being apart of the whole experience! Grandma Peggy is very homesick and looking forward to going home! One more night here in Guangzhou and then we leave tomorrow to stay in Hong Kong for a night and early flight next morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Gotch'a Day Magnus!!!!!!!!!! We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adoption Day: Consulate Appointment!

2011-10-20T00:05:00.002-05:00

Happy Gotcha Day Magnus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Today we got up early and headed to the US Embassy for our OFFICAL Adoption Day Ceremony!!!!! Our appointment was at 10:00 a.m. and there were about 10 other families there waiting to raise their right hand and swear under oath. As a veteran adoptive parent who as been through this 3 times prior, I knew exactly what to expect and wasn't nervous. I felt for the other 10 families who looked scared with their unknowing faces.

Molly our CHSFS region coordinator did a fabulous job!

Magnus Shu Shu was in fine form and performed in his chinese suit for us. He actually slept through the whole ceremony in my Ergo carrier as I did the interview at the Embassy! What a good boy!

He is an absolute complete riot! He is a charmer in every sense of the word!

My spicy Chengdu babe is happily celebrating his Gotch'a Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank Goodness for Papa John's!!!

2011-10-18T01:17:00.002-05:00

We were craving PIZZA today...so we ordered Papa John's and they delivered pizza for $22 to our hotel! Tasted exactly the same as american Papa John's pizza in the states!!!!!! I think I'm going to write a letter when I get home...because it hit the spot!!!!

Magnus also loved the pizza!!!!!

***Thank you to everyone for posting comments and the wonderful notes you have sent!!!!!!!! The comments keep us connected to family and home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you all and look forward to going home in 4 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a Pool Day!!!

2011-10-18T00:13:00.003-05:00

I'm catching up on posting pics!!! When Magnus goes down for his afternoon nap, the girls and I hit the pool and hot tub in the afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!! The outdoor pool in wonderful and the girls LOVE to swim. Plus, it's great exercise for them and they are eager for a good dinner and sleep after swimming all afternoon!!!

Day 13: Playing Outside!

2011-10-17T23:52:00.003-05:00

Momma is refreshed and we have a relaxing day today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are hanging out playing at the hotel outdoor playground and swimming the whole afternoon in the awesome pool!!!!!!!! The weather is beautiful outside. A hot 87 degrees and perfect for a pool party in the afternoon!

Fun playday!!!!!!! So schedule and no where to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paperwork is done...just wait for officals to sign and complete. Our Consulate Appointment is on Thursday at 10:00 am and then we pick up our visa on Friday and leave for Hong Kong!!!!!

In the meantime, we have 2 days to rest up and relax!!!! Here's Nana with the kids!

Momma and babes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Having a great time in China!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We miss everyone and look forward to going HOME!! There really is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's Ms. Ahnya playing and having a ball!!! Hi, Daddy! I miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gabriella misses her friends at school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She wants to tell everyone that she's eating very different things and trying everything. Gabriella is loving the experience and taking everything in!!!!! She's ate octopus, caviar, mussels, peking duck, escargo (spelling?), calamari, steamed buns, sushi, salmon pate, and other foods that I don't even know how to spell or describe!!!

Jocelyn also misses her kindergarten classroom 104!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HI to all her friends and Ms. Dudgeon, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jocelyn loves shopping in the chinese shops for fans, dresses, candies, and purses, too! Jocelyn is just happy to be with momma and eager to see her daddy when she gets home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Magnus had his first ride in the swing this morning on the playground! He loved it!!! What a sweetie pie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Magnus' First Hair Cut at the Salon!!!!!!

2011-10-17T23:44:00.003-05:00

After breakfast today the girls and I decided Mr. Magnus need a hair cut at the salon! Just a little trim around the neck and ears!!!!! Look at this little guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Magnus did great!!! He continues to amaze me with his patience! Just when I think all heck is going to break lose and he won't sit anymore...a calm and peacefulness comes over him and he does beautiful!!! Ahnya and I sang lady Gaga song for him while he got a hair cut!!! The whole salon was laughing at us! What a riot!!!

Baby Magnus sat great for his first hair cut with a trimmer and scissors. He LAUGHED and laughed when the trimmer made a "buzzzzzzzzzz" sound!!!! $8 later....and very handsome!!!

Hanging out in the hotel

2011-10-17T23:35:00.002-05:00

Grandma Peggy has been giving the big girls back massages everynight before bed! They love it!!!

Jocelyn laughs and laughs through her back massages. She is so funn!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Magnus continues to be a character and loves to belly laugh!!!!!!! Everyday he gets a new bump on his head or face. His muscle development and lack of muscle control makes him clumsy and he easily bumps into things and falls down easily!!!! Poor baby!!!!!!!! In result, he has lots of bruises already from falling down and running into things! LOL!

Jocelyn and Magnus!!! The girls fight over who gets to sit by him at meals and who gets to push him in the stroller!!! The sista's love their baby brother!!!!!!!!!!

Big sister Gabriella holding all 20 lbs. of Magnus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We found McDonalds!!!!

2011-10-17T23:26:00.002-05:00

Horrah!!!!! We went to McDonalds today!!! Actually, this was our second time going. It's right next to our hotel here and easy to grab chicken nuggets for the girls when they won't eat anything else!!!!!!!!! Ahnya LOVES the chicken nuggets. They taste exactly like USA chicken nuggets! Ahnya says, "I want nuggets from the Ol' Macdonald Store!"

Jocelyn is also doing well after her sickies. She pretty much eat only raw fruit & veggies here (watermelon, apples, pears, cantelope, salad and cucumber!) She's my vegetarian in the family!

Gabriella is loving the experience and eating very well! This was my biggest fear bringing the girls to China. I am so impressed with our hotels because the go out of their way to get food for the girls that they will eat!

Nana and the girls at McDonalds while baby Magnus was sleeping!

2011-10-17T23:12:00.002-05:00

I don't even know what day it is today. I've totally lost count! Sorry I didn't post for a couple days...I was busy!!!! Today we are all feeling better. We got up and had breakfast at the buffet down in one of the hotel restaurants and headed out shopping.

We walked around on Shamin Island in Guangzhou and it was facinating! We saw the ladies doing Tai chi (I know that spelling is wrong!) exercises to beautiful music! It was calming and interesting to watch!!!

Here's the medicine market. We also went to the Pearl Market and bought a pair of pearl earrings!

Magnus continues to amaze us every single day. He definately loves the girls and loves to PLAY! He know momma and I am learning his "signals" before the hunger and tired melt-downs start!!!

I bought the girls and Magnus chinese dresses and a matching outfit for babe today! The girls had to wear them to dinner!! They really are beautiful!!!

The Inevitable happened....

2011-10-15T05:31:00.002-05:00

Bad news...we got sick. Yucko! And it is NOT pretty. I was so very careful and watched every single thing we ate and where it came from, yet we still got sick. I came down with it this afternoon after my clinic meetings with Magnus. And I came home to Jocelyn with a low grade temp and upset tummy and Ahnya with a full blown fever of 102.6! The good thing is I am prepared with every medical procautionary treatment imaginable for babies, toddler, children over 6, and adults!!! We also have a medical professional traveling with us from our agency at another hotel in town. So I can always consult her if needed.

Pray the sickies pass tonight and we all wake up healthy and refreshed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This momma is going to bed!

Day 11: Medical Examination Day

2011-10-15T01:48:00.002-05:00

We are now in Guangzhou! We arrived late last night and after hours of trying to check in and exhausted kids are settled and ready to be here for 7 more days. We are staying at The China Hotel Marriott and we love it! The hotel is awesome and we are enjoying her climate, culture, and tastes of China.

Today Magnus and I left and girls, Nana and Grandma in the hotel room to unpack and rest up while we went and completed his medical exam and visa picture!

I promise to post more pics soon of our outings in Guangzhou and hotel room pics...right now I'm busy with 4 kids and there is no time!

No worries as we are all well and Magnus continues to charm us more every single day!!!!!

Good-Bye Chengdu, China

2011-10-14T02:02:00.002-05:00

We said our good byes to Chengdu on Saturday afternoon and left our Crown Plaza Hotel to board our 2 hour flight to Guangzhou. Peg and I walked around one last time and I took some pics of the sights before leaving. I love this pic of the scooters. Everyone has one....really look like fun!

I am not sure what these are...dumplings???? Food is made and sold right on the streets in Chengdu. We weren't brave enough to try street vendor food in Chengdu, but the smells were spicy and hot!!!!!!!!

Here's some beef intestines......

Here are various sticks with every kind of meat you can imagine (beef, pork, duck, octopus, etc) ready for purchase. Customers buy the "sticks" seperately and then fry in hot oil. It looking incredibly interesting. Once again we were not brave enough to try it. I can't afford getting sick with all four of my children with me on this trip! So I'm staying as healthy as possible. That means no street vendor food for momma!

Here's a pic of the front of the Crown Plaza Hotel in Chengdu! It was an awesome hotel and we upgraded to a suite with a connecting room. Fabulous breakfast and the kids loved the space.

The Great Pandas of Chengdu

2011-10-12T23:31:00.002-05:00

We all sent sight-seeing today at the Great Panda Reserve and Breeding Center in Chengdu today!! It was amazing and we had a wonderful tour!

There were about 200 panda bears .

What a Day...Miracles of Miracles!

2011-10-12T00:16:00.002-05:00

My main goal in Chengdu was not only to complete the required government adoption paperwork. All along I planned on coming to Chengdu, home of my child's birth city, to piece together his story and find answers. I was not going to leave without some MORE information. I wanted answers to WHY and HOW!

There is absolutly NO way I could have done this tast without the help of God above! For that I believe our family received another miracle because I have Shu Shu's "story!" With the help of Emily, our Chengdu coordinator, and God on our side I somehow did it and have pieced together Magnus' (we still call him Shu Shu!) story.

When we received his referral in April we had no information except a piece of paper that had is date of birth. This is typical. It is illegal in China for a woman to abandon her child so it is done quickly and quietly. Most time the babies are dropped off days-months old around hospitals and government buildings because the mothers know they will be found quickly.

These past months I kept thinking...if his mother left his date of birth on a piece of paper, then there HAD to be a note from his mother!!! I just knew a mother who loved her baby and couldn't care for him/her due to circumstances would LEAVE A NOTE.

So I hired a driver and Emily, our coordinator, and I went on a mission in Chengdu to find some answers. I got them! We went to several government offices...I can't even tell you who they were exactly. But I was able to view and receive a copy of the police report, the "finding ad" that was run in the Chengdu newspaper for 3 months, received the NOTE his birth mother left pinned to his clothing, the name of the man that found Magnus on July 19th, 2010, the address, and the exact SPOT where he was left, and information as to exactly why this all happened. I can't even believe all this as I write it now.....................everything FELL into place. Like it was a miracle.

I will save the rest of the story for Magnus as the rest of the information is his and his only to share. But I will share some of the pictures of his story because this was my missiong coming to Chengdu. I have fullfilled my mission and I have every piece of information I wanted to get!!!! Thank you Lord!

Ok, the picture above (at the top) is the street where Magnus was found! In the police report the man who found our Magnus said the road was nice because it had fragrant flowers blooming. It was a quiet road and not much city traffic. The area is on the west end of town and most likely easily accessable to country side folk.

On the road are beautiful flowers that bloom from June-October in Chengdu.

Here is the exact spot the name described in the police report.

This is the government building that Magnus was left at. I am standing next to the spot where he was left for someone to quickly find him. Also, next door to this government building is an orphange. However, on July 19th, 2010 this orphanage was FULL. His mother tried to find him a home. Luckily, Magnus was placed in another orphanage and a nicer orphanage that is Half the Sky orphanage. It's funded by the United States and children receive much better care from what I have seen with my own eyes.

This is a picture of our Chengdu coordinator, Emily, who is amazing in every way. Without her help I wouldn't have been able to get the information I needed!!! In this picture, we are in the Civil Affirs officer where I signed paperwork and Magnus' adoption paperwork is officially completed in the eyes of chinese government. He is completely and in every sense of the word OURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now we have to wait for his passport to be issued in 2 days and then leave for Guangzhou, where we complete paperwork for the US side of things. There is a process to everything and I just tell the girls, "Slow and steady wins the race!"

I have his story. My work here is done. God bless our child' birth mother and I pray for her to have peace.

Day 8: Babies Nap Time!!

2011-10-12T00:06:00.002-05:00

Both babes were totally exhausted today and I thought I'd try and have them nap together...and it was easy-peasy! Ahnya is a nap crasher and goes down easily almost within minutes. Magnus is still getting used to laying down and I only had to sing the lullaby 6 times and rub his back and he was out, too!

I'm seeing some definate orphanage behaviors which are very typical but makes me sad at the same time. Hopefully in time-these will disappear and/or we will deal with them as we go. But Magnus always always itches his head, ears, and face to fall asleep. He just seems so tramatized to lay down and has to do this ritual of scratching his head, face, ears. If anyone has suggestions I'm open to them. Please email me or post.

Otherwise, we are doing great and waiting for his passport to be issued tomorrow.

BATH TIME BABY!!!!!!

2011-10-11T00:00:00.002-05:00

Magnus LOVES the bath tub!!! It took some coaxing and lots of reassurance, but as you can see Mr. Magnus loves the water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All smiles with his sisters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just look at that smirk!!!!!!!!!!

H-E-L-L-O World!!!!!

2011-10-10T06:31:00.002-05:00

Mr. Magnus' personality is carefree, relaxed, BUSY, and overall a very happy baby!

He has really changed within the last 12 hours! I can tell he is trusting of me and knows that I am his "momma!" He comes to me when hungry or wants to be held! Of course, I am loving this!!!!

He knows how to play toys, too! I can tell his orphange (Half the Sky) and nannies actually played with him because he is very content playing and pushing toys around! Many times when I am playing with him, he will throw the toy right at my head and laugh and laugh!!! Magnus laughs a great laugh...however, he has not made noise otherwise. Hopefully he will start vocalizing in the days ahead!

End of Gotch'a Day! Magnus and I snuggled tonight on the couch in our hotel room and had a warm bottle while the girls and Nana and Grandma Peggy lounged in the living room! He started up into my eyes and drank 4 ounces and passed out! What a GOOD baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotch'a Day: Part 2

2011-10-10T06:03:00.002-05:00

I wanted to make sure I posted these pics of the orphanage in Chengdu!! This is the entry way of the Children's Welfare Institute orphanage in Chengdu.

My crew and I were able to get a TOUR of the orphanage today!!! It was just amazing!!! Every little piece I seeand find is part of our baby Magnus' story. It's my job to put the pieces together for him! And today I'm very lucky to be doing so!!!! Here we all are getting a tour of the baby wing!

The nannies let me go into the baby room where our Magnus' spent his days and take pics and meet his nannies! This was so wonderful! I was a mess and the nannies cried just as much as I did to see that Magnus, nickname Shu Shu, was going to a loving forever home!!!!!

The crew outside the orphange! Weather is HUMID and 75 degrees!!!!

Leaving the orphanage with my baby! Bitter sweet...but oh, so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-10T02:57:00.003-05:00

It's GOTCH'A DAY!!!!!!!!!! We GOT our baby Magnus this morning at 9:30 am (or 8:30 pm Minnesota time!) It was an amazing day and first meeting with our lil man!! The orphanage director brought Magnus into the room, that we were waiting in, and like I expected he took one look at all of us and screamed and cried!!!! The girls and I were prepared for a reaction like this and we all just talked to him and tried to comfort him as best as we could as a family!

The girls were absolutely fabulous BIG sisters and were very patient and loving while Magnus adjusted to all of us.

It only took about 25-30 minutes for Magnus to settle down and relax being in my arms!

Here's my baby!!! I signed paperwork in the orphanage and received the background information that I wanted to find! I have pieced together pieces of his "story" and my work here is not done yet!

Magnus just snuggled into me and we are definately doing WELL!!!!

I had to take a picture of his PINK socks and PINK tennis shoes!!!!!!!!!!!

Momma, the girls and baby Magnus, Nana and Grandma Peggy!

Today was an emotional day...one that I will never ever forget! This was meant to be!!! He is a precious little thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are in Chengdu, China!! October 9th

2011-10-09T09:14:00.003-05:00

As I write this I am totally and uttertly pooped! Everyone has been sleeping for 3-4 hours and I'm crazy excited because..."I'm getting my baby tomorrow!!!" So I've been up organizing "stuff" for the diaper bag and necessities for when we go to the Childrens Welfare Institute (the orphanage) tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had the hotel deliver a crib to the room this afternoon and that MADE IT REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The hotel in Chengdu is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are now at the Crown Plaza Hotel in downtown Chengdu (pronounced Cheng-doo.) I upgraded to a suite with a king bed, seperate lounge area and 2 bathrooms. Nana has a connecting room to ours and Grandma Peg has a room 9 doors down. I think this room assignment worked out best as I don't have to worry about my girls leaving the room on their own and going to Nana and Grandma Pegs room constantly. This way, atleast, we have 2 connecting rooms and a quiet room for naps!! For my adoption friends, I highly recommend the Crown Plaza HOtel Premiere rooms!!! Everything and more here!!! I'll try and post pics of our hotel room later.

Let me back up a bit....We said good0bye to our wonderful coordinator Nancy in Beijing! She was adorable and it was so nice to have her in Beijing. We felt safe the whole time and Nancy went out of her way to do what was needed for us!! THANK YOU NANCY!!!!!!!!!!! Here's a pic of us leaving the Novotel Peace Hotel in Beijing!

Today we flew out of Beijing via plane to Chengdu! Chengdu is home of "HOt and Spicey" food! Children born in Sichuan Province are said to be "hot and spicey!" Yes, Magnus is considered a "hot and spicey" babe! Meaning both behavior and temperment! And Yes, I should be scared!!!!

The flight was highly eventful!!! Gabriella had major diahrea and stomach pains , Jocelyn had overactive bladder issues, and Ahnya puked on a man next to her on the flight!!!!!!! I am NOT exaggerating either!!!!! All this happened in the 2 1/2 hours on the flight!!! Nuts!!!

Nana and Grandma Peg are exhausted and have hit bottom with the jet lag! They hopefully will sleep well tonight as I kept them up later tonight!
Overall we are ALL wonderful and doing well!!!!!

I will post picture tomorrow of our lil' Magnus and the 1st Gotcha' Day celebration!!!!!!!!!!! We will be at the orphanage tomorrow on Monday at 9:30 a.m. -8:30 p.m. Sunday night your time! Wish me luck!! I hope he likes me!

Tasting the REAL food in China

2011-10-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

We had the most fabulous chinese meal at a beautiful restaurant! I have no idea what we ate...but it was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jocelyn loves the dumplings!!!!

And Gabriella loved EVERYTHING!!!!

The Great Wall of China!!!

2011-10-07T18:59:00.002-05:00

Hello from the Great Wall of China!!! We saw the 7th Wonder of the World yesterday and it was something to behold!!!!!!!!! The wall was huge and amazing!!!!!!!!!! It went on and on and on and on....

The girls and I walked the Great Wall and loved the exercise and being able to stretch out legs!!! I'm not sure what the elevation was up there, but I could definately feel it!

The girls are EXCELLENT sightseers!!!!!!!!! EVERYONE in China is amazed by the girls and EVERYONE takes pictures of them. People will come up to us wherever we go and start taking pictures of us and want to know who we are and what we are doing in China. Many times our guide, named Nancy, will translate our situation. They touch all the girl's hair and want to hold Ahnya! They all want pictures with the girls. The chinese are infatuated with Gabriella's white-blonde hair. And everyone thinks Jocelyn is chinese! We get giggles out of all these incounters!

Beijing is about 70 degrees and very comfortable. We have not slept yet and are very eager to go to bed tonight and try to get on China time schedule! Here's Nana and me on the Great Wall of China. What a journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gabriella and Jocelyn want to say "Hi" to all their friends at Holy Redeemer and of course Ella and Annie Bourne!!!! We are having a great time and miss you all! We promise to bring something special to you from China!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See you in a couple weeks!!!

We Made It!!!!!

2011-10-06T13:18:00.003-05:00

Friends and family,

We made it to Beautiful China! We landed in Beijing at 10:00pm on October 6th! We are now in our hotel as I speak and it is goood to be in pj's! The girls traveled wonderful, as I expected, and everyone is in great spirits! Nana and Grandma Peggy were super good helpers and travel companions! Thank you for your safe travel prayers!

Leaving on a jet plane!!!!!!

2011-10-05T10:30:00.002-05:00

Today is the day our journey begins to travel to China and get baby Magnus!!!!! Everyone is rested, healthy and ready to fly!!!

Here is our travel schedule so you can pray for safe travels!
October 5, 2011-October 6, 2011
LV: MSP @ 2:50pm - AR: Seattle @ 4:45 pm
LV: Seattle @ 7:10 - AR: Beijing, China 11:00 pm!!!
*Staying at Novotel Peace Hotel - Oct. 6-9th

October 9th - Fly to Chengdu (where Magnus is!)
LV: 8:30 am - 11:30 am - Chengdu, Sichuan Province
*Staying at Crown Plaza - Oct. 9-14th
*NOTE: we go to the orphanage on Oct. 10th @ 9:30 am to get Magnus! This is our Gotch'a Day!!!!
**Another NOTE: October 14th is Jocelyn's 6th Gotch'a Day!

October 14th - Fly to Guangzhou
*finalizing adoption paperwork!

October 14-21st - in Guangzhou
*Staying at The China Hotel Marriott
*Consulate Appointment at Embassy - Oct 20
*Get Magnus' Visa!!! Oct. 21st

October 21st - Fly to Hong Kong
*Stay overnight at HK Marriott Hotel in Airport

Fly HOME!!!!! - October 22nd
LV: 8:30 am - layover in Toyko, Japan
AR: MSP Airport @ 12:35 pm!!!!

Sent from my iPhone

48 hours until we LEAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-03T09:16:00.003-05:00

It was a super FUN weekend because we got to PACK FOR CHINA!!!! For the most part, our bags and carry on's are PACKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a sweet relief to have this part done. Now, I'm working on packing laptop, ipads, kindle, DSs, cameras, video camera, and all the cords and etc. This all takes time. I have last minute appointments and errands to do today and tomorrow.

The girls are crazy excited and ready to go!! I am a bit crazy myself and so excited to finally be at this point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Ride in the Country!

2011-10-03T08:55:00.002-05:00

We took our annual "ride in the country" yesterday and spent some time with Kenny & Byron who are farmers in Clarkfield. The girls got a ride in the semi and the combine!!!!!!!!! The girls brought lunch for the boys! They love bringing them lunch to eat in the combine. This year they picked out a "healthy" lunch because they said Kenny was on a diet! So the boys were brought sub sandwiches, dry roasted peanuts and diet coke!

Here's Ahnya looking at the field the girls and Kenny combined. She didn't want to go in the combine, but was just happy to there!

And Kenny had treats for the girls, too!! He always has jr. mints for the girls! Here's Kenny, Gabriella and Jocelyn with their jr. mints on the combine!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Kenny & Bryon for taking time out of your BUSY harvest to let us come and visit and take a ride in the combine!!!!! Gabriella, Jocelyn and Ahnya love the visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's HERE!!! It's HERE!!! It's HERE!!! We have TA!!!

2011-09-28T13:21:00.009-05:00

***** UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!! It's offical...we leave on Wednesday!! WE LEAVE IN 6 DAYS!!!!!! We fly out of MSP Airport on Oct. 5th and get back to the states on Oct. 22nd!!! More details to follow!!!!!

Finally...the news WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!! We have TA!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. I received the long LONG awaited travel call from our adoption agency!! She politely said "This is the call you've been waiting for! I have your TA in my hands!! Pack your bags because you are off to China!!" I will always remember THIS moment.................All the girls were with me at the ballet studio when the call came in. So I'm happy we got to share "the call" together.

Right now we are waiting for our Consulate Appointment confirmation in China. Until we have a specific court date we can not book flights. However, it's looking like we are leaving on W-E-D-N-E-S-D-A-Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We hope to have CA confirmation and flights booked today. More information to follow as sooon as I can catch my breath and not puke at the same time! We are all just so excited this is REAL and finally happening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God is Good!

Happy Birthday Ahnya!!!!!!!!

2011-09-22T21:03:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday sweet baby! We celebrated Ms. Ahnya's 3rd Birthday in style!!! It was a beautiful evening and she was so happy to see everyone on her very special day! She loved the drums from Nana and Bumpa!!! Thanks mom and dad for getting her the DRUMS!!!!! Those were a hit!!! And as you can see, with enough practice for the special day, she now has her SMILE down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm over joyed that she doesn't do that cheezzzzy smile anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Momma is glad she can do a big girl smile and not drive me crazy!!!! Here's some pictures of the day!!!!!!!!! Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Final Count Down begins.....

2011-09-16T13:44:00.003-05:00

So many things are going through my head as I type this that I don't know where to begin!!!

Deep breath.....First of all, I found out early this morning that our Article 5 was indeed picked up by our China rep. yesterday and overnighted to CCCWA! The CCCWA has our paperwork NOW...and now I can whole heartedly say, WE WAIT FOR TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!!!!!!! Hot Donuts and Hallelujia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The final count down has begun as of TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you hear me screaming?????????????????????????

If if if if if if if if if if if if if if we get TA before end of September we'll leave within days and/or beginning of October! Please please please please let CCCWA work fast and get our paperwork done so we can LEAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's a National Holiday in China from October 1-7th! And YES the government offices and CCCWA (who will process our TA) will be C-L-O-S-E-D! Gotta love holidays and I typically DO...however, this chinese holiday is not particularly my favorite because it could slow us down a week or so! SOOOOOOOOOO, if we don't get TA until after the holiday we'll travel mid to late October. But at least I know we'll be traveling in October!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am finalizing up shopping lists today and getting last minute clothing so we are all ready to travel once TA comes!

Keep the prayers coming for quick travel, Magnus' overall health, our whole family traveling and patience through these last couple weeks as we wait for TA!!!! I find strength and peace in your prayers!

Have an amazing weekend!

Waiting for Artice 5

2011-09-10T14:18:00.004-05:00

We are anxiously waiting for our Article 5 to be completed at the US Consulate in China!!! The consulate is now reviewing Magnus' visa application (the DS-230) to make sure it meets the qualifications for an immigrant visa (which is does!!!) and then signs off that everything is in order for the adoption to be completed. This last step called the Article 5 (or A5) will be picked up by our China rep on Thursday, Sept. 15th in the afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can not wait for Thursday adfternoon to come.....because then we then wait for TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!!!!!! We expect to receive TRAVEL APPROVAL about 2 weeks after A5! So end of September or beginning of October we can get the call from our agency that it's time to GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It can come any day and at any time. We will just be READY!!!!!!!!!!! Looks like we'll be in China next month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the nean time, the girls are busy at school and Ahnya and I are hanging out together playing, packing, organizing and shopping for travel supplies during the day! I am getting soooo much done...I love it!!!! Last week we were at Lake Reno and won't be back there until after Magnus comes home in October!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's Grandpa Bob and Grandma Peggy at the lake with the girlies! We had so much fun fishing last week. Girls caught about 40+ fish!!

Enjoy the beautiful weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Update!!!

2011-09-01T12:55:00.006-05:00

We are so lucky to have received another update today from the orphanage were our Magnus is staying!!!!!!!!! What a surprise!!!!!!!! The pictures are of poor quality resolution-so it's very blurry...but it's just so wonderful to see pictures of him happy!!!!!!! The orphanage said they have been taking pictures of Magnus the whole time since he entered the orphanage and will give us the complete book of baby pictures when we travel to meet him!!!! So I'm so excited to know that he will have BABY pictures from China. This is awesome news!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here Magnus is blowing kisses!!!!!!!!! How dang adorable is that!!!!!!! Everything was basically the same information as the last update we received. However, this time we learned some new information which was exciting! Magnus has a special nanny named, Chen Lin, who he is smitten with. This is very sweet and makes me feel better knowing that he is getting love and hugs! Magnus, whose nickname in China is "Shu-Shu" - pronounced "shoe-shoe", can now walk!!!! This makes me now want to cry. I am so sad that I missed his first steps and so many things. But then again, we'll have a lifetime of firsts. It's bitter sweet I guess. The report stated that he loves to eat! He eats only congee (like hot cereal), noodles, crackers, and drinks fruit and vegetable juice.

Overall the update from the orphanage was great and seeing those pictures of him playing outside with other children is priceless. I'm so thankful there's a great playground for the children to play on! I didn't expect that either.

This update and pics will help ME pass the time for a couple weeks until we get our Article 5 paperwork completed! Right now I'm just so thankful to see more pictures of him!!!

We love you Magnus and we're coming very VERY soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One more step to go!!

2011-08-31T13:26:00.003-05:00

Did you hear my screaming around 10:00 a.m. today????? You couldn't have missed the noise because we found out today that we have cleared the USCIS and NVC channels! Our paperwork is now in China's hands (well, it will be in China's hands at about 9 or 10 tonight as that's China's morning) and we now wait for what is called the Article 5 to be issued! This is our last and final step until we receive our TRAVEL!!!!!!!!!

Our in-country China rep will hand delivery our precious paperwork to the US Embassy in China on 9/1. It takes a standard two weeks to complete this process. Our Article 5 will be picked up on 9/15! Once it's picked up from the consulate, it will be delivered directly to the CCAA for Travel Approval! Everything is out of our hands and we ask for prayers for a speedy last step before we get our travel approval!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've started packing (no surprise there!!!) and making lists for everyones suitcases! To pack for 6 people makes my head spin! So as analytically anal as I am (major concrete sequential behavior type!) I have made a packing list for everyone so I know exactly what goes in their carry on and what goes in their piece of luggage! Everyones list includes their specific needs for their piece of luggage. (Example: Toiletries, Medical Needs, Clothing, Snacks, Electronics, Misc., and what goes in their Carry on/back pack.) lOVE IT!

Right now we are so thankful to be at this step and be so close now to be traveling to get our Magnus. We will know more when our A5 is issued 9/15th! But it's looking like we could be traveling in about 4 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aaahhhhhh!!!!

Jocelyn goes to Kindergarten!!!!

2011-08-29T12:23:00.004-05:00

Today is Jocelyn's first day of Kindergarten!!!!! I still can't believe it and miss her terribly. She was very nervous upon waking up this morning! And actually had a tummy ache, too! Regardless, she was ready to go to school and when I dropped her off she was already talking her classmates ear off about getting shots and going to China. So, I felt really good knowing that she is in the finest of hands with Miss Dudgeon at Holy Redeemer! Have a great day lil' Jocelyn. We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Making Progress...

2011-08-26T15:44:00.002-05:00

Good News continues here this week! We learned that we have received the I-800 from USCIS!!!!! This is another important immigration step!!! The I-800 is our Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative. It's our approval from USCIS to adopt Magnus!!!!

Now our paperwork has to go through the National Visa Center beginning of next week. Then we wait for another couple weeks for the LAST STEP called the Article 5! I actually have no idea what this step is for...but I know we have to complete it to finally be able to travel!!! So with that I'm guessing we'll travel in 4-6 weeks!!!!!

Today the girls and I went to the clinic to get our travel shots! I asked Ryan to help me and accompany me with the 'drama' girls...and of course, he said "No, I am busy and you can handle it!" So what seemed like a very simple appointment for the 4 of us, turned into utter and complete chaos! I won't go into details as the girls would be embarrassed and this could come back and haunt them once day (as it really should). But trust me when I say that I sincerely hope I don't ever have to see those two nice nurses EVER again! Because they went through hell and back during those 20 minutes!

Oh, and I'm never forget little Ahnya yelling at the nurses with her blankie and pointing her finger at them saying (at the top of her lungs, too,) "You weave my sista's awoooone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lady, stop it!!!!! You weave my sista's awooooone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Yep, and that was JUST the tip of the ice berg...but you get the idea!

All in all it was a good week for paperwork and the Schlenner Family is ready to travel to China!!! Oh, and did I mention that both Ryan and I's moms are traveling with us, too! Nana and grandma Peg are all set to travel with us to China!!!

More to follow...Have a great weekend!

Gabriella's 1st Day of 2nd Grade!!

2011-08-22T08:54:00.003-05:00

Today is Gabriella's first day of 2nd grade!!! I can't believe it!! She was so excited and she kept reassuring me that she wasn't nervous just EXCITED!!!! Her two sisters are beside themselves this morning and keep asking when is Gabriella coming home! Gabriella will be missed today-but she will have the best day and I can't wait to hear all about it!

Today is also a day about changes. Over breakfast this morning Gabriella explained that she was very sad that her best friend Ella would not be in school anymore as they're moving. It broke my heart to see her sad and hurt on this special day. For her to remember this on such and chaotic and busy day means she's thinking about it a lot and dealing with it her own way. So Ella, if you're reading this, Gabriella and our whole family miss you terribly and know that you are in all our hearts even though you're not in the same town anymore. And Annie and baby boys, we love you all to pieces and look forward to hanging out together. So today is all about changes, good or bad, we we'll take them in stride and thank our lucky stars that we are all blessed and have each other forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Special Delivery!

2011-08-11T16:06:00.002-05:00

We sent our baby a chinese care package to his orphanage this past week!!! I used Angela from 'Lady Bugs and Love' to help! Angela has a company in China who specifically caters to adoptive families to send care packages to orphanges, contact orphanages, send letters and communicate back and forth, etc. She is wonderful and I am very pleased.

I told Angela what I wanted in the care package and she went shopping for me in China! She bought him a soft panda bear, camera for orphanage to take pictures of him, a photo album with 10 pictures of our family and captions under each of the pics in Chinese charaters, a letter from us to the orphanage asking specific questions about Magnus, nuts, and candy!

I can't wait to get another update soon after he gets the care package!

Update from the Orphanage

2011-08-11T15:47:00.003-05:00

Today we got an update from the Chengdu orphanage where our Magnus is right now!!! Oh my goodness, Ryan and I were so thankful to get this!! He looks good and I am relieved to just SEE that he is well and cute as pie!!!!!!

Our little Magnus is a tiny thing. His arms and legs look so little. But that smile, THAT SWEET SMILE, completely reassures me that he is going to be fine and I need to stop obsessing.

We found out from the report that he can sit by himself, roll over, crawl and stand! He loves to be held, doesn't suck his thumb (the girls wanted to know this about him), he is very clever and especially loves candy!

Magnus is 20 lbs, 30 inches long, and his foot is 4.3 inches long. We know much of the information we receive from the orphanage could very well be fabricated to make him seem bigger and healthier, but his pictures speak a thousand words! Our Magnus is doing well and we hope to travel very VERY soon!!!!!!!!!

Hot Damn & Hallelujia!!!! Finally LOA!!!!!

2011-08-07T20:44:00.008-05:00

We have FINALLY received the news we have been waiting for!! On Thursday, Aug, 4th we received our Letter Of Acceptance (LOA) from the Chinese Government CCCWA. They have officially accepted our dossier and now recognize Ryan and I as the family that will be adopting our sweet baby Magnus!

The girls are super excited and you can tell they can't wait to get their hands on their new baby brother!

Here's our Magnus (Hu Lu Shu-his chinese name) in the orphanage in Chengdu, China! He is now 16 months old. We hope to receive a couple updates and new pictures this month!

This is the official LOA document that Ryan and I signed!

We are over the moon excited and you can tell by this picture that his "BIG" sisters can not WAIT to get their hands on him and smooch him to pieces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With this information we plan to travel this fall. Yahoo!!! There still is a process that our paperwork has to go through before we travel and it will take about 6-8 weeks to complete this paperwork if all goes smoothly. Quicker would be fine, too! So pray that our paperwork goes to the appropriate departments and we can all get to China SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right now, we are just celebrating and thanking our lucky stars that we finally have LOA after 90 days of waiting!!!! "Hold on baby Magnus, we're coming as soon we can!!!!"

Happy Birthday Grandma Ro!!!

2011-08-05T21:14:00.000-05:00

It was Great Grandma Ro's 49!!! (kidding) birthday and we were very lucky to celebrate with her in "style!" The girls shared some chocolate birthday cake with her, too!

We took Grandma to lunch in Osakis at the restaurant called "Just Like Grandma's." It seemed appropriate, of course! We like to go here every year during the summer with the girls! We have a tea, put our napkins in our laps, talk fancy and call each other "da-ling!"

For dinner, Grandma Ro made her special dish of FRIED CHICKEN!!! I had to take a picture because this is the REAL deal PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!! It's amazing and finger lick'in good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's Grandma cook'in in the kitchen at the lake with us!!!

After a full day of birthday festivities, Grandma had a fuzzy navel cocktail! Yes, she actually put vodka in it, too! Here's proof for the family that Grandma can still have a good time!!!! Happy Birthday Grandma Ro! We love you and had a blast celebrating with you!!!!! Here's to many more memorable and "tasty" years to come!

Momma made a video!!!! Come see!!!!!!

2011-07-28T09:08:00.003-05:00

The wait is doing crazy things to me. It's painfully hard to wait. So I'm doing my best to stay busy.

I made a video and I hope you like it!

The Amaze'n Farmyard Trip

2011-07-27T13:07:00.002-05:00

We took another road trip this weekend and went to the Amaze'n Farmyard outside of Paynesville, MN. We had a blast petting and going into the pens of all the barn animals!!!!!!!!! Miniature ponies, goats, sheeps, puppies (no we didn't buy a puppy...but thought about it!) chickens, turtles, etc. It was a fun "hands on" experience!!!!!

The girls played with the animals, played in the corn, went on pony rides, train rides and MORE!!!!

Definately worth the trip!!!!!!!!!!! It was a super fun time

Keeping Busy in the Summertime!

2011-07-24T20:12:00.000-05:00

Summer is flying by and we're busy doing everything we can outdoors! It's the only place to be in the summer. The girls love fishing off the dock at the lake! They actually catch fish!!! And then they enjoy playing with them until they are "sleeping."

Ahnya is crazy as ever! Loving the swing at the lake and doing her best to drive her older sisters CRAZY!

I can tell when Gabriella and Jocelyn have had too much SUGAR! This picture is evidence that they are wound up and hyper after 2 freezies or popsicle treats. They totally lose it and the sillies begin!

Here's a normal picture...but it took me a dozen times to get them from goofing around! Here they're in Ahnya's baby pool on the patio! Ahnya was sleeping at the time so they are having a ball in her pool! Ahnya's scared of the lake. Very cautious and doesn't want to go in. I'm glad of that...because then I don't have to worry every second that she's going to run into the lake.

My girls are nuts. End scene! It's a great summer! And I have super girls!

one fish, two fish, red, fish, blue fish...new fish!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-23T20:59:00.007-05:00

Magnus' baby room is done!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the Dr. Seuss theme "one fish, two fish." I had so much planning the theme and buying everything for his nursery!! It's a fun room!! And I love it!!!!!! It turned out perfectly...just like my baby Magnus. And for those wondering, I haven't heard anything!!!!!!!! No news is GOOD news!

My sister Nicki painted on 5 20x20 canvas. She did a magnificent job and I LOVE them!!!!!!!!!!!!

The third picture here is the top border that Nicki painted around the room! It's totally adorable!!!!!!

....bookcase...............crib...................changing table........................

Road Trip to Butterfly House

2011-07-22T20:47:00.002-05:00

After the zoo trip we took a detour to the Seratoma Butterfly House! Another amazing experience for my babes! We do this every year-but we love it all the same every year!

You'll have to ask professor Jocelyn what kind of butterfly this is....she knew most of them!

Ahnya liked this experience. She said the butterflys were "very very nice." She had a duck and a goat bit her fingers at the zoo! She screamed so loud I thought we were going to get kicked out! Seriously! The child has zero pain tolerance!

Gabriella was lucky enough to have a butterfly land on her hand! Jocelyn was very proud of her big sis!

Here's my girls and sweetie, cousin Deacon. Anyone notice Ahnya's smile is getting WORSE! She doesn't even smile...now she wrinkles up her nose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now when I tell her "ok, let's SMILE pretty Ahnya," she now says back to me, "Oh (sigh) stop it momma!" Again, I'm not exaggerating!

Trip to the Zoo!!!!

2011-07-22T20:31:00.001-05:00

I took the girls to the Zoo this week! And of course I brough Nana, too! And, my nephew Deacon! She's a super great help too! It was unbearably HOT! Like 98 degrees HOT...and I'm not exaggerating that at all! We were tired of going to the pool, staying inside (because it was so hot 3 days in a row), and I was tired of pushing "refresh" on my laptop waiting for news from our adoption agency...so we packed and went on a road trip to the zoo!

We have a family friend named Allison who works at the Zoo. Every year we are lucky enough to schedule time with her to meet us and bring us in the pens with the animals and feed them!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the most wonderful expereince EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's Allison with the girls and Deacon in the giraffe pen.
Gabriella and Jocelyn are feeding and giraffe's! They loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahnya was terrified!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And we wrapped up the zoo experience by riding the carosel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a fun trip to the zoo!

3rd Annual Lance Weekend

2011-07-21T20:23:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we had a fabulous weekend with our besties at the lake. Angie and Carl hosted us, Meyers and the Bourne families!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was crazytime fun! The kids and babies had a blast, too! There's nothing better than relaxing and catching up with friends and family.

Nate and Carl definately had some deserving rest and relaxation!

The kids get along together perfectly and love each other dearly!

Thanks for a great weekend Lance's! We love you to pieces and look forward to the next year celebration!

Thunderstorms at Lake Reno

2011-07-11T10:31:00.003-05:00

Alexandria area had a destructive thunderstorm that rolled through last night. The girls are I were at the lake and luckily hung out downstairs for a couple hours. The storm uprooted trees and left us without electicity until late into the night. Thankfully my laptop battery was charged and we watched a movie and had snacks by candle light.

Day 63......Waiting for LOA....

2011-07-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

We are still waiting for our LOA to be processed in China. We WERE hoping to have it back around 30 or 40 days ago. No such luck with international adoption paperwork fiascos. Our adoption agency spoke directly to their contact in Bejiing and he said that paperwork is being delayed 3-4 weeks. Due to employees at the CCCWA office taking time off for vacations and holidays. AAAaaaahhhhhhhhh............Just goes to show it does pay to plan your day!

We were also told that our paperwork for Magnus is supposidly in "translation." Meaning it's being translated from English to Chinese so the officials can read it and then APPROVE it! At least it's not lost or sitting in a pile on someones forgotten desk. The translation could take about a month. Crossing our fingers....that this gets done this month and we receive our LOA!

I opened a fortune cookie last night and this is what the fortune read, "You will soon be receiving some good written news." So hoping the chinese fortune cookie is right! We need some good written news right about now!!

More Summer Time Fun

2011-07-07T12:36:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of the house on Lake Reno!!!

The girls love going for jet ski rides!!!!!!!!!!! Ryan loves pulling them in the tube!!!!!!!

Gabriella and Jocelyn are old pros on the jet ski!

Gabbi and Jocelyn with some friends at the lake on the tube. There's never a dull moment!

Summer Time Fun

2011-07-06T12:20:00.003-05:00

We are loving spending time at Lake Reno this summer. It was a very good move from Minnewaska to Reno. We have oodles of room in the house, more space outside, the beach is great, and the girls have wonderful friends to play with there. Gabriella is enjoying getting up and putting her swim suit on and going right outside!!

Jocelyn is also loving summer time and she's very active. Her favorite thing to do is whatever Gabbi wants to do!!!

I basically run my buns off all day (and night) long with the girls. We do sleep in until 8:30 a.m. but we start running the minute we wake up. It's go-go-go!!!! Playing in the lake, swimming, looking for shells, countless snacks and meals, bike riding, games, etc. We are loving the summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok...Ahnya is completly nuts. I know I've posted before and stated that Ahnya's behavior is goofy...but honestly, it's gone from crazy to beyond crazy!!! She will not let me take a "normal" picture of her. She has no idea how to smile! Her sisters are excellent with the camera-but Ahnya....Oh my!!!!! I have given up for the time being on trying to make her take a picture. She just performs and does her whackiest pose for the camera. So here's Ahnya...just being herself!

Here's Ahnya at the beach in the sand! She could sit all day in the sand and play!!!!

Hugs to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2011-07-05T11:59:00.003-05:00

We celebrated the 4th of July at the Johnson farm! It was hot and beautiful out! Perfect day for spending time with family!Ahnya, Jocelyn and Gabriella pose for their 4th of July picture!!!

Our cousins from Chicago came for their annual visit to spend time together. The Sumoski's have 3 beautiful girls. And our girls adore them to pieces!!!!

The kids had a blast swimming in Nana's pool she set up for the occasion.
Here's a fun picture of the ladies on the back patio. (Left to right) Nana, Shelly, Lois, Sharon, Benay & Ahnya.
We ended the day with fireworks over Hawk Creek. It was a very fun and memorable day!!! Can't wait to do it again next year with you all!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're at the lake...no news on travel either

2011-06-17T09:58:00.010-05:00

Hi from Lake Reno! We're at the lake and having a fun time. Weather is so unpredicatable this summer. One day is sunny and warm and the next is cold and rainy!

We are waiting to receivce LOA (Letter of Acceptance) from CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs). This step in the process takes a couple months and we're on day 40!!! We're praying like crazy that we get this step approved so we are closer to travel. Once we get the LOA it will be easier to predict WHEN we will travel.

The days and weeks are flying by and it leaves me thinking of our Magnus. Hope he's healthy and safe in the Children's Welfare Institute orphanage in Chengdu.

Ethiopian Orphans in our HEARTS

2011-05-20T08:52:00.005-05:00

There have been some major changes in the international Ethiopian adoption program. The country itself has reduced adoptions to nearly 90% percent the number of foreign adoptions it is processing. Cases are being processed in a "more deliberate" manner because of concerns about unethical behavior.

My heart breaks for the families that are waiting for their children they will never get. My heart breaks for orphans who will never have a family, nor a mother's love. Please pray for these families that are heark broken and pray for the children who never even got a chance.

There are about a handful of countries that offer international adoption in the whole world! Out of the handful of countries there are now 3 countries, China, Korea and Ethiopia, that have vastly haulted their international adoptions. That number directly hits home...our home! We have children from each of these countries that are now going through termoil.

This could have been us. We could have been that family that was heart broken. Why did it work for us 4 times, while others suffer. We are so unbelievably LUCKY to have our girls and baby Magnus, who is waiting for us in China! Our family could have been significantly affected...I am so sad for the families and children.

I am passionate about international adoption and I want to advocate for the orphans around the world who are waiting for families-but have bureaucracy , politics, and paperwork in the way. I have to believe that everything happens for a reason, and somehow somewhere God will reveal his plan and it will be made clear. But for now I am just grateful, humbled, and blessed for our 4 children. Keep our dear friends who are dealing with this now, the families who are heart broken, and the children of these countries in your everyday prays.

Oh Baby!!!! You did WHAT??????????

2011-05-19T13:23:00.005-05:00

This is a very funny story that I just HAD to share! You will sure get a laugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The girls were in their playroom playing babies in their play house! They had some of Ahnya's old baby things (diapers, pull-ups, blankies, bottles, potty chair, etc) that they were playing with! They were having fun and then I noticed that Gabriella and Jocelyn were upstairs and Ahnya was missing. Every now and then I would check on Ahnya and say, "How you doing Ahnya?" and she would say "Good Momma, I am playing!" So I pretty much let her go until..........things were toooo quiet! The kind of quiet that only a mom knows that something is very wrong.

So I yelled down the stairs, "Ahnya how are you doing?"

Ahnya replies, "Berry Good Momma, I am poop'in in my potty!"

I quickly replied, "What are you doing honey?"

And of course Ahnya says, "Good Momma, I am poop'in in my baby potty! And it's so stinky in my house!!"

I looked at the big girls, Gabriella and Jocelyn, and their eyes were huge and they said, "Oh no, we took out the baby potty from the storage room!!!"

Aaahhhh!!!! The girls and I run down stairs and this is what we find...lil' Ms. Ahnya sitting on her baby potty chair in her playhouse! And yes, it was very VERY stinky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good laugh and Have a super fun day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 years ago....

2011-05-16T06:50:00.002-05:00

Only two short years ago you were living in a little hut in Africa. You had no idea what your life would hold...but God had a plan, we listened, and we followed it! We always joke that Africa just wasn't "ready" for lil' Ms. Ahnya. She has a BIG personality and an even BIGGER voice. There's NO way that hut was going to sustain her. Things were just meant to be! May 15th I traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and saw you for the first time in the orphanage. Your big chocolate brown eyes were astonishing. It was love at first sight! I couldn't get you out of there fast enough and in my arms!This was the porridge you ate happily. It's no wonder why you love hot cereal so much!And TWO years later you are perfect in every way and we are so blessed to have you as our daughter! Happy Gotch'a Day sweet lil' Ahnya! We love you to pieces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Gotch'a Day Ahnya

2011-05-16T06:42:00.002-05:00

Sunday, May 15th was lil' Ms. Ahnya's Gotch'a Day Celebration! And what a beautiful day it was!!!

Ahnya loves cake MORE than anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially chocolate cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Gotch'a Day my lovie! Two years ago I carried you out of the orphanage and we never looked back.

Gabriella and Jocelyn shared in the afternoon of fun outdoors playing in the back yard!

You've come a long way baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring 2011 Dance Recital!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-15T16:29:00.002-05:00

The girls had a big DANCE weekend!!! Gabriella and Jocelyn were in a tumbling routine (black leotards above), and then ballet dance, and tap dance routine! Three dances were a work out!! The girls did fabulous and we're so proud of their accomplishments this year!!!

Here's Annie, Jocelyn, Ella and Gabriella posing together for the last time dancing together. It was amazing to watch them dance together on stage but terribly hard knowing that it was the last time. Our besties, Annie and Ella, are moving to Clara Cityand we are going to miss them so much. It was definately bitter sweet.

Ella and Gabriella really had an excellent growth year! Their coordination, ability and poise is really amazing to watch!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad they shared four years of dance together!!!!!!!!! Best friends forever!

And Annie and Jocelyn did a super great job too! Little Jocelyn has made great strides in tumbling, ballet and tap. The girl just has a special talent for dance. It comes easy for her and it's so fun to watch!!!!

I love this pic for many reasons... it speaks volumes!!!!!! It was a great dance year and we're so glad we experienced it again with the Bourne Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you Ella and Annie!!!! Thanks for the many dance memories together...and here's to many more memories we'll make down the road.

Good Bye 5 Year Old Preschool!

2011-05-12T07:54:00.001-05:00

Thursday was Jocelyn's last day of 5 year old preschool. Mrs. Macht is an amazing teacher and we are very grateful to her for a great year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jocelyn loves her to pieces!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for a great year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jocelyn had a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finishing up another great year of dance!

2011-05-11T07:14:00.000-05:00

The girls have another week of tap, ballet and tumbling and then we are taking the summer off!!!! They have excelled and have done a great job this year. Jocelyn has perfected her cartwheels, and Gabriella has mastered handstand-bridges in tumbling!!!!!!!
Next weekend is our Spring Dance Recital!!!!!!!!! The girls will have ballet dance, a tap dance, and tumbling routine! Nice job sweeties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Violin Recital

2011-05-10T07:35:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, as busy as it was, we managed to squeak in a violin recital, too!

Can you see which child is the character here??????????????

Whenever I TRY to take pictures, the child in the middle ALWAYS does this with her face!!!!!!!!!! Ahnya gets silly and giggly and squishes up her eyes, nose and mouth!!!!!!!!! I love this pic and had to put it in because it cracks me up!!! However, I want apologize in advance to Ms. Dudgeon, who teaches kindergarten, because Ahnya's going to give you a run for your money in 4 years!

Gabriella and Jocelyn with their violin teacher, Mrs. Wright! Thank you for another great year.

Gabriella played "Song of the Wind" at the recital!

Ms. Jocelyn played "Lightly Row Row." She informed me during the recital that she wants to learn to play the cello too! Who knows what they'll be playing next year!!!!!!!!!!!

We Have A Name!!!!

2011-05-09T08:41:00.001-05:00

We Have A Name.....

Let me introduce our baby boy! Magnus Ryan Lu Shu Schlenner!! Born 3/24/2010 in Chengdu City, China!!! He is cute as a button, isn't he?!!?!?!?!?!?!??!

Much thought went into this name because names are very important and this baby needed a very important name!! We wanted a name that was masculine with no hint of PINKNESS or remotely close to our girly girl house. Ryan's name means "little King." We wanted a name that was similar to the caliber of "little King." I've had the name picked out for many years. The girls and I fell in love with the name Magnus and swayed Ryan into liking it! Or he just got tired of referring to his son as "China baby."

Magnus, means "the Great!" Lu Shu is his Chinese name. Lu means, "boy" and Shu means "tiger," because he was born in 2010 in the Year of the Tiger. So we are naming our baby boy Magnus Ryan Lu Shu, which means The Great Little King Boy Born in the Year of the Tiger! Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is his referral file that we received late Thursday evening around 10:45 p.m. via email. I still can't believe it happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so unbelievably thankful...we have FOUR amazing, beautiful, healthy, loving children.

Baby Magnus has many many MANY layers upon layers of clothing in these pictures. China believes in keeping the babies very bundled up!!!

That's our baby! We're tickled..........BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely BLUE!!!!!!

Time for Tea

2011-05-08T18:27:00.004-05:00

Great Auntie "Fancy Nancy" came over Saturday morning and had a Tea Party with the girls! It was adorable and everything was FANCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First the girls read the book..................

Then, they all went and got dressed in "fancy" clothes, hats, purses, etc.

Oh, here was the invite!

Rule # 36: Do not invite toddlers to fancy tea parties!

Ahnya did not like following the rules about drinking tea! She kept saying, "stop it guys!"

Every table should have a beautiful bouquet of flowers on it!

Rule # 12: Always drink tea with your pinkies up!

Rule # 4: You must always have fancy finger food to eat when having tea!

It was an exceptionally wonderful tea party! Thank you Nancy!!! We LOVE you!!!!!!

Girls Just Wanna Have FUN!!!!!!

2011-05-01T16:10:00.003-05:00

Gabriella and Maya celebrated their birthdays together on Saturday and had a fun girly birthday party in Minneapolis!!! We packed up a bunch of girls Saturday morning and headed to the cities to watch "ANNIE" live at the Children's Museum and then lunch at the American Girl Bistro in the Mall of America!

Here's the pretty group of girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They really are as sweet as they look!

The BIRTHDAY girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wearing their BFF necklaces!

Gabbi opening her gifts!

It was a super fun day! Annie was fantastic!! Jami and I were so glad Ryan and Jake came with and drove because us mom's had our hands full with the girls in the vehicles! Thanks for a very special day Jami and Jake!! And Happy Birthday Gabriella and Maya! I couldn't have picked two more appreciative little girls than you two!

Recovering from Shock!

2011-05-01T15:53:00.002-05:00

We are happily recovering from our shock and excitement with news that we infact have a baby boy waiting for us in Chengdu City, Sichuan Prov. in China. I had to share these pics because their expressions show exactly what they felt when we told each of the girls of the news that we got the referral of their baby brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Gabriella was the first one we told....because she IS the BIG sister!!!!!!!! Gabriella first had tears, then lots of tears of joy, and then HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jocelyn was the next to be informed of the news..............she immediately started jumping up and down on her bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And then she grabbed her blankie and cuddled up on her bed and said "I'm exhausted Momma!" HA! I have no idea where she's heard that one before!
And that leaves lil' Ahnya! I woke her up.....this is exactly what she looked like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then I told Ahnya that I had some good news to tell her about China baby....she put her hands on her cheeks and said Oh My Gosh momma! Perfect!

At this point now, it's a paper pushing timeline of wait to travel. I was told by our agency that they give very conservative timelines and at this point we can expect to travel end of summer/early fall. So worst case scenario hopefully we travel end of September early October.

For now, we need to pick a name for this baby...otherwise, he will forever be China baby! Secondly, I do not have ANYTHING remotely close to boy clothes, necessities, toys, ETC! All I have is PINK everything! China baby is going to be exactly what this home needs!!!!!!!!!!!! Ryan and I are going to need this whole summer to save, research, prepare and pack for travel.

Ryan and I are going to bring the girls with on this adoption trip to China. There is no way in the world, at the ages they are, that I would ever leave them at home and proceed without them. We are a family and we are in this journey together. Grandma Peggy is going to be joining us on our trip to China, too. She will be a great help with the children as we travel and an extra set of hands!

That's it for now! I'll post more info when I know it!

We have a BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-29T00:05:00.008-05:00

Ryan and I received the FORTH best phone call of our whole entire lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We got "THE CALL!" AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God is GOOD!!!!!!!!! We have a baby!!!!!!!!

Our social worker, Sarah, called last night at exactly 10:30 p.m. I was already asleep in bed and Ryan was the one who actually picked up the phone! It's always been ME receiving "The Call" but tonight Ryan answered. I heard the phone ring twice and then heard him say "Wow, okay....!" At that moment ,I was hoping and praying my intuitions were right, I flew out of bed and grabbed the phone in the bedroom and immediately said into the phone, "Is it Sarah?" And then I heard her voice...and she said, "Hi Ann & Ryan, sorry to call so late but I have a referral for YOU!" That's when everything stopped...we were shocked!!!!!! Totally didn't expect it...but oh, what a wonderful surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ryan, I and the girls would like to announce the new addition to our family! We now have baby BOY!!!! He is adorable and so perfect!!!!!!!! HE (wow, is it ever funny to say HE!) was born March 24, 2010 in the Sichuan Province of China. He's 14 months old. And he's living in an orphanage in Chengdu China. I can not post a picture of him as it's against China rules. However, I can tell you he's precious and I can't stop staring at his pictures.

Thank you for everyones continued prayers and support!!!! I'll post more when I know more.

Field Trip to the Balfany Farm!

2011-04-28T10:47:00.003-05:00

Every year we take the girls to to see the animals at Todd and Lucy's farm! The girls LOVE the animals...not the smell!!!!!!!

Gabbi, Jocelyn and Ahnya rode horses!

Held baby chicks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank for letting us come and visit the farm Balfany's! We loved the field trip!!!!!!!!!!

Easter Day

2011-04-28T10:36:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter with family!

No Match for April

2011-04-26T11:07:00.003-05:00

Last night was the round of April Matching. While Ryan and I (and the girls) were so eager and excited for news of referral for the long awaited monthly matching, turns out we need to continue to wait. There just wasn't a baby that was meant for our family.

It will happen for us! It just didn't happen this month. Continued prayers that mid-May brings us closer to our China baby.

Log In Date!!!!!!!!!!! And April Matching date

2011-04-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Amen!!!!!!! We have our official Log in Date of April 21, 2011!!! This means the CCAA in China acknowledged our dossier and has it logged into their system! It also means that we are eligible for babies who have been recently added to the shared list. We are soooooooo excited!

AND, the next round for April Monthly Matching is set for Monday night on April 25th!!!!!!!!!!! So once again we wait for the magical night to come and hopefully we have referral!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Easter Everyone!!! HAve a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-09T08:06:00.011-05:00

Good Morning Birthday Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gabriella turns 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Big sister celebrated her birthday last night and had her family birthday party at our house!! It was a beautiful night for a party!!!!!Blowing out candles........................................Have a happy birthday lil' Gabriella!!!! We love love so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This morning we are leaving for the lake to have another birthday party!! We're going to go to a movie and out for birthday dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Tooth Fairy Visits

2011-03-30T07:40:00.003-05:00

....................................One wiggly tooth.................................

Last night after Jocelyn and I went to Kindergarten Round-up at HRS she decided it was time to pull out the very wiggly tooth! She was nervous...but determined that it was coming out!!! Either that or swallow it in her sleep.

Mommy was the one to win over her trust and was able to pull out the tiny little tooth!!!! This morning the Tooth Fairy come and graced her presence with fairy glitter, $1.00, and a gift!! The very first tooth is very special!! So of course, the tooth fairy bring a gift!

Adoption News for March

2011-03-29T15:28:00.003-05:00

March Update: We were not matched with a referral for the month of March. The monthly matching was on March 21st from the China WIC "shared list." Our adoption specialist did not find a match for us that "fit" our family. More waiting.... Our adoption agency will only place children atleast 12 months younger than the youngest child in a home. We are waiting for a baby that is atleast 12 months younger than Ahnya with some minor correctable/special needs. For now, we wait for the middle of April to roll around with another round of matching. Hopefully, April will be the month! Until then we pray that God will bless us with a baby when the time is right. I ask for your continued prayers.

Good bye Lake Minnewaska...Hello Reno

2011-03-29T15:18:00.002-05:00

The Schlenner Family has a new lake home!! Grandpa Bob and Grandma Peg have decided to upgrade and get a bigger lake home to fit all the grandkids. So, good bye Minnewaska...hello Lake Reno!!!!! On Friday, April 1st we move into this beautiful 4+ bedroom log home on Lake Reno.

We can't wait for the warm spring weather to furry up and get here!

Happy Gotch'a Day Gabriella

2011-03-24T07:23:00.002-05:00

Today is Gabriella's Gotch'a Day Celebration!!!! Seven years ago today Ryan and I pledged to the Orenburg Court in Russia that we would be Gabriella Yulia Hopes parents and forever love and care for her! We went to the baby orphanage where Gabriella lived for 11 months and took her out of there as quickly as we could. It was one of the best days of our lives and forever changed our lives!!!!!!!!!!! Gabriella was 11 months old and 11 pounds when we left the orphanage. Tiny, sick, malnourished, and very weak.

Gotch'a Days are BIG events in our house. Almost bigger than a birthday!!!!!!!!!! The morning begins with breakfast in bed and stories of her Gotch'a Day. Then I prepare a cultural Russian meal for dinner, and we wrap the night up with videos of our travels to Russia.

Happy Gotch'a Day Gabriella! We so happy we Gotch'a!!!We love you!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T15:42:00.004-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! Today the two big girls had a mini violin recital at the MAFAC Center! They did amazing!!! Gabriella and Jocelyn were sooooooooo proud standing in front of the audience...I think they amazed themselves that they sounded that good!!! When Gabriella was done with her piece I saw her wipe tears out of her eyes! She loved it. Jocelyn did too, but she takes it to another level. Jocelyn is very serious when she plays and gets into her music....very centered and pure concentration! It looked as though when she was playing that she was the only one in the room!

Here's Jocelyn and Gabriella with their music teacher Mrs. Diane Wright. I am so proud of them!

No News.........

2011-03-09T14:38:00.003-06:00

I've had some friends ask me lately, "what's happening with the baby news!" While I really love the thought of news and talking about potential news-I have NOTHING to share!!!!!! You'd think after three adoptions under my belt I'd be really good at waiting! Well, I'm not! My patience level in this waiting game just stinks! If God is trying to teach me patience and stress management through all this...I don't think it's working!

The next round of "matching" is middle of March. I'm not sure if that's March 14th or March 21st. We will know one of those days if we are matched with a baby from China. If we do not receive a referral middle of March, then we wait until the middle of April, or middle May, etc. Each month brings us closer, meanwhile, I go a little crazier!

I don't "feel" like this is the month for a referral for us. I am a very faithful person and I believe we will get a referral for us WHEN the time is exactly right. So when it happens-it happens! Doesn't make it any easier...I just know that above all else I need to follow His plan. Praying that we receive "the call" for our baby soon.

Happy Birthday Jocelyn!

2011-03-06T09:18:00.004-06:00

Jocelyn is 6 years old! She celebrated with her friends at the YMCA on Saturday and had a blast!!! What a fun way to celebrate and play with friends!!! They played in the bouncy house, had pizza & birthday cake, sang karaoke, played on the mats and scooters and open gifts. All 13 girls had an amazing time!!!

Here's Maya, Jocelyn and Olivia playing on the mats at the YMCA!
Jocelyn loved her Barbie Birthday cake. Thanks Krista for making a very special bday cake for Jocelyn!!! It was perfect! And thank you to all the friends who joined Jocelyn for a fun birthday!

Disney on Ice Trip!

2011-03-04T11:22:00.005-06:00

On Thursday, March 3rd the girls and I, along with our besties Terese, Ella and Annie, joined us on a road trip to Disney on Ice at the Target Center in Minneapolis! It was a super fun day and all the girls enjoyed the performance.

We took a community ed. charter bus and the girls just loved it!!! Jocelyn and Annie had a blast on the bus. I think their favorite part was having a bathroom on the bus!!!! They visited the bathroom atleast a 1/2 dozen times EACH!

Gabriella and Ella also enjoyed the trip and the bus ride was a highlight of the trip! Thanks for a very memorable adventure Bournes!!!! Disney on Ice was fantastic and we loved sharing the experience with our friends!!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T18:59:00.002-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!!!!! This morning started out with a special Valentines breakfast...complete with festive yummies. The girls were super excited today and Nana also came over to spend the day with us!! We love you Nana!

The girls had some fun in the snow and enjoyed the fresh air and warmer weather!!!!!!!!!!! Amen!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Grandma Ro came over and had our annual "Sweetheart Valentine's Dinner" with us! Grandma and I enjoyed cooking and celebrating an extra special day together as family. Here the girls took a quick pose with Grandma Ro! Can you pick out the wild child in this picture?!?!?!?!??! (It's definately Ahnya!)

Baby news...it may be a boy!!!!!!!!!!! Ha!

2011-02-10T09:39:00.003-06:00

We received a call yesterday....already! Our adoption specialist called this week and asked if we would be interested in a baby boy with minor health needs. She explained that while China keeps most of the baby boys for whatever cultural reason(s), she has seen some baby boys waiting for adoption lately. The baby boys are younger, healthier and that would also mean travel would be quicker. So with that, Ryan and I are trying to picture a baby boy in our family!!! After three girls, it's something to wrap my head around! I think our house needs some shak'in up and a baby boy would be a perfect fit for our family! I'm seeing a lot of blue in our future!!!!! Stay tuned!

We have a BIG announcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-07T13:47:00.005-06:00

The Schlenner family has a very special announcement to make......are you sitting down?????????

Gabriella, Jocelyn & Ahnya would like to let all our family and friends know that..........WE'RE ADOPTING ANOTHER BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and IT'S ANOTHER baby GIRL! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(I told you to sit down!)

We are adopting a baby girl from China and we all couldn't be happier!!! The girls are thrilled!!!! Now we wait for a referral to be matched with this spring or summer. Then travel this fall/winter 2011. This process is going to go more quickly because we are open to some minor/correctable medical issues.

We surprised our family and close friends by presenting them with a chinese take out box filled with chinese goodies...AND of course a fortune cookie that said "SURPRISE...IT'S A GIRL!" It was so much fun sharing the news with our family and besties! To see everyones reactions and to feel their enthusiasm and support was priceless. The feeling is still exillerating the forth time around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ryan and I started the adoption process back in September 2010! We are using the same adoption agency and the paperwork is completely done! We just wait for the "the call" and news that we have a referral! Let the fun begin!!! Yeah....it's a Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BIG Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-25T14:15:00.002-06:00

It's officially official.............lil' Ahnya is potty trained!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, Ahnya is on week 2 going potty in the potty!!!!!! No more diapers, pull-ups, bottles...........ALL GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's amazing how quickly she picked up on this and has done fantastic. She basically knew what she was doing on day 2!!! Good job Ahnya!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Day!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-29T11:25:00.002-06:00

On Christmas Day we open presents at Nana and Bumpa's house and then took off to the lake to stay and celebrate more Christmas cheer at Grandma and Grandpa Schlenner's!

We got to the lake and had a wonerful dinner of crab legs and shrimp!!! It's our traditional meal for Christmas with the Schlenner's and the girls love it.

Things went down hill from there....and the girls progressively got sick over the course of 3 days. Over the holidays no clinics were open and tylenol and cough medicine weren't working anymore. By Monday morning Gabriella and Jocelyn were miserable (including mommy)!!! We went to the doctor Monday morning and we have phenomia and Gabbi has bronchitis. Thank goodness for medicine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-25T10:51:00.000-06:00

On Friday, Christmas Eve day we went to Nana and Bumpa's house on the farm for our Christmas celebration with the Johnson bunch!!

Here's the grandkids making a ginger bread house together. Thanks to Adri for the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We did our traditional live nativity!! Jocelyn was the angel, Gabriella was Mary, Ahnya was baby Jesus, Deacon was Joseph, and Harley was a shephard/king!!!! Adri and Tyus are not officially "retired" from their duties of the nativity!We all sing carols by candle light!

Holly, Harley and Nana singing.

Ryan and Ahnya

The Nativity group! What a special day it was! Happy Birthday baby Jesus!

Christmas morning we open our stocking as Santa made it to Nana's house!!! Notice, Jocelyn crying...and Harley is trying to console her by a huge hug!!!!