Our 1st Chinese New Year Party

We went to our first Chinese New Year party yesterday held by our adoption agency, New Life. Everyone that has adopted from China was invited and brought their children, and there were some of the waiting families there too (that's us). What a day!

As we arrived and walked through the door there were little Asian girls and a couple Asian boys everywhere. Every time we go to one of these events I get completely choked up for about the first 10 minutes. I think I just get so overwhelmed and the want for Avery is so right there in my face, that I really can't hardly talk for the first 10 minutes and am on the verge of tears. It takes me a few minutes to fight them back and compose myself. There were children of ll ages, from 10 months old to it looked like 10 years old. They were giving out little Asian purses at the door in the shape of little Asian kimono shirts, we'll put it in Avery's room. All of the staff at our adoption agency are so nice and friendly. They welcome you with hugs and they really are just sweet people and I appreciate that, and I know Gary does also.

As we walked into the banquet room, Vicki our agent (our person) was at the door. She is very nice and has a very warm personality. She told us that they put all the waiting families together at a table so we could meet each other. There were children every where running around, there was a dj there also playing music so the kids could dance, and most of them had there little Asian outfits on-SO CUTE!!

We found our table and immediately met another waiting couple from Syracuse. She was originally from Texas and he was originally from North Carolina. She is the regional manager for all of the Wal*Marts around where we live. They were very nice, just into the process though-8 weeks in. But they are doing special needs. The little girl they are hoping to adopt is 2 years old and has congenital heart disease. They don't have their dossier done yet but sent a letter of intent about the 2 year old and are waiting for word from that. They don't think they will travel until August or after. There were 2 other waiting families at the table, they have been waiting 13 months (they looked very unhappy and distraught). Again, nobody from our group was there-disappointing. They say it's hard for the waiting families to go to such events because it makes it harder. I agree but we feel we would like to get as involved as possible with the events at the agency and even though yes it is tough, it also gives you a glimpse into your future. I also like to hear the stories from the families who just came back. They are always willing to answer questions, and are always so supportive and helpful.

There were 3-4 families that traveled to get their daughters just 2 months ago. They were all so cute and you could see the relief on the parents faces as they held there children. One of the fathers did come over to offer support and introduced his wife and their daughter Emma. She is 13 months old, very small, very content, and had hardly any hair but so adorable in her panda shirt. They sat right down and told us all about their trip, the plane ride, the hotels, the food, New Life's liaison person- Frank in China (the guy that helps all the families with their paper work and just about everything else while in China), the bathrooms, what to take, what not to take. When they arrived at their hotel in China they were there about 30 minutes and Frank called to their room and said we're going to bring up luggage, food, and the babies right now. So, 30 minutes after they arrived in China they had Emma. That shocked me-WOW- really instant parents. He was very helpful and let us ask questions, and he talked to us for probably 30 minutes or more.

It was a lot of fun, a little depressing, but a little bit of hope of what's to come came with it. I am so glad we went. I enjoyed watching all of the children dance-of course.

We also saw the couple we met at the get together in October. They were there with there daughter Catherine. The Mom remembered us and we gave her our email address so maybe we can start to keep in touch with some of the other families we meet at these events. She is a riot, very down to earth and funny, very helpful, they are going for their second child, their dossier is already in China they are just waiting on their second referral. It was very nice to see them again.

We talked with a bunch of the staff from New LIfe, and as always they offer such support and kind words-much appreciated!!

After the party we went and looked at cribs and strollers, car seats, bassinets, swings, and everything baby.

So, Happy Chinese New Year-it is the year of the rat. We are almost officially 7 months into our wait. Can't wait for double digits!!!

Send more squares if you want. We have some we need to still post-hopefully soon!!

I am looking at patterns for the quilt and going to start her life book. Next on the house remodeling schedule is the nursery -YEA!!

Love to all!!

~Alli & Gary