Sunday, September 09, 2007

Hello...Maybe?

We are in Nanning safely and will update as soon as possible.

56 comments:

Unknown said...

Dont' worry about the #4 thing.
It's just superstitious fear-when you pronounce #4 and the word death is same that's why people don't use 4 in Some asian countries.Btw #3 is a perfect numeber so you're lucky!
What's your next schedule?
We miss you and be safe.
Please update you guys and shayla's pictures.
Love you guys!

tonyap said...

I'm glad you all made it safely. can't wait to see new pictures. Thank goodness we have Kay to explain things to us. I'm glad three is your lucky number. Luv ya and be safe.

Anonymous said...

This sucks that you may be out of communication. We all want to see pictures of you guys with Shayla. Please update with pictures and info as soon as you can. Your babies here are fine. We all love you and can't wait for your safe return.

Anonymous said...

We are so glad you made it ok. We can't wait to see pictures of you all with baby Shayla. We can't believe you are hours away.

Take care and give her tons of kisses from us.

Love ya
THE END!!

CindyCinlou said...

I hope you find away back on tell them I said you must blog lol! I am glad you made it there safely. Love you guys!!!

Anonymous said...

Well it won't be long before you have your little girl. We miss you guys, can't wait to see Shayla and you guys too. Love you guys very much..

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see an update! We are glad you made it to Nanning! Chuck, Lilee & I checked tonight just in case!!! Be safe & we can't wait to see more pictures

btw...loving the comedy :D

Amanda

tonyap said...

Ok, I can't sleep cause I thought there would be an update and new pictures but I guess not. I hope to see something soon. Love you guys and be safe. You will have Ms Shayla soon!!!!!

Anonymous said...

For anyone leaving comments on the blog spot, on Sunday I got several e-mails from Lisa and Mark and the blog spot is illegal, so probably nothing on the spot until they leave Nanning on the 15th. you know, a sensoring country type of thing. Too bad I was wanting lots of info and pictures, and now they have a dead battery and no place too buy connectors

Anonymous said...

Hey Lisa's mom or sister, I was wondering if they ahd at least called you and given you an update to let you know how Shayla is doing? I'm dieing to know how their Gotcha moment went.. I can't beleive they can't send pictures, that is so crappy..
I bet they are so excited to have her in their arms finally.

Anonymous said...

No calls or updates really. We are going crazy waiting to see and hear. I know that a bunch of us are planning to meet them at the airport, I hope no one is going to go to their house on the 20th. They are going to be three exhausted people that will need some time to recuperate. We probably won't hear much until they leave Nanning.

Abby's Mom said...

Hope all is well! Can't wait to see pictures of your dream come true :)

Anonymous said...

Lisa called Mom and they are ok. Shayla is sad and hates to take a bath. She is eating and they took her for a stroller ride in the hotel. She was the only baby not crying on Gotcha Day. However, she has made for that. They are taking a lot of pictures. The hotel gave them a crib to use but Shayla is sleeping with them. She fights sleep but sleeps ok once she goes to sleep. She likes the cheerios and snacks that Lisa brought. She can sit up and crawl. The 12 month size clothes are the ones that fit the best, her shoe size is a four. They are tired and this is a very hard time right now. We will update when we have more news.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Karen for the update, I've been thinking about them, and praying they have a smooth transition. All our adoption class's and books teach you about the sadness theses babies go through, but I guess nothing can really prepare you for it.
Please keep us updated. If you talk to them, tell all three of them we love them!

Anonymous said...

Karen,

Please tell them it WILL get easier. Lilee went through this also. She actually didn't even want me to hold her & Chuck had to do mostly everthing for the first 3 days. Then she started warming up. Please if you want to email me or they can if they are able I will help as much as possible. But please just let them know.....it DOES get easier!!!

Amanda
jonesflutterby@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Heard from Lisa, she says this is the hardest thing she's ever done. I also think it's the bravest thing my sister has ever done. She wanted her baby so much that she was willing to travel to another country, and endure many hardships. She has always wanted to be a mother and God chose to deliver her baby to her in China. A little over two years ago, Lisa called me crying and said that it was hopeless and she would never be a mom. My reponse to that was, why not? As long as there is a breath in your body then there is hope. You knock on every door you have to until someone answers. I am so very proud of my sister and the journey she has made to bring Shayla home. I know that she and Mark will be wonderful parents. Shayla is coming home to a family that will love and protect her for the rest of her life. Anyway, they are doing as well as they can in a hotel so far from home. They are a strong, loving couple and this experience will only bring them closer. Mark, Lisa, and Shaya make three...

Anonymous said...

PS...thanks Amanda for the reassurance. I relayed your message to Lisa.

Anonymous said...

You are welcome Karen....HONESTLY please let her know the next time you talk with her or Mark that it will be okay & her feelings are COMPLETLY NORMAL!! I SOOOOOOO wish I could go over there & help her realize that all three will come through with flying colors! If it was the easiest thing they have done, THEN I would be worried!!! It is just so hard being away from home that the feelings are intensified.....the whole family is in our prayers & I will keep checking back!!!!!

Amanda :D

CindyCinlou said...

Karen it is so nice of you and your mom to keep us updated. I have been reading everyday and checking in with Memaw (Mark's mom). Tell them when ya'll talk to them that I am thinking about and praying for the three of them. And I know Lisa is going to be a great mom and Mark a good dad.

John & Michelle said...

I have enjoyed reading about your journey to China! And look forward to ours! I will pray for the three of you tonight, and continue till we hear that things have improved for you!!
Blessings from Illinois
~Michelle

Anonymous said...

Heard from Lisa, things are going a little better. They will be leaving 10/15 for Guangzhou. Hopefully, they will be able to post pictures again. Seven more nights and they will be home!! I told her about what Amanda said about Lilee and she said it did make her feel better. She can read the comments that we all leave, she just can't respond. She said she has loved reading everyone's comments, and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much Karen for the update! And since they can see the comments.....Hi Mark & Lisa, we can't wait to see some pictures! And know if you need me just email! We have FELT WHAT YOU ARE FEELING! You are in our thoughts & prayers...Lilee even said her prayers last night & included Shayla. She says Shayla's name so cute :D You will LOVE Guangzhou. The food is delicious, they ALL speak English, you will just feel so "normal" there!! Everyday it will keep getting better!

Anonymous said...

Hey Mark,Lisa and Baby Shayla, we miss you guys so much and pray for you everyday. I can't imagine all the emotions you both are going through.Remember everything you three are feeling is normal. Soon you will be back home and things will be in a routine. We are so excited to see some picture of Shayla. I still can't beleive you're there right now! We can't wait to see you at the airport and give you a big welcome home hug. I wish we could communicate, I miss our daily chats. Take care. We love you guys so much. You are doing a great job. THE END...

CindyCinlou said...

Well since they can read this lol. I love you guys and hope your doing well. Lisa I miss your blogs and can't wait to see my new baby cousin. I am still trying to find a job but even after I get one I will still be aviable for babysitting anytime you need one and you probably will later especailly when she turns two lol. That is the hardest time to find a sitter. Take care!!!

tonyap said...

Hey guys, glad things are getting better. It is getting closer to the time for you to come home. Talia ask every day when she can see the china baby. Im working on the name thing. She has alot of stuff saved for Shayla. We went through the same thing with Lil darrel when Darrel came home from Bosnia when he was a baby. He didn't know him and didn't want to have anything to do with him. Now look at him. That is his right hand man. It will get better. I miss your bloging and emails, it makes my day go by so slow. We have been praying for you and can't wait to see you. We sold our house and looks like we will be moving into Boulder Creek until we get one built. I'll be close to you but I won't drive you crazy. LOL. Luv you girl and tell Mark and shayla we love them and can't wait for them to come home.

Unknown said...

So much love here for you, shayla.
I'm your cousin (cousin's wife?)坰珉.경민, but everybody calls me as kay. I got my new name since came from Korea 5years ago. When I got my new name and I got something precious too. That's my new family.
They seem kind of crazy sometimes, but they are in so much love. (and so fuuny).They love you so much-probably you can't even imagine.
I hope you have a wonderful experience like me here-even better- and see lots of beautiful things.
I'll talk to you more when you're here.
I can't wait to see you, shayla!
I love you and you're so special to us.
God bless you shayla.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Heard from Lisa again. Things are really going great now. Shayla is smiling and giving them kisses. She's even playing with the toys that Lisa took. Hopefully, this weekend she will be able to post some pictures and give us all some updates.

Anonymous said...

Lisa and Mark,
We are so happy to hear Shayla is doing much better now. Things will continue to get easier for all three of you. I bet she is so precious, we are so excited to see her beautiful little face. I can't imagine how tired and how hard things have been at first. I'm sure you both will have a lot of helpful pointers when it's our turn to go, unless you can just bring Jenna back with you and save us the trip. Ha-Ha. Alex and Adam said hello and have fun. Scott says give Shayla a big kiss and hug.. We are so glad your dream has finally came true. We love you guys. The END...

Anonymous said...

Karen, thanks so much for keeping us updated on how Mark, Lisa and Shayla are doing. It will be great when they can post pictures and updates. Take care and see you at the airport.

tonyap said...

YEAH, things are getting better. I knew they would. It just takes time. It is almost time to go to your next stop and then you will be closer to home. I am so excited for you. I know you have got to be wore out and it has been well worth it. Give Shayla hugs and kisses for Talia and tell her her little cousin is ready to play and show her the the ropes since they are the only little girls in the family. They got to stick together. Take care and be safe. Love you guys.

Anonymous said...

I talked with Mark this morning, things are going much better. It is still a big adjustment for all of them, and I am so proud of what they have been able to accomplish to date. Shayla is eating rice cereal, formula, congee(forgot how to spell it, but a diet staple for her), she is drinking water, orange juice and apple juice, they also feed her two french fries, which she loved. Mark, said see we are bad parents already, I told him he is doing just fine. Oh, i forgot she is eating bananas and does like them. Also, they bought her a pari of the famous squeaky shoes aand she loves them. She also likes to shake the Tic-Tac box because of the noise. But apparently the only things she likes about Elmo is the eyes. Go figure, that's typical baby, she would probably be just as happy with a paper towel roll or a box. They are very hopeful that communications will be easier when they leave Nanning. They were getting ready to go to bed so they could be ready to leave there. Maybe we will hear more later.

tonyap said...

Sounds Good Granny!!!! Sounds like everything is starting to fall into place. I am so excited for everyone. They are going to be great parents and she is going to be spoiled rotten. Grandma Hendrix is going to love her little Shayla. SHe can't wait to see her!!!!! Just six more days!!!

Anonymous said...

Ohmigod!1! Somebody stop me!!! I can't stop shopping for my baby niece. Sorry Lisa and Mark, she's going to be spoiled rotten. I haven't been anywhere without buying something else. I'm trying to save some of it for the shower and some for her birthday. I have a feeling that this aunt will be wrapped around this baby's little finger. I cannot wait to get her home! Thanks Lisa and Mark for bringing Shalya home!

Anonymous said...

They have arrived safely in Guanghzhou at the White Swan Hotel. The room is very pretty but very small as opposed to the previous accomdations. But they are happy to be that much closer to the end and maybe some food for a change.Shayla is eating Cheerios which Lisa is feeding her and she says "mmm", which they think means give me more Cheerios please. This is a very hard trip for the three of them and Mark and Lisa aree also going to need some TLC when they get back. Mom's can take care of things like that. They will contact us when possible. I forgot yesterday to add to the coments that Shayla does a lot of jabbering to them, of coursse it would be interesting to know what this is she is saying. My computer is dying a slow death, but I hope it can hold out for the remainder of the trip. Looks like Mark will have to work on it again. I can't decide what's going to go first, the computer, the end of the trip or me running out of Xanax before they are back. Lisa has never been away from Karen and I for such a long time, we all miss the contact.If we hear anything else, either Karen or I will update when possible.

tonyap said...

I'm glad you have made it to the next stop safe. Talked to Karen today and she was out shopping for ms shayla again. She is going to have to go to shoppers anonymous before to long. Can't wait till you get home. I have so many clothes for Ms shalya that are waiting for you. Talia and I are going to go shopping for "prit pees". That is what Talia calls barrettes and ball-balls for her hair. Hopefully you can post soon. I can't wait to see you two with you beautiful little girl.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mark, Lisa and Shayla,
we've been thinking about you everyday. We hope the last part of your trip is going smoothly and quickly. We know you must be ready to come back home and start your new journey as a family in the good old USA. Everyone in the Dolan, Clute and Olges Family's say hello and give Shayla lots of kisses. We can't wait to hear all about your trip. Be careful, see you soon. The END..

Anonymous said...

Small update from Mark this morning. Shayla had her Visa photo taken yesterday and he said it was adorable. They are also having, or I should say were getting ready for the group photo on the famous red sofa at the White Swan, she was going to wear a new Chinese dress for this. They aare still bogged down with a lot of paper work, but are making progress. They are trying to rest up for the long return flight. Hopefully we are in the home stretch here and they will be home soon.

Anonymous said...

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOo glad that things are getting better. Everyone's spirit's sound lifted thank goodness. I can't wait to see sweet Shayla. Just think that was your last Monday until you come home!!! All three of you are still in our prayers!

Amanda

ps....I'm so glad that we are getting updates!! Your mom & sister ROCK!!

tonyap said...

The closer it gets the slower time goes. I can;t wait till my bestest cousin gets back with her wonderful husband and beautiful little girl. I am so excited, I can't wait to see them. I just hope everything goes well on theie trip back and Shayla don't get spoked at the airport from seeing everyone. Luv ya Lisa. Be safe!!!!

Anonymous said...

Heard from Lisa...they are doing fine. Lisa and Mark have both lost weight from all the walking they've done. They bought a stroller and have been taking Shayla for walks. Shayla is learning how to do high fives. Shayla had her medial and looks good, she weighs 18 1/2 lbs. She has six teeth and is loving the food her Mommy is feeding her. Also, they've had no other bonding issues. She is accepting her Mommy and Daddy.

tonyap said...

YEAH!!!!! I knew things would be fine. They are two wonderful people that are loving and caring. How could a child not love them. I can't wait to see them all together.

CindyCinlou said...

awwwwwwwwwww that is so great to hear. I knew she would just love her new mommy and daddy. I am so glad they are all doing good. Everyone here sends their love. Take care!!! and Lisa's mom and Karen thanks for all the updates. I am praying for a safe and easy next few days and trip home for the three of you.

Anonymous said...

I forgot to put on the update yesterday that the Mattel Barbie was delivered to them. A special gift to adopted baby girls in China. I'm sure that Amanda knows what this is, I think it is just great. I knew about it before they made the trip, great idea. Had mail from Lisa this morning, Shayla likes french, toast, tater tots and rolls . Lisa has been cutting them up for her in the mornings from the breakfast buffet, she smiles, claps her hands and they are working on the word "Yeh". She does not care for oatmeal but seems like she is pretty agreeable to Western foods. They are teaching her to "high 5" and she claps her hands at this also. They are so ready to come home to their own home. Oh, by the way I did see a picture of her this morning and I can't believe how happy she is. Her little eyes are even smiling and what a georgous baby she is, I know this is one proud Grandmother. I might also add that in our immediate family, we have not had a baby in 27 years. God, I can't wait. Karen is already goo-goo-gaa over her. Almost here. Anything else important and I will advise. Amanda thanks again, Lisa eally appreciated your words, because she knows what a close experience you have now with you baby.

RoLo said...

Thinking of you and hoping to see updates soon.

Anonymous said...

Hello Mark, Lisa and Shayla, your probably having dinner right now and I'm just beginning my morning at work. I'm so glad to hear you all are doing great. I'm sure you are more than ready to come home and get yourselves on a normal schedule. I wish we could see a picture of Shayla, but I guess we will have to wait a few more days. We think about you guys everyday, the boys always want to know if we have any news on you all.Give Shayla lots of kisses from us. Take care and we will see you in 2 days!! The End

tonyap said...

It is getting closer. Two more days. I can't wait. I am so excited I want to scream on a mountain top for the three of you all. I have been talkin to grandma C and she is the proudest granny I have ever seen. I showed Darrel and the kids the updated picture of Shayla with her big smile. They thought she was precious. Big Darrel said she was a doll. Talia wants to know when you are going to bring her over to play with. You all have a good night and I I will pray for you to have a safe and fast trip home. luv you guys!!!

Anonymous said...

The Barbie is really neat. We still haven't taken ours out of the box! I hope they will be doing that still when we get back there for #2!!!

I'm glad that I was able to offer comfort! It is such an amazing, fun, wonderful, scary, stressful, hard, emotional time! And being away from all your loved ones on top of that! I just wanted you ALL to know that it is normal! We went into China blind. NO ONE we had known had ever adopted. I felt so alone in all my feelings when I was over there! I just wanted to offer up that it is okay & that you all weren't alone!

I can't WAIT TO SEE pictures!!!

Amanda :D

Anonymous said...

Hello Lisa's mom or Karen, I was wondering if you could email me the new picture of Shayla, we are dieing to see her. my email address
is. KOlges@aol.com

We would really appreciate it, if you can. Thanks a bunch

Anonymous said...

Short update on the family. They have their Consulate appointment in the afternoon to get Shayla's visa and then just wait to leave to start the journey home. They asks that all remember them in your prayers for a safe travel home. We haven't been getting many updates, just short notes, and they haven't said but I believe that when they return to Hong Kong there should be better communications. I have had a few short notes from Lisa, just Mom and Daughter stuff, nothing that anyone else would be interested in.
But it does seem that Shayle went from hating a bath to loving to play in the water and that she is very energetic.Sounds like real progress.

Kristie, I saw the note from you but my computer cannot accept the photos, they don't send me anything like that. I had to go to Karen's office yesterday to see the picture. I have a very out-dated system and just hope it can last until my babies are home. Unfortunately, Karen is out of her office today and almost all of tomorrow for meetings, and she doesn't have the internet at home.
But I feel sure there will be some postings from Hong Kong.

I do remember one thing about where they currently are, apparently Chinese people like to run up to these babies because they are with Americans, and try to grab at them. Not a good idea.
I know they have made some new friends in their group and will be sad to say goodbye to them, but, never the less, they are ready to come home. Probably the next you hear will be from them, it won't be necessary for me to try to update everyone. Lisa will do her colorful commentary when she returns, because we all know that she is much better at it than Mark. Do you see that comment, Mark!!!!!!

tonyap said...

Ahh Mark, I love your comments. You are a heck of a blogger!!! Run with it Markie Poo. I'm so glad that they are going to be going to Hong Kong soon. That means they are one step closer to coming home. I just hope that we all remember that when we see them that we don't forget that we have to take it slow with Shayla. She has been through alot the past couple of weeks and one thing that they tell us is to wait for them to reach out to us. I know it is going to be hard for everyone to restrain themselves but this is something that we have to do to not spock Ms Shayla. I was talking to Lisa's mom and we discussed that with the long travel home, it would be best to not take gifts, ETC. to the airport when we go. They will have enough stuff to take home when they leave the airport and they will be exhausted.

Anonymous said...

Heard from the weary travelers...they are packing the laptop and there will be no communications until they are in Chicago. It makes this even harder when we can't see pictures or get messages from them. Wait till you see her pictures...she doesn't like to have her hair fixed so it looks interesting! Shayla looks like she has known her Mommy and Daddy her whole life. I'm cleaning their house today so it will be ready for them tomorrow. I know a bunch of us are going tothe airport tomorrow, let's all try to remember that they are going to be exhausted. They will not want company at their house tomorrow night. Honestly, they probably won't be up to long visits for several days. Also, we are all thinking that we shouldn't take a bunch of stuff to the airport, they are going to have their hands full. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Thank God this is almost over.

Unknown said...

Finally!!!
We can see you guys tomorrow.
Grandma,mom,dad, eric and me we had a dinner together.
I could tell everybody at the dinner table was so excited and full of love.
I love my family!!!
Shayla you'll love them too.
we're so blessed to have a such a good family.
Shayla, lisa and mark have a safe trip.
You guys are always in my thought.
Love you all!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for your family!! Congratulations everyone & enjoy seeing your Sweet Shayla at the airport. Could someone give all three a big hug for me!!

There's NO PLACE LIKE HOME!! :D

Amanda

ps...bring on the pictures (no pressure)

Anonymous said...

Just for the record, I have two daughters who need some serious TLC. Lisa from this long, amazing journey and Karen who not only has a full time job but rushes home everday to have dinner with her husband,Todd (who is more that a son to me and takes care of everything for me) and then she rushes back to Lisa's house to take care of their pets and their house and has literally been living out of a suitcase for the past two weeks when she is only 7 miles from home. Way to go my BABY. We went to Mark and Lisa'a house last night to stock up some groceries and some home-cooked frozen foods to tide them over for the first few rough days. Karen insisted on doing the final "spiff" up today so that everything will be in tip-top shape for the weary ones. We also had dinner together last night, Karen, Todd,Eric (Karen's son and my wonderful baby grandson (27 years old) and his wife kyoungmin, (Kay to us Americans) she is from Korea and they have been married 3 years and we all absoluely adore her. Mark used to tease her that she didn't get his jokes and now he tells her "You are finally getting it Kay". We had a wonderful, pleasant dinner and were happy to be together although we missed Mark and Lisa because it was at their favorite restaurant.
Mark said in yesterdays message that he thought he could communicate from Chicago but I don't think he will have his luggage until he is here, I don't know. Eric and Kay know more about that, because they are the travellers in this family.
Thank God this is almost over and a big thanks to my baby sister Connie (Tonya's Mom) for listening to me and to Tonya and my baby Karen. I really appreciate it, also my Mom who is 88 years old and in very fragile health right now can't wait to see this baby. Thanks to everyone for the continued prayers for Mark, Lisa and Shayla, I've really appreciated reading the comments when I can get into them (computer problems).

OK, now it is time for Mark and Lisa to take this over, continue to pray for them.

Anonymous said...

Just for the record, I have two daughters who need some serious TLC. Lisa from this long, amazing journey and Karen who not only has a full time job but rushes home everday to have dinner with her husband,Todd (who is more that a son to me and takes care of everything for me) and then she rushes back to Lisa's house to take care of their pets and their house and has literally been living out of a suitcase for the past two weeks when she is only 7 miles from home. Way to go my BABY. We went to Mark and Lisa'a house last night to stock up some groceries and some home-cooked frozen foods to tide them over for the first few rough days. Karen insisted on doing the final "spiff" up today so that everything will be in tip-top shape for the weary ones. We also had dinner together last night, Karen, Todd,Eric (Karen's son and my wonderful baby grandson (27 years old) and his wife kyoungmin, (Kay to us Americans) she is from Korea and they have been married 3 years and we all absoluely adore her. Mark used to tease her that she didn't get his jokes and now he tells her "You are finally getting it Kay". We had a wonderful, pleasant dinner and were happy to be together although we missed Mark and Lisa because it was at their favorite restaurant.
Mark said in yesterdays message that he thought he could communicate from Chicago but I don't think he will have his luggage until he is here, I don't know. Eric and Kay know more about that, because they are the travellers in this family.
Thank God this is almost over and a big thanks to my baby sister Connie (Tonya's Mom) for listening to me and to Tonya and my baby Karen. I really appreciate it, also my Mom who is 88 years old and in very fragile health right now can't wait to see this baby. Thanks to everyone for the continued prayers for Mark, Lisa and Shayla, I've really appreciated reading the comments when I can get into them (computer problems).

OK, now it is time for Mark and Lisa to take this over, continue to pray for them.

tonyap said...

I just want to say that I am so happy that my cousin, her wonderful husband and her beautiful little girl will be home in just a few hours. It has been a long rough few years for them waiting on their beautiful shayla. The have been through so much and I am so proud of them. They have stayed strong through the whole thing. I admire them for that. I know that they are going to have alot of adjusting to do when they get back and I want them to know that if they need anything at all, I will be there for them. I know they have all they help they could possibly need with the wonderful family that they have to help them but I am here for them. I was telling my aunt (lisa's mom) that I rememeber all the times that Lisa and I were together when we were little. We were always together going skating, spending the night with each other, going to movies. As we got older, we didn't spend as much time together but I never stopped loving my bestest cousin. I only hope that our two daughters will have the same relationship that we had when we were little. The two divas need to stick together!!!! I can't wait for my wonderful grandmother to finally see shayla. She is so excited that she is coming home and I thank God that she is still here to see her. Lisa, Mark, and Shayla....I am so glad that you are finally together, I love you and hope you have a long exciting life.