I can't explain this..... Thank goodness "Auntie Marilyn" gave me a brush!!! 

I LOOOOVVVEEEE my slippers!!! 

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

Hmmm... Who is that under the Christmas Tree??? 

She loves stairs! 

How I got around China... with Baba 

All the families with babies from Kaeli's orphanage 

It aint't pretty, but she's SLEEPING!!! 

"I can do it myself, thank you very much!" 

Kaeli with her Baba 

Family of Three!! 

"Peanutbutter" 

The Empress has arrived....

and that she is! She is a little cutie - but tired. We are trying to let her take short naps so we can hopefully get her on eastern standard time quickly. She does not go down for a nap or sleep without a fight - we hope that will change soon or we'll both be in the nut house! :-) Once she quits fighting sleep - she is a good sleeper, it's just getting her down that is the battle.
We are so happy to be home - to brush our teeth with running water, not worry about getting water in your mouth while you shower is a treat. It's also nice to not use a squaty potty... those things are gross!
So far, she hates the car seat and is okay with the stroller. Each day will bring changes, we just have to be patient and understanding with her.
We love her so much and she has brightened our world. We are so thankful to have her in our lives and we know that she has already attached to us some and each day will get better.
The trip was rough, she did well considering, and we would do it all over again if we had to just to get her (but not anytime soon!!!)
If I don't ever take another plane flight, I'd be happy! 8 flights in 2 weeks is a lot!
We hope she will adjust quickly and that you can all meet her soon!!

Rog, Deb & Kaeli (aka. peanutbutter)

Consulate Appointment today

Hello! Kaeli continues to become more comfortable with us. She is walking with holding only one hand, she doesn't like to walk with you holding both hands. She is laughing and smiling more each day. We still have to rock her to sleep or she just cries. But, I trust that it will get better.
Today we go to the American Consulate and we have to go through the very basic swearing in process.
She is chattering more - loves to immitate sounds and movements. She can cop a little 'tude when she wants -just like her momma!
She now owns five pairs of squeaky shoes and a little silk dress. I managed to buy her two outfits that finally fit better. The 12m is just a little to big - she looks like a teenager with her diaper hanging out the top and her pants half way around her butt... hahahaha!
She eats well - knows that when she is in the highchair that she's going to eat. She likes eggs, tater tots, & oatmeal.
We are so anxious to get home - we won't be going out for Chinese anytime soon - so don't ask!!:-P
We will see you soon!

Rog, Deb & Kaeli

Hello from Guangzhou!

We made it safe and sound to Guangzhou. Kaeli's first flight was pretty good. She fusses when she is tired and tries to climb to the top of your head. She thinks the barf bag is pretty entertaining! The long fight home should be interesting.
She continues to come out of her shell each day. She is just about walking on her own! We bought her some new pink shoes yesterday and she is "happenin'"... Her smile will melt your heart (when it appears!). It is becoming more common each day.
She had her medical exam and weighs in at a tiny 16.4lbs! She is a peanut! I can't tell you what size shoes yet - since the Chinese measuring is different than American.
Roger is feeling better - good thing he had the Z-pac!
Kaeli loves her momma... I think she thinks I'm "it"! Little does she know that Baba is going to spoil her rotten! She'll figure it out soon enough!
She just had a breakfast consisting oatmeal, noodles and goldfish! MMMMmmm!!!Right now we let her eat whatever she wants - when we get home, I won't be making spaghetti for breakfast!! hahaha!
Hope everyone is well - We will see you all in a few days!
Love,
Rog, Deb & Kaeli

We found her!!!

Last night at dinner was her first giggles and smiles! We knew she was in there. But, boy, can she turn it on and off in an instant. We see her feeling more comfortable with us, but not happy in the hotel room. Tomorrow will be her first airplane flight - we are praying that she is mostly over the cold and it won't bother her ears. We have passed on the group activites yesterday and today and just stayed in the hotel to keep her inside so she wouldn't get worse. The Amoxicillian seems to be working. She is a dream in the resturant - loves to be in the highchair and eat congee, pancake, & Cheerios. Last night she ate some kind of broth that smelled like fish (Daddy is happy she appears to like fish) and eats noodles like crazy!
She has not liked fruits or vegetables yet.... not good, but we'll break her!
She had her first poopie diaper this morning - we were almost to the supository stage, but she managed to save herself. :-) (and us!)
We are so anxious to bring her home and get her settled - We miss home and normal food. Although we haven't been exposed to too much by staying in the hotel.
Rog appears to have caught her cold, but had a Z-pac from the dr - so he's on it now and hopefully will get right over it.
Hope everyone is well at home - we will see you soon!!!

Kaeli is ours!!!!

Greetings from Beijing!!

We made it! We can't believe we are here! It's Sunday morning about 7:15am and we are heading to church this morning and then to the Great Wall. It's cold here (for us) but we are packing on the clothes and staying warm.
Tomorrow is our travel to Nanchang and then we will get Kaeli in the afternoon!! We are excited!
While we were walking around yesterday, I kept thinking "PINCH ME!" we are finally here to get our baby!
The flights were long, we saw snow in Minneapolis as we ran to catch the connecting flight to Tokyo. The flight to Tokyo was about 12-13 hours llllooonnnggggg..... then we had an additional 4 hour flight to Beijing.
We hope all is well at home!
Love,
Rog & Deb

Last day before we go!

Well... the day has finally arrived. In less than 24 hours we begin the journey to bring our daughter home. WOW! PINCH ME!
Please pray for our safety and health as we go and for Kaeli, that she will bond with us immediately and have little or no grieving. Also, please pray for her health.
I can't wait to bring her home!