Current time in China

September 12, 2006
This trip has been amazing. We met Leah on Monday morning at the Civil Affair office. She came in the door smiling and hasn't stopped. She came right to me, gave me a hug, and mouthed MaMa. We spent rest of the day playing and getting to know each other. She LOVES clothes!! She had on about 4 different outfits yesterday. We finally crashed around 9:00 and she slept all night. She even woke up this morning with a big smile on her face. We haven't had a single tear.

Today (Tuesday) we went back to the Civil Affair office to do the official paperwork. As far as China is concerned, YangZi is now Leah Jade Yangzi Allion. There was a group of families there with their babies and they all fell in love with Leah. One couple even said they are going to adopt again and get an older child because of Leah. This afternoon we'll go to the shopping district. Leah needs some shoes and David wants some, too. Tomorrow we visit the orphanage.

Alanna is missing Mommy. Darryl said she asks for me about every 10 minutes. I spoke to her on the phone and she sounded so grown up. She asked if I was bringing Leah home now?? I told her she needed to wait a few more days. They are going to have a blast together.

That's all for now.

Hugs from China,
Jodi & Leah - the newest Allion!

September 13, 2006
Today was another wonderful day. We visited the Hefei orphanage and Sunbeam Village. I met Leah's foster mom and little foster sister. Leah was very attached to her foster dad, but we didn't get a chance to see him. I was a little concerned about her reaction to going back, but she did great. She was pretty excited when we pulled up to the orphanage. One of her favorite teachers was outside and she ran up to him and gave a big hug. Then she pointed to me and smiled real big. She did that with everyone we saw. When we got ready to leave, she held my hand and waved good-bye.

We walked to the Pizza Hut for lunch & Leah ate 2 pieces! I only gave her one and she asked for another! I don't know where she puts everything because she is so petite. She was taught to clean her plate and believe me, she cleans her plate - down to the very last crumb.

Leah still hasn't had a single tear. Everyone (even the locals) comments on how pretty she is. I think she's going to be a model!

She's a little busy body. She'll get along great with Alanna.

Here's some more pictures. We can't wait to be home!

Hugs from China,
Jodi & Leah

September 15, 2006
Yesterday was a lazy day. We went to the Lord Bao Temple and park. The weather was nice and it was enjoyable walking around the river. After we came back to the hotel, it started raining so we just hung out at the hotel rest of the day. We're packed and ready to head for Guangzhou. We meet Cathy in the lobby at 2:00 for a 3:30 flight. I can't wait to get to GZ!!! I'm so ready to head for home.

Leah is still doing great. She helped me pack and made sure her things were put in the suitcase, too. I'm curious of how the plane ride is going to go. Next time I post, we'll be in GZ!! It's a little sad leaving Hefei since this is Leah's birthplace. I remember feeling the same thing when we left Hefei with Alanna.

Blessings from China,
Jodi & Leah

September 16, 2006
Yes!! We finally made it to Guangzhou. It's so nice to be here. Leah had her medical exam today and did very well. She does have a slight red throat but it's probably due to the cough she has. We've been enjoying walking around Shamian Island, shopping, and more shopping

I bought Leah & Alanna matching Chinese dresses. I can't wait to dress them up and get their pictures taken.

We went for a walk along the river before having dinner at Lucy's. Look at the new friend we made - isn't he the cutest?? We also ran into some families from Lifelink and their babies. They were adorable.

Molly will meet us tomorrow afternoon and take us to the Pearl Market. That's all that's on the schedule for tomorrow.

Leah is such a character! Last night, she took her brush and was pretending it was a microphone. Now she has a play phone and walks around "talking" on it. She'll fit right in in the states!

Hugs from China,
Jodi & Leah

September 17, 2006
We received an email early this morning that Kirk & Kathy's best friend passed away. We were able to get Kathy a flight out tonight so she's on her way home. Please keep her in your prayers as she heads home and also for Larry's family.

We went shopping today so Kathy could get some last minute gifts. A lot of the shop owners know who we areLeah has made friends with everyone!

Tomorrow, Molly has our consulate appointment at 10:30, then we'll go to the Pearl Market & Toy Market in the afternoon. In the evening, she's going to take us to the University to a class where they teach traditional Chinese dance. Another family that just adopted a 9 y\o boy may go with us. The boy is having a hard time adjusting so we thought he may enjoy the class.

Here's a picture of Leah catching up on the news! She is so funny.

Hugs from China,
Jodi & Leah

September 19, 2006
This is our last night in Guangzhou! Today we had our consulate appointment and received Leah's visa. There were 38 other families there.

Leah is still doing well. We've made several new friends and all of the shop owners know us. We did some last minute shopping today and had some laundry done.

Last night (Monday) Molly took Leah & I and some of our new friends (Gary, Christy & Shaun) to a park where there are dance lessons, roller skating, kick boxing, etc.... We had a great time! Leah enjoyed dancing and as you can see by the pics, everyone else had a good time, too. The locals just stopped and watched everything we did. Gary had everyone laughingIt was nice to get out and mingle with the local people.

One of my cyber buddies received her little girl yesterday. Poor thing was so scared. She seemed to be doing better today. They're from Riverview so we'll get to see them again. We also met a real nice couple from Dunedin and their new daughter. She's a real cutie.

I am so ready to be home!!!!! I can't wait to see Darryl, David, Michael & Alanna. Please pray for us as we head home!

Hugs from China,
Jodi & Leah
We even wake up smiling!