Thanks for all the kind comments that everyone has left for us. We have enjoyed reading them all. I know the last post was quick, so I wanted to tell everyone a little more about our little girl. She is such a good little girl and is so happy. At first she did not like…
After traveling on various flights and including long layovers, we finally reached Lanzhou, Gansu last night at 8:00pm. Then we had an hour ride to the hotel. It was such a long trip, but we were in for a surprise when we met up with our friends Robin and John. They are also adopting and…
Wow, Wow, wow! I can’t believe you got her as soon as you arrived! Awesome.
She’s adorable
She is beautiful! I know you are beaming.
she is just absolutely beautiful! hapy family…
Jonni, my heart is overflowing right now! It is so wonderful to watch all of your dreams come true…Sofia is beautiful! She looks soooo happy! I am so glad for your sweet family of three and can’t wait to hear (and see) more.
Hugs to you!!!!
Congratulations Mommy, Daddy and Sophia on your union. You all look great!!! Wow, we’ve arrived both times late at night and hoped we meet our daughter right then and there, and it happened for you. I’m sure you were exhausted but joyous!Enjoy every moment of having the “housework and meals done for you” while you begin bonding with your precious baby!
If no one has mentioned it the IV in the scalp is pretty common in China, Carly had one as well for an illness. I can’t wait to see more pictures, but she looks so good! I’m so happy for you all!!
Deb in Canastota
Hi Jonni and John, I have been thinking about you all day…hope you had a good night’s sleep and everything is going well!
Norie
I am so overjoyed for you all!
What a little sweetheart! I can hardly imagine what it would be like to fly for 25 hrs. across the world, step off the plane and almost literally be handed your daughter!! Amazing, esp. after soo much waiting! You are ALL so lucky! Thinking of you often and hoping you are enjoying your trip. Love, Dale
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I’M VERY EXCITED FOR YOU, IT’S GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN. SHE’S BEAUTIFUL! KEEP POSTING THE PICS, I’LL E-MAIL YOU SOME OF VEDA.
CONGRATS,
PRODUCER NICOLE
Jonni and John,
Sofia is absolutely beautiful!!! I’m so happy for u. U guys will be the best parents.
I’ll die if u show up on Survivor……..
Can wait to meet your baby!!
Love, Mary Potter
Hi Jonni and John, I am so excited for you. Shared the blog and the photos with the rest of the Meridian team. What an amazing experience and journey for the three of you. You are great parents…she is a lucky little girl.
Love,
Angie Tinnell
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you guys and Sofia is JUST PRECIOUS!!
Oh, wow, you guys look wonderful in those pictures! Sofia is such a gorgeous little girl. Glad everything is working out okay and that she’s recovering well from her surgery. Safe travels in China!
Congratulations! You look like one happy family. Enjoy your stay and have a safe journey back home. I look forward to reading more about your adventure.
Hugs, Shannon
Congratulations…She is so beautiful!! You guys enjoy this time. You are now a FOREVER FAMILY!! That must feel really good.
Hugs,
Cyndi James
Waiting for Alicyn Shea
LID 10/24/06
http://www.cd2alicyn.com
My darling friends, I am so happy for you. You look beautiful together. A perfect family. Big hugs to you both. Kiss that baby for me! Have the most amazing time. Cherish every minute.
You both look sooooo happy!!! Congratulations on becoming a Mom & Dad.
Denise @ WBNG
She is beautiful. Congratulations.
Oh, she is ADORABLE, head shaved and all! I am so happy for you guys! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!
I am sooooo happy for you guys,,,I feel so blessed to be able to follow along on your journey! She is just darling, my heart is so full of love for you guys!! Safe travels my friend, and stay in touch with us back home!!! We love you!!
We are beyong grateful. The three of you look so happy together. We can’t wait until you are all home.
Nullsy sends love to her baby sister.
We love you- Dad and Mea
Congratulation to you guys! Your family is beautiful! Sofia looks so happy!
Anik,XXX
What a beautiful family! I was AWESTRUCK when I came over to visit your blog, things moved so quickly for you all! Our little lotus blossom had her head shaved prior to our arrival as well, not for an IV though!
She looks darling, I am so happy for you guys.
Enjoy Guangzhou. There’s a lot to do and loads of fun places to eat and shop.
kisses to Miss S.
Hayley
I am so happy for you! What a whirlwind adventure! You make such a lovely family.
I am following your Journey, and remember when you posted your first pictures of Sofia on the May LID 2006 yahoo group. It is even better to see the pictures of her in your arms!!!! She looks very happy and is beautiful!
Best wishes to the new family, and big hugs from Massachusetts!!!
Angie LID May 2006
She’s absolutely beautiful, can’t see thru the tears. Mommy and Daddy have finally their beautiful Sophia. Adorable she is.
So, happy. Happy you all look together as a family. You are both so deserving. God Bless all of you.
Much love,
Sandi
Oh my goodness! All that travel and your meeting in one day!?
Congrats, and blessings to you on your new family.
Baby Sofia + John + Jonni = ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY.
Congratulations! Y’all must be overcome with Joy!
-Lili
Can Sofia help on the golf tournament in Binghamton next week? Everybody is overjoyed for you both.
Les
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Ohhh, she looks so happy!!! Such a beauty. What a fun suprise to get her earlier than expected!! Hugs, stacy (mayDTC)
Congrats she is a cutie.
Beverly
OMG….I was on a 911 call when you posted the pictures—I’ve been checking constantly! Jonni, I’m so happy….she looks just perfect and John…..looks like the happy papa! Can’t wait to hear more when you get home….what a whirlwind of a day it has been for you! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee Sofia is coming home finally!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful and Blessed. . . . keeping you in my daily thoughts. . can’t wait to meet Sofia! Enjoy this incredible moment and each day in China as a Forever Family!
What a beautiful picture…a family of three!! Congratulations to all of you! Sofia is so sweet!! Have a great trip!
Melissa H. 
OH JONNI, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!! I AM CRYING!!
Can’t wait to see more pictures!
Sending lost of hugs!!!
The long wait is over. She is finally yours and what a beauty she is. She seems so content with the two of you.
Words can not express how I feel for you both. You are the most deserving parents ever. Enjoy your new family of three. There will be so many joys to share.
The selfish part of me misses you but wishes you the best ever. Enjoy your journey into the new land of China. There must be so much to see. Hopefully you aren’t too tired to see as much as you can.
Love to you all,
Ann R.
What a beautiful family, congratulations Mommy and Daddy.
Waht a beautiful daughter you have!!
How happy! Congratulations Mommy and Daddy on your beautiful daughter. Congratulations little Sofia… you are finally in the arms of your Mommy where you belong.
YAY! I have chills just reading your update and am so happy for you all to be united at last. Sofia is absolutely gorgeous and looks like her lip is healing wonderfully! Thank you for sharing the precious pics and please continue to post updates when you can.
Congratulations! She is beautiful and you all look so happy. Yay!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She is beautiful.
Wow, congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful, and I am so thrilled for you guys. I hope all is going very well!
WoW she is a beautiful girl. Very tiny too. John looks like a Pro already. Sounds like your having a whirlwind trip, and I’m glad it’s been so wonderful so far. Praying for blessings and safety for the rest of your trip. Enjoy it, because you will surely miss it once your home. Can’t wait to see more pictures of Sofia with you guys.
Oh WOW!!!!!!! When it happens – it happens FAST does it not?? OMGosh, Jonni & John – congrats 10,000 times. It is beautiful to see Sophia in your arms. XOXO
Oh Jonni!!! I’m sitting here in class with tears in my eyes!! Congrats – she is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Hugs,
~Carla
Congratulations Mom and Dad!!!!!
CONGRATS TO THE NEW MOMMY & DADDY!!!!
Sofia looks so happy to be with the both of you! We can’t wait to meet
Sofia! She is so cute!!
~Danyelle
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! I will be praying for a continued wonderful journey for you all.
Marjorie
All my goodness how beautiful is she?! You all look so happy I can’t beleive how fast things have happened for you all, it so wonderful! Have a great time and I’ll be waiting for more pics.
Love,
Michele
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She’s adorable. I’m so happy for you guys. Enjoy every minute.
Love, Shari
hi jonni…this is so exciting…what a fun blog to read first thing in the morning! sofia looks great and so so you guys after such a long trip!
norie
My heart is so full for you guys.
Love,
Debbie
Congratulations! Poor thing had her head shaved! You all look so good!!!!
We got the bags packed and we are ready to go. Here are my 2 bags. John is still getting his together. I can’t believe that tomorrow at 7:19am we will finally be leaving to get our little girl. We will complete all of our flights when we arrive in Lanzhou, Gansu at 8:05pm…
Safe travels, enjoy every second.
Can’t wait to follow your journey to Sofia.
Have safe travels! We can’t wait to see Sofia. We are so happy for you!!!!!!
I have goose bumps thinking about how excited you must be. Enjoy every minute. Take it all in…
um..thats it? that’s ALL your luggage? You are clearly more talented and brilliant than even I thought!
Safe travels, happy Sofia Day!
We’ll be following your journey!
Hayley
Good luck! I am so excited for you both. I can’t wait to see Sofia
Sending prayers and good wishes for a safe journey. Can’t wait to see pics posted of your little girl finally in your arms!
Congrats girl!! Can’t wait to see the photos! Could you bring my LOA back with ya???
Safe trip – I’m tingling with exitement for you!!
~Carla
Have a safe journey.
Yippee! Bon Voyage! I wish I could go in your suitcase but I’d surely make it weigh more than 44 lbs! You look very organized and like you are traveling light. I’ll need some advice when you get home. I can’t believe you were still e-mailing the night before your trip!! Thinking of you and safe travels. Hugs, Dale (fellow MM)
Jonni & John,
Have a wonderful and safe trip! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip and especially all about Sofia!! I am so happy for you!!
Melissa H.
Woohoo! All the best for safe travels.
I cried when I read your blog, I am so excited for you!!
Safe travels and I can’t wait to to see your next post.
Woohoo! Safe travels!
Safe travels!! Can’t wait to follow you in China!
I wish you ALL the best on your travels! Can’t wait……”:-)
PS- I love your luggage!
Safe travels Jonni and John!! It gives me goose bumps just thinking about you getting your little girl finally!!! can’t wait!!
Oh I am thrilled for your guys!!! Have a wonderful and safe trip! Can’t wait to see pics of your sweet little girl!
Bon voyage! I’ll be following along excited to meet Sophie.
I am so excited for you guys!!! I have the chills! Wishing you all the best on your journey to Sofia! Can’t wait to read all about it!
Jeannine Whitacre
Safe and happy travels!! Can’t believe you are leaving tomorrow!!
Ejoy!
Maryellen
Thanks again for all your words of encouragement. We found out some great news late yesterday. Sofia will be released from the hospital on August 26th and our family day will be on August 28th. It will be right on schedule with the rest of our group. We are so happy! I am just so…
Holy Jumpin Jack Flash! Yea.. I look forward to following your journey while in China. G-d you’re probably packing now…..or at the airport.
Wishing you a wonderful safe journey. It’s always so much fun to watch the journey through people’s blogs. I’ll be watching and waiting for our turn!!
Bon Voyage, on your journey to love and a lifetime of happiness.
We will all miss you, but are eagerly watiting for your return –
Much love and be safe!!!!
Jonni, I didn’t realize you were in NY….I guess I should have checked sooner…..we will have to meet you one day! We aren’t that far, down here in MD!! We should plan a play date when we get our daughters home!!!
What an exciting time, glad your on schedule.
Safe trip, enjoy all those memories in the making.
Best of luck guys! So excited for you!
Wow! You leave tomorrow!! Give Sofia a big kiss from us. I am so happy for you all. I wish you safe travels and a wonderful time in China.
I can’t believe it’s happening!!! I can’t wait to see pics of the entire family
You must be on an emotional roller coaster, I would have been crying long ago.
Have a safe trip.
Michele
Great news, Jonni! I can’t believe you are traveling so quickly. Can’t wait to see the pictures!
Kimberly
Congratulations!!! I can’t wait until I get to post that Airplane picture!!!!
Give her a kiss from me!!!
Carol
Soo exciting, can’t wait to follow along……Sounds like it’s all working out well. Hugs, Dale
Wow,Wow,Wow! I am thrilled for you guys & your precious daughter. Wishing you a safe trip & a wonderful ‘meet ya’ day.
Holy cow! In less than a week, you’re a family of three! I will be thinking of you and sending lots of happy love your way!!
I’m so glad things are on track. I look forward to following along.
Hope you’re all ready!!!
I am so excited for you and can’t wait until it’s our turn!
I hope you will post picutres while you are in China! I can’t wait to see you with Sophia in your arms.
Hugs,
Tracy
Sounds great! I am so happy for you adn can’t wait to see Sofia in your arms!
PS- I would have cried too. like a baby.
Holy Moly girl…what a few days it has been for you guys !!! I’m glad things will work out well. I’m way to excited for you!!!
Happy flying !!
HUGS from us!
I am so excited for you, and glad that things are working out.
I’ll be following your journey.
I am glad that you have so much support as well.
Blessings to you on your journey of a lifetime!
John just got off the phone with our local cleft palate/craniofacial team. They said that China’s doctors are very skilled at fixing cleft lip since it is the most common birth defect there. They also said that she should be fully healed by the time we get there and can’t imagine that she will not…
I will so keep you guys in our thoughts!! Hope all goes as expected!! Let’s just get Sofia in your safe loving arms!!
So glad to hear this!!
Now go start packing!
Wow, what a snafu. Gotta love China. Hhmmmm. I think it will be good for Sofia to have her dear mom and dad with her, especially if she is feeling badly. Good luck with everything. I will be thinking of you. Hugs, Dale
That is wonderful news! Take care and relax! You will soon have your daughter in your arms.
Sorry I have been MIA, with the kids being out of school it’s been a crazy summer! I’m hoping to get back on track once they are off to school. In case I don’t get to talk to you before you leave have a wonderful and safe trip and take lots of pics (I probably didn’t have to tell you that though)!!
Take care,
Michele
That’s a relief that she will be fine. It’s also one less thing you have to worry about when you get her home.
Wow! Leaving on Sunday. That’s fast! Have a very safe trip and hopefully you’ll be able to blog while in China.
Phew. I am so glad! Hang in there, it is coming……..THE day!
Hi Jonni,
I was just checking up on your blog and saw the news. Hang in there, you are right…everything will be fine!! Soon you will be holding Sofia!!
Melissa H.
Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts and good wishes for Sofia. It’s going to take the earth spinning off of it’s orbit to keep us from her. Thanks for the prayers too.
Hugs,
Jonni
Great news!
That is so great you have your own team. Sofia is going to heal with your love and any meds you bring too. You are all going to be fine. Now, get packing!
Great news! Back on target for baby day.
This is wonderful news!!! I called Bob to tell him and he spoke with one of the doctors at Cornell and they said exactly what your doctor said and also said that a fever is not uncommom in these circumstances!!!
Hope that helps a little bit.
I can’t wait for you to go!!!!
Pshew! I just read your previous post & can’t even imagine all the thoughts going through your head about now. Glad that you are feeling better about things. Take care of yourself & try to get as much rest as you can before Sunday….
Miss Cleo - She is beautiful. All the best! We should get together now!
Lemoniades - Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. We enjoyed the pictures you posted. Have a safe trip home, we can’t wait to see everyone.
The Lemoniades Family
Lauren - Glad to hear you guys are having a great time in China and that Sofia is safely in your arms. Can’t wait to hear and see more during your trip! You will be in my prayers! Have a great time!
norie - Hi Jonni and John…I saw a pic of Sofia on Donna’s website today! She is so cute! I hope everything id going well…Jonni, I miss “talking” to you each day! Enjoy that baby!
Norie
Beth and Shayna - Congrats! What a beautiful family you all are right now. I am so happy for you. Sorry for the delay, I have been on vacation until today. YIPPEE for the family of three. She is such a cutie pie and I am so glad things are settling well for you.
Liene - She is too-too cute!!!! Glad you’re having a good time and that she seems to be adjusting well. Thanks for posting the pictures that you have.
Can’t wait to read more about your trip!
nikki - I am so happy for you, Jonni! Sofia is doing so well! (and so are you and the hubs)…so glad to hear the trip is fun and that everyone is just enjoying being a family!
Can’t wait to hear (and see) more…
Roy and Lori - Congrats guys!!
She is so pretty!
bbmomof2boys - I agree!! I keep stalking too looking for pictures!! Oh Jonni…she is so pretty!!
Hugs!
Carla
redmaryjanes - I keep stalking the blog looking for more pictures. She’s just beautiful guys!
Anonymous - Happy family day! I’m guessing today is official adoption day or is it tomorrow? I know the “harmonious period” usually lasts 24 hours but maybe a 1/2 day longer if you are united after 10:00 at night!!!
I think you’ll be amazed at Sophia’s strength even before you get home. We went from wobbley and unable to sit up on her own at her age, to sitting up before we came home. With your TLC and constant loving attention your beautiful daughter will flourish and begin to fill out those 9 months clothes – though I’ll admit we got a lot of use out of that size with Carly! Have you tried the egg custard w/her yet? Our girls both loved that, kind of like a flan in China and is steamed egg…..
Loving your blog and wishing you the best! Keep those pictures coming!
Deb
Michele - I have tears in my eyes! She is so beautiful and obviously she is already very comfortable with you and John. I can’t wait until you all are home to see more updates and pics, I have been checking daily and was so happy today to see an update.
Have fun!
jwhitacre - I am so happy for you!!! It is so exciting to see the pictures! She is so beautiful!
Carol - Love the photos!!
angie s. - I love checking in on you guys! Glad you are enjoying China. Love the new pictures…Sofia is such a doll!
Enjoy!!!!!
Your fellow “May Magpie” and Manlius allum
!
Angie LID May 10 2006
Janet - She is ADORABLE and you guys sound so happy! I am happy FOR you! Glad all is well! Keep it up with the posts, it’s so fun to see!
kris - I am SO thrilled to hear it has been such a positive experience so far… Sofia is just a doll…
redmaryjanes - I am so glad that everything is going well. She is just beautiful, your dream come true.
norie - hi Jonni and John…it’s a great morning! What nice pictures! Thanks!
Norie
T & R McGrath - She is priceless Jonni!!! You all look so happy!!!
Dannye - I am so glad to hear that things are going well for you guys, I was a little worried that you may be having probs when you didn’t post on Wed., but seeing you all so happy and just perfect together made my heart swell!!
G & G Hadden - OHHhhhh I just love her Jonni and everything is going just perfect for you guys. Have fun traveling China. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home. Thanks so much for posting pictures & blogging during your trip for all of us over here in the land of the waiting – right now you are the only blog I am looking at:)
Hugs…me!
Donna - So glad everything is going well! Your family looks very happy!
C.J. - What a great looking family :0)
Anonymous - You guys look sooooo happy. You were all made for each other. She is a princess. Looking forward to your arrival home so we can see her in person.
Enjoy the rest of your trip. See you soon.
Ann