We are excited to be on our way home tomorrow. Honestly, we were more excited to leave last time we were in China just because we were so tired and first-time parents. This time was much easier for us since we are already use to the routine. Samantha is coming out of her shell more…
Monthly Archives: September 2009
We made it to Guangzhou last Friday and checked into the Garden Hotel Guangzhou. It is wonderful and the A/C works so we are thrilled! We went to the Guangzhou Zoo yesterday with the other 7 families in our travel group and had a very nice time. We also had lunch at a nice Chinese…
John & Johnni, the girls are so beautiful and it looks like in the last photo they get along well. Hope all goes well! I'm sure it will!
Rebecca Kullmann
SO happy to see some pictures. Beautiful!
Hey – thinking about you guys! By the way, that last picture? Love that smile on Sam!!
Hugs,
Carla
Beautiful photos! I just found your blog and it's fast becoming a favorite.
I'm mom to virtual twin girls from China too. We stayed at the Garden hotel for our first adoption. Room service makes the BEST tuna sandwich!
Sam looks kinda shell shocked — which is understandable. When I look back at our photos, our 2nd daughter had exactly the same expression on her face for the first two weeks. But she's all smiles now!
Donna
Our blog: Double Happiness!
The girls are just beautiful!!
LOVE the video & pics!!!! 
So happy for you & your family!!
I can honestly say I have never seen anything more precious than watching Sofia love on her new sissy. Beautiful…simply beautiful! Congratulations my sweet friend..I am so excited for you guys!!! HUGS, stacy
hi jonni, john, sofia, and samantha…
calry, cecelia,meilyn, and i are enjoying your pictures…
the girls are so excited to see sofia in china and to meet her sister in pictures!
we will see you on thursday!!!
from carly – i love your other little girl!
from cecelia = i want you to come home and come to my house – i love you
from meilyn – come to my house when you come home
love, norie
For Sam & Sofia, Mommy and I were looking at your pictures today!!!!! I told her "Look, two of them are gorgeous". "Sofia, I like yours new sister! Hope we can play soon!"
Meilyn
Just precious Jonni! What an adorable gotcha moment, Sofia was so grown up & loving! Deb
Jonni,
The pictures are adorable, I was so excited to see Sam and Sophia together. What a special bond they will have. Jadyn remembers Sam and say something in Chinese when she looks at her picture. So cute!
Sue
Thanks for sharing your Gotcha
Day. It has seriously made me
think of rushing to get Allie
ready to go. Your family is
beautiful and I'm so thrilled
for you sweetie!!!
Many Hugs,
Sindy
Oh Jonni, I just loved Sophia's reaction. Samantha is just so beautiful. Congratulations.
Oh Jonni,
They are so beautiful together. I can tell that they are going to be wonderful sisters. I am so happy for you.
Joy
She fits perfectly in. I am glad that you got photos up. They make my heart happy.
Oh my gosh, your daughters are beautiful. And Samantha is smiling in a couple of the photos – love it! So glad you can blog and post now since its been killing me. Joe and my dad are SO ready to come home. Joseph is having night terrors poor little guy. See you on Thursday!!!
How sweet, as I wipe the tears from my eyes, Samantha is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your special day with us! Your daughters are beautiful
Oh, your video made me cry! I love that Sophia went right up to her and hugged her new sister. Both of your girls are just beautiful, Jonni! Looking forward to more updates.
What beautys- nice that you are in GZ. One step closer to home !!
PICTURES!! And SO worth the wait… Samantha is SO beautiful… your girls are so precious together!!
YAY!!!
Congrats on your new daughter! I am enjoying reading your posts as they are helping me to prepare for our trip in just a few weeks. Our daughter, Kaci, is also waiting for us at the Yangzhou SWI in Jiangsu.
I pray that Samantha's adjustment will improve daily as she comes to know and love her new family!
Blessings,
Dorothy
Oh what beautiful girls! Jonni, you are glowing! I wish I could see John as I am sure he is just a proud as you! Two BEAUTIFUL girls!! Thank you for sharing a peek into your family day! It brought back so many memories of getting my children. Safe travels and can't wait till y'all get home! God bless!
Love, Amy
Thanks for sharing such a special moment. I just love the last photo of the girls in red, you can see Samantha coming out of her shell. What sweet little girls you have. Enjoy!
Blessings,
lyndsey
Oh what a wonderful post. It brought back memories of 6 months ago when we were there. How wonderful your girls are. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Okay, I'm back. I just read the last four posts and I can't stop crying. I'm so happy for you guys. And whatever the transition looks like, however it plays out, just know that I'm praying for you guys and especially for that sweet little Sammie. What a beautiful opportunity you guys have to shower her with love, affection, and permanence.
Building that trust and pouring into her the promise that her life holds in Christ is such an honor – I've no doubt that HE chose you and will equip you to overcome whatever she must deal with to move forward. And with whatever she faces from here on. I wish I could be there to hug you in person. Believe me, if I still lived in NY, I'd be camped on your doorstep with a meal or two for your freezer and some serious happy tears
i am in tears jonni…
love, norie
oh Jonni, I just watched the video, thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment with us!!It just brought me to tears, such a moving moment to watch, both your daughters hugging with Mom and Dad looking on!!
So happy for you, sending hugs..
LOVE IT! We have that shirt – so pretty I'm just soaking in all the yummy goodness of these posts and LOVING IT ALL! Crying tears of joy for you. Again
I am so relieved and happy to see you all together. Sofia was wonderful with Samantha. In the picture where Samantha smiled, she was radiant. We love her so much already- can't wait to hold her. Be safe and be home soon.
with congratulations and much love, Mea
Hi Jonni, we met at the Dragonboat festival in Caz.
I have been following along. The girls look beautiful together!
Enjoy the rest of your stay in Gz. Safe travels home. Hope to see you at the Lantern Festival.
Lisa Roswick
Congratulations! Your girls are just beautiful together. We have meet at FCC events and we have too adopted an older child. My daughters are also close in age, they are 43 days apart. They are the best of friends even though they have totally different personalities. When we adopted Mali she was 3 1/2 and she would not go to my husband at all. In the hotel room she would let him play with her a little but once we left the hotel room she wanted nothing to do with him. Now she is totally a daddies girl. So hopefully this is also the case with Samantha. I hope you have a safe journey home.
just brilliant Jonni…love the photos!
Thanks for sharing your special moments! LOVE how sweet Sofia was by hugging her sister when she met her!! Now you're in the home stretch and you'll be home soon. That's when the real fun starts!! Congrats to you all. Roberta
Love it and they are both just so beautiful!!! And you look so blissfully happy!!!
God bless all of you.
Love, Kristy
YAY! We finally leave for Guangzhou today. After sweating for the past 6 nights we can’t wait to get to GZ. Nanjing is beautful and we had a nice time here. We toured a beautiful private garden yesterday and Nanjing is one of the few cities with private gardens because we have been told this…
Aw Jonni, a family of four at last. Your daughters are beautiful! I had tears of joy for you seeing their pics, but the video has me positively bawling! I'm so happy for you and your husband! May you have a safe journey home and an easy adjustment for Samantha!
Hi Jonni, She is so precious and so is Sofia. She is so sweet to welcome her sister with a hug. What an instant family made in heaven. I saw the little bracelett on her arm and it looked like the bracelett I sent to ZenXiao. I was hoping she gave it to her. Anything to feel a little closer to my girl. Just seeing the bracelett in China would make me happy! You have truly been blessed in every way.
I can't wait to see pictures . Samantha will soon learn how much she is loved and her layers will soon start peeling off. You both are such great parents, God will work all of this out.
Love and blessings, Kristy
YIKES about the choking but glad Sofia is okay. E only wanted to be carried and would not walk for the entire 13 days I had her in China. It's so hard when they're older but so worth it as you already know. Can't wait to see pics. Safe travels to GZ
Sending big hugs!!! Sorry I haven't been here for you! I just started a part time job..but it's ending up being fulltime…they need help and they like me, so I get more and more hours, which leaves me less and less time!!! I'm so happy for you!!!! Samantha will come around, she has the best family after all……Love you!!! Have a great time!!!!! We are thinking of you!!!
Thinking about you !
Hey Jonni,
just wanted to check in on you. First, CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a family of four!!!!
Second, I know it's rough right now for all of you – I'll keep you in my prayers. It WILL get SO much better:)))
Love you!
Nikki
Hi Jonni, I have had seperation anxiety from your blog for 3 days! My computer went down while I was traveling. It was hard for me to read about YuPing's transition. She is just holding on to you because children live from their mothers energy and she knows you are her mother. She will trust your husband when she sees that you do. She has had very little exposure to men of any. She doesnt understand this is forever and maybe she is scared you will take her back at some point. Once you get home you will have to wild little girls running through the house like maniacs! Just remember that she is feeding off your energy so let that positive chi flow girl!!!! Buena Suerte!
Thinking of you! I have a feeling once you all are home things will change with Samantha. I am sure this is a very confusing time for her but she will be okay. With you, John and Sofia how could she not! You are a wonderful family and she will fit in perfectly Poor Sofia or should I say poor moommy! I think I better learn the heimlich, so scary for all of you.
Know that we are thinking and praying for you all and can't wait to see some pics!
Take care and be safe!
Hugs,
Michele
Jonni,
I just cany wait to see pictures of Sam, I'm eager to see if Jadyn remembers her, Im sure she will. Im sorry to hear about Sofia's bacon mis-hap. Yikes, Im glad you were able to help her. You will have so much fun in GZ, but you already know that! enjoy
Sue
hey jonni..hope the flight was good one…hang in there…adopting an older child is "another ballgame"…but you can do it!!! and she will be fine..you and john are wonderful parents!..never doubt your ability to help her heal her hurts…
can't wait to see you all at home soon!!
love, norie
I am so excited to see your pictures. Thanks for your kind comment on RQ about my daughter's birthday. I think we will be in Nanjing too because our daughter is in Changzhou which is in Jiangsu province.
Joy
Jonni,
To read your post brought me to
tears, because I know this is a
tough time for you guys. But to
know what a wonderful mother
you are, she will come to love
you all just like Sofia did. I
thank you for posting the not
so rosey parts as this is what
I feel is going to happen when
we meet Katherine as she is so
tight with her caregivers.
Love & Hugs to you All!!!
Sindy In AZ
Hey Sergi Fam of 4!! So good to hear from you. Hopefully this post will take – it doesn't appear my others have.
We miss you and can't wait to see you at the airport. I'm so glad you are finally in GZ with my 3 guys. You can give me the real scoop.
You have the right approach – continue to love Samantha and eventually all will fall into place. (ha, easier said than done as I understand the Lore fam will need lots of patience too).
Safe travels & see you soon.
Hugs, Erin
Thinking of you all. I am glad that you are allowing your daughter the room to come to this relationship on her own terms.
Make sure your kid chews! That scared me too.
Sending good thoughts and prayers across the miles to you all. Thank goodness you knew exactly what to do with Sofia when she was choking – you'll have to teach me some time! I would think that the language barrier with Samantha has to be tough, maybe contributing to some issues. One of my dear friends always tells me that everything happens for a reason. Stay strong – your family of four will be HOME in a week! Roberta
Beautiful. Sad. For the short time I have known you, you will be able to do this with Samantha. My heart goes out to you, John and Sofia. I believe that Samantha was placed with you for a reason. God does not give you anything more than what He knows you can handle. The trust that the three of you have started with Sam will only get stronger as you bring her HOME and start a daily 'routine'. Praying for you all!
I have tried everything to get pics uploaded or sent to Carla to upload and I can’t. Our room has a computer and internet connection but cannot read the card reader to get the pics off of it. John’s computer works, but for some reason will not let us access the high-speed cable when we…
Hoping your trip to GZ went smoothly and you are neslted in for a few more days w/your beautiful family!
congrats Joni!!!! I"m so happy for you and your family!!
Yay! You are a happy, fun, family of four! Following your journey each step of the way–and wishing all of you well! Love and hugs!
Maureen
Glad all is going so well!
Sending you huge cyber hugs on the pics thing. It's way too ironic Jonni as you take such AMAZING pictures!!! What's important though is you guys are seeing & holding Samantha!!! Ooh, a mommy's girl – that will wear big pretty hair ribbons! What more could a girl ask for?!? Maybe we'll just have to wait to see Samantha in person!Can we put a rush order on that 
Deb
Glad to hear all is well! I totally understand about the pics but gosh do I want to see them Take care and enjoy your 2 beautiful daughters!
Hugs,
Michele
WOW have I been behind or what! You have such a beautiful family and your newest daughter seems soooo tiny.
Jonni, you have been blessed! I love all of the wonderful photo's and feel badly for not following more closely. Congratulations to all of you.
Wish I could be there to help you when you come home but I will be thinking about you all and praying that you all get plenty of rest.
Hugs to all of you.
♥
Natalie
family of four, so happy for you!!!
Laughing about your comments on layereing, they'd undress our girls in the frigid temps of Beijing(Jan/Feb) just to count the clothes! Had a few fingers wagged at us the first trip, knew better the second time around, LOL!
Congrats!!
Hugs Jonni!!
You'll get pics to us when you can. Most importantly it sounds like all is well! When we were in China sitting in a park in the shade (because I was hot!) an elderly woman approached us and motioned for us to move into the sun with Helaina, which we happily did! Keep your daughters bundled!
so nice to see a post jonni! sounds like everything is going well! thinking of you often…
norie
I am so happy for you!!! Congratulations!!
Beth
I am having the hardest time trying to get pictures off of my card reader due to the computer that we are using in China. We have John’s laptop but cannot seem to get the right converter plug for it and I am sorry that I cannot get any pictures off yet. I will try…
How happy………… Congratulations to your beautiful family….. Welcome home into your Mommy's arms sweet Samantha….
SAfe journey hoome.
Hmm, K Jonni….I know this isn't all about me, but…I NEED PICTURES!!!!!!!
I have been checking back so many times I am beginning to think I am a stalker!
Hope all is well with you still and you are enjoyng Sam!!
Hugs, Me
Oh Jonni,
I am so excited for you guys! What a wonderful, wonderful blessing!! CAN'T wait to see pictures!! CONGRATULATIONS my sweet friend. HUGS!! ~stacy
HOORAY! I am SO happy for you!!!!!!
Oh Jonni…I so needed a pick me up today, and this was it.
big hugs to the family of 4…it's going to rock your world in all the good ways!
Congrats to the entire family of four!!! Sounds like you are really enjoying them, through your exhaustion!!! The girls sound precious together….can't wait to see pictures!
Hugs, Deb & family!
Congratulations!! I am so excited for all of you and can't wait to see pictures!!
Hugs!
So happy for you guys… wish I was there! Say HI to Jane for us we had Jane when we were in Nanjing also. Tell her Nolan is doing good.. but very Naughty.
Anne
That is so awesome how well you are all bonding. I am so excited for you and can't wait to see your wonderful pictures;) Praying for safe travels!
YAY!! So glad to hear all is well… Samantha sounds positively precious!!
Can't wait to see PICTURES
Congratulations on becoming a family of FOUR!!
YAY!!!! Once you get to Guangzhou, my father can post pics for you if you are still having trouble! I can't wait to see the Sergi Fam of 4! XO Erin & Grace
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Oh I am soooo happy for you all!! Can not wait to see pictures!!!! Enjoy your time in China and this wonderful time as a family of 4!!!!
I am so happy for you all! I can't wait to see pics. Samantha sounds perfect! I think Sofia will make Samantha's transition so much easier and I think Samantha will make potty training Sofia so much easier.
Take care!
Hugs,
Michele
Oh happy tears are flowing here for you guys! Can't wait to see pics of your new family.
Congratulations you guys!! I am so happy to hear you are officially a family of FOUR!!
What a time to have computer difficulties….we are all dying to see some pics:)
Be safe….and enjoy this special time!
xoxo,
Lisa
Mazel tov! Have a wonderful time wit your daughters.
Congratulations on your family of Four. So happy for you, I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures.
Congratulations! I'll be anxiously awaiting pictures.
Jonni
Im so excited for you and your family and I cant wait to see pictures of Sam!
Congrats!
Sue
I am thrilled for you ! Loved rading the post. Glad things went well.
Congratulations!! We love you all! Can't wait till you are all home.
Jean Joe Sarah and Lin
Oh my god. I don't know if I can wait any longer for the pics. I may have to fly over and see for myself. I'm so glad everything seems to be going so well for all of you. I sure miss talking to you and Sofia everyday. Hurry home. I love you all and miss you.
Jonni, I am so happy for you and your family. I feel like I could just sob with relief. I am so touched. Thank God she is healthy and happy and ready to be a sister. I am sure we can even imagine the bond that they have already formed. You are truly blessed. I cannot wait to see pictures of her.
Yay! Been hitting refresh on and off all day – glad to see the post. Yes, I know what you mean about "healthy" – our Li'l Empress had some great padding on her little tushie and thighs. I love me some chunky baby thighs
Hugs and kisses to you all – May God continue to work healing in little Samantha's heart through the powerful love she experiences from the three of you!
oh jonni…it was thrilling to finally open your blog and see a post from you!!!sounds like a wonderful transition so far…keep the posts coming!!! and you really need to let me know the secret to keeping those hair bows in…
norie
What a perfect day!!! Samantha sounds like she was definitely made for your family! I'm so happy for you, and I can't wait to see pictures of your newest ray of sunshine.
Amy
Finally a family of four! So thrilled for you all. "some junk in her trunk" – you are too funny, and Samantha sounds so healthy! Roberta
So thrilled for you guys!!! What
a wonderful Gotcha Day. I cannot
wait to see the pics of your new
family of four. Makes me want to
hop on a plane for Katherine!!!
Hugs,
Sindy
The Road To Zen - Jonni, TA TA TA TA TA I got it. I dont know the CA date yet. After the holiday I will get it but I got my TA today! Im going to china!
kerri - Can't believe your on your home home soon!!
We found that our second trip was more relaxing too, knew what to expect.
Looking forward to more pics, just finished watching family day video again, it is soooo beautiful..
Sue - Safe Travel, cant wait to chat!
Sue
Welcome Home Sam!
Snowflowers Mum - Happy travels Guys!
MotherMotherOcean - Travel well. I am glad you are on your way home. I take it you guys dont do chinese food?
Amy - Have a great trip home!!! Can't wait to see more photos of the girls together safely at home!
Amy
The Road To Zen - Im sorry I cant stop calling her Yuping. Ive known her by that name for so long it is hard to change. I promise I will get better at it. I cant wait until ZenXiao is home and I can tell her that Yuping has a wonderful family and show her pictures on your blog!
The Road To Zen - I will be waiting for those pictures! I am so glad that Yuping is coming around. She knows how much you guys love her and she is starting to feel safe. It will be great to get her home and start your new life as a family of 4.
Jill - Been following all along Jonni! I am sooo happy for all of you! Can't wait to have you back and to see more pics!
Hugs, Jill
Anonymous - So happy to have shared your journey through your blog postings. Watching Sofia greet & hug her sister Samantha for the first time is the most touching sight. Safe travels home sweet Jonni.
Maureen
joymweaver - I am so excited for you. They each now have a sister (something I always wanted, but never had).
I wanted to let you know that we got our LOA today–after 132 days of waiting. Now the wait for travel approval starts.
Joy
GGHadden - Glad you are on the home-stretch……….whew what a trip. Happy to hear all is well. Can't wait for more pictures.
Amy - Yeahhh! Y'all are coming home! So happy to hear that Samantha is starting to trust John, also! Happy Father's Day John! =) I am so happy that you were able to experience such a wonderful time there in China. You will have so much to show and share with both of the girls as they get older! Safe travels home!
Love, Amy