• Hi There!

    Hi, my name is Jonni and I am Mommy to Sofia (5 years old) and Samantha (6 years old) and wife to John. We reside in upstate NY. Our daughters are 5 mos. apart in age and a whole lot of fun. Sofia is from Jinchang City, Gansu and she turned 11 mos. during our trip to bring her home from China in 2007. Samantha is 5 mos. older but was our 2nd adoption. She was 3 years, 4 mos. when we brought her home from China in 2009. She is from Yangzhou City, Jiangsu.

    I love blogging about our girls, photography, fonts, printables & crafts and I also have a slightly obsessive John Mayer addiction. Thank you for stopping by. :)

Monthly Archives: October 2009

Exciting News About Samantha

We have been busy running to a lot of doctor appointments with Samantha and Sofia. On Friday I took Samantha to Upstate Hospital for the EEG that we needed to have done. Sammy did great while the testing was being done. She sat very still for a long time and did a really good job…

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*Overflowing* - Fabulous news sweet friend! Woohoo!

sierrasmom - Great news!!!!

Natalie - Praise God. So glad to hear that!
Where are your gorgeous photo's???
How do you keep up with your blog??? I really don't have an excuse! It's so hard to stay updated…
Hugs to all of you. Now, off to catch up on your blog.

Lost and Found - What wonderful news! My Em too had seizures but no one told me until I was in China. They were from a time when she was sick and needed care that couldn't be provided by her SWI. Thankfully she was loved and supported financially to get the care she needed. I'd love her regardless but she is a typical 3 1/2 year old without any medical issues.

MamMaw Monica - I am so incredibly Happy for all of you! This is why children are called "Blessings" and in all their ways "Miracles". We miss the photos, hope you regain your strength and pick up your camera soon. Lil Orchid misses Sofia and wants to see more of her new sister, Samantha ;) Always in our thoughts!

Brianna Phelan - Fantastic news. Truly wonderful!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! - I am glad to hear the good news my friend. You must be very relieved!

Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Hugs,

Lisa

Colleen - Wow!!! What a blessing!!!! Such fantastic news!!!

Mama to virtual twins - Jonni,

This is wonderful news! I hope you
ALL have a wonderful Halloween as
a new family of four.

Hugs,

Sindy

P.S. HOPING FOR TA NEXT WEEK!

Ken-Jenifer-Hannah - That's Great News Jonni, I'm so happy for you and your family.

Amy K. - Jonni!

That is so wonderful!!!!!! What a relief…

Amy

La-La-Liene - Yea!!!! So I guess that means she's completely healthy and normal.

Glad she's also waking up happier and adjusting well to her new life in her new family.

kerri - Oh Jonni that is the best news, so happy for Samantha!!

Lisa - This is amazing news!! So glad that everything is just as it should be. Praising God with you.

Lisa

Snowflowers Mum - Oh Jonni…this is fantastic news for Samantha! I'm so happy the girls are doing so well together.

lots of love to you all!

redmaryjanes - I am so happy for you. It is such an amazing relief to hear that your child is healthy. I am also glad that she is attaching well. Have fun this Halloween!

bbmomof2boys - Oh wow Jonni!!! That is great news, I'm so happy for you guys. I'm glad she is doing well on her attachment. When Little T first got home we had a toy in her crib that would make a noise if she pulled it. This is how she announced to us that she was up everyday morning! She too was quiet and sad in the mornings but this passed pretty quickly.

2 wonderful girls!!

Hugs,
Carla

Norah - M had a seizure after being in the US for 2 months. It was so scary and I always have fear about it in the back of my head. She had all kinds of testing and everyone said the same thing. " Sometimes these things just happen. It may happen again or it may not." I'm glad you got positive results!

Stefanie - What BLESSED news, Jonni!!

Jill - PRAISE JESUS! Been thinking of you guys Jonni!
Hugs, Me

"M" - Great news!! I, too, was wondering if they are assuming that they were febrile seizures? My dd had one in January and am grateful that this is what it seemed to be. Something that most kids grow out of by 5 or 6. Glad she is doing so well.

Sue - What awesome news! I bet they were just fever seizures! I'm so happy to read this!
Sue

Hello From The Trenches

Holy crappers, I finally got a few good nights of rest! I have been so tired lately and gone are the days of returning emails and phone calls. I am doing well at this point just to blog occasionally. Who knew going from one to two kids could be so tiring and zap every bit…

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Wife of the Pres. - OH my goodness! I somehow clicked over here from another blog that I linked to from Cheri's blog (Lia, Evan) and I remember seeing you on RQ!!!

Your girls are absolutely precious! To see Sofia comforting Samantha … makes one's heart melt!!!

So happy for you that you have your Samantha home and what wonderful news from the doctor!!!!! Thrilled for her and your family!!!

Leslie (Hopingfor08 on RQ)

Kristy - Jonni they are both so beautiful but I think the most incredible thing is what their relationship is going to be as they grow up. It just makes my heart smile!!

Lov and blessings, Kristy

Robert - SWEET! Em's immunization record said she had ONE shot. When our IA pediatrician drew blood he did all the titers which showed she has many more. In days I was sent her correct record which spared her having all those shots again. Apparently if they are in foster care or move at all there will be 2 records. The one with the single shot was from her SWI whereas the other was from where she lived the last 10 months. Good Luck!

Kristin - LOVE the pics!! SO cute!!!

Anonymous - the new pics are amazing. They are such gorgeous and photogenic children.

Jo xx

Ken-Jenifer-Hannah - You have two beautiful children. Im so happy samantha is doing so well. I really enjoy following your family journeys. Thanks for the comments its great having a friend that has went though the waiting game. Thanks for being there.
HUGS
Jen

The Gang's Momma - So much to say, so many beautiful pics to comment upon :)

Love the clothes. What little fashionistas. Sooo cute.

Love the earrings. Boy, you are brave, to do a toddler's ears. I am such a chicken it took me a year to do my own a second time. It's really sweet tho how she is such a girly girl.

And the sleep? So glad you are resting up. These girls are hard on us old broads, aren't they?! :)

Janet - I'm loving the update! They are both so beautiful!

Jeane puts her mouth on her arm when she is nervous too. A self-soothing mechanism. I gently put it down put she still does it when she's really nervous.

Norah - Great update and pictures. Sammy's eyes remind me of Linhsey's. So much expression. Beautiful!

redmaryjanes - Beautiful! How far apart are they in age? They remind me of Eli and Sophia, I call them the twins because they are only 9 months apart.

sierrasmom - Oh my goodness, they are both TOO sweet. Sierra is already talking about going back and getting a little sister…….
Kathie

Jennifer - I love the pictures-especially with the sunglasses at the dentist and the one where they are wearing your shoes. So cute! I hope you'll catch up on rest soon!

Jen :)

bbmomof2boys - Jonni!! How wonderful that things are starting to settle down a bit for you. Sam seems to be getting along just fine. I've been worried about you and just told Big T yesterday that I needed to call you now that you have gotten over your jetlag!

Hugs,
Carla

MotherMotherOcean - I am so happy that things are going well and that they love each other so much. It will be nice to have a sister close in age to share life with.

L - What beautiful girls. I am impressed you were able to get photos of all that you have done, give yourself some credit!

I found when we went from 1 to 2 it was triple the work. The good news is when you go from 2 to 3, it is way easier ;) ! I hope that 3 to 4 is as easy. Take care and snuggle those two and stay warm. We have already had 3 snowstorms here in MT, I am guessing its going to be a long cold winter.
lyndsey

Amy K. - Oh my goodness! I love all the new pictures. The girls look so cute together. It's like they've always been sisters…just beautiful.

I hear you on the days just slipping away. We've been home over a month, and I'm still behind! Glad you guys are doing so great.

Amy

Oh, Libby seems to be a lefty too!

Michele - They are both so adorable! I am so happy for you and love reading your updates. Tell Sofia anytime she wants a hug fest she can come visit Lilly, the two of them would get along perfectly. When Lilly gets together with her cousin (her cousin is 20 months older) we have to pull Lilly off of her because she won't stop the hugging. It's very cute but I feel bad for my niece! Love the earringsand the beautiful winter coats :)
I am with you I have a feeling it's going to be a very long and cold winter, it got cold much earlier this year than it usually does.
Take care and thanks for the update.
Hugs,
Michele

Can You Spare A Square?

I have been so bad with getting all the quilt squares and good wishes collected for Samantha’s quilt and figured I better add this to my ongoing list of things I am trying to accomplish right now. If anyone would like to exchange quilt squares and wishes I would love to trade. Heck, even if…

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Anonymous - Hi Jonni, I was wondering if you could tell me what happens once we fly in to the Province to get ZenXiao. Do we go straight to Civil affairs to get her or do we go to the hotel first? Also, how far is the hotel from Civil Affairs Office. I wanted to know if it was a long ride after getting her, so I can pack things for her to do. Also, We fly into Nanjing at 10:00am, what time do you think we will meet her. I am so confused and nervous. If you can let me know I would be very grateful. I hope your girls are doing amazing, Im sure they are. Love, Kelli

Anonymous - Hi Jonni, I was wondering if you could tell me what happens once we fly in to the Province to get ZenXiao. Do we go straight to Civil affairs to get her or do we go to the hotel first? Also, how far is the hotel from Civil Affairs Office. I wanted to know if it was a long ride after getting her, so I can pack things for her to do. Also, We fly into Nanjing at 10:00am, what time do you think we will meet her. I am so confused and nervous. If you can let me know I would be very grateful. I hope your girls are doing amazing, Im sure they are. Love, Kelli

sierrasmom - Hi, I so enjoyed following your journey. Your daughters are absolutely beautiful!! I still think since we are both SAHMs ( I am at least for this year) that we should meet 1/2 way some day and let our 3 3year olds play together!!!I noticed Grandma and Grandpa are from Long Island. I was born there and lived there until I was 12!!!
Kathie in NY

Michelle - I will send you one when I send out your plaque on Friday. I'm so sorry it has taken me so long. It has actually been done for quite some time but I just have been remiss in sending it out. Sorry!

No need to send one in return. I still have the lovely one you sent me when I was collecting awhile back.

The Gang's Momma - You know, that's something I never did for Li'l Empress. I kinda didn't find out about it till way too late to start, then we were expedited. I wonder if I'll be more on the ball next time?!

Cheri - I can't remember if we've already traded but I'd be willing to trade a couple from the "kids". LOL

Snowflowers Mum - ugh…I am so bad, I will send mine out this week.

Happy 3rd Birthday Sofia & Welcome Home Samantha

I had to backdate this post since I have been too tired to do much blog posting lately. I think I am just about done with the worst of the jet-lag. John has been doing much better with it than I have and I really owe him a huge thanks for pulling a lot of…

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Kris - oh and a happy belated birthday to your sweet sofia!

Kris - hayley is the bomb, isn't she? i'm still giggling at grandma getting so much affection from the farm animals! what a great day and the pictures are stunning :O)

Lisa - What incredibility beautiful girls you have.

Happy Birthday Sofia! I hope you had a great day.

Sue - Ohh the pictures are just adorable! Sam looks like she's right at home. I love it, another Yangzhou baby home. Thank you for sharing!
Sue

joymweaver - I love the pics. I love the sideways half-smile that Samantha gives. It is so good to get an update. Happy Birthday, Sofia, from the Weavers.

Snowflowers Mum - So glad you loved the tshirts! We live in sandbox threads!

Faith Hope Love Photography - Congrats!! The girls are beautiful:) Looks like a fun time!

Cheri - A big Happy Birthday Day to Sophia!

The girls are just beautiful together Jonni. I love the pictures. I hope all is going well. ((HUGS))

MotherMotherOcean - nice to see you up for air.

Jewels of My Heart - How happy………. Welcome home Samantha and Happy Birthday Sofia…
What a special day at the farm.
I just love seeing them together… I always wanted a sister. How fun that they have each other.
God Bless You,
Daleea

Norah - Happy Birthday Sofia!!!!!!!

Michele - Omg, I love the first pic, Samantha looks like, "oh no not another pic!" They are both adorable and it looks like Sammy did very well with her grandparents. So glad to hear things are going well and so happy for the update.
Hugs,
Michele

The Road To Zen - Feliz Cumpleanos Sophia! Oh my G they are so freaking cute. I dont know how you stand it. I would be squeezing them and loving them all day long! They look so happy together. It is so amazing the difference you have made for these girls.

Ken-Jenifer-Hannah - Happy Birthday Sophia, Your girls are beautiful Jonni. Samantha looks right at home :)

Hugs
Jen

Lost and Found - Such a beautiful family! Hayley has GREAT taste so I'm sure whatever she sent was fabulous. Next time you head to LI please let me know. We'd love a play date and to meet the girls.

bbmomof2boys - awww…Jonni – the girls look so happy!!! Yeah!! Sammy is such a cutie pie – holy cow. I can't wait to see more pics of her as she starts to blossom in your wonderful family.

Happy Birthday Sweet Sofia!! Little T sends big hugs and kisses!

Hugs,
Carla

Dale - Yah! I've been checking every day for pics! They are sooo adorable! I esp. love the pic. of Samantha sitting on her grandpa's lap but they are all cute of course. Congratulations Jonni to you and your husband, on your perfect family!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! - Welcome Home!!! I can't believe you are back already:) The girls are so sweet together….I just can't get over it!!

Happy Bday to sweet Sofia!!

Looking forward to more cute pics:)

Take Care,

Lisa

Colleen - Ohhhh the girls are so amazingly cute togther!!!! So wonderful to see!!! So much excitement going on in your home!I can just imagine the holiday season for you all this year!!!!:D

Jill - Oh gosh Jonni! I do not even know where to start!!! Those girls of yours are ADORABLE! I love the matching outfits and coats! Do people ask you if they are twins??

Sammy looks like she is adjusting well! Glad you all seem to be! Hope the jet lag is finally over for you….WELCOME HOME SERGI FAMILY!

And last but not least, HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY SWEET SOFIA! May this year be as happy and exciting as the last!

Been thinking of you Jonni!
Hugs, Jill

HuluMama - Happy Birthday Sofia and Welcome Home Samantha! Hope you get over the jet lag soon Momma!

Stefanie - The pictures are so sweet… love to see how Samantha is settling in!!
And a BIG Happy Birthday to Sofia :) Wow, you've got LOTS going on!!
Sorry about the previous comment, I actually misspelled Sofia's name! My fingers are used to spelling Sophie, I'm afraid ;)

a Tonggu Momma - Welcome home and happy birthday, Sofia! So glad to see y'all are settling in.

Mom 2 six - Love the pictures. The girls are so cute.

Kristin - Happy Birthday Sofia!! Love the pics of the girls together! They look so happy! :)

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