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…
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…
Show 21 Comments
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…
Show 18 Comments
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!
Chinese Name: Yu Hua (Yu means “Jade” and Hua means “China”) DOB: October 4, 2006 Province: Gansu Personality: Active; Has a Ready Smile; Quick in Reaction; She’s a heavy sleeper (YES!), loves music and also loves being held by her caregiver!!! Also, look at all that hair! She’s only 5 mos. in the picture above…
Show 48 Comments
Jonni-
I am so sorry I missed this!!! You should be over the moon! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am soooo very happy for you. Your long wait is finally going to be worth it all. Your precious Sophia is finally coming home to you guys! If I could hug you, I would, so please accept this e-hug (((((((BIG HUGS!))))))
I can only thank God for this wonderful blessing in your lives! She’s a lucky little girl (and a cutie, too)!
Hi Jonni,
I was just checking out your blog and your little Sofia is so cute!!! We have a referral for Russia that also is cleft affected lip/palate/nose.
We’re also waiting (forever!!) for a referral from China……..
God bless!!
She’s beautiful! I hope that this all goes quickly and you are able to get her soon!
What a precious little girl…..i am so happy for you!
Congratulations! Oh she is precious! I am SO happy for you! You must be freaking out! (I know I would!) If you need anything! Please let me know!!
I’ve been out of town, what incredible news to come home to! She’s precious, congratulations!!
How happy!!!!! She’s beautiful.
God’s Speed
Daleea
What a fabulous. post. I am a nurse on cleft palate/lip floor and love taking care of these babies
Congratulations! You will love her forever.
Alyson
LID 01/27/06
Congratulations!!! She is so beautiful. We are so happy for you.
Cyndi & Dean James
Waiting for Alicyn Shea
LID 10/24/06
http://www.cd2alicyn.com
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! She is absolutely beautiful!!!! WOW!!! You get to leave really soon to go get her and she is REALLY young!!! I know the surgeries and all will go fine because she will be in your loving care. Hope all the travels go smoothly!!! I will be praying!!!!
Congrats guys!
We are so happy for you!
Jonni I am so excited for you and John. This is so awesome. How great of you to be those special parents who know every child is special. Best of luck and much joy.
Rhonda York
Congrats! She is a cutie! Hope you travel quickly!
I can bet you are both over the Moon! Congratulations & Speedy travels to pick her up!
Little Miss Ladybird
Congratulations…Sophia is just beautiful! My daughter Ava has a cleft lip/palate also. She is from Inner Mongolia…we are just home 6 weeks…the time has passed so quickly. She is booked for her lip surgery July 4th.
Congrats…beautiful!
Jonni & John
Big congratulations… I had no idea you were moving forward so quickly! She’s amazing. I hope you get to travel soon and I will definitely be adding you to my bloglines so i can stay up-to-date!!!
Ya HOOOO
OMG!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
I was away from blogworld for a few days and decided on a whim to check in with you–so glad I did! I am so thrilled for you!
How wonderful!! I am so happy for you. What a cutie!! E-mail your address to me at timnkim@gmail.com. I have something for Sofia!!
Congratulations! She’s just precious – and look at that hair!!!!
Oh Jonni, she’s beautiful! You guys must be in a perfectly wonderful daze right now. Congratulations!!!!
Wishing you a very speedy TA!
Oops, I mean Sofia! (sorry about the mis-spelling)
Oh my gosh, Jonni!!!!!
I was so not expecting this — what an incredible surprise (for me) and what a beautiful miracle for you and John!
Sophia is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy for you and am so excited that you should be traveling shortly…
please keep us posted.
Yay!!!!!
Welcome Sofia!!!
Congratulations mom and dad :0)
OMW you guys that is soooo incredible and I can sense the excitement in your e-mail!!! Congrats!!! Don’t forget I’m the Ex-Pediatric RN so can help you lots!!!!
CONGRATS and LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Ann, Tim, Jillian and wild man Jonathan
Thank you to everyone for the wonderful comments about Sofia. We CAN’T wait to get our little girl and I have enjoyed reading all of your comments so much! This is like a dream that I have not woke from, it’s awesome!!!
BIG HUGS,
Jonni
OMG, congratulations! She is so precious. So happy for you guys!
hi there… we are norie and john and are also adopting through new life…we found our daughter, cecelia, on the last list that came out and are hoping to travel about the same time as you! congrats!
our email is nojobela@hotmail.com
Oh those eyes, she is just beautiful. We are so excited for you.
Lyndsey
May2006DTC
Okay, I am now crying! What wonderful news Sophia is just beautiful!!!! Congrats to you and John and have fun these next few weeks preparing for Sophia!
Thrilled for you both!!! How wonderful!!! She is a beauty!!!
Hey Jonni, Sofia and Lily are neighbors. Lily lives in Xinjiang. That is so cool.
Leslie
This is so GREAT!!! I know that Sofia will make your life just as Nathan has made ours. Let us know what we can do to help. And remember that you are always in our prayers. All of you!!!
Bob, Donna, Nathan, and Mamaw Shelley
I am crying tears of joy for you over here, and feel so very honored you sent me a personal email telling me the great news…she is just so very beautiful, and you guys are so very lucky, hope your TA comes quickly and get that baby in your arms sooner rather than later…
Oh sweetie, what wonderful news. Congratulations to you both and what a wonderful Fathers Day for you both, he he he. She is just beautiful and I wish you speedy travels!
OH MY GOSH – she’s beautiful and I’m so excited for you guys! I know you will be awesome parents to this precious little girl. Congratulations on becoming a family of three!
Your Journey to Sofia has finally ended! Congratulations. . she is adorable. I am so happy for all of you. . you are now a forever family!
Congratulations Jonni, I am so excited for you! Isn’t amazing how you can love something so much you haven’t even held yet??
Keep us updated!!
Love,
Tracy
No. Way.
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! I had no idea, Jonni!!! WOW-WOW-WOW-WOW!!
I have chills. What a wonderful, wonderful surprise!
Happy Mother’s Day. And, Father’s Day! Congrats Jonni & John! With all of our hearts. I can’t wait to get home to show pics to jz.
Oh My GOODNESS!!!! Congratulations!
She is beautiful! This is so exciting. I am so happy for you!!!!
OMG Jonni! This is amazing news! I just got your squishes and I will be sending MORE your way for Sofia!
I’m over the moon for you, she is GORGEOUS!
We are also waiting for a waiting child, but our agency actually ‘matches’ the baby and family so we are trying to be patient. There are about 100 families in front of us.
If you need anything let me know.
Your cyber buddy,
Hayley
Congrats!!!! Here’s to speedy TA
I’m so happy for you guys. What a more deserving couple to have this gift from God. She is so beautfiul, and i hope we can travel together.
Love ya,
Leslie
Yeah. She is a cutie!
Congratulations!!!!!
I think she is just a doll, our family is so happy for you.
Yahoo, enjoy your day on cloud 9.
Wooooooooohoooooooooooooo!
So, we went to lunch and tried to stay cool???????? Oh My Goodness!!! That would have killed me inside! I am soooo happy for you guys! Congrats!Congrats! Congrats! She is a sweet little ladybug! WOW! What a plesant suprise to see on your blog today!!
Show Hide 53 Comments
Barb - Wow, Wow, wow! I can’t believe you got her as soon as you arrived! Awesome.
She’s adorable
theghelertertwins.blogspot.com - She is beautiful! I know you are beaming.
shuey6 - she is just absolutely beautiful! hapy family…
nikki - 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!!!!
Anonymous - 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
norie - 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
C.J. - I am so overjoyed for you all!
dale - 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
Anonymous - 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
Anonymous - 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
Anonymous - 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
kris - Congratulations, I’m so happy for you guys and Sofia is JUST PRECIOUS!!
Project Ni Hao - 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!
Shannon & Dan - 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
Cyndi and Dean James - 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
redmaryjanes - 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.
Anonymous - You both look sooooo happy!!! Congratulations on becoming a Mom & Dad.
Denise @ WBNG
Michelle - She is beautiful. Congratulations.
Janet - Oh, she is ADORABLE, head shaved and all! I am so happy for you guys! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!
Dannye - 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!!
mea - 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
Anonymous - Congratulation to you guys! Your family is beautiful! Sofia looks so happy!
Anik,XXX
Mike, Hayley & Piper - 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
Beth - I am so happy for you! What a whirlwind adventure! You make such a lovely family.
angie s. - 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
Anonymous - 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
Mark and Rebecca - Oh my goodness! All that travel and your meeting in one day!?
Congrats, and blessings to you on your new family.
Lili & Robin - Baby Sofia + John + Jonni = ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY.
Congratulations! Y’all must be overcome with Joy!
-Lili
Les - Can Sofia help on the golf tournament in Binghamton next week? Everybody is overjoyed for you both.
Les
Stacy - CONGRATULATIONS!!! Ohhh, she looks so happy!!! Such a beauty. What a fun suprise to get her earlier than expected!! Hugs, stacy (mayDTC)
Beverly - Congrats she is a cutie.
Beverly
G & G Hadden - 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!!!!!!!!!!!
Maureen - 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!
Melissa - What a beautiful picture…a family of three!! Congratulations to all of you! Sofia is so sweet!! Have a great trip!
Melissa H.
T & R McGrath - OH JONNI, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!! I AM CRYING!!
Can’t wait to see more pictures!
Sending lost of hugs!!!
Anonymous - 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.
kerri - What a beautiful family, congratulations Mommy and Daddy.
Waht a beautiful daughter you have!!
Jewels of My Heart - 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.
Sandy - 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.
Barbara in Syr. - Congratulations! She is beautiful and you all look so happy. Yay!!!!!!
Donna & Andrew - CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She is beautiful.
a&mg - Wow, congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful, and I am so thrilled for you guys. I hope all is going very well!
Leslie - 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.
wzgirl - 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
Anonymous - Oh Jonni!!! I’m sitting here in class with tears in my eyes!! Congrats – she is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Hugs,
~Carla
Donna - Congratulations Mom and Dad!!!!!
Anonymous - 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
Marjorie - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! I will be praying for a continued wonderful journey for you all.
Marjorie
Michele - 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
Anonymous - CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She’s adorable. I’m so happy for you guys. Enjoy every minute.
Love, Shari
norie - 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
Anonymous - My heart is so full for you guys.
Love,
Debbie
Carol - Congratulations! Poor thing had her head shaved! You all look so good!!!!