How has a year already passed since we went to China to get our daughter? It seems like it was just yesterday that I was looking into her beautiful eyes for the first time. I still vividly remember every detail of those first moments together. Sofia did not cry, she was quiet and inquisitive and…
Category Archives: Our Trip to China for Sofia
John and I had Sofia’s medical appt. on Tuesday and took our oath yesterday. We are preparing for the long flight home tomorrow. Today we are going over to Shamian Island to do a little shopping and to take pictures on the red couch. We have had a wonderful trip to China, but we cannot…
Welcome home. I hope you are all adjusting well!
WELCOME HOME!
DEB
Hi Jonni, haven’t heard from you in awhile, just wanting to see how everything is going now that you are home.
We’re thinking about you!
Hugs
Tracy
Sofia and Ty are so sweet together…
Can’t wait to hear how it is all going now that ya’ll are home!!!
What a little peanut. She is beautiful!
I just can’t wait until she is home. She looks so darling!
Have a safe flight home. Look forward to more pictures and tales…
Have a safe trip home guys!
~Carla
Love that picture of the view! Wow, it must be wonderful to say “Going Home!” Congrats!
We are almost to TA I believe……
It looks like you are all doing so well. Great pictures!
Wooooooohooooooooooooo Home tomorrow!!!!
You are almost HOME!!!!!! I hope all goes well with you!
You all look so happy!!! Sophia is just beautiful!!
I can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
Safe travels home!
Sending lots of hugs,
Tracy
I didn’t have time to comment after your last blog. I hope you have a safe flight home and your baby girl doesn’t mind it too much. We are all looking forward to having you return to USA Soil. Call when you can.
Ann
Jonni, John, and Sofia…
Godspeed on your journey home…
Norie
Have a safe trip!
Sorry it has been so long since I posted any pictures. We have been so busy the last couple of days and we have been crashing as soon as we get back to the hotel. As a new parent I have learned to sleep when the baby is asleep. Last Friday the Disbros and us…
I love that photo of her in the hat and bathing suit!! She is a doll. I can’t wait to see you post about her life at home!!!
She’s still adorable!!! Hope you enjoy Guangzhou!
what a sweet peanut she is….so glad you guys are getting along famously (I told you that you guys would make awesome parents, and you are so proving me right!!)…don’t stress the flight home, I’m sure Sofia will do amazingly well!!
Jonni, it is so great to hear how well you are all doing. Sofia is just the cutest little peanut and she looks so happy to be with her mommy and daddy! It sounds like you are on cloud 9 and I am sooo happy for you.
Wow, she’s a beauty!
Ah, the pictures are just adorable! Enjoy every moment you can (especially when the cooking and cleaning are up to others to get done)! Happy shopping on Shamian!!! Remember those silks and squeeky shoes can fit easily into any small nooks and crannies in the suitcases 
Deb
You are what family is all about. Simply lovely.
she truly is simply beautiful.
AWWW!!! She is soooo beautiful!
She is so cute and her lip looks wonderful! Lilly was sitting with me while I was reading your blog and kept saying, “Awww baby”! She just loves babies.
Glad to hear things are going so well. Enjoy the rest of your time there.
Michele 
So good to hear from you and see such great photos of your little angel. Miss you and sending much love to you, John and Sofia.
Look at that little honey! She’s beautiful!!!
Wonderful that you are having a good time….Looking forward to hearing more when you return ? Friday I think…..have a great flight home!!!!!! Wish I could be up there to welcome you guys back home!
Thanks for sharing the pictures…I love them! Keep sleeping when sweet Sofia does…you have made a wise and important choice!!!!
Glad everything is going so well!
Melissa H.
SOOOOOOOOOO cute. I bet you kiss her no less than 10000 times a day!
-Lili
Yep, one of the first lessons I learned as a new mom is to sleep when baby sleeps! I’m so glad you guys are having a good time. I’m sure Sofia will do fine on the trip home – here’s to a safe return!
~Carla
Oh,Jonni,
Sofia IS simply beautiful & she looks wonderfully content & at home in Dad’s arms. Thank you so much for sharing your joy.
Wishing you an easy trip home.
B
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…
She is beautiful. All the best! We should get together now!
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
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!
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
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.
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!
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…
Congrats guys!!
She is so pretty!
I agree!! I keep stalking too looking for pictures!! Oh Jonni…she is so pretty!!
Hugs!
Carla
I keep stalking the blog looking for more pictures. She’s just beautiful guys!
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
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!
I am so happy for you!!! It is so exciting to see the pictures! She is so beautiful!
Love the photos!!
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
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!
I am SO thrilled to hear it has been such a positive experience so far… Sofia is just a doll…
I am so glad that everything is going well. She is just beautiful, your dream come true.
hi Jonni and John…it’s a great morning! What nice pictures! Thanks!
Norie
She is priceless Jonni!!! You all look so happy!!!
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!!
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!
So glad everything is going well! Your family looks very happy!
What a great looking family :0)
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
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!!!!
somethingcheeky - OMG! That is the sweetest thing ever! I had to keep pausing it because I couldn’t read the quotes because of all my tears! Sophia is so lucky to have a mom who cares so much. Love it!
-Kirsten
Denise Olson - Truly a remarkable keepsake!! As always, you and John are blessed and Sofia is the luckiest little girl!!! happiness to you and your family
kerri - Has it really been a year!!!
You should of noted that kleenex was needed prior to viewing, LOL.
I loved your video, the song choices and for the record, you with no make up and wet hair, gorgeous!!
Happy family day girlfriend, enjoy your special time.
amazing grace - awwww Happy Anniversary! loved the video!! what a precious keepsake!!!
laura - dolcepics - Happy One Year! The slideshow was so touching, I burst into tears when I saw the first shots of Sofia, thinking of how you two must have felt when you finally held her! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us!
MotherMotherOcean - Happy family day. That was a lovely tribute.
Nikki - I hope you enjoyed your sweet Family Day celebration…Happy, happy 1 year to you all!
XO
Janet - I can NOT believe it’s been a year! WOw! And I only WISH I could hear the music! My speakers won’t work! WAH!!!
Colleen - Awwwwww,just beautiful!!! I really enjoyed seeing all the photos from Lanzhou…..brings back so many wonderful memories. The museum looks fun. We didn’t see it. Did you purchase one of the horses? We actually bought 2 while there…I have one setting out and I have a smaller one put away.
Sophia is just gorgeous!
Anonymous - The video is fantastic and I know that when Sofie views it in her later years she will appreeciate it as much as I do.
Love you’all
Mom
Michelle - So beautiful! I am in tears. Love the Carpenter’s! Perfect song choices. Happy Family Day!
Jill - Happy Forever Family Day!! Jonni- We love the video! You are so talented! (not to mention, when did you find the time!!) Sofia is looking radient as always!!
Love, Jill& Lucy
bbmomof2boys - Wow – I can’t believe it’s already been a year!! Where does the time go? Great job with the pictures. I’ve got to get mine together – just don’t know when!
Hugs,
Carla