Jada's Adoption Page

Combining BLOGS

2007-03-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

We're combing BLOGS now. We won't be posting on "Jada's Adoption Page" anymore. But, we'll have plenty more entries on www.geredml.blogspot.com, our Family Page.

I'm not deleting this blog, but more updates on Jada and the other Lamberts will be found at www.geredml.blogspot.com or you can click on "Gered & Brandi's BLOG" over on the right hand side of the page.

We hope to see ya'll there. I'm about to post new pics of Jada munching on crawfish!

Thanks,

The Lamberts

Hair is growing, finished with shots, Jada crying?!?!?!?!

2007-02-27T16:59:00.000-08:00

Her scar from the flat iron incident is healing nicely. Jada's hair is really growing fast. Its gonna be long, straight and BLACK!!

We finished up her shots today. Four shots to the thighs. She didn't enjoy it too much. She's still having runny nose problems. Nothing much seems to be working. We put her on a new medicine a couple of days ago and today it wasn't too bad. We're hoping she'll get acclamated to the climate and get rid of the runny nose.

We had to move away from the band bows and go to clips. Her hair is too long and the head bands ain't working with her hair length. I think after her hair gets a little longer the head bands may work again.

A rare picture of Jada without a smile. This is what happens when you keep Jada from running up to the camera to look into the lens. See, she's not the perfect baby, but pretty close.

New pics, new adventures & challenges!!

2007-02-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

As you can see, Jada's hair is getting very long and thick. We pretty much gave up on the elastic bands witht he bows. We are actually able to pull a small pony tail on the top of her head and put a clip with a bow on it. Here she is enjoying a bowl of Cinnamon Toasters with daddy.

If you get a close look at her cheeks and lip, you'll see a couple of burns there. She grabbed a hold of mommies flattening iron this week and it fell on her face. She's a trooper. She cried just a little, but not long. Ashli West, MD our pediatrician, told us its surface only and should heal up nicely. This was our first incident with Jada and we appreciate everyone telling us their horror stories of blood, scrapes, scratches and missing hair and teeth to ease our worry about our parenting skills.

Very interesting turn of events this morning. After our bowl of cereal, she climbed down and was sitting on Lucy's doggy bed, which is around the corner out of my sight. Then, BANG! I heard a sound which I thought was a dinning room chair falling or the TV trays you see at the right of the picture there. Well, when I turned the corner, this is what I found!

The bang was my laptop screen smashing down after she had climbed from the floor, onto the chair and right on up on the dinning room table!! That's the bananas she's grabbing at!! How ironic that our new little MONKEY goes up to get BANANAS. She's a riot!

Here you can see the climb she made. Up on the chair, up on the table and over the laptop and to the bananas. This is exactly why we don't have much time to BLOG anymore. Imagine what she gets into when I'm sitting there on the laptop?

Late Christmas Pics of Jada

2007-02-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay. Lots going on at the Lambert's home these days. Jada is GROWING! and she's walking better and more curious than ever (as you will soon see). So, she's really got us on our toes with little else to do than to watch her, which is of course a blast.

"Jesus Loves Me" is on her PJ's. Found them at Lifeway. Jada doesn't really understand the spirit of Christmas as you can tell by her face. It's OK, we're gonna get her saved one day.

She did very well getting the paper off. She's a natural.

Then, we had the Lambert's over for Christmas dinner. It was great having my mom and dad, brother and all the nieces and nephews over. Great time. From left to right: Mom, Chelsi's boyfriend (sorry forgot the name), Blaze, Laci, Chelsi & Britni.

Other nephew Kolby, my brother Darren with Jada in the back. Darren's kids are: Lace, McKenzi, Blaze & Ben. My other brother Van, now living in Denver are: Britni, Chelsi & Kolby.

Merry Christmas!!

2006-12-25T04:28:00.001-08:00

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:11-14

Peek-a-boo

2006-12-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

I'm liking this video stuff.

Jada playing Peek-a-boo.

Videos from China on Youtube

2006-12-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

I put some of our videos from China on Youtube for your viewing pleasure.

Here

Here

Here

Enjoy!!

Eatin' Good

2006-12-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hair is growing out and that's perfect because Jada is just now learning to grab food from her plate and rub it on her head!

But, it's OK, because we know it's the necessary step for her to get to fully and cleanly feeding herself. Her recent favorite is pan sauteed zucchini & yellow squash! Oatmeal is a morning staple and Cheerios (Honeynut).

He babbling vocabulary is ever increasing. We think she'll be putting all that together real soon and start saying words. She's done VERY WELL with all the Christmas decorations. Very few incidents and those involved the plastic ornaments.

She's really smart. She can take the cap off a pen and put it back. She can take the battery cover off of any battery operated equipment. She's throws her own diapers away after getting changed. She's fluent in sign language with: food, more, please, milk, no and our favorite, I LOVE YOU!! Sometimes when I walk in with a diaper, she'll lay down on her back!

Her hair is growing out, her teeth are getting bigger! She's very active and hard to keep up with. She's becoming more physically affectionate. Giving hugs and kisses and wanting to sit in our laps on the couch. Oh, she's VERY jealous when mom and dad hug and kiss!

Things are progressing very well for Jada. She's been such a blessing!

Decorating for Jada

2006-12-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

I compromised TWICE for the Holiday Season. First, I hung lights and got a tree. Last year, I got out of doing all that. I gave Brandi the ole, "It takes too much time, too much mess, it's our last year without kids, let's just CHILL!" I'm just not into the "Christmas" thing. Well, not the lights and Santa and stuff.

Next, if I do decorate and get a tree, it's gonna be a REAL tree! Well, not this year. Brandi once again broke me down and talked me into a fake pre-lit tree from Sam's Club, which they delivered. I must admit, it's a slamin' tree. Very difficult to put together and shape and form each branch, but hey, ALL THE LIGHTS WORKED!

The last time we decorated, we did a blue snow man theme. Now that 1/3 of my attic is full of boxes and boxes of blue snowman decorations...... of course its time to change the theme! DUH!?!?!?

So, this year, it's RED & SANTA: check it out...

P.S. Anyone on HPC staff reading this, look at Brandi. It's 10:30pm and she's just sittin' on the couch mumbling stuff like, "Budget.... Expense Reports.... Credit Card reciepts.... reconcile...." Somebody give her a hug.

Adoption Workshop!!!

2006-12-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

It's time again for "His Heart For Orphans" Adoption Workshop

Saturday, December 9

Annex Campus Suite A

8:00am - 12:00pm

Our Second China Adoption...

2006-11-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

OK, that's a little misleading.

We've mentioned "Half The Sky" in previous posts. It's non profit organization created by adoptive parents of Chinese babies that wanted to help improve the conditions of China's orphans.

After finding out Jada was a part of this program, we've decided to support Half The Sky monthly with a 'Baby Sister Infant Nurture' Program sponsorship.

We didn't know they'd actually assign us a specific little girl. So, introducing Jada's little sister, Peng Yang Chen!

Now we are investigating to see who, if anybody, sponsored Jada. We'd love to thank them and let them know how Jada is doing.

What a fabulous program! I think this is an excellent way to support the orphans. So, if you have Chinese orphans in your heart, you can give to Half the Sky and support their ministry.

Jada's Video is up

2006-11-29T15:36:00.000-08:00

Jada's video is up on Healing Place Church website. Pastor Dino did an outstanding job incorporating Jada's journey into his message. It's the sermon for the weekend service on 11/26/06.

I just want to thank the HPC Production Team for doing an OUTSTANDING job with Jada's video this past weekend. The product was exceptional.

Good Holiday

2006-11-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving week & weekend. I had to work Tues., Wed. & Thurs. night, but we had lunch with Brandi's family Thursday and dinner with my family Friday. All the food was great!

Then, HPC featured Jada's Adoption Story at the services this weekend. They did a great job with the video and Pastor Dino did an awesome job with working Adoption Awareness month and our story into his sermon.

We had alot of couch time in between that. We are full throttle when we are away from home, so when we have time off, we like to rest. Jada has settled into a GREAT sleep schedule for us. She usually naps from 9am - 10am and again from 12p-2pm. Then she goes down at 7pm and sleeps until 6am or so.

It's very rare that Jada wakes up in a bad mood.

Jada in the carseat while we are waiting for our Starbucks.

This is just after Jada woke up. Before that, me and Brandi had some sofa nap time. Who said our naps would end when Jada arrived?

Jada is getting more affectionate with both me and Brandi. She has learned to give kisses and likes sitting with us on the couch and playing on the floor.

Changes...

2006-11-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

* Jada is off of jarred baby food and is now a table food baby. The dirty diapers can testify to that. Eating is a much messier & slower process now. She likes to feed herself for the most part and she's not eating as much. We're having a hard time figuring out a schedule until we figure out her eating habits.

* We've also took her off formula and switched her to whole milk. Then, we had to go get her from the nursery after an explosion in the diaper. So, back on formula, slower transition.

* She has a runny nose again. The last cold spell, we forgot to turn the heater on in the house and it got to 65F. She slept in that weather for a night and got stuffed up the next morning.

* She giving kisses!!!! When Brandi kisses her she gives a loud smack. So, now when Jada gives kisses, she leans in with puckered lips and says, "Baaahhh!" She rations those kisses though. She has to be in the mood.

* She's still sleeping good. The nursery tells us she's getting along with the other kids and is well behaved.

Changes...

2006-11-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

November - Adoption Awareness Month

2006-11-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

November is Adoption Awareness Month. I've found a great website called "Voice of the Orphan" with Adoption Awareness and Resources. It's a team of FamilyLife, Focus on the Family and Shaohannah's Hope. These are some credible, high quality organizations that will be able to shed alot of light on adoption.

When we did the interview for the Advocate Article, I had said that there are 30 million orphans available for adoption worldwide. Well, "Voice of the Orphan" states that the United Nations counts over 143 million!

Shaohannah's Hope is Steven Curtis Chapman's organizatioin. They adopted from China through America World Adoption Agency, the same agency we used. He created a Adoption Grant Program for financial assistance for adoption.

Some of the fine folks from the HPC Production Team came by this week and interviewed Jada, Brandi and me for a spot that will be airing at all 4 services November 25th & 26th for Adoption Awareness Month.

His Heart for Orphans News

Our next FREE Adoption Workshop at HPC will be: Saturday, December 9 at the Annex Campus Suite G, from 8:00am - 12:00pm. Drinks and snacks provided.

This will be Jada's first workshop!!

Still growing!!

2006-11-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

Jada is growing. Her hair is getting longer, she's babbling ALOT more, more vocal and outspoken. Just waiting for her to start putting words together. We have to make an appointment with a speech therapist, just for an initial evaluation. It's recommended for adopted children growing up with foriegn languages.

We're completely off jar food!! We are giving her table food and apple sauce and Yo Baby yogurt! We are scared to start letting her feed herself. We have a hard enough time keeping her and the house clean right now. We hear its like the refrigerator exploding when you let them feed themselves. We're still giving her a couple bottles of formula per day. Need to ask Dr. Ashli when we can ween her off of that. Anyone know?

HPC asked us to participate in an interview and taping for Adoption Awareness month. We'll be getting that done soon and will be used at the end of November for Adoption Awareness Month. We're pretty excited about that. We love the work the HPC Production team does, it'll be a great opportunity to share our experience.

Jada will also be in the Chick Day Fashion Show for the Holiday Chick Brunch. We're going shopping for her outfit soon. So, all the HPC Chicks, check it out.

Here's some recent Jada Pics:

Waking up in her Pooh PJ's
Big Smile! Only one more baby tooth to cut and we're all done.
Last night, hanging out, playing in the Living Room.
She's starting to like playing on the couch, but she hasn't figured out how to conquer gravity yet, so we have to watch her carefully.
After shower outfit.

The Comfort of God's Word

2006-11-05T00:46:00.000-08:00

In light of what Brand and I have been through over the past several years and continue to go through, it's always good to hear an encouraging word. Through the story of someone on a message board I visit, I was encouraged by the same scripture that encouraged this person. Hope you enjoy, hope you're encouraged:

1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Not much new,except outfits

2006-10-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

Not much new or exciting to report. Jada is sleeping very well at nights now. We are slowly moving toward more table food. She's getting used to using her teeth now, so she's learning to eat more than jar food. She's been babbling alot more lately also. We hope to hear some new words from her in the next month.

Dr. Ashli West told us about a free service for therapy for adopted children. We are scheduling a second visit by a social worker for detailed evaluation. We are also trying to schedule a meeting with that Family Lawyer about us doing a re-adoption now that we are home.

Can't quite see the cute outfit, but this scene is cute enough, huh?

This is a Lady Bug we found out by River Bend Nuclear Plant one day on the way to St. Francisville.

Feather Boas with the dresses

Jada's Lady Bug Dress with hat. Lady Bugs are considered Good Luck in China.

Country Girl Can Survive

2006-10-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

Not much new going on. We have some post placement paperwork to fill out for AWAA. We are still waiting on Jada's immigration paperwork so we can begin to get her SSN and birth certificate.

We're researching whether or not to do a "re-adoption." We found a family attorney that's covered under our Group Legal Plan at Shell. We have a free consultation set up to see what our options are. Re-adoption is recommended to get a U.S. Birth Certificate and other identification paperwork. It just makes it easier if we decide to send her to public school (leaning to home schooling...) or just for her to get a driver's license or anything where she needs ID. It'll be easier if we do the re-adoption.

Here's some recent shots of Jada.

Jada got some new "Curious George" slippers.

"Mommy & Daddy's litte love bug! Jada!"

I can plow a field all day long... Jada and Paw-Paw Gerald (my dad)
Does this revoke her Diva status?

Heartbreaking...

2006-10-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

Just got this prayer request from one of the families that traveled with us.

"I will start with the prayer because it is heavy on my husband's and my hearts. XXXX's mother (XXXX is my husband) has still not acknowledged (the baby's) existence. No words or questions or mention of him in any way.

We are sick over this. We have tried to include her in all communication and bring him up often to her only to have her change the subject or ignore it completely."

Honestly, my first reaction was anger. But, I remembered the bad attitudes I have that I need work on. Then, my next reaction was thanks. Earlier, I posted about how great everyone has been concerning our adoption. So, we are very fortunate to have the support we have.

I just couldn't imagine having to deal with a family member like that. That would put up a big wall for me. What a shame. It's only by God's grace that our friends and family are sharing what a blessing Jada is to us and our family. She has brought so much to our lives. We are engaging with friends and family more often and we are able to share what's going on with more people since she's come home. It's opened alot of doors for us and alot of people have been blessed by Jada and our story.

We may have another opportunity and another forum to share our story. It's in the works, so be praying for us that the RIGHT doors are opened for the RIGHT reasons and we are able to share the RIGHT things.

The Lamberts

Pics on Parazz

2006-10-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

I started uploading the pics from the trip on Parazz. I got about 370 pictures loaded so far.

I can't figure out how to put that little Parazz window on the side bar. If anyone knows, fill me in. *Thanks Dup!! I got it!*

I think between me and Brandi's mom, we have about 600 pictures from China. It's sort of slow up loading 600 pics, but I should have them all done by Monday or Tuesday.

Enjoy!

Saturday morning breakfast & experiments

2006-10-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

We're trying grits & eggs today for breakfast. I think she's just excited to eat something new. She ate most of it and we chased it down with some "Yo Baby."

She also had a side of Cutie Pie!

When we're at the stove cooking or fixing her a bottle, she goes apes! She laughs and screams and pulls at our legs. Soon after though, if things don't progress fast enough, she gets a little aggrevated. Patience young Grasshopper.

I can't get my hands on a camera without her laughing and running to me. Little HAM!

Look at my ears!

2006-10-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

It was hard getting her to stay still while I get a good shot of her ears. Also, these bows are gettin' too small already. She's messin' with them more and they're leaving marks on her head.

Is it time to eat yet?
Throw em in the pan!!

It's good to have support

2006-10-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

One of the things that has really comforted us in these first days of transition is the Yahoo Chat Group we have with all the families that travelled with us. Since coming back home we have kept in touch by posting our different experiences with all our new babies. Even though they are different, many of the families are facing the same issues or challenges. This is really helpful because it helps combat the thought that these things are happening because we are making mistakes as parents.

Many families and babies are having issues with sleeping and eating. If we didn't have the chat group and know that many other families are struggling with these things, we'd be likely to think we were doing something wrong. But, since we are connected, we know that this is "normal" for other babies and its not what we're doing wrong.

I think one of the worst things we can do when struggling with something is to isolate ourselves and not reach out for help or counsel. It's very helpful to share with other families in similar situations and to hear that we are not alone in our struggles.

For those interest or curious about adoption, one tool that is available for you is the next Adoption Workshop at HPC. His Heart for Orphans will be putting on another workshop Saturday, December 9 at the HPC Annex Campus Suite G 8:00am - 12:00pm.

This will give you a chance to meet with other families interested in adoption and families who have adopted. The information we've gotten from our chat group has been extremely valuable to us and our decision making. I believe the information and networking available at this Adoption Workshop will give you the ability to make a better decision about your future in adoption.

Ignorance feeds fear and confusion. Anytime you are in a situation where there is fear or confusion, the best thing to do is arm yourself with information.

Pierced and Poked

2006-10-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Jada got her ears pierced yesterday and then we went to get blood drawn today. I'd love to say she did great. But jam a needle in and out of your arm 3 or 4 times and see if you're OK. She's a trooper though. As soon as they pulled the needle out, she was happy again.

Jada & Lucy having a talk. Obviously, Lucy hasn't learned her place and crossed the line in some way. Jada is establishing the boundaries. Get straight Lucy or get PIMP SLAPPED!

Jada's in the waiting room at Dr. Ashli West's office. We're going get the ears pierced. We put the deadening cream on the earlobes and the bandaids. She didn't mess with them too much at all.

The cream worked great, cause Jada didn't flinch when we popped the earrings in. This is Jada and our good friend Dr. Ashli West.
Me & Jada in the yard.
Jada playin' frisby.

Good Morning! Big Day Today!

2006-10-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

Today we have a doctor's appointment for a follow up for some tests and we are getting Jada's ears pierced!

See all the nice toys in the background? A laundry bag from China is what kept her entertained for a good part of the morning.

I get to play Mr. Mom again today. I get to bring her to get her ears pierced.

Still got runny nose.

She's feeling good, she didn't even wake up crying. We heard her stirring on the baby monitors and when I went in this morning, she was standing in her crib smiling. She got good sleep last night too. She went down at 8pm and woke up at 6:15am. She was stopped up last night and we thought it would be a long night, but she went down and stayed down. I'll try to remember to bring the camera to the ear piercing!

Faith, Finance & Favor

2006-10-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is a new series Pastor Dino is starting at HPC this weekend. I've seen recent studies and surveys that indicate that less than 5% of Christians surveyed or studied tithe consistently. I think its great how the whole country responded during the tsunamis in Asia last year and the hurricanes, Rita and Katrina that hit the Gulf last year. I believe the Church would be able to do even greater outreaches if even 25% or 50% of Christians were consistent tithers.

I understand why the vast majority of Christians don't tithe, because it really wasn't too long ago when Brandi and I didn't tithe faithfully. The American culture is now about borrowing money and being in debt to get what you want. The lending institutions have perfected the study of our wants and spending habits and combined that with a very good marketing campaign of getting us to get into debt. It's evident they are doing a good job because studies also show that over the past several years, consumers are going deeper into debt and saving less. In fact, the year 2004 or 2005 was the first year that as a nation, we saved a negative percentage of our income! We don't save anymore and we can't give because of debt. Ever notice who owns those skyscrapers downtown?

Even when Brandi and I started thinking about adoption, we knew we had to buckle down financially. We either would have to support a new born baby or pay for the adoption. We had alot of payments and little to give or to save. Something had to change, either the income or the out-go. Since we decided to have Brandi stay at home in preparation for a family, the income wasn't the answer and I can only work so much overtime. So, the out-go had to change.

Then, there was the issue of our giving, which wasn't consistent or sufficient. It just wasn't a priority for us at that time. But, a couple of things happened. We made the decision to make changes. We didn't jump straight to tithing, but we sacrificed (sold the boat!) and worked toward being better givers. Then, we got a hold of some powerful information. We stumbled across Dave Ramsey who is a fincancial counselor who wrote a book and has a radio talk show. He teaches common sense things, but he provides entertainment, engouragement and motivation. Other great information is anything by Crown Financial Ministries.

It's funny, because God didn't just drop a load of cash in our laps. He opened a door for us, in the form of biblical personal finance information and it was up to us to walk through it. It was up to us to admit we needed to change and it was up to us to make the changes. He knew we had to change our character, which would help change our habits when it came to personal finance and being good stewards of all He has given us.

It was very difficult. We miss the things we used to do and what we used to have. But, they were not necessities. We found out that even though we don't have the boat and we don't eat out 5 times a week, we are content with what we do have, which is actually alot. We weren't poor before we started this, so it really isn't a "rags to riches" story. It's a "good to great" story. But, the greatness isn't something we live in, drive, wear or where we go.

I believe on some level, we all want to be givers, we all want to be able to help someone. It really feels good to give something that helps others and most of the time, you are blessed by helping others more than they are helped. Not to mention that giving is being Christlike. We don't give to earn God's love, our salvation or score heavenly points. We give to become like Christ, the ultimate giver.

I'm looking forward to the series and learning even more and getting even more encouragement. We learned that we can only say so many words to explain the advantages of being givers. The real revelation comes when you actually experience the fruits of planting small seeds of faith in the form of giving. The giving and the fruits aren't always financial. For example, now that we are out of debt and follow a budget that we both have input in and agree on, there are less opportunities for us to argue about finances. I didn't say we don't disagree about things, but the opportunities are FAR LESS. There is no price you can put on having a "Happy Momma" in the house. Cause when momma's happy...

Reflections & Lessons Learned

2006-10-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

The last 6 years has been the most action packed & exciting times for me and Brandi. The first 7 years of our marriage had been relatively easy and uneventful. But what we've been through with trying to start a family all the way to finally getting Jada has had some serious impact on our family. There have been alot of times where our faith has been tested, our marriage was tested and our relationships were tested. We have had the opportunity to really discover what we are made of, because you really never know what you're made of until adversity comes along.

I remember when we first started attending HPC and rededicated our lives to Christ. At that time, there seemed to be alot of people giving testimonies about the struggles they've been through and how God helped them through it. Brandi and I talked about how up to that point, we've had it pretty easy. We both had good jobs, we hadn't gone through any real struggles, financially or relationally. We didn't really know if that was good or bad. Well, little did we know what was ahead for us.

Looking back on it, we really have been blessed and it has all really turned out for the better. The key to the past 7 years have been our relationships. So, many people have stepped up for us. Throughout all this, our friends & family has been rock solid, constantly supporting us and encouraging us. They've always known when to speak up and sometimes, more importantly, when to shut up. I guess back off would be a better word, but when you want your space, you want people to shut up, not back off. Well, maybe both.

We truly cannot imagine going throught he last 7 years without our church family at HPC. First of all, they have provided an atmosphere for us to grow spiritually. Both by teaching the Word of God and by allowing us to use our gifts and callings to minister to other people. The great thing about serving others is that in the middle of it, we've always been able to recieve as much or more than we give. Some of our greatest friends and mentors are those we started out serving others with. Without the mentoring, support, encouragement and prayers that has come from our family at HPC, its pretty scary to imagine some of the roads we could have traveled. It would hav been very easy to get off track with God and miss all the great things He had for us along this journey.

Then, there is the giving. Along with all the spiritual and emotional support, we have realized how much our friends and family has given to us. It came in many forms. They have unselfishly given from their time, treasure and talents and it is really appreciated. It's so good to have such a great support system to fall back on. When we were at our lowest, someone, somewhere would stand in the gap for us and provide what we needed.

While Brandi works at the church, my workplace, Shell Chemical in Geismar has also stepped up. Many people at work were there for us in many ways. Encouraging and supporting us. Several guys I work with stepped up and worked some days for me while I was in China. My supervisors let me know they would do whatever it took to make sure I had nothing to worry about as far as me getting time off. We have turned in paperwork for the Adoption Reimbursement program that Shell has, where we could get reimbursed up to $3,000.

We are so glad to have Jada part of the family now. It brings us just as much joy to see how everyone is celebrating with us. Everyone is just as excited for us. It really lifts us up as a family to know what quality people, friends and family we have around us. We lack nothing. Our cups really are overflowing.

Thanks so much to everyone. From the big things to the little things. You are all appreciated.

The Lamberts: Jada, Brandi & Gered

Baptism & Baby Dedication

2006-10-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

OK, so not really "Baptism", but submersed in a tub of water, sort of the same. We wanted to see if Jada could share in our hot tub time, so we brought her in. Oh yeah, she liked it. She loves bath time and this was just bath time multiplied by 100!

This is her favorite water activity. Slapping her hands on the surface of the water. That face is when her face gets wet. When I'm giving her a bath and I need her to stand up, I just pour water over her face and she jumps to her feet and makes this face.

Happy Jada. What else is there to say...

More water in the face, more facial contortions.

Now to the baby dedication. I forgot to get someone to take pictures of Jada with our camera at the church service. She had a WONDERFUL dress Aunt Linda bought for her. I'll have to get pics from the service from somebody.

Not only did Aunt Linda buy Jada's dedication dress, she treated everyone to lunch at Ruffino's. Since Jada was away for her first birthday, we decided to celebrate her 14th month birthday while at Ruffino's. Complete with the American tradition of letting the baby dive into the birthday cake, no holds barred.

Jada's diggin' this tradition.

Face and hands full of cake.

"Touch my cake pops, and I'll PIMP SLAP YOU!!" (Sorry, couldn't resist...)

Jada's having trouble sleeping tonight. She has a runny nose and its hard for her to breath. She didn't get much of a nap today with the Church service and lunch at Ruffino's. So, we're hoping she way worn out and she'll get some sleep. We'll then, get some sleep.

I'll post a link to the Baby Dedication service from HPC's website when it comes available. I'm pretty sure they post it.

UPDATED Jada in The Advocate Thursday, Sept. 28th!

2006-09-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post earlier, but better late than never. We had someone tip off The Advocate about our adoption process and they contacted us requesting an interview for an article. We thought it would be a great opportunity to raise awareness about adoption, so we eagerly agreed.

The article will be in the "Ascension" section of Thursday's The Advocate. We felt the interview went very well. It'll be interesting to see how they make the article given the things we talked about. I'm not too confident in today's media. But, this young lady was very interested in our situation and I believe she will do a great job.

So, we'll see how it goes. We're excited!

CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE

The Lamberts

First Day at the Nursery

2006-09-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Jada's going to the nursery today at HPC. We've been visiting for a couple minutes last week so she could recognize the place. She did really good during the visits. Just like everything else, she's adjusting well and sliding into the groove. She really likes the nursery staff over there. She's gonna do just great!

It's so good to know Jada is in GREAT hands at the nursery. Jamie, Christina & Robyn love Jada and are really excited about taking care of Jada. Brandi worked in the nursery for a short time and all the women in the nursery staff have walked the walk with us. So, the really appreciate what's going on in our lives when it comes to Jada. They have been very supportive and encouraging and its our honor to have them take care of Jada for a short time each week.

The nursery is on the Highland Campus, so Brandi will have free access to Jada anytime she wants. Brandi LOVES her job and she knows she's working in her calling for THE BEST CAUSE, so we are really at peace about letting Jada spend a little time each week with some great friends of ours. HPC has been very cooperative about our specific situation and have gone above and beyond to make sure our family needs come first. They know that Brandi's time with Jada is very important and it's really comforting to see them recognize our needs and work with us so that both sides are comfortable with the arrangement. I'll be able to take Jada during my days off during the week.

Doing Great!!

2006-09-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Jada is settling in very well! This is her 3rd night in a row of going to sleep around 8pm, she slept through the night the last 2 nights. She's eating well and is having fun during the day. She really gets along well with other people, females better than males.

We've visited the nursery at church for about an hour the last 2 days and she will do just fine there. The nursery staff is ready to get her!

Jada is very happy when she wakes up. She moans and may cry just a little, but she'll give a big ole smile and is ready to lay on the couch and wake up.

Jada and Lucy have really been getting along. When Jada spits out food, Lucy comes and eats it off the floor. Also, for others who have dogs and babies, make sure you securely close the poopy diapers when changing the babies. There was no breach, but it was close... Just after this photo, Jada walked over to Lucy and grabbed Lucy's snout and Lucy peeed all over the floor. Like I don't have enough to do!

Signed,

Cranky Stay At Home Dad

Brandi chose Pink & Purple camoflage for today. I'm sure the NRA has rules against this, I don't know. I'm not a hunter and really don't care, but pink & purple camo just feels like its breaking some rules somewhere.

This is an interesting picture of Jada. For some reason, I think this is the look you get right before getting "pimp slapped." It really makes me feel uneasy... like I misplaced some of Jada's money or something...

Brandi got all 'Old Testament' on her...

2006-09-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

Well, after several nights of no sleep, realizing we couldn't drug her or take her back, Brandi decided to go 'Old Testament' on her. She broke out the annointing oil and slapped Jada with the Holy Ghost! I remember someone saying that in the Bible, everytime a woman cried out to God, He answered their prayer. I was resting on that.

This is what Jada looked like from 8pm last night, until the time of this post, 7:30am. No bottle, just a bit crying around midnight.

I don't know what's better, having her up and laughing, running around or watching her sleep so peacefully. Whatever.

Thanks to everyone who reminded us this would get better, it has, it will. It always does.

Jada's First Trip to Church!

2006-09-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

We dressed her up in a pretty white dress with pink shoes and a pink bow to match. She was beautiful. We left the house and it was her first ride in the car seat, she seemed to enjoy it, didn't get upset or didn't seem to feel all tied up.

We're on Highland Road, we're are 3 cars away from pulling into the HPC Parking Lot and BLAAAAHHHHHH. Jada ralphs on her bib and blanket. Close call, none of it gets on her dress. Brandi wraps up the blanket and we think we're in the clear. Then, BLAAAAAHHHHHH!! The second wave sneaks between her chin and bib, all over her dress.

So, we drove through the parking lot, said, "Look Jada, see that building? That's our church!" and pulled out of the parking lot and went home.

Better luck Wednesday night, I guess?

The Lamberts

13 hours difference...

2006-09-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

It couldn't be 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours difference between China and Louisiana. It had to be 13. Just swap the AM and PM. That's a pretty tall mountain to climb with a 13.5 month old.

The plan of letting her cry herself to sleep in order to learn to calm herself down isn't working because she's just not sleepy. The struggle is keeping her awake during the day, cranky and tired. She was up at 11pm last night until 4am this morning. We got her up at 10:30am, because we are sick and was tired from the traveling. Oh yeah, we have to adjust to the time difference too. We let her have 2 quick naps today. A 45 minute and 35 minute nap. She's up again at 12:30am this morning.

We're up too, we slept alot today, trying to get over our colds and congested heads. We'll try to get up earlier tomorrow morning and go to church and visit. It may be a challenge for the next couple of days.

We have an appointment with Dr. Ashli West Monday. We're excited Ashli gets to meet Jada and begin our medical care for her. We have a feeling we will be moving on to big girl food soon. We let her have my dad's Jambalaya today and she loved it, it was slammin'.

She met all the neighbors today. One of the little girls made a cute card for Jada. I think she's 8 or 9 yrs old. It was sweet. OK. More later.

Welcome Home!!

2006-09-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

We made it!! It was a loooooong trip back home, over 32 hours straight on a bus or car, in an airport or on a plane, but we have landed. The worst was the 14 hour Hong Kong to Chicago flight. Both me and Brandi had colds, my sinus headaches were really good. As far as sinus headaches go, they couldn't get any better. Brandi's cough was consistant and especially irritating. Jada was GREAT! She took 2 naps of 2 hours each and then a whopping 5 hour nap. So, she was out most of the 14 hours.

The only real problem Jada had was landing in New Orleans. Our ears were poppin' pretty good and she was crying pretty good and hold her ears. I don't know if that pressure thing is automatic or controlled, but landing in N.O. was one of the worst pressure changes I've experienced. My jaw is still sore from trying to equalize my ears. So that was the worst part for Jada.

We got home about 12:30am and Jada stayed awake until 2am. Then she woke up again from 3:30am to 4:30am. Then, we got GOOD sleep from 4:30a, to 9:30am. We all just woke up from little 2 hour nap. So, hopefully we'll be able to get on a normal schedule soon.

Sorry no pics of the trip home. We just weren't in the mood. But here's a little something:

Thanks to everyone, friends, family, co-workers and onlookers, who supported us during the trip with prayers and blog comments. We really appreciate you all.

Gered, Brandi & Jada

Final Post from China!!

2006-09-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

My subscription for the hotel internet ends today. We leave out at 5:45am tomorrow morning. So, time is very short for the rest of our stay here. We still have to go do interviews at the US consulate today and the grandma's are going finish up shopping while we are gone.

Its really been a beautiful trip. We were all sick at one point, Brandi is just getting over her cough and sore throat. China is really a beautiful country and the people are very hospitable. It really was nice to come see Jada's birth country. I'm sure we'll make it back, one way or another.

Thanks to everyone who has been along with us in spirit. We appreciate the prayers and support, especially all the comments her on the blog.

That's all from China. We'll be touching down at 9:56pm in New Orleans on Thursday night.

Love you guys,

The Lamberts

Long Day

2006-09-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

I'm fighting the flu, Brandi's fighting a sore throat and cough. All the ladies went back to the Island to shop. I stayed in bed and slept all day. I got a little sleep and I'm starting to feel a little better. Hoping to be over all this before the 14 hour flight from Hong Kong to Chicago.

Tomorrow we take a group picture in the morning. Then, we are off to a Chinese Tea House where we will learn to Chinese Tea Traditions and sample many flavors of Chinese Tea. Then, we have to go to the U.S. Consulate for an interview and finish up the paperwork.

First thing Thursday morning we head out to get back home! China has truly been wonderful and beautiful, but we are ready to get home.

Medical Exam and Shopping

2006-09-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

This morning started off with the normal. Jada waking up, laying with mommy for a spell, taking a bottle, then walking around reaching for things she ain't supposed to. We know now that our house is no where near Jada proof. It took us 4 years to get the house Lucy proof.

Jada smiling for us again this morning.

Does this mean, "I'm still sleepy"?

Got her dressed in her cute little jeans and sleeveless shirt. She's stylin'.

Beautiful...

We went to get her medical exam in order to get her U.S. visa. Imagine some 30 families, plus normal daily traffic in a small clinic lined up to get babies examined. It was pretty crazy, but we made it through. There were 3 stations, this was the medical and surgical. They just measured her head and chest and checked her Mongolian Spots and documented them. These are spots that look exacly like bruises. Most Asian babies have them 7 or 8 years and they go away.

This station they took her temperature, weight and length. She was 97F, 21lbs and we couldn't figure out the height. They were going pretty fast.

Ear, Nose and Throat. They made noise to make sure she responded, looked into her ears. Her throat was still a little red. Her respiratory was normal.

Then, we went to some nearby shops for shopping. We got Jada the standard gifts every Chinese baby gets. Traditional Chinese dresses and pajamas, squeaky shoes, bags and other stuff.

Both me and Brandi have caught Jada's cold. We're loading up on rest and liquids. They don't have anything for us tomorrow. Our guides are going to the U.S. Consulate and representing us in some interviews. Wednesday morning we have to go to the consulate for final interviews.

Then, Thursday morning we start the journey home! We are ready to get home and see everyone. See our house again.

More later,

Gered, Brandi & Jada

Anonymous Comments

2006-09-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

Just to let ya'll know. We don't mind anonymous comments, but when you leave anonymous comments and write things that indicate you know us and we know you, but you do not leave your name... we don't know who you are.

P.S. By the way, we have a special gift for the one who posts the most! At this point, there's someone in first place and the rest of ya'll better get busy if you want to catch up!

Gered, Brandi & Jada

Geaux Tigers!!

2006-09-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

We're following the LSU game on CBS Sportsline.com.

So, we thought we'd get Jada in the game!!

2 awesome, yet totally unrelated things in Guangzhou

2006-09-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

We have discovered to our surprise that Jada is not a morning person. When she wakes up, she likes to lay around for 45 minutes to an hour. So, that gives us some time to "wake up" before she gets to walking and exploring. Then we fix her bottle and she lays down and eats. Neat thing we found out this morning is that she started to hold her own bottle!! Now we have free hands to hold our coffee.

We need coffee. Jada has not slept a full night since the first night. 11pm, 2am and after that 4am, 5am and 6am she was fussy and ya-yain'. Might be the medicine, might be she's taking naps all day trying to finally get rid of the cold. Oh well, its a small price to pay to lose a little sleep. It's all worth it in the morning when she gives us her first smile!

While looking for ESPN Sportscenter here, (they have MANY more US channels here in this city), I stumbled across something incredible! Karate movies with no dubbed English speaking characters! They'r fighting and speaking their native tongue! No audio in English that don't match the lips of the actors. When their lips move, they talk! Take a look at some of the action.

Although ugly and intimidating, this is the hero of the flick. He ended up with 5 arrows in his legs and back, but still fought off the enemy with a expert mixture of nature defying leaps and acrobatics and masterful sword defense and martial arts expertise.

Other than that, we're going touring today. We're going to a museum and then to Wal-mart to pick up supplies for us and the babies. We will also get to be reunited with all the couples that we have been missing since being split up Monday morning. We also get to see the other babies.

See ya'll soon!

Gered, Brandi & Jada

More Saturday Pics

2006-09-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

Brandi got a bow on Jada's head. Let's see how long this lasts.

Here's the star of the show. But for now, let's look at some of her friends from the orphanage.

If you call this little girl anything having to do with track or running, we know who you're talking about. You let this little thing go and she has one speed: GO FAST. You should see her go. Fast, long strides. She knows where she wants to go and she's getting there. And she always has this look on her face like, "Not now! I'm busy and I've got to go!" She's precious.

Here's some of the gang. They were all chasing that read ball. All the parents were constantly saying, "share!" Yeah, right.

Another cutie from the group.

So far, Jada likes the bows. She picks every now and then, but it usually stays on her head.

Batteries Charged, Here's the Pics

2006-09-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

This is Sherry. AWAA's #1 Travel Guide in China. She was with us from Beijing to Nanning until we landed in Guangzhou, then she flew home to be with her new husband. Sherry came with us to the hospital and was our ears and mouths. She has the heart of a servant and a God fearing Christian woman. It was a pleasure to have her serve us. She really took care of us. Goodbye Sherry, and thanks for everything! We love you!

I'm trying to take a picture of Jada, but she loves daddy so much, all she wants to do is hug me. OK, she was grabbing at the camera...

Now that Jada's healthy, she's warming up to daddy! It's good to have her healthy. She's such a joy!

We keep finding new tickle spots. She has such a beautiful laugh.

This is what we've been waiting for. Jada is healthy, vibrant and happy. This is the personality we've been without for the last 3 days. Welcome back Jada, we love your smile!

We're in Guangzhou!

2006-09-09T02:00:00.000-07:00

We've landed in Guangzhou and we're at the China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel. My camera battery is dead, so I can't download any of the pictures. So, when the battery is recharged, we'll be in business.

Jada is 100% better now. She was so good on the flight here. We fed her as we were taking off to make sure her ears were OK, and she slept after that for the rest of the flight. She's running around the room right now, laughing and smiling. Thanks again for all the prayers and support for her recovery.

We have 5 days of paperwork, interview and medical exam and we get to come home. We are ready to go home! Here's some other pictures from the past couple of days to keep ya'll happy:

Next Leg of the Trip

2006-09-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning we leave Nanning for Guangzhou. The U.S. Consulate is there and we have an appointment there and a medical exam and other stuff. We got Jada's Chinese Passport today and some other paperwork.

This is the boring part for us. Although AWAA is very busy completing paperwork for us, we have very little to do. We're very ready to get home and see all you guys. Life in the hotel is not all its cracked up to be. But, it's part of the deal.

We leave this hotel for the airport at 11am to go Guangzhou. The most interesting part of Guangzhou is the shopping. This is where we will do most of our shopping. Other than that, we get to meet up with all 37 families that were in Beijing together, then spit up on Monday to go get our babies. It'll be neat to see those families and their babies.

Prayer request: make time go by fast. We're ready for American food & soil!!

Love you guys & gals,

Gered, Brandi & Jada

All Jada, All The Time...

2006-09-08T02:23:00.000-07:00

They didn't have anything for us to do today, but the guides from AWAA were busy doing paperwork for us. So, today we just stayed in the hotel for the morning, walked around the 9th floor halls with all the other babies. We did decide to go visit a public park down the street. Talk about beautiful! Landscaping was awesome, there's a big pond in the middle with shaded paths around the park. There were Chinese ladies exercising, Feng Shui or Tai Chi or something. They also had 3 or 4 groups of elderly Chinese folks with instruments, playing music and singing. It was pretty neat. We recieved lots of compliments and stares. Other than that, we sat around the room looking for photo opportunities. So, here are a few:

Tickle spot!!

She's putting alot of stuff in her mouth...

From above...

Pics, Pics, Pics

2006-09-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

This is Elise a new big sister. If you want to draw a crowd of Chinese people, just let her walk down a crowded sidewalk. Everywhere we have gone, Chinese people adore her, she's precious. Stewardess on airplanes, workers in restraunts, people walking the street, hotel employees. She's done real good about posing and being patient. I told her parents onthe airplane they could negotiate for a first class or business class seat with all the pictures they took of her. Sherry, our AWAA guide, told us the Chinese LOVE caucasion babies. The round eyes, blonde hair and little curls are very beautiful to them. It's funny, cause I love Jada's little slanted eyes, straight hair and flat nose.

This is one of our first meals together, breakfast, I think.

Little play time before bed.

Paper work.

Riding home from getting Jada.

Shot from outside our hotel room.

Pics from last couple of days

2006-09-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

Jada's first bath by mom & daddy!

This was part of an interview with a Chinese judge. We had to have Jada for 24hours, then decide if we wanted to keep her. Well, we thought about it and, yeah, we'll keep her. So, Jada is signing her document above.

This is the official adoption decree. We are taking a picture with the Director of the Beihai Social Welfare Institute.

Then we headed off to the city of Beihai. This is the market where Jada was abandoned and then found. We got to go to each family's finding place. It was surreal. Wondering what was the parents feeling, feeling forced to abandon Jada and at the same time completing our family during this season of our lives.

Another outside shot of the market.

This is Jada on the ride back home. She was sleeping most of the day, not eating and spitting up alot. We got to the hospital and they took good care of her.

The gates of Beihai Social Welfare Institute. Neat thing, we found out this was sort of a government run "Dream Center". They take in homeless, jobless and elderly and provide training for the jobless and homeless and care for the elderly.

So, the last 2 days were quite exciting. Jada woke up this morning smiling, laughing and eating and drinking. It's so good to have her back. It was really scary for first time parents in possesion of such a precious gift. But, we are not motivated by fear. We know Jada has a destiny and with God's help, we will see her to it.

The prayer support has been overwhelming. Thanks again for all the comments. We know we are loved by you guys and it really helps us get through everything. We are encouraged and strengthened.

We'll see ya'll soon! Love always,

The Lambert's

More interesting third day. Parental baptism by fire!!

2006-09-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well, this is what we've been asking for and we got it!! And all that comes along with it. I think I've posted before about how Jada has pottied on Brandi. Well, Sherry, our guide assured us that in China, that meant good fortune for parent. I guess we can say our good fortune grew today.

We did get to go see where Jada was found when abandoned in the city of Beihai. I'll post more on that later. But, during the 3 hour drive to Beihai, Jada's fever came back. She hasn't been eating or drinking for all of yesterday and today. After the fever came, she started spitting up. She wasn't keeping anything down and she wouldn't take a bottle or a spoon. One of the other precious couples got on their cell phone and dialed up a pediatrician back home. (Yeah, that's what kind of quality people we're hanging out with in the Far East!). The pediatrician recommended we take her in.

It's unfortunate Brandi would let me capture the visit on camera, cause it was a sight. Basically, Chinese hospitals give IV's like US hospitals take co-pays. There was a waiting area and chairs with horizontal polls above all the chairs about 6 1/2 feet above the ground. These polls were where they hung the IV's. Jada got her first IV in the hand 2 days after we got her. They gave her antibiotics, fever reducers and glucose solution. Two huge bottles of fluid that took 3 hours to gravity drain into her via the IV.

She lost the fever, got her color back and was sitting up alert when all was said. Now, understand, this was all done by nurses and doctors who didn't speak a lick of English. Mrs. Sherry, our AWESOMEST guide from AWAA, did all the talking for us. So, just imagine a bunch of Chinese people poking and proding on your new baby talking a foreign language while you'er just standing there wondering what they are saying and what are they putting in your baby. But, they did a great job and Jada is on her way to recovery. We walked in and out for less than $10!!

Jada just took a bottle, so her appetite is good. Continued prayers are appreciated!

Love,

The Lamberts

It's official...

2006-09-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

We had some interviews today with the Civil Affairs Office and a Notary (similar to judge) and we are officially a family!

We are going to get to go to Beihai tomorrow morning. But we are not allowed inside of the orphanage. We'll get to go to where Jada was found. Today, we got a copy of the newspaper article they put out reporting all the abandoned babies. Jada was one of 14 found. Looks like its done weekly or monthly.

Jada has attached to Brandi. It's sort of weird, when I take her from Brandi, she's upset, but earlier today I took her from Brenda and she was OK. So, Jada and Brandi are bonding. That's good. I am long term minded, it stings a little, but I know she'll come around, when she's ready.

Thanks again for the comments. We love them!!

Now we know...

2006-09-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

October 27, 2006 will make 17 years me and Brandi have been dating. So, for 17 years, 13 years of marriage, we've always noticed that look in other couples eyes. That tired, confused, aggrevated, stressed, exhausted look. We wondered what was wrong with all you guys and gals. We thought ya'll weren't saved and needed Jesus! We were so happy knowing we didn't have that look in our eyes or those expressions on our face.

Then, today we had wake up and feed Jada, then get her dressed, then get dressed ourselves and go eat our selves, then feed Jada again, change her diaper, clean her nose, hold her cause she still has a cold and wants to be held constantly, pack her diaper bag, be frightened because we may have forgotten to pack something, then go to Wal-mart and pack a baby! We had to watch her, hold her, wipe her nose, change her diaper, give her a drink in Wal-mart, WAIT, WE FORGOT THE DIAPER BAG ON THE BUS!! Grab a bottle off the rack and a bottle of water and baby juice, open all of them before we bought it (try explaining THAT to the cashier who is fluent in Cantonese and NOT ENGLISH!!), grab KFC to go cause we're SICK OF CHINESE FOOD!!, feed Jada, wipe her nose, lay her down for a nap, eat KFC (which is cold now), drink Coke (watered down, ice melted) now take a nap..... WAIT!!! Jada is awake! It's ONLY 12:30pm....

Now we know....

Interesting First Day

2006-09-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

After Jada spent the first 5 minutes with Brandi, I took her and we headed back to our hotel. Jada kept this face for a long time. Not really sure what's going on, being cautious, but brave. She was a trooper!

This is later on in the evening. Jada is pretty much stuck on Brandi. I tried to take her a couple of times to give Brandi a break and she didn't like that. She's an strong headed little thang.

This is where it gets funny. Jada has been VERY reserved and she's not eating. She's very cautious and not venturing out much. We celebrated when Brandi read her a little book and she pointed and touched one of the Lady Bugs in the book. That was a big step out for her. So we were only able to get her to eat Cheerios, about half a cup full. She wouldn't take a bottle. Well, she was 2-3 hours past her feeding time and we were worried. Brandi made a "Command Decision" to force her to take a bottle. It was rough going from the opening bell. Brandi went straight at Jada, Jada showed great bottle defense. But, in the end, Brandi wore here down and Jada gassed out because obviously, she needs work on her cardio. Well, the joke was on us. That bottle was about 300mL. She only takes 200mL. So, Jada gave an offering from the overflow of her........ stomach. Yes, Jada yakked on the cute little PJ set we had put on her 5 minutes prior.

After that interesting battle, Jada's demeanor changed a bit. She seemed to be calming down. It's that or she'd tired from puking 100mL of formula. I'm no pediatrician, but I'm going witht he former. Brandi rocked her to sleep and we put her down. She's out for now...

and so are we!!

Today was a great day!! Happy Anniversary Brandi! Happy Homecoming Jada! God is good!

GOTCHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

Forever Family

Let's go!! Load 'em up!!

Taking the elevator up to the Ceremony Room at the Civil Affairs Office. Only moments away now!!

Podium in the Ceremony Room. It got REALLY hectic from here and we didn't get any pictures. It was all over in a FLASH! There was a lady who came up to the podium and told us how much the people of China appreciated us adopting the orphans and how they know they are going to good homes with good families. It was very sweet. Then, they started calling out baby and family names! Jada was 3rd baby in the conference room:

She wasn't too upset, but she wasn't too happy! She just sort of looked at us for a long time. Brandi had her first and spent a good 5 minutes with her. She has this look on her face, I'm sure she's just taking it all in. She didn't cry, but she was ready to cry if she had to. Brandi wanted me to take her for a while, I reached, she pulled away. Brenda & Tut said I needed to take her so she would begin to get comfortable with me. So, I took her and she just put on a big frown for about 5 seconds and she was OK.

She's running a little fever and she's not eating yet. So, we're just reading to her and holding her for now. When she's hungry, she'll eat. She's gonna be a little overwhelmed for the night and probably a little tomorrow.

She's beautiful and she's ours! All Glory and Honor to Our God!!

We're in Nanning and less than 3 hours from Jada!!

2006-09-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

We found out we will not be going to Beihai, Jada's hometown. We're in Nanning, which is the capital of Guangxi Province. We have paperwork to fill out in 15 minutes, then at 3:40pm we leave to go to the Civil Affairs Office and at 4:30pm Nanning time, we get Jada!!

So, it'll be 3am in Louisiana when we get her. If anyone comments between 3am and 5am Louisiana time, we'll bring home a special gift for you!!

Thanks so much for everyone's comments!! It is very appreciated!!

Here's some pics of the journey this morning:

5:40am. Only for Jada...

We're in Nanning now, this is our Nanning Tour Guide. He's giving us brilliant history on the city of Nanning. Nanning has history of 1800 years!! Did it ever sink in how young a country the USA is? I'm becoming more and more of a China fan and a history fan in general. Really cool stuff.

Another fabulous hotel AWAA set us up in!!

Beautiful lobby and the landscaping from the airport to the hotel (30 minute drive) was AWESOME. These people know how to landscape! Beautiful!

OK, it's time for us to go fill out paper work. I know the last post, I said the next post would include pics of Jada. Well, learn some patience like we have!!

Just kiddin'. We love you guys!!

Gered & Brandi

Happy Anniversary to Us! Signing out from Beijing!

2006-09-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

I popped up this morning about 3:30am, mostly because we went to bed at 8pm after a LONG weekend of walking and sightseeing. Today is me and Brandi's 13th Wedding Anniversary! I have a little something planned for her...

It's 4:30am in Beijing and we're about to head to the airport to fly to Nanning. After checking into the hotel we will go to the Civil Affairs Office in Nanning and we will be seeing Jada for the first time in person!

So, just wanted to send out one last post from Beijing. It was truly beautiful and we highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity! The people here were wonderful and friendly. They loved American baby, we had a little 4 y/o girl with one of the families. PRECIOUS!! She had blonde ringlets! All the Chinese people loved her and hugged her. She was great, she has a sweet little personality. Everyone would squat down to take a picture of he and she's strike a little pose!

Anyway, we are gonna finish packing and head to the airport! Next post, we'll have pictures of the WHOLE LAMBERT FAMILY!!!!

Love ya'll!!

Gered & Brandi

Sunday Church & The Great Wall

2006-09-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

Church was held at Beijing International Christian Fellowship. They rent an auditorium and because of Chinese Law, must check passports at the entrance. No local Chinese citizens can attend the service. The only way they can hold a Christian church service is to make sure no local Chinese are in attendance. Pretty Neat.

Then we went to The Great Wall, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Simply awesome! Just read some history on the wall. Very interesting.

Other than that, we had lunch and dinner and got all our luggage packed because we have a 4:15am wakeup call. At 5:45am we leave the hotel and head to the airport to fly to Nanning. Then we'll be filling out paperwork and getting Jada tomorrow!!

We're really tired. They dragged us around all weekend, but it was worth it! China really has a deep, rich, culture. They have buildings over 600 years old. Trees that are 800 years old. The U.S. is only a little over 230 years old, so think on that for a bit. They have buildings 3 times older than our country!! We're headed to bed.

Here's some pics: Gered & Brandi at the base of The Great Wall.
This is where marriage counseling was performed in ancient China. Women picked from the left and men picked from the right.

Hanna & Brandi with Brenda & Tut in the background.

Yeah, we paid to have this done...

Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City & The Summer Palace

2006-09-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! Today was chock-a-block full! We still haven't caught up with the normal sleep schedule, so we were up at 4am this morning staring at the ceiling. We went at breakfast at 7am and headed out to the tours at 9am. We got back to our room tonight at 8pm. We walked about 7 hours today.

We were in awe of the city of Beijing. Every, and I really mean "every", place we traveled had city blocks full of multiple story buildings. I'm talking 5, 10, 20 story buildings. It's massive. 15 million people in Beijing and its the 3rd largest city in China. There are over 2 million bicycles registered with the government. Yes, you have to register and pay taxes on your bicycle. Anyway, the city is hugungous!

Here's some quick pics of the places mentioned in the title. No explainations, we can't remember anything:

China's "Walmart"

2006-09-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

While Walmart is in China, it isn't as predominant compared to the USA. China has Carrefour.

This is the entrance. The inside is basically the same as a Walmart, but with Chinese products. The difference is in the..... deli? See below.

Yes, that is the snout of swine.

Different kinds of bird, duck I think, only plucked and roasted.

Squid, prawns?, fresh fish.

Even more pics

2006-08-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

Brandi is tired of posing.

This is the rest of the group with AWAA. We are split up in 2 groups. With 37 families traveling this month, it's the biggest group AWAA has sent to China this year.

Sherry barking orders again. She's not shy. With all these people on both buses, there still are people with AWAA coming in today AND tomorrow, all part of the 37 family group this month.

We went to Beijing's version of "Wal-mart", called "Barrefore." Really interesting in there. I'll bring my camera next time, words don't do it justice. I did find me some $8 tennis shoes! I was happy with my $24 Reeboks from Sam's, these are great!

Then, we went to the gym and swam some laps in the pool. The pool was freezing! It was an indoor pool, but obviously not heated. Then, we went up to the room and ordered room service for lunch. (Note to self: don't order Greek & Lebanese food from a Chinese hotel...)

I guess we'll take a nap now. We need alot of rest for tomorrow. Long day of touring and all of it is on our feet.

See ya'll tomorrow!

More Chicago to Beijing Travel Pics

2006-08-31T14:59:00.000-07:00

Little plane to Chicago

Big Plane to Beijing!

Full Flaps!!

Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Beautiful!!

Brandi & Gered in Chicago O'Hare

Big empty plane to Beijing

Just got off the plane in Beijing!

Customs in Beijing.

Beijing Continued

2006-08-31T03:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the gang on the way to Beijing!!

China from way up there, just before touchdown!

We're in Beijing going through customs. It's been a long trip, I don't know where we found those smiles.

This is Sherry, our China tour guide from AWAA. Look at that smile, this girl is a TRIP! She let us know it's not rude to push back in China when you get pushed walking through the crowds. She's hilarious, we're gonna have fun with her.

These 2 pics are shots from our hotel window. Beijing is hosting the 2008 Olympics! So, there is HUGE amounts of construction going on. I think Louisiana let them borrow some of our ORANGE BARRELS!!

I'm gonna CRASH now, we're beat. Brandi has been out. We're off tomorrow, we have nothing planned since we came up a day early. So, maybe I'll just post the rest of the pics for ya'll.

We really appreciate the emails and comments so far! We love each and everyone of you guys & gals! Thanks for the prayers and support! Keep em' comin'!!!

We're in Beijing!!

2006-08-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

It is now 5:55pm in Beijing and 4:55am in Louisiana. We've been up 25 hours on airplanes with a few hours of winks in between. So, before I CRASH, I wanted to make a quick post with some pics.

OK, all this started at 4am in New Orleans (Kenner). We got to the airport in plenty of time and we breezed through the security checkpoints in 20 mins. No problems.

This is a smaller plane with one aisle and 2 seats on each side of the aisle.

Both Mother In Laws across the aisle.

Just before touchdown in Chicago.

Far right is Elizabeth Aaron. Her and her hubby are from Baton Rouge and they are traveling with us to got adopt a little girl. Far left is Suzanne/Susan (sorry), she adopted Hanna in the middle 7 years ago and they are going back to China for the first time since the adoption. Hanna's adoption anniversary will be while we're in China!! She's a CUTIE!!

First Stop: New Orleans!! (OK...Kenner...)

2006-08-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

LaQuinta, this will be home for the night!

Jazz Seafood & Steak House. Our place of fine dining for the night. Appetizer was Fried Eggplant with Marina Sauce. Entrees included Seared Ahi Tuna with zucchini and mashed potatoes. Roast Beef Poboy & Fried Shrimp Poboy. Above is Brandi, Tut (my mom) & Brenda (Brandi's mom).

Parents to be. Brandi's on the left, I'm on the right...

Just my luck... Brandi's gettin' fresh and BOTH OUR MOTHERS ARE IN THE ROOM!!!

Off to bed! We gettin' up at 4am to eat at 4:45am and leave for 5:15am. We'll be landing in Chicago then off to Beijing!!

Thanks for the many replies to the email! It's good to hear from everyone! Please don't hesitate to leave comments. It helps so much to know people are "with us."

More later!!

34 Hours!!

2006-08-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

We are flying out of New Orleans in 34 hours! Brandi and I went run some last minute errands today and we'd just look at each other and smile, knowing this is some of the last days we have together by ourselves. We'd see moms pushing babies in the mall and just smile. Thinking how our baby would look in our stroller.

One problem we had that was solved today was money! The orphanage wants $4500.00 in clean crisp one hundred dollar bills, no creases, no smudges or marks. Well, we had ordered one hundred dollar bills from a bank and 70% of them was unusable.

So, I went to Regions Bank to make a deposit for Gateway International for Brandi and just asked them if they had clean, crisp Benjamins. Of course, they just recieved some new, clean, crisp $100 bills last Wednesday, unused in number order.

Also, Brandi has been wanting a pedicure before we left and while we were running around town, we stopped to get her a pedicure. Well, I wasn't just gonna sit around waiting for her, so I had them fill up the foot bucket for me too! It was pretty neat, they soaked my feet for a while in a chair that massaged my back while my feet soaked. Then, they pulled out a set of utensils that looked like it came from the movie SAW III! She started hacking away at my digits and I think I lost 5 lbs. during the process. It was cool, my feet really felt better.

I'm pretty sure the next post should be from somewhere other than Louisiana! We're just not sure when and where we'll have internet access. So, stay tuned!!

China Travel Itinerary Final!!

2006-08-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

We have confirmed in country travel itinerary from AWAA!! We make final payment today and we are set!! We did some more packing last night. Brandi and I are sharing one suitcase and Jada gets a suitcase all to herself. How come nobody commented on how much STUFF a little baby needs?!?!

We also had our last consulation with Dr. Ashli West, our good friend and pediatrician. She hooked us up with last bits of advice and the plan for when we get home. Thanks Ashli, we love having you and Samantha taking care of Jada!!

August 31st – September 14th

Thursday, Aug. 31st - Arrive in Beijing

Friday, Sept. 1st - Free Day

Saturday, Sept. 2nd - Beijing Sight-Seeing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden
City, & Summer Palace (Lunch & Dinner Included)

Sunday, Sept. 3rd - Church service & Great Wall (Lunch & Beijing Duck
Dinner Included)

Monday, Sept. 4th - Morning Flight to Guangxi
Afternoon - Meet Jada Liu Xin Lambert!!

Tuesday, Sept. 5th - Civil Affairs Appointment (Jada is OFFICIALLY OURS!!)

September 6th – 8th - Paperwork, Sight-seeing, & Shopping

Saturday, Sept. 9th - Morning - Pick Up Child’s Passport
Morning flight to Guangzhou.

Sunday, Sept. 10th - Fill out Consulate Forms

Monday, Sept. 11th - Child’s Medical Exam.

Tuesday, Sept. 12th - Consulate Appointment 9:00am

Wednesday, Sept. 13th - Pick up Child’s Visa at 4:00pm

Thursday, Sept.14th - Depart from Guangzhou
Depart from Hong Kong
Arrive in New Orleans 10pm!! Visitors Welcome!!

Travel Phone Conference with AWAA Today

2006-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today we had the Conference call with AWAA and all the families traveling with us next Wednesday. We didn't hear anything new, which only speaks of how great of a job AWAA has done with keeping us up to date and providing us the information we need.

The one thing we learned that was interesting was at the Beijing airport, we pass through a machine that reads our body temperature. If we have high temperature, they pull us aside and interview us. Its a precaution they are taking every since the SARS epidemic. So, we were advised to take fever reducer before we land in Beijing.

We should be getting our final travel packet this weekend. It'll have the detailed daily schedule of everything we'll be doing when we get to China. We're getting pretty nervous. Brandi does a great job of making lists and making sure we are fully prepared to leave. Thank God for her!

Keep checkin in. We're leaving Wednesday morning. We'll be updating the BLOG.

More Baby Shower Photos

2006-08-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Bayli Moran, Holly & Jason's little girl.

My niece, McKenzi on the left and some little Diva with a beautiful smile on the right.

The Haul.

Great toys, great clothes and more.

Sortin' stuff at the house.

More stuff.

A gift bomb exploded in the living room.

"There was alot of LOVE there"

2006-08-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

My dad came over Saturday as we were sorting out and unwrapping all the gifts and that's what he said about Saturday, "There was alot of love there." That about sums it up for us.

Now that the baby shower has come and gone, we have had a couple of days to reflect on this weekend. Once again, we were reminded of how BLESSED we are. The family and friend who came out and celebrated this season in our lives was just another example of how God continues to provide exactly what we need at the time we need it. Then on Sunday at the Annex, Pastor Lance Leblanc had some people come pray for me and Brandi for a safe trip. People who we had never met, came up to us after service and encouraged us and blessed us. Our cup is overflowing with God's grace!

That was the love of God we experienced Saturday. That love is what has sustained us through the good times and the not so good times. That love is what revealed to us the lessons to be learned throughout this season of our lives. We will not be shaken by the temporary situations that we experience. We know that the sun will rise come morning time.

I know that Pastor Dino and all the staff at HPC believe that there are many great churches in and around Baton Rouge, the U.S. and around the world. That is why we partner with many of these great churches to make an impact on the community, the country and the world. The reason I say that is because I want to encourage everyone reading this to draw closer to God. It doesn't have to be at Healing Place Church because of the many great churches that are in the world.

This isn't a recruiting message for HPC, this is encouragement to find God, find all that He has for you. He is the provider of the good times and the strength and grace to get you through the bad times. He is the wonderful Counselor that teaches you what you need to know and give you that which enables you to grow during the valleys. Whoever you are, where ever you are, whatever you are, it doesn't matter. He did His part 2,000 years ago and He did it for everyone of us.

So, although we are excited, stressed out, nervous, anxious and maybe even a little scared about what will happen after August 30th, we know that all will work out. He has never let us down, He has been faithful.

Champions!!

2006-08-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

2006 Shell Chemical Geismar Summer Softball Tournament Champions:

"HFE Heavy Ends!!"

(HFE stands for Hydro.... never mind....)

For the first time in a long time, we had a company softball league at Shell Chemical. It was a blast. We got to go outside of work hours and hang out with our co-workers families. The turnout was amazing, lot's of wives, kids and friends. We were the regular season champs and made it to the final playoff with the second best team. We played a best of 3, they won the first game 11-2, but we came back two days later and swept a double header, 9-2, then 3-2! The last game was scoreless for 5 innings and we scored 3 in the 6th and held them to 2 in the bottom of the 6th. It was pretty neat.

Jada will be able to come watch daddy pull muscles and turn ankles in the Fall! So above is the picture of the

Baby Shower!!

2006-08-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Invitations were mailed. Handmade, personally designed by Holly Moran.

Location was reserved and decorated. Thanks to HPC, Mark & Kim Ammons, Chantell & Patrick Matherne, Glen & Brenda White, Sharon Lobell, Jerri Lalonde, Holly Moran & Tammy Landry.

Punch. Can't have a shower without Punch!

This is the Chocolate Spread.

Slammin' Cake. Top layer was white cake with Rasberry filling, bottom was chocolate with cream cheese filling.

Strawberry Cake from Ambrosia. This cake is illegal in 47 states.

2 Weeks!! (Revision 2)

2006-08-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

We leave 2 weeks from yesterday! Now the pressure is building and the tension is getting thick. Just a quick update on some issues that have us on the edge of our seats:

Being debt free and having no credit cards produced some tense moments this week. Although we have a debit card and a good supply of funds for Adoption expenses in our checking account, we do have a daily limit on our debit card. The cost of the airline tickets slightly surpass our daily limit, so we had some charges denied! Not good. We are calling the bank to increase our daily limit, but that's only temporary and of course the travel agent ran the card mere moments after the temporary increase had expired! But, I called United Airlines this morning and they assured me the tickets are paid for and issued!

The Baby Shower is 2 days away! We picked up some last minute food items last night for the shower. It's gonna be a great time! We're really excited about seeing everyone.

The recent changes about what's allowed on planes had slightly changed out packing strategy. Well, only Brandi's strategy, I haven't started packing yet....

We're still waiting for AWAA to send us out Passports back and the travel packet. This packet will give us more detailed information about the trip.

So, we're just trying to stay calm as we imagine all the things we could possibly forget or overlook. AWAA had done a fabulous job so far keeping us informed and making sure we have everything we need.

Jada's Babyshower

2006-08-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home Jada!!

Open House Couples Baby Shower - Come and Go as you please!!

Date: Saturday, August 19, 2006

Time: 1pm-4pm
Place: HPC Annex

We are registered at Babies R Us & Target. There will be LOTS of food, no silly games, just hanging out & visiting. We really want to thank everyone who's helped out. We appreciate the hard work and sacrifice.

This serves notice to everyone who didn't get an invitation. We worked for 2 weeks on the list and when it got to 180, we just waved the white flag! Didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings, but we are just so busy trying to tie up loose ends with paperwork and travel plans for the adoption and Brandi is really working hard at work wrapping some things up.

So, if you read this and want to stop by, please do. You really don't even have to bring anything, we certainly don't want to be a financial burden on anyone. We are blessed and well taken care of. We don't have any wants. We'd just love to see everyone's face and be able to share this special moment with family and friends.

We love each and everyone of you!

Gered & Brandi

Flights booked!!!

2006-08-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

Travel arrangements are set! August 30th we leave from New Orleans Airport, stop in Chicago, then to Beijing! We'll be coming back September 14th from Honk Kong to Chicago and back in New Orleans at 9:56pm that night.

So, if you want to get a sneak peak at Jada, see you at the airport!

We celebrated today at lunch by stopping at Gymboree to get Jada some outfits. We still haven't decided on her coming home outfit. I wanted her to be in Oriental clothing, but I changed my mind (Brandi didn't want to). We are leaning toward a Red, White & Blue U.S.A. motif.

Details on the Baby Shower coming soon!!

Did I say 2 weeks?

2006-08-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

We recieved out concrete travel dates. Since AWAA couldn't get an appointment with the U.S. Consulate until Tuesday Sept. 12th, we'll be leaving on Wed. Aug. 30th. We're leaving on Wed. because they couldn't find us a flight leaving Thursday. So, we get an extra day to recover from the jet lag.

The GOOD NEWS!?!?!? That put "GOTCHA DAY" on September 4th, which is our 13 year anniversary!! Not bad, I guess. Our anniversary will never be the same. What a memory!

2 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!

2006-08-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from today we'll be leaving!! We were expecting to get concrete travel arrangements this week, and we still have all of today and tomorrow to get those. But again, 14 days!! Holy Smoke! I'm nervous just writing this entry! 2 weeks! Ironically, as nervous and excited as I am, I haven't really done nothing about it:

See all this? This is what BRANDI has done so far. All the stuff on the floor next to the suitcase is hers. The left half of the suitcase is hers. The right side of the suitcase is mine, which is empty. This is two days old, by the way.

This is the supply suitcase. Ziplock bags, travel size soap deoderant, toothpaste, soap, baby wipes, shaving cream, suntan lotion, etc. Also in the picture is Lucy. She was following me around and obviously wanted to be in the picture. But, I think she has some insecurity issues, because when I called her name to look at the camera, her perky ears fold back and she looks away. She needs help...

So, we're still keeping an eye on the Yahoo Chat Group to hear from the families that have been there already and what they have to advise. We have learned that not many families are going to Guangxi with us. We haven't found anyone who is getting a child from Beihai like we are. It would be nice to travel with a big group, but them I thought about Gotcha Day. If we have a small group, it won't be so hectic. Usually, they bring out all the children and start calling out names. Then, the babies start crying when their nannies hand them off to these excited round eyed people they have never seen in their lives. If we have a small group, it won't be so bad.

So, we're excited!

Typhoon Kaemi rains down on Beihai July 27-28

2006-08-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

THIS ARTICLE talks about the damage. 25 dead & 53 missing as of writing of this article.

THIS ARTICLE show some pictures in Beihai. The typhoon hit the Eastern side of China and Beihai is more to the West. No reported casualties in Beihai, mostly heavy rain and flooding. It's possible there was flooding at the orphanage where Jada is, but we've heard no specifics as of yet. It's been over a week, so looks like lots of flooding and rain is the worst that has happened in Beihai.

More Adoption Workshop Pics

2006-08-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

The workshop is held in the HPC Annex. We are believing to fill this facility in workshops in the future and hopefully have to move to the Main Sanctuary on Highland Road!

This is the poster board used in the workshop.

Busy Couple of Days

2006-08-06T03:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday, we had to go to the New Orleans Office of USCIS to check and see why we haven't recieved our updated I-171H. It's a form that verifies our Federal Background check was OK. We got there and told them the situation and they told us they would mail it out to us that day. It came in the mail Friday. No Problem...

Then AWAA sent us an email Friday:

Hello Travel Group 116,

We are happy to announce the arrival of all Travel Approvals!

Your travel group will still tentatively depart for China on Thursday August 24th and will return to the US any where between September 6th - 8th. We have moved forward to request your Consulate appointment and hope to hear back from the Consulate within the next 3-5 business days with a confirmed date.

Once we receive the official Consulate appointment date we will be able to establish concrete travel dates, finalize flights, and complete in country arrangements. Please continue to wait patiently for concrete travel dates, as we promise to contact you as soon as we have any new information.

Congratulations again! You all handled the long wait for travel approvals with amazing grace and peace. Thank you.

Have a wonderful weekend!

This is real good news. We should have concrete travel dates next week. Also on Friday, we sent out the Baby Shower invitations. We got word today that some got them in the mail today.

We also had the Adoption Workshop today. The turnout was great, it seems to grow each time we have one. Here are some pics:

Aimee' Poche talking about the Biblical aspect of Adoption

Me & Brandi sharing out story

Brandi sharing her thoughts with Jada looking over her shoulder.

Final Notice: Adoption Workshop

2006-08-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

FINAL REMINDER:

Saturday, August 5 at 8:00am - 12:00pm

Healing Place Church's Adoption Ministry:

His Heart for Orphans, will be having a FREE Adoption Workshop.

Brandi and I have been asked to share what led us to adopt during the workshop. We talked about it last night and the more I think about it, the more incredible the story is. It's so much more than just the adoption. The past 6 years have been such an amazing rollercoaster ride. They are giving us 15 minutes, so we're trying to boil it all down. But, it's good to reflect and see where we've come from. We're looking forward to being a part of the workshop.

She's Back

2006-07-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not remember THIS VIDEO. I posted it in one of my first posts when I started the BLOG, but it stopped working and I lost it.

But, I found her again! She's adorable!

Chew on this...

2006-07-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

"God is completely predictable in taking care of His children and completely Unpredictable as to how He does it." - unknown

Can I get an "Amen!"

Happy Birthday Jada!!!

2006-07-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

While we're still waiting on travel approval from China and still waiting for firm travel dates to China, today we celebrate Jada's 1st Birthday. For some reason, tonight my heart & mind is focused on Jada's birth mother and so many other women in her situation. If you could watch the first minute of this VIDEO, you'd have a better idea of what many women in China are going through everyday.

Sometimes its tough to know that our joy and the answer to our prayer is the product of a tragic situation halfway around the world. As we found out when we had Jada's Biography translated, Jada had some personal belongings that was described as "her necessities" left with her when she was found. That indicates that the parents were aware of the situation. They felt they had to do one last thing to provide for her before letting her go.

I think I can speak for Brandi and say that our first priority is to raise Jada to be all that God intended her to be. Also, we consider it our duty to provide her a loving home in honor of what her parents had to go through. We do not take this situation for granted.

So, we ask that you would please lift the families in China up in prayer. Because we know that God loves the mothers of those orphans. We know that God sees the heartbreak and the pain they go through. We know that if we were hurting, we would want someone to stand in the gap for us and intercede in prayer. We would want prayers for comfort and peace in our hearts, prayers for healing of the hurt caused bygiving up the child we created and carried. We can criticize the culture and question their motives all day or we can give the mercy and grace that we have been given. Brandi and I choose mercy and grace.

Reminder: Adoption Workshop!!

2006-07-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.” - Ephesians 1:5

REMINDER:

Healing Place Church's Adoption Ministry: His Heart for Orphans, will be having a FREE Adoption Workshop.

Saturday, August 5 at 8:00am - 12:00pm

Free Food / Free Information HPC style!!

P.S. We'll soon have an Asian connection for Jada to play with! Heath & Dina Slack, another great couple from HPC Adoption Ministry, will be traveling to Taiwan to complete their second adoption. They will be leaving in less than two weeks to pick up their new daughter Olivia. This is their second adoption, the first was a domestic adoption here in the U.S. Congratulations to the Slacks! Another orphan finds a GREAT FAMILY!! Here are some recent pics they recieved! We can't wait to see Olivia and Jada pal around.

Jada's Biography Interpreted

2006-07-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

When we got the referral package from AWAA, some things were translated into English, some were not. Jada's biography was not. The biography consists of what information they have about a child before they were brought to the orphanage.

Well, when Brandi worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield, she met Li Chao. Li worked in the accounting department with Brandi. Li is from China and moved here with her parents. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and she gladly translated Jada's biography for us. Another great friend God put in our lives. Li is SOOO excited to meet and see Jada. She even went so far as to personally thank us for adopting from her home country.

So, here's what Li told us:

Jada was found on July 31, 2005 on the doorstep of the Pearl Market in Beihai. When found, the mother had placed some of the things Jada needed, her necessaties, with her in the basket or box she was left in. The police were called and she was taken to the hospital. The hospital guessed her birthdate based on bone structure, Jada still had her umbilical cord when she was found, this also helped them determine her birthday. Jada arrived at the hospital weighing 6.8lbs and 19.3 in.

You know, we just can't find any anger or bitterness in our hearts for Jada's birth mom. I remember a while back Brandi told me she would pray for Jada's birth mom. This was before Jada was born. You just have to understand her situation and the culture. You don't have to agree with it, but you can understand it. She left Jada at the door with "necessities". Doesn't that just scream love? If we can step outside our culture and our environment and try to walk in Jada's birth mom's shoes, you just have to have compassion for her. You have to believe that she is still grieving over either leaving her daughter at that gate or someone, perhaps her husband, leaving the home with Jada, going to drop her off at the Pearl Market. We just feel the urge to pray for her comfort and her peace. We can't begin to imagine what she has been going through. God Bless her heart! We know that what the devil meant for evil, God will use it to bring Him Glory!! Anyhow....

Developmental Info:
- 1 Month: kicks off clothes
- 3 Months: responds to caretaker
- 6 Months: play with toys, hand to hand, interested with noises
- 7 Months: quickly crawls to go get toys, happy, likes to make noise, clapping hands, takes toys from other children,

Daily Routine:
* 6am - Wake Up
* 6am - Bottle of Milk
* 9am - Milk & Cereal
* 10:30 - Rice Soup
* 11am to 1pm - nap (Thank You Jesus!!)
* 12noon - Bottle of Milk
* 2pm - Milk & Cereal
* 4:30pm - Rice Soup
* 7pm - Milk & Cereal
* 8:30pm - Bed time

No wonder she is in the 90 percentile in height & weight. Girl ain't did nuthin' but eat!

We are anxiously awaiting Travel Approval from China. We should be getting concrete travel dates next week. More to come...

Bei Hai Pics

2006-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

These are some pics from a family on the Yahoo! Chat group that went to Beihai last year.

This is the street the Orphanage is on.

Orphanage Gates

Front of Orphanage

House boats on coast of Beihai

Beihai fishing boat harbor

Beihai beach.

Meeting with our Pediatrician

2006-07-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to introduce our Pediatric Team that will be taking care of Jada. Click on the picture to see their website. Brandi and I HIGHLY recommend Ashli and Samantha. I have known Ashli for almost 20 years and she has a heart of gold! Ashli and Samantha went to medical school together and we recently met Samantha and we have been equally impressed with her heart to care for babies. Both Samantha & Ashli have been excited to meet and care for Jada. Once again, God has put special people in our lives.

Ashli West, M.D.

Samantha Clark Gulino, M.D.

Ashli was one of my best friends in high school. I'm so glad both Ashli and Samantha will be part of Jada's caregiving. Both have responded positively to our adoption, they both have been researching foreign adoption medical information and we are very pleased with the proactive approach they have taken in the responsibility of caring for Jada.
Ashli just gave birth to their second child and is off on maternity leave. Even so, she invited me and Brandi to come by during lunch to look at Jada's medical information! It was so good visiting with her and her husband, but it was also good to know that such a good friend will be helping us with Jada's medical care.
She told us everything looked good as far as blood work, height, weight and developmental things (based on the limited info we have). She laid out a good plan when we get Jada here in the states. Best of all, it was good to see the genuine love and excitement that she'd get to be a part of this special season of our lives.
Again, without any hesitation and with full confidence, Brandi & I would like to recommend Ashli & Samantha to anyone who are in need of a good, loving pediatrics team in the Baton Rouge and Ascencion Parish area!

Visa Applications for Travel

2006-07-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

We had to apply for visas to travel to China. So, we had to mail China's Visa application with our passports to AWAA and they will send the applications to the nearest Chinese consulate to be reviewed and approved. We had the option of going to the nearest Chinese consulate ourselves, using a private courrier to take the paperwork or use AWAA to handle the paper work for us. We went with AWAA, they've been REALLY good to us so far.

About 40 days 'til travel!!

Cool Sonogram

2006-07-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Found this on another families website and wanted to share it.

Jada's Destiny

2006-07-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

Now that we have a tentative date for travel, the whole situation is really becoming more real to me and Brandi. We were talking the other night how things will definately change. We were sitting around talking and thinking about how in a couple of weeks, we will be having a similar conversation, but we'll have one or two or four eyes on Jada as she wanders around exploring her new surroundings. Then, Brandi said we have to make sure we keep our relationship and quality time intact. We have to keep doing the things we do together even though we have an awesome responsibility of watching and raising Jada. I'm glad we are recognizing that and I'm glad she said it out loud.
We have always believed that Jada would be a very special girl. If we look at the journey that God has put us on, with all the struggles and tests, and not realize that He has great plans for this child then we would not be good stewards of what God is about to give us. We have had confirmation of her destiny from some Godly people who we know hear from God that she will be special.

"You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny." Psalm 73:24

We do not believe that the last 6 years of waiting on God will be for nothing. I think about all the times in the Bible where great men and women of God have had to wait and how faithful God has been when prayers were answered. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful support system of family and friends to help us through this. We are so blessed to have a life giving church to equip us to have the family and live the life that God intended us to have.
So, we are preparing to provide Jada with an excellent home and an excellent family. I don't think Jada should settle for "normal." I don't want to settle for normal. I want my family to have the abundant life that Jesus promised us:

" I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10

We are prepared for people to question and judge us for the way we will prepare Jada for her destiny. We know that people will disagree with what we expose her to and what we WILL NOT expose her to. But, we feel we have been given a "Great Commision" when it comes to preparing Jada for what God has for her. We also know that when we meet Jesus at the Final Judgement, we will be held accountable for how we handled the responsibility for being Jada's parents.

Isn't it good to know that the same God that judges us, also gives us the tools and resources to carry out His commision to us?

Baby Shower Registration Part II

2006-07-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of the 400 baby strollers they have. We couldn't decide on any of them.

Brandi and I love taking weekend naps on the sofa with soft, comfortable blankets. This may be one of the last times we get to snuggle before we go get Jada.

I don't remember what this picture was about. Probably the last time we both smiled during the registration...

You probably can't see it from this pic, but the gun now has 185 items that I've scanned. I never want to see the inside of a baby store again. We went home, took a nap and I woke up standing in the pantry with Brandi's stapler from her office scanning all the bar codes in the pantry...

As we were turning in our paperwork and scanning gun, we saw Pastor Marc Cleary from HPC and I shot a candid camera shot of him and his dad. They didn't even notice the flash. Guess they've been here a while too. He and his wife Becca just celebrated the birth of their second baby.

Baby Shower Registration

2006-07-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

We have to thank two great friends who helped us out with the Baby Shower Registration. Jerri Lalonde and Lisa Latona. Jerri, mother of a 14 month old, took some time to make a list of items we may need. Lisa, mother of a 2y/o and a 13 month old, agreed at the last minute to come walk through Babies R Us and give wise counsel about each and every product. It's not that these two great friends took the time to help us, that was special, but they both did it with such enthusiasm and excitement! It was really like they were having their own child again. We are so fortunate to have friends who are great moms! What an example for Brandi and I to follow. Just when we wonder how we are gonna handle a 13 month old after 17 years of being on our own, we are reminded how God puts special people like Lisa & Jerri and many others in our lives to help us through whatever comes our way.

Free Ad. They really hook you up when you go register. Big folder full of neat stuff. I guess they treat us nice because we about to send them a little bit of business.

I don't guess they know how many forms we've had to fill out. Yet, they shove these in our grills.

The Gun! So much power, so many products, so little time. This is 20 minutes later but we're only on isle 2!! Did you know they have nipples for different months, small, meduim, large, supersized, high flow, low flow, medium flow, adjustable flow, curved, straight, clear, yellow, formed, unformed, leaded, unleaded, Adkin's no carb nipples...

There must be a limit to how many pics you can put on one post. I'll continue the adventure on another post and maybe it'll let me put more pics.

Stay tuned...

More forms to fill out!

2006-07-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well, after a year of finishing up all the paperwork and waiting for our referral from Jada, the paperchase continues! We got back from a holiday trip to the fishing camp and the Travel Info Pack was in our mailbox!

We have to fill out a Travel Information Sheet, which is information about me, Brandi, Tut (my mom) and Brenda (Brandi's mom). We also had to sign a Travel Release, which means we can't suit/sue/soo AWAA for anything as a result of the trip. We had to fill out a Visa application, which we are doing through AWAA. We could have driven to Houston where the nearest Chinese consulate is located and do it ourselves, but we'll let AWAA do it.

They gave us a TENTATIVE date of departure of Aug 24, 2006! And they even said it has a 50% of changing one week EARLIER or on week LATER! We'd LOVE to be in China for our 13th Anniversary on Sept. 4, 2006, but we'd love to leave a week earlier on Aug 17, 2006 and get Jada sooner. The say we'll be in China 13-14 days, so 2 weeks.

We are having a baby shower/ birthday party for Jada before we leave for China. We'll post an invitation when we get the details.

Pray for us, this next couple of weeks are gonna be CRAZY!!!!!!

Jada's Name Translation

2006-07-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Jada = Wise (Hebrew)
Liu = Willow Tree; Pleasure (Chinese)
Xin = Early Morning; Dawn; Day (Chinese)
Lambert = Bright land or light of the land (French)

I can't really come up with anything cool with all this. But, seems like some good stuff to work with.

Suggestions welcome though.

Just in case you forgot what she looks like...

2006-06-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

Travel to China

2006-06-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

We just got an email from AWAA letting us know they put a packet in the mail with more information about travelling to China! We're in AWAA Travel Group 116!

Excerpt from the email:
"The typical timeframe from referral acceptance to travel is 7-9 weeks. We will have tentative travel dates within the next 2 weeks. Concrete travel dates cannot be established until we have received travel letters (usually arrive within 3-5 weeks) and Consulate appointments."

They also gave us a detailed list to go through to make sure all our paperwork is updated and not expired or anything else that would delay the process. AWAA does such a GREAT job of dotting the T's and crossing the I's. What a relief that they are so organized and efficient. Really take SOME of the stress off of us during the process.

They have also created a Yahoo! Chat Group for those who are traveling together to China. We'll be able to get to know each other and share our referral pictures and neat stuff like that. I know in our LID (Log In Date) Group 219, it was pretty much an SEC crew. But, our travel group will include Groups 217, 218 & 219. So, the mix might shift.

Package should arrive in less than a week.

Bei Hai research

2006-06-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Found out some really neat information about Jada's hometown, Beihai.

It is located on the south coast of China, near the Vietnam border. It has some of the nicest beaches in China and off the shore of Biehai are some of China's best PEARL BEDS. (Put your requests in now, first come first serve, supplies last until suitcases are full!!)

Looks like Beihai is a beautiful place with alot of parks and natural attractions.

I also found a great orgination called Half The Sky. This is a quick description from their site:

"Half The Sky was created by adoptive parents of orphaned Chinese children. Our purpose is to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for the babies and children in China who still wait to be adopted, and for those who will spend their childhoods in orphanages. We establish early childhood education, personalized learning and infant nurture programs in Chinese welfare institutions to provide the children stimulation, individual attention, and an active learning environment."

They are involved currently in 22 orphanages in China and Beihai, where Jada is at, is one of them. They even have programs where you can volunteer to go to China and help expand the programs and have time to spend with the children in the orphanages. I have a feeling this won't be our only trip to China or even Beihai. There's nothing more we'd like is to have Jada go back and be a part of helping orphans from her home town.

We also found a Yahoo! Group dedicated to parents who have and are adopting from Beihai. Now we have even more specialized resources to make our trip as smooth as possible with as little surprises as possible.

Alot of good information available out there for us. We intend to be as prepared as possible without actually experiencing the trip.

New Jada Pic

2006-06-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the "good" picture of Jada Liu Xin Lambert. It's better because she's looking right into the camera. We are pretty amazed how healthy she looks. We compared her stats against growth charts for Chinese babies and she's in the 75% percentile for height and weight.

The paperwork indicated she isn't crawling yet and she can't walk unless someone has her two hands. She responds to her name being called, she laughs aloud, and some other stuff I can't remember. But, from other things they've indicated, she seems to be a little ball of fire. The box with "sits quietly by herself" was left UNCHECKED!! So, she likes gettin' into stuff.

We are deciding whether or not to have the baby shower before or after we go. Anyone with suggestions or experience, feel free to give input!

I'm amazed at the traffic this site is getting today. As of right now, 8:54pm CST, we have had 140 visits today! That's definately a record!

Thanks again for everyone's support and encourgement! The response has been overwhelming! It's so good to have good family and friends to share this with and celebrate this moment with. To see people get so emotional for us during this time is really special. We love you all and it's good to know we are loved.

God Bless You All!

Here's how it happened

2006-06-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at 1:30pm, the phone rang. It was Laurel Ludwick from AWAA calling to let us know we had been given a referral. This is Brandi on the phone with Laurel.

This is when we found out her name, birthday, height, weight, head and chest measurements. She tried to describe the picture, but we wanted the real thing. She told us they were sending a next day package with her pictures and other information.

I worked nights last night. So, I came home and went to sleep on the couch. I woke up once at 8am, then again at 9:30am. That's when I looked out the window and saw the FEDEX guy coming down the road.

He saw me waving and pulled into the driveway.

This is Glen. The best freakin' FEDEX driver in the universe!

This is me holding the package. Brandi made me promise not to open it. So, I had to jump in the shower, brush my teeth and run over to HPC so we could open the packet.

That's when we saw her for the first time. Jada Liu Xin Lambert. There is one other picture of her standing in her crib, holding the rail and looking right into the camera. But, Brandi wouldn't let me have that one.

Then we had to sign the acceptance letter. This needs to be in the hands of AWAA personnel by June 29, or our travel will be delayed.

Brandi signing the acceptance letter.

That's it. We mail off the letter and we should be getting travel plans in the next 2-3 weeks.

When I can get Brandi to let go of that other picture, I'll put it up. We are really numb right now. Brandi had some things to do at work so we only had a couple of minutes to enjoy the moment. Then I have to work nights again tonight. So, it may be a day or two until we can get together and really let it soak in. But, today was a good day.

Nice to meet you Jada, you are more beautiful than we imagined. We'll be there soon!

Love, Mom & Dad

Jada's Adoption Page

Combining BLOGS

Hair is growing, finished with shots, Jada crying?!?!?!?!

New pics, new adventures & challenges!!

Late Christmas Pics of Jada

Merry Christmas!!

Peek-a-boo

Videos from China on Youtube

Eatin' Good

Decorating for Jada

Adoption Workshop!!!

Our Second China Adoption...

Jada's Video is up

Good Holiday

Changes...

Changes...

November - Adoption Awareness Month

Still growing!!

The Comfort of God's Word

Not much new,except outfits

Country Girl Can Survive

Heartbreaking...

Pics on Parazz

Saturday morning breakfast & experiments

Look at my ears!

It's good to have support

Pierced and Poked

Good Morning! Big Day Today!

Faith, Finance & Favor

Reflections & Lessons Learned

Baptism & Baby Dedication

**UPDATED** Jada in The Advocate Thursday, Sept. 28th!

First Day at the Nursery

Doing Great!!

Brandi got all 'Old Testament' on her...

Jada's First Trip to Church!

13 hours difference...

Welcome Home!!

Final Post from China!!

Long Day

Medical Exam and Shopping

Anonymous Comments

Geaux Tigers!!

2 awesome, yet totally unrelated things in Guangzhou

More Saturday Pics

Batteries Charged, Here's the Pics

We're in Guangzhou!

Next Leg of the Trip

All Jada, All The Time...

Pics, Pics, Pics

Pics from last couple of days

More interesting third day. Parental baptism by fire!!

It's official...

Now we know...

Interesting First Day

GOTCHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're in Nanning and less than 3 hours from Jada!!

Happy Anniversary to Us! Signing out from Beijing!

Sunday Church & The Great Wall

Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City & The Summer Palace

China's "Walmart"

Even more pics

More Chicago to Beijing Travel Pics

Beijing Continued

We're in Beijing!!

First Stop: New Orleans!! (OK...Kenner...)

34 Hours!!

China Travel Itinerary Final!!

Travel Phone Conference with AWAA Today

More Baby Shower Photos

"There was alot of LOVE there"

Champions!!

Baby Shower!!

2 Weeks!! (Revision 2)

Jada's Babyshower

Flights booked!!!

Did I say 2 weeks?

2 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!

Typhoon Kaemi rains down on Beihai July 27-28

More Adoption Workshop Pics

UPDATED Jada in The Advocate Thursday, Sept. 28th!