
08 July 2009
07 July 2009
03 July 2009
Happy Birthday, Aunt Debbie!
02 July 2009
Happy Birthday, Auntie Deb!
30 June 2009
27 June 2009
Just a fun Saturday
24 June 2009
Approaching Normal
18 May 2009
Fantastic Weekend
27 April 2009
A long overdue update
Wow - our last post was FROM China?!?!?!? On one hand, I cannot believe we have been so remiss! On the other hand... To say that the past 2 months have been 'busy' would be a drastic understatement. Words like 'overwhelming', 'life-changing' and even 'scary' would probably be more accurate. Where to begin?
On the night of 5 March, we landed back in the US with our Molly. We were tired, anxious - and ecstatic to be home. The first month was, frankly, brutal! Molly was confused to say the least, and Anna was also very upset with us for leaving and not too sure what we had done to her formerly ordered life. Understandably it also took Molly a long time to conquer jetlag, so sleep was a long forgotten luxury for the first couple of months. Happily, we've figured out some strategies to get a little more sleep and the girls are getting along wonderfully - there is NO other sound like the two of them giggling together.
Since our arrival back home we've been sick almost straight through. The kids had a really rough time - on top of a terrible flu (we really think we have had the infamous Swine Flu) Anna had her first run of ear infections and Molly had walking pneumonia. She just 'graduated' from the nebulizer and is finally healthy. Best of all, she seems HAPPY and you can imagine how good that makes us feel.
We still have a lot of settling in to do, but this is the GOOD part - we are all feeling HOME at last!
We will make a serious effort to keep the blog and photos more up to date now that we are getting a handle on things - but even as I type that the girls are giving me a hard time for trying to take 10 minutes on the computer! It has taken me over a week to write these few lines - so bear with us! We'll catch up. In the meantime, here are a few recent photos. Thanks everyone for your support and love - we can't tell you how much it has meant to us.

01 March 2009
27 February 2009
Leaving for Guanzhou - another step closer to home!
As John mentioned in his last post, the families we have met here have been amazing. All of the kids are thriving, all of the parents are ecstatic (and tired and homesick!) and the feeling we get from being part of this community is unlike anything I have experienced before. To top that off, they are fun to be around! When you go through such intense times with people, you bond so quickly - we will truly miss a lot of our new friends and look forward to keeping in touch for years and years to come.
26 February 2009
Sometimes you get reminded just how great people can be ...
What a difference a day makes...


It is Thursday evening here in Changsha. Molly is currently doing everything a toddler SHOULD do - tearing the room apart, unpacking suitcases, eating cheerios, etc. Best of all, she is also smiling, giggling, hugging and is even starting to give kisses. The difference in just a few short days has been astonishing. Today she sat in a highchair to eat her noodles, rice, cheerios, toast and eggs - plus the pound cake that she can't get enough of (yeah, we'll impose better eating habits when we get home!). She is drinking from a variety of sippy cups and seems to be entirely done with the bottle - we are donating the formula that we bought with us to a local orphanage. She is so tall! Very few of the clothes we bought are long enough. John and I are very happy - and utterly exhausted! Molly has been a generally great sleeper, so we are hoping for a repeat of that tonight so that we can all wake up feeling more energetic in the morning. We are counting the days until we get home so that we can really settle in, but until then we are trying to document the area in photos for Molly so that she will have an idea of her birth country. Tomorrow (Friday) is our last day in Changsha. We leave for Guangzhou on Saturday where we finalize the adoption and from there we fly home on Thursday. We'll keep posting as much as we can. In the meantime, here are a few more photos for your viewing pleasure. We are excited to share Molly's beautiful smile with you all - we are thrilled every time we see it!
23 February 2009
Here she is!


What a day! I don't think an hour (minute?) passed today without one of us using words like 'finally', 'can't believe it' and 'surreal'. But this surreal day finally came - and we still can't believe it! We'll post more details and fill in the blanks about our trip so far (lost luggage, retail challenges, new friends) but for tonight we just want to let you wonderful people all know that at about 4pm today, Monday 23 February 2009, Margaret Xidi Curtin - Molly - finally came into our lives. She did a of crying at first. It was actually fairly traumatic for all of us, even though her reaction was expected. Imagine how confusing and scary it was for her to be handed away from her beloved nanny and into the arms of these funny looking strangers, especially at her more 'advanced' age (thanks Hague, etc). She expressed this opinion long and loud for about an hour, but after some hugs, songs and some time she started to cuddle with both of us. In fact - John earned a few giggles by the time we got back to the room. She was exhausted - fell asleep on Katharine and is now snoring away in the crib. We hope she will sleep for at least a few hours - partly so that we can (John is also snoring away - we are so behind on sleep!) and partly because she seems to have a chest cold that we look forward to curing. Our wonderful adoption agency has already contacted us and will arrange for a doctor's visit tomorrow. We tried to feed her congee, milk, bottles - but because none were as appealing as sleep, we expect to get a request for food before morning. On the way home from the long and dramatic 'gotcha' meeting, we had to stop at a local store for baby supplies since our luggage was still missing. But within less than an hour of being back in our hotel room we received a call to say that our luggage has been found and will be delivered to the hotel this evening! I've never been so relieved... SO - that is the update for now. There will be MUCH more to come as we get to know this little girl and as she gets used to us. We hope to see many more smiles in the days, weeks, months and years ahead - and we look forward to sharing them with you.
18 February 2009
Finally!
We leave for China THIS Friday - the day after tomorrow! We expect to meet our Molly on Monday 23 February and we will be home in Maryland by 6 March. Katharine's mom is taking care of Anna while we are gone. Molly's room is ready and waiting for her - and we are packing like crazy people. After THREE years of waiting, you'd think we'd have been ready to go, but it just doesn't seem to work that way...I can’t believe it is finally happening. While we are in China we will post updates on Facebook and will try to update our blog. Can’t wait to share the experience with you all. We REALLY can’t wait to get this baby home!
Thank you so much for your love and support. We are so lucky to have you all in our lives.
30 December 2008
Good news?!?!?!?!?!?
I thought I’d feel relieved and elated. Instead, after SO many years of waiting and worry, I am afraid to relax and enjoy! It seems inevitable that there will be another delay somewhere along the road after everything we’ve been through – hopefully not. So I am just throwing myself into the planning (setting up her room, packing…) and trying to let it sink in gently.
So much more to come – but I wanted to make sure that you all heard the news right away! Thank you ALL so much for your support. We are the luckiest people in the world to have you in our lives.
14 December 2008
07 December 2008
At last something good to say!
After all these months of calling, writing, waiting we finally got a call from the agent who is handling our I800A petition. And get this – she was a kind, efficient, compassionate, proactive person! It seems that for some reason I will never understand (and will work to change) the USCIS holds I800A applications for approximately 90 days before anyone reviews them. No exceptions. Within hours of receiving our file, our agent had emailed me with an initial update, contacted our adoption agency to discuss the minor modifications they need to make and called me personally to tell me that it is her goal to get us our I800A approval by my birthday – 22 December! I am hesitant to get too excited because we have faced so many delays and disappointments along the way, but I feel better knowing that something is finally happening.
I am hesitant to get too excited because we have faced so many delays and disappointments along the way, but I feel better knowing that something is finally happening.
Thank you all so much for your continued support. I’m convinced that the many letters you have all written have helped in ways that we will never know – can’t ever thank you enough. We will keep updating you!! Keep your fingers crossed – we are hoping to have her home in January/February…
04 December 2008
Update of sorts

SO – here is some GOOD news! Sort of. Our Congressman in Maryland is Chris Van Hollen. Lillian Cruz in his office has been remarkable. Not only has she tried to help us track down information, she has even called to follow up. We’ve been pleasantly surprised and very grateful. We do have a bit of an update. Apparently, like everyone we’ve heard from so far, we are going to be asked for additional information. Ridiculous considering how much we have already provided AND infuriating that we had to wait 3 months to be asked, but I am trying to remain positive and see this as a step in the right direction. So we are waiting for them to send the next round of forms and as you know we will break records to get them completely asap. And as you also know, we will keep you posted on any additional developments.
Thank you so much for thinking of our Molly and sending your love and support to all of us. It helps keep her close to us in a strange way. We have you all to thank for helping us feel the presence of our child even now when we miss her so much.
Thank you all!
18 November 2008
THANK YOU!
According to the USCIS, as of September 15, 2008, of the 794 I-800 A applications received since April, only 107 cases have been approved and 687 are pending. I don't know about you, but if I was returning odds like that in my job, I would have lost it long ago!
We still cannot get anyone at the USCIS to give us information. We did get a 'new' phone number today and are optimistic, but the office hours are only 10-noon daily and although I called nonstop during that 2-hour window today, I only got through to a voice mail message. We will stay on it. Fingers remained crossed.
I also want to share with you our appreciation to Governor O'Malley's office. I was contacted by a representative yesterday.
Thank you, thank you. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and such a loving family.
29 October 2008
27 October 2008
Pumpkin Sunday
Anna's Grandad
Anna's Chair
Zoe's Birthday
Anna Turns One - October 6
Anna's First Birthday Party
24 September 2008
25 August 2008
Anna

08 August 2008
Frustration...
We haven't posted updates about Molly lately because we have been stuck in a paperwork nightmare. It is too long a story to go into, but between the new Hague requirements, expiration of the initial papers we filed (after all, we have been waiting 3 years!) and the move, we had to redo EVERYTHING and are probably going to miss our September trip. We are hoping for a miracle and we will jump and run the minute we are allowed to. I'm very anxious about her being there in the cold weather - at the very least I will be sending tons of blankets and warm clothes for Molly and her friends! They were without electricity for 8 days last winter and a lot of the babies were hospitalized, so I can't help being a little anxious. BUT, I am trying to concentrate on the fact that she WILL be home soon and believe that she will be ok.
Thanks so much everyone who has been asking for updates - and for the support of those of you who have been watching this struggle!
Much more to follow...
29 July 2008
24 July 2008
Anna's latest trick - pulling up and standing practice
21 July 2008
On the homefront
Boxes, boxes and more boxes - and this was just the beginning! We are still digging out...
On the 4th of July we found out that we have a perfect view of the fireworks from our deck! A very nice welcome...
Anna, thinking, in the blue playroom.
Anna in her bath. I can't believe the difference in bath time from the 'early days' - she loves it now!
Daddy and Anna out on the deck after going to church on his 42nd birthday. We had a wonderful family weekend and our first dinner party in the new house!
Anna in her new upstairs playroom - we figured this room would probably get a lot more use as a playroom than a formal living room right now! John gets the credit for that one - great idea.
Anna in the stroller Grammy (Katharine's mom) got for her. It was supposed to stay in CT but somehow found its way to MD. Thanks, Mom!!
Anna in the family room chasing the rattling maracas from baby-expert Amy - a great favorite.
So very many more photos, updates and stories to come! We are all so happy in our new home and look forward to lots of visits. xo
A very long overdue catch up!
Well, I can tell you this. I swear that we have really great reasons for being such terrible blog updaters! After consulting on a project with them, John was offered a job with FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Agency), located in Rockville, MD. The job is perfect for him and the timing was great, so we spent the next 2 months racing around trying to find a new house, pack up the old one - while still trying to keep Anna on somewhat of a schedule. On 20 June we closed on a great house in Boyds, MD, and we moved the following week. Although we still have a lot of boxes to dig through, we are generally settled. John now has a 15 minute commute - a far cry from his former 4 hours a day on the train and subway. Not only does he get home in time for dinner most nights, he also gets time to play with Anna and help with bed and bath time - so much better than only seeing her on the weekends! We are very happy.Anna is thriving. She has a great new room - and she settled in very quickly, sleeping through the night as soon as her crib was set up. She is enjoying her playroom, especially now that she is so mobile! She is pulling up on everything - a new trick that keeps her very busy. She makes the funniest faces - she seems to have a lot on her mind! We can't wait to watch both of our girls get to know each other.
We have lots of room for guests - come see us!
14 July 2008
It's a girl!!

At long, long last – after 4 years of paperwork, and 3 years of the ‘official’ wait – we are so proud and happy to share this news. We have finally received our referral for our daughter who we plan to name Margaret Xi Di (or Xidi - still learning about that) Curtin, and call Molly. Anna has a sister!! Molly is currently residing at the Chenzhou orphanage in China. She was born in the Hunan province on 24 September 2007, so she is about 2 weeks older than Anna. Perfect! Our virtual twins – and the lights of our lives.We are so happy.
There is MUCH more news to come. We will get a translation of her referral papers soon, so we will share information as we learn more.
We hope to travel in late August/early September – China will dictate the date. We are also feverishly running around completing the Maryland paperwork as a result of our move – but it is so worth it!
Thank you all so much for your love and support in this LONG process. We can’t wait for you all to meet her!
PS - Yes, I owe a lot more in terms of Curtin family info updates, but this news was too special to add to an email about anything else. More to come!
20 March 2008
Uncle Chris
Anna got to meet her wonderful Uncle Chris a few weeks ago (yes, I am still THAT behind on the blog...). She had a great time and Uncle Chris was a complete baby pro - probably because he has done such a great job raising his own three kids, Anna's cousins! She also got to see her godmother Auntie Debbie again (the TRUE baby pro!) - it was a great day!
16 March 2008
Toys
Here are some photos of Anna with some of her favorite toys. We're not sure who has more fun - her playing with them, or us watching! Actually, I think we win on that one...

My feet are my very favorite new toy.

I want both of these thing in my mouth at the same time... (We had to retire her little gym - she is outgrowing everything!)

I love my doggy...

...and Princess Froggy...
...and my dinosaur.

I love to read my 'Hey Diddle Diddle' book. I also love to chew on it...

...and shake it around!
I'm having fun being a baby.
14 March 2008
Catching up
09 February 2008
Go Giants! Beat Green Bay! Cause Anna Says So
Ok folks, now that I've had a week to recover from the amazing defeat the Giants handed the New England Patriots I thought I would share with you pictures of the New York Giant's newest fan! Some of you may not know this but when growing up my Uncles and my father would always yell 'Go Giants! Beat Green Bay!' This was always a little confusing since the Giants usually weren't playing Green Bay at the time, they didn't seem nearly as hateable as the team whose name can only be uttered if preceded by an expletive - hint, they have a star on their helmet. It wasn't until this playoff season that I finally learned about the '62 and '63 championship games that Green Bay and the Giants played way back then. You learn something new every day ...
02 February 2008
Ein schönes Geschenk von Kiel!!!! (A Beautiful Gift From Kiel!)



Bathtime - redemption!
Kissing frogs
The Kicker
13 January 2008
Winston!
Here is Anna with her BIGGEST new friend, Winston. Winston was a Christmas present from Uncle Chris, Aunt Debbie and her cousins Meghan, Courtney and Christopher. This is part of a longstanding Curtin family tradition that started when Meghan's uncles (John and Pat) began showering their new niece with HUGE animals - despite the protests of her parents. After all, how many huge stuffed friends can one family fit in their home? Essentially - this is payback! We look forward to watching Anna continue to interact with Winston as she becomes more and more aware of her environment! And we love our Atlanta family. xoxo
Our fun loving happy little girl!
03 January 2008
Cousins!
On New Years Eve, Anna got to meet her cousins - Meghan, Courtney and Christopher - and her Godmother, Debbie. It was a great visit!
Since she is an only child her house is relatively quiet. Anna was completely overwhelmed by the noise and commotion - especially by Christopher's healthy active toddler interests, such as pot banging and door slamming! I'm sure he will be teaching her a lot of tricks in the future...
Christopher also loved his shades - how cute is he in his glasses?
It was wonderful so see all 4 of the Curtin grandkids together. Notice that we TRIED hard to get a good photo, but Christopher doesn't like to sit still! It was so funny to watch.
I know that Anna is making a terrible face in her photo with Debbie, but she loved her Auntie Deb and even took a nap in her arms - that is a rarity! Debbie is clearly a pro - and how anyone can look so young and pretty with kids ranging from toddler to teen? If it is in the Atlanta water I am going to ask her to bottle and ship it!















































