Pictures from Cathwel

We got our camera back today that we sent over in the care packages.
They took some really great pictures for us and I thought we would share some of them.

TECO Bound

TECO is the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. It is in Coral Gables (Miami). We found out that there is a new application form that has to be attached to your docs when they arrive and we don't have one! GRRRRRRR!! Our agency did not know about it so it took me a few days of calling to track one down. Another 5 days of our paperwork sitting here!! TECO faxed me a copy and now we can send the docs out. I have no clue what they do with our documents at TECO. I just know that I had to send them there. We paid the extra money to have the 3-6 day service so we can get things rolling.

Certification complete

We FINALLY received our dossier back from the SOS today! They returned it once due to a problem with our notary verbage. So now, off to TECO for Authentication. Please pray that this step goes a little smoother and quicker.

Care packages arrived

I got an e-mail today from Penny and she said that the packages had arrived for Blake and Sophia. The clothes we sent for Blake were way too big. I sent 8/10 and he must be more like a 6/7. He's a little peanut! His shoes fit good though! Blake took the camera and will be taking pictures for us. Can't wait to see them!
Penny also sent me some measurements of Sophia's feet (yes I asked....you know how we Harpold girls like our shoes! Unfortunately, the 6 pairs of shoes I have bought her will not fit her! Turns out she has some big feet!) and her height and weight. She may wear the same size as Blake soon! She is growing like crazy! Anyways, it was sweet of Penny to let me know they arrived.

Blake & Sophia meet for the first time!

Aren't they so sweet together!!! Penny, who works at the orphanage told us that they plan to schedule regular visits and playtime for Blake & Sophia so they can get aquainted. Apparently, they already act like brother and sister. Penny had to tell Blake to "Try to get along with Sophia". So sweet!!!

Ling-Wei's Birthday

Ling-Wei's birthday is October 2nd. We had hoped to have her home for her 3rd b-day but it hasn't worked out that way. Today we sent her a package with a blanket, a baby doll, cards from mommy and daddy, cards from brother and sisters, a card that about 75 people signed for her at church (not that she will read them), a couple of books, a dress and candy from Disney World (Mom went to Night of Joy there). Oh yeah, and a camera so they could take pictures of her birthday. We also sent Blake a package that had a "suit of sport" as Penny called it. Basically a jersey and some basketball pants. He requested black tennis shoes so we sent those, balls, and candy from Disney World too. We can't wait to see if the clothes fit them.

August Update

Weight is 18.5kg Height is 97cm. What can I say.....What beautiful children! Caregivers report that Ling-Wei is sharing toys with other children and helping take care of them. When they are giving out snacks and food, Ling-Wei will tell the caregivers which children hadn't been given anything. She would report to the caregivers if a child pressed the button on the elevator when they were not supposed too. Sounds like a little mommy!! The last statement on the update was that she is scared to be alone! I just want to go and bring her home so she doesn't ever have to feel like she is alone!!!

E-Mail from Penny

We received an e-mail from Penny stating that Chia-Ho accepts his name well.
They plan on calling our children by their American names from now on so when we arrive, they will answer to them. Now, if I could only get myself used to speaking of them and using their new names we will be doing good.

OK....It's Official

Chia-Ho's name will be Blake James Chia-Ho! We sent Penny an e-mail and we will wait to hear if he likes it.
I am going to have a hard time calling them by their English names. It's been such a long haul and we have been calling them their Chinese names for what seems like forever. We will have to practice.