Sweet Home Helena!

We are home!!!! Although China was an amazing country with the most kind and gentle people, we are tickled pink to be back in the good ole' USA! I ran through the airport in Bham (totally like that O.J. commercial) when I saw my sweet boy...couldn't wait to get my hands on him :) Troy and I had been up for 34 hours by the time we landed...oh goodness, China jetlag, we still aren't quite right but we're getting there.

Annalee was a trooper through the entire trip. So many airplanes, trains, and automobiles...even a couple of boat rides..so much change for such a little girl. She is adjusting well and starting to show us her little personality a little more each day. She's already gained 2 1/2 lbs since we got her, we're so thankful. Dylan and her instantly bonded and what a big bro she has! He is super protective and watches everyone around her...he yelled at Troy and I for making her cry as we tag teamed trying to wipe her stuffed up nose :) She laughs at everything he does and crawls around after him. He discovered that she cracks up when he jumps up and down so he's been my little Mexican jumping bean all over the house- just to make sister laugh.

We're still on "China time" - having a hard time reversing days and nights- if anyone has any suggestions, please send them...yowzy!!!

We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for the emails, messages, and prayers. Troy and I have been married 16 years , 14 of them have been dedicated to building our family. After adopting Dyl from Russia, we had no idea what HE had in store for us next. Then China spoke to our hearts. I had no idea how different this adoption would be from Russia. Annalee's orphanage was immaculate, bright, lots of toys and even crib bedding- strikingly different from Dylan's.  How thankful we are to have these sweet children and their amazing life stories. We laughed b/c we said how odd it would be not to have to "wait" for a child any longer. I joked with T that I'm sure Annalee would LOVE a little brother or sister :) My timing was probably a little off since we were in the middle of China w/no sleep and he was super sick :) God sure has blessed our family beyond measure, and I couldn't have dreamed it any better.

Wonderful news!

Hello family and friends of Denise, Troy, and Dylan!

Great news from Denise ~ I received an email update from Denise on Sunday and she asked me to post this message for her with new pictures.  Blessings, Cathy

"We're in Guangzhou now..yeah! One step closer to home. She did pretty well on the flight for a teething 1 year old :) She's been in a little bit of shock since we got her...lots of sleeping and not really eating or going potty...we talked to her Dr. back in the states and she said it was normal. She said we have no idea how difficult it can be emotionally for these little ones as they transition. Each day is getting better and she's beginning to eat....only congee (rice paste) and bread...so she's getting lots of both! We took her to her physical exam for the consulate yesterday. She only weighs 15 lbs. We knew she was small but didn't think that little. They said other than that she looks great!


We've met some amazing families all adopting as well. I get choked up just hearing their stories. We've met so many from the South!Troy warns me before leaving the room to keep my talking to a minimum, we never get far...so many Americans with their beautiful kids! I've never seen more hair bows and smocked dresses in all my life....I thank God for these incredible parents adopting older children and those with special needs...it's a sight like no other, all these sweet kids everywhere with their new parents....one family is here from Louisianna, they brought their 4 biological kids over and adopted a 12 year old boy w/only 1 leg...we see them in the hotel lobby with all his new brothers and sisters pushing him in his wheelchair...every time we see them, Troy looks at me and says "don't start crying"...

Speaking of Troy- say a prayer for him...he's been sick most of the trip..something he ate, we finally got help from a dr. and he's doing much better w/the meds....thank goodness...it was just me and Annalee for a few days, hittin the streets trying to find pharmacies :)

Tomorrow is our kind of "court date" at the consulate...we stay in our room and wait for the call where our advocate let's us know "its official" the adoption is complete...we can't wait...we know she's already but finalizing the legal part will be nice...we're still in shock ourselves that this amazing little girl is now our daughter, we've cherished all the little quiet moments where she let's go of a smile and seems to relax just a little bit more with us...We feel so humbled and honored to be her parents..people stop us on the street all the time to comment on how pretty she is...Troy just beams...we can't wait for everyone to meet her...

Wednesday we take a train to Hong Kong and then Thursday we fly back home!!! We're so excited to see Dyl and have this family together. We can't wait to see his face when he meets her. Can't wait to see everyone and get home, desperate for real diet cokes and Zaxby's...Thanks for all the prayers, they were heard!"
 
 

 

Denise and Troy with Annalee!

Hello family and friends of Denise, Troy, and Dylan! 

I have wonderful news from Denise - they got Annalee yesterday!  As soon as they pulled up to the office, they saw a group of women getting out of a van with a tiny baby. Troy and Denise said, "oh, look at that sweet little baby" having no idea it was their Annalee!   They handed Annalee to her and said "Congratulations"!  Of course, Troy and Denise cried and held her for the longest time before they moved from that very spot. She's very tiny, she's wearing 3-6 month old clothes!  She was in a bit of shock for the first 24 hours but is doing a lot better today. She's finally eating and not as scared. She's definitely a Daddy's girl , she cries if Troy leaves the room for a second. She's babbling, crawling, and already trying to walk. They stayed up all night just watching her sleep. 

They can't wait to get home and unite with Dylan.  They are scheduled to visit the orphanage tomorrow and fly to Guanzhou on Friday. 

On behalf of Denise and Troy, thank you for all of the sweet messages and prayers.  Blessings, Cathy

Update for Denise and Troy (by Cathy)

Hello friends and family of Denise, Troy, and Dylan!
This is Cathy, a long-time friend of Denise's.  I wanted to let everyone know they made it all the way to Kunming! They almost missed their flight through Chicago, it was delayed out of Birmingham. They ran up to the gate at the final boarding call.  Denise said the poor gate agent must have known why they were traveling, and said "it's okay" in the most assuring way.  They are very excited, it's been a long and exhausting journey.  China is blocking access to blogs and Facebook (hello Communism) so Denise asked me to post an update for her and Troy.  They are scheduled to get Annalee today at 2:00 pm.  They are so excited, but also nervous so please continue to pray for them. 

Denise said that Kunming is beautiful and people are nice...food is crazy unusual, and hopes to lose a few lbs while she's there (that's Denise for you!)...lots of turtle, frog, jellyfish sandwiches on the menu!

Signing off now for Denise and Troy. 

Blessings,
Cathy (Hood) Slayton

To China we go...Finally!

Thanks everyone for all your sweet messages, prayers, and support. We can't believe the day is finally here :) We leave late tonight/early morn and should be in Kunming Saturday night. I'll do my best to post from China, I heard its hit or miss in our province but Guangzhou shouldn't be a problem. Can't wait for you to see our beautiful little daughter.

Dylan is doing well and excited for us to go, he's requested we take pics of every Panda Bear we see :) Between his lemonade stand and our yard sale, we raised $1300 !!!! Troy and I will donate it to Annalee's orphanage. Our goal was only $500 so we were blown away with what we raised in 2 days- God is good and HIS presence was definitely felt through this last minute fundraiser. Thank you so much to everyone who came out for it and all our sweet friends who donated to the sale. Helena Rocks! Having done this before when getting Dyl, we know fully well that what the children need most can't be packed in a suitcase or purchased from a shelf....they need parents. If only I were rich...  :)

Next time you hear from us, 
we'll be saying"Ni Hau y'all!"         

Worth the Wait!

Hi there! As most of you know, Troy and I have been blessed by adoption with our precious son Dylan and now a beautiful baby girl, Annalee! We are honored and humbled that HE chose us for this incredible way to expand our family. Although the road to Annalee began over 3 long years ago, we are SO excited to share this journey with you as we near the end in bringing her home!

I'll do my best to chronicle our journey from now until we bring her home :) We should be able to post pics/updates while we are there...Our sweet little boy will be following this blog while we get baby sister....this is for you big bro' !

July 9th, its a GO!

We won't be leaving this week like we hoped...although very disappointed, we're incredibly grateful to the staff at Lifeline who have worked tirelessly to get us over there as soon as possible....they've moved mountains to expedite this and we will forever be grateful....each day, each hour seems like an eternity right now....they were finally able to secure our U.S. consulate appointment...which means we officially leave July 9th!!! We'll get into Kunming on July 11th and will have her in our arms the next morning. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!!! We spend a week there and then fly to Guanzhou for another week. There, we end the trip with her swearing in ceremony at the U.S. consulate...back home to the states late at night on July 22nd! Sweet Home Alabama :) 

We learned today that she is 17 lbs and 27 inches...small for her age but Troy and I will do our best to fatten her up...suitcase full of formula and baby food already :) We remember how tiny Dyl was when we first got him, within 2 months he was in the 95th percentile for height and weight....that's one thing this family does well....eat :)

Thank you sweet friends who have put up with me these last 2 weeks as we waited for the final word....you didn't sign up for this crazy ride but jumped on w/me as the loving friends you are...

Flights are booked, bags are packed, hairbows and outfits coordinated...just come on July 9th!!!
(I'm lifting weights every day so I can carry her as long as Troy ...lots of walking and sightseeing in China...I can already tell its gonna be an issue about who gets to hold her ...gotta bulk up , come on chicken arms, don't fail me!!!)

Leavin' on a Jetplane!!!

Well, we got the call! On Tuesday, (her 1st Birthday) our agency called with our Travel Approval!!! They are still confirming our consulate appointment but expect it to be on July 3rd or 4th. This means we may leave as early as next week...Wooo Hoooo!!!! We can't express how excited, nervous, and happy we are right now. We can't believe that in possibly 1 week we will have our sweet daughter in our arms!!! Thank you GOD for your amazing grace and mercy for this family. 

Please pray for Annalee as she says goodbye to her life in Kunming and the caregivers who have looked over her, pray that our first meeting goes well and she isn't frightened or overwhelmed by all the changes she will endure, pray for our strength as we walk through this with her, that we make the best decisions in helping her.  Will post again before we leave, thanks for all your sweet messages and support!   

Lemonade 4 Sale!

Dylan will be selling lemonade to raise money for Annalee's orphanage in Kunming. He came up with this idea after wanting to know everything about her life in China. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and cool off with a glass of lemonade, we'd love to see you!

Saturday, June 19th 
9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
We live in Amberley Woods in Helena (off CR 58)
You'll see his signs :)

All About Annalee..

She is 11 months old and will turn 1 on June 15th. She is beautiful (of course!) with a head full of hair and the most Angelic little face. She lives in an orphanage in South China ~ Kunming City. Her caregivers say she is happy, laughs alot, and loves music...(my future disco dancer, please Lord let her love the Bee Gees :) We hope and pray to be leaving for China in mid-July. We're waiting on a travel approval and U.S. Consulate appointment in Guangzhou. Please pray for her protection and health as she waits to come home, pray for our patience while we wait. We can't get to her quick enough, I'm already packing our bags :)