Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Good morning everyone. Thanks for all your comments. It is encouraging to know that there are people back home who love us and are praying for us.

We forgot to mention in the drama of yesterday that Julianna is officially ours. Part of yesterday's outing was a swing by the Civil Affairs Office to get our "red books", which is the official adoption certificate. We applied for her visa as well. The only paperwork left is pretty much with the American government. We have to visit the US Consulate once we have her passport and visa, which is sometime next week. The next several days are all tourist outings. The orphanage visit has been moved to Tuesday rather than this Friday as originally scheduled.

Now for the updates. Phillip is still without luggage. Fortunately we had packed some clothes in the carry on "just in case". We have sent stuff to the laundry once, so he may wear the same stuff, but at least it is clean. We bought him a straight razor and shaving cream, so he has lost the rugged outdoors man look. The airline automated message says the luggage has been located and is being delivered.

I'm not sure where we would buy congee in Mobile. There is a recipe somewhere in the stacks of papers from the adoption agency. Might could also find one online. It is a slow cooking affair, if someone (hint, hint grandma) wants to try making it.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

For some reason, my comments aren't always registering. Just wanted to say remember that you can always try ketchup or Ranch dressing on anything. Try sweet and sour? I know how you feel. Hang in there, you are a good mommy and daddy. By the way, miss the pictures.
love,
chris

Anonymous said...

I found a recipe on line for congee and we have what we need - rice, water, salt and cook it forever and then there is the recipe that calls for turkey bones, rice, water, salt and cook it forever. I think we can make it. I think a little sugar would help it. Dad says I can try it out on him.
It is good Julianna likes rolls, she will fit right in with our family. Can't wait until she is old enough to follow our tradition started by great grandmother - we get to ask her if she would like a roll and then as great grandmother would say, "then get on the floor and roll."
Do we need to look for a special type roll for Julianna for when you get home. Anything else we need to stock up on? What about the crackers you said the children liked?
Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

At the office, we are enjoying starting our day with our Julianna update! Thank you for letting us share this wonderful time with you.

Connie

Anonymous said...

HEY GUYS - WE ARE ENJOYING YOUR PICTURES AND NARRATIVES VERY MUCH -JULIANNA IS BEAUTIFUL AND IS JUST PRECIOUS - CONGRATS!!!! EVEN LANNY STOPPED BY MY COMPUTER WEDNESDAY MORNING TO CHECK THE BLOG - HE WAS QUITE CONFUSED AS HOW THAT WORKED!!!! ANYWAY - WE MISS YOU BUT KNOW THAT YOU GUYS HAVE WANTED THIS SO LONG AND IT IS WORTH ALL THE LOST LUGGAGE - TAKE CARE AND, OH YEA, STEVE SAYS WHERE'S YOUR TIMESHEET FROM LAST WEEK?????? HA HA HA - WE LOVE YOU GUYS AND ARE THINKING OF YOU DAILY!!! THE ZITO RUSSELL GANG!!!

Anonymous said...

I know it is difficult for you all right now, being in a different culture and being new parents all at the same time. But things will get better and you still have lots of folks praying for you.

Found a different recipe for congee made with chicken and I will try to have some ready for you when you get home.

Have you tried singing to Julianna? Music is suppose to be soothing you know. Phillip might try singing as a way to bridge the cultural gap. My choice would be "Jesus Loves Me."
Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

Go to Lucy's restaurant in the park beside the White Swan. They have chicken congee. It was our daughters favorite thing to eat while we were in China. She also loved the rolls served there. When you visit the orphanage ask them to show you how they prepare the bottles for the children. You may want to purchase a bottle in China. Usually the nipples on the bottles there are quite different than what you bring from home. Also be sure you cut a bigger hole in the nipple. The babies are used to fast flowing formula and the formula is usually very hot. Simply trying a different bottle may due the trick.
Best of Luck,
Courtney Jackson

Anonymous said...

phil and sherry

I love reading all of your entries. They are funny,happy, and stressful all at the same time. All the things that you are going through are what we all experience as parents. Wait till you have two. I have both of my boys in my lap watching the Wonder Pets. YOu wiil get to know them well. Phil, one day in choir you will have to ask Greg for some advice. He has worn all kinds of stuff, and I have him clean up all of the sick messes. Everything will work out on its own. Parenting is the hardest job I have ever had. We will keep praying for ya'll. Maybe she will be in Harper's sunday school class. Andi is.
Take care of yourselves
Leigh Walker

Anonymous said...

I agree with mom, Phil. Sing to her. Sing while she's falling asleep and sing to wake her up.
She will come around.
"Everybody Loves Philmond" Ha Ha!
Love you all so much,
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Dr. Meadows:

I have enjoyed reading all the comments from your family and friends. Can't wait to see Julianna. Someone from the office told me that you should be returning this Saturday and that your flight will be coming in around 10. Will try to get to the airport if this is the correct info.

Take care/Claudia