Zian's welcoming

some more pics

2009-02-03T11:29:00.005+10:00

Poulsen gorgeous kids

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2009-01-31T20:57:00.002+10:00

WOW. I just can't believe how time flies.My last blog was back on Dec 1 08 and here i sit at the end of January wondering where the time has gone..So much has happened and never enough time to sit down and add to my blog page.

December was filled with last day at school in grade 5 for Jake and Tayn and Zian were attending kindy two days a week. We had Tayn and Zians xmas concerts in late December and what a treat that was...

Christmas this year was celebrated with Dave's family in Cairns and we visited for 5 days..had a lovely time and kids enjoyed being trully spoilt by them.Thanks to Kim for giving up her unit for us to stay in aorconditiong comfort.

Boxing day:
ZIANS 2nd BIRTHDAY.
We left Cairns in morning and travelled home to Townsville and celebrated with a DORA cake with Nanny and Grandad.
We will always celebrate Zians birthday with a cake within our own family on Boxing day, however she will always celebrate her FOREVER DAY 25th Feb with friends and extended family members. This will celebrate her day as us becoming her family and as she entres school she can then celebrate with school friends her birthday which she otherwise would never have due to christmas and families travelling.

New Years we celebrated at Rollinstone caravan park camping with friends and giving the kids the freedom of which comes with camping....This new year is to be our year.

My new years resolution is for it to be all about me...To make time for me to love me and to care for me.

School holiday just flew by and really diddnt achieve to much...

Last week of holidays my 2 girlfriends and myself took our selves camping without the husbands/partners for 3 nights and had a wonderful time.The husbands and 5 other families joined us on the friday of Australia day weekend..What a wonderful trip we had. We also celebrated Chinese New Year..
I had organised a family treasure hunt and some craft for chinese New year and for Australia day we did a thong throwing ,tug-o-war, played tee ball and did tattoos and hairspraying...We had a great time and kids had a blast.I think we counted 19 adults and 23 children.

Chinese New Year eve we came back to Townsville to Celebrate with ZIans adoption group and had a wonderful dinner at the Sun Doo restuarant. Zian wasnt to excited by chinese music or danging Lion.She gets quite distressed and does like anyone chinese talking to her...This i am unsure of what the issue for her is yet.

Jake and Tayn have started at a new school , Annandale Christian School and are both very happy with the change.Dave and i are so proud of them both for undertaking the change and giving it a really good go in their first week. Jake has already signed up for Chess program.. Zian wanted to stay in Tayns Pre-prep class and i had to pull her out crying...

So my weeks are going to fly past now with school runs and all afterschool activites....

Jake is doing chess tennis and soccer.Tayn is doing little sports stars tennis and soccer and Zian is doing swimming and hopefully dance....
Dave is back at work and busy as usual...

So this year keep posted as i hope to update more regular than end of last year..

MORE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-01T18:31:00.003+10:00

The North Queensland Intercountry Adoption Support Group has had some wonderful news this last week with 3 allocations. We have had the pleasure of Welcoming 2 allocations from CHINA.
Both children are from Gaozhou SWI and are both SN files....
Congratulation to both Sandra and Clay and Jim and Cheryl on your allocation.
I spent some time today with Sandra and Cheryl just talking about the China Process and travel. It seems like a lifetime ago however it was only 9 months ago that we travelled to Zian. It makes me feel so clucky again and so exited about the whole process from now to forever day.

It is just a wonderful time for both families....

On the home front Jake turned 10 yesterday and we went to dinner with Nanny and grandad at Sizzlers. Jake had a wonderful day and was spoilt as a result of double figure birthday.
All 3 kids are recovering from chest infections and Dave had the flu and of course i couldn't escape either with me going down with flu and chest infection. Feel lousy really!!!!!

Today we have decided we will spend Christmas in Cairns this year with David's family. We hope to be able to bring some joy to end of a miserable year for them, with all has happened up there.
We will have a family holiday and take kids to the crocodile farm water park and do some site seeing up that way....

We have decided we as a family will always celebrate Zians birthday on boxing day but will ask all friends and outside of inner family to help celebrate Zians forever Day 25th Feb as her party and gift day...Our reason for this is as she grows and goes to school she will never have the opportunity to share her birthday with school friends etc. Boxing day is always still Christmas.Just ask Elisha or Pat.With the recognizing of her Forever day brings a lovely reason for Zian to receive gifts and to have a party.

We are celebrating Zian's Intercountry support group Christmas party this Friday night....Is always wonderful to catch up with all the kids as they are growing so fast.
Saturday night we have a girlfriends Christmas party and i think we are then done.

Signing off Jo

GREAT NEWS TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-20T11:42:00.003+10:00

Today we finally received Zian's Australian birth certificate... We are so happy for Zian that in the years to come she will have this piece of paper that will allow her to have an identity of being born in China however recognized in Australia with Dave and i being her Mother and Father. It is exactly the same as Tayns reads from the Northern territory.
We would like to thank Carol from N.t Adoption for her work in helping me compile all necessary paperwork for the Attorney generals office to accept our request for Birth Certificate.
To date in Australia only 2 states recognize a Chinese born child through inter country adoption, with an Australian birth certificate... NOT HAPPY WITH THIS ISSUE -----
And again it is why we need 1 governing body at Federal level to over see All Inter country Adoption laws, legislation, time frames and costing of adoption.
We have this week starting on 17th for the first week ever in Australia launched ADOPTION AWARENESS WEEK, this will be a yearly event .The aim of awareness week is to make aoption more of a talked about and understood topic. To make adoption excepted.
www.adoptionawarenesweek.com.au

What a wonderful advancement in understanding families and their childrens journeys....

Zian looking Gorgeous

2008-11-04T10:00:00.002+10:00

This photo is just so beautiful. A photographer Sarah Black in Melbourne took this pic of Zian at my brothers house. It was one of those moments. Zian wasnt in a photo shoot. Curtis Rohan and jay and peg were. We were visting and just there. Sarah just took a shot and this is the result...

SHARING SOME PICTURES

2008-11-03T11:39:00.005+10:00

Zian wearing her eddible rings.Yummy!!
This is so cool -this bumping in to each other game

Zian and Mia at beach house playing Bumping Game

Happy Birthday Daddy.

Thanks Nathon for helping with toffee for cake!!!

Cousin Tiffany pushing us on swing at beach house

Playing Golf..EMMMNN

Taylah playing hairdresser to Zian.

Love the Do!!!

OOOO mummy

We had our third assesment from our asw this week, it is another step to being finialized in post placement of adoption wih QLD.

Only on more to go and we don't hear from them again.!!!!!!

Very Strange process really.China requires two repors with the first year and 2 sets of updated photos to accompany social workers report...

We just do what is asked of us and play the game with minimal fuss...

All is quiet around here whih is really nice.I have slowed down my pace of working as i need a little break.

Sue my girlfriend and i just spent the weekend in Melbourne.

We shopped, saw the stage production of Wicked which was fab and got kisses and cuddles from my nephews Curtis and Rohan..

Very quick trip but worth every minute of time spent....

And sooo unexpected but so cherished is My brother Jason and wife Peggy have asked david to be godfather to Rohan.Pics to be added as wont load up today.!!

I WANTED TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU

2008-10-20T14:13:00.003+10:00

How to Dance in the Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him.
I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victi m of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.' I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, But how to dance in the rain.

I WANT TO BE PREGNANT AGAIN

2008-10-20T12:21:00.005+10:00

SOOO THIS IS MY ULTRA SOUND

It amazes me the journey that we have taken in our years together as husband and wife. Today is Dave's birthday and tomorrow our 14th year wedding anniversary. We have certainly had our ups and downs but can say more Ups then anything else. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children who are all their own spirits. We as a family enjoy a wonderful groups of friends both close and of course those who live away but are in our thoughts always. We have family beside us as well as away and again they are always close in our heart and minds. We Have started or business this year and Dave is busy with his job as Technical Trainee Management officer at the Army Training centre. I am busy working the business( casual only) by day and hairdressing by ( appointments only). Then of course there is all the kids sports commitments etc.

So why is it that during our adoption journey with Zian i wrote that to have the blessing of a daughter into my family would complete me????????????????

Well friends and family i am here to say i am not complete and that we have decided to put a application of interest in the QLD system in the hope we will be able to welcome another child into our family. This process will be extremely long and with no guarantees from both the Government side or ours that we will have the blessings of our dream. So we ask that you do send a pray / positive energy our way. We are looking into special needs program to see if this would fit our family as well. We are Hoping the China program is again for us and a daughter would be a miracle however a boy will fill our hearts just as much.

The QLD program is so so so very different to N.T program and i so so so wish we could use the same program we went through to have Zian enter our lives..

So officially from my end i am PAPER PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The QLD department will firstly have to officially receipt our paperwork and wait another 12 month to education and even been oversea paper work. I will keep you informed during our journey ahead..

WE SURVIVED SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

2008-10-20T11:27:00.008+10:00

Mia and Zian playing Dr's and nurses
fire truck and me

Tayn trying out Put Put
Jake having a go at put put

Cuppa Tea for any one????
Look at me mum No Feet!!!!!

On the beach at Airlie....
Boys playing Tennis(well trying)

Face painting for FREE at Caravan park

I can go sooooo Fast

Tayn n Zian and Paige and Mia
Yep im playing tennis with the BIG kids

We headed off for a week to Airlie Beach.We stayed at a Big 4 Caravan park which is so family friendly....It offers lge swimming pool with 2 slides, 18 hole put put, jumping pillow,jnr and snr playground plus tennis and basketball court. Kids had a blast,

We now allow the older two the freedom of the park and they make friends from other families now. Next two Tayn and Paige also get some freedom and love riding their bikes with no training wheels all around.The little two Mia and Zian want the freedom and try and follow the others but stay around us......They love riding their bikes as well.

A fire truck came and spend some time educated kids on fire danger.Kids loved getting to hold hose and spray water everywhere. Mia was the only lucky one to get to sound the siren.

We had tea parties with the littles kids and baked cookies.We did painting and craft and ate lots and lots of yummy food.

We went into water lagoon at Airlie beach for a day and swam and walked around Airlie Beach.

We were sad to leave and come home!!!!!!

School holiday hair do's

2008-09-20T20:06:00.006+10:00

This is the side view of our trailer
And other side when set up

Our last delivery of Johhno's camper trailers
This is one of our camper trailers set up for a client.

Jake happy to play with me.
Finished style.Soo cute

Some foils pls mum
Yep im the dude!!!!

Yes it is that time again and the kids are on September school holidays for 2 weeks. I find by the end of term that jake is in need of r&r. The brain has started to fry. Jake's school just had their fete, which Jake was allowed to attend by himself. Yes i have stretched the umbilical cord from our house two doors up from the school, to allow him to attend by himself. he was given the rules and codes if he required help with my mobile number written on his arm. I can now report that i was so proud of him as he came home at the check-in times i asked of him and he had no mishaps and he really enjoyed the freedom. but of course now he wants the umbilical cord cut..Mummy is so not ready for this, and he is only 9 3/4 years old.. Double figures are approxing fast. So with school holidays here he boys usually want crazy hair so i have some pics for you. I just love to play, can't wait for Z to want some foils.(hehe)

We have all just been through the flu,vomitting and other end. So life hasnt been all smiles for a while. We have decided that we all need to get healthier and stress less and stay happy longer. So we will build on this over holidays!!!!!!!!

Take care and will post holiday pics as they come...

Kids just being kids

2008-09-16T09:44:00.004+10:00

Zian just relaxing back
kids bike racing througout the house
Taylah and Jake with Zian
Kids at beach
aftre math of a mud fight

finally a photo of me n kids

Tayn had a sore on his nose and band aids fix everything

Tayn's 4th Birthday

2008-09-05T18:18:00.005+10:00

Presents for Tayn
Big brother there to help out
Karen Charlotte and Zian at Tayn's Party @ Lollipops
Cmon Charlotte keep up with me

Tayn n Buddy Cameron flying high
Two little cutties

hold on down we go

WEEE watch me mum i can swing off the bar

i love driving

Tayn loves playing with me

Updating my Growing Fast kiddies

2008-09-03T13:22:00.002+10:00

im a big girl riding tayn's bike
Girls washing mums new car

CORN FOR ALL

Kids all eating corn and loving the juice flying out everywhere.

WELCOME ROHAN ANDREW McCALLUM

2008-09-03T13:03:00.001+10:00

Jason my brother and his wife Peggy Stewart have welcomed their adorable 2nd child, Rohan Andrew to their family. He is a little broether to Curtis Darren McCallum.e

Aidens Gotcha Day

2008-09-03T12:25:00.005+10:00

This is Aiden Feb 27th and Kaleab At Foshan Orphanage

This is Aidens Gotcha day

Ms Tang director Ms Deung assistant, deliver Aiden to his

eagerly awaiting family

In hotel just Loving Life

Congratulations to Aiden and his family.

We had the pleasure of meeting Aiden at Zian's orphanage in Foshan. We were able to give Aiden a loving cuddle sent to him from his Mom who at the time back in Feb 08 was still waiting for her travels dates.

At the time of our travel Aiden was not well, and the extreme cold weather China had just had did not agree with Aidens health issuses. Aiden has some wholes in his heart which as soon as Heidi and family return home to America they are seeking medical help from specialists

Aiden was so small for his age but was as cheeky as could be. Zian ans Aiden played in his cot and run from end to the other like silly billys. They laughed and were very loud. At the time, i remembered Aiden had a sadness in his eyes.

A week later another friend Connie also from America had her Gotcha Day with Kaleab.Connie and family also visited the Foshan.A comment i read from Connie was all Aiden needed was a mommy and daddy and lots of love. Well after looking at Heidis blog yes he has it and WOW how he knows this is his family and hes so happy and content. Aiden is a little older and Heidi has been sending care packages with Photos etc so Aiden would be familiar with there faces which is so very very comforting to him.

I'm back already!!!!!!

2008-08-12T20:48:00.009+10:00

this is the im cute pose for mums benefit

Do i play tennis or play Barbies. I love em both!!!

This is Barbie world

a young tennis star in the making-trained by grandad Bob

Teeth Brushing Morning style
Auntie Nikki thinks i'm cute.

Hope you enjoyed the few photos i found to pop on to blog for you.

We had a good school holiday break. Kids are always ready for the break. We went BUSH CAMPING at Charters Towers, west of Townsville. What a experience it was. Had a great time, just had to realize we were in the bush not a tourist park. Kids loved that we could have a fire and so did the big boys .

It was freezing for us at 6c, thank goodness for electricity and heaters.

Zian had her little gal pal Payton to play with on this trip and they spent the few days playing in a tyre full of dirt and a sprinkle pole.

Since then we have had the good news of David's sister Kim becoming engaged to Casey Matthews. All new and moving fast. They have waited to late 30's to find each other and aren't wasting a minute in building there new life together. They became engaged 3 weeks ago and we have a wedding mid September. We are happy for them both and kids are rapted that they have another uncle, who comes with 38 cousins in law.....

Dave's leg is still giving him grief, i don't believe it will ever be the same again. It is definitely life changing with what he can do and can't do. Not to mention he's getting old and grumpier.!!!!hehe

Jake has joined cubs/scouts and has been attending for 3 weeks now. He had a camp on weekend and is really enjoying it. I have had to volunteer this Sat night and Sun morn at scout fundraiser food outlet. Where will Jake be, at home snug in bed, while I'm out there working and freezing on strand...EEMMNNN Scouts!!!!!

Johnno's Camper Trailers has been a great venture for me to enter into. We had the pleasure of going to Hervey Bay for head office conference last week. We had no children and 9 hour boardroom days. + evenings out to dinner with a few drinks. Was so nice,

The seminar was informative and we appreciate the product that we sell and hire. Johnno's Australia have built a great camper Trailer and we are proud to be a part of such a forward moving Australian owned company.

psome photos to share

2008-08-12T10:26:00.004+10:00

Zian learning to boogie board

jake towing the little two

mum its chilly again
im just going to go for a ride

me in action you wont see this again
jake looking happy and cold

Yes i've been very slack

2008-08-12T10:08:00.004+10:00

Zian n Payton playing in a flower pot
Yep daddy's girl

camping at Charters Towers July holidays
Tayn blew a chain and Zians checking it out

Well hello to all,

Yes im so sorry ive been slack updating this blog, an for all that live so far awayi know this is your life line to us, as i never have phone time.So boy how time flies..Zian has been in our arms for nearlly 6 months and now her true personality is showing. She is Boss and wow what a temper. We have a little girl who wants to communicate but is frustrated,so we have now found a little byter. I feel im in uncharted waters on disciplining a little girl. Both boys went through Biting phase. It just feels different in the tone and manner i need to use with her. So i will work through this phase and hopefully she will move on quickly.So where do i start.

We had the Collins Family from Darwin visit us for a week back in June.Was so nice to see each other again. They enjoyed meeting Zian and seeing the boys as they have all grown so much since we saw them 2 years ago. Jackson is 10 and has filled out and gotton taller. Isabella is no longer a baby and is a big girl.The kids all got on famously.Jackson, maybe next year we could talk mum n dad into flying you here for june july holidays by your self, and we could go camping and just have poulsen family time fun.

When you look at pictures i wonder if you can tell who takes them all!!!!!

So mum n Dad have been in buderim for 6 weeks which was a nice break for them.Their renovations on house in Townsville are finished and look great. Mum then flew down to Jay,Peg n Curtis for a few days. She had a lovely time and Curtis now remembers Nanny.Peg is doing well in pregnacy and bub due mid August. Can't wait to meet our new addidtion when arrived.I think Zian an i will do a quick trip to Melbourne for kisses and cuddles.

some pictures to share

2008-05-26T00:56:00.004+10:00

ALL IN FOR KISSES MTHERS DAY 08
THE FOOT MASSAGE MOTHERS DAY 08
yep its Mum and me

MY BESTIES 2ND BIRTDAY MIA's DORA CAKE
KISSES ALL AROUND MOTHER DAY 08

COOK OFF TIME POULSEN STYLE!!!!

At the beach house with all the kids

Ready for my swimming lessons

OH HOW TIME IS FLYING!!!

2008-05-26T00:28:00.002+10:00

Here i sit writing this blog and have just realised tomorrow we have had the pleasure of having Zian in our arms for 3 months. It truly feels like she has always been with us.
She has progressed in such leaps n bounds. We are now up to date with QLD immunization with 6 given all in one hit , so we experienced a different Zian for a weeks period. I would like to say OUR Zian is back. She has also teethed 4 large back teeth during this time. So for all mothers you can imagine what it was like.
Zian loves her swimming lessons which we attend every week for a half hour lesson. Tayn plays in the playgroup while Zian and I enter the water.Thank goodness for heated pools at the moment. Tayn and Jake are also enjoying their lessons which of course are all at different times. Jake has just advance to next level of swimming, which he is proud of. Tayn is a water kid and swims effortlessly.
Dave has just been home again for 5 weeks due to another knee reconstruction,which has been nice for the kids but i worry that now he is heading back to work the kids now have go through that transition again.I'm am so ready to have my house back during the days.
We also just bought a business ,hiring and Selling of camper trailers. It is a franchise and offers us a lifestyle as well as having the freedom of running a home based business so i can stay at home with the children. We are Johnno's Camper Trailers Townsville.
Kids just love there dress up days and love to have pictures taken so you will see some familiar costumes just worn slightly different over the times.
Dave and i had the pleasure of meeting with the Adoption support group of N.Q last Friday at a playgroup with all the children and Mums and dads. What wonderful people..We all had a lovely time and kids really enjoyed themselves. This will become a fortnightly activity that tayn Zian and I will attend.
School holidays are creeping up on us again. The year is just flying past.Wont be long until we are organising Xmas.
We celebrated Mothers day in style. I got a sleep in and then was visited by 3 kids to have a lovely foot massage that turned int a back massage..YUMMY!!!!! I had brekky made for me by Jake and then kids and I watched High School Musical before Jake and I headed to Shops for me to have a manicure.Was really a kids n me day.Just Lovely.
My mum travelled to my brothers in Melbourne to spent the weekend with Jay his wife Peg and son Curtis and of course Jnr Stewart/McCallum Due Late August.
I hope all is well for everyone .
Take care
JO

PLEASE SUPPORT ME

2008-04-30T22:10:00.002+10:00

TO ALL MY WONDERFUL FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I HAVE FOR THE FIRST TIME BEEN TRULLY OFFENDED WITH RACISM WITHIN OUR INTERCOUNRTY ADOPTION.

I VIEWED AN AD ON CHANNEL 7 N 9 TONIGHT WED 30TH APRIL 2008.
THE AD IS ADVERTISING KITKAT FAMILY BLOCK OF CHOCOLATE.

YOU VIEW THE AD, THE STORY SHOWS TO YOUNG BOYS IN COSTUME PLAYING HAPPILY IN PARK.CHILDREN GO THERE SEPERATE WAYS. THE BEAUTIFUL AUSTRALIAN FAMILY GATHER IN THERE DINING ROOM TO SHARE THERE FAMILY BLOCK OF KITKAT.ALL ARE SMILING AND LOOK SO HAPPY. THE MOTHER UNMASKES HER YOUNG BOY TO FIND THE OTHER BOY SITTING AT THEIR TABLE SHARING THERE FAMILY BLOCK OF KITKAT. THIS CHILD IS ASIAN. THE VOICEOVER THAN SAYS "YOU WISH YOU WERE A PART OF THIS FAMILY"
WHAT AN ASIAN CHILD CAN'T BE PART OF THEIR PRECIOUS FAMILY.

I ASK YOU TO VIEW AND IF THE TONE I FELT FROM AD IS THE SAME FOR YOU PLEASE EMAIL CONTACT@FREETV.COM.AU AND REQUEST FOR AD TO BE PULLED.

I HAVE CONTACTED EDITOR OF TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN AND ALSO SUNRISE FAMILY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. I HAVE EMAILED FREETV AND AWAIT A ANSWER TO MY EMAIL. I WILL CONTACT FAMIIIES MINISTER TOMMORROW TO HAVE HER/HIM HEAR MY VIEWS.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO CONTACTS YOU MAY HAVE VIA EMAIL TO REQUEST IF THEY ARE OFFENDED TO EMAIL ABOVE ADDRESS.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME PROTECT MY CHILDREN FROM THIS FORM OF RACISM

ALL MY LOVE
AND I WILL SMILE AGAIN
JO

Updates on life with pictures

2008-04-27T16:18:00.012+10:00

Life in the Poulsen household is crazy to say the least..

Family time
Jake trying to show me to use the stick to hold my icecream

Yep mum will just through me into the laundry tub. Check out my donk on forehead
Looks like mum has some cleaning to do

We love iceream time. REDSKINS yumyum
Sunday afternoon treat time

Nanny helping us all out with mum having kinked her neck and dad having had knee surgery
Zian fighting with grandad over his dinner. She doesnt stop eating EVER!!!!!!

This is my second visit to daddy in hospital.This time he has just had knee surgery OOOUCCH
Daddy has just had a knee reconstruction AGAIN

And playing in Tayns castle
Little two kids playing in my shoe box on deck

How exciting Jakes first school camp.Grade 5 school camp.All packed n ready to go.No mummy!!!
picking up one tired camper after 3 days at Maggie island with school

Tayn n Zian still parking dads car
My friend mia taking me for a ride in my trikes trailer

Morning routine brushing our teeth together

Tayn and Zian driving daddys car

2008-04-14T15:18:00.009+10:00

OUT AT THE MARKETS ON SUNDAY MORNING
NANNY HAVING PLAYTIME WITH ZIAN

I VISITED MUM'S BEAUTY SALON TODAY
AND SO DID TAYN

THEY ALS HAD A FLL FACE OF MAKEUP APPLIED

THIS IS TARNIA NOT TAYN

DO YOU LIKE MY NEW FACE????

I HAVE A FEW FACES I PULL NOW
Poppy having cuddles with me. Poppy is feeding me my dinners

while here on holidays

Nanny Poulsen from cairns is down on

Holidays and this is the firstb time we have meet. She said Auntie kim

will love me heaps and want to take me home with her.

Mum bought me a trike with a trailer.

My brother Tayn likes to ride my bike

and i like to sit in trailer and be driven around.

It is school holidays and we went to Saunders beach for a few days of R n R. We had lots of fun playing on the beach and having lots of outside play. I loved the beach and eating the sand.My brothers played heaps with me. Mum n dad said i was very good as i keep my routine going for them.i still sleep 12 hrs a night eat well and im happy!!!!

I am now saying dad dad night night and nan nan!!!

THIS IS TAYNS MOWER I BORROWED TO
HELP MOW THE YARD WITH
THIS IS MY NANNY(McCALLUM) WHO CAME TO BEACH FOR
A PLAY WITH ME

MY BIG BROTHER BATHING ME AT THE BEACH HOUSE
I HELPED ELI CELEBRATE HIS 10TH BDAY

THIS IS MY FIRST PLAY IN THE OCEAN OF
SAUNDERS BEACH QUEENSLAND

IM GETTING REALLY WET NOW AND PLAYING
WITH MY BROTHER TAYN

MY BIG BROTHER LOVES SPENDING TIME WITH ME
AND PLAYING WITH ME. HE LOVES ME HEAPS!!!!!
WOW, I JUST LOVE ALL THIS SAND.

THIS BEACH IS SAUNDERS BEACH 20MINS
NORTH OF TOWNSVILLE

2008-04-14T13:48:00.002+10:00

My first time at a beach. Saunders Beach

Cant believe we are into School holidays again!!!!

2008-04-02T20:32:00.006+10:00

I LOVE " HIGH 5 " kids entertainment group MUM!!!!!
Mums trying hats on me again

YEP!!!!!There finished with me.I'm a fairy minus my wings n wand
WHO"S A BIG GIRL

Caitlin's 8th birtday party with Tayn waiting for his kiss after she cut the cake.
Dress up play time with Taylah n Caitlin,big brothers Jake n Tayn.

We welcomed baby Emerson Rose. Congrats to Nat n Robbie.She is adorable.

Busy times in the morning in this house!!!!Everyone wants a bit of mummy time

some pictures to share

2008-03-27T00:20:00.007+10:00

Relaxing at Lagoon Airlie Beach Easter Saturday 2008
I love this swing mum.. Conway park
My birthday cake

My first swim n i LOVED it. Was very cold
The Poulsen 5 at Conway park
Love this pic. Will print in black n white.Title "Just me n my DAD"

Refund pls::::She is WWE wrestling with her brothers figurines
Zian dressed in her traditional outfit to meet n greet Jakes school teacher and class mates

Family outing to Jakes football game
Look at me i can run after stealing Tayn's tennis ball

Jake's under 10 football team

Zians first sporting event

Zian has adapted to her Australian Life

2008-03-26T23:26:00.002+10:00

I write this post with bleary eyes, but want to keep you all uptodate on our journey.
Zian arrived in Townsville on Friday March 14th 2008. We went into lock down as a family to allow Zian, Jake, Tayn and our selves time to discover the new dynamics of our family life.
We had so many fears and concerns of the impact this new life would have on her and the boys. We had read so many books on prior experiences and the outcomes of settling.
I so wish i had the time to write of our Experience with our journey to China, our FOREVER day and settling in.
I feel it would be so uplifting to future traveling families to read of a journey, that was so full of LOVE and instant warming to our heart, instant bonding and the settling phase that simply enriched all our lives. I cannot say we have encounted any concerns or any situations that we have read about previously.
This little girl has some SPUNK!!!!!!!!
Her brothers simply adore her and as older sibling, they have grown from welcoming Zian into their lives. It has brought a softness to both of our Wild boys. For us or me a mummy, it has shown me within my heart that LOVE truly can grow within you for a child,even though i did not grow this child. The instant love i had for her on touching her came from the love that has grown over the time since i first saw her photos on New Years eve 2007. There is no separation to the emotion of a child grown within to a child that finds her/his way into our family.
We feel as if we have never not had her. She blends into our family. She is one of us.
She took immediately to Jake, our 9yr old. She allowed him to pick her up and to have kisses. She bathed with him on her first night and of course Tayn had to have his share of bath time with her.
Day2.

I needed some mummy time, yes a pedicure was in need and some retail therapy. So the boys had girl time with Zian. All went well.
Day 3.
Jake had a game of football so we as a family went to watch him and Zian had no issues with being in a public busy place. We then went to Bunnings and other shops and again we had no issues.
On the Thursday we meet 3 other families for our 3 hour drive to Arlie Beach for our annual camping trip to Conway Beach.
It was here Zian had her first swim,learnt to walk on grass,play with a group of children of all ages and allowed herself to have distant between herself and us. She herself warmed to the other adults in the group and put her hands up to them for Pls pick me up. She meet some Australian wildlife in mozzie, midge's, ants and flys. We had no reaction to any insect that decided she was yummy to nibble on.(unlike her brother Tayn who looks like he has been in an explosion)
She adapted well to bathing in a camping shower and sleeping in a tent. She maintained her sleep pattern of 10-12 hours. She had sleep time either in porta-cot or stroller.
She loved the park and had swing time and hoped on the see saw with her besttie Mia.
I will say she did not like having to wear a hat all the time,but our policy of no hat no play, will rub into her over the next weeks.
Unfortunately Dave got very unwell and was taken to Proserpine hospital and the next day transferred to Townville(home) where he is still tonight. Day 4 and still no diagnosis after seeing 5 doctors and I'm sure hes radioactive with the amount of scans xrays and any other instrument they use to diagnosis a patients illness.
We hope all is well and that tomorrow he can join us again.
A BIG BIG thank you to John and Nathon for packing all of our gear and loading up our trailer and for driving in Convoy with me to get me home safely. To Sue and Kel for just being there to help if and when i need it with the kids. To Mr Pokey and Tracey, thanks for getting Dave to Townsville for us with little incident.
Tonight i took Kids to see Dave and just in 4 days Zian was like this is my dad, Gave him huge smile but really was like I'm not to sure about this and wanted back to mummy with grab to get away from him. I'm sure it was the whole drip in arm and new environment thing. I hope Dave is too upset by this. She then displayed her wild loud side in the hospital,which none of us has seen before. Jumping and squealing on bed and running as far away as she could. SO funny to watch her.
So i sit here and feel so warm reflecting on our first month with her in our lives,and cant wait for every month to sit down and reflect on that month. Every moment is cherished and i thank whoever it is that has chosen Hai Xiao Ji to be my daughter. She completes a part of my heart that so wanted to parent a daughter.
I'm pleased to announce to all that Nat had her baby today around lunch, naturally,only gas.She had a girl and Robbie and her named her Emerson Rose Flecker. That's so Nat and Emerson is born on Nat's mum Lyn birthday..
Jay and Peg had there 20 week scan today and all looks amazing.
Zian gave nanny kisses today for the first time after we bathed her and Tayn at Nanny's house.
Mums out scooting around in her car and loving the freedom it has brought back into her life,after 1 year of not driving due to surgery.Go Mum!!!!!!
Nanny and Poppy only 2weeks to go until you come down to visit us all. We are excited.
Dennis Ramsay is making progress every day and our prayes stay with Karen,kids and their families. He really is a trooper.

Take care

some pictures to share

2008-03-15T21:23:00.002+10:00

Zian playing prior to flight from Hong kong to Melbourne
She made a chinese friend.So cute
Daddy, Tayn and Zian catching up on some sleep in Melbourne

Im not so happy here as i looked at pretty flowers to discover it was full of BEES
walking out of Bund Hotel enroute to Shanghai international airport

Walking through the Old China Town, Shanghai

Daddy and hisgirl at entrance to Old China Town

Today Is day 20 and we are HOME!!!!!!!!

2008-03-15T20:06:00.003+10:00

Dave is so happy and relaxed and i lovin it
Expo 2010,is what Shanghai is all about
This is for my Auntie Vicki, who was a Coke memrobilla queen.

So our trip from Shanghai to hong Kong uneventful, Zian is a travelling pleasure. We got to Hong Kong with a 30 min transit to be told we had lost our seat with crib in front of us due to a younger child needing it. This was with Cathay Pacific. So i get hot n bothered and request the manager(very hard when language barrier), to be told seats are allocated and sorry. So this had me upset after booking early and paying fee for Zian to travel.

I walked around the boarding lounge to see how many children were travelling and settled myself when i saw quite a few children. Dave not to fazed and Zian well she was just playing.They have a little play area in boarding area.

So we board the flight that was fully booked due to a cancelled Qantas flight to Sydney.

SO we had two seats side by side in cattle class(lol).

I go for walk when allowed to find 4 seats with cribs taken by one couple who had the luxury of using pull down bench for crib as a laptop table and other couple in 40's NO CHILDREN TRAVELLING WITH THEM I DO ADD. So i was cranky.

Nothing could be done so i just went with the flow.

Dave and myself could not sleep one minute and guess who else couldn't sleep. MS ZIAN.

She sleeps 12+ hours every night but not this night.

She was so tired but couldn't get comfortable.

We thought this was stressful until we received email from friends Chuck and Dawn with 3 year old Grace,(that's another story).

We arrive in Melbourne tired and cranky, Pick up luggage, I have a run in with Customs officer, and have a laugh as they are filming Australian T.V show 'Border Security', The kids and i love watching.

Buy our must have purchase at Duty Free and head at to pick up Hire car and GPS.

We are on our way to see our boys!!!!!!

What a wonderful surprise when we arrived my brother Jason had come home from work to welcome us.Thanks Jay that was special for us.

Auntie Peggy, Curtis and Jnr McCallum/Stewart were there with Nanny and of course Jake and tayn.

Tears flowed and Zian Screamed. She was tired and all new to her again.She didn't settle well that day, however next day a new girl.Lots of fun with Curtis and boys,

Jay took the next day off which was so nice again and we went to Melbourne Zoo. Was very hot day topping 38c and dry. We all felt the heat.

Zian bonding with the boys really well and allowing them into her space.This is incredible as it like she knows that they are loving her and will protect her and keep her safe.

She just loved playing with cousin Curtis and all his toys.

They had great bath times together.

Jay and Peggy thanks for the lovely bed.We sleep on heaven those nights. China bedding has the feel of wood and pillows made from what i think is stone. If ever travelling again i would take a blow up mattress for comfort.

Zian is eating well and drinking water, juice and thanks to Kelly for the tip,milk with choc quick.

We left Melbourne happy to head home to our Home!!!!!!!!

The start of family life as normal as it will be for the Poulsen 5.

some pictures to share

2008-03-10T19:35:00.011+10:00

this is china's focus

Daddy introduced Mcdonalds ice cream to the Zians diet tonight.Its a WINNER!!!

Who's not a morning girl. Just like my mummy.

Tis freezing all rugged up to head out for dinner sunday night.

Poulsens laundry, shanghai style

Visiting Forbidden City,Beijing

Those who climb the great wall of china are heroes!!!!!So nwe are HEROES

Daddy playing with Zian

Zians friends Olivia and Grace came to visit.

Zian had blood tests for medical

Shanghai to home

2008-03-10T19:11:00.002+10:00

Zian has settled into the change of a new environment. It did take her one day of being snuggly and little upset. We just comforted her and stayed in hotel and had play time. Our experience here is not as nice as Shamian Island Guangzhou. Hotel very sub standard to what we had there, The White Swan Hotel is geared for adopting families(58 while we were there) and business's on island as well. They spoke good English were child friendly, staff were exceptional and facilities to families amazing,ex, hotel had a kids playroom in hotel, laundry on street 1min walk, 2min walk 7 to 11, play park, 3 min walk diner.
Here we have found it hard to be understood, little English, hotel not clean,service not prompt, no laundry, no park close to hotel and streets not stroller friendly.
We are here in Shanghai to have Zian's medical done and her Australian visa.
We have both done and are leaving tomorrow afternoon.
We leave hotel at 11.30am to transit to airport. We fly to Hong Kong at 3pm and connect to a flight at 7pm to arrive in Melb on Wed morning at 7.30am. So 18hours of travel. Will be a big day for Zian and myself as i still cant walk, sit or move well from The stair climb.
The last week has been a drag due to missing the boys so much for both of us. We just want to start our living as a family with boys.
The boys have left to fly to Melbourne with nanny to visit Uncle Jay, Auntie Peggy and cousin Curtis and of course jnr McCallum/Stewart. I am hoping they aren't to tired from their busy weekend schedule they had.
They had Nath pick them up on Friday arvo to go to Footy training for Jake and Jordy,Tayn takes along.They slept over at magners. Sat am boys played first footy game 56-0,ouch!!!!!!. Sleep over again at Magners. Phamplet delivery run with Jordy and Paige Sun morning,then to be picked up by Jacobson's to go and watch Girls play soccer games than swimming than home to nanny again. I'm tired just thinking about how busy they have been.
Thanks all who have helped out with boys while we have been away.....

This will be my last post until settled in Melbourne or home i guess, Boys will want our attention and Zian will need to settle in again.
Thanks for following our journey to Zian.
Be sure this journey has only begun.Please keep checking blog..
All my love Jo

Not sure why last 2 posts are not here

2008-03-10T18:41:00.009+10:00

TO ELI REID:

Auntie Jo climbed the great wall of China for you on Saturday.Only to point tower 1.This is to the top after first steep staircase you see. Dave and Zian went to tower 5. Me to chicken!!!!! Let me tell you matey, it was the scariest thing I've ever done when coming down. It is so steep at 45 degree angle. That's why i text your mum to organise a medi-vac team for me. Today is Monday and i haven't been able to walk properly since. My legs have seized up and am very very sore.

We are now heroes as only heroes climb the great wall,we were told.

Enjoy the pictures i took for you.

Love Auntie Jo

P.s Sue check pic i took for you in Beijing of Tupperware shop(couldn't believe it)

Flying to Shanghai

2008-03-05T01:21:00.005+10:00

Finally we head to phase 2 on this journey.

We fly to Shanghai where we apply for Zians visa and have her medical check done. If all goes smoothly Australia here we come in 7 days.

Today we received her Chinese passport. So at least we can now travel.

I haven't done much shopping but the little i have done to help create memories for Zian of her place of birth and traditional outfits for the years to come and some odds and ends has made us buy another suitcase all of $12au. Which i thought was cheap and unfotunately has added 18-20kg. It all adds up..(I'm sure you can all hear what Dave has had to say about it back home).Not a happy camper.

Zian is doing well, she still wont have a bar of her formula bottle. I'm thinking may have to try milk with flavouring just to get her take it. She does not like Yogurt either.Need to keep the diary up.

Jake i hear you get your first game of footy on Saturday.Good Luck Mate wish we could be there. I also heard Andrew is your coach. That sounds great. Enjoy the experience stay safe and play to make yourself proud!!!!!!

Tayn, sissy cant wait to play with you.You will have to practice being quiet as loud noises startle her..She walks everywhere now and loves having a big bath and playing with her bath toys. I'm sure she will share them with you when we are home.

Mummy and daddy love you both and are counting down the nights until we can kiss and cuddle you in Melbourne.

We went to Starbucks for coffee and hot chocolate with our friends Chuck and Dawn with 3yrs old Gracie tonight to say goodbye. We will keep in contact with them. Didn't get to catch up with Connie,Clayton,Kamry and Kaleleb today as they had paperwork today. Hope to see them in morning before we fly out.

Sorry haven't been on Skype lately just haven't been in room as weather has been beautiful.

Added some pics from today love jo

We want to go home!!!!!!

2008-03-03T01:32:00.006+10:00

!
I'm playing in the park with a boy who thinks im pretty cool!!!

Check out the bling on vest i bought her.Adorable!!!!

Picture of Nikki our guide.She is 25 speaks 3 lanuages and is so much fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AUNTIE KIM FOR THE 29TH FEB. HIP HIP .

(Check out the new boots girls.How cool to buy girl things)

HOORAY!!!!!!!40 is getting closer and your going to get there faster than me to,lol.

We have had the weekend to ourselves with Zian, no Nikki. Just having play time and lots of bonding.

The people of guanzghou live in high rise buildings and often travel over 1 hour on a bus costing 2 yuan (30au cents) each way to work. Our generation both work long hours and travel time is long. The grandparents care for their baby. So on weekend the mums and dads spend time with their child outside and in park lands. So we did this and Zian was able to play with lots of babies and children. The older people come to parks to enjoy the younger people and to dance, exercise and sing or watch singers. It is really so lovely to see. They are all happy and smiling and laughing. Family is everything to these people and it shows. They have so little however are so rich to have the love of one another..

We went to restaurant with friends from America Chuck an Dawn, last night and both Children Zian and Grace (3yrs)were perfect. Asleep within 30 mins. Unplanned by us parents but perfect to allow us all to eat our meals. We ended a lovely meal with a Starbucks hot chocolate for me. On our walk back to hotel at 9pm there were children still playing in playground areas with their family, they were doing tai kwon do training,playing on swings,playing badminton and rollerblading. At home we would all be in our homes and telling kids to be quiet due to time. We have it wrong and the people of Guangzhou have it RIGHT..

Today because I'm bored i spent money, yep just ask Dave. I want to follow Zian in the years to come with Chinese clothing on traditional dates so had to buy 1 outfit per dress size and of course than traditional shoes to match in every size.

So all of you who know Dave can only imagine the scene being played out here. Its amazing what a daughter can do for calming Daddy...Hehe Ive got him wrapped!!!!!! around her of course.

Due to our bed being like a rock we arent not sleeping well and wake up every morning sore we decide to find the famous FOOT N BACK MASSAGE FOR $ 7 shop today. We did find it and together we spent 70 mins being pampered and cracked while of course Zian sleep.Yep she did.

Tomorrow it is Connie and Clayton's Gotcha Day and we hope to meet up before or after they have kaeleb in their arms.(boy in red jumper we meet at swi).

Congrats to you both and your family. Cant wait to begin this journey with your family from having our children share their first year of their precious lives together. The distance in our homes is only that, distance by travel. The kids have formed their bond and we will continue to allow that to grow over the years and hopefully in future they can meet again.

So as i finish writing this tonight we are so home sick for our boys and family.It is amazing how strong this emotion is..We are on countdown for here.

We are on a tour tomorrow than Tuesday is passport day and Wednesday we head for Shanghai.

Our Visit to Orphanage in Foshan and her finding place

2008-02-29T10:23:00.008+10:00

We visited Zians swi today on Thursday 28th Feb 08. We then travelled to locate her abandoment place now known as her finding place in Guichang Town, Nanhai District, Foshan city.

This day for me was very draining but also so uplifting to the spirtit.

We visited the swi to the open arms of Ms tang and all the staff. We entred through the huge locked entrance to have a carer yell 'Gay Gay', grab Zian and walk away from us. It turns out she was Zians main Carer and loved her so much she was happy for us but missed Zian so much. She was crying and that started me.

The power of the visit was that we could see she was very muched loved and adored ccccccccx vv v v v v vv vv hhhhhhhhhhhhhhjjjjjjjjjjj.Okay that was zian helping me type as she is on my lap.

We were able to have play time with her friends awaiting adoption, in the activity room. We were there for bottle time and let me tell you, 210ml bottles are drunk in under 2 mins. one.

Some babies then had sleep time. Some did not, they wanted to play with Zian.

This girl has Spunk i tell you. The babies like her and i think we meet every staff member in the place.

I was able to spend play time with some children, who's families are travelling soon to meet them. I had time with each child which was lovely. Rememerting at all times these babies are Zian's play mates and have been for past year. It will be lovely to keep in touch with these families over the years for the children as this is a important phase of any childs life.

Zian loved being back and even went back into her own cot which they still have not taken her name off. She also loved knowing we were close and was happy to leave with us and no tears.

We gifted the children of the orphange some duplo blocks with buckets and 2 tents with coloured balls for them to enjoy at play time. I am sure they will be delighted. The swi currently is full with 100 children. There are 20 babies under 5 months 22 babies 5 months to 15months and 10 to 2 years. The remaining children have special needs of which 15 may be accepted by CCAA for adoption. The others that CCAA do not accept will be cared for by orphanage.

Travel to Finding Place.

Ms Tang drove us to the area of which she thought may be close to finding area. We then spoke through our guide to locals to find exact point of abadoment. It was a lovely place for the community to play basketball and to sit out in sun with friends. There were little children playing with their grand parents. Lovely to see. Definately a poorer area. The local older people in park were talking about us amognst themselves, trying to work out why we were there. We had video camera out, digital camera , chinese baby, two white people,(i guess we kinda stood out)They decided maybe we were adopting but they said our baby was not Chinese..What the!!!!!!!!Was good to have a laugh when our guide was telling us.

Zian has decided today she no longer wants to drink her formula. She eats evrything in sight so we will see what comes over the next few days.

We keep getting in trouble from the older people that we dont have enough layers on her.I thought 5 layers would be enough.lol

I am writing this actually on friday 29th as blogspot was down again last night.

Connie, Julie Anne and Heidi and families, i hope that we could bring instant happiness into your lives today when you opened your email and had photos of your babies. It was pleaseure for us to be invited to have cuddles and play with them. W e thank you for that.

Jake and Tayn, Mummy and Daddy miss you guys so much and cant wait too see you in Melbourne. We have been away for over a week already and i hope that has gone fast for you.
Take care xoxoxo

We have meet Zian and welcomed her with open arms

2008-02-26T23:15:00.005+10:00

I am Having heaps of trouble with blog page from China, so i apologize for not up to date posts.

Today is day 2. It is 11.15pm and Zian is sleeping peacefully IN HER BED.

DAY 1.

We arrived at Notary building to meet Zian with our Chinese guide Nikki early. We were than with another 10 couples from around the world. They were all presented with their babies and there we were all alone with no baby.
Yep thats right 20 mins later, she was in our arms. Me absolutely beside myself(tears free flowing)

The longest wait, but the rewards huge.

These photos were instantly of when we were finally able to pry Zian away from her carer. We had tears as she did. Two ladies with us are carer and orphanage foshan director.

It certainly is that moment of when you first meet your birth baby. INSTANT LOVE!!!!!!!

The carers and orphanage director were very concerned for Zian, as she does not like strangers. By the end of our meeting with them they felt happy that she had settled with us. They were very happy for us and have invited us to share lunch with them at Zians orphanage this Thursday.

Zian showed little emotion with us yesterday afternoon and was very warm with a runny nose.

Yes 12am this morning we had the hotel doctor visiting us as she had fever's and was not well.

We now have all medicines on board and she is doing well. She has a upper respiratory infection.

DAy 2
Today we have had a wonderful day.

Zian had a lvely morning sleep,while daddy watched a movie on t.v.

Mummy slipped downstairs for a massage and wax in salon. I went and bought a stroller and picked up washing from laundry.(in china you drop off and pick up next day washed and ironed,very very cheap.)

Please find this palce in Townsville for me on my return.

If you have a happy mummy you have a happy baby. Daddy was happy to have quiet time without me chatting in his ear.

This afternoon we have chatted with big brothers, nanny and grandad on skype and they are so thrilled to see Zian and chat!!!!

While chatting this afternoon we have seen her wave, clap hands and smile with a giggle.

Tonight we have seen her giggle loudly when daddy throws her in the air. She is sharing her toys with mummy and daddy. She is talking baby babble and walking around the room just taking it all in. So with each minute that passes she is becoming the Zian we will get to know.

She has taken to food so well and managing a really healthy routine. She loves her congee(Chinese baby meal), fresh fruit, banana, french fries, biscuits. She is drinking juice, water and warm formula milk.

We pray for a long uninterrupted sleep tonight for her of course,not us.lol.
Today was freezing for us North Queenslanders, 7c and another cold snap to hit southern China tomorrow.

A big thank you to Karen Ramsay for all of Charlotte's Melbourne clothing. Not sure what we would have done without it. We are rugged up with beanies gloves,jackets and scarves. So funny to see. The wind is just so chilling.

Until i can post again. Take care and all our love,

P.S.

Auntie Kim, download skype so we can introduce Zian to you and nanny and poppy Poulsen

FOREVER DAY IS HERE

2008-02-25T14:59:00.002+10:00

Today our family grows in presence of a young child who has found us to love her, protect her and watch her flourish. We are trully blessed to have her entre our lives and to have the privledge of being her parents.

This is the legend of the RED THRED
'When a child is born, invisible red threads reach out from the child's spirit and connect to all the important people who will entre the child's life.
As the child grows, the threads shortern, bringing closer those people who are destined to be together. The threads may tangle but they will never break.

In 30 mins we will meet our guide who will accompany us to the meeting place. This is approx 30mins away by bus. There we will meet Zian, do some paper work and bring her back with us to hotel and begin our new chapter of the Poulsen family.
Our love to all

We have begun our travels

2008-02-21T11:13:00.003+10:00

Goodbye Australia and Hello Hong Kong.
Arrived 8.30pm last night Honkers time. Guys in Australia, we are 2hrs behind Q.L.D time .
Love the look and feel of this place at night. Will let you know what i think in day light hours later.
We flew to Cairns from the Ville and spent time with Daves Family, Irene and Harvey and sister Kim. Was nice to catch up with them.Thanks guys for meeting us.
Auntie kim took some pics of us at Depature lounge at Cairns international for me to post so a Big Thankyou Kim. Enjoy your new red rocket!!!!!
Texting is working well so happy about that. Jake has sent me two text messages about his sad day with his mum n dad being away. Did i mention i cried from Tville to Cairns over my boys. Just feel so sad for them.
Weather here lovely 14c-20c. Couldnt be nicer.
Our flight was comfortable and Nice having time together with dave and stress levels are slowely subsiding..
Will post pics tonite ive run out of battery on laptop and need to buy a power converter at shops.
Take care jo

Travel day has arrived

2008-02-20T08:39:00.002+10:00

We will be picked up by Grandad and Nanny in 1 hour to begin our travel to our Daughter. While one part of my heart is travelling to my daughter the other parts of my heart are feeling broken. It was very hard to say goodbye to my boys this morning for 3 weeks. It is such an emotional time within me. Lots of tears. What makes me feel brighter is to know that i have my Mum and Dads support.
My Mum and Dad have made my dream come true,with my journey to adopt my daughter. I am so blessed to have myself been adopted into their lives.
My mum Kay is my 'mummy mentor' and i am who i am today from the love and support she has always given and shown to me. My parents are living with my boys while we are away and will love, laugh, cry and support Jake and Tayn. This allows me to go and focus our energies on Zian.
So i will post again from Hong Kong before we travel into China with 1 night until we meet our daughter.
Take care of you all and chat soon Love JOxoxoxo

Paper Trail completed in Australia

2008-02-07T00:56:00.000+10:00

Hi to all thats reading,

I can now confirm with all the horrific weather throughout china, that it appears even though Foshan is experiencing 2c tempreatures when normally this time of year,12c. All appears well at orpahange unlike other areas that took the hit form snow storm. The worst they have seen in over 5o years. Millions of dollars of damage and of course at the time of year that the Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year. So all decorations and travel plans to families were devasted by weather conditions.

TODAY WE RECEIVED ALL OF OUR PAPERWORK PRIOR TO TRAVEL.

So we have passports and visa in hand, we have all offical paper work from N.T adoption unit. I think our paper work alone will weigh more than our bags with clothing. We have Crisp brand new US dollars and RMB so we are ready to roll. Bring on Wednesday 2oth Feb.

We had our friends over on Saturday night and a big thankyou to Kel and Sue for Crafting with me .
We made a wall hanging of Zians name. It came up beautiful. Tracey you are not forgotton, thanks for keeping the big boys occupied in playing cards.

Mum came over on Monday to help me pack Zians bag of clothing and to get all 20 pages of instructions(lol) from me on the boys. What there schedules include school, sports, sleep overs, lunch orders etc etc.

We have never been away from our boys for this long, together, and i think quietly im starting to fret....

I have made so many contacts over the internet and it feels great to be able to share our story and journey and to learn and watch so many other families travelling the same path we are. We were blessed with a contact family Angie and Andy who recently visited Zian, gave her a cuddle and sent us the Australia day photos. How amazing these connections we can make by putting ourselves out there for the support that is needed in this long journey we began back in 2005.
I am hopping when we travel we will be able to bring joy to other families who have requested photos of ther children who arewaiting to travel.

Our other big news for today, my Brother Jason, wife Peg and son Curtis are expecting a new addition to there family in late August. So this year is a big year for our growing family.

Jodie's new love( The Internet friendships)

2008-01-30T16:26:00.000+10:00

Australia Day 2008.

Our family went camping north of Townsville, with our friends for the long weekend. We had a fabulous trip.

Good Weather, Good food and Good company.9 kids in total.

We celebrated Australia Day on the Saturday 25th January with Sausage sizzle for lunch and lamingtons for morning tea. Lamb Cutlets were supposed to be for dinner on the B.B.Q with salad but i left the Cutlets in the freezer at home. So we did the Aussie fish n chips instead. We flew the flag at our camp site and kids were plastered with Australia flag tattoos.

The photo above was taken by Andy and Angie from America who meet there daughter Caroline on the 21st Jan and visited the Foshan orphanage on 25th Jan. They meet Zian and her carer and took this photo for us. Caroline and Zian are actually play friends.

These updated photos are so precious to us, piecing the time together while we await to meet her. The time is going quickly with everyday life consuming our time. We are 21 days today until we fly out of Australia.

Jake 9yrs started grade 5 yesterday and is happy with his new teacher. He found his teacher from last year and told her of his news about Zian. That is lovely to hear that he sourced her as he knew she would be excited for him.

We have made some contacts over the internet with families to meet in Guangzhou and Shanghai who are also adopting . What a wonderful thing to be able to meet with other families in country to connect with them and there child.

Keep Smiling until i update again.

PLEASE POST COMMENTS ANY TIME YOU FEEL.

Zians Finding Ad

2008-01-29T14:04:00.000+10:00

I have researched and researched and was able to track down Zian's finding ad placed in the Southern Farmers Newspaper on April7th 2007. She was listed within this area as child 301 for 2007.

The finding ad is what the authorities do in the search for the natural family to come forward.I personally think it is so the natural family can see that there child is safe and authorities have placed the child into an orphanage which means this child will be adopted to a family who can provide for them.

Either way we have found some information that will help Zian as she looks for the pieces of the puzzle, that was her life before and after she came into our family.

I have also found that she was placed in a red flowered blanket near a Basketball court on Dec 29th 06. From this the health authorities have given her her birthdate. We will always celebrate her birthday but will celebrate her welcoming on the 25-2 each year.This day is the day we will meet Zian in Guangzhou.

We are counting down 27 days to go.

New photos of Zian taken 9-1-08

2008-01-25T00:59:00.001+10:00

I was so lucky to receive this photo taken in Zians
orphanage on Jan 9th this year.It is a treasured
photo of her while we are waiting to travel,
I am hoping to receive some more soon.Will keep you posted.
From this photo we can see she is standing around furniture and obviously pulling herself up.She has now 6 teeth and weighs 8.9kg and is 74cm in height. I have forgotton to mention earlier her name given is Ji Xiao Hai.

2008-01-25T00:53:00.000+10:00

HOW PROUD ARE THESE BIG BROTHERS SHOWING OFF A PHOTO OF ZIAN THAT WE RECEIVED ON NEW YEARS EVE DAY!!!THIS IS PRICELESS.

2008-01-25T00:49:00.000+10:00

This is the first photo we received on new years eve at 1.30pm of Zian from our adoption unit.She looks healthy and happy. I cried. Boys were so excited to finally see a photo of her and they now just cant wait for us to bring her home. Zian you are gorgeous.

We have just been invited to travel

2008-01-24T23:41:00.000+10:00

So we have just received notification to travel and our dates are to be in Guangzhou on Feb 24th 08, ready to meet with Ji Xiao Hai on Monday Feb 25th am.
So with this news we will be booking travel in morning to have all details confirmed with our adoption unit.
All has been smooth sailing with paperwork and have such great support from Northern Territory adoption unit.It is a month tomorrow that we will be meeting a little angel in person and just want to hold her,so she can feel the power of love.