A Matter of the Heart

Xin Nian Yu Kuai!!!!!

2011-02-04T16:07:00.005-05:00

Just wishing a Happy Chinese New Year to all of our friends!! 2011 marks the Year of the Rabbit!! In retrospect, this past year has seen all of our Dreams realized.... Maddie is home! We had hoped, but never really thought that it would happen starting out 2010. We are so thankful that it did!! Our Hope for all those still waiting is a speedy referral and Homecoming for their little ones.... for all those who have their children home, we wish Peace, Joy and Prosperity..... and for all of the little one's still in China.... we Pray for God's Comfort and Caring.... May He place his Angels guard over them and may they all soon know the Love of a wonderful family.... God Bless!!!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!!!!!!

Long Overdue Update

2011-02-01T11:35:00.006-05:00

WOW!!!! I did not realize it had been soooooo long since we posted something here!! I guess with Maddie home now, things have been just a bit more "busy"!! LOL!!! Everything is going great and Maddie is doing very, very well.... actually, we could not ask for things to have gone smoother during our first six months as a family. She has adjusted with absolutely no issues at all. We are so blessed to have her as part of our true "family" now!!! We are in full "Chinese New Year" mode with several activities planned over the next week. It is going to be a blast!!!!

I wanted to let everyone know about a new Blog. It is created by Henan Kids International (see the button at right). HKI is a charitable support group for children from Henan province. Madddie is from Henan (Anyang City) and we really support the work of this fine organization. Please take a moment and visit HKI's new Blog by clicking HERE.

I have also posted a couple of recent pics of Maddie..... she is such a Joy!!!!

Take Care!!!

9 Days And Counting....

2010-07-05T20:51:00.004-04:00

We received the word that we are leaving on July 14th to bring Maddie home. I hope to chronicle our journey by posting things on this blog. But, if we cannot access "Blogger" in China, we have created another site that we might be able to use. You can access it by clicking HERE

P.S. I added an update photo of Maddie that we received on 07/06/2010

TA!!!!!! TA!!!!!!!!

2010-06-27T16:04:00.003-04:00

More great news!!!!! We received our Travel Approval from China this past Friday. We will be leaving for China on either July 7th or July 14th!!!! WOW!!!!!! We have alot to do!!! LOL

FEDEX Stork Has Arrived!!!!!

2010-05-26T10:22:00.002-04:00

The "STORK" arrived yesterday via FEDEX.... The LOA has been officially signed by us and is on its way back to the China Center for Adoption Affairs! Countdown to Travel begins.....

Three Letters....... L-O-A !!!!!!!!!

2010-05-24T18:29:00.002-04:00

Well.... more good news to share!!! Today were were notified that the CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs) has issued our LOA (Letter of Acceptance by Adopter)!!! What does that mean????? It means that after we sign the letter and send it back, China will issue our Travel Approval dates and we are off to China in a few short weeks to bring Maddie home!!!!! WOW!!!!

FINALLY!!!!! GOOD NEWS TO SHARE!!!!

2010-05-11T17:40:00.002-04:00

We have been about to explode to share the news and now, since we received our PA today, we can share it with everyone! We are so proud and overjoyed to introduce to you our daughter... An Xia Qing, soon to be also known as Keelyn Maddox Steele (Maddie)!!!! She currently resides in Henan Province, but soon will be a proud resident of the Commonwealth of Kentucky!!!! Prayers are truly answered!!!!

3 year anniversary

2010-04-24T18:58:00.003-04:00

Today has been 3 years since our LID waiting for Maddie. It has been such a long road. We have so many emotions. At this point we just want her to be here with us. To celebrate our LID anniversary we bought her a present and absolutely love it. We love you so much Maddie and can't wait to see your sweet face.

Time

2010-03-14T19:59:00.003-04:00

Time is flying by. I just turned another year older and Brian will in a couple of weeks. Oh I do not want another birthday to go by without Maddie. I try really hard not to let it bother me, but I can't help it. I really want Maddie to be here with us to start family memories. Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair. Well on a happy note, my mom is starting to peice together the 100 good wish quilt. Can't wait to see the finished product. We are coming up on 3 years April 24th, there just isn't much to say about that. But maybe not a whole lot longer.

NO NEWS

2010-02-24T19:20:00.001-05:00

Today is 34 months waiting for Maddie..............................

2010-01-20T20:44:00.003-05:00

WAITING A LONG TIME

If you notice our clicker at the bottom of the blog we have been waiting 1002 days. On the 24th it will be 33 months waiting.
Another big day coming up,our little honey bunny (neice Lilee) with be turning 3 in a couple of weeks. We love you Lilee. She can't wait for Maddie either she is already blaming her for everything and not wanting to share her toys with her. Oh the fun to come. CAN'T WAIT.................

New beginnings

2010-01-09T14:06:00.003-05:00

A new year and new beginnings, that is what we hope for in 2010. We hope that this is the year that we start our new family. We are hoping that we will maybe get her around summer time. Fingers and toes crossed. We had a wonderful Christmas. Just was missing one important thing... Maddie! Hopefully this is the last year without her. Thanks for all the heart felt prayers.

Lots of warm wishes for The Steele Family.

2009-12-10T21:57:00.002-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. How I wish we had Maddie with us to celebrate the season, but it must not be our time. Hopefully this will be the last year without her. We have our tree up and I'm almost done shopping and about halfway done wrapping. This is so unlike me because this is all usually done by now. I started a new job this week and it is going well. I think after I get settled with it I will love it. Again everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From The Steele's

2009-10-17T19:19:00.002-04:00

Not much of anything different in the adoption world. There was a group of referrals that went through last week and they are almost done with March 2006. "13 months" worth of LID's to get through before us (April 2007). Next Saturday will be 30 months waiting for Maddie. Next week we are taking our niece to Elmo Live and Gattitown. I am so excited. I can't wait until we can do this with Maddie. Well it won't be long until its Christmas. Can't wait for that either. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I would put my tree up after Halloween but Brian won't let me. We are getting close on the squishes. I think we almost have 50 thanks to all who helped us. Everyone have a fun and safe Halloween. Christy

28 months and waiting

2009-08-26T19:27:00.002-04:00

Well its been 28 months since our LID and 1 year since we were added to the SN list. Still waiting. What a roller coaster of emotions. I guess good things come to those who wait. I want to thank everyone for responding to our need for squishes. It felt wonderful to know that people are willing to help when needed. I keep saying that I will post some pictures and I will. We our taking our nieces to the circus this weekend. Maybe some pictures next week.................

Needing squishes

2009-07-30T10:42:00.002-04:00

I am having the hardest time getting squishes. I have requested several and have only received about 20-25. At this rate Maddie will be married and having her own children. If there is anyone out there that is interested in swapping squishes or just wants to send one for her 100 good wish quilt, we would really appreciate it. Thanks to all the comments on the last post. They are really heart felt. I know we are not alone and I send to all of you the same. Keep the faith, love and hope in your hearts. Thanks again.
Christy

Waiting

2009-07-25T12:02:00.001-04:00

We are still waiting for Maddie. Yesterday for 27 months. What a long time. Brian and I are enjoying our nieces which we now have grown by one. I will post some pics of them. We hope we don't have to wait much longer. Hopefully we will have her by next summer.

You Might Be Adopting From China If...

2009-04-05T13:03:00.004-04:00

Here is something to which all those waiting can testify. It is making its way around China Adoption Blogs.

You Might Be Adopting From China If...

* You know that I-600 and I-171 aren't highways....

* You have been expecting a baby for over three years...

* You understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the World...

* Your Home Study is followed by a number (i.e., #3 -or- #4)...

* You know that babies come in batches...

* You've been fingerprinted four times and have never committed a crime...

* You own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons
(because you don't know when? -or- how big?)...

* You're more interested in what will happen in March 2006 than April 2009...

* You know people who understand what you are talking about when
you talk about 2-day months and 5-day months...

* Your "Due Date" hasn't changed by days, but by years...

* You know who the "Rumor Queen" is...

* You know that the "forecast" doesn't have anything to do with the weather...

* You have waited so long that they have checked your fingerprints to see if
they have changed...

* When you speak about "that time of the month", you are talking about CCAA
referrals and updates...

And Finally...

* You might be adopting from China if you LOVE someone that you have never
met with all of your Heart!!!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

For All Those Waiting... Merry Christmas

Is It Time?.....

2008-09-12T13:30:00.002-04:00

Our friends, Carra & Casey had this posted on their Blog... I hope they don't mind that we borrowed it from them. It speaks to all of us who are waiting for that Special One...

A child sat on Jesus' lap in the splendor of Heaven.

The child asked, "Is it time?

"Jesus parted the clouds, looked and said,"No, not yet child.

"The child asked "When will it be time?"Jesus replied,

"When lessons are learned,hardships endured, and loneliness lived,then it will be time.

"Time passed.The child asked, "Is it time?"

Jesus parted the clouds, looked and said,"No, not yet child.

"The child asked, "When will it be time?"

Jesus replied, "When maturity is reached,self-worth affirmed and spirits strengthened, then it will be time.

"Time passed.The child asked, "Is it time?"

Jesus parted the clouds, looked and said,

"Their love is strong and their hearts are open.

Yes, now it is time-Your parents are ready."~author unknown

Recent Radio Show...

2008-08-11T10:39:00.006-04:00

Last week, Dawn Davenport hosted her weekly radio broadcast with Dr. Tony Tan (Asst. Professor, Univ. of South Florida China Adoption Research Program) -and- Rev. Joshua Zhong (Founder/Director of Chinese Children Adoption International) as her guests. The topic of the radio broadcast was the future of Chinese Adoptions. You can listen to the broadcast above. Also, if you would like to visit Dawn's site, you can do so by clicking HERE. NOTE: You will have to pause the player at the bottom to hear the broadcast. Hope this is helpful... Take Care!!!

BUGS & PATIENCE...

2008-06-08T22:14:00.003-04:00

The 17-year Cicadias have taken over the Bradford Pear tree in our front yard. Imagine....these little guys have waited SEVENTEEN YEARS to arrive!! Maybe it is a lesson in PATIENCE!! Who knows???? Check out the video below. Note: You will have to stop the audio player at the bottom to get the full effect!!

Clothes...Toys...More Clothes...More Toys...

2008-05-31T11:50:00.002-04:00

We have managed to accumulate a rather LARGE collection of clothes and toys for Maddie. LADYBUGS ABOUND!!! I have to admit, if we see anything with a Ladybug on it... we buy it!! Some of the items have been given to us as gifts by friends and family. The quilt on the last slide was made by my Mom. Below is the slideshow displaying a few of the items...ENJOY!!

Christy

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Maddie's Bai Jia Bei...

2008-05-28T17:54:00.004-04:00

Well, here it goes!!! I have been reading for a while about the Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes" quilt. I finally have decided to start this project for Maddie. We have created another blog about Maddie's quilt and it explains the meaning of the quilt and the process of completing one. You can access the other website by clicking HERE. So, everyone visit the site and start sending those "squishes".

A Few Thoughts...

2008-05-28T12:11:00.004-04:00

Hi!! As you can see, it has been a bit since we have posted. Sadly, there have been several tragedies that have occurred since our last post.

The earthquake in Sichuan Province in China and the loss of Maria to the Chapman family have touched our hearts. We want everyone to know that our hearts, thoughts and Prayers are with all those in China and with the Chapman family, as well. May God work in these situations and provide His Comfort and Peace!

As for us, we are in our 13th+ month from LID for Maddie. As with all waiting families, we have many friends and relatives that are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Maddie. Pretty much on a daily basis there are many questions regarding When?, How Long? and Why? It is often hard to explain, but we try the best we can to answer any and all questions. Hopefully, with God's speed, we will hold our daughter soon.

On a different note, I have recently started getting things together to start the "Bai Jia Bei", or, "100 Good Wishes Quilt" for Maddie. Soon I will post all the information in regard to this project here on our blog.

In closing, please Pray for the situation in China, the Chapman family and all those waiting for the arrival of their children.

God Bless,
Christy

A New Look!!!!

2008-03-25T21:37:00.002-04:00

All we can say is AWESOME!!! We changed the total look to our Blog! We could not have done it without the help of our friend here. Actually, she did it all. Sincere Thanks and Kudos to Melissa!! Please leave your comments and let us know what you think of our "new look".

March Snow......

2008-03-13T18:40:00.002-04:00

WOW............. We had a late season snow on Saturday, 3/8. Here at our house we had about 5"-6". This is the first really significant snowfall that we have had here in Central Ky. for quite some time. Hope you enjoy the pic!

Our Niece's Birthday

2008-03-13T18:32:00.007-04:00

It has been quite some time since my last post... sorry... been pretty busy lately. Christy and I recently had a Birthday Party for our niece, Lilee. She turned one in February. Here are a few photos...

A New Year Begins...

2008-01-05T09:57:00.001-05:00

Hello, everyone! I hope that all had a wonderful Holiday Season. Well, here we are........ beginning another new year. It's hard to believe that it has only been 8 months since our login date for Maddie. Time sure is crawling along!! Our wish for everyone is a very prosperous New Year and, for those waiting to receive their referral like us, a very hasty speed-up in the process. Remember... there is power in POSITIVE thought!!!
I hope to post a few pics from our Holidays with our families. Until next time, take care!!

Linus Christmas Monologue

2007-12-05T18:52:00.001-05:00

Amazing... maybe we should all listen to Linus...

Christmas Vacation Attic Scene

2007-12-05T18:40:00.001-05:00

A FUNNY scene from a very classic Christmas comedy...

From Our Family To Yours!!

2007-12-05T17:52:00.001-05:00

Awesome Graphics at pYzam.com

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2007-11-21T17:11:00.000-05:00

Just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!!

Firefighter Tribute Video

2007-11-02T18:35:00.001-04:00

Hey! What's up? I was just scanning some of the videos on YouTube and came across this one. I just want to send a salute out to all of my Brother and Sister firefighters out there! Stay Safe!!

Bring Me Hope

2007-11-02T18:02:00.001-04:00

A beautiful and moving video about China Adoption...

Long Time, No Post!!!

2007-11-02T17:25:00.000-04:00

Man, I really didn't realize that it had been soooooo long since I had posted. Oh, well... I guess I will have to do better. Anyway, I took the time today to modify the blog. I switched to a "3-column" template and I updated the video at the bottom of the page. I hope everyone enjoys it! Please leave your comments.

I'm Back.....

2007-09-02T15:10:00.000-04:00

WOW!!! I had every intention on keeping up with this post a little better than I have been doing. But, you know what they say about good intentions!! Anyway, we finally finished the remodel of Maddie's room... well almost finished. I just have a little trim painting to finish things up. Here are a few pics. A good friend of mine, who is very artistic, came a painted some clouds on the ceiling. It is probably hard to see, but each of the clouds resembles something. For example there is a cloud that resembles a butterfly, clouds that look like a whale in the ocean, etc. Just like when you were a child and would imagine images in the clouds. I also included a picture of Maddie's bathroom. The theme of the bathroom is "Rubber Ducks"! I hope you enjoy the pics and please leave comments. I can see from my site visit tracker that people from all over have visited our site. We would love to here from you. Well, 'til next time (hopefully sooner than my track record indicates) thanks for visiting and take care!

I Know...

2007-07-05T14:14:00.000-04:00

Hi, again! I know it has been a while since the last post. No excuses, just haven't done it. We have been pretty busy with work and such. I am still hoping to get some more pics in here. I have had to order a new download cable for our digital camera (Lost the one that came with the camera!!), so as soon as it arrives, I will get some more pics in here. We both have a few days off next week and we will be tackling the renovation of Maddie's bedroom. Wish us luck!!

Great Time Yesterday

2007-06-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

We attended a picnic yesterday sponsored by our homestudy agency, Adoption Assistance (see link). We had a wonderful time! There were children there from 24 different countries! We had the opportunity to talk with brand new parents, parents with several adopted children and waiting parents (Just Like Us!!). I have to admit, we both felt a little like "fish-out-of-water" when we first arrived at the picnic, but after meeting Kelly & Tom (just returned home with their daughter six weeks ago!), we were put at ease. Everyone was so nice and provided great advice. They were all open and willing to answer any questions that we had on our minds and were very supportive. After all, they have been in the same place we are in right now... enduring the LONG wait for referral. The children were amazing!! We both agreed that we are even more convinced that adoption was meant for us! Can't wait 'til the picnic next year!

A New Blog...

2007-05-31T20:16:00.000-04:00

After seeing so many links to different Blogs in my Yahoo Groups, I have decided to start a Blog about our Adoption Journey, as well. I had a previous website through another host about our adoption, but I like this better. As stated in our bio info., we are adopting our first child from the People's Republic of China... our daughter. We already have our "Log-In-Date" and are, like many others, patiently(?) waiting. We realize that the wait will be long, but we are ready to do whatever it takes to bring Maddie Home. I hope to keep up with these posts frequently to document our Journey! I also hope to add pictures asap. Please share with us in this experience!