A new beginning!

We have finally created a new blog for the girls - together! Please continue to follow the adventure along...........

http://mychinesedumplings.blogspot.com

It actually makes me sad to end this blog.............it has been such a journey of the heart. There are no words to express what Keegan means to us! What a joy it's been having our friends and family follow along this amazing adoption process! We thank you for all the prayers and wonderful emails that we have received over the course of this adoption!

God has been so good to us and has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams! We hope to raise Keegan in a way that pleases Him. He is the reason we have this amazing child!

Much love and appreciation,

Cynthia, Adam and Keegan Farley

Today was packing day!

Today we packed for our next journey to China. We head out on Wednesday of this week!!! We will be posting on Romy's blog while we are in China. Please drop in from time to time and see what Keegan and Romy are up to!! Just click on the Romy Addison Farley link to pop over and see us! Please keep us in your prayers! We will need every single one! We know God is in control and only He has prepared this amazing journey for us! He will watch over us and protect us!

Much love,
Cynthia, Adam and Keegan

next post is from China!!!

a tisket, a tasket, a blue and yellow basket

Well, the basket's not blue and yellow - but it's got a cute little something inside!! The basket usually holds Keegan's wooden blocks, but she decided it was much more fun to dump the blocks out and just get cozy inside!!! My girl.

Bubble Bath

Daddy gave Keegan a true "bubble bath" the other night, and boy, did she have fun! She is just so much fun - she provides us with so much joy and laughter! She is truly the bright spot in my life!

Cute Moments...

Big brother and baby sister sharing some popcorn! How cute is she with her Elmo balloon!! Sam is helping out - breaking in Romy's car seat!! It's been absolutely crazy around here - with getting ready to travel again, Keegan's recent birthday, Halloween, 1 year anniversary of "Gotcha Day" and my mom's birthday - we have been "celebratin' crazy" around here!! Next big events - Thanksgiving, Adam's birthday and ROMY'S GOTCHA DAY!!!!!!!!!

Momma's little piglet

Keegan's first Halloween!!! She went to 2 houses: Cherri's and my mom's. She left with approximately 10 pounds of candy! nice. My baby was just precious in her little outfit!

The BirthDAY

Keegan's actual birthday was yesterday, even though we have been celebrating all weekend! My mom made cupcakes and I made goodie bags and we took them to daycare in the early afternoon. Keegan was all worked up while we were there...SCARED TO DEATH that I was going to leave her there! So the poor little thing couldn't relax and enjoy the party in her honor! She kept saying "mommy go" and pointing at the door! But I hope that somewhere inside of her she knew that it was her birthday and that she enjoyed her "special" day!

Birthday Eve Celebration!!!

Sunday was a BIG day! We started by going to church and then home, lunch, Keegan naptime, mommy (me)I ran birthday errands while dad cleaned house and the kids mowed the yard! We had the family over at 3pm for gifts/playtime! We then went to a Chinese restaurant and then home for cake/ice cream!!

Keegan raked in the presents! She LOVES her dishes and wants to serve everyone. She is very particular about the spoons and plates matching...the yellow spoon HAS TO GO WITH the yellow plate, etc. She received a couple of learning toys. She is in the ABC's phase currently, always wanting someone to sing the ABC's with her! She is constantly singing "Happy to you, happy to you" and it's just precious to hear her sing it and to watch that little mouth pucker up on the "you" part!!! Yesterday was such a beautiful day, Keegan was able to enjoy some time on her playset/slide thing! She LOVES to slide, over and over, and over, and over!!!!!!

Dinner with friends

Sunday evening we went to the Lindon's for dinner! How much fun are they!!! Adam and Chad knew each other through Toyota and Sandy and I got to be pal's bonding through the adoption process! The Lindon's are adopting precious Sydney through A Helping Hand. They hope to travel very soon to bring their beautiful baby girl home! Their Sydney and our Romy share the same birth date (not year) February 9th! So how many fun parties do we see in our future??? The Lindon's have 3 awesome kids: Neil - almost 10, Cole - 5, and Haley - 4. They were very gracious with their toys/time with Keegan! I think they had a little insight into what it's going to be like with Sydney home.....and they liked it!!! Thanks again Chad and Sandy! Neal, Cole and Hayley - you guys are the best!!!

More changes..........

Just after I thought we were done with the playroom........nope. We moved the large set of shelves from Keegan's room to the playroom - LOVE IT!! Makes me very happy! We also took the front section off of Keegan's crib and made it a "big girl bed" and she has done AMAZING!!! She has never fallen out (I expected that to happen) and never gotten out prematurely (I also expected that to happen)!

Pumpkin Man

My little sweet girl calls ALL pumpkins "pumpkin man". It's so cute I just can't stand it! I try and point out every one I see so I can hear her say it! Just one week until my baby turns 2 years old! My word how time flies! I am beyond blessed to have this precious little life be apart of my life! I thank God for her everyday and hope I can do Him justice in raising her!

the "Slide"

Last Sunday, Adam and Zac drove to Dayton to pick up an "Ebay" purchase that I made! We bought "the girls" a Little Tikes playset thing. Keegan loves to slide down the big slide and she calls the little slide "RoRo's slide"!!! I am hopeful for a few more warm days so Keegan can enjoy it just a smidge this year! I realize that I don't have a completed picture of it - I will do my best to get one on here pretty soon!

Just being cute!

So sorry it's been a while since the last post! It's been a smidge crazy around here - getting ready to head back from China! So, Jennifer, enjoy some "cute" photos! Does any of the clothing look familiar?

It's Moon Festival!!!!!!

Today is "Moon Festival". It's the second largest Chinese holiday. We celebrated with an amazing dinner at my mom's (chicken and dumplings, peas, baked sweet potatoes - complete with brown sugar and cinnamon!) and I brought along MOONCAKES! I purchased the mooncakes from a bakery in Chinatown in New York City! And let me tell you...........well - I will let the pictures of me and mom - DYING laughing tell the story! My precious baby girl was so cute all dressed up in her chinese outfit! I kept wondering how Romy celebrated Moon Festival??? Keegan was working the crowd with her "Barney - I love you......you love me......" song! We are so blessed to have this amazing little person be apart of our lives...God has blessed us beyond measure! I can not wrap my mind around the fact that before long, I will be able to look into the faces of two tiny miracles!

An evening at the park

We were at the park watching Zac run a cross country race and we happen to get a couple of cute pictures with "baby and daddy" and "baby and mommy"!!!! Isn't she the cutest thing?

The kids.......minus one!

Some photos taken this morning before church. Aren't they a cute bunch? I can't wait until each "big" kid has a "little" kid on their lap! RoRo - we are coming as soon as humanly possible!!! Mommy, Daddy, Yack, Ju and KeeKee are wanting you home!

The Play Room

We just got the little table and chairs for the playroom. I think Jill and I love the play room as much as Keegan! I can't wait to see my 2 little black headed babies at the table playing together! And of course, Jill will be the waitress!

What we've been up to.....

Let's see......it's been a while since I posted. JENNIFER. Here what's been happening. We all played "buffet" with daddy, Zac had a cross country race, and I did Jill's hair!

Boyd's Orchard - FCC event

As you can tell, we had a BLAST at the FCC (Families with children from China) event today! It was at Boyd's orchard - very cool place! We all had a great time and really enjoyed seeing other little ones like our Keegan! We met some old friends and met some new ones. Keegan LOVES Abbie and Katie!!! (Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Ann for the adorable apron!) I do believe Zac and Jill enjoyed themselves as well!! We went through a corn maze and picked some apples to round out the day!!!

Reclaiming the family room

After having toys in EVERY room, we decided to make our formal living room (which as been mostly empty since we moved in) an official play room and move all the toys in the downstairs area to one central location. I will have to take some photos of that room soon!

Fun night at home

Well, we bought Keegan a set of blocks. But this is the "city" that Adam and I built! Complete with a vet's office, post office, city hall, apartment housing, Wal-mart, Lowes, Cici's Pizza and PF CHANGS!!!!!!!! (Oh yeah, and I made chocolate silk pie!)

Hangin' with Dad

Keegan and daddy were laying on the floor watching a movie (for about 3 seconds) when I decided to grab the camera. Then the moment was over. She doesn't stay still for long. She is talking up a storm, she can count to 3!!!! She is such a big girl!

Pictures for Romy

Here are a couple of pictures that we are enclosing in Romy's care package!

Labor Day 2006

I will let the pictures tell the story of the day......picnic with family!

A Chuck E. Cheese Experience

Ok - I am a little behind in posting these pictures - this was last weekend - we took Keegan for her first trip to Chuck E Cheese...she loved the slide. That is her favorite past time. She got so excited and messerized when she saw "Chuck E" in person!! Everytime he would disappear she would say "he gone potty". She was ready to knock every little kid out of her way to go down that slide - man, she gets serious about her sliding...

ColorWonder markers are COOL!!!

Keegan loves her ColorWonder markers!! But Mommy REALLY loves her ColorWonder markers! I don't have to stand over her while she colors - she can get crazy with her markers and it's OKAY!!!!!!

Little cutie!

She was lounging and watching some cartoons - it just doesn't get much better than wearing Elmo pajamas and watching cartoons!!

Our trip to Pigeon Forge, TN

We went to TN last weekend - we had a blast! We played in the pool, went to Dixie Stampede, ate a lot, played cards (I won), shopped, went to a COOL place called "Wonderworks" it's like a museum but not - you can do all kinds of cool things - for kids and adults! I would highly recommend it!

"the girls"

Here is our crew - minus one. We all can't wait to get Romy home - the older kiddos are already working out who gets to play with "the calm one" and who gets "the hyper one"!!!!!!! Zac and Jill are AWESOME with Keegan! Can't wait to see each older kid with a smaller kid!!!!!!! We have an incredible family!!! Love you Zac and Jill!!

Picture day at school!

Keegan's child development center had "picture day" today! She dressed in her new pink dress from Nannie and she just HAD to wear her pink pearl bracelet with it! She is just a doll baby!!

Big step forward......

Today Lifeline (our agency for Romy) received our dossier! They will turn it around and send it on to China today! We are hoping and praying for a speedy log in date and even speedier travel notice!!! Please pray that God starts preparing Romy's little heart for her new life that is just around the corner! It makes me teary eyed to think about my girls being able to grow up together! I wouldn't trade my "growing up" days with Cherri for any amount of money and I can't wait to see the girls begin their own journey together!! Love to all - Cynthia

Just a few photos......

Just a few fun pictures from the past few days. Let's see - experienced popcorn for the first time (while watching Monsters, Inc.), Uncle Rick's birthday, playing with her new drumset (thanks Vanessa and Emma), new outfit, etc!

We are anxiously awaiting getting our documents back from Washington, DC for Romy - we hope to have a Log-in-date in mid August!!! Those of you guys praying out there - keep it up! We can not wait to get to our little one!!! Romy - mommy and daddy are trying!!!!!!!!! Keegan is ready to play with you!!!

Keegan shares with Daddy

Daddy was quite sick last weekend and Keegan didn't mind at all sharing her baby with Daddy. Anything to make him feel better!

The "big girl" bed

We assembled the first of two toddler beds today! I can't wait to see my girls lying in their beds!!!!!!! Keegan seems to like the big girl bed! We will slowly work her into the bed over the next few months! We would love for her to be in the toddler bed by the time we leave for China!

We received our I171H in the mail today!!! I was beside myself! This was the last piece of paperwork we were waiting on to complete our dossier for Romy! Thank you Jesus!!!

Yummy......donuts!

Keegan experienced some Krispy Kreme donuts today - I was out early today so I went by and the HOT sign was on!!!!!!!! YUMMY!!!

Going potty with Elmo....

Keegan seems to enjoy her Potty Elmo - she tries to help him drink and go potty! As I was showing her how he worked - she decided SHE needed to go to the potty as well - but on ELMO'S potty! I thought I was going to die laughing!!!

The days of "nursery for one" are over!

I wanted to take some pictures of the nursery so we would remember it before the big changes start!!! I hope to get one of the toddler beds put together this weekend and start talking to Keegan about the reality of her sister coming home! I am hoping to have Keegan in the "big girl" bed before Romy comes home. My baby girl is growing up so fast. She had a BIG day yesterday and pee peed in the potty for the first time!

Fun with Friends!!!

We went to visit Stefanie and her precious babies this weekend! We went to Georgia to see my sister and Stefanie Leist (an adoption friend) lives less than 3 miles from my sister!!! We got to play with Sophie, Isabelle, Asher and Dalton! Stefanie sure has some gorgeous children! And they are ALL as sweet as they are beautiful - that includes YOU, Ms. Stefanie! The kids were dancing like crazy to some Disney tunes! Keegan really enjoyed the rocking horse - gonna have to get one of those! And oh my, they have a chair there that sends Keegan to heaven! Thank you so much for having us in your home and letting Keegan go crazy with your kids and their toys! After visiting a while we took all the kiddos to McDonalds - Keegan and daddy got to experience the McDonalds playland for the first time! I couldn't believe Keegan went all the way up and through the playland thingie!! Daddy had to go retrieve her a couple of times! What fun we had!

A day on the farm (Vanessa's farm)

Keegan wanted to pet the goats so bad - but only on "her" terms. Heidi, Clara and Greta..they were adorable! The pictures were taken on Vanessa's farm in Georgia. Vanessa has dogs, goats, cats, rabbits and horses! (oops - almost forgot the bird) We enjoyed ourselves in Georgia this past weekend at my sister's house! Thanks for everything!!

It's the fourth!

Adam's family came over for a cookout - Adam grilled and we ate! We (meaning Adam and I) were in bed and asleep before the fireworks started! Boy we are so much fun to be around! There is always next year......

Keegan thought Nannie's necklace added a "little something" to her USA tee shirt!

Man - it's been a tough week!

First the skinned knee and now a nose bleed!!! It's the first nose bleed that mom has had to deal with! It didn't seem to bother Keegan except the fact that she had to sit still - BOY SHE WAS MAD ABOUT THAT!!! But a bowl of blueberries makes everything better!

The first of many......

Please notice the cute outfit Miss Keegan is adorning today! Her good friends Ali and Rachael are sharing their wardrobe with her! Thank you Ali and Rachael - I love everything!!!!

First a skinned knee.......

My baby got her first skinned knee! It reminds me that this is the first of the true bumps and bruises along the way of growing up...did you hear me???? GROWING UP!!! She is changing so fast and everyday she is saying more things - airplane, truck, knock-knock, it's endless!!! We just get to enjoy the journey of her life with her! It's a blessing!!!

A sunday afternoon

Keegan hanging out at home on a sunday afternoon. Lovin' on kitties, playing with toys and having smores with Aunt ReeRee for the first time!!! It doesn't get much better than that!! Keegan wants to send a special Hi and Thank you to her new friends: Neil, Cole and Haley!! Thanks for playing with Keegan!!! (sorry if we spelled anyone's names wrong - we can fix them!)

A day at the Farley pool

Aunt ReeRee (Cherri) and Uncle Rick bought Keegan her very own "cool pool"!!! She LOVES the water - she would live out there if we would let her. This evening she was crying to get in the pool - forget that it was lightning, thundering and ready to pour down rain!! She was very upset. She is so much fun! Thursday's at her daycare is "water play" day. She gets to play outside in the water (sprinkler)!! They do so many neat things with her at school!!! Keegan LOVES Ms. Sylvia (her teacher)!!

My precious baby

Just look at that baby - she is so precious! I couldn't love her more!! I am just so excited about her sister - Romy!! We are very blessed! Keegan is talking up a storm - she is saying approx 30 words now and everyday you just don't know what might come out of her mouth!! At her last check up (about 10 days ago) she is 34 inches tall and weighs 27.5 lbs!! She is very healthy! The doctor was VERY pleased with her progress - she is on track, if not ahead of the american kid charts, growth and developmental!!! Thank you Jesus for watching over our baby and keeping her so healthy!!!

Fun times with old friends

We got to met up with some friends at our annual Adoption Assistance picnic (our local agency) - this is one of the babies that was adopted the same time as Keegan - check out Anna - she is 4 days younger than Keegan - just a SLIGHT size difference!!! Anna and her mom Tomara got to hang out with us a little in China!!! We love you guys!!

Family Reunion 2006

This was the "view" from where we had our family reunion - VERY NICE!

Bathing beauty!

Keegan's first time in the pool! She enjoyed spending "pool" time with her brother Zac.

Daddy is my hero! What cuties I have here.......

NASA here I come...

Last week was "space week" at Keegan's preschool. They looked at glow-n-the-dark planets, read about stars and even ate moon pies!!!!!!! She kills me! Just look at that baby!!

It's lookin' a little like rain.

She was adorable in her outfit Aunt Cherri bought her!! I had to grab a picture before we headed out for school. Everyone enjoys seeing what she is wearing today! Sunday was our "6 month" mark with Keegan. I can't remember life without her. She is the most amazing creature. And I am so thankful that God put her in my life! She is truly a gift from heaven!

I swore I would never........

Like all parents, I SWORE I was not going to let Keegan watch Barney.....but she LOVES him. It's one of the only things she actually watches on TV. I think it's because there are little kids on there. She actually went and got her little chair, pulled it up infront of the TV, and sat down!!! HILARIOUS!!! She is just so precious!

Easter Sunday!

I am a little late in posting this one! I just realized tonight that I had never even seen the Easter pictures! Keegan enjoys picking up eggs (plastic) and putting them in her basket - dump them out - put them back in - dump them out - put them back in! Next year she will probably understand a little more! I just love that little dress!! Thanks Nannie!!

Keegan's mini skirt!

Keegan was getting to head out for school and I just had to get a picture of her! She is just a blessing in our lives!

The kids........

The kids got to go outside and play a little before bedtime. Keegan LOVES being outside and she loves playing with Zac and Jill. They are great with their little sister........I'm not sure who loves who more? They are all a blast! Love you guys!

Sisters sharing a muffin on a Saturday morning.

A glimpse into the beach wedding.......

Uncle Rick made sure Keegan was in the middle of everything. Keegan has learned to say "Rick" and it's all about Rick!!! Rick, Rick, Rick.....

Ready and waiting

Keegan was ready to head out for the wedding - the wedding was absolutely gorgeous! She did really well - she only screamed out "YEAH" two or three times during the wedding!!! (I was about to die!)

A day at the beach....

This was the first time Keegan had been to the beach. We were in Hilton Head, SC for a family wedding last week. She was so ready to just jump right in! I can't wait to get her in a little bathing suit and get in the water! She will have a blast!

Very stylish girl!

My baby is one cute girl!! She is such a doll - inside and out!

Working in the yard!!

Mowing Aunt Cherri's yard...she loves her mower!! Keegan continues to amaze us everyday with new tricks! She is talking more everyday.....she now says very clearly "mommy" instead of momma, bye-bye, all gone, uh-oh, dog, bird, cat, and she really tries to say Zac (her brother's name)! She is just a little miracle in my life!

Just making sure the belly button was still there.......whew - it's there!!

Cute from the front AND the back!

Where's the snow?

Now that she has this cool hat.....we need snow! Keegan loves her new things! Thanks again Ali and Rachel - you guys are very sweet (and cute, too)!!!!

Thanks Ali & Rachel!!

Keegan sends her love to Ali and Rachel for her new clothes!! She loved trying on her new coat and hat!!! She felt like she needed to go somewhere and show off her new clothes........so she went to the front door and waited.......

Sisters

Jill and Keegan share a moment before leaving for church. It's always nice to read a book with your sister!!

No words needed.........

All the girls

Laura, Eliza, me and Keegan - hanging out at the Kenwood Mall in Cincinnati!! We had such a wonderful time being with them again! The food at the Cheesecake Factory was much better than our last meal together (China)!!!

Keegan and Eliza

The girls are reunited! They were absolutely precious together!! It was amazing seeing Jeff and Laura again!! We love you guys!!

Doing the Nannie.......

We are in the car headed to see Keegan's orphanage buddy! It's been over 3 months since the girls have seen each other. Keegan doesn't seem the least bit nervous!!

How cute is that?

She is just so funny! Keegan continues to amaze me everyday. She learns so much - it's scary! She knows: up and down (and demonstrates them), all her facial features (she just about pokes her eyes out), she LOVES to dance (she is JUST LIKE her momma!!), puts a purse on her arm - heads to the front door - waves and says "bye", she LOVES to entertain when there are people around!! She is very outgoing and very much a people person (many say - like her momma - LOL)!! She is an amazing addition to our family! Keegan is the second best thing I ever did - marrying her dad was the best!!!!

In awe.......

It's like the front row at a concert - big brother is performing for his little sis!

Just for Jennifer

Headed out the door to Toyota Child Care Development Center!! She loves it there!

Look how cute we are in our pink coat!! Aunt Cherri bought her this!!!

The family

This picture was Adam's first attempt at the "auto" thing on the camera - so we all look like........"smile now? or now? what about - FLASH - now?"

Nannie and Keegan

She loves her Nannie!

Keegan......just around the house

My chinese princess!!!!!!!

I think it's a little early but I think she is trying to wear my shoes already!

Bath Time

I love this picture - such a blank expression!

We LOVE bath time.........thank you Aunt Millie for the new bath toys!!

My gifts

These are both true gifts from God.....and He gave them both to me!

It's time for a little pampering!!

Keegan receives a manicure from daddy!

The pedicure turns ugly!!

Cute Girl!!!

She is going for the camera!!

You know.......I don't think that is what Cherri and Rick had in mind when they bought the little house for Keegan?

How do you NOT include this picture on the blog? This is momma's first baby!!! Baby Donovan and his mom playing the "sheet game" - momma enjoys it! (it makes me cry!!!!!!)

The Way We Sleep

My child is ALL OVER THE PLACE when she sleeps - case in point. She is too funny - she HAS TO HAVE at least one limb sticking out of the crib at all times! Nice.

Precious Baby Girl

Where to start???? Since coming home Keegan has really went through some changes! It seems overnight she has went from a "baby girl" to a toddler......where was I? She is trying to talk more and more everyday......she babbles ALL THE TIME, she can say dada, mama, ball, bye-bye, "Ack" for Zac, and is trying to say dog, bubbles, down, and up. Tonight at dinner she used a straw...........a real big person STRAW!!! Very exciting for mama and dada......you would have thought she had just solved world hunger!!! As my mom says "you now know a mother's love" and how true that is. There is NOTHING like coming home and seeing that precious little person smile at me and run towards me!!! Good Lord I love that child!!! Ok I will quit rambling and post some pictures!!

Defense

Keegan has been in here a little over 2 months and has quickly become a rabid fan of Kentucky basketball. Here Keegan is cheering D-FENCE.

Cynthia and Keegan

Cynthia and Keegan, first Christmas!!!

Click on the Flickr Photos link to the right and see other photos from China.

Merry Christmas

This is a picture of the family Christmas from December 17th at Lucille's house. Family drove in from Georgia, Pike County and as far away as Eastern Lexington. We had a great time and of course the food at Lucille's was wonderful.

Grandma and Grandpa, Sherry and Tim on December 24th, also their anniversary.

Uncle Brian and Keegan, December 24th, also his birthday.
December 24th is a big day.


Not sure we want to unwrap this present!?

Cherri and Cynthia's mother, haha. We had a great time opening gifts on the 24th.

Keegan shows Uncle Rick her favorite Christmas gifts, the bows.

Two of my favorite gifts!!!

Keegan did need some help opening her gifts.

Big brother helped too.

The Return

Sorry that it has been so long since we've updated the blog, but we have a baby now (Jennifer)!!! It really has been busy with Keegan getting in her sleep pattern, getting used to daycare, which she loves, and with Cynthia and I getting by on less sleep. I know that's normal stuff for new parents but that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. This is Keegan getting some help from Jill with her Santa hat.

Everything is a phone. HELLO, HELLO, WHO'S CALLING?

It was a long day putting up Christmas decorations and chasing brother and sister around.

Home

The Farley's are home, all of us. Cynthia and I are a little sleep deprived. Keegan seems to sleep whenever and she feels up to it. Keegan is not really on Kentucky time or China time. Like Cynthia says, Keegan is either on or off, there is no just sitting around. Keegan is beyond active and in to discovering all about her new house, and cats.

Keegan is getting along great with her brother Zac and her sister Jill. She loves to play the game where she walks back and forth between brother and sister.

Keegan is discovering her toys.

Thanks to everyone that followed our journey. I've heard people were keeping track of us in there offices. Thanks again to the Group 864. We had a great time and went through alot together. Thanks to our guides Tom, Alexandra, Yisha, Jodie, Maggie and Grace, you guys took such good care of us. We would have been lost without you. Thanks to JC Travel. A big thank you to CCAI for the child they have brought to our lives. Thank you Josh and Lilly for all you do. Thanks to Cherri and Rick and Lucille for keeping the house and all inside alive. Thank you Mom and Dad, Zac and Jill. Thanks to DeAnne and Ed for the link to the rest of the world. Thanks to Cynthia for being the greatest travel companion I could have asked for. Most of all thank you God for bringing us this adventure that keeps on going.
We will continue to update this site periodically so hang in there with us...

It is sooooo good to be home!!!

Infamous red couch pictures

Here are pictures from this morning. Each family posed, all of the babies in our group together and group photos, it was hysterical. All of the babies did well.


A special thank you to all of the parents in our group. Everyone has been helpful to each other. I think at one time or another we've all knocked on most everyone's hotel room door and asked for something. Everyone has been helpful and very kind.

Today at 2:45 we leave for the Consulate in Guangzhou. We should return around 5:20 and we'll have to pack. We leave our hotel tomorrow morning at 6am for the airport. Unless we get some free time this will probably be our last post until we get home to Lexington. We are very ready to come home. I've told Keegan that we really do have a house and she will not be forced to live in hotels for the rest of her life. I'm not sure if she belives me.

For that one flight tracker out there: We leave Guangzhou on China Southern flight CZ301 at 8:20am for Hong Kong. We leave Hong Kong at 11:35am on United flight UA896 for Chicago. We leave Chicago at 2:15pm and ARRIVE IN LEXINGTON AT 4:32PM on UA6870 THURSDAY!!! See you then.

Shopping and more

The breakfast buffet started the day. We sat right at the window overlooking the Pearl River, wish I would have brought my camera to breakfast. After we were all full we went back to the room and all of us napped for a little while. We had to wait in our rooms until noon and await a call saying that all of our consulate paperwork was in good shape. It was. From there lunch at Lucy's.


After our grilled cheese and BLT's, it was time for our trip to the mall. It is by far the biggest mall I've been to. After walking way in to the back we found the pearl stores and the DVD's. By the way, I bought Star Wars Episode 3, War of the World's, Stealth, Ocean's 12, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for less than $10 total. AWESOME. I'll have to let Cynthia tell you about what she bought. It may be a surprise. WHOOPS!! That is basically all we looked at. We only had one hour before heading back to the White Swan.
Dinner was ordered from Danny's Bagel. Pepperoni Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese aren't exactly what I figured on eating while in China. After several in our group have become sick from the food, it is hard to muster the courage to try other foods.

Had to throw a pic of the reason for the trip in. I know serval people back home that would rather see pictures than read my take on the day.
Tomorrow we have our consulate appointment where we take our oath and we have our red couch pictures taken. The red couch pictures are of all the babies in our group photographed on the red couches here in the hotel. It is a tradition with CCAI.

Guangzhou at night

Other pictures

One of Keegan's new outfits from the local shops.

Baby girl has discovered ice cream. It was a hit!

The weigh in results are in...

Weighing in at 23.8lbs. and hailing from AnQing, China ...Keegan 'Big Un' Farley!!!

Keegan had a good review at the doctor's office today. Everything was fine.

Local area

Here are a few pictures of the local park. There are many cool statues, trees, and greenery. The park is on the banks of the Pearl River where a lot of the local people hang out and take pictures.

Sunday

Today started with an awesome breakfast buffet!!! French toast, bacon, sausage, fruit, all kinds of pastries, cereal, juices, tater tots, veggies, rice, conji, and other stuff that we didn't venture to try at this time. We get to look forward to this every morning until Wednesday. YEAH!!! We met up with other families that we here in China adopting. We all end up in Guangzhou no matter what province the child is from. I dropped off a huge load of laundry at Jennifer' Place. At 10am we went across the street to have Keegan's Visa photo taken. At 10:30 Cynthia met with our local guides Maggie and Grace to finish up paperwork for Keegan's Visa. Keegan and I hung out in our room and played around. We watch badminton, CNN, and some really bad movies. We explore tonight with a trip to the Cow and Bridge Thai restaurant. We'll be out taking pictures tonight and visiting the city. These pictures are the view from our hotel room.

This picture needs no words!

Guangzhou

We are so proud of our baby girl. She fell asleep before we left the terminal in Hefei and did not wake up until we landed and were at our gate in Guangzhou. She slept sound the whole way. After our hour and a half flight to Guangzhou, relief! Relief is an understatement. Not that the last hotels in Beijing and Hefei haven't been nice, but this is to another level. THE WHITE SWAN HAS AIRCONDITIONING!!! There is a book in each room about the hotel and all of the presidents and leaders of other countries that have stayed here. Castro stayed here. Needless to say, this place is beautiful. We will discover more of the hotel tomorrow. We are right on the banks of Shaiman Island and the Pearl River. Right down the street, a beautiful walk, is Lucy's. Lucy's is about as American as Applebee's. American movie posters are all over the wall, American music is playing, it's awesome. After a few of our travel companions have become sick, even to the point of going to the hospital in Hefei, it is great to know we have a place where we can get food we don't have to worry about. The streets outside are alive with nightlife and shoppers. That'll be us tomorrow.

This last picture is just a reminder of the fun you can have with kids. We miss you Jill-Marie and Zac.

Local Cuisine

Our last day in Hefei: One last trip to the Lotus Mart. Cynthia stayed at the room because, well, there are sections of the Lotus Mart that she does not want to visit. Van, Grace and I took some time to browse. The bottom floor has the normal department store stuff and more. Clothing, jewelry, CD's, VCD's, etc... also they have a huge play area for kids, very similar to Kid's Place on Tiverton Way. The second floor is food, clothes, and department store stuff. In the 'deli' section of the store is where it gets exciting. From what I'm told a lot of people still eat very traditional fare including turtle, frog, and eel. Now in this section they have these items packaged and live. There are tanks where you can pick out your particular fish, eel, frog, and crab. There were display areas with hunks of meat piled on ice. I don't know what kind of meat was there but people were picking up hunks of it and placing it in bags. You just pick it up with your hands and put it in a bag. Chicken feet, complete with toe nails, dried eel, fish heads, sides of beef, all kinds of cooked and uncooked birds with heads still attached and other little assorted live things were all there. For those of you that know Cynthia, could you imagine her in the 'deli'. Sorry, I have no picture to post with this entry.

It rained today-no zoo

We got up today and it was raining so the trip to the zoo was cancelled. We stayed in our room and packed for our flight to Guangzhou. For those of you flight checking, the flight has been changed to CZ3519(11:40-13:20) Here is the view from our hotel room. This is the park we walk through to get to the Lotus Center (Wal-Mart). Yes, it is always this smoggy and cloudy. Next we are off to the infamous White Swan hotel.

No Big News Today

Today we just hung out in the room. Some of the others in the group went to the Anqing Orphanage. We chose not to go. First of all, Keegan had a hard night last night and I just wanted to be with her today. Secondly, it was a 2 hour bus ride one way and they were only going to be able to stay a few minutes. And for those of you that I haven't informed of the traffic issues - GOOD LORD!!!! I will explain once I am home!!!! Did I mention.....GOOD LORD!!!! Anyhow, once the members of our group got back - we found out that the orphanage sent some of the babies items to the parents. We received a certificate, a small photo book of some early Keegan photos, an Anqing Opera CD, and her clothes that she was found in..........very upseting. I am thankful to have these items but yet it's disturbing.

Our CCAI rep that is with us 24/7, Yisha, gave us a copy of her "finding ad" today. When babies are found they run an ad in the newspaper to see if anyone knows anything about the babies.........again, a little disturbing. It is the first picture of Keegan that we will ever have.

After having her only a few days - it's amazing how much we already know about her. How the way she reacts to things, the different cries and what they mean, etc. But it's so hard to imagine how, why and what these mothers go through when leaving these babies!!! And for those of you that know me well - I COULDN'T EVEN GIVE UP A CAT LET ALONE A BABY!!!!

We ventured out again to the local Lotus store (like a Walmart) and bought a few items. (side note-everyone here mainly rides bikes so they can't carry very many bags-almost all the check out lanes are 8 items or less, there are only 2 regular check out lanes!!!!!!! approx 15 express lanes!!!!!) Anyhow, we go thinking....well we will get out of the room for a while and browse the Lotus store - we get mobbed and stared out - so we just about run through the store just a snatchin' and a grabbin'!!!!! and then well......we are back at the hotel again.......

I believe we go to a local zoo tomorrow - rumor has it that there are monkeys that run loose!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD LORD!!!! I will advise tomorrow!! Never a dull moment around here!

Isn't funny how when you read the blog you can tell if it's Adam or me?????

Someone go eat at Columbia's for me - order the special with a baked potato (butter and sour cream) and the Diego salad - ranch dressing on the side!!!!!!

For those of you keeping score - pooped twice so far today..............

Until tomorrow - everyone enjoy your day!!! Thanks for following the journey!

A girl and her shoes

From what we understand, this is her first pair of shoes. Very stylish!!!

Pictures of the Day

Today was a big day, Keegan's first bath. She seemed to do just fine. She's squeaky clean.

We took a tour bus to downtown Hefei to the department store. First she napped. When she woke up, Keegan was the hit. Everyone wanted to touch, feel, kiss, lick, flip, flop, oooh and gooo over her. She put on a show for everyone by laughing and being all cute and stuff.

Then Keegan discovered Cheerios. We brought these with us. Chinese Cheerios aren't quite the same. She won't miss a crumb. If she drops one she looks for it until she finds it. Waste not want not, that's our girl.

Officially a Farley!!!

We met with the notary, registration offical, and a member of the orphange office to finalize all of the paperwork. After two interviews we signed the documents and Keegan is offically ours.


She sort of looks like 'The Golden Child'

Keegan is just like her aunt Cherri, she pooped 4 times today!!!

Got her!!!

Here is the big moment!! After 14 months - HERE SHE IS!!! She is more beautiful than I can explain - she felt so good to hold! She didn't cry - didn't really seemed to mind 2 strangers loving all over her. She started right away playing with my necklace and id tag. All the babies are beautiful and healthy (most of them have colds - to be expected)!

The picture says it all!!!! I can't stand it!!!! She is ours!!! I have already told her about her big brother and big sister, her 5 cats, her Nannie, her Grandma and Grandpa, her Uncle Brian and I have warned her about her Aunt Cherri and Uncle Rick!!!!! I told her she is one loved little girl and that everyone will want to kiss all over her!!

She's a daddy's girl! Aren't they cute together????? I think she already has him wrapped around her tiny little fingers!

The family!!! Minus 2 kids and 5 cats!!

She sleeps...

Hefei

Today we left Beijing for Hefei (Huff A). We arrived about 12:30 after an hour and a half flight. We were met by Yisha and Jodie our CCAI guides and representatives. 15 minutes later we rolled up to our very schwanky hotel. We had some free time before our meeting, so we unpacked since we'll be here until Saturday. At 3:30 we met again and were told how tomorrow would happen. 'GOTCHA DAY' will start with the babies arriving about 9:30am Monday China time, 8:30pm Sunday EST. We will get to meet the orphanage director and the nannies that take care the babies. After the meeting we walked to the Lotus Market, very close to a Wal-Mart, and stocked up on junk food. Dinner tonight was a veggie sort of pizza, Pringles and Pepsi Light. We did not get much free time to take pictures today but the picture here is from our hotel room. Below is a huge garden area where we saw a wedding party complete with fireworks. We miss you all, well most of you. Just kidding.

Touring Today

Today we started at 8:15 leaving our hotel on our tour bus with the 8 other families in our adoption group. We drove about an hour and a half to the Ming Tombs. Traffic was interesting to say the least. These are the tombs of some of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Today only one building remains standing and it was beautiful. There is so much detail in the architecture. This is a picture of us at the front of the tomb.
Next we went to the jade market and watched the crafters sculpt jade items. Of course the items were very beautiful and the highest quality. We also had lunch here. Lunch consisted of tea, coke, sweet and sour pork, hot and spicy soup, rice, spicy chicken, spring rolls, and even french fries (no ketchup though). Very good lunch.

From there we reloaded the bus and drove to the Badaling Great Wall. This is probably the most touristy of the different sections you could visit. And yes, we made it to the top of the mountain behind us in this picture. We were 'heroes' for making it as far as we did.

Our tour guide Alexandra was awesome and told us of all the history, customs, and answered all of our questions.

TWO DAYS UNTIL BABY KEEGAN!!!

Cool flight tracking

This is a cool way to track us on our trip. Go to www.flytecomm.com, click on Track a flight and type in our airline and flight number and you can see where in the air we are. Ok, I know of two people that will think this is cool, and I'm one of them, so for that other person, here you are.


11/3 - United Airlines UA6969- Lexington to Chicago
11/3 - United Airlines UA851- Chicago to Beijing
11/6 - China Eastern Airlines MU5170- Beijing to Hefei
11/12- China Southern Airlines CZ3814- Hefei to Guangzhou
11/17- China Southern Airlines CZ301- Guangzhou to Hong Kong
11/17- United Airlines UA896- Hong Kong to Chicago
11/17- United Airlines UA6870- Chicago to Lexington

Map of China

Travel Plan

Here is our final travel itinerary:

11/3 - Leave Lexington for Chicago then to Beijing. Chicago to Beijing is a 13.5 hour flight but it is on a Boeing 777, very cool.

11/4 - Arrive in Beijing. China is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

11/5 - Tour Beijing including The Great Wall and Ming Tombs.

11/6 - Leave Beijing for Hefei.

11/7 - 'GOTCHA DAY' Keegan is brought to us at our hotel.

11/8 - Adoption registration, Notarization and apply for Keegan's passport. Sounds like a fun day.

11/9 - Optional shopping trip.

11/10 - Optional tours available. Not sure of destinations yet.

11/11 - Receive Keegan's passport.

11/12 - Leave Hefei for Guangzhou.

11/13 - Rest, shop, tour.

11/14 - Keegan's physical and visa photo taken today. Group meeting to ensure paperwork for consulate appointment.

11/15 - U.S. Consulate appointment.

11/16 - Go to U.S. Consulate to take oath in afternoon.

11/17 - Fly from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. Leave Hong Kong for Chicago then to Lexington. That's alot of flying with a child on our laps. Hopefully she'll be sleepy, really sleepy.

We're told we will have a bunch of free time to explore the cities or just hang out.

Additional Pictures

These are additional pictures that came in Keegan's referral packet. We can't wait to get our hands on her!!! Per the information we received, she should be 8 months old in these pictures.

Keegan Shea Farley

We are happy to introduce Keegan Shea Farley.

Chinese name: Xu Qian Xue
pronounced Shu Tien Shua
meaning Thousand Snow, big snow
Born: October 30, 2004
Orphanage: AnQing in the Anhui Province
Weight: 17.6 pounds
Height: 27.5 inches

We should travel in 7-9 weeks.

Introduction

Here we are, the Farley's! Cynthia, Adam and kids Jill-Marie and Zachary. We are anxiously anticipating our newest addition, Keegan. Keegan will be from China. We will post her pictures as soon as we get them. Feel free to post comments anytime. Thanks.