Actual Conversation....

Me: Austin, we're going to get Ryleigh's picture next Wednesday.

Austin: I need to start working on my "Keep Out" sign for my door.

Yikes.

Rain Rain Rain...

I know, some people are knee deep in snow, but we are knee deep in rain.....This morning at 10 a.m. it was as dark as night....we get this puddle in the corner of our yard and we're conspiring to get a sump pump and shoot all the water into our next door neighbors yard...is that wrong???? No one needs a swimming pool in the rain!

The rain is over for now, but expected to start again tonight.....

With a huge sigh of relief....

Mark and I are so happy tonight!

The rumors all day today was that the CCAA (Chinese Governing agent of Adoptions) had cutoff the month of referrals at only one more week, 4/20. As a reminder, we are Log in date of 4/22. Very sad day, hurt feelings, feelings of craziness, etc... I was very busy at work, so didn't think A LOT about it and was fairly numb. Mark took it all in stride, and was his usual calm dude self!

My mom checked the websites all day long. At 8:13PM she checked the CCAA Website and saw that the rumors are indeed wrong and that we have "made the cut". I've never felt better (well maybe when Austin was born healthy).

We are told by our agency that they should receive them Tuesday (they are closed Monday for the holiday), and get the "call" Wednesday.

All that being said....my first thought was being overjoyed for US. My second thought was for our good friends the Thayers who are logged in on 4/27 and didn't make the cut. We were really hoping to travel with them, as we've been trudging through this adoption process together!!! Soon, though, they will have their referral and we will have our girls home to play together.

Post Christmas - Pre Referral

We had a great Christmas here in ol' Teagueland.... Mark and I didn't exchange much (GPS for him, Senseo coffee maker for me), and we donated money to Love Without Boundaries for everyone else.



Here's Austin with his awesome remote control car thingy (because they split apart and twirl around and do all kinds of strange things that cars can't do). A favorite of Austins (and Mark's, he got one too).

Austin was the main gift receiver this year, but at the last minute I panicked so we wrapped up boxes of cupcakes and I had my mom wrap up some things that I bought for myself so that the little selfish one wouldn't think he was the only one deserving of some paper flying.....



Hat knit by my mom that matches one she knit for Ryleigh and gloves to keep me warm in China. - Photo by Austin

We had a great day. We went and saw The Chronicles of Narnia. Well done, a little above Austin's head, but not bloody or gorey where it could have been.

Hopefully referrals will be here next week. We leave for Disneyland on the 8th, and it would be wonderful to have Ryleigh's picture to carry around by then. If not, we will receive our call while in Disneyland and rush to the nearest computer with Internet access.....I've already scoped out some local places via The Laughing Place


Just a great picture of Austin climbing on the new equipment at the local elementary school.

My stomach hurts just thinking of the.....

amount of sugar that goes into making a gingerbread house.



I think that Austin ingested enough to last him a couple months at least....everytime I turned around he was stuffing another gumdrop or m&m in his mouth. Yuck. All the sugary frosting was just getting to me!

Anyways, this year I think we have the cutest house ever. We've perfected the coconut grass (a first this year).


Here's Austins showing off the finished product and his giant gingerbread pirate boy (notice the black fake m&m as an eye patch! Notice the somber (post too much sugar) look. He wanted more, more, more candy and we wouldn't let him have any more!

And, for your viewing pleasure, another video of my child once again ingesting tooth rotting candy! (do you think we have a pattern going here?)

Upload Video at DropShots.com

Been sooo busy!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted, oh faithful readers that are out there!! I have been so busy, and frankly, there hasn't been much to post on....

Today we went and visited our friends The Allen's. They just live across town (less then a mile away) but I had never been to their new house. WOW, 1 block from the beach, wine cellar, beautiful amazing kitchen that left me drooling....well, what can I say.

Upload Video and Photos at DropShots.com

Austin LOVES Katie (their 10 year old) and had a blast visiting with her. Here's some pictures of the visit. Austin jamming out on their drumset (let me tell you what Austin will not EVER receive for a gift in our house).

Upload Video and Photos at DropShots.com
Check out those hand positions...a real pro the first time out!


Upload Video and Photos at DropShots.com

Making Muffins, Ryleigh and Work

Well, on the Ryleigh home front, we will FOR SURE receive Ryleigh's picture and information NEXT! What does this mean? Well, this means we're next...unless...something else slows down on the other side of the ocean and if it does I'm going to blow. Actually, I'm completely fine with this delay. Last month I would have told you differently. I was READY for that referral. This month, I am ready to get it next. I have gotten so tired of Yahoo boards, rumors, and other people getting their referrals and traveling (wait, that was jealousy talking, I'm not really upset at them).....I've left it up to my mom to pass on any rumors that she hears to me.

On the work front, I usually work a 20 hour work week, which is 4 hours a day. Back on November 6th, my kooky co-worker decided that instead of taking some paid time off for her vacation to Disneyland and to some concerts and while she's Christmas shopping she would take off on the State's Disability Plan. She went for that wonderful "Stress Leave". Who should be stressed you ask? That would be ME! Now, I've spend the last month (and will continue) to work as many hours as I can stand to be away from Austin until she either comes back (I can't believe she will, how embarrassed would a NORMAL person be to be off as long as that and come back) or quits (if she does, lots of prayers will be answered in my office. Anyways, work has been so FUN! We've been laughing so much in the office, and I have really enjoyed being there. It has also helped pass the time while waiting for Ryleigh.

Here's a little video for your viewing pleasure. Austin has really gotten into cooking and my mom is wonderful letting him do so much in the kitchen!! Enjoy!

( Mary-Mia - Did you notice how my boy put some chocolate chips aside down ont he cutting board for later??? They learn early!)


Upload Video at DropShots.com

Look who came to visit Carmel?

Yesterday we got a surprise package in the mail. The customs sheet said it was from Baghdad, Iraq, and was from a Lt. Commander in the Navy. After carefully unwrapping the box we found Simba, the Lion. Simba is originally from a fifth grade class in Montana, and is finding his way all around the world, and then back to Montana in May 2006.

We were very excited to be included in this project, and here is a picture of Austin with Simba at the Carmel Beach. The World Famous Pebble Beach Golf Course is in the back!

Simba will continue his travels tomorrow...who will he go to? where will he end up? Hopefully back in the arms of his loving owner, John (nephew to our good friends the Emersons in Virginia Beach, Virginia).

The Stockings were hung.......

by the chimney with care in hopes that little Ryleigh soon would be there.

I haven't talked in my blog about the slowdown on referrals yet. I actually don't plan too, but needless to say, Ryleigh should have been home for Christmas, but won't be. This makes us very sad, but we also know that it will be very nice to be home with Austin this Christmas. We will see Ryleigh soon enough!

Yesterday we went to Bonfante Gardens for their Holiday Lights display. It was beautiful and they had millions of lights twinkling about. We rode on all of the rides, and had fun in the freezing cold (for us, it was freezing). Austin even got to see Santa Claus, and was NOT happy to be visiting with him. He also was upset afterwards because he thought Santa was going to slip him some instant gratification in the form of what he asked for, right then and there.


Today we put up the Christmas tree and hung the stockings. We had a lot of fun, and Austin was DYING to be the conductor of the train that circles the base of our tree each year.

We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season. We know ours will be and can't wait to see what the New Year brings us!

There is nothing sweeter....

There is nothing sweeter then your little boy going out in the first rain of winter and clearing out all the puddles for you so you don't have to drive your car through them.

This morning it rained. It hasn't really rained much in a long time. Mark and Austin took full opportunity to get all dolled up in their rain finery (this is also known on non-rainy days as the Airport Fireman outfit) and go out and clear some puddles.

I just love watching Austin in puddles. It's such a simple act. Jumping around, kicking at the water....I hope he never outgrows it.

We are so lucky!

Besides living in the most beautiful place in the world (we are biased). We live near the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. For three days, and three days only they are giving the penguins the red carpet treatment. The penguins at the aquarium live upstairs in a great exhibit. They are walking two of them (one from the New Orleans aquarium, relocated here after Katrina) from the exhibit to the elevator (where they fight over which one gets to push the buttons) and then the exit the elevator and walk the red carpet to where they have a little talk about them.

Mark, Austin, Nicholas (a little boy I have watched for a couple years) and I went this morning and got an upclose and personal shot of the little guys.

Here's Austin and Nicholas waiting for their arrival (notice how the big adults try to crowd them out):


Here the pair of penguin's are trying to exit the elevator (notice how one is being held back).


And here they are exiting the elevator and making their strut down the red carpet. Flashes were going off all around us. I have to say, too, that I got a little teary. I'm such a sap! They are so CUTE!

Fencing with Grandma!

Everyone needs a fencing instructor in their life.....


Upload Video at JussPress.com

A Video from My Mom's Digital Camera

Upload Video at JussPress.com

Thank you to Mary Mia for her help with the video uploads.

Mark's Early Christmas Present....

Well, I got Mark an early Christmas present....

....I (I mean, he) is very excited. Of course, Mark says that this is the kind of gift that I wanted for myself, but give to him (like Tivo a couple birthdays ago).

Anyways, I have a gripe! Why, when you buy something like this, doesn't it come with all of the cables that you need? I (I mean Mark) need the silly firewire cable, which of course isn't to be purchased anywhere in a 40 mile radius of our house....ARGH!!!!!

As soon as we get the cable, I (I mean Mark) will upload some video footage.

If anyone knows a website for video clip hosting, please comment away!

Photo's by Gyll (Grandma)

OK, nothing much going on around here. We had playgroup with our local FCC (Families with Children from China) today at the park and got to meet the sweetest little panda, Miranda. She will turn 3 in a month and became a US Citizen 10 days ago when her mom brought her home.

Here are some pictures my mom took over the last couple of days......


Ahhhh, Diet Coke


Miranda Panda and her new mom, Darlene!


Stacey and Austin create with Playdough!

Grandma goes Digital!

My mom is delving into the world of megapixels and little movies. She purchased a digital camera tonight and is now going to figure it out. This will include lots and lots of talking to herself. I'll try to post some of her pictures tomorrow!

You know what sucks?

Coughing. Coughing and coughing and coughing just sucks!

I have acute bronchitis and an ear infection. I am feeling good today, but can't stop coughing. My doctor gave me a prescription for the "good stuff". Cough medicine with codeine, but just for "before bed". ARGH! I'm also on a Z-pack and some steroids to clear my lungs faster. I think my muscles have grown since I started taking them (yeah right).

Here's a cute picture of Austin for your viewing pleasure. The fire truck came to Austin's school and the highlight was putting out the fire (or spraying the nearby trees).

Ryleigh's Shower

Today my friends: Kandi, Heather and Pam threw me the best baby shower ever! I've been a little down this week because of the delay in getting Ryleigh's picture, but boy do my friends know how to chipper a girl up!

Heather's house was decorated so beautifully in an Asian theme! Wow, so cute! We started out with eating (yum). Shrimp tempura, potstickers, (the most amazing) chicken skewers, egg rolls, Chinese chicken salad and sushi. We all ate until we were going to burst.

Instead of playing games, my friends came up with the cleverest idea! They separated everyone into four groups, and those four groups went to different rooms in the house and were given the task of decorating some items (two sweatshirts, 4 shirts for Ryleigh, a shirt for Austin and a diaper bag). Each team had 2 items to work on. They were given 30 minutes to complete their projects, and I was to judge. Well, see for yourself the amazing things that can be done in 30 minutes!!





Then we opened presents, can you repeat after me "Ryleigh is one spoiled (but well dressed) little girl. Wow, guys, you are really generous and I love everything that Ryleigh got today and she will too!

Last but not least we had cake. Here's a picture of it. The cake is decorated with custom fortune cookies and my shower invitation that Kandi handmade. Amazing!

Last but not least, thanks to all of my friends who took time out of their busy schedules to come to the party to celebrate Ryleigh. It means so much to Mark, Austin and I! Special thanks to Mary-Mia, Pat and Wendy who traveled a ways to get here!

Happy Halloween from the Land of Candy!

Our Lovely Brick

This is our brick at Disneyland.

We love Disneyland and already have a trip planned for the end of February with Ryleigh. We have to get that little Princess there as soon as we can.

A little history. Last year we had decided to get a brick in front of Disneyland and it was going to say: "Stacey, Mark & Austin Teague, Carmel, CA". When we were on our way down to Disneyland on December 8th, we made the decision that we were indeed going to start the adoption process for a baby girl from China. Nothing like 6 hours in a car to come to a life altering decision, huh? Anyways, when we got to our hotel, we called my mom and quickly had her order some information packets for three different agencies that I had already been looking into.

After our trip, which was amazing, I quickly called Disney and had them change the wording on the brick to The Teague Family. I can't wait to take our picture with it in the spring, all of us!

P/S A very nice Disney-aholic took a picture of our brick at Disneyland for us.

No Referral This Time!

This is what Austin looked like when we told him that he will not be seeing his sister, Ryleigh's little face next week.

The last few weeks our agency, who is usually very conservative, was telling us that we should be in this group of referrals that are due to arrive sometime next week.

This morning when I got onto the ol' email, I had an email from our agency sent to all people who's paperwork was logged in in April. The email basically stated that they don't think that ANY of April will be matched this time, and that they might not get any referrals this month at all. We are crushed and bummed. We also know that we will get Ryleigh's picture when it's the right time for everyone (especially the Chinese government that is working hard on doing the matches).

We love our agency, and can't wait until they can tell us good news!

Note: This is not what Austin did when we told him. We actually didn't tell him anything about not getting the picture because truthfully, he just wouldn't understand. This is actually a picture of what he looks like when he loses at his new game (courtesy the Emerson's in Virginia Beach) Cariboo.

The Chinese Backstreet Boys

The Chinese Backstreet Boys need no introduction.....just watch.

Thank you to Julie from the Wandering Child for the stolen link.....

Mr. Potato Head Pumpkin Witch

I love commercialism. We've had a big debate about it this week at pre-school. So many parents are against it, but come on, how can you be against something so darn CUTE!!!

How can you go wrong with little parts that you get to shove into a pumpkin to create such an adorable witch; earrings and all! The best part is that we didn't have to scoop any pumpkin guts out!!

Happy Halloween everyone from the Teague Family!

The Office

If you are NOT watching The Office on NBC you should be! The Office is hysterical, and I think the best show this season!!!

Now back to our discussion on Chinese Adoption and our hopefully soon referral of Ryleigh!

Big Sur is so RELAXING!

We had such a great time camping. We went to Big Sur and stayed at the State Park (they have the BEST quarter showers) down there. We went with two of my friends from work and their families. So much fun!!



We ate some good food and lots of S'mores or Shmores as the Wilsons call them!

Austin had so much fun with his friend, Chase....although they bickered like an old married couple.



We had such a relaxing time. Time flew by during the day (lazing around the campground, going to the river, riding bikes and scooters, playing lots of games (Texas Hold'em, Rummy and Uno). We are going to start planning next summers trip soon.

It's so great to have a nice vacation with wonderful people!

On the adoption front, supposedly our agency is telling people that the cutoff this month will be people who have a Log in Date of 4/22 or 4/23, in case everyone needs reminding we are Log in Date of 4/22....too close for comfort for me... I remain on an emotional rollercoaster, but also think that if we don't receive our referral until next time I will be ok with that as well. Either way, I will endure....what would my life be without this drama!!!!

Camping...

We're off to go camping tomorrow. Just thought I'd post an "adoption update".

We are LID 4/22, we should be next for referral, but it's all up in the air because while China (the CCAA) was almost up to processing full months of referrals at one time, they have now slipped backwards and this month the referrals only went up to March 17th. This means that we MIGHT be in this months batch and we MIGHT not.

This is a crazy emotional rollercoaster and I'm glad that I will be away from the computer for 6 days....I've had enough with rumors, predictions and wishes......

See you when I get back.

Blast from the Past!

Today my friend Kim sent me these pictures she scanned in from the past. They CRACK me up because I don't remember a lot of them. Kim says the one with me in the green vest is from a band trip to San Francisco. Yes, I was a band geek (flute, clarinet, then saxophone). I remember that band trip because I think I kissed a boy for the first time on that trip playing spin the bottle.

Here we are in 1973. Kim is in the upper right hand corner! I am top row second from the left, sporting my new short curly dew, and missing my front teeth. What did my mom tell me before I left for school that day in my new (handsewn) Holly Hobby dress? "Smile big for the camera, it's the only chance you get to show yourself without your big front teeth." Well, I didn't. I kept my mouth shut. I wish I hadn't. Oh, and to end that story. During recess right after the pictures were taken, I was playing dodge ball (Tomboy that I was) and someone threw the ball at my feet, tripped me, and I skinned all of the fabric off of my fabric covered, hand sewn buttons on my homemade Holly Hobby dress....Waaaaah (Oh, and Kim, I rememeber doing Holly Hobby Shrinky Dinks at your birthday party. I will never forget how cool that was!)



This picture says it all. Ahhhh, the Halloween Parade at school. This was back before they outlawed the word Halloween in public schools and you could actually celebrate the awesome holiday for what it was. Showing our wholesome upbringings, Kim is a dutch girl, and I am a sailor. Check out that hussy in the belly showing, pre-Britney Spears era bellydancing costume. I don't remember who that was, but I wonder if SHE is the reason that they don't celebrate Halloween in public schools anymore!



Here I am holding my little sister, Serra. She came along when I was in the 4th grade. We adopted her and my whole family loved her instantly, except, well, maybe me. It took a while, but I love her now. Check out her whispy hair!!



Here's the infamous San Francisco Band Trip picture. Boy don't I look hot in that boyish green down vest. I think it was a jacket until the sleeve got ripped at school. Thank God my mom could sew. Kim is sitting right behind me.



Here we are in 1976, look how cute we were! I'm on the top right, looking oh so chic in my silly green dress. Kim is in the bottom middle. Our teacher was Mr. McCormick and he was a great teacher. Just a side note: Mark started college the year I was in 4th grade, yikes!



Thanks Kim for the pictures, the memories, and being such a great friend, even though we are so lame that we never get together even though we live about 3 miles from eachother and share such a history!!

Mercedes of Carseats...and 4 year old photographer in the house!

Today the Mercedes of carseats arrived at our house via FedEx. Austin shows his disdain for being forced into it's flowery plushness by performing the international sign for "I'm about to puke".









Austin thinks he's a photographer. He's actually a really great one. I should put his montage of photo's entitled "Fishing with Dad" on here. He has some amazing shots. If we put them in a gallery, people would buy them in this artsy-fartsy town we live in. Anyways, here is a portrait of Dad. He asked him to say "blah" instead of "Cheese".






Not wanting to leave out Mom, here I am looking my best after being asked to say "Puke". Not only is his photography creatively A+, he has the right words to say to his subjects to get just that look he's trying to achieve. This boy of mine is headed for success!

Meeting new friends....and old

Today we were invited to the ACCEPT picnic in Sunnyvale by our friends Melanie and Peter. They arrived home one week ago with Madelyn Tai, and boy is she a cutie! We were so excited to go to the picnic. Not only does ACCEPT facilitator Chinese adoptions, they also work with other countries as well. There was a huge turnout and we had a great time. I held back and waited to see if it was o.k. with the new parents if I could hold Madelyn and I did, for a bit, but protective father Peter took back over. They are such great parents and Maddie is so cute. I don't blame him one bit.



We also ran into Gwen, another new US Citizen. Donna and Andrew are so lucky! Little Gwen is a busy one, she was seen running, walking and falling all over the place what a sweet little girl! Donna wins the award for the most inventive bottle holder so baby can't throw it on the ground award. Don't worry Donna, I won't steal your patent idea!



I was also excited to see new friend Kelly and this time I got to meet Helen too! She was adorable...my mom commented she was more adorable in person then in photo's, but I'm not sure about that. She is such a sweet girl, in a cute dress! Good to see you again so soon, Kelly, but where is that elusive Chris????

The park in Sunnyvale was amazing and Austin had a great time playing there. They had a great water feature that all the kids loved. Austin especially loved trying to catch the water in his MOUTH! Yikes, I wasn't there, but I hope he doesn't catch anything from the water......here's a hint about why I'm worried. The fountains in the park lake were spewing green, yes, green Disneylandish water.....






One of the best parts was being approached and asked if I was Stacey from my blog. I had a really nice conversation with a "lurker" who had better get her butt commenting on the Blog. She and her husband are almost done with their paperwork and here's to hoping their I 171 comes quickly!




Finally, I have to admit, I spent a little more for a carseat then I think I normally would have, I bought the Britax Marathon and I'm told I won't regret it at all. It is the Ashley Floral print which is something very girly, and Mark is saying if I put it in his car he will spray paint it!!! I love the carseat and can't wait to get it in the mail (free shipping and no tax at BabyUniverse) Yes, Mary-Mia, it's the one we were pointing at, laughing, gasping for breathe and taking pictures of just last Saturday at Babies R' Us..... I'm a sucker, I saw it in a store, felt how darn soft that fabric was and was hoping they had one in my size, but they didn't.....