Boy, the last 2 days are filled with new info on our bundle of joy! Agency just called with her new measurements:
head - 17.1 inches (55th Percentile)
chest -18.5 inches
height -26.0 inches (26th Percentile)
weight -20.5 pounds (93rd Percentile)
feet -4.1 inches
We may have to go shopping again soon as I don't think she will fit into some of her 9-month old outfits! We're glad she's growing....just wish we were there to witness it.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Updated Pictures of Caelyn!
Finally her updated pictures made it through cyberspace while her mama awaits anxiously (and baba too). She's soooo adorable!!! And seems like she's got a personality too! And poor baby has got some red rashes...wonder if they are bites or heat rash? (It's suppose to be very humid and hot there right now). We can't wait to go and bring her home.
On a different note, we found out she lives with a foster family. It is very common for orphans in China to be part of the orphanage but actually live with foster families. We had our suspicions but this information was not clear on her original referral report. The other baby in the photo is Jessica (baby to our traveling friends in G115). We learned that Jessica and Caelyn live with the same foster family.
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On a different note, we found out she lives with a foster family. It is very common for orphans in China to be part of the orphanage but actually live with foster families. We had our suspicions but this information was not clear on her original referral report. The other baby in the photo is Jessica (baby to our traveling friends in G115). We learned that Jessica and Caelyn live with the same foster family.
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When will we travel?
That is the million dollar question indeed. Tentatively we are looking at June 15 departure but final confirmation will come two weeks before travel (a.k.a. 3rd CALL). That means we should know by end of next week if we are departing June 15th. Stay tuned....
Shortly after the referral photos arrived we had arranged for a care package to be sent to her. We just found out that the package had arrived late last week. The package contained an outfit, blanket, bear, book and 2 disposable cameras. In the package we asked if the orphanage could take as many photos of her, her nannies, friends, and environment as they can and bring the cameras with her on Gotcha Day (that's the day she will be placed in our arms). In addition, this service we use also helped us request for a few new photos of her to be e-mailed now. We were told Yugan Orphanage was kind enough to agree and did take a few digital photos of her and had e-mailed them to this service. We're now waiting for the service to forward them to us. Perhaps the photos will be available for posting tomorrow (or tonight if we're really lucky). We're so anxious to get them it's ridiculous!
Zach and I are still pinching ourselves everyday in disbelieve we have a little baby waiting for us half way around the world. And she's perfect for us (I know, I know every parent feels the same way!). We already love her more than we could imagine.
For now, here are a few photos of us on the weekend after referral. We thought every weekend until we travel we should try at least one new thing...a new restuarant, a new place, or a new experience. So far we have done the following since May 1, 2007:
1. French restaurant...French 75 (expensive and not very good)
2. L.A Natural Museum (great place to take Caelyn later)
3. Norton Simon Museum (learned chess game originated from India)
4. Loreena McKennit concert (she's more amazing in person)
5. Creative Chakra Spa on the beach (only ok)
6. Burbank Observatory (awesome! And a great place to take Caelyn)
Also we appreciate all the comments you leave for us at this site. Please feel free to leave more as we enjoy reading them!
Shortly after the referral photos arrived we had arranged for a care package to be sent to her. We just found out that the package had arrived late last week. The package contained an outfit, blanket, bear, book and 2 disposable cameras. In the package we asked if the orphanage could take as many photos of her, her nannies, friends, and environment as they can and bring the cameras with her on Gotcha Day (that's the day she will be placed in our arms). In addition, this service we use also helped us request for a few new photos of her to be e-mailed now. We were told Yugan Orphanage was kind enough to agree and did take a few digital photos of her and had e-mailed them to this service. We're now waiting for the service to forward them to us. Perhaps the photos will be available for posting tomorrow (or tonight if we're really lucky). We're so anxious to get them it's ridiculous!
Zach and I are still pinching ourselves everyday in disbelieve we have a little baby waiting for us half way around the world. And she's perfect for us (I know, I know every parent feels the same way!). We already love her more than we could imagine.
For now, here are a few photos of us on the weekend after referral. We thought every weekend until we travel we should try at least one new thing...a new restuarant, a new place, or a new experience. So far we have done the following since May 1, 2007:
1. French restaurant...French 75 (expensive and not very good)
2. L.A Natural Museum (great place to take Caelyn later)
3. Norton Simon Museum (learned chess game originated from India)
4. Loreena McKennit concert (she's more amazing in person)
5. Creative Chakra Spa on the beach (only ok)
6. Burbank Observatory (awesome! And a great place to take Caelyn)
Also we appreciate all the comments you leave for us at this site. Please feel free to leave more as we enjoy reading them!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Yugan, JIANXI
A little more insight into Caelyn's place of birth and where she gurgles for the last 6 months.
- Yugan is the county where Caelyn was born and lives currently
- Jiangxi is the province (equivalent to a "State" in the U.S.)
- Nanchang is the capital of Jiangxi (significant because that's where they will place Caelyn in our arms!)
Here are some maps and descritpion of the areas:
Jiangxi is located south of the Yangtze River in southern China. Surrounded by mountains, Jiangxi is abundant in lakes and rivers. The province's main production is rice, then followed by tea, timber, and bamboo. Because of its water resources, Jiangxi is an important area for fresh water fishery. Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi, is the political, economic, and cultural center of the province. Finally, Jiangxi is known for producing some of the most beautiful and delicate procelain in all of China.
Yugan(not shown on map) is less than 100 miles directly east of Nanchang (shown on map). Yugan is a small fishing village with approximately 80,000 people. Not certain whether it is due to lack of direct road or poor road construction, it will take 3-4 hours for the orphanage to transport Caelyn and other babies to Nanchang to meet us (I recently researched and found out that the trip is less than 2 hours). Our agency currently has no plans to bring us to visit her orphanage or the town of Yugan.
China: Bold and Beautiful
China Information and History
China is the world's most populous country with about 1.3 billion people—20 percent of the Earth's population. Occupying most of East Asia, it is the fourth largest country in area (after Russia, Canada, and the U.S.). China's geography is highly diverse, with hills, plains, and river deltas in the east and deserts, high plateaus, and mountains in the west. Climate is equally varied, ranging from tropical in the south (Hainan) to subarctic in northeastern China (Manchuria). China's geography causes an uneven population distribution; 94 percent live in the eastern third of the country. Shandong province, with its mild coastal climate, has 91 million people, but Tibet, with its harsh mountain plateau climate, has only 2.6 million. The coastal regions are the most economically developed—acting as a magnet for an estimated 90 million Chinese migrants from the poor rural interior.
China has perhaps the world's longest continuous civilization; for more than 40 centuries its people created a culture with strong philosophies, traditions, and values. The start of the Han dynasty 2,200 years ago marked the rise of military power that created an empire—one that provided a golden age in art, politics, and technology. Ethnic Chinese still refer to themselves as the "People of Han," and Han Chinese constitute 92 percent of the country's population. Successive dynasties developed a system of bureaucratic control that gave agrarian-based China an advantage over rivals. China remains a predominantly rural society, with only 39 percent living in urban areas.
The first half of the 20th century saw the fall of the last Chinese emperor, Japanese invasion, World War II, and civil war between Chinese Communist and Nationalist forces—ending with the retreat of the Nationalists to Taiwan. The People's Republic of China from 1949 to 1976 imposed state control on the economy. Since 1979, China has reformed its economy and allowed competition, and today has the world's highest rate of growth. Rapid industrial development has increased pollution—with China having seven of the world's ten most polluted cities. The largest producer and consumer of coal, the country is turning away from coal toward clean hydroelectric resources, such as the Three Gorges Dam. Politically it still maintains strict control over its people. Chinese rule over Tibet remains controversial, fighting with Muslim separatists in Xinjiang continues, and political issues with Taiwan remain unresolved. China regained Hong Kong from Britain in 1997 and Macau from Portugal in 1999. In 2003 China became only the third nation (after Russia and the U.S.) to launch a manned spaceflight—with plans to reach the moon by 2010.
Other Interesting Facts
Population:..............1,303,701,000 (includes Caelyn)
Capital: ...................Beijing: population 10,849,000
Area: .......................9,596,960 sq km (3,705,405 sq miles)
Language: ..............Mandarin, Cantonese, other dialects
Religion:..................Taoist, Buddhist, Muslim
Currency: ...............Yuan, also referred to as the Renminbi
Life Expectancy: ........71
GDP/Capita: ............$4,700 per year (thus the hole in her sock)
Literacy %: ...............86
Information above is provided by National Geographics.
China is the world's most populous country with about 1.3 billion people—20 percent of the Earth's population. Occupying most of East Asia, it is the fourth largest country in area (after Russia, Canada, and the U.S.). China's geography is highly diverse, with hills, plains, and river deltas in the east and deserts, high plateaus, and mountains in the west. Climate is equally varied, ranging from tropical in the south (Hainan) to subarctic in northeastern China (Manchuria). China's geography causes an uneven population distribution; 94 percent live in the eastern third of the country. Shandong province, with its mild coastal climate, has 91 million people, but Tibet, with its harsh mountain plateau climate, has only 2.6 million. The coastal regions are the most economically developed—acting as a magnet for an estimated 90 million Chinese migrants from the poor rural interior.
China has perhaps the world's longest continuous civilization; for more than 40 centuries its people created a culture with strong philosophies, traditions, and values. The start of the Han dynasty 2,200 years ago marked the rise of military power that created an empire—one that provided a golden age in art, politics, and technology. Ethnic Chinese still refer to themselves as the "People of Han," and Han Chinese constitute 92 percent of the country's population. Successive dynasties developed a system of bureaucratic control that gave agrarian-based China an advantage over rivals. China remains a predominantly rural society, with only 39 percent living in urban areas.
The first half of the 20th century saw the fall of the last Chinese emperor, Japanese invasion, World War II, and civil war between Chinese Communist and Nationalist forces—ending with the retreat of the Nationalists to Taiwan. The People's Republic of China from 1949 to 1976 imposed state control on the economy. Since 1979, China has reformed its economy and allowed competition, and today has the world's highest rate of growth. Rapid industrial development has increased pollution—with China having seven of the world's ten most polluted cities. The largest producer and consumer of coal, the country is turning away from coal toward clean hydroelectric resources, such as the Three Gorges Dam. Politically it still maintains strict control over its people. Chinese rule over Tibet remains controversial, fighting with Muslim separatists in Xinjiang continues, and political issues with Taiwan remain unresolved. China regained Hong Kong from Britain in 1997 and Macau from Portugal in 1999. In 2003 China became only the third nation (after Russia and the U.S.) to launch a manned spaceflight—with plans to reach the moon by 2010.
Other Interesting Facts
Population:..............1,303,701,000 (includes Caelyn)
Capital: ...................Beijing: population 10,849,000
Area: .......................9,596,960 sq km (3,705,405 sq miles)
Language: ..............Mandarin, Cantonese, other dialects
Religion:..................Taoist, Buddhist, Muslim
Currency: ...............Yuan, also referred to as the Renminbi
Life Expectancy: ........71
GDP/Capita: ............$4,700 per year (thus the hole in her sock)
Literacy %: ...............86
Information above is provided by National Geographics.
Friday, May 11, 2007
humble beginnings...
We recently learned some additional information about Caelyn's arrival at the orphanage and her first three months of life. This information comes from a report written by the orphanage director and dated 2/4/2007. Here's a recap.
On October 21, 2006 dawn, an ordinary citizen Ms. Lee awoke to an infant cry coming from outside her front door. She rushed to open the door and finds a tiny baby bundled up in a basket on her door step. Baby came with a note. The note only contains the baby's birthdate...which reads October 21, 2006.
Ms. Lee immediately takes the baby to the police station. Ms. Lee then rides along with the police to deliver the baby to Yugan orphanage that same morning. Immediately upon admission, the orphanage physician performed a full examination and determine that baby is healthy. In addition, baby has a round face, fair skin, and a few hairs.
The orphanage began paperwork for her admission. All babies admit to this orphanage is given "Yue"(越) as their surname as Yugan in ancient times was called "Gan Yue." Then the orphanage assigns her first and middle name as Meng Xiang (梦香). Meng means dream and Xiang is derived from a classic Chinese phrase that means the most beautiful girl in all of China.
After baby's admission, she has received all her immunizations on schedule. At one month baby is sucking her milk well and sleeping a lot. At two months, she eats more and begins to move her limps. She could follow people's movement with her head. At three months, she can stand a little with full support; can grasp a toy near hand; loves to play with people; and giggles.
Her daily routine starts with waking up at 6am and goes to bed at 7pm. Naps 4 hours during the day. She eats 7 times a day. Overall, baby is healthy and active.
On October 21, 2006 dawn, an ordinary citizen Ms. Lee awoke to an infant cry coming from outside her front door. She rushed to open the door and finds a tiny baby bundled up in a basket on her door step. Baby came with a note. The note only contains the baby's birthdate...which reads October 21, 2006.
Ms. Lee immediately takes the baby to the police station. Ms. Lee then rides along with the police to deliver the baby to Yugan orphanage that same morning. Immediately upon admission, the orphanage physician performed a full examination and determine that baby is healthy. In addition, baby has a round face, fair skin, and a few hairs.
The orphanage began paperwork for her admission. All babies admit to this orphanage is given "Yue"(越) as their surname as Yugan in ancient times was called "Gan Yue." Then the orphanage assigns her first and middle name as Meng Xiang (梦香). Meng means dream and Xiang is derived from a classic Chinese phrase that means the most beautiful girl in all of China.
After baby's admission, she has received all her immunizations on schedule. At one month baby is sucking her milk well and sleeping a lot. At two months, she eats more and begins to move her limps. She could follow people's movement with her head. At three months, she can stand a little with full support; can grasp a toy near hand; loves to play with people; and giggles.
Her daily routine starts with waking up at 6am and goes to bed at 7pm. Naps 4 hours during the day. She eats 7 times a day. Overall, baby is healthy and active.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Results of our Game...
We received a total of 46 entries for the little game "Where in China is Caelyn Salzmann?"
And NO ONE chose her province of Jiangxi (江西). We couldn't believe it!!
We did, however, had guesses from Hainan (where Amy's maternal grandmother is from) to Mindanao (where the person who is guessing would like to go for vacation...or just being a wise guy). We even had 2-3 people guessing the same provinces...but no one got Jiangxi (江西)!
And NO ONE chose her province of Jiangxi (江西). We couldn't believe it!!
We did, however, had guesses from Hainan (where Amy's maternal grandmother is from) to Mindanao (where the person who is guessing would like to go for vacation...or just being a wise guy). We even had 2-3 people guessing the same provinces...but no one got Jiangxi (江西)!
Friday, May 4, 2007
How are we feeling?
Amy: "Hi Doctor, my husband and I recently started to experience unusual symptoms. We are dazed, unable to focus and having difficulty sleeping, and initially heart palpitations."
Zach: "Doctor, in addition, our lips can't stop curving upwards and expanding ear to ear all day long...uncontrollably."
Doctor: "How long have you two been experiencing these symptoms?"
Amy and Zach: "Since May 1 at 12:04pm."
Doctor: "I see. Looks like you have a condition called Baby in the Brain. In medical terms, it's called New Parent Syndrome. Well, some of the conditions will subside around mid June and replaced by exhaustion, sore arms, and maybe sore backs. But unfortunately your lips curving upwards and expanding ear to ear will be a permenant condition. Maybe occasionally subside between 13-19 years from now. That's called the Remission due to Teenage Years. Yes, that's a medical term."
Zach: "Is there a pill you can prescribe?"
Doctor: "Yes, it's called a chill pill. I need to go back to sleep now...and don't call me so early...it's not even 6:30am yet!"
Zach: "Doctor, in addition, our lips can't stop curving upwards and expanding ear to ear all day long...uncontrollably."
Doctor: "How long have you two been experiencing these symptoms?"
Amy and Zach: "Since May 1 at 12:04pm."
Doctor: "I see. Looks like you have a condition called Baby in the Brain. In medical terms, it's called New Parent Syndrome. Well, some of the conditions will subside around mid June and replaced by exhaustion, sore arms, and maybe sore backs. But unfortunately your lips curving upwards and expanding ear to ear will be a permenant condition. Maybe occasionally subside between 13-19 years from now. That's called the Remission due to Teenage Years. Yes, that's a medical term."
Zach: "Is there a pill you can prescribe?"
Doctor: "Yes, it's called a chill pill. I need to go back to sleep now...and don't call me so early...it's not even 6:30am yet!"
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Here she is!!!!
2nd Call came at 12:04pm today. Zach was already at the agency picking up Caelyn's information at 12:25pm (daddy was fast!). And ladies and gentlemen...isn't she worth the wait?
Here's some information about our baby:
- Chinese Name: MengXiang Yue (means dream fragrant)
- Residing at the Yugan Social Welfare Institute (orphange)
- Orphanage is in JIANGXI province
- official birthdate: October 21, 2006
- is currently 6 month old
- During her last medical check up on 1/30/07:
--has no teeth yet
--is 13.2 pounds
--is 22.8 inches tall - is a moderate sleeper
- can hold her head up while laying on her tummy
- can detect sounds
- can laugh
- can respond to her name
- is active
- enjoys the outdoor
- likes music
- loves toys with music and vibrant colors
Daddy's first words, "She's chubby...I wonder if she's been eating all the other orphans' food!"
Mommy's first words, "She's gorgeous! And she's taken after you already...look at her toe hanging out of her sock!"
Anyway, we will know more as time passes...as of now, our agency is estimating travel date of mid June 2007.
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