Friday, September 09, 2005

Introduction...


Hi, we're Joe and Donna from Chandler, Arizona, and we started this journal so our family and friends can track our progress in adopting a baby girl from China.

Joe and I have always wanted to be parents, but having biological children just hasn't worked out for us and we have always been open to the idea of adoption. We both recently turned 41, so we thought the time was right to seriously talk about it. A friend of mine at work, who is also adopting from China, loaned me a National Geographic Explorer episode called China's Lost Girls, which covers China's population problem due to their one child policy and cultural preference for boys, and the availability of so many beautiful baby girls. It showed several families heading to China to adopt and at that moment it clicked for me and just felt right for us. I showed Joe the DVD and he whole heartedly agreed. After some research and chatting with people on-line who had wonderful experiences with China adoption we decided to take the plunge!

We would love to hear from you throughout our journey, so please post comments at anytime. If you don't have a blogger.com login, please post as 'anonymous' and type your name at the end of your text instead.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Donna,
You are off to a wonderful start with your site, very nice. What a great way to share your journey with your family and friends.

How did you find your bible verse? It is very fitting.

Looking forward to more......
Linda Marie

Anonymous said...

Love your site, you two seem like a lovely couple. I wish you all the best. I love to post on my blogger from AOL and yes it does become addictive and in a way it helps through this long process. We are on the MSN bulletin as well. Loved your dogs and those children are just adorable!

Yoli
Future Mom to Salome Isolde
Key Largo, FL

Anonymous said...

Great blog! You will find the whole journaling process to be addicting, but it will help pass the time while you wait for Lauren. Lauren will also treasure your blog when she is older; it will mean so much to her to know how much she was loved and wanted even before Gotcha Day!

Heather
LID July 20, 2005 for Sydney (or Twins!)
From MSN Group
www.EncinosaFamily.com

Anonymous said...

Donna,

Like always, you did a great job with the website. Can't wait to see more.

Love the name.....

Miyoung

Anonymous said...

Donna & Joe,

You sure have been busy. This web site will be great to keep up with the adoption progress while we all wait for Lauren to arrive.

Kim

Anonymous said...

Thankyou for sharing your blog with me. It is inspiring and I can't wait to meet your daughter, someday.

Sandy

Anonymous said...

Aunt Donna and Uncle Joe,

Your nieces and nephew sure are adorable!

We can't wait to meet our cousin!!!

anonymous

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna & Joe,
What a beautiful site! I'm so excited to get to share in your journey of meeting your little girl. I am so happy for both of you. I also love the bible verse, I never heard that one. You will continue to be in my prayers and now little Lauren, too!
Love,
Karlene and family

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna & Joe:

I am so happy you are writing this journal, it gives me an opportunity to share this wonderful journey with you. It makes me feel like I am a part of Lauren's life already.

Best Wishes and all of my love.
Aunt Judi

Anonymous said...

Hi,
My name is Peggy Rygiel, I am Joe's older sister who lives in Tempe Arizona. For those who have read this blog and may not know, Joe has two brothers and two sisters who live here in Arizona and in various parts the country. Our family is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Lauren Elizabeth into our family. Joe's oldest sister Mary, lives in Ft. Lauderdale Florida and owns her own business, she works in freelance adversting and teaches classes in the advertising field. Joe's oldest brother Eddie, lives in Tempe Arizona and currently works for Salt River Project, which is the utility company in Az. Joe also has two nieces, Jessica is enlisted in the Navy and is staioned in San Diego, she is a sonar tech but she is working toward a degree in nursing. Christa is a senior at Arizona State University,working towards a degree in elementary education. Joe's older brother Charlie,lives in Chino Hills CA with his wife Teresa. Charlie works for a company called Minute Man, he is a regional sales manager based in CA. Teresa works for a company called Clean Source and is the customer service manager. As I mentioned at the top of the page, I am Joe's older sister and I am an Assistant Front End Manager for one of the Fry's food stores in Scottsdale. Finally, Joe's parents who are retired, who also live in Tempe, are excited to be grandparents again. As this journey continues, Joe's family supports the efforts being made in adding to their family.

Aunt Peggy

Anonymous said...

Donna & Joe:

I hope that you don't mind that I have been given your blogger site to follow by Jennifer. This is really cool! You and Joe are so deserving of baby Lauren and will truly make wonderful parents! :o)

Good luck with everything and I will check back often to read updates on your progress.

Warm Regards,
Kathy (& Ed) Campbell
The Woodlands, TX