After getting my sitemeter report, I have learned that this site is getting about 300 hits a day (some days it gets close to 400). I have been thinking about that the last few days and wondering who all of these people are. I know my Mom and my sister and my best friends check. I know some of the people who are in the adoption community (they leave comments) but I am wondering who the other 250 hits belong to. So, if you've been shy so far...please feel free to introduce yourself. I'd love to meet you. You can leave an anonymous comment too!
Have a great weekend. We are off to Will's first flag football game and it feels like Fall!
Wow, that's crazy! I thought I had alot with about 50! It does make you wonder who is out there though. Well, I'm here! (but you already knew that)
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jennifer and I came across your blog from Deb's - Hiking through life with Ian and Lili. I have been visiting your site ever since your Husband went to China to get Kate. I hope you don't mind me following your blog. My dh and I are in the process of getting our daughter from China. This Monday will be our 5th LID-versary...so our wait will be a long one. Reading your blog is an encouragement to me - I hope you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Jennifer S.
My name is Sheri, and I just recently started checking out your blog. I found it through my friend Leslie's site. Our girls are from the same orphanage, and we traveled together to China. It's so fun to watch how all these little treasures are growing and changing and being so loved by their families. I just had Danielle design a blog for me a couple of days ago. Thanks for sharing your family with all of us!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing and what a great compliment to you! My co-worker adopted from China a few years ago. She and I check your blog daily at work and we always e-mail each other when there is a new update. Our e-mail states: "3 Peanuts Update!" We enjoy your journaling and pictures so much. After checking your blog, Ainsley and Ruby are next on my list!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your first football game. We live in Nebraska so we love football too!
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Karen and I check your site frequently. My husband and I are in the process of adopting from China, we are nearing the very end of the paper chase. I plan to start a blog here soon and will ask Danielle to help design. Once I have it up I'll share my site with you. Take care and have a wonderful weekend!
My name is Kathy and I just love reading the adoption blogs! = - ) We have 4 kids total and 2 were adopted through foster care (they are 16 and almost 10 now).
ReplyDeleteOur friends adopted from China a few years ago and it was so fun following along on their journey via the internet. That led me to discover this wonderful adoption blog community and somehow I stumbled on your blog along the way! = - )
My name is Jen and we are on the journey to adopt, not sure where yet. I read your blog almost daily and enjoy it. You have a lovely family.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were in the process of adopting when I ended up pregnant. What a surprise that was. Here is our blog spot babyboyholmquist.blogspot.com. I too stumbled upon your blog one day while your husband and son were in China. I have followed it ever since. Please feel free to browse our blog sometime. I am not nearly as good at blogging as you are, and I have been taking a few pointers from your site. Hope you don't mind:)
ReplyDeleteNatasha
Hi! My name is Noemi and I have been reading you blog for quite a while. I just LOVE reading adoption blogs epecially from China... I think you have a beautiful family and always come and look to see what your peanuts are up to! I found you through RMJ. Feel free to stop by my blog.
ReplyDeleteHi! I have been a lurker on your blog for a few months now. :0) Your blog is beautiful and your photographs are amazing. I was trying to remember how I found your blog - probably from a link on someone else's adoption blog. We are waiting to travel to adopt our daughter, who is waiting in Qingyuan City, Guangdong. We live in Reston, VA. -Laura Beth http://chinastork.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteMy name is Charlene Pitek and my daughter went to school where your boys go, our husbands play tennis together on tuesdays, I am a nurse and love kids and like to see how big she is getting.
ReplyDeleteAlso had friends in Colorado who adopted a little girl from china.
My name is Patti and I came across your blog somehow thru my friend's blog. Her and her husband leave tomorrow to go to China to get their son that they are adopting. I was adopted when I was 18 months old, so I have a special interest in adoption. You have a precious family. My blog is http://nonnasnews.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to visit and comment anytime!
My name is Patti and I came across your blog somehow thru my friend's blog. Her and her husband leave tomorrow to go to China to get their son that they are adopting. I was adopted when I was 18 months old, so I have a special interest in adoption. You have a precious family. My blog is http://nonnasnews.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to visit and comment anytime!
First message I've ever left, but don't want you to be to concerned so thought i'd let you know that there are a lot of mothers of daughters adopting from China that have time on their hands and just love reading about other families. You've been so blessed with such a beautiful family and I always check your blog when I go online to see if my daughter has posted for the day. If she hasn't, that means I'll check several times during the day to see if she or any of the others I love reading have updated. So, you
ReplyDeleteknow I'm not the only mother that does that. I never leave a comment, because I'm just enjoying all you young families and your walks through this adoption life. You write beautifully, your boys are adorable, and who wouldn't want updates on the beautiful Kate. I would never want to worry you or any of these adoption blogs, but just know extended families also love updates on these wonderful families who have so much to offer these beautiful babies. Thank You for making my day a little brighter.
I miss you guys much, and this is a way Joel and I can somewhat keep in touch!! We are trying to find time to travel up north to come see you all. I get to go on my first business trip next month to NYC, so maybe I will take a couple of vacation days to come see you and the boys!!
ReplyDeleteLove you all!!
Kim from Alabama here... We have been logged in and patiently waiting for MeiLeigh since July of 2006. I am a daily visitor to your blog wanting to see what Will, Harry, and Kate are doing. Your blog is such a blessing to me as I wait, wait, and wait!
ReplyDeleteI have two girls from China and one bio son. We brought our 2nd daughter home in April 2007 (she's 16 months old). I found your blog from someone else's blog or maybe from one of my dtc/lid groups. It's been fun to read and I really enjoy the terrific pictures you take! I'm not surprised your blog is so popular.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day :)
Mary
Hi! I'm waiting the long wait for my referral from China and found your blog listed on another blog a while back (can't remember exactly which one). Your family is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi there, I've been reading along every day (I sometimes check twice) since shortly before the trip to China to pick up Kate. I love your blog, it looks beautiful, is written in a lovely way but most of all it just feels great. You have the sweetest family. Reading blogs like your's keeps me going as we are 2 years into the process of adopting from Thailand. We had thought we would be back home long ago but still do not have a referral, it is taking a lot, lot longer than we were originally expecting. o thank you for sharing little bits and pieces with us, it really does help me.
ReplyDeleteAndrea from New Zealand.
My name is Natalie. I'm a Mom to several and an adoptive Mom to 2. All the kids are grown and I am now a grandma too. I love to read about your lovely family. I check your blog nearly every day. You are awesome as is your family. Hope you don't mind sharing your family, for we sure love hearing about them and seeing the darling pictures. Keep up your good work.
ReplyDeleteYou know me already. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kim - My name is Dale and I've left a few comments. I live in Baltimore and I check your blog just about every evening as I wait for my little Sophie, and wait and wait. I love darling little Kate Emerson and have been reading since your husband brought her home. Your boys are darling too, of course, but she's the main attraction for me (: I'd love to start a blog but not sure it would be a good idea in my profession. Before I started this adoption I didn't even know what a blog was and now I am addicted! Thank you for sharing. It helps so much in this long and painful wait. You have a beautiful life and are a great writer!
ReplyDelete-Dale LID 5/24/06
Kim,
ReplyDeleteThis is the best response I have ever seen to a delurking post. Look at all of these wonderful people who read your blog.
Count me in too, I love touching base with you and your family daily.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading regularly since before adoption day.
I adopted my daughter 2 and a half months ago from Kunming, Yunnan - so now I catch up occasionally!
Thank you for sharing your family's story - it helped me to keep going through the final, very challenging months while I was still waiting.
Kate in Wales
Alice's very proud Mummy!
I've been reading your blog for quite a while now. I found it through other adoption blogs. I had a friend who adopted and her blog was the origin of my links to other adoption blogs. I would love to adopt someday. Your blog is refreshing and so sweet. It is wonderful to see a happy family just getting along and loving life. Thanks for sharing parts of your life with all of us.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Hmmm...my blog name isn't showing on my "about me" page so I will put it here in case you are interested in more info. about me. :)
ReplyDeletethoughtsfromablonde.blogspot.com
My name in Erin and I think that I found your blog when I was reading about Ruby and Ainsley (but I'm not sure how I found that blog either). I have about 20 adoption blogs that I read daily and this one is at the top of the list. I love the pictures that you add to your posts. My husband and I are waiting to meet the age requirement to adopt from China and I read your blog and others to keep my spirits up during this long long wait that grows each day. You are so thankful for your family and a lot of times you really get me thinking that I have a lot more to be thankful for than I realize and I thank you for that. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us, it means so much to waiting families like ours.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kate and I came across your site from my sister-in-laws. I am in awe of your ability to be so focused with your marriage AND still have kids. I/we are trying to get better at it. Anyways, your posts always make me happy. I have instituted Thankful Thursdays as work, and it seems to make everyone a little nicer on a busy day!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Catherine. We are a French family who moved to Charlotte at the end of last year.
ReplyDeleteWe have a 3 year old son. I have had adoption in my heart since I was 12. We haven't actually started the process yet and I pray it is something God has planned for us. I read your blog daily. You have a precious family. Thanks for sharing.
Too funny! My name is Lynn and I want to say I found your blog through Waiting for Sophie. I am not sure what draws me to adoption blogs but I just love them. I love how you have opened your mind and heart to others. I have two children and live in Pennsylvania!
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteI actually don't know if I have ever commented here. But I don't think so..so hello!!!
My name is Lexie (age 14), and my family is in the process of adopting from China. We are just ending the paper chase as of today, and should be DTC SOON!!!
Your children are beautiful! You are so blessed to have your sweet baby girl!
Lexie
(Soon to be Jie Jie to Karleigh Mei!)
I came across your blog and enjoy catching up on updates on your sweet little Kate. You have a beautiful family and post such adorable pictures!
ReplyDeleteI also have a daughter adopted from China, Leah, who is a happy little two year old and we are in the process of adopting a a mei-mei for her, who we are naming Kathryn "Kate". Our family blog is www.happy2adopt.blogspot.com.
We all need encouragement and support, especially after you come home and reality sets in (sleep issues, bonding, questions, etc.)...it's really wonderful to share your lives through blogging to provide insight and give others hope and faith that their time will come and it truly is worth the wait.
Thank you!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWow...I was all excited to see numbers in the 30's one day!!! You have a great blog, no wonder you have such a following! I came across your blog through another China adoption blog somehow...can't remember. We are 6 months LID and I love reading about others who have adopted from China. Thanks for sharing you family here with us!
I'm Jenna! I've commented a couple of times way back in the beginning before Kate and during Kate! I'm just a lurker though. I'm also from Houston...i bet your not missing this heat right now!! its crazy!
ReplyDeleteLook at all these de-lurkers! ;) Now you'll have more people to visit! ;)
ReplyDeleteI also am a daily visitor! Sometimes as early as 5am when I get up for work! You are an excellent source of inspiration for me! You pictures, writing and kind spirit uplift me on days when I try really hard to paint on my "happy face" before leaving the house! The wait is tough to take and so is the struggle to pay for it all! Keep up the good work! You mean alot to us!
ReplyDelete~Michelle
aka...Raegan's mom LID 3/8/07
Illinois
Hello! I started following your blog when your husband went to China to adopt Baby Kate. I check in daily to see how things are going. I am also a mom to two beautiful little girls. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
ReplyDeleteHello Kim..
ReplyDeleteI have checked in here and there but I am guilty and don't leave comments...
Sorry..
I love looking at your wonderful pictures...
Your family is absolutely amazing..
We are adopting from China as well... Her name will be Isabella...
Stop by sometime and leave a comment.
Take care
Kim
Dear Kim,
ReplyDeleteI'm Belén from Spain. I came across your blog from Shana's.
I don't know if you understand Spanish...so I'll try to write in "my best english"...I hope you understand me.
I am a mum of four: a boy who is 11, a girl who is 8, a boy who is 7 and a girl who is 4. I am a child psychologist but I don't work because I prefer staying with my children.
I would like to adopt a girl from china but I have two problems:
I can't leave alone my four children during two weeks
I have a problem with planes...I can't flight.
My nephew comes from China. She's precious, a little treasure for all of us.
Your blog is one of the most beautiful ones I've ever read...and your words and your explanations about your daily life makes me feel very near you.
I hope you have understood me, Kim( my english is not as good as I would like)
Thank you ,
Belén
My name is Lisa and I have three, soon to be four children. I have always wanted to adopt a baby from China but the agency we checked with said you can't have four children in the home already when you go to adopt. They said 3 is the max. So, we just enjoy watching other people's journey to finding their children. I enjoy your site and think your children are stunning! Your boys are such little gentlemen, it is so nice to see that in todays world. You have such a nice family and that is truly rare these days. I enjoy seeing how much your family enjoys spending time together.
ReplyDeleteAgency mates, fellow Virginians, fellow adoptive parents!
ReplyDeletehttp://buddalicious.blogspot.com/
I can't wait to see the GOTCHA video and the GOTCHA video for you in the air port!!!!!!!!!!! And, of course, the first time you saw her referral. I know you said it wasn't "viewable," but all of us here love wathcing them because it makes the waiting a tiny bit easier when we see how the waiting makes it all worth it!!
ReplyDeleteHello Kim,
ReplyDeleteI think I left a comment the first time I came across your blog, didn't you have it linked through the RQ site? Anyway, I remember seeing the pictures of your daughters' gorgeous room and then I kept checking your blog and was hooked! I love your journaling and your husband's journey to China. My DH went to China w/o me as well, only he had another adult along, so your husband was pretty amazing to take such a challenge on! I have 3 adopted children, our oldest is from the U.S. and our girls are from Sichuan and Guangdong provinces. My blog is www.daughtersfromafar.blogspot.com. I get a lot of hits, too, so don't be alarmed, like another person who commented stated, many mothers and soon-to-be mothers love hearing about your successful adoption and seeing a happy family life. Thanks for sharing! Renee in Washington state.
my wife and I are a waiting couple here in Toronto, Canada. we love your blog. my wife tells me your boys look like my brother and I in some of our old swim club photos. Miss Kate is such a cutie. keep up the blogging. mark and angela
ReplyDeleteI'm just someone who has a very strong desire to adopt from China. Unfortunately, I'm single and under the new rules I cannot adopt until/if I get married. I've followed your journey from when your husband and son went to meet Kate in China. Your family makes me smile :)
ReplyDeleteI'm Emilie. I've been following your blog for I while because my daughter is also from Nanfeng. Kate is beautiful and I am enjoying watching her adjust and grow. I almost left a comment the other day about the sleeping situation. We were totally against co-sleeping, but Ellie has been sleeping with us for quite a while now. When you're sleep deprived you'll do anything. After getting used to getting kicked in the face, I found that co-sleeping is not such a terrible thing. It's a great way to bond with a adopted child.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteYes, your sister... AKA Aunt Doonie checks in daily and a couple of her friends also. We all love to follow everything.
Love,
Aunt Doonie
I can't remember who I found your blog from ... I think it was through Lori. I get each new post through bloglines. I enjoy reading your blog. You have such a beautiful spirit and family. My husband and I also have felt very led to adopt so we are praying about when and where. We had 3 little one in 3 years so thinking it may be a couple years yet. I enjoy reading and crying over everyone else's adoption stories for now.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteLove your site and check it daily. Miss our emails like we did before our referrals but with Kate and Mia, and our two boys each-- who has time.
Christy :)
www.tomiawithlove.blogspot.com
I'm Leigh and I live in Boston and have 2 daughters. I love reading your blog for all your stories. You are such a great writing style and have such a wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Michelle. I came across your blog while your husband and son were in China to get Kate. My husband and I live in Kentucky and - along with our 8 year old twin sons - are NEXT in receiving our referral for our daughter in China. Since our family make up - 2 boys + little sister - (will be)the same as yours, I especially enjoy following your blog and seeing your boys interact with Kate.
ReplyDeleteHey! I love following your blog. Can't believe how addicted I have become to blogging. I love following the stories of families adopting--I get my daily crying fix from reading of the frustrations and joys of these dear folks. I think I sent you the link to my new blog...look what you have inspired.. If I didn't email me and I will share it with you.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed evening,
Katie
HI! My name is Kristie and I deeply want to adopt, so I love reading about your family and Kate. Thanks for being a blessing to all of us!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am Mareike from Brittany in France. I am German and my husband is French. We are waiting desperately for our child from China (DTC february 2006)... I don't know how I did find your blog but I really like it a lot. You really are a wonderful family and I wish all the best to you. I hope that you don't mind if I continue reading your blog and watching how this cute Kate will is growing.
Sorry for my English...
Love, Mareike
Hi Kim. I am Michelle from Ohio. I emailed you once about Kate Emerson's oh-so-pretty bedding. My husband and I are happy to announce that our dossier left for China last Friday. I love to read your blog as it inspires me and keeps me hopeful during this wait.
ReplyDeleteHi! I too found your blog through a blog of a friend back when your husband and son were in China. About once a month I love to peak at all the babies on various blogs and see how they've grown. Our China LID is 4/13/07 and we have plans of taking our son with us (he's currently six), so we really enjoyed reading your blog and seeing the photo's of your boy's with little Kate. Thanks for sharing your journey :-)
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Michelle (Swansea, IL)
Kim - I have never left you a comment before. I guess I've been too lazy to set up a blogger account. I do look at you blog frequently and you've been on my mind so much today that I just had to write! I miss you so much and feel a little guilty that I haven't called. But I know you understand the craziness of mothering - it's almost impossible for me to get on the phone during the day. Thanks for your blog - I feel like I know how things are going. All is well here. The kids are enjoying school and it's good to have the routine back. Life continues to be full of minor annoyances - too much laundry, house half-built,etc. But life is full of miracles as well - our good friend is making an amazing recovery from open heart surgery and Jeremy (after 4.5 years of passionate round the clock thumbsucking) went cold turkey and has not sucked his thumb in almost 2 weeks! I know this may seem like small potatoes to some people - but it was miraculous to me. I will try to call soon and catch up. I continue to pray for Jude's family. What a heartbreaking loss. They seem to be a family of amazing faith -- and I know God will comfort them as He cradles their sweet son in His arms. Love you-mar
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Sarah and I'm not sure which site led me to yours - I've been visiting so many sites lately as we begin to consider entering the adoption world. I am a mom to two children, a 9 year old girl and a 6 year old boy. My husband is a teacher who is also a soldier, currently deployed to Iraq. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us (and all the pics of your beautiful children!)- it's wonderful to have an inside look at all of this!
ReplyDelete~Sarah
My daughter and her husband are in the process of adopting. When looking through adoption files, I came across one of your comments and clicked. The rest is history. Your family is beautiful. Your stories are warm and interesting. I will continue to read and delight in your family.
ReplyDeleteHi! I found your site through my friend Diana who I travelled with to adopt our daughter in May. I love checking in now and then to see new pics of your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteShauna
My name is Sigurlaug and I´m Icelandic - I live far far away! I found your website on RQ and have been following your journey since right before China. I'm fascinated with your family and find it so intresting to see how much we have in common living so far apart and rather different lives - but yet so similar in many ways. I have two girls, 6 years old and 17 months. I really like reading your blog, your a great writer and it looks beautiful - thank you so much for sharing it with us! Your welcome to check mine but I rearly have time to update it and it's all in icelandic...
ReplyDeleteThank's again!
Sigurlaug, Iceland
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