100 Good Wishes Quilt

January 26, 2007




Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you are aware I began the process at Christmas 2005 to adopt a baby girl from China. To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in some parts of China, to make a Bai Jia Bei, “100 Good Wishes Quilt.” When a baby is born, family and friends donate to the child's mother fabric scraps from old clothing with a written wish for the new baby. A quilt for the child would be made from the scraps. It is said that the luck, energy and good wishes from all of the families and friends who contributed the fabric surrounds the child when she is wrapped in the quilt. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.

There are so many good reasons to make this quilt for her, tradition being one of them. I am hoping to find many ways to keep her connected to the Chinese culture. Another great reason is that she will someday be able to see how much she was wanted and thought about even before she came into our family.

I am hoping you will be able to participate in my goal to make a Bai Jei Bei. If possible, please send me two pieces of the same fabric, at least 7”x7”, and on a separate piece of paper your written good wish with your name. Most quilts are made with 100% cotton fabrics; however, pieces of old clothes/blankets that have a special meaning are all good choices. Fabrics that stretch, such as T-shirt cottons, are very difficult to work with and I ask that you avoid these. I am hoping you will be able to find a piece of fabric in your craft supplies, old decorating projects or among old clothes you no longer wear. Please do not go to a lot of trouble. If you do not have a piece of fabric suitable, just send back your good wish.

Collecting 100 squares may be a challenge, if each friend and family member is able to contribute that will help me accomplish this quilt. Just do not forget to add your good wishes. The wish should be short and sweet. Please write a short wish on the paper I’ve provided. Good wishes may include a short poem, Bible verse, favorite saying or quote, advice, memory, etc.
Good wish examples (silly is okay):
May you dance under the stars..
May you always have shelter..
May you have an abundance of hugs and kisses..
May you pass your driver’s test on the first try..
May your big cousins always watch out after you..
May you smile….
May you laugh ….

The good wishes and a swatch of your fabric will be incorporated into a special “Good Wishes” memory book. I plan to use a photo of her completed 100 Good Wishes Quilt as part of her adoption announcement when she comes home.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and your wishes for my future child. Jo, my sister, and I are hoping to travel to China in the late fall of 2007 to complete my adoption. I was DTC (dossier/paperwork to China) in April 2006!!! Very exciting milestone!!! My referral for my beautiful child should arrive about 6 weeks before we travel. I’m very delighted to be adding to my family. I feel blessed to share my journey with you.

Love,
Jacqueline

Why China?

Health - Chinese orphans have a reputation of being among the healthiest in the world. There are fewer problems with alcohol and other drugs in China than in many other parts of the world.
Gender - China with it's One Child Policy, has many infant girls that need homes.
Certainty vs. Risk - Adoptions in the US are much harder for a single person trying to adopt and open adoptions are becoming more common. In Chinese Adoptions, Once approved for adoption, they almost always go through. It may take longer, it may cost more money, but it will happen. I choose a closed adoption.
The need is so great -Thousands of perfectly healthy children will live their lives in orphanages which are only able to provide the minimal needs for these kids. If I am going to adopt, I would really rather help out a child that will not otherwise get help. I feel I am the lucky one in this process. I get to have the family I want.
Respect - China has a unique and remarkable history. China was a civilized country long before European countries could be called civilized. The China of today is rich in interesting and varied cultures. I feel this is a background which I can easily help my daughter be proud of.
Support - There are many thousands of Chinese children who have been adopted into US families. The parents of these children are organized and offer newsletters, playgroups, camps, classes, and all kinds of special events. I feel it will be very helpful to my daughter’s self-esteem to know others with a similar background and to have opportunities to learn something about Chinese culture. This kind of support was a VERY big factor in my decision

Sonogram

"10 reasons to date a single Mom"

1. You already know they're strong because they have to handle the responsibilities of single parenthood.
2. There is nothing like a mother. She is a woman that is responsible and focused on life. She knows what she wants out of life and will not sacrifice the happiness of her child for just any man. So, if she decides to date you, feel lucky.
3. Single moms know what they are looking for and are independent. Any man or woman can appreciate dating someone who has confidence in themselves. Face it, great moms are sexy!
4. A single mom isn't just filling time dating - she's had to make a choice to do something for herself while fulfilling the full-time responsibility of being a mom. For a man seeking a real and lasting relationship, this is ideal.
5. They appreciate quality not quantity of time. It isn't always an option to see someone everyday, so making sure the time together is of value is important.
6. Single moms are more open to long-term relationships. For single dads that are also looking for a romantic relationship, it is ideal to date someone with the same end goals.
7. They're done being a "party girl" and tend to be more selective and thoughtful in their approach to dating. With single moms, we know our romantic relationship is valued and not just part of a series of meaningless dates or something that stems from the fear of being alone.
8. You get to see how they relate to their children and how they relate to people they love. And for single dads looking for their own "play date," this also provides insight on how she might interact with our kids and her attitude about important life issues.
9. Single moms enjoy their time out more and can appreciate a simpler evening of just spending time together. People with a fun, positive attitude and outlook are always more fun to date.
10. They realize what it costs to raise a family - and don't require flashy dates. They are impressed more by substance than a big price tag both in dating and in life.
Extra bonus reason: They make great Mac-n-Cheese!

Layla's Stuff

Year of the Pig

Layla will come home during the Year of the Pig!

This Pig sings "My Girl".

Layla's Room

My Adoption Journey

I have seen how others have posted their Adoption Timeline and thought it was a great idea!! So…here has been my journey so far....
11-11-2005- I Announced my Attentions to Adopt to my Family.
11-15-2005 – Contacted Great Wall Adoption Agency and 23 other agencies regarding their singles program.
11- 15-2006 - I received rejections from various agency that could not
to represent any single individuals at this time
12-23-2006 .
12-24-2005- I was Accepted into Great Wall China Adoption Program!
12-25-2005- I Signed a Contract with Great Wall. Merry Christmas to me!
1-03-2006- I Contacted Adoption Circle to complete my Homestudy
1-09-2006 –I Received my Birth Certificates. I'm alive?!?!?!
1-10-2006- I Wrote my Application Letter to the Chinese Government
1-10-2006- My Received my State Police Check. I’m clean of crimes within our Country!
1-13-2006 – Reynoldsburg Police completes an Arrest Record Check. I’m clean of crimes against my community!
1-13-2006- I Passed the Child Abuse Background Check. I haven’t abused any children!
1-17-2006- Filed for I-171H with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
1-19-2006- I passed the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Background Check! I can drive safely!
1-19-2006- My Home Passed the Fire Department’s Inspection for Safety. All fire alarms are in working condition.
1-24-2006- Got my Physical Examination. I'm physically healthy inside and out!!!
1- 25-2006- My Sister and her Husband Agreed to become the Legal Guardians of my Adoptive Daughter if I should I become incapable of parenting.
1-26-2006- I had my Fingerprint Appointment with Homeland Security
1-27-2006- My Employer Verified my Employment and good standing with them
1-27-2006- First Homestudy Appointment at my Home
1-27-2006 – Homestudy Audit of my Home
1-30-2006- Had all Completed Documents Notarized
2-4-2006- I took Infant Care for Adoptive Parents Class
1-28-2006 – My Financial Statement was Completed
2-21-2006- I received my new Passport
2-27-2006 – My Homestudy was Approved!
3-16-2006- I received My I-171H Approval to bring home my baby someday!!!!
3-29-2006- Kenneth Blackwell Certified all my Documents for Ohio State
3-29-2006- Cathleen Blazier Certified all my Documents for Franklin County
4-9-2006 – I Fed –Ex my complete Dossier to Great Wall for their Final Approval
4-11-2006- My Dossier was approved!
4-14-2006- My Dossier was sent to China!
4-21-2006- My was Dossier was Officially Logged in with CCAA!
11-15-2006- Took out more Life Insurance
1-3-2007- I received my vaccination.
1-14-2007- My Brown Envelope arrived! Finally, I have permission to bring my baby home.
4-4-07-Got second vaccination
7-5-07-Last vaccination
7-14-o7- My second Physical Examination for my I-171H extension
8-5-07- Recieved I-171H extension
10-16-07-Put the pink crib together!

Bible Verses

• Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.--- Matthew 7:7-8
• I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.---1 Samuel 1:27
• Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, `Give them up!' and to the south, `Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-- --- Isaiah 43: 5-6
• And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.--- Matthew 18:5
• Like cold water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land.--- Proverbs 25:25

Layla Mea's Poem

Layla Mea

I wonder if you've eaten enough today,

I wonder if you're warm enough as you lay.

I wonder if you had fun and played,

Or was it just time that slipped away.

Was there a ball for you to roll?

A doll or stuffed animal for you to hold?

Was it the whimsical shake of a rattle.

That made you light-up, giggle, and prattle?

Was your today like you know each day?

Simple routines of eat, sleep, and bathe.

Did you get to go outside?

Did you see the soft blue sky?

Did you watch the birds wave high?

With curious eyes asking how and why.

Was today the day you discovered your fingers?

These are the things I think of when my mind lingers.

Was your day long in waiting

As Mommy was anticipating?

Do you know that there is love?

Do you know that you are loved?

Soon that same blue sky above

Will bring me to you to kiss and hug.

For me you are as bright as the sun’s ray
My beautiful daughter precious Layla Mae.