Helaina's Room

Here's our sweet daughter's room, all ready and waiting for her. It's a combination of Ladybugs meets Wizard of Oz meets Barbie - just in case she can't decide which she likes the best! There's only one thing missing though (besides Helaina) - her crib. We decided to wait to buy her crib until we knew who she was. Now let the crib shopping begin!

A Chinese Lantern purchased in Toronto's Chinatown.



Pictures that hung in Helaina's big brother's room (Josh) when he was a baby, made by Aunt Barbara.
















Furniture that belonged to me (Roberta) when I was a young girl - refinished and painted with love, by me for Helaina.















A towering shelf of assorted goodies for Miss Helaina!



A Dorothy and Toto blanket to keep our little gal warm.

Here she is at last!

Here is our heart of gold that we have been searching for!

Helaina Marie

"Comes a time..." a time we have waited for since August 2006 when we decided to adopt from China. Our dreams came true on November 6, 2007 when a waiting child list was distributed by our adoption agency and there she was, our Helaina. She is truly a beautiful child. "Very adorable, pretty and engaging little girl. She likes to communicate, talk and smile at you while in your lap.", as described by her caregivers.

We have signed our letter of intent and it will soon be sent to the CCAA. We should have a letter of acceptance from China in two to three months with travel hopefully in March - April 2008.

Here is what we know about Helaina:
Chinese name: An Men Ying (Men means "gate" and Ying means "brave".)
Date of Birth: February 27, 2006
Born in Shaanxi Province, residing at Xi'an City Children's Welfare Institute
Men Ying enjoys her bath and likes to clap her hands in the water. While being held she likes to touch your face, and enjoys sitting in front of the TV - just like her Daddy! She can be "obstinate at times" - just like her Mommy! She is a good eater, never choosy, and when it is meal time she will look toward the kitchen. Who does that sound like??!!! She gets along well with others and even shares her toys. When her caregiver says "let me hold you", she will open her arms to be held. Sounds like a real cutie, doesn't she?!
We are now learning Chinese through our newly acquired video: Big Bird in China! We will keep you all posted on our progress. Feel free to leave us your comments.