I have been truly blessed with the most amazing kiddos ever!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Mad at Mommy!
Ollie hates, hates, hates water! He screams, kicks, pinches and cries whenever he has to bath. Tried everything for our little Prince. Sponge baths have accomplished reducing the trauma, but result in one dirty little boy after a few weeks. So, off to shower with momma holding and singing....
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| The Aftermath! |
Jasper & Leo
POEM
FOR
MIA AND OLLIE
June 22, 2013
By Auntie Betty Lems
We looked for something oh so fine
For Mia and Ollie who are so divine.
After weeks of searching, nothing caught our eyes
But today in he "Mole Hole Shop" we gave each other high fives
As we discovered two beautiful animals with such unique
designs
With bright colors and personalities that just blew our minds.
Surely you will hug them, love them, keep them safe and near
For they are sure to bring your happiness and cheer every year!!!
FOR MIA:
Jasper the Elephant will always bring you good luck
Bold in his demeanor with his turned up trunk.
FOR OLLIE:
Leonardo the Lion follows his heart
He's handsome, so charming and incredibly smart.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Three Weeks Home!
A day shy of 3 weeks home and Ollie has FINALLY sipped from a bottle! Yahoo! Poor little guy is still deathly afraid of water, ...including a sippy cup! Mr. Spoon has gotten real old real fast, which has been the only way Ollie would take any liquids! Found one of Mia's old bottle with the nipple cut to allow better access to the juice. Ollie starting to love it! My sweet boy. I love you!
Friday, May 31, 2013
China Hospital
Fuzhou, China Hospital: May 6, 2013
Imagine a 1000 people. Varying ages from infancy to senior citizens bowed over with age and ailments. Hoards of people, pushing, coughing, crying, ...and even some holding dripping wounds of blood. These thousands of people are crammed together like discarded leftovers. Sweltering heat to the extent that you have rivers of sweat raining down your chest and down your back and buttocks. Imagine the absence of any ventilation; no breeze, no air conditioning; and 95 % humidity. The kind you already can't breath in. It's feeling a lot like Hell already. ...minute ten.
Now throw in the "most deadly bird flu ever." Unknown faces being wheeled on hospital beds between hoarders of people, IV bags flapping. People running for the one working elevator. Escalator broke. The crowds do not break for the man on the hospital bed, in hospital/surgical clothing. The only face covered by mask is the orderly trying to shove his charge into a jammed full elevator. The crowd does not give. He shoves the bed into the over crowded elevator. People shift to sit on the side rails of the man's bed. I pray the elevator doesn't stall and that the man, fresh from surgery, doesn't die from "crowded elevator infection."
The hoards of people in complete disarray. No rules, no lines, no doctors. Just people limping or people carrying or supporting others in makeshift stretchers. People coughing on you because there is no escape. You are hemmed in by the throngs that keep growing and pushing.
I have my two babies. My three-year-old toddlers. "Carlton do NOT let Mia touch a thing." Hold her. Do not let her be touched, be pushed or be crowded in. I'm clutching Ollie to my chest, holding too tight. I am afraid for my babies in this "hospital." What will we catch in this God Forsaken place? How can they call this a hospital? Why would a government allow such a place to exist?
Where the hell is our Fuzhou government guide? The 20 year old something, fresh from college with her Tourism degree? No where to be found.
Penny is in yet another "line" trying to pay ...bribe? so Ollie can receive updated blood tests that Dr. Katie would like to see before the adoption is finalized. My poor boy....Ollie is fast asleep in my arms. Mia is drenched in sweat, her hair plastered to her head, also thankfully asleep. ...hour one has long passed.
Carlton and I exchange looks of sheer terror. Upstairs is no better than below. No exit upstairs, only a shaft of a window crack. We greedily stake our place there as hour two descends upon us. Carlton turns away, seeking some inner calm that I don't possess. An old Chinese man, dressed in rags, appears in front of Ollie and I. He has a meanness in his eyes as they connect with mine. He hurls his spittle on Ollie.
Damn this place and everyone of its occupants! Penny is completely clueless. I will never ever come back to this wretched country!
My son and I are finally called in the room to draw his blood. There is another Chinese boy already there. He is about six years old. He has four adults laying on top of him, restraining him. The boy screams and screams. Ollie starts to whimper in the chair. I am instructed to hold his arm still. I am face to face with the blood stained pad my son's arm rests upon.
They did not perform all three of the blood tests Dr. Katie wanted.
We were not going back. ...My son would no longer live in this country.
Imagine a 1000 people. Varying ages from infancy to senior citizens bowed over with age and ailments. Hoards of people, pushing, coughing, crying, ...and even some holding dripping wounds of blood. These thousands of people are crammed together like discarded leftovers. Sweltering heat to the extent that you have rivers of sweat raining down your chest and down your back and buttocks. Imagine the absence of any ventilation; no breeze, no air conditioning; and 95 % humidity. The kind you already can't breath in. It's feeling a lot like Hell already. ...minute ten.
Now throw in the "most deadly bird flu ever." Unknown faces being wheeled on hospital beds between hoarders of people, IV bags flapping. People running for the one working elevator. Escalator broke. The crowds do not break for the man on the hospital bed, in hospital/surgical clothing. The only face covered by mask is the orderly trying to shove his charge into a jammed full elevator. The crowd does not give. He shoves the bed into the over crowded elevator. People shift to sit on the side rails of the man's bed. I pray the elevator doesn't stall and that the man, fresh from surgery, doesn't die from "crowded elevator infection."
The hoards of people in complete disarray. No rules, no lines, no doctors. Just people limping or people carrying or supporting others in makeshift stretchers. People coughing on you because there is no escape. You are hemmed in by the throngs that keep growing and pushing.
I have my two babies. My three-year-old toddlers. "Carlton do NOT let Mia touch a thing." Hold her. Do not let her be touched, be pushed or be crowded in. I'm clutching Ollie to my chest, holding too tight. I am afraid for my babies in this "hospital." What will we catch in this God Forsaken place? How can they call this a hospital? Why would a government allow such a place to exist?
Where the hell is our Fuzhou government guide? The 20 year old something, fresh from college with her Tourism degree? No where to be found.
Penny is in yet another "line" trying to pay ...bribe? so Ollie can receive updated blood tests that Dr. Katie would like to see before the adoption is finalized. My poor boy....Ollie is fast asleep in my arms. Mia is drenched in sweat, her hair plastered to her head, also thankfully asleep. ...hour one has long passed.
Carlton and I exchange looks of sheer terror. Upstairs is no better than below. No exit upstairs, only a shaft of a window crack. We greedily stake our place there as hour two descends upon us. Carlton turns away, seeking some inner calm that I don't possess. An old Chinese man, dressed in rags, appears in front of Ollie and I. He has a meanness in his eyes as they connect with mine. He hurls his spittle on Ollie.
Damn this place and everyone of its occupants! Penny is completely clueless. I will never ever come back to this wretched country!
My son and I are finally called in the room to draw his blood. There is another Chinese boy already there. He is about six years old. He has four adults laying on top of him, restraining him. The boy screams and screams. Ollie starts to whimper in the chair. I am instructed to hold his arm still. I am face to face with the blood stained pad my son's arm rests upon.
They did not perform all three of the blood tests Dr. Katie wanted.
We were not going back. ...My son would no longer live in this country.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Adoption Day & My Lovely Auntie's Poem
OLIVER HUI LEMS
By Auntie Betty
May 7, 2013
He has stolen his way into our heart of hearts
The one we have sent kisses to from the start.
Kisses on the wind we called them back then
Kisses, so many, sent to him on the wind.
From the beginning we claimed him in his new family place
Based only from the pictures of his sweet little face.
We gather him to us in our special family place
Keeping him forever in our loving embrace.
By Auntie Betty
May 7, 2013
He has stolen his way into our heart of hearts
The one we have sent kisses to from the start.
Kisses on the wind we called them back then
Kisses, so many, sent to him on the wind.
From the beginning we claimed him in his new family place
Based only from the pictures of his sweet little face.
We gather him to us in our special family place
Keeping him forever in our loving embrace.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Chillin with the T.V. & Fun Playroom!
Well my babies definitely missed their cartoons! Little Ollie is fascinated by the television and I suspect he never saw one before. His big sissy is showing him all "the ropes" including how to make the playroom look like a hurricane hit! Mia missed her toys and is such an amazing big sissy! So proud of "my babies!"
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
China Trip From Hell!
Re-Cap of Our China Trip From Hell: 2013
1. Arrival in Hong Kong: Mia cut open her cheek on lobby glass table
2. Arrival in Fuzhou: Carlton removed from family & passport confiscated by immigration officials for 45 minutes. We were told NOTHING while we waited for him to be released.
3. Gotcha Day for Ollie: Dumb Fuzhou Government photographer insisted on using flash photography on my photo-sensitive son. Ollie in blinding pain from the lights.
4. Fuzhou Hospital: my son & I were spit on by old Chinese man who thought Ollie was a spirit because of his white hair. Ollie's blood taken on an old blood stained pad!
5. Guangzhou: U.S. Consulate had terrorist attack 3 days before our visa appointment. Consulate shut down for 4 days due to delivery of unknown white powder. We were stuck in China.
6. 20 plus hours of flights (8 planes: round trip total) and Little Ollie doesn't sleep a wink!
Thank God I and my family are in the United States of America!!!!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Fuzhou, China
Well, I have NOTHING good to say about Fuzhou, China. Our first "experience" occurred in the airport as we were going through security. Carlton apparently looked like Alcadia with his blonde hair and child in tow. They detained him, took away his passport and treated me like an idiot woman. They lead him off to a separate area where I could barely see him and we were not able to speak to one another. We waited and waited. The whole immigration area completely emptied of its human cargo. I stood there on the other side of the immigration counter thinking, "holy cow, they have his passport.. and what the sam hell is going on." We did silent eye looks with one another for the very long 30 minutes while he was detained. Nothing like a communist detention to make one feel right at home.
As I believe I previously mentioned, my "go with the flow" attitude left at minute 20. I went up to the immigration official who had told Carlton he was being detained and asked "why are you detaining us? Where is his passport?" I was again informed of NOTHING. I got a smirk in return.
Minute 25 I rummaged around and found our Fuzhou guide's phone number in my paperwork. I called Penny told her the situation and she told me to find someone that spoke Chinese and give them my phone. Oh, okay.... I'm in immigration, Mia is screaming her head off at this point, and I'm supposed to find someone that speaks Chinese. Mr. Personality would not take the phone. I go up to several people with screaming daughter in tow, I'm about there myself, looking like a crazed American asking various people waiting in line for yet another security check point, to talk to my guide on the phone. Oh yah, that was easy peezy.
I finally find a woman, I hand her my phone, she's looking at me fairly quizzingly, and she speaks to Penny. The woman goes to the immigration desk with me speaks to Mr. Personality, hands the phone back to me, and walks away.
Forty-five minutes later, the other immigration officials come back with their lunch pails in hand. They hand back Carlton's passport, and still refuse to tell us why he was detained.
Flexing of Muscles in Fuzhou. Welcome!
As I believe I previously mentioned, my "go with the flow" attitude left at minute 20. I went up to the immigration official who had told Carlton he was being detained and asked "why are you detaining us? Where is his passport?" I was again informed of NOTHING. I got a smirk in return.
Minute 25 I rummaged around and found our Fuzhou guide's phone number in my paperwork. I called Penny told her the situation and she told me to find someone that spoke Chinese and give them my phone. Oh, okay.... I'm in immigration, Mia is screaming her head off at this point, and I'm supposed to find someone that speaks Chinese. Mr. Personality would not take the phone. I go up to several people with screaming daughter in tow, I'm about there myself, looking like a crazed American asking various people waiting in line for yet another security check point, to talk to my guide on the phone. Oh yah, that was easy peezy.
I finally find a woman, I hand her my phone, she's looking at me fairly quizzingly, and she speaks to Penny. The woman goes to the immigration desk with me speaks to Mr. Personality, hands the phone back to me, and walks away.
Forty-five minutes later, the other immigration officials come back with their lunch pails in hand. They hand back Carlton's passport, and still refuse to tell us why he was detained.
Flexing of Muscles in Fuzhou. Welcome!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Ollie!
Today was Gotcha Day for us and little Ollie! There was one other family receiving their kiddo and another finalizing their paperwork for a child they'd already received. We meet in the conference room of the Lakeside Hotel. It was full of government officials and was hot, muggy and super bright with a bunch of fluorescent high wattage bulbs. Ollie was brought in by two women from his orphanage. The poor little guy was completely blinded by all the bright lights. Then the not so intelligent government photographer kept taking the government photos of Oliver and I, and geez, they would repeatedly not work because Ollie was squinting.
Frankly my "roll with the flow" mantra had been left at the airport a few hours earlier when Carlton was detained at the Fuzhou immigration for almost an hour and they would not answer a damn question about why the were holding him and his passport in a different section than Mia and I. ...another post. Suffice to say, I'm not overly impressed with this government or its staff.
So I tell photographer, "turn off your flash" for the umpteen time, and what do you know, Ollie opened up his eyes.
So Ollie..... Well I'll be frank, he is WAY delayed. I was handed an infant. There is no way in Sam hell that little guy is three. I'll eat my hat! He may wear a size 12 month. They have him in a size 18 shoe and my diapers hang off his cute little bum. He's laying in his crib in his orphanage pj's as I don't think a stitch of clothing I brought is going to fit him. He self stims with a lot of head waving. He will stop if he's engrossed in the IPad with his big sister. Sorry for the bad photo quality, but look at the amazing size difference between him and his 4 month older sister!
He ate like a champ but has refused any liquids. He came with a bottle, ....he's three years old! He and Mia devoured a huge plate of rice, tofu and mushrooms-- a very large adult sized plate! He had his first fussy when I took the plate away from him as I was afraid he would throw up if he put anything else in his pint size belly.
He is adorable with definitely a cute personality peeking through. He does not talk, but does teter on his own feet that seem to move faster than his body. He sucks his fingers like Mia. So cute!
So Miss Mia.... What an amazing little girl I have been so blessed with. She didn't like him taking my attention across the room at the conference room, but she warmed right up to him in the hotel room. In fact she insisted on sleeping with him in his crib and is currently crashed out while Ollie makes baby noises and is walking all over his crib. She has been giving her little brother lots of hugs and already one kiss!
More pics soon!
Signing out for first night in Fuzhou, China
Frankly my "roll with the flow" mantra had been left at the airport a few hours earlier when Carlton was detained at the Fuzhou immigration for almost an hour and they would not answer a damn question about why the were holding him and his passport in a different section than Mia and I. ...another post. Suffice to say, I'm not overly impressed with this government or its staff.
So I tell photographer, "turn off your flash" for the umpteen time, and what do you know, Ollie opened up his eyes.
So Ollie..... Well I'll be frank, he is WAY delayed. I was handed an infant. There is no way in Sam hell that little guy is three. I'll eat my hat! He may wear a size 12 month. They have him in a size 18 shoe and my diapers hang off his cute little bum. He's laying in his crib in his orphanage pj's as I don't think a stitch of clothing I brought is going to fit him. He self stims with a lot of head waving. He will stop if he's engrossed in the IPad with his big sister. Sorry for the bad photo quality, but look at the amazing size difference between him and his 4 month older sister!
He ate like a champ but has refused any liquids. He came with a bottle, ....he's three years old! He and Mia devoured a huge plate of rice, tofu and mushrooms-- a very large adult sized plate! He had his first fussy when I took the plate away from him as I was afraid he would throw up if he put anything else in his pint size belly.
He is adorable with definitely a cute personality peeking through. He does not talk, but does teter on his own feet that seem to move faster than his body. He sucks his fingers like Mia. So cute!
So Miss Mia.... What an amazing little girl I have been so blessed with. She didn't like him taking my attention across the room at the conference room, but she warmed right up to him in the hotel room. In fact she insisted on sleeping with him in his crib and is currently crashed out while Ollie makes baby noises and is walking all over his crib. She has been giving her little brother lots of hugs and already one kiss!
More pics soon!
Signing out for first night in Fuzhou, China
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Hong Kong & Airports!
Well here we are in Hong Kong! We've had two free days and chose not to tour. 19 hours and 3 plane changes does that to you! Mia was A M A Z I N G on the flights! Last hour and a half to Hong Kong and she'd had it. Complete melt down and scream fest. Frankly, I wasn't too far behind her and very glad to get off the plane! From the last plane onward, Mia's new phrase is "go home."
2 more weeks baby.
Mia gathered a whole lot if attention in the Noretta, Japan & Hong Kong airports with the whole Bird Flu thing. She was her normal happy, sunny self singing & dancing through all the securities & immigration checks, but apparently the officials are watching the kiddos closely for signs of the H1/N1 virus. One airport officially basically accosted us as we deplaned and without a word to me, ran up to Mia and stuck a temperature gage on her forehead. Luckily I was happy to be off planes and realized after the fact what had happened. It would've been nice however if people would ASK!
Hong Kong appears to be an amazing city. After an adventure on the subway, We trekked to a 10 plus story mall today to find sunglasses for Mia as hers are sitting on my desk at home! The same ones that say, "made in China." After what seemed like 1000 or more stores, zilch! No kid's sunglasses in the entire mall! In fact not one single kiddo store in the entire mall! Maybe I can order a pair from the Internet!
2 more weeks baby.
Mia gathered a whole lot if attention in the Noretta, Japan & Hong Kong airports with the whole Bird Flu thing. She was her normal happy, sunny self singing & dancing through all the securities & immigration checks, but apparently the officials are watching the kiddos closely for signs of the H1/N1 virus. One airport officially basically accosted us as we deplaned and without a word to me, ran up to Mia and stuck a temperature gage on her forehead. Luckily I was happy to be off planes and realized after the fact what had happened. It would've been nice however if people would ASK!
Hong Kong appears to be an amazing city. After an adventure on the subway, We trekked to a 10 plus story mall today to find sunglasses for Mia as hers are sitting on my desk at home! The same ones that say, "made in China." After what seemed like 1000 or more stores, zilch! No kid's sunglasses in the entire mall! In fact not one single kiddo store in the entire mall! Maybe I can order a pair from the Internet!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Don't Eat Chicken!
What? I can't eat chicken in China?
Stay away from birds & other animals?
Well you might as well take away my chocolate too!
Oh, and this all came from an innocuous comment from our agency: "take a fever reducer before going through the airports."
This oh so innocent sounding comment lead to DEADLIEST BIRD FLU EVER! Tons of nasty stuff about on YouTube and the news. (I've been busy... Spraying for Malaria).
Oh, and the nasty H7/N9 is in Eastern, China.
I'm going to go hug my parrot and eat some chicken.
Stay away from birds & other animals?
Well you might as well take away my chocolate too!
Oh, and this all came from an innocuous comment from our agency: "take a fever reducer before going through the airports."
This oh so innocent sounding comment lead to DEADLIEST BIRD FLU EVER! Tons of nasty stuff about on YouTube and the news. (I've been busy... Spraying for Malaria).
Oh, and the nasty H7/N9 is in Eastern, China.
I'm going to go hug my parrot and eat some chicken.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
On A Jet Plane!
Gotcha Day is May 5, 2013 for Little Ollie's transition to his Forever Family and my transition to a mommy of two! I will have a son! Wow!
Here's the a travel itinerary:
1. Hong Kong for 3 nights;
2. Hong Kong to Fuzhou by plane: arrive May 5th and receive Oliver the same day! We stay 5 nights;
3. Fuzhou to Guangzhou by plane on May 10th; we stay 8 nights;
4. Then crazy van ride back to Hong Kong on May 18th;
5. Depart for home on May 19th and arrive home May 19th!
I already miss my pillow! :)
Here's the a travel itinerary:
1. Hong Kong for 3 nights;
2. Hong Kong to Fuzhou by plane: arrive May 5th and receive Oliver the same day! We stay 5 nights;
3. Fuzhou to Guangzhou by plane on May 10th; we stay 8 nights;
4. Then crazy van ride back to Hong Kong on May 18th;
5. Depart for home on May 19th and arrive home May 19th!
I already miss my pillow! :)
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Bug Spray To Keep Malaria Away!
Finally... I get to coat all our clothes with Permethrin Spray...to keep Malaria away! Seems some pesky Chinese Mosquitos are leaving more than just an itchy bite these days. So spray, wait 2 hours, then pack. It appears this will be an all weekend project as my "clothesline" only holds a few clothing items at a time.
Friday, April 19, 2013
TA!!!!
April 17. 2013!!! Three very long weeks, but we got it! Yahoo! We will be in Hong Kong in 2 weeks! I can't believe it's finally here. Then again, it feels so fast & surreal. I'm so happy I may just sit down and have a big girlie cry fest!
Here we come Ollie! Cuddles coming soon sweetheart.
Love, Momma
Here we come Ollie! Cuddles coming soon sweetheart.
Love, Momma
Friday, April 12, 2013
Oliver's 3rd Birthday!!!
April 7, 2013
Hello my sweet boy! We celebrated your 3rd birthday today. I hope your foster momma & baba filled your day with love & sweets. We sang Happy Birthday to you twice at your Big Sister's urging! Happy Birthday Ollie. We can't wait to see you soon sweetheart....
Hello my sweet boy! We celebrated your 3rd birthday today. I hope your foster momma & baba filled your day with love & sweets. We sang Happy Birthday to you twice at your Big Sister's urging! Happy Birthday Ollie. We can't wait to see you soon sweetheart....
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Article 5 Pick-Up!!!
Article 5 Pick-Up happened today! This is the last step before Travel Approval. I'm a bit stunned and overwhelmed with how fast everything seems to be moving! We could be on our way to China in 3 weeks! Wow! I am about to be a momma again! Can't wait to snuggle little Ollie and sure hoping he likes his new American Mommy!
Here we come Ollie!
Love Momma
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Gifts for Officials in Fujian Province
- According to my agency, there are 9 gifts I must bring to China. The gifts need to be in a red gift bag or red envelope. The officials range from Oliver's foster family to the orphanage director and notary person. The gifts will be given by our Guide and will never be opened in front of us. The Chinese believe such is rude and will open the gifts in private. The suggested list is as follows:
- Perfume
- Watch
- Small-medium size T-shirt
- Officials Sports caps and T-shirts
- Stamps
- Fish oil (Omega 3 gel caps)
- Good quality cosmetics
- Cash gift of $10 (converted to RMB) in a red envelop
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Provisional Approval!
Provisional Approval from the National Visa Center received today! Yipee! Four very long weeks! Although received today, it was approved by the Department of Homeland Security on February 27, 2013. This is the American version that I've been approved to become Oliver's Momma. I'm ecstatic and a bit overwhelmed. Two three year olds! I think I have utterly lost my mind! :)
The next step is cabeling and Article 5 pickup. Then it's the big one....TRAVEL APPROVAL!!! Excited to pick-up my little guy, but not so excited for China travel again. It's looking like the new Timeline is mid April. Since there's a Chinese Holiday at the end of April, we may not travel until May. Crossing my fingers ...and toes, for earlier Travel Approval. Little Ollie's third birthday is April 7th and I'd sure like him to be with his forever family by then.
Go China!
The next step is cabeling and Article 5 pickup. Then it's the big one....TRAVEL APPROVAL!!! Excited to pick-up my little guy, but not so excited for China travel again. It's looking like the new Timeline is mid April. Since there's a Chinese Holiday at the end of April, we may not travel until May. Crossing my fingers ...and toes, for earlier Travel Approval. Little Ollie's third birthday is April 7th and I'd sure like him to be with his forever family by then.
Go China!
Friday, February 1, 2013
LOA!!!!!!
Just received my Letter of Acceptance! Yahooooooo!!! Little Oliver, here we come sweetie!
I received these photos of my sweet boy last week and had to wait to post until today, after China approved me as Oliver's momma. The pictures were taken the 2nd or 3rd week of January 2013! Little Ollie is 24 pounds and wears a kid's size 5 shoe! Can't wait to cuddle those cute cheeks!
I received these photos of my sweet boy last week and had to wait to post until today, after China approved me as Oliver's momma. The pictures were taken the 2nd or 3rd week of January 2013! Little Ollie is 24 pounds and wears a kid's size 5 shoe! Can't wait to cuddle those cute cheeks!
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