Thursday, April 8, 2010
Friends and Sister
Jill came over to meet Micah and we played on the floor and Micah fell asleep on her side. It was the first time she did this. The other pictures are of Sarah and Micah during a sister moment. Sarah loves Micah and loves when she can hold her, feed her or just make her smile.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Next day at the CAB
We had to sign the final paperwork and get a picture of the family to be used as her birth certificate. The final paperwork would lead us to her passpprt that would get us her Visa. We also took a picture with the director of the orphanage.
More Gotcha 2010
Here we are back from the CAB and getting to know each other. Sarah and Micah played on the bed and I joined them for some of the play. Dad took pictures. Sarah got the first smile. It was a great night. Sarah, Micah and I were up at 4:30 looking at each other and laughing.
Gotcha day 2010
It is Gotcha Day here in Nanjing and we are very excited. We had to find things to keep us occupied during the morning but at 1:30 we met Nancy in the Lobby to go get Micah. When we got to the CAB, She was already there waiting. I went in and took her from the gentlemen and loved on her. Sarah was jumping around and giving her rattles and gifts and anything she could find. Micah had been car sick on the trip but smiled at Sarah first thing. It made Sarah so happy to know that Micah's first smile went to her. As you can see from the pictures we are all very happy. We also had to have our first family picture. This was to become Micah's birth certificate.
Flying to Nanjing and before gotcha day
We arrived in Nanjing on Sunday and were not going to get Micah until the afternon on Monday. We Met our guide Nancy and she drove us to the hotel. We got our bearings and went out walking. We had to buy a warmer coat for Sarah as it was almost freezing and snowed 3 out of the 5 days we were there. Here are pictures of us arriving in Nanjing and then walking around the hotel area.
Letter to Micah
Here is the letter I wrote while we were in China. It is all about what we did while doing paperwork and having fun before coming home.
My Dearest Micah, Sunday March 7, 2010
Our journey together began on December 1st when we got a phone call and an email showing us your picture. I fell in love the first time I met you. After 3 ½ months, we are now on our way to get you. On Saturday the 27th of February, after celebrating the Chinese New Year with Families of Children from China, we received word that we could travel to get you. Our hands were tied until Monday but Monday morning I called our agency and was told we needed to be in China by the 7th of March and would be a forever family as of Monday March 8th. This meant your dad and I had to do a great deal in less than a week.
First we had to get our visas and then we had to get plane tickets and hotel reservations. Lotus travel helped with all the travel details. I began maternity leave as of Wednesday the3rd. I was delighted but nervous and worried everything would not get done. With the help of family and friends and your dad who is super, we did it and at 4 in the morning of Friday the 5th of March we began our long journey to China to become a family of 4.
David Parisian came to get us at 4 in the morning and Sarah was up and ready to go. I don't think she realized how hard the trip was going to be. Our first of many flights left at 7:25 in the morning. We went to Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota where we had about 3 hours lay over. Then we boarded a plane to Tokyo. That flight was 12 hours and very grueling to all of us. We all slept on and off and were very tired. Sarah kept telling me she wanted to go get Micah. I told her we were on our way but it would take awhile. We played, ate, and watched movies. The airline fed us all the time. I know they were trying to get us used to China time so we ate a great deal. We finally arrived in Tokyo and had another layover of about 2 hours. We had to go through security again even though we never left the terminal. We boarded the plane for Beijing and Sarah and I immediately fell asleep for about 1 hour. Then we were served dinner (more food). We watched movies and Dad and Sarah played video games on the airplane TV.
At 10:50 p.m. on Saturday night we landed in Beijing and was met by the hotel Sino Swiss Hotel and they took us to the hotel where we got to sleep in real beds and take a shower. We were up around 4:00 in the morning and ready to fly to Nanjing to be closer to you. It will be a few hours before we go but we are much closer. As of now we are in the same country.
03/07
I was up at 4:00 local time and didn’t know what to do with myself so I took a shower. When I got out of the shower, Dad and Sarah were up. We talked and laughed and I fell back to sleep. Dad gave Sarah a bath and I talked to Aunt Marcy. I can’t do that again as the phone call was over $20.
We had breakfast and played outside for a few minutes ( it was very cold). Then we got on the shuttle and went to the airport to fly to Nanjing (where you are from). We arrived in Nanjing at 1 and Nancy our guide was waiting for us. We took a 35-40 minute drive to the hotel. We talked about what Nanjing is known for and it is cotton brocade you make curtains out of. After checking in, we went on a walk around the area and Nancy told us where to go for a store and laundry and Dad tried some spicy pork on a stick. We came back to the room and I have gotten all the gifts ready for tomorrow and we are resting and laying low.
The room is very nice and the crib is right next to the bed. We are very excited and can’t wait until we meet you.
3/8/10
Today was the big day. Sarah and I got up at around 4:30 and played in bed. At around 5 dad woke up and we sat around and talked for awhile and then got on line to talk to Aunt Marcy and Uncle Jim. Zadie was there also. We made a plan to talk in the evening here, which is morning in Houston. We were sure how long it would take to get you.
After talking with Aunt Marcy and Uncle Jim and Zadie, we went walking around and bought a coat for Sarah and a scarf for me. It is very cold here in Nanjing. We ate lunch at KFC across from the hotel and met Nancy in the lobby at 1:15. It took us about 15 minutes to drive over to the CAB to get you. When we got there you were already there looking around. I walked over quickly and took you from the man’s arms and held you and kissed you and just stared at you. Sarah was so excited!! She tickled you, brought you every toy we had brought with us and just kept talking to you. You were looking at the lights and wouldn’t look at me but you did look at Sarah. We were told that you had been a little car sick and that we needed to feed you. We didn’t have anything to do that with but Nancy told us we would stop and get some. After signing all the papers we needed to, we took you back to the hotel with a stop at a store to buy formula. We were told you were on a schedule and we tried to keep you on it but of course life gets in the way and so did paperwork. We did try and fix you a bottle but you wouldn’t drink it. But I guess you had enough in you that you could survive. As we looked out the window we saw snow coming down. We just laughed and said thanks to God for letting it wait until we got back to the hotel. Then I dealt with your clothes. You had 3 layers of clothes on. 3 shirts, 1 pair of split pants and 1 spilt jumper. Then over that you had a thick coat and a thick blanket wrapped around you. You were sweating so I began the process of undressing you. I kept on 2 of the shirts and changed your diaper and put a pair of pants I had brought on you. You began to wiggle around like you had been set free. You jumped on your back and cooed. Sarah tried to imitate you and we all laughed very hard. If I tried to place you one your stomach you would cry. So on your back it was. You did start to give eye contact to Dad and I every so often but you loved watching Sarah. Later in the afternoon, we all bundled up and went to the corner store for some yogurt and vegetables for your snacks.
We came back to the hotel, had the worst dinner I think we have ever had. They put tobacco sauce on a bacon, cheese and tomato pizza. It was so bad that even dad wouldn’t eat it and he will eat most things. Sarah and you had fallen asleep at the table so when dad finished Sarah’s meal, we came up stairs and everyone passed out. It was Sarah, Micah, Dad and then Mom. Tomorrow we have to be ready to go at 8:10 to finish paperwork and then we can shop, rest and play.
3/9/10
Last night was a long night. Not because you were crying but every time you moved or coughed or sneezed or whimpered, I heard you and woke up. Dad also was having a bad night as he drank the water in the hotel and ate the worst pizza in the world.
I think you are coming down with a cold as you are very agitated and cranky this morning. Part of it is because we are holding you and making you lay on your stomach and sit up which you haven’t done a great deal of.
We are off to sign more papers and go shopping! We were on our own for the rest of the day. We stayed in the room most of the time. Dad went to drop off laundry with Sarah and you napped. In the evening, we went to one of the hotel restaurants. Sarah didn’t like the shrimp and threw it up at the table, you had a blow out in your diaper and the food was pretty good. We are still trying to get used to the time difference so we all went to bed early.
3/10/10
Happy Birthday my sweet little girl. Today you are one year old. We all got up early and played in bed for awhile. Sarah gave you a rattle and a picture she made. We had breakfast and Nancy came and took us to the Cloud Brocade factory where I bought gifts for Malissa, Janet and us. The factory was a place where they make silk by hand. They use big looms and 2 people run each one.
We then went to the oldest wall that surrounds the city of Nanjing. It was built 600 years ago to protect the city from bad people and animals. We walked to the top of the wall and took pictures. We learned about the Emperor and how he had each brick made and signed. It was very cool to see.
Nancy arranged for us to have a birthday cake for you and we had a another family we met in the hotel, and Nancy come and sing happy birthday and eat cake. Then we walked to McDonalds for dinner and you were so fussy we had to come home. You are now playing in your crib quietly.
I LOVE YOU BIRTHDAY GIRL!!
3/11/10
Today was a quiet day. We got up early, and played in bed for a long time. After breakfast we spoke with Aunt Marcy and then Mona and Mrs. Allison. It was lots of fun. We then walked to the shopping mall near the hotel and walked around and bought Sarah a few shirts. It was like walking in the Galleria. Very high quality and high priced shops. We came back and met Nancy to get your visa application, and 2 other important documents. Then Sarah and I went outside to play for a little while and later we went to dinner with Mrs. Wendy, Mr. Jason and Macy. We went to a restaurant that Nancy recommended for us and wrote all the dishes we wanted on a piece of paper. IT was the best meal we have had in China so far.
You were upright most of the day and seemed to do ok. You got a little fussy in the afternoon but once we laid you down you were much better. Dad put you on your stomach for a short time and you rolled to your back. He put you on your tummy again and you spit up a little. Everyday you get stronger and stronger and today you were holding your head up and smiling at me throughout the day.
I Love you!!
3/12
Today was our last day in Nanjing. We fly out at 4:00 to go to Guangzhou. We stayed in the room and played for awhile and then took a walk to the Confusion Temple to look around. I have never had so many people stare at us. Dad ate his last meat on a stick and I took pictures. The flight was not bad. I fed you when we took off and you played the whole trip. Lily met us at the airport. It was so nice to finally meet her after her arranging for us to bring you home. We went to the Garden Hotel. It has the largest lobby in all of Asia. It is beautiful. Lily checked us in and we went up to our room. Dad and I were shocked at this place. IT is a 2 room suite. IT has a large sitting room with flat screen TV, and office area. The internet was up and worked the first time dad tried. We spoke to Aunt Marcy. It was lots of fun. The bedroom is huge and your crib was there. The bathroom was bigger than anything I have ever seen. In one room there is a bathtub and shower. It has a spicket on the wall and on the ceiling for the shower. The tub was huge and could fit all 4 of us at one time. The toilet was in another frosted area. It also had a vanity and sink area. We will be very comfortable here for the 5 days we are here. We ordered room service and went to bed. Tomorrow is your medical exam and shopping on Shemian Island.
3/13/10
You woke at 2 for a bottle and then slept until almost 6. It was nice to sleep that long. Sarah was the next to get up and we talked to Aunt Marcy and you got to meet Uncle Jim. We left the hotel at 9:30 to get to the medical exam around 10:00 on Shamian Island. They checked your weight (19 pounds) and your height 79 (not sure what that was). They also checked your hearing and your bones and looked in your mouth. Then we were done and we got to go shopping and eating. We shopped at Jordan’s a well known shop on the Island. I bought many things there for you and for friends back home. Then we went to Lucy’s to eat. We ate there 5 years ago when we went to pick up Sarah. It brought back old memories. We had to be back at the White Swan at 2:30 to come home.
Rebecca took me across the street to the Friendship store to new formula. You have been sick from the last stuff this whole time. It seems to be better now but we will know more later. We are playing in the room while Dad goes and does important paperwork.
Tonight Rebecca took us to a Chinese restaurant and ordered for us. We had sweet ribs, spicy beef, some sort of pork, broccoli, and fried rice. Dad of course ate too much and is feeling the pain now. Then we went shopping across the street at the Friendship store. To get to it, you have to go underground to the subway station and walk around and back up to the street level. It is kind of cool. We had to buy you some clothes for tomorrow. You have pooped on everything.
We changed your formula and you have had 2 feedings with no tummy problems yet. We will see what is to come.
3/14/10
Today you got up at 5:50 after having a pretty good night. You cried out a few times and I rubbed your belly and you were good. I tried to feed you at 3 but you wouldn’t take it.
We took a group picture of everyone in the lobby. Most of the kids had their Chinese outfits on and it was too cute. We then went shopping in a part of town that the locals shop in. I bought you a strand of pearls. I bought a ring and earrings and some jade and that was it. We ate lunch at the Pizza Hut. The pizza tasted just like home. It was kind of nice. Then we came back and played in the room. You and I slept for a little while.
Tonight we are going to dinner with the group.
As a group we went for Vietnamese food. Dad and I had the spring rolls that we had 5 years ago when we went to get Sarah. They are served with lettuce and mint and a great dipping sauce. We also had pineapple fried rice which had squid and other seafood in it. Daddy and Sarah shared a sweet pork with sesame seeds. It was a pleasant evening. When we got back to the hotel you began to have a hard time. I am not sure if it is your tummy or your teeth.
Tomorrow we have the day to ourselves. We need to go back to the island to pick up some stuff we bought at Jordan’s and that is about it.
3/15/10
Our day started at 3:45 with you screaming. Sarah got up at 4 with us and Dad got up at 4:30. We gave you to doses of orajel and one of Tylenol and you kept on screaming. You screamed for 2 ½ hours and then fell asleep. We thought about taking you to the doctor but then you calmed down and all was well. We went back to the island where you began to scream again. We left Sarah with the Mitchells and we came back and went to the doctor. It turns out you have an ear infection. We started you on Tylenol and Amoxicillin and hopefully by the morning you will be better.
This evening we took a dinner boat cruise on the Pearl River. There was a wonderful buffet. After dinner we saw a magician who was pretty good. He pulled money out of Sarah’s hair. We got back to the hotel around 8:45 and got you and Sarah ready for bed. Tomorrow is the Zoo and Consulate.
Sleep well my sweet
3/16/10
Today has been a great day. You woke up around 3 and we gave you Tylenol and you went back to sleep until 7:00. We got up went to breakfast and met 3 of the families to go to the Zoo. It was a beautiful cool day. We saw parts of the Zoo we did not see 5 years ago. They have done a lot of renovating. The panda was out of his cage and walking around. The bears were active and the wolves were howling. We came back to the hotel and went to subway for lunch. At 2:15 we met the gang downstairs and drove over to the Consulate to swear in and get your visa. That was the last stop to our taking you home and becoming Ohana!! At the Consulate, they mentioned that Micah just had a birthday 6 days ago. It was very special to hear them say “Happy Birthday”
Tonight we are going back to the Chinese restaurant we went to the other night and Dad stuffed himself.
3/17/10
Today we got up and went to the botanical gardens in Guangzhou. It is a large park of flowers from around the word. They have a garden of cactus from other countries and then gardens all around. There also was a rock garden. We stopped and fed the fish in the big pond. After we had to go back to the hotel and begin to pack. Dad has to be able to pack all our stuff and all we have bought into 3 suitcases weighing less than 20 KG.
In the evening we went to a restaurant called the Banana Leaf. The food was very good. There was to be entertainment but we didn’t want to wait until the show started. We knew we had to get up early in the morning to catch our plane to Beijing. We had to say goodbye to our new friends and hope that we will stay in touch.
3/18/10
This was travel day. We got up early and went to the airport and flew to Beijing. We caught a cab from the airport to the hotel Novetal Beijing Peace. It is a nice hotel. We tried to go to the lobby restaurant for dinner but they wanted 250 Yuan for each person ($30 a person) and that was way too high. We walked next door and had great Chinese food for about 119 Yuan. ($20). It is interesting here. You have to pay for the plates and glasses and napkins. I am not sure I will ever get used to that. I wasn’t feeling well so we went to bed early.
3/19/10
This was a great day. We met our guide Sandy downstairs at 8:30 and didn’t get home until 6:30. We started out driving to the Great Wall. It actually is about 2 hours from where we were staying. On the way we stopped at the factory that makes Jade. We got to see how the jade starts in rock form and goes to a beautiful sculpture or jewelry piece. I got a bangle bracelet that you will one day get. It has green, white and purple jade in it. From there we went to the Great Wall. (Mutianyu Great Wall) It was unbelievable. There were many steps going up to the cable car and lots of people selling the same thing for a great price. You fell asleep just as we got there and slept the whole time. We took a cable car up the mountain and then climbed to the watch tower. There as another tower but we can’t remember the name of it. We walked both ways for a little while and then had to climb down. It was very steep. It was beautiful up there. The wall was built over 2000 years ago.
After, we went to lunch at this fabulous place. We had many different foods. A sweet and sour pork, a egg drop soup, a chicken with peanuts, a potato dish, a vegetable dish and a beef dish. It was all really good. Right next door was the cloisonné factory. We took a tour of how they make the pieces. They start with a copper base and then move to the stencil room where they use wire to make the designs. Then the next room has ladies that paint the different colors into the pot and it must be fired and painted 8-9 times before it is polished and ready to sell. It was amazing to watch.
We were off to Beijing Hutong after. This is a famous area for the common folk to live. It is like a suburb. It is where the common folk lived while the emperor lived in the Forbidden City. It is a very run down area that has been around for hundreds of years. We actually got to go and talk with a woman whose family has lived there since 1936. It was a very cool experience to sit in her home and talk with her.
Tomorrow is a free day and then we are off the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
3/20/10
Today has been a very lazy day. We got up around 9 and went to breakfast and then came back and you and I took a nap while Dad and Sarah watched a movie. When we got up, we walked to the mall not too far from here, and had lunch and tried to find formula and diapers. It was not easy to find. I found diapers but not your formula. We will have to try somewhere else. Now, we are just sitting around watching TV and playing with the legos. I am looking forward to go home soon.
3/21/10
Today is our last day in China. We got up early and met our guide, Sandy, and went to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. I didn’t realize how big it was. We started at the Square and walked around and saw many people. We also saw a line of people waiting to go see the tomb of Mao Tze Tung. He is buried in a crystal casket so that people can wait for hours to see him. We of course did not wait to see him. We walked around and went underground to the other side of the street to enter the beginning of the Forbidden City. It is made up of over 8000 rooms in many buildings. We got to see where the Emperor had celebrations and did his parliament work and then were he and the Empress slept. Each of the building has a number of animals on the awnings. The more animals the higher the building was in the Emperors life. The most is 9 animals. We also got to see the gardens. It was beautiful to see. It took a great deal of time and Sarah started to get very tired. It is a place that you really need two days to see. I would love to go back when there are not so many people. Sunday’s are a very busy day. Sandy estimated that about 30,000 would see it today. I think that all 30,000 looked at us and stared at us. I had to feed you at one point and change your diaper at one point and people came from all over to watch and see. Dad and I got very uncomfortable with all the stares and looks. We now know what celebrities go through. After, we had a terrific lunch at a very snazzy place near the hotel.
I asked Sandy about a tea that I could take back to Houston and she took us to a Tea House. There we got to sample many teas and learn about them. They had some great teas and the tea pots were way cool. I wish our lives were such that we could have bought a tea service. The one dad and I loved was over 800 Yuan (at least $120) I actually found a tea that I like. It is a lotus flower mixed with roses. I didn’t even need to put sugar in it. We also bought a tea that when placed in hot water, opens to show a flower growing in it.
We came home and dad packed while we played and watched bad TV. Tomorrow we will be getting up at 4:30 to leave here at 6:00 to get to the airport by 7:00. We fly from Beijing to Tokyo to Detroit to Houston. Dad figured it out that we will be leaving here (Houston time) at 8:30 p.m. Sunday night and will be arriving in Houston at 5:30 Monday evening. Almost 24 hours of travel time. It has been a wonderful trip and we are all glad to get home and introduce you to friends and family.
I love you very much and am so grateful to God for having us come together to form a forever family.
My Dearest Micah, Sunday March 7, 2010
Our journey together began on December 1st when we got a phone call and an email showing us your picture. I fell in love the first time I met you. After 3 ½ months, we are now on our way to get you. On Saturday the 27th of February, after celebrating the Chinese New Year with Families of Children from China, we received word that we could travel to get you. Our hands were tied until Monday but Monday morning I called our agency and was told we needed to be in China by the 7th of March and would be a forever family as of Monday March 8th. This meant your dad and I had to do a great deal in less than a week.
First we had to get our visas and then we had to get plane tickets and hotel reservations. Lotus travel helped with all the travel details. I began maternity leave as of Wednesday the3rd. I was delighted but nervous and worried everything would not get done. With the help of family and friends and your dad who is super, we did it and at 4 in the morning of Friday the 5th of March we began our long journey to China to become a family of 4.
David Parisian came to get us at 4 in the morning and Sarah was up and ready to go. I don't think she realized how hard the trip was going to be. Our first of many flights left at 7:25 in the morning. We went to Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota where we had about 3 hours lay over. Then we boarded a plane to Tokyo. That flight was 12 hours and very grueling to all of us. We all slept on and off and were very tired. Sarah kept telling me she wanted to go get Micah. I told her we were on our way but it would take awhile. We played, ate, and watched movies. The airline fed us all the time. I know they were trying to get us used to China time so we ate a great deal. We finally arrived in Tokyo and had another layover of about 2 hours. We had to go through security again even though we never left the terminal. We boarded the plane for Beijing and Sarah and I immediately fell asleep for about 1 hour. Then we were served dinner (more food). We watched movies and Dad and Sarah played video games on the airplane TV.
At 10:50 p.m. on Saturday night we landed in Beijing and was met by the hotel Sino Swiss Hotel and they took us to the hotel where we got to sleep in real beds and take a shower. We were up around 4:00 in the morning and ready to fly to Nanjing to be closer to you. It will be a few hours before we go but we are much closer. As of now we are in the same country.
03/07
I was up at 4:00 local time and didn’t know what to do with myself so I took a shower. When I got out of the shower, Dad and Sarah were up. We talked and laughed and I fell back to sleep. Dad gave Sarah a bath and I talked to Aunt Marcy. I can’t do that again as the phone call was over $20.
We had breakfast and played outside for a few minutes ( it was very cold). Then we got on the shuttle and went to the airport to fly to Nanjing (where you are from). We arrived in Nanjing at 1 and Nancy our guide was waiting for us. We took a 35-40 minute drive to the hotel. We talked about what Nanjing is known for and it is cotton brocade you make curtains out of. After checking in, we went on a walk around the area and Nancy told us where to go for a store and laundry and Dad tried some spicy pork on a stick. We came back to the room and I have gotten all the gifts ready for tomorrow and we are resting and laying low.
The room is very nice and the crib is right next to the bed. We are very excited and can’t wait until we meet you.
3/8/10
Today was the big day. Sarah and I got up at around 4:30 and played in bed. At around 5 dad woke up and we sat around and talked for awhile and then got on line to talk to Aunt Marcy and Uncle Jim. Zadie was there also. We made a plan to talk in the evening here, which is morning in Houston. We were sure how long it would take to get you.
After talking with Aunt Marcy and Uncle Jim and Zadie, we went walking around and bought a coat for Sarah and a scarf for me. It is very cold here in Nanjing. We ate lunch at KFC across from the hotel and met Nancy in the lobby at 1:15. It took us about 15 minutes to drive over to the CAB to get you. When we got there you were already there looking around. I walked over quickly and took you from the man’s arms and held you and kissed you and just stared at you. Sarah was so excited!! She tickled you, brought you every toy we had brought with us and just kept talking to you. You were looking at the lights and wouldn’t look at me but you did look at Sarah. We were told that you had been a little car sick and that we needed to feed you. We didn’t have anything to do that with but Nancy told us we would stop and get some. After signing all the papers we needed to, we took you back to the hotel with a stop at a store to buy formula. We were told you were on a schedule and we tried to keep you on it but of course life gets in the way and so did paperwork. We did try and fix you a bottle but you wouldn’t drink it. But I guess you had enough in you that you could survive. As we looked out the window we saw snow coming down. We just laughed and said thanks to God for letting it wait until we got back to the hotel. Then I dealt with your clothes. You had 3 layers of clothes on. 3 shirts, 1 pair of split pants and 1 spilt jumper. Then over that you had a thick coat and a thick blanket wrapped around you. You were sweating so I began the process of undressing you. I kept on 2 of the shirts and changed your diaper and put a pair of pants I had brought on you. You began to wiggle around like you had been set free. You jumped on your back and cooed. Sarah tried to imitate you and we all laughed very hard. If I tried to place you one your stomach you would cry. So on your back it was. You did start to give eye contact to Dad and I every so often but you loved watching Sarah. Later in the afternoon, we all bundled up and went to the corner store for some yogurt and vegetables for your snacks.
We came back to the hotel, had the worst dinner I think we have ever had. They put tobacco sauce on a bacon, cheese and tomato pizza. It was so bad that even dad wouldn’t eat it and he will eat most things. Sarah and you had fallen asleep at the table so when dad finished Sarah’s meal, we came up stairs and everyone passed out. It was Sarah, Micah, Dad and then Mom. Tomorrow we have to be ready to go at 8:10 to finish paperwork and then we can shop, rest and play.
3/9/10
Last night was a long night. Not because you were crying but every time you moved or coughed or sneezed or whimpered, I heard you and woke up. Dad also was having a bad night as he drank the water in the hotel and ate the worst pizza in the world.
I think you are coming down with a cold as you are very agitated and cranky this morning. Part of it is because we are holding you and making you lay on your stomach and sit up which you haven’t done a great deal of.
We are off to sign more papers and go shopping! We were on our own for the rest of the day. We stayed in the room most of the time. Dad went to drop off laundry with Sarah and you napped. In the evening, we went to one of the hotel restaurants. Sarah didn’t like the shrimp and threw it up at the table, you had a blow out in your diaper and the food was pretty good. We are still trying to get used to the time difference so we all went to bed early.
3/10/10
Happy Birthday my sweet little girl. Today you are one year old. We all got up early and played in bed for awhile. Sarah gave you a rattle and a picture she made. We had breakfast and Nancy came and took us to the Cloud Brocade factory where I bought gifts for Malissa, Janet and us. The factory was a place where they make silk by hand. They use big looms and 2 people run each one.
We then went to the oldest wall that surrounds the city of Nanjing. It was built 600 years ago to protect the city from bad people and animals. We walked to the top of the wall and took pictures. We learned about the Emperor and how he had each brick made and signed. It was very cool to see.
Nancy arranged for us to have a birthday cake for you and we had a another family we met in the hotel, and Nancy come and sing happy birthday and eat cake. Then we walked to McDonalds for dinner and you were so fussy we had to come home. You are now playing in your crib quietly.
I LOVE YOU BIRTHDAY GIRL!!
3/11/10
Today was a quiet day. We got up early, and played in bed for a long time. After breakfast we spoke with Aunt Marcy and then Mona and Mrs. Allison. It was lots of fun. We then walked to the shopping mall near the hotel and walked around and bought Sarah a few shirts. It was like walking in the Galleria. Very high quality and high priced shops. We came back and met Nancy to get your visa application, and 2 other important documents. Then Sarah and I went outside to play for a little while and later we went to dinner with Mrs. Wendy, Mr. Jason and Macy. We went to a restaurant that Nancy recommended for us and wrote all the dishes we wanted on a piece of paper. IT was the best meal we have had in China so far.
You were upright most of the day and seemed to do ok. You got a little fussy in the afternoon but once we laid you down you were much better. Dad put you on your stomach for a short time and you rolled to your back. He put you on your tummy again and you spit up a little. Everyday you get stronger and stronger and today you were holding your head up and smiling at me throughout the day.
I Love you!!
3/12
Today was our last day in Nanjing. We fly out at 4:00 to go to Guangzhou. We stayed in the room and played for awhile and then took a walk to the Confusion Temple to look around. I have never had so many people stare at us. Dad ate his last meat on a stick and I took pictures. The flight was not bad. I fed you when we took off and you played the whole trip. Lily met us at the airport. It was so nice to finally meet her after her arranging for us to bring you home. We went to the Garden Hotel. It has the largest lobby in all of Asia. It is beautiful. Lily checked us in and we went up to our room. Dad and I were shocked at this place. IT is a 2 room suite. IT has a large sitting room with flat screen TV, and office area. The internet was up and worked the first time dad tried. We spoke to Aunt Marcy. It was lots of fun. The bedroom is huge and your crib was there. The bathroom was bigger than anything I have ever seen. In one room there is a bathtub and shower. It has a spicket on the wall and on the ceiling for the shower. The tub was huge and could fit all 4 of us at one time. The toilet was in another frosted area. It also had a vanity and sink area. We will be very comfortable here for the 5 days we are here. We ordered room service and went to bed. Tomorrow is your medical exam and shopping on Shemian Island.
3/13/10
You woke at 2 for a bottle and then slept until almost 6. It was nice to sleep that long. Sarah was the next to get up and we talked to Aunt Marcy and you got to meet Uncle Jim. We left the hotel at 9:30 to get to the medical exam around 10:00 on Shamian Island. They checked your weight (19 pounds) and your height 79 (not sure what that was). They also checked your hearing and your bones and looked in your mouth. Then we were done and we got to go shopping and eating. We shopped at Jordan’s a well known shop on the Island. I bought many things there for you and for friends back home. Then we went to Lucy’s to eat. We ate there 5 years ago when we went to pick up Sarah. It brought back old memories. We had to be back at the White Swan at 2:30 to come home.
Rebecca took me across the street to the Friendship store to new formula. You have been sick from the last stuff this whole time. It seems to be better now but we will know more later. We are playing in the room while Dad goes and does important paperwork.
Tonight Rebecca took us to a Chinese restaurant and ordered for us. We had sweet ribs, spicy beef, some sort of pork, broccoli, and fried rice. Dad of course ate too much and is feeling the pain now. Then we went shopping across the street at the Friendship store. To get to it, you have to go underground to the subway station and walk around and back up to the street level. It is kind of cool. We had to buy you some clothes for tomorrow. You have pooped on everything.
We changed your formula and you have had 2 feedings with no tummy problems yet. We will see what is to come.
3/14/10
Today you got up at 5:50 after having a pretty good night. You cried out a few times and I rubbed your belly and you were good. I tried to feed you at 3 but you wouldn’t take it.
We took a group picture of everyone in the lobby. Most of the kids had their Chinese outfits on and it was too cute. We then went shopping in a part of town that the locals shop in. I bought you a strand of pearls. I bought a ring and earrings and some jade and that was it. We ate lunch at the Pizza Hut. The pizza tasted just like home. It was kind of nice. Then we came back and played in the room. You and I slept for a little while.
Tonight we are going to dinner with the group.
As a group we went for Vietnamese food. Dad and I had the spring rolls that we had 5 years ago when we went to get Sarah. They are served with lettuce and mint and a great dipping sauce. We also had pineapple fried rice which had squid and other seafood in it. Daddy and Sarah shared a sweet pork with sesame seeds. It was a pleasant evening. When we got back to the hotel you began to have a hard time. I am not sure if it is your tummy or your teeth.
Tomorrow we have the day to ourselves. We need to go back to the island to pick up some stuff we bought at Jordan’s and that is about it.
3/15/10
Our day started at 3:45 with you screaming. Sarah got up at 4 with us and Dad got up at 4:30. We gave you to doses of orajel and one of Tylenol and you kept on screaming. You screamed for 2 ½ hours and then fell asleep. We thought about taking you to the doctor but then you calmed down and all was well. We went back to the island where you began to scream again. We left Sarah with the Mitchells and we came back and went to the doctor. It turns out you have an ear infection. We started you on Tylenol and Amoxicillin and hopefully by the morning you will be better.
This evening we took a dinner boat cruise on the Pearl River. There was a wonderful buffet. After dinner we saw a magician who was pretty good. He pulled money out of Sarah’s hair. We got back to the hotel around 8:45 and got you and Sarah ready for bed. Tomorrow is the Zoo and Consulate.
Sleep well my sweet
3/16/10
Today has been a great day. You woke up around 3 and we gave you Tylenol and you went back to sleep until 7:00. We got up went to breakfast and met 3 of the families to go to the Zoo. It was a beautiful cool day. We saw parts of the Zoo we did not see 5 years ago. They have done a lot of renovating. The panda was out of his cage and walking around. The bears were active and the wolves were howling. We came back to the hotel and went to subway for lunch. At 2:15 we met the gang downstairs and drove over to the Consulate to swear in and get your visa. That was the last stop to our taking you home and becoming Ohana!! At the Consulate, they mentioned that Micah just had a birthday 6 days ago. It was very special to hear them say “Happy Birthday”
Tonight we are going back to the Chinese restaurant we went to the other night and Dad stuffed himself.
3/17/10
Today we got up and went to the botanical gardens in Guangzhou. It is a large park of flowers from around the word. They have a garden of cactus from other countries and then gardens all around. There also was a rock garden. We stopped and fed the fish in the big pond. After we had to go back to the hotel and begin to pack. Dad has to be able to pack all our stuff and all we have bought into 3 suitcases weighing less than 20 KG.
In the evening we went to a restaurant called the Banana Leaf. The food was very good. There was to be entertainment but we didn’t want to wait until the show started. We knew we had to get up early in the morning to catch our plane to Beijing. We had to say goodbye to our new friends and hope that we will stay in touch.
3/18/10
This was travel day. We got up early and went to the airport and flew to Beijing. We caught a cab from the airport to the hotel Novetal Beijing Peace. It is a nice hotel. We tried to go to the lobby restaurant for dinner but they wanted 250 Yuan for each person ($30 a person) and that was way too high. We walked next door and had great Chinese food for about 119 Yuan. ($20). It is interesting here. You have to pay for the plates and glasses and napkins. I am not sure I will ever get used to that. I wasn’t feeling well so we went to bed early.
3/19/10
This was a great day. We met our guide Sandy downstairs at 8:30 and didn’t get home until 6:30. We started out driving to the Great Wall. It actually is about 2 hours from where we were staying. On the way we stopped at the factory that makes Jade. We got to see how the jade starts in rock form and goes to a beautiful sculpture or jewelry piece. I got a bangle bracelet that you will one day get. It has green, white and purple jade in it. From there we went to the Great Wall. (Mutianyu Great Wall) It was unbelievable. There were many steps going up to the cable car and lots of people selling the same thing for a great price. You fell asleep just as we got there and slept the whole time. We took a cable car up the mountain and then climbed to the watch tower. There as another tower but we can’t remember the name of it. We walked both ways for a little while and then had to climb down. It was very steep. It was beautiful up there. The wall was built over 2000 years ago.
After, we went to lunch at this fabulous place. We had many different foods. A sweet and sour pork, a egg drop soup, a chicken with peanuts, a potato dish, a vegetable dish and a beef dish. It was all really good. Right next door was the cloisonné factory. We took a tour of how they make the pieces. They start with a copper base and then move to the stencil room where they use wire to make the designs. Then the next room has ladies that paint the different colors into the pot and it must be fired and painted 8-9 times before it is polished and ready to sell. It was amazing to watch.
We were off to Beijing Hutong after. This is a famous area for the common folk to live. It is like a suburb. It is where the common folk lived while the emperor lived in the Forbidden City. It is a very run down area that has been around for hundreds of years. We actually got to go and talk with a woman whose family has lived there since 1936. It was a very cool experience to sit in her home and talk with her.
Tomorrow is a free day and then we are off the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
3/20/10
Today has been a very lazy day. We got up around 9 and went to breakfast and then came back and you and I took a nap while Dad and Sarah watched a movie. When we got up, we walked to the mall not too far from here, and had lunch and tried to find formula and diapers. It was not easy to find. I found diapers but not your formula. We will have to try somewhere else. Now, we are just sitting around watching TV and playing with the legos. I am looking forward to go home soon.
3/21/10
Today is our last day in China. We got up early and met our guide, Sandy, and went to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. I didn’t realize how big it was. We started at the Square and walked around and saw many people. We also saw a line of people waiting to go see the tomb of Mao Tze Tung. He is buried in a crystal casket so that people can wait for hours to see him. We of course did not wait to see him. We walked around and went underground to the other side of the street to enter the beginning of the Forbidden City. It is made up of over 8000 rooms in many buildings. We got to see where the Emperor had celebrations and did his parliament work and then were he and the Empress slept. Each of the building has a number of animals on the awnings. The more animals the higher the building was in the Emperors life. The most is 9 animals. We also got to see the gardens. It was beautiful to see. It took a great deal of time and Sarah started to get very tired. It is a place that you really need two days to see. I would love to go back when there are not so many people. Sunday’s are a very busy day. Sandy estimated that about 30,000 would see it today. I think that all 30,000 looked at us and stared at us. I had to feed you at one point and change your diaper at one point and people came from all over to watch and see. Dad and I got very uncomfortable with all the stares and looks. We now know what celebrities go through. After, we had a terrific lunch at a very snazzy place near the hotel.
I asked Sandy about a tea that I could take back to Houston and she took us to a Tea House. There we got to sample many teas and learn about them. They had some great teas and the tea pots were way cool. I wish our lives were such that we could have bought a tea service. The one dad and I loved was over 800 Yuan (at least $120) I actually found a tea that I like. It is a lotus flower mixed with roses. I didn’t even need to put sugar in it. We also bought a tea that when placed in hot water, opens to show a flower growing in it.
We came home and dad packed while we played and watched bad TV. Tomorrow we will be getting up at 4:30 to leave here at 6:00 to get to the airport by 7:00. We fly from Beijing to Tokyo to Detroit to Houston. Dad figured it out that we will be leaving here (Houston time) at 8:30 p.m. Sunday night and will be arriving in Houston at 5:30 Monday evening. Almost 24 hours of travel time. It has been a wonderful trip and we are all glad to get home and introduce you to friends and family.
I love you very much and am so grateful to God for having us come together to form a forever family.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Here we go!!
We got the ok from USCIS on Saturday that we could go get Micah. We had been waiting 3 1/2 weeks for it. I called the adoption agency on Monday morning and learned that we had to be in China by Sunday the 7th to pick up Micah on Monday the 8th. Russ and I went into overdrive. We had to get Visas, plane tickets and pack. We started with plane tickets and learned that we will have to leave on Friday at 7:25 and fly to Detroit, Tokyo, and Beijing. We will spend the night in Beijing and then fly onto Nanjing in Sunday. We will then have gotcha day on Monday March 8th. Micah's birthday is Wednesday the 10th and we will celebrate the fact that not only will she be 1, but we are a family. After 2 weeks doing paperwork and waiting, we will go back to Beijing and have 3 days of fun before we come home on March 22nd. I will try and post pictures and the things we were doing while in China.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)