Yesterday afternoon after little sister and daddy had their naps, we ventured out a bit. We got a map and walked to a park. It was very nice and serene. We found a park with what appeared to be a playground. When we got closer we realized it was a workout area for adults. It had all these awesome exercise things. There we folks the ages of our parents out there. We didn't dare try for fear of making a fool of ourselves. The park also offered peddle boating which we may go back and do. The time there was very relaxing.
When we finally began walking back it was nearing dinner. Close to our hotel they offer food from around the world. We decided on Vietnamese food. It was a so so place, but baby girl sure enjoyed her pho. By the time we made it back we spent a while in the playroom before heading to bed.
Today we got up and went to Shamian Island. That was such a nice visit. I really felt like I was walking the squares of Savannah. We took some really cute pictures and had some amazing Chinese food. Now we are back in the room and dad is napping and little sister is supposed to be :)
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Almost there
We are now on the way out :). Yesterday we flew to Guangzhou. This is where we get final permission to leave. Sarah Joy did amazing on the flight. Take off and landing were no big deal. She entertained herself for most of the two hour flight with the little safety booklet and a bun in a cellophane wrapper.
Once we arrived at the airport Jack, our guide, was waiting. We really like him and he is doing a great job. It's a bit misty, hazy here today, but not near as cold as Shanghai. We plan to get out a bit.
Our mouths hung open at our hotel. It is so very nice and caters to adoptive families. We have already met a few and that has been nice. Last night after getting to our room, Jim went out for more water. He was gone a bit, but I knew he was taking in the scenery. When he got back, he told me of his adventure and trying to take a "short-cut." This man has the most entertaining stories every time he goes out!!
This morning we went for our medical. Jack wanted us to leave at 9 so as to avoid the crowd. That was fine by us and we are so glad we did. We were the first family and it took us about an hour. I can't imagine waiting like all those families who came in after us.
For the most part, the medical was fine. She was such a big girl. She didn't like her temp taken. They did find she has a low fever and wrote a prescription. I was like finally, something to help her. Prescription is Tylenol!! Oh well, we can make it back to the States and our pediatrician. Soon it was time for her tb test. That is a blood draw and they took her away from us. The nurse must have tried because I heard crying. Then she comes out and Sarah Joy reaches for me, but I can't hold her because she needs another nurse. Seeing us, but not being able to come to us made more tears come. Then I almost started crying as I heard her scream while blood was being drawn. Poor baby girl was ready for momma and daddy after that ordeal.
Now we've made it back to the hotel. I think we are going to venture out and find lunch since the weather is nice and my stash of Larabars is depleted :)
Once we arrived at the airport Jack, our guide, was waiting. We really like him and he is doing a great job. It's a bit misty, hazy here today, but not near as cold as Shanghai. We plan to get out a bit.
Our mouths hung open at our hotel. It is so very nice and caters to adoptive families. We have already met a few and that has been nice. Last night after getting to our room, Jim went out for more water. He was gone a bit, but I knew he was taking in the scenery. When he got back, he told me of his adventure and trying to take a "short-cut." This man has the most entertaining stories every time he goes out!!
This morning we went for our medical. Jack wanted us to leave at 9 so as to avoid the crowd. That was fine by us and we are so glad we did. We were the first family and it took us about an hour. I can't imagine waiting like all those families who came in after us.
For the most part, the medical was fine. She was such a big girl. She didn't like her temp taken. They did find she has a low fever and wrote a prescription. I was like finally, something to help her. Prescription is Tylenol!! Oh well, we can make it back to the States and our pediatrician. Soon it was time for her tb test. That is a blood draw and they took her away from us. The nurse must have tried because I heard crying. Then she comes out and Sarah Joy reaches for me, but I can't hold her because she needs another nurse. Seeing us, but not being able to come to us made more tears come. Then I almost started crying as I heard her scream while blood was being drawn. Poor baby girl was ready for momma and daddy after that ordeal.
Now we've made it back to the hotel. I think we are going to venture out and find lunch since the weather is nice and my stash of Larabars is depleted :)
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Hard
This post is hard for me on so many levels. Today we visited Sarah Joy's orphanage. It was nice enough. Compared to buildings in the states it was not outstanding, but for buildings here, it was nice. We were given a small tour and then headed to Sarah Joy's room. Along the way we passed a room of sleeping babies all snug in their beds. When we got to her room it was lunch time and the nannies were feeding the children. They were lined up in chairs as one nanny fed three or so children from one bowl with one spoon. As we entered the room the children were instructed to wave at "mama and baba" and they waved and called out to us.
Soon the nannies were calling out to Sarah Joy and trying to coax her to come to them or trying to feed her. I clung hard to my baby and made sure she knew she was safe. She didn't reach for them, but rather turned her head away. At one point it became overwhelming for her and she began to cry. At that point I didn't care to stay, only to run with my baby and make sure she felt secure. We went to the hall away from the others and waited.
Once we were through in her room we were led to the hospital to see Suzanna. We walked in and she was lying in the crib. She called out "mama" and my heart melted. Now I know she was coaxed to say that, but oh how I longed to pick her up, hold her close, and love her. Instead I bent over her bed and caressed her face while telling her how special she was. I even had Amanda, our guide, to tell her she was a pretty girl. Her smile is beautiful and she is such a gem. I pray she soon finds a forever family.
After that it was time to go. I couldn't leave fast enough. My heart was broken and I was near tears. I hurt for Suzanna and all those precious treasures waiting to feel the love of a forever family. For those of you who know me well, you know how hard it was to walk away from those babies. I wanted to bring them all into our family!
It was hard for another reason also. I thought about how many different women Sarah Joy has called momma. How many visitors have been called momma by my sweet angel. She says the word so well, so I know it must have been a lot. I do believe she is beginning to discriminate that I am her momma forever (if not I think she would have reached out to a nanny). However, this reinforces the need to work hard on establishing our bond.
Now for those of you on this journey with us, I know you feel a great deal of love for her and can't wait to see her and hold her. Even so, I am asking that you please give us time. If you happen to see us out and about, please don't ask to hold her or give her food. We want her to develop securely to us and know that we are here forever. I know this may be difficult for some, as it would be for me too, but please understand this is not to be mean, but to help her develop a healthy attachment.
Thank you for being patient with us and helping us along on this journey. Sarah Joy is so very loved and I can't wait for her to see how special she is to all of us.
Soon the nannies were calling out to Sarah Joy and trying to coax her to come to them or trying to feed her. I clung hard to my baby and made sure she knew she was safe. She didn't reach for them, but rather turned her head away. At one point it became overwhelming for her and she began to cry. At that point I didn't care to stay, only to run with my baby and make sure she felt secure. We went to the hall away from the others and waited.
Once we were through in her room we were led to the hospital to see Suzanna. We walked in and she was lying in the crib. She called out "mama" and my heart melted. Now I know she was coaxed to say that, but oh how I longed to pick her up, hold her close, and love her. Instead I bent over her bed and caressed her face while telling her how special she was. I even had Amanda, our guide, to tell her she was a pretty girl. Her smile is beautiful and she is such a gem. I pray she soon finds a forever family.
After that it was time to go. I couldn't leave fast enough. My heart was broken and I was near tears. I hurt for Suzanna and all those precious treasures waiting to feel the love of a forever family. For those of you who know me well, you know how hard it was to walk away from those babies. I wanted to bring them all into our family!
It was hard for another reason also. I thought about how many different women Sarah Joy has called momma. How many visitors have been called momma by my sweet angel. She says the word so well, so I know it must have been a lot. I do believe she is beginning to discriminate that I am her momma forever (if not I think she would have reached out to a nanny). However, this reinforces the need to work hard on establishing our bond.
Now for those of you on this journey with us, I know you feel a great deal of love for her and can't wait to see her and hold her. Even so, I am asking that you please give us time. If you happen to see us out and about, please don't ask to hold her or give her food. We want her to develop securely to us and know that we are here forever. I know this may be difficult for some, as it would be for me too, but please understand this is not to be mean, but to help her develop a healthy attachment.
Thank you for being patient with us and helping us along on this journey. Sarah Joy is so very loved and I can't wait for her to see how special she is to all of us.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Success!!
Earlier I told you about Jim's adventure with using a translation program. We'll today while he was out getting lunch he was able to navigate the "mall" and buy himself some shorts. However, in true Jim fashion even that was not done under the radar. No, while he was shopping for shorts he decided to venture to another area and look for a brush for Sarah Joy, and in doing so set off the store alarm. Life is always an adventure with him :). Secretly glad I was in the room with Sarah Joy so as not to be a part of that adventure!
After he got back I decided to venture out. The first day really that I have gotten out and walked around. I too went to the mall and bought a toy, all without any sort of incidence :). I also ordered my McDonald's and came back to the room.
We have found that Sarah Joy loves most anything to eat. Samuel will be glad to know he has a rice loving partner. Instant oatmeal has been great to have in the room to feed her. She has also learned all she has to do is say momma and raise her arms and she is instantly picked up. She is also testing her boundaries, but we find this to be a good thing. She loves the hotel remote and we have had to say no frequently (and hide it lots).
Now off to call kiddos before heading to bed.
After he got back I decided to venture out. The first day really that I have gotten out and walked around. I too went to the mall and bought a toy, all without any sort of incidence :). I also ordered my McDonald's and came back to the room.
We have found that Sarah Joy loves most anything to eat. Samuel will be glad to know he has a rice loving partner. Instant oatmeal has been great to have in the room to feed her. She has also learned all she has to do is say momma and raise her arms and she is instantly picked up. She is also testing her boundaries, but we find this to be a good thing. She loves the hotel remote and we have had to say no frequently (and hide it lots).
Now off to call kiddos before heading to bed.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
In love!
In love, that is the only way to describe how I feel. This child melts my heart more everyday!
So yesterday we had to visit a couple of government offices. When we got in the van, she was scared to death and shed a few silent tears. After a little while, she warmed up and was better. One of the stops was to have our picture taken together for paperwork. There was an extra one so they gave it to us. Sarah Joy claimed it for herself. Little smarty would point to the person in the picture and then to us, so I started naming us as she pointed. I bet I said it over and over a million times, but I would do it a million more if need be.
Our last stop was at the notary office to have everything notarized. As we were getting ready to leave, Sarah Joy turned in my lap, raised her arms, and said "momma." It absolutely melted my heart!
After all the errands were done, it was back to the room. She has loved playing with the stacking cups and "reading" books. We are enjoying this time of just hanging out.
Our funny for the day was later in the afternoon when Jim decides he wants to buy gym shorts. He pulls out the iPad to help with his translation. This particular program also has a microphone so you can speak and it translates. So he listened to the pronunciation in Chinese for buying men's shorts. When he spoke back and it translated his words, it came out men's panties! He was so glad he practiced in the room. He decided he didn't need shorts after all :)
Today we went to a beautiful garden. Again Sarah Joy was sad in the van, but after getting out and walking around with us she was better. I think that slowly she is realizing this is forever. We enjoyed the garden and enjoyed seeing the ancient area. Now it's back in the room while little sister naps. Dad is off trying to find a street vendor to buy his lunch. This man of mine really enjoys life and is up for trying anything. Love him so much.
So yesterday we had to visit a couple of government offices. When we got in the van, she was scared to death and shed a few silent tears. After a little while, she warmed up and was better. One of the stops was to have our picture taken together for paperwork. There was an extra one so they gave it to us. Sarah Joy claimed it for herself. Little smarty would point to the person in the picture and then to us, so I started naming us as she pointed. I bet I said it over and over a million times, but I would do it a million more if need be.
Our last stop was at the notary office to have everything notarized. As we were getting ready to leave, Sarah Joy turned in my lap, raised her arms, and said "momma." It absolutely melted my heart!
After all the errands were done, it was back to the room. She has loved playing with the stacking cups and "reading" books. We are enjoying this time of just hanging out.
Our funny for the day was later in the afternoon when Jim decides he wants to buy gym shorts. He pulls out the iPad to help with his translation. This particular program also has a microphone so you can speak and it translates. So he listened to the pronunciation in Chinese for buying men's shorts. When he spoke back and it translated his words, it came out men's panties! He was so glad he practiced in the room. He decided he didn't need shorts after all :)
Today we went to a beautiful garden. Again Sarah Joy was sad in the van, but after getting out and walking around with us she was better. I think that slowly she is realizing this is forever. We enjoyed the garden and enjoyed seeing the ancient area. Now it's back in the room while little sister naps. Dad is off trying to find a street vendor to buy his lunch. This man of mine really enjoys life and is up for trying anything. Love him so much.
Monday, March 3, 2014
She's ours!
It's 4a.m. and I'm up. Yesterday was such a wonderful day! We were up rather early and were ready to meet Amanda, our guide. First up was a ride to the bank. There we exchanged our money so we could pay some fees. Then it was a short walk to an office building.
We went upstairs to a small office to sign paperwork. I was getting so very excited and just wanted to say, "Bring my baby." Once that was done I went to pay the fees. On the way back, Amanda asked if I would like her to take pictures. I said sure, but while I was turning on the camera, I felt a presence. I looked around and there was the nanny with Sarah Joy! Then I became butterfingers and it felt like the camera just would not cooperate. Finally I was able to hold her. Oh how sweet that moment! After a bit I passed her over to Jim. She shed a few silent tears before we left.
The orphanage gave us a precious photo book of our sweet girl. They also gave us a stamp with her name and a tiger on it (the year she was born). When it was time for me to give the gifts we brought, I cried like a baby. These ladies were handing over a precious treasure and I was simply giving a mere token. Oh how grateful I am.
After leaving the office building, we headed to Chinese Wal-Mart. There I was able to buy more formula, some socks, a bottle/cup, and some sweet treats. Found out baby girl likes chocolate :)
Let me just say, I felt a bit like I do after Thanksgiving shopping. The store was insanely crowded! When I got back out to the van Jim said she had been crying, but the driver gave her a sucker and she was happy. She also has a bit of a cold that we are watching.
When we returned to the room, I consoled and played with her while Jim went for lunch. He went to the hotel restruant and just said he needed food for a three year old. He came back with three different boxes and she wanted none of it. Finally after a bit of coaxing he was able to feed her the soup. She loved it. We had a few more meltdown spells, but mostly it was good. Jim was really able to make her giggle while playing with her stacking cups. She has really bonded with him. She is also a big copycat. We think Sam now has a run for his money in the clown department!
After a while we knew we needed to find supper. Off we went. It was a bit cold and she was heavy so we didn't want to go far. Well around the block was a restruant that seemed pretty good. Thought we could get her some soup and rice. The problem, no one spoke English and the menu was not in English! (We are finding that all over. It's strange because usually people want to practice their English). Jim tried ordering soup, they brought a cup of hot water! Finally after about three people, a lady came out who spoke and understood limited English. It was quite funny. Before he knew it Jim had ordered roasted goose, squid plate, and some sort of soup for Sarah Joy. Then they brought out rice, another soup dish and plates of fruit. They spoke and Jim shook his head! I know they thought we were a bit silly, but it was fun after my uncomfortable nerves wore off. Sarah Joy ate like a champ with the soup and rice. She also did well in the high chair while I fed her.
After that ordeal it was straight back to the room. We played some more. The girl loves the remote and kept playing with it. Finally I put on her pj's and we played on the bed. Next thing I know she was out. We have decided to get her a bed in here as both of us have bruises from her kicking. This girl is a terrible bed buddy and puts Grace and Sam to shame!
Sorry for no pictures, but I haven't figured out how to load them here.
We went upstairs to a small office to sign paperwork. I was getting so very excited and just wanted to say, "Bring my baby." Once that was done I went to pay the fees. On the way back, Amanda asked if I would like her to take pictures. I said sure, but while I was turning on the camera, I felt a presence. I looked around and there was the nanny with Sarah Joy! Then I became butterfingers and it felt like the camera just would not cooperate. Finally I was able to hold her. Oh how sweet that moment! After a bit I passed her over to Jim. She shed a few silent tears before we left.
The orphanage gave us a precious photo book of our sweet girl. They also gave us a stamp with her name and a tiger on it (the year she was born). When it was time for me to give the gifts we brought, I cried like a baby. These ladies were handing over a precious treasure and I was simply giving a mere token. Oh how grateful I am.
After leaving the office building, we headed to Chinese Wal-Mart. There I was able to buy more formula, some socks, a bottle/cup, and some sweet treats. Found out baby girl likes chocolate :)
Let me just say, I felt a bit like I do after Thanksgiving shopping. The store was insanely crowded! When I got back out to the van Jim said she had been crying, but the driver gave her a sucker and she was happy. She also has a bit of a cold that we are watching.
When we returned to the room, I consoled and played with her while Jim went for lunch. He went to the hotel restruant and just said he needed food for a three year old. He came back with three different boxes and she wanted none of it. Finally after a bit of coaxing he was able to feed her the soup. She loved it. We had a few more meltdown spells, but mostly it was good. Jim was really able to make her giggle while playing with her stacking cups. She has really bonded with him. She is also a big copycat. We think Sam now has a run for his money in the clown department!
After a while we knew we needed to find supper. Off we went. It was a bit cold and she was heavy so we didn't want to go far. Well around the block was a restruant that seemed pretty good. Thought we could get her some soup and rice. The problem, no one spoke English and the menu was not in English! (We are finding that all over. It's strange because usually people want to practice their English). Jim tried ordering soup, they brought a cup of hot water! Finally after about three people, a lady came out who spoke and understood limited English. It was quite funny. Before he knew it Jim had ordered roasted goose, squid plate, and some sort of soup for Sarah Joy. Then they brought out rice, another soup dish and plates of fruit. They spoke and Jim shook his head! I know they thought we were a bit silly, but it was fun after my uncomfortable nerves wore off. Sarah Joy ate like a champ with the soup and rice. She also did well in the high chair while I fed her.
After that ordeal it was straight back to the room. We played some more. The girl loves the remote and kept playing with it. Finally I put on her pj's and we played on the bed. Next thing I know she was out. We have decided to get her a bed in here as both of us have bruises from her kicking. This girl is a terrible bed buddy and puts Grace and Sam to shame!
Sorry for no pictures, but I haven't figured out how to load them here.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
We are here
I'm going to try and keep up with the blog some while we travel. Our travel over was pretty easy. Flights were great and we loved Korean Air. The wheelchair for Suzanna made it safely and we are excited to take it to her.
Today we have explored some of the city and really enjoyed that. Jim bought lunch from a street vendor who spoke no English. We didn't even know how much it cost. Jim just took out money and the guy made change. Pretty honest fella as it only cost us a little over a buck!
Tomorrow we get our baby girl! I'm so very excited and can't wait!!!!
Today we have explored some of the city and really enjoyed that. Jim bought lunch from a street vendor who spoke no English. We didn't even know how much it cost. Jim just took out money and the guy made change. Pretty honest fella as it only cost us a little over a buck!
Tomorrow we get our baby girl! I'm so very excited and can't wait!!!!
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