We got their visas and we are coming home tomorrow!
There isn't much else to say, except, we're coming home! Yay!!!
Next time you hear from us we'll be home!
Our hearts are in China!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
We're coming home, we're coming home!!!
All the prayers, well wishes and good vibes have paid off!
We got their visas and we are coming home tomorrow!
We got their visas and we are coming home tomorrow!
A Few Words on Guides
As we near the end of our three week journey in China I thought I would take a few minutes and talk about the three guides we have had here in China to help us on our journey.
This is Delia, she was our first guide and met us with a warm smile after our almost 14 hour flight from Chicago. She has such a sweet personality and was very eager to learn as much about us as we wanted to learn about her. Our group of four families followed her like little ducks all around Beijing and she was also there to greet us in Guangzhou.
This is Helen. I am not sure what to say about her except wow! She has been helping families adopt from China for a long time and it really showed. Helen is confident and knowledgeable and knows how to get the job done. Her English is fantastic and she made us feel so comfortable the entire time (which was two weeks) that we were in Guangzhou.
The reason I thought it was important to talk about the guides is because (without exaggeration) they are worth their weight in gold! This entire experience in China would not be possible without them and not a single one of the families who came here with us would have their new babies at home if these ladies did not do their jobs properly. There is a sea of paperwork that needs to be completed and large amounts of money exchanged for this to be a reality. I am amazed at what these three women know and their ability to make us Americans feel at home in their country.
On the flip side, a bad guide can make this experience unbearable and hopeless. We heard from a few other families (from other agencies) about their terrible experiences. Paperwork not being completed properly, guides not showing up on time, not explaining things correctly and it broke our hearts. Moms would be crying and we saw a lot of anxiety. There are some good agencies out there, and there are also a lot of bad ones.
For those who are reading this and thinking about adoption I cannot speak about other agencies but I can tell you that America World (AWAA) was amazing and they take this very seriously. The guides they selected for us were beyond words and we would recommend them and AWAA to anyone and everyone. This has all been worth it and we love our kids with all our hearts. It was nice feeling like our agency and the people they charged with taking care of us while we were here felt the same way!
From the bottom of our hearts Thank You!
This is Sherry. We met her in Xi'an and her guidance (especially that first day) was incredible. We got off the plane and only had two hours before meeting our children. She explained everything to us clearly and helped us navigate the paperwork and currency exchange we would need to complete the adoption. She was so helpful when it came time to get Easton. She interpreted for us not only with the people from the orphanage but also with Easton and this was a big reason why he was so good that first day.
This is Helen. I am not sure what to say about her except wow! She has been helping families adopt from China for a long time and it really showed. Helen is confident and knowledgeable and knows how to get the job done. Her English is fantastic and she made us feel so comfortable the entire time (which was two weeks) that we were in Guangzhou.
The reason I thought it was important to talk about the guides is because (without exaggeration) they are worth their weight in gold! This entire experience in China would not be possible without them and not a single one of the families who came here with us would have their new babies at home if these ladies did not do their jobs properly. There is a sea of paperwork that needs to be completed and large amounts of money exchanged for this to be a reality. I am amazed at what these three women know and their ability to make us Americans feel at home in their country.
On the flip side, a bad guide can make this experience unbearable and hopeless. We heard from a few other families (from other agencies) about their terrible experiences. Paperwork not being completed properly, guides not showing up on time, not explaining things correctly and it broke our hearts. Moms would be crying and we saw a lot of anxiety. There are some good agencies out there, and there are also a lot of bad ones.
For those who are reading this and thinking about adoption I cannot speak about other agencies but I can tell you that America World (AWAA) was amazing and they take this very seriously. The guides they selected for us were beyond words and we would recommend them and AWAA to anyone and everyone. This has all been worth it and we love our kids with all our hearts. It was nice feeling like our agency and the people they charged with taking care of us while we were here felt the same way!
From the bottom of our hearts Thank You!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Possible set back
My morning started at 5:30am.
That was enough time to get me ready, get Brian up, get the kids up and ready and be down to breakfast at 6:45am.
Then, we came back to the room to brush teeth, grab the bag for our kids, get our passports and be back in the lobby to meet our guide at 7:40am.
Next, we loaded in the van (which Phoebe still hates) and headed to our US Consulate appointment.
So far, so good.
We stopped at the medical center first to pick up the kids medical reports and then walked a few minutes to the Consulate. Panic set in when we saw the HUGE line of people but our guide assured us that we get to bypass all that.
She was right. We were first in the line for US citizens.
So far, so good.
Our appointment was at 8:30am. At 8:20am, we could tell Helen (our guide) was getting nervous. She said that usually when an appointment is at 8:30 they let us in around 8:15 to get through security and get upstairs.
Then Phoebe dumped ALL her Cheerios on the ground. Oh, and I'm not quite sure how many of those fallen Cherrios Easton ate before we caught him.
So far, so good... kinda.
Finally, a little after 8:30am they let us in and we went through security. I brought a bottle of water for us and a bottle for Easton. He gets his own special bottle because he puts his entire mouth on it, and well, he backwashes. The security guard made me drink out of both bottles to prove they were 'safe.' Ugh. Brian said that moment was a 'true mommy' thing. Then, Phoebe's hair bow didn't make it through the conveyor belt.
But we made it upstairs with our specific instructions: second floor, window 7, get a number.
They wouldn't let us have a number. "Just take seat," they said... you could tell by their faces it wasn't going to be good.
So far, still doing ok.
Easton had to go potty. I took him to the bathroom, flipped on the light switch which also turned on a fan and he flipped out... so I walked out and walked back in and he was still scared but better. Brian came in to help and we finally got him calmed down. Until it was time to flush the toilet. Everywhere else he is fine; something about this toilet scared him half to death. He never holds on to me when I hold him, but this time he was holding on for dear life!
We walked back out to the group and found out the bad news.
The computers are down state side and no visas will be processed today. They rescheduled our appointment for tomorrow at 1pm but there are no guarantees. Best case scenario: we get their visas tomorrow night and get to come home Wednesday as planned. Worse case scenario: we are stuck here indefinitely. We've heard horror stories of this happening and families having to stay an extra week.
So far, well, I haven't cried... yet.
Please say an extra prayer for us today. We are so ready to come home!
That was enough time to get me ready, get Brian up, get the kids up and ready and be down to breakfast at 6:45am.
Then, we came back to the room to brush teeth, grab the bag for our kids, get our passports and be back in the lobby to meet our guide at 7:40am.
Next, we loaded in the van (which Phoebe still hates) and headed to our US Consulate appointment.
So far, so good.
We stopped at the medical center first to pick up the kids medical reports and then walked a few minutes to the Consulate. Panic set in when we saw the HUGE line of people but our guide assured us that we get to bypass all that.
She was right. We were first in the line for US citizens.
So far, so good.
Our appointment was at 8:30am. At 8:20am, we could tell Helen (our guide) was getting nervous. She said that usually when an appointment is at 8:30 they let us in around 8:15 to get through security and get upstairs.
Then Phoebe dumped ALL her Cheerios on the ground. Oh, and I'm not quite sure how many of those fallen Cherrios Easton ate before we caught him.
So far, so good... kinda.
Finally, a little after 8:30am they let us in and we went through security. I brought a bottle of water for us and a bottle for Easton. He gets his own special bottle because he puts his entire mouth on it, and well, he backwashes. The security guard made me drink out of both bottles to prove they were 'safe.' Ugh. Brian said that moment was a 'true mommy' thing. Then, Phoebe's hair bow didn't make it through the conveyor belt.
But we made it upstairs with our specific instructions: second floor, window 7, get a number.
They wouldn't let us have a number. "Just take seat," they said... you could tell by their faces it wasn't going to be good.
So far, still doing ok.
Easton had to go potty. I took him to the bathroom, flipped on the light switch which also turned on a fan and he flipped out... so I walked out and walked back in and he was still scared but better. Brian came in to help and we finally got him calmed down. Until it was time to flush the toilet. Everywhere else he is fine; something about this toilet scared him half to death. He never holds on to me when I hold him, but this time he was holding on for dear life!
We walked back out to the group and found out the bad news.
The computers are down state side and no visas will be processed today. They rescheduled our appointment for tomorrow at 1pm but there are no guarantees. Best case scenario: we get their visas tomorrow night and get to come home Wednesday as planned. Worse case scenario: we are stuck here indefinitely. We've heard horror stories of this happening and families having to stay an extra week.
So far, well, I haven't cried... yet.
Please say an extra prayer for us today. We are so ready to come home!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Words vs pictures
Maybe it's because I'm a visual person.
Don't get me wrong, I love to read- books. But give me just about anything else and I want to see pictures. I'm certain that's why our blog is 90% pictures and 10% actual information. Or, it could be because my brain is still mush and articulation isn't my strong suit right now!
Anyhow, we were fortunate enough to be on this trip with 4 amazing families. One of those families, the Hom family, write an amazing blog- more words than pictures. I would encourage those that want to know some actual details of our trip to check it out: homfamily.wordpress.com
We are on the home stretch here in Guangzhou and are getting pretty restless. The other day Brian wasn't feeling well and today is my turn. We are very thankful today is a free day! On the downside, it's been raining all day so we are stuck in our room.
The kids are napping and Brian and I just finished a long list of things we miss from home... all very silly things that we take for granted: cereal with real milk, grilled chicken breast, lasagna, doing real laundry, petting our dog, holding our cat, watching the Walking Dead... the list went on and on, but you get the idea.
This trip has truly been a once in a lifetime adventure for us. I wouldn't trade one rainy second of it- these kids are amazing! It really is a work of God, this parenting thing. We knew nothing- I mean nothing- but I think we are doing pretty good!
But, we know that this trip would never have had happened if it weren't for everyone back home. We also know that our time here wouldn't have gone so well if it weren't for the friends we made navigating these last 3 weeks. Thank you:
Godfrey, Stacey, Sarah, & Shane
Stephanie, Kathy, & Libby
Rachel, Mark, Mady, Mung, & Rick
Jeff, Erica, & Eva
You guys were and absolute blessing.
Don't get me wrong, I love to read- books. But give me just about anything else and I want to see pictures. I'm certain that's why our blog is 90% pictures and 10% actual information. Or, it could be because my brain is still mush and articulation isn't my strong suit right now!
Anyhow, we were fortunate enough to be on this trip with 4 amazing families. One of those families, the Hom family, write an amazing blog- more words than pictures. I would encourage those that want to know some actual details of our trip to check it out: homfamily.wordpress.com
We are on the home stretch here in Guangzhou and are getting pretty restless. The other day Brian wasn't feeling well and today is my turn. We are very thankful today is a free day! On the downside, it's been raining all day so we are stuck in our room.
The kids are napping and Brian and I just finished a long list of things we miss from home... all very silly things that we take for granted: cereal with real milk, grilled chicken breast, lasagna, doing real laundry, petting our dog, holding our cat, watching the Walking Dead... the list went on and on, but you get the idea.
This trip has truly been a once in a lifetime adventure for us. I wouldn't trade one rainy second of it- these kids are amazing! It really is a work of God, this parenting thing. We knew nothing- I mean nothing- but I think we are doing pretty good!
But, we know that this trip would never have had happened if it weren't for everyone back home. We also know that our time here wouldn't have gone so well if it weren't for the friends we made navigating these last 3 weeks. Thank you:
Godfrey, Stacey, Sarah, & Shane
Stephanie, Kathy, & Libby
Rachel, Mark, Mady, Mung, & Rick
Jeff, Erica, & Eva
You guys were and absolute blessing.
More pictures of our adventures...
The kids are starting to get pretty bored here in the room. There is only so much to do in the hotel and the weather isn't good enough to take them to a park... We are so ready to go home.
It is funny listening to Easton talk to Phoebe, or PeeBee as he calls her. He talks... a lot... or is singing or just making noise. I just wish we could understand him, especially when he sings the same things over and over. Makes me wonder if he knows some sort of nursery rhyme?
It is funny listening to Easton talk to Phoebe, or PeeBee as he calls her. He talks... a lot... or is singing or just making noise. I just wish we could understand him, especially when he sings the same things over and over. Makes me wonder if he knows some sort of nursery rhyme?
They love bath time and no, no one peed in the tub. It's a water color capsule!
Nap time!
His new spot
Our breakfast buffet!
Another station of the buffet
One of the shopping centers
A different shopping center
Waiting for the taxi
4 days left... tomorrow is a free day then we have an early appointment at the US Consulate on Monday. Tuesday is our last free day then we leave early Wednesday morning for Beijing. After a 4 hour layover there we finally will be on our way to Chicago!! We will definitely need all your prayers for these flights...they are not going to be fun.
Just in case we can't get on again before we leave, see you in the States!
Mei Mei
It's pretty frustrating at how long it's taken us to connect to the internet!
Monday, March 9th our world changed again.
We became parents for the 2nd time in as many weeks and Easton became a big brother.
Gotcha day went really well. Phoebe didn't freak out until we got in the van, but she had just finished a 6 hour van ride to get to us!
Easton was very sweet to her and continues to be concerned when she cries! However, a little bit of jealousy is rearing its ugly head. He doesn't like how much attention she requires.
Phoebe can walk! She doesn't talk much, mostly just baby babble. She's starting to open up to us a little bit but she still hates being in a vehicle. Our concerns are that she doesn't chew (she's almost 3 years old) so she's still on formula. However, we've been giving her baby food, oatmeal, and mashed banana. So far so good!
She grinds her teeth pretty bad too, so if anyone has any hints on how to get her to stop I'm all ears!
Now for the part everyone's been waiting for... pictures!!
Monday, March 9th our world changed again.
We became parents for the 2nd time in as many weeks and Easton became a big brother.
Gotcha day went really well. Phoebe didn't freak out until we got in the van, but she had just finished a 6 hour van ride to get to us!
Easton was very sweet to her and continues to be concerned when she cries! However, a little bit of jealousy is rearing its ugly head. He doesn't like how much attention she requires.
Phoebe can walk! She doesn't talk much, mostly just baby babble. She's starting to open up to us a little bit but she still hates being in a vehicle. Our concerns are that she doesn't chew (she's almost 3 years old) so she's still on formula. However, we've been giving her baby food, oatmeal, and mashed banana. So far so good!
She grinds her teeth pretty bad too, so if anyone has any hints on how to get her to stop I'm all ears!
Now for the part everyone's been waiting for... pictures!!
On our way to get Easton's Mei Mei (little sister)
Big brother calming her down
First bath!
our first morning together
and they said she only eats formula...
back at the Civil Affairs office for registration and notarizations
one of our awesome guides, Delia
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Internet Difficulties...
The internet connection has been pretty spotty lately.
A lot has gone on the last couple days so I will try my best to cover it all.
We finally made it to Guangzhou really late Saturday night. We put Easton straight to bed while Brian and I has McDonalds! We normally don't like McDonalds but it was so good to have 'American' food!
The next day we took a tour of a local art institute.
A lot has gone on the last couple days so I will try my best to cover it all.
We finally got Easton to put a toothbrush in his mouth! Baby steps...
This was on the plane headed to headed to Guangzhou. Easton did really good considering he had to sit on my lap the whole time. For some reason, his seat was in the row in front of me and Brian's seat was about 20 rows in front of us. It could have been a HUGE disaster.
The next day we took a tour of a local art institute.
Every 4 years this detail work is cleaned and repainted!
This was made from 1 solid piece of wood! This type of work is what Phoebe's city, Shantou City, is known for.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Catch-up Part 2: Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
It's Thursday, March 5th here in Xi'an. We've officially been in China for a 1 week and homesickness has set in... I cried when Face Timing with Brian's parents and they showed us Jake!
Fireworks have been going off at random times all morning since about 530am... scared me half to death! Of course, Easton and Brian slept right through all of it. He is such a good sleeper and he snores just like his dad!
We've been so blessed by how affectionate Easton is to us. He lets us cuddle him and is starting to call us Momma and Daddy. He understands much of what we say and will repeat words but he doesn't initiate any English words yet. Easton is mostly potty trained; he lets us know through the day but sometimes wakes up with a wet diaper in the morning. He loves to wash his hands and wrestle with Dad.
He is a great eater! He loves fruit and hard-boiled eggs. He also likes congee, rice cooked in a lot of water! We've been mixing fruit in with it and at night we've been mixing corn in it.
Fireworks have been going off at random times all morning since about 530am... scared me half to death! Of course, Easton and Brian slept right through all of it. He is such a good sleeper and he snores just like his dad!
We've been so blessed by how affectionate Easton is to us. He lets us cuddle him and is starting to call us Momma and Daddy. He understands much of what we say and will repeat words but he doesn't initiate any English words yet. Easton is mostly potty trained; he lets us know through the day but sometimes wakes up with a wet diaper in the morning. He loves to wash his hands and wrestle with Dad.
He is a great eater! He loves fruit and hard-boiled eggs. He also likes congee, rice cooked in a lot of water! We've been mixing fruit in with it and at night we've been mixing corn in it.
We bought him some blocks from the grocery store, Van Guard. He was getting bored with the toys we brought!
Hard-boiled egg
A very yummy noddle bowl... just add hot water!
Always eating.
Inside Van Guard, do you see the chickens hanging over the ice?
Xi'an City Wall: One of the oldest and best preserved city walls
Xi'an
Terra Cotta Warrior Factory
Xi'an
Terra Cotta Warrior Pits
We mostly get stared at or our picture taken, but every once in a while we come across really friendly people!
I don't know if these videos will play, but they are of Sherry explaining some of the history behind the warriors.
Poor kid, it was kind of bright in there and he was over wearing his sunglasses.
Pit 1 (there are 3, so far 8000 warriors have been discovered)
Our amazing guide Sherry!
Pit 2 (we didn't go to Pit 3: Easton was hungry!)
The Archer: he is very special because he is the only warrior found that wasn't broken!
Tempting...
Today is our free day and the boys are napping now...
Tomorrow (Friday) we fly to Guangzhou and will spend the rest of our time there. I'll blog again after we get settled in.
We don't get Phoebe until Monday; that will be a stressful day. Please pray that we can keep Easton calm during that time and that Phoebe's transition goes even half as good as his did.
We are starting to panic at the thought of doing everything with 2 kids. I know we can do it, but I'd be lying if I said we weren't nervous!
Until next time...
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