I had to post something else because this had to be shared. We were eating in the hotel restaurant tonight. As you can imagine we draw a few looks. The staff know us now. Maybe because we are the ones that they've instructed their cleaning ladies to follow around and wipe up all the water, fingerprints and smears left behind :). Or maybe it is because we are the ones in the swanky restaurant with three little ones and two of them very loud (Adrian is loud!). He would see us across the room at the buffet and scream Mama/Baba. It was cute but I"m not sure everyone else appreciated it.
We were leaving and I commented that everyone was looking at us because I'm sure they thought we looked a little weird. Then MaiLin said, "We don't look weird. Ya'll are the ones that look weird!!" Good point. I had to laugh. Ok, so let me clarify. Our family looked weird with 3 Chinese children and two American parents. People will walk up to us and talk to Adrian and ask if he speaks Chinese and we answer yes. They then assume the other two do too. NOT. The other day a waitress was talking to MaiLin and she was giving her the blank stare that she often gives adults when they talk to her. The waitress turned to me and said, "So she doesn't understand English?" I replied, "She understands English" . The waitress looked a little confused. They can't quite figure us out.
That was just too good not to share!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
School WorkPictures from March 31
Chase around the water fountain. Not sure if the staffat the hotel appreciated this.
Sweet sleeping baby.
Thankful for Play-doh.
March 31
Today is Wednesday and it is the first "normal" day I feel like we've had since we've been here. We actually set foot outside the hotel for 10 min. We walked out the front door and felt the first cool breezes since we've been here. We thought Hohhot would be very cold (it is about 40 degrees outside) but let me tell you, they spare no expense at heating the hotel. I have never been so hot . We are wearing short sleeves to be able to stand it. I can't see how the people stand it. It is about 80-85 in most places here. Our hotel room has got to be 75 degrees all the time and stuffy.
AnnaLi is much better. Yesterday was rough. She was hurting with stomach cramps and tummy issues and cried a lot. She was also very weak. It is so good to see her up and around. Chris even took the girls swimming this afternoon in the indoor pool while Adrian and I napped.
This hotel is very upscale and not very kid friendly. I have only seen one other child in the entire hotel. Let me just say that we draw a lot of stares with three Chinese children and one of them different than most people are used to seeing. Don't get me wrong, no one has said anything and most people have been very sweet to the girls and Adrian. The pool is a health club and very ritzy so I'm not sure they were glad to see 2 kids. OH well.
Adrian is doing much better today. He has been going to bed better and waking up happy. The only time that he cries is if we leave the hotel and then come back. I think that he thinks when we leave we may be taking him back. When that doesn't happen he gets scared and sad again. Then he wants BaBa to hold him and comfort him. He doesn't really want me so much in those moments. It is really good to see him attaching so closely to Chris right now. I really expected that to happen and it has given me time to help the girls adjust. And, I've been taking care of the girls (especially LiLi) since they have been so sick. Today Adrian has offered us kisses on the cheek and ask for us to hold him. He comes to us to get us to do things for him. It is really amazing how far along he is on bonding with us. It is really a testimony to G's goodness and faithfulness. It is just another G thing. Today is really day 3 with us--the magic day 3. Most adoption specialist will tell you that the children turn a corner around day 3. That doesn't mean that it will be easy from there on out but they do seem to begin to accept their new situation.
Since we have been so sick , I haven't really been able to tell you much about Adrian . Here are some things that we know about him:
1.) HE LOVES TO EAT. He is really tiny (like MaiLin) but he eats ALL the time. We have no idea where he puts it. He likes: red beans, garbanzo beans, watermelon, oranges, bananas, apples, honeydew, grapes, lunch meat, vanilla yogurt, milk, bacon, canned chicken, cucumbers, carrots, chips, french fries, cookies, loves m&ms, dum-dums, and pretty much anything that won't eat him first. He doesn't like McDonald hamburgers though.
2.) He loves music. The way that we've been able to build a bridge between the language barrier. At preschool they sang all songs in English and one of his favorites is the wheels on the bus. When he gets frustrated he'll say "Mama/Baba round round". He also likes "Where is thumpkin" and the "ABC song". He'll walk around singing to himself. Too cute.
3.) We just introduced him to Barney and he loves it. Did I ever tell you how much Barney is my friend :)? He became a good friend of mine when MaiLin was this age.
4.) He loves balls, cars, blocks, play-doh, and puzzles. We have a window in our hotel where the kids can stand and see down below. He'll stand in the window and scream "Mama/Baba chee cha (car/bus)". He will search all the baby books for the cars and start screaming. He is all boy. But I will have to say that MaiLin still holds the busy/active trophy. Not sure anyone will hold a candle to her. So, I guess she prepared me for the boy.
5.) He is so loving and compassionate. If the girls are crying he wants to know why. He is also giving us kisses today.
6.) He is really an easy kid. He gets his teeth brushed without complaint. He goes to bed by just putting him in the crib and then he talks or sings to himself. He eats by himself and tells you when he needs to potty. He plays by himself and is just generally happy. I hope we don't ruin him :).
7.) He has a smile that lights up the room.
8.) He does not like attention brought to his face. It has really soft hair on it and MaiLin touched it and he tried to hit her. His foster mother said that people would touch his face and talk about the hair (which in Chinese is similar to Mao Mao) and he would be quick to tell them that his name was "Ming Ming" . She said that he used to like his nevus but now does not like anyone to mention it.
9.) He is so smart and doesn't miss a thing. He is repeating things in English and is saying some phrases on his on like "Mama do it" "MaMa/Baba be back". He is also responding some to his name Adrian. We call him Ming Ming most of the time (pronounced Meeyung Meeyung) . It is so cute to here him say it. He calls MaiLin Jie jie and AnnaLi "LoLo" (his pronunciation of LiLi). He is signing and saying "more" with a little Chinese inflection that is adorable. He puts tones with every English word much like the Chinese tones. It is so cute.
10.) He is a huge blessing. Despite the trials of the past few days, we are reminded that this is G's will for our family and no matter what happens , he will get us through.
I love one of the comments on the blog: "G Will will not take you where his grace cannot sustain you" (I think that is how it went since I can't see the comments). Thanks Pam for sending those to us. It has been a lifeline to home.
The pics are just some of the happier moments of our past few days.
AnnaLi is much better. Yesterday was rough. She was hurting with stomach cramps and tummy issues and cried a lot. She was also very weak. It is so good to see her up and around. Chris even took the girls swimming this afternoon in the indoor pool while Adrian and I napped.
This hotel is very upscale and not very kid friendly. I have only seen one other child in the entire hotel. Let me just say that we draw a lot of stares with three Chinese children and one of them different than most people are used to seeing. Don't get me wrong, no one has said anything and most people have been very sweet to the girls and Adrian. The pool is a health club and very ritzy so I'm not sure they were glad to see 2 kids. OH well.
Adrian is doing much better today. He has been going to bed better and waking up happy. The only time that he cries is if we leave the hotel and then come back. I think that he thinks when we leave we may be taking him back. When that doesn't happen he gets scared and sad again. Then he wants BaBa to hold him and comfort him. He doesn't really want me so much in those moments. It is really good to see him attaching so closely to Chris right now. I really expected that to happen and it has given me time to help the girls adjust. And, I've been taking care of the girls (especially LiLi) since they have been so sick. Today Adrian has offered us kisses on the cheek and ask for us to hold him. He comes to us to get us to do things for him. It is really amazing how far along he is on bonding with us. It is really a testimony to G's goodness and faithfulness. It is just another G thing. Today is really day 3 with us--the magic day 3. Most adoption specialist will tell you that the children turn a corner around day 3. That doesn't mean that it will be easy from there on out but they do seem to begin to accept their new situation.
Since we have been so sick , I haven't really been able to tell you much about Adrian . Here are some things that we know about him:
1.) HE LOVES TO EAT. He is really tiny (like MaiLin) but he eats ALL the time. We have no idea where he puts it. He likes: red beans, garbanzo beans, watermelon, oranges, bananas, apples, honeydew, grapes, lunch meat, vanilla yogurt, milk, bacon, canned chicken, cucumbers, carrots, chips, french fries, cookies, loves m&ms, dum-dums, and pretty much anything that won't eat him first. He doesn't like McDonald hamburgers though.
2.) He loves music. The way that we've been able to build a bridge between the language barrier. At preschool they sang all songs in English and one of his favorites is the wheels on the bus. When he gets frustrated he'll say "Mama/Baba round round". He also likes "Where is thumpkin" and the "ABC song". He'll walk around singing to himself. Too cute.
3.) We just introduced him to Barney and he loves it. Did I ever tell you how much Barney is my friend :)? He became a good friend of mine when MaiLin was this age.
4.) He loves balls, cars, blocks, play-doh, and puzzles. We have a window in our hotel where the kids can stand and see down below. He'll stand in the window and scream "Mama/Baba chee cha (car/bus)". He will search all the baby books for the cars and start screaming. He is all boy. But I will have to say that MaiLin still holds the busy/active trophy. Not sure anyone will hold a candle to her. So, I guess she prepared me for the boy.
5.) He is so loving and compassionate. If the girls are crying he wants to know why. He is also giving us kisses today.
6.) He is really an easy kid. He gets his teeth brushed without complaint. He goes to bed by just putting him in the crib and then he talks or sings to himself. He eats by himself and tells you when he needs to potty. He plays by himself and is just generally happy. I hope we don't ruin him :).
7.) He has a smile that lights up the room.
8.) He does not like attention brought to his face. It has really soft hair on it and MaiLin touched it and he tried to hit her. His foster mother said that people would touch his face and talk about the hair (which in Chinese is similar to Mao Mao) and he would be quick to tell them that his name was "Ming Ming" . She said that he used to like his nevus but now does not like anyone to mention it.
9.) He is so smart and doesn't miss a thing. He is repeating things in English and is saying some phrases on his on like "Mama do it" "MaMa/Baba be back". He is also responding some to his name Adrian. We call him Ming Ming most of the time (pronounced Meeyung Meeyung) . It is so cute to here him say it. He calls MaiLin Jie jie and AnnaLi "LoLo" (his pronunciation of LiLi). He is signing and saying "more" with a little Chinese inflection that is adorable. He puts tones with every English word much like the Chinese tones. It is so cute.
10.) He is a huge blessing. Despite the trials of the past few days, we are reminded that this is G's will for our family and no matter what happens , he will get us through.
I love one of the comments on the blog: "G Will will not take you where his grace cannot sustain you" (I think that is how it went since I can't see the comments). Thanks Pam for sending those to us. It has been a lifeline to home.
The pics are just some of the happier moments of our past few days.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
March 29 and 30
Well, not much new to report here. I had typed out a long post but then lost it somehow and I'm too tired to do another so here is the jist of Monday March 29 and March 30.
On Monday March 29 the adoption was finalized but it was very chaotic and took almost 2 hours. Adrian had a tougher time with sleep yesterday. He was pretty happy until he would realize that he had to go to sleep. It was pitiful. He sat and cried yesterday and then when he fell asleep I just laid on the bed and cried myself.
MaiLin slept a solid 24 hours and woke up pestering her sister --yep she's better. She's been fine today (30th). AnnaLi did ok yesterday but then started with stomach issues again in the night . Today has been rough. She is so weak and her stomach cramps and hurts really bad. She has cried about 1/2 of the day and wanted me to hold her.
Chris and Adrian went to the police station for a passport photo. We get the passport and other documents on Thursday and fly to GZ on Friday--can't be soon enough.
I haven't set foot out of the hotel lobby door since we arrived. Maybe tomorrow we can get out.
I have no pics from yesterday. Believe me, there were none worth taking. Today was not much better. I did get a couple of the kids playing chase and peek -a-boo around the fountain in the lobby. Not sure the hotel staff apprieciates our play. This hotel is not exactly kid friendly. IT is very nice.
Hoping that tomorrow will bring sunshine and relief to my poor baby's tummy. Adrian is doing well over all and is the easiest toddler. We will see if that continues !
On Monday March 29 the adoption was finalized but it was very chaotic and took almost 2 hours. Adrian had a tougher time with sleep yesterday. He was pretty happy until he would realize that he had to go to sleep. It was pitiful. He sat and cried yesterday and then when he fell asleep I just laid on the bed and cried myself.
MaiLin slept a solid 24 hours and woke up pestering her sister --yep she's better. She's been fine today (30th). AnnaLi did ok yesterday but then started with stomach issues again in the night . Today has been rough. She is so weak and her stomach cramps and hurts really bad. She has cried about 1/2 of the day and wanted me to hold her.
Chris and Adrian went to the police station for a passport photo. We get the passport and other documents on Thursday and fly to GZ on Friday--can't be soon enough.
I haven't set foot out of the hotel lobby door since we arrived. Maybe tomorrow we can get out.
I have no pics from yesterday. Believe me, there were none worth taking. Today was not much better. I did get a couple of the kids playing chase and peek -a-boo around the fountain in the lobby. Not sure the hotel staff apprieciates our play. This hotel is not exactly kid friendly. IT is very nice.
Hoping that tomorrow will bring sunshine and relief to my poor baby's tummy. Adrian is doing well over all and is the easiest toddler. We will see if that continues !
Sunday, March 28, 2010
A Gotcha Day to Remember-March 28
Leaving New Day. 
At the hotel in Hohhot after the whirlwind paperwork. I dressed the girls alike, but had no idea that Adrian's foster
mother would dress him in yellow.
It will be official on Monday, but this is another family picture of us. I feel as tired as I look.
A few bright spots in the day.
A few bright spots in the day.
The kids loved playing in the water fountainin the hotel. I probably shouldn't have let them do it, but oh well.
It was cute and they were in one place.
Yes, it was a day to remember alright. But, what I remember I'm afraid is not that it was the day we got Adrian. I'm tired and probably don't have a lot of time until Adrian wakes up but I'll give you the one two three of it.
1.) Adrian was a little confused in the a.m. but did better as the day went on. He missed his nap so he was WILD in the hotel room. Also, he has probably never seen anything like this --ever.
2.) Our flight into Hohhot was bumpy and wobbly at best. We bounced onto the runway for a landing. It was a horrible landing . Even Chris agreed. Both girls were complaining of nausea but I thought it was the flight.
3.) We were rushed to the hotel and into the business center to sign papers. It had to be 95 degrees in there and I had two that weren't feeling well.
4.) We barely made it to the room before everything came unglued (enough said--you figure it out) for AnnaLi. I thought it was the flight until she spiked 100 degree temp. MaiLin continued to complain of not feeling well.
5.) After a change of sheets, towels, etc. I moved them and myself to a plastic table cloth on the floor to sleep with a garbage bag and ziploc bags nearby-------FUN! I slept about 1-2 hours all night.
6.) Chris and I are both not feeling well. I had a bit of temp but don't think I'm going to be sick like they were. Chris is fighting it.
7.) We have to be somewhere at 9 this a.m. to finalize the adoption. Not so sure how this is going to work out. Probably will have to do it in shifts.
8.) Adrian did cry a pitiful little cry before bed but finally sang himself to sleep. I was able to hold and comfort him . He woke up crying in the middle of the night while I was on the floor holding one and patting the other.
Chris was able to comfort him and he went back to sleep.
So, we NEED PRYER BIG TIME!!!!! Please pray that this will all be over soon and I can disinfect the room and Chris and I will not get sick. I can deal with fever and an unsettled tummy but mommy cannot be in the shape the girls were in.
So, maybe I will lose that 10 lbs I was hoping for on the trip :). Have to look at the positive where you can. I'm so thankful for the miracles we have already been given throughout this process and trip or I would have been in tears last night thinking WHAT HAVE WE DONE!!!
Adrian really is a delight. He is busy and funny and talks a lot and eats a lot. We do have a few "twos " behaviors that we are working on even now. WE just can't let him think its funny. ONce we tell him "no, no" he'll say it back to us. I've taught him to sign "more" and say it. He says it with a little Chinese tone inflection. It is adorable. I'm convinced he'll be speaking some English by the time he returns. HE is VERY intelligent and doesn't miss a thing.
Thanks so much for all of you. I couldn't do this without knowing I have a great family and friends lifting us up.
We are going to be ok. This will pass and we will get laundry done and look back on this and laugh (sort of like the honeymoon story) . But, I'm sure it may take a while :).
Obviously I didn't have time to send pics. Wonder why?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
More Pictures from March 27
Two families joined in heart, spirit, and love for a little boy named Adrian.
.
Handsome cutie!.
Learning to make jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)-YUM!
Learning to make jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)-YUM!
A bittersweet ending.Pictures From March 27
JieJie Quack Quack
Adrian LOVED feeding MaMa today.
This is a picture of Adrian trying to feed MaiLin an orange.
Picture that foster parents had done. What a cutie!!!
BaBa does a very good ride-a-horsey.An Amazing Day
Sorry that the posting of pics and the blog posts are so late but we have had some internet issues.
Today has been an amazing day. Our G is such a big G and at work in all things. We left this a.m. to walk through the village to Adrian's foster home to visit and have lunch. Walking down any Chinese village is a journey in itself and very eye opening. The girls didn't say a whole lot . We just tried to get there without being hit by cars or flattened with a moped or bicycle. Thankfully our G is our protector!!!
We arrived in the home and Adrian and Evan were soooooo excited we were there. The foster father gave them bread to bring to us. Adrian immediately ran over and began feeding me and calling us MaMa and BaBa (father in Chinese). He tried to feed us all. The girls wouldn't participated so he proceeded to smash an orange in MaiLin's face. It was so funny. He was climbing in our laps and so happy to see us. He continually tried to feed me rolls, watermelon, oranges , and anything else he could find. It was very cute. Any of you who know anything about attachment know this is HUGE. This is one thing you try to get them to do to promote attachment. He also loved ride-a-horsey and would face both Chris and I and look us straight in the eye and just laugh and giggle. He is such a ham!
Then AnnaLi crawled up in my lap and grabbed my lips and started doing a little game that I do with her where I quack like a duck. Well, then Adrian tried and again just laughed. He also did it to MaiLin and would say Jie Jie Quack Quack or MaMa quack quack.
The foster mother made homemade Jiaozi (dumplings) for us and taught us how to make them. The girls LOVED helping. It was such an incredible experience for them. Those dumplings were incredible and AnnaLi chowed down. It was the best she's eaten since we left home. I've got to learn to make them. After a great lunch (no I didn't try the sheep meat--lamb), the kids went out in the courtyard to play and the adults sat around and talked. We exchanged many sentiments of thankfulness for the other. They were saying how they were so thankful that Adrian was going to our family . The foster father told us that he was so thankful that two families could eat around the table and be brought together like this. We will always be very connected to this family where a foster mother was prying for a special family for her little boy and we were prying for our son. G was answering and ordaining for both of us long before this meeting today. What an awesome miracle to witness and be a part of.
The foster mother shared some adorable photographs of Adrian that were taken professionally and paid for by his sponsor. They were soooooo adorable. I'm so thankful she will have those beautiful memories of him. As we were saying our thanks again and she teared up, I asked the girl who came with us to translate if it would be ok (culturally) for me to hug her. She said certainly. What a sweet picture. Then as we were both teary we turned to see ADrian looking at us and she said to him "Two MaMas" . How true this is. He will always have two. One that cared for him in the early days and saw all of his firsts. One who loved him unconditionally and held him when he cried in the night. One who never let him out of her site from the day he came to be in her home. This incredible woman of strength that I hope I can continue to be for him.
Now the second MaMa to take him on the rest of this journey of life. A forever family to love him and welcome him to their forever home. Two jie jies that LOVE their little brother. Yes, we will always remember one another and hopefully meet again someday on this earth. We were invited to return as guests to their home anytime. WE are always welcome. IF not on this earth I know that we will meet again in eternity. What an incredible hope and peace that we have in our L and Sav. JC.
We said our goodbyes and walked back down through the village. As I walked I had to control the tears and the emotions. This home we visited was so modest--not fancy or beautiful in its outward appearance. But, the spirit and love there and the joy and peace that was evident was one that transcended any outward beauty and made it truly beautiful . If only we could all grasp this. You know I was really worried about how the girls would do or what they would say about the home. But, they were incredible and I think it is because they too felt the peace that covered any outward flaws.
We returned to ND to rest before our little bundle of energy joined us for playtime again at 3. We had another great time playing in the back courtyard . Adrian has become quite possessive today . Chris was holding AnnaLi and he walked up and said (in Chinese of course), "no, my BaBa". Also, on the playground another visitor tried to push him on a riding toy but he quickly told them no that BaBa would do it. If I am not close by for any reason, I hear Adrian call for "MaMa"--always making sure I was close. His little voice is so cute and he just talks in Chinese all the time.
The time came for the afternoon to end. As Adrian's foster mother road up in her bike, I pointed her out and he ran to her with excitement. Of course, it should be no other way. But, you could tell he was in great conflict--wanting to go with her and wanting to stay with us. Oh how we wish it could be both. Oh how we wish we could bring his GeGe with us (Evan). But, G's plan is perfect and I'm not to question it but rest in his plans and purposes. As we gave he and Evan balloons that a new friend of ours made for them, we said our goodbye's. His foster mother once again told him to kiss me. He smiled with the biggest smile and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I went to give him one on the cheek and he puckered to give me a big fat one on the lips. And then we watched them walk away to enjoy one last night together.
Tomorrow morning someone from ND will pick Adrian up from his home and bring him here to the guest house where we will leave for the airport. We all have prepared for this day from both sides. We have all thought we were ready. I just pry that in the a.m. we all have the strength to get through it.
Please pry for Adrian as he leaves his comfort and only home that he has ever known and people who have loved him so dearly. Please pry for Evan who knows Adrian is leaving on a plane but has no idea what that means in his little life. Please pry for his first MaMa and BaBA as they lose their precious little boy. And, pry for us as a family that we can somehow ease the pain for him in the midst of the grief that is inevitable. OH, the peace that passeth all understanding is the only thing we can hold onto.
As I finish tonight, I think about the countdown calendar that Adrian's foster mother gave to us today. It is a calendar ND prepared for him with the days marked off until we come to get him. ON the day of our arrival there is a picture of us. For tomorrow there is a picture of him and an airplane. Each day before today, he was to put a sticker. Today his foster mother let me help him put the last sticker on before the journey tomorrow.
Her last words to us today were said without a translator but they needed no translation. As she spoke in Chinese she motioned so we could understand. She said, "I give him to you but I will always have him in my heart." ONe of the ND employees said it best, " True love is always a sacrifice." What an incredible sacrifice this precious woman has given and what a wonderful gift we have received.
Today has been an amazing day. Our G is such a big G and at work in all things. We left this a.m. to walk through the village to Adrian's foster home to visit and have lunch. Walking down any Chinese village is a journey in itself and very eye opening. The girls didn't say a whole lot . We just tried to get there without being hit by cars or flattened with a moped or bicycle. Thankfully our G is our protector!!!
We arrived in the home and Adrian and Evan were soooooo excited we were there. The foster father gave them bread to bring to us. Adrian immediately ran over and began feeding me and calling us MaMa and BaBa (father in Chinese). He tried to feed us all. The girls wouldn't participated so he proceeded to smash an orange in MaiLin's face. It was so funny. He was climbing in our laps and so happy to see us. He continually tried to feed me rolls, watermelon, oranges , and anything else he could find. It was very cute. Any of you who know anything about attachment know this is HUGE. This is one thing you try to get them to do to promote attachment. He also loved ride-a-horsey and would face both Chris and I and look us straight in the eye and just laugh and giggle. He is such a ham!
Then AnnaLi crawled up in my lap and grabbed my lips and started doing a little game that I do with her where I quack like a duck. Well, then Adrian tried and again just laughed. He also did it to MaiLin and would say Jie Jie Quack Quack or MaMa quack quack.
The foster mother made homemade Jiaozi (dumplings) for us and taught us how to make them. The girls LOVED helping. It was such an incredible experience for them. Those dumplings were incredible and AnnaLi chowed down. It was the best she's eaten since we left home. I've got to learn to make them. After a great lunch (no I didn't try the sheep meat--lamb), the kids went out in the courtyard to play and the adults sat around and talked. We exchanged many sentiments of thankfulness for the other. They were saying how they were so thankful that Adrian was going to our family . The foster father told us that he was so thankful that two families could eat around the table and be brought together like this. We will always be very connected to this family where a foster mother was prying for a special family for her little boy and we were prying for our son. G was answering and ordaining for both of us long before this meeting today. What an awesome miracle to witness and be a part of.
The foster mother shared some adorable photographs of Adrian that were taken professionally and paid for by his sponsor. They were soooooo adorable. I'm so thankful she will have those beautiful memories of him. As we were saying our thanks again and she teared up, I asked the girl who came with us to translate if it would be ok (culturally) for me to hug her. She said certainly. What a sweet picture. Then as we were both teary we turned to see ADrian looking at us and she said to him "Two MaMas" . How true this is. He will always have two. One that cared for him in the early days and saw all of his firsts. One who loved him unconditionally and held him when he cried in the night. One who never let him out of her site from the day he came to be in her home. This incredible woman of strength that I hope I can continue to be for him.
Now the second MaMa to take him on the rest of this journey of life. A forever family to love him and welcome him to their forever home. Two jie jies that LOVE their little brother. Yes, we will always remember one another and hopefully meet again someday on this earth. We were invited to return as guests to their home anytime. WE are always welcome. IF not on this earth I know that we will meet again in eternity. What an incredible hope and peace that we have in our L and Sav. JC.
We said our goodbyes and walked back down through the village. As I walked I had to control the tears and the emotions. This home we visited was so modest--not fancy or beautiful in its outward appearance. But, the spirit and love there and the joy and peace that was evident was one that transcended any outward beauty and made it truly beautiful . If only we could all grasp this. You know I was really worried about how the girls would do or what they would say about the home. But, they were incredible and I think it is because they too felt the peace that covered any outward flaws.
We returned to ND to rest before our little bundle of energy joined us for playtime again at 3. We had another great time playing in the back courtyard . Adrian has become quite possessive today . Chris was holding AnnaLi and he walked up and said (in Chinese of course), "no, my BaBa". Also, on the playground another visitor tried to push him on a riding toy but he quickly told them no that BaBa would do it. If I am not close by for any reason, I hear Adrian call for "MaMa"--always making sure I was close. His little voice is so cute and he just talks in Chinese all the time.
The time came for the afternoon to end. As Adrian's foster mother road up in her bike, I pointed her out and he ran to her with excitement. Of course, it should be no other way. But, you could tell he was in great conflict--wanting to go with her and wanting to stay with us. Oh how we wish it could be both. Oh how we wish we could bring his GeGe with us (Evan). But, G's plan is perfect and I'm not to question it but rest in his plans and purposes. As we gave he and Evan balloons that a new friend of ours made for them, we said our goodbye's. His foster mother once again told him to kiss me. He smiled with the biggest smile and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I went to give him one on the cheek and he puckered to give me a big fat one on the lips. And then we watched them walk away to enjoy one last night together.
Tomorrow morning someone from ND will pick Adrian up from his home and bring him here to the guest house where we will leave for the airport. We all have prepared for this day from both sides. We have all thought we were ready. I just pry that in the a.m. we all have the strength to get through it.
Please pry for Adrian as he leaves his comfort and only home that he has ever known and people who have loved him so dearly. Please pry for Evan who knows Adrian is leaving on a plane but has no idea what that means in his little life. Please pry for his first MaMa and BaBA as they lose their precious little boy. And, pry for us as a family that we can somehow ease the pain for him in the midst of the grief that is inevitable. OH, the peace that passeth all understanding is the only thing we can hold onto.
As I finish tonight, I think about the countdown calendar that Adrian's foster mother gave to us today. It is a calendar ND prepared for him with the days marked off until we come to get him. ON the day of our arrival there is a picture of us. For tomorrow there is a picture of him and an airplane. Each day before today, he was to put a sticker. Today his foster mother let me help him put the last sticker on before the journey tomorrow.
Her last words to us today were said without a translator but they needed no translation. As she spoke in Chinese she motioned so we could understand. She said, "I give him to you but I will always have him in my heart." ONe of the ND employees said it best, " True love is always a sacrifice." What an incredible sacrifice this precious woman has given and what a wonderful gift we have received.
More Pictures From March 26-Day One With Adrian
Play-doh breaks down all barriers.
Adrian would love to watch MaiLin coming down the slideand he would just giggle!
Silly boy, silly Mommy.
This is how Adrian spent the afternoon-with someone pushinghim on his toy-He LOVES it!!
Pushing foster mom back home.Friday, March 26, 2010
We Made It!!!
The screen on the plane that shows the trip to China.
.
Our 11 pieces of luggage.
Getting reassurance from foster mom.
I received this e-mail from Shawna this morning. She said to give a tear jerker warning . She also said she is having trouble sending the pictures.
Well, the adjective that describes today is nothing but surreal. Last night we actually got about 7-8 hours of sleep (with the help of a few friends--Benadryl and Melatonin :)). We were very tired and I couldn't think straight but I will definitely say that the trip over was the easiest one ever that we've made to China. We went to Chicago first and only had a short layover and then we were off on the long flight. We didn't sleep much on the flight over. The sleep count was Shawna (3 hrs), Chris (4 hours), MaiLin 4 hours, and AnnaLi 6 hours. The girls did great considering the long flight. We landed and went through immigration and customs with extreme ease. G was with us all the way. We were at the end of the line to go through immigration. AnnaLi sneezed and asked for a tissue. Then this security person began to walk towards us . With the heightened sense of H1 N1 I was certain we were about to be in trouble. But, he was only walking over to show us the line for the Ch*** nationals was empty and they were now processing foreigners. We were first in that line. And, it was a much different experience than we've ever had entering the country. The people were smiling and friendly and we were so thankful. We had enough time to grab BK before our ride from ND arrived. We then traveled to ND and got settled in for the night and we were given our schedule for the weekend.
This a.m. we began with breakfast delivered to our guest house. Then at 8:30 we met with the director of ND and were given a tour. We were so blessed to get to meet all of the kids that we have followed on the website. Then at 10:00 we were going to attend preschool where we would meet Adrian. They announced that he had arrived. We kept our distance because we knew we had plenty of time. He walked in the door and we were in the room along with another visiting group. The group was probably overwhelming to him but you could tell that he immediately looked around and recognized us. His foster mother said that he was very nervous about coming to school because he knew that we were going to be there. We kept our distance during snack time and watched hime eat and eat and drink from a cup with no top. One of the manners that they teach the kids is to fold their hands and say "ready" when they want their food. It is too cute to hear all of these little voices say ""ready" every time they were ready for another slice of apple or a cookie.
Then it was potty time and music time. They all ran in a line to take their plates to the sink and then off to the potty. Then they lined up like a little choo choo train and went back for music time. They were all so cute. Adrian loves music and could do the motions very well. One of the things the preschool teacher did was move his chair from his normal spot by his foster brother to sit by AnnaLi . At first he was very reluctant but Evan (his foster brother) basically pushed him (well shoved him) to the chair to sit. He glared at us for a while and the girls glared at him . There was a lot going on in those moments. I stood as if I was in a dream. NOthing seemed to be real . About half way through music he caught Chris' eye and Chris waved and ADrian waved back. After that he began smiling and hamming it up a bit for us. All very good signs. Then it was play doh time. MaiLin was sitting by him first. He began to play with her and she started coming out of her shell. Then Chris worked his way in. There were some really sweet daddy moments with Adrian. Then after play-doh time it was time for them to line up to go outside. I was playing and picking up some of the other kids and Adrian walked over to me and asked me to hold him. That was such a G thing. I know so many people have been Pying for that specifically. Then we went outside and Adrian wanted to ride the bikes and scooters. He wanted me to push him and began playing with the girls some. His foster mother came to get him and he did not want to leave. He wanted to stay and play. This little guy is all boy--wide open. However, it is not much different than the girls.
She finally convinced he and Evan to leave . One of the routines for them apparently is to push her wagon behind the bike out to the main gate. It is too cute.
We then had lunch and had some excellent Chinese food--the best I've ever eaten. Karen had lunch with us and shared many of the mir**cles that these kids have had--some awesome stories. After lunch we had the opportunity to meet with the nurse and preschool teacher to ask questions. Then Karen gave us many things that we have missed--some of his preschool work, a disc with all of his pictures since he's been at ND, pics of his foster family, his special bear (that we actually sent in Evan's box :) guess Adrian snatched it), and 3 disposable cameras from the foster mother. I may wind up with as many pics of Adrian as I have of the girls. After this meeting we were able to walk over and see the factory that makes resin figurines for book stores. All of them are cast in molds and hand painted. Wow. We purchased one that is of a Chinese village. We were told that these are not sold in the US.
After our trip to the factory we met ADrian in the playground area to play from 3-5. We had an incredible time with him. He LOVED playing with MaiLin and AnnaLi and began calling me "Ma Ma" if I was away from him or he wanted to show me something. He called Chris BaBA (daddy in Chinese ). We were BLOWN away by this miracle unfolding before us as if he had always been a part of us. Do I think things are going to be a breeze from here on out? Absolutely not. He has an incredible foster mother that he loves very much and she loves him very much. The separation is going to be extremely difficult on all of us. Please continue to Pry for them. The time was more than we could hope for. Then we met the foster mother and Adrian in the cafeteria for supper. We were able to find out many things about him. ONe thing was that he loved to eat and would eat anything and we would have to make him stop. Of course, he didnt' eat much at supper. Neither did the girls, they just wanted to go play ping pong at the ping pong table in the cafeteria. They were so cute. The girls were playing first with Chris and then ADrian turned to his foster mother and said, "Baba" and pointed at Chris and got down and ran to him. The foster mother made a point to tell us that is what he had said and how encouraging it was. After Adrian left to play it left me, the foster mother and two ND employees (to translate). LEt me tell you that this time was so very emotionally hard. We started talking about Adrian's likes/dislikes, funny stories about him, how active and busy he is , etc. Then she began to say he wears her out but he brings her more joy. She said that she wish she could keep him because she loved him so much. She also said that she was glad we were able to come to ND and spend time with him because her previous foster child was just handed off to the parents like any other adoption here. The parents didn't come to ND first. She said that the person that traveled with the child called the foster mother saying that the child had to go back to the orphanage for awhile and then spend the night in a hotel and he was screaming and crying. She said it was more than she could take and she cried and cried. She went on to say that she was so encouraged by us coming here and how ADrian was interacting with us. This afternoon we thought she left to go back home but she told us she stood inside and watched out the window the whole time. And it made her feel so good that he was doing so well with us. OF course by this time all of us women were crying. I was so overcome with emotion that I could barely speak. I finally gained enough control to tell the interpreter to tell her that I had people prying for her and her family and Evan. She immediately teared up again and said she too was a belver and had pryed that Adrian would be in a simliar home. She said G had answered her pryer. We were blown away again by this. Of course by this time I was nearly sobbing. I knew that this was going to be hard but I never had any idea.
What a blessing to meet this precious woman who has cared for and loved my baby since he was a year old. It is the unconditional love he has known most of his little life. She said that since she has had him, she has never been apart from him.
After proceeding outside the kids ran around some more and it became time for he and his foster mother to travel back home for the night. They explained to him that we would see him tomorrow. She was holding Adrian and he kissed her on the cheek. She then convinced him to give me a kiss on the cheek. He did so with a big smile on his face. Then we watched them walk hand in hand down the road to the gate. ONe of the employees of ND said, "this is the hard part of this process. You can never have to much love but it has its risks and sometimes it hurts." Boy is that going to be so true. Evan and Adrian are very attached. They don't really ever remember one without the other. We are all very concerned about Evan. Please lift him up. Sunday morning is going to be a very difficult day for all of us. Adrian will say good-bye to his old life and enter a new one but that doesn't make this one less important. I tell you , I'm feeling very inadequate to even come close to meeting the discipline and care that she has given him. What a blessing!!! She then jumped on her bike an he followed the routine by toddling behind her holding (or pushing) the cart until they reached the gate. Then, that was that. An incredible day with a bittersweet ending.
Tomorrow we will visit the foster parents home and she invited us to stay for lunch. She is making jiazo for us (dumplings) and sheep's feet or something like that. To say that this time has stretched me is an understatement for those of you who know me well :). I give all the glory to our F above for changing me through this process of adoption and allowing me to be a part of H work and H will and to be able to even survive a trip to a village. After lunch Adrian will remain to take a nap and we will return to the guest house. At 3 we meet for more play time until 5 . His foster mother will then take him home to spend some time with his family for the last night. I can't imagine the emotions and how hard it must be. Sunday a.m. at 8 we will leave for the airport with Adrian and a man here from ND. It will be a tough tough day. It will be happening during your Sat night. Please Pry for ALL of us.
The girls are doing well. AnnaLi is actually having a harder time with Adrian than MaiLin but this was expected. We just try to keep giving her extra attention. And of course MaiLin thinks he is awesome, cute, funny, fun to play with but doesn't quite treat AnnaLi like that. Don't get me wrong, AnnaLi has not been hard to deal with. She is a stuffer and her emotion is never shown. WE can just tell . And of course the jetlag doesn't help. She practically collapsed into a puddle at about 7:30 tonight.
Please lift her up as well.
Sorry this was so long but I wanted to put all of the thoughts down mainly for us to have later. So, you all had to endure it too.
We took sooooo many pics today, I don't know how I'll choose but I'll send some that depict our trip so far.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Weekley's are in Beijing, China!!!
This is one of Shawna's friends writing this post. Due to the fact that China blocks a lot of blogs, Shawna arranged for me to post things to their blog while they are in China when they cannot access their blog. There may times when she can access it and then she will post. When she cannot post the information, she will be sending me the information to post for them.
I received an e-mail a little while ago from Chris. He said that they have arrived safely in Beijing and the trip went well. In addition, he said that they are currently at New Day and they will get to see Adrian tomorrow. Chris said that they are having Interent issues and will send more information when they can.
I received an e-mail a little while ago from Chris. He said that they have arrived safely in Beijing and the trip went well. In addition, he said that they are currently at New Day and they will get to see Adrian tomorrow. Chris said that they are having Interent issues and will send more information when they can.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
We are in Chicago!!
After not a lot of sleep last night, we boarded our flight very early this morning from Huntsville to Chicago. We have had good flight to Chicago. We will be boarding our plane to China around noon. It is a fourteen hour flight to Beijing.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
We're coming baby boy!
Itinerary
Here is our itinerary: Remember that China is 13 hours AHEAD !! Huhhot is in Northern China about 300 miles west of Beijing. Guangzhou is in Southeastern China near Hong Kong.
March 24 we fly out at 6 a.m. to Chicago and then Chicago to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing on Thurs afternoon and travel to New Day . We will meet Adrian probably on Friday and spend some time with him on Fri and Sat.
Contact: karen@newdaycreations.com
Website; www.newdaycreations.com
Phone: 86-10-8028-2124
Sunday March 28th we will fly with Adrian and a nanny to his home province. We will be staying in Huhhot, Inner Mongolia at Shangi-La Hotel. We actually get custody of Adrian Sunday afternoon. We will stay until Friday April 2 and get all of the adoption finalized and receive his passport.
Website: www.shangri-la.com/en/property/huhhot/shangrila
Phone: 86-471-336-6888
On Friday April 2 we will fly to Guangzhou. We will be staying at The Garden Hotel Guangzhou China. Here we will get Adrian’s visa and be DONE!!
Website: www.garden-hotel-guangzhou.cn
Phone: 86-20-8600-7566
ON April 8th we will take a 2 hour train ride to Hong Kong. We will be staying at the Harbour Grand Kowloon hotel. We will spend a day celebrating at Hong Kong Disneyland on April 9th. Yes, we’ve lost our minds!! That should be established by now J.
Website: www.harbourgrand.com/kowloon/
Phone: 852-2621-3188
ON April 10th we leave China to Fly home. We are SUPPOSED to arrive home at 8:03 Sat night on a United flight.
March 24 we fly out at 6 a.m. to Chicago and then Chicago to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing on Thurs afternoon and travel to New Day . We will meet Adrian probably on Friday and spend some time with him on Fri and Sat.
Contact: karen@newdaycreations.com
Website; www.newdaycreations.com
Phone: 86-10-8028-2124
Sunday March 28th we will fly with Adrian and a nanny to his home province. We will be staying in Huhhot, Inner Mongolia at Shangi-La Hotel. We actually get custody of Adrian Sunday afternoon. We will stay until Friday April 2 and get all of the adoption finalized and receive his passport.
Website: www.shangri-la.com/en/property/huhhot/shangrila
Phone: 86-471-336-6888
On Friday April 2 we will fly to Guangzhou. We will be staying at The Garden Hotel Guangzhou China. Here we will get Adrian’s visa and be DONE!!
Website: www.garden-hotel-guangzhou.cn
Phone: 86-20-8600-7566
ON April 8th we will take a 2 hour train ride to Hong Kong. We will be staying at the Harbour Grand Kowloon hotel. We will spend a day celebrating at Hong Kong Disneyland on April 9th. Yes, we’ve lost our minds!! That should be established by now J.
Website: www.harbourgrand.com/kowloon/
Phone: 852-2621-3188
ON April 10th we leave China to Fly home. We are SUPPOSED to arrive home at 8:03 Sat night on a United flight.
Almost There
The suitcases are packed and ready to go. A few last minute things tomorrow and we will be ready to load the van. I had to add another suitcase because some of ours were over the weight limit. So the final count is -----10 bags: 5 suitcases, 2 duffle bags and 3 back packs.
It has been crazy packing down coats in one suitcase and swimsuits, floaties, and goggles in another. We are very tired from all the packing but frankly I’m ready to get this show on the road. Once we get on the plane, there is no looking back. If I forgot to pack it, too bad.
The Lord has truly been with us during this whole process. We have prayed for Adrian, talked about Adrian, sent Adrian gifts, prayed for paperwork, completed LOTS of paperwork, and the list goes on. But, we have had a tremendous peace through it all. Once the Lord moved mountains to match us with Adrian there was NO DOUBT in our minds that he is our little boy. And, my chant through the whole process is “God’s timing is perfect. God’s timing is perfect.” It truly is perfect and the time is now. Just a few more days before all the prayers and waiting become reality. WOW!!
Many people have asked how they could pray specifically. Here is a list that is certainly not exhaustive J.
1.) Safe travel with no flight delays and easy transitions through customs and immigration.
2.) Health for all of us—stomach issues, sinus issues, migraine issues
3.) Pray that the Lord would bind fear in all of our hearts and fill it with His peace. Especially for MaiLin as she is having some reservations about traveling back to China.
4.) For an easy transition for Adrian. Please pray that the Lord would continue to prepare his little heart. Please pray for his foster brother Evan (3 yrs old). They have been together since they were babies. Also pray for his foster mother and father as I know this will be difficult for their family as well.
5.) And pray for my lack of enjoyment about flying. We are on a smaller jet from here to Chicago and I don’t like smaller jets !!
6.) That MaiLin and AnnaLi would have an extra measure of obedience during this trip.
7.) And of course, that we would be open to the opportunities we have to share our faith.
It has been crazy packing down coats in one suitcase and swimsuits, floaties, and goggles in another. We are very tired from all the packing but frankly I’m ready to get this show on the road. Once we get on the plane, there is no looking back. If I forgot to pack it, too bad.
The Lord has truly been with us during this whole process. We have prayed for Adrian, talked about Adrian, sent Adrian gifts, prayed for paperwork, completed LOTS of paperwork, and the list goes on. But, we have had a tremendous peace through it all. Once the Lord moved mountains to match us with Adrian there was NO DOUBT in our minds that he is our little boy. And, my chant through the whole process is “God’s timing is perfect. God’s timing is perfect.” It truly is perfect and the time is now. Just a few more days before all the prayers and waiting become reality. WOW!!
Many people have asked how they could pray specifically. Here is a list that is certainly not exhaustive J.
1.) Safe travel with no flight delays and easy transitions through customs and immigration.
2.) Health for all of us—stomach issues, sinus issues, migraine issues
3.) Pray that the Lord would bind fear in all of our hearts and fill it with His peace. Especially for MaiLin as she is having some reservations about traveling back to China.
4.) For an easy transition for Adrian. Please pray that the Lord would continue to prepare his little heart. Please pray for his foster brother Evan (3 yrs old). They have been together since they were babies. Also pray for his foster mother and father as I know this will be difficult for their family as well.
5.) And pray for my lack of enjoyment about flying. We are on a smaller jet from here to Chicago and I don’t like smaller jets !!
6.) That MaiLin and AnnaLi would have an extra measure of obedience during this trip.
7.) And of course, that we would be open to the opportunities we have to share our faith.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
What a week!! It's almost here
Wow, what can I say. My mind is just spinning, spinning , spinning. The past few weeks have been exciting and busy. After getting all of our itinerary finalized I could really focus on the gathering of stuff, washing of laundry, washing of laundry, washing of laundry, and finishing up work stuff. Then this weekend I have begun the task of trying to make it all fit into a suitcase. It is quite the challenge to pack this time due to the extremes in weather.
The other two times we traveled to China it was summer time. That is easy--shorts and t-shirts, tennis shoes and flip-flops. This time it is not so easy. Not only am I packing for five people this time, the weather is going to be two different extremes.
We will leave Wed a.m. and fly to Chicago. We will then board our long flight to Beijing China around 1:00 p.m. This flight is a 14 hour flight (should be fun :)). We arrive in Beijing sometime on Thurs afternoon. We will travel about an hour to New Day where we will stay until Sunday March 28th. The weather in Beijing is much like it is here right now. On March 28th we will travel to Hohhot , Inner Mongolia where it is COLD. The highs will be in the 40's and lows in the teens. We will need coats, gloves, scarfs, hats (you get the idea). We will stay in Hohhot until Friday April 2. We will then fly to Guangzhou where the highs are in the 80's. I have packed EVERYTHING in ziploc bags, rolled them, squeezed them, sat on them, etc to get all the air out. I even had to go by more ziplocs yesterday. If I disappear someone check to make sure I haven't been stuffed in a ziploc bags with all the air squeezed out of me :0.
Right now I 'm nervous, excited, still in shock, and the list goes on. This has been such a God thing from Day 1 (even before day 1 of our adoption). He has been preparing our hearts and I believe the heart of Adrian for a long time for us to become a family. The Lord has moved mountains for this little boy on our behalf so we have to trust that He has this all under control. Right now we are "Leaning, Leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms, safe and secure from all alarms. Leaning, leaning , leaning on the everlasting arms!!!!!"
The other two times we traveled to China it was summer time. That is easy--shorts and t-shirts, tennis shoes and flip-flops. This time it is not so easy. Not only am I packing for five people this time, the weather is going to be two different extremes.
We will leave Wed a.m. and fly to Chicago. We will then board our long flight to Beijing China around 1:00 p.m. This flight is a 14 hour flight (should be fun :)). We arrive in Beijing sometime on Thurs afternoon. We will travel about an hour to New Day where we will stay until Sunday March 28th. The weather in Beijing is much like it is here right now. On March 28th we will travel to Hohhot , Inner Mongolia where it is COLD. The highs will be in the 40's and lows in the teens. We will need coats, gloves, scarfs, hats (you get the idea). We will stay in Hohhot until Friday April 2. We will then fly to Guangzhou where the highs are in the 80's. I have packed EVERYTHING in ziploc bags, rolled them, squeezed them, sat on them, etc to get all the air out. I even had to go by more ziplocs yesterday. If I disappear someone check to make sure I haven't been stuffed in a ziploc bags with all the air squeezed out of me :0.
Right now I 'm nervous, excited, still in shock, and the list goes on. This has been such a God thing from Day 1 (even before day 1 of our adoption). He has been preparing our hearts and I believe the heart of Adrian for a long time for us to become a family. The Lord has moved mountains for this little boy on our behalf so we have to trust that He has this all under control. Right now we are "Leaning, Leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms, safe and secure from all alarms. Leaning, leaning , leaning on the everlasting arms!!!!!"
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Confirmed CA
Today we rec'd word that our CA was confirmed for April 6. Oh boy, this is really happening now. Oh my, Where do I start?
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Moment we've been waiting for
On March 5 I rec'd an email from our social worker stating that our travel approval was "in the mail" and we should get it early part of the following week. To be honest, I really didn't believe it was true. But first thing this a.m. I called our social worker. She said she was sitting there holding our TA. WOW!! She said that they were thinking about an April 6th CA meaning we would need to be in the Province by March 27th. The final dates will be confirmed tomorrow.
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