Sorry it's been a week since I've posted...as you can imagine readjusting to full time Mama on the home front has been challenging! The jet lag has kicked my butt most of the week. Those darned hours of 3-5 am throw me off the rest of the day. Today was the first time I slept through until 6am! But of course, as soon as I wake I run to check my messages to be sure Ian got his passport and visa - he got it!! They are at the airport in GZ now, I'm sure snaking their way security, checking bags etc. I just hope they have a much easier time of it than I did!
Daddy and I were discussing some of the changes we've noticed since our last two trips to China. It is truly a different place in many ways. Economy is booming there. The rich are really rich and very showy. We saw cars the likes of which will never see Cincinnati soil being driven all over Kunming. Our guide there said there are so many new rich and they like to show their money. She seemed to think much of it came from mining there in Yunnan. On my flight home my neighbor was telling me all about the family they visited and how wealthy they were too. Paying for their entire trip, taking them to meals with food for kings piled up each time, and all with the guise of being a restaurant owner...she wasn't too sure about that. We also noticed in Guangzhou a very different population. Was it because we always stayed on Shaiman Island in the past, so never noticed? Not sure b/c we never noticed either so many middle easterners in the airport as well. Guangzhou seems to be the new in and out port there. Much like Hong Kong or Beijing used to be. There were flights filled to the middle east and back. Surrounding the high wealth of the hotel where the boys stayed were coffee shops that had many patrons with their beards and shaved heads. It was a little different to say the least. Is it the mining? Are there other connections? Hard to tell but the money was flowing and the population much different than last two trips.
There used to be many "knock off" things to bargain on. Not so much this time. The prices at the pearl market - different too. "Western" restaurants like Italian, Mexican and fast food seemed more pervasive too. Little differences abound as well - there were toilets in most every place we stopped that was a larger venue. Not always the squatty potty like before. Hotels and airports are putting in toilets where there didn't used to be any.
Our guide in Kunming and I had a little chat. I noticed there were many "blind massage" parlors. I asked her about this. She told me yes, that's because the government tries to help the handicapped find jobs suited to their talents. Blind people have good jobs from hospitals to parlors doing massage. And she told me that it wasn't just blind people that the government helped, it was many other handicapped populations as well. That was news to me. And for the first time I felt that the Chinese had some pride in helping their own.
It is a changing country. I am glad Benj got to see what he saw this trip. Although in his 8 year old mind he'll remember different things like the bargaining, the fast food and pizza or the over the top breakfast buffets, I hope he also remembers the walks in the park with the women doing tai chi and the bikes pulling all kinds of things, or the beautiful temples and ancient history spread throughout.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Last week & more thoughts
It is Saturday here in Guangzhou. I missed my flight out last night by the skin of my teeth. Most maddening part is that I knew hours prior it would happen due to my lack of assertiveness, yes, I know uncharacteristic of me but never again. I literally watched several fellow passengers on my flight run with me and get on the LAX flight out b/c they had a boarding pass that our guide would not get for me in Kunming.
At any rate, I tried my best knowing as the minutes ticked by on the actual plane that my chances were slim to none. But this crazy feeling is compounded by all things Chinese that drive me up the wall...lying being the fore runner. We sat in Kunming airport waiting for our departure. At the gate no plane was there for us and when I asked the gate agent if there was a delay he smiles and says "no, delay." What? Really, do I have stupid written on my forehead? We should have been boarding 10 minutes ago and there is no plane to even board but no delays? This flat out lying kills me!! Just like being told we couldn't leave early in Kunming b/c of Ian's passport not being ready - although I know for a fact it was ready by 11 or noon at the latest. This whole idea of "no worries, chill out" reminds me of Jamiaca. Now add on the lying and it is literally like communist island style - instead of smiling and saying "no worries, mon" it is "no worries" followed by a huge lie. After about a week of being hoodwinked over and over it starts to grate on you!!
But then there are moments of shining goodness in this whole adoption piece. Today, at Ian's medical we literally got the VIP treatment. Families scattered all over this clinic waiting, waiting and waiting. Not us, our guide, same one for the third time here, just grabbed our paper work, opened doors and they let us right in. In front of all the others just waiting. At one point I did feel a little shame when there were about 6 families waiting for one area. No nurse in sight so our guide went to get the nurse and took Ian right in...no waiting. Oh well, screw it. For all the little annoyances like dealing with cultural differences one thing is for sure this go around - Ian's process has gone really smoothly. And most of all we can thank our agency, their connections and organization for all this.
This final stop has us in a hotel the likes of which Benj will probably never see again for a long, long time. To call it five star is underselling it. It is swanky, upscale, posh, you name it!! And this is the part that always hits me - I forget it until I'm living it either in Moscow or Guangzhou - all these little orphans, smallest of the small in every meaning are suddenly whisked from god forsaken places into these shiny hotels. Attending buffet breakfasts with omelet chefs, food from several continents and more than they can ever consume. They are being cuddled in the arms of these larger than life families. Every cry or whimper, every tear and booger is wiped away. Some of the kids look pale beyond words. Some still look shell shocked. Many are quickly learning to start accepting this new lifestyle, food and offerings of being doted on. And within days these little people who just a week before were experiencing things we can't fathom are suddenly learning family and love in the back drop of a five star hotel. I always wonder what the staff at these hotels must think of these little people being taken into a new world? Do the bus boys and cleaning staff understand what is happening? Surely they do here b/c there are so many other American families adopting. Do they know how different life will soon be for these little people? I think so. The best part of it lately is the fact that so many disabled and special needs children are the ones now being treated like royalty. What must the staff think when they see children who in their eyes are second class citizens being offered five star service? I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering this bc it is such a stark contrast.
Ian update - he zoomed through the physical today. It is sort of a check list joke to have it done. He did have blood drawn for a TB test, that's not a joke. Hopefully he comes back negative b/c we've never gone through this part as he is older than two at adoption time. But the rest of the physical was fine. The doctor asked about his leg the scar is really crazy. And we asked about the dark round scars all over - still being told it is reaction to bug bites being itched too much... not sure. He has a cough like mine and we're worried it might be something worse down the road. For now we're trying to let him get some good naps and food down the hatch. He did great on his first flight last night sitting by Bill for over three hours b/c of all the delays. He's waking up now from a little morning nap after all the medical stuff...
At any rate, I tried my best knowing as the minutes ticked by on the actual plane that my chances were slim to none. But this crazy feeling is compounded by all things Chinese that drive me up the wall...lying being the fore runner. We sat in Kunming airport waiting for our departure. At the gate no plane was there for us and when I asked the gate agent if there was a delay he smiles and says "no, delay." What? Really, do I have stupid written on my forehead? We should have been boarding 10 minutes ago and there is no plane to even board but no delays? This flat out lying kills me!! Just like being told we couldn't leave early in Kunming b/c of Ian's passport not being ready - although I know for a fact it was ready by 11 or noon at the latest. This whole idea of "no worries, chill out" reminds me of Jamiaca. Now add on the lying and it is literally like communist island style - instead of smiling and saying "no worries, mon" it is "no worries" followed by a huge lie. After about a week of being hoodwinked over and over it starts to grate on you!!
But then there are moments of shining goodness in this whole adoption piece. Today, at Ian's medical we literally got the VIP treatment. Families scattered all over this clinic waiting, waiting and waiting. Not us, our guide, same one for the third time here, just grabbed our paper work, opened doors and they let us right in. In front of all the others just waiting. At one point I did feel a little shame when there were about 6 families waiting for one area. No nurse in sight so our guide went to get the nurse and took Ian right in...no waiting. Oh well, screw it. For all the little annoyances like dealing with cultural differences one thing is for sure this go around - Ian's process has gone really smoothly. And most of all we can thank our agency, their connections and organization for all this.
This final stop has us in a hotel the likes of which Benj will probably never see again for a long, long time. To call it five star is underselling it. It is swanky, upscale, posh, you name it!! And this is the part that always hits me - I forget it until I'm living it either in Moscow or Guangzhou - all these little orphans, smallest of the small in every meaning are suddenly whisked from god forsaken places into these shiny hotels. Attending buffet breakfasts with omelet chefs, food from several continents and more than they can ever consume. They are being cuddled in the arms of these larger than life families. Every cry or whimper, every tear and booger is wiped away. Some of the kids look pale beyond words. Some still look shell shocked. Many are quickly learning to start accepting this new lifestyle, food and offerings of being doted on. And within days these little people who just a week before were experiencing things we can't fathom are suddenly learning family and love in the back drop of a five star hotel. I always wonder what the staff at these hotels must think of these little people being taken into a new world? Do the bus boys and cleaning staff understand what is happening? Surely they do here b/c there are so many other American families adopting. Do they know how different life will soon be for these little people? I think so. The best part of it lately is the fact that so many disabled and special needs children are the ones now being treated like royalty. What must the staff think when they see children who in their eyes are second class citizens being offered five star service? I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering this bc it is such a stark contrast.
Ian update - he zoomed through the physical today. It is sort of a check list joke to have it done. He did have blood drawn for a TB test, that's not a joke. Hopefully he comes back negative b/c we've never gone through this part as he is older than two at adoption time. But the rest of the physical was fine. The doctor asked about his leg the scar is really crazy. And we asked about the dark round scars all over - still being told it is reaction to bug bites being itched too much... not sure. He has a cough like mine and we're worried it might be something worse down the road. For now we're trying to let him get some good naps and food down the hatch. He did great on his first flight last night sitting by Bill for over three hours b/c of all the delays. He's waking up now from a little morning nap after all the medical stuff...
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
China
Ah, the land of a 1,000 smells...995 of which can offend your senses in 5 seconds or less!
The only place we've experienced such staring as common place - at Benj b/c of his lip.
Where 80-100% humidity makes you feel like you're sweating the entire day despite the air temp.
A place that makes you empathetic for asthma suffers in a matter of days as the wheezing sets in.
Where the people that appreciate your good deeds throw free things at you with a thumbs up - make that three new pairs of kids jeans!
Land of the only child equals land of the spoiled children, whew!
Fashion, "matching," and all other things even remotely American or European are out the window in favor of covering all skin from head to toe for fear of skin getting darker - this means rainbow hues from hat to shirts and shoes and pants.
Women's shoes take on another level of fashion in their own right. No matter what the rest of the attire it is still ok to wear the most awesome (in the eye of the owner) pair of bejeweled, platform or high heal shoe. Toes hanging over? No issue either.
Babies are still tied to their mamas backs to be carried around the market all day.
Peeing in public and even on sidewalks is just fine if you're still little.
Relieving the flem built up from the affects of the smog is just fine no matter where or when or age. Watch your step!!
Horns on electric scooters and cars are meant to be used especially when within 6" of hitting a person. Sure to make them jump right out of your way. Fun to watch no matter where it happens.
Tea served every where you go. Each for a different purpose.
Overpopulation means standing so close you can smell one of those 995 smells mentioned above.
These are just a few for now...as Olaf would say "all good things, all good things." Just completely different!
The only place we've experienced such staring as common place - at Benj b/c of his lip.
Where 80-100% humidity makes you feel like you're sweating the entire day despite the air temp.
A place that makes you empathetic for asthma suffers in a matter of days as the wheezing sets in.
Where the people that appreciate your good deeds throw free things at you with a thumbs up - make that three new pairs of kids jeans!
Land of the only child equals land of the spoiled children, whew!
Fashion, "matching," and all other things even remotely American or European are out the window in favor of covering all skin from head to toe for fear of skin getting darker - this means rainbow hues from hat to shirts and shoes and pants.
Women's shoes take on another level of fashion in their own right. No matter what the rest of the attire it is still ok to wear the most awesome (in the eye of the owner) pair of bejeweled, platform or high heal shoe. Toes hanging over? No issue either.
Babies are still tied to their mamas backs to be carried around the market all day.
Peeing in public and even on sidewalks is just fine if you're still little.
Relieving the flem built up from the affects of the smog is just fine no matter where or when or age. Watch your step!!
Horns on electric scooters and cars are meant to be used especially when within 6" of hitting a person. Sure to make them jump right out of your way. Fun to watch no matter where it happens.
Tea served every where you go. Each for a different purpose.
Overpopulation means standing so close you can smell one of those 995 smells mentioned above.
These are just a few for now...as Olaf would say "all good things, all good things." Just completely different!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
New son!ba
It's official we have a new little son! The actual gotcha was one of the most dramatic ones we've experienced - pulling up in the van we saw Ian and his SWI worker walking across our path. Benj and I couldn't get out of the van fast enough - there he is! Our guide looked at me like I was crazy, how did I know? Ah, duh, because he looked just like the pictures we've been staring at for months!
Benj offered him his back pack. He wouldn't look at us, went limp and was absolutely scared to death. Taking cues from the past and what was happening around us neither Daddy nor I tried to pick him up. We let Benj offer toys from the back pack, let him warm up and then within minutes he was in Daddy's arms without screaming or crying. There were three other families there - one French, one from Spain (not sure), and one other American. Our guide was pushing fast and furious to get the papers signed, get it through efficiently and oh by the way, let's sign it all today. She had a system of me signing it all first then Bill so it went even smoother. For the first time in awhile we had a guide who really knew her stuff. And all this despite the fact we were the first ones through a new process in this province. Of course we were the first ones through! So far, though, I think it went really smoothly. We've got everything except the passport which we hope to have tomorrow, Thursday, here.
The office was really small. All the families had their own guides, SWI staff, drivers etc. Add to it the loud menacing storm outside and it was drama all around. Loud thunder undoing some of the kiddos, screaming and crying from kiddos who didn't want to be held by these new parents and grabbing for nannies as they departed. Benj almost lost it several times, trying not to cry. He was anxious and stressed. When we returned again the next day to finalize all the documents it was much calmer. The newly adopted little ones were toddling around happy, drinks or snacks and toys in hand. So many of the older workers just smiled in amazement at how they took to their new parents.
Benj was getting sticky stuff on him...he then discovered why - rat traps! He actually got stuck on one - poor guy! We laughed pretty hard at that one saying there must be rats the size of Benj in that office :)
When it was time for the Wen Shan staff to depart Ian didn't flinch or cry. No love loss there. He clearly only really knew his foster mother. He still looks at her picture daily and says mama. We feel lucky to have that picture. No baby pictures to be given to us, though...ugh, so upset about that. Even his finding ad was from when he was about two years old, not a baby.
Within the first 24 hours he is calling us Mama and Ba - asking us to hold him, asking to get up in our arms, snuggling in, loves being tickled and wrestling on the bed. He is really adjusting pretty darn good!! Only sobbed to sleep that first night and now is falling asleep quickly for nap and night time.
He is all boy -the rougher the better. Went nuts over the ride on cars and toy trucks and tanks in the store yesterday. He knew to start throwing a fit to try and get what he wanted, hmmm, not good! He reminds me of MH bc he gets soo excited when we go to eat in the hotel restaurant. He is great at walking along with us holding hands. When we carry him we have to be really careful b/c his leg that has the metal bar definitely hurts from time to time. He loves Benj and really watches and imitates what he does. He is already repeating several words we have and babbling away in Chinese all the time... even singing as he walks along! I keep saying this older kiddo thing is so easy - he likes to do things himself but also loves our help.
There are some things that aren't so thrilling though...all the unanswered questions. He has marks all over his body and when we asked the staff said they had no idea of them. No worries, I showed them. The answer was as ridiculous as you can imagine - oh, he has sensitive skin. He itched. Really? The area between his shoulder blades he itched? And so many questions about why we can't get pictures of him from the last three years? I'm sure that someone snapped a picture in the first 12 months. It is maddening knowing that what we're being told is either half truth for flat lie. and out of respect we must just smile and say "ok."
This area of China is really unique. Lots of Aussies here! So green and much fresher air than other places we've been. The park near our hotel is having "Lotus Festival" with huge lotus plants and flowers covering parts of the lake - they are awesome!! Along the leaves and roots Benj spotted a rat - there is something with him and these local rodents! Today is our free day. Tomorrow we're going to some tourist place to see first hand many different ethnic minorities. Benj is hitting his wall with all the walking. He was in tears by the time we got to dinner last night. He is trying the food but we can tell he'd give his soul for a Skyline three way right now :) The food here is really spicy - even Daddy hit a limit which is really hot!
Ian does not like the bath or sitting in the tub - but he needed it last night so we battled through the screaming and tears to get that hair scrubbed. He thinks if he whines he will get what he wants - oh boy, he has a lot to learn in our family :) For now lots of redirecting to divert his attention!
He goes to the potty ALL THE TIME! He is potty trained and asks to go about every 45 minutes or more. We think he likes washing his hands more than anything - ah, a boy after my heart!
His cleft is REALLY wide...I'm a little scared of what they will say about that. Between that and his leg I think he's got some big battles ahead. But with how quickly he is trusting and bonding to us I think he will overcome what lies ahead medically. I just can't wait for Dr. Staat, our international doc, to get her hands on him...so many questions!!
So two more days here and then we're off. Daddy is shopping for a carrier or stroller to help him navigate the airports. The guide kept telling us, no, you don't need that. Until I finally pointed, yes, he will need some help navigating the airport solo. Luckily there is only one lay over on the way home and it is quick.
So overall adoption part is going really well! He is just going with the flow and our paper work seems to have gone smoothly as well. Some days get a little long here but hopefully hotter weather in the next city will help pass the time with swimming for the boys...
Benj offered him his back pack. He wouldn't look at us, went limp and was absolutely scared to death. Taking cues from the past and what was happening around us neither Daddy nor I tried to pick him up. We let Benj offer toys from the back pack, let him warm up and then within minutes he was in Daddy's arms without screaming or crying. There were three other families there - one French, one from Spain (not sure), and one other American. Our guide was pushing fast and furious to get the papers signed, get it through efficiently and oh by the way, let's sign it all today. She had a system of me signing it all first then Bill so it went even smoother. For the first time in awhile we had a guide who really knew her stuff. And all this despite the fact we were the first ones through a new process in this province. Of course we were the first ones through! So far, though, I think it went really smoothly. We've got everything except the passport which we hope to have tomorrow, Thursday, here.
The office was really small. All the families had their own guides, SWI staff, drivers etc. Add to it the loud menacing storm outside and it was drama all around. Loud thunder undoing some of the kiddos, screaming and crying from kiddos who didn't want to be held by these new parents and grabbing for nannies as they departed. Benj almost lost it several times, trying not to cry. He was anxious and stressed. When we returned again the next day to finalize all the documents it was much calmer. The newly adopted little ones were toddling around happy, drinks or snacks and toys in hand. So many of the older workers just smiled in amazement at how they took to their new parents.
Benj was getting sticky stuff on him...he then discovered why - rat traps! He actually got stuck on one - poor guy! We laughed pretty hard at that one saying there must be rats the size of Benj in that office :)
When it was time for the Wen Shan staff to depart Ian didn't flinch or cry. No love loss there. He clearly only really knew his foster mother. He still looks at her picture daily and says mama. We feel lucky to have that picture. No baby pictures to be given to us, though...ugh, so upset about that. Even his finding ad was from when he was about two years old, not a baby.
Within the first 24 hours he is calling us Mama and Ba - asking us to hold him, asking to get up in our arms, snuggling in, loves being tickled and wrestling on the bed. He is really adjusting pretty darn good!! Only sobbed to sleep that first night and now is falling asleep quickly for nap and night time.
He is all boy -the rougher the better. Went nuts over the ride on cars and toy trucks and tanks in the store yesterday. He knew to start throwing a fit to try and get what he wanted, hmmm, not good! He reminds me of MH bc he gets soo excited when we go to eat in the hotel restaurant. He is great at walking along with us holding hands. When we carry him we have to be really careful b/c his leg that has the metal bar definitely hurts from time to time. He loves Benj and really watches and imitates what he does. He is already repeating several words we have and babbling away in Chinese all the time... even singing as he walks along! I keep saying this older kiddo thing is so easy - he likes to do things himself but also loves our help.
There are some things that aren't so thrilling though...all the unanswered questions. He has marks all over his body and when we asked the staff said they had no idea of them. No worries, I showed them. The answer was as ridiculous as you can imagine - oh, he has sensitive skin. He itched. Really? The area between his shoulder blades he itched? And so many questions about why we can't get pictures of him from the last three years? I'm sure that someone snapped a picture in the first 12 months. It is maddening knowing that what we're being told is either half truth for flat lie. and out of respect we must just smile and say "ok."
This area of China is really unique. Lots of Aussies here! So green and much fresher air than other places we've been. The park near our hotel is having "Lotus Festival" with huge lotus plants and flowers covering parts of the lake - they are awesome!! Along the leaves and roots Benj spotted a rat - there is something with him and these local rodents! Today is our free day. Tomorrow we're going to some tourist place to see first hand many different ethnic minorities. Benj is hitting his wall with all the walking. He was in tears by the time we got to dinner last night. He is trying the food but we can tell he'd give his soul for a Skyline three way right now :) The food here is really spicy - even Daddy hit a limit which is really hot!
Ian does not like the bath or sitting in the tub - but he needed it last night so we battled through the screaming and tears to get that hair scrubbed. He thinks if he whines he will get what he wants - oh boy, he has a lot to learn in our family :) For now lots of redirecting to divert his attention!
He goes to the potty ALL THE TIME! He is potty trained and asks to go about every 45 minutes or more. We think he likes washing his hands more than anything - ah, a boy after my heart!
His cleft is REALLY wide...I'm a little scared of what they will say about that. Between that and his leg I think he's got some big battles ahead. But with how quickly he is trusting and bonding to us I think he will overcome what lies ahead medically. I just can't wait for Dr. Staat, our international doc, to get her hands on him...so many questions!!
So two more days here and then we're off. Daddy is shopping for a carrier or stroller to help him navigate the airports. The guide kept telling us, no, you don't need that. Until I finally pointed, yes, he will need some help navigating the airport solo. Luckily there is only one lay over on the way home and it is quick.
So overall adoption part is going really well! He is just going with the flow and our paper work seems to have gone smoothly as well. Some days get a little long here but hopefully hotter weather in the next city will help pass the time with swimming for the boys...
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Monday in Kunming
Hi all,
we had a fun last hot day in Beijing Sunday here. Saw the Forbidden City and Benj really appreciated it all from the moat around it to the intricate painting on the buildings to the views into where the Empresses slept. So cool.
By the time we got to Tiananmen Square it was so hot Bill had to carry Benj on his back. Last time we were here 7 years ago we just walked onto the square. Yesterday there were lines to cross the street with police at each side - a mad house surrounding the timing of the anniversary of it all. Benj had no idea what the heck that was so we just snapped some pix and headed out to lunch.
He wants me to tell everyone the funny popsicle story - he was so hot and we kept getting ice cream for him. He picked out a popsicle and guide started giggling and whispered to me it is a green bean popsicle. He thought it was grape and took one bite and almost threw the thing...needless to say Daddy and I enjoyed it! Bean paste is used to sweeten lots of stuff here so we liked it :)
I finally got to try Peking duck - it was yummy! Gotta find that Beijing sauce or try to make it myself, it was awesome!
The smog in the city was so crazy yesterday - like a total white out - no horizon, no sky weird! And they were telling us over and over how little it rains there now - complete environmental disaster!!
Daddy and I couldn't keep awake on flight here. Benj is like energizer bunny just going and going. He loves it all and completely trusts we know what we're doing - it's so cute!
Our guide here is Nancy. She really has great English so I'm hopeful to get some answers to questions about Ian's first three years today...ie we have no idea when he came into care or how long he was in foster care etc. Gotta be careful how much to push and also how to time the question of the broken leg - saving that for last :)
We will meet him at 2:30 at government office. Other families here to adopt too, we're told by our guide. Ian's passport was prepared last week by his orphanage so less waiting for us - horray!!
For some reason I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be. The guide seemed to think most of the kiddos are well prepared and I've gone over every possible 'what-if' I can think of for now. Benj is asking over and over again if he can be the first to touch him :) Sure, why not!
Off to finish getting ready this morning, to bank for the big money change over (I'll be relieved to get rid of that wad!) and to conjure up my list of questions...I guess being through this four times before I sort know it is only a 50/50 shot we'll get the answers. I've already asked for a baby picture and they said they didn't have one...
Big thanks the all our fam in IN this weekend for watching the trio there. We know it isn't easy and appreciate helping over the weekend!!
Hope every one had a great Father's Day - we get a new son for our Father's Day!!
Benj is wearing his yellow shirt to meet Ian today - he learned yellow here is the color of the emperor!
we had a fun last hot day in Beijing Sunday here. Saw the Forbidden City and Benj really appreciated it all from the moat around it to the intricate painting on the buildings to the views into where the Empresses slept. So cool.
By the time we got to Tiananmen Square it was so hot Bill had to carry Benj on his back. Last time we were here 7 years ago we just walked onto the square. Yesterday there were lines to cross the street with police at each side - a mad house surrounding the timing of the anniversary of it all. Benj had no idea what the heck that was so we just snapped some pix and headed out to lunch.
He wants me to tell everyone the funny popsicle story - he was so hot and we kept getting ice cream for him. He picked out a popsicle and guide started giggling and whispered to me it is a green bean popsicle. He thought it was grape and took one bite and almost threw the thing...needless to say Daddy and I enjoyed it! Bean paste is used to sweeten lots of stuff here so we liked it :)
I finally got to try Peking duck - it was yummy! Gotta find that Beijing sauce or try to make it myself, it was awesome!
The smog in the city was so crazy yesterday - like a total white out - no horizon, no sky weird! And they were telling us over and over how little it rains there now - complete environmental disaster!!
Daddy and I couldn't keep awake on flight here. Benj is like energizer bunny just going and going. He loves it all and completely trusts we know what we're doing - it's so cute!
Our guide here is Nancy. She really has great English so I'm hopeful to get some answers to questions about Ian's first three years today...ie we have no idea when he came into care or how long he was in foster care etc. Gotta be careful how much to push and also how to time the question of the broken leg - saving that for last :)
We will meet him at 2:30 at government office. Other families here to adopt too, we're told by our guide. Ian's passport was prepared last week by his orphanage so less waiting for us - horray!!
For some reason I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be. The guide seemed to think most of the kiddos are well prepared and I've gone over every possible 'what-if' I can think of for now. Benj is asking over and over again if he can be the first to touch him :) Sure, why not!
Off to finish getting ready this morning, to bank for the big money change over (I'll be relieved to get rid of that wad!) and to conjure up my list of questions...I guess being through this four times before I sort know it is only a 50/50 shot we'll get the answers. I've already asked for a baby picture and they said they didn't have one...
Big thanks the all our fam in IN this weekend for watching the trio there. We know it isn't easy and appreciate helping over the weekend!!
Hope every one had a great Father's Day - we get a new son for our Father's Day!!
Benj is wearing his yellow shirt to meet Ian today - he learned yellow here is the color of the emperor!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
hurry!
hurry to write to my family before pages disappear mysteriously again...
China is even better than we remembered!
Benj said over and over "I wanna die" on the Great Wall b/c it was that darn hot. A couple popsicles, t-shirt and hat and he was skipping up to another elevation. So crazy to witness things thru the mind of an 8 year old. He was excited but overwhelmed at the strength it took to climb up.
he got to see master carvers working with jade today and how they made our happy family ball we have at home from his trip 7 years ago. Benj thinks it's awesome when they serve watermelon every where we eat. We haven't found a food we didn't like yet. We even got to try lechee nuts today - yum! He is dieing to buy a panda bear, they are every where. I think we are waiting until Kunming. he is trying to listen to long stories of legend about the great wall or the ming dynasty but he chirps off happily onto another topic.
Benj hardly complained about the walking at all today except for the heat. Thank God for sugary soda like Fanta in China - woohoo. Benj, Bill and I are all learning things this trip we didn't know before. like when someone asked Benj how old he is he held up 8 fingers. no, that's now how they do it here. so our guide showed us all the numbers with her fingers and benj got it right away. enough so he used it while shopping tonight to tell people when they asked how old he is.
he really misses suz a lot. when she cries it is making him upset too. I hope in the next 24 hours meeting his new little brother will give him something to focus on...
One thing I won't forget is that Benj goes 100% until he just is ready to drop. He is good a going with the flow and isn't fussing too much about anything.
I feel sorry that this city has not much experience seeing a child with cleft. Tonight in McDonald's I watched as a father tried to explain to his daughter around the same age what is going on with his lips and why they look the way they do. If he had seen it would have enraged or embarrassed him. Instead we have to realize it simply is what it is...trying to understand something that gets hidden away from mainstream society here. Something that is frowned upon. Too bad for them, it is our win to have such an awesome son!!
It always amazes me too how much dirt and grit is in this city. I mean store owners wiping off merchandise daily from this grit that blows through the air...what is it? where does it come from? cars some of them covered in it so thick you can't see through the windows.
the Olympic park was pretty amazing! smack dab in the middle of this huge city a state of the art stadium that seats 91,000 and a swimming complex as well as gymnastics arena are built to house the masses. amazing!
some other random notes as I try to let myself get tired here...
- thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle Jon for the send of dinner!! It hit the spot!
- thanks to the army helping at home to keep the kids happy, entertained, and comfy we know it seems long but by this time next week I'll be home again
- Sykpe seems to be sending Suz over the edge so maybe we'll lessen that for now until we get Ian.
- it is really hard on benj (and us too) to see suz crying - he ran under the covers and tried to hide his own tears. He is still so worn out from time change and long day of activities. It's hard that none of us can calm her from here. Glad she gets over it quickly...
- we saw so many little boys out tonight and thought of Ian the whole time...we are getting really anxious, nervous and excited to meet him. not sure how the first few hours together will go but we hope for the best and are prepared for the worst. if no one else gets a gift outside of Beijing you'll know why:)
- the beds are hard, darn, how did I forget that? I mean, really hard!
-BBC is my new best friend, again! 10 years ago in Russia it was our only option for English speaking tv
- benj is learning to take long rides and walks with no electronics in hand - amazing!
- and this darn time change has me awake at what, midnight now, that and the coke I had at McDonald's aren't helping me...off to try a little sleepy pill for some help.
China is even better than we remembered!
Benj said over and over "I wanna die" on the Great Wall b/c it was that darn hot. A couple popsicles, t-shirt and hat and he was skipping up to another elevation. So crazy to witness things thru the mind of an 8 year old. He was excited but overwhelmed at the strength it took to climb up.
he got to see master carvers working with jade today and how they made our happy family ball we have at home from his trip 7 years ago. Benj thinks it's awesome when they serve watermelon every where we eat. We haven't found a food we didn't like yet. We even got to try lechee nuts today - yum! He is dieing to buy a panda bear, they are every where. I think we are waiting until Kunming. he is trying to listen to long stories of legend about the great wall or the ming dynasty but he chirps off happily onto another topic.
Benj hardly complained about the walking at all today except for the heat. Thank God for sugary soda like Fanta in China - woohoo. Benj, Bill and I are all learning things this trip we didn't know before. like when someone asked Benj how old he is he held up 8 fingers. no, that's now how they do it here. so our guide showed us all the numbers with her fingers and benj got it right away. enough so he used it while shopping tonight to tell people when they asked how old he is.
he really misses suz a lot. when she cries it is making him upset too. I hope in the next 24 hours meeting his new little brother will give him something to focus on...
One thing I won't forget is that Benj goes 100% until he just is ready to drop. He is good a going with the flow and isn't fussing too much about anything.
I feel sorry that this city has not much experience seeing a child with cleft. Tonight in McDonald's I watched as a father tried to explain to his daughter around the same age what is going on with his lips and why they look the way they do. If he had seen it would have enraged or embarrassed him. Instead we have to realize it simply is what it is...trying to understand something that gets hidden away from mainstream society here. Something that is frowned upon. Too bad for them, it is our win to have such an awesome son!!
It always amazes me too how much dirt and grit is in this city. I mean store owners wiping off merchandise daily from this grit that blows through the air...what is it? where does it come from? cars some of them covered in it so thick you can't see through the windows.
the Olympic park was pretty amazing! smack dab in the middle of this huge city a state of the art stadium that seats 91,000 and a swimming complex as well as gymnastics arena are built to house the masses. amazing!
some other random notes as I try to let myself get tired here...
- thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle Jon for the send of dinner!! It hit the spot!
- thanks to the army helping at home to keep the kids happy, entertained, and comfy we know it seems long but by this time next week I'll be home again
- Sykpe seems to be sending Suz over the edge so maybe we'll lessen that for now until we get Ian.
- it is really hard on benj (and us too) to see suz crying - he ran under the covers and tried to hide his own tears. He is still so worn out from time change and long day of activities. It's hard that none of us can calm her from here. Glad she gets over it quickly...
- we saw so many little boys out tonight and thought of Ian the whole time...we are getting really anxious, nervous and excited to meet him. not sure how the first few hours together will go but we hope for the best and are prepared for the worst. if no one else gets a gift outside of Beijing you'll know why:)
- the beds are hard, darn, how did I forget that? I mean, really hard!
-BBC is my new best friend, again! 10 years ago in Russia it was our only option for English speaking tv
- benj is learning to take long rides and walks with no electronics in hand - amazing!
- and this darn time change has me awake at what, midnight now, that and the coke I had at McDonald's aren't helping me...off to try a little sleepy pill for some help.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
For our kids
Starting a written blog for the family here at home to follow along. Not sure how easy it will be to connect with facebook in China so this is where I'll post longer descriptions of what is happening while B is seeing China for the first time since he came home and for the time I'm there meeting Ian and finally for hubby to be there the final week with the two boys.
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