December 10th: Guangzhou!

December 10th: Guangzhou!

Did I mention how much I love this hotel?

It is so beautiful and clean with a Starbucks and grocery store on the first floor.  Mark brought me a latte early this morning before the girls woke up which was so nice.  The shower is so huge and has multiple jets- now I understand why people love those so much.

We were finally able to get Lexi in the shower (with me of course).  So far we have had to sponge bathe her because she was so afraid of the bathroom.  She loved the large shower though.   I don't know what I am going to do with another girl who likes the finer things in life.

This morning we had to drive over to Shamian Island so the children could undergo their medical evaluations.

All adopted children need to do this before the US consulate will issue a Visa for them to enter the US.  There is only one clinic.  There were many other families there as well from other adoption agencies- it was completely chaotic. You have to bring your child to 3 different stations and then if they are over 2 years old, they must get a TB test.  I was totally prepared for a meltdown, as the doctors are poking & prodding,
etc.  Much to my surprise, Lexi did great!= She was more facinated by everything. She weighs about 30 pounds- wow.  One of the Doctors was asking about her hearing loss, and after squeaking a toy in her ear she decided that Lexi could hear some with her left hear.  However, she wanted another Doctor to specifically examine her hearing, so we followed them into another room.   A women stood in front of Lexi
with a squeaky toy and moved it behind her ear and squeezed it, then repeated this several times on each ear.  Of course Lexi is watching them doing this and following it all with her eyes.  We were thinking- really?
Very scientific.  When it came time for the shot, Lexi squirmed for a second, but really just watched closely- she is so inquisitive & watches everything.  I am so happy to have that exam behind us. 

After we finished, we decided to walk around the island.   It was a beautiful day, and this is where we stayed for almost 3 weeks when we came to China to adopt Mia.   Although the rooms at the White Swan Hotel are closed for renovations, the main level is open.  We went in and showed Mia where we stayed with her when we were here 5 years ago this month.  The hotel is so pretty and I am so happy we were able to take pictures.  We ate lunch at Lucy's for old times sake, then did some shopping. There were so many brides & grooms doing photo sessions throughout the gardens on the Island.  I must say that Guangzhou seems much cleaner and less hazy than it was 5 years ago. 

A little more on Lexi: she has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen, she giggles alot, and she frequently snorts when she laughs, which cracks all of us up.  Lexi also loves having something in her hair.  If she reaches up and her bow is missing, she will come up to me and point to her head until I put one in.  At first I thought that the hair extension barrette she came to us wearing would get *lost* somehow, but I decided to keep it (hide it from her), so she can have it later.  

 Lexi has repeated the following signs: water, eat, cereal, sleep, no, beautiful and a few others, and she definitely understands water, eat, sleep,
& no if I sign them.

Lexi seems to be attaching very well- very similar to the way Mia did, and I am so grateful.  Lexi is also playing alot more with Mia now, which is so cute to see. One family in our travel group has a new son who is having a difficult time- please keep him in your prayers.

December 9: Heading to Guangzhou!

Today was pretty much a hurry up & wait kind of a day that ended up being one of the longest days ever- and not in a good way.

Lexi started the day having a melt down because she didn't want to change out of her pajamas. She is very sweet and very stubborn. Tracey- I know you are laughing right now :) We left for the airport around 3:00 for a 6:00 flight. It is no easy feat getting 10 families and 12 newly adopted kids through security. Lexi was fascinated by the pat-downs. Thank goodness that there was a kids playground right next to our gate. Lexi let Mia sit behind her as they went down the slide and I think it really helped Lexi feel more comfortable around Mia.  Mia is also really enjoying hanging out with some of the older girls that are here with their families. One girl is 11 years old and she was adopted from China 3 years ago.  She is so sweet to Mia. Her parents are adopting their 7th & 8th child from China during this trip- amazing!

We then shoved some noodles down the girls' throats only to find out that our flight was delayed. Lexi was wound up after the playtime so by the time we boarded 1 1/2 hours late I was completely exhausted.  The flight was totally full with the most cramped seats I have ever seen.  I could barely cross my legs and I am short! Lexi and I were in our own row, with a gentleman sitting in the aisle seat.  Lexi did not like the seatbelt but she was distracted pretty easily.  Mia slept, Lexi never did.  She never cried but she tends to squeal, which is a lot of fun ;) The gentleman next to us proceeded to get ill during the flight so I couldn't get off that plane fast enough. By the time we got to the hotel in Guangzhou it was after midnight. Lexi had fallen asleep during the drive to the hotel and when she woke up as we exited the bus she was so upset.  I can't imagine how confusing this all must be for her.  She did let me comfort her after a little while.

This day did have a happy ending- the China Marriott is absolutely beautiful! It made the tough journey worthwhile, and I am so glad that we are finishing the trip here.

December 8th: Shaolin Temple

December 8th: Shaolin Temple

Today we visited the Shaolin Temple.  I was worried about how Lexi would handle the 2 hour drive, but she slept most of the way there and most of the way back.  I should have been worried about the millions of steps that were there!  Wow, I feel like I can get through anything now after the day of touring we had.  It also turned out to be much colder than predicted, but I am glad that we went and saw some of the province where Lexi is from. 

We walked the grounds of the Temple, then through the Pagoda forest where the masoleums for the Monks stood.  After lunch we watched a live Kung Fu show.  Apparently Zhengzhou is the birthplace of Kung Fu, and there are several schools surrounding the Temple.  The show was good, and they even pulled some people from the audience to attempt to learn the movements, which was hilarious!

A few more thing we are learning about Lexi: she loves vegetables!    She is a good eater and she also seems to know when she is full.  She is still in LOVE with her shoes- as soon as she wakes up in the morning she has to put her shoes on.  Then she grabs her purse and wants to go. She knows how to apply chapstick and hand sanitizer. She puts everything in its place.   No melt-downs today  :)

She is warming up to Mark, Mia & Bobby alot more today.

We are all looking forward to Guangzhou- warmer weather, more dining options, and a park right next door to the hotel.  We fly there tomorrow afternoon.

December 7th: Bottle-sucking goldfish?

December 7th: Bottle-sucking goldfish?

Today we visited the Zhengzhou Aquarium.  I have to say it was quite nice, and a perfect place to take alot of kids.  They had a Koi pond and allowed people to feed them- using baby bottles! The fish practically jumped out of the water to get to the bottles. 

I was able to carry Lexi in the hip-hammock, because boy is she heavy!  She took a nap while we were there, so I am glad that she seems to sleep anywhere.  The funny thing is, when you lay her down to sleep, she puts a finger in her mouth and goes right down, so that is a blessing.  We are all sleeping through the night.

Lexi seems to be attaching really well to me, so I am very thankful.  However, I had forgotten what it is like to have a shadow at all times, even when I am showering.  The only downside has been that although Lexi plays with Mia, she won't let Mia hug her, which of course she is desperate to do.  This has been very difficult for Mia, but I keep telling her to be patient and Lexi will get more and more comfortable.  Lexi did let Mark hold her for a few minutes today, so we are making progress.

We are all happy & healthy.....enjoy the photos.  My nephew Bobby is taking all of the photos during this trip & we appreciate that so much.

December 6th: It's Official!

Today we officially became Lexi's parents! She went to sleep last night very easily, but of course she acted like she has never seen a crib.  Lexi and Mia laid in the bed while I slept horizontally at the foot of the bed.  The bed is so wide it worked out perfectly.  We all slept through the night.  When Lexi woke up in the morning she smiled and gave Mark and I a kiss.  So sweet. 

First, we went down to the Registry office to take a photo and sign paperwork.  A couple of the nannies from Lexi's orphanage were there which I wasn't expecting, but Lexi seemed ok about it and didn't cry.  We then went to the Notary office to take another photo and complete the adoption.  I had to carry Lexi up 6 flights of stairs- she is heavy, probably around 30 pounds.  We weren't interviewed like we were with Mia.  It was there where Lexi had her first official meltdown, and boy is she strong!  I am not sure if it is because she is teething or she was tired or if she was just pissed off.  After she let it out she was all smiles again. 

We took it easy in the afternoon and it's a good thing because Lexi also had her first blow-out.  Poor thing- I am sure the stress is overwhelming.  She is so funny- she points to her bottom when she is about to go, but she was very afraid of the western style toilets.  We lay a towel on the carpet to change her.  She waits until she is finished, helps me lay down the towel, then lays down and throws her legs up in the air.  Too funny.

Lexi is also very neat.  If one piece of food lands on her or her sock is falling off, she has to fix it. She  places her toys in one corner of the room and brings us our shoes.  She also LOVES the boots I brought for her.  I got very lucky on bringing the right size, and she wants them on as soon as she wakes up.

Lexi has repeated the signs for water and sleep, and she seems to be a quick learner, but she definitely is a two year old!  She understands the meaning of no, but she sure doesn't always like it.  She is only letting me hold her right now, and she lets me comfort her when she is upset.  Our guide told us that toddlers have the most difficult time adjusting because they just can't understand what is happening to them.  We feel that she is doing really well.

December 5th: Gotcha Day!

December 5th: Gotcha Day!

What an amazing day!  First I will start off by saying that we have Lexi and she is doing incredibly well, and we all feel so blessed.

This morning we went down to the Registry office with the 8 familes who would be receiving their child there.  We figured we could take photos for many of them, and it is truly an amazing, emotional experience to witness.  When we arrived, 2 of the children were already waiting inside, and the rest came in over the next hour.  It became a little chaotic, but it was so nice to see the kids united with their parents.  Some kids cried, some just looked sad, but many of them were already adjusting well within an hours time.  As it neared noon time, I was getting anxious to meet Lexi.  We were told that Lexi and one other little girl were arriving by train, and should be at the hotel by 1:00.  They told us to wait for her at the lobby by the 3rd floor elevator.  It was about 12:30 when we arrived back to the hotel, so we gathered the little back-pack and treats we brought for her and headed for the lobby.  Just about all of the other familes came to the lobby to support us- we have such an amazing group!  The other little girl came quickly and met her new mom.  I was staring at the elevator and it must have opened at least 5 times for other people.  My nerves were starting to go crazy.  At one point, a local Chinese man stepped off of the elevator and much to his surprise at least 30 Americans were there with cameras and video cameras pointing at him.  He said that he felt very honored :)  Finally, after all that drama, Lexi walked out holding the hand of a nanny.  I am sure she was overwhelmed, but she did not want anything to do with us, and when they finally handed her to me she started crying and wiggling.  Mark took over because boy is she strong!  She accepted the puffs that we gave her and was able to calm down.  We took her to our room (so she couldn't escape), where it would be a calmer environment for her.  She soon started to relax and smile.  Mia has been amazing with Lexi, even when Lexi isn't so sure about Mia, but so far they are doing very well together.

A few things we have learned about Lexi so far: she has plenty of smiles and giggles, she definitely can make her needs known, she can easily imitate others, she is able to understand some basic gestures, she is neat: she already put her shoes in the closet, threw her wet diaper away, put the crayons back in the box and put Mia's clothes on top of her suitcase.  She is a very busy girl- collected little papers around the hotel room, handed out her photo album to each of us, colored, and stacked blocks.  She had no problems eating or drinking today, and she let me know when her diaper was wet, and put the wipes back in the drawer.  It seems we also have another girly-girl.  The funny thing is, when she arrived I saw this curly hair on the back of her head.  I quickly realized that it was one of those hair extension hair clips- I thought really?  But I guess it is sweet that they wanted to dress her up for today.  Later, after I had taken it out, she pointed to it.  I picked it up and she ran over to me and bent her head down for me to put it on her.  I will have to hide it tomorrow :)

The Chinese believe in dressing children in many bulky layers to keep them healthy in the cold weather.  Lexi had so many layers on.  When I took the outer jacket off, she had quite a fit.  When I later realized that her diaper was wet, I was wondering how I was going to get all of those layers off of her without traumatizing her.  I took out an outfit I had brought for her.  As soon as I held it up for her she couldn't get her clothes off fast enough, and she even picked out shoes, socks and a headband to go with it.  Her smile is adorable, and by the end of the day she was running around laughing and having a good time.  She feel asleep quickly, laying her head on my hand, and I am hoping she does just as well tomorrow.

Day 2 and Day 3

Saturday, Dec. 3rd: Beijing, Day 2

Well, as crazy as the weather was yesterday, today it was clear and sunny- not a cloud in the sky.  We started off the day by visiting a local Jade Factory, and I was able to purchase a couple of pendants to give the girls when they are older.  Then we went to the Great Wall.  It really was incredible.   Much steeper than I thought, and the steps were so uneven it was quite a challenge.  My girly-girl Mia shot up to the second tower without any trouble!  Bobby and another guy from our group continued on to the highest point of the section we were visiting, and took some beautiful photos.  After lunch, we visited the Olympic Village and were able to see The Bird's Nest and The Water Cube.  Mark said it reminded him of Mallory Square because there were so many street vendors and performers.  We then went to see an Acrobatics show that was truly amazing!  We all enjoyed it so much and feel that we have had a nice taste of Beijing.  The traffic was a nightmare today, and our tour bus was hit by a car-only a broken headlight,  but I guess it is part of the full Beijing experience.  Mia seems to be enjoying China, but why not when she can have noodles everyday for breakfast!  She is even putting to use some of the Mandarin phrases she knows.

Tomorrow we head to Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province.  We will have the afternoon to settle in and relax, before receiving Lexi on Monday!

Sunday, Dec. 4th:  We made it to Zhengzhou!

This morning we took a short flight to Zhengzhou.  There are 12 kids arriving tomorrow from 9 different orphanages to be adopted by one of the 10 families in our travel group here.  How amazing is that?  We feel so lucky to again be a part of an experience where you can really see what love can do, and how lives can change.

We found out that most of the families will go to the Registry Office in the morning to receive their children, but Lexi and another child are coming from such a long distance that they are taking a train and will be brought to our hotel around noon.  We decided to go with the other families in the morning so that we could take pictures for them.

Please say a prayer for Lexi- that she has a safe journey, that she isn't too frightened, and that she has a smooth adjustment into her new family.  Mia is so excited, and we are too!  I can't believe this day is here- it is hard to believe after looking at her picture for so many months.

I will post as soon as I can.