Wednesday, October 21st
Today we had a few things on the agenda. We had the traditional "red couch" and group photos...brings back memories! Then some swimming (brrr...a little cold for me!) and then the trip to the US Consulate for the Oath Taking Ceremony. Tomorrow Qian gets her visa to travel to the US! We had dinner at Lucy's and did some shopping...An early night for all!
Tuesday, October 20th
Time is flying by! We are really enjoying our time in China. It's fun to watch the girls playing, arguing, laughing, and bonding...love is a universal language!
Today was a rainy day in Guangzhou. The special event of the day was the blessing by a monk at the Buddhist temple. Then shopping, eating, schoolwork, repeat! This is the life!
Thanks for all your emails, Skypes, love, and support!
Monday, October 19th.
This morning we went with 3 other Great Wall Families for a little morning tour. We went to a beautiful park where we watched people dancing, doing Tai Chi, and exercising. We "played" on the exercise playground a bit, and Sophia, Qian, and some others in the group played badminton with a local man. Qian went on her 1st roller coaster ride, while Sophia played it safe on the merry-go-round. Next stop was Carrefour, a local department store. We bought a few things, including some Chinese music CD's-a 3 pack for a little more than a dollar! Qian had her TB test checked at the clinic, and thankfully all is well. Playground, shopping, swimming, and out to dinner (La Dolce Vita-yum!), and now we're back at the hotel and tired!!
Side note..Qian is doing very well speaking English. One of the ways she practices is to mimic us. It's embarrassing, but 1 of the 1st things she learned to say (in my voice and tone!) was "STOP IT SOPHIA!!"
Sunday, October 18th
Today was a great shopping day! We met our guide Kelly this morning and started off at the Temple of the Chen Family. Beautiful architecture, nice shops and interesting artwork-embroidery, scroll paintings, crafts, etc. Then we went to the Pearl Market where I bought a lot of jewelry, and could have easily bought more! We did some shopping for Qian- some cute shirts and sandals. We ate lunch at McDonald's, then more shopping. Next was the very interesting Qing Ping Market, a large street market where they have lots of animals-turtles, cats, dogs, fish, etc. (pets or food?!), spices, ingredients for Chinese medicine, and unique things to eat-seahorses, worms, etc. We returned to the hotel, went swimming, and had dinner with some new friends we met here at the White Swan.
Saturday, October 17th
If you have been to the White Swan Hotel, you know what I mean when I say the breakfast buffet is amazing! For petite Chinese girls, Sophia and Jessica can really pack it away! I love the fact that Jessica LOVES chocolate...a real Cerky girl! She sees nothing wrong with having a chocolate croissant for breakfast (neither do I!) We met Kelly for Jessica's medical appointment. Jessica was very brave, even when she was told she needed 3 shots. Sophia kept asking "I don't need any shots, right, mom?!" After the medical, we went to the playground so the girls could have a little fun. Then off to Lucy's for lunch, some quick shopping, a little horseplay in the room, a nice long swim, and back to eating! Some more shopping (Chinese contemporary music for Jessica and a badminton set and parasol for Sophia.) A little more playtime, and now the girls are snuggled together in bed. Life is good!
Friday, October 16th
Today was Qian's 1st time on an airplane! Except for a look of concern during some turbulence, and an ear ache during the descent, she did great! We arrived at the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou in the late afternoon. I forgot how much I liked this hotel! So many families with adopted children-it's like a family reunion with strangers! Our guide, Kelly is wonderful! We relaxed a bit, then went exploring. Did I mention that there is GREAT shopping in Guangzhou?!
Thursday, October 15th
Today can be summed up in 1 word...FUN! We started at a beautiful garden with the most amazing flower displays. Next was a drive past Qian's finding spot, although it looks nothing like it did 11 years ago. We then went to a tea tasting party where we tried about 7 different teas. We stopped off for a big lunch. Qian LOVES spicy food! Sophia was in awe as she watched Qian eat a fish with chopsticks! Then we returned to the hotel. The girls and I were being silly...pillow fights and tickling and so much laughing! (how immature and fun!) Next we explored the hotel, and spent some time at the indoor "playground" where they climbed, slid, cartwheeled, etc. Back to the room for some Chinese MTV while mom checked the email, then a walk to...PIZZA HUT!! I needed a change in culinary experience, and the food (thankfully!) was enjoyed by all! We are really bonding as a family! I enjoy watching the girls interact...it is everything I had prayed for regarding a sister for Sophia. And I love the Qian-initiated displays of affection! Side note...It is obvious to the Chinese people that I don't speak Chinese, but they assume Sophia does...so they have entire conversations with her, as we stand there mutely smiling and nodding. Sometimes I forget myself, and say, "Sophia, ask Qian...", and Sophia repeats in English what I just said. And my favorite...when Sophia thinks that Qian will understand if...she...just...speaks...to...her...slowly!
Wednesday, October 14th
Wednesday, October 14th
This morning we took a drive to Stone Forest, a well-known Chinese attraction. For more info, please check out this site:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/yunnan/kunming/stone_forest.htmFabulous hiking, scenery, and photo ops...
We stopped at a nice restaurant for lunch and bought a few souvenirs. Then it was off to the silk factory (I just can't spend my $ fast enough!), and back to the hotel for some schoolwork. English for Jessica and reading for Sophia-although they had fun helping each other!
Jerry, our guide, brought the paperwork from the notary, along with tonight's dinner. We took a walk after we ate, then came back to the hotel and listened to piano music (live), which all of us enjoyed very much. Back to the room for showers (Jessica asked me to help her wash her hair!) and early bed...the girls are exhausted from their running, climbing, and playing today.
A dish of fried rice in China, 4RMB; a round trip coach ticket from JFK, $1099; the sight of my girls holding hands, snuggling, and giggling together...priceless!
October 12
This morning we took a trip to the orphanage, where Qian spent the first 3 years of her life, as well as the few days before we met her. I was proud to see that she was warmly received by orphanage staff and all the children with whom she came in contact. She's an amazing girl! Thank you, Evan H. for your orphanage donation of cleft lip/palate bottles! The orphanage was immaculate and appeared to have beautiful facilities with a caring staff.
Next we stopped at a jade factory where we bought the girls zodiac pendants, bracelets, and a few souvenirs for family and friends.
Later we went to lunch at a local "noodle shop". Qian loved it, Sophia tolerated it, and I have found my new diet. Eat everything with chopsticks!
Green Park was next with beautiful scenery and lots of people dancing the Chinese "minority" folk dances. There was also a "Chucky Cheese " type of game area which the girls loved...Lastly, we went to eat at a very reasonably priced restaurant that Sophia once again slept through...
We are making great progress...while I understand and expect the grieving, it's upsetting to hear your daughter crying. Tonight we read the flashcards in English and Chinese (thanks, Donna!) We also read some of her school books and I found a perfect web site that translates (for free) from English to Chinese . All in all a good day!!
Introducing...Qian!
It's been about an hour and a half, and I had to write immediately...she is beautiful and sweet and I was worried for nothing! Having Sophia here is great...they have already bonded, as you can see from the pictures. I can't find the TV remote, so we 1st gave her some gifts, and she gave us some. Then we played a matching game, she did a word search puzzle in English, and now my girls (!) are playing with their DS's!! Too cute! I got a ton of smiles and a great hug, and heard her say "mama"! Even if she IS 11, I'm getting a lot of "firsts"! She speaks a little English, but it IS tough to communicate... I'm SO happy, and I know you will see why when you meet her. Thanks for your support through all of this!
Love, Kathy, Sophia, and ?!?not sure of her name!
Almost here!!!
She's here...well, ALMOST here! It's going on 3:00 pm and she is expected anytime from 3:00 on. We are SOOO excited! Sophia couldn't sleep all night..."is my sister here yet?" every 5 minutes! And I had panic attacks and labor pains all night! BTW, I can't blog or Facebook from here, so we will have to go to plan 2...ready Stef?! We will write back/Skype as soon as things calm down, but...OMGosh...SHE'S HERE!!! Gotta run!
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She is not in China.....but wishes she was....
It's hard to believe that we are leaving for China in 8 days!! I've been feeling a bit anxious lately...wishing I knew that Qian was well prepared for her adoption. Hoping that she is as excited as we are! There are a million things to do, but I'm taking it a day at a time...I came across this video on youtube. Please watch if you have a moment. I KNOW we are going to be a happy family!! Praying for a smooth transition for all!
.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQjObgmNbmE
Half a World Away
A half a world away, Sometimes it seems we're so far apart.
But a half a world away, Is not too far for a journey of the heart.
My little one, my precious joy, I'm waiting for you.
My precious daughter, my little girl, I know you're waiting too.
A half a world away, A child waits for a family of her own.
While a half a world away, A family waits to come bring her home.
My little one, my precious joy, I'm whispering a prayer.
My precious daughter, my little girl, I hope to soon be there.
A half a world away, So many months of waiting are past.
A half a world away, So many miles to bring you home at last.
My little one, my precious joy, You're finally home to stay.
My precious daughter, my little girl, We celebrate this day.
Knowing we will no longer be a half a world away.
Jill Marshall-Work, 1999
My agency called Friday to confirm our "Gotcha Day" is October 11th...that means we leave NY on October 9th! There's so much to do! Saturday I spent the day trying to make party plans for Sophia's 6th birthday. Sunday I ordered furniture for the girls' bedroom, to be delivered in 2 weeks. It's a simple white set-bed, dresser, and end table for each, so that if Qian wants her own room, the change will be easy. I already have the matching comforter sets. (pink, purple and white butterflies) Monday I went to get our visas in Manhattan. That went smoothly, thank goodness! ($320!!) Today I received notification that the updated I171-H is on its way. I also made our plane reservations! It's $50 less for Qian to fly 1 way than for Sophia to fly round trip! Lawrence from Delight Travel was wonderful! But it's still over $2700 for the 3 of us!! Today we got a special gift from a special Aunt...Thank you for your generosity, Aunt Mary Lou!! After waiting for so long from the original paperwork, it's hard to believe how fast things are moving now! I'm still thinking about names for my precious Qian. When I thought her name was pronounces Kee-on, I was just going to name her Kiana. Now I'm really agonizing! I will probably narrow it down to a few choices and let her pick.
Today I'm starting a blog as we prepare to meet our newest Cerky girl, Guan Qian. Qian is 11 years old, and she is from Kunming, Yunnan Province. When I began this journey for a second daughter over 2 years ago, my plan was to bring home a baby sister for my precious 3 1/2 year old, Sophia. Why I decided to look at older girls at that particular time is a mysterious blessing... because I found the girl who will make our family complete!
I was logged in 4/07, which explains the quick processing time. My agency, Great Wall China Adoptions, has been wonderful! Supportive, caring, helpful, kind, encouraging...I can't say enough good things about the people who work there! Here is my timeline:
LOI 7/21/09
PA 8/04/09
LSC 8/17/09 received; my acceptance letter arrived in China 9/01/09
TA 9/10/09
"Gotcha"/Family Day 10/11/09
I was very nervous when I first thought about adopting an older child. How would Sophia react? Would Qian want to come to America? Will she like us? Will I want to be around pre-teens ALL the time?! lol! I'm a middle school teacher, and I love this age group!
Now I'm living in a whirlwind...a happy, excited, chaotic whirlwind. Today I'll order the bedroom furniture. Then I'll plan Sophia's 6th birthday party, which I'll have in 3 weeks. Monday I'll apply for our visas. And I need to narrow down our choices for an American name.
I am grateful to our family and friends who have been so helpful and supportive. We are very blessed to have you in our lives!
