Another early morning for us, and still a bit stiff. We were warned the beds in China are firm. It's something like sleeping on a box spring with no mattress. Breakfast at the hotel with eggs, kiwi juice, and even hot dogs and baked beans. Crazy mix of foods. Wil has a few "pet" fish in the Koi pond which he swears he has trained. When he holds out his hand they come over to him and come to the surface. Met Charlie, Debi and Ed's son, and he is a doll. After 45 minutes of crying after his caregiver left, he has been a happy, content little 18 month old cutie. You should see the looks we get as we "Americans" walk down the street now with a chinese baby BOY. Alex is still the most requested "photo", but all the boys took more pictures with overly friendly strangers today.
Photos from today
(If you can't see the Flash slideshow above, click here.)
Things are hectic at the hotel still because of the Chinese Government Convention. The same convention had the entire Tian An Mein Square closed down and guarded by armed guards today. We saw the square and Chairman Mao's photo as we walked through crowds into the Forbidden City, an amazing complex of open corridors and ornate rooms designed only for the emperor and his wives. We could also see clearly where much of the gold was scraped off by the British Soldiers during the British Occupation. Chris can not get over how "cheap" everything is once we convert from Yuan to Dollar, so he is filling our bags up quickly. The kids are also getting great practice at division as they try to calculate the prices of everything (divide by 7). On the way out of the city we were mobbed by venders selling everything, and Chris soon became an easy target.
We said goodbye for a few days to Mrs. Li and the other families while they headed to their children's provinces, and happily headed into the hotel for an afternoon "off". The kids most wanted to hit the indoor tennis court, so we went and played as a family. Sooo fun. They also have two squash courts, a bowling alley, billiards/chess rooms, and a professional style ping pong room. Maybe we find the indoor pool another day. We decided a simple american style meal in the hotel was the easiest bet tonight, and went to Outback Steak House, where Wil proceeded to fall asleep on the table and eat nothing. Jet lag is taking a toll and he slept until 4:30 this morning.
We all tried to turn in early today, because the big day is tomorrow. We head out in our little bus for a 4 1/2 hour drive to the capital of Anna Mei's province. At 2 PM we have an appointment to meet Anna Mei with her caretaker and the orphanage director. We hopefully will have some time to talk before we leave them and head to the notary and passport offices to finalize the Chinese side of Anna'a adoption. We then jump back on that bus with our new little girl for the long 4 1/2 hour drive back to Beijing. I am more than a bit nervous about how those first hours on that bus ride will go, so we have been preparing and overpacking for the trip. Hopefully the next entry will have some photos and good news to report.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
We climbed the mountain…
After our early start, we were starving by breakfast! The hotel breakfast had donuts, OJ that tasted like Tang, and plenty of the good old american eggs, bacon, and cereals to keep us happy…plus congee, lo mien noodles, fried rice, and dragon fruit! Mrs. Li marched us off to the Great Wall today. What an awe inspiring sight. To think it spans about 6,000 miles over these rugged mountaintops, and it was built stone by stone centuries ago. We climbed straight up steps that make Rocky look like a real wimp, but coming back down was even more scary.
Photos from today
(If you can't see the Flash slideshow above, click here.)
Then off to lunch and a stop at the Jade Factory! We watched the master carvers turn dirt covered brown lumps into white and green works of art. All the boys picked out a jade piece to match their chinese zodiac year; Christopher, dragon; Alex, snake; Wil, monkey (All so fitting, no?) Anna Mei was not forgotten, and scored a jade pendant representing the ox, her birth sign. We could not resist the temptation, and a new smiling buddha will bring love, luck and prosperity to all that visit our home and rub his tummy (Buddha's, not Chris's).
On to the Summer Palace, where Wil did NOT buy into the idea of "no rest for the weary". In his defense, he is fighting a sinus infection since the plane ride, and it was about 3 AM back on US time. While others walked along the lake, Wil and Mom rested on a rock enjoying the scene. We made a few friends as the locals here have no hesitation about walking up and asking to take pictures with us, especially the boys! Alex was the star today, as he gained the attention of quite a few young giggling chinese girls which had no problem coming up and asking him to take a picture. That is not to say Chris and Wil were left alone. I think most of their stranger "picture counts" today were above 5.
We thought we'd drop when Mrs. Li pulled into the silk factory, but we are thrilled we did! Two silk comforters and a chinese silk outfit for an older Anna Mei later, we walked out knowing how the silk worm grows, makes a cocoon and dies in 25 days leaving a single silk thread that can stretch out the length of one mile. Very cool.
We had to hurry back to the hotel as Ed and Debi from Philly were supposed to meet their son for the first time at the hotel tonight, but traffic did not cooperate. A LONG ride through insane traffic, a 2 minute stop to take a photo of the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium, and they arrived a bit late for "Charlie" and his caregivers. It was amazing to witness the beginning of a new family, knowing that Monday we would be doing the same.
One note about the photos, you will notice we had to travel as far as Beijing to find nice weather. It was "sunny" and about 68 degrees all day. Notice the sky in our photos. That is as sunny as it gets here. That is a permanent smog settled over the city. Mrs. Li mentioned that all factory work was shut down for days before the Olympic games to let the sky clear up. As soon as the games ended, it was back to business and polluted airways. Craziness!
Thrilled to be back at the hotel, but knowing we had to eat, Chris ran to one of the many KFC's we have seen in China while we showered up for bed. Worst KFC food we have ever had, but best choice for tonight. Everyone collapsed in exhaustion (leaving me in peace to write this). Tomorrow: Tian An Men Square, the Forbidden City, and an afternoon to ourselves to enjoy the hotel pool and indoor tennis court. One Day until Anna Mei.
Photos from today
(If you can't see the Flash slideshow above, click here.)
Then off to lunch and a stop at the Jade Factory! We watched the master carvers turn dirt covered brown lumps into white and green works of art. All the boys picked out a jade piece to match their chinese zodiac year; Christopher, dragon; Alex, snake; Wil, monkey (All so fitting, no?) Anna Mei was not forgotten, and scored a jade pendant representing the ox, her birth sign. We could not resist the temptation, and a new smiling buddha will bring love, luck and prosperity to all that visit our home and rub his tummy (Buddha's, not Chris's).
On to the Summer Palace, where Wil did NOT buy into the idea of "no rest for the weary". In his defense, he is fighting a sinus infection since the plane ride, and it was about 3 AM back on US time. While others walked along the lake, Wil and Mom rested on a rock enjoying the scene. We made a few friends as the locals here have no hesitation about walking up and asking to take pictures with us, especially the boys! Alex was the star today, as he gained the attention of quite a few young giggling chinese girls which had no problem coming up and asking him to take a picture. That is not to say Chris and Wil were left alone. I think most of their stranger "picture counts" today were above 5.
We thought we'd drop when Mrs. Li pulled into the silk factory, but we are thrilled we did! Two silk comforters and a chinese silk outfit for an older Anna Mei later, we walked out knowing how the silk worm grows, makes a cocoon and dies in 25 days leaving a single silk thread that can stretch out the length of one mile. Very cool.
We had to hurry back to the hotel as Ed and Debi from Philly were supposed to meet their son for the first time at the hotel tonight, but traffic did not cooperate. A LONG ride through insane traffic, a 2 minute stop to take a photo of the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium, and they arrived a bit late for "Charlie" and his caregivers. It was amazing to witness the beginning of a new family, knowing that Monday we would be doing the same.
One note about the photos, you will notice we had to travel as far as Beijing to find nice weather. It was "sunny" and about 68 degrees all day. Notice the sky in our photos. That is as sunny as it gets here. That is a permanent smog settled over the city. Mrs. Li mentioned that all factory work was shut down for days before the Olympic games to let the sky clear up. As soon as the games ended, it was back to business and polluted airways. Craziness!
Thrilled to be back at the hotel, but knowing we had to eat, Chris ran to one of the many KFC's we have seen in China while we showered up for bed. Worst KFC food we have ever had, but best choice for tonight. Everyone collapsed in exhaustion (leaving me in peace to write this). Tomorrow: Tian An Men Square, the Forbidden City, and an afternoon to ourselves to enjoy the hotel pool and indoor tennis court. One Day until Anna Mei.
We arrived in Beijing!
[Note: Chris and Tiffany are not able to make posts at this time inside China. Anna Mei's Uncle Greg is serving as guest blogger and making the posts.]
And what a trip it has been so far! We woke early in Thursday morning at home, did our final preparations, said goodbye to the dogs, and we were off to the airport in a car by 8 AM. A minor hiccup 5 minutes from home when our driver bumped the car in front of us while coming to a stop in New Hope! It could only be blamed on the enormous amount of weight our family combined with our luggage created! No damage, and no delay. The kids got a start on their homework right away in the car on the way to the airport, and have already begun writing in those journals! Newark airport was quiet, and the plane got off on time. Thank god for individual video players on every seat back, as the entire 14 hour flight experience was completely entertaining for everyone in the family. A networked poker game between all the boys on the video monitor was a highlight. Only Wil slept a bit, and Chris and I got a few cat naps, which the boys would live to regret later!
We met our guide, Mrs. Li, as well as the two other families traveling with us in the airport, and boarded a bus for the Beijing hotel. This is when the fatigue began to really set in. It was 4 PM on Friday, China time, and no hope of sleep was in sight as Mrs. Li discussed getting rooms, exchanging money, and going out for a Peking Duck dinner. With a minor room mix-up (they wanted to give us our "adjoining" two rooms on separate floors) we had it straight and headed up. Our hotel is filled this weekend with Chinese dignitaries from around the country, so all rooms are full, and there is tight airline style security at all entrances! Well, within the first 5 minutes of being in the room, Wil managed to get himself locked in the bathroom. He could not turn the lock back to get out. So, now the crazy American family has to have a guy at the front desk come up to rescue our son from the bathroom. Those of you who know Wil, know he handled it just fine. No tears, and he found humor in the situation right away. Sooner than mommy did, I'm afraid.
The day was not over yet! Time to go to dinner! We walked Wang Fu Jing street to "the" place to have Peking Duck. We are told every president and traveling dignitary goes to this place. The duck itself was outstanding, and we enjoyed getting to know Mrs. Li and the other families. Unfortunately, Alex fell asleep at the table, Wil dropped his glass of watermelon juice and it smashed on the floor, and Christopher nearly threw up at taking one bite (I think it was the exhaustion), and then fell asleep with his head on the table.
But the day was still not over! Upon getting back to the room, we were ready to crash, but the kids had their second wind! I thought I'd lose it! OK, I did. Twenty five hours into the day, we finally fell asleep.
…writing this at 6 AM…we've been up since 4 AM. Wil has been up since 2 AM China time, and we found him around 4 AM sitting in his bathroom surrounded by his math homework pages and a set of crayons. Too cute. But we all feel rested and excited about the adventure ahead! Today: the Great Wall of China, and the Summer Palace!
And what a trip it has been so far! We woke early in Thursday morning at home, did our final preparations, said goodbye to the dogs, and we were off to the airport in a car by 8 AM. A minor hiccup 5 minutes from home when our driver bumped the car in front of us while coming to a stop in New Hope! It could only be blamed on the enormous amount of weight our family combined with our luggage created! No damage, and no delay. The kids got a start on their homework right away in the car on the way to the airport, and have already begun writing in those journals! Newark airport was quiet, and the plane got off on time. Thank god for individual video players on every seat back, as the entire 14 hour flight experience was completely entertaining for everyone in the family. A networked poker game between all the boys on the video monitor was a highlight. Only Wil slept a bit, and Chris and I got a few cat naps, which the boys would live to regret later!We met our guide, Mrs. Li, as well as the two other families traveling with us in the airport, and boarded a bus for the Beijing hotel. This is when the fatigue began to really set in. It was 4 PM on Friday, China time, and no hope of sleep was in sight as Mrs. Li discussed getting rooms, exchanging money, and going out for a Peking Duck dinner. With a minor room mix-up (they wanted to give us our "adjoining" two rooms on separate floors) we had it straight and headed up. Our hotel is filled this weekend with Chinese dignitaries from around the country, so all rooms are full, and there is tight airline style security at all entrances! Well, within the first 5 minutes of being in the room, Wil managed to get himself locked in the bathroom. He could not turn the lock back to get out. So, now the crazy American family has to have a guy at the front desk come up to rescue our son from the bathroom. Those of you who know Wil, know he handled it just fine. No tears, and he found humor in the situation right away. Sooner than mommy did, I'm afraid.
But the day was still not over! Upon getting back to the room, we were ready to crash, but the kids had their second wind! I thought I'd lose it! OK, I did. Twenty five hours into the day, we finally fell asleep.
…writing this at 6 AM…we've been up since 4 AM. Wil has been up since 2 AM China time, and we found him around 4 AM sitting in his bathroom surrounded by his math homework pages and a set of crayons. Too cute. But we all feel rested and excited about the adventure ahead! Today: the Great Wall of China, and the Summer Palace!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Packing...
We are in the final days before our big trip. Our dining room table is full of tiny little toys, travel blankets, so many medications, and our favorite snacks for the plane ride and the hotel. Now to get it all into as few suitcases as possible...
We fly out early on Thursday, and will spend the first few days adjusting to "China Time" while our guides show us the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, The Summer Palace, and the site of the recent Olympic Games. Then Monday it is an early morning, and we drive the 1 1/2 hours to Anna Mei's province capital where the orphanage director will meet us, with Anna, to officially complete the Chinese portion of the adoption process. From our meeting forward, Anna Mei will never leave our side.
We will be in Beijing a few more days before we jump on an in-country flight south to Guangzou. The last week of our trip will be spent at the Victory Hotel while we complete the necessary medical appointments and paperwork for the US Consulate. Anna Mei should become a US Citizen on 3/22 and we will be on a return flight to the US on March 24!
A very heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone. There has been an amazing outpouring of love and support for every one of us. For all of the stories of what we need to see and pack for China, and all of the very positive descriptions to my sons of how great it will be to have a sister in the house, thanks. Thanks so much to our kid's principal & teacher's for the extra help and support for the trip, our fabulous house sitter, our dedicated dog sitters, for the many hours of "adoption therapy" offered free of charge by our dear friends, and for everyone that offered to help us out along the way! Anna Mei, we can not wait until you get a bit older and can share with you how very much this entire community is excited for and anticipating your arrival!
This morning little Avery Michalowski (age 2) was asked, "Are you going to have a playdate?" Her reply, "Oh yes, with Anna Mei!"
We fly out early on Thursday, and will spend the first few days adjusting to "China Time" while our guides show us the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, The Summer Palace, and the site of the recent Olympic Games. Then Monday it is an early morning, and we drive the 1 1/2 hours to Anna Mei's province capital where the orphanage director will meet us, with Anna, to officially complete the Chinese portion of the adoption process. From our meeting forward, Anna Mei will never leave our side.
We will be in Beijing a few more days before we jump on an in-country flight south to Guangzou. The last week of our trip will be spent at the Victory Hotel while we complete the necessary medical appointments and paperwork for the US Consulate. Anna Mei should become a US Citizen on 3/22 and we will be on a return flight to the US on March 24!
A very heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone. There has been an amazing outpouring of love and support for every one of us. For all of the stories of what we need to see and pack for China, and all of the very positive descriptions to my sons of how great it will be to have a sister in the house, thanks. Thanks so much to our kid's principal & teacher's for the extra help and support for the trip, our fabulous house sitter, our dedicated dog sitters, for the many hours of "adoption therapy" offered free of charge by our dear friends, and for everyone that offered to help us out along the way! Anna Mei, we can not wait until you get a bit older and can share with you how very much this entire community is excited for and anticipating your arrival!
This morning little Avery Michalowski (age 2) was asked, "Are you going to have a playdate?" Her reply, "Oh yes, with Anna Mei!"
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Spring Festival is coming to an end...
Our last care package for Anna Mei before we meet her is a combination birthday and Happy Spring Festival package. While the "corn" candies chosen by our courier service look a bit odd to us, everything else seems just perfect. We managed to get some updated measurements: height :78cm (about 31 in), weight :9kg (about 20 lb), foot:11cm, head :45cm, chest :47cm, teeth:8/8 by sending this package. They indicate that she is just moving out of 12 month clothing into 18 month clothing, so now we know what to pack for the trip. Soft PJ's, and cuddly blankie, a Kai Lan doll, and a Hello Kitty backpack to hopefully pack all of her good stuff into for her trip to come meet us at the provincial office on March 14. We are hoping the camera will bring us a few more photos of her, her friends, her surroundings, and her caretakers at the institute. In the meantime, her bedroom her at home is taking shape, and we are making preparations for the big trip.
Here is the letter we sent off to BaoDing Children's Welfare Institute with this last care package:
February 2, 2011
Dear Orphanage Director and Caretakers of BaoDing City Social Welfare Institute,
Happy New Year!!! At this time of family and celebration, our hearts are with you and Qing Qing. We have good news to share! We have our approval, so we travel to you in March!
We are saddened to miss Qing Qing’s second birthday on February 15, and hope you will give her some extra special love and hugs coming from us. Hopefully this New Year she can wear her new set of PJ’s, cuddle up in her blanket, hug her doll and know we are coming very soon to bring her to her new home in America.
As this is the last time we may have this opportunity, we wish to thank you deeply for your care of Qing Qing. If you would not mind, we would love photos of Qing Qing now, but also of you. We would like to have these for her as she grows up so she knows as much as possible about her first few years of life. If you can take pictures of her in bed, in her play area, with her friends, or anywhere and with anyone else that she spends time. These photos will ensure she never forgets her time with you and where she is from.
Thank you for your responses to our requests for information about Qing Qing’s development and hearing. We have an excellent support team of doctors here in the States ready to meet Qing Qing and provide the best care possible. While they were not able to read the hearing tests, I am confident we will be able to meet all of her needs. I am hoping she is recovering well from her palate surgery, and her hearing is enough to allow her to be gaining new words. Any additional information you may have is always greatly appreciated. As I begin the packing process, I am wondering which size clothes to bring along. If it is not too much trouble to send along a few recent measurements, I will be able to purchase the correct sizes.
Christopher, Alex, and Wil can not wait to meet their sister! We talk about her every day. Her room is nearly ready, with lots of things a girl will love.
Mama and Baba think of her very day. We are coming...
With Love,
Tiffany and Chris
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!
At Last!!!!
We are officially approved to travel to China!
We fly out of Newark on March 10 for Beijing.
After a few days adjusting to the time change and sightseeing at the Great Wall, The Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City, we travel the few hours by car to our provincial meeting set for March 14th...Gotcha Day! March 14th is the day our daughter meets and becomes a part of our family forever.
Then it is back to Beijing for a few more days. A short in-country flight will take us to Guangzou. Our official visa appointment at the US Consulate is on Monday, March 21. On this day, Anna Mei will be sworn in as a US citizen. A few more days of bonding, sightseeing, and medical appointments, and we fly home on March 24.
Time to get her room ready! Time to pack!
We are sooo excited.
We are officially approved to travel to China!
We fly out of Newark on March 10 for Beijing.
After a few days adjusting to the time change and sightseeing at the Great Wall, The Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City, we travel the few hours by car to our provincial meeting set for March 14th...Gotcha Day! March 14th is the day our daughter meets and becomes a part of our family forever.
Then it is back to Beijing for a few more days. A short in-country flight will take us to Guangzou. Our official visa appointment at the US Consulate is on Monday, March 21. On this day, Anna Mei will be sworn in as a US citizen. A few more days of bonding, sightseeing, and medical appointments, and we fly home on March 24.
Time to get her room ready! Time to pack!
We are sooo excited.
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