Day 7 - Life on the Island

Like, I mentioned, we’re “living” on Shamian Island, which is still part of Guangzhou, but of course, has water surrounding it.  So, everything we need is within walking distance.  This morning, Evian and I were out for a walk to one of the gift shops near our hotel and a man overheard me asking the clerk a question.  He stopped me and asked me where I’m from.  He was obviously an American adoptive parent too.  Turns out, he is from St. Michael, MN just on the opposite side of the Twin Cities from Woodbury where we live.  Small world!

To encourage you to buy from their shop, these little stores offer all kinds of services to adoptive families, like half off laundry service or free stroller rental.  We got a stroller to use for Evian today.  Add that to her list of firsts – her first stroller ride!  We’re glad to carry our little sweetie, but in this heat and high humidity, sitting in the baby carrier can get pretty sweaty.  Evian seemed a little unsure in the stroller so far.

Our walk this afternoon took us to the Physical Examination Office where each baby was looked at by an ENT and Pediatrician as a requirement for their visa application.  Evian checked out OK at every station.  We thank the Lord over and over for her health.  There are several babies here right now with health concerns, so far none major, but still difficult.  Please pray for Evian’s little girlfriends –Molly, Olivia, Kyleah, Allison, and Naomi, who have colds, fevers, rashes, and infections.

Before the pediatrician had a chance to look over Evian’s records, we asked if he could tell physically how old she is.  He didn’t do a comprehensive evaluation, but just noticing her muscle development and responsiveness, he estimated 5 months.  She will actually be 8 months next week.  Russ and I are no experts, but having spent these 3 days with her, we’ve had to re-think what we think we know an 8 month old needs.  We’re really needing wisdom from the Lord and unity with each other as we care for Evian and try to provide for her basic needs, as well as love and bond with her tenderly.  

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Day 5 - Everything's New from Evian's View

When we think about it, in the last 48 hours, Evian has experienced so many new things.  Monday morning she left the orphanage for the very first time.  She and the other babies had a 4 hour bus ride from Yangxi to Guangzhou.  Then, lots of waiting for all the other until our “Gotcha” appointment at 3:30.

Just some of her new “firsts” in the last 2 days include riding in a bus, being in air conditioning, seeing and hearing male voices regularly, seeing Americans, hearing English, touching Caucasian skin and hair (even Daddy’s hairy legs and scratchy face), seeing a computer and TV (NBA basketball!), sucking on a nuk, being held in a baby carrier, wearing a dress… foot jammies… riding an elevator… going to the grocery store…being prayed over by Mommy & Daddy before bed, and the list will continue to grow!

Since I wrote this in the a.m., a couple of more…first hairclip, first Barbie (a gift from the hotel-a mom bringing home a Chinese baby girl), first Daddy/daughter dance (insert “happy cry” by Mommy here)…

Today we’ll add to the list when she applies for her passport.  One more important item to check off our list, which gets us one day closer to coming home!  

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Day 5 - It's Official!

Whew, we've had a long day!  Last night and this morning we completed another phase of paperwork.  Elianna had some great advice, to really enjoy every single thing about this trip, even signing my name for the last time on the last document.  Well, seeing that I have no idea when we'll come across that "last document", I'm enjoying every signature.

We're also enjoying very much Evian's smiles and laughs which take up her whole face.  She's been pretty low key when we're out and about.  Today we were back at the Provincial Adoption Center for a meeting with the notary and an interview.  Then our adoption group (and apparently a couple of others) hit the "Super WalMart" of China for diapers and formula.

We're looking forward to a less busy day tomorrow.  We're remembering that babies like routine and so far we've not been able to keep up with anything consistent like she's been used to at her orphanage.  Also, figuring out the mix/temperature of formula/baby cereal has all of us new adoptive families pretty perplexed.  Again, trusting God with every detail!

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Day 4 - Gotcha Day

This day is called "Gotcha Day" in the adoption world.  We had a meeting in the morning, a little waiting, a short bus ride to the Provincial Adoption Registry Center, and then it all began.

The room was filled with families who got their earlier to receive their babies.  Our group was next.  Each baby was brought out to their new parents in alphabetical order.  We were 7th of 7 families and the joy was uncontainable.  We held her close, took lots of pictures and video, and enjoyed the first few minutes with our new baby girl!  

At first she was very quiet.  Then started twisting her right wrist in a waving fashion, held our fingers, yawned once, and eventually had an all-out laughing party with us (see video!!!).  She is abundantly beyond what we've prayed for.  

Photos are of receiving her, meeting her big sisters, and lastly with one of the nannies from her orphanage.  

 

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Gotcha Day for Blog 15 seconds laughing.mpg (3010 KB)

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Day 3 - Moved In

We really enjoyed our “vacation” in Hong Kong!  What a city!  We got to experience the hustle and bustle in some of the most upscale shopping and financial districts.  We also had an up close experience of a traditional fishing village.  Hong Kong is such a mix of modern & ethnic, of the East & the West.  There are plenty of Starbucks and McDonalds, and many people speak English. 

Yesterday we took a 3 hour bus ride to Guangzhou, our new home for the rest of our trip.  This is a huge city of 13 million people, yet the hotel where we are staying is located in a part of the city which is really an island.  Things here seem quiet and quaint.  Things here are also feeling strange and surreal.  Because this city is the location of the US Consulate, every adoption ends here.  We happen to be starting here too because Evian is from this province. 

So, everywhere we go there are adoptive families.  Lots of adoption stories being exchanged, lots of congratulations given.  And those who have had their child for 3 or more days seem to have lots of advice to offer those of us who will receive our children TODAY!

Yes, it is 2:00pm “China time” now.  We will have Evian by about 3:30.  We can hardly wait!!!

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