Heading Back!

This journey of ours started about a month ago on Dec 28th and we have gotten to do so much! It truly has been a wonderful journey that began with seeing old friends and ended with meeting our third little baobei (precious treasure).  While it has been good it is definitely time to come home.  Our floor is littered with overstuffed suitcases (and items that still need to go in)- we are will be heading out tomorrow morning VERY early.  Here is our itinerary- please pray for smooth and safe travels, and for patient attitudes for all of us.  I can't imagine Ava on an airplane for 14 hours but soon we will see. :)

Our travel itinerary

5:15 am leave our hotel for a 3 hour van ride that will take us across the border into Hong Kong

11:15 Board our 14 1/2 hour plane ride to Chicago

2pm (Chicago time) Board our final leg to RDU!!

5pm-6pm (on Saturday) Arrive home!!

Thank you to those of you who have expressed interest in meeting us at the airport.  We are so eager to see you and to finally introduce you to sweet little Ava, but in order to make everything go as smoothly as possible for her, we ask that you don't come to the airport.  We look forward to many sweet introductions in the weeks to come.  

Thanks for following our journey!

Morning Crackers

One of our little routines here is that every morning when Ava wakes up she gets her morning crackers.  There are the round little rice crackers that she first ate on the day we met her that eventually got her to calm down. To say she loves them would be an understatement.  She knows where they are and points wildly to the spot they are. We have had to move them a few times (so she wont know where they are).  The come in a pack of 2 she takes one in each hand and happily eats them while she wakes up.  Of course the big kids get crackers too :) This morning a snapped a few quick shots of morning crackers. 

Safari Park

We are either gluttons for punishments or certifiably crazy because on Wednesday we decided to take the whole crew for about an hour in a taxi to a safari park/zoo they have here in Guangzhou. We wanted to do one last fun thing before we begin the packing extravaganza.  It was really amazing (really probably the best zoo we have ever been too) but we were pretty exhausted.  For one, Ping Ping decided that she would not nap at the park and wanted to walk walk walk! She was staggering at the end she was so tired. She did fall asleep on the subway ride home for a little. (rush hour- couldn't take a taxi home).  

It was really neat though, I have never seen animals so close.  There is a part of the zoo where you walk around and see animals (beautiful habitats) and part of the zoo where you take a ride on a little tram like a safari. And they feed the animals- we saw baboons doing back flips for food (literally), lions and tigers being thrown meat and catching it with their mouths, and tropical birds swooping by to catch grapes in their beaks.  On the Safari ride the ferocious animals were behind areas with moats, some wires etc so they couldn't get to us but there were free roaming giraffes, zebras, emus etc. I have never been to Africa on a safari so it was wild to be right there with them. 

They also have stations throughout the zoo set up where they have monkeys (with trainers) just hanging out.  So you just walk up and there is a monkey hanging in front of you.  You could walk up and touch them (you aren't supposed to but you could. and I didn't).  Like I said I have never seen animals so close before.  We were walking down the path and heard a noise and look behind us to see a baby chimp holding hands with some trainers just walking next to us. Dennis was saying- wow I wonder why they don't do this in the US, um liability! But seriously (mom) it really did feel safe. :)

Yesterday we had our consulate appt to get a US immigrant visa in Ping Ping's passport- whew! Last paperwork stuff- tomorrow it is just packing packing packing! Then we will be out at 5am to begin our journey home on Saturday.

Ready for Home :)

Two things I am tired of  1. This cold- I am sooo tired of being sick!! and 2. Caring for an active new 2 year old in a hotel.  Tonight I started singing (to the tune of I have had enough of army life) "Oh I have had enough of hotel life- gee ma I want to go home."  The kids loved it so we sang it again and again- haha. We are definitely feeling like its time to go home and be back on our own home turf.  It will be one more transition for Ava but at least finally she can stay put for awhile. On Thursday we have our consulate appointment to get her US immigrant visa put into her passport and then that is the final step!  The last couple days have been nice in that there haven't been any appointments- just free days for us.  We have hung around the hotel a lot (mainly because I have been sick) but also just trying to take it slow.  Ava is becoming more and more active! She loves to go outside, laugh and play and definitely lets us know when something isn't going her way. :) Its cute to see how much she is imitating us.  She learned "thumbs up" the other night and it was a hoot to see her put lotion on her body like her siblings.  She also has developed what we call the "stink face" which is if she doesn't like something she sticks her lips out and glares at you.  I will try to get that on camera. Here are some pics from the last couple days.

Visiting Ava's orphanage

Playing on the floor in our room

A random store we found - we though it would be cute to take this pic since this was Ava's nickname at the orphanage. Of course her eyes don't look that big in this picture.  This is something people continue to comment on. In fact, Dennis overhead a Chinese man telling his son "See, foreigners kids have big eyes and curly hair like that little girl- (pointing to Ava!)"'

Ava loves to take the toothbrush and "brush" her teeth while her siblings do it too.

Yesterday after feeling yucky all day from this cold we decided we needed and afternoon pick me up- so we headed to Mc Donalds for some ice cream.  I think it was Ava's first ice cream. It was funny she was very tentative- I think she liked the sweet but the cold was disarming. She did eat it but ate is very slowly. I'm sure we horrified some Chinese families by having our kids eat ice cream in the winter.

Many of the other adoptive families here have their girls dressed in sweet little dresses with big bows in their hair.  We have just gone for the the simple sweat pants and tops, well because its all I can handle right now. :) I tried to put a bow in Ava's hair today like Addie- I managed to snap a quick pic before it was pulled out- oh well- maybe later.

I realized that I don't think I have taken a photo with the 3 siblings- its hard to get them all still- well mostly one is hard to stay still- this was my best attempt. :)

Last Couple Days

The last 2 days have been a bit tiring.  We started with a visit to Ava's orphanage on Friday morning.  It was good to visit and learn as much as we could about the last 2 1/2 years of her life.  We learned that her nickname at the orphanage was "big eyes" :) (meant affectionately) and that the foster family she was with for 2 months actually spoke a different dialect (so she now has heard 4 different languages/dialects)- we dont know what she is saying and the orphanage staff didn't know either.  However when we speak Mandarin to her she does seem to respond to simple commands.  We really call her Ping Ping and haven't started much yet calling her Ava. We also learned that she really just started to walk a couple months ago.  She had heart surgery a year ago and so was prob in bed a lot after that.  We also learned that the orphanage has care over about a 1000 children.  Many of which they told us are in foster care.

After the orphanage visit we got back into the Guangzhou traffic (it really is awful most of the day)- they say they add 5000 new cars to the road each week here! We headed across town to see the "finding place" for Ava.  We wanted to go and take pictures so we can help fill in her story for her later.  As we were walking down the street to the spot something very odd happened.  A woman (who we think was maybe a little crazy) approached Dennis from behind and rammed into him very hard.  It made Dennis jump and almost fall down (he was carrying Addie). At first we thought it was an attempted pick pocketing but he hadn't lost anything.  We saw the woman walk back by and pass us again glaring at us.  A few minutes later she returned with 2 small bags of trash and came up and threw them at me (they landed on my feet) and then walked off. Perhaps she was afraid of foreigners or had a bad experience before with one?  We really don't know. We hurried along with our guide as we checked to see if she would come back because at this point we were a little nervous.  She never returned and after visiting the spot we hopped back in the van and into traffic.  It was definitely one of the oddest things that has happened to us ever in China and left our kids with lots of questions about this experience.

Then today we had the medical exam.  A medical exam is required before we can get a US immigrant visa in her Chinese passport to return to the US.  We had done this with Addie in Shanghai but that was by ourselves.  Today we went with a big group of families and flooded into the 5 th floor of the medical clinic.  More and more families kept coming with their kids making it crowded and lots of waiting (esp for an active 2 year old that wanted to get down and play).  However, despite the crowds it was amazing and quite moving to see so many children of all ages and special needs with their forever families.  A beautiful picture despite being in a crowded medical facility.  After height, weight, checks, ENT check, general exam, and a blood draw (all took about 2 hours) our active Ping Ping was done (and this mama was about done too!)  Even after a long nap she just was still a little off from the day. We went out to pizza and discovered that Ava does not like pizza (at least not yet) so we went home put her in the bath (figured she needed to end on a positive note- she loves baths) and fed her friend rice and green beans (she ate it all) while the big kids drank bubble teas and watched a chinese cartoon. phew what a day!

All in all very busy and tiring days but Ava continues to feel more comfortable (even pitching a few more fits- I think its a good sign- a healthy 2 year old :)).  We need prayers for patience grace and good health (I am battling a cold).  The next few days should be less busy.  Will and Addie have done a GREAT job because there has been lots and lots of waiting and going to appointments- we are so proud of them.  

That's a long update I know- but wanted to fill you in on a few more details.  WE are really looking forward to coming home and introducing you to Ping Ping!

Trip to the Zoo

Our little apartment here is great but we have to get out with 3 active kids.  There is a city zoo about 10 min from here so we decided to go for it and check it out. All in all it went pretty well. We are still def adjusting to keeping track of 3 kids now.   Ava enjoyed the animals and did great in the sling for awhile but then wanted to get down and move after about 45 min.  She enjoyed the children area feeding the pigeons too. As we were trying to find the monkeys a little tantrum happened and we decided that it was time to go. :) 

A few pictures from our day

Feeding the Giraffes - they come right up to you with their big tongues! The American giraffes I have met are much more stand offish.

Daddy and Addie riding a camel. $3 to go around a 8 foot diameter circle 3 times.

Feeding the pigeons in the childrens area. Its kinda crazy- you can take your picture with a boa constrictor there too and they had pictures of a baby lying there with that big snake by HIMSELF!  We did not participate in this part.

Ava and Will- this lasted for about 15 seconds before she wanted to get down

Last couple days

Sorry for the delay in posting. We've been a little tried chasing around a new 2 year old. :) Ava is having a great time. So much fun in fact that just yesterday she has started screaming and crying when its bed time or nap time - poor thing- I think she doesn't want the fun to end.  She loves playing with her siblings, with toys, eating and moving around.  Its a little tiring though when she moving because she is lacking some muscle tone and is behind on her gross motor skills so Den or I have to run after her and make sure she doesnt' fall over or smack into something (she is frequently looking up or to the side at something while moving so she has almost face planted into walls, poles etc.).  Also stairs kind of happen to her so we have to watch out for that too. Of course she wants to do it herself and doesn't always want to take our hand and living in the land of concrete steps it can be a little stressful at times. :) 

She is a good snuggler and has given some good snuggles and even some kisses (usually to Will or Addie- she loves playing with them).

Tomorrow we head to her orphanage for a visit. I don't know what to expect if it will be emotional for her. Pray that all goes well- it is really important that we learn all that we can for her later.

Here are a few photos from the last couple days.

Adoption Day- its official yay! 

Picture taken just as we came down from the registry office

Daddy helping Ava eat- she LOVES to eat

Playing in the Bathtub- she loves it! And doesn't mind water running all down her face.

Snacking on her favorite crackers with Big Sis

Daddy helping Ava get on her pink suede boots.  Ava will run to the shoe cabinet try to open it and point to the door signaling she wants her pink boots so she can go outside.

Eating Congee at breakfast (common breakfast food here in China- like rice soup- bland) Love that expression on me :)

Homecoming Day Details

We have just gotten Ava Maye (Ping Ping- her Chinese nickname) to bed the second night.  I wanted to back track a little and let you know more about the day we met her.

About 2pm we left for the Civil Affairs Office. This was already different than how we had met Will or Addie. We met both of them quietly by ourselves in a very private place.  However this time when we got off the elevator on the 8th floor we entered a room full of parents who had just met their children or were waiting to meet their child.  Needless to say it was very loud and crowded with quite a few tears.  We waited for about 45 min and finally they told us that Dan Ping had arrived.  They led us to the center of the room where there was a group and 2 little kids standing holding an adults hand.  I told Dennis "That's her in the pink!".  Sure enough she was in pink head to her toes. (the orphanage staff says she LOVES pink).

She was very hesitant to go to us (of course!) and I eventually had to just pick her up.  That elicited lots of tears, poor thing, and we brought her over to the corner.  She calmed down but those big beautiful eyes were scanning the room I think trying to figure out what was going on.  Dennis had to leave to do some paperwork and then Will took out some crackers.  Ping Ping saw them and immediately reached for them. So, just like when we met Addie, we snacked together and she calmed down a little more.

We finally were able to leave and head back to the hotel.  Ping Ping was very cautious, she stuck close to me (I think she latched onto me since I was who held her during that goodbye).  She didn't want to take her coat off and when we tried to unzip her pink suede fringe boots (yes that is what she was wearing- she loves them) she cried. So she wore those shoes for another 3 hours before we could coax her out of them.  She slowly warmed up and we even got some smiles and laughs.   

She loves to play and laugh and explore the apartment.  We don't think she ever had free range to explore so she is enjoying that.  She is babbling some words (we are guessing which chinese words they are).  She knows how to blow kisses and even enjoys dancing and clapping hands.  We have noticed that while she can walk she lacks some muscle tone so she doesn't always walk in a straight line and we find ourselves running after her to make sure she doesn't fall down. :)

Overall she is doing great! Transitions have to be slow so she doesn't get upset but for day 2 I think its going well.  Will and Addie have been huge helps.  Sweet little Addie has had some moments of adjustment but overall is doing good.

Headed to bed- just wanted to send out some more details.  More pictures tomorrow. :) 

Photos

Don't have a lot of time right now but wanted to go ahead and get some photos up since I know there are many wanting to see Ava Maye!  Here are some photos from yesterday.  I will try to fill in some details about her cute little personality, later tonight after she goes to sleep. :)

Meeting at the Guangzhou Civil Affairs Office

Our family pic of 5 with the the woman from the orphanage that brought Ava that day

Back at the hotel, slowly starting to play.

She's here!

This is a quick post to let you know that she is here! We had to wait to meet her until about 3 or 3:30 and then it was a long process full of a room full of other kids meeting their parents, so lots of tears.  It was a little stressful but then we went back to the hotel and stayed in for the night (of course Dennis had to run about three different times to do paperwork and such- so great of him to do that!).   She is ADORABLE! Really is so cute.  She has been clingy with me - I think since I was the one to hold her when she first cried when the orphanage staff left her.  

Will and Addie have done great but both had their ups and downs, finally after a locked bedroom door was opened we got everyone to sleep. phew!  Heading to bed myself now but will try to send some pictures tomorrow. I don't know what tonight brings so figure I should head to bed too.  Thanks for praying for us- can't wait to fill in later with more details. Pray for good nights of sleep for all!

Happy 7th Birthday, Will!

Today Jan 12th is Will's 7th birthday.  We had a great time celebrating Will's birthday here in China.  

Will wakes up to his birthday presents. He opens them and dives right in.

Will chooses for his birthday dinner probably his favorite restaurant here in China- Ajisen. Its a Japanese chain restaurant with lots of rices and noodles.  His everytime order is Japanese fried rice and Miso soup.

In lieu of birthday cake we opted for McDonalds Ice Cream

But then at 8pm there was a knock at our door and the hotel staff surprised Will with a birthday cake and a card for him.  It was a really sweet surprise (I guess we told enough people at the hotel that it was his birthday :))

It was a fun day celebrating our sweet 7 year boy!

A last unrelated picture- but those of you that know Addie's love/obsession with pigs will appreciate this. Tonight at the store we ran into this guy and just had to snap a picture. Don't they look like old friends :)

Last Week in Review

I am going to attempt to catch up quickly on this past week in China since TOMORROW we meet Ava!! 

On Monday we got to go visit our agency's partner orphanages here in Guangzhou.  Sadly, we weren't able to visit with many of the children due to illness and other issues but we were able to spend some valuable time meeting with the orphanage directors and buying the orphanages some supplies.  The kids enjoyed the limited time we had with the children.

Tues/Wed we were at the hotel had a couple other meetings and rested. The back of our hotel has this pretty garden area with a fish pond full of fish that LOVE to eat.  The kids have loved feeding the fish and we will definitely bring Ava Maye here.

We had really wanted to take Will back to Taiwan on this trip but it was looking a little to expensive to add on so instead we found that taking a quick train trip to Hong Kong and visiting Hong Kong Disneyland was a much more reasonable option. The Disneyland there is a smaller park and was perfect for Will and Addie's age. (BTW Addie is dead asleep in the picture with Donald Duck- it was the end of the night. So she doesn't even remember meeting him. )

Back in Guangzhou

After a few days in Hong Kong we are back in Guangzhou.  We just moved into a wonderful little 2 bedroom apartment in the hotel here.  We have all our stuff unpacked for the first time on this trip.  We have toys placed in the living room and Ava's clothes packed away in drawers.  We just learned that we will meet Ava at the Civil Affairs Office on Monday at 2pm!  I keep looking around and can't believe we will have a 2 year old running around here too.  We are excited to finally be at this point.  Once we meet here we will have various appointments and processes to go through. I have asked and we are really hoping and praying that we will get to meet her foster family. Please pray that we could.  

Also, tomorrow is Will's birthday. We have a couple presents we brought and he has chosen Ajisen (a Japanese restaurant chain here in China that he loves) as his birthday dinner.  He is very excited for his birthday and has asked me to tell various hotel workers here that it is his birthday tomorrow.:)

I will try to post photos from the last days but I have a feeling they may get swallowed up by pictures of Ava Maye on Monday. :)

Big News

So we have found out that our Travel Approval will arrive here on Thursday and that we WILL be meeting Ava on Monday!!! Our consulate appt is set for Jan 23rd which also means we will be able to leave on the 25th like our tickets say. YEA! We are so thankful that this is working out. Big praise!

Also, I just got this email a few minutes ago showing updated photos of Ava. We can't wait to meet her!!!  I think she kind of looks like me when I was little. (bc I had a short hair cut and my mom dressed me in my boy cousins clothes :)).  But what a cutie!! And love seeing a little smile :)