Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Wednesday, go to Cora's orphanage - Part 2
Another good day. She seems to be warming up to us. As she does, she is revealing herself to be a little stinker, which is perfect.
Sophie and I went to visit Cora Chun Wu's orphanage today. It was surprising in many ways. I was surprised to find that the size of the city, BengBu, is immense and modern.
Chun Wu's orphanage was in a large medical facility attached to a nursing home. Her floor was a little cramped, barely big enough for the 20 or so kids living there. The kids were all happy and lively, and enjoyed seeing visitors. We saw her bed (which was large, and in a room with all the other children her age). We learned their daily routine, which is simple: wake up, eat, activities, eat, nap, activities, eat, sleep. Every day except Saturday, where they go to the park (which is a nice park with modern and well maintained play equipment, plus a fountain). And that's about it. Very structured and predictable.
The teenagers are on the floor above Chun Wu's. We did not see them.
We met her nannies, who were all very professional. On the whole, I was very impressed with the orphanage and can understand why Chun Wu is as healthy (mentally and physically) as she is. When we return to BengBu when Chun Wu is older, I think she will be very grateful to the staff there, just as we are. Strange as it may seem to us, I can see how she will miss the orphanage.
We also went to the street where she was found. She was left on a busy street by the train station close to the hospital, so that she would be sure to be found.
We will have to get used to calling her Cora, because it's very comfortable to us to call her by her middle name, Chun Wu...
Sophie and I went to visit Cora Chun Wu's orphanage today. It was surprising in many ways. I was surprised to find that the size of the city, BengBu, is immense and modern.
Chun Wu's orphanage was in a large medical facility attached to a nursing home. Her floor was a little cramped, barely big enough for the 20 or so kids living there. The kids were all happy and lively, and enjoyed seeing visitors. We saw her bed (which was large, and in a room with all the other children her age). We learned their daily routine, which is simple: wake up, eat, activities, eat, nap, activities, eat, sleep. Every day except Saturday, where they go to the park (which is a nice park with modern and well maintained play equipment, plus a fountain). And that's about it. Very structured and predictable.
The teenagers are on the floor above Chun Wu's. We did not see them.
We met her nannies, who were all very professional. On the whole, I was very impressed with the orphanage and can understand why Chun Wu is as healthy (mentally and physically) as she is. When we return to BengBu when Chun Wu is older, I think she will be very grateful to the staff there, just as we are. Strange as it may seem to us, I can see how she will miss the orphanage.
We also went to the street where she was found. She was left on a busy street by the train station close to the hospital, so that she would be sure to be found.
We will have to get used to calling her Cora, because it's very comfortable to us to call her by her middle name, Chun Wu...
Wednesday, trip to Cora's orphanage - Part 1
It's been quite a day so far! We were supposed to meet at 7:30am to leave for Beng Bu, which is about a 2 hr drive from our hotel. James, Sophie, Cora and I were going to go, plus one other family.
Cora woke up pretty sad, and crying. Not sobbing, just kind of whimpering and tears flowing. She calmed down pretty quick, but I could tell she was tired. We rushed to get downstairs, and had about 10 mins for breakfast. Not helping the situation, I'm sure. When we got to the lobby, she just starting crying. I think maybe she was expecting to see all the kids? But who knows. The guide that was taking us tried to talk to her, but it wasn't helping. So with the state she was in, we just decided not to risk taking her. We just kept thinking how confusing it would be to take her back. She'd see all her friends and nannies, and then have to leave again with us? She is doing great with us, but still tentative, and definitely not 100% trusting, or feeling like we are "home" yet. So I took her back to the room, and James and Sophie went. Ended up the other family did not bring their daughter either, so it was just the parents/bio kids that went.
We played in the room, did some coloring and a sticker book, and she was having fun. I decided to join the group going to the museum at 9am. We got back down to the lobby, and she is like a different kid when she sees the other kids - especially her friend Emily. She skips and jumps and twirls and talks. Makes sense to me - she's used to living every waking hour with a whole crew of kids, so of course she's going to feel comforted by that. So off we went to the museum.
She is quite an independent girl, and likes to be the leader of the pack. She would check around for me every once in a while, make sure I was there. But really, just loved running around and checking all the people out. She did come to me twice with arms held out for a hug, and said mama, so that was awesome! But I think we are going to find out she is very strong willed little thing, once she settles in. It was cool to see a little bit of her personality come out.
After a few hours, we got back in the bus, and back to the hotel. Emily's family was going to walk to McDonalds for lunch, so Cora and I joined them. The girls held hands the whole way (about a 5 block walk), in pretty crazy traffic. Pedestrians are basically ignored, so crossing the streets is interesting! She had chicken nuggets, and some fries, and was a happy camper.
Emily and crew were going to hit Walmart on the way back, which I wanted to skip, so Cora and I left first. We said our goodbyes, got down the stairs, and then Cora just lost it. She started crying and pulling me back to Emily. I resisted, and ended up having to carry her, for what I thought would be a little bit. Nope, she cried and almost screamed, the whole way back, and if I put her down, would try to bolt the other direction. Oh geez! Of course everyone was staring (they stare even if you aren't carrying a screaming chinese girl), and they probably thought I was kidnapping her or something. One guy in van tailed me the WHOLE way home, just watching. And then rolled his window down and tried talking to me right when I got to the hotel. Not mean or anything, just concerned that she was crying and such (is what i gathered from his motions).
But we made it back in, and really as soon as we got in the hotel, she calmed down. And then was fine when we got up to the room. I was pretty calm through it all, I kept reminding myself that even NON adopted chinese 5 yr old have tantrums! Except my arm almost fell off from carrying her in the 95 degree heat.
We played, and then James and Sophie came back. I'm going to let James write about the orphanage experience. It sounds like it went well, and we got some pretty amazing information from them. That's my cliff hanger....:)
Wow, it's 6pm already. We all napped for an hour, then headed down to the pool. Cora finally got in, and LOVED it!! She was laughing like crazy, trying to splash and squirt james and sophie. Just giggles and kicking and splashing for an hour, so it did the heart good for all of us. She is totally beat, and I'm sure we'll be sleeping by 8pm tonight. Oh, and then afterwards back in the room, she started mimicking words. J&S were playing ball with her, so she was repeating Ball. We were way excited!! Small step, but we'll take it. And she started talking to us a little in mandarin; it's so cool to hear her cute little voice.
Pictures to come in the next note from James!
Cora woke up pretty sad, and crying. Not sobbing, just kind of whimpering and tears flowing. She calmed down pretty quick, but I could tell she was tired. We rushed to get downstairs, and had about 10 mins for breakfast. Not helping the situation, I'm sure. When we got to the lobby, she just starting crying. I think maybe she was expecting to see all the kids? But who knows. The guide that was taking us tried to talk to her, but it wasn't helping. So with the state she was in, we just decided not to risk taking her. We just kept thinking how confusing it would be to take her back. She'd see all her friends and nannies, and then have to leave again with us? She is doing great with us, but still tentative, and definitely not 100% trusting, or feeling like we are "home" yet. So I took her back to the room, and James and Sophie went. Ended up the other family did not bring their daughter either, so it was just the parents/bio kids that went.
We played in the room, did some coloring and a sticker book, and she was having fun. I decided to join the group going to the museum at 9am. We got back down to the lobby, and she is like a different kid when she sees the other kids - especially her friend Emily. She skips and jumps and twirls and talks. Makes sense to me - she's used to living every waking hour with a whole crew of kids, so of course she's going to feel comforted by that. So off we went to the museum.
She is quite an independent girl, and likes to be the leader of the pack. She would check around for me every once in a while, make sure I was there. But really, just loved running around and checking all the people out. She did come to me twice with arms held out for a hug, and said mama, so that was awesome! But I think we are going to find out she is very strong willed little thing, once she settles in. It was cool to see a little bit of her personality come out.
After a few hours, we got back in the bus, and back to the hotel. Emily's family was going to walk to McDonalds for lunch, so Cora and I joined them. The girls held hands the whole way (about a 5 block walk), in pretty crazy traffic. Pedestrians are basically ignored, so crossing the streets is interesting! She had chicken nuggets, and some fries, and was a happy camper.
Emily and crew were going to hit Walmart on the way back, which I wanted to skip, so Cora and I left first. We said our goodbyes, got down the stairs, and then Cora just lost it. She started crying and pulling me back to Emily. I resisted, and ended up having to carry her, for what I thought would be a little bit. Nope, she cried and almost screamed, the whole way back, and if I put her down, would try to bolt the other direction. Oh geez! Of course everyone was staring (they stare even if you aren't carrying a screaming chinese girl), and they probably thought I was kidnapping her or something. One guy in van tailed me the WHOLE way home, just watching. And then rolled his window down and tried talking to me right when I got to the hotel. Not mean or anything, just concerned that she was crying and such (is what i gathered from his motions).
But we made it back in, and really as soon as we got in the hotel, she calmed down. And then was fine when we got up to the room. I was pretty calm through it all, I kept reminding myself that even NON adopted chinese 5 yr old have tantrums! Except my arm almost fell off from carrying her in the 95 degree heat.
We played, and then James and Sophie came back. I'm going to let James write about the orphanage experience. It sounds like it went well, and we got some pretty amazing information from them. That's my cliff hanger....:)
Wow, it's 6pm already. We all napped for an hour, then headed down to the pool. Cora finally got in, and LOVED it!! She was laughing like crazy, trying to splash and squirt james and sophie. Just giggles and kicking and splashing for an hour, so it did the heart good for all of us. She is totally beat, and I'm sure we'll be sleeping by 8pm tonight. Oh, and then afterwards back in the room, she started mimicking words. J&S were playing ball with her, so she was repeating Ball. We were way excited!! Small step, but we'll take it. And she started talking to us a little in mandarin; it's so cool to hear her cute little voice.
Pictures to come in the next note from James!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Chinese Wal Mart Adventure
This is James writing this time.
Today was much less stressful and the best day yet. Chun Wu was much more expressive and relaxed. Yesterday she was either emotionally flat or crying. Today we got her really giggling and having fun!
In the morning we went to the CCCA and did some more paperwork, did our final interview (we think), made the donation to the orphanage, and got our certificate of adoption. This did not take very long. We got to see all the other families again, and ask how everyone else is doing. Lots of interesting stories, but everything is going pretty well. We rode a chartered bus to and from CCCA, which Chun Wu really liked. She seems to have no trouble in cars or buses.
We went out to lunch with a great couple from Atlanta who are also adopting. They brought their daughter along who is Sophie's age. With them, we ordered our first Chinese meal without a guide helping us out. But we did well. Everything was excellent and tasted great, and the kids got a kick out of the chicken head that was left in the chicken soup.
After lunch, we went to Wal Mart, which was an adventure. It was very strange to see such unfamiliar food products with the standard Wal Mart advertizing. We bought water and a bunch of assorted Oreo cookie varieties, such as green tea and birthday cake. I was a little disappointed that there was no "duck head" flavor.
The city we are currently in, Hafei, is undergoing rapid development and is very disorganized. There's no such thing as a city block, every street seems to be at an odd angle from every other. Adding to the confusion, there are so many high rises that it's difficult to get oriented. When we left Wal Mart, we had no idea which way to go.
Plus it's so hot, that decision making is difficult. When the wind blows, it's not refreshing. Hot air is just changing places with other hot air. After Wal Mart, we wandered around hoping for a clue as to which way to go to get back to our hotel (which was within walking distance), until Michelle flagged down a nice local man who helped us get a cab. Strangely, every time *we* tried to hail a cab, regular people would stop to pick us up!
Cabs, bus, and subway are all very cheap in China. This is the government's way of discouraging driving to help with pollution. A cab ride to the restaurant and back was only about 4 US dollars. So we do not hesitate to get a cab, so long as we have some sort of written instruction about what place we want to go. It is virtually impossible to communicate with people here. There is no middle ground, even simple gestures barely work.
Once back in the hotel, we retreated to our room, where we took a nap and played ball in the hallway. Chun Wu LOVES playing with a ball! Then we played games, Michelle gave Chun Wu a bath, and ordered dinner in. Right now, we are reading, Chun Wu is watching a movie, and Sophie is reading comic books. We're keeping things very simple and trying to establish the room as a safe and fun place. We are also trying to set up routines so that Chun Wu knows what to expect. This will take time, obviously.
We try to limit ourselves to one adventure a day, and today's was "Chinese Wal Mart".
Today was much less stressful and the best day yet. Chun Wu was much more expressive and relaxed. Yesterday she was either emotionally flat or crying. Today we got her really giggling and having fun!
In the morning we went to the CCCA and did some more paperwork, did our final interview (we think), made the donation to the orphanage, and got our certificate of adoption. This did not take very long. We got to see all the other families again, and ask how everyone else is doing. Lots of interesting stories, but everything is going pretty well. We rode a chartered bus to and from CCCA, which Chun Wu really liked. She seems to have no trouble in cars or buses.
We went out to lunch with a great couple from Atlanta who are also adopting. They brought their daughter along who is Sophie's age. With them, we ordered our first Chinese meal without a guide helping us out. But we did well. Everything was excellent and tasted great, and the kids got a kick out of the chicken head that was left in the chicken soup.
After lunch, we went to Wal Mart, which was an adventure. It was very strange to see such unfamiliar food products with the standard Wal Mart advertizing. We bought water and a bunch of assorted Oreo cookie varieties, such as green tea and birthday cake. I was a little disappointed that there was no "duck head" flavor.
The city we are currently in, Hafei, is undergoing rapid development and is very disorganized. There's no such thing as a city block, every street seems to be at an odd angle from every other. Adding to the confusion, there are so many high rises that it's difficult to get oriented. When we left Wal Mart, we had no idea which way to go.
Plus it's so hot, that decision making is difficult. When the wind blows, it's not refreshing. Hot air is just changing places with other hot air. After Wal Mart, we wandered around hoping for a clue as to which way to go to get back to our hotel (which was within walking distance), until Michelle flagged down a nice local man who helped us get a cab. Strangely, every time *we* tried to hail a cab, regular people would stop to pick us up!
Cabs, bus, and subway are all very cheap in China. This is the government's way of discouraging driving to help with pollution. A cab ride to the restaurant and back was only about 4 US dollars. So we do not hesitate to get a cab, so long as we have some sort of written instruction about what place we want to go. It is virtually impossible to communicate with people here. There is no middle ground, even simple gestures barely work.
Once back in the hotel, we retreated to our room, where we took a nap and played ball in the hallway. Chun Wu LOVES playing with a ball! Then we played games, Michelle gave Chun Wu a bath, and ordered dinner in. Right now, we are reading, Chun Wu is watching a movie, and Sophie is reading comic books. We're keeping things very simple and trying to establish the room as a safe and fun place. We are also trying to set up routines so that Chun Wu knows what to expect. This will take time, obviously.
We try to limit ourselves to one adventure a day, and today's was "Chinese Wal Mart".
Monday, July 29, 2013
We've finally got her - meet Cora Chunwu Davis!
I am trying to type softly, as my entire family is sleeping right now. It's 9:34pm, and they were all out at 8:15pm.
My beautiful girls are both sleeping in the king bed together - I was
in the middle before I snuck out. They are so gorgeous; I'd take their
picture if I didn't think it would wake them up!
I feel like so much happened today, but yet the day flew
by. James and I both said we were not at all prepared for how this all
went down. We were cursing the adoption books we read - completely not
helpful on day 1 at least.
Sophie had a change of heart about 6 minutes after
my last post. Was crying and writhing around on the floor in protest to
getting her sister. So that frayed my nerves a bit, but we managed to
snap her out of it, and got to breakfast on time, and met the group also
ontime. A pretty big feat for us, in itself. But by the time we were
on the bus to go get her, we were all excited once again, and in a good
place emotionally. For most of the 6 families, it was our first
adoption, so the whole bus was a ball of nerves.
After waiting about 20 mins, they started bringing
the kids in. Cora is absolutely beautiful, that was my first thought.
And looked absolutely terrified, was my 2nd. She came to us, being
pushed by the nanny, but really wanted nothing to do with us. We tried
to hold back from swooping in on her, and really did contain ourselves
pretty well. It was chaos, as there were so many people in that small
room. We hung out on the floor with her, gave her a sucker (which she
liked), tried to play with some of the stuff we brought. She watched
cautiously, but was not going to engage with us, or even let a little
smile squeak out. She really was taking it ALL in. Watching the other
families and kids, seeing what stuff they had, but being completely
silent. It was stressful, cause we kept saying, should we try harder,
or just let it ride? Of course, comparing ourselves to all the other
families, and how all their children were reacting. Bad idea, of
course. But there was a huge spectrum of reactions from the kids, so
that made us feel better.
We had to do some paperwork, take a few official
photos, and then were able to leave after about an hour. Chunwu was
holding sophie and my hand, still looking like a scared deer in
headlights. I thought we were going to talk with the orphanage
director, who was there, or at least some of the nannies to get some
questions answered. But nope, none of that. We all just loaded up on
the bus, and headed back on the 20 min ride to the hotel.
Once back at the hotel, we all disbursed quickly,
and headed to our rooms. Cora was being so brave, but as soon as she
got to the room, and saw it was empty, and was just the 3 of us, the
tears started. Oh my gosh, my heart just broke, and I was trying SO
hard to keep it together. It almost worked. Sophie kept saying, "mom,
if she she's you cry, she's going to be scared!". She's five, but she
is such a little peanut, and she just looked so scared. We got her to
calm down after about 20 mins. Pulled out some games, tried singing
songs, i think tried more candy. You just feel so helpless that you
can't communicate with her! Oh, but then room service came, and brought
rice and steamed egg. And she said 2 words, that I made me think maybe
she had to go potty, and she did. So I think that helped too. She let
me feed her the rice and egg, and ate quite a bit. And by that time it
was almost 1pm, so we decided it was naptime.
James really gave her space today. When she was
upset, she really wanted nothing to do with any of us, but would
tolerate me. She's not scared of him per se, but likes to watch him from
a distance. We thought since she was having a hard time, we would let
her focus on getting to know me, and then hopefully she will warm up to
him more in the next few days.
After the nap, we hung out a bit, then decided to go
check out the pool. Sophie and james swam, and cora and I watched from
the side. I could tell she had not been around water much - she was
afraid to even put her feet in. It was loud and kind of overwhelming,
so probably not the best move. But we were feel like we just didn't
know what to do with ourselves in our room. We ran into another family
on our way back. Little Emily was in Cora's orphange, and they clearly
know each other. Emily didn't really react, but poor Cora just started
sobbing again when they walked away. We unfortunately were in the lobby
of the hotel, and caused QUITE a scene. The manager of the hotel even
came over and asked if we needed help. I said yes - can you please help
us speak to our daughter! But then I was getting upset, so we just
bee lined it back to our room, and decided we needed to stay put for the
rest of the day/night.
Oh wait - somewhere in the afternoon we grabbed a
bite to eat in the hotel restaurant. Cora had some fries, and few bites
of pizza, seemed to really like it. I don't think eating is going to
be a problem for us!
Once we were back in our room for the evening,
things really started to to improve. Cora discovered angry birds, which
started the "little smiles". She got a kick out of that, and sophie
was good about helping her with it. Then we started playing with all
sorts of other toys. She was having fun, and the smiles started coming a
little more freely. She whispered 2 words to me - i think one she was
saying "butterfly", and the other was talking about shoes for the dolly
we were playing with. Oh, she is really the sweetest thing, and I can
not wait to hear her talk more. She's got spunk in her eyes for sure - I
can't wait to see it come out.
James feels a little put out, and wants to interact
with her more, but he's really afraid of scaring her. I won't let him
hang back too long, though - I gotta have a break sometime, too! But he
just looks at her with his eyes welled up, and I know they will be pals
soon.
I gave her a bath, which was definitely a new thing
for her. And teeth brushing also seemed a first! But she was a trooper
for all of it. And hand washing is her favorite thing so far :) And
then it was off to bed in her most adorable jammies, with her big sister
and mom. She fell asleep within 10 mins. I'm praying, but not
expecting, that she sleeps through the night!
Tomorrow
is some paperwork in the morning, and then a free day. And then I
think Wed we will go to orphanage, though we are a little nervous about
her reaction to that, considering her sadness when she sees her one
friend here.
So overall, a total roller coaster of a day. And it
was hard on all 4 of us. But there were some fun moments, and some
smiles from everyone, so I call it a win. I know each day she will
become a little more comfortable, as will we with her. When I looked
over and saw her sleeping next to me tonight, all I could do was smile
and kiss her. I know He has put her in the right place.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Gotcha Day - getting ready to go!
We leave at 8:30am this morning to go get Cora! There are 6 families that are having Gotcha Day together, and they are all staying at the Holiday Inn with us. 2 other children are coming from Cora's orphanage in Bengbu, so that will be pretty cool!! I think we'll all ride in a bus together, and it takes maybe 30 mins to get over there?
I slept until about 5am this morning, and then just tossed and turned, thinking through so many things. Why didn't we learn any Mandarin? What toys should we bring with us? What in the world is she going to think? What should I wear? Should I wear mascara? (haha) Then decided to just get up and go check out the hotel. The pool and fitness room were closed, otherwise I would have worked out. But when and investigated it all, then came back to the room.
James and Sophie are up now, and we better start getting organized. I am so nervous my hands are almost shaking typing. Not bad nervous, but just butterflies. Deep breaths, and prayers for calmness. Sophie is super super excited and has completely changed her tune. Showing me all the crafts out of her highlights magazine that she wants to do with Cora when we get home, so i'm loving that.
We will write more tonight, and hopefully get some pictures going again! Ben, our helper with the blog, is home now, and should be able to get pics up soon.
Love to you all!!
I slept until about 5am this morning, and then just tossed and turned, thinking through so many things. Why didn't we learn any Mandarin? What toys should we bring with us? What in the world is she going to think? What should I wear? Should I wear mascara? (haha) Then decided to just get up and go check out the hotel. The pool and fitness room were closed, otherwise I would have worked out. But when and investigated it all, then came back to the room.
James and Sophie are up now, and we better start getting organized. I am so nervous my hands are almost shaking typing. Not bad nervous, but just butterflies. Deep breaths, and prayers for calmness. Sophie is super super excited and has completely changed her tune. Showing me all the crafts out of her highlights magazine that she wants to do with Cora when we get home, so i'm loving that.
We will write more tonight, and hopefully get some pictures going again! Ben, our helper with the blog, is home now, and should be able to get pics up soon.
Love to you all!!
Day 3, Great Wall, and then fly to Hefei!
Early start to the morning, had to get the room packed up, and be ready to go at 7:30am to drive to Great Wall. We were pretty much on schedule, and made a stop on the way at the Olympic Village area, from the 2008 summer games. Just snapped a few pictures of the stadiums and such from the outside. The sun was blazing through our window at 6:30am, so by the time we got to the olympic area at 8:30 it was HOT!! All we kept saying was how glad we were it had been cloudy the last few days!
The drive to the section of the Wall we went to was about 1.5 hrs. Alice was with us once again, pointing out the sights on the way. It was nice to see the "suburbs" of Beijing, which really felt more like farmland and villages to me. Very pretty though.
We took a chair lift up to the wall. You could walk, but why walk when you can ride, and have a 9 yr old with you! It was about 97 and full sun, so we knew we had limited time energy up there. The section we were on was built around 600 years ago, and has been renovated many times. It was 2K long, with several guard houses along the way. Pretty amazing to be up on something like that, and beautiful views, as we were in the lush hills.
We hiked around for about an hour up there - it's very steep, though, up and down. So yes, you can imagine there was some complaining from Sophie. Poor thing, her face was as red as a tomato! But she hung in there, and we walked quite a bit of it.
Got to ride down a toboggan/luge thing, back to the bottom, so that was a cool ending!
Off to lunch (chinese, again delish!), and then about 1 hr ride to the airport for our 4:30 flight. Our bags were a bit too heavy for the domestic flight (50lbs allowed for intl, but only 45 or so for domestic). But the man was nice and let us through without paying extra. The flight was delayed about an hour, so we didn't arrive at our Holiday Inn in Hefei till about 8:30, and we were bushed!
Jane is the new guide - she picked us up at airport, and will be organizing all our adoption "stuff". It's so exciting to be done with the touristy part, and get the best part of this trip! She seems sweet, and is all business. There are 6 families that will be at Gotcha Day with us tomorrow. 2 others adopting kids from Bengbu, who she thinks are Cora's age!! And they are all staying at the Holiday Inn! So that will be nice to have some familiar faces around.
We had some last minute paperwork things to do, and then it was off to bed. We leave for the Civil Affairs office at 8:30 tomorrow morning to meet Cora!!
The drive to the section of the Wall we went to was about 1.5 hrs. Alice was with us once again, pointing out the sights on the way. It was nice to see the "suburbs" of Beijing, which really felt more like farmland and villages to me. Very pretty though.
We took a chair lift up to the wall. You could walk, but why walk when you can ride, and have a 9 yr old with you! It was about 97 and full sun, so we knew we had limited time energy up there. The section we were on was built around 600 years ago, and has been renovated many times. It was 2K long, with several guard houses along the way. Pretty amazing to be up on something like that, and beautiful views, as we were in the lush hills.
We hiked around for about an hour up there - it's very steep, though, up and down. So yes, you can imagine there was some complaining from Sophie. Poor thing, her face was as red as a tomato! But she hung in there, and we walked quite a bit of it.
Got to ride down a toboggan/luge thing, back to the bottom, so that was a cool ending!
Off to lunch (chinese, again delish!), and then about 1 hr ride to the airport for our 4:30 flight. Our bags were a bit too heavy for the domestic flight (50lbs allowed for intl, but only 45 or so for domestic). But the man was nice and let us through without paying extra. The flight was delayed about an hour, so we didn't arrive at our Holiday Inn in Hefei till about 8:30, and we were bushed!
Jane is the new guide - she picked us up at airport, and will be organizing all our adoption "stuff". It's so exciting to be done with the touristy part, and get the best part of this trip! She seems sweet, and is all business. There are 6 families that will be at Gotcha Day with us tomorrow. 2 others adopting kids from Bengbu, who she thinks are Cora's age!! And they are all staying at the Holiday Inn! So that will be nice to have some familiar faces around.
We had some last minute paperwork things to do, and then it was off to bed. We leave for the Civil Affairs office at 8:30 tomorrow morning to meet Cora!!
Day 2, sightseeing in Beijing
(this top tidbit is from Sophie!)
Day 2 in Beijing. First of all, it was very boring! We went to summer place and temple of heaven. It's kind of related to forbidden city, because the empower built it, and they talk a lot about the dragon lady and the style was the same as the forbidden city, especially at the temple of heaven. There are some things u might want to get for our children so they don't get bored while walking a long way. And then they won't complain at u so much. You should get one of these two things: a bouncy ball on a string, that u can buy at either place, and that are all over the place in Beijing. Or a toy hat you kick with your feet, you play it like a hackiesack. We saw lots of people exercising at the temple of heaven.
We went to lunch near our hotel at a Chinese restaurant. We had fried rice, Kung Pau chicken and noodles. We took a cab ride home.
At 7:45 we went to the show, "legend of Kung fu". It was a Kung fu show, but kind of dangerous, 90% dangerous. Because they Had one guy on top of swords, then they put spikes on top of him.
(now from Michelle)
We were so tired after the summer palace. It was pretty cool day temperature wise all day, but towards the end it was steaming up. The amount of people at the summer palace was still shocking. Once again, Sophie and James were attracting a lot of attention, with pictures and such being taken. Sophie was amused by her ball, James was taking pictures like a mad man, and Alice was telling me all sorts of info about the palace and park. It was interesting, but hard to remember how it all fits together. Alice was a super great guide, though.
We got back to the hotel, took showers, and had about an hour before the Kung fu show started. So we grabbed a sandwich in one of the hotel restaurants (of course not good and way overpriced, but we expected that). But it was food, and it worked. I'm already missing eating dinner at home, and being able to have the kind of healthy stuff I like. The Chinese food has been really really good, but I'm missing my salads and fruit and yogurt stuff.
The Kung fu show was much better than I expected, but I still couldn't stay awake for it. I nodded off throughout the 1 1/2 hr show. But the guys were pretty amazing from what I saw!
We got back to the hotel, all were sleeping by 9, thank God! And all had our first full night sleep.
Oh, and having Alice with us is awesome! Not having to struggle with the language, figure out where or when to go places is just a treat. Like she even went with us to the kungfu show. Got us a cab, bought our tickets, showed us to our seats, and then was there waiting for us when it was over. Guess that must be what it is like to be a celebrity. It's sweet!
Tomorrow is Great Wall, then fly to he fei in the evening.getting so so close to Cora!!!
Day 2 in Beijing. First of all, it was very boring! We went to summer place and temple of heaven. It's kind of related to forbidden city, because the empower built it, and they talk a lot about the dragon lady and the style was the same as the forbidden city, especially at the temple of heaven. There are some things u might want to get for our children so they don't get bored while walking a long way. And then they won't complain at u so much. You should get one of these two things: a bouncy ball on a string, that u can buy at either place, and that are all over the place in Beijing. Or a toy hat you kick with your feet, you play it like a hackiesack. We saw lots of people exercising at the temple of heaven.
We went to lunch near our hotel at a Chinese restaurant. We had fried rice, Kung Pau chicken and noodles. We took a cab ride home.
At 7:45 we went to the show, "legend of Kung fu". It was a Kung fu show, but kind of dangerous, 90% dangerous. Because they Had one guy on top of swords, then they put spikes on top of him.
(now from Michelle)
We were so tired after the summer palace. It was pretty cool day temperature wise all day, but towards the end it was steaming up. The amount of people at the summer palace was still shocking. Once again, Sophie and James were attracting a lot of attention, with pictures and such being taken. Sophie was amused by her ball, James was taking pictures like a mad man, and Alice was telling me all sorts of info about the palace and park. It was interesting, but hard to remember how it all fits together. Alice was a super great guide, though.
We got back to the hotel, took showers, and had about an hour before the Kung fu show started. So we grabbed a sandwich in one of the hotel restaurants (of course not good and way overpriced, but we expected that). But it was food, and it worked. I'm already missing eating dinner at home, and being able to have the kind of healthy stuff I like. The Chinese food has been really really good, but I'm missing my salads and fruit and yogurt stuff.
The Kung fu show was much better than I expected, but I still couldn't stay awake for it. I nodded off throughout the 1 1/2 hr show. But the guys were pretty amazing from what I saw!
We got back to the hotel, all were sleeping by 9, thank God! And all had our first full night sleep.
Oh, and having Alice with us is awesome! Not having to struggle with the language, figure out where or when to go places is just a treat. Like she even went with us to the kungfu show. Got us a cab, bought our tickets, showed us to our seats, and then was there waiting for us when it was over. Guess that must be what it is like to be a celebrity. It's sweet!
Tomorrow is Great Wall, then fly to he fei in the evening.getting so so close to Cora!!!
Beijing, Day 1-ish pics
Man, this jetlag/sleeping business is really tough! I haven't
travelled this far for many many years. Well really ever, but I don't
remember being this messed up when I went to New Zealand/Australia 10
yrs ago? But maybe youth helped, and the fact it wasn't so far!
Anyway, I can't sleep, so I thought I'd check in!
Sophie and James are zonked out, still. She went to bed at 5:30pm, and it's not 12:30am - will she make it thru till 4 or 5 am?
That is my hope! James' superior sleeping skills are definitely
working to his advantage right now. The only thing he is struggling
with, is a migraine headache. Poor guy. He got it on the plane over,
which I can't even imagine how sucky that was. I was so uncomfortable
WITHOUT a migraine. And he didn't even complain. It stuck with him
about 1/2 of the day yesterday on our sightseeing. Again, he is a
trooper. He even had a visible bruise pop through on his forhead from
it. I feel for all of the davis', and anyone else who had to deal with
migraines. But he said it was better last night before going to bed.
It's pretty much clockwork with him - the day or so after he is super
stressed, and can finally relax, it hits him hard.
I'm sharing a few pics from our sightseeing. Beijing
is an interesting city. Some of the parts really reminded us of DC -
walking around the tienamin square with all the museums and monuments
and stuff. And of course the massive crowds of people. We walked a lot
yesterday, but totally lucked out that the weather was perfect for it.
Probably about 75-80 degrees, cloudy, with some sprinkles of rain while
we were at the forbidden city. Sophie got VERY tired towards the end
of the FC - after walking about 3 miles in the crowds, listening to
Alice tell us about the history of China, she was a little over it. But
thank God it wasn't hot, cause I think that would have put her over the
edge! Once we got some lunch in her, and coca cola, and sitting break,
she perked back up.
We got to experience the subways (super easy to
use), buses, rickshaws and walking yesterday. Of course the rickshaws
were our favorite! It was surprising how pretty much everywhere we
went things were translated into English. Now granted we were in the
touristy areas, so I guess that makes sense. But still, even without
our guide, I think we could have navigated pretty well. Alice has been
great, though. She's lived in Beijing for 12 years, and is a wealth of
info, and really sweet. Also very good with sophie, which helped.
The old Hutong area, was neat, and you'll see a
picture of us with an old woman. We got to go see her home in the
Hutong - beautiful courtyard, and 9 rooms where she lives with 3
generations of her family. It was so quiet and peaceful there -
shocking, considering it's smack in the middle of the city, but not
really any cars in the Hutong, so you couldn't hear a thing. She was
very kind, and kept saying how beautiful sophie was, and how happy she
was that we were adopting a little girl from here.
Oh, and Sophie was like a celebrity, like many of
you had told us she would be. In Tienamen square, many people came up
to her and asked to take her picture, or for her to join them in a pic.
She was a sport about it, and did it a few times. We really didn't see
that many westerners, which I was surprised by. It's summer break, so
the majority of the tourists we saw were chinese families visiting
beijing, it seemed like. And I guess if people are visiting from smaller
cities, they really don't see tall blonde people in real life very
often! So sophie and james were a big hit.
In conclusion (haha) Beijing is a pretty cool city,
if you like huge cities. It is fun to explore, but the crowds get to
you, and I think 2-3 days here will be plenty for me. Also the history
and buildings so far are pretty amazing - Chinese history, both
politically and culturally, with all it's dynasties is very complex,
which James is eating up. I can't keep track of all the emporers and
leaders, but of course he's on top of it.
Oh, and we are TERRIBLE at trying to speak Mandarin.
I struggle with even thank you. I don't know how people get it?
Alice says one thing, and I just can't make it sound the same? So we
are making up our own language, and being very silly about it in our
room. Maybe that's the lack of sleep, but we're cracking ourselves up.
I see all these beautiful little girls walking
around, and see Cora in so many of them. In TWO days we will finally
meet her!! More beijing sightseeing tomorrow (summer palace, kung fu
show at night, and i forget the other big park area). Then the Great
Wall on Sunday. Then off to He Fei on Sunday evening at 5pm.
Okay, back to bed for me to try to get a few more hours of sleep. Until tomorrow!
Michelle
[note: This message delayed from Friday, July 26th]
[note: This message delayed from Friday, July 26th]
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Day 1 in China!
We have arrived, safe and sound! Definitely longest day ever of travel ever. Started at 5am leaving from our house in Minneapolis, arrived in Beijing about 24 hrs later. It was 9:30pm by the time we got to our hotel in Beijing. Alice, our guide, was waiting for us at baggage claim, and so far seems great! She had our itinerary all planned out for today's events.
The travels went smooth overall - Sophie was a trooper, and we all got a "few" hours of sleep here and there. James more than the rest of course!
Our first bump, was that when we got to hotel, they didn't have the room we booked. Well they had a reservation, but not the same one I ordered. So we got shuffled into a kind of crappy room, with 2 twin beds. Once we got on the internet, I got the ipad going, and brought up my reservation confirmation. Then trucked back downstairs to show the desk guy. Yep - they had it, but instead of looking under my name, they looked under James Davis (very silly to think the husband would have booked anything:)). So then we grabbed all our bags, and went to the correct room. MUCH nicer in every way!! And a king bed, instead of 2 twins. So by midnight, we were all sleeping and comfy. Holy cow it was a long day(s).
Sophie and I were up by 4:30, and have just been putzing around the room.So though not too much sleep, we still feel rested. I'm sure this evening will be a different story. Off to breakfast now, and then we will meet Alice, and be off to tour. Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City today, and I can't remember what else. Should be good!
[note: This message delayed from Friday, July 26th]
The travels went smooth overall - Sophie was a trooper, and we all got a "few" hours of sleep here and there. James more than the rest of course!
Our first bump, was that when we got to hotel, they didn't have the room we booked. Well they had a reservation, but not the same one I ordered. So we got shuffled into a kind of crappy room, with 2 twin beds. Once we got on the internet, I got the ipad going, and brought up my reservation confirmation. Then trucked back downstairs to show the desk guy. Yep - they had it, but instead of looking under my name, they looked under James Davis (very silly to think the husband would have booked anything:)). So then we grabbed all our bags, and went to the correct room. MUCH nicer in every way!! And a king bed, instead of 2 twins. So by midnight, we were all sleeping and comfy. Holy cow it was a long day(s).
Sophie and I were up by 4:30, and have just been putzing around the room.So though not too much sleep, we still feel rested. I'm sure this evening will be a different story. Off to breakfast now, and then we will meet Alice, and be off to tour. Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City today, and I can't remember what else. Should be good!
[note: This message delayed from Friday, July 26th]
Update!
Hi guys.
We are in China... Internet access is a little weird. Sometimes we can't get to gmail and sometimes we can, so if you don't hear from us occasionally that's why.
Our hotel in Beijing is really nice, and everything has gone smoothly so far.
[note: This message is delayed from Thursday, July 25th.]
We are in China... Internet access is a little weird. Sometimes we can't get to gmail and sometimes we can, so if you don't hear from us occasionally that's why.
Our hotel in Beijing is really nice, and everything has gone smoothly so far.
[note: This message is delayed from Thursday, July 25th.]
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Leaving tomorrow!
Well, it is FINALLY here. I can't believe we leave tomorrow morning. The last week actually went very fast, as we have been so busy wrapping everything up. We are probably bringing lots of stuff we won't need to use, but better to be overprepared. Wow, did I really say that? Overprepared, organized, "ready early" are just not in my vocabulary - but I have to say I think we're doing pretty well.
Cora's blinds came in yesterday, so I was happy about that. Bank stuff all worked out, my wonderful cousin has agreed to come stay at the house on and off while we are gone to take care of Sheeta (thanks Michael!!), bags are pretty much packed. Sophie is counting down the hours, now. If you ask her directly, she will say she is not excited, but I know different. She is totally excited to go!
We've been staying in touch with our friends from Chicago who are there now. The tips I have been getting from the other families have been so so helpful. The adoptive family network is incredibly supportive, so I can't say enough about them. And also thanks to all our family and friends for all the support thus far! This is a new experience for all of us, and I know it's sometimes hard to even imagine how this is all going to work. I just have faith that when we meet this beautiful little girl, so many of our questions will be answered, and things will fall into place. We are so EXCITED to meet our daughter. The stress and admin are falling away, and now it's just butterflies and happy tears, thinking that we will finally be able to hug her in 6 days!!
Okay, better run - lots to do today of course! Up at 4:30am tomorrow, and then our next post will be in Beijing!
Michelle
Cora's blinds came in yesterday, so I was happy about that. Bank stuff all worked out, my wonderful cousin has agreed to come stay at the house on and off while we are gone to take care of Sheeta (thanks Michael!!), bags are pretty much packed. Sophie is counting down the hours, now. If you ask her directly, she will say she is not excited, but I know different. She is totally excited to go!
We've been staying in touch with our friends from Chicago who are there now. The tips I have been getting from the other families have been so so helpful. The adoptive family network is incredibly supportive, so I can't say enough about them. And also thanks to all our family and friends for all the support thus far! This is a new experience for all of us, and I know it's sometimes hard to even imagine how this is all going to work. I just have faith that when we meet this beautiful little girl, so many of our questions will be answered, and things will fall into place. We are so EXCITED to meet our daughter. The stress and admin are falling away, and now it's just butterflies and happy tears, thinking that we will finally be able to hug her in 6 days!!
Okay, better run - lots to do today of course! Up at 4:30am tomorrow, and then our next post will be in Beijing!
Michelle
Friday, July 19, 2013
5 days and counting!
Hello! I've talked to many of you, but I still need to get this all down. It's been a whirlwind in the last week. A lot of information coming at us about Cora and the orphanage, as well as the travel plans being finalized. I personally get more and more emotional every day. Happy mostly, but nervous, a little scared, and somewhat overwhelmed by all of it. BUT, I am mostly excited that we will be meeting our daughter in 10 days!!
My nesting instincts turned on a bit, when I realized that Cora's room wasn't "really" quite ready. I remember when sophie was born, I got like this too. For sophie it was obsessing over valences for her windows. Jenny and I had to go to 10 stores to find the ones i thought were "perfect". For Cora, it turned into a rug obsession for her room! I looked at a million online, and in the end found one that is adorable, but really nothing that special. The crazy things we do, though! But we pretty much got over the hurdle, and I have moved on! Perfect is the enemy of good - I think that is they saying that James keeps telling me. Good reminder.
My co-workers had a shower for me last week, and gave me some awesome gifts for Cora - dolly, activity books, legos, dvd...can't remember what else, but perfect things to bring with on the trip! A big thanks to my VI crew who have been my ultimate supporters!
We really are packing now - have things actually IN the suitcases, and a whole staging area. Between the list the agency gave us, and matt and mary's input, and the WEALTH of info I'm getting from my new friends who are currently in china, I feel like we are really going to be prepared! I know there will still be things that i wish i would have brought, but overall, we are doing great on the packing.
Sophie is in WI for a few days with my mom and dad and her cousins. Which is allowing us to work long days to wrap up all that stuff, and then put a lot of time into "admin". So thanks mom and dad and Jenny and Mike for helping us! I talked to Sophie this morning and it sounds like she is having lots of fun!
I will put out our final itinerary tomorrow. But we still leave on the 24th, and are back on the Aug 8th. Getting Cora on the 29th.
I have wonderful, wonderful pictures from our friends the Belling's who are in China now. Their daughter Megan, is with them now, and will be coming home soon. They are also close, and Meghan will live in Chicago - so that is cool!! Again, it is so comforting to hear their stories and updates. They brought a gift for Cora, and I will post pics below of that.
It's getting so close, we just can't believe it. James and I are really feeling connected lately, and feel strong about getting through this, though we know there will be hurdles. Sophie is being a 9 yr old. We've decided just not to stress about her reactions. We try to let her get her feelings out as much as possible, but are not pushing things with her. It will be so interesting to see how her attitude changes once we get to china. I know she is going to love her sister - she just has to realize in her own time, that Cora is not a threat to her. She'll get there!
Enjoy the pictures! They are all from the day that Meghan went back to the orphanage, for her last visit and goodbyes. Oh, and we found out new measurements for Cora - 42 lbs, 43" tall.
Thanks for all the support and prayers. Can't wait for you all to be able to meet our daughter!
Michelle
Cora and Meghan
Cora getting the recorded book that we did for her!
Kids clearly interested in book
This smile just melts my heart already!
Update picture from Richard - i think yellow is her color!
My nesting instincts turned on a bit, when I realized that Cora's room wasn't "really" quite ready. I remember when sophie was born, I got like this too. For sophie it was obsessing over valences for her windows. Jenny and I had to go to 10 stores to find the ones i thought were "perfect". For Cora, it turned into a rug obsession for her room! I looked at a million online, and in the end found one that is adorable, but really nothing that special. The crazy things we do, though! But we pretty much got over the hurdle, and I have moved on! Perfect is the enemy of good - I think that is they saying that James keeps telling me. Good reminder.
My co-workers had a shower for me last week, and gave me some awesome gifts for Cora - dolly, activity books, legos, dvd...can't remember what else, but perfect things to bring with on the trip! A big thanks to my VI crew who have been my ultimate supporters!
We really are packing now - have things actually IN the suitcases, and a whole staging area. Between the list the agency gave us, and matt and mary's input, and the WEALTH of info I'm getting from my new friends who are currently in china, I feel like we are really going to be prepared! I know there will still be things that i wish i would have brought, but overall, we are doing great on the packing.
Sophie is in WI for a few days with my mom and dad and her cousins. Which is allowing us to work long days to wrap up all that stuff, and then put a lot of time into "admin". So thanks mom and dad and Jenny and Mike for helping us! I talked to Sophie this morning and it sounds like she is having lots of fun!
I will put out our final itinerary tomorrow. But we still leave on the 24th, and are back on the Aug 8th. Getting Cora on the 29th.
I have wonderful, wonderful pictures from our friends the Belling's who are in China now. Their daughter Megan, is with them now, and will be coming home soon. They are also close, and Meghan will live in Chicago - so that is cool!! Again, it is so comforting to hear their stories and updates. They brought a gift for Cora, and I will post pics below of that.
It's getting so close, we just can't believe it. James and I are really feeling connected lately, and feel strong about getting through this, though we know there will be hurdles. Sophie is being a 9 yr old. We've decided just not to stress about her reactions. We try to let her get her feelings out as much as possible, but are not pushing things with her. It will be so interesting to see how her attitude changes once we get to china. I know she is going to love her sister - she just has to realize in her own time, that Cora is not a threat to her. She'll get there!
Enjoy the pictures! They are all from the day that Meghan went back to the orphanage, for her last visit and goodbyes. Oh, and we found out new measurements for Cora - 42 lbs, 43" tall.
Thanks for all the support and prayers. Can't wait for you all to be able to meet our daughter!
Michelle
Cora and Meghan
Cora getting the recorded book that we did for her!
Kids clearly interested in book
This smile just melts my heart already!
Update picture from Richard - i think yellow is her color!Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Travel is BOOKED!
After lots of phone calls, we are set with our international travel, at least. Here's the plan..
- July 24th - Depart at 7:30am to fly to Beijing(anyone want to make a 5am airport run? Eeeehhh???)
- July 25th - Arrive in Beijing at 7pm
- July 26-27 - Tour in Beijing
- July 28 - Fly or bullet train to HeFei (Cora's provincial capital)
- July 29 - Meet our daughter!!!! (from this day onward she is in our custody)
- July 30 - Go to Civil Affairs for adoption registration and apply for Cora's passport
- July 31 - Sight See around Hefei
- Aug 1st - Go to Bengbu with guide to visit Cora's orphanage for day (2 hr drive from Hefei)
- Aug 2nd - Pick up passport for Cora, fly to Ghangzhou
- Aug 3rd - Go to GZ intl healthcare center - TB test and medical exam for Cora
- Aug 4th - Rest Day and sightsee (maybe Safari park!)
- Aug 5th - Pick up TB test results and then rest of day free
- Aug 6th - Visa appointment and oath taking ceremony at US Consulate! She is officially ours on this day!
- Aug 7th - Pick up visa in afternoon, mostly free day
- Aug 8th - Fly home at 12:40pm out of Guangzhou. Arrive home in Mnpls at 11:30pm on Aug 8th
I had the craziest day ever. On top of booking flights, and trying to work, and having Rita fly in, and going to the Travel clinic for our immunization appts (Sophie and I) - it seems we have had identity theft, and are dealing with our checking accounts and now several credit cards that have been stolen/compromised! So it was non stop today. And then at the end of the day, I was ALL excited to just go to dinner with James, Sophie and Rita. Sitting and relaxing.....lovely. And then I look at my watch and it hits me that we had TWO house showings at 6:30 and 7pm!! And it was 7pm when I looked. AAARRGGGH! Thankfully, our renters are awesome, and they showed 2nd set of people the house. The first one was a no show. So i left the restaurant, and raced over there to catch the tail end of the showing. The guys love the house, and I think are going to take it. Even though they now know their landlord is a basket case :) So hopefully they do, and then that is one less thing for us to worry about.
But even though the day was crazy, I feel really good, and a huge weight off having our flights book, and the schedule planned. Still have to do the inter country planning, but our agency has a wonderful chinese man that helps with that.
2 weeks, and we are off!!
Michelle
Monday, July 8, 2013
We got TA (Travel Approval) - and are heading to China soon!
I just read through my last post, way over a month ago. I had to laugh when I saw the book reports comments, and my procrastinator comments. Yep, that has not changed, as we STILL have not done the book reports. Though we have both read the 3 books, now just need to document our thoughts on it.
But yes, the big news is that we got TA on Friday, July 5th! Here is an update of how the paperwork trail wrapped up...
Cora has the gold sandals on!
My absolute favorite picture yet. She's got my dimples, as James said!! This is Violet.
But yes, the big news is that we got TA on Friday, July 5th! Here is an update of how the paperwork trail wrapped up...
As a quick reference here is the Timeline Overview from LOA to Travel:
LOA - April 29th
1-800 Provisional Approval - May 20th
NVC Notification - May 28th
Article 5 - June 18th
Travel Approval (TA) - July 5th
Gotcha Day - July 29th
Consulate Appointment (CA) - August 6th
Fly home - August 8th
We got the call on Friday, and were completely shocked. The TA's have been taking about 4 weeks, per our agency, so we were really hoping and praying to get TA around July 12th. The big wrench in our timing is that the Consulate office in Guangzhou, is closing from July 13 - July 25th. So if we didn't get TA before it closed, it was another delay. So when the agency called, I really was just not expecting it.
So what does TA mean? It means china has finished all the paperwork needed, and given the green light for you to come and pick up your child. The one piece we didn't know until today was what Consulate Appointment date would we get. That would determine when we could have Gotcha Day, and when we fly out etc. We were hoping for a Gotcha Day of July 22nd, but instead it got pushed a week to July 29th. Still, we are ecstatic. We know the day we will finally meet our daughter, and we can really get excited now. Oh, and we better finish those book reports!
We've gotten many things crossed off our list, but still have a multiple pager going on. So in reality, it is probably okay that we have an extra week to prepare. Of course, we would jump on a plane tomorrow if we could, we're ready enough!
This is really hard for me to write today. I have so many thoughts and emotions swirling around in me right now, it's hard to organize them. I think after getting TA, we honestly finally feel like this is going to happen. Up until now, it was still very abstract, and a little uncertain. We are working with a travel agency to book our flights, and hopefully tomorrow, our international flights will be "locked in", as James likes to say lately. This weekend was a whirlwind; it's funny how you wait for what feels like forever, and you should be 100% organized and ready, but it still feels so chaotic.
I went into full on social media and "reach out to strangers" mode on Sunday. There is such a huge and helpful network of adoptive families online in different groups and blogs - but I honestly haven't been looking at that much information out there. Partially because there is SO much, that it is just overwhelming, and I never know where to start. Plus, it can suck you in for hours and hours, and I don't really have hours and hours to spare. But I had been connected with a family in Oregon, who adopted from Cora's orphanage last year, and another couple of families from the Bengbu (cora's orphanage again) yahoo group.
I had a really nice conversation with the Mom in Oregon, that really helped calm me down. After reading these books, James and I have really gotten pretty nervous about all the possible things that could go wrong with the process. I also talked to a Mom here, in Minnetonka, who brought home her 7 yr old last year. Again, very reassuring, and lots of good information. And of course always our go to friends/neighbors/cohorts - who just recently brought their little girl home, and talked us into this whole shenanigan in the first place! Anyway, it really is amazing how easy the internet has made this support happen - I really don't know what people did 20 yrs ago? Actually, it was probably just less complicated, and better in many ways. But I digress...
But the most exciting part, was I got to email back and forth, and read the amazing blog of a family who is in China right now, and just adopted Cora's BEST FRIEND!! She and Cora have been bed mates for seemingly the last few years, and I guess are best buds. They got to meet Cora, and gave me a great report. They said she is very smiley and outgoing, and seemed very happy overall. It was great to read more about the orphanage, and get some nitty gritty details on how big Cora is, what size clothes she will likely wear, and even get to see an awesome video of them all. But again, the words smiling and happy and outgoing were just music to our ears. She is over there, watching her best friend walk away with her new parents, which has to be so so sad for her. But I really think they are telling her, "your mama and baba are coming soon!". Her friend, by the way, is doing really great so far, 1 week into her new family life (according to their blog). Really just amazing - the whole thing. This family lives in California, and seem wonderful. Hopefully we can stay in touch.
We also have met another family from Chicago, who are adopting another classmate of Cora's.. Again, awesome family, and it's just so cool to have connected with them. They are being kind enough to bring a gift to Cora for us - a story book that James and Sophie and I read, and recorded (hallmark thinks of it all!) My chinese friend at work recorded an intro for Cora, explaining the book, and that we will see her soon. So I can't wait for her to get the book, too!
I am going to post a few of the pics that Chad & Natasha shared, when they went to the orphanage to pick up their daughter, Violet. And then tomorrow I will post our travel schedule, once we have it finalized. Oh - james and sophie update: James is still doing awesome, and was SO SO happy yesterday about all of this. It was adorable, and reminded me - yes, holy crap, stop stressing and take a break to BE HAPPY!! Sophie is struggling, but I think we may be rounding a corner, as of tonight. We spent a few hours, watching a couple of documentaries on China. One was of "Wild China" - stories about the countryside and animals and landscapes, etc. It is so beautiful there, and we all enjoyed that one. And the 2nd was about China's lost little girls - the whole issue of the one child rule, and how it's impacted the demographic. Also many stories and videos of american families picking up their baby girls. I could tell Sophie was really affected by it all. She didn't say too much, but asked some pointed questions, and was getting emotional. So we are just trying not to push her. She is a good kid with a big heart. I know there is room for a little sister in there.
Grandma Rita comes tomorrow, to spend a week with us. I will write more soon. And thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. Keep 'em coming! :)
Michelle
Cora has the gold sandals on!
My absolute favorite picture yet. She's got my dimples, as James said!! This is Violet.
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