If You are Meeting Us in FL...

Please make sure you know our flight info. I will try to update from Hong Kong but we will see how the internet connection is. We are hoping everything stays the same but with the storm, who knows. I will text/call once we are back in the US and let you know. Love you all and can't wait to see you!!!!

 

Love from China:-)

Ready to Leave GZ!

Yesterday concluded with our Consulate Appointment and Oath Taking Ceremony. We signed our DS-230 paperwork which had originated after we received our referral for Sweet Cheeks. All went off without a hitch and to celebrate, we dined with some of our friends at the Cow and Bridge!  Yummmy Thai food. It was great! 

 

We completed the rest of our shopping and today has been spent packing. We check-out at 1:00pm, head to the Consulate to pick-up Sweet Cheeks Chinese Passport with her US Visa and then we are off to the train station. We are taking a train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. We will arrive in Hong Kong around 6:00pm and head to our hotel for the evening. Tomorrow, we head to the airport to see if our plane to Chicago will actually be leaving! It appears there is a weather hurdle in our way. O'Hare is predicted to receive 20 inches of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

We have been in contact with United Airlines about re-routing but we are choosing to hang tight for the time being. Hopefully, it is a good decision. Our re-route was through Newark and since the storm is moving east, that would not be a good choice either. So, we shall see. Fingers and toes crossed it all works out and we get home on Wednesday as planned. I have hotelitis and we are all ready to be home!

Having a Blast in Guangzhou!

So, let's see what all has been going on since our last post.... Saturday evening we had dinner with IKE at a wonderful, local Cantonese restaurant. We had yummy eggplant and a beef dish that was to die for!  All of the food was great but we also had wonderful company. A family from our group, the Levine's went with us and a family that IKE is working with was also there. It was wonderful to see IKE after he took such wonderful care of us and our travel group almost six years ago on our adoption trip to get Cupcake. We sent him best wishes from our travel mates!

 

Sunday, we had big plans to tag along with another family who was taking the subway to the Guangzhou Zoo. Well, as we were having breakfast, we were informed that many of the local shops on the Island would be closed after today for Chinese New Year.... oh no!  So, shopping we did. We hit Sherry's Place for a few (well, a lot) pair of squeaky shoes. We got numerous styles in various colors. That was one of the things I wished I would have bought more of for Cupcake. Sweet Cheeks will be styling for a few years. Of course, we had a chop stamp made for Sweet Cheeks and bought many sizes of Chinese dresses for both girls to have matching ones. We had Subway for lunch!  That was quite interesting.... meat and no veggies on the sandwich. My stomach is just now getting to feel better so I am not taking any chances on the veggies washed in tap water. Nuf said.

 

Last night, we again had dinner with IKE. He is so sweet!  And he knows this area like the back of his hand, telling us where to shop, who to avoid and what constitutes a "best price."  We went back to the same Cantonese restaurant and again had a wonderful meal. All for about $20. Can't beat that with a ballbat. Nana stayed behind and we brought her back noodles and eggplant for take away.

 

Sweet Cheeks has had diarrhea since we have had her. I was convinced it was the runny eggs but I am wondering if it might be the formula. Anyhoo, we got some tea to stop the diarhea which seems to be working but she does not like to drink it so we will see how it goes. Otherwise, Sweet Cheeks is doing great. She has gotten vocal about what she does and does not like. She seems to be quite a picky eater. Boo! But she is adorable and I love her to the moon and back!

 

Today, we had to be in our room at 9:00am and stay there until we had the OK call from Veronica. We tag teamed breakfast with Dad and Cupcake going first, followed by  me, Nana and Sweet Cheeks. It was difficult finding something that Sweet Cheeks would actually eat and then I gave her the eggwhite from a hard boiled egg which she loved! Finally, my girl is getting some protein.

 

After breakfast and the OK call, we commenced for the famous RED COUCH picture at the White Swan. This was a picture taken of all the children from our travel group as well as a group shot. Only problem being, Sweet Cheeks fell asleep midway through and was not a happy camper. Those pics ought to be pretty funny.

 

Now, we are waiting for our Consulate Appointment which is in a few hours. After we take our oath, we are officially finished with adoption proceedings - YAH!!! Just a formality really. So that is the rest of our time. Tomorrow, we get Sweet Cheeks' visa, hop a train to Hong Kong, spend the night and then hop a plane bound for the US of A!!!! Can't wait to see friends and family at home. It has been a long two weeks and we are excited to introduce our Sweet Cheeks to everyone.

 

Cupcake is having a great time and does not want to come home. She thinks living at the White Swan on Shamian Island, making lots of friends, having a hot breakfast with whatever she wants, someone to make your bed, is pretty spot-on! I tend to agree but I am ready to go.

 

Some observations we have made while being back in Guangzhou:  shopping is much more expensive now and it seems many shops have spread out away from the White Swan. There is not as much negotiating as there once was which is sad. As you walk around, the majority of the families are here adopting special needs babies. Another thing, has been the stories we have heard of adoptions that went wrong and second referrals being done while the families are here in China. Six years ago, things were much different or we never heard the stories. Probably a little of both, I am guessing.

 

We have met quite a few families with older daughters, the same age as Cupcake, and they are back for little sisters. It has been a God send meeting them and having some girl time for Cupcake. It is always intersting to me, how the girls act with one another. It is like they have been friends for years.

 

We have had a wonderful time with our travel group and have certainly made some lifelong friends. We are already talking about a reunion!! 

 

PS - No hate mail, I will update pics later this evening:-) Love you all!

Sweet Cheeks is Napping...

and Cupcake is hanging out in Nana's room. Daddy is doing the official paperwork stuff and I am hanging out, catching up on email. So, here is a little more about Sweet Cheeks:

 

She is adorable... and today, she lifted both of her arms up to me so I would pick her up. Her smiles and laughter are coming much more frequently and she is playing with her toys. Her favorite thing still seems to be her stacking cups and the ziploc bag the toys were packed in... go figure. But the good news is, she is starting to play.

 

We have had some sibling rivalry and some bids for attention from Big Sister which is only normal as our family dynamics have changed. At times it is quite challenging but we are working through it. Cupcake has spent every night with us. We figured she would go to Nana's room at night, but so far, she is hanging tough with a sometimes crying baby. Last night, everyone was so tired, you could have tap danced on Cupcake's forehead and she would have slept right through it, so the crying baby did not phase her at all.

 

Not that we are in Guangzhou, we are in a group of 11 families, all here to finish all the paperwork, go to our Consulate Appointment, get our baby's Visa and be on our way.  So, that is what we are now waiting to do. After that, we are headed home! 

We are in Guangzhou!

"This is what I'm talking about!" says Cupcake as we enter the White Swan Hotel. This place really is quite the oasis after the cold, dreary, area of Nanchang where we just left.

 

We arrived here late last night after an uneventful flight from Nanchang. Sweet Cheeks was quite the trooper on the plane, only crying a few minutes as we started our approach into Guangzhou. Once we landed and collected our luggage we were met by our new guide, Veronica. We made it to our room last night around 11:00pm. Needless to say, Sweet Cheeks was overtired and took quite a bit of convincing to go to sleep.

 

This morning we were up early because we had to meet Veronica and take the babies for their Visa pictures and then off for their medical examination. Sweet Cheeks passed with flying colors. The examination is pretty basic: weight, temperature, hearing (squeak a toy in each ear, if she moves her head toward the noise, she passes!) and a physical exam. No issues here!

 

After that, we made our way to Starbuck's for a Vanilla Latte for me and a Hot Chocolate for Cupcake. It is a warmer here and sunny which counts for a lot!  The atmosphere and surroundings are much nicer, cleaner and more quiet. I don't think I have heard the first horn blare or wave of fireworks going off. That's progress... and one day closer to home! Yippee!!!

 

We have paperwork to do this afternoon but the rest of the day is free. Sweet Cheeks is getting stronger everyday and soaking up the love. I call her my little Love Sponge. She just flourishes in the hugs, kisses and attention.

 

One thing I forgot to mention, as we were leaving the Nanchang yesterday, Michael, our guide gave us a memory book with with handprints, pictures and journaling of Sweet Cheeks. We had heard that the orphanage participated in Half The Sky and apparently, Sweet Cheeks was involved in their program. Definitely a priceless piece of her history.

 

Enough for now, enjoy the pics! Thanks for all of the emails and love from home. My eyes are still red and itchy but not draining like they were.

Last days in Nanchang pics

 

Day 7 Nanchang Pics

Here are some pics from our Park Day. Enjoy!

 

Day 5 & 6 Nanchang Pics

Enjoy some pics... these are from our Official Paperwork Day and from the Teng Wang Pavilion.

Last Two Days in Nanchang

Yesterday was a cold and rainy day in Nanchang. We started off our day by hitting the Porcelain Street. It is a street in Nanchang that houses many porcelain shops. Jiangxi Province is known for their porcelain and is a must have for our daughter's from this province (in my opinion, anyways..).  After doing our part to stimlulate China's economy, we headed to a local city park.

 

The park was very beautiful but was a little hard to enjoy in the cold and rain. We did not have an umbrella but did spend some time exploring and people watching. The park was unique in that it had areas with exercise equipment. It is popular with the senior population. They come to this area and practice tai chi, play bandminton and even gymnastics. There was an older Chinese man doing cartwheels and after he noticed we were watching, he started doing them one-handed. Laura, one of the mom's from our group started doing cartwheels with him. It was really cool!

 

After that, we headed to a local popular restaurant for a Chinese lunch. The food was delicious and we again enjoyed the local brew. Diet soda's and water cannot be found in restaurants so it is either beer, Coke or Sprite. The beers are local brews and quite tasty.

 

Once back at our hotel, we got together with the other families in our group that have older kids and we hung out in the playroom for movies, dancing, snacking and chatting. We are traveling with a great group of people!

 

Today, we took a 15 minute walk to a nearby department store with two other families. It was the $100 store...everything we looked at was $100... seriously! There was an indoor playarea that the kids played in and ran off some energy. Afterwards, we headed to our favorite Chinese restaurant, located beside the hotel and ordered some of our favorite dishes from the previous day. Michael had written down the names of some of our favorites so we were able to order without too much trouble.

 

We are now back in the hotel, packing up and getting ready to checkout at 5:00pm. From there we will be heading to the airport and catching a flight to Guangzhou... we are looking forward to some warmer weather.

 

This is the point of the trip that is a little bittersweet. I am so ready to begin our journey home; however, this is our first step towards removing Sweet Cheeks from the only place she has ever known. Just feeling a little sentimental about it all.

 

Sweet Cheeks is doing great!  She slept through the night last night which was the first in several days. She still has some diarrhea and so does Cupcake. The change in food has really wrecked havoc on our tummies. I have been taking Pepto pills everyday which helps but it is still not the same. Cupcake commented that Sweet Cheek is now a "happy baby!" The first few days with our new bundle are difficult. It is a big ball of emotions and we, the parents, are so excited but it is the opposite for the babies.

 

Sweet Cheeks is now blowing zirbirts, laughing, playing and slurping noodles. She gets very excited when she eats noodles and she slurps them up like a pro!  We laugh when she does it so now she slurps them and then laughs. It is music to a Momma's ears, let me tell you!

 

So, the bags are packed and we are almost ready to be on our way. I have pink eye in both eyes... so glad I brought my eye medicine. Hope everyone is doing well and the FL folks survived the tornadoes. Miss you all and see you soon!!!

 

News Alert!

Jiangxi Province is out of Diet Coke/Coke Light/Coke Zero... whatever you want to call it! Just keeping you informed beacuse that's my job!

Day 6 Nanchang Tour

Esentially, we are hanging out in Nanchang waiting for the baby's Chinese Passports to be ready. We need those in hand before we leave this city.

 

Last night was on the rough side for us... Sweet Cheeks had diarrhea which resulted in her being a hungry baby the rest of the night. We were having a playdate in the playroom of our hotel when it hit her.... she had to have a bath and by then she was ready for a bottle and bed. She awoke around 2:00am crying so we gave her a bottle. She awoke again at 3:45am so we fed her again. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we are all on top of one another in this tiny room and Cupcake was now awake. Everyone went back to sleep but it was a fitful night sleep. Between the loud talking in the hallway, then my cellphone started ringing (I thought I turned it off a long time ago) then I was really awake. It was a short night but the show must go on!

 

Today, we toured the Teng Wang Pavilion and did a little souvenir shopping. Sweet Cheeks took a nap and woke up just in time for lunch. We went to the Chinese restaurant located right beside our hotel and Michael ordered for us. The food was excellent!!! This was the same place we had eaten at yesterday and navigated the menu on our own. Needless to say, today's selections were much better... although, two of the dishes were repeats from yesterday.

 

Once we were back at the hotel, I played in the room with my two girls while Dad took care of business... banking, laundry, etc. We had a calligrapher come to the hotel and she made scrolls for the girls with their English and Chinese names. It was pretty cool and quite a bargain at 220 RMB. Sweet Cheeks is laughing more and really starting to use her arms. She was on all fours today and was scooting across the floor. She loves playing with her stacking cups... cup on her head is a favorite game that will usually produce a laugh or two. Have I mentioned that Sweet Cheeks is also quite ticklish?

 

We are really having a good time but we are ready to leave here and move on to Guangzhou. The weather is still pretty cool, but not Beijing cool. The pollution is thick in the air. We are trying to experience as much of the city as possible because who knows when we will be back. We have a great travel group. Everyone is very nice and helpful. It definitely makes life a lot easier that there are people to hang out with.

 

We have not pulled the pics off the camera yet so no new pics... more later... I promise! Love to all. Thanks for all of the love and emails from home. We love reading them all!!!!!!

Queen Sweet Cheeks!

And she reigns... and laughs! Who knew? Today, Sweet Cheeks has opened up and is starting to look a little happier. We have had a few tears, especially when I try to put her down which means she is attaching to me... and that is good! She is letting Cupcake hold her a little more and she even fell asleep on her big sister for a few minutes. Big Sissy was ecstatic about that, too!

 

Today, we went to Nanchang Walmart. What an experience that was! Glad that I went, but no desire to go back. The Hubs and Nana are having Diet Coke withdrawal, none to be found in this town. We got some almonds, bread, a three pack of music CD's and a case of water. We left all of the interesting foods and such to the locals. While we shopped, one of dad's traveling in our group, took his two sons and Cupcake to the park across the street to burn off some excess energy. It is hard hanging out in hotels with no areas for the kids to let loose. 

 

While we were in Walmart, the overhead music came on and Sweet Cheeks started bouncing to the music and patting on my hand and chest. It was so cute!  We also got plenty of stares but in an interested way, not an uncomfortable way.

 

Once we were back in the hotel, Cupcake and Sweet Cheeks were playing on the bed with stacking cups and that was when we got our first LOL! We would put a cup on her head and it would fall off and then Sweet Cheeks would just laugh! It was music to our ears... Nana said it was worth the trip to China and I think she is right. She is also mimicking us by making noises with her mouth and tongue.

 

Next, Cupcake had an idea to make a crown headband for Sweet Cheeks. It was quite innovative seeing as she had no scissors or tape. She used sketch paper and princess stickers... pretty fitting, don't you think? On the crown, she wrote Queen Bella! She then made a little sign and stuck to Sweet Cheeks that said, Bow to Queen Bella. Too cute! They were so sweet playing together.

 

As I type this, Cupcake is having a playdate with the older girls of another family that is traveling with us. They are watching Wizard of Oz and snacking on Chips Ahoy and Starburst. Yummmmm! 

 

It is so nice that there are older children in our group that are here adopting siblings. There are five families, counting us, here in Jiangxi. All of the babies are from the same orphanage. All of the families have adopted before either from China, Taiwan, other countries or domestically. There are no first time parents in our group.

 

Some more info on Sweet Cheeks... she is not walking, she has 8 teeth total. She is taking a bottle with formula. She loves to eat bananas, veggie puffs, cheerios, rice, eggs, crackers and bread.

 

It seems one of our biggest expenses is laundry here in China. Our guide had it sent out vs doing it here in the hotel and it was still over $40. Of course, that is for a family of four;-)

 

Here are a few pics from today. Enjoy! 

 

Love and hugs to all!

 

PS. Today was the first day we slept until 6:30am!!

It's Official!

The paperwork has been completed and Isabella Jiuzhi is officially ours, today and forever....yeahhhhhhh!!!  WOOHOOOOOO!

 

Today was spent completing the official Chinese government Adoption paperwork.  It took about four hours to complete. It was during that time, I figured out how ticklish Sweet Cheeks is.... oh my! And, I got my first toothy grin. I had waited such a long time to see that happen. 

 

The province official presented us with a piece of porcelain for us to keep and we were able to take a photo. We were asked and we promised to love, raise and educate Sweet Cheeks. She is ours!

 

We also got to meet with the orphanage director. Not a lot of information was received. We did ask if there was anything he would like for us to know about her and he said she was very cute!

 

Afterwards, we navigated a local Chinese restaurant with two other families we have been traveling with, and without our guide... We ordered from pictures on the menu. Some of the things I am not sure we will ever really know what they were but they were pretty tasty except for one of fried animal fat. It looked like chicken with vegetables in the picture, seriously!  We left with food in our bellies and an enjoyment of the local brew. Eight adults ate for 125 RMB which is about $20. 

 

A little about Sweet Cheeks.... she is very sweet and loves to cuddle. She appears to be fairly easy going and gets fussy when she is hungry, but don't we all. I LOVE HER! She is so stinking cute!  I know she is mine and all that but she really is cute. She is always watching what is going on and is more on the quiet side.

 

Cupcake has enjoyed feeding her and playing with her. She really wants to hold and carry Sweet Cheeks but Sweet Cheeks is just not ready for that and gets a little fussy. We continue to remind Cupcake that this is all new to her little sister and we have to take it slow. She has about five years of ideas in her head that she is ready to teach Sweet Cheeks about in one day.

 

It has been interesting seeing the hustle and bustle of everyone as they continue to prepare for Chinese New Year. The traffic here is insane!  Not sure if it is always like this or on the rise with a large holiday. Fireworks have been going off every night and last night was no exception. Horns are constantly blaring. It is always loud here. Even when at 3:30am or so when we are awake there are horns blaring.

 

Enjoy a few pics from the day.... everyone is happy and healthy..... Thanks again to everyone for the emails. Love to you all... Signed: Bowen Party of Four