Bought a lovely hot pink Piglet stroller. Kaitlyn (the 2 year old on our trip) will be so jealous! Tried to find an Airport Express so I could use my iPad but was getting conned at the Apple reseller so I left. I'd rather beg Internet access off another family than pay through the nose. Saving my money for pearls in Guangzhou. Finally figured out the trick to getting Jude to nap - I draped the giant baby comforter over 2/3 of the crib top and it blocked the light. Plus she can't figure out how to sit up. Victory!
And all hail the conquering mommy! Chris and Rhonda stopped by our room to tell me about a complex a few blocks away that just had baby and kid stuff. It meant crossing the scary, scooter filled intersection and walking, by myself with the stroller down two long streets to get there but I did it! Yes, we were stared at, yes we walked around strange storefronts and people fixing scooters on the side walk, heck we even stepped into the street and dodged those scooter terrors and lived to tell the tale! I bought two outfits, one is a sleeper that's likely too warm but it is darling. The other is a dress and sweater set, which sadly didn't come with a diaper cover, but I just realized they'd never dress a baby with bare legs here. I'm just glad I ventured out on my own. I needed to conquer that here, to prove to myself and others that I'm not helpless. Just remember folks, always let someone know where you are going on these brave adventures and when you leave, so they'll know where to and when to begin a search.
Tonight was our last in Nanning, so naturally to fully appreciate this culture, we all went to dinner. At Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut with 38 pages to the menu, serving wine, steak, smoothies, and fried rice. Jude is willing to try everything and is learning to actively chew food. She's fallen madly in love with the sweet potato puffs, eating two bowlfuls this evening. It seems like she just getting her appetite back. Maybe her head is clearing. Back at the hotel it was bath night. That went over like a bag of broken glass. One round of wet screaming, thankyouverynuch. On the upside, she is asleep, and the screaming meanies combined with all the food she ate might just keep her asleep. I need to finish packing yeah!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Day 3 - Dining out in real China
2/22
Last night wasn't as idyllic as Tuesday night. She was up at 11 for a bottle, then up again before 4 with a stuffy cough. She had a diaper change and some cuddling until she crashed again, but she was up before 7 and my morning was not executed as I'd wished. We still have issues with changing and exposed skin, but she did drink a full bottle and have some congee, eggs and (I confess) bacon this morning.
The Mintos went with me across the street to the grocery store. They've been a tremendous help. I needed formula, diapers and another bottle. Now that I've done the grocery once I can do it again alone if needed. Crossing the street is scary, particularly the little side strips that aren't regulated by lights. The scooters can be quite mercenary.
If I haven't said it before I'll say it now - I'm anxious to leave Nanning. The thought that we have 2 more days here is depressing. It's a nice enough place but the arrangements has been haphazard, the rooms so so and the service barely tolerant of Western guests. I know I'm just grumpy, and hopped on new mommy hormones, but I really want the convenience of my home and loved ones. I'm hoping Guangzhou is better.
Tried to go down to lunch, Jude got up early from her nap, but surprise, surprise, the dining room was closed for a private event. Unbeknown to our group, this will be the rule, not the exception. So we ate in the room and score one for chicken congee! It was a hit and she ate the entire bowl, save the bit I spilled on her and the carpet.
Had an interesting evening on many levels. We left the room to meet two of the other families for dinner in one of the hotel's restaurant which in fact was closed for a private function. And the other two restaurants were not open (see above comment). We ran into another set of parents from another agency and they were headed to the open air street market. We all tagged along.
That was the real China, they part tourists don't see. This couple lived in China for 6 years and were fluent in Mandarin. We wandered for a bit and saw many things that were fascinating many that I refuse to speak of ever. Then we tried to find a dumpling place that was recommended, and that excursion lasted many blocks, past more wild sights. We found the place, climbed 3 flights of stairs to find it closed. We eventually settled on a place and let them order. I tried this eggplant and peanut dish that was fantastic. Jude loved it! Guess I'll need to find a similar recipe and try it at home. Sadly my sore throat (from all the drainage caused by the pollution and air quality) was pretty bad by them and all I really wanted was water, and some Advil.
I realized about half way through the adventure that my brand new pants were too long and just being dragged through all the muck, and um, parts. Ick. Jude was up after her bedtime which just made her crankier to try and get to bed.
Right now I just want this sore throat to leave. I've got my days mixed up. I'm happy to realize tomorrow is Thursday and our last full day here. And it's Walmart day!
Last night wasn't as idyllic as Tuesday night. She was up at 11 for a bottle, then up again before 4 with a stuffy cough. She had a diaper change and some cuddling until she crashed again, but she was up before 7 and my morning was not executed as I'd wished. We still have issues with changing and exposed skin, but she did drink a full bottle and have some congee, eggs and (I confess) bacon this morning.
The Mintos went with me across the street to the grocery store. They've been a tremendous help. I needed formula, diapers and another bottle. Now that I've done the grocery once I can do it again alone if needed. Crossing the street is scary, particularly the little side strips that aren't regulated by lights. The scooters can be quite mercenary.
If I haven't said it before I'll say it now - I'm anxious to leave Nanning. The thought that we have 2 more days here is depressing. It's a nice enough place but the arrangements has been haphazard, the rooms so so and the service barely tolerant of Western guests. I know I'm just grumpy, and hopped on new mommy hormones, but I really want the convenience of my home and loved ones. I'm hoping Guangzhou is better.
Tried to go down to lunch, Jude got up early from her nap, but surprise, surprise, the dining room was closed for a private event. Unbeknown to our group, this will be the rule, not the exception. So we ate in the room and score one for chicken congee! It was a hit and she ate the entire bowl, save the bit I spilled on her and the carpet.
Had an interesting evening on many levels. We left the room to meet two of the other families for dinner in one of the hotel's restaurant which in fact was closed for a private function. And the other two restaurants were not open (see above comment). We ran into another set of parents from another agency and they were headed to the open air street market. We all tagged along.
That was the real China, they part tourists don't see. This couple lived in China for 6 years and were fluent in Mandarin. We wandered for a bit and saw many things that were fascinating many that I refuse to speak of ever. Then we tried to find a dumpling place that was recommended, and that excursion lasted many blocks, past more wild sights. We found the place, climbed 3 flights of stairs to find it closed. We eventually settled on a place and let them order. I tried this eggplant and peanut dish that was fantastic. Jude loved it! Guess I'll need to find a similar recipe and try it at home. Sadly my sore throat (from all the drainage caused by the pollution and air quality) was pretty bad by them and all I really wanted was water, and some Advil.
I realized about half way through the adventure that my brand new pants were too long and just being dragged through all the muck, and um, parts. Ick. Jude was up after her bedtime which just made her crankier to try and get to bed.
Right now I just want this sore throat to leave. I've got my days mixed up. I'm happy to realize tomorrow is Thursday and our last full day here. And it's Walmart day!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Day 2 - It's official!
Jude started the day looking rather panicked. No crying or screaming just passive and a bit scared. She comfortably climbed in the hip sling to begin the day's adventures. She looked dehydrated to me; her lips are chapped and she wasn't all that interested in food or a bottle. She hasn't had enough liquid or solids to make me happy.
They gave me a status update right before we all met the kids. It said she can walk with help, is a fast crawler and can jump. Interestingly it said she's an extrovert and a bit of a drama queen (okay they didn't use that phrase but it was implied). Also noted that she laughs loudly and plays enthusiastically. I look forward to meeting that little one. Today's girl was a ways away from that.
Long but uneventful morning at 2 Civil Affairs offices. She is now mine in the eyes of China. We had a free afternoon and evening, then a tour tomorrow morning. If I get a stroller I could do the tour but without it I don't know. I was hoping to forgo the stroller until Guangzhou as I'd rather not deal with it on the plane Friday. Even with the other families to help me it's going to be a bear dealing with my suitcases and a baby. I need to limit what is in the diaper bag, but my packet of papers is growing instead of shrinking.
Jude chooses to have breakthroughs in the strangest places. In the second civil affairs office, the notary I think, she ate some puffs, gave me her first real smile, and fed me a couple of treats. At dinner tonight, after the Mintos had left the table and we were alone, she was suddenly very animated. She smiled, giggled, shook her head yes and no while smiling, and then showed me could wave bye-bye, followed by blowing a kiss (okay kissing her hand against her mouth), and finally I asked for a kiss and got multiple! We're are my witnesses when I need them?!
We had a nice play session after nap and before dinner; with an 'I just want you to hold me' period. She just wanted to lie on me, not really interact, not play. I had some doubts about my ability to do this for 3 months - what if I don't do this right? Those blues passed but it did remind me that post adoption blues are a real possibility. I have waited for 6 years, that is a massive build up of anticipation and imagination.
They gave me a status update right before we all met the kids. It said she can walk with help, is a fast crawler and can jump. Interestingly it said she's an extrovert and a bit of a drama queen (okay they didn't use that phrase but it was implied). Also noted that she laughs loudly and plays enthusiastically. I look forward to meeting that little one. Today's girl was a ways away from that.
Long but uneventful morning at 2 Civil Affairs offices. She is now mine in the eyes of China. We had a free afternoon and evening, then a tour tomorrow morning. If I get a stroller I could do the tour but without it I don't know. I was hoping to forgo the stroller until Guangzhou as I'd rather not deal with it on the plane Friday. Even with the other families to help me it's going to be a bear dealing with my suitcases and a baby. I need to limit what is in the diaper bag, but my packet of papers is growing instead of shrinking.
Jude chooses to have breakthroughs in the strangest places. In the second civil affairs office, the notary I think, she ate some puffs, gave me her first real smile, and fed me a couple of treats. At dinner tonight, after the Mintos had left the table and we were alone, she was suddenly very animated. She smiled, giggled, shook her head yes and no while smiling, and then showed me could wave bye-bye, followed by blowing a kiss (okay kissing her hand against her mouth), and finally I asked for a kiss and got multiple! We're are my witnesses when I need them?!
We had a nice play session after nap and before dinner; with an 'I just want you to hold me' period. She just wanted to lie on me, not really interact, not play. I had some doubts about my ability to do this for 3 months - what if I don't do this right? Those blues passed but it did remind me that post adoption blues are a real possibility. I have waited for 6 years, that is a massive build up of anticipation and imagination.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Day 2 - Nanning
Nanning was an interesting city. The most remarkable thing was the scooters. Thousands of scooters, all day, all night, every road, everywhere.
All the riders had modified nits covering their hands and the scooter controls - looked a bit like oven mitts. Some nights the main shopping area by Walmart turned into an open air shopping experience, and the scooters and bikes were parked 5 or 6 deep for blocks.
The scooters ran on every type of fuel, making for quite a lot of pollution. That is where my health problems started.
All the riders had modified nits covering their hands and the scooter controls - looked a bit like oven mitts. Some nights the main shopping area by Walmart turned into an open air shopping experience, and the scooters and bikes were parked 5 or 6 deep for blocks.
The scooters ran on every type of fuel, making for quite a lot of pollution. That is where my health problems started.
Day 2 - Forms and family bonding
We started right after Gotcha with some photos, which are part of her paperwork to leave the country, and for her passport. We all headed back to the rooms and dinner. Okay, everyone but me headed for dinner. Jude wailed every time I put her down so we had matching meltdowns and lots of cuddling. Eventually she had a half bottle and settled a bit. She had a stuffy nose and a tiny cough.
After another round of paperwork, with Jude strapped to my chest, and then I put her down for the night. I abandoned 2 pair of pjs that were too short. Goodbye those cute 9 month clothes at home! I put Jude down to sleep at 8. She didn't like it but once I pulled her blanket on she got the idea. She lay quiet and watched me for a bit then crashed. My dinner was half a peanut butter serving from "lunch" and a protein bar.
She slept through the night, doing much better than me. I was up at midnight, 3, and 5. Ever the worrier, I realized all of the things I needed to buy. One of the dads came by after I put her to bed and asked if I needed anything from the store. I stupidly said no. A few hours later, that impulsive no changed to yes I did need stuff and it would have been so much easier for me if someone else schelped it from the store. The carrier is great but someone doing the lifting is better.
The carrier I bought from Walking Rock Farm is awesome! Eventually, Jude would see it and pull the strap over her head to tell me she was ready too go! I don't know if there are any pictures of us using it, but it was invaluable.
After another round of paperwork, with Jude strapped to my chest, and then I put her down for the night. I abandoned 2 pair of pjs that were too short. Goodbye those cute 9 month clothes at home! I put Jude down to sleep at 8. She didn't like it but once I pulled her blanket on she got the idea. She lay quiet and watched me for a bit then crashed. My dinner was half a peanut butter serving from "lunch" and a protein bar.
She slept through the night, doing much better than me. I was up at midnight, 3, and 5. Ever the worrier, I realized all of the things I needed to buy. One of the dads came by after I put her to bed and asked if I needed anything from the store. I stupidly said no. A few hours later, that impulsive no changed to yes I did need stuff and it would have been so much easier for me if someone else schelped it from the store. The carrier is great but someone doing the lifting is better.
The carrier I bought from Walking Rock Farm is awesome! Eventually, Jude would see it and pull the strap over her head to tell me she was ready too go! I don't know if there are any pictures of us using it, but it was invaluable.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
A slight interruption
We are home, arriving Friday after a long two days of travel.
Unfortunately, we both came home sick. After visits to the pediatrician and my family doctor we are both on medication. Baby is doing better, but I'm getting worse. Don't know when I'll be back to blogging, but please stay tuned.
M
Unfortunately, we both came home sick. After visits to the pediatrician and my family doctor we are both on medication. Baby is doing better, but I'm getting worse. Don't know when I'll be back to blogging, but please stay tuned.
M
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Day 2 - Gotcha Day
I met one of the other families at breakfast. The Mintos have an 8 years old and are adopting a 2 year old. Next to arrive were the Stones, who have a 3 year old at home and are adopting a little girl a few months older than BB. The last family will arrive later this morning. We had to exchange our money for the donation and provincial fees at the bank. Michael (the guide) had to help me because one person can only exchange X dollars a day. The couples just split the amount. The exchange took us longer than expected so we were late leaving for Gotcha.
We finally gathered in the lobby to go to the Civil Affairs office. It all seemed so surreal. Two of the families have been waiting as long as I have - six years. After that long of a wait, what's a few more minutes?
On to the bus, out of the hotel driveway, and right across the bumper of a taxi. Crunch! No one was hurt but the drivers got out and argued and we caused a big traffic jam. Remember what I said about a few minutes? Ha!
After a half an hour, and with much worry that the Civil Affairs orifice would close before we arrived, we climbed out of the bus. We dodged traffic back into the hotel and waited for them to bring the children to us.
Every time a van pulled up we strained to look - nope, not our kids. Another van arrived and out came to Westerners - nope not our kids, so we turned away. But when we looked again, there were more Chinese persons in the lobby and they had children with them! Our children!
There were three little girls, two walking and one being held, with her head turned. I was worried I wouldn't recognize her, but then the littlest one turned her head around and it was her, it was BB! She looked just the same! I said, to no one, "she's real". It was major confusion and I eventually walked over and the nannies handed her to me. She was a little reluctant, but no tears. She was very quiet. Someone was taking pictures; I was too stunned.
We finally gathered in the lobby to go to the Civil Affairs office. It all seemed so surreal. Two of the families have been waiting as long as I have - six years. After that long of a wait, what's a few more minutes?
On to the bus, out of the hotel driveway, and right across the bumper of a taxi. Crunch! No one was hurt but the drivers got out and argued and we caused a big traffic jam. Remember what I said about a few minutes? Ha!
After a half an hour, and with much worry that the Civil Affairs orifice would close before we arrived, we climbed out of the bus. We dodged traffic back into the hotel and waited for them to bring the children to us.
Every time a van pulled up we strained to look - nope, not our kids. Another van arrived and out came to Westerners - nope not our kids, so we turned away. But when we looked again, there were more Chinese persons in the lobby and they had children with them! Our children!
There were three little girls, two walking and one being held, with her head turned. I was worried I wouldn't recognize her, but then the littlest one turned her head around and it was her, it was BB! She looked just the same! I said, to no one, "she's real". It was major confusion and I eventually walked over and the nannies handed her to me. She was a little reluctant, but no tears. She was very quiet. Someone was taking pictures; I was too stunned.
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