Day 5 - a new day

I'm pleased to report that today is a new day.

Kerri still isn't feeling well, so we opted out of going on the temple tour. Michael has had a good day including some good napping, so that makes it all worth it.

He managed a 2 hour nap this morning. Then we ate some lunch and then Michael and I walked (clarify - he rode in my arms) to a local park. We let Kerri get some sleep in quiet in the hotel room.

The weather was very pleasant and the park was nice.

We walked around to take in the sights. We definitely got some stares, but I don't think we got yelled at. If we did, I didn't catch it.

 

I tried to see if I could put him down. Thought it would be cute picture with him walking on some of the paths. Yeah, not so much. Little man did NOT want to be put down.

 

No complaints here. I love that he feels secure in our arms. Meet Michael's 'upset face' as it was described to us before we got here...

We kept exploring, Even got a good smiling shot

It's really not hard to get him to smile, just hard to capture it cause he is so quick to move on to other things.

The thinking was that the park would tire him out a little bit ( might have been the case if he did any work :) ) and then nap when we got back... Yeah, he is happy, in his crib, but not real interested in sleep.

 

He truly does sleep great at night. But we are still trying to figure out how much nap he needs during the day...

Please continue to pray for our health. We fly to Guangzhou tomorrow and are going to need some energy to survive the flight....

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Day 4

Ok, so I'm going to break my promise. All 3 us us are feeling sick, and I need to get sleep.
We did take Michael to the hospital this morning so they could check out the blisters on his hand. Doc called it part of an infection, told us azithromiacyn (sp) 'doesn't work' and prescribed him 2 different meds as antibiotics, and a spray for his hand. (Our guide called it a 'spurge' instead of a spray. She is too cute and too helpful to correct her). We are going to continue on our course of meds that we brought with us, partly because Michael takes it with no issue. The cough medicine we were provided is about as nasty smelling as you can imagine.
The hospital was abut 3 blocks away so we walked. Inside it felt just as welcoming and nurturing as the government offices we visited earlier this week. We were checked in very quickly, an proceeded to the elevator. We walked down the hall to the 'peds' area, past a room that was more obviously a toilet by the smell rather than the sign, and into a white walled room with a single desk, and a woman in a white coat. We assumed she was a doctor. There were no chairs or waiting rooms, or primary colored plastic play toys to be found anywhere. In the corner of the room was one exam bed, with a cloth cover that was more black than it's intended blue. There was one chair that they let Kerri sit in while they did the exam. While we were being 'seen' the other families that had shown up were just standing there, in the room, their kids screaming and carrying on. No such thing as patient privacy here...
We filled the prescription and got out of there. Thankful that he did not have something more serious. All told we were in the building probably less than 20 min. I'll give them efficiency, but that is where it stops.
The conditions were unsanitary.
This isn't a political blog so I'm going to bite my tongue. Ouch, that hurts.
The rest of the day was primarily spent in our room. Michael didn't nap well at all today, and was very challenging to get down for bed tonight. I pray tomorrow goes better. Progress was made, but not without a lot of tears in the process.
We are scheduled to go see the Shaolin temple tomorrow. Long bus ride, Kung fu show and other activities. Sounds fascinating, but also sounds potentially miserable if little man decides to melt. Kerri really wasn't feeling well tonight so that will effect if we go as well. I give it 50/50...

Going to bed now. Need the energy for another day of keeping up with the 16 month old.
-Adam-

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Day 3

Disclaimer: no pics today. We took some pics of course, but I have not pulled them off of the camera yet. Kerri and Michael are both sleeping and I'm in bed, lights out with my iPad. I'll get more pics updated tomorrow.

Today we had zero plans. That was what the doctor ordered. We had a chance to FaceTime with all of the kids, my parents, Kerri's mom and grandma, and Kerri's sister and family. Jen and the Seattle gang got to be witness to one of Michael's temper tantrums. Then he turned his mood around a few min later so we face timed them back so they could see that too :)

Today was similar to yesterday in that when he is happy, he is a bundle of smiles and has a wonderful curious personality. But if one thing sets him off, he is a kicking, back arching body flinging fit if rage. Breaks our heart to see that. We really don't know much about the environment he has been in, but we get the impression that he didn't have much comfort when things didn't go well. This type of thing was discussed in our preparatory training, and we are thankful for that. We will get though this with him. As we get to know him better and he gets to know us better, we will develop ways to help him cope with frustration. As we work throw that journey, please pray :)

We did get him out if the hotel for a quick walk to 7-11 to get some snacks. The weather was much nicer than it has been for most of the trip. It was good to get out a little bit.

After we got him down for a nap in the afternoon, I went to Walmart with one of the other dads from the group. We needed another suitcase to get all of Michael's stuff home, so I used that to carry the groceries and supplies for the ~1 mile walk back to the hotel. O, and we found a Starbucks, and it tasted like - Starbucks. A welcome taste of home.

Dinner went from Pizza Hut to KFC after sir Michael didn't really want to wait for Pizza Hut (tantrum time). KFC ended up being a much better option. Michael is a big fan of French fries. Now we know. Thanks to the patience and knowledge of our new friends the wickersham's (who live in china and speak Chinese) our excursion was a success!

Tomorrow morning we are heading to the doctor, Michael has some funky blisters on one hand, really just on one finger and a little on the outside of his palm. Our guide wants to have a doc take a look and make sure It isn't anything to be worried about.

One in the guys in our group compiled contact info and blog info from the group and sent it out. I just got done reading seem if the blogs and learned more about the wonderful people we are sharing this journey with. They really do make it more bearable.

More pictures (maybe even video) next post, I promise.

 

-Adam-

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Michael day 2 - we are official!

It's official.

We are now legally Michaels parents. We signed the adoption agreement and were given our certificate this morning.

From there we went to get Michaels picture taken for his passport. They have very strict rules for those pics, and Michael - well he didn't really care about the rules.

Then we had to apply for the passport in a sterile office in a Government building. I was taking pictures of Michael while we waited for another family and the official gave me some nasty looks. I guess Michael gets his rule following for me...

Then we went to the bank to pay for the passports. We waited in the van while the orphanage director paid, but Michael was in full melt down mode by that point. Kerri bounced him for a bit outside the van but he was still not happy.

One more stop at the public notary office. Up 5 flights of stairs to sign a couple docs and get another picture taken, then back to the hotel.

Did we mention there is traffic in china?? You don't get places fast. Unless you are using a scooter, and while people look like they are getting places, I have no idea how they actually get there alive. More in another post.

Taxi vs ambulance last night. Surprised we don't see more like this.

Once we got back to the room Michael was in full on melt down mode. We were able to get him to take a bottle and then fall asleep.

He's adorable when he sleeps

We then decided to wake him up so he did't sleep too late. WARNING - this kid does NOT like to wake up before he says so. More melt down followed...

 

After getting him a bottle and some food, he warmed up to us again. Love seeing his smile ad hearing his laugh.

Bath time was another hit...

Bedtime was a little drawn out (pizza delivered to the room caused little man some jealousy)... But we got him there with some tears but not nearly the drama as earlier today.

Quite the character and a great sense of humor

Tomorrow we gave a free day. Planning a fun filled return trip to Walmart and some more regular napping schedules.

 

We did get a chance to FaceTime with the kids, Kerri's mom, and her grandma this morning. I think my parents were there too, but it was hard to tell due to the chaos. They loved seeing Michael (he was in a good mood at the time) and we loved seeing all of them. It helps us knowing that things are under control back home.

Until next time...

-Adam-

 

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Gotcha day

What a day

I now sit here at 9:30 pm, Kerri is asleep and Michael is asleep. Micheal doesn't want to be rocked to sleep, He just fidgeted for a while in the crib and fell asleep on his own. We were told that is what he is used to doing.

This is the first chance I have had to sit all day. This little man is a handful!!!

Going to keep this brief and then I will put some pics up. I'm writing this from the iPad which is a little challenging on when it comes to formatting...

Woke up this morning, had breakfast, a bunch from our group were down there at the same time, everyone anxiously awaiting our 9:30 departure. When the time came we headed to the civil affairs building to get the kiddos.

When we went in, there were already 3 kids there, the parents instantly recognized them and ran to them and greeted them. Awesome to see. Then the kids started arriving one or two at a time. Those of us still waiting grabbed cameras of the newly united and helped them to capture the moment. Our group alone had 9 kids coming from 8 orphanages. And there were probably another 6 or 7 families from other agencies there at the same time. Even the ones who we had never met instantly shared the connection of what we were doing.  The place was noisy,  but full of joy, and laughter and tears.

About an hour and half after we arrived, Michael showed up. Our rep saw who it was (they know the orphanage director) and tuned to us and said "Zheng Jian Jia is here!!!" We met them at the door and they handed him right to Kerri.

No tears, but a lot of wide-eyed bewilderment. We got a bunch of pictures, and our new friends did as well. Then we gave him a snack and we had him hooked. He really didn't care who had him, but don't you dare take away those little puff snacks!

I took my turn with him and loved every minute of it.  He kept eating of course, but pet checking us out.  We tried putting him down in the play area but he wanted nothing of it.  He wanted to be held or at least wanted to sit on me:)

They had him dressed  for Siberia.  He had a soaking wet diaper sticking out from the open bottom layers (3 of them) of pants and could barely find his hands because to outer layer was so big.

There was only a couple more kids that arrived after Michael and then we headed back to the hotel.  2 families had to wait until the afternoon because their kids were delayed due to the distance they had to travel, and the bad weather.   We felt bad for them, but were thrilled to watch them be united with their kids a few hours after we returned.

As soon as we got back,  we facetimed the kids and my Mom.  They were all thrilled to see him in 'the flesh'.    He was still stoic and just checking everything out at the time.  The kids have not yet seen the new Michael...    He is going to fit in well with our clan.

We shed Michael's layers, one at a time ( see pictures) and finally got him into some of the clothes we brought.  He didn't enjoy that process as you can tell in the pictures.   Once we provided him an opportunity to actually bend at the joints he showed us that he has wheels.   Oh they aren't real stable wheels, but he can move.  This is when we saw him actually come to life.

Hour by hour, experience by experience,  he is opening up, laughing, dancing, through fits by kicking his legs.   Completely different kid from the stoic expressionless kid we picked up in the morning to the kid that I just watched giggle as he tried to climb out of his crib about an hour ago.

I realize now as I look at the pictures, that I took a ton of video tonight, and not nearly enough stills.  I'm going to get videos put up as soon as I can (not tonight) but I'll get some pics of his killer smile showing off his pearly whites.

Kerri stayed in the room with him when I went with a group to the bank to exchange money for some of the official visits we do tomorrow.   I came back to the room and there were toys everywhere, drawers open, and Kerri just laughing because it was all she could do to keep up with him.  Here we go again.

A group of us made the trek to the local walmart.  That earned a blog post in and of itself.  I need another visit to document some of the goings on, but stay tuned.  that post will be fun.   We got diapers, some feeding items, and a curling iron (for Kerri..) that we hope actually works here.

Dinner tonight was room service.  Michael chowed on baby food and finally took a bottle before bed.

Loving this little dude.  So thankful for the time to just get to know him, establish this critical early bond with him, and just to have fun with him. Wait till you see the video of him...

He has a fully developed opinion about just about everything, and is not shy about communicating it by whatever means necessary.  He also has a great playful side, picks up on games and want to engage in play. His personality is awesome.  So unique, and so fitting for who he is.

Tomorrow morning we go back to the civil affairs office to complete paperwork, then to apply for his password, and hopefully for a trip to the orphanage where we has spent some of his life when we was not in foster care.  After that, we have a few days of just getting to know Michael time.   Looking forward to that.

For now I will leave you with these pictures.  More to come, and video to come.

Right when we got him

Orphanage director had just given us a photo album of Michael with a bunch of pictures we had not seen before.

Kerri feeding him the puffs

Check out that outer coat.  Yup, there are little fingers in there...

Getting to know him.

2nd layer after taking off the full body lime green snow suit 

3rd layer

4th layer - only 3 pants layers, but he had 4 tops on...

Seeing if he wants to walk on his own -- umm, nope.  not yet.

We have to wear these for the rest of the trip.   White people carrying Chinese baby can raise some concerns.

Just before bedtime.  Loving his Momma

I'm hitting the sack now and joining these 2 sleepy heads.  Michael has a definitive 'sound' as he sleeps.  I love it.

Thanks again for all of the support.  We feel loved, and supported even from 1/2 way around the world.   Technology is no substitute for community or family, but it provides a conduit for communication that we are truly grateful for.

In Zhengzhou

We woke up this morning to a snowy scene in Beijing.   For some it was concerning, but for us, it was a little taste of home.  We traveled by bus to the Beijing airport with a slight delay as we pulled over to the side of the road because the bus was making a weird sound.    Our very humorous guide, George, decided the bus was just whistling with happiness over our new adoptions, so we decided to drive the rest of the way with the whistle.  Just another part of this amazing journey.   We got to the airport and checked in and then realized the snow was getting pretty bad.  There was some concern about whether flights would be delayed or worse yet, cancelled.  We were delayed for maybe 1.5 hours but made it out of Beijing for the short flight to Zhengzhou.  It was a bit of a slippery landing, but here we are! 

 

As soon as we got on the bus from the airport to our hotel, our new rep Vivian handed each of us an update on our little ones.  This is getting very real.  We found out that Michael has a bottle 3 times per day and enjoys bath time.  He apparently sleeps from 7:30 to 7:30.  We’ll see if that continues…wouldn’t that be fabulous!    

 

The hotel is beautiful.  We are settled in and ready to call this home for the next six days.  There is a Wal-Mart down the street and several western restaurants to choose from.   I am thankful for the opportunity to experience this part of the world that will always be a large piece of Michael’s heritage.

 

 

We have been blessed by an amazing travel group and have met some wonderful people.   Tonight we all went to the Italian restaurant in the hotel and had a great dinner.  Now off to bed for the big day. 

 

Tomorrow is THE day.  The day we meet our new son.  A day that will change our lives forever.  We will attempt to get some sleep although that will be tough.   We meet in the lobby at 9:30 tomorrow morning and take the bus to the civil affairs office where the orphanage director will bring Michael.  

 

George, our Beijing guide, talked quite a bit about predestination.   He was telling us how these children were chosen for us from the beginning.  I believe with all my heart that Michael was placed on this earth by God’s loving hand and that the plan was written by Him before we ever took one step along this road.    Tomorrow the next chapter in the story unfolds.  I can’t wait to see what comes next!

 

 

 

 

-Kerri

Beijing - Great Wall

Today we visited the Jade Factory, The Great Wall, and drove by the Olympic village.

Jade Factory The Jade factory as they called it was very cool.  We got a tour showing how jade carvings are made,  then had an opportunity to shop.  Just like the silk factory,  the ulterior motive is to get you to buy stuff.   We ended up getting a ‘Family ball’  which symbolizes multiple generations staying together.

George in the Entrance of the Jade Factory

This ship was all made out of Jade.  $1million US if you are interested.

Great Wall – We drove to the great wall, where it was windy and cold.  We hiked up the hill a ways took some pictures and came back to the bus.  Steps were very uneven and very steep.  You only see a small portion of the wall, but it is impressive none the less.

Bundled up ready to climb

At one of the lookout platforms

Them stairs are steep!

We stopped for lunch at another Chinese restaurant.  This one was completely focused on tourists.   The entire first floor was a souvenir shop – a big one!  The restaurant was upstairs.  Food was decent.

On the way back to the hotel,  we drove by the Olympic village and saw the birds nest, the water cube and a number of other familiar looking buildings from the 2008 Olympics.

 

This is what Traffic is like most places in Beijing.  Pretty crazy.  It’s entertaining to watch the people on scooters and bikes just weave in and out of traffic.   I’m just glad we are in a bus J

The group is going to an acrobatics show tonight, but we are going to skip it.  We are looking forward to a quiet night to get things packed up to fly to Zhengzhou tomorrow.  That’s where Michael is, and last time I checked,  that is why we came to China!

So long Beijing,  I’m glad we got the chance to meet you.

-Adam-