MY POOR BOY 12/12/09

Another busy day, just when we thought it was time to slow down. Dylan had his medical today. My poor baby. Because of his age and us being a hague family, he had to suffer. They did all the normal stuff (by their standards), then he needed to get 4 vaccines and a tb test. My heart broke for him, he was crying. This was the first time we saw him so upset. They now try to get the hague families done before everyone else because it takes so long. The place was jam packed, hardly any room to move. Dylan and Maya were both antsy, they don't like to sit still when they are together.

We went to a mall for shopping afterwards. They have a grocery store, and a lot of other shops. Way too expensive for my taste. Some lady was trying to get us to buy Dylan a pair of jeans that cost $75 US. Are you crazy lady, don't you know I'm a Wal-Mart girl. I don't even spend $75 on a pair of jeans for myself, never mind an 8 year old that will out grow them in a month.

We had our paperwork party today after shopping. Poor Dave had both of them after they were sugared up from cookies. I think had it easier doing the paperwork. Being a hague family there is less paperwork here, but more in the states before you leave. I feel bad for all the families that had to sit there for a few hours.

Guangzhou Here we come 12/11/09

We flew to GZ today. Our flight was 7pm. We didn't do much today. We packed and went to the airport. After we checked in and got our seat assignments we went to a check point and then security. I gave the attendant our passports and boarding passes, he gives me mine and Maya's and tells me to go through to security. I go through security and I turn back to see what was taking Dave so long. He tells me they won't let him and Dylan through the check point. And they don't tell him why. Now my heart stops, I'm thinking the worst. As it turns out, they never put Dylan's passport number on his boarding pass. One of our guides had to take it back to the check in desk and have them do the right thing. Thank you Mary. Finally I see them coming to security. My heart returns to normal. Dylan did great on the plane. Dave and Dylan sat together, and Maya was with me. We weren't to sure how he was going to do. He was in awe of the planes. Let's see how he does flying home on friday.

Peoples Park 12/10/09

We went to Peoples Park today. How beautiful. We didn't have much time there, only about an hour. No time to play, but Dylan escaped the tot leash. Dave had to chase him across the kids playground. There were a lot of older people exercising. I guess that's how they stay in shape. They have an amusement park, but we didn't have time to let the kids go on anything. The park is decorated beautifully.

Off to the porcelain factory. You break it you buy it. Dave went in for a few minutes and then came out to keep Dylan occupied. He was NOT going in there, we don't have that much money to pay for it all. He was very active at that time. I took Maya and we shopped a little. Most of the stuff was too expensive. Maya picked out a little trinket box for herself. Have I told you all how amazing she has been.

TENGWANG PAVILION 12/09/09

Today we went to the Tengwang Pavilion. What a beautiful place with beautiful views. Six stories of different art, carvings, and shops. On some of the floors there is a balcony that over looks the city. We saw a chinese opera. It was a challenge keeping Dylan amused. He is very curious to say the least. The weather in Jiangxi has not been nice, everyday cloudy, drizzle and overcast.

We went to RT-Mart (a version of Wal-mart), what a visit that was. It's about a one mile walk each way to go shopping. Certain things you buy have to be paid for in different areas. You pay first, then bring your receipt back to where you picked out your merchandise. It was definitely an experience. We wanted to buy Dylan a pair of slippers, but because they had no sticker on them they wouldn't let us buy them. They don't try to get a price for you, you're just out of luck. As we walked out of the store we had a crowd surrounding us. They were watching Dylan as he was what they call a naughty naughty boy. He was in the middle of one his outbursts. At one point we had about 40 people surrounding us. One older gentleman asked if we adopted them, and once we said yes he thanked us and saluted us, and chanted USA USA. He is very happy to have us take them to the U.S.

After shopping we found a place called BRO Cafe, the have PIZZA yeah. It was pretty good. We went with another family and had a great time. We walked it off walking back to the hotel. We get a lot of looks from the locals. Some good some bad. We had 4 very tired children on our hands and one of ours was having another outburst. Can you guess which one? Hint: 8 years old and doesn't speak english.

Finally back to the hotel for some much needed rest.

Various pictures from 12/5/09-12/8/09

Notary 12/08/09

Today was a little slower. We went to the notary. Out of 15 families 3 of us went one notary and the rest went to another notary. Then of home away from home (in the U.S. anyway) Wal-mart. WooHoo Wal-mart here we come. Attention shoppers in China you need to watch out for us Americans. I haven't seen the inside of a Wal-mart for almost a week, you know I have withdrawals. LOL. Then off to KFC for lunch, what an experience. For dinner Dave ventured out to McDonald's, which is about a one mile walk each way from the hotel. What a good hubby I have. Anything to keep his family happy. Dylan loves chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers. For that matter there isn't much he doesn't like.

FOREVER FAMILY DAY 12/7/09

Finally a Family of Four!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had to be up packed and on the bus by 5:30 a.m. The start of a long emotional day. We fly out of Beijing to Nanchang, Jiangxi. We got into Nanchang about 11 a.m. On the way to the hotel our guide told us the children were waiting for us at the hotel. Yes, at the hotel. We had no time to check in, put our bags away or anything. And I wouldn't have changed it for anything. As soon as we walked into the lobby the children were right there, staring at us. Our guides told us to wait until it was our turn, they were calling one family at a time. As most of you all know we walk to the beat of our own drum and don't always follow instructions too well. Dylan seems to be the same way, he was made for our family. They didn't start calling families when here comes Dylan. He came running over saying Mama Baba with the photo album we sent him. One of the nannies had to come and take him back until it was his turn, well that didn't work either he just came right back. Our little boy brought tears to everyone's eyes. He is an amazing child, but he comes with baggage like most older children do. He is very strong willed and mischievous. They call him the naughty boy. We'll change that over time. Maya plays the little mama, she tells him what to do. After the happy chaos of getting our children we had 20 minutes to go to our room before we had to go to Civil Affair across the street. Not much time to get to know your child. We spent a long afternoon at civil affairs, there were a lot of groups there. Dylan got to spend some time with one of his friends from the orphanage. Her name is Sara, 13 years old and the sweetest thing I've ever met. Sara tells me Dylan is a silly boy.
Finally we are done for the day and we are all starving. We never had breakfast or lunch. So off to the hotel restaurant to eat. I order spaghetti and shared some with Dylan. He's my boy all right, he loves pasta. He'll be a New Yorker in no time.

Great Wall and Then some 12/6/09

Another day we are up early and running. Today we went to church, lunch, the Jade Factory, The Great Wall, dinner (another chinese meal) and the Acrobat Show. Dave went with one of the guys to the Harley Davidson Store.
The Jade factory was nice, we bought Maya an inexpensive bracelet and by that night it was lost, never to be seen by us again. The Great Wall was amazing. Although we've seen it before, it still amazes us. Maya loved it, she wanted to climb all the way to the top. I said good luck with that. The part they brought us to this time was very hard. The steps were 18-24 inches steep. She wasn't too happy when I told her she couldn't follow Daddy. We went to the acrobat show. From what I saw of it, it was pretty cool. We were falling asleep in the theatre. Maya fell fast asleep and we had to carry her out. On the way out she lost a shoe, luckily it fell off getting her onto the bus and someone found it. When we got back to the hotel our 2 guides (from when we adopted Maya), Maggie and Rosa, where waiting for us. It was too short of a visit because it was so late. Finally time to sleep a couple of hours (4 at best).

No rest for anyone 12/5/09

China 09 031.jpgChina 09 043.jpg

After getting in late last night, we were up early for a long, fun day of sightseeing. We went to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, lunch, Pearl Factory, Summer Palace, Silk Factory and then dinner. We were up very early and went to bed very late. Maya has been a real trooper through it all. She keeps us entertained. There are 25 families over all. We will travel with 15 of them to Jiangxi. One of the families is adopting a 13 year old girl that was on the waiting child list for a long time. We saw her bio so many times and prayed a family would open their hearts to her and they have. They are a wonderful family. Most of the children in this group are under the age of 2 years old. Dylan is the second oldest. More to come soon.

Safe Sound and Exhausted

We arrived safe sound and exhausted after a 2 hour delay and a 13 1/2 hour flight. We hit a lot of turbulance and didn't get much sleep on the flight. It is now 11:20 PM. Maya is sleeping and we are unpacking. We have to be up at 5:30AM so we can eat and meet everyone in the lobby at 8:30. GOOD NIGHT.

China Here We Come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, we are ready to go. Our bags are packed, re-packed, weighed, downsized, and re-weighed. If you can call 5 suitcases & 3 carry on's downsized. Appearently the airlines has a strict carry on policy. One carry on per person with a maxed weight of 11 lbs., the bag alone weighed 5 1/2 lbs. I guess people don't realize how many things you need to entertain your children on such a long flight. Oh well, we did our best.
I pray for a smooth flight. Maybe we can all get some much needed rest (Yeah right). Tomorrow starts our non-stop 2 day marathon of touring, before we get Dylan on monday afternoon. (And my DH thought my version of around the world in ninety minutes was hard. That was just the training for this trip). I Love You Honey. Then the next part of our life journey begins. More touring, more flights, more of run here and there. All worth the exhaustion to bring our long awaited son into our forever family. In a few hours we will getting on that plane to China. The country that gave us a family. Maya will get to see the country she was born in. Almost 3 years after we adopted her when she was 18 months old.
Thank you God for entrusting us with these two children.
Dylan, we are on our way, see you in a few short days. We love you.

NOTHING PACKED

Here it is sunday night, we leave for China on thursday and we have nothing packed. We have been so busy with everything else we put packing off. Who needs clothes and food while in China. We can go with what's on our backs and have them laundered everday. Yeah right. For some who know me I don't like anyone doing my laundry except me. My DH doesn't even touch my laundry. Tomorrow after we drop off Maya at school, DH and I will be busy little beavers. Tomorrow's only game plan is pack, pack, pack and then re-pack.
On monday Dec. 7 Dylan finally becomes part of our forever family. We love you Dylan and can't wait to have you with us.
We will try to post from China, but if we can't we have my BFF Mandy to help us and post from home. Thanks Mandy. We love you.

We're going to China!!!!!!!!!

We finally got our TA. We're leaving for China on December 3rd. We're finally going to meet our little boy after seeing his first picture 17 months ago. Maya's very excitied, she started packing all her stuffed toys to take with her,lol. What an awesome Christmas present, to be home the week before Christmas with our son.

New Pictures of Dylan

We finally have new pictures of Dylan. We used a company called Ladybugsnlove from above. They were great,we had these pictures in 24 hours.