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.