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| Andrew giving Daddy creative pointers. |
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| Big enough to carve his own pumpkin this year. |
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| Our excited trick or treaters. |
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| Mario and Luigi |
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| Our trash truck |
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| This tired cheerleader slept in the stroller for the entire evening. |
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Halloween
Halloween was the day after Laura and I got home. We spent the morning carving pumpkins, the afternoon resting, and the evening trick or treating and playing and visiting with our neighbors. It was a happy day together!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Home!
We got home on Friday October 30 around 11:30 a.m. When Laura and I arrived to Tampa, we had been traveling for about 27 hours. The long flight from China was just that: long, but Laura did as well as any 1 1/2 year old could do on that kind of flight. I was so glad I splurged and bought her her own seat! The extra room made the flight bearable. She slept on the seat several times and sat there and snacked and played as well. I was so glad to have it.
We arrived to JFK in New York around 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning and Laura became an American citizen when we went through immigration. JFK is complete madness! We had a 3 hour lay over, but between immigration/customs and security, we didn't have much time to spare. I was so glad to be back in America! I went to the restroom and washed my face (and let the water get in my mouth!) Then we grabbed a fresh fruit and yogurt parfait (first fresh fruit or dairy in two weeks) and shared it at the gate in the few minutes we had before boarding the flight home.
Laura slept the whole way to Tampa from New York. When I got off the shuttle in Tampa, I saw my family waiting for me and the tears started! My children looked so big and grown up. And my Robert...I was just so glad to see him. My aunt and uncle came as well to greet us and my sweet neighbor (who is also a wonderful photographer) came to take a few photos for us. The photos really speak for themselves. We were so happy to be together!
Thank you for praying for us as I traveled! The trip was wonderful and hard and life changing and beautiful. I'd do it again in a heart beat...but next time, with my hubby. I'm so happy to be home!
We arrived to JFK in New York around 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning and Laura became an American citizen when we went through immigration. JFK is complete madness! We had a 3 hour lay over, but between immigration/customs and security, we didn't have much time to spare. I was so glad to be back in America! I went to the restroom and washed my face (and let the water get in my mouth!) Then we grabbed a fresh fruit and yogurt parfait (first fresh fruit or dairy in two weeks) and shared it at the gate in the few minutes we had before boarding the flight home.
Laura slept the whole way to Tampa from New York. When I got off the shuttle in Tampa, I saw my family waiting for me and the tears started! My children looked so big and grown up. And my Robert...I was just so glad to see him. My aunt and uncle came as well to greet us and my sweet neighbor (who is also a wonderful photographer) came to take a few photos for us. The photos really speak for themselves. We were so happy to be together!
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| The kids seeing Laura and me...I love Jacob's expression! |
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| Sweet Andrew |
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| William telling his new sister all the details about his Halloween ring. Missed this boy's stories! |
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| I had told Robert how much I missed ice while I was in China! He had a SBX iced tea for me when I got home. It was amazing. |
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| Headed home! |
Thank you for praying for us as I traveled! The trip was wonderful and hard and life changing and beautiful. I'd do it again in a heart beat...but next time, with my hubby. I'm so happy to be home!
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Consulate Appointment and Traditional Group Photos
Today is Wednesday in China and we had our Consulate appointment/interview early this morning. The U.S. Consulate looks over the adoption paperwork from Henan and issues Laura her visa and citizenship to the United States. When we land in our port city on early Friday morning, the United States Immigration will put two stamps on her passport and she will officially be an American citizen. We will then have to do several other paperwork/legal things in the U.S. to get her social security card and an American birth certificate (just to make it easier on her when she needs to apply for a driver's license, etc.)
This morning's interview was not without drama, unfortunately. The notary official in Henan forgot to put a seal on our Adoption Certificate. The Consulate's first reaction was that we would have to stay in China until this problem had been resolved. I nearly lost it at that point! I am so ready to see my family and so close...all I could think was "no! I can't go back to Henan!" However, it turns out that every member of our large travel group is missing the same seal. The notary just forgot it that day (!) So, given that all our children were missing the same thing, the Consulate graciously decided to make an exception. They got on the phone with the officials in Henan and had them confirm that these adoptions are legal and legitimate. Also, the Henan notary is flying the new, correct certificates to the consulate this afternoon.
I am now breathing again! It looks like we will be leaving on time...barring any more paperwork issues. We should have Laura's visa by tomorrow afternoon. (Thursday.)
We took the traditional Chinese dress photos this morning after the Consulate appointment. We have three groups combined here in Guangzhou. 19 families adopting 22 children! What a privilege to be here as 22 orphans become sons and daughters.
We are leaving in the middle of the night on Thursday/Friday. Our bus leaves the hotel at 9:00 p.m. and our flight takes off from Guangzhou at 1:40 a.m. 16 hours in the air. Then a short lay over at JFK where we will clear immigration/customs, Laura will become a citizen, and we will board a flight to Tampa. Somehow, after 24 hours of travel, it will still just be Friday morning when we arrive. Please pray for on time flights, a sleepy baby, and smooth travel! I cannot wait to hug my husband and babies, to just sit at home with them and soak up being around them! I am also ready for an ice cold drink, a hot shower in which I don't have to worry about water getting in my mouth, and some good home food. Oh, and a washing machine. Funny the things you miss. Can't wait to be home!
This morning's interview was not without drama, unfortunately. The notary official in Henan forgot to put a seal on our Adoption Certificate. The Consulate's first reaction was that we would have to stay in China until this problem had been resolved. I nearly lost it at that point! I am so ready to see my family and so close...all I could think was "no! I can't go back to Henan!" However, it turns out that every member of our large travel group is missing the same seal. The notary just forgot it that day (!) So, given that all our children were missing the same thing, the Consulate graciously decided to make an exception. They got on the phone with the officials in Henan and had them confirm that these adoptions are legal and legitimate. Also, the Henan notary is flying the new, correct certificates to the consulate this afternoon.
I am now breathing again! It looks like we will be leaving on time...barring any more paperwork issues. We should have Laura's visa by tomorrow afternoon. (Thursday.)
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| I got Laura Cate all dressed in her red, white, and blue for Consulate day. But, after our appointment she was all done (and so was I!) and not in the mood for photos. But, here is my girl in her patriotic dress, munching on rice cookies in the hotel room. |
We took the traditional Chinese dress photos this morning after the Consulate appointment. We have three groups combined here in Guangzhou. 19 families adopting 22 children! What a privilege to be here as 22 orphans become sons and daughters.
We are leaving in the middle of the night on Thursday/Friday. Our bus leaves the hotel at 9:00 p.m. and our flight takes off from Guangzhou at 1:40 a.m. 16 hours in the air. Then a short lay over at JFK where we will clear immigration/customs, Laura will become a citizen, and we will board a flight to Tampa. Somehow, after 24 hours of travel, it will still just be Friday morning when we arrive. Please pray for on time flights, a sleepy baby, and smooth travel! I cannot wait to hug my husband and babies, to just sit at home with them and soak up being around them! I am also ready for an ice cold drink, a hot shower in which I don't have to worry about water getting in my mouth, and some good home food. Oh, and a washing machine. Funny the things you miss. Can't wait to be home!
Pearl Market (Tuesday)
I am feeling much better! But, the smell of the breakfast buffet now causes my stomach to turn over, so I am avoiding it for the rest of the trip.
Tuesday is another waiting day. For families who are adopting children over the age of 2, they had to wait on TB test results. We filled the day with shopping for our family! We had a good time going to the pearl market and then shopping a little market across from our hotel.
The pearl market has pearls for about 1/5-1/4 of what they cost in the United States. I bought two pearl necklaces, one for each daughter. We will save them and give them to Rachel and Laura for high school graduation. I also bought Christmas presents for family...no details since they might be reading this blog. ;)
Here is a picture of the lady stringing Rachel and Laura's pearls:
Tuesday is another waiting day. For families who are adopting children over the age of 2, they had to wait on TB test results. We filled the day with shopping for our family! We had a good time going to the pearl market and then shopping a little market across from our hotel.
The pearl market has pearls for about 1/5-1/4 of what they cost in the United States. I bought two pearl necklaces, one for each daughter. We will save them and give them to Rachel and Laura for high school graduation. I also bought Christmas presents for family...no details since they might be reading this blog. ;)
Here is a picture of the lady stringing Rachel and Laura's pearls:
Last night, we had a great time eating as a group at a local Cantonese restaurant. Laura loves to eat! She was happy munching on the fried rice, pork, and veggies.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Medical Exam and Hotel Park
This morning we went for Laura's medical exam (required by the U.S. Consulate for the issuance of her visa/citizenship.) We took a bus for about half and hour to a medical clinic where she went through a physical exam and they looked over her records from the orphanage. It was a long morning. Laura was cranky (because all babies hate the doctor, let's be real.) And, I was not feeling well (I think I ate something wrong), so that made the morning seem even longer...especially the motion of the bus ride! But, we made it through and we checked that off our to-do list. We got our medical clearance and official forms to forward on to the Consulate for our interview and visa application. Laura took a long nap this afternoon and I laid next to her reading and just enjoying the quiet.
This afternoon we explored our hotel a little and even ventured outside the hotel for a quick trip to the convenience store for some extra bottled water and to a little local market where I found a silk dress for Laura's traditional photo at the end of this trip for only $7. (On the last day in China all the families get their children together for a family photo and the children are dressed in traditional Chinese silk.) I also got a great deal on a couple of souvenirs for people back at home. I have to say, the market was fun. I might have to go back before I leave.
Some pictures of us at the hotel park this afternoon...
This afternoon we explored our hotel a little and even ventured outside the hotel for a quick trip to the convenience store for some extra bottled water and to a little local market where I found a silk dress for Laura's traditional photo at the end of this trip for only $7. (On the last day in China all the families get their children together for a family photo and the children are dressed in traditional Chinese silk.) I also got a great deal on a couple of souvenirs for people back at home. I have to say, the market was fun. I might have to go back before I leave.
Some pictures of us at the hotel park this afternoon...
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Guangzhou City Tour Part 2: Chen House
The second stop on our city tour was the Old Chen House, also called Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. The Chen family is the largest family in the Guangdong province. During the 1800's and early 1900's, many prominent families built ancestral houses where they would meet to worship their ancestors. They also used these homes for schools for their children and a place for their children to study for and take their imperial exams. (The imperial exams were used by the government as a way of assigning posts/jobs to people.)
The Chen Clan House was started in 1888 and finished in 1893. It has many beautiful decorative features. The government took over the house in 1959 and now uses it to house a museum of various arts.
The Chen Clan House was started in 1888 and finished in 1893. It has many beautiful decorative features. The government took over the house in 1959 and now uses it to house a museum of various arts.
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