We are up at 4:30 am to get ready to leave. Our bell boy will be at our door at quarter to 6 to take our suitcase down to the van. We get a breakfast to go from the coffee shop at the White Swan. I can't eat it on the way to the airport, which is a 45 minute drive. I am so sad and crying about leaving China. I am trying to memorize all the sights of China. The palm trees, the mountains, it is so beautiful! China is truly a part of my soul and will have a place in my heart forever.
We barely make our plane after having to go through customs and security. After having to fill our a declaration from with our the passport number of all 5 of us and stating what we are bringing home from China, we barely make our plane. The flight from Guangzhou to Tokyo is uneventful, except for having to pass Meizi across the isle to Scott and I, back and forth. She is playing a game and is bored sitting with just one of us, unless I am feeding her. I lay her across my lap and Kelly's to change her diaper. I'm not going to attempt to change her in the unbelievably tiny bathroom where one person can barely turn around, let alone change a baby on the flip-down changing table, that is designed for a preemie baby.
The flight from Tokyo to home is not as pleasant. We experience a lot of turbulence. They delay serving Lunch/dinner because of it and when they do start serving, there is a panicked rush to get the food our and returned before the pilot comes on and says in a half hour we will be experiencing turbulence that will make you "uncomfortable", which is putting it mildly. I pray the wings don't tear off from the jerking from side to side and the dropping. To make it worse, the kids are uncomfortable and can't sleep sitting up in the tiny, confined seats. There is a couple in their 30's who don't have any kids and are very "Kissy Face". I don't know why they didn't request 1st class but they complain to the flight attendant that our kids are making too much noise and are kicking their seats. She comes back and tells us we have to keep the kids from kicking the seats in front of us, they are getting complaints. She isn't kind, thoughtful or tactful, just plain rude and mean. I once again am in tears and in a panic every time Meizi whimpers, thinking they are going to complain again. This couple reclined their seats and didn't but them up the whole flight, even when we were eating. They were so insensitive and thoughtless. I asked Scott to walk the isles with Meizi when she woke up because she was so uncomfortable. He tried standing at the back of the plane with her and a male flight attendant told him he couldn't do that because of security reasons. What was he going to to with a year and a half old baby? When the flight from hell finally ended, we were across the line from all the flight attendants, waiting to go through customs and the same rude attendants were trying to play with Meizi and Jade Lin, who were cranky and sleep deprived. I had a look on my face like, you have to be kidding!
We won't fly Northwest ever again for a long flight like that one.
We made it home and were thrilled to see Scott's sister, parents, our two nephews and Jesse waiting for us when we made it our of customs. Meizi threw up in the van on the way home, I'm sure from the long flight and then the half hour drive back home. She was fine after that.
I hope you all enjoyed reading and sharing our journey to bring Meizi home! We are truly blessed to have her and all of you in our lives!
Blessings from the Milless Family!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
October 19th, 2007
We finished up our shopping today and packed all our suitcase to get ready to leave tomorrow morning. We have to take our oath at the Consulate today at 3:00pm. Peter is coming to take us with 7 other families. We are all riding the same bus together. I am really sad about leaving. We will celebrate our last night in China by eating from Lucy's, our favorite eating place.
The bus was full on our trip to the Consulate and I didn't think there would be enough seats for everyone. There were all small babies except for one couple who was adopting an older girl, I say about 9 years old. There were a couple special needs babies too. We were congratulated by an American Official who was from the Bronks, in New York. It was so funny to be half way around the world and see Americans working in China. His congratulatory speech was very touching and when we raised our right hands to take the oath, I couldn't help but tear up thinking of the journey we had taken to bring Meizi home and all the months of waiting and preparing for her, wondering who she would be and what she would be like. A dream has truly come true for us and we can't imaging our life without Meizi in it. She is truly a part of us and will be part of our family forever! We love her so after such a short period of time. It just feels and seems like she was meant to be part of our family and our daughter!
The bus was full on our trip to the Consulate and I didn't think there would be enough seats for everyone. There were all small babies except for one couple who was adopting an older girl, I say about 9 years old. There were a couple special needs babies too. We were congratulated by an American Official who was from the Bronks, in New York. It was so funny to be half way around the world and see Americans working in China. His congratulatory speech was very touching and when we raised our right hands to take the oath, I couldn't help but tear up thinking of the journey we had taken to bring Meizi home and all the months of waiting and preparing for her, wondering who she would be and what she would be like. A dream has truly come true for us and we can't imaging our life without Meizi in it. She is truly a part of us and will be part of our family forever! We love her so after such a short period of time. It just feels and seems like she was meant to be part of our family and our daughter!
October16th, 2007
Hello everyone! We miss you and hope you are all well!
Meizi is now walking on the floor, back and forth to Scott and I as we sit on the floor. She is changing by leaps and bounds, everyday. She is still only taking bottles but the way it's going, I'm expecting her to be eating solid foods soon. We gave her a sucker yesterday and she took one lick on the sucker and then turned it around and sucked on the stick;-) Oh well, it was worth a try.
Yesterday we took a trip to the local zoo in Guangzhou. It is a half hour drive and the trip there and back proved to be very interesting again. We learned from Peter, our guide that people in China have to take 3 months of driving instruction and studies before they can get their license. It is hard to believe that when you see how people drive.
We had a really fun time at the zoo with Grace, our guide, Dave, Kristen and their little girl. It is a very large zoo and we could have spent another day there just to see it all but it was dinner time by the time we left and we were concerned that we would push the babies too long and they would get tired and hungry and ruin a good thing so we left a 5pm. We saw a large tiger being fed and watched it crouch down and pounce on the cage, waiting for the zoo hands to give him his food. We heard him roar, which is different from anything you will ever hear on TV. It was terrifying and deafening. The most surprising animal we saw were dogs in cages. We aren't use to seeing dogs in cages and it didn't make much sense to any of us. Grace, our guide said they do that to show the different breeds of dogs? Our main reason for visiting the zoo in China was to see the large Pandas. The one Panda that was out of his den was very lazy, and hot. He crawled around a little then laid down to take a nap. It was a little disapointing not to see him swimming or playing but he was beautiful, none the less! I've only seen photos of Pandas or seen them on TV so once again, it was a very surreal experience for me!
Last night we ate at "The Rose" restaurant which is right on the Pearl River. The tables were outside right next to the river. There were red lanterns in the trees that were all lit up and boats cruising the river that were also lit up. It was such a beautiful sight and such a perfect night, again warm, calm and so gorgeous.I still couldn't believe our good fortune at being in China again and once again had to pinch myself, to make sure it wasn't a dream. I will miss this about China, there is so much I will miss about China when we go back home.
Jade Lin and Kelly loved the Chinese food. It is so good and so different from what we call Chinese food in the US.
We did more shopping today and had to buy an extra suitcase just to bring home all of the gifts we have bought. We also visited the near by park again where Meizi and Jade Lin looked like all the other children and Scott, Kelly and I drew all the stares. We are considered a large family in China and a family with a teenage son and two Chinese daughters drew a lot of attention but everyone was so kind and welcoming.
Meizi Meilin is officially our daughter! The only thing we have to do is take the oath at the American Consulate on the 18th. We are waiting for Meizi's visa now. We are all doing well and having a great time! I was a little sad and depressed yesterday, knowing we will be leaving soon, but missing everyone at home too. It is very hard to describe the feelings and emotions I am experiencing. I just pray we will be able to return to China, someday, in the near future, when the girls are older and Meizi will be old enough to remember the journey. I think it is so beneficial for the girls to see the Country there were born in. I hope and pray they will develop a love of China, the way I have.
Meizi is now walking on the floor, back and forth to Scott and I as we sit on the floor. She is changing by leaps and bounds, everyday. She is still only taking bottles but the way it's going, I'm expecting her to be eating solid foods soon. We gave her a sucker yesterday and she took one lick on the sucker and then turned it around and sucked on the stick;-) Oh well, it was worth a try.
Yesterday we took a trip to the local zoo in Guangzhou. It is a half hour drive and the trip there and back proved to be very interesting again. We learned from Peter, our guide that people in China have to take 3 months of driving instruction and studies before they can get their license. It is hard to believe that when you see how people drive.
We had a really fun time at the zoo with Grace, our guide, Dave, Kristen and their little girl. It is a very large zoo and we could have spent another day there just to see it all but it was dinner time by the time we left and we were concerned that we would push the babies too long and they would get tired and hungry and ruin a good thing so we left a 5pm. We saw a large tiger being fed and watched it crouch down and pounce on the cage, waiting for the zoo hands to give him his food. We heard him roar, which is different from anything you will ever hear on TV. It was terrifying and deafening. The most surprising animal we saw were dogs in cages. We aren't use to seeing dogs in cages and it didn't make much sense to any of us. Grace, our guide said they do that to show the different breeds of dogs? Our main reason for visiting the zoo in China was to see the large Pandas. The one Panda that was out of his den was very lazy, and hot. He crawled around a little then laid down to take a nap. It was a little disapointing not to see him swimming or playing but he was beautiful, none the less! I've only seen photos of Pandas or seen them on TV so once again, it was a very surreal experience for me!
Last night we ate at "The Rose" restaurant which is right on the Pearl River. The tables were outside right next to the river. There were red lanterns in the trees that were all lit up and boats cruising the river that were also lit up. It was such a beautiful sight and such a perfect night, again warm, calm and so gorgeous.I still couldn't believe our good fortune at being in China again and once again had to pinch myself, to make sure it wasn't a dream. I will miss this about China, there is so much I will miss about China when we go back home.
Jade Lin and Kelly loved the Chinese food. It is so good and so different from what we call Chinese food in the US.
We did more shopping today and had to buy an extra suitcase just to bring home all of the gifts we have bought. We also visited the near by park again where Meizi and Jade Lin looked like all the other children and Scott, Kelly and I drew all the stares. We are considered a large family in China and a family with a teenage son and two Chinese daughters drew a lot of attention but everyone was so kind and welcoming.
Meizi Meilin is officially our daughter! The only thing we have to do is take the oath at the American Consulate on the 18th. We are waiting for Meizi's visa now. We are all doing well and having a great time! I was a little sad and depressed yesterday, knowing we will be leaving soon, but missing everyone at home too. It is very hard to describe the feelings and emotions I am experiencing. I just pray we will be able to return to China, someday, in the near future, when the girls are older and Meizi will be old enough to remember the journey. I think it is so beneficial for the girls to see the Country there were born in. I hope and pray they will develop a love of China, the way I have.
October 14th, 2007 in China
Last night we really saw Meizi come out of her shell. She was walking to the four of us on the bed. We guarded the three sides to keep her from falling off. It was so exciting to see her walking finally!! She was smiling and laughing the whole time. On the bus ride to the pier for our dinner cruise, she was waving to the people out the window and yelling "Ai Ya, all smiles and cooing at Jade Lin and Kelly. It was so adorable! We have wonderful photos of the cruise along the Pearl River that I hope to share soon.
Today we went to the Banyan Buddhist Temple and the Chen Family Museum. Both were beautiful and extremely old, historical and very interesting with very detailed and intricate architecture, most of which was carved by hand. We all had a great time and are meeting Dave and Kristen at Lucy's for dinner tonight. We are looking forward to visiting and getting to know them better.
Meizi is still only drinking formula bottles with cereal. She won't try anything from a spoon or from her fingers. I know that in time she will eat from a spoon. I'm sure we will continue to see big changes in her when we get her home.
Miss you all!
Blessings
Scott, Jodi, Kelly, Jade Lin and Meizi Meilin
Today we went to the Banyan Buddhist Temple and the Chen Family Museum. Both were beautiful and extremely old, historical and very interesting with very detailed and intricate architecture, most of which was carved by hand. We all had a great time and are meeting Dave and Kristen at Lucy's for dinner tonight. We are looking forward to visiting and getting to know them better.
Meizi is still only drinking formula bottles with cereal. She won't try anything from a spoon or from her fingers. I know that in time she will eat from a spoon. I'm sure we will continue to see big changes in her when we get her home.
Miss you all!
Blessings
Scott, Jodi, Kelly, Jade Lin and Meizi Meilin
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
October 13th, 2007
I have to wish my brother, Craig a Happy Birthday today!
last night, I doubled up a feather bed and laid it on the floor for Meizi. She is terrified of the crib and won't sleep in it. I find out that the babies from Meizi's orphanage were tied into their cribs because of the size of the infant cribs, they were able to climb out and there were only 5 nannies for 20 babies. Meizi sleeps wonderfully on the feather bed and sleeps all through the night, which is such a comfort to us. I put a pillow in front of the night stand so she wouldn't hit her head and she slept like an angel;-)
Today we met up with the other couple from our agency that lives in Mankato, Dave and Kristen. Their daughter, Meili, just turned two and is adorable! They are in the photos at the medical exam with us. We took them shopping in the little stores along the streets near our hotel. We shopped for summer dresses for the girls since it was still so warm in Guangzhou and the clothes I brought for Meizi were much to big. She is only the size of a year old and the clothes I brought were all 24 mo and larger. The store that we bought the girl's dresses at were having a super sale. We got the little dresses for about 3.50 US dollars. We also showed Dave and Kristen the little grocery store that we had been buying all of our water and supplies at. They are conveniently next door to the dress shop.
Before shopping we all walked to get the girl's photos taken that would go on their Visas and from there walked to the medical exam. It was a very simple exam and quick. The girls were weighed, their sight and hearing were checked by shaking rattles to see how they would respond. Their temperatures were taken and the doctors listened to the girl's hearts and lungs. There was only one moment where I panicked. We were told by our guide, Peter to bring the medical report we have received on Meizi's special need that came with our referral but we weren't told that the doctors would want the original in Chinese and I didn't have it! I panicked and told Peter we would have to have Crossroads fax one over to China. The doctor seeing how upset I had become, took the English report and stamped her forms. We were done and out of there.
Tonight we are all going on a dinner, boat cruise along the Pearl River with Dave, Kristen, Meili and Peter, our guide. I can't wait, I have been looking forward to this cruise since we were in China in 2002. We didn't go then and I have always regretted it. The view of the river with all the boats and buildings lit up was just beautiful! It was a perfect night, warm and calm.
Tomorrow we are touring the Chen Family Museum and the Banyan Buddhist Temple together. I'm sure we will have many more beautiful photos to share;-)
Today was Meizi's best day. We saw how happy and active she can be and it was really fun! We taped her as she giggled and crawled all over the bed. We heard her say her 1st word, which was Baba (Daddy in Mandarin) I was hoping it would be Mama but that's ok;-)
last night, I doubled up a feather bed and laid it on the floor for Meizi. She is terrified of the crib and won't sleep in it. I find out that the babies from Meizi's orphanage were tied into their cribs because of the size of the infant cribs, they were able to climb out and there were only 5 nannies for 20 babies. Meizi sleeps wonderfully on the feather bed and sleeps all through the night, which is such a comfort to us. I put a pillow in front of the night stand so she wouldn't hit her head and she slept like an angel;-)
Today we met up with the other couple from our agency that lives in Mankato, Dave and Kristen. Their daughter, Meili, just turned two and is adorable! They are in the photos at the medical exam with us. We took them shopping in the little stores along the streets near our hotel. We shopped for summer dresses for the girls since it was still so warm in Guangzhou and the clothes I brought for Meizi were much to big. She is only the size of a year old and the clothes I brought were all 24 mo and larger. The store that we bought the girl's dresses at were having a super sale. We got the little dresses for about 3.50 US dollars. We also showed Dave and Kristen the little grocery store that we had been buying all of our water and supplies at. They are conveniently next door to the dress shop.
Before shopping we all walked to get the girl's photos taken that would go on their Visas and from there walked to the medical exam. It was a very simple exam and quick. The girls were weighed, their sight and hearing were checked by shaking rattles to see how they would respond. Their temperatures were taken and the doctors listened to the girl's hearts and lungs. There was only one moment where I panicked. We were told by our guide, Peter to bring the medical report we have received on Meizi's special need that came with our referral but we weren't told that the doctors would want the original in Chinese and I didn't have it! I panicked and told Peter we would have to have Crossroads fax one over to China. The doctor seeing how upset I had become, took the English report and stamped her forms. We were done and out of there.
Tonight we are all going on a dinner, boat cruise along the Pearl River with Dave, Kristen, Meili and Peter, our guide. I can't wait, I have been looking forward to this cruise since we were in China in 2002. We didn't go then and I have always regretted it. The view of the river with all the boats and buildings lit up was just beautiful! It was a perfect night, warm and calm.
Tomorrow we are touring the Chen Family Museum and the Banyan Buddhist Temple together. I'm sure we will have many more beautiful photos to share;-)
Today was Meizi's best day. We saw how happy and active she can be and it was really fun! We taped her as she giggled and crawled all over the bed. We heard her say her 1st word, which was Baba (Daddy in Mandarin) I was hoping it would be Mama but that's ok;-)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Somethings wrong with Meizi! October Tuesday Oct. 9th 2007
In the morning on Tuesday we return to the Civil Affairs Dept. to do the adoption registration. We are to bring the money and gifts for the notaries and are to be interviewed after only having Meizi for less then 24 hrs, we are to decide if she is perfect for us and we are happy with her. I am having reservations because of her behavior. Is she just delayed or is there something else going on? We tell the officials that we are happy with her and we want to adopt this child. I am nervous about the interviews which there are two of, by two different officials, on two different floors, that ask us the same exact questions. We aren't sure why this is but offer our gifts and answer their questions and take our daughter back to the hotel. With in just a matter of an hour, we are now legally responsible for this little girl and there is no celebration or fan fare like there was for our 1st adoption. I am a little depressed and sad about this even though Meizi isn't up for it and I know we have to find out why she is or isn't acting the way I expect an almost two year old should be acting.
After only having Meizi for hours, I realize that she is still adjusting to us and it is normal to act the way she is, especially for expecting a three month delay for every month she was in the orphanage but I'm getting really worried. She will hardly sit on her own, isn't making any noise but whining like she is in pain. She is constipated because the orphanage didn't give us any of the formula she was on so I have been feeding her our American formula that is chalk full of iron, vitamins and minerals and adding rice cereal with bananas, like the director told me she is use to getting in her formula. Now she is constipated and crying and doesn't want to be put down. I tell Scott this isn't normal behavior and something is wrong. We decide to take her to the Dr. at the Clinic in the hotel on Tuesday, after we return to the Civil Affairs Dept to do the adoption registration. The Clinic is on the third floor and I have to call the front desk to find this out, it isn't listed in any of the information in our room.
the front desk tells us it is on the 4th floor and when we get off the elevator, an attendant looks at us like she doesn't know what we are looking for, then tells us the clinic is on the 4th floor. We finally find it and the door is locked? After a couple of seconds talking and wondering what do we do now, the door opens. We are led into a small waiting room that is connected to a small examining room. An older female doctor is told by a younger, Chinese assistant that translates Meizi's symptoms, that she is lethargic, not playing, not pooping, has a slight fever and fussing all the time. Turns our Meizi is teething and her huge eye teeth are coming in. She also has tonsillitis and we are given the anti-biotic Cipro to mix with a liquid, anti-viral drug. We are to give it to her three times a day for three days, along with baby Tylenol for the fever and pain. By the 2nd day she is a completely different baby. She is standing on the bed, smiling, giggling and starting to play with us. I am so relieved to see the changes in her.
After only having Meizi for hours, I realize that she is still adjusting to us and it is normal to act the way she is, especially for expecting a three month delay for every month she was in the orphanage but I'm getting really worried. She will hardly sit on her own, isn't making any noise but whining like she is in pain. She is constipated because the orphanage didn't give us any of the formula she was on so I have been feeding her our American formula that is chalk full of iron, vitamins and minerals and adding rice cereal with bananas, like the director told me she is use to getting in her formula. Now she is constipated and crying and doesn't want to be put down. I tell Scott this isn't normal behavior and something is wrong. We decide to take her to the Dr. at the Clinic in the hotel on Tuesday, after we return to the Civil Affairs Dept to do the adoption registration. The Clinic is on the third floor and I have to call the front desk to find this out, it isn't listed in any of the information in our room.
the front desk tells us it is on the 4th floor and when we get off the elevator, an attendant looks at us like she doesn't know what we are looking for, then tells us the clinic is on the 4th floor. We finally find it and the door is locked? After a couple of seconds talking and wondering what do we do now, the door opens. We are led into a small waiting room that is connected to a small examining room. An older female doctor is told by a younger, Chinese assistant that translates Meizi's symptoms, that she is lethargic, not playing, not pooping, has a slight fever and fussing all the time. Turns our Meizi is teething and her huge eye teeth are coming in. She also has tonsillitis and we are given the anti-biotic Cipro to mix with a liquid, anti-viral drug. We are to give it to her three times a day for three days, along with baby Tylenol for the fever and pain. By the 2nd day she is a completely different baby. She is standing on the bed, smiling, giggling and starting to play with us. I am so relieved to see the changes in her.
WE FINALLY MEET MEIZI! October 8th 2007
We woke on the morning of October 8th, the day we would finally see our daughter we had been waiting for since December of 2006! I was so anxious with anticipation!!
We went down for breakfast and shopped in the little stores around the hotel. We bought our lunch at a little grocery store by the hotel but I couldn't eat. My stomach was so upset and nervous about seeing Meizi. Our guide, Peter was coming to take us to the Civil Affairs Department in Guangzhou, at 3pm, to finally see our daughter! I was worried about how it would all go. How would she react when she saw us? Would she cry and scream when I take her from her nanny or would she withdraw and not make a sound?
I prepared a diaper bag with everything I could think of that might comfort her or that she might need. A formula bottle, juice bottle, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, toys, a soft doll that my friend had given us before we left for China, Cherrios (which she wouldn't touch, she was only eating from a bottle) and a sippy cup (which she wouldn't drink from either)
The drive to the Civil Affairs office was more terrifying then the plane flight. I worried that we were going to hit one of the pedestrians that would walk out into traffic at any time, with no notice, or that someone would hit us. Our driver, Lu, was very good and neither of those things happened. There are no traffic or diving rules, per say in China. Cars go where ever they want, in all directions and there are no lanes to stay in or signal from. I gasped many times during the half hour drive to the Civil Affairs Department and had to close my eyes a few times. All I could do was giggle nervously as we pulled into the dive way, in relief, we had made it!
There were many families there that had just received their very young babies, under a year old. They left shortly after we arrived and I was thankful that we would meet Meizi for the 1st time, alone. In what seemed like an eternity but was really only 10-15 minutes, I saw the staff from the orhanage, Meizi's nanny and the director of the orphange walk through the door. The nanny was carrying a tiny, tiny baby. I asked Scott, "Is that her?" Meizi was so tiny, I didn't recognise her at first. I knew from her reports that she was going to be small but seeing her in person, paled by comparison and I was alarmed at how small she was. I walked up to her and her nanny, immediately and said "Mama" as I held out my hands and took her. She reacted the very way I had thought she would. There was no crying or screaming and she went to me, complacently, without a fight or fuss. This made me concerned since I knew that babies that are attached to their caregivers will normally cry. Meizi didn't utter a sound. Kelly, my 14 year old son, taped our 1st meeting with Meizi and I'm sure you can see and hear the alarm in my voice.
The exchanging of our donation and gifts were also very different from our experience with Jade Lin, 5 years earlier. When we adopted Jade Lin, the money donation was given and discreetly disappeared, along with the gifts that we gave, they were never seen. When we gave our money donation and gifts to Mr. Wu, he counted the money in front of us and Peter, which made me uncomfortable and the nanny looked like she was going to tear into the gifts at any moment. She had a smile on her face so I knew the candy and reading glasses that we were giving along with two Vikings hats, would be greatly appreciated.
We had time for one quick photo of us with Meizi, after being able to ask questions to the nanny and director on Meizi's habits and care. I had a list of questions prepared but couldn't find them in the bottomless diaper bag, I had packed and only remembered a few questions, " Was she allergic to anything?", "How did she like to be put to bed?" I was told no, she wasn't allergic to anything and she went to bed with all the lights out. I was also told she was very "sneaky" and climbed out of her crib all the time, which made me realize that was why she was tied to her crib at nap time and night time, along with all the other babies that were crawling or walking. I saw photos of this right before we traveled so I knew this was true and Meizi sported the circular mark on her ankle to prove this. She hated the crib at the hotel and I ended up laying a down comforter on the floor for her to sleep on. I was told she took formula bottles with cereal and liked them very warm, hot actually.
After the 5 minutes of questions and answers, I snapped the photo of Scott, Kelly, Jade Lin and Meizi. There was no time for a second photo with me. I was a little annoyed at our guide, Peter for not being more sensitive and understanding at wanting to document this 1st meeting with our new daughter and would complain about his impatience and shortness, later to our Chinese Liason who hired him.
We have the two photos of our 1st day anyway and the video tape to look back on, thankfully!
The orphanage director told us she liked pork soup with vegitables too but I don't think Meizi ever ate soup unless they blended it and put it in a bottle for her. She wouldn't take anything but a bottle. We tried finger foods on her, congee, anything soft even though she had a mouth full of teeth and she refused it all. She was the size of a one year old baby and wasn't walking. She would only stand for a few seconds on her own before plopping down on her bottom. She didn't know how to play with toys and had no interest in blankets, stuffed animals or the toys I brought, which was very different from the way Jade Lin behaved at a year old. I knew that her additional year in the orphanage, compared to Jade Lin's one year, made a huge difference and that we would have to work with her. I felt blessed, happy and truly thankful for our new daughter! Praise God for her! Our dream had come true and we had our little girl in our arms!
We went down for breakfast and shopped in the little stores around the hotel. We bought our lunch at a little grocery store by the hotel but I couldn't eat. My stomach was so upset and nervous about seeing Meizi. Our guide, Peter was coming to take us to the Civil Affairs Department in Guangzhou, at 3pm, to finally see our daughter! I was worried about how it would all go. How would she react when she saw us? Would she cry and scream when I take her from her nanny or would she withdraw and not make a sound?
I prepared a diaper bag with everything I could think of that might comfort her or that she might need. A formula bottle, juice bottle, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, toys, a soft doll that my friend had given us before we left for China, Cherrios (which she wouldn't touch, she was only eating from a bottle) and a sippy cup (which she wouldn't drink from either)
The drive to the Civil Affairs office was more terrifying then the plane flight. I worried that we were going to hit one of the pedestrians that would walk out into traffic at any time, with no notice, or that someone would hit us. Our driver, Lu, was very good and neither of those things happened. There are no traffic or diving rules, per say in China. Cars go where ever they want, in all directions and there are no lanes to stay in or signal from. I gasped many times during the half hour drive to the Civil Affairs Department and had to close my eyes a few times. All I could do was giggle nervously as we pulled into the dive way, in relief, we had made it!
There were many families there that had just received their very young babies, under a year old. They left shortly after we arrived and I was thankful that we would meet Meizi for the 1st time, alone. In what seemed like an eternity but was really only 10-15 minutes, I saw the staff from the orhanage, Meizi's nanny and the director of the orphange walk through the door. The nanny was carrying a tiny, tiny baby. I asked Scott, "Is that her?" Meizi was so tiny, I didn't recognise her at first. I knew from her reports that she was going to be small but seeing her in person, paled by comparison and I was alarmed at how small she was. I walked up to her and her nanny, immediately and said "Mama" as I held out my hands and took her. She reacted the very way I had thought she would. There was no crying or screaming and she went to me, complacently, without a fight or fuss. This made me concerned since I knew that babies that are attached to their caregivers will normally cry. Meizi didn't utter a sound. Kelly, my 14 year old son, taped our 1st meeting with Meizi and I'm sure you can see and hear the alarm in my voice.
The exchanging of our donation and gifts were also very different from our experience with Jade Lin, 5 years earlier. When we adopted Jade Lin, the money donation was given and discreetly disappeared, along with the gifts that we gave, they were never seen. When we gave our money donation and gifts to Mr. Wu, he counted the money in front of us and Peter, which made me uncomfortable and the nanny looked like she was going to tear into the gifts at any moment. She had a smile on her face so I knew the candy and reading glasses that we were giving along with two Vikings hats, would be greatly appreciated.
We had time for one quick photo of us with Meizi, after being able to ask questions to the nanny and director on Meizi's habits and care. I had a list of questions prepared but couldn't find them in the bottomless diaper bag, I had packed and only remembered a few questions, " Was she allergic to anything?", "How did she like to be put to bed?" I was told no, she wasn't allergic to anything and she went to bed with all the lights out. I was also told she was very "sneaky" and climbed out of her crib all the time, which made me realize that was why she was tied to her crib at nap time and night time, along with all the other babies that were crawling or walking. I saw photos of this right before we traveled so I knew this was true and Meizi sported the circular mark on her ankle to prove this. She hated the crib at the hotel and I ended up laying a down comforter on the floor for her to sleep on. I was told she took formula bottles with cereal and liked them very warm, hot actually.
After the 5 minutes of questions and answers, I snapped the photo of Scott, Kelly, Jade Lin and Meizi. There was no time for a second photo with me. I was a little annoyed at our guide, Peter for not being more sensitive and understanding at wanting to document this 1st meeting with our new daughter and would complain about his impatience and shortness, later to our Chinese Liason who hired him.
We have the two photos of our 1st day anyway and the video tape to look back on, thankfully!
The orphanage director told us she liked pork soup with vegitables too but I don't think Meizi ever ate soup unless they blended it and put it in a bottle for her. She wouldn't take anything but a bottle. We tried finger foods on her, congee, anything soft even though she had a mouth full of teeth and she refused it all. She was the size of a one year old baby and wasn't walking. She would only stand for a few seconds on her own before plopping down on her bottom. She didn't know how to play with toys and had no interest in blankets, stuffed animals or the toys I brought, which was very different from the way Jade Lin behaved at a year old. I knew that her additional year in the orphanage, compared to Jade Lin's one year, made a huge difference and that we would have to work with her. I felt blessed, happy and truly thankful for our new daughter! Praise God for her! Our dream had come true and we had our little girl in our arms!
October 6th 11:30pm, We Arrive In China!!!!!
I wasn't able to up-date my blog from China for some reason so I'm doing all the up-dating now. We took off for China on schedule and weren't delayed by the weather. It was as if our friends and families prayers for our travel had been answered. The clouds broke and the sun started to come out as we were heading for the airport.
Kelly and Jade Lin traveled very well on the plane. The portable DVD player, DS Light, hand-held poker game and back-pack filled with things to keep Jade Lin busy, were a God send! I wouldn't travel without them! The take-off and landing were extremely hard on me, even with the prescription for Xanax. We hit the Typhoon traveling from Tokyo to Guangzhou and there was more turbulence then I was comfortable with.
We arrive in China early, at 10:05 pm and wait for our guide, Grace, who is late. She thought we were delayed by the weather and was waiting for us at another door. It is a 45 minute drive to the hotel and I slept the whole way, so tired from no sleep on the plane. I forgot that it would be light all the way to China. The flight attendants closed the windows at 6pm, to help the passengers sleep. Of course, us not being use to the time change, we played cards and the kids didn't fall asleep till after 10:00pm. The flight attendants opened up the windows and started serving breakfast at 12 midnight, our time so the kids only had about three hours sleep.
Scott celebrated his birthday on the plane. By the time we got to our hotel room it was after 11:30pm. Kelly and I took showers and fell asleep right away. Scott was so tired he fell asleep in his clothes.
We were all awake at 6am, on October 7th,because of the time difference. We showed the kids around the hotel. Saw both of the beautiful outdoor pools and peeked inside the windows of the game room, which didn't open till 5:30pm, every night. We had a fantastic breakfast buffet in the coffee shop. I had so been looking forward to eating there after 5 years! The view of the Pearl River is amazing and the food is really good. After breakfast we shopped at the little stores along the streets, around the hotel. After a couple of hours we were back at the hotel and fell asleep till 6:30pm. The jet lag hit us all hard this time. I didn't remember it being as hard when we were in China in 2002 to bring Jade Lin home. We walked to "Lucy's" for dinner and barely made it through the meal, we were all so tired. We were asleep by 10:00 pm but were up at 3am;-(
I couldn't stop thinking about the next day, when we would meet Meizi! I was excited and nervous and for some reason didn't think she would scream when she saw us, like Jade Lin did. It would be a very momentous and special day and I couldn't wait!
Kelly and Jade Lin traveled very well on the plane. The portable DVD player, DS Light, hand-held poker game and back-pack filled with things to keep Jade Lin busy, were a God send! I wouldn't travel without them! The take-off and landing were extremely hard on me, even with the prescription for Xanax. We hit the Typhoon traveling from Tokyo to Guangzhou and there was more turbulence then I was comfortable with.
We arrive in China early, at 10:05 pm and wait for our guide, Grace, who is late. She thought we were delayed by the weather and was waiting for us at another door. It is a 45 minute drive to the hotel and I slept the whole way, so tired from no sleep on the plane. I forgot that it would be light all the way to China. The flight attendants closed the windows at 6pm, to help the passengers sleep. Of course, us not being use to the time change, we played cards and the kids didn't fall asleep till after 10:00pm. The flight attendants opened up the windows and started serving breakfast at 12 midnight, our time so the kids only had about three hours sleep.
Scott celebrated his birthday on the plane. By the time we got to our hotel room it was after 11:30pm. Kelly and I took showers and fell asleep right away. Scott was so tired he fell asleep in his clothes.
We were all awake at 6am, on October 7th,because of the time difference. We showed the kids around the hotel. Saw both of the beautiful outdoor pools and peeked inside the windows of the game room, which didn't open till 5:30pm, every night. We had a fantastic breakfast buffet in the coffee shop. I had so been looking forward to eating there after 5 years! The view of the Pearl River is amazing and the food is really good. After breakfast we shopped at the little stores along the streets, around the hotel. After a couple of hours we were back at the hotel and fell asleep till 6:30pm. The jet lag hit us all hard this time. I didn't remember it being as hard when we were in China in 2002 to bring Jade Lin home. We walked to "Lucy's" for dinner and barely made it through the meal, we were all so tired. We were asleep by 10:00 pm but were up at 3am;-(
I couldn't stop thinking about the next day, when we would meet Meizi! I was excited and nervous and for some reason didn't think she would scream when she saw us, like Jade Lin did. It would be a very momentous and special day and I couldn't wait!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Just hours before travel to bring Meizi Meilin home!
Well, it's 4:56am on Friday morning and I have been awake for hours. I'm the only one up because of the storm. Flights were delayed by more then three hours on Tuesday due to the weather and I'm afraid the same thing will happen today. If we are delayed we will miss our connecting flight from Tokyo to Guangzhou. I know we can take another flight but I just want to get some rest before we meet Meizi and we only left ourselves a day and a half to rest and regroup before getting her. I just want to be in China and make sure we are there to hold her on Monday!
We have been waiting so long for Meizi, since December when we started our adoption journey that it still seems so surreal that we are packing and just hours from traveling to bring her home. The long, long, long, long plane flight and leaving Jesse, Cory, Magan and James behind has me sad and anyone that knows me, knows that I worry. I know I will be ecstatic and so very excited, once we land in China but right now I really miss the kids. We are taking Jesse in to school late this morning to have breakfast together and to be near him, hug him and in case him with our love, and hopefully our reassurance. I bought an ecallChina, calling card so hopefully it will be much easier on him this time, knowing he can call us whenever he wants and talk to us as long as he wants.
I purchased a journal to record our journey, just as I did for Jade Lin. Writing has always comforted me and I know the girls will be so thankful to have their journals when they are older.
I'm hoping Scott can figure out how to add larger photos on the blog. They are so small now and I want to capture all the fine details when we hold Meizi for the first time, to share with everyone.
Please keep us in your prayers as we travel to bring our little Mei-mei home.
Blessings
Jodi
We have been waiting so long for Meizi, since December when we started our adoption journey that it still seems so surreal that we are packing and just hours from traveling to bring her home. The long, long, long, long plane flight and leaving Jesse, Cory, Magan and James behind has me sad and anyone that knows me, knows that I worry. I know I will be ecstatic and so very excited, once we land in China but right now I really miss the kids. We are taking Jesse in to school late this morning to have breakfast together and to be near him, hug him and in case him with our love, and hopefully our reassurance. I bought an ecallChina, calling card so hopefully it will be much easier on him this time, knowing he can call us whenever he wants and talk to us as long as he wants.
I purchased a journal to record our journey, just as I did for Jade Lin. Writing has always comforted me and I know the girls will be so thankful to have their journals when they are older.
I'm hoping Scott can figure out how to add larger photos on the blog. They are so small now and I want to capture all the fine details when we hold Meizi for the first time, to share with everyone.
Please keep us in your prayers as we travel to bring our little Mei-mei home.
Blessings
Jodi
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