May 25 (Sunday) - We've been home a week, and we soon were reminded how awful the jet lag is from Asia! It has been a rough week, with much sleep deprivation. We finally all got a bit "normalized" about two days ago, and now we are just really, really tired just about after dinner. I haven't made it much past 7 p.m., but I am sure we still have some time to adjust ahead.
Daniel is finding his way through his new home and family quite well! He is all smiles, and laughs...and still gives us a good fit when he is unhappy! Catie is learning to draw her boundaries and also let go of a lot too! She waits so impatiently for him to wake up every morning, and after his nap...and they really do well together!
We have a photo of his first American haircut...
May 17 (Saturday...CALIFORNIA TIME!) - We're Home!!!! WOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!
God Bless the good ol' U. S. of A.!!! We really felt the need to get home this time...I think with a new baby...and a toddler at that...and earthquakes happening...and too much noodles and rice...well, one just misses home sweet home! We were up at 4 a.m. on Saturday morning in Guangzhou...and that would be 1:00 p.m. on Friday Calif. time...and boarded the bus at 5:30. We caught a plane to Hong Kong at 8:30 and boarded UNITED airlines to LAX at 12:30. I have to brag...my kids were wonderful! Not to say either missed one single crying fit...Daniel got cramped a few times and Catie had bouts of missing her "blankie" that we forgot at the hotel (they are mailing it to us!). But all in all, they survived the 12.5 hour flight like true travelers! We got into LA early...around 9:30 and were on the road at 11...we hit Bakers Drive Thru on the way home and are all so glad to be here. Dad and Marybeth came by around 2...and Daniel is already bonding with his Grandma and Papa! Here are pics of the last 24 hours...
Josh getting his last internet fix before packing up!
Josh and the kids just before the bell man came to get our bags..."good bye White Swan Hotel!" (The two blankies were left and the hotel has graciously offered to mail them to us...Catie has meltdowns about every 4 hours over the loss of Blankie!)
We are loadomg all of our baggage in the luggage van with our guide in Guangzhou, "Veronica..." what a great guide she was...she is missed terribly!
Josh and kids on the way to the Guangzhou airport...
Josh has Catie in the old snuggli just like when we were in China the first time...only she is about a foot longer! Daniel wasn't that fond of the snuggli and Catie LOVED being in it! Josh said his shoulders felt it!
Here we are in our four set assignment on United airlines. Daniel stayed in his seat almost all 12 hours! I had to trade places with Catie due to the new phrases, "MOM, Daniel is bothering me!" or..."Mom, Daniel pinched me!"
"Hmmmm....what can I do to agitate my big sister?"
Daniel bonded IMMEDIATELY with his Papa...
Papa and Daniel...
Sleeping in his new room...Daniel is home!
A side note...I am constantly reading newspaper articles and watching local news which update the earthquake disaster. The government has reported thousands of deaths and a total of 50,000 total is expected. This is a sad, sad situation. I read a report today which shared good news and bad news. The good news is that none of the Social Welfare Institutions (orphanages) reported any deaths or severe injuries...but today 24 new orphans (earthquake survivors) were delivered to institutions. Prior to this quake, we walked through the streets of Chongqing. Families look just like ours. In fact, since most have only one child, the kids are completely indulged by the family and they are SO LOVED! I can't envision them anymore, because I know that children just like the ones we saw are now without parents...and many have no grandparents, or family left to speak of...I hope that even though Chinese adoption requirements have gotten tougher and the wait longer, that families will take the initiative to provide a new home for these kids...maybe they will find a new Chinese family that is perfect to give them a waiting home to heal.
May 16 (Friday) - One more night! We just arrived back at our hotel room and are waiting for "Papa John's Pizza." We were at the American Consulate, obtaining Daniel's travel visa and completion of ALL THE PAPERWORK! Only now, we will legally "re-adopt" at the County Courthouse so that he has a registered U.S. birth certificate. Ugh!
So today was pretty uneventful before that...we got up and had breakfast and took a walk to Starbucks. Truthfully, I just didn't want any more to do with the hotel breakfast buffet...so after I fed my family, I got a blueberry muffin and a bold brewed coffee! I must tell you all...our first stop when we get home will be Bakers and after that Miguel's Jr.!!!
I only have new pics of the kids in the tub, so I will take some shots of the kids tonight and post above before we pack our computer. We are meeting at the lobby at 5:30 and head to the airport. "Zai Jian, China...it's been an adventure, but this family is ready to go home!" We will be sure to post when we get home and post photos of Daniel's homecoming...should be interesting. Catie screamed when she met her dogs and cats...I wonder what Daniel's reaction will be? Last time we got home late at night...not this time.
May 15 (Thursday) - It is Thursday evening...about 8:15 p.m. We had a REALLY lazy day. I think we were all just burned out and tired from appointments and tours. We took our time getting out of the room to go to breakfast, and then ended up back in the room. The kids played until around 11:00 and then Josh and Catie went out to find a factory for model airplanes. I put Daniel down and watched a movie...and slept. We all went to Lucy's for dinner and here we are again! We ran into the Breakwell family at Lucy's and said our good byes...and the Heaths came by just a few minutes ago. We called the Mass' family...and we'll see the Tsang family at our consulate appointment tomorrow afternoon...the previous families all leave at "0 dark thirty" tomorrow, and we will leave at the same early hour on Saturday (Friday evening at home). We didn't take any new pics...but we'll be sure to post some tomorrow and then more of Daniel arriving at his new home!
More pics later on Wed...
Daniel is REALLY angry after mom cleans the dirty boogies out of his nose!
"Mom, the stroller doesn't make me any better!"
"What's up now?"
"David, did your mom pick your nose too?"
"Lindsay, you too?"
"Okay everyone, smile for the camera!"
May 14 (Wednesday) - Yikes! I sat down last night and uploaded pics, and just plain forgot to post! Well, truth be told, we were pooped! Our friends asked if we wanted to go to an English pub outside of the island for dinner...we woke up from naps and just felt like we didn't have the energy to get both kids up and out on the town again!
We went to Yuntai park yesterday and got some great pics...Daniel is showing quite a temper...fussed at me all the way back to the hotel, as he really would prefer running all around the bus than sitting on mama's lap! He does the same thing at bedtime. At our hotel in Chongqing, his crib was between our two queen beds, so he seemed to be fine in his crib...now we have a seperate bedroom and he really protests being put in his crib! What great lungs he has!
Catie has already requested breaks from her brother..."Mom, I don't want Daniel to bug me right now..." or "Mommy, Daniel is trying to get my books..." are a couple of frequent complaints that have surfaced...typical. At times we tell her that he is just a baby and to walk away, or put her things up high...a few other times I have let her go in the room to watch a Disney movie, read her books or watch Chinese cartoons and had her brother in the living area with us. For the most part, she loves waking up with him and plays with him to make him laugh!
Our family at the front of Yuntai Park...
Josh and Catie stopping for a photo...
Catie and Daniel were waiting in the shade for a popsicle...it was hot this day!
The kids' first bath together! Daniel finally had a good time in the water!
Our group all met in the playroom today...two families are missing...
"Hey Daniel...SMILE!"
UPDATE...Just in case your news reported the quake in China...I didn't feel it, but Josh felt some slight swaying...it was 1500 miles away...but only about 500 km. from Chongqing. I was downstairs doing paperwork while Josh was here with the kids.
May 12 (Monday) - Today was the day for Daniel's physical exam...all is good, and he is a whopping 10.6 kilograms...and is 78 centimeters long! Before going to the clinic, we had to get a visa photo for the baby, and then wait 45 mintues...we found a Starbucks in the plaza and I was craving a good coffee big time! Catie got a biscotti and chocolate milk and we were able to meet another family from Orange County that were super nice and it was great visiting with them!
During the exam, I told Josh to take Catie and let her play at the playground which was located between the hotel and the clinic...when we were done, Daniel and I met them there and we all came back to the hotel. Daniel and Catie both had a good nap while I went to fill out all of the paperwork for Daniel's visa and naturalization. We had dinner at Lucy's, took a walk on the Pearl River and did some shopping...for anyone who has yet to travel to pick up their babies, remember "Jordan" in Guangzhou. He is THE MOST friendly shop owner here on the island and you will definitely meet him while you are here. I remembered him from before, and we went and visited him this evening. Catie bought a pair of squeaky shoes that she JUST HAD TO HAVE and we are still trying to find some cute boy shoes...most look very "girlie." Daniel is having a terrible time going to sleep...
Tomorrow we will tour a park...
After breakfast we went to look at the goldfish in the waterfall/pond inside the hotel...
Josh...Daddy...Look! Starbucks! YEAH!
Catie is playing in a public park with other "Chinese" kids...she would say she was born in China, but is "an American kid." So true...
We were watching a group of school girls out with their teacher having a P.E. class...
Catie was interested in this net fisherman...he had a few trout in the net...
May 11 (Sunday) - Well, we missed Mass...our friends the Gallagher family went and said it was very interesting hearing a whole Mass in Chinese...the Homily was 20 minutes! We all boarded a bus to visit the "Chen Family Temple." There were mostly art and souveniers...it is so sad, but so many historical sites are empty, as all of the sites were looted and most of the contents were destroyed during cultural revolution because many thought the items stood for capitalism...so they have filled them with things to buy.
This afternoon we relaxed in the room and then all of us went out for Thai food for Mother's Day...it was a WONDERFUL evening...we had fried pumpkin, wonton, and curry dishes...and red wine! Afterward, we stopped for ice cream and now we are watching the kids play in our room...we are so happy we have a suite...there is plenty of room for them to get their energy out!
(For some reason, the image manager won't let me enlarge the photos tonight...)
I had put Daniel in bed with us at about 4 am and when Catie woke up she went over to cuddle with him...
Josh and Catie in the courtyard at the Chen Family Temple...
Can you see that Catie has broken these Thai chips in tiny little pieces and was feeding them to Daniel one at a time...she is opening the souvenier bib from the restaurant and proceeded to put it on him...what big sis!
Josh and his kids at dinner...
Me enjoying being a mom...on Mother's Day!!!!!!!!
:)
Daniel is copying Catie hitting her mouth and making "AAAHHHH" noises...
Our friend Abigail shows us the pidgeon head from the fried pidgeon she ordered...disgusting!
May 10 (Saturday) - We're in Guangzghou! It has been a welcome site...just about the time you are done with Chinese culture and food...this gives everyone a renewed sense of energy! We arrived in Guangzhou at 9:50 and met our new guide, Veronica. She loaded us all on a bus to drive one hour to Shamian Island...we got here and were pleased to be checked into a new suite! After unpacking and seperating laundry...eating Papa John's pizza and having some nap time, we all met at the elevators and ventured out to the plaza. This area has more of a European feel to it and is swarming with families and their newly adopted babies and children. We ended our walk at Lucy's diner...we were still a bit full from lunch so I had spring rolls and beer...Catie had fried rice and Daniel had steamed egg (yech!)
Tomorrow we'll go to the Chen Family Temple which is now a museum...they have a Catholic Church here...will be make it to Mass? We'll see...
Daddy and Daniel in the room before leaving on a tour...
See the beautiful Banyan Trees?
Daniel's first meal at Lucy's diner...(Catie took this one...not bad, huh?)
Big sis, Little bro kicking back after a long day...
May 9 (Friday) - We had a "free day" today...our guide went out this afternoon to get our babies passports and photos from the adoption ceremony for us. She will give them to us either tonight at 8 or tomorrow morning before we leave. We have to have our bags packed tonight and the bus boy will pick up to load the bus, and we will leave the hotel by 6 am. We fly into Guangzhou and check into the White Swan Hotel...I know those friends of ours who have done this before know how badly we are looking forward to that! This hotel is ok but not great...and I look forward to a "feel" of Europe...
I am so sorry we didn't take any new pics today...I will post some from previous days that we haven't used. We ventured out alone in a taxi today to do some shopping and it was a bit unsettling. I don't remember being so anxious about being "on display" when we were in China before...well, in Changsha I don't ever remember drawing a crowd. Here, they are on you like flies! Today a lot of people were touching Catie and speaking Chinese and it made HER uncomfortable! We got the kids McDonald's ice cream and didn't stay downtown long...we were looking for a kids store to get Daniel some new shoes but never came across one. I figure I will hit payless when I get home!
We really miss everyone!
Mary Anne and kids right after waking up on Wednesday
Daniel tries to wake Catie up from a nap...he pinched her face and grabbed her hair. She opened her eyes, smiled at him and rolled over! Just wait, little girl...it won't be cute forever!
May 8 (Thursday) - Hello, everyone! Today was really interesting! We visited "architectural street" which was really very cultural...duh. As you can see by the photos, it is this area of what can be described as alleyways that go on and on with vendor after vendor of food, trinkets, clothes, etc...much like a flea market! We only bought a silly little toy for Catie...and walked around and got "oogled." This was interesting...as we walked, the people would stare and follow us with their eyes and head...if we stopped, they would crowd us like flies and get in our faces and touch the kids and try hard to ask us questions...which we had NO idea about what! Sometimes we understood that they wanted to know what kid belonged to what mom and what dad...some were kind and smiled...and many, many looked as if they were waiting for us to start the show...I have to admit at times I felt assaulted...I guess in a personal space kind of way...I will never look at a celebrity being flanked by paparrazi the same again! And for us on such a smaller scale, it was truly an uncomfortable situation! The other part that was not fun were the smells...just can't explain it...
After about an hour of "window shopping," we went to a Buddhist Temple...it was 2000 years old! I was in awe. We climbed it seemed like 100 really steep steps and got incense and learned how to pray to The Buddha...clasped hands at our forehead, mouth and heart and then bowed three times, asking for our wishes....then the monk Blessed my kids! We bought jade pendants on red string (jade and the color red are good luck) and he did the bowing ceremony and blessed the kids and placed his blessings on the pendants and then I am supposed to give them to the kids when they are older to wear and have a healthy, safe and lucky life! I loved it!
After the trip, we were all tired and have been hanging out in the room...we had lunch/dinner and Catie is passed out...Daniel had his nap earlier.
Josh found a bunch of Disney movies really CHEAP and we'll watch one later...
Tomorrow is a "free day" and we will hopefully go and find Daniel a pair of shoes and some socks that fit! Saturday we fly out early to Guangzhou...I am looking forward to the White Swan Hotel...then HOME!
By they way, thanks for the email messages...amid the busy days, there are long stretches of afternooon and evenings that we really enjoy reading and sending emails!
Catie and Daniel first thing in the morning....
Big sister, little brother trying to pose for mom!
Catie and Daniel interacting on Architectural Street
Interacting with the locals...they all started to scatter when they saw Josh with the camera!
Our family in front of the entrance of the Buddhist Temple...
Blessing Ceremony...the monk is on the left...the old lady next to Catie is teaching her how to bow to The Buddha
More of the ceremony...
May 7 (Wednesday) - Today was a touring day...we got up early and headed out at 9 am...we first went to the "Flying Tigers" museum. This group of fighter pilots prior to the U.S. joining WWII, were a American Volunteer Group. They were commanded by Clarence Chenault and fought the Japanese who were attacking China. Their job was to keep the Burma road open to keep supplies coming to Chongqing from Burma. After the U.S. joined the war effort, the "AVG" became the 10th airforce who were commanded by Joseph Stillwell. Chenault's likeness is shown in the bust below. The Chinese obviously hold both Chenault and Stillwell in high esteem...after a history lesson at the museum, we went across the street to see Stillwells home during that time...what a view! It over looks the Yangtze River and I am sure back then the view was much better without the smog.
Next, we visited E'Liang park...this park was created on the previous property of Chiang Kai Shek, who was the leader of the Nationalist Party. He and Chairman Mao Tse Tung worked together behind a facade of friendship to establish a new government in China. They both had established friendships with Russian leaders, but Shek was more aligned with a democratic government. Mao always felt that China should keep their economic interests within the country of China. He believed that as an agricultural country, the Chinese should create big strong families who would work hard to maintain the agriculture and keep the Chinese people thriving. Shek on the other hand, was a strong foreign policy leader and felt that building a relationship with other countries would help with the war effort and economic growth. Mao, we all know, was able to prevail since having the support of farmers which made up 60 % of the population. (By the way, the Chinese call WWII "The War of Japanese Aggression.") It turned out that Mao was more of an isolationist and closed the doors to any "outside" influence.
ANYWAY, while we were there, we attended a really cool Chinese Tea House and learned how to drink Tea in the Kung Fu way...we also watched couples dancing in a pagoda to Chinese music and Catie fed some Peacocks!
Daniel HATES the stroller, but after trying to get his way by screaming...he figured out protesting just wasn't going to get what he wanted...and chilled out the rest of the day. He has quite a stubborn streak!
We put a shorts and tshirt on him today that is sized 6-9 months...it fits just perfect, so I am going to let him wear them out before he grows out of them.
We got back to the hotel and went straight to lunch/dinner. We had some of the BEST Sischuan food ever! As we were rollling into the hotel after dinner, Catie said: "Dad, I like Daniel!" The perfect ending to a great day!
Daniel fell asleep on his dad's lap on the way to the museum
Tribute to Chennault below
All of the kids in our group at E'Liang park
View of the Yangtze River and the city of Chongqing...(pronounced Chon-Cheen). Most of the "muck" in the air is humidity. Yesterday was much more clear.
Catie is feeding a peacock...she got tons of attention from the Chinese people
Daniel is rearranging all the chairs in the office...
Daniel, Catie and David with the head Nanny
This is where we were interviewed and officially became a family of four! The guy on the right is the photographer and they took LOTS of pics...
After the ceremony, we went to the store and got on the bus early and let the kids share a bowl of dry cheerios...Catie is such a great big sister!
Still Tuesday...evening - It's official! The adoption was finalized and we are officially a family of four! The adoption interview and swear in and ceremony was short, but the wait at the civil affairs office was forever. We then went to a grocery where we stocked up on snacks and juice for the kids in the room...then we came back to the hotel and sat out at river terrace restaurant and had dinner and wine and listened to a Chinese version of Don Ho and his partner Lin Ho! They sang beach boys, madonna...it was really quite nice! We watched the sunset over the west side of the Yangtze River and felt life was good! Daniel has been a bit moody, but we are figuring out he is a grump when he is hungry! He really put away the groceries at dinner! Steamed egg (yuck!) and rice...catie is eating spicy noodles here and rice...we had pizza!
I'll show you the room where the ceremony is, but we didn't do much photo taking today...sorry.
Tomorrow is a tour of E'Ling park and the private "Flying Tigers Museum."
Miss everybody...
Tuesday, May 7 - One day down and we are all adjusting to being a four member family! Daniel has been following his sister around laughing and laughing at her antics! The more he laughs, the sillier she gets. He has the most pitiful cry...and he really shows this whenever Josh leaves the room. Daddy likes that...he just strapped on the baby snuggly and took the kids downstairs to change his $$$ into yuan. We have our appointment to finalize the adoption today at 2:30. The Chinese call this time that we have Daniel until our adoption finalization, "The Harmonious Period." After this afternoon it will be official and he will be a Klenske! Here are pics of the morning wakeup!
Last night after dinner in our room...
Catie was peeking to see if her brother would wake up...and he did!
Daniel wakes up smiling! :)
Catie playing with Daniel in his crib...he is so happy!
Monday, May 6 - GOTCHA!
I will be breif...Daniel SOBBED and SOBBED with the BIGGEST pouty bottom lip I have EVER SEEN!!! Finally I took him in the restroom and changed a dirty diaper and when we came back in the room the nannies were gone and he warmed up a bit...but mostly with Daddy...he finally started laughing when Catie started playing peek a boo! He and Catie are now romping in the room...she is entertaining him by jumping and falling on the bed and he can't catch a breath from the laughing!
WE ARE SO BLESSED! OOOOHHH! He is a BIG B OY! I am thinking 18 months size...no slender love...more like beefy boy!
Love you all...
The photos are out of order...I tried re-listing them, but decided heck with it...
May 4 (Sunday) - Well, tomorrow is GOTCHA day! We are so tired this evening. We got into Chongqing at about 11, and took a bus to our hotel. Once we checked in we anxiously unpacked every last item and set up home for the next 6 days. All of us felt extremely grungy, so showers were in order. This room feels cozy now...and I must say that we were all taken back, but extremely excited when we found a crib waiting for us in our room! Catie ran and jumped on the bed yelling, "Daniel's got a bed!"
Okay, so once we "regrouped," we headed out to look around the hotel. We found a play room on the third floor and Catie played for a bit. Then we found a cafe with a terrace and went out to enjoy some appetizers and a glass of wine. The terrace overlooks the river and they had calypso and hawiian music playing. It was the perfect way to relax.
The Yangtze River runs right through the middle of the city. It isn't a particularly pretty river, as it is very brown. The city is really cool though...Josh and I both feel it reminds us of San Fransisco...LOTS of very steep hills and some very quaint streets. We took a bus ride out to dinner to eat, "Hot Pot" tonight. Yes, I did say I would never eat hot pot again, but it was great! Catie ate lots of raw cauliflower, cucumber and some noodles. We enjoyed the spicy feast. Prior to going to the restaurant, we stopped in a plaza where families and children were enjoying the outdoors. We stopped for a bit and before we knew it, we had a circle of native Chongqing residents encircling our group! I wondered if in even the smallest way,this is how some celebrities feel when out in public. Catie drew a crowd, as she obviously looks familiar to them, but must appear out of place with these strangers! She flirted with the toddlers that were interested in her, and gave a "hmmmph," to the adults and distracted herself with her new friends in our group.
Tomorrow we pick up the babies at 2:30...Actually, there are only two babies being adopted...and one girl 9 years old and one boy 4 years old. We hear the little boy is excited to meet his new family. This is truly a heart rich experience! God Bless, everyone! Nite nite.
Josh stopped at the Starbucks in the new Beijing airport to get us each a mocha before our flight...just like home!
Catie sat with her friends on the plane to Chongqing
May 3 (Saturday) - "Catherine and Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Okay, so it wasn't but it WAS. In the words of George Costanza, "The skys were angry that day, my friend!" Okay, so maybe he was talking about the seas. Nonetheless, we had quite an adventure! Mind you, yesterday was a bit humid, but in the mid-80's. Today's forecast was 67 high with a chance of thundershowers in the afternoon. Josh convined me that it was as warm outside as it was yesterday. I did require Catie and I to wear jeans, but no jackets...and short sleeve t-shirts! We got to The Forbidden City by 9:00 and by 10:00 the skys opened up with a deluge of water! We sat for a long time in the Imperial Gardens waiting for it to let up to no avail. Josh went and bought Catie a green bean popsicle. It was disgusting, but she loved it! Sophie bought us all umbrellas, but we still got soaked. We HAD to continue through the city, as our bus was on the other side at Tian An Men Square! A couple of times Catie demanded, "MOM! I WANT TO GO HOME (meaning the hotel)!!" She cried once, but we were able to comfort her...she had an umbrella covering her, but her feet and ankles got soaked. Once we were in the bus, she informed me that next time we needed to go someplace dry! After getting warm on the bus, she was her old self again and continued to enjoy our company. We have four families in our travel group. There are three girls, aged 8, 10 and 10. They are the sweetest girls and they have been giving Catie their full attention and being such nurturing little ladies. Catie is in "hog heaven" having all of this "big girl" attention!
We then went to the Cloisonne Factory that makes ceramics that were created for the Qing Dynasty. It is beautiful, but we didn't buy anything. After the factory and lunch we made it to the wall and no one got sick today! I finally climbed the wall and it is something else! I have to admit, that I didn't go all the way to the first tower, but we enjoyed the hike we made. I should sign off so that I can pack...the bus is taking our luggage tonight at 9:30 to check at the airport and we meet the bus tomorrow at 5 a.m. We have a day to ourselves and then pick up the babies at 2:30 on Monday, which is 11:30 Sunday night your time...but by the time we go shopping on the way back to the hotel and get settled, will post around 5 a.m. your time...enjoy the photos!
Here we are getting drenched!
Josh and Catie getting ready to climb the Great Wall of China...
Here we are at our destination! It is FREEZING!
"The Water Cube" being built for the Olympics
May 2 (Friday) - Well, day two and we are starting to acclimate to the new time zone! We were up early and downstairs for breakfast by 7:30. We ventured out for a walk, in shorts and t-shirts. We were amused to see everyone in long pants and light jackets! It is in the 80's, but it is very humid...every now and then, there IS a cool breeze. Things feel very different this time around. I think because I was so enamored with the novelty of China and the anticipation of my first child, I don't think I looked for certain things. Today I felt some staring from a lot of people. They could have been appalled that we were all in shorts and didn't have Catie all covered up...it could have been that they are wary of westerners these days. I also wonder if the sad fact of baby abandonment is not general public news. I commented to Josh that I have been aware of the frequent sightings of moms and their little BOYS. It is so warm and encouraging to see a family with one little girl...and two is a real treat!
Since three years ago, we see the Chinese economy growing so quickly. This time it seems that every citizen has a new Honda or Hundai! We visited a mall and every name brand that you could imagine had a specialty store.
This evening we attended the Chinese acrobat show. It was beautiful and amazing. It is a cross between dance and gymnastics...think "Cirque du Soliel." I have a renewed sense of committment to yoga and meditation practice. When I have watched a show like this before, I was impressed by the strength and flexibility of the performers, which is mind boggling...but the incredible state of concentration and focus is absolutely unbelievable. These performers can not take their problems to work for sure! That would mean disaster for the safety of the rest of the performers and put you right out of a job! We should learn something from them. By the way, a nice family with TWO adorable little girls sat next to us and bought Catie a juice and Josh and I a coke. The girls kept smiling at Catie.
Catie had gone down for a nap and we had to wake her to go...she went willingly, but was so tired the entire night. She never took her eyes off of the show, and her favorite part was the pretty costumes. The minute we got back, she was out and Josh joined her. Tomorrow we meet the bus at 8:00 to tour The Forbidden City, Tien An Men Square and the Great Wall of China. Catie is looking forwar to that one, as Big Bird has been there!
Catie and I in the airplane...
Here we are in front of the theater before acrobat show...
May 1 (Thursday) - Hello, everyone! We are here! Right now it's 2:30 a.m. California time...5:30p.m. Beijing time. We had a great flight (12.5 hours)...no glitches and Catie was a trooper! There were tons of empty seats, so we could spread out and sleep. The food on United was good...they fed us three meals and some snacks. We arrived at 2:45, and spent about 45 minutes waiting for our luggage. Our guide Sophie, is just a doll. Our hotel is located in the city's "Second ring" which is the second outer circle from Tien An Men Square...there are six rings...this is nice because we are downtown and can go out and roam safely if we want to...we did that three years ago when we stayed close to the airport, but didn't know better!
Sophie called the "head nanny" at Daniel's orphanage this morning and got reports that Daniel is well...I love Beijing and am glad to just be in China, but I hope this passes quickly and we have our little love in our arms!
We received a baby backpack with all of the essentials for a new baby in it...all we brought were cute outfits and diapers...since they provide the pack this time...so we are set! I can't post any photos right now, because my batteries died leaving San Fransisco...I have tons of DVD coverage...anyone know how I can post on You Tube? Josh went to the market with Sophie and he will get batteries...Well, until tomorrow...Blessings to everyone!
April 24 (Thursday) - AAGGH! The wait is getting a bit unbearable. I know, everything IS happening so fast, but I would like to just be there and holding our son! All of our trip is paid for, and now we just need to pack and go...our cousin Bob will be house sitting and watching our animals...it's great that we don't have to worry about the house. Our iteneraries indicate that we won't be united with Daniel until th e 5th...the day AFTER we arrive in Chongqing. As mama used to say, "This too shall pass, mihijita."
April 17 (Thursday evening) - Well, another day down...as my new friend Marsha (traveling with us from across the country!) said, "Monday, we can say that 'next week we are leaving to go and pick up our boys!'" It is really exciting and it is extremely tough to stay focused right now. Tonight, I was really tired and put off making dinner until much later than usual. Of course Miss Catie was in rare form and showed her usual level of high energy dancing and singing while I was in the kitchen. When we sat down, she announced that she was saying prayers...this is her prayer:
"Thank you for Daniel, and in China we will have lots of Chinese food and in China please let us have McDonalds!" Out of the mouths of babes...this from a child that has eaten at McDonalds as many times as I can count on one hand!
This weekend our friends threw us a lovely shower...I have lots of clothes for Daniel and enough gift cards to go and purchase the new car seats! I will paste a photo here...
Catie at home, just being herself: The three of us at the shower:
April 14 (Monday) - Not much new news...we have 4 other families traveling in our group to Dianjiang. I think there is one other family with another agency, as I heard a totatl of 5 would be traveling. I am on a yahoo group for our orphanage and have heard from two of the mom's in our group.
Our agency should be sending our inteneraries soon! 16 more days and counting..!
(Later same day) - We just finalized our International Travel Plans...we leave LAX on April 30 and arrive in Beijing on May 1. We did this so we have time to take Catie to see the Chinese Acrobats in Beijing. We will fly to Chongqing on May 4 which is GOTCHA day...and then on to Guangzhou on May 11...or 12...or 13. Our intra-China travel has not yet been finalized. Anyway, it is all so surreal!
April 11 (Friday) - We got our TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It seems will may travel on May 2!!!!! This is SO SOON! My stomach is turning flips! I guess we will start packing!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9 (Wednesday) - This Friday will be two weeks since our LSC was sent to China...our friend Simone posted that they got their Travel Approval today and will probably be leaving on May 7 or 8! Their "Gotcha Day" is May 12! Just a side note, our LSC arrived the same day as theirs! I wonder if we will get our TA this week! Only two days left..and then another weekend to wait through...Catie is carrying around a cute little blue teddy bear that our friends, The LeForge family gave Daniel. She says she will give it to him in China! How sweet.
April 3 (Thursday)- Things are really moving...the LSC arrived in Austin as planned and was sent to China on Friday, March 28. We are now trying to check items off of our travel checklist. Catie and I stayed home today to get our visa applications sent...luckily, we don't have to sit and wait long hours in the L.A. Chinese Embassy office this time...GWCA has an agreement with their Houston office to process travel visas for adoptive families. We had to go get a passport sized photo of Catie to attach to her application, and send all of our applications with our passports! We should receive our passports back with the visas in a week or two. By then, we will hopefully have our travel approval.
Also, Daniel has a cleft palate that will need surgery when we get home. I have made an initial wellness appointment with our pediatrician, and several calls to the cranio-facial team for an evaluation appointment. They must be extremely busy, because I have not heard back from them yet. His room is done (he will be sharing with his sister for awhile), and his family is ready to travel...now just let the time pass quickly!
March 27 (Thursday) - The FedEx lady came to my office around noon and dropped off our official LSC! Catie and I gathered up our stuff, and went to Fontana to have Josh sign the papers...then off to FedEx to send! It should arrive in Austin by 3:00 their time tomorrow...I hope that means it will still make the Friday China Mailer at the GWCA office!
March 26 (Wednesday) - We got word today that our LSC (Letter Seeking Confirmation) has arrived in Austin (headquarters for GWCA)! Our consultant has FedEx'd it to us and it should arrive tomorrow. Once that is signed by Josh and Me, we will overnight it back to Austin and it will leave to China on Friday (3/28). It takes a couple of weeks to process that paperwork, and then the CCAA will send us our Travel Approval. Our agency thinks we will travel in mid-May...I have a feeling this wait will be the most agonizing of all!
Here is our "little love"...
We would like to introduce the newest addition to our family:
Daniel Aiwei Klenske
Born October 28, 2006
Chongqing, China
