May 10, 2010
Family Day!!!!!!
We are now a Family of FOUR.
This morning we woke up (early of course) and knew that it was the day we would meet our second daughter!
The van ride to the Civil Affairs office was a mix of emotions.... We were both scared and excited.
When we got there, she was already waiting for us. We were able to play with her and still have her nannies around to keep her comforted. It was clear that she has been taken care of well. She is walking and saying "mama". Of course Mama is not me yet. There was one lady that was clearly her "mama" who was really having a hard time saying goodbye. She just kept crying and hugging and kissing her. It was quite emotional.
Meina is doing OK right now. She is clearly grieving and cried so hard on the ride back to the room she threw up all over. Poor baby! When we got back to the room she let me hold her and she started sucking her thumb. She is sleeping right now.
She seems to be pretty healthy and VERY alert. She has not taken any food from us yet, but I think that will change as she usually goes through a bag of formula in two days!
Well that is all for now....
PS Ramzie- you are a big sister! She is so sweet and beautiful just like you are!
We are the luckiest parents in the world! We are so blessed with TWO beautiful daughters.
Love Mike and Joanie
May 11, 2010It is official!
Today we registered the adoption. so as far as China is concerned we are officially Meina's parents. Now we just have to wait until Friday to get her passport and we are off to Guangzhou to do immigration paperwork.
Today was a little better for Meina. She had times that she almost smiled. She really likes being outside and away from the room. Every time we come back to the room she gets cranky and clingy. She is about the same with either Mike or I.
We found out a little more information about her today. Seems the orphanage she is from is very small and the Director and his wife really fell in love with Meina. They basically took her into their home to raise. They even wanted to adopt her because they have only two boys but they could not afford her medical care. Anyway, last night they called Rita (our guide) three times because they could not sleep and they wanted to be able to come see her one last time. When Rita asked, we agreed..... how can you refuse?
So when we were at the office for the registration, The Director came over and asked to hold Meina. She clung to him and was soooo happy to see him. His wife stayed in the hallway and watched. He asked us to tell her about the necklace (they sent it with Meina to wish her a long healthy life) and how much they loved her. We promised him we would send pictures and updates. It was very emotional for everyone and poor baby was absolutely heartbroken when he handed her back to us. Later when we were leaving the notary office, they we standing on the sidewalk across the road. They wanted one more look I guess. We are so thankful to these people for loving and raising Meina to this point- they are very special people in her life.Now about Meina......
She is very tall for her weight, weighs just under 19 lbs. 12 month sleepers fit her, but she will outgrow the legs soon. She has very little hair and it is cut so short- she really looks like a boy. Many Chinese people have come up to us to ask. I guess the flowered outfit did not give it away. Finally, I put a hat on her. She has 10 teeth and is just starting to walk. It looks like we have another serious and cautious kid on our hand. She will not even try to walk without a finger to hold and she just sits back taking it all in. She slept 12 hours last night aside from 1 feeding at 2 am. She decided she did not like the puff snacks so she picked the x's (the puffs) out of her bowl and kept the o's (cheerios). Quite an opinion, heh :-)
Enjoy the pictures.
Love from China
Joanie and Mike
May 12th, 2010
Lazy Day
Today was a free day as far as paperwork so we just spent quality time with our new girl. She is starting to come out of her shell quite a bit now. We got many smiles and giggles. She is starting to eat now and has figured out if she cries and reaches for us we will pick her up.
This morning we Skyped back home so she and Ramzie (plus Oma and Opa) could see each other. She loved Ramzie's voice and kept pointing to the computer after we hung up. So cute! This morning at breakfast Meina ate a ton of congee and egg, plus some watermelon. She spit the dragonfruit right back out, Lol!
One other thing about her is her feet are short and fat. They are the lenght of a size 2-3T but too thick to fit in the two pairs I brought. We ended up putting a pair of crocs on her which are way too big. Darn- looks like I will need to do more shoe shopping while here.
We explored the hotel more today and it is pretty nice. There is an Italian resturant which is really very good, and a nice pool area that we are going to check out later today.
Other than that we are doing well.
Bye for now!
Ramzie- Morning Angel Eyes- We miss you and love you so much. We cannot wait to see you and your sister together!
May 13th 2010
Lucky girl.......
That is a statement we have heard over and over. Here in China, on the street people will come from across the sidewalk to say this to us. Each time this happens I am overwhelmed because there is something that people who have not been blessed with the miracle of adoption just cannot understand. It is that these amazing children are our blessings- just as if they were born of our bodies. We are so incredibly blessed to have these two beautiful daughters and we ARE THE LUCKY ONES!
Today, I am feeling so grateful for all of our luck. Our family is complete thanks to a country a world away that has entrusted us with two of their most precious daughters.
Today is our last full day in Zhengzhou. We spent many hours just walking out on the street and in a local park.
Meina is doing well. A little more personality each day. She sleeps all night- about 12 hours and loves to be held. Today another travel group came in and they received their kids this am. They are all so sweet. One family made it but their luggage did not, so we lent them a few diapers and wipes. Just like Meina, most of the kids come to their parents in split pants.
Love to all from China,
Mike and Joanie
May 14, 2010
Guangzhou? No Guilin, Guangxi.......
So the title should give you the answer to why no update yesterday, but let me help by explaining a little more.
We where schedule to fly to Guangzhou on a 6:20 pm flight. We got to the airport in plenty of time, said good-bye to our guide, and boarded the plane at 5:50 pm. Then the nightmare began. We were told that we would be a bit delayed because of flight control and the flight attendants started passing out water. Hmmm- first clue something might not be right. About 1.5 hrs later they began serving the ever present supply of rice and chicken or beef. Okay we are starting to think our flight might be a little more than delayed. Are you starting to see the pattern? So about 2.25 hours after scheduled departure, the stairs are being brought back to the plane and the shuttle bus is ready. We are thinking oh no! Then they announce we are taking off now- yeah! So we take off and fly for 2 hours and get to the point in the flight when they announce we will be landing in ____ in about 20 minutes etc. Well, 1 hr later they announce we are in a holding pattern because of poor weather/ flooding in Guangzhou. Now we are praying we will just land safe. So 45 minutes later we are landing in an alternative site, which the lady next to us translated into English as a old factory site. WHATTTT!
Yep, we were diverted to Guilin. We had no guide and people speak only Mandarin or Cantonese. Thank God we were with another family. Somehow we figured out that they were taking us to a hotel (45 minutes away) and we would have to catch another plane in the AM. We finally made it to our room about 2:15 am. We still did not know how or when we would get back to the airport, but we were so tired, we just fell asleep. By the way, Meina did not throw one fit the WHOLE time. She was so good.
Next Up- Did we make it to Guangzhou? Will this detour change our time line for a return home on the 22nd?
By the way the pictures are of Meina as the day progressed and the lst one is her sleeping on the plane.
May 15, 2010
YES.... We made it!
This morning we woke up and looked out our windows to the most amazing scenery! Guilin is very scenic in an almost mystical way. After getting a few hours of sleep we were better prepared to enjoy and soak in the experience. Today we got to see one of the most beautiful areas in China- how lucky!
So after a quick breakfast, as in we really could not find anything that looked safe to eat but plain rice, we checked with the hotel desk and they told us 10:00. That is all we could understand- so we were downstairs in the lobby at 9:30 to make sure we did not miss anything. We explored the gift shops and let ms Meina burn some steam before another flight. She is really walking quite well with holding one finger. She is scared to death to take a step by herself however. She just stops and cries until you go back and let her grab on again. During the time we were walking in the halls, a man came up to us and was really trying to talk with us. We could not understand anything of course, but he was all smiles, so we assumed it was positive. About 15 minutes later he came running up to us and handed Meina a traditional Chinese doll that he had just purchased in the gift shop. He was very determined we take it and even gave us the receipt to show that he had just purchased it. It was such a sweet moment. I guess we are not the only ones who find this baby girl special.
At 10:00 the buses came to take us back to the airport for an 11:50 am flight. Mike and I both agree that the 45 minute ride this morning was one of the top five most spectacular views we have ever had. The pictures just do not do the place justice. The mountains rise up in the mist and the rice patty fields reflect their image back from the ground. All of that was combined with the water buffalo and men working in the fields.
All in all our little side excursion was an added bonus that we did not plan or expect, but in the end we are glad it happened.
Now we are in Guangzhou at the Victory Hotel this time. We stayed at the White Swan last time and loved it, but could get a suite at the Victory, so more room won over tradition.
We did not check in until 3 pm. So after packing and a quick dinner at the Thai restaurant, we have had a mellow evening. Most likely will go to bed as soon as we skype Ramzie.
We did find out that our Medicals are rescheduled for Monday and should not affect our timeline. They stayed open long enough to give little Joshua (Eric and Jennifer's son) his TB test today so it can be read in 48 hours......whew!
Bye Bye from Guangzhou
May 16,2010
Nice Day in Guangzhou
Today we did the tour to the Six Bayan Temple and the Chen Heritage House. We had been before back in 2005 when we where here, but we decided it would be nice to go again. I am glad we did. It was as beautiful as I remember and we got some of the same pictures with Meina as we did with Ramzie which will be fun to put in her album.
Then we stopped at a gift shop. We purchased some nice dish sets, a nice set of chopsticks and table runner for Spring Festival Celebrations. We also got a beautiful eggshell porcelain vase for Meina, and two traditional silk pillowcases- one for each girl. So I am checking a few things off the list already.
We walked around a few of the streets today and that was challenging in some areas. They are re-doing the whole Island area right now so it is a big construction zone. Many of the shops that where here last time are closed now.... kind of sad. Our guide told us that many of the agencies have changed from keeping their families on the island at the White Swan or Victory, to the Garden Hotel off the Island. But don't worry, there are PLENTY of shops left :-)
Meina continues to do well. She is such a happy girl now- giggling all the time. She is hard to get a good picture of right now because she is sick of the camera. Every time she sees me pull it out she looks down or the other way....stinker. She is babbling a lot and sleeping well. She is eating very well, and does not seem to get winded while drinking her bottle so all good signs for her health. Tomorrow is our Medical Exam, and then we will go to the Pearl Factory. Yeah!Meanwhile our sweet girl at home with Oma and Opa is doing well. I put in a picture of a fish she caught with her Opa on Sat! Mike is jealous!!!!
So that is how we are doing in a nutshell- have a great day everyone!
Mike, Joanie and Meina
May 17,2010
Medical Exam and Pearl Market
This morning we all slept in until 7:30- including Meina. She has been sleeping right through her 10pm and 4am bottles. I think she is getting full enough by eating some table food and a full bottle before bed.
Anyway, after a lazy morning which included a Starbucks mocha, we headed out to the Medical Exam. Meina was fine and took it all in stride. Everything checked out just fine. When we got there about 30 other families were waiting and I thought we would be there forever. But as soon as we sat down our guide called us to the front and we were whisked through. We were in and out in about 10 minutes,,,,, no complaints here!
We had Thai food again for lunch. I had the red curry and it was soooo yummy. After lunch, I headed to the pearl Market to pick up some things for my girls. That place is unbelievable. The whole building is nothing but pearl shops. Luckily we had a guide to take us to a reputable place. Getting a taxi on the way back was a bit of a challenge as we hit the after work traffic. When I got back to the room Meina and Mike were sleeping. This evening we walked around some more and ate at a Cantonese Restaurant (tasty).
We wish we were heading back tomorrow as we are very ready to get home now. Tomorrow is a free day and we are planning on using it to just relax. I may get a massage :-)
Goodnight from China
May 18,2010
Let the shopping begin!
Today was a free day as we had no official adoption business to do. We Had a nice leisurely day of just walking around and shopping.
It was very nice weather this morning- sunny and warm (about 82). The first thing we did was hit the store around the corner for a pair of sandals I spied while we were in there the other day for the visa photo. Actually, I got 2 pair for 50 RMB. The Crocs I brought have been falling of her feet so new shoes were a necessity (wink). Then we hit several shops and got our etching ordered as well as a chop and a personalized scroll for Meina.
For any of you who have been here, Jordan is still here and as pleasant as always.
During our afternoon break, we had quit the thunderstorm and downpour. I am sure a month's amount of rainfall for Billings fell in about an hour here. I will post a photo of how high the channel of the Pearl River outside our hotel is- seems to rise daily!
This evening we went out some more and did a nice job on my shopping list. While out we met a man named Kenny. He is the education director for an organization called ECHO (Education for Chinese Children) which was started by an adoptive family from the USA. He is an amazing artist and has quite a display that the proceeds of which go towards this charity. We bought an amazing oil painting for a VERY reasonable price. It is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for so I am very glad to have found it. He has a real heart for the orphans because, although he is not an orphan, his Mom and Dad are doctors and would use the orphanage for his child care growing up. He knows how hard the conditions are and is very passionate about his job. The blog website is www.echoinchina.org
Check it out if you get a chance.
So little Ms Meina is doing well still. I cannot believe how happy and easy going she is so far. I know things can change, but so far so good. She makes great eye contact, is affectionate and wants to be held when she is upset. Speaking of..... we have already had our first injury :-( We are in a suite and in the living area is a small round coffee type table. She was standing up and cruising around the couch when she lost her balance and fell. She hit her cheek on the edge of it an has a line bruise across her right cheek. Poor baby. Now she won't even try to walk without one of us holding her hands. BTW- Coffee table has been removed from the room now.
Tomorrow is our visa appointment. We will stay in our room while our guide goes to the appointment and calls us with any questions. Other than that another pretty open day. We opted out of the Zoo because Grace says the mosquitoes and bees are really bad right now. I really do not want to chance any issues like that.
Love from China- Mike, Joanie and Meina
Soaking WET! May 19, 2010
Today was our Visa appointment and everything went well so we get to go take the Oath at the American Consulate at 2:30pm tomorrow.
Other than staying in our room during our Visa appointment, we spent most of our day outside in the rain. It rained all day, and the forecast calls for heavy rain for the next 3 days, so we just got our umbrellas and headed out. It was warm and the rain was more like a luke warm shower. We walked and shopped although we really did more looking than buying today. I found a few more unique shoes though....
We had lunch at the Thai place again. The curry is so good and we get nothing like it in Billings so we are taking advantage. The New Mexico Smith family should be proud of us.
This afternoon it really started raining to the point the drains on the street were backing up so we came back to the hotel and played with Meina. She was really happy and giggly- we had lots of fun. I think she is ready for more toys. She does not seem overstimulated by noises and such. I guess time will tell.
This evening Mike had booked a massage for me. What an experience that was!!!! This was no relaxing massage. This lady used elbows, knees, heels and hard marble-like balls to work out my muscles. Then she told me to drink hot water this evening to detoxify. It was a good deal at only 20 dollars for 45 minutes. I think I feel pretty good after it too.
Not a very exciting update, as we had a pretty low key day. I am gong to through is a few miscellaneous pictures because other than pictures of us caught tin the rain, I didn't get many today.
US Consulate and Oath May 20, 2010
So today we went to the US Consulate and took an oath affirming the information we have given for Meina's visa is truthful. We could not take cameras into the building due to security, but Ms Meina was all decked out in Red, White and Blue. There were about 30 families with us taking the oath. Just like the last time, I kind of choked it out (I am such a cry baby) because it has taken such a long time to get here and it is one step closer to bringing Meina home so we can be a complete family of FOUR.
Sweet Meina had another good day. She really has quite the personality. The only time she gets really demanding is when she sees us making a bottle- suddenly she is so hungry nothing else will do! Today Mike was playing peek a boo around the corner with her and she was laughing so hard she would fall to the ground. We recorded it and played it back. I will put a picture of her laughing at the film as we played it back for her.
Tomorrow is a day to wrap up a few purchases, and then we will go to take the Red Couch Photo at the White Swan in the afternoon. Mike and I will again need to buy another suitcase to get everything home, but we will not be back for a while- until the girls get bigger and we come back to visit.
I cannot believe we only have one more day before we fly home with our youngest daughter. It will be so good to see everyone and breath clean air! We love China because it is where our daughters were born, but we are so blessed to be American and live like we do.
The pictures are of many of the faces Meina can make throughout the day. It has been so fun to try to figure out what they all mean.
Goodnight (once again) from China,
Joanie, Mike and Meina
May 21, 2010
Last Day in China!
Tomorrow we come home- Yeah, we cannot wait!
I am going to make it short as I still have packing to do and we are leaving for the airport super early in the AM.
Today, we had the Red Coach Photo and spent most of the day packing and getting a few last minute gifts for people. We got caught in a downpour again, so the shoes that had just dried from 3 days ago are once again wet. For those of you headed to China soon- bring extra shoes and quick drying clothes for Guangzhou.
Thanks to everyone for following along and praying for us during this journey. It really means a lot to us.
Goodnight for the last time from China,
Mike, Joanie and Meina
We cannot wait to introduce our new girl to thse of you meeting us at the airport!
May 22, 2010- HOME AT LAST
The flights went well- no major delays. Meina was fussy for about 20 minutes total which is excellent for almost 24 hours of traveling!
We were lucky enough to secure a bassinet for the long flight for Beijing to Seattle. She wasn't too fond of it at first because she couldn't stretch out her legs. We remedied that by hanging them over the end and she slept for about 6 hours of the 11 hr flight.
When we landed in Billings it felt like I took a deep breath for the first time in 3 and 1/2 years. It was the completion of our family FINALLY! When we were getting off the plane I was so excited to see Ramzie, Mom and Dad and our friends.
We had quite the crowd waiting for us. In the middle of a large group of kids was Ramzie holding up a welcome home sign. She was so excited and sweet as she said "hello" to her sister for the first time in person. Meina took everything in and did not seem overly concerned by the kids all surrounding her. I just held her as she looked around and met everyone.
She and Ramzie held hands on the car ride home, so her first time in a car seat wasn't even an issue.
We came home to a full refrigerator of fresh produce (thanks Mom and Dad) and a lasagna dinner (thanks Tammie).
By 10 pm we were all in bed and asleep. Ramzie is already spoiling her and Meina thinks her big sister is very funny.
So that is it- our Journey to Meina is over and now life with her is beginning. We will spend this next week recovering from jet lag and taking Meina to several doctor's appointments to try to see the extent of her heart condition.
I want to thank all of our wonderful friends and family for their support during the adoption process. We are very blessed in our life with many amazing people- some we have known for years and some we have met through the adoption journey. All are special to us.
A special thank you to Tina at The Story of You who helped us share the experience with you while we were in China.
Love to all,
The Smith Family of Four
