Saturday, November 19th, 2005
3:00pm - EST
Hello again. We made it to Detroit - what a looooong flight. This one didn't go so well as our little darling just didn't want to sleep. There was just too much to see and experience. Of the 11 hours in flight, she slept maybe 2 hours total. Needless to say, Kristine & I are exhausted. The good news is we're almost home, we can't wait to see everyone. I'll post something later Sunday to let you all know how our first night home went.
1:00pm - China
Hello All. We made it to Tokyo with no problem. It was an early start to the day, and annierae slept for about 2 hours on the 4 hour flight. The rest of the time she was being "Miss Social" chatting to herself and looking around taking in all the people. The flight attendants on this Northwest flight were phenomenal. They were very attentive to our needs and extremely baby friendly. I just hope the next 11 hour flight goes as well.
I likely won't post from Detroit as we only have 2 hours to clear customs and get to our final flight to GR. We're a bit tired, but very happy to be on our way home.
See you all in a just a few hours!!!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Friday, November 18, 2005
CHINA: DAY 11
Friday, November 18th, 2005
09:00pm - China
Hi All,
Well we are officially done with everything - this life changing adventure is drawing to a close (at least this initial phase). We went to the US Consulate at 3:30 today where Annierae got her visa and is officially a US Citizen (although we still need to get her a US passport). We joined another 55 families from other agencies for one large swearing in. It was a straightforward and simple process. We were back to the hotel by 5:30ish where we have spent the past 3 1/2 hours sorting and packing for the loooooooooooooooooooong trip home. I have to say, the uncertainty of the 25+ hours of travel tomorrow scares me the most of all portions of this adventure thus far. If we ever needed your prayers, it's tomorrow for Annierae to have a safe, comfortable and quiet trip! We have the Benadryl ready :).
Here a re a few shots from this morning and Annierae in her "swearing in" outfit before we left to go to the consulate this afternoon. We're turning in now as we have a 4:00am wakeup call, luggage in the hall at 4:45am, breakfast on the bus at 5:45am, take off at 8:35am. Not sure if we'll have time in Tokyo to post day 12, so this could be the last post until we get back. Godspeed to all families traveling tomorrow, and we'll be home soon!
Love you all!!!
-------------------------------------------
07:30am - China
Good evening to you and good morning to us. I was going to try and give more of an update since Greg didn't have much to say after Annierae and I shopped till we dropped yesterday. But I just turned around and saw the cutest baby standing in her crib smiling at me. I need to change a stinky diaper but will be right back.
Okay I am back, first off Annierae is a doll and is really coming out of her shell as you can see from her more recent pictures. She smiles and giggles a lot for her mommy and is getting better each day with Greg.
Yesterday was another long day and Annierae does not want to nap, I think she thinks she will miss something. She loves to stand up and I think she will be walking very soon. She is also quit the talker I think that is what she did in the orphanage to keep herself entertained.
She did great at the medical exam and weighed in at 19 Lbs and is 73 CM long. Our guide Shiyan told us that the doctors said she is very healthy.
I am going to have to sign off she is demanding that I come pick her up for her morning cuddles.
Can't wait to see everyone Saturday!!!!
09:00pm - China
Hi All,
Well we are officially done with everything - this life changing adventure is drawing to a close (at least this initial phase). We went to the US Consulate at 3:30 today where Annierae got her visa and is officially a US Citizen (although we still need to get her a US passport). We joined another 55 families from other agencies for one large swearing in. It was a straightforward and simple process. We were back to the hotel by 5:30ish where we have spent the past 3 1/2 hours sorting and packing for the loooooooooooooooooooong trip home. I have to say, the uncertainty of the 25+ hours of travel tomorrow scares me the most of all portions of this adventure thus far. If we ever needed your prayers, it's tomorrow for Annierae to have a safe, comfortable and quiet trip! We have the Benadryl ready :).
Here a re a few shots from this morning and Annierae in her "swearing in" outfit before we left to go to the consulate this afternoon. We're turning in now as we have a 4:00am wakeup call, luggage in the hall at 4:45am, breakfast on the bus at 5:45am, take off at 8:35am. Not sure if we'll have time in Tokyo to post day 12, so this could be the last post until we get back. Godspeed to all families traveling tomorrow, and we'll be home soon!
Love you all!!!
-------------------------------------------
07:30am - China
Good evening to you and good morning to us. I was going to try and give more of an update since Greg didn't have much to say after Annierae and I shopped till we dropped yesterday. But I just turned around and saw the cutest baby standing in her crib smiling at me. I need to change a stinky diaper but will be right back.
Okay I am back, first off Annierae is a doll and is really coming out of her shell as you can see from her more recent pictures. She smiles and giggles a lot for her mommy and is getting better each day with Greg.
Yesterday was another long day and Annierae does not want to nap, I think she thinks she will miss something. She loves to stand up and I think she will be walking very soon. She is also quit the talker I think that is what she did in the orphanage to keep herself entertained.
She did great at the medical exam and weighed in at 19 Lbs and is 73 CM long. Our guide Shiyan told us that the doctors said she is very healthy.
I am going to have to sign off she is demanding that I come pick her up for her morning cuddles.
Can't wait to see everyone Saturday!!!!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
CHINA: DAY 10
Thursday,November 17th, 2005
09:15pm - China
Short post today.
Shopping -- all day -- enough said.
Tired - must sleep now!
09:15pm - China
Short post today.
Shopping -- all day -- enough said.
Tired - must sleep now!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
CHINA: DAY 9
Wednesday, November 16th, 2005
07:00pm - China
Hi All. Well it's Annierae's 11 month birthday today! This has been the busiest and longest day thus far. We left at 8:30am for the airport, and it took nearly an hour to check in after the 35 minute drive. This was to be Annierae's first flight, and I have to say she did better than expected. She didn't sleep much, but she wasn't really fussy either. She was just absorbing all the new sights, sounds and smells around her. It was only an hour and a half flight, but it was a first for her (and us, man do I need to get to the gym and build some upper body strength)!
But this was just the first part of our day. Once we got to Guangzhou, we were suppose to go to the hotel and get an hour or so to relax and prepare for the medical check up and visa pictures at 3:00pm in the afternoon. Instead, we headed right to get Annierae's visa picture taken, then off to the medical offices for a series of check-ups. She passed with flying colors and relatively unphased by the ordeal (although she was overly tired & hungry). When we finally got to the hotel, it was nearly 5:30pm and everyone was ready to eat & rest. It was a battle to bathe Annierae tonight, but I think it was because she just wanted to sleep. So she is out like a light right now, and may not even wake until morning. We have a free day tomorrow and Kristine said she will likely go shopping - yee-ha - NOT! Oh well, when in China...
Here are a few pics from the events of the day. Only 2 more days till we leave for home - big time YEE-HA!!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
CHINA: DAY 8
Tuesday, November 15th, 2005
05:00pm China
Hello All. Today we went to the Panda Enclosure at the Chongqing City Zoo. The weather continues to be gloomy and rainy, but the trip to the zoo was well worth it. We were able to see many pandas up close. We shot some great photos and videos. Speaking of photos, I've been having trouble posting pictures to the blog. I still have several to post for day 7, so check back there in the next day or so. In the mean time, here are a few from our trip today.
We have an 11:15am flight to Guangzhou with medical appointments and visa pictures in the afternoon. Fortunately, with the recent alerts in the news, we only have to visit the US Consulate once to just take the oath. We're beginning to plan for our return home, which is only 4 days away. We are ready to be home!
05:00pm China
Hello All. Today we went to the Panda Enclosure at the Chongqing City Zoo. The weather continues to be gloomy and rainy, but the trip to the zoo was well worth it. We were able to see many pandas up close. We shot some great photos and videos. Speaking of photos, I've been having trouble posting pictures to the blog. I still have several to post for day 7, so check back there in the next day or so. In the mean time, here are a few from our trip today.
We have an 11:15am flight to Guangzhou with medical appointments and visa pictures in the afternoon. Fortunately, with the recent alerts in the news, we only have to visit the US Consulate once to just take the oath. We're beginning to plan for our return home, which is only 4 days away. We are ready to be home!
Monday, November 14, 2005
CHINA: DAY 7
Monday, November 14th, 2005
08:30pm - China
Hi everyone this is Kristine, I have taken over for Greg while he is attending to Annierae. It's been a rough day for him as Annierae is having some bonding & attachment issues with him (and most other males it seems).
In any case, we had a free day today after a busy Gotcha Day, by the way the adoption was complete yesterday so Annierae is officially ours. Gotcha Day is a very emotional day we had to fly out of Beijing early to Chongqing then we had to complete some paperwork at the hotel before we left for the Civil Affairs Office to meet our babies. It was hard to concentrate on filing out the paperwork when I had discovered there was an update photo (passport picture) of Annierae in the back. She looked so different from her referral pictures and she had HAIR!!! She actually has a ton of thick black wavy hair so I don't have to worry about duck taping bows to her head.
When we arrived at the Civil Affairs Office we had to go up in small groups because the elevators were tiny. Greg and I were in the second round to go up and as soon as the doors opened you could hear the babies. A lot of them were crying, some were in walkers and others were being held by caretakers. We couldn't find Annierae it was so hard to get a really good look at the babies especially through a sea of tears. Annierae was the one who found us or at least Greg. She was in one of the walkers and was watching and following Greg around in the walker. I didn't realize it was her but I kept taking her picture because she was so captivated with Greg. When they called our name and handed us Annierae I couldn't believe it was the little one following him around.
We had our picture taken, put our fingerprints in red ink on the paperwork and then we received the adoption certificate. We left the Civil Affairs office and headed back to the hotel. On the way back Michael our local tour guide handed us a copy of the local newspaper for that day and her finding ad. The finding ad is what is put in the local newspaper after the babies are found for any family members to come forward and claim the child.
When we got back to the hotel we went up to the room and stayed there the rest of the day. We played with some toys and Annierae took her first tub bath and loved it. She took a bottle and went to bed.
Today Annierae had some Congee for breakfast and loved it she is one of the smaller babies in the group but is taking her bottle and eating very well. By the way Nancy she is wearing 6-12 month clothes and they fit well I brought some size 3 shoes and they fit as well. I don't know how much she weighs but after her physical I will post that info. Most of the babies in our group are wearing 12-18 months. All the babies in our group are doing well some of the babies have colds but that was to be expected. Shiyan our Bethany guide told us that the babies at our orphanage are well taken care of and actually receive physical therapy everyday. She said each baby gets 10 minutes of individual exercise for musical development and spend time in a pool floating. We are hoping to take Annierae later for a swim the hotel has an indoor pool.
We are praying for the Bethany families that leave on Thursday for safe travels. Enjoy your time in Beijing we loved the city and learned so much about the Chinese culture.
That's all I have for now and not to disappoint here are a few more photos.
------------------------------------------------
05:00am - China
Good morning all! Well Annierae slept most of the night. She went to bed around 10:30pm after her first bath here at the hotel. She is definitely a wiggle-worm while sleeping, I'm convinced she explored every inch of her crib and slept at least 5 minutes in each place. She finally decided to get up a few minutes ago for breakfast - which she downed quickly. So our day is starting early and I thought I'd post a few pics from last night.
After Kristine & I eat this morning, were all gathering in the lobby at 10:00am to go shopping with our new daughters - sounds expensive :) I'll post more pictures from Day 7 later tonight our time. For now, back to snuggling Annierae as we get some wonderful quality time early this morning!
08:30pm - China
Hi everyone this is Kristine, I have taken over for Greg while he is attending to Annierae. It's been a rough day for him as Annierae is having some bonding & attachment issues with him (and most other males it seems).
In any case, we had a free day today after a busy Gotcha Day, by the way the adoption was complete yesterday so Annierae is officially ours. Gotcha Day is a very emotional day we had to fly out of Beijing early to Chongqing then we had to complete some paperwork at the hotel before we left for the Civil Affairs Office to meet our babies. It was hard to concentrate on filing out the paperwork when I had discovered there was an update photo (passport picture) of Annierae in the back. She looked so different from her referral pictures and she had HAIR!!! She actually has a ton of thick black wavy hair so I don't have to worry about duck taping bows to her head.
When we arrived at the Civil Affairs Office we had to go up in small groups because the elevators were tiny. Greg and I were in the second round to go up and as soon as the doors opened you could hear the babies. A lot of them were crying, some were in walkers and others were being held by caretakers. We couldn't find Annierae it was so hard to get a really good look at the babies especially through a sea of tears. Annierae was the one who found us or at least Greg. She was in one of the walkers and was watching and following Greg around in the walker. I didn't realize it was her but I kept taking her picture because she was so captivated with Greg. When they called our name and handed us Annierae I couldn't believe it was the little one following him around.
We had our picture taken, put our fingerprints in red ink on the paperwork and then we received the adoption certificate. We left the Civil Affairs office and headed back to the hotel. On the way back Michael our local tour guide handed us a copy of the local newspaper for that day and her finding ad. The finding ad is what is put in the local newspaper after the babies are found for any family members to come forward and claim the child.
When we got back to the hotel we went up to the room and stayed there the rest of the day. We played with some toys and Annierae took her first tub bath and loved it. She took a bottle and went to bed.
Today Annierae had some Congee for breakfast and loved it she is one of the smaller babies in the group but is taking her bottle and eating very well. By the way Nancy she is wearing 6-12 month clothes and they fit well I brought some size 3 shoes and they fit as well. I don't know how much she weighs but after her physical I will post that info. Most of the babies in our group are wearing 12-18 months. All the babies in our group are doing well some of the babies have colds but that was to be expected. Shiyan our Bethany guide told us that the babies at our orphanage are well taken care of and actually receive physical therapy everyday. She said each baby gets 10 minutes of individual exercise for musical development and spend time in a pool floating. We are hoping to take Annierae later for a swim the hotel has an indoor pool.
We are praying for the Bethany families that leave on Thursday for safe travels. Enjoy your time in Beijing we loved the city and learned so much about the Chinese culture.
That's all I have for now and not to disappoint here are a few more photos.
------------------------------------------------
05:00am - China
Good morning all! Well Annierae slept most of the night. She went to bed around 10:30pm after her first bath here at the hotel. She is definitely a wiggle-worm while sleeping, I'm convinced she explored every inch of her crib and slept at least 5 minutes in each place. She finally decided to get up a few minutes ago for breakfast - which she downed quickly. So our day is starting early and I thought I'd post a few pics from last night.
After Kristine & I eat this morning, were all gathering in the lobby at 10:00am to go shopping with our new daughters - sounds expensive :) I'll post more pictures from Day 7 later tonight our time. For now, back to snuggling Annierae as we get some wonderful quality time early this morning!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
CHINA: DAY 6 - GOTCHA DAY!!!
Sunday, November 13th, 2005
05:00pm China
We finally have her - Annierae is with us!!!
It was (and continues to be) a long and exciting day. We just got back from the Civil Affairs office where the babies were united with us. The office was about 20 minutes from the hotel. It was a deeply emotional time as we entered the office on the 4th floor and were immediately witness to 13 babies in walkers and in the arms of the caregivers just waiting for us. I have to confess I cried more then Kristine did, which was just opposite of what we expected to happen. I can say we weren't the only couple that encountered this phenomenon. I'm just not going to write much more now, I will let the pictures speak for themselves (besides, we're kinda tied up attending to Annierae's reactions to her new surroundings). WE LOVE ANNIERAE!!!
05:00pm China
We finally have her - Annierae is with us!!!
It was (and continues to be) a long and exciting day. We just got back from the Civil Affairs office where the babies were united with us. The office was about 20 minutes from the hotel. It was a deeply emotional time as we entered the office on the 4th floor and were immediately witness to 13 babies in walkers and in the arms of the caregivers just waiting for us. I have to confess I cried more then Kristine did, which was just opposite of what we expected to happen. I can say we weren't the only couple that encountered this phenomenon. I'm just not going to write much more now, I will let the pictures speak for themselves (besides, we're kinda tied up attending to Annierae's reactions to her new surroundings). WE LOVE ANNIERAE!!!
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