Malia Day!!!!

This is Michelle's dad posting the blog today. Michelle is busy playing with Malia before bed. At 3:00 today she picked up Malia and everything went great! Whew! Malia was the perfect little girl. She only cried a little when she saw the Orphanage caregiver, but got over it quickly. She devoured the Cheerio's that were brought with and already had a smile before we left. We took her to Lucy's and she loved apple juice and won't put down the sippy cup. She also ate some rice and was really smiling after that. They did warn Michelle that she likes to eat. A quick stop at the Swan Room to play went well with a big interest in the noisy, light-up toys. She's getting droopy eyes now at 8:00 so she's working on getting her to sleep soon.

In Guangzhou... one more day to Malia!!!

So we woke up to sunny weather in Beijing as we had to leave for Guangzhou. The flight wasn't too bad and we got to use the brand new terminal that opened on Thursday. When we arrived in Guangzhou it was cloudy and a light rain. Supposedly it is supposed to improve this week. We don't care if it is cloudy but please don't rain. We already had dinner at Lucy's and walked around the island. We stopped in a couple shops and told them we would be back later. The hotel is nice, we have a great view of the river from our room on the 11th floor. We took some pictures tonight from the window in our room. More tomorrow with Malia. I CAN't BELIEVE IT!!!

Beijing - Day 2

Today was another wet, gray day but we still headed out to the Great Wall. We first made a stop at the Jade Market and then onto the Great Wall. We were getting close and there was fresh snow on the ground. All of the families got off of the bus and headed to the Wall. The entire walkway was covered with an ice/snow mix and we (OK me and dad) were sliding all over. We tried to go up but it was so slippery I was worried I would fall sprain an ankle or worse so we didn't get far but can say we were there. After the Great Wall we went to the Cloisonne Factory/Friendship Store. Lunch was pretty good. I liked the dumplings, fish, and chicken. The store there was great and it was so hard not to buy one of everything. The catch was whatever you buy we had to pack with on the flight to Guangzhou tomorrow. Finally, on the way back we drove past the Olympic Village and the Birds Nest (area for the track and field games). I wanted a photo but it didn't turn out from the bus. After we got back to the hotel, we tried to walk to two different temples but both were just closed. We ended up walking around the area and a guy was selling post card books on the street for $1. Dad actually started to buy 2 of the postcard sets when we joked that what he really wanted was a book on the Forbidden City. It was so funny that the guy then pulls the books out of his bag. Then he and dad tried to go back and forth bartering. It is official, we stink at bartering. All said he got 2 books and two postcard sets while the crowd of Chinese men around us just laughed.

Tomorrow we have an 11:00 flight to Guangzhou and Monday I get Malia!!! Oh my gosh, I am so excited. The group is laughing at how we all stare at the little kids we see.

Hotel pictures

Here are some pictures of the hotel and the street in front of the hotel.

A couple more pictures...

We're Here!!!

So we made it to Beijing. It was a long flight and we managed without much sleep. We made it on time for our connecting flight even. Once we got to the hotel last night we all fell asleep around 11 pm Beijing time and woke up at 7 am. We met the group at 9 am and went to the Forbidden City and Tianamen Square. It was nice even though it was little overcast. We walked through the area and some sections were really crowded. After we got back to the hotel we went the a restaurant next to the hotel for lunch. Then even through there was a light rain we walked to the Drum Tower. From there we had a view of the older part of Beijing, the Yellow River, and in the distance, Forbidden City. Tomorrow we will be going to the Great Wall.

Leaving today for Beijing

I can't believe that I am leaving today for Beijing. We will arrive there tomorrow (well, if we catch our layover in Narita, Tokyo). The weather here is fabulous so hopefully there aren't any issues taking off on time. I am all packed and now trying to figure out how I waste time until I need to leave for the airport. Maybe I will try some Guitar Hero to focus on something other than that I will be with Malia in 5 days!!! I will post again when we get to Beijing.

One week until Malia

One week from today I will be holding my little girl. I can't believe how slow and fast this time has went. I am ready to leave on Wednesday for a couple days in Beijing before getting Malia next Monday. Easter was good and I am getting through the to do list and the packing. Both suitcases are under 45 lbs and thanks to mom and dad for packing the food and gifts in their suitcases. I am actually feeling really prepared packing wise, now it is just the emotional side. Thank you again to everyone for the support. It has been great to know that I can count on my friends and family to help with stuff while I am in China.

One week.... I can make it!

New addition - Baby Aislinn

My brother and sister in law had their little baby this morning at 8:45 am. Baby and mom are doing well. She is 8 lbs 7 oz. and 21 1/4 inches long. Update: I visited tonight and she is a wonderful little cutie and I can wait for the girls to grow up together.

Congratulations to Jeff, Amy and big brother Garrett. ... And under two weeks until I hold my little girl. The family is growing.

Two weeks until Malia Day!!

It is only two more weeks from today until I get to hold Malia!!! I can't believe that I am leaving in a week and a half from today for China. Each day seems harder and harder to make it through. Although I know I am getting so close.

Many people have asked about my flight information for when we return. We are on flight 20 from Narita - Tokyo to MSP. We arrive at 12:20 pm and you will want to factor in about 1/2 hour for customs. People can meet us at the far end of baggage claim on Friday, 4/11, if you want to be there.

Now, back to packing, to do lists, and everything else that needs to be done before we leave. Thank you for the many offers to help out and a special call out to those that are taking on some work (i.e. dog sitting, paperwork keeper, house/mail watcher.

Grandma Update - After breaking her leg in two places and getting a steel rod and pins put in, she is recouping and getting therapy. She is staying at Presbyterian Homes & Services in Roseville, MN. She is in the same place as my aunt Arlene so we can visit both at the same time.

Leaving 3/26, Returning 4/11 - It's finally happening!

So 27 months later, Malia and I will finally be together. I first get to hold her on March 31. We got our flights booked last night and leave March 26 for a couple days in Beijing first to sight see and get used to the time change. Then I get Malia on March 31st and we leave Guangzhou on 4/9 to spend some time in Hong Kong and fly back on 4/11. It is finally feeling very real that I will finally be together with her. Thanks again to everyone for their love and support during this trying process. Now, a time to finish packing, preparing, and for my new niece to make her appearance in this world before we leave (hopefully)!

READY TO GO!!!

I got the consulate approval and I get to hold Malia for the first time on 3/31. I will post more later but I need to work with the travel agent right now.

Travel Approval is here!!!

So late yesterday afternoon I heard that travel approval was formally accepted by the agency. We now only have one more step and I can book our flights. We need the confirmed U.S. Consulate Appointment. The agency is asking for April 7th or the soonest thereafter. This would mean that we would leave around 3/19. So close now!!!! It should only take a couple business days to hear back from the U.S. Consulate so Tuesday or Wednesday the travel becomes fully real. I will keep you updated once I hear back.

It's working - TA is on it's way!

What a roller coaster still. I just got an email from my agency saying that the travel approval is on its way. They are still hoping for us to travel in March and be back early April. YEA!!! It might take a couple days to get the formal approval and then consulate appointment but we are getting closer to Malia.

OK, now waiting for Travel Approval!!!

So it has been one month since I first saw Malia Feng Sha and it has been busy but still more waiting as well. Now I am waiting to hear on travel approval. This is in China's hands to send back a letter to the agency giving us approval to travel to get Malia. Then it takes a couple days to get a confirmed consulate appointment before we can book our flights. I am really praying hard that we get travel approval soon. We need to be in and out of China before the April trade shows start on the 12th if at all possible. Otherwise, I will have to wait until May to get Malia home and that is just not something I want to accept at this point. Any prayers to get our travel approval faster will be greatly appreciated. I will keep you posted if I hear anything.