The Zoo

Yesterday afternoon was 2 hours of paperwork. We were all a little concerned with Malia's attention span (or any 2 year old) but she still didn't want to be out of my sight. So we headed down with a ton of toys and snacks and she did so well I am still amazed. We spilt a lot of crumbs in Molly's room (the coordinator) but no melt downs. She even let Grandma change her diaper since we were right in the middle of the paperwork and no problems (YEA!!!).

Today we went to the zoo. Malia's favorite animal was the big black bears. We had a couple screams that the first couple animals because she didn't want to leave. I then actually thought to have her say "bye bye" to the animal so she knew we were leaving and then she did good. Back into the stroller with little or no screams. It worked so well.

We then spent a little time at the pool and she absolutely loved it. I was debating swimming lessons when we get back and now I know for sure that is a great idea. She didn't want to leave even though the water was cold.

She is up to maybe 3 English words that she is speaking a lot of the time - Hi, Bye-bye, and Up. I think she is also understanding shoes and puts her leg up so I can put on shoes and socks. She also knows that when we go into the playroom at the hotel that she needs to take off her shoes. She loves to mimic anything we do and likes to eat or drink anything we have. Yes, this includes pop and beer (both of which she hasn't gotten a hold of yet).

Buddhist Blessing and Chen Family Museum

Malia was doing so well yesterday. We ended up with a late lunch and then met another couple for a later dinner at the Station Restaurant (inside of train box cars). We all had a really nice dinner but it all took forever. Therefore it was around 9 when we got back to the hotel and almost 10 before I could get her to fall asleep. Then on top of that it was a early morning for sightseeing. Needless to say I had a cranky girl on my hands but now she is down for her nap. Let's hope she wakes up in a better mood. It was a nice sunny morning but this also meant that the temperature went up to the mid 70's but 93% humidity (very, very sticky). I don't know how people do it that are here in the summer because all of us were melting after 2 hours.

The temple was great. We got a lot of nice nods from the Chinese people so it made me feel better. The monk did a Buddhist blessing for the group and especially the kids. Malia's favorite spot was the water fountain with a waterfall. I think she would have stayed there all day. I guess water is her favorite and that explains why she liked the bath so much. The other thing she liked to do was light the incense. I was so nervous with her around the fire and lit incense sticks but a nice Chinese women helped to get hers lit (see the photo). It was such a cute moment.

The next spot was the Chen Family Museum or Gardens. It was very pretty and my dad loved seeing all of the wood carvings. I feel like I didn't see much because I started to lose Malia and myself. We tried the stroller, hip hammock, letting her walk, but I just think the lack of sleep caught up to her. It was a very pretty area and luckily mom helped with Malia and dad got photos.

So far it is going really well. She definitely is 2 and I think part is from that and some might still be the adjustment. We are working on getting her to go to my parents but so far she will still only let me carry her and if she is in the stroller I need to be in her line of sight. From an adoption standpoint I know this is a really great thing but a rest for my back and arms would also be appreciated. Things are going well. The other two families joined us today and we are at the tail end of this part of the adventure. Before you know it we will be home and back to the normal schedule.

Shopping Day

Today was shopping day and it was the first day that it hasn't rained since we have been in Guangzhou. It is very muggy however but no umbrellas... yea!!! Molly, our guide in Guangzhou, took us to the mall area right in the city where the locals shop. First stop was a shop that had nice vases, carvings, and other items. We got a picture of them hand painting some vases and hand inking pictures (so cool to watch). Then we moved on to a clothing store. While walking there was lost my dad and on other family that stopped to take a picture so they missed us turn into the store. After I noticed they were missing, Molly went out and found them (whew!!!). The store was overwhelming and hot. As soon as the sales ladies saw me with an outfit in my hands they brought over one after another and waited for me to nod or shake my head. If I needed a different size, they quickly ran and looked for the right size. I got maybe 6 nice quality two piece outfits (pants and shirt) for around $200 U.S. Dollars. The checkout process was also difficult. First you give everything to a salesperson and they write up a ticket, then you need to find the cashier to pay, finally back around the store to pick up everything in the various departments. Someone heard that they set up things in this way to give more people jobs even if it is not efficient for us. The hardest was the language barrier which we don't encounter much on the island.

Once we were back we got some lunch and since Malia was actually letting me shop today (basically the first time since we got here) we went to a couple stores near the hotel. The one we wanted to check out was closed for the holiday (a grave sweeping day to honor those no longer with us) but next door were to shops that had the right colors of shoes that I have looked all over for. Again, clothes and shoes Malia's size are hard to find on the island. I think with more toddlers being adopted the selection gets more picked over. Tonight we hope to walk around and see more of the sites along the river. Tomorrow is the blessing at the Buddhist temple and the gardens (I think).

P.S. My parents found out that KFC delivers on bike to the island and somehow they found a small Disney store on the island.... only my mom could spot that!!

Free Day

So today is finally a free day and we have time to just relax and go at our own pace. Today we walked around again since we had free time and Malia loves to be outdoors. I really wish the rain/drizzle would stop so we could go to the playground or walk by the river. We found a really neat art shop. They have hand painted pictures and really cool ones that are painted on leaves or feathers. They even gave me and mom a free necklace for buying there. Malia is trying to go down for a nap now so I finally had time to post. She is doing so amazingly well that I am in shock. I can't believe that we have been together less than 2 days and she totally knows if I am not around. If she ever is scared or nervous so looks around for me. We were at the Matell playroom at the hotel earlier today and all of the other parents couldn't believe how well she was doing.

So we were wondering if she spoke Mandarin or Cantonese. According to our guide and the book of questions that were answered they say Cantonese. Me and my parents however think she speaks Russian. If there is something she doesn't want she says something that sounds like "nih" or no in Russian. It is funny but I wish I knew a little more of what she is trying to say. We are doing really well with hand motions and she even seems to be understanding some of what we say. In the playroom you take off your shoes and when it was time to leave I said to go get our shoes and she ran over to her shoes, picked them up, and sat down to get them on. I am just so amazed by her and can't wait for everyone to meet her.

Thanks again for the comments back. I am sharing them with my parents and it helps us feel connected. Mom is also loving that the kids back home like the stories that she is here.

The pictures are of playing with another Guangzhou girl in the playroom, goofing around with grandpa, coloring with grandma, and eating noddles in the hotel room for lunch. Can you tell she likes them?

Picture and Medical Appointment for Visa

Sorry about no post yesterday but there was a lot going on in the evening. We walked around the island in the morning, she got her normal nap (almost), and then off for the photo and medical check for the visa. Then we had dinner with the travel group at The Cow and Bridge Restaurant. All of the kids cried at the medical appointment. Her new measurements are 35.4 inches tall and 30.8 lbs (my poor arms and back). She has small but wide feet so all of the shoes I brought are too small. Luckily squeaky shoes are really inexpensive and we found some that fit. We are quickly figuring out that the shoes on the island haven't realized that most of the girls are now toddlers and the sizing is a little hard. We are finding some really cute stuff however.

The pictures are of the school kids in the park doing their morning exercises, Malia shopping :), the medical check, and the dinner group. I still can't actually see my posts so I apologize if they look a little weird.

Busy Day

So Malia and I have been together more than 24 hours now and the adoption is finalized. Today was a whirlwind so there is only one new picture. We had the notary and registrar appointments this morning, we stopped at Carefore (a grocery/Walmart type store) around lunch, had one hour back at the hotel and then the police station for one more step this afternoon. All of the girls were exhausted and most fell asleep at the police station. Then they made up wake them up for some photo or video. Malia Feng Sha has been wonderful. She is doing so well at this time. She was playing with the Magna Doddle and nods yes or no so I can tell what she likes and dislikes. She is sound asleep right now and I am going to follow soon even though it is early. Although she slept from 8:30 to 8 I tossed and turned last night. Along with today being a stressful and busy day. Tomorrow should be much better. We only have the medical check at 3:30 and then a group dinner at the Thai Restaurant called the Cow and Bridge. According to friends that have been here, everyone highly recommends it. I should have more picture tomorrow. Thank you everyone for the kind comments. It is wonderful to sit here (halfway around the world) and know that so many people are thinking of us. Finally a great big thank you to my parents. Without their love, support, and being here with me I couldn't have done this. They have been so much help emotionally and with paperwork, carrying items, etc.

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.