One step closer

Yesterday was another big day, beginning very early. David seems to be a morning person (the day started at about 5:30 or so), which would have been easier if he wasn't a night person (he was awake for most of that as well). After breakfast, we went back to the "Center for International-Related Marriage and Adoption" and finalized the adoption. It was the same location where we had picked up David the prior day. After signing alot of papers that we couldn't read, we left with a very official looking certificate that (we're told) says that he is now officially ours. While there, we also applied for his Chinese passport, which we will need to go to the US Embassy in Guangzho to get him a US passport. Lots of steps, bt slowly we continue to get over each one, and each one is one step closer to being home together. After the appointment we went to the Chinese equivalent of Wal-Mart, a fascinating experience in itself. This store is buried under a skyscraper in the 2nd and 3rd basement levels. The big hit purchase was the stroller, which to our surprise, David really seems to like. Afeter taking him around outside for a bit, we came back to the room and all were ready to call it an early night. Throughout the day he seemed to eat a bit better.

Last night David slept a bit better, though he was still up quite a bit through the night. The good part of that is that he ate quie a bit during the night. Although he remains sick, it seems it is most likely something simple like a respiratory and ear infections. We have amoxicillin for him, and we should be able to get the infection cleared with that.

We all continue to get used to one another and are working hard to bond. We appreciate your prayers toward that end, and also for rest, health and appetite for all.

Finally in the arms of Mom and Dad

Gotcha!

Hooray! This is the day we have been waiting for ! The day began about 5:30a.m. for us (because I couldn’t sleep anymore J ) We had our breakfast then we were off to the registration building. On our way our guide said , “ In 15 minutes you will meet your child”. Our anticipation grew. We arrived at the registration building and headed in. It was at that time we were told that our children were not here yet but still driving down from the orphanage in Lianyungang. We observed another family who was in a room receiving their child. Tears were coming to my eyes and it wasn’t even our child yet. We waited in the room for just about 15minutes. Out the window we saw the van park and out walked the orphanage director and some other helpers. We recognized David right away. Now the tears started flowing. The other family with us was getting a girl and she was with them as well. They came into the room with us. The director was holding David. We didn’t know quite what to do or at least what was culturally appropriate, so we waited and just talked to him while he was in the directors arms. Finally, the time came when she handed him over to me. I spoke the very little Chinese that I know , assuring him that I was his ma ma and that Jason was his ba ba . We also told him in Chinese that we love him .

He went to both of us without any fuss. We held him close and facing us, encouraging attachment. I had brought a little plastic car with me. He loved it. I don’t know if it was because it was a car or that it made noise when you shake it. The director told us that David likes things that make music and noise. I thought that was a good sign in many ways. For one it means that his hearing is o.k. and two it means that he will fit in well with his sisters.

We signed a bunch of papers and got our picture taken together for a “public announcement”. Next we left for the hotel. David was very content with his dad. He even laughed out loud when Jason tickled himJ . We tried feeding him a bottle when we got back since we weren’t sure when he last ate. He didn’t think much of it and just fussed. So that is when I decided to do “the sway” , and sing praise songs to him. I don’t know which worked best but he finally fell asleep. Now we are waiting to go sign more papers, pick up laundry, and get a small stroller. We are hopeful that he will eat when he is hungry. I guess a typical concern for any parent with a new baby.

We have been very thankful that David seems to connect with us and wants us to hold him, but he is having difficulty with eating and seems to have an upper respiratory infection. We took him to the Children's Hospital here to have him seen (quite an experience in itself) and were given an antibiotic and expectorant. Please remember David in your prayers regarding his eating and a respiratory infection.

Arrival to Nanjing

We are finally here in Nanjing following a very busy time in Beijing. We welcome the slightly slower pace of Nanjing. It seems here there are a lot fewer cars and more motorbikes. It is Sunday and it obviously a "market day" for people here. We look forward to exploring our surroundings.

Tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. we will finally meet our son. We are very excited and a bit nervous. It was something else to walk into our hotel room and see a little crib all made up for our son. Our tour guide here, Savor, has already given us some of the Chinese formula and rice cereal.

The next time we post we will have our son!

A View of China

Wow. What an incredible day. After our very large breakfast, which included everything from cereal to congee to steamed biscuits, we headed out on our adventures for the day with Helen, our tour guide, and another family from Michigan who are also adopting.

First off, we went to Tinamen Square and the Forbiddeen City. We weren't able to visit all 9,999 rooms in the emperors palace , but we got our fill. The palace is 960 meters long and 750 meters wide. Needless to say Jason got his walking in for the day.

Next, we went to lunch at little local place with outstanding food. Lots of spice and plenty of jasmine tea. We then went and toured by rickshaw ( a bike like carriage); the Hutongs, the "old city" of Beijing. The homes are all one story high, with four corners, and connecting courtyards. People still live in this area today, and consider it an honor to have a place within the "old Bejing". We had a chance to visit a local woman there and have tea in her house, where she lives with her mother, grandmother, and son.

Next, we were off to the "kungfu" show at The Red Theatre. We were greatly impressed with the athleticism and dancing ability of the performers.

Lastly, we were taken to the "Peking Duck" resturant. We were still stuffed from breakfast and lunch, but still enjoyed the experience.

We enjoy all of the tours, but we are most excited to meet our son.

A long day, but we made it

After a very long day of travel, we arrived in Beijing this afternoon (November 1). Thanks to a sympathetic flight attendant, I was able to stretch out in businees class for part of the flight, which was very helpful. Our travel really went without a hitch. We are very tired and as it is evening here, are going to rest and post more soon.