Our Girl!

I thought I was done blogging but it has been such a great way to post pictures for friends and family who live nearby. Xu - these are for you and anyone else whose been checking back and wishing we'd update. Things are going well. Haylee is adjusting and we are getting comfortable in our new normal. I don't have many pictures where she is smiling but she really is a very sweet, happy and funny girl!

We're Home!!!

We are home!!! It feels so good to finally say that. The plane ride was grueling and it will be a long while before I decide to travel internationally again. It was torture! I began every leg of our flight with a little prayer that we would make it home safely but I always added a little addendum at the end (especially on the one from Beijing to Seattle) - that if it is His will that I go now than please have mercy on me and all these people and take us at the beginning of the flight rather than at the end! (Glad it wasn't my time to go!) And I am grateful with all my heart to be home safe and to be together as a family finally. I was so happy to see my kids and they were so excited to meet Haylee. Aside from the jet lag it has been wonderful. Haylee walks around our house just looking at everything. She isn't quite sure about the kids - I think they make her nervous. But she has really warmed up to grandma and grandpa and likes her aunt and uncle. She fits in perfectly with our family.

Since I haven't been able to sleep (last night I woke up at 3:00 and couldn't get back to sleep) I have a lot of time to reflect on a few things. I thought I would list a few of my random thoughts.

WHAT I APPRECIATE

Ice - nothing is better than a cold drink!

Clean water - I just really appreciate the wonderful blessing that we in this country enjoy - I am so guilty of taking it for granted.

A good old american cheeseburger. Oh and pizza too!

My husband - I like to tease Kevin and say that he is a "fair-weather" friend. It was hard for him to deal with my adoption related melt-downs (which were occuring with increasing frequency towards the end). But there is truly no one with more patience, kindness and loyalty. He is a rock, especially in difficult circumstances. We truly enjoyed our time together in China getting to know our newest child. He is such a fantastic dad and husband!

My babies. I knew it was going to be hard to be away from them. Holy Cow - it was painful! But they are such good, sweet kids and I am lucky, lucky, lucky!

My mom and Chuck. So grateful that they were willing to watch my kids. They even cleaned out the garage, ironed my clothes, and did some repairs. We came home on Friday afternoon to find dinner ready and the house spotless. I will never be able to thank them enough.

Blessings. Sometimes it is so hard to see Gods plan for us, especially when we are in the midst of despair and sorrow, wondering if what we want is what He wants for us. I'm so grateful that when I was able to align my will to His that our greatest blessing was bestowed. I am so grateful for the opportunity that we have to bring Haylee into our family. It has been a HARD two years but it HAS been worth it.

THINGS I MISS

Chinese people. I really have the warmest regard for the people of China. I wish I had more of an oportunity to speak with everyday people. I would like to know more about the way they think of certain things. The culture is rich and so very interesting.

Having someone make my bed and give me clean towels. The maids at the Victory were so nice!

Eating out every day. I love to eat out and we had some fun food experiences in China.

Cordelia - our guide. She was fantastic!

I may get in trouble for this but I miss Chinese efficiency. Others might not agree but I thought they were efficient in so many aspects.

The feeling of being responsible for only one child. Don't get me wrong - I missed my kids like crazy - but there is something so fun about being able to spend one on one time with your child.

Thanks to all who left comments and followed us on our journey. It was a wonderful experience and we are so happy to have the opportunity to share it with you all.

Last Full Day in Guangzhou

Haylee walking around the park

But not straying too far away.

Showing us her tongue

Over and over again.

On the bus on our way to the consulate.

In front of the bus that took us to the US consulate. There were over 40 families completing the last step in their adoptions today. It took 2 large buses and 1 small one to get us all there.

Standing in front of the building that houses the US consulate. I was expecting something a little more dramatic. I was disappointed because there wasn't even a sign saying this is the place.

Me and Haylee standing in front of our favorite shop on Shaiman Island. We bought so much stuff here. They had the cheapest price on the island that we could find for t-shirts. And not only do they have good prices the shop keepers are also very nice.

What a day! It was our last full day in Guangzhou. I am anxious to get home but there is a part of me that will miss it here. It has been a very exciting experience. I can't quite discribe it because I have not had time to process everything. It seems surreal to think that this is the culmination of everything for the last two + years. Today we finished our shopping - and this time I mean it - we've run out of money! Then we took a nap (I will miss our leisure time). Then we headed up to the White Swan to meet our group to go to the consulate for our oath taking and visa gathering. This is the last step in an unbelievable process - one that is difficult to comprehend unless you've done it yourself. There were over forty other families who also went to the consulate for the same purpose. It was fun to see all the other children. There are so many of them that are older and it makes me so happy to see them finally get the families they deserve. There were so many beautiful children in so many different shapes and sizes and the families are just as diverse. We were all herded upstairs to where we had to show our passports. Then we had to go through a security checkpoint and check our backpack. They unfortunately do not allow you to take pictures. Then we had to stand in line at a window and then a man checked our paperwork and looked at Haylee to make sure we had the right baby. Then we all sat down in a huge waiting room. A woman came in (I can't remember her title but I think she was important). She talked for just a few minutes and introduced several families who were back for their second, third and even forth Chinese adoption. Then we all stood and took an oath swearing that all the information we had given in our are myriad of paperwork was truthful and complete to the best of our knowledge. That was it. As far as the US is concerned our adoption is complete. Haylee is ours! And when we land on US soil she will automatically become a US citizen. It was a bit anti-climatic but the moment wasn't lost. The people in our group are so nice and their babies so beautiful. It has been a pleasure getting to know them. We decided to all go to Lucy's and sit on the back patio which is in the middle of the park here on the island for dinner. Almost all of us ordered american (or mexican) food. I think we are all missing home. Tomorrow evening we head to Beijing. I don't know if I will have the opportunity to post again. If I'm able I will keep you all posted of our progress. If not I will be sure to post once we get home so that everyone can see how Haylee is adjusting. Thanks to the many friends and family who have followed us on our incredible journey. We can't wait for you to meet our little Haylee Mei Guihong in person.

Red Couch Photos

Corn Juice - Haylee loves it! Who knew they made such a thing!

Mentos - Can you believe they are only 25 cents here. I have a pack a day habit. They also have these delicious ice cream bars that I have for dessert nearly every day. They taste a bit like dove bars and they are only $1. What a deal! Can you tell we had a slow day?

Dinner this evening at The Cow and Bridge. No up close photos - the food doesn't deserve the attention. It is the second time we've eaten there and we are NOT impressed. But the company is good.

Us in front of the White Swan waterfall.

The Koi in the pond are HUGE! So fun to watch but if you fell in I think they would swallow you whole.

Me and and an unhappy Haylee in front of the jade pagota in the lobby. She is not amused by the picture taking. She is ready for dinner.

Haylee and this darling little boy share a birthday.

Sitting solo on the famous red couch.

I love her new dress but she does not!

Friends from group number 2

Friends who have now gone home from group 1

Today was nice and relaxing. We just had to stay in our hotel room this morning while our guide attended our consulate appointment. There were not any problems and so after noon we were free. So what do we do - take a nap. I haven't been sleeping well since my cold has gotten worse - which means Kevin isn't sleeping well either. After our nap we watched a silly movie and then we went out and finished the remainder of our shopping. The shops are so fun to visit and we've enjoyed looking for the best price. We may have gotten a bit carried away but it has been our only past-time. The shop keepers are so nice and it is hard to resist their sales pitch. We've been in all the shops at least three and four times and so we recognize most of the young girls who work there. I think we are finally done but we still have a few hours in the next couple days so who knows. Tonight we had pictures and dinner with our second group of friends. It has been so fun getting to know people who have also shared our same journey. Their little children are so beautiful and sweet. Today a new family from our agency received their daughter. Cordelia was just bringing them back to the hotel when we were all meeting up. It was their third daughter from China and the two big sisters were soooo very proud of their new addition. They couldn't stop smiling, leading her around by the hand. It almost made me cry. I am so anxious for my kids to meet the newest member of our family. Only a few more short days before I'm on my way home to them.

Chen Clan Academy

The Entrance. The Chen clan academy was built in the 1800s. It was a place for those in the clan to send their children - boys and girls - to school. Interestingly enough our guides family name is Chen.

Another statue inside the academy - this one of a story teller on the far right. Everyone is listening to his tale. The mother on the left has come to retreive her child dragging him away by the ear. This was made by the same artist who did the statues on the island. He is a very famous local artist and his work reminds me a bit of Norman Rockwell - he tries to capture everyday life in China with a humorous spin.

Outside the academy. It is impossible to see but the top of the building is covered in exquisite wood carvings that have been painted. They tell the stories from favorite Chinese legends.

One of the two warriors that guard the door to the academy.

Interesting sculpture at the rear of the academy.

The Chen family temple. Each step has names of ancestors that have passed on.

Workers repainting the wood carvings at the top. It is difficult to match the colors exactly and it is a bit of a lost technique. Not many people can do it.

In front of some of the wood carvings - they were amazing! The building took three years to build with 200 workers - each completing specialized tasks.

Family picture by the arches.

In front of the dragon hedge. So pretty.


This morning we slept late. Yay! We didn't have anywhere that we needed to be until later so we took it easy. In fact I went to breakfast without even getting ready. Scary indeed. I must say that I'm getting bored with our breakfast buffet. I can't help but wonder what it going on at the White Swan - knowing that their breakfast buffet is superior -and wondering if we made the right choice. However, we do like the Victory alot. The beds are soft - by Chinese standards - and the room is very large. I suppose you can't have everything. We tried skyping with the kids but it hasn't worked out very well. We just talked to them on the phone. I sure miss those kids. I can't wait to see them again. And I think they miss us too, although sometimes its hard to tell. Having grandma and grandpa around is a special treat. Haylee was kind of stinky this morning. It is funny how rather than getting easier it has gotten harder. As she feels more comfortable with us she is certain to let us know when we are not meeting her needs. But sometimes cannot figure out what it is exactly that she wants. She cried a good portion of the morning as we scrambled to figure out if she was hungry, needed a diaper change or if she was thirsty. Finally we figured out that she was tired. But it had only been two hours since she'd gotten up so it wasn't even on our list. We are learning but it is hard to figure out what a 15 month old needs. She always seems hungry and so I don't think she has learned how to regulate herself. I don't think that is surprising given her institutional background. It is a little bit of a trick since food will placate her but it doesn't help us understand the root of her problem. After a brief nap we met up with Cordelia. She took us to the Chen Clan Academy. It was a great outing. The building was everything that you would expect from Chinese architecture. It was covered in these wood carvings depicting stories from Chinese lore. The pictures do not even begin to do them justice. It was unbelievable. Inside there were a few shops selling Chinese trinkets. But the majority of it was a museum. There was an emboridery(sp.) exhibit and unfortunately we were unable to take pictures but the works were amazing. So much work and so many stitchs to produce these works of art. There were ivory carvings and bone carvings so intricate and beautiful. We really enjoyed walking around. It was a short site-seeing adventure but I'm so glad that we went. Haylee is so good to take out. In fact, every time we leave our room she claps and smiles. I think being cooped up is getting to her as well. She has been very easy for us to do things with - in fact the easiest of the group. It will certainly be interesting to see how see interacts with our crazy kids. She will probably be a bit shy at first but I think it will only be a short while before she is off running around and acting crazy with them.

Guangzhou Yu Xiu Park

Some cuteness

Love those fingers!

Ancient water clock at the museum

At the Six Banyon Trees temple - again

Yu Xiu Park and the statue of the 5 rams. Local legend has it that there was a famine in the land. The villagers prayed to Budda and he sent down 5 fairies with 5 rams. They taught them about farming and blessed the land to be bounteous. The 5 fairies returned to heaven but the 5 rams stayed to help the people. Guangzhou is also known as the city of the Ram.

A relief cut into the rock depicting the legend mentioned above.

A beautiful waterfall in the park. It is so humid and temperate that it almost feels as though we are in Hawaii - or what I would imagine Hawaii to be like- I've never been there.

In front of the waterfall.

This building was built in the 1300s. It is the highest point of Guangzhou. It has been turned into a museum. Off to the left of the picture is an ancient tomb. Several years ago they were building a children's park and they found this tomb. They had to relocate the children's park because the ground was a sacred burial ground. The wooden part of the tomb was relocated to this location.

Not a great picture but you can see Guangzhou in the distance. We are on the top floor of the building pictured above.

Looking cute in the hat.

Me looking hot and sweaty.

This picture is for Lori and Xu. Fire dragon fish. So good and sauted spinach and dumplings. Yum!

Walking through the park on the island.

Around the island.

So my eye is doing better and I am very grateful. I am coming down with a cold but we are all surviving. Today we had a very nice day. We are with a new group as I mentioned and they had not had the chance to go to the Six Banyon Tree Temple and so we went again. It was so busy. Tomorrow is a holiday in China - tomb sweeping (it has a lovely Chinese name that I cannot recall.) So many people were at the temple to honor their ancestors. Our guide took us to a new park to accomodate me and Kevin so it wasn't the exact same tour. The park is amazingly beautiful. We really enjoyed it. The museum was fantastic and I wish we could have spent more time there but we are in a group with babies that won't always cooperate. It was so funny - one of the woman in our group is also LDS and knows Mona Johnson. What a small world. We went to the same restaurant as last Sunday. It was good and cheap. We got back and have been relaxing the remainder of the afternoon. It was funny this morning because Kevin checked the weather and said it was supposed to be nice so we dressed accordingly. By the time we got to the temple it was raining. We had to borrow and umbrella. Cordelia says it always rains this time of year. But then this afternoon we actually saw the sun. It was perhaps the nicest day we've had so far. Haylee has been a little pill today and so we took her out to the park for a change of scenery. She loves being outdoors. There were a lot of people on the island today as well - perhaps because of the upcoming holiday. It was fun to watch them. There are lots of young couples walking hand in hand, older people fishing in the river and playing checkers (or something like it) in the park. We even saw a couple of people swimming in the Pearl River. You couldn't pay me enough money to do that! We watched a couple of young boys doing tricks on their bikes and a playing badmitton or hackeysack. People are so very nice here and often smile and say "hi" to Haylee. Only a few short days left. I miss home but will always remember China fondly and hope to be able to visit again in the not too distant future.