Tuesday (Consulate Appt) and Wednesday

Hi everyone,
I have been quite sick, but finally am feeling better.  It was quite a nasty bug.  PTL I am on the other side of it!
 
Tuesday was our Consulate swearing in ceremony.  It was my final obligation for Annaston's adoption!  Tomorrow our guide picks up Annaston's visa and we are free to leave!
 
Wednesday (today) I will just be walking around the island and finishing some shopping and packing.  I want to keep it low key, as I want to be well rested and ready for the long journey home.  I hope to visit Sbux today, too.  You know I have been sick if I haven't been to Sbux at all since I have been on the island!!
 
Annaston is doing well and seems to be more comfortable with me every day.  I did find out she likes dogs!  We see a stray on the island and she gets very excited.  She told the guide she likes dogs and is not scared of them.  I had the guide tell her we have dogs.  Whew!  I was hoping not to have to deal with her being scared when we get home. 
 
I haven't been taking pictures.  Sorry.  I will have to update with more pictures soon. 
 
Please pray that Annaston does not get sick and that our journey home goes smoothly.  Thanks!
 
 

Slowly feeling better and a big thank you to MJ (Monday)

Last night was a rough night, but I am slowly getting better today.  I am holding liquid down and a few cheerios and crackers.  Needless to say, we hung out in the room today.
 
My first thank you to Michael was on the plane on the way here.  I did not think I could sit in that seat one. more. minute, when I found Michael's, "Th*s is it" movie and that kept me memorized for the next couple hours.
 
Tonight, we found the same movie on one of the few English channels here.  Annaston came out of her shell, singing and dancing and using her yogurt bottle drink as a microphone.  Miss Avalon sings virtually all day, so her and her new sister will be putting on many "concerts," I can feel it! 
 
Tomorrow is our Consulate appointment at 10 am!  I am hoping to have the energy to finish some shopping tomorrow afternoon.  Wed we leave for the train station at about 230 pm and pick up Annaston's visa on the way.  The long journey home will begin and I can't be more ready!  Please pray Annaston does not get this horrible stomach bug and that we have a safe, uneventful trip home. 

Friday night, Saturday and Sunday in Guangzhou

Hi everyone,
Sorry it has taken so long to update the blog.  The last few days have been quite busy. 
 
We didn't get to the hotel Friday night until after 11 pm and were exhausted.  Annaston did fine on the flight. She did not seem very interested in the lights out the window or anything.   God sent us an angel at the airport. There was a young man, 26 yrs old who asked me if Annaston was my daughter, in perfect English, right after we went through security at the airport in Xian. He said, "but she has a Chinese face." I explained we adopted her. Anyway, long story short, he carried most of my bags all the way to the gate, told us that there was a gate change, took my bags onto the airplane and helped me all the way to baggage claim. I bought a lot of stuff at the Muslim Market and I haven't donated our clothes yet, so I had extra carry ons. He was a God send! He said he was a marketing executive and had worked all over the world. 

Saturday we had to get up early after our late night to get ready for Annaston's medical.    Two doctors came and listened to Annaston's heart and said they hear a lot of noise and that it is level 2. I don't know how many levels there are and the guide was supposed to ask but forgot. We will ask on Monday when we go to get her TB test read. Annaston screamed and screamed and stomped her feet and would not let me hold her or comfort her at the medical place and that was before we ever went in to see the dr. She obviously has bad memories of her 3 or 4 weeks in the hospital when she had her heart surgery. Other than that she is 34 lbs and 37 inches tall. So she is just one inch taller than Avalon, but 8 lbs more in weight. 

 

After the medical, we met with our guide and 2 other families in a conference room in our hotel and worked on our visa paperwork.  After the meeting, we all went to Cow and Bridge (a Thai restaurant) for lunch.  In the late afternoon, I walked around the island and shopped alittle and we ordered Papa John's to the room for dinner.  Annaston loves pizza and ate 3 pieces!  We both fell asleep early Saturday night and I slept the best and longest I have since we have been here.  My stomach started hurting yesterday (before the pizza) and I am thinking it had to be the thai food. 

 

This morning (Sunday) I woke up feeling much better, but as the day has worn on, my stomach hurts again.  

 

This morning we chatted by skype on the phone with Dan and the kids, which was wonderful!  Annaston listened but would only speak to Morgan on the phone. 

 

Annaston and I went to the Shamain Island Church of Christ service at 11 am.  It was SO wonderful to see how packed the church was and all the Chinese Christians praising God with their hands raised!  The first part of the service Annaston was not behaving at all.  She is acting more and more like a 2 year old, which really was to be expected.  Finally, I brought out the big guns.....my emergency stash of skittles.  That did the trick! 

 

After church, I was still not feeling good, so I went and bought her some cup of noodles for lunch at a little store and a coke for me to settle my stomach.

 

At 2 pm we head to the Pearl market with the guide.

 

Sorry, no pictures.  I haven't even gotten the camera out yet. 

 

Thanks so much for your prayers!
 

Thursday-Drum Tower, Bell Tower and Muslim Marketplace

Hi,  It was quite a day yesterday!  Maggie went to a wonderful history museum in the morning, while I spent time at the hotel working on bonding and attachment with Annaston. 
 
At 2pm we meet the guide and other family in the lobby of the hotel.  We took 2 cabs to a shopping area and had a late lunch/early dinner at a Pizza Hut.  Pizza Hut here is different that home.  It is a nice sit down restaurant and they have a lot more food than just pizza.  We sat there a long time and had a leisurely meal.  Annaston ate 3 pieces of pizza and some noodles!  She is a good eater! 
 
Then we walked past a city Drum Tower that was used over 600 years ago.  The guide said it had been renovated just this year.  Behind the Drum Tower was a Muslim Market.  There was booth after booth of mostly the same type stuff and they barter.  Our guide told us we should pay half or less of their initial price.  I bought a few gifts and a larger backpack for Annaston for the plane.  She was quite happy with it.  I also found some painted pictures with scriptures both in english and chinese characters.  Beautiful! Those will be for Annaston when she grows up.
 
After shopping, the other family wanted to go to a HaagenDaz Ice cream shop and right next door was Starbux.  I was able to get a mug for my collection that says the city name here, Xian.  I also found a collectible bear dressed as a dragon for Chinese New Year.  Both of these will be for Annaston someday, too.
 
By the time we were all ready to go back to the hotel, it was rush hour and no cabs were available.  It was a LONG walk back to the hotel.  I can't carry Annaston for long, as she is heavy!  I also had heavy bags to carry from shopping.  The guide held Annaston for short amounts of time to give her a break, but mostly the guide and I both held her hands and we walked.  She is a slow walker and it took FOREVER to get back to the hotel.  All in all, we walked for several hours yesterday. 
 
I was so exhausted I fell asleep right after I put Annaston to bed.  I usually wake up in the middle of the night a few times and I didn't.  I woke up at 445 am and am up for the day, which has been my "normal."
 
Today (Friday) we have a leisurely day.  We will just be packing and preparing to leave for Guangzhou tonight.  We have to be out of the hotel at 2 pm and don't leave for the airport until 430 pm.  Fortunately they will hold our luggage for us until we leave.  We have a late flight out and won't get into our hotel in Guangzhou until VERY late.  Saturday is Annaston's medical, so I don't know when I will have time to post again.  It may not be until later in the day or evening on Saturday.  We are looking forward to Guangzhou and warmer weather!
 
Oh, and the highlight of the day today.......I gave Annaston a lollipop as we were walking through the market and she said, "Sheashea (thank you) Mama."  She has such an angelic voice and it melted my heart! 

More pictures of Terra Cotta Warrior Trip

More pictures

Terra Cotta Warriors

What a day!!  The day started pretty rough, but ended wonderfully. 
 
 Within a few minutes of Annaston waking up, she started to sob.  I held her, sang to her, tried to get her interested in cartoons, etc.  I don't know if reality is setting in for her and she is in mourning, if she was missing her friends at the orphanage or what.  Our guide asked her later why she was crying, but she would not answer.  Thankfully it only lasted for a short while and by the time we left for breakfast she was fine.
 
All I can say about today is that the Terra Cotta Warriors was one of the most incredible things I have seen in my whole life!  I was so awestruck that I started to tear up.  I feel so blessed to have seen this art with my own eyes!  As usual Miss Annaston was a trooper.  She is an absolutely wonderful child!  She had to be bored, but was so, so good!  
 
On the way back in the van, Annaston fell asleep.  She was SO tired from all the walking.  When we got back to the hotel, she took off her coat and put herself to bed for a nap!  Wow, what a kid! 
 
Now she is up, laughing and playing with Maggie, while I type this.  We are staying in tonight and relaxing. I plan on starting to organize our things to prepare to leave for Guangzhou Friday night. 
 
Tomorrow we meet our guide and the other family at 2 pm to go to the City Bell Tower and a Muslim market. 
 
Enjoy some pictures from today.  For anyone interested, we have many, many more of the Terra Cotta Warriors that I can share when we get home. 

More pictures

02-07-12 More Pictures

Da

Xian City Tour

Hi!
First I want to thank everyone SO much for your thoughts, prayers and emails!  I don't have time to email each one of you back personally, but I wanted you all to know how much your emails and comments on the blog are appreciated!  Thank you!
 
Today we took a city tour of Xian with one other family.  We had a great day (besides being frozen solid, LOL!)  Xian has the oldest city gate still standing in China.  It is over 600 years old.  We walked along the city gate, which was all decorated for Chinese New Year.   Then we visited a Buddist temple that was 1300 years old and behind it was the Wild Goose Pagonda.  After our tour we had lunch in an "Eat-In" Papa John's Pizza Restaurant!  The food was awesome and hit the spot after being outside in the cold for so long.
 
Annaston did GREAT!  She never complained about the cold and just went with the flow the. whole. day!  We have one AWESOME kid! 
 
We are still having some trouble getting her to speak very much.  But, this morning as we were leaving the breakfast buffet, the host and hostess asked her if she wanted a piece of candy.  They told her she had to say something to get the candy and she spoke to them!  So we know she will speak for candy, LOL! 
 
She also said Nehow Baba (Daddy) and Nehow Autumn on skype!  I am sure once she gets used to us, she will talk non-stop like her sisters! 
 
Later this afternoon we may venture out by ourselves by taxi and shop for a few things for Annaston, as some of her clothes are too small. 
 
Tomorrow we leave the hotel at 10 am for a tour of the Terra Cotta Warriors.  It it about an hour travel each way and they said to expect to be there about 3-4  hours. 

More Adoption Day Pictures!

Annaston's Adoption Day!

Today, we went back to the Civil Affairs Office and finalized Annaston's adoption!  She is officially a Bailey! 
 
The day started well.  When Annaston woke up, she just sat in bed and waited for me to get her up.  She was quiet, but no crying.  She ate some cheerios and watched cartoons while we got ready.  She seemed to like her dress and especially likes her new gloves!
 
  We met the guide and the other family in the lobby at about 9 am.  We all walked the couple blocks to the Civil Affairs office.  I was quite concerned how Annaston would do, as the Director she calls Baba would be there.  Surprisingly it went very well.  She went over to see him several times, but did not seem overjoyed to see him.  He told her goodbye and she did not hug him or say anything. 
 
Maggie was great and helped keep Annaston busy while I answered all their questions and finalized the paperwork.   
 
After the adoptions were finalized, then we went to the passport office to apply for Annaston's passport.  Afterwards we went to a W*mart type store and loaded up on bottled water and snacks.  She enjoyed riding in the shopping cart and smiled several times!
 
Our last stop was lunch at a Chinese restaurant.  The food was delicious!  Annaston pointed to the sweet and sour pork, letting me know she wanted more.  She ate very well.  She uses chopstix, but puts the food to the edge of her plate and shovels it into her mouth. 
 
She has been very quiet all day.  I think the only word she has said, was "mama."  Her voice sounds like a little angel!  Other than that, she will not respond to anyone.  The guide asked her if she liked her lunch and she was just quiet. 
 
She holds my hand and is very sweet and easy going.  I am alittle concerned about her not speaking, but I am guessing it is just part of the transition.  Yesterday I heard her speaking to the director, so I know she can speak well. 
 
We are so blessed to have her as our daughter! 

More Pictures!

Annaston Hope's Gotcha Day!

It has been an emotional rollercoaster of a day.   We have Annaston and she is just beautiful!  The good news is she was well taken care of and well loved.  Although, because of this, she is mourning very hard.  It was all I could do not to break out in tears myself, as my heart was breaking for her. 
 
The guide says she is a smart girl and has thought of every idea of how she is leaving and going to find her "Baba" (the orphanage director).  
 
The guide came to our hotel room and showed her the bathroom and helped us order dinner.  It was pizza hut for the adults and we ordered wonton soup (at the guide's suggestion) for Annaston.  So far, she has eaten some pizza and that is about it. 
 
Finally the screaming has stopped and she is sitting on a chair, watching TV and drinking her Hello Kitty sippy cup. 
 
Maggie has been wonderful helping me every step of the way. 
 
Tomorrow will be another difficult day, as the orphanage director will be there when we go to finalize her adoption. 
 
Thanks so much for the continued prayers. 

Adventures in Beijing!

Today was an awesome day!  We went to a really neat part of the Great Wall. When we first pulled up, we saw a man walking a camel.  What day wouldn't be good that includes seeing a camel, LOL!   
 
This section of the Great Wall was in one of most beautiful mountain ranges I have seen in the world!  It was also one of the few places along the Great Wall where they allow people to leave "locks of love."  You can bring a small brass padlock and attach it to a metal bar.  You are supposed to throw the key over the side.  This symbolizes your love being locked forever. 
 
Then we went to the Forbidden City, Tian amen Square and an Acrobat Show.  For lunch and dinner we had huge amounts of yummy Chinese food! 

 

We are now back at the room and are all packed up and prepared to leave at 6 am for the airport.  We will arrive in Shaanxi Province at about 10:30 am and our gotcha appointment is at 4 pm!  I am SO excited, I can't believe we will finally meet Annaston tomorrow!

 

Please pray for a smooth transition for our sweet girl! 

Safely in Beijing!

Hi everyone!
We are safely in Beijing.  I thought the flight would NEVER end, but we made it!  We got in about 2:30 pm Beijing time.  Our guide took us to our hotel to drop our luggage and then we went out to eat at a restaurant around the corner.  The food was delicious and so fresh!  Then she invited us back to her house to see her apartment and meet her parents and niece that are visiting.  It was really a nice visit!  Now we are back in our room and we are exhausted!
 
Tomorrow is our big all day tour of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City etc.
 
More later!  Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers!
Angela