Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound
Originally uploaded by j david

We've done it!

We've been to the Consulate and took an oath, and upon arrival at O'Hare,
Miss Jenny will become a US citizen.

We're in the midst of a packing frenzy, but had to share this video. Given
our challenges with the filters that the PRC puts on content, this may not
work.

If it does though, you 'll get a sense of the firecracker that our daughter
has become!

And another first...

And another first...
Originally uploaded by j david

First use of a high chair. Also very popular with mom, who has been trying to take bites in between feeding Jenny and keeping her from dancing on the table.

Jenny actually reached for the chair at breakfast this morning. Not to let a golden opportunity go by, I plopped her right in. Dave was quite impressed when he returned from the buffet table. Jenny? Not so sure. She figured out pretty quickly that this was perhaps not a smart move (see illustration). Dave and I are pretty sure she had been feeding herself at the orphanage, but since coming to us, she's been very dependent and acting like an infant. As she gets more comfortable (OK, more bored), she's reaching again for her independence.

And mom gets to eat a few bites of breakfast. You moms will all appreciate this.

More firsts...(or, Jenny and Daddy, part deux)

More firsts...(or, Jenny and Daddy, part deux)
Originally uploaded by j david

Dave changed his first Jenny diaper this morning. Mommy really likes sharing diaper duty (Jenny is reserving judgment at the moment).

Our First Swim (a series)...

Our First Swim (a series)...
Originally uploaded by j david

...happened today.

We hit the pool right after breakfast. It was not available to us last
night.

Jenny had a blast. So did Mom and Dad. We have a lot of pictures, but
we'll just post a few.

This was definitely more fun than bath time.

If we haven't mentioned it, we're staying at the White Swan in Guangzhou.
It's really a nice place, a bit fancy; we hope that we have not raised our
little one's expectations, it's gonna be more like the Red Roof Inn for a
while.

Our First Swim (a series)...

Our First Swim (a series)...
Originally uploaded by j david

...happened today.

We hit the pool right after breakfast. It was not available to us last
night.

Jenny had a blast. So did Mom and Dad. We have a lot of pictures, but
we'll just post a few.

This was definitely more fun than bath time.

If we haven't mentioned it, we're staying at the White Swan in Guangzhou.
It's really a nice place, a bit fancy; we hope that we have not raised our
little one's expectations, it's gonna be more like the Red Roof Inn for a
while.

Our First Swim (a series)...

Our First Swim (a series)...
Originally uploaded by j david

...happened today.

We hit the pool right after breakfast. It was not available to us last
night.

Jenny had a blast. So did Mom and Dad. We have a lot of pictures, but
we'll just post a few.

This was definitely more fun than bath time.

If we haven't mentioned it, we're staying at the White Swan in Guangzhou.
It's really a nice place, a bit fancy; we hope that we have not raised our
little one's expectations, it's gonna be more like the Red Roof Inn for a
while.

Daddy and Jenny

Daddy and Jenny
Originally uploaded by j david

Dave (aka Daddy) has been doing all the posting since Kris (aka Mommy) acquired a new appendage on Monday. Jenny is sleeping off her afternoon bottle, so it's time for reports on the Daddy-Jenny front.

Jenny has learned in the last few days that her Daddy is quite an entertaining fellow. Last evening we had our first meal at a real restaurant (Thai), and while Mommy kept Jenny from pulling plates off the table and kicking the table over, Daddy got her laughing and smiling. Jenny is quite the mimic. She is learning from her Daddy how to high 5, cheer, do the "disappearing Wet Ones" trick, and make lots of goofy faces. I can only imagine what she looked like by the utter joy and delight on Dave's face (well, that and the performance in the mirror this morning--see Dave's post).

They also had a great game of ball. You should see the determination with which this girl grabs a beach ball and throws it. Yikes. We better get to Gymboree fast!

Daddy's other very important roles: stroller pusher (illustrated here), cashier, chef (he makes ALL Jenny's formula--what a chemist!), bather-in-Chief, document reviewer (hard to do with a squirming child), and of course, fun-meister!

Dave and Jenny had their first real bonding opportunity during our long, sleepless night several days ago. Jenny was fitfull all night, so Daddy took the evening and morning shifts carrying our little, dreaming, restless girl until she relaxed and fell asleep.

Good news on the sleep front. Jenny (and mom and dad) have had 2 nights of 9 hours of pure, uninterrupted sleep. Jenny is relaxing more and more everyday, and showing more of her amazing, stellar personality. Mom and dad are relaxing, too, especially as we learn how Jenny communicates wanting food, having a full diaper, or just needing to express the joys and frustrations of being a growing, developing toddler.

Well, she's up now, so for now, Ni Hao.

A Morning with Jenny

A Morning with Jenny
Originally uploaded by j david

We're trying to post a series of photos...

...we'll see how this works.

If it works, you can see what our girl does on a typical Guangzhou morning.
(or afternoon for that matter).

A Morning with Jenny

A Morning with Jenny
Originally uploaded by j david

We're trying to post a series of photos...

...we'll see how this works.

If it works, you can see what our girl does on a typical Guangzhou morning.
(or afternoon for that matter).

A Morning with Jenny

A Morning with Jenny
Originally uploaded by j david

We're trying to post a series of photos...

...we'll see how this works.

If it works, you can see what our girl does on a typical Guangzhou morning.
(or afternoon for that matter).

A Morning with Jenny

A Morning with Jenny
Originally uploaded by j david

We're trying to post a series of photos...

...we'll see how this works.

If it works, you can see what our girl does on a typical Guangzhou morning.
(or afternoon for that matter).

Day 8, 9 or something...

Day 8, 9 or something...
Originally uploaded by j david

Einstein described how time is relative to the context that you're in. I
recall that this was a big deal to the male dominated physics community at
the beginning of the last century. My guess is that those (probably the
females at that time) who tended the small children already knew this, but
simply didn't have the time to write up the math part. I don't think that it
is any coincidence that Albert had a one year old and a three year old when
he wrote his paper of special relativity. And that his wife was a major (if
un-named) collaborator.

At least that's my story.

So, we've missed a day or two posting because we've be busy. It seems like
we just posted yesterday. A colleague (you know who you are) describes this
as the "fog of parenthood."

As you can see, Jenny is taking pity on her mommy, trying to be sure that
she's well fed. Jenny has plans for mommy. She has become quite the
mamma's girl.

Since last writing, we've been to a Buddhist temple, and had the family
blessed. We've shopped for bit of art (much longer story here than I can
write now). Jenny broke into huge grins during a game of "bat the barbie
beachball" (Jenny liked to punch barbie, daddy approved. Thanks for the
advice Rebecca!)

We're sad to miss Jack and Maxine's anniversary party, so "Happy Anniversary
Mom and Dad," we're thinking about you.

More later...

Day 7: A Day of Firsts...

Day 7: A Day of Firsts...
Originally uploaded by j david

*Note*: *this posting is rated P: of most interest to parents*

We had a pretty good day today. A bunch of things happened for the first
time.

Jenny ate at restaurant for the first time.

Jenny tossed her cookies for the first time (not related to the
accomplishment directly above).

Jenny took her first real bath. (Ever. They are not bathed at the SWI as
much as doused. It kinda showed).

Jenny had her first poop (related to the cookie tossing and the following
"first").

Kristen laughed until she cried for the first time as a parent (Daddy
cheered Jenny on to the above accomplishment by reciting Tom Arnold's bit
from the first (?) Austin Powers movie if you haven't seen it, go here
(now) http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=J-YVt4gfquA&feature=related it runs a
bit slow in the PRC)

And if you're laughing after that bit, the last first is the best. Jenny
cracked her first big smile today, as she and Mom were looking in the
mirror. It melted Kristen's heart, and made Daddy quite happy too. We'll
post a picture of one of those as soon as we can.

Day 6: She's ours...

Day 6: She's ours...
Originally uploaded by j david

Today, well maybe it was yesterday, was another busy one. It's late, rather,
it's early, so I'm going to keep this short.

We finalized her adoption today, at least as far as the People's Republic of
China is concerned. On Wednesday, we're off to visit the doctor and start
paperwork for her US immigration/citizenship.

Following the paper work and two interviews, we had a hectic trip to the
Carrefour--a french supermarket chain. If I were paranoid, I'd think that
inflicting two (Jenny is traveling with Autumn) screaming kids on the
shoppers was a way for China to express their displeasure with the
French-owned chain.

She continues to grieve, showing a little more of herself every couple of
hours. She cried for her "Ayis" today--her "aunties" (meaning her
caregivers at the SWI. While we were sad for her, we're delighted that she
has learned language. And she is really disappointed that her new parents
have not learned any (or anything useful). She has also bolted upright and
taken a few steps (even on the bed!).

Her first night with us was a pretty good one- she slept through but for one
little episode. The following day has been a mix of exploration,
frustration and getting to know one another.

Thanks to all of you who have read and commented (especially those of you
who have been through this and have offered advice and encouragement)!

Day 5: Someone arrived a bit early...

Day 5: Someone arrived a bit early...
Originally uploaded by j david

...and was not at all happy about it.

Which is of course a good thing, but I'm getting way ahead of myself.

We met Jenny today. When our guide met us at the airport she had a
surprise--we'd pick our daughters up on the way to the hotel. We all
suspected something was up, when we took an earlier flight than expected.
But none of us thought we'd be stopping by before we could even unpack
clothing, toys, diapers or our gifts for the orphanages.

Oh well.

Jenny was not at all happy to see us. She has clearly bonded with her
caregivers, and they with her. The orphanage staff was every bit as sorry
to let her go as she was to be taken by these strangers. So, we had the
loud, unhappy baby in the room today. She calmed down a good bit, as
Kristen held her and played with her, but is still a bit apprehensive. All
normal and very positive signs.

We are more pleased than we can say (how about that hair!!!). We now know
what speechless really means.

We'll post more when we can, but we thought that you'd all like to know!

Day 4, Beijing (hey, that IS a pretty great wall...)

Last day on the Beijing running tour. No trip to Beijing is completed without two experiences (per Wong Lei, our tour guide)--Peking Duck ("check"), and the Great Wall. Yep, it's big. And steep. But very, very cool. (For the record, it is Kristen who is channeling Richard Nixon).



This is the "before" picture (there is no "after" picture because it wasn't pretty...)

The walk up to the first tower in this section of the wall (which is the best maintained but also the most heavily travelled/touristed) is the steepest and dodgiest part of the walk. It sort of thins the herd--only the intrepid (i.e., the Chinese grandmas and babies, pregnant Brazilians, anyone Swiss, and the odd Aussie in full hiking gear) push on to the higher towers and discover an easier walk with fewer people. Who knew?



Those intrepid enough (you know, the grandmas) are rewarded with incredible views of the mountains, valleys and the structures below. As you'll notice, you can see blue sky out here.



There are a few narrow, winding sections, very like a very steep spiral staircase, that are vertigo-producing.





We also stopped at the Ming Tombs before raising the white flag and saying "I surrender." The setting is quite beautiful, and we actually heard wind in the trees and birds singing. A very welcome change.



Tomorrow we leave Beijing and fly to Guangzhou. Tonight we are turning our attention to packing up and getting ready for the real reason we came on this trip--to meet our daughter. It's an odd feeling. We have no idea what we are in for, but we are looking forward to it.

We've so enjoyed the comments and emails from all of you. Please keep in touch.

Until tomorrow, good night from Beijing!

Day 3, Beijing

Yesterday we moved at a more relaxed pace. The day was grey, misty and there was a light rain. One never sees blue sky in Beijing. The sky is either white or gray. You don't see the clear outline of the sun. I think we take our air and water quality in the US for granted. You don't appreciate how much our air and water quality have improved in the US (thanks to people like Dave), until you spend time in a place that hasn't made the same improvements. I miss blue sky.

We visited Tianneman Square and the Forbidden City yesterday morning. The are spiffing up the Square in anticipation of the Olympics, one toothbrush at a time.


The Forbidden City is beautiful, atmospheric and full of elegant sightlines. A testament to the wisdom of feng shui. It covers a very large area, and yet inside it feels very human scale. Maybe it felt bigger to the Ming Emperor who built it.


We had another great chinese meal: eggplant, etc., after which we visited the Summer Palace. It was packed with Beijingers enjoying a Saturday afternoon, and there were LOTS of people all trying to squeeze through the small doorways and courtyards of the home built by the notorious Dowager Empress, who ruled just before the reign of the Last Emperor, and not wisely.


After a short stop at the "Olympic site" which was a literally an exit ramp with a view of the main Olympic stadium (the bird's nest), the swimming venue (a blue cube) and the dragon-shaped hotel, restaurant, condominium complex, we went to a state-run tea house. We were treated to a tasting of five teas, taught how to make it. After a day of running around, it was really nice to relax for a change. We'll bring home some black/lychee tea, which was our favorite.

We finished the day, exhausted, at a local restaurant. We had peking duck and several other dishes. We'll try to talk more about that later, but we have to run now. We're off to the Great Wall.

Please use the comments and let us know that you're reading!

Day 2, Beijing

Today we began our official 3-day "running" tour of Beijing's highlights (over 2000 years of civilization in 3 days....right).

Our guides began our day in the Black Bamboo Park, a very large and very beautiful park on the west side of the city. The park is a refuge in the middle of an otherwise very modern, dense, loud and, well, polluted city (think Central Park). It was lovely. At mid-morning, the park was full of retirees, who were practicing their favorite variety of exercise--tai chi, traditional and ballroom dancing, and fishing. There is a man-made lake, and many delightful winding paths. And bamboo, including the black variety.





Next stop on the tour was the newly completed Museum of Chinese Culture. The building itself is a work of art. We saw depictions of daily life along the silk road, the museums impressive collection of Buddha, and many other objects of historical significance. Did I mention this was a running tour?







Lunch. Lunch was had in the home of a Beijing family who live in their family's generational home in one of the few remaining hutong neighborhoods.






Our touring ended with a look inside the Imperial Temple of Heaven. This is the temple compound where the Emperor would conduct his annual worship of the higher powers above earth, to bring with the year good weather, healthy rains, and a substantial harvest. The Emperor entered from the southern, earthly, gate, bathed and made offerings before entering the northern and heavenly reaches of the compound. Quite a remarkable place.



It was a long, remarkable day. You can see the affect on Dave and I. We even managed to tire out our guides--the couple dancing with so much animation in the picture at top. Quite an accomplishment.



Tomorrow is the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Tiennaman Square (sorry, too tired to check spelling). That is if we can all haul ourselves out of bed.

We cannot believe how large Beijing is. And while we still find somethings very familiar about the city, we are also seeing sides to the city that are unique, and uniquely asian, at least to us.

Needless to say, thoughts of our daughter are never far from our minds. More tomorrow.

Our First Meal in China

We had dinner last night in a local restaurant on a tiny alley near our hotel. Our local guide, Jack, ordered for the 6 of us--Dave, me, Teena (our other ICA adoptive mom) and her mother Vicki, Jack and our tour guide, Mary. (Mary is about two years out of University, where she studied how to be a tour guide. She comes originally from Tsingdao area, studied there, but has moved to Beijing to work conducting tours.)


The food was fantastic! We had typical local dishes, nothing unusual, but Dave and I really enjoyed all the sauces and preparations. We had beans with spring onion; diced chicken with peanuts, scallions, in a garlic pepper sauce; eggplant slices in a light sauce, and pork belly with potato in a slightly sweet sauce. Pork belly--Jack says this is something every family cooks at home, and like potato salad or fried chicken, every family has their own take on it. I have seen this on menu's all over China town and was too spooked to try it. It was deeelicious!


We were the only non-asians in the place. The restaurant is located in a University area. We passed the Technical Institute, Beijing International University, the University for Foreign Languages, and our hotel is directly across from the National Administrations Institute (leadership school for the Communist Party.)


Accordingly, there was a large group of college age women sitting next to us at dinner. They became animated when David stood up as we were leaving, and took the opportunity to engage this tall good looking guy in some brief greetings! (It was funny to see their eyes widen as I stood up. I'm probably a good seven or eight inches taller that just about everyone!)


Our initial impressions of Beijing from our ride from the airport--aside from the chinese signage, it doesn't feel that asian at all. It does feel oddly familiar to us from other European foreign travels. We saw bits that reminded us of cities in France and especially Spain. Not at all what we expected. But Beijing is now a modern Western city.

Today, we have lunch in a private home in a typcial hutong neighborhood. We also see some of the Imperial sites. So by late today, we expect to have a different spin on Beijing, a picture that is richer.

Some photo highlights (hopefully) attached.

We've made it!

We've made it!
Originally uploaded by j david

We've arrived in Beijing after an eventful trip. The downside: paid for
Jenny's ticket twice and offered our "host" gifts to TSA. The BIG upside: a
surprise upgrade to business class seats for a 13 hour flight!!!! These are
two weary (but very happy) travelers.

If you can see this post, please say "hi" in our comments or drop us a line!

How Do You Pack for a Life Change?

Dave and I have been asking ourselves that, as we surveyed the literal piles of stuff that we had to get into suitcases over the past few days.

The final week of preparation has been intense--more shopping than I ever hope to have to do again, lots of laundry, trying to clean a little, getting the car seat installed (a definite parent moment), picking up cash, getting prescriptions for lots of unpleasant conditions that we hope not to need (we are packing for contingencies, for the possibility of a very sick little girl), etc.

I realized this week that all the effort and worry--do we have everything--is really just displacement for the anxiety of the monumental life change that is nearly upon us.

We've both had mommy and daddy moments over this week of prep. Some highlights:

• The reminder call about Jenny's appointment with the developmental psychologist ("calling to remind you about your daughter's appointment")
• Getting her medications from the pharmacy--all those bottles labeled "Jennie (sic) Westman-Rankin")
• My first ride in the car with a child seat; for Dave, his first installation of same
• Washing Jenny's clothes for the trip--pulling tiny little trousers, onesies, socks, and caps out of the dryer, which I could picture doing over and over and over in the years ahead.
• My first mother's day gift--the most special memory book from my husband, created on our Mac and printed in a book. Best of all, it includes pictures taken by my husband of all the trips, the cultural explorations, meeting our Secret Pals, and of course, pictures from Jenny's referral day.
• Our last official date as a childless couple
• Learning of the earthquake in China, and realizing the possibility that on top of all the change that is soon to overtake our daughter's life, she may have new fears that we will need to help her manage.

We have been so buoyed over these years, months and now last frenetic weeks and days by all of you, our friends, family, and fellow adoptive parents and bloggers. We are grateful for the good wishes, comments, advice, packing tips (what does it mean to "pack light" to a backpacker--taking nothing?), etc.

We expect to blog from China. Dave has put in place more backups for the Blogger site than I can track, so we hope that the technical gods (and Beijing's government) will be with us.

We think the first days may be hard to get online, since there is still so much competition for satellite access because of the quake. But keep visiting, we promise to do our best to share our final days of the very BIG Wait with all of you.

See you all on the other side.

Love, Kristen and Dave

Travel update

We have heard from our agency that Monday's earthquake in China should not impact our travel plans. There was minor damage in Beijing, where we will spend our first 3 days, and no reports of damage yet in Guangzhou, where we spend the rest of our time and receive our daughter.

The earthquake was felt in Vietnam, so we expect it was also felt in Suixi City, where Jenny's SWI is located. No reports of damage, though.

Our excitement, nervousness and anticipation has been joined by sadness as the news reports more casualties, especially the loss of children. We feel closer to China than anytime in the past 3 years, and this brings the events of today home to us.

We'll try to post a quick one before we depart on Wednesday. We are really getting down to it.

This is only a test...

...of whether we can really do this from the road.

Did it work?