Yesterday, we went to the Beijing zoo—I have never ever seen so many people in one place at the same time. I’ll share some photos later of the line-ups (used loosely) to purchase admission tickets. We were the entertainment for the locals—I’m not sure how often they see a tall blonde. I received quite a few looks and one couple and their child asked if they could have their photo taken with me. I was told later that some likely speculate that I’m a movie star.
Last night, all 5 families and our guide Thomas met up at a wonderful dumpling restaurant. Even though most of us were sleep deprived, there was a lot of energy and love for our daughters in the room. After dinner, a few of us walked to Walmart—very similar and yet different from what we are used to at home. We purchased more diapers to leave at the hotel for when we return to Beijing.
Another somewhat sleepless night; however, now it’s only 1 more sleep until we meet our daughter.
This morning we leave Beijing for Changsha, Hunan—I believe the duration of the flight is 2 hours and 10 minutes. The baggage limits for domestic flights are much more restricted. Fortunately, the hotel in Beijing has offered to lock up extra luggage for our return visit in 6 days.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Updated Photos of Charlotte
We received updated photos of Charlotte just moments ago. How timely, as time weighs heavy on our hearts and minds while we are so close and yet so far away from her. Just 3 more sleeps until we can hold her in our arms and never, ever let her go.
Arrived in China
We’re here, with all luggage intact! Wow! It’s hot, sticky, and humid.
The flight was great—it hardly felt like 12+ hours, as I was able to sleep a lot. The flight attendants were excellent—they kept us fed and hydrated. I tried to watch the same movie 3 times, but kept falling asleep. I managed to read 10 pages of my book and fell asleep again. I know I won’t have this luxury on the flight back.
We’re staying at the Renaissance Hotel in Beijing—it’s absolutely beautiful.
Despite going to bed at 10:30 the night we arrived, we were wide awake at 2:30 am. After laying in bed for some time, unable to sleep, we decided to get up. At 7 am ,we went to Starbuck’s for coffee. For the most part, the city was still asleep. In a few hours it will be quite busy—cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and people will be travelling in all different directions.
We’re trying to adjust to China time—for the most part, we’re okay, but we get waves of sleepiness, partly due to the humidity and pollution. My breathing is quite shallow while walking outside—I can feel a slight heaviness in my chest. We’re told that breathing will be a lot easier when we return to Beijing for the 2nd leg of the trip after spending 6 days in Hunan where the humidity and temperatures are considerably higher.
It’s hard to see the sun for all the haze. This week, Beijing is expecting a break in their heat wave—it should be in the low 30s; however, Hunan is still expected to be in the low 40s.
Time is weighing heavy on our hearts and mind—we can hardly wait to meet our daughter. We’re told that the meeting is scheduled for Monday at 3:30 pm—that’s 3:30 am your time. I should be bruised for the number of times I’ve asked Dave to pinch me and wake me up from this dream—but it’s real. I can’t believe we’re finally here and preparing to welcome our daughter into our family.
At breakfast in the hotel restaurant, we met 3 families who are returning home today with their daughters with special needs—one has a hole in her heart and one was born without a left arm. It’s easy to see that these families are totally in love with their daughters. All the girls seem to be really well adjusted with their new families—these children were in the foster care system, not orphanages.
It’s just 3 more sleeps until we meet and hold Charlotte for the very first time and promise to love and care for her forever.
The flight was great—it hardly felt like 12+ hours, as I was able to sleep a lot. The flight attendants were excellent—they kept us fed and hydrated. I tried to watch the same movie 3 times, but kept falling asleep. I managed to read 10 pages of my book and fell asleep again. I know I won’t have this luxury on the flight back.
We’re staying at the Renaissance Hotel in Beijing—it’s absolutely beautiful.
Despite going to bed at 10:30 the night we arrived, we were wide awake at 2:30 am. After laying in bed for some time, unable to sleep, we decided to get up. At 7 am ,we went to Starbuck’s for coffee. For the most part, the city was still asleep. In a few hours it will be quite busy—cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and people will be travelling in all different directions.
We’re trying to adjust to China time—for the most part, we’re okay, but we get waves of sleepiness, partly due to the humidity and pollution. My breathing is quite shallow while walking outside—I can feel a slight heaviness in my chest. We’re told that breathing will be a lot easier when we return to Beijing for the 2nd leg of the trip after spending 6 days in Hunan where the humidity and temperatures are considerably higher.
It’s hard to see the sun for all the haze. This week, Beijing is expecting a break in their heat wave—it should be in the low 30s; however, Hunan is still expected to be in the low 40s.
Time is weighing heavy on our hearts and mind—we can hardly wait to meet our daughter. We’re told that the meeting is scheduled for Monday at 3:30 pm—that’s 3:30 am your time. I should be bruised for the number of times I’ve asked Dave to pinch me and wake me up from this dream—but it’s real. I can’t believe we’re finally here and preparing to welcome our daughter into our family.
At breakfast in the hotel restaurant, we met 3 families who are returning home today with their daughters with special needs—one has a hole in her heart and one was born without a left arm. It’s easy to see that these families are totally in love with their daughters. All the girls seem to be really well adjusted with their new families—these children were in the foster care system, not orphanages.
It’s just 3 more sleeps until we meet and hold Charlotte for the very first time and promise to love and care for her forever.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Having a place to go is home; having someone to love is family
The title says it all. We continue to let it sink in that we now have a face to connect to the name. Charlotte was loved even before she was born and we can't wait until she is finally home.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Care package sent to Charlotte while we wait
In advance of our arrival, we sent a care package to Charlotte and the orphanage staff using a wonderful service provided by Ann at Red Thread China. Ann runs a service to help families send care packages to their children while they wait for travel. For more information about Red Thread China, please visit www.redthreadchina.com.
In our care package to Charlotte, we included tea and cookies for the staff and nannies that care for her, a security blanket, and a beautiful little dress. We also sent a camera and asked the staff to take photos of Charlotte. Ann also translated a letter we wrote to the director.
Ann sent us these photos of our package before she sent it on its way to our beautiful baby girl. Only 18 more sleeps before we board the plane to our destiny.
In our care package to Charlotte, we included tea and cookies for the staff and nannies that care for her, a security blanket, and a beautiful little dress. We also sent a camera and asked the staff to take photos of Charlotte. Ann also translated a letter we wrote to the director.
Ann sent us these photos of our package before she sent it on its way to our beautiful baby girl. Only 18 more sleeps before we board the plane to our destiny.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Travel Itinerary
August 11--depart for Beijing, China
August 12--arrive in Beijing, China
August 13, 14--free time--shopping and site-seeing
August 15--fly to Changsha, China
August 16--"family day"--meet Charlotte for the first time
August 17--complete the adoption registration and notarization process
August 18, 19--get to know Charlotte and the province she was born
August 20--receive Charlotte's passport
August 21--return to Beijing
August 22--tour of Great Wall of China
August 23--Charlotte's medical examination and appointment at Canadian Embassy
August 24--tour of Summer Palace
August 25--tour to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
August 26--free day
August 27--return home
August 12--arrive in Beijing, China
August 13, 14--free time--shopping and site-seeing
August 15--fly to Changsha, China
August 16--"family day"--meet Charlotte for the first time
August 17--complete the adoption registration and notarization process
August 18, 19--get to know Charlotte and the province she was born
August 20--receive Charlotte's passport
August 21--return to Beijing
August 22--tour of Great Wall of China
August 23--Charlotte's medical examination and appointment at Canadian Embassy
August 24--tour of Summer Palace
August 25--tour to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
August 26--free day
August 27--return home
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Getting ready for Charlotte
We're busy preparing Charlotte's room--of course, I chose the hottest time of the year to paint her room. I can't wait to finally take things out of their boxes (some things I've had for 8+ years when we were going through infertility treatments) and make it a real child's room.
It seems so surreal—I can't adequately express in words how my heart feels. This journey has taken us on a very windy road to Charlotte--we were in China's queque for 4 years, 1 month, and 13 days.
I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I just wish I knew the master plan many years ago. However, I know that I have grown from our many experiences--good and bad. Through our most difficult times, my mantra was "that which doesn't kill me will make me stronger." I have to believe that I am the person I am today because of these experiences. I think I'm prepared to handle the challenges that a toddler will bring naturally.
Charlotte has stolen a huge part of both of our hearts. I can't help but play over and over in my mind the great anticipated moment of when our daughter is presented to us in the government office in the capital of Hunan province (August 16--"family day"). I can't help but get a huge lump in my throat and teary-eyed just thinking about it.
We can't wait to share the joy with friends and family once we're home with our precious little girl.
It seems so surreal—I can't adequately express in words how my heart feels. This journey has taken us on a very windy road to Charlotte--we were in China's queque for 4 years, 1 month, and 13 days.
I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I just wish I knew the master plan many years ago. However, I know that I have grown from our many experiences--good and bad. Through our most difficult times, my mantra was "that which doesn't kill me will make me stronger." I have to believe that I am the person I am today because of these experiences. I think I'm prepared to handle the challenges that a toddler will bring naturally.
Charlotte has stolen a huge part of both of our hearts. I can't help but play over and over in my mind the great anticipated moment of when our daughter is presented to us in the government office in the capital of Hunan province (August 16--"family day"). I can't help but get a huge lump in my throat and teary-eyed just thinking about it.
We can't wait to share the joy with friends and family once we're home with our precious little girl.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)