Hello everyone. Sorry, it took a few days to let you all know that we made it to Michigan. There is lots of snow for Morgan to see and hopefully, get her to walk in it, so I can take pictures. Morgan did well on the flight. We got delayed in Detroit for an hour on the runway waiting to get deiced, so she got a little fussy then. She loves her grandpa and nana Ruth. She also met the rest of her family and had a great time showing off. After church Aunt Suzie and grandma Peggy had lunch and had a cake welcoming Morgan. She actually ate some of it! She was upset when I wouldn't let her have anymore. She is sleeping well, which is great. We got see Dr. Smith tomorrow for her first visit and surgery will be on Thursday. I'm not able to post any pictures here. Sorry. I will have to post them when we get home unless I can figure out how to connect my camera to this computer, but I'm not sure that is going to work. You all will see plenty when I get home though. Miss everyone. Be home soon. Pray for little one.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Adjusting to New Home
Well, Morgan is adjusting very well. We lowered the crib as the little monkey was trying to climb out. Morgan is beginning to crawl through the house and having a great time. She has been so happy. It's wonderful to see her smiling face everyday. Diaper changes have improved greatly. She no longer cried at the top of her lungs. I think she is realizing it helps her, it's not a bad thing. Still having trouble with the baths. I am hoping that will improve soon. Morgan has a great appetite. She gets so excited when she sits in her high chair. She bounces and kicks her legs. It's so funny. She loves going for walks, which is great for us also. We are getting ready to go to Michigan to see her nana Ruth and grandpa and have her first surgery. We are all very excited. I am hoping to keep up the blogs while there also.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
We're Home!
Well, after 16 hours of flying, we made it home last night. I was so happy to get home and off that plane that I cried. Morgan did so well. She slept a little, flirted a lot, and was so happy. We had a great welcoming party at the airport. Sara and Elia brought Morgan a balloon that says "welcome baby Morgan" and Sara made her lots of cards. it was so sweet. Pam taped the whole thing for us, which was wonderful. Morgan did pretty well in the car seat for the first time. She cried at first, but fell asleep fast. She met her new pets. She likes the dog, but is not sure about the cat. she didn't sleep at all last night. it was like day one all over again. It was awful. I wouldn't let her sleep at all today and now she is sleeping in her crib, which is a shocker. Let's hope she stays in the crib all night. Next Saturday we will head to Michigan for her surgery and to see her grandpa and Nana Ruth. I hate to traumatize her again, but I also hate to wait to long to have the surgery done. I'm sure the first day will not be fun, but she seems to adjust pretty well. So, I will keep everyone posted on her surgery. Thanks again for all the support.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Last Day In China
We woke up this am to rain and more cold weather. It turned out to be a good day to leave right? The train ride was really cool. Very nice train. Morgan was a little fussy since we didn't get a nap in the afternoon, but she settled down a little at the end. We will leave in the early am for Tokyo, then Detroit, then Orlando. Say prayers for us and the pilots! Can't wait to see everyone. Thanks for all the comments, and emails, they were great! Love to everyone.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
blessing at Temple and Visa Ceremony
This am we went to the Seven Banyan Tree Temple and had Morgan blessed. It was a wonderful experience. we then went to the white Swan, dressed her up in a pretty outfit and took some red couch pictures and then we did some more shopping. We ate at lucy's again and then came back to the hotel do get ready to go to the American consulate for the Visa ceremony. there were about 16 other families. No cameras allowed, so we couldn't take pictures. There was a big sign congratuating all the adoptions and then we were handed our brown envelopes not to be opened until we get to immigration back in the States. We all raised our right hand and repeate after the gentlemen and that was it. Yeah! She's almost an American! tonight, Ecko is watching little one so we can get all packed up. I'm hoping to post one more time in Hong Kong before we leave for the States. Pray for us! Love everyone. Bye China! Thank you for my little girl.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
another Day in Guangzhou
well, today was kind of a bummy day. We all slept til around 9am, which was shocking. I guess we all needed it. Morgan isn't feeling very well today, still really congested. The happy photos on the newest slide show are from yesterday. We went back to Shamian Island did some more shopping and went to the play room at the White Swan hotel. We ate lunch at Lucy's, had grilled cheese sandwich, Renee had fish. It was so good. The picture with the other family is a family that we met in Nanning. They are americans, but live in Beijing. Her husband works for caterpillar, but they are coming back to the states this year she said. They are so sweet. We have enjoyed talking with them. Morgan is napping right now, which is good. She is really not feeling well. We hope tomorrow is better since the visa ceremony is tomorrow and we wanted to put her in one of her fancy dresses so she looked all pretty. tomorrow is our last day here. I think we are both ready to come home, but in another sense, it's kind of sad leaving here. Maybe, Morgan senses that also. We spoke to another family that also said their baby was not happy today. Odd huh? We are hoping to go to the Temple tomorrow also to have Morgan blessed. Well, that is all for now. Miss everyone. It's almost time to come home!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Medical Exam Day
This morning we took a taxi to Shamian Island to have Morgan's medical exam. There were about 7 other families there, but it went very fast. Morgan weighs 17.5 pounds. Her temp. was good. Ears, lungs and throat all look good. We then walked down to do a little shopping. Met a really nice lady that owns a shop called Jennifer's place. She gave us really good deals. We walked in the White Swan hotel and took a few pictures. it's a beautiful place. We are working on trying to get that adoption barbie. We had Papa John's pizza for lunch. it was really good. I have to tell you, if I don't have pizza for the next year, that will be just fine. I'm about over pizza. I figured being in China there would be plenty of vegetables, but it seems like broccoli is all I can get. In Beijing, I had cabbage that was great, but it doesn't seem like it is very popular here. I really need a salad! Tomorrow, Ecko just picks up the medical report for the american consulate, wednesday is the visa ceremony and thurs am we will be taking a train back to Hong Kong. It seems like the days are flying now. It will be so great to see everybody.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
We went to the Guanghzou zoo today
This am, another rested night since little one slept all night. She loves rolling all over the bed at night. If you're not careful, she will turn over and hit you. it's so funny. She looks so at peace when she is sleeping. She won't let me put her down when she is napping, she screams! also, when she wakes up from napping, she jumps and is terrified. We feel so bad for her, it's like she has nightmares. In the morning though, she wakes up so sweet. She loves to play airplane, and she loves to put her head back and turn really fast. Not so good for my dizziness, but she just loves it. We went to breakfast downstairs this morning and she sat in the highchair, with no complaints. As long as she gets a spoon, she is settled. Of course, now she thinks it's funny to drop the spoon, watch one of us get it, and drop it again. This goes on and on and she just laughs.
We went to the zoo today. That was fun. We saw a few more american families with their babies. One of the exhibits at the zoo, has dogs. Ecko teases us and says "yum, yum". There was lots of monkeys also. I think that was like half of the zoo.
Well, tomorrow, is the medical exam. I'm sure that is not going to go over very well. Enjoy the pictures. Morgan is so photogenic. Some of the pictures I got today, I'm going to have to blow up,they are gorgeous!
We made it to Guanghzou
Well, we made it to Guanghzou. Morgan slept all night last night again. It's great! Morgan was so good on the flight. She is now trying to eat by herself. She loves cheerios! She will put a piece in her hand, play with it for a while, and then plop it in her mouth. She is so smart, it's incredible. I had a chinese couple come up to me in the airport, they are from California and we talked a little about Morgan. Then, they asked me how much it costs for her. I was just shocked. I'm sure the look on my face, was very ugly. Then, she said, is it more than 5 us dollars? I said, oh yeah. She said, really? I thought it would be free. amazing. I do want to say just a few things about the chinese, that I wish americans would learn. First thing, in the airports, those carts for all your luggage, are free! Ever heard of that in our airports? Second, there is no road rage, it's awesome. People pull in front of people, go slow, etc and no one gets mad, it is so great. The streets are total chaos, but no one is upset about it. I just love that. Lastly, the older chinese are so friendly. They will go out of there way, just to smile and say hello. I still can't get over the stares though. I have to say, that is the hardest part. You know usually when someone is staring at you, once you look, they turn there head? Not here, they just keep staring. Of course, with Morgan, they talk to each other and point to their lip. It's very discouraging.
Ok, well the holiday Inn here is awesome. We got a business suite, so the internet is free. We get fresh fruit everyday, soda throughout the day and cocktails from 5:30 - 7:30 everyday. The room is beautiful. There is a huge bathroom, two double beds and a reading area. I'll have to post some pictures, maybe tomorrow, I'm not feeling very well today. I'm really dizzy, I'm sure it's sinuses. Until tomorrow. Love everyone.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Last day in Nanning
Well, this morning, little one slept til 7:30am. She slept on the bed instead of the crib. Much better. She isn't feeling very well so I gave her some tylenol. That seemed to make her sleep some more and she wasn't burning up, like she was. Still having trouble with the bowels. Tried some prunes today, so we will see. Watch it catch up once we get on that 12 hour flight right? This morning, she also walked for the first time. She actually let me put her down without crying and she walked with me. it was great. Renee got it on video and took pictures. She loves to clap her hands. She is so smart. Whatever, Renee and I do, she will repeat. She loves kisses on the face too. She will laugh after bunches of kisses. This will be the last post until we get to Guanghzou tomorrow. Our flight is at noon and last about 1 hour. All the other families are staying at the White Swan, so we will be the only family staying at the Holiday Inn. We have to walk down to the White Swan and do the famous "red couch picture" though so hopefully, we will see the other families again. We have enjoyed talking with everyone. There are a lot of french canadian's here also. Well, will write more tomorrow. Miss everyone!
went to the Mountain today
Last night we didn't get much sleep. Little one was really uncomfortable most of the night and just couldn't settle down. We both felt so bad for her. We got her some fruit at breakfast and juice so we are hoping that will help her. We went to the mountain today and saw a buddhist temple and a huge pagoda at the top of the mountain. It was so cool. Morgan does so well in the car. She loves exploring. On the way back, we stopped at Mcdonald's and brought lunch back to the hotel. It's funny, instead of apple pies, they have yam pies, among some of other interesting pies, which I won't mention. Morgan's new thing is to put her finger in my mouth, I then act like I'm biting it and she imitates me. it's so funny. She was smiling a lot today. she loves the outdoors. She will do just fine in Florida huh? Tomorrow, we are just going to hang out at the hotel and pack things up to get ready to go to Guanghzou. We are ready for a new environment. miss everyone. Love you all.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Went to the People's Park today
This am, we went downstairs for breakfast, Morgan was not as fussy as yesterday. She was so good. She sat on my lap and ate some congee and played with the spoons. Then we rented a stroller from the hotel. I wasn't sure if she would get in it, but she did real well. We went down the road a couple of blocks to the People's Park. It was amazing. There were people singing, doing tai-chi, playing music, playing games, etc. It was just awesome. We met some very nice older chinese that were telling Ecko what a lucky girl Morgan was. We also met some that asked Ecko why we would want a child like that, why not get a better one, they would ask. Very disheartening. They don't realize how easy the surgery is in America. People would walk in front of us, turn around and stare. I'm so grateful Morgan doesn't understand what that means, cause it was very hard to not get upset. I tried to just smile. Morgan fell asleep when we were coming back to the Hotel. we let her stay in the stroller until she woke up again. She does not like to be disturbed when she is comfortable. We also tried out the cantonese restaurant in the hotel and it was excellent. The first real meal I've eaten since we got here. Some other americans that are also staying her suggested it and they were right, it was so good. We saved the leftovers to eat for dinner. 2 more days here in Nanning and then we will be heading to the last leg of our journey. It's really great being here, but I think we are both ready to come home. We miss everyone so much. Love to everyone.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Morgan is settling in
Morgan slept from 9pm until 6:30am. She sleeps very well. We thinks she gets bad gas. The poor thing will cry about 10 minutes after she eats, real tears and everything. It's so sad. the little farts stink, really really bad! She got a bath last night. She did not like that. She ate some congee and drank some formula. This morning we gave her some more congee and little bits of toasts. We had to go back to the civil affairs office and sign the adoption paperwork. When we pulled up, I saw her caretaker inside. I told Ecko, I really didn't feel that it would be healthy for her to see her caretaker again. So Ecko went inside and asked her to stand away from her view, which they did. I didn't want to sound hateful, but, she was really having a rough time yesterday and I just didn't want to subject her to that again. She loves looking around. In the cab ride, it was so funny, she would turn her head one way and watch all the bikes and cars and then turn it the other way really fast. She kept doing that the whole way there. It was very funny. Her personality has come out a little today. She loves to babble. She does not like it when I put her down either. I think she is still really scared. She is such a great baby. I signed all the adoption paperwork, put my thumbprint next to it and then they put little Morgan's footprint next to that. The orphanage presented me with a gift, photo album and a beautiful silk album with her adoption certificate in it.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Gotcha Day!
Well, little Morgan was given to me around 2:40pm. Of course she had to be the only baby crying or should I say squalling! I felt so bad. Renee and I both were crying with her. It was so sad. She kept watching for her caretaker. Her caretaker was also very upset. It took about 1 1/2 hours and she has now calmed down. She has eaten a little and had one diaper change. Whew, was it bad! She is so curious, she loves looking around and she loves grabbing things. She did stand up and walk around the bed holding the bed. I'm sure it won't be long and she will be walking and exploring. What a wonderful experience. It was just amazing.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
7 more hours til little Morgan!
Things here in Guangxi are not as updated as in Beijing so I am having a little trouble with the internet. I am really hoping I get to post pictures of little one when we get her today, but I am unable to actually look at the blog. anyone is welcome to email me at shortyc28@aol.com since I am unable to read the comments. I am hoping it will be different in Guanghzou, but we don't leave here until saturday. sorry for the inconvenience. I will post again today! love to everyone
We are in Nanning
Well, we made it to Nanning, where little morgan is. We met Ecko, the ISS worker here. She is very sweet. It was so nice having someone to translate for us. She had a driver set up after we arrived here, she took care of the rooms, and then she took us to a local grocery so we could get some snacks. She was very helpful. We just lost power and we're not sure why. Anyways, we will get little one tomorrow at 2:45 pm. Ecko said that her lip was not repaired so that is good. So, when you all wake up Monday morning, little morgan will be here with us. I'm hoping to post some pictures, but this internet connection is so slow! Well, have a wonderful day. Good night. We have actually stayed up until 8:30pm tonight, so maybe, we can sleep until 5am. Until next time. Love to everybody.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
We made it to Hong Kong!
Hello everyone, we made it to Hong Kong yesterday. This place is huge! We didn't realize there were so many mountains here. It was refreshing to see some green and palm trees. They drive on the wrong side of the road, which was also surprising. Our guide had told us that Hong Kong was originally owned by the British, so I guess that would explain things. The hotel is nice, but no heat! They did bring us a portable heater, which helped things. We seem to be on a schedule of going to sleep at 7pm and waking up at 3am. It's very odd. We are hoping to get off that schedule since it's impossible to do anything. Well, this morning we will head back to the airport and fly to Nanning. We will meet with the ISS worker, Ecko this afternoon. We will get little Morgan tomorrow afternoon! The day is almost here! Well, we will write again this evening or tomorrow. I have to tell you, we really miss home. We thought Americans were rude, most asian people really don't care if they cut in front of you or hit you. The plane ride was very uncomfortable. Not the ride, just the atmosphere. They burp outloud, push on your seat, pull on your seat everytime they get up, cough without covering there mouths. It's just very different. One thing that really amazing Renee and I is the men do not allow the women to go first. That is really strange. Aunt Danielle, the rock has been secured! Save bail money! Debbie, we met Maurice. He is so sweet. He left a package at the desk when we arrived and left a note with two of his books. He called later than evening and we met him downstairs in the lobby. We wanted to have dinner with him, but his friend fron Singapore was meeting him. We had a great talk. He thought we already had Morgan. He was so nice Debbie. It was great meeting him. Thanks Debbie. We will write later.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The Great Wall and Tinnamen Square
Well, we went to the Great Wall today. What an amazing site. We went to the Mitanyu (spelling?) part. It is supposed to be less crowded and not so many tourist. I'm sure after today, we will be feeling it in our calves and upper thighs. When they say steep, they mean steep. We did take a cable car part way up to the great wall, which was greatly appreciated. On the way there, I got a little car sick, so I was happy to exit the vehicle upon arrival. We went through a great farming village. Our guide was telling us that the village doesn't have heat, so they still use wood burning stoves. it has a really bad odor. She was also telling us that this winter isn't as cold as previous winters. We used the toilet at the Great Wall. That was an experience in itself. On one of the stalls, there was a sign that said "for old chinese people" and it was a western style toilet. Pretty comical. The smell in the bathroom is enough to make you risk getting a UTI. Glad I brought the travel toilet paper, cause there was none! Also, no soap, but they did have sinks. I was afraid to turn on the water, so the germ x towels worked great. Well, enough about toilets. The great wall is such an amazing site. When we finally got to the wall, it was so still and quiet. I can only imagine what it must look like in the spring and summer, when everything is green. it must just be absolutely beautiful.
After the wall, our guide took us to an authentic chinese restaurant. We had soup with bamboo, mushrooms and chinese cabbage, white rice and noodles with chinese vegetables and chicken. It was very good. After that, we asked them to drop us off at Tinnamen square and we would walk back to the hotel. We were unable to see General Mao's tomb since it is only open in the am, but we did take pictures of the outside. We met a very nice couple, Tom and Caryann. They are in Beijing as students at the International College. They are learning English so of course they wanted to practice. They said we were very warm and friendly. They invited us to have tea also. They were telling us that most American's they try to talk to usually walk away from them because they think they are trying to sell something to them. I can completely understand that cause I am always a little leery when they start speaking to us, but they had good energy.
Well, tomorrow we will be off to Hong Kong for one night. Then to nanning, where little Morgan is. Miss everyone. Love to you all
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
1st day in Beijing cont.
View of room as soon as you walk in.
Outside of the Forbidden city
Forbidden City
1st day in Beijing
Good morning everyone, or I guess it is good evening. Well, we woke up very fresh and ready to go. We had a little problem with the transformer not charging the computer, but our room valet (how fancy) came and brought us a transformer that worked, so go figure. Anyways, I didn't blow up my curling iron yet, which is good. We went down to the breakfast buffet and had fresh pancakes, croissants, rosemary potatoes and cranberry bear claws. We actually met the chef on the elevator and when I was searching for my food, he was laughing at me, cause I'm sure I looked lost. He said, you want pancakes, I said sure and he just smiled. I just knew he was thinking, silly american, she has no clue. Right? Anyways, it was delicious. We took a few pictures of the inside of the hotel. It is so beautiful here. We are going to venture out in the chilly weather and explore a little now. I will try and post some pictures this evening when I have a little more time.
We're in China!
We'll after being awake for over 24 hours, we are finally here! What a trip. We got delayed in Detroit (surprise!) for about an hour, of course, the plane was already loaded, so we were stuck on the plane. It was a miserable 13 hour trip. The plane was completely full. There might be 6 inches between your legs and the seat in front of you and of course the people in front of you are going to have their seat reclined back, the whole 13 hours! Even when we ate, they didn't budge. By hour 10, we were really getting ansy. Of course, leaving an hour late put us late in Tokyo. When you get into Tokyo, you have to go through security again, I guess they think you might have had someone airmail you a bomb or something. The people at Tokyo were really friendly. Even though we were late, the plane waited for us to go through security and board. I think it was the most thoughtfulness I've ever seen with an airline. Usually, they tell you, you are screwed. So, we made it to Beijing along with all of our luggage! We waited an hour at the airport, and our ride never showed. So, we call Aunt Betsy asking her to call AAA to see what they can do about it, since they arranged it. They really weren't any help, so we called the place again and got a woman on the phone that said she was going to send a driver right away. he was there in about 15 minutes, it was great. We saw lots of christmas decorations, which seemed kind of odd to me, but it was neat. They had a season greetings sign downtown that was all lit up. You think people drive crazy in the US,you should see them here! OMG, it was scary! Well, the hotel is called Raffles (part of International Beijing Hotel), it's very elegant. There is a bedroom part, sitting area and a huge bathroom. They also left some cool chinese slippers, that were are taking home, of course. Ok, so, we made it (thank God), and we are exhausted and need to sleep. I'll write more tomorrow. Love everyone
