Bright and eary this morning began our journey! Poor Nate awoke this morning feeling very ill (of all days). I felt so bad for him watching him haul all of our luggage across the hotel and airport to our terminal. Once we boarded and found our seats, he rested his head on my shoulder and tried to sleep. The whole day consisted of Nate feeling queasy and sitting with Anya in my lap. She did so great though! She was a real trooper! Even the Flight Attendants commented on how good she was being! What a relief! I was very nervous when we began our trip because the gal sitting next to me did not seem very happy about being seated next to us. Anya would reach over to touch her and she would pull away abruptly. I thought, "Oh, Goodness! This trip is going to be long and miserable!" I felt even worse when a flight attendant came to her and said, "Mam, we have an open window seat two rows back if you would like" to which she snapped, "I don't like window seats!" Yikes:) Anya did great though and didn't bother the lady next to me too much. I think she did end up with cracker and cookie crumbs all about her though by the time she left though - oops! We tried very hard:) When she left to use the potty, I was constantly trying to clean up all of our "snacks" from her seat and floor area. Thankfully she didn't say anything though and one time when I was "resting" I caught her watching Anya for quite awhile:)
Anya and I watched movies and snacked most of the day. Anya did sleep a good deal too which was wonderful! It made it hard for Mommy to sleep though - a husband on one shoulder and a baby sprawled across my lap:) My legs kept falling asleep, but I was too afraid of awakening Anya that I left them still. How good it felt when Nate awoke and relieved me for a potty break! I took a long stretch!:) Sigh! Great day of traveling though. Anya fussed for about 10 min. this evening (in which Nate just walked her around a bit) but that was it! There are two other couples (who were both with us at the White Swan) who had to drug their kids, so we were amazed that Anya didn't need anything (which was great in that we didn't have any Benydryl to give her anyways!). Nate is feeling better now too, so all is good:) Tomorrow lands us in the United States of America - the greatest country on earth! So ready to be home!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Hong Kong Friday, September 30, 2010
We were up at 7:30 completing our packing. We Skyped the kids one last time before leaving the White Swan to return to them:) I realy miss my kiddos:) Everytime I see their little faces, I can't wait to see them again! Very soon now!
Once Winnie (same gal that brought us to the White Swan when we first arrived) picked us up, my heart was completely set on our trip home. I'm very eager to get there! We arrived at the Guangzhou train station around 11 and our train departed a little after noon. It was fun to travel to Hong Kong by train, but our seats were facing backwards (opposite to the way the train was going) so both Nate and I battled car/train sickness off and on. Anya travelled great! She was ready to be done though when we arrived in Hong Kong. Lotus (our travel agency) sent a guy to meet us and transport us to teh Regal Airport Hotel. We'll stay overnight here before catching a plane back to the States tomorrow:) It's hard being displaced - not at our home and not at the White Swan. I really wish we could just keep going, hop on a plane and go:) I'm so eager to see our kids and introduce Anya to her home and the rest of her family!
Since our hotel is joined to the airport, we took a stroll to get a bite to eat adn find where we need to be tomorrow morning for our flight. Anya has been very fussy since we got here and she is very bothered by the room. I think she is afraid by yet another change and she is wanting the security of our White Swan room:( Poor Thing! She doesn't realize that she has a home and family waiting for her in Alabama. Nate just got her to sleep - Whew! Today was a busy and stressful day (travel and all) for all of us, so we're both ready to kick back and relax for a bit before heading to bed. Good Night!
Once Winnie (same gal that brought us to the White Swan when we first arrived) picked us up, my heart was completely set on our trip home. I'm very eager to get there! We arrived at the Guangzhou train station around 11 and our train departed a little after noon. It was fun to travel to Hong Kong by train, but our seats were facing backwards (opposite to the way the train was going) so both Nate and I battled car/train sickness off and on. Anya travelled great! She was ready to be done though when we arrived in Hong Kong. Lotus (our travel agency) sent a guy to meet us and transport us to teh Regal Airport Hotel. We'll stay overnight here before catching a plane back to the States tomorrow:) It's hard being displaced - not at our home and not at the White Swan. I really wish we could just keep going, hop on a plane and go:) I'm so eager to see our kids and introduce Anya to her home and the rest of her family!
Since our hotel is joined to the airport, we took a stroll to get a bite to eat adn find where we need to be tomorrow morning for our flight. Anya has been very fussy since we got here and she is very bothered by the room. I think she is afraid by yet another change and she is wanting the security of our White Swan room:( Poor Thing! She doesn't realize that she has a home and family waiting for her in Alabama. Nate just got her to sleep - Whew! Today was a busy and stressful day (travel and all) for all of us, so we're both ready to kick back and relax for a bit before heading to bed. Good Night!
On Our Own in a Taxi/Good-Bye to Group September 29, 2010
It's hard to believe that our time in China is about over and that very soon it will be time to fly with our baby girl back home! The time has passed so quickly and I am sad to leave China and Shaiman Island, but am ready to get home to the kids too. I have really missed them:( Each morning when we Skype them, they express how much they miss us too. It will be nice to be together as a family again, and this time with our newest Healy addition:) Anya has changed so much!
Today Anya has really been moving around. She is in the beginning stages of crawling (it appears anyways - who knows what she was doing at the orphanage) and she goes all over while on the bed. She loves our White Swan room! Whenever we go out now, she fusses and cries, but as soon as we enter the hotel and begin our walk back to the room (Rm. 1138) she gets so excited and begins smiling and laughing. I think she thinks the White Swan is her home and that is where she feels most secure. We're beginning to wonder how the next few days traveling home will be in the absence of this room.
This morning after breakfast Nate, Anya, and I took a taxi cab to the Jade and Pearl Market to buy gifts for our moms. We got them each a jade grandmother necklace and a pearl necklace too. Earlier, we bought our moms a vase and a small tea set too - can't wait to give everything to them:) They'll love it! They've done so much in watching and caring for the kids in our absence.
Once we returned to the Island, we took care of a little more shopping (last minute), grabbed a quite bite to eat at the Deli, and then ran down to the hotels lobby area to see Anne, her two Chinese children, her friend Rita, and the Norris's off. They are on their way to Hong Kong today and then on to their homes (Montana and Iowa) tomorrow. It was really sad to see them go but in a way it makes it a little easier to say "Good Bye" to China and begin our journey home too. It feels time:)
Nate, Anya, and I headed to the pool one last time, but this time didn't go in. We just sat in the recliner beach chairs and relaxed:) So Peaceful! We stayed down at the pool for an hour before heading up to our room to begin working on our packing.
At 5:15 we went to Holt's office (Rm. 427) for Anya's visa. Then it was off to say "Good Bye" to our Shaiman Island friends (from the shops we frequently visited), get a couple more gifts, and supper at Tao Ran Xuan. It was fun to go there one last time before we leave. Have I mentioned that it was our favorite:) The staff there all know us by now too. They comne and play with Anya and love to feed her:) Tonight a family at a table behind us sent some of their food from their table over because they were concerned that Anya didn't have enough to eat:) The restaurant staff fed her soooo much! They just kept shoveling food in her mouth - Nate and I thought for sure she would be sick. She felt extra heavy as we left the restaurant:)
It's now almost 11p.m. and we're pretty much all packed! Tomorrow we begin our journey back home:)
Today Anya has really been moving around. She is in the beginning stages of crawling (it appears anyways - who knows what she was doing at the orphanage) and she goes all over while on the bed. She loves our White Swan room! Whenever we go out now, she fusses and cries, but as soon as we enter the hotel and begin our walk back to the room (Rm. 1138) she gets so excited and begins smiling and laughing. I think she thinks the White Swan is her home and that is where she feels most secure. We're beginning to wonder how the next few days traveling home will be in the absence of this room.
This morning after breakfast Nate, Anya, and I took a taxi cab to the Jade and Pearl Market to buy gifts for our moms. We got them each a jade grandmother necklace and a pearl necklace too. Earlier, we bought our moms a vase and a small tea set too - can't wait to give everything to them:) They'll love it! They've done so much in watching and caring for the kids in our absence.
Once we returned to the Island, we took care of a little more shopping (last minute), grabbed a quite bite to eat at the Deli, and then ran down to the hotels lobby area to see Anne, her two Chinese children, her friend Rita, and the Norris's off. They are on their way to Hong Kong today and then on to their homes (Montana and Iowa) tomorrow. It was really sad to see them go but in a way it makes it a little easier to say "Good Bye" to China and begin our journey home too. It feels time:)
Nate, Anya, and I headed to the pool one last time, but this time didn't go in. We just sat in the recliner beach chairs and relaxed:) So Peaceful! We stayed down at the pool for an hour before heading up to our room to begin working on our packing.
At 5:15 we went to Holt's office (Rm. 427) for Anya's visa. Then it was off to say "Good Bye" to our Shaiman Island friends (from the shops we frequently visited), get a couple more gifts, and supper at Tao Ran Xuan. It was fun to go there one last time before we leave. Have I mentioned that it was our favorite:) The staff there all know us by now too. They comne and play with Anya and love to feed her:) Tonight a family at a table behind us sent some of their food from their table over because they were concerned that Anya didn't have enough to eat:) The restaurant staff fed her soooo much! They just kept shoveling food in her mouth - Nate and I thought for sure she would be sick. She felt extra heavy as we left the restaurant:)
It's now almost 11p.m. and we're pretty much all packed! Tomorrow we begin our journey back home:)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Red Couch Pictures/Boat Cruise September 28
Our Holt group met for group pictures this morning at 10:00. All adoptive families take pictures on the red couch (2nd floor near the golden bird cage) so it was a neat experience to partake of the "tradition". Our group then took a 40 min. bus ride to the U.S. Consulate at 2:15 this afternoon for the Oath taking Ceremony. When we were all pronounced legal parents to our children, we all let out a big cheer and hugged our kids:) Quite neat!
We had a couple of hours before our boat cruise, so we did a little shopping around the island while we waited. We found both of our moms a Chinese tea set and bought a clay test set for ourselves.
The cruise was at 6:00 and it was wonderful! We all had our Papa John's pizzas and enjoyed the lovely ride! It was just beautiful! It was very special to be on a boat cruising down the river with soft music and lights all around the island, holding each other and our beautiful, new daughter, Anya Mei! Great Day!
We had a couple of hours before our boat cruise, so we did a little shopping around the island while we waited. We found both of our moms a Chinese tea set and bought a clay test set for ourselves.
The cruise was at 6:00 and it was wonderful! We all had our Papa John's pizzas and enjoyed the lovely ride! It was just beautiful! It was very special to be on a boat cruising down the river with soft music and lights all around the island, holding each other and our beautiful, new daughter, Anya Mei! Great Day!
Safari Day! September 27, 2010
This morning our Holt group met our guide, Joyce, at 9:30 to drive to the Guangzhou zoo and safari. It was such a fun trip! The safari was wonderful as we rode on a safari train for 45 min. looking at all of the animals roaming about! The rest of our time was spent just wandering around the zoo looking at the caged animals. There was a wonderful Panda bear exhibit and we got to feed a baby, white tiger. We also fed giraffes leafy branches and rode on an elephant! It was great! We completed our outing with lunch in the park. We bought the kids back home a Panda puppet to go with the new puppet stage Grandma and Papa made for them. Nathan had told us before we left for China that he really wanted a panda, so I think this will mean a lot to him.
It was around 3:30 when we returned to our room. We relaxed on the bed playing blocks and stacking cups with Anya. She just keeps changing more and more each day! It is so wonderful and exciting to see!
The three Holt families met for supper at 6 and went to the Tao Ran Xuan (yes, again). This was Nate's and my fourth time there:) We ate on the sixth floor by the huge window overlooking the river - beautiful! We all ordered different dishes and then shared. Another wonderful evening with great fellowship!
It was around 3:30 when we returned to our room. We relaxed on the bed playing blocks and stacking cups with Anya. She just keeps changing more and more each day! It is so wonderful and exciting to see!
The three Holt families met for supper at 6 and went to the Tao Ran Xuan (yes, again). This was Nate's and my fourth time there:) We ate on the sixth floor by the huge window overlooking the river - beautiful! We all ordered different dishes and then shared. Another wonderful evening with great fellowship!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Jade and Pearl Market Monday, September 26, 2010
Today was Jade and Pearl Market day. After eating breakfast, we joined the Norris's, Ann and her company, and our Holt escorts (Anson and Joyce) in the lobby for our tour. It was a lot of fun! We visited the jade market first and there were jade vendors "everywhere". We walked around and looked at many of them before making our purchase. Nate got me a beautiful green, jade braclet and we got him a jade pendent.
From the jade market, we walked across the street to the pearl market. Same thing with pearl vendors in every shop (it was like a mall with every shop selling pearls!). Nate bought me three different neclaces (they were so cheap) and then we bought each of our daughters a pearl neclace (ended up being $4 U.S. dollars a piece!). They are going to love them:)
For lunch, we grabbed a bite to eat at the deli and then headed for the pool. It was such a beautiful day to be at the pool! There were a lot of adoptive families down there (one couple was in their late 50's!), so it was fun to visit with many of them. It's just so neat to see all of these families brought together in one location, touched by the same thing - the adoption of a child. Having so many children from all over China and so many families adopting from all different agencies, is just neat. We can all learn from, strengthen, and gain support from one another.
Tim, Kerri, and their two kids joined us for supper and we again went to the Tao Ran Xuan. We were seated at a table next to the young lady who played beautiful music on her instrument, so we got to enjoy that the whole meal through. It was just such a fun meal being with our new and forever friends, the Norris's. We are so happy to have them back with us (after being together in Beijing and then having them fly to their child's province to get her). Our kids all had a fun time too. Anya loves the tea and each day, her appetite improves. She has started feeding herself now too and she is filled with laughter and smiles:) She has begun saying, "Ma Ma" and making baby sounds. She's really trying to mimic what she sees Nate and I doing too. She claps her hands, moves her tongue back and forth, rubs her head, gives Hi-5, etc. It's very cute! I know Nathan, Annalise, Ainsley, and Anniston are going to eat her up:) They will be such great brother and sisters!
We borrowed some little, Duplo type blocks from teh Holt office here, so Anya is on teh bed playing with blocks:) This little girl has just blossomed over this past week! It's hard to believe she is the same child we met on Sept. 19. I think that she knows that we are her parents and that she is with her forever family!
From the jade market, we walked across the street to the pearl market. Same thing with pearl vendors in every shop (it was like a mall with every shop selling pearls!). Nate bought me three different neclaces (they were so cheap) and then we bought each of our daughters a pearl neclace (ended up being $4 U.S. dollars a piece!). They are going to love them:)
For lunch, we grabbed a bite to eat at the deli and then headed for the pool. It was such a beautiful day to be at the pool! There were a lot of adoptive families down there (one couple was in their late 50's!), so it was fun to visit with many of them. It's just so neat to see all of these families brought together in one location, touched by the same thing - the adoption of a child. Having so many children from all over China and so many families adopting from all different agencies, is just neat. We can all learn from, strengthen, and gain support from one another.
Tim, Kerri, and their two kids joined us for supper and we again went to the Tao Ran Xuan. We were seated at a table next to the young lady who played beautiful music on her instrument, so we got to enjoy that the whole meal through. It was just such a fun meal being with our new and forever friends, the Norris's. We are so happy to have them back with us (after being together in Beijing and then having them fly to their child's province to get her). Our kids all had a fun time too. Anya loves the tea and each day, her appetite improves. She has started feeding herself now too and she is filled with laughter and smiles:) She has begun saying, "Ma Ma" and making baby sounds. She's really trying to mimic what she sees Nate and I doing too. She claps her hands, moves her tongue back and forth, rubs her head, gives Hi-5, etc. It's very cute! I know Nathan, Annalise, Ainsley, and Anniston are going to eat her up:) They will be such great brother and sisters!
We borrowed some little, Duplo type blocks from teh Holt office here, so Anya is on teh bed playing with blocks:) This little girl has just blossomed over this past week! It's hard to believe she is the same child we met on Sept. 19. I think that she knows that we are her parents and that she is with her forever family!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Medical Examination - Worst Day! Sun., Sept. 26, 2010
This morning we Skyped the kids again and oh, how eager they are for us to return. It's very soon now. We'll be home in less than a week! It's hard to believe how quickly the time has gone.
Nate and I met Anson and Joyce down in the lobby at 9:30 to take Anya to her medical examination. It was much quieter today:) The check up part went very quickly (she had to see two different doctors). They said that her heart murmur is still there but that it is ever so slight. That was very good news! The part that wasn't good was they said Anya would need to haave six shots! I about fell over! I was in tears! It's so hard when we have learned so much about immunizations the past couple of years and anyone knows that six shots at once (and some are combination shots, so really it ends up being more than that) is not a good idea. A woman I spoke with later (she works with teenagers at a clinic in the states) said that they never give more than four at once and that is to teenagers! And here little Anya Mai is barely 14 months:( The hardest part is that she is our daughter and there was absolutely nothing we could do. The Chinese doctors said that it was not what they wanted to do but that the CDC required it in order for Anya to enter the United States. To pump such a little body with so much just scared me (how much is too much for that little body to handle before something goes wrong). Sorry! I was pretty upset over this one. It just broke my heart to do to her and with what we now know with how our own children's bodies handle certain things, it scared me. Anya was out of it after her shots and it took her a little while to perk back up. Nate ever so lovingly reminded me that God is in control of it all, so when things are completely out of our control, they are not out of His control. And even if things do go wrong as a result, He will give us the grace and strength to make it through. All that said, the Lord can cover and protect her - even from so many shots at once - and hopefully everything will be just fine.
After Anya's medical exam, Anson walked us to the Christian church where we were able to participate in a Chinese service. The service was preached in the Chinese language with an interpreter to translate into English. We enjoyed the service and Anya just snuggled close through it all. After service a young, Chinese woman approached us and excitedly shared how she came to know the Lord and what He has done in her life. She said that life is very hard, but that He helps get her through. She shared how the rest of her family is Buddist and she prays for them daily. She showed us her Bible an American family had given to her.
Anya was exhausted after church and lunch, so we all layed down for an hour to rest. Nate had our adoption paperwork to complete with Holt and the other adoptive families at 3:00, so while he was gone, Anya and I just hung out and played:) She is such a special, special, little girl! I just love her so much!
When Nate returned, we webt to Susan's Place to pick up our laundry and then ordered in Mc Donald's for supper - Anya had her very first Happy Meal:) It was neat to see a guy pull up on his bicycle with a heated pack that held our meal:) Anya really enjoyed her "American" meal and so did Nate and I:)
Nate and I met Anson and Joyce down in the lobby at 9:30 to take Anya to her medical examination. It was much quieter today:) The check up part went very quickly (she had to see two different doctors). They said that her heart murmur is still there but that it is ever so slight. That was very good news! The part that wasn't good was they said Anya would need to haave six shots! I about fell over! I was in tears! It's so hard when we have learned so much about immunizations the past couple of years and anyone knows that six shots at once (and some are combination shots, so really it ends up being more than that) is not a good idea. A woman I spoke with later (she works with teenagers at a clinic in the states) said that they never give more than four at once and that is to teenagers! And here little Anya Mai is barely 14 months:( The hardest part is that she is our daughter and there was absolutely nothing we could do. The Chinese doctors said that it was not what they wanted to do but that the CDC required it in order for Anya to enter the United States. To pump such a little body with so much just scared me (how much is too much for that little body to handle before something goes wrong). Sorry! I was pretty upset over this one. It just broke my heart to do to her and with what we now know with how our own children's bodies handle certain things, it scared me. Anya was out of it after her shots and it took her a little while to perk back up. Nate ever so lovingly reminded me that God is in control of it all, so when things are completely out of our control, they are not out of His control. And even if things do go wrong as a result, He will give us the grace and strength to make it through. All that said, the Lord can cover and protect her - even from so many shots at once - and hopefully everything will be just fine.
After Anya's medical exam, Anson walked us to the Christian church where we were able to participate in a Chinese service. The service was preached in the Chinese language with an interpreter to translate into English. We enjoyed the service and Anya just snuggled close through it all. After service a young, Chinese woman approached us and excitedly shared how she came to know the Lord and what He has done in her life. She said that life is very hard, but that He helps get her through. She shared how the rest of her family is Buddist and she prays for them daily. She showed us her Bible an American family had given to her.
Anya was exhausted after church and lunch, so we all layed down for an hour to rest. Nate had our adoption paperwork to complete with Holt and the other adoptive families at 3:00, so while he was gone, Anya and I just hung out and played:) She is such a special, special, little girl! I just love her so much!
When Nate returned, we webt to Susan's Place to pick up our laundry and then ordered in Mc Donald's for supper - Anya had her very first Happy Meal:) It was neat to see a guy pull up on his bicycle with a heated pack that held our meal:) Anya really enjoyed her "American" meal and so did Nate and I:)
Free Day! Saturday, September 25, 2010
We skyped the kids back home this morning and they wanted to see Anya and ask us what interesting Chinese foods we had eaten that day:) Nathan kept trying to make Anya laugh and was just being such a sweet, big brother:) The kids are all just so excited to have Anya in our family.
Anya has been changing so much each day! It is so much fun watching ehr come alive and seeing her personality come out. She's been smiling and laughing so much. She has four teeth and is cutting two more so it's so cute to see this little "toothy" grin:)
After breakfast we met Anson and went to the photo shop to get Anya's visa picture taken. From there we walked to the medical clinic for Anya's medical examination. It was absolutely crazy! There were over 500 people there - the large number due to the clinic being closed over their holiday (Mid-Autumn Festival). Here in China when they have a holiday, they get the holiday days off but then they have to make those days up on the weekend. Like today (though Saturday) the kids are all in school to make up the days they missed from the holiday. Strange, isn't it. Well, because it was so crazy at the clinic, Anson (our HOLT guide) said we'd come back tomorrow. So, the rest of the day was free! We walked down by the river and through the park, and then did a little bit of shopping. We stopped by Susan's Place to drop off our laundry and Dong invited us to stay for tea. Nate visited with Dong while Susan and I sat over by the jewelry and talked. I always learn so much from just listening to Susan.
This evening Nate and I decided to try the French restaurant for supper. It was very good! We ate in a train car and it was just a neat experience! We sat next to a man from the U.S. who is married to a Chinese woman. He is working to get all of her papers together so she can soon join him in the states. This gentleman has lived in between the U.S. and China for the past five years. He talked with us the whole meal through and shared with us some of the things he has seen and experienced while being in China. He said that everything you see is fake, and it's sad, but the more we learn and see, the more we realize how true this is. Our hearts ache for the Chinese people and the control of power that is placed upon them. I cannot stop thinking about the people:( I find myself awaking in the middle of the night thinking about what life must be like here and the people we have come to really care about here. It makes your heart hurt. It makes me so thankful to live in the U.S., and my life has been touched in my love for the people here. I will never forget our experiences here and will pray for the people of China.
Anya has been changing so much each day! It is so much fun watching ehr come alive and seeing her personality come out. She's been smiling and laughing so much. She has four teeth and is cutting two more so it's so cute to see this little "toothy" grin:)
After breakfast we met Anson and went to the photo shop to get Anya's visa picture taken. From there we walked to the medical clinic for Anya's medical examination. It was absolutely crazy! There were over 500 people there - the large number due to the clinic being closed over their holiday (Mid-Autumn Festival). Here in China when they have a holiday, they get the holiday days off but then they have to make those days up on the weekend. Like today (though Saturday) the kids are all in school to make up the days they missed from the holiday. Strange, isn't it. Well, because it was so crazy at the clinic, Anson (our HOLT guide) said we'd come back tomorrow. So, the rest of the day was free! We walked down by the river and through the park, and then did a little bit of shopping. We stopped by Susan's Place to drop off our laundry and Dong invited us to stay for tea. Nate visited with Dong while Susan and I sat over by the jewelry and talked. I always learn so much from just listening to Susan.
This evening Nate and I decided to try the French restaurant for supper. It was very good! We ate in a train car and it was just a neat experience! We sat next to a man from the U.S. who is married to a Chinese woman. He is working to get all of her papers together so she can soon join him in the states. This gentleman has lived in between the U.S. and China for the past five years. He talked with us the whole meal through and shared with us some of the things he has seen and experienced while being in China. He said that everything you see is fake, and it's sad, but the more we learn and see, the more we realize how true this is. Our hearts ache for the Chinese people and the control of power that is placed upon them. I cannot stop thinking about the people:( I find myself awaking in the middle of the night thinking about what life must be like here and the people we have come to really care about here. It makes your heart hurt. It makes me so thankful to live in the U.S., and my life has been touched in my love for the people here. I will never forget our experiences here and will pray for the people of China.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Another Day on Shamain Island Fri., September 24, 2010
Another good nights sleep last night - sigh:) Anya is just such a good, little girl! She is so sweet and .....perfect! We are so incredibly blessed to have her as our daughter:)
This morning when we got up, we skyped the kids back home so they could see Anya. It was so cute to watch them making faces and funny sounds to try to get a smile out of their new sister:) How I miss our kiddos:( They are such sweet kids and I just miss being with them. They are so eager for us to bring their little sister home. Soon.
After breakfast, Nate and I decided to take another stoll down to the park to enjoy all of the activity. Again, a wonderful time! Today as we paused to watch an older lady leading a choir of people in sining, a mother with her baby approached us. She began talking with Anya in Chinese and speaking to both of our babies. Her little guy was eating a banana and the mother gave one to Anya too:) It was so cute to watch both babies sitting side by side in their stollers munching on bananas - we took a picture:)
This afternoon (the weather today was gorgeous!) we took Anya back to the pool to enjoy some "cool me off". She enjoyed the water so much that she fell fast asleep on Daddy's shoulder:) So, our pool time did not last long. We headed back up to our room to shower off and let Anya sleep. After she awoke, we took a stroll across the bridge to the market. Crossing that bridge felt like stepping into another world. It was bustling with people all selling and buying products. We saw snakes, dried caterpillars, thousands and thousands of dried sea horses, star fish, beetles, etc. It was, well, quite an experience:) It felt much better when we crossed back over the bridge to our quiet and laid back area.
On our way back to the hotel, we ran into Dong (man originally from Maoming who owns Susan's Place) who again, invited us over for tea and Moon Cake. We had such a wonderful time! Dong and his wife, Susan, had us sit down with them at their tea table and Dong prepared us tea and fed us moon cake while we all talked. Dong and Susan have just been such a delight! We have really enjoyed getting to know them.
For supper, we found ourselves back over at Lucy's (for some American food). I had chicken and Nate had a burger and fries. Little Anya ate Chicken Congee. Another couple (from Arizona) was there too with their new, little, two year old daughter, so we chatted the whole meal through. It is just so much fun to run into couples literally "everywhere" who are here for the same reason as we are - to adopt their son or daughter. We all share one common thing and that thing joins us all together. It's like in the military. There are so many different people and all with different personalities, but having that one common thing (being Air Force) draws us all together as.....family:) It's in a way that only those families can know and understand. It's special.
Well, after supper, Nate, Anya, and I took a nice, little stroll through the park, that was lit with Chinese lanterns all around, before heading back to our room for the night. It is now 9:30 and Nate and Anya are in bed sound asleep. They look so peaceful:) It has been a full and busy, yet wonderful day! I'm ready to go and join them for some rest though. We're all exhausted! Good Night!
This morning when we got up, we skyped the kids back home so they could see Anya. It was so cute to watch them making faces and funny sounds to try to get a smile out of their new sister:) How I miss our kiddos:( They are such sweet kids and I just miss being with them. They are so eager for us to bring their little sister home. Soon.
After breakfast, Nate and I decided to take another stoll down to the park to enjoy all of the activity. Again, a wonderful time! Today as we paused to watch an older lady leading a choir of people in sining, a mother with her baby approached us. She began talking with Anya in Chinese and speaking to both of our babies. Her little guy was eating a banana and the mother gave one to Anya too:) It was so cute to watch both babies sitting side by side in their stollers munching on bananas - we took a picture:)
This afternoon (the weather today was gorgeous!) we took Anya back to the pool to enjoy some "cool me off". She enjoyed the water so much that she fell fast asleep on Daddy's shoulder:) So, our pool time did not last long. We headed back up to our room to shower off and let Anya sleep. After she awoke, we took a stroll across the bridge to the market. Crossing that bridge felt like stepping into another world. It was bustling with people all selling and buying products. We saw snakes, dried caterpillars, thousands and thousands of dried sea horses, star fish, beetles, etc. It was, well, quite an experience:) It felt much better when we crossed back over the bridge to our quiet and laid back area.
On our way back to the hotel, we ran into Dong (man originally from Maoming who owns Susan's Place) who again, invited us over for tea and Moon Cake. We had such a wonderful time! Dong and his wife, Susan, had us sit down with them at their tea table and Dong prepared us tea and fed us moon cake while we all talked. Dong and Susan have just been such a delight! We have really enjoyed getting to know them.
For supper, we found ourselves back over at Lucy's (for some American food). I had chicken and Nate had a burger and fries. Little Anya ate Chicken Congee. Another couple (from Arizona) was there too with their new, little, two year old daughter, so we chatted the whole meal through. It is just so much fun to run into couples literally "everywhere" who are here for the same reason as we are - to adopt their son or daughter. We all share one common thing and that thing joins us all together. It's like in the military. There are so many different people and all with different personalities, but having that one common thing (being Air Force) draws us all together as.....family:) It's in a way that only those families can know and understand. It's special.
Well, after supper, Nate, Anya, and I took a nice, little stroll through the park, that was lit with Chinese lanterns all around, before heading back to our room for the night. It is now 9:30 and Nate and Anya are in bed sound asleep. They look so peaceful:) It has been a full and busy, yet wonderful day! I'm ready to go and join them for some rest though. We're all exhausted! Good Night!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Stroll Through the Park Thurs., September 23, 2010
What a wonderful, fun day today was! Anya came alive and we saw a little Anya Mei we have not yet seen:) She is just amazing and so special! She was full of laughter and smiles! Nate bounced her around and tickled her tummy and she thought this was very funny:) Anya just laughed and laughed, which made Daddy and Mommy laugh and laugh too!
Late morning, we decided to take a stroll through the park near our hotel. It was filled with people singing, dancing, exercising, swimming in the river, and playing games (board and physical games). Oh, it was such a pleasant sight to see! Age did not matter. The old were playing and dancing with the young and they just mixed beautifully with one another! It was just neat to see people who are complete strangers coming together to participate in one common thing - so different from things in the states where we tend to keep to ourselves. Here in the park, the trees are even laced with ladies purses with no fear of them being taken. It was very neat and I am so thankful that we got to experience it! From what we've heard, the parks are like this every day.
As we walked on, we saw people out swimming in the river. Their outer clothing were hanging on the fence (of course they had on their T-shirts and boxers) and there they were out swimming, some with inner tubes and others with styrafoam ice coolers tied to them to keep them afloat as they swam across the river. Everything is just so different here. Life is slower paced and there is a "different" kind of beauty you see as you look around. Each day I am loving being here more and more. We are having such a great time experiencing the culture and getting to know as much as we can about the province Anya is from. Not all that we see and hear is great (our hearts ache for the people in many ways) but closeness of family, the respect for the elderly, the sites, and history have all been very neat to experience. Anya attracts a lot of attention amongst the Chinese people and she gets lots of little pinches to her cheeks:)
In the afternoon, it began to rain, so after enjoying our lunch at the deli, we headed for the White Swan play room. Anya really enjoyed it there and it was fun for us to meet and visit with other adoptive families.
For supper, we went back to our favorite restaurant again, Tao Ran Xuan. We have had so much fun at this restaurant and it has been fun experimenting a bit with the foods too - though we try to be very conservative on what we select:) Tonight we had a little surprise awaiting us though. We ordered soup with our meal, and after taking a few sips of the soup, they brought out a platter with the things that had been cooked/prepared in our soup. There before me was shriveled up chickens feet! I about gagged! I could not go on. They kept coming to our table and offering to dish me up more and to show us that we could eat the things on the platter (there was also carrots, roast, etc.) but I just smiled and shook my head. I had to take pictures to share with the kids back home. I knew they would really get a kick out of it:) I did have to chuckle about the whole thing!
What a fun day! We are now back in our room, Anya Mei is fast asleep, and Nate and I are snuggling as we watch a movie on t.v. Sigh! This is so nice:)
Late morning, we decided to take a stroll through the park near our hotel. It was filled with people singing, dancing, exercising, swimming in the river, and playing games (board and physical games). Oh, it was such a pleasant sight to see! Age did not matter. The old were playing and dancing with the young and they just mixed beautifully with one another! It was just neat to see people who are complete strangers coming together to participate in one common thing - so different from things in the states where we tend to keep to ourselves. Here in the park, the trees are even laced with ladies purses with no fear of them being taken. It was very neat and I am so thankful that we got to experience it! From what we've heard, the parks are like this every day.
As we walked on, we saw people out swimming in the river. Their outer clothing were hanging on the fence (of course they had on their T-shirts and boxers) and there they were out swimming, some with inner tubes and others with styrafoam ice coolers tied to them to keep them afloat as they swam across the river. Everything is just so different here. Life is slower paced and there is a "different" kind of beauty you see as you look around. Each day I am loving being here more and more. We are having such a great time experiencing the culture and getting to know as much as we can about the province Anya is from. Not all that we see and hear is great (our hearts ache for the people in many ways) but closeness of family, the respect for the elderly, the sites, and history have all been very neat to experience. Anya attracts a lot of attention amongst the Chinese people and she gets lots of little pinches to her cheeks:)
In the afternoon, it began to rain, so after enjoying our lunch at the deli, we headed for the White Swan play room. Anya really enjoyed it there and it was fun for us to meet and visit with other adoptive families.
For supper, we went back to our favorite restaurant again, Tao Ran Xuan. We have had so much fun at this restaurant and it has been fun experimenting a bit with the foods too - though we try to be very conservative on what we select:) Tonight we had a little surprise awaiting us though. We ordered soup with our meal, and after taking a few sips of the soup, they brought out a platter with the things that had been cooked/prepared in our soup. There before me was shriveled up chickens feet! I about gagged! I could not go on. They kept coming to our table and offering to dish me up more and to show us that we could eat the things on the platter (there was also carrots, roast, etc.) but I just smiled and shook my head. I had to take pictures to share with the kids back home. I knew they would really get a kick out of it:) I did have to chuckle about the whole thing!
What a fun day! We are now back in our room, Anya Mei is fast asleep, and Nate and I are snuggling as we watch a movie on t.v. Sigh! This is so nice:)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Anya's First Smile:) Wed., Sept. 22, 2010
Anya was a pretty good night again last night:) We were up with her until midnight (she had slept from 8:30-10:45 though) but the rest of the night was sheer quietness - sigh!
After breakfast, the three of us walked over to Starbucks to Skype the kids at home. Nathan and Annalise were the only ones up this time, so they had fun seeing and talking with Anya. My mom flew in from N.D. yesterday, so it was her first time to see Anya. The question the kids kept asking was, "Now that you have Anya, can you come home?" It's hard for them to understand all of the legal things that need to take place before we can bring their baby home:) Soon though we'll be on our way home and we'll be a family of seven!
Today we didn't have any appointments or places we needed to be, so it was just a lazy, laid back day:) Very Nice! We decided the pool would be a nice place to spend our time, so we joined our new friends Jeremy, Alicia, and their new, Chinese daughter, Zoe at the pool. Anya really watched Zoe and she had a good time in Daddy's arms. We can't wait for Anya to fully open up. Jeremy and Alicia have had their daughter a little longer than we have had Anya and she is just full of life and energy - such fun to watch!
I think Anya really liked staying at the hotel all day (the car rides really stress her out). After the pool and our showers, I had Anya by the mirror and was moving her forwards and backwards while making funny sounds when.....a crack of a smile appeared on her face:) "Could it really be" I wondered. I did it again - Another smile:) I rushed to get Nate! Little smiles began to spread across her face! Nate and I began laughing and laughing. It did our hearts so good to see our little Anya Mei smiling! It was such a special, precious thing to see your child's first smile. What a precious, precious, little girl! How we love her!
For supper, we got together with our friends Jeremy, Alicia, and Zoe at Lucy's restaurant. The food was very good (they serve American food) and it was such fun to see our two girls together, sitting side by side in their highchairs. Little Zoe is so animated and such a clown! Anya watched her cloesly and the two of their spoons together - it was like a mini sword fight between the two:) After our meal, both families walked back to the hotel and took our girls to the Mattel kids room to play. Anya is still very reserved, but little by little we see her coming out of her shell. She really watches and takes in all that is going on around her. Each day is a new adventure and we see a new girl witrh each new day. Right now she is sitting on Daddy's lap playing with her monkey keychain:) What an amazing blessing - such a gift from God!
After breakfast, the three of us walked over to Starbucks to Skype the kids at home. Nathan and Annalise were the only ones up this time, so they had fun seeing and talking with Anya. My mom flew in from N.D. yesterday, so it was her first time to see Anya. The question the kids kept asking was, "Now that you have Anya, can you come home?" It's hard for them to understand all of the legal things that need to take place before we can bring their baby home:) Soon though we'll be on our way home and we'll be a family of seven!
Today we didn't have any appointments or places we needed to be, so it was just a lazy, laid back day:) Very Nice! We decided the pool would be a nice place to spend our time, so we joined our new friends Jeremy, Alicia, and their new, Chinese daughter, Zoe at the pool. Anya really watched Zoe and she had a good time in Daddy's arms. We can't wait for Anya to fully open up. Jeremy and Alicia have had their daughter a little longer than we have had Anya and she is just full of life and energy - such fun to watch!
I think Anya really liked staying at the hotel all day (the car rides really stress her out). After the pool and our showers, I had Anya by the mirror and was moving her forwards and backwards while making funny sounds when.....a crack of a smile appeared on her face:) "Could it really be" I wondered. I did it again - Another smile:) I rushed to get Nate! Little smiles began to spread across her face! Nate and I began laughing and laughing. It did our hearts so good to see our little Anya Mei smiling! It was such a special, precious thing to see your child's first smile. What a precious, precious, little girl! How we love her!
For supper, we got together with our friends Jeremy, Alicia, and Zoe at Lucy's restaurant. The food was very good (they serve American food) and it was such fun to see our two girls together, sitting side by side in their highchairs. Little Zoe is so animated and such a clown! Anya watched her cloesly and the two of their spoons together - it was like a mini sword fight between the two:) After our meal, both families walked back to the hotel and took our girls to the Mattel kids room to play. Anya is still very reserved, but little by little we see her coming out of her shell. She really watches and takes in all that is going on around her. Each day is a new adventure and we see a new girl witrh each new day. Right now she is sitting on Daddy's lap playing with her monkey keychain:) What an amazing blessing - such a gift from God!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Beginning Life With Anya - Tues., Sept. 21, 2010
Last night we got a very good nights rest - sigh:) Anya slept with us again, and she did great! She woke up only once and that was for a short time so we felt quite rested.
Breakfast was fun as Anya really began to open up and explore her world. She played with the silverware and food on both of our plates. She spaced herself a bit mre from us body-wise too which was good. The past couple of days she has been glued body to body with us, so today having her sit up rather than "stick" to us was so great! She sat on the bed and played with stacking cups and began reaching for things. She even fell asleep in the ERGO carrier I wore - something she would have never done before (she always felt she needed to be awake and alert - watching for the unexpected).
At 2:45 p.m., we went to apply for Anya's passport. That was a neat experience! Anya Mei Healy is actually coming home to the United States!!!!
We Skyped to the kids back home today and they were so excited to see their China baby! Oh, it was so sweet to behold:)
This afternoon we found Susan's Place where we had tea with Dong and his wife Susan and shopped. We found some squeaky shoes, a wedding box (one day for Anya), and a card with Anya's English and Chinese name on it. Apparently, Anya in Chinese means "Peaceful and Lucky Girl/Graceful and Beautiful Girl".
For supper, we tried a new restaurant that just opened, Tao Ran Xuan. It was fantastic! The women working there were all dressed in beautiful, Chinese attire and the table settings and atmosphere was spectacular! The food was just as wonderful! We ordered hot tea to go with our meal and were surprised s a young girl came to our table with a tea table and prepared and served us tea the whole meal through! Anya loved it there too:) She sat in the red, padded highchair (that looked more like a throne) and played with her silverware while I fed her. She looked so big sitting there in her own chair! It was so much fun! Many of the staff came to talk and ask us questions. They were all very curious about the adoption. Only one lady there could speak English, so all of the others crowded around her to have her interpret.
Well, we are now back in our room. I just finished showering and have found both Anya and Daddy fast asleep in bed. I think I'm going to go and join them:) Good Night!
Breakfast was fun as Anya really began to open up and explore her world. She played with the silverware and food on both of our plates. She spaced herself a bit mre from us body-wise too which was good. The past couple of days she has been glued body to body with us, so today having her sit up rather than "stick" to us was so great! She sat on the bed and played with stacking cups and began reaching for things. She even fell asleep in the ERGO carrier I wore - something she would have never done before (she always felt she needed to be awake and alert - watching for the unexpected).
At 2:45 p.m., we went to apply for Anya's passport. That was a neat experience! Anya Mei Healy is actually coming home to the United States!!!!
We Skyped to the kids back home today and they were so excited to see their China baby! Oh, it was so sweet to behold:)
This afternoon we found Susan's Place where we had tea with Dong and his wife Susan and shopped. We found some squeaky shoes, a wedding box (one day for Anya), and a card with Anya's English and Chinese name on it. Apparently, Anya in Chinese means "Peaceful and Lucky Girl/Graceful and Beautiful Girl".
For supper, we tried a new restaurant that just opened, Tao Ran Xuan. It was fantastic! The women working there were all dressed in beautiful, Chinese attire and the table settings and atmosphere was spectacular! The food was just as wonderful! We ordered hot tea to go with our meal and were surprised s a young girl came to our table with a tea table and prepared and served us tea the whole meal through! Anya loved it there too:) She sat in the red, padded highchair (that looked more like a throne) and played with her silverware while I fed her. She looked so big sitting there in her own chair! It was so much fun! Many of the staff came to talk and ask us questions. They were all very curious about the adoption. Only one lady there could speak English, so all of the others crowded around her to have her interpret.
Well, we are now back in our room. I just finished showering and have found both Anya and Daddy fast asleep in bed. I think I'm going to go and join them:) Good Night!
1st Full Day With Anya Mei - Monday, Sept. 20, 2010
Last night went pretty well, I think. Once Anya woke up and found herself in her crib, she decided, "No More! Daddy and Mommy's bed is the place for me!" She awoke several times throughout the night, but sometimes it was just to feel around to make sure Nate and I were still there. Other times she would sit up and begin wailing - it sounded like a grieving cry. I'm sure there must be loss of the familiar she feels right now. Sometimes I found myself shedding tears along side her as I sensed the grief she was feeling. How I love her!
Breakfast was fun this morning as we were able to introduce her to new foods! She really liked the fruits and scrambled eggs we gave her - yum:) The couple we met yesterday (they have family in the same town as us) were so excited to see our little Anya and we introduced her to their new addition, Zoe. We're looking forward to hanging out with them during our time together here at the White Swan. I think she and Zoe could be good friends:)
After breakfast, Anson met us to take us on a shopping trip to the supercenter (like a Walmart) to purchase things like diapers, formula, baby clothing, etc. After shopping, we drove to the Guangdong Civil Affairs building (where we got Anya yesterday) where we officially became Anya's parents - the official certification/notorization of our adoption. Anya became very anxious on our car ride and as we re-entered the building she had been given to us. There were families there meeting their child for the first time and others there for the notorization process, like ours. It was fun to talk with other adoptive families. After being there for over an hour, we were escorted back into a room where we were asked a bunch of questions (why we chose China to adopt from, etc.) and then a paper was signed, stamped, and Whala! we were parents for the fifth time!
After the Civil Affairs, we were brought back to the White Swan where we relaxed and spent time getting to know our little Anya Mei! We were able to see a bit more of her personality to come to life today as she began to loosen up a bit. Yesterday her body was SO stiff (her legs just stuck straight out when we held her) whereas today she is a bit (not much, but a bit) more relaxed. She is still very cautious, reserved, and unsure and yet very clingy (we cannot put her down or she begins to wail) but we can tell she is trusting us a little more. She even played a bit with her stacking cups, which was so good to see. Anya likes to move her finger against the palm of her hand (something I'm sure she did while in the orphanage).
Later this afternoon, we went out to grab a bite to eat at the Deli and then did some shopping here on the island. It was a very fun day! We found many beautiful outfits for Anya as well as some souveneirs for the kiddos back home. Nate and I also found Chinese traditional clothing for ourselves, so hopefully our Christmas picture this year will be of our family dressed in Chinese:)
Well, it is 8:30 p.m. but we are exhausted so are going to call it a day:)
Breakfast was fun this morning as we were able to introduce her to new foods! She really liked the fruits and scrambled eggs we gave her - yum:) The couple we met yesterday (they have family in the same town as us) were so excited to see our little Anya and we introduced her to their new addition, Zoe. We're looking forward to hanging out with them during our time together here at the White Swan. I think she and Zoe could be good friends:)
After breakfast, Anson met us to take us on a shopping trip to the supercenter (like a Walmart) to purchase things like diapers, formula, baby clothing, etc. After shopping, we drove to the Guangdong Civil Affairs building (where we got Anya yesterday) where we officially became Anya's parents - the official certification/notorization of our adoption. Anya became very anxious on our car ride and as we re-entered the building she had been given to us. There were families there meeting their child for the first time and others there for the notorization process, like ours. It was fun to talk with other adoptive families. After being there for over an hour, we were escorted back into a room where we were asked a bunch of questions (why we chose China to adopt from, etc.) and then a paper was signed, stamped, and Whala! we were parents for the fifth time!
After the Civil Affairs, we were brought back to the White Swan where we relaxed and spent time getting to know our little Anya Mei! We were able to see a bit more of her personality to come to life today as she began to loosen up a bit. Yesterday her body was SO stiff (her legs just stuck straight out when we held her) whereas today she is a bit (not much, but a bit) more relaxed. She is still very cautious, reserved, and unsure and yet very clingy (we cannot put her down or she begins to wail) but we can tell she is trusting us a little more. She even played a bit with her stacking cups, which was so good to see. Anya likes to move her finger against the palm of her hand (something I'm sure she did while in the orphanage).
Later this afternoon, we went out to grab a bite to eat at the Deli and then did some shopping here on the island. It was a very fun day! We found many beautiful outfits for Anya as well as some souveneirs for the kiddos back home. Nate and I also found Chinese traditional clothing for ourselves, so hopefully our Christmas picture this year will be of our family dressed in Chinese:)
Well, it is 8:30 p.m. but we are exhausted so are going to call it a day:)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
"Gotcha Day" Sunday, September 19, 2010
As I type, our "long awaited" Anya Mei sleeps in the crib next to us (it is 8p.m.). What an amazing day today has been! One we will never forget, for sure:)
I had difficulty sleeping last night as thoughts of "our Chinese daughter" danced in my head, and 6:30 a.m. couldn't have come soon enough for me:) We were up and getting ready for the big day ahead of us.
After a slow, relaxed breakfast at the hotel, Nate and I walked around a bit before heading to Holt's office (located at our hotel on the fourth floor) to meet with Miss Catherine (Holt's staff person who gives all the details of what the day will entail). Nate and I left from there to grab a bite to eat at the Deli Shop before leaving for the Civil Affairs building (where we were to meet Anya!). We packed our gifts for the orphanage children and orphanage staff and director. We also grabbed our list of questions to ask the orphanage director, and headed back to Holt's office to meet our guide who would escort us to our daughter (time is 2p.m.). Our guide took us to the Civil Affairs building and as we drove up to the entrance, I was overwhelmed with emotions I had not anticipated! I had told myself and had tried to prepare "no tears" - I did not want to worry or upset Anya when we met - yet here I was a basket case! I could not believe that the long awaited time was actually here and that once we exited that elevator, we would get to meet our daughter for the first time! I sobbed the whole elevator ride up:) My happy tears could not be contained! Our Holt guide (Anson) chuckled as he demonstrated breathing exercises with me:) The whole ride up he said, "Breat calmly, like this" as he inhaled and exhaled - what a nice guy! Once we reached upstairs, baby cries could be heard all around and I knew that we were here! As Anson had us sign some paperwork, I let out a shriek as I saw a woman walk past us carrying OUR ANYA MEI!!!! My concentration was completely gone from there on out - THAT was MY BABY!!!!! Tears began flowing down my face and as I lost my voice, I could only muster out a whisper "That's Anya! I recognize her! I recognize her!"
Anya was brought into a room and through the slitted door frame, I could see her standing by her caregivers legs. As they rose, I hurried to put my belongings down as they announced, "Gang Hao Mei" (pronounced "Gung Hu May"). She was placed in my arms for the first time and it was the most amazing thing! It was like the birth experience of having that baby placed in your arms for the first time! There is nothing else on earth like it! So amazing!
Nate, Anya, and I were ushered into a room and left alone with Anya for a few minutes to get acquainted before beginning the paper work. The poor baby (14 months) was so afraid and yet so brave! She did not know what to do and was so overwhelmed. She did not cry. She just sat there in my lap and kept catching her breath over and over again. This was probably the first time she had ever seen people who were not Chinese,and blonde hair, blue eyed people were probably a bit scary to see! Anya would cautiously give little side glances at us and then look down. I felt so bad for her. I didn't know how to make all of this jumbled confusion for her o.k. Nate jumped right in though. He held her, talked to her, and sang to her. He was wonderful!
After several minutes had passed, Anson and Anya's caregivers (Maogang SWI orphanage director and a caretaker) returned to begin the paperwork, question asking, and adoption turnover.
We were told that Anya had traveled with her orphange escorts five hours this morning from Maoming to Guangzhou! Poor Anya! I cannot even begin to imagine what kind of a day this has been for her:( She was so frightened by it all - so much to take in all at once.
Our translator, Anson, began reading and replying with the answers to all of our questions. It seemed to us that Anya was well taken care of by her caregivers at the orpanage and the director and caregiver there really seemed fond of her. They said that she is a quiet girl, but very smart:) At one point, as Anya was asleep in my lap and a bit of her tummy was exposed, the orphanage director was concerned of Anya catching cold and asked Anson to ask us if we had something to cover her with so she wouldn't become ill. They were both very kind.
Anya looks quite healthy and surprised us with how big she is! We think her last few measurements must have been off.
Our drive back to the White Swan hotel broke my heart as Anya kept fighting back the tears and kept trying to catch her breath. She is so perfect - so sweet, and all of this must be so confusing! Once back at the hotel, we said our good bye to the driver and Anson and headed up to our room (Rm. 1138). Anya had difficulty catching her breath the rest of the day, but oh, how brave she is!
We set her next to us on the floor and brought some stacking cups out for her to see. Anya didn't know what to do. We had turned her world upside down. She just sat there and made several uncertain sounds.
Anya does not like to be put down for any amount of time. She cries and cries - even if we are holding her and go to sit down with her in our lap! So, we hold her constantly and go for lots of walks:) It is so beautiful here around the White Swan! It is like a beautiful dream! And the most wonderful part about it is that finally, Anya Mei is here - our dream baby is finally here!
It is now evening time. We have ordered our pizza from Papa John's and Anya is in her crib sound asleep! Oops! I guess I spoke too soon, she just sat up and is beginning to fuss. Off to "Mommy Duty!":)
I had difficulty sleeping last night as thoughts of "our Chinese daughter" danced in my head, and 6:30 a.m. couldn't have come soon enough for me:) We were up and getting ready for the big day ahead of us.
After a slow, relaxed breakfast at the hotel, Nate and I walked around a bit before heading to Holt's office (located at our hotel on the fourth floor) to meet with Miss Catherine (Holt's staff person who gives all the details of what the day will entail). Nate and I left from there to grab a bite to eat at the Deli Shop before leaving for the Civil Affairs building (where we were to meet Anya!). We packed our gifts for the orphanage children and orphanage staff and director. We also grabbed our list of questions to ask the orphanage director, and headed back to Holt's office to meet our guide who would escort us to our daughter (time is 2p.m.). Our guide took us to the Civil Affairs building and as we drove up to the entrance, I was overwhelmed with emotions I had not anticipated! I had told myself and had tried to prepare "no tears" - I did not want to worry or upset Anya when we met - yet here I was a basket case! I could not believe that the long awaited time was actually here and that once we exited that elevator, we would get to meet our daughter for the first time! I sobbed the whole elevator ride up:) My happy tears could not be contained! Our Holt guide (Anson) chuckled as he demonstrated breathing exercises with me:) The whole ride up he said, "Breat calmly, like this" as he inhaled and exhaled - what a nice guy! Once we reached upstairs, baby cries could be heard all around and I knew that we were here! As Anson had us sign some paperwork, I let out a shriek as I saw a woman walk past us carrying OUR ANYA MEI!!!! My concentration was completely gone from there on out - THAT was MY BABY!!!!! Tears began flowing down my face and as I lost my voice, I could only muster out a whisper "That's Anya! I recognize her! I recognize her!"
Anya was brought into a room and through the slitted door frame, I could see her standing by her caregivers legs. As they rose, I hurried to put my belongings down as they announced, "Gang Hao Mei" (pronounced "Gung Hu May"). She was placed in my arms for the first time and it was the most amazing thing! It was like the birth experience of having that baby placed in your arms for the first time! There is nothing else on earth like it! So amazing!
Nate, Anya, and I were ushered into a room and left alone with Anya for a few minutes to get acquainted before beginning the paper work. The poor baby (14 months) was so afraid and yet so brave! She did not know what to do and was so overwhelmed. She did not cry. She just sat there in my lap and kept catching her breath over and over again. This was probably the first time she had ever seen people who were not Chinese,and blonde hair, blue eyed people were probably a bit scary to see! Anya would cautiously give little side glances at us and then look down. I felt so bad for her. I didn't know how to make all of this jumbled confusion for her o.k. Nate jumped right in though. He held her, talked to her, and sang to her. He was wonderful!
After several minutes had passed, Anson and Anya's caregivers (Maogang SWI orphanage director and a caretaker) returned to begin the paperwork, question asking, and adoption turnover.
We were told that Anya had traveled with her orphange escorts five hours this morning from Maoming to Guangzhou! Poor Anya! I cannot even begin to imagine what kind of a day this has been for her:( She was so frightened by it all - so much to take in all at once.
Our translator, Anson, began reading and replying with the answers to all of our questions. It seemed to us that Anya was well taken care of by her caregivers at the orpanage and the director and caregiver there really seemed fond of her. They said that she is a quiet girl, but very smart:) At one point, as Anya was asleep in my lap and a bit of her tummy was exposed, the orphanage director was concerned of Anya catching cold and asked Anson to ask us if we had something to cover her with so she wouldn't become ill. They were both very kind.
Anya looks quite healthy and surprised us with how big she is! We think her last few measurements must have been off.
Our drive back to the White Swan hotel broke my heart as Anya kept fighting back the tears and kept trying to catch her breath. She is so perfect - so sweet, and all of this must be so confusing! Once back at the hotel, we said our good bye to the driver and Anson and headed up to our room (Rm. 1138). Anya had difficulty catching her breath the rest of the day, but oh, how brave she is!
We set her next to us on the floor and brought some stacking cups out for her to see. Anya didn't know what to do. We had turned her world upside down. She just sat there and made several uncertain sounds.
Anya does not like to be put down for any amount of time. She cries and cries - even if we are holding her and go to sit down with her in our lap! So, we hold her constantly and go for lots of walks:) It is so beautiful here around the White Swan! It is like a beautiful dream! And the most wonderful part about it is that finally, Anya Mei is here - our dream baby is finally here!
It is now evening time. We have ordered our pizza from Papa John's and Anya is in her crib sound asleep! Oops! I guess I spoke too soon, she just sat up and is beginning to fuss. Off to "Mommy Duty!":)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Guangzhou, Here We Come! Sat., Sept. 18, 2010
Today we flew from Beijing to Guangzhou! We ate an early breakfast, packed our bags, took pictures, walked the streets one last time, bought post cards, and then met Linda to take us to the airport. Our plane departed at 1:15 and it was a nice, smooth flight to Guangzhou. Once in Guangzhou, we were met by our guide, Winnie, who took us to the White Swan Hotel. It was nice to talk with Winnie because she grew up in Maoming (the city Anya is from) so it was nice to talk with her about what things are like there. She said the population of Maoming is pretty small at about 6 million. Six million - I cannot even imagine! I think Beijing is around 14 million. There are just so many people in China! Winnie said that in general, Maoming is a much poorer area.
The White Swan is wonderful! We are truly enjoying being here! It has such a different feel than Beijing. You hear English everywhere you go and there are so many other American families here adopting or touring the area. Our room is nice size and overlooks the city. There is a crib here and excitment fills my heart as I think about meeting our daughter for the first time tomorrow! I am so glad to finally be here!
Nate and I just got back from eating at a Tai restaurant here (where we met some other adoptive families - they already have their little ones) and calling the kids back home. They are all so excited about Anya! I cannot believe we are here and this is all real!!!!! You wait for so long and then.....here we are:) Anya, Baby, Your Daddy and Mommy have finally arrived! We are here to bring you home!!!!!
The White Swan is wonderful! We are truly enjoying being here! It has such a different feel than Beijing. You hear English everywhere you go and there are so many other American families here adopting or touring the area. Our room is nice size and overlooks the city. There is a crib here and excitment fills my heart as I think about meeting our daughter for the first time tomorrow! I am so glad to finally be here!
Nate and I just got back from eating at a Tai restaurant here (where we met some other adoptive families - they already have their little ones) and calling the kids back home. They are all so excited about Anya! I cannot believe we are here and this is all real!!!!! You wait for so long and then.....here we are:) Anya, Baby, Your Daddy and Mommy have finally arrived! We are here to bring you home!!!!!
Holt Orientation, Forbidden City - Fri., Sept. 17, 2010
I am so exhausted and yet my heart is so very happy! Being here in China is an amazing experience and one I will never forget. We have had difficulty sleeping (I think our bodies are trying to adjust after the jetlag) but I know in time we will adjust.
Nate and I met with the Norris family at 9:00 a.m. and together we met with our Holt staff to have orientation. It was exciting to hear about how things would go from here on out (as tomorrow we leave for Guangzhou - Anya's province!). We were told when we would depart, who we would meet, what day we would get Anya, financial expectancies, appointment dates, etc.. Very exciting times:) We were then given a nice Chinese bound book with recent updates on Anya, her schedule, etc. How we cannot wait to go now! Holt, the Norris's, and we talked over a delicious dinner about how the time is almsot here for us to get our girls! EEEEEE!!!!! We are SO excited!
Our guide, Linda, met us at the hotel at 1:00 and took us to the Forbidden City and Tienemnan Square. The Forbidden City was truly spectacular, but it was difficult to take it all in with the rain and chill in the air. We were all freezing and huddled under umbrellas. It was a neat experience though and we're thankful we were able to see them both. It sure felt good to get back in our tour van though:) We were so cold.
From Tieneman Square we went to the Silk Factory to see the whold silk making process. It was really neat! We bought Annalise, Ainsley, and Anniston silk, Chinese dresses. We wanted to get Anya one, but not knowing her size, we decided it best to wait. She'll eventually inherite her sisters dresses anyways:)
Once returning to our hotel, we got together with Tim and Kerry and hung out for a little in their room as we exchanged information. Tomorrow they leave for their daughters province and we for ours. We'll be apart for a couple of weeks before being back together at the White Swan hotel in Guangzhou. Tim and Kerry are such a neat couple and we have quite a bit in common. We're so thankful to have such a great couple to go through our adoption experience with.
Well, Nate and I are not off to make some document copies for tomorrow, grab a bite to eat, and head to bed. Tomorrow is a big day! We fly from Beijing to Guangzhou!
Nate and I met with the Norris family at 9:00 a.m. and together we met with our Holt staff to have orientation. It was exciting to hear about how things would go from here on out (as tomorrow we leave for Guangzhou - Anya's province!). We were told when we would depart, who we would meet, what day we would get Anya, financial expectancies, appointment dates, etc.. Very exciting times:) We were then given a nice Chinese bound book with recent updates on Anya, her schedule, etc. How we cannot wait to go now! Holt, the Norris's, and we talked over a delicious dinner about how the time is almsot here for us to get our girls! EEEEEE!!!!! We are SO excited!
Our guide, Linda, met us at the hotel at 1:00 and took us to the Forbidden City and Tienemnan Square. The Forbidden City was truly spectacular, but it was difficult to take it all in with the rain and chill in the air. We were all freezing and huddled under umbrellas. It was a neat experience though and we're thankful we were able to see them both. It sure felt good to get back in our tour van though:) We were so cold.
From Tieneman Square we went to the Silk Factory to see the whold silk making process. It was really neat! We bought Annalise, Ainsley, and Anniston silk, Chinese dresses. We wanted to get Anya one, but not knowing her size, we decided it best to wait. She'll eventually inherite her sisters dresses anyways:)
Once returning to our hotel, we got together with Tim and Kerry and hung out for a little in their room as we exchanged information. Tomorrow they leave for their daughters province and we for ours. We'll be apart for a couple of weeks before being back together at the White Swan hotel in Guangzhou. Tim and Kerry are such a neat couple and we have quite a bit in common. We're so thankful to have such a great couple to go through our adoption experience with.
Well, Nate and I are not off to make some document copies for tomorrow, grab a bite to eat, and head to bed. Tomorrow is a big day! We fly from Beijing to Guangzhou!
Beijing - Touring the Great Wall! Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010
Today was amazing! We got a feel of what life is like in China! The day began with a wonderful breakfast at our hotel (Novatel) followed by meeting the other couple we will be on this adoption journey with, Tim and Kerry Norris. Together we met our guide, Linda, who took us to the Great Wall. It was amazing! It was a bit of a foggy day, so we weren't able to see it to its fullest, but it was still stunning! Nate and I began our hike right away but we only had an hour and a half until we were scheduled to meet our guide again, so we had to hurry:) As we neared the fifth tower, I my asthma was kicking in and I did not think I would be able to go much further. I was soooo happy when I found that the top was very near! We Made It!!!!! It was such a good feeling to have hiked to the top! We were pretty proud of ourselves and snapped a couple of pictures before beginning our hike back down (that was almost more of a challenge than going up!).
After meeting the rest of our group and our guide, we drove to a vase making buiding where we got to see how many of the vases there are made. It was very interesting and we left with a beautiful yellow and blue vase that we purchased to display when we return home.
After grabbing a bite to eat, our guide took us to witness "traditional Chinese living". We were given a rickshaw ride throughout the village and then visited a home of one of the residents. Everything here is so much more simple than what we have in the U.S. The houses are very small and our guide, Linda, said that usually many families will share one common bathroom (like 15 families to one bathroom). The kitchens were so tiny (only enough room to turn around in) and there was very limited furniture within the whole home. Driving is a nightmare! Vehicles, bicycles, mopeds, and buses were everywhere! They all swerve amongst one another to get to where they are going. It was a bit frightning, but here it is a way of life and not a big deal. I must say though, that I am so glad we were not asked to drive ourselves around! We most certainly would have been in an accident!
Nate and I decided to explore the city later this evening and it was quite interesting. We bought a few paintings (that we later found out were probably fakes), and some small things for the kids (braclets, etc.). Around 5:00 we were very hungry and went in search of a place to eat. We found KFC and McDonalds, but decided we should try to find something a bit more adventureous - we were in China! That was a mistake! As we walked around, we found ourselves in an area where there were many food vendors. As we got a little closer we were horrified to see "what" they were serving. "Scorpions on a stick!" one said as he held a scewer with five "live" scorpions squirming around. Another called, "Dog", "Cat", "Sheep intestines!" Oh, Wow! Our nostrils were then filled with smells we had never smelled before and we hurried to find our way away from all of that:) All that to say, Nate and I went to bed empty stomached that night but that was o.k. because our appetites completely disappeared after that:)
After meeting the rest of our group and our guide, we drove to a vase making buiding where we got to see how many of the vases there are made. It was very interesting and we left with a beautiful yellow and blue vase that we purchased to display when we return home.
After grabbing a bite to eat, our guide took us to witness "traditional Chinese living". We were given a rickshaw ride throughout the village and then visited a home of one of the residents. Everything here is so much more simple than what we have in the U.S. The houses are very small and our guide, Linda, said that usually many families will share one common bathroom (like 15 families to one bathroom). The kitchens were so tiny (only enough room to turn around in) and there was very limited furniture within the whole home. Driving is a nightmare! Vehicles, bicycles, mopeds, and buses were everywhere! They all swerve amongst one another to get to where they are going. It was a bit frightning, but here it is a way of life and not a big deal. I must say though, that I am so glad we were not asked to drive ourselves around! We most certainly would have been in an accident!
Nate and I decided to explore the city later this evening and it was quite interesting. We bought a few paintings (that we later found out were probably fakes), and some small things for the kids (braclets, etc.). Around 5:00 we were very hungry and went in search of a place to eat. We found KFC and McDonalds, but decided we should try to find something a bit more adventureous - we were in China! That was a mistake! As we walked around, we found ourselves in an area where there were many food vendors. As we got a little closer we were horrified to see "what" they were serving. "Scorpions on a stick!" one said as he held a scewer with five "live" scorpions squirming around. Another called, "Dog", "Cat", "Sheep intestines!" Oh, Wow! Our nostrils were then filled with smells we had never smelled before and we hurried to find our way away from all of that:) All that to say, Nate and I went to bed empty stomached that night but that was o.k. because our appetites completely disappeared after that:)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Arriving in Beijing! Wed., September 15, 2010
We arrived in Tokyo last night and spent 2 1/2 hours there before catching our flight to Beijing. I think about the kids back home (we are now 13 hrs. ahead of their time) and wonder what they are doing right now. I follow the clock throughout the day and try to invision their day with their grandma and papa. I know they will have a wonderful time and they are in great hands! They will get lots of love in our absence:)
I visit with many people - Japanese, American, and Chinese - and babble with excitment I cannot contain! I have to tell everyone about the daughter we are going to meet. Everyone has been very happy and excited for us. I find myself drawn to all the little Asian children I see around us and dream of having Anya with us! Nate and I look at all of the teenagers and adults and wonder what our Anya will grow up to look like. The women all look so beautiful with shiny, black hair and pretty, brown eyes. I wonder what Anya's eyes will say when we meet her..... Her pictures all look so sad. I don't know if she will understand just how much we love her, but I believe given time she will know and trust.
It is approaching 10:00 p.m. and we are almost to Beijing (4 hr. flight from Tokly to Beijing). Nate and I are trying to adjust our bodies to the new time. We stay up late and rest according to China time.
Once we land, someone from our travel agency, Lotus, meets us and takes us to our hotel (Novatel). It is a half an hour drive and how our hearts are filled with excitment! How ever will I be able to sleep as we wait for Anya! I found myself laughing out loud just being here in China, knowing that we are here in the country of our child's birth! What a wonderful and amazing feeling!
I visit with many people - Japanese, American, and Chinese - and babble with excitment I cannot contain! I have to tell everyone about the daughter we are going to meet. Everyone has been very happy and excited for us. I find myself drawn to all the little Asian children I see around us and dream of having Anya with us! Nate and I look at all of the teenagers and adults and wonder what our Anya will grow up to look like. The women all look so beautiful with shiny, black hair and pretty, brown eyes. I wonder what Anya's eyes will say when we meet her..... Her pictures all look so sad. I don't know if she will understand just how much we love her, but I believe given time she will know and trust.
It is approaching 10:00 p.m. and we are almost to Beijing (4 hr. flight from Tokly to Beijing). Nate and I are trying to adjust our bodies to the new time. We stay up late and rest according to China time.
Once we land, someone from our travel agency, Lotus, meets us and takes us to our hotel (Novatel). It is a half an hour drive and how our hearts are filled with excitment! How ever will I be able to sleep as we wait for Anya! I found myself laughing out loud just being here in China, knowing that we are here in the country of our child's birth! What a wonderful and amazing feeling!
Our Journey to China Begins! Tues., Sept. 14, 2010
This morning the alarm awakened us at 5:30 and we kknew that the adventure and journey that would change our lives forever was about to begin! Several weeks and months have prepared us for this day, and our morning went pretty smoothly:) Grandma and Papa Healy flew in from S.D. yesterday, the kids schedule had been reviewed, and our bags were packed. We were all anxious, excited, and yes, a little scared too. Never in our lives have we done anything like this before and thougsands of miles and days have never separated this family. There was much upon all of our minds. One shared purpose and goal though, and that was to travel to China to get our daughter, our children's sister, and grandparents granddaughter. That was what this journey and adventure was all about! Even as we said our goodbyes and hugged and kissed at the airport, Ainsley (our four year old) said, "Daddy and Mommy, I don't want for you to go, but you need to go now or you'll miss your plane to China, so HURRY!" It was a very strange feeling to stand by the window and watch our babies drive away with Grandma and Papa and to on one hand feel torn knowing it would be almost three weeks until I would see these faces again, and on the other hand having my heart race with excitement of going to get our long awaited daughter! We were on our way to get our Anya Mei! We have prayed for, longed for, dreamed for, and waited for this day for such a long time - many, many years! God put this upon this mama's heart since before Anya was ever conceived! But in the heart of God, it was predestined that Anya would be ours and we hers - from the beginning of time! And even though she did not come from within my womb, I know that she is completely and wholly "our daughter". We cannot wait to meet her! I am reminded of the song Ainsley likes to sing from our adoption agency, Holt International. On the DVD Holt sent us, the lyrics to one of the songs is "If I have to go half way around the world to hold you, I will." What a privelege and an honor this is!
Nate and I departed from Montgomery, AL airport at 9:40 a.m. and flew to Atlanta where we made our conneting flight to Tokyo.
Nate and I departed from Montgomery, AL airport at 9:40 a.m. and flew to Atlanta where we made our conneting flight to Tokyo.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Six Days Until We Leave
Wow! We are six days out from beginning out trip to China and beginning our life with Anya Mei! We are so excited! This morning as Nate and I were sitting out on our deck sipping tea, we were watching our three blonde girls (our boy was still sleeping) playing on the swing set imagining a fourth daughter - black hair - playing with them:) A smile curled on my face and as I looked at Nate and our eyes met, I knew he was imagining the same thing. Sometimes it is so strange to think about flying across the world to get our daughter - OUR daughter:) It makes me so happy to say that!
I was sharing with Nate this morning about how this trip will be like stepping into a different life - you leave your house, your kids, and everything you know behind and travel to a foreign country where you are presented with a child who is one and looks nothing like you! You then get to play house with a new child (who's one) in a foreign place for two weeks before returning to "your life" with a new member:) It's all so strange and wonderful at the same time! We can't wait to get this new chapter in life going! Officially we've only waited two years for this time to arrive, but in our hearts, the wait has been for 11. Anya Mei has been loved, prayed for, and held within our hearts for 11 years and now we are finally actually going to be a family:) Can't Wait! Baby Girl, we are on our way to Get Ya;) We'll see you soon!
I was sharing with Nate this morning about how this trip will be like stepping into a different life - you leave your house, your kids, and everything you know behind and travel to a foreign country where you are presented with a child who is one and looks nothing like you! You then get to play house with a new child (who's one) in a foreign place for two weeks before returning to "your life" with a new member:) It's all so strange and wonderful at the same time! We can't wait to get this new chapter in life going! Officially we've only waited two years for this time to arrive, but in our hearts, the wait has been for 11. Anya Mei has been loved, prayed for, and held within our hearts for 11 years and now we are finally actually going to be a family:) Can't Wait! Baby Girl, we are on our way to Get Ya;) We'll see you soon!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Anticipating Travel to China
Wow! I cannot believe that we will soon be on our way over to China to meet the baby girl we have loved, prayed for, and held dear in our hearts for 11 years now (way before she was ever conceived!). I cannot wait! And though I am so incredibly excited to go, a part of my heart is torn as I leave behind my other four babies and travel across the world to China. I know that the time will pass quickly and soon we will be togehter again, both oh, how I will miss my babies back home:( 18 days is a long time to be apart.
Well, the departure date for Nate and I is September 14th! It is quickly approaching us now! It's so strange how you wait and wait and cannot wait for that phone call to come through telling you when you need to be in China, but what it actually comes.....life becomes such a flurry of activity as you "really" prepare to go:) It seems like we've been readiing ourselves for months now, but knowing that we are "actually" going to be leaving in a little over a week, Wow, there is so much to get done! I guess when it all boils down though, all we really need is loves left for the kids when we're away to make our time apart easier (notes, pictures, etc.), a couple of sets of clothing (my cousin Kristin gave great advice! When she and her husband traveled to get their little girls, they each brought three sets of clothing and they just washed them over and over again to keep their packing light - Great Idea!), some diapers for Anya Mei, a couple of sets of clothing for her, and ourselves! Can it actually be time! It hardly seems real! I wake up in the middle of the night just thinking about this and pinching myself to make sure that it really is real and HERE! We are actually going to China:) How amazing is that! Oh, how our arms have ached these several months to hold this baby girl in our arms and to show her how much we love her. How it has broken my heart time and time again to see those beautiful, sad, big brown eyes and to know that her mommy cannot be there to sooth the pain and loneliness in her heart. What an awesome reality though to know that in Anya's earthly mother's absence (me), she has a heavenly Father who knows and loves her even more than I do! He has seen her and been watching over her before I even know of her existence. This has all been a part of His plan for Anya and our (the Healy family) lives! And just as it was a part of God's plan from before the beginning of time for Nate and I to be adopted into God's family, we get to be a part of this earthly adoption story in adopting Anya into ours! We can't wait!
Anniston (our two year old) asked me today, "Mommy, can I hold China baby and read a book to her? Can I give her a GUK and a bottle?" The kids are all very excited about our newest addition and though difficult I know the time will be of being apart, we are all ready to get this show going to bring our Anya Mei Healy home, home to where she belongs - with us!
Well, the departure date for Nate and I is September 14th! It is quickly approaching us now! It's so strange how you wait and wait and cannot wait for that phone call to come through telling you when you need to be in China, but what it actually comes.....life becomes such a flurry of activity as you "really" prepare to go:) It seems like we've been readiing ourselves for months now, but knowing that we are "actually" going to be leaving in a little over a week, Wow, there is so much to get done! I guess when it all boils down though, all we really need is loves left for the kids when we're away to make our time apart easier (notes, pictures, etc.), a couple of sets of clothing (my cousin Kristin gave great advice! When she and her husband traveled to get their little girls, they each brought three sets of clothing and they just washed them over and over again to keep their packing light - Great Idea!), some diapers for Anya Mei, a couple of sets of clothing for her, and ourselves! Can it actually be time! It hardly seems real! I wake up in the middle of the night just thinking about this and pinching myself to make sure that it really is real and HERE! We are actually going to China:) How amazing is that! Oh, how our arms have ached these several months to hold this baby girl in our arms and to show her how much we love her. How it has broken my heart time and time again to see those beautiful, sad, big brown eyes and to know that her mommy cannot be there to sooth the pain and loneliness in her heart. What an awesome reality though to know that in Anya's earthly mother's absence (me), she has a heavenly Father who knows and loves her even more than I do! He has seen her and been watching over her before I even know of her existence. This has all been a part of His plan for Anya and our (the Healy family) lives! And just as it was a part of God's plan from before the beginning of time for Nate and I to be adopted into God's family, we get to be a part of this earthly adoption story in adopting Anya into ours! We can't wait!
Anniston (our two year old) asked me today, "Mommy, can I hold China baby and read a book to her? Can I give her a GUK and a bottle?" The kids are all very excited about our newest addition and though difficult I know the time will be of being apart, we are all ready to get this show going to bring our Anya Mei Healy home, home to where she belongs - with us!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Anya Mei's 1st Birthday - July 23, 2010
Today is an amazing day mixed with awe, wonder, excitment, and yet a very real sense of sadness and mixed emotions. Today is our precious Anya Mei's first birthday! We are longing to have our little girl home with us and enjoyed the day celebrating her with birthday cake (Kailan), presents, cards made by the kids, and video taped messages to Anya. We took several pictures on our camera to put in an albumn for her to one day have - remembering and celebrating her very first birthday. Today though so awesome and amazing in a sense was mixed with sadness of yes, not having her here with us, but also thinking much about her birth family. Today, one year ago, was the day that Anya was found abandoned by a gate in Guangdong province in Maoming City. I know that today her birth mother is thinking of her and wondering what has become of her baby girl. My heart breaks for her and I long - Mother to Mother - for her to know that her daughter is all right. I long for her to know that she will be in a home where she is loved and adored. That we will cherish her and love her as our own. I know that her mother must be thinking of her daughter today and today Anya is held dearly in both her mothers' hearts. I look at Anya's face, in the photographs we have, and wonder what her parents look like - knowing that both of them are very present in her appearance. I wonder if Anya has any brothers or sisters. I wonder if we will ever be able to uncover pieces to her history that will one day lead us back to her roots - where she began. I love my baby girl!
Today is Anya Mei's birthday! The day she entered into this world! She may not be bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh but she is very much "MY" daughter! From the beginning of time, she was predestined to be ours! We have prayed for this little girl years before she was ever conceived and our Father above destined that one day she would be ours. No, she may not look like the rest of us with her beautiful, shiny, black hair and big, brown eyes, but she is indeed ours! No doubt about it:) We love you Anya Mei! Happy 1st Birthday, Sweetheart!
Today is Anya Mei's birthday! The day she entered into this world! She may not be bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh but she is very much "MY" daughter! From the beginning of time, she was predestined to be ours! We have prayed for this little girl years before she was ever conceived and our Father above destined that one day she would be ours. No, she may not look like the rest of us with her beautiful, shiny, black hair and big, brown eyes, but she is indeed ours! No doubt about it:) We love you Anya Mei! Happy 1st Birthday, Sweetheart!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
First Look
When the pictures came up on our computer screen, I could hardly believe those were they eyes of "our" daughter!!!! There she was - the child in our thoughts and hearts for so many years finally had a face! How my heart soared! I immediately forwarded the pictures and medical files onto Nate at work. He was so excited! We read that Gang Hao Mei was found on July 23, 2009 abandoned outside a gate where she was found and taken to the Maoming Maogang SWI orphanage.
That evening we were in touch with our pediatrician who works with families adopting internationally. From everything she could see from Gang Hao Mei's medical forms, it looked like her congenital heart disease was a minor heart murmur that very well may correct itself! We were blown away. We were prepared for heart surgery - from the medical condition form we had filled out in our initial adoption paperwork going with Holt's Child of Promise option. Holt International's Child of Promise is a checklist of "minor" correctible conditions families may be open to that expedites the time it takes for a child to be placed (we had heard that standard processing time through China was five years and growing, while families choosing to go with the Child of Promise were often matched within a year!). Now, it is still possible that when we bring Gang Hao Mei back to the states, she may still need to have heart surgery to correct her heart murmur, but from what our doctor can tell from the report, it looks like she is one pretty healthy, little girl:) How incredibly blessed we feel!
That night it was hard to go to sleep. We must have scanned over Hao Mei's pictures hundreds of times:) We have a daughter! I still can hardly believe it! I can't wait to meet her! Again I am reminded though that God's timing is "always" perfect. So, when I find myself growing anxious and wanting to get over to China to get her, I know that even in this "waiting" phase, God is in control and His timing will be right!
That evening we were in touch with our pediatrician who works with families adopting internationally. From everything she could see from Gang Hao Mei's medical forms, it looked like her congenital heart disease was a minor heart murmur that very well may correct itself! We were blown away. We were prepared for heart surgery - from the medical condition form we had filled out in our initial adoption paperwork going with Holt's Child of Promise option. Holt International's Child of Promise is a checklist of "minor" correctible conditions families may be open to that expedites the time it takes for a child to be placed (we had heard that standard processing time through China was five years and growing, while families choosing to go with the Child of Promise were often matched within a year!). Now, it is still possible that when we bring Gang Hao Mei back to the states, she may still need to have heart surgery to correct her heart murmur, but from what our doctor can tell from the report, it looks like she is one pretty healthy, little girl:) How incredibly blessed we feel!
That night it was hard to go to sleep. We must have scanned over Hao Mei's pictures hundreds of times:) We have a daughter! I still can hardly believe it! I can't wait to meet her! Again I am reminded though that God's timing is "always" perfect. So, when I find myself growing anxious and wanting to get over to China to get her, I know that even in this "waiting" phase, God is in control and His timing will be right!
April 21, 2010 - A day we will always remember for it was this day that we first saw the face of our daugther born in China! They day was sunny, bright! Not much different from any other day in Alabama and yet the event that took place set it apart from any other day yet encountered and ever to occur again. It was five to 11 a.m. and Ainsley (3), Anniston (1), and I were in the van driving to pick Annalise up from pre-school. Most days I am just in a rush and focused on getting Annalise picked up on time, but this day as we were pulling out of our sub-division, I found my thoughts turning towards China and a child I knew was out there waiting for us. As I stopped and pulled away from the STOP sign, I began praying, "Lord, you know my heart. You know my desires. You know the love I have for a child I have not yet met but know exists. Sometimes I become so impatient as I wait for this child to enter our lives and join our family, but Lord, I know that Your timing is "always" perfect and I want the timing of this child to be "Your" timing and not mine. But Lord, I do pray that if it be "Your" will that a child referral will come through soon." Not more than five seconds had passed since I uttered those last words (just strides from that STOP sign:)) that my cell phone began to ring. As I was driving, I was fidgetting in my purse trying to find my phone. By the time I located it, the phone had stopped ringing. I quickly scrolled through to see who placed the call to find that it was our adopting agenct - HOLT International! My heart leapt! I quickly dialed back the number only to find that Masha Ma was on the other line. I left a message and as I pulled up to get Annalise, quickly called Nate at work. He was so excited and we rejoiced together! We were pretty confident that we knew what the call was:) Masha Ma called me back while we were on the road leading to our sub-division and I will never forget the conversation as she told me that they had a possible child referral for us and that pictures and information would be sent to our e-mail within the next hour! She said that it was a little girl named Gang Hao Mei. She was nine months old (with a birthday of July 23 - Nate's and my anniversary is July 24 and Anniston Rose's birthday is July 25!) and had congenital heart disease. Masha Ma said we would need to meet with our chosen doctor - who deals with international adoption pediatrics - to discuss the severity of her condition. Was there any doubt that this was our daughter!:)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Our Adoption Journey
Nate and I began our adoption for China through Holt International in October of 2007. Today is June 17 and we have heard that our LOA (Letter of Acceptance) is on its way. We actually received our LOA June 1st, but there was an error in the spelling of Nate's name, so it had to be sent back and re-issued - ugh! Hopefully very soon though. Once we receive that, the clock starts ticking and we've heard that we will most likely be traveling to China in late Aug. or Sept. We are soooo excited! Our little Anya is there waiting for us and we are so ready to go:)
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