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!
Friday, October 29, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)