We finally meet Addie

After all the work and waiting we finally were able to meet our new daughter Addie.  At 9:30AM on Monday March 30th, she entered the civil affairs office where we were waiting.  She was scared, nervous, and confused about what was going on.  After being told she was on medications, all they arrived with was a blue and orange inflated pillow that was full of oxygen.  "If she has an episode, open the tube and place it near her face."  Not what we were expecting so we were a little concerned, but most of parenting is playing things by ear anyway.  We went back to the room and she seemed hungry so we mixed up a bottle of formula they gave us which she drank down in a hurry.  We started a FaceTime call with Max and Emily when Addie's mouth turned into a flowing fountain of formula, all over Carrie, Addie, the couch, and the floor.  Didn't look too good on the other end of the FaceTime call.  We got things cleaned up best we could, and restarted the call.  She (and Ken) took a good nap in the afternoon in Ken's lap while having a bottle of rice meal we brought with us, and took it easy until we all fell asleep around 8PM.  She woke around 2AM for another bottle and fell back asleep well.  We got an early start to day 2, leaving at 8AM to go back to the Civil Affairs office for the interview, paying fees, and finalizing the adoption.  Addie held up well, but got fussy when we got back to the hotel and didn't really want to eat.  We went for a walk to Walmart to get more water, some baby food, and Lays chips.  Addie also needed some shoes that fit, so we strolled through the indoor market adjacent to Walmart and found a baby shoe store.  We happened upon some squeaky shoes in her size and paid the 50 yuan without trying to haggle.  The store clerk was so happy and helpful (with zero English) but wanted a picture of us with her on her cell phone.  Hey, it had to happen at least once while we were in province where we have yet to see another Caucasian :)

The day before we meet Addie

This is day 3 for us and finally feeling like the time change isn't kicking my but! We are waiting for a call from our guide to see what the plans are for tomorrow when we get our girl!! So hoping its early in the morning because the waiting is horrible.  We went for two walks today. One to Walmart and the other a nice park next to our hotel.  The Walmart was interesting. We bought some water and sprite and checked out clothes and diapers. There was also a "Mall" in the same building .  Its so fun to go places with Ken he will explore anything. He just says we can see our hotel from here (tall building) so we know how to get back! The park could be so pretty but the water is disgusting and it is so dry. Its so fun to watch the faces of the small children wen they see us. We haven't seen any other non Asian people at all in Taiyuan. They look in shock and then smile really big when you say "Ni hao". 

Just a test

The below pictures were a test to see if I could post from my phone. They are some of the first photos of our trip and a few photos taken in Beijing.  That is the Sun to the lft of the tree.  Pollution  is horrible.

3 AM and I'm awake

So I've tried to post pictures from my phone but it first seem to work and the computer genius is sleeping next to me luck him!! So far we are doing great. Sleep is getting there. The high speed train ride from Beijing to Taiyun was really nice. Seeing that part of  China was well worth any extra time it may have taken. We are in Taiyun for 4 nights and get Addie TOMORROW!! Not sure what time we haven't talk to our guide yet. We walked around on our own yesterday down a street market and found a wonderful park just down the road. Ken and I plan on walking more of it today and posting pictures. Missing our kids terrible.

We have landed

Little jet laged. Hopping to feel better after some (more) sleep. Taking train tomorrow to Addie's province.  Good Night.

Next week at this time.....

WE WILL BE FLYING TO CHINA!!!! I haven't been doing a great job keeping the blog updated so here goes.  We got our TA, CA, booked our flights and our Visas will be here tomorrow.  Hoping to have our travel plans from our agency by tomorrow too! Lots to do this weekend.  We will take the coach into Boston on the 25th and stay with Sannie and Noah. Fly out of Boston to DC and then on to Beijing. We will then take the train to our little girls Providence, Taiyuan. That will give us a couple of nights to get adjusted to the time difference.  Then on Monday, March 30 we get her!!!! After a week in Providence we will fly to GZ on Friday.  We will be home April 10th!! I hope to keep the blog updated while in China, especially with pictures, but not sure if I will be able to post. It all happening so fast now!