We're Home

Again apologies for posting so late. After three plane rides, leaving late out of Guangzhou, racing to get on our Hong Kong flight for 13 hours and then again lagging through customs, racing to get on our Chicago flight and finally getting into Manchester airport at 8:15pm on Saturday night, it goes without saying, we are glad to be home!

Of course, mom smuggled in a Chinese apple through customs and I was the one that got caught with it. While she was getting the luggage, I was standing by our carry on's and the cutest little beagle dog came up to us, and start scratching at mom's carry on bag (her new large coach bag of course!). The agricultural officer asked if I had any food in the bag. I said of course, bagels, oreos, skittles, potato chips and continued to rattle off our bag of goodies. She asked if we had any fruit or meats, of course not, why would I have any healthy food! Then, she stuck her hand in and pulled out an apple! Big No No! You can't bring fruit into the US because of bugs and disease. So, they made a big mark on our customs forms.

After getting our luggage, we had to go to immigration, which is now a new process. We had to give our paperwork along with everyone else and then take a seat. TAKE A SEAT, I THOUGHT, we have another flight to make. One by one they did everyone's paperwork and we saw them off, about 45 minutes later they finally called my name and let us through.

We then needed to put our luggage through the customs xray machine and go half way around the airport to the domestic flights, which luckily for us was running late due to weather or we would have missed the flight. It was a short 1 hour and 45 minutes later and we touched down in Manchester.

We were greeted by friends and family and were so happy to be home, until we learned not all of our luggage made it. So, we needed to fill out a form to have it delivered.

We got home about 9:30pm or so and stayed up for a few hours. We all had trouble sleeping that night.

On Sunday, Fawn and Skylar, Barbara, Leslie and Aniah came over to see the baby. The rest of us looked horrible as we didn't have much sleep and our makeup was in our lost luggage.

We had a good night's sleep Sunday night and my clock re-set. We went and visited some friends on Sunday for a few hours and are now getting back to life.

Today is Tuesday, Olivia is at school. I am officially back at work and mom is at work as well.

Boy is it good to be home!

Guangzhou Zoo and Hanging Out At The Pool

Not much going on. Today we ventured out to the Guangzhou Zoo to see the Giant Panda. Although, Lee told us that the panda is pretty lazy and doesn't do much. We also saw lions, tigers, monkeys, elephants and all that you would expect to see at the zoo. It was extremely, extremely hot and humid. The group sweated more than we ever had and were glad to leave when we did. It was hotter than Florida in August.

We have also been playing at the pool, which is pretty funny. The pool closes from 10:30am - 3:00pm each day, which is ridiculous since that is prime swimming time. So, at the 3pm the entire group heads down to the pool. There are many many rules at the pool, no playing in the water for one, you can only swim!

The group is very ready to come home. Tomorrow Thursday 5/24 is Lexi's 1st birthday as well as our consulate appointment for her visa to come home. So, Lee submits all paperwork on Thursday and we need to stay in our rooms to see if they have any questions. If all goes well, we go to the swearing in ceremony on Friday and then the visa is issued and were ready to come home.

We will be leaving for the airport Saturday morning at 7am. I will try to post one more time before then, but I hope to see many of you there.

Lexi is doing great, she can walk a few steps and she is much chunkier than Olivia was. Olivia has her moments of jealousy be we were very lucky she has some friends to play with on the trip. She has also said she doesn't want to leave China. But the rest of us do! Wishing we were home sooner, can't wait to see you all on Saturday night!

Until then.

Dong Fang Hotel

We moved over to the Dong Fang Hotel yesterday afternoon and was also able to enjoy some Double Cheeseburgers and Chicken McNuggets at McDonalds. The shopping isn't as good over here on the mainland and the internet access is much more expensive. So, I will only pay for a day here or there this week. Although, we did find more coach bags and will be visiting the shop today for an exclusive look in the warehouse.

All the parents are ready to go home, two weeks here is a lot. Lexi, Livey and me have the cold now with sore throats, not sure if it is the pollution or a virus going around.

Today we get our Visa paperwork ready for the Consulate appt on Thursday 5/24.

It has been raining the last few days, so we haven't been able to do much out of the hotels. We are hoping to go to the zoo this week to see the Giant Panda.

Next report will probably be in a few days, so don't get nervous if you don't hear from us.

Birthday Party and Red Couch Photos

Today we move over to the other hotel, so I hope I have the same internet access when we get over there. We will meet back up with the group that travelled to Chongqing to get their babies.

Last night, we celebrated a Birthday Party for the four girls who either turned one already or our about to turn one. Aleisa purchased a chinese birthday cake and we had some balloons and small gifts for the girls. Special thank you to Aleisa, Christine and Tanya for the birthday gifts.

Also, it is tradition to take pictures of the babies on the red couch at the White Swan Hotel. Here is pic of all the girls.

Lexi is crawling and can stand up by herself. She has even taken one step!

Not much else going on today.

Park Play

Yesterday was pretty uneventful. Olivia didn't feel well in the morning and Nana didn't feel well all day. I think it is motion sickness. The buiding sways ever so slightly and we are over looking the Pearl River, which gives you the feeling of motion. I borrowed some Dramamine from our friends and are now taking some just to keep from feeling like we are swaying.

This morning we did some more shopping as we only have one more day on Shamian Island and then we go over to the mainland. Today we picked up Coach pocketbooks for $20, some clothes for Lexi and Olivia and some trinkets, as well as a $10 suitcase to get everything home in.

Tonight at 7pm we are holding a birthday party for all the babies. I will have pics of that next time.

Here are a few pics from the park this morning.

Big Sister Little Sister

Since I couldn't upload the gotcha moment, I thought this quick video would bring a smile to your face.

Click Here To View:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3xNFvFZS3g

Medical Exam and Chinese Passport Day

Thursday was the day for Lexi's medical exam. The group walked as a group to the medical center. Olivia stayed back at the hotel with Nana just so she didn't catch any weird disease. As we walked to the center, we saw kindergarten children walking in a line with their teacher, each holding a loop of the rope which was tied around their wastes. After passing by the park, we came across military trainees practicing in the park. It was quite odd, walking passed them, stepping over their machine guns and knifes. I can only hope they weren't real. Everything went good, she weighs 19.8 pounds and is chunkier than Olivia was. She also has larger wider feet than Olivia. On the walk home, I stopped to take a picture of the military group, but I guess I was a little to close with the camera. As 20-30 of them at the same time, yelled NO PHOTO!!!, I gestured like "OOPS, am I bad". It was pretty funny, we all started laughing as I was saying I was probably going to Chinese jail. Just after that happened the lucky bird pooped on Olivia's friend Meredith's mom (Shana). We also saw this couple dressed for a wedding, we think it was a photo shoot, but it could have been a bride and groom as they traditionally take their photos a day or two earlier than the wedding.

We played at the pool again for a few hours, and then Lexi and I had to go apply for her chinese passport. We really don't have any other official business until 5/24 which is the American Consulate appointment to get her visa to immigrate into the US.

At night we did a lot of shopping. We purchased some porcelain dolls that represent the provinces that Olivia and Lexi are from. We also purchased one for another Chinese girl we know that has a birthday in May (Guess Who)! We bought some clothes and shoes. We also got Olivia a purple jade necklace that says in chinese characters Big Sister Little Sister. Lexi got a happiness circle necklace for when she is older. We also purchased a pink puppy dog (Dragon Like) puppet for the girls to hang in their bedroom and Olivia can bring it to school to show her friends. We purchased paper lanterns for Olivia's classmates. Some gifts for when the girls are older and the Beijing Friendlies pins (which are the olympic mascots).

Olivia wanted me to mention that she is so very proud of Lexi, as yesterday Lexi did her poop and pee on the toilet when I held her over it and said "Cluck Cluck". I guess this is something that the orphanage does and it worked for us.

Today, some of the group is going sightseeing, but we chose to stay behind at the hotel as it is so hot out and we have already done the city sightseeing last time.

The picture of the waterfall is from inside the hotel. Isn't it beautiful!

Here are a few pics to enjoy!

Guangzhou Day 3

Well today it is official. I have officially adopted Baby Lexi and according to the Chinese Government I can live freely with her. Now, if I want to live back in the United States I still need to get her a chinese passport, medical exam and US visa. All, this will be done over the next few days.

After our official visits this morning, we enjoyed some play time out at the pool. Have I mentioned if you stop rocking, moving or holding Lexi, she cries. I think my mom wished this crying baby on me since Olivia was so good. She is really a good baby and when she isn't crying I can get some giggles out of her. She also likes to suck her thumb, which I find so funny. You hear the sucking noise all night. And to get her to finally all asleep at night, I had to move her crib in front of the tv, so she can watch the movement.

Well that is it for now, here is a pic or two and I will email the rest.

If Debbie or Krystal can email me at sbullock46@verizon.net I need to tell them about their etchings they ordered.

Until tomorrow....

Gotcha Day (Yesterday)

Sorry this post is a day late.

Yesterday at 10:00 am we had our meeting to prepare for getting the babies. At 1:45pm we loaded onto the bus on the way to the Civil Affairs Office. As I was the experienced mom, I told all the new moms and dads to be quiet as we entered and you will hear the babies.

As we got off the elevator and waited for the next group to come up, everyone was silent and in the distance you could hear the littlest cries and goos. Olivia alerted the new families, that the babies were saying I want my mommies and daddies. Of course, that started everyone crying. Everyone was a bundle of emotions. We made our way into the holding room and all the families found a seat. The wooden doors were ajar and you could see a half dozen babies sitting on the floor and couch, just waiting to see their new families. It is hard to tell which baby is ours. But, Nana guessed the little one in the hot pink outfit.

We needed to fil out some paperwork and make sure other paperwork was correct. Then, Lee, said, ok families get your cameras ready. First up, was our friends Tanya and Jason, they were so nervous and excited. One by one the families were called up and greeted their new little one. About half way through it was our turn. I told Olivia I had to go up first. Lexi came to me very cautiously, I then bent down and let her be introduced to Olivia. Olivia was so excited. These babies just arrived after a six hour trip in a hot van up from the orphanage. Many babies were crying, including Lexi and some fell asleep. The room was very hot as well. Lexi only wanted me to stand up and rock her, no sitting, keep moving.

We had a chance to ask the nannies some questions, although we were told that the answers may not be facts but just an answer. The only question I asked was which other baby was her crib mate. The answer was none, they all had there own crib.

Afterwards, we thanked the orphanage director and presented gifts.

We got back to the hotel and Lexi cried all evening. Olivia pushed up and down the hallway in the stroller to try to make it easier for her. Nana had to babysit while I went to fill out some more paperwork for today. For soothing, Lexi reaches out for a blanket or your shirt to hold onto. She will search around the bed until she finds a spot to grab onto.

Olivia fell asleep and we finally got Lexi to take a bottle and some rice cereal. I was eating pizza while holding her and she opened her little mouth to have some. She only has her two top teeth in, so she sucked on the pizza a little.

After everyone fell asleep, I put her in her crib and finally got some smiles out of her.

Today, we go back to the Civil Affairs office to complete the adoption process.

I also took a video of the Gotcha Moment, which I have been trying to upload unsuccessfully. But, I will try again today.

Have I told you how hot it is! UGGHH!!

Let's hope for a happy day with no crying. Here are a few pics from yesterday.

Nice to be in Guangzhou

Aahh, it is so nice to finally be in Guangzhou. We left Beijing in the morning and arrived a short three hours later. Boy is it hot here! After arriving at the hotel, we found our way to Lucy's. Lucy's is an American style eatery. We were so happy to have some grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, french fries and corn on the cob.

After lunch, Olivia got to play around at the pool and made many more friends. Today was pretty much a free afternoon. Tomorrow morning (Tuesday), we have a group meeting at 10:00 am and the babies will arrive in the afternoon.

Not much to report today, enjoying our first day in Guangzhou.

Here is a picture of the great wall from yesterday!

Beijing Tour

Today started with a breakfast in the hotel. I enjoyed some noodles, and a pancake with sugar. Olivia had noodles and Nana had toast. I would have loved a bagel.

We spent the morning touring, Tianamen Square and The Forbidden City. It was about 90degrees out and a long walk that felt like miles. Nana got overheated and had to stop often to rest. Olivia didn't understand what the big deal was over the empty buildings. But, it was quite impressive seeing the palace and how large the entire area really was. After the Forbidden City, we stopped at the Jade Factory and picked up a trinket called the Happiness Ball.

Then, we stopped for lunch and ate 1 tablespoon of boiled rice and really nothing else, although Olivia enjoyed a piece of watermelon. We shopped again at the Friendship Store. The prices in Beijing are quite higher than I remember that they were in Guangzhou, so again we just picked up a few things.

After, the shopping we headed to the Great Wall. Boy was it impressive. We only made it up to the first platform as it was such a hot day and it was too steep to climb.

We then headed to the Pearl Market and for dinner, where they served SPAGHETTI!! We all have a full belly and it is just about time for us to go to bed. We are heading to Guangzhou in the morning and I will report back from them tomorrow.

We will not be getting Lexi until Tuesday.

We Are In China!

Hello All, sorry it has taken so long to post, I had some technical problems but am finally up and runny.

Well, we left Manchester NH on Friday and arrived in Washington, DC twenty minutes early for our 4 hour layover. We had a great breakfast and did a little shopping for Papa. While we waited for our flight to Beijing, Olivia made friends with Shelby and Kate who are travelling to China to get their 18mos old baby sister.



She also met Lauren who was travelling to get an 8 year old big brother and Jessica, who is of Chinese decent travelling with her parents to visit China.

The plane ride from Washington to Beijing was very long, our seats weren't too bad, food was ok. We watched 5 movies if you can believe that. Olivia got ansy the last 5 hours, and then during landing got motion sickness and threw up in the bag!

We got off the plane, with Tanya and Jason Jones and found our way to our Guide Sym and Miranda no problem. We were sent in a Mercedes back to the hotel, where Olivia got sick again during the car ride.

I think she is fine now and it was just motion sickness, as I found out on the later flight 50 people got sick due to the turblence.

Tanya, Jason and I ventured out to the grocery store for some sodas and I also went to KFC for some mashed potatoes, which was pretty funny as I bought two sets and they ended up being the size of a 1/4 cup measuring cup. Didn't fill us up too much.

We fell asleep by 6:30pm on Saturday and at midnight we were up talking to each other. I had to call housekeeping because the toilet got all backed up, he fixed that and then I ended up kicking the door stop with my toe. OUCH!!

It is 5:00 am on Sunday, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! and we are off to do some touring today.

I will post later on our days events.

Leaving On A Jet Plane....

Early tomorrow morning, we are finally leaving on the jet plane..... Here is a pic of us at the Highlander Inn in Manchester, NH. We had a really nice dinner with Grampy Russ and "Other" Nana at TBones and are resting in our hotel room. We will be up at 4am and off to the airport.

Our next post will be from China! You can email us at sbullock46@verizon.net. I should be able to check my verizon account in China. I will post a few pictures here and send the rest through Kodak Gallery.

Here's to safe travels! See you all in China!

Bags Are Packed!

Our bags are packed, Olivia gets out of school at 2:30pm and by 4:00pm we will be on the road up to the hotel at the airport. We are having a small kick off ceremony with a nice big dinner and a good rest before needing to be at the airport at 5:00am in the morning.

Tomorrow we fly from Manchester, NH to Washington, DC and then on to Beijing. We will get to Beijing around 2:00pm on Saturday (their time).

The 3 long years are finally coming to an end. It is funny how filled with emotions I am, you would think the second time would be a breeze!

I will try to post one more time tonight if I can. Otherwise, our next post will be from Beijing!

3 Days Left!

Just 3 days left. I read a post on one of my yahoo groups, which gives us some insight to the hotel we will be staying at for the last week of our trip.

The Dong Fang hotel is large and very beautiful. It has several types of restaurants and an international buffet.

The swimming pool is as big as a lake, and the hotel has a few precious gardens.

Inside the Hotel there is a mall with many shops. Near the hotel there is McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken, and several commercial shops.


Looks like I am all set, shopping and McDonald's!

Hotel Change

We had a hotel change for our stay in Guangzhou. It looks like 5/14-5/20 we will be staying at the White Swan then moving over to the Dong Fang Hotel for the remainder of our visit. Perhaps this will break our adventure up a bit and give us a new view and area to explore.

The hotel lists Chinese rooms and Western rooms. I wonder what the difference is?

One Week From Today!

One week from today, we will meet Baby Lexi for the first time. Just 4 more days left until we are on our way.

6!

Six days to go! This time next week we will be in Beijing seeing the sights. The suitcases are pretty much packed just need to put the final essentials in.

Final Countdown!

One week from today, we will be flying to Beijing. I am almost finished packing and trying to get my work organized before I leave.

9 Days Left and Finally Starting To Pack

With just 9 days left, I thought it would be finally a good idea to start packing. Olivia and Lexi's clothes are in, mine are next. Today was Olivia's last day of dancing school for the season and of course she is missing her recital due to our trip to China. But, she is in happy spirits. Here is a picture of the class giving the dance instructor one final hug!

10 Days and Counting!

Well, today I decided to get my act in gear just a little. Olivia, Papa and me pulled down out of the attic the high chair, portable play pen and some large toys. Olivia sprayed them all down and made sure they are fit for a princess. Today, I also went off to the bank to get my money as well as the vaccination affidavit notarized. Trying to get a little done each day. Oh yeah, I also made Lexi's doctor appt and added her to my insurance. I plan on being packed by Sunday.

Referrals are coming in for the end of the October Group. Congratulations everyone!