Gotcha Day! Meet Malia Parrish

This morning could not have gone better. We made our way to the Civil Affairs office with our guide Amy, and Malia was waiting for us in the lobby with the Huaihua orphanage staff. She looks great. She's active, very responsive, healthy, and an all around good lookin' kid. She does cry pretty well, but for the right reasons..............when hungry and tired for example. Otherwise, she is very content & inquisitive.....even with a mommy & daddy she does not know well. We are back at the hotel now having a nap after a long morning of playing, eating, and adjusting. The cleft looks about what we expected. Bilateral lip & palate, minor on the right and more significant on the left. No lip repair done given that she is being adopted so young at 10 months.

The staff was wonderful, and we learned a lot. She can eat solid foods, and we'll be feeding her rice, soup, & eggs in addition to formula. Steamed eggs are her favorite. She sleeps 9 hours a night and naps at noon. She is very active and has a "temper" when her demands are not met. No history of illness or infections. A solid eater in spite of the cleft (the baby fat confirms). She was taken care of by one woman........her nanny.......from the time of her arrival until yesterday. The nanny could not make the trip to Changsha, but we do have an undeveloped picture of her. Dianne earlier sent a care package to the orphanage with a camera, and we'll get to develop those photos and see the nanny, orphange, & Malia this past spring.

So we are all breathing a huge sigh of relief here. Everything is gonna be a-ok.

The Great Wall & Changsha

Marc, Dianne, & Mao at the Forbidden City entrance

The Great Wall adopting families

Dianne climbing the Great Wall - least threatening Mongol hoarde ever

Saturday started at 2:00 a.m, after 7 hours of sleep; these early mornings may stick around for a while. So instead we read, watched a movie, hopped online, and waited for the hotel breakfast to open. Today was tour day! We've been looking forward to tour day to see the Forbidden City & the Great Wall, and just as much to meet the other Great Wall families who are adopting with us.

We'd been told to gather after breakfast in the lobby before departing on our tour with our guide Grace, and we met the other five there. They are from New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and yup.............Cedar Park, TX. And four of the five families (including Shane & Elena from Cedar Park) are adopting girls with cleft lip & palate. Needless to say, we were thrilled to meet them. All six families are going to a province by themselves to adopt, and we'll all meet again this coming Friday in Guangzhou with our new additions in order to complete the final rounds of official adoption decrees and such before heading home. It was wonderful to be talking specifically about Dell Children's hospital in Austin with a family in China before we've even gotten Malia.

So off we went to the Forbidden City, passing right underneath Mao's portrait. It's a city. It's forbidden. It's big. It's got a lot of rooms. Mostly unfurnished. We downloaded The Last Emperor to Marc's laptop, and we were wishing we had watched it again before we went in. Mainly, it's the size of the place that gets you. Pagoda after garden after plaza and on and on. It's pretty dang impressive. The day before we were wondering whether the lack of attention to Dianne & me might be due to the lack of blonde hair. Yup. Elena has blonde hair, as does a 4 year old named T.J. in the New Jersey family. All day long they were asked by locals to have a picture taken with them. Rock stars, literally all day.

Just as the day before, one of the big impressions we got was that there are a LOT of Chinese now with money interested in spending it in their nation's capitol. Absolutely huge numbers of families from places like Xian, Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Tianjin, and elsewhere visiting the Forbidden City like a family from Cleveland might go see the Smithsonian. The only thing that seemed to be forbidden was Starbucks, for which we were not surprisingly thankful.

We finally made it through the entire city from south to north, and headed out to the Great Wall at Juyongguan. The wall here is less meandering as in Badaling, and much more of a narrow climb...........which of course we did, all the way to the highest point in that section. It took about an hour up, and 30 minutes down. Let's just say that only two families made it, and both were from the Travis/Williamson county area. :) I'd say the picture of Dianne above was worth the fairly strenuous hike. On the way back we passed by the 2008 Olympics sites, before heading back to the hotel at 6:00, where we promptly crashed.

And wouldn't you know it, Sunday started at 2:00 a.m.......again. This time, we spent the early morning watching The Last Emperor and basically repeating our tour route by way of the 1980s epic. At 5:30 we headed down to the lobby again to meet all of the families for the trip to the airport; all of our flights left that morning, and we wouldn't see them again for another 5 days. Our flight to Changsha was a fairly uneventful 2 hours south, the highlight of which was being able to watch the Yangtze flow east from 30,000 feet above right before landing.

Our guide Amy met us at the Changsha airport and drove us to the Dolton hotel, where we are now and will be for the whole week. And guess what? Tomorrow morning is the big day. Malia will get on a train from Huaihua tonight, and at 9:30 a.m. we'll have our "gotcha" day. How will she react? Will she take to us? Will she protest? Who knows? Anything and everything is expected and acceptable. :)

The two best things about the hotel? They put all the adopting families on floor 30, and have built a playroom for the adopted kids on that floor. Also, $15 massages in the health room. We plan on doing the latter tonight, and the former every day the rest of the week.

Walking around Beijing

Dianne looking fabulous at Tiananmen

Marc at the Temple of Heaven

Over a big hotel breakfast buffet while deciding how best to see the city on our free day (metro? taxi?), Dianne had the best idea of the day. "Why don't we just walk it?" And walk we did. 8-9 miles or so of "walking around, looking around" and taking it all in.

Before we headed out, we exchanged money and skyped Alex back home. He was excited to see us on the computer before quickly becoming bored. Skype is a wonderful tool that will allow us to avoid breaking the normal tedium of home life. haha. I'm sure when we skype Malia for the first time there will be much more interest.

We headed west from our hotel on the Second Ring road at Dongsishittao, stopping only at a grocery for water. Crossing streets immediately became an issue. You've got cars. And scooters. And bikes. And they are all coming from all angles with no regard for rules or safety. We'd try to follow local pedestrians, but that's no good because they are 100% fearless and cheating death just as we would be without them. Eventually we just started looking around 360 degrees and preparing to Walter Payton at any moments notice. That seemed to work well enough.

We reached Beiheyan avenue and turned south towards Tiananmen. It's a park lined street, where we saw old Chinese men playing something that did not look like chess,
and lots of families and babies. Marc was disappointed that we didn't seem to get the bewildered stares he was hoping for. Maybe it's because we are not blond. Maybe because it's Beijing. Maybe because it is 2011. Look at us people! We've got big noses and should be stared at! :)

At the end of Beiheyan we reached Changan avenue and headed west to Tiananmen. Lots of people, lots of tours, lots of security cameras, lots of open space. A flag we did not recognize was being displayed level with the PRC flag. We later learned that the head of state of Myanmmar (Burma) was in town. Also, Kim Jong Il ended a trip to Beijing the day we arrived, heading by train back to Pyongyang from the station just down the road from our hotel. So, uh, THAT'S happening. :)

After a lot of photos and taking a pass on the Mao mausoleum (too many people, maybe not even his real body), we headed south along the shops of Qianmen avenue where we stumbled upon..........wait for it........a Starbucks. We instead opted for a little Chinese cafe where we had two Chinese beers and some mystery meat (nothing goes to waste in China!). The highlight for Marc was asking for the restroom and being led out of the restaurant through a windy Chinese Hutong (historic neighborhood) to a community "bathroom" with locals. Awesome! Also spotted our first KFC. Not the last!

By the end of Qianmen, a rickshaw driver tracked us down. Sure, a rickshaw to the temple of heaven, why not? So instead of being a nearly squashed pedestrian, we'll try being a nearly squashed rickshaw rider. Got a great video of the mayhem from the back.

The temple and its surroundings were beautiful and a welcome relief from the city. We walked the entire complex, and were disappointed only by the lack of locals doing Tai Chi for our benefit. Marc made Dianne do an impromptu Tai Chi on video, which will have to suffice. By now, it's late afternoon and we are beat. So we hoof it to the metro. Two lines and seven stops later we are back at our hotel.

And yes, Marc fell asleep at 6:00. And woke up at 2:00 a.m. And is now starting the day at a ridiculous hour by typing this entry. Need more time to adjust.

It's tour day today! We'll meet other American families adopting and see the Great Wall & Forbidden City. We are well rested and ready to go, unlike many of them. I'm sure we will hear "I told you we should come a day early Fred" at least once. :)

Greetings from Beijing

Now that's a lot of flying. 16 hours from Austin to Beijing. We'll never complain about Lubbock again.

Our day started at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday 5/25 in Austin, and ended at 6:30 p.m. Thursday 5/26 in China. We saw sunrise leaving Travis County, sunset from our hotel in Beijing, and no night in between. Marc was able to sleep quite a bit on both flights, Dianne less so. That probably explains why Marc is up at 1:00 a.m. on Friday ready to start the day! Ohh boy. He may have some more adjusting to do.

We arrived early so that we'd have time to adjust and to have a free day in Beijing for a few sites not on Saturday's tour. There's nothing more fun than a day to conquer a foreign city and enjoy the frustration and helplessness that comes with the unfamiliar.

Marc sat next to a little old lady from Beijing who spoke no English, slept with a blanket over her head, and chastised Marc for eating United Airline hot noodles with a spork. She was also wonderfully open, and we managed to have a conversation using nothing but hands, pen & paper, & patience. She has a doctor son in Oregon, and she knows our adoption story as well. It difficult to talk to or watch elderly Chinese without thinking "my goodness, the things you have seen in the last 50 years." I'll leave it at that until we get back to the States. :)

Our experience so far is confirming all we were told about China. Yes, there are no lines. Elderly women seem to be the worst of all. Yes, driving is reckless. Almost took out a bicycle? check. Passed between two cars with no lane? check. More honking than NYC? check.

Also, chinglish chinglish everywhere. Marc swears he is going to offer a modest salary to the PRC to correct it all. Can't they just run this by some dude in London? We may write them all down and do a separate Chinglish post.

Our agency guide Grace is extremely helpful, and offered some good advice for Friday's free day on the way to the hotel (avoid rush hour metro! Shoot, that sounds like fun :)). We'll see her again on Saturday with many other American families. She believes that all of this week's families will be traveling alone to their respective provinces.

Hunan, like Sichuan, is known for its spicy food. And girls from Hunan are commonly referred to as "spicy little girls". That's what we'll be getting in Malia, so says Grace. :)

16 hours of flying for two is doable. 16 hours of flying for two and a half on the way back will be, uh, interesting. Touchdown in Austin will be the most welcoming landing ever.

Some Advice for Alex

Alex's classmates threw a baby shower and gave Alex a book of advice with drawings. It is so cute. Thanks to all his classmates and the Tiger Parents for the gifts for Malia. We appreciate all the open hearts more than you know!!! Thanks also to Mrs. Necak, the most fabulous Kindergarten teacher we could ever wish for!!!

Here's the advice:
When she stinks, you should change her diaper.
Feed her when she is hungry.
Always go outside with her.
Change her diaper if she cries.
This is how to train a baby. When it cries, you make it go to sleep or help it. I know that because I babysit sometimes.
Burp her if she has air in her tummy.
Alex, you are gonna be a great big brother for your baby sister.
When she is crying, rock her.
Take her to the potty so she doesn't wet her pants.
Be nice to her!
You can play with her.
Sing to her!
Give her milk when she is thirsty.
When Malia wets her diaper, give her a clean one.
Baby is drinking (describing picture).
She is jumping in her high chair. It is Malia (describing picture).
I wish I could see her! You will be a good big brother Alex.
When she coughs or throws up, take her to the doctor.
I will love you forever Malia!

Thanks Gem'a & G-dad

A quick note to Marc's parents who will be staying at our house with Alex. Thanks for holding down the fort for us!!! We will skype with everyone as often as we can! Take lots of pictures of Alex's Kindergarten Graduation. =)

What we'll be doing with Malia the night before we fly out of Hong Kong

Marc just emailed this to me:

After two weeks in Beijing, Changsha, & Guangzhou, we are hopping on a train to HK. We arrive around 6:00 p.m. and our flight leaves for the U.S. the next morning. We'll go to the airport Marriott to drop off our bags.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Will we call it a night and sleep? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Hong Kong subway to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6vHfweYtvQ&feature=related

and then the tram up to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-Xru5EVeyE&feature=related

and maybe a quick trip to Vietnam if we can squeeze it in. ;)

Hon, they have a Starbucks at the top of Victoria. I'll get the Grande for you. :)

Gotcha Day

The day we get Malia is called Gotcha Day. Our Gotcha Day will be May 30. That's the same day as Malia's grandmother's (Amalija, a.k.a. Grandma Amy) birthday.

Our very general schedule...

Leaving Austin May 25, Wednesday
We will be in Beijing Thursday-Sunday
then going to the Hunan Province to get Malia at the Changsha capital Sunday-Saturday
then Guangzhou Saturday-Wednesday
then Hong Kong Wednesday-Thursday
then fly home on Friday

Congratulations! The American Consulate has confirmed your appointment for June 8th @ 8:30am!

Leaving next Wednesday, May 25! Alex will be staying home to finish Kindergarten and Gem'a/G-Dad will be staying with him. Hobo and Oscar will be vacationing at Grandma and Bapa's house.

Still waiting for the US Consulate Appointment in Guangzhou, China

We were told by Jenny (at our agency, Great Wall China Adoption) that it would be 2-5 days. Today is the 5th business day. Come on Jenny, email us the good news so we can make our flight reservations!!

Painting from Malia's Bapa (Dianne's dad)

We hung this painting over the bed in Malia's room. Thanks Dad!

Malia's Room

Here are a couple of pictures of Malia's room.

Consulate Appointment

We are still waiting on the Consulate Appointment. We can't book our flights until we have the consulate appointment. The more we have to wait, the more we think we'll be delayed a week. Come on Jenny, email us with Consulate Appointment Confirmed!

In the meantime, here are some pictures of Alex swimming with his Uncle Gavin this past weekend in College Station (@Gema & G-Dad's house)

Got the Travel Approval!!

Hip Hip Hoooooooooray!! So, now Jenny at Great Wall Child Adoption Agency is working to make our consulate appointment happen in China (in Guangzhou). If everything works out as we expect, we will be leaving on May 25 or May 26. We'll find out about the consulate appointment in 2-5 days. Then we are going to book our flights through Jenny and Delight Travel travel agency.

Below is a general outline of what a typical Inner-China Itinerary looks like:

Day 1 - Departure from your hometown to Beijing, you will meet the other families in your Group when you reach China. (If you wish to depart early for China, we will transfer you to your group hotel once you arrive in Beijing, and handle all hotel arrangements, etc from that point forward. Unless otherwise noted, families arriving early will be booked into the group hotel.) As a general suggestion, it is advisable to go at least one day earlier than the group departure date, especially if you are planning to do the tour in Beijing. If you miss your flight or if any flights are delayed and you miss the tour, there are no refunds. (*If you are skipping Beijing, skip to Day 4.)

Day 2 -Arrive in Beijing (Great Wall Guide will be outside customs holding a green flag with “GW” or holding a sign with your last name on it., and transfer you to your group hotel. If they are running late, please wait for them. If they are over 45 minutes late, please call their number provided to you on your Great Wall inner-China itinerary)

Day 3 (Saturday, if you are participating in the tours. Please note that this is the only day that Great Wall schedules the group tours) - Beijing Cultural Tour: The Great Wall, Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City. (Full day touring. Make sure all of you wear good walking shoes!)

Day 3 Saturday, you will need to be in your province, if you are skipping the Beijing tours. Gotcha Day can be on Sunday or Monday, therefore you must arrive in your province on Saturday. Please note that when scheduling your international flights, and skipping Beijing you are responsible for getting yourself into your province. If using Delight Travel, they will fly you directly into your province. If you’re using another service, you must fly directly into your province. Once in province, Great Wall will have arranged all hotels, transportation, etc. A guide WILL be there to pick you up.

Day 4 – (Sunday) Travel to your child's Province IF you have participated in the Beijing tours. You will receive your tickets for the capital city of your child’s province at the airport in Beijing from your guide. You will also receive your tickets for all other Inner-China flights from your guide prior to your flights. Your guide will hold your airline tickets until that time. (Great Wall will have a Guide meet your flight and transfer you to the hotel once you arrive in your province.) Your child is usually brought to either your hotel or the Civil Affairs office and it will be listed on your Inner-China itinerary. This could be Gotcha Day.

Days 5 to 9 – (Monday-Friday) Bonding with your child, sightseeing, and all official paperwork appointments will be done during this week (Receive your child’s passport.) Your child’s passport is typically ready for pick up by your guide on Friday of this week, and it doesn’t matter the province, unless Beijing, which the passport is ready the 2nd week you are in Beijing on that Friday. If you’re child is in Guangzhou, you will still have to be in China for the full 2 weeks, as the first week is Province week and the 2nd week is Consulate week. The schedule doesn’t change because you are in Guangzhou, and sometimes the passport isn’t ready until the Monday after adoption process. Your guide will let you know. This could be Gotcha Day.

Day 9 (Friday) – Travel from your child's province to Guangzhou, unless you are already in Guangzhou. There is no need to travel anywhere else. You will stay at the White Swan your entire stay in province.

Day 10 - Have child’s brief medical exam. This is required for all children who are being adopted. This only applies to them. You will bring your referral medical documentation to this appointment. You may or may not have to present this paperwork. Please bring the English and Chinese version, and if the doctor asks, present. Otherwise, no need.

Day 12 through 15 - (Monday through Thursday) Consulate Appointment (Guide and families take your paperwork to the Consulate for review.) Please keep in mind that the American Consulate accepts appointments only on Monday through Thursday of each week. Families will participate in the Oath Taking Ceremony on the same day as their appointments.

Day 13 through 16 (Tuesday through Friday) – Depending on your Consulate appointment, your child’s visa is ready the following day. For example, if you have your appointment on Monday, then the visa is ready for pick up on Tuesday. Your guide will pick up the visa at the Consulate, and if you’re departing to Hong Kong on the train at 4:12pm, this gives you time to finish packing. If you’re departing out of Beijing, this is also time for you to finish packing depending on when you depart for Beijing. This is variable, so you will have that information before you depart to China from the US.

Day 15 through 18 (Wednesday through Saturday) - Morning departure from Guangzhou on a train to Hong Kong, or a flight to Beijing or Shanghai to connect to the US. If you are flying China Southern for a direct non-stop flight from LAX to Guangzhou, and from Guangzhou to LAX, and the airline flies the day/night you receive your baby’s exit visa, you can depart Guangzhou that evening as it is a 9:00pm or 10:40pm flight.

This itinerary should help you to understand what to expect while in China. (Remember, weekdays will vary and nothing is confirmed until we have received confirmed Consulate appointments.)

Nothing new with Malia's adoption, so here are some pics from Saturday

Alex had a busy Saturday running the Chuy's Kid K and then going to an end-of-season Soccer party.
Alex & Marc - a few feet from the finish line
Alex & Dianne (me)
Cul-de-sac kids, Danny & Cailyn, running with Alex
Hand shake from Coach Mike
Medal from Brooke

Where oh Where is our Travel Approval?

Just getting a little impatient. Come on TA!! Let's go!!

We are officially waiting for the Chinese government to issue travel approval so we can go get Malia and bring her home!!!

We've been getting the house ready. Grandma Amy came over yesterday to help arrange Malia's new and hand-me-down clothes and toys. Aunt Kate is making a quilt and diaper bag. Marc put together the new glider and foot stool from Uncle Gavin and Lesley (thanks for the super surprise guys!). We're busy nesting, but that TA needs to get here.

Happy 9th Month Birthday Malia!

We love you! You'll be home next month!