We touched down in Greenville at about 7:30pm (Eastern Time) on Saturday evening Sept 8. This is after taking off at 8:30am (China Time) on Saturday morning Sept 8. I guess you could say we did the "time warp" and it sure as heck feels like it. Kate did well during her travels and is slowly adjusting to the change as well. I think she is actually transitioning better than Eliz and me. We were basically traveling for 28 hours from when we woke up Saturday morning to when we arrived Saturday night.
We want to again thank everyone who followed our travels and who kept us in their thoughts and prayers. The support we have received while we were away and especially after our return has really moved us and made us realize how lucky we are. I'm not sure how often we will update the blog now that we are home, but I will try to make periodic notes over the next few weeks as we all transition into our new family dynamic.
Ta ta until later,
Kyle.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Today was a pretty uneventful day. Our visa and adoption paperwork was brought to the US consulate while we waited in our rooms in case we were needed. Fortunately, we did not receive a call and at around 11:30am Liping brought our Adoption Certificate and Kate’s vaccination book to us with a big congratulations. All we have left is the official consulate appointment on Friday afternoon where will swear an oath and be good to go back home.
As I reflect on the past two weeks, it is hard to account for the time. The transformation we have seen with Kate is truly remarkable. When you have a child from the beginning, you sometimes miss the drastic changes that occur. You witness the gradual transformation and development daily. Here you start with a blank slate and have to unwrap the puzzle/present that is you child. I hope with this “journal” I was able to give anyone some insight into how this process has affected us and how it has impacted Kate already. While I sometimes probably had too much about the events of the day and too little about Kate, I can only say that is how things flow out of my head….get the “technical” details out first (where, when, who, etc.) and then get into the “touchy-feely” side of having this new life to influence and mold.
This may be the last entry until sometime after we return home Saturday evening September 8. If I get a chance I may post once more on Friday, but it depends on what is happening that night. And since we leave at 5:30am on Saturday morning, I know it will not be happening then.
Thanks goes out to everyone who stopped in to check on our progress and especially for leaving comments. It made our days to see the encouraging words from our family and friends. They have helped remind us that we were not here alone. The hardest part of the whole trip for me has been doing it without Zach here. We have missed him tremendously and cannot wait to get home so he can see his little sister.
Thanks again and God bless you all.
Kyle.
Today was a pretty uneventful day. Our visa and adoption paperwork was brought to the US consulate while we waited in our rooms in case we were needed. Fortunately, we did not receive a call and at around 11:30am Liping brought our Adoption Certificate and Kate’s vaccination book to us with a big congratulations. All we have left is the official consulate appointment on Friday afternoon where will swear an oath and be good to go back home.
As I reflect on the past two weeks, it is hard to account for the time. The transformation we have seen with Kate is truly remarkable. When you have a child from the beginning, you sometimes miss the drastic changes that occur. You witness the gradual transformation and development daily. Here you start with a blank slate and have to unwrap the puzzle/present that is you child. I hope with this “journal” I was able to give anyone some insight into how this process has affected us and how it has impacted Kate already. While I sometimes probably had too much about the events of the day and too little about Kate, I can only say that is how things flow out of my head….get the “technical” details out first (where, when, who, etc.) and then get into the “touchy-feely” side of having this new life to influence and mold.
This may be the last entry until sometime after we return home Saturday evening September 8. If I get a chance I may post once more on Friday, but it depends on what is happening that night. And since we leave at 5:30am on Saturday morning, I know it will not be happening then.
Thanks goes out to everyone who stopped in to check on our progress and especially for leaving comments. It made our days to see the encouraging words from our family and friends. They have helped remind us that we were not here alone. The hardest part of the whole trip for me has been doing it without Zach here. We have missed him tremendously and cannot wait to get home so he can see his little sister.
Thanks again and God bless you all.
Kyle.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Wednesday was medical appointment day for the group. We gathered together at 10:00am and walked to the nearby photo shop where all the girls had headshots made for their medical form and US visa application. 
They got a good one of Kate in mid cry which you can kind of see to the left. It was sad and funny at the same time. After their photo shot, we walked a few blocks to the medical examination building here on the island. The exam was really quite simple. There were three stations that each child had to visit. 
One checked their torso and main body parts (chest, legs, head circumference). A second checked their ear, nose, and throat. The third captured her vital statistics (weight, height). The whole process of pictures and medical exam took just over an hour. I’m glad we seemed to get there early because a couple of other groups arrived after us and it became very crowded with all the babies and parents in the less than spacious exam waiting area.
We spent another quiet afternoon on the island and I finally broke down and purchased a few items to bring back. They were mostly things to hang on the wall to remember the trip (like we really need anything to remember this trip).
On Thursday our local contacts (Liping and Peter) head to the US consulate to deliver our adoption paperwork and visa application for Kate. We wait in our room for a couple of hours until they are finished (in case there are issues that they need to call us to correct). After that we are free to do whatever strikes our fancy.
Kate continues to walk more and more. The more she walks, the more “regular” she becomes. We spent more time in the play room Wednesday and Kate got a chance to see and play with some other kids. She likes to watch what other kids do and eventually work her way over to them to play. She also likes to imitate what we do. So far, she can give a decent “high five” and has also started blowing kisses. Now that she seems to be feeling a little better, she also seems to be doing more things each day.
They got a good one of Kate in mid cry which you can kind of see to the left. It was sad and funny at the same time. After their photo shot, we walked a few blocks to the medical examination building here on the island. The exam was really quite simple. There were three stations that each child had to visit. 
One checked their torso and main body parts (chest, legs, head circumference). A second checked their ear, nose, and throat. The third captured her vital statistics (weight, height). The whole process of pictures and medical exam took just over an hour. I’m glad we seemed to get there early because a couple of other groups arrived after us and it became very crowded with all the babies and parents in the less than spacious exam waiting area.We spent another quiet afternoon on the island and I finally broke down and purchased a few items to bring back. They were mostly things to hang on the wall to remember the trip (like we really need anything to remember this trip).
On Thursday our local contacts (Liping and Peter) head to the US consulate to deliver our adoption paperwork and visa application for Kate. We wait in our room for a couple of hours until they are finished (in case there are issues that they need to call us to correct). After that we are free to do whatever strikes our fancy.
Kate continues to walk more and more. The more she walks, the more “regular” she becomes. We spent more time in the play room Wednesday and Kate got a chance to see and play with some other kids. She likes to watch what other kids do and eventually work her way over to them to play. She also likes to imitate what we do. So far, she can give a decent “high five” and has also started blowing kisses. Now that she seems to be feeling a little better, she also seems to be doing more things each day.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Another open day today to do as we wish.
Breakfast bar……………………..…CHECK
Baby fed……………………………....CHECK
WALKING in Swan Room………CHECK
Down for nap……………………...…CHECK
After a good morning of eating and walking (yes, she really started walking by herself this morning). Eliz and I slipped off while Kate was napping to explore, shop, and drink some Starbucks. We hiked past the Holiday Inn Shifu (where two other families in our group are staying – about ½ mile from our hotel) and walked down the street in front of that hotel to look at all the shops along the way. I was basically one long street of retail shops where you could get clothes, bags, DVD, shoes, shoes, shoes (plenty of shoe stores). I thought about Dad at one point because one shoe store was entirely Converse and 75% of the shoes where the canvas All Stars from yesteryear.
After heading back to the island (Shamian) we stopped at the Starbucks to enjoy a latte and some cheese cake…yum! Then we hit a couple of stores and street vendors and ended up picking up a little artwork. As we were doing so, I kept looking up at our room window to see if the drapes were drawn back to see if Kate was awake yet. It was not until we walked into the room that she woke up. Perfect timing.
Later, Eliz and Gram went out again to help support the local economy. It’s a good thing Gram has two beds in her room because I do not know where she would store her purchases if it was not there. I’m just kidding and must apologize for an earlier comment I made about Gram and her picture taking. I had doubts that she really caught Kate walking for the first time the other day, but after reviewing the evidence from her camera, I stand corrected and respectfully apologize. (She made me do this.)
While they were out, Kate and I headed down to the Swan Room to play a bit and practice her walking some more. Earlier this morning she was walking across the room between Eliz and me. I was such a fantastic moment to see another major hurdle crossed right in front of you eyes. She gets up a head of steam and then lunges into your arms as she gets close. I hope to include a clip with this posting if any of mine are short enough to load. We met a nice man (Greg from Australia) and his daughter (Bridget) while playing and compared stories of our last week here. He leaves for Shanghai on Wednesday to do his Consulate appointment, etc. at the Aussie Consulate.
Once we had played and walked a bit, we popped into the stroller and were off around the block to see what was happening in the steets. Almost everything happens outside or in the streets here. You will see 85 year old women doing stretches on a bench, 10 year olds playing on a step, 4 year olds eating at a store opening (and have them shout “HELLO” as you walk by), adults of all ages playing badminton with or without a net, and school children playing games in the local park outside the primary school. We got to see all these things while walking around for just a few minutes. It is quite amazing. When we got back to the room, Kate had a delicious dinner of beef/carrots, prunes, apple paste, and a couple of bran crackers. This was until we ate (at Lucy’s) where she gets to eat some more from out plates. There has not been a food yet that she has not put into her mouth. She may eventually spit it out after sucking any juice out of it (ie. watermelon), but she tries it nonetheless.
After dinner at Lucy’s, it was a sprint back to the hotel in the pouring rain. Then it was bath time for Kate followed by bed time. We are very lucky because she goes down very easily at night and in her crib.
Wednesday is the day we go get her medical check-up and get pictures made for her visa. After that, we are free yet again to roam.
Three days from now (8am Wed morn) we will be on the plane to Tokyo bringing our precious daughter home. We cannot wait to see everyone and introduce you all to Kate.
God Bless,
Kyle.
Another open day today to do as we wish.
Breakfast bar……………………..…CHECK
Baby fed……………………………....CHECK
WALKING in Swan Room………CHECK
Down for nap……………………...…CHECK
After a good morning of eating and walking (yes, she really started walking by herself this morning). Eliz and I slipped off while Kate was napping to explore, shop, and drink some Starbucks. We hiked past the Holiday Inn Shifu (where two other families in our group are staying – about ½ mile from our hotel) and walked down the street in front of that hotel to look at all the shops along the way. I was basically one long street of retail shops where you could get clothes, bags, DVD, shoes, shoes, shoes (plenty of shoe stores). I thought about Dad at one point because one shoe store was entirely Converse and 75% of the shoes where the canvas All Stars from yesteryear.
After heading back to the island (Shamian) we stopped at the Starbucks to enjoy a latte and some cheese cake…yum! Then we hit a couple of stores and street vendors and ended up picking up a little artwork. As we were doing so, I kept looking up at our room window to see if the drapes were drawn back to see if Kate was awake yet. It was not until we walked into the room that she woke up. Perfect timing.
Later, Eliz and Gram went out again to help support the local economy. It’s a good thing Gram has two beds in her room because I do not know where she would store her purchases if it was not there. I’m just kidding and must apologize for an earlier comment I made about Gram and her picture taking. I had doubts that she really caught Kate walking for the first time the other day, but after reviewing the evidence from her camera, I stand corrected and respectfully apologize. (She made me do this.)
While they were out, Kate and I headed down to the Swan Room to play a bit and practice her walking some more. Earlier this morning she was walking across the room between Eliz and me. I was such a fantastic moment to see another major hurdle crossed right in front of you eyes. She gets up a head of steam and then lunges into your arms as she gets close. I hope to include a clip with this posting if any of mine are short enough to load. We met a nice man (Greg from Australia) and his daughter (Bridget) while playing and compared stories of our last week here. He leaves for Shanghai on Wednesday to do his Consulate appointment, etc. at the Aussie Consulate.
Once we had played and walked a bit, we popped into the stroller and were off around the block to see what was happening in the steets. Almost everything happens outside or in the streets here. You will see 85 year old women doing stretches on a bench, 10 year olds playing on a step, 4 year olds eating at a store opening (and have them shout “HELLO” as you walk by), adults of all ages playing badminton with or without a net, and school children playing games in the local park outside the primary school. We got to see all these things while walking around for just a few minutes. It is quite amazing. When we got back to the room, Kate had a delicious dinner of beef/carrots, prunes, apple paste, and a couple of bran crackers. This was until we ate (at Lucy’s) where she gets to eat some more from out plates. There has not been a food yet that she has not put into her mouth. She may eventually spit it out after sucking any juice out of it (ie. watermelon), but she tries it nonetheless.
After dinner at Lucy’s, it was a sprint back to the hotel in the pouring rain. Then it was bath time for Kate followed by bed time. We are very lucky because she goes down very easily at night and in her crib.
Wednesday is the day we go get her medical check-up and get pictures made for her visa. After that, we are free yet again to roam.
Three days from now (8am Wed morn) we will be on the plane to Tokyo bringing our precious daughter home. We cannot wait to see everyone and introduce you all to Kate.
God Bless,
Kyle.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Sample Video Clip - If it works
This a short clip of Kate earlier last week. It is one of the smaller clips so, hopefully, it will not take to long to load up. If it does, leave a comment and I may remove it and try something else.
Monday, 3 September 2007
Monday was a free day for everyone. Gram and Eliz did a "bit" of shopping (3 hours) after breakfast when Kate was taking a nap. She has been a little under the weather with the snotty nose but has still been a trooper through it all. We had a chance to go on a boat cruise of the Pearl River, but I needed the rest to recharge my batteries (and back). When our guide (Peter) said the food was "so-so" we decided to take a rain check. A few other families went and said the scenery going up and down the river was very nice.
Here's a brief rundown of the rest of the week.
September 4 is another open day and the 5th is the day we go to the doctor and get Kate's passport. The 6th our paperwork is brought to the US Consulate and we wait by the phone in case there are any issues. The 7th we go to the US Consulate to pick up Kate's visa and do a few other items. Saturday, the 8th we are back on the plane headed home.
Monday, 3 September 2007
Monday was a free day for everyone. Gram and Eliz did a "bit" of shopping (3 hours) after breakfast when Kate was taking a nap. She has been a little under the weather with the snotty nose but has still been a trooper through it all. We had a chance to go on a boat cruise of the Pearl River, but I needed the rest to recharge my batteries (and back). When our guide (Peter) said the food was "so-so" we decided to take a rain check. A few other families went and said the scenery going up and down the river was very nice.
Here's a brief rundown of the rest of the week.
September 4 is another open day and the 5th is the day we go to the doctor and get Kate's passport. The 6th our paperwork is brought to the US Consulate and we wait by the phone in case there are any issues. The 7th we go to the US Consulate to pick up Kate's visa and do a few other items. Saturday, the 8th we are back on the plane headed home.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Sunday, 2 September 2007
Sunday, 2 September 2007
If you have followed any previous postings, you will know how this day started. That’s right, to the breakfast bar everyone! After breakfast we did not do too much. Kate was feeling a little under the weather and had turned on the snot faucet so we decided to keep her in a bit and play with her in the room. She perked up some and took a good nap around midday.
In the afternoon we had an excursion with our travel group to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s memorial and a brief stop at the local toy wholesale market before a Cantonese dinner. The memorial was quite impressive. Sun Yat-sen was the man who brought China into a Nationalist movement (forgive me if I get some details wrong). He stressed that the government should work for the people and not the people for an emperor. His memorial is a large auditorium that looks like a Chinese temple from the outside. It can seat about 4000 people and holds (or has held) various events from plays to operas (or so we were told). The site of the memorial takes up an entire city block so it is quite large.
The toy market was just like other markets/malls here. There are 10,000 stores all on top of each other trying to sell you every conceivable item in the world. Most of it are items that you can get anywhere, but we were guessing all the “Made in China” items must originate here. If you are looking for any authentic Chinese items (or do not like to fight the throngs of people on the multiple levels of this mall) then this is probably not the ideal spot to do that.
After the toy mall, we headed to a “authentic” Chinese restaurant to get Cantonese cuisine. The food was recognizable and edible and those that went were able to eat enough to stay alive. Of course, it may have been the eight bottles of beer that we shared as a group that got us through, but whatever it takes!
Tomorrow is mostly open. Liping is setting up a river cruise in the evening for any interested families.
If you have followed any previous postings, you will know how this day started. That’s right, to the breakfast bar everyone! After breakfast we did not do too much. Kate was feeling a little under the weather and had turned on the snot faucet so we decided to keep her in a bit and play with her in the room. She perked up some and took a good nap around midday.
In the afternoon we had an excursion with our travel group to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s memorial and a brief stop at the local toy wholesale market before a Cantonese dinner. The memorial was quite impressive. Sun Yat-sen was the man who brought China into a Nationalist movement (forgive me if I get some details wrong). He stressed that the government should work for the people and not the people for an emperor. His memorial is a large auditorium that looks like a Chinese temple from the outside. It can seat about 4000 people and holds (or has held) various events from plays to operas (or so we were told). The site of the memorial takes up an entire city block so it is quite large.
The toy market was just like other markets/malls here. There are 10,000 stores all on top of each other trying to sell you every conceivable item in the world. Most of it are items that you can get anywhere, but we were guessing all the “Made in China” items must originate here. If you are looking for any authentic Chinese items (or do not like to fight the throngs of people on the multiple levels of this mall) then this is probably not the ideal spot to do that.
After the toy mall, we headed to a “authentic” Chinese restaurant to get Cantonese cuisine. The food was recognizable and edible and those that went were able to eat enough to stay alive. Of course, it may have been the eight bottles of beer that we shared as a group that got us through, but whatever it takes!
Tomorrow is mostly open. Liping is setting up a river cruise in the evening for any interested families.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Random Pictures
Kate at CAB when we picked up Red Book (adoption certificate).
View from our room.
Nothing like electrical safety. Doesn’t look like there is any NEC code here, does it? All this is about 8 feet off the ground which may be okay when the average height is five and half feet.
Zebras for Zach.
Saturday, September 1
Saturday, 1 September 2007
Another day, another breakfast followed by a two-hour session of paperwork completion. One member of each family met with Peter to finish filling out paperwork needed for the American consulate trip later next week. After that we had the rest of the day free. We brought Kate to the playroom for some more fun. The first time she was with Eliz and Gram while I was working on the paperwork and took her first few steps that I think
Gram may have caught on her camera. Anyone that knows Gram and her cameras knows what I mean when I say she “may” have caught it on her camera. I was broken hearted when I found out I missed it, but was partially rewarded later in the day when I was playing with her while Gram and Eliz were out and about. She crawled a bit and stood up a bit, but as we were getting ready to leave she stood up and took two steps right to my outstretched arms. It was a great moment. The picture with the orange ball was seconds before she stood up on her own. It is good to see her make progress.
Another day, another breakfast followed by a two-hour session of paperwork completion. One member of each family met with Peter to finish filling out paperwork needed for the American consulate trip later next week. After that we had the rest of the day free. We brought Kate to the playroom for some more fun. The first time she was with Eliz and Gram while I was working on the paperwork and took her first few steps that I think
Gram may have caught on her camera. Anyone that knows Gram and her cameras knows what I mean when I say she “may” have caught it on her camera. I was broken hearted when I found out I missed it, but was partially rewarded later in the day when I was playing with her while Gram and Eliz were out and about. She crawled a bit and stood up a bit, but as we were getting ready to leave she stood up and took two steps right to my outstretched arms. It was a great moment. The picture with the orange ball was seconds before she stood up on her own. It is good to see her make progress.
Each day we continue to learn a little more about her. She really enjoys throwing her toys down and laughing when she looks at you. Here's another picture of her in the play room laughing and playing with a ball. Her stacking cups are some of her favorite toys. She will reach out and give it to you and say “gah!”. It is so funny. When eating, she has really started reaching out at things. This morning she actually knocked a glass of apple juice out of Gram’s hand. We have to clear the part of the table where she sits because she will reach out and snag anything.
Later in the evening we walked over to the Holiday Inn Shifu where two other families are staying. There is a large pedestrian street that is nothing but stores. We grabbed a bite to eat at the KFC and walked around the rather large pearl market underneath some seven story mall. The scene on the street reminded me of Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras or New Years, there were people everywhere. Navigating it with several families and strollers in tow was a nice challenge. I've included a picture of the street for your viewing pleasure.Farewell until later,
KEG.
Friday, 31 August 2007 
Today was Zoo day. After our typical breakfast we met the rest of our travel group and went to visit the Guangzhou Zoo. We were not sure what to expect and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The zoo was larger than we expected and was impeccably manicured. It had the typical zoo animals with the exception of the panda bear. It also had a small amusement park section where there were rides for kids. There was a mini roller coaster, a mini log ride, and a couple of other small rides that you normally see at the kids part of an amusement park. We spent about one and a half hours strolling through the zoo and after leaving we went to lunch at Hong Xing Seafood Restaurant for a dim sum lunch. A little bit of this and little bit of that (ie. beer) and we were off back to our hotels to spend the afternoon however we wished. We’re not sure how much Kate enjoyed the zoo because she slept through most of it.
While Gram rested upon our return, Eliz, Kate and I set out to run a few errands. We picked up some film and a couple of other items (like water). We snapped a shot in front of the Starbucks that is only a block from the hotel. No, we have not been in yet, but I’m sure it is coming soon. Eventually we wandered back to our room to get ready for dinner. As you may be able to tell from the picture, someone really enjoys their time in the stroller...snore! (as long as it is moving).
Today was Zoo day. After our typical breakfast we met the rest of our travel group and went to visit the Guangzhou Zoo. We were not sure what to expect and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The zoo was larger than we expected and was impeccably manicured. It had the typical zoo animals with the exception of the panda bear. It also had a small amusement park section where there were rides for kids. There was a mini roller coaster, a mini log ride, and a couple of other small rides that you normally see at the kids part of an amusement park. We spent about one and a half hours strolling through the zoo and after leaving we went to lunch at Hong Xing Seafood Restaurant for a dim sum lunch. A little bit of this and little bit of that (ie. beer) and we were off back to our hotels to spend the afternoon however we wished. We’re not sure how much Kate enjoyed the zoo because she slept through most of it.
While Gram rested upon our return, Eliz, Kate and I set out to run a few errands. We picked up some film and a couple of other items (like water). We snapped a shot in front of the Starbucks that is only a block from the hotel. No, we have not been in yet, but I’m sure it is coming soon. Eventually we wandered back to our room to get ready for dinner. As you may be able to tell from the picture, someone really enjoys their time in the stroller...snore! (as long as it is moving).
A few items of note about Kate today: she stood up for the first time today and crawled a little bit while in the Swan Room. The picture is a bit blurry, but she was in the act of standing when I snapped the photo. She really has been quite a treasure so far. The other day a young couple stopped us outside the hotel restaurant and asked if they could take a picture with her. They said she was very beautiful and that is why they wanted a picture. I’m not sure what to make of it, but I cannot say that I can disagree with their opinion. She is such a cutie!One thing I’ve noticed is that I am getting to bed much earlier these days. It must be a combination of all the changes, but once 8:30pm rolls around, Homey is ready to call it a night. Too bad the beds are like sleeping on a slab of marble. Do not even think about sleeping on your side, unless you want major shoulder issues in the morning. We have tried layering all the extra comforters onto the mattress, but that really does not help at all. Oh well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)