September 10, 2008

Jade slept all night again, waking up just once for a bottle. We couldn't ask for a better baby!

I was up during the night doing laundry in the bath tub. It is very difficult to get adjusted to the time frame.

Our guide William came to our room last night to help us out with the phone card. Mom has been able to get through to Dad a few times, but the connection is bad, and they have to shout. All of a sudden the line will go dead.

He brought with us an answered list of questions I had sent to the orphanage. The nannies say Jade does not have any special likes or dislikes. Adults holding her in their arms and playing with her make her happy. (I am not sure why they say adults). Strangers maker her angry and upset. Holding her in your arms will comfort her. They told us to let her hold her own bottle, and she will fall asleep this way. We haven't found that she can hold her bottle yet. She has had no big illnesses. The orphanage is in need of some cribs. I will see what we can do to help with that when we get home. They cost about $120 US dollars each.

Jade was found at the gate of the orphanage on October 20, 2007 by the orphanage staff. She was left without a birth note or other mementos. She was found with 66 yuan. 66 yuan is about $10 US. We are wondering if 66 is a lucky number in China. If anyone knows, let us know. I have read that this is often the case. Certain numbers are lucky, and the Chinese will leave something to point to that number. Perhaps it is simply all her birth family could give toward her care, and that is very sad. Some answers we will never have.

William brought with him a copy of her finding ad. The picture is black and white and somewhat blurry, but we are happy to have it. The orphanage must post a finding ad for 60 days, and if no one comes forward to claim them than they can be eligible for adoption. Without the process of posting a finding ad, adoption would be illegal.

I have read many blogs of folks who say they can't believe their trip is over so quickly. Our trip has gone well. We have been healthy, and our accomodations are very nice. However, 17 days is long, no matter where you are except maybe in Hawaii on the beach - on someone else's tab. We miss Emily, Dad, and the rest of our family very much. We have nine more days until we come home.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my customer and friend, Mr. Frank Olsefski. I will miss him very much. I feel very sad. We always enjoyed a good visit, and he always loved the Disney Stamps, especially. If any of my customers are reading the blog, please pass my condolences to the family.

Our guide William has written a note for us in Chinese for Megan. It says she is American, adopted 11 years ago. It says that she and Jade are sisters, and that she speaks only English. We think this note might help today because Megan gets lots of Chinese people trying to speak to her.

William also wrote a special note for me - its says NO ONIONS PLEASE in Chinese!! Anyone who knows me knows I hate onions. I don't even like to hear the word onion. I can't wait to show it to the next restaurant. I am a bit spoiled with my Upstate NY maple syrup in my bag, and my hickory farms smoked beef. Everyone finds this quite humorous. Now I am ready to order a Chinese meal on my own - without onions!

We are leaving today on a trip to the Stone Forest and the minority villages. The Stone Forest is very famous in the Yunnan Province. We look forward to the trip, which will take all day. We will post again this evening. Here are a few morning shots of Jade! She is starting to smile more and "talk to us". She gets around the room by rolling, but doesn't show any signs of crawling yet other than backwards.

 

Help! These people take way too many pictures.

Happy Baby!

Grandma and I play with bubbles.

I can hold my head up and crawl backwards.

We are back from touring the Stone Forest. It was the most beautiful place I have ever been to. I think it should be one of the seven wonders of the world! There was a nice breeze. The stones jutting from the ground are a combination of the Himilayan mountains moving and the ocean carving them. Some of the minority Chinese live and work at the forest. After we left the Stone Forest, we stopped for a traditional Chinese lunch, and then we went to a minority village where they make silk crafts. Very meticulous work, but much too expensive for our purse.

We didn't get back to the hotel until 5:30PM. It was a long day for the babies and the families, but we think it was well worth it.

It is difficult to get Jade on any kind of a schedule because of these tours, so we hope that she will transition well when we get home. She does love to be in her crib and play by herself, so that is a plus.

We boil all the water used to brush our teeth and make baby bottles. We also use this water for packaged oatmeal, cup of soup, and tea. I am very thankful I brought my oatmeal packets, especially, and I wish I weren't out of them already. We drink only bottled water, so the small packets of propel and lemonade I brought help to add some flavor.

I am trying to mention a few pointers for the waiting adoptive parents. The hotel does supply converters and adapters, although we brought our own. The computer access wasn't so great in Beijing but seems much better in Yunnan Province. We debated as to rather or not to bring a laptop and we are so glad we did. It is our only connection to home since phone service is poor.

We were sure to take a photo today of Jade in her sweater that Grandma bought her for 168 yuan. We took a photo so we have proof that we do own one!

We are finding lite weight long pants and long sleeve tops are best for the baby. It helps with the clothing police. I have some nice sundresses and shortall outfits. I hope to be able to put them on Jade when we get to Guangzhou.

Congratulations to Ethan on acquiring your learner's permit! We are so proud of you.

 

Everyone loves a Brown Eyed Girl

 

Riding on the Bus

 

Riding on the Bus

 

 

Stone Forest

 

 

 

This page hosted by