Day 12 - Guangzhou Hot Zoo

Wow, it has been so long since I have blogged I think I have forgotten how. Barry has been monopolizing it so far....Actually it has been a joy watching him and hearing his side of our story. For most of our journey he was pretty quiet and now he is hooked! I will say, he has had the more exciting end of it though. I am not sure what he shared the last time, but we do apologize for not blogging every day like we were. We are not very pleased with the hotel we are at right now. We have to pay the equivelent of about $15 per day for internet access. It is pretty pathetic. Also, all of us, but Barry have been sick. Just about everyone of us in our group as had a swore throat, cough and head congestion. I think all the babies from our Lianjiang orphanage have been to the clinic at least once and most were diagnosed with bronchitis. Last night I couldn't sleep unless I had a throat lozenge in my mouth. I don't really recommend sleeping with one, but sometimes you just got do what you gotta do.
Today we went to the zoo here in Guangzhou. In the words of little 5 year old Olivia, "The zoo was sweating!" Even our ice cream cones were soggy! The humidity is just about unbearable and we were all dripping. The poor little babies were miserable, but they were all great little troopers. We saw a panda, bears, a lion, tigers, monkeys, an elephant, hippos and rhinos. Even though it was hot it was good to get out and finally do something. Meredith was glad. It also made the pool feel even better today.
Meredith has been such a wonderful help and we are so proud of her and how she has travelled. She is really enjoying all the babies and the other children that came on the trip. In the afternoons when we are waiting for the pool to open many of the families hang out in the hallway since there isn't a common area. We call it a hall party. People bring out their snacks, babies and toys and we all just sit around talk and play. It is so amazing to see how all of the babies interact and love their mommies and daddies.
It is also amazing to think that we have had Melina now for 8 days. It seems as if we have had her from the beginning. She is so precious to me. When I hold her she will intently study my face and sometimes mimic my mouth movements when I talk. She has the sweetest voice. I love her dearly. Well, enough of writing, I know it is the pictures you really want! By the way, there is a baby panda in the background in one of the photos with Meredith. Make sure you click on the photos so you can see him.

Day 11 - Several Rainy Days

We haven't posted in a few days so I thought I would take a few moments and provide a few pictures and give you guys an update on what's going on here. On Sunday, May 20, we had to switch hotels from the White Swan to the Dong Fang hotel. We believe we had to move because of renovations. It sure sounded like they were going to come through our ceiling several days while we were there. We actually like the room here at the Dong Fang hotel better than our room at the White Swan. But all in all we much prefer the White Swan. The pool here at the Dong Fang is cool though. See the picture.

Sorry we haven't posted the last couple of days. We haven't been busy. In fact, its been pretty boring. It's been rainy that past several days so we've had to stay in our rooms a lot. Also, for some strange reason, that beautiful pool is closed between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm. We totally don't know why this is. This sure makes it difficult for those of us who have older kids like Meredith. We've tried to make the most of it though. In fact, we had a little hall block party this afternoon waiting for the pool to open. One high point of our trip needs little caption. See the picture. We were actually quite glad to have a burger from McDonalds. Taste the same to me. Thanks for caring so much for us. Continue to pray for a safe trip home and a smooth transition to our normal lives. We love you all.

Barry, Shanna, Meredith and Melina

Day 8 - The Famous Red Couch

We started our day as usual with a great breakfast after Melina slept for about 10 hours. We then went to Friendship Park where we played our breakfast off. The afternoon was rainy so we napped. But this evening we had a birthday party for the kids who have already turned one and we took pictures on the famous red couch in the White Swan Hotel with our new additions.

I am still amazed at how easily you can make friends. Meredith met this little girl at the park and they hit it off well. The little girl only new a few words of English, but she and Meredith played so well together. When the little girl wanted to do something different, she would simply wave to Meredith to "come on" and there they went. This little girl was probably about 10-12 and full of life and energy.


As I mentioned earlier, we also took pictures on the famous red couch. Enjoy the photos. We will post again tomorrow night after we move from the White Swan to the Dou Fang (not sure how it's spelled) hotel. Much love to all.

Day 7 - Lots of Shopping

We finally had a day where we did not have to go anywhere and do anything. And so we didn't - except shop. We have presents for lots of people. Because this has not been a very exciting day - going here and there and everywhere - we don't have a lot of new pictures. But I thought I would post a few items for you nonetheless. There is a video at the end though that is precious.

Have I mentioned that we have had a wonderful breakfast each day we've been at the White Swan? I really don't know what I am going to do when I get home. I've had scrambled eggs, bacon, apple juice, watermelon, oranges, hash browns, etc. every morning since we've been here. Shanna and I were talking about this at breakfast and she said that I had to get all I want now because it's Raisin Bran and Rice Crispies when we get home.

We did see a couple who apparently are getting married so I took a picture of them with Meredith.



Hope you enjoy. We do.

Day 6, Part 2 - Melina Laughing

Here's some video for you to check out.

Love to All.

Day 6 - It's Gettin' Better All the Time

As you can see from these photos, we are all doing well. It's only been a little more than 48 hours since we got her, but we all, including Melina, seem to be doing well. She is a good baby. Like most babies she cries when she's hungry, tired and when it's time to poop. Sounds a lot like me.

Even though its been seven years since we've had a baby, Shanna hasn't missed a step. She is a natural mother. Even though Shanna is great, I really think we should attribute the success so far to all the prayers we and you have prayed for the past two years. After all, God has been hearing all of our prayers now for a long time and He is simply being faithful to answer our consistent prayers. Praise God with me. Can I get an Amen?

It really is quite amazing. Melina does not seem to have any attachment issues at all. She comes to each of us easily and loves her sister Meredith who we will likely nickname "Jie Jie" which means "Big Sister" in Chinese. Madeline will likely be called "Sissy" which is what Meredith already calls Madeline.

Today we went to obtain a Chinese passport for Melina. She is not a US citizen until we touch down in LA. We also got our Adoption Certificate from the Chinese government which makes our adoption absolutely final in China.

No more words and a few more pictures. I've got to finish my sweet and sour chicken from last night. Talk to you soon and enjoy the photos.

All our love,

Barry, Shanna, Meredith and Melina from China

Day 5-It is Official!

Today, Melina is officially and legally ours, in China! We had our two interviews today at the Civil Affairs office this morning and "promised to never leave her or abandon her." I had tears in my eyes as we promised. This whole process is such a beautiful picture of our relationship with God and how He is the One that sought us out. He is the One that loved us first and He is the One that promises never to "leave us or forsake us" no matter how much we mess up. God is so good.
It was quite funny at our first interview. Melina smiles and made raspberry noises at the lady. Some of the others in our group were saying that was Melina's way of saying, "Goodbye, I'm outta here!" I thought that was funny. Tomorrow morning we have her medical exam and in the afternoon we will apply for her passport.
Last night was a great night. She is like clock work! She is following her little schedule they gave us to a tee. She went to sleep at 9 PM and at 4 am when she normally has a bottle she woke me up feverishly sucking on her thumb hoping to get something, I guess. I debated whether to feed her or not, because she wasn't crying, but I decided to feed her to let her know we are here to take care of her. She had her bottle and went right back to sleep. We actually had to wake her this morning so that we could get to our interview so I don't know how long she would have slept. I think we woke her up at a little after 7. It took a little work too.
Right now everyone is sleeping but me. I just returned from dropping off laundry and a little shopping. :)
So far things are going very smoothly. Barry is being such a big help and Meredith is always there ready to help also. In fact she did not go with us today, but stayed behind with another little girl and her GM and I missed having her two little hands!Barry is so sweet. He has already said, we are probably going to have to do this again!
PS: Linda can you email me because I have a question for you and I forget your email.

Addendum to Post - Added a few photos at about 9:30 pm our time. Hope you enjoy them. Love to all.

Day 4, Part 3-Answered Prayers!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! They are flowing today! Melina is such a precious gift and a very sweet baby. The "Ning" part of her name means peaceful and I think she really is. I am happy to say that she did cry quite a bit with all the events of the day, but she also endured some major changes too. All the little babies in our group had made a 6 hour drive that morning and Melina did not sleep so she was exhausted! After her cry she settled down a little and slept a little then woke up, looked at me, a stranger, cried some more and then went back to sleep. The next time she woke up though we were able to get some little smiles out of her!! What joy that brings! Unfortunately, every time I went to take a picture the red eye reduction light would distract her and I kept missing her smile. She seems content, especially when we hold her. She is very receptive to us. She enjoys feeling my skin, licking me and rubbing me with her tiny little hands. The pictures are very deceiving. She is quite small. She is 9 1/2 mo. and can fit into 3 mo. clothing. Right now I have her in 6 mo which is a little big, but I am sure not for long. As you can see from these pictures she loves her "Jie Jie" (big sister), Meredith. I am confident she will also adore her "Sissy", Madeline, too! God has been so good during all of this and has certainly answered prayers! All along we and many of you have prayed that Melina's heart would be prepared for us and ours for her and God answered! Thank you!

Day 4, Part 2 - Melina Has Arrived

Here she is. We are now a family of 5. Unfortunately, we will be unable to do much writing here. I've got to go down and get some rice cereal. But I did want to provide a few pictures. More to come later.

Day 4 - Gotcha Day Before Melina

I got up a 6:00 am this morning after a great night's sleep. I was so tired last night I was probably asleep by 9:30 (am your time pm our time) and I was ready to get up. It's now about 7:00 am and I've gotten my shower, checked the email and now I am posting a blog to share my excitement.

(By the way, thanks so much to Linda and Huey Register for sending a comment every time we post. It means so much to us to see those of you who are reading the blog when you leave us a comment. If you are reading the blog and not leaving us a comment, you need to. It takes nearly no time at all.)

I just wanted to remind all of you that tonight, while you sleep, we will be getting our little girl. When you wake up tomorrow morning you will get to see the first pictures of her and us together, our new family of 5.

I also wanted to send a special thanks to the folks on this building. If it weren't for them, we would likely not be able to share this experience with you all.
The picture was taken in Beijing when we first arrived and I thought it was appropriate to take a picture of the Microsoft Building since without their accomplishments in technology, much of all this would not be possible.

Sleep well tonight and hopefully we will have time to post some pictures and video by the time you wake up.

Day 3-Guangzhou

This is finally the last night without Melina. This morning we awoke early for our flight from Beijing to Guangzhou. We arrived after lunch some time and headed to the famous White Swan Hotel. I did not get to see much of Guangzhou on the way in because we were all anxiously listening over the grinding of gears to our in country coordinator as she gave us a few details of what is to happen over the next few days. Once again we were a little misinformed and we will get the babies tomorrow afternoon, not morning like we were all anticipating. I did not hear very well because Barry and I were toward the back and the bus was very loud. We are looking forward to our meeting in the morning that will give us a better picture of what to expect. Basically, we know the most important part and that is when we get Melina!! It was a neat feeling to walk into our little room and have the crib all ready set up waiting for us. I got that rush in my stomach feeling again. I unpacked and tried to get things settled and organized so I would have a little idea of where things are when I need them. We took a little stroll around the hotel, took Meredith swimming, and walked a little around a few shops on the island. We did not get very far and look forward to looking around a little more while carrying our sweet bundle with us!
We have had such a wonderful trip so far and it is only going to get better. I am so looking forward to holding Melina. I have packed the diaper back pack and that is wierd! It has been forever and I am not sure I know what I am doing anymore!!
Well, I need to get to bed. Excuse the not so smooth post tonight...
By the way, Barry has done an outstanding job of blogging lately hasn't he? I assume you all can tell which one of us is blogging? His are more coherent these days than mine. He is really enjoying it and enjoying China and our trip much more than he ever thought he would. I am sooo glad!
Love you all and thank you so much for your prayers! We will have plenty of pictures for you tomorrow! I can't wait!!!

Day 2, Part 2 - Just for Madeline

Madeline,

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. You were so beautiful at the recital. We saw the pictures that Uncle Kent sent and all Daddy can say is "WOW!" You are growing up on us very quickly. Do you think that you could slow down?

We have already heard that you and all the other girls danced wonderfully. Ms. Leisa Reed said that she and Brooke saw the recital and Brooke is now interested in dance again because of you.

We love you and miss you terribly. Wish you were here with us.

Love you much.

Mommy, Daddy and Meredith

Day 2 - Beijing - Tianamen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall

First, a big Happy Mother's Day to all of you. And when I say "big", I mean Forbidden City big. We walked for nearly two hours in the Forbidden City and did not step on the same stone twice. The place was "gi-normous."

Second, a big "Thank You" to all of you who are checking in with us on our blog and leaving us comments. And when I say "big" I mean Great Wall of China big. We can view the emails but unfortunately we cannot view our own blog, only post to it. Your words of encouragement are great. Thank you for sharing our excitement with us.

Third, it looks like it will be one more day before we wrap our arms around our little Melina. We had thought that we would get her tomorrow, 5-14-07 (Monday), but it looks like it will be 5-15-07 (Tuesday) instead. We'll keep you posted and be sure to share pictures with you when we can.

Obviously from the above comments, we had a "big" day. We first started by having a "big" breakfast, we rode a "big" bus, we visited a "big" square (Tianamen), a "big" city (Forbidden City), and a "big" wall (Great Wall of China). Instead of boring you with a "big" blog, here are a few pictures. We need to get to bed tonight so we will give you the "big" blog tomorrow.