China Travel Log

Thursday, September 7 and Friday, September 8

Interview at the Consulate by Representative and Take Oath

Yesterday our representatives went to the US Consulate for us in the morning with all of our paperwork to get the visa application started. All is in line and today (Friday) we will be able to go to the US Consulate, take our oath and then receive the baby passport and visa! Then we are free to leave to country.

What a joy to think that we are essentially there! Muriel is a true blessing. She is primarily a very happy, giggly, smiley baby. Lest you think she never screams...we do have our moments as teething and new environments are sometimes too much for her. Muriel is a blessing from God. I am an incredibly lucky mama.

Today is our last day in Guangzhou. We've started to pack and will keep doing so this afternoon. We have to have our luggage out at 4:45 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) morning, so we would like to have it all organized today so we can get a little sleep this evening.

I'll post a few pictures later in the day - including the famed red couch picture. Families that stay at the White Swan have a tradition of lining their babies up on the velvet red couch for a picture. Thank you all for following along. I suspect that once we return it could be a good week or so before I post again, so keep checking back.

Tuesday, September 5

Shopping and Pearl River Dinner Cruise

One week and one day have passed since I became a mother and I have already learned that when I think she wants my attention, she doesn't and when I think she doesn't want my attention she does. Go figure. I guess I'm normal - a mother without much of a clue how to read those foreign baby oohs and ahhs. The teething continues. She has no teeth yet, but I can tell several are about ready to cut through. Thank goodness I don't remember teething - it seem horrific!

We took our laundry to our favorite shop "A HOME OF LOVE” and made a few more purchases after dropping to laundry to be done. Vicki is our gal there (pictured with Muriel). She has been wonderful and gives us good deals (or so we think). We ate breakfast and did a little more shopping. Muriel was ready for a bottle and nap so we headed back to the room. Mom stayed with Muriel while I ran to the grocery for formula and wipes.

This evening we went on a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. I was hesitant to take my often fussy 8 month old onto a dinner cruise boat. But, I didn't want to miss out on this Mississippi River meets Vegas adventure! The Chinese food was wonderful and the view of Guangzhou as evening fell was amazing. This City of about 5 million people (someone told me that, but I don't know if it is right) is such a mix of old world and contemporary! Muriel was ready to have her first Tsing Tao Beer, but Mom said no! I share my water with her instead.

Monday, September 4

FORMS, FORMS, FORMS!

On Monday we filled out tons of forms! I was separated from my little wonder for 2 1/2 hours today while I went to Shirley's room to fill out some paperwork. First payment of the final fees to so Muriel can get a VISA to enter the US, then a rundown of the rest of the weeks activities and finally, forms. More forms than you can imagine. The IRS now looks easy compared to forms required for immigration (USCIS). Mom stayed with Muriel while I went to complete the forms. The key word in form completion...."oh no, where's the white out."

As far as business goes, we are done with all the paperwork. Shirley and our other representative, Ping, will pick up some of our documents for us. Wednesday Muriel will have her medical exam and Friday we take the oath at the US Consulate! The rest of the time is free time.

After the paperwork was complete, we went to lunch at the Cow and Bridge Thai Restaurant with Kari, Dave and Lily Augdahl. Muriel was asleep when we got to the restaurant and I THOUGHT I might have a in an adult like fashion...not so, Muriel woke just before the food came. I was able to eat a little of our fabulous Thai style noodles with chopsticks while holding Muriel. Then Mom took a turn. Our meal...25 Yuan for the noodles - that is about $3.13 for the both of us!

We did learn today that Nei Nei isn't technically Grandma's name in Chinese. Nei Nei refers to your father's mother. We needed the name for mother's mother. So the correct terminology is Wai Po or Nao Nao for short. Mother's Father is Wai Gong or Nao Ye for short.

We are learning that we are pretty gullible when it comes to believing the sales people here. I bought a little silver bracelet for Muriel that I was told say's long life or something mushy like that...Shirley told me it says "happy birthday” I guess I'll save it for a birthday! Let’s hope we aren’t getting too ripped of in our purchases! That's all for Monday, Happy Labor Day to all!

Sunday, September 3

Six Banyan Temple for a Chinese Blessing, Chen Family Academy and Jade and Pearl Factory

Well, it is Sunday night now and we settled for the night. The two outer generations in this room are settled for the night! I'm just catching up here since we missed yesterday. I only posted one picture from the zoo. As I think I posted on Friday, Muriel slept through almost the whole thing. When returned to the hotel, she continued to be sleepy and really congested. She went to bed at 5 p.m. and slept until 5:30 a.m.

I was somewhat concerned and several of the other families had taken their children to the medical clinic to have them checked out that we decided to go too Saturday morning. After a little listen to heart and lungs and look in her throat...it was determined she was congested with something bronchial and she had a sore throat! Gee, that's what I thought going into it. The dr. did recommend I start her on the antibiotics I brought for her, so I did.

The rest of Saturday was rather low key. Muriel slept more off and on and was rather fussy because she clearly wasn't feeling well from the combination of her teething and congestion. By the end of the day, we had a few smiles from her and she was playing. Wish I had the time to figure how to upload the video of her playing with this ladybug that signs a traditional Cantonese song. She discovered if she sits on it just right, she could turn on the singing. Then of course she becomes a ham and repeatedly sits on the thing. I think it could be a $10,000 winner video...Bob Saget, you must see it to believe it!

Today we made three stops on a sight seeing trip. First stop was to the 6 Banyan Temple where Muriel received a traditional Chinese Blessing by a Buddhist Monk. It was really cool. The Chinese people loved to see that we brought our children then to this place that is sacred and holy for them. The photo is actually of me with incense. We were each given incense as we walked into the temple and could burn it and say a prayer or wish for someone.

Our next stop was the Chen Family Academy. What a beautiful place, in a very young building for China, only about 100 years old. The Chen family had this place built and it houses some amazing art from the Guangzhou area. The final stop was the pearl and jade state operated factory. Let's just say this place was overwhelming! We only had about 30 minutes to shop and the "sales" people were very pushy in their sales. It was hard to get a grip on it all, but it was fun as we saw some amazing pieces including an educational session on jade and pearls.

The afternoon was back at the hotel where I heard the loudest screams ever come out of Miss Muriel. Poor thing is teething so badly. I think I can see at least three teeth cutting through. Thank goodness for baby orajel!

Tomorrow we start our paperwork for the US government! We will have about 2 hours of paperwork for this process. Mom will stay with Muriel while I complete the paperwork here in the hotel in Shirley's room. Shirley is our Children's Home Representative. That's her in the picture with Muriel.

Good Sunday to you all. Thank you all for your continuing kind words of support. I can't wait to get home and for you all to meet my Miss Muriel!.

Friday, September 1

A Hot Day at the Guangzhou City Zoo

Friday morning we made a trip to the zoo to see the panda bear and several other amazing animals. It must have been over 100 degrees with the humidity. Muriel has been teething a lot and also developing some congestion, so in the heat, she ended up sleeping the whole way to the zoo and through almost the entire time at the zoo. I'll have to tell her all about it some day.

When we returned, she had her bottle and went down for her nap, which surprised me after all the sleeping at the zoo. She woke up from her nap was fussy, but played a little in the Mattel Playroom here for a bit with her friend Lily Augdahl (see link page). After playing, she had 1/2 bottle and was back asleep. She slept from 5 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Had her Saturday morning bottle and has been really congested all morning and still sleepy. We'll probably be going to the little clinic in the hotel this morning to have her checked out. 3 of the other babies have already made trips to the clinic for similar things. I want to try and get some of this congestion cleared up before the big flight home one week from this morning.

I'll post a few zoo pictures later.

A post from Nei Nei (Grandma)

It's Friday morning, 1 September, Muriel is taking a small morning nap after drinking a good breakfast. She is so adorable and overall adjusting to everything well. As Tracy has said, all she brought with her is the outfit she was wearing and her thumb, which she likes very much. She is definitely teething, as are all the other babies, so that factors in with all the other changes they are making in their new life. Muriel and the other six babies seem to be in good health and transitioning in much the same pace, and that makes it fun to listen to all the parents comparing notes and supporting one another! Lest you think their are only seven babies at this 800 room plus hotel, in fact there are between 150 and 200 babies staying at The White Swan on any given day! - We are provided complimentary breakfast each morning and our first morning (last Sunday, before Muriel) Tracy and I went down for breakfast and we were both overwhelmed with emotion to see a sea of parents and babies. This sight made you feel sad because it really sunk in that so many parents in China have to give these dear ones up. At the same time, it made you feel joy because there are so many parents from many countries, mostly America, who bring these little girls into their hearts and homes. We now call breakfast The Baby Convention! - Breakfast, by the way, is a virtual feast! It is buffet style with every imaginable thing, mostly American type, but some Chinese food, too. - I am enjoying watching Tracy and Muriel be Mommy and Baby! They are a perfect match! - Nei Nei

Thursday, August 31

THUMBS UP FROM MURIEL'S PEOPLE

Today was an amazing day. After breakfast and dropping the laundry off, Nei Nei (grandma), Muriel and I took a walk along the Pearl River. The river walk is filled with Chinese people doing what they do. Mahjong, Tai Chi, Dance, Children's School, Swimming by the river, Fishing, and just being with each other an each others generation.

While still on Shaiman Island (where the White Swan Hotel is) we were in an area that you no longer saw all the adoptive families, just native people. It was here that we experienced the most amazing thing. THUMBS UP! So many people smiled at us and nod. And several stopped up tickled Muriel's cheeks and gave us huge smiles and a big thumbs up! So many of the Chinese people are so grateful that their children will have loving and caring homes.

One little boy who spoke quite good English chatted with us for a while. We gathered a little crowd and he interpreted for the group as they asked questions. I said to him "I am a lucky mama” He said, "Baby is a lucky baby." Needless to say mom and I welled up with tears on several occasions.

So, today's pictures are for Muriel's people. God Bless them for sharing their kindness and approval with me! I will love and care for this baby forever!

Wednesday, August 30

Pick up Adoption Decree and Apply for Passport

Today we were back in the bus for a visit to the local police department to pick-up our adoption decree. This documents says we are a family and has our first photo as an official family. We also had to apply for Muriel's Chinese passport and have her photo taken. On our ride home, Mom slipped the bus driver a few hard packs of Marlboro’s as a thank you! It is a welcome gift for men!

Once we got back to the hotel, the group trekked to the photo shop across from the hotel and had the babies visa photos taken! I won't know until we get her visa, but I'm pretty sure Muriel had to deer in the headlights look for that photo.

Overall it was a great day. This little girl delights us every moment with smiles and giggles. I'm happy to report we've had 5 poops and we have figured out the bottle thing for sure! (apple flavored rice cereal). I have to say I'm starting to worry about the plane ride home. Muriel is the 8mo wonder - she is so mobile, I can't imagine sitting a plane for 12 hours with her. There will be lots of swaying going on.

Mom continues to be a super help. We both nap when Muriel naps.

Shout out for all you other single gals adoption that are following along. Bring someone with you to count on for help. And give up the notion that you need to do it all. I do most of it, but it sure is nice to be able to say, Mom, can you chase Muriel for a few minutes while I shower?

Good night and enjoy todays photos.

Tuesday, August 29,

Adoption Decree - Meetings with Chinese Officials

Muriel and I are officially Mama and Baby!

These were the words, "This baby is officially yours!" This one, Muriel YuYu Smith. We are united forever now. We went to the Civil Affairs Office (CA) again today. Got our family photo taken and met with two separate officials so I could declare my love for Muriel and my promise to give her a good home! Of course I said YES! Tomorrow we pick up the official decree and then apply for the passport. The passport will take one week to process, then we apply for the visa which will take a few days.

It is Wednesday now in Guangzhou, 7:30 a.m. I've discovered that mornings for me (evenings for you) might be the better time for me to post. By the time Muriel is to bed at (9:00) I am dead tired.

Tuesday was long (first full day as a mom) but wonderful. Muriel ate breakfast just fine, but then 1/2 hour later it all came back up. We struggled with bottles until the final bottle of the day, but she would drink water. Overall, she seems really healthy. Her temperament was a little "iffy" yesterday. Not crabby, but just wanting to be held and swayed. Who should complain, what a gift that she trusts me with her care and comfort?

I'm learning so much from her she is full of great surprises. We've spent quite a bit of time in the hotel since we were united, and the next week we will have quite a bit of free time, so we will do some sightseeing and have some free days.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your kind words of support. it is too hard to thank you all individual for your messages, so please know I read everyone of them and often get alligator tears!

Until tomorrow or the next day.

Monday, August 28

More on Gotcha Day...

It's 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. Muriel is indeed a sound sleeper. She usually sleeps until 6 and I've been up for a while, so I thought I'd post more details on the Gotcha Day.

The appointment for our group at the Civil Affairs (CA) office was at 3:00 p.m. So we met in the lobby at 2:30 for the 1/2 hour bus ride to CA. It was an interesting ride through downtown Guangzhou. Just about 2 blocks from the CA office, the sky's started rumbling and a huge thunderstorm started. My philosophy...renewal through rain...must be a good sign. Something amazing was to happen.

We went up the 5th floor, room 504 and were seated. Our guide Shirley gave a few instructions and the babies were there. The Nanny's stood at the door and presented us with our babies one at a time. With 7 in our group, they saved the best for last! Muriel YuYu was presented to me just a few minutes after 3. Mom got it all on videotape. Oh, by the way, my baby was the only one that came with an extra little present in her diaper! First diaper change right there at the CA office!

After that we settled in with our babies. There was lots of picture taking and videoing. All the babies seemed rather calm after the 5-hour bus ride. Eventually all were sleeping except my little bright eyes! She was so curious and loving. She never seemed afraid. Eventually she did go to sleep too.

We had paperwork to fill out, so Grandma took to the paperwork filling in all the blanks except my signature. The orphanage director presented us each with a little photo album of our children and the orphanage. Once the paperwork was done, it was time to leave. I thanked that Orphanage staff, especially one who seemed to have a special affinity for Muriel. She told me Muriel was a very happy baby.

Once we arrived back, we went straight to the hotel. I put Muriel down on the blanket to see if she could sit up by herself. Last I had heard she was learning. Low and behold not only could she sit up by herself but she took off crawling and even pulled herself up to the bed. We finally figured out a nighttime bottle and she was off to bed.

It was the most amazing thing. I look at Muriel and feel so blessed.

GOTCHA DAY!

What a wonderful and amazing day! It's about 9:00 and we are beat, so I won't say much now, just know that I am in love with this little girl. She is a delight. As soon as we got back to the hotel I learned she can sit up, crawl and pull herself up to standing! She sways to music and is very engaged in her surroundings. She seems to be an extremely happy girl and I am one very happy mama!

Sunday August 27

Settle in to the White Swan Hotel and Area

After waking on Sunday, we had a day of leisure. We had breakfast at the hotel buffet. It is very western style and was quite good. Of course our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. After breakfast we met with Shirley, our representative from CHSFS. She gave us the run down for the next few days including getting our babies tomorrow, Monday. After that we were free to wander. We exchanged our money into yuan and were off. The local area full of little vendors trying to sell you little things for your baby. It is quite entertaining. Not quite as obnoxious as shopping in Mexico, but you get the idea.

There are parks and bronze sculptures everywhere. Most are historical representation of Chinese life. See the picture of the one that caught my fancy the most. We had lunch at Lucy's (the place everyone talks about here). We sat outside and 1/2 way through the lunch mom say's look...a little mouse. I looked over and it was a 6" rat! We've decided they are the local equivalent of squirrels.

In the evening, there was a wonderful light and music show over the Pearl River. I could watch and hear it from our room! What a treat.

Before bed I prepared my bag to take to the civil affairs office to meet Muriel. It included a bottle, since it will be her feeding time, bunnie blankie from my friends Jane, Bill, Emma and Cora and the all important diaper "stuff."

Watch for pictures tomorrow of the big day!

Friday & Saturday, August 25 & 26,

Leave St. Paul for China and Travel to Guangzhou

WE MADE IT!

We arrived at the White Swan Hotel and were settled into our rooms at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, August 26 China time! It was a long flight! It all started when Mom (that would be the girl with the cute backpack and shoes - pictures later) tried to get a cigarette lighter through TSA! Even though she handed one lighter over to Dad, she still had one little one way in the bottom of her travel purse! That is my mom! Always up for a little bit of stir.

As for the subject of mom, she is a trooper. Just one day into this and she's put up with a lot of me already. My "come on, we gotta go", and "shush, you are talking too loud" have been spoken more than once.

We had the pleasure of traveling with two other families the Augdahl's and Susanka's on the flights over here. It helped make for easier travel. Although Jori wins the prize for sleeping. 8 hours on the flight from Msp. to Tokyo!

Mom is still sleeping now, it's 7:32 a.m. here (6:32 p.m. in MN). I think I'm just too excited and I don't even meet Muriel until tomorrow. I'll post a few photos from the trip later today!

Blessings all.

p.s. Dad, you were right, the little suitcase (48.5 pounds) was heavier than the bigger one (47.5 pounds)!