Ok, so we missed a day of blogging but i am back now with a minute to update. Sorry, yesterday was quite hectic and amazing! Before i go any further, i sent you the BringinghomeOlivia blog but here is another one.
http://carmodyadopt.blogspot.com/
I am going to start from the end of the last blog and go forward to today. When i left you hanging we had put Man Man to bed and i came down to sit at the computer and cry and write. We had a great night, with no complaints and a straight sleep through the night. Ma Ma and Ba Ba didnt sleep well and woke often to check to make sure we weren't dreaming. We woke up at 5am and got showered and dressed before the little princess had woken. She woke up and looked at us, but did not fuss. In fact, she hasnt complained but once since we met her (i usually have this affect on people). We got up and changed her, ordered her some Congee and made her bottle. Others have been having mixed luck with the bottle, but little Man Man has been taking the bottle from either of us quite hungrily. Others have also been having the difficulty where she will only take to one parent, but, although Man Man prefers Alex (how could you not), she will happily be picked up, carried, snuggled or fed by either of us. Although she adores Ma Ma's voice. Well, back to the story. It took us a few hours to do all of that (where does the time go?) We joined the group for breakfast, what a sight that is. We compared stories to find that we have it pretty good. Our amazing guide Shirley keep commenting that "She is a kind child, she doesnt complain much". After a quick breakfast, we joined the group in the lobby to go back to the Civil Affairs office to make our adoptions official. A short bus ride, (15 min) and we were there. Another beautfil winter day in Guangzhou (pronounce Guang-jo), with temperature at 19 C and blue sky and sunny. We went up to the fifth floor to the room where we first met. First on the list was a photo of Us and Man Man for the Registry. Next an interview for the Notary with some easy questions like: When did you get married? Do you promise to never abandon or abuse this baby? Why did you want a girl? Why China? Are you satisfied with this child? (I asked if they were offering an extended warranty, just kidding) Then we paid 1750 yuan. (6.5 yuan = 1 cdn $) Next was our Registry interview with similiar questions and payment of $3000 yuan. Afterwards, we all went back down to the street and walked down a block to a photography store to shoot a passport photo for Man Man. We sat her down while the photographer tried to get her attention, and finally got the shot. Locals were coming up to us and talking to the baby. People here really love children, you cant pass by anyone without them wanting to practice their english and talk to us. We have a badge that Deb made all of us with a photo on one side and translation on the other side explaining the we are from Canada, have adopted this child, her age, name, etc. They pronounce Canada as Cha-na- da with deliberate pauses inbetween. So you hear that alot as we pass through crowds. Of course we are totally decked out in Canadian garb. Well, after getting our passport photos, we got on the bus and travelled back to the hotel for a 30 min break before meeting back at the lobby so that Connie could take us out to the market to pick up essentials. The hotel is on a busy walking-only shopping street. It is beatiful as Chinese New Year is almost upon us and they treat it the way we treat Christmas. The city is a buzz! Red lanterns everywhere. They showed us a bookstore, local restaurant, and a supermarket with groceries, clothes, strollers, etc. We picked up a stroller, bath toys, bottle, music toy, rice cereal (so that we dont have to order Congee from Room Service), baby food (which she doesnt understand yet) and a soother (she loves to suck her thumb, but didnt know what the soother was and has tried to put it in a bunch of different ways only to spit it out and go back to the thumb)- whatever keeps her content. She slept soundly in the Bjorn (this has been a godsend- Tracey/Chris you rock!!!) Every time she gets in, the heat from my body knocks her out) We got back to the hotel and were lucky enough to get our first poopy- green pudding, mmmm.... We count ourselves lucky because it can take 3-4 days for some babies and have to go to the doctor- they say it is from the stress.
What i probably havent mentioned is that she had very dry skin when we got her and had red marks on her back and some rashes on her arms, legs and cheeks. Shirley looked after we got back and decided that we should go to the Children's Hospital to get it checked out. We got into a cab and went with Shirley. The ride was about 10 minutes through the winding streets, narrowly missed people, bikes, trucks by inches. We arrived at the hospital which was an interesting experience. This is a local hospital and as such saw only locals there. After registering, we walked up to the third floor where we immediately walked into a doctors office and had the marks checked (no hour wait like Toronto). The doctor decided it was Ecsema and prescribed accordingly. Then we went to see another doctor about her bloated little belly. The doctor felt around her stomach and thought that she may have an enlarged liver and suggested an ultrasound! All the while the little monkey didnt mind at all and took it all in stride. So up to the fifth floor and straight in to an ultrasound room. The doctor did this immediately and determined that everything was quite normal. Little Man Man didnt even flinch! So, back down to the stomach doctor for some more prescriptions, including her chest infection. Then back down to the main floor to pay for the drugs (20 yuan to fill 5 prescriptions! -thats $3 cdn total!) and then over to the pickup counter and back outside to get a cab. All in all it took about 45 minutes to do all of that- boy is our healthcare system messed up! In total, for 2 doctors, an ultrasound, 5 prescriptions and 2 cab rides, it cost under 150 yuan ($25 cdn)! Little Man Man complained for the only time since we got her (including up to now) when a doctor sternly reprimanded her for the thumbsucking by pulling it out of her mouth. She wailed for 3 minutes and then stopped cold and went back to her happy self.
So we came back to the hotel and changed her and put her to bed for the night. Boy were we tired. She fell fast asleep and we ordered some room service. The food here is very oily and we look forward to our American breakfast with enthusiasm. We were asleep too by 9pm and slept straight through. Alex was up at 5am to wash bottles and clothes and then shower. Man Man woke up as i started charging my bank for joy capturing devices. She was happy to get up and play, and daddy changed poopy diaper 2 (Erin and Kevin will enjoy this part of the story). It was no problem and i think i pulled it off. I even managed to get the tape stuck to the Elmo head! Ma Ma was very hungry and we set off for breakfast at 6:30 am. We were second down and joined Kirk, Deb and Olivia. We tried some honey cheerios but she mostly played with them. We switched her to the rice cereal instead of Congee and she doesnt seem to care what we do and is happy with whatever comes in the bottle. We are soooooo lucky! I just left Man Man and Alex in the room for a little snooze while i have been typing for an hour, but Alex was just here with the monkey and she and i have just read all of your posts.
36 posts! You guys have set a new record! It is so amazing reading them although some of you have vague names and we would love it if you could sign your posts better. thanks. So lets press on for all new numbers of posts and i will try my hardest to get more photos up.
Time difference is 13 hours. The way i figure it out is that we are ahead of you by 13 hours. So, it is 10:30 am so i minus one hour and go to the other side of the day- which makes it 9:30 pm yesterday in Toronto.
I have to sign off now as we have a tailor coming to fit the babies for tradional chinese outfits and some parents too. The tailor is bringing different materials and patterns. So exciting. This is a free day, so i may be able to work out some photos.
We love and miss you all. But we are having such a great time- and easy so far.
Jason & Alex.
http://carmodyadopt.blogspot.com/
I am going to start from the end of the last blog and go forward to today. When i left you hanging we had put Man Man to bed and i came down to sit at the computer and cry and write. We had a great night, with no complaints and a straight sleep through the night. Ma Ma and Ba Ba didnt sleep well and woke often to check to make sure we weren't dreaming. We woke up at 5am and got showered and dressed before the little princess had woken. She woke up and looked at us, but did not fuss. In fact, she hasnt complained but once since we met her (i usually have this affect on people). We got up and changed her, ordered her some Congee and made her bottle. Others have been having mixed luck with the bottle, but little Man Man has been taking the bottle from either of us quite hungrily. Others have also been having the difficulty where she will only take to one parent, but, although Man Man prefers Alex (how could you not), she will happily be picked up, carried, snuggled or fed by either of us. Although she adores Ma Ma's voice. Well, back to the story. It took us a few hours to do all of that (where does the time go?) We joined the group for breakfast, what a sight that is. We compared stories to find that we have it pretty good. Our amazing guide Shirley keep commenting that "She is a kind child, she doesnt complain much". After a quick breakfast, we joined the group in the lobby to go back to the Civil Affairs office to make our adoptions official. A short bus ride, (15 min) and we were there. Another beautfil winter day in Guangzhou (pronounce Guang-jo), with temperature at 19 C and blue sky and sunny. We went up to the fifth floor to the room where we first met. First on the list was a photo of Us and Man Man for the Registry. Next an interview for the Notary with some easy questions like: When did you get married? Do you promise to never abandon or abuse this baby? Why did you want a girl? Why China? Are you satisfied with this child? (I asked if they were offering an extended warranty, just kidding) Then we paid 1750 yuan. (6.5 yuan = 1 cdn $) Next was our Registry interview with similiar questions and payment of $3000 yuan. Afterwards, we all went back down to the street and walked down a block to a photography store to shoot a passport photo for Man Man. We sat her down while the photographer tried to get her attention, and finally got the shot. Locals were coming up to us and talking to the baby. People here really love children, you cant pass by anyone without them wanting to practice their english and talk to us. We have a badge that Deb made all of us with a photo on one side and translation on the other side explaining the we are from Canada, have adopted this child, her age, name, etc. They pronounce Canada as Cha-na- da with deliberate pauses inbetween. So you hear that alot as we pass through crowds. Of course we are totally decked out in Canadian garb. Well, after getting our passport photos, we got on the bus and travelled back to the hotel for a 30 min break before meeting back at the lobby so that Connie could take us out to the market to pick up essentials. The hotel is on a busy walking-only shopping street. It is beatiful as Chinese New Year is almost upon us and they treat it the way we treat Christmas. The city is a buzz! Red lanterns everywhere. They showed us a bookstore, local restaurant, and a supermarket with groceries, clothes, strollers, etc. We picked up a stroller, bath toys, bottle, music toy, rice cereal (so that we dont have to order Congee from Room Service), baby food (which she doesnt understand yet) and a soother (she loves to suck her thumb, but didnt know what the soother was and has tried to put it in a bunch of different ways only to spit it out and go back to the thumb)- whatever keeps her content. She slept soundly in the Bjorn (this has been a godsend- Tracey/Chris you rock!!!) Every time she gets in, the heat from my body knocks her out) We got back to the hotel and were lucky enough to get our first poopy- green pudding, mmmm.... We count ourselves lucky because it can take 3-4 days for some babies and have to go to the doctor- they say it is from the stress.
What i probably havent mentioned is that she had very dry skin when we got her and had red marks on her back and some rashes on her arms, legs and cheeks. Shirley looked after we got back and decided that we should go to the Children's Hospital to get it checked out. We got into a cab and went with Shirley. The ride was about 10 minutes through the winding streets, narrowly missed people, bikes, trucks by inches. We arrived at the hospital which was an interesting experience. This is a local hospital and as such saw only locals there. After registering, we walked up to the third floor where we immediately walked into a doctors office and had the marks checked (no hour wait like Toronto). The doctor decided it was Ecsema and prescribed accordingly. Then we went to see another doctor about her bloated little belly. The doctor felt around her stomach and thought that she may have an enlarged liver and suggested an ultrasound! All the while the little monkey didnt mind at all and took it all in stride. So up to the fifth floor and straight in to an ultrasound room. The doctor did this immediately and determined that everything was quite normal. Little Man Man didnt even flinch! So, back down to the stomach doctor for some more prescriptions, including her chest infection. Then back down to the main floor to pay for the drugs (20 yuan to fill 5 prescriptions! -thats $3 cdn total!) and then over to the pickup counter and back outside to get a cab. All in all it took about 45 minutes to do all of that- boy is our healthcare system messed up! In total, for 2 doctors, an ultrasound, 5 prescriptions and 2 cab rides, it cost under 150 yuan ($25 cdn)! Little Man Man complained for the only time since we got her (including up to now) when a doctor sternly reprimanded her for the thumbsucking by pulling it out of her mouth. She wailed for 3 minutes and then stopped cold and went back to her happy self.
So we came back to the hotel and changed her and put her to bed for the night. Boy were we tired. She fell fast asleep and we ordered some room service. The food here is very oily and we look forward to our American breakfast with enthusiasm. We were asleep too by 9pm and slept straight through. Alex was up at 5am to wash bottles and clothes and then shower. Man Man woke up as i started charging my bank for joy capturing devices. She was happy to get up and play, and daddy changed poopy diaper 2 (Erin and Kevin will enjoy this part of the story). It was no problem and i think i pulled it off. I even managed to get the tape stuck to the Elmo head! Ma Ma was very hungry and we set off for breakfast at 6:30 am. We were second down and joined Kirk, Deb and Olivia. We tried some honey cheerios but she mostly played with them. We switched her to the rice cereal instead of Congee and she doesnt seem to care what we do and is happy with whatever comes in the bottle. We are soooooo lucky! I just left Man Man and Alex in the room for a little snooze while i have been typing for an hour, but Alex was just here with the monkey and she and i have just read all of your posts.
36 posts! You guys have set a new record! It is so amazing reading them although some of you have vague names and we would love it if you could sign your posts better. thanks. So lets press on for all new numbers of posts and i will try my hardest to get more photos up.
Time difference is 13 hours. The way i figure it out is that we are ahead of you by 13 hours. So, it is 10:30 am so i minus one hour and go to the other side of the day- which makes it 9:30 pm yesterday in Toronto.
I have to sign off now as we have a tailor coming to fit the babies for tradional chinese outfits and some parents too. The tailor is bringing different materials and patterns. So exciting. This is a free day, so i may be able to work out some photos.
We love and miss you all. But we are having such a great time- and easy so far.
Jason & Alex.
14 comments:
Thanks for the update..been looking forward to it all day!! (Still can't sleep - hopeful tonights will be better) I went straight to the library (after helping Kristy move back home)and checked out HERO on DVD (Jet Li) a China travel guide book & a China travel DVD so I could spend the weekend in your world. Watch for me! Much love, your cousin Paula Stewart
Wow - what amazing life events you guys are going through, I knew it in my heart that Hailey would love you both in an instant! You guys both deserve this - you are great people. Both Paula & I are keeping each other going with the constant buzz and excitement. We can't wait to meet little Man Man. Enjoy every minute, get sleep when you can and eat the oily food – it really is good!
Hi Alex, Jason, and Hailey
So nice to hear from you. Every day we have been checking the blog. We're addicted to the Blog... Can't wait to hear all about your exciting adventures together. Looking forward to seeing more photos. Love you guys lots. Talk to you soon. Love, Jennifer, Ken, Colin, and Liam. XO
Hi
Thanks so much for the updates. We have been anxiusly waiting, hoping that you would have time. I agree, how could Hailey not absolutely love the both of you. She is such a lucky little girl. It sounds like she knows that already though. I am glad that your first days of parenthood have been so wonderful. and...WOW a 45 minute trip to emergency..you can't beat that. Keep enjoying your little miracle and have fun.
Take care of yourselves and the princess. much love,
What amazing photos! Jason, I'm so proud of you for changing a poopy diaper...I knew you had it in you. I was so relieved once I read down to the bottom of the taking her to the hospital part to see that she is perfectly healthy. I love the "I love my daddy" shirt. Can't wait to see more photos and hear more about your amazing adventure.
Love,
Erin
xoxo
Thanks for filling us all in. I kept checking the blog all day today. It is such a fascinating story. Sounds like you have been kept very busy! Glad to hear that everything is ok with Man Man. The pictures are beautiful. Looking forward to your next post, Keep them coming. Much Love to all 3 of you.
Wow, you have really already done it all and you're still crazy in love with your new little one. We love her already (did before you left but much more now). What a life changing experience in so many ways. Keep the posts coming, we all wait with baited breath for the latest and the greatest from the other side of the world. Tell Deb to keep blogging too, I'm addicted! Much love & hugs,
What a wonderful update. The pictures are so beautiful. You both look so happy and your beautiful little Hailey looks very content in your arms. It was scarry to read the hospital story so can't imagine how it was for you. It was a relief to hear all is well. Thanks for not sparing the details - even the poopy diapers (did you ever think you'd be happy to see one?). Your amazing experience and your new love for your beautiful daughter is coming alive for all of us in your story. Keep the updates and pictures and coming. No one at BGC is being very productive these days. We're all checking the blog. Love you lots. Be safe and enjoy the journey. Dagmar
Pictures, pictures, pictures… last night Paula and I were checking/replying while you were in mid-blog and there were no pictures uploaded yet. It was great to wake up to some new pictures! All three of you look like there is love all around! Congratulations again and again. We are so happy for you both. It is 8:15 am right now and I am showing the pictures to Montana, Jackson is too busy playing with his BIG TRUCK to look right now, but he’ll see later. Keep the posts coming; it is great experience to live vicariously through your posts.
I just to say how BEAUTIFUL Alex looks with sweet little Hailey in her arms! OK, OK, Jason you look pretty cute too. Love the pictures guys. <3 Paula
We were so excited to see you had posted - yesterday was torturous! The pics are super - I especially love the one of Hailey holding her little feet (James likes the one where Jason is wearing "that thingie" - the bjorn). She sure is a cute little monkey. Glad to hear the health stuff all checked out and that she seems to be doing geat. We're so relieved to hear that this is going so smoothly. We're thinking of you 3 all the time and wishing you an amazing adventure. Keep posting - I'm so proud of you for your long stories - you do take after your sister!! Take good care of yourselves, eat adventurously, and enjoy every second!
lots of love,
Auntie Robyn & Unclue James xoxo
We are so excited for the three of you. Hailey has no idea yet what a great life she has ahead of her with you two as parents, wait til she sees her new home and beautiful cottage! I am checking your blog daily, it is so exciting. Enjoy the rest of your time in China, I want to hear about all of the interesting foods you eat :)
Lots of love from,
The Bouldens
Thanks for the pics. You guys look great, and very natural. Give Hailey a big hug from her Uncle Kevin...I'm missing the heck out of my kids after being gone since Monday, and your blog is making me miss them even more. Bak home tomorrow...see you guys soon!
Hey Alex and Jason
Hailey is really beautiful and I cant wait to meet her. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself in China it looks so beautiful there, and I love Chinese food yummy. I love all the pictures, they are so wonderful. Take care!! Love Kristy
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