Yes, I'm Obnoxious, One More Video

Here are more pictures and one more video. Shepherd was brought to us by his very loving nanny and an interpreter. They were both precious, I wanted to bring them with us to Florida.


The picture where the Nanny is showing Shepherd a small piece of paper is her showing him a picture, his new big sister!

Gotcha Day, more pics and videos

More Gotcha Day Video...






Pictures from Gotcha Day!

Gotcha Day, June 17

Here is the big day everyone is waiting to see. Sorry it's taken so long, but with the internet problems in China and now this terrible Jet Lag, I feel very out of sorts! For example, I'm rarin' to go and it's 12:17... in the morning! On June 17, we all had to get up in Beijing and be on the bus at 5am. We each had flights to our provinces (like our states) to meet our children. Everyone was on time, imagine that!!!! We traveled with one other family that I will expound about more. Chad and Cheri Strange and their 3 girls, Taylor (9), Addison (7) and Chloe (2 1/2, adopted from China when she was 11 months). Their parents, Fran Strange and Bob and Carolyn Merrill also traveled with them. Fantastic bunch that is now family to us... I was glad to travel with another family for the company, but then thrilled because I found out that Chad Strange is a medical doctor. Not knowing what to expect, it made me feel secure about picking up our child that might have problems eating, or who knew what else. Also, they kind of new what would happen as they had adopted before. Not to mention the children they had with them were precious! Our flight was the first one of the entire group's that left. We left Beijing at 6:55 for the 1 1/2 hour flight. It was weird as we all parted that I would soon see these new friends with their brand new children. Imagine leaving 13 different families that were all expecting their babies at precisely the same time. It's almost overwhelming emotionally. We arrived at Tiayuain City ( I will fix that spelling later). We met our interpreter, Verena, a 22 year old college student at the airport. We then went to our hotel to check in. When we got to our room, there was a crib in our room and I almost cried! I was really happening! After lunch, we tried to rest before we met in the lobby to go to the Civil Affairs office to meet our children. Needless to say, I couldn't even close my eyes! We met in the hotel at 2:20 and left for the longest car ride of my life. When we arrived, we reported to this very plain, smoke-filled (thank goodness people can't smoke inside in the US, it's horrible!) office. We went up the elevator and got off in a really dim hallway and waited for the workers to return from lunch. As we were waiting, the other family saw their daughter, Jolee, a precious 9 year old emerging from the shadows, down the hallway. I think my heart completely stopped for a couple of seconds. On our way to the office we had been making our plan to meet our children. "You take our picture and video, we will try and take yours..." kind of stuff. We were prepared for a hectic hand-off of children as the Strange family had experienced before. God was great. The actual hand-offs were 15 minutes apart and we were the only families there to pick up children. We got to watch their new family unfold and it was precious. Here is their video
Then, someone said, "Here comes your baby!" I won't make you wait any longer. Here it is..

COMING TO AMERICA

We leave China on Wed. morning with a little someone extra.

Email and internet has been a challenge at times so I am sure we will catch everyone up when we arrive "back in the states."

Can someone Fed Ex me some Chips and Salsa, Ice and maybe a Porterhouse Steak?

It’s official, I am a spoiled American. I just didn’t really realize it until we got here. Although there is a guy in our group, Michael that seems to be up for trying anything (including many types of “see-through” white, wet, chunky type food), my stomach goes into “refuse” mode. Let’s just put it this way, I will be ready for bathing suit season when I return to Florida, well, until we found McDonald’s…. You will, however, be proud that we have tried the local fair many times. We have also been traveling to our province (like our states) with one other family. They are adopting a nine year old girl, Jolee. They are being very attentive to her eating habits, so we have tried many things that she chooses off the menu. I trusted her and loved the cabbage she chose. I had confidence until she chose (and I ate) donkey. Don’t tell PETA. It was actually pretty good. However, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut has been our staple. Hats off to our good friends that own McDonald’s, Colleen and Derek. We offer our most hearty thanks to you both, because as your song says, “I’m Lovin’ It!” Also check out the video of Shep getting a haircut.

Driver’s Ed needed in China ASAP!

You would not believe, and I mean, not believe how these folks drive here.
While in Tiayguan City, where Shepherd was, we almost got hit 30 times while riding in our bus. If I lived here, I would drive a Ford F150. I wouldn’t take any chances.
There were 3 lanes, which they turned into 7. They turn around in the middle of the road at any time. They constantly beep their horn, no turn signals for them…
Also, if you are not driving a teeny, tiny car, you are on a bike. You could be on a bike in 3 inch heels. I got respect for that. Anyone that can ride a bike in heels while talking on a cell phone, deserves a Big Mac.
Our biggest fear – crossing the street! Our guide would simply meander out into the street while cars are blowing their horns and whizzing by us. Many times we would just let her go. She would get to the other side and just laugh at us. She can laugh all she wants, I refuse to be someone’s hood ornament.
Besides all these things, here is the most bizarre. In China, 1 million pedestrians a year are killed! The rule? If you hit someone and they DIE, you are not responsible, since it was their fault they were in the street. BUT, if you hit someone and they do not die, you must cover their medical expenses. OK, I know this is a different culture, but that is just CRAZY!!!!

P.S. We are finally able to load a pic or two.

Chinglish

Do you not love that word? This is what the Chinese Nationals call their broken English. I love it!

For the most part, they are very friendly to us, and smile when we ask a question.

I am taken by their beautiful hair, of course! If you know me, you know I love to look at hair, and as far as I am concerned, these beautiful people have some of the best.

I walked up to a young woman yesterday to tell her I loved her hair. I said something like, "your hair looks great!" She knew I was saying something good, but couldn't understand until I started pointing to her hair. She then said, "you think I beautiful?" I smiled and nodded. I liked that.

Constantly, young girls were commenting on the young kids in our group, calling them beautiful and lovely. I have gotten away from such words. I have vowed to start using those types of words again, for they are much more "beautiful" than, "you look hot". Have a little class, please...

So, have a lovely day, all you beautiful people!

Chinese Culture through the eyes of a red head

Ok, I knew it would be different, but man! It is really really different!

1. Cell Phones - you hardly ever see anyone on them. We are in Beijing, a very "metropolitan" city with lots of young people. However, I have literally seen about 3 people on a phone. Very strange. In the US, you don't NOT see people on the phone!

2. Social Conscious - While visiting the cultural places yesterday, I noticed that people, young and old were also there to visit, kind of like us going to Washington DC. Very interesting thing - it was very, very quiet. People in groups traveling around, actually listening to their tour guides. Children behaving very well. Respect shown to these historic places. People were not gabbing on the cell phones or walking around exposing way too much skin! I liked that.

3. The Chinese Walmart - Chad and I went last night. Just the opposite of quiet and calm, displayed while we were sightseeing. Hurried, lots of chatter (I probably noticed more than a Chinese national because it sounds so different) and people grabbing what they need as quick as they can to get out of there. Although Chad feels like that in Walmart, I find it somewhat relaxing sometimes to meander through the store, looking, browsing - there was none of that. In, Out, on their way.

4. The general attitude of the people - While we were walking to Walmart, I noticed that people just seemed to be walking, getting to where they needed to be, kind of emotionless. It certainly made me think of their need for a Savior. I was talking to another fellow adoptive mom this morning and we felt like they simply looked like they were without joy. They really do. Now, I know that cultures are different, but you would probably have to see it to believe it. It is sad.

5. Food - I will comment on another post. There is alot to tell about this subject. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly!

Friday, June 13 Sightseeing

Yesterday, we met our group at breakfast and immediately got on a bus for a full day of touring.

We visited Tiamimens (Spelling) Square, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, The Pearl Market and ate some interesting food. Chad and I also made a quick trip to the "Carre 4" - the Chinese version of Walmart. I will now try and put into pictures some of the things I saw. I will add more details when we get the pictures up.

Actually, I will wait until we get the pictures up because it really won't make much sense to you until you see them.

Check back!

Why haven't I written?

We have had internet problems at the hotel, so we have been out of touch. It's amazing how used to connecting we are. It has frustrated the whole group, as everyone's family and friends are awaiting word!

So, all that to say, I am sitting in the business center, blogging, finally. I will be unable to post any pictures until we get our laptop working in our room, but I wanted to update everyone.

So, read on!

Mom, Daddy and Kathryn the morning we left...

Just a quick look at the morning we left and us going to the Knoxville Airport. As you can see, Kathryn wanted to come!!!

Our flight left at 11:10am from Knoxville on June 12.

We arrived here in Beijing at 10:00pm on Friday, June 13.

So, we are tired and going to bed!!

Leaving Hadley behind

I had tried to prepare myself.

I had rehearsed the moment a thousand times.

Just like something as dramatic as a Jane Austen Novel, I, the wise, thin, beautiful intelligent mother would stoop down to look at my perfect, clean, well-behaved daughter eye to eye. She would have big tears welled up in her eyes at the thought of me not being there for her. Chad would stand there, strong but a little emotional.
It would be a very moving scene.

Nope, as soon as we got to Chad's parent's house in Nashville, she opted to ask us to leave right then and there. She told us "she would be fine" and ran off to play with her cousin, Analayne.

Thinking it would get worse as the day drug on, I kept an eye out for any kid of insecurity she might show about the trip.

The only thing she showed was a desire to get rid of us as quickly as possible.

This was a classic example of me imagining that it would be much, much worse than it was. We have now talked to her twice and she tells us she loves us and she will see us soon.

No tears,
no tantrums..

Well, at least not from Hadley...

He Gives Good Gifts...

You know how you register for items at Target and Babies-R-Us? It’s fun to pick out all that stuff and hope you get it. I remember during our first pregnancy, Chad was equally excited about registering for our little one to come. We went to Babies-R-Us. We strolled in, hand in hand. I was glowing (I really don’t know that for sure, but it sounds nice) and Chad was so happy. We registered at the desk up front and were handed a beeping gadget to help us register electronically. So neat, we were going to go crazy with that thing.
Turns out, registering for a baby is a lot harder than registering for a wedding. When you register for your wedding items, chances are you will actually be somewhat knowledgeable about those items. What they are, how to use them, etc. Heading down Aisle 1 designated, “Bottles, Nipples and Pacifiers” started out with “Awwww…” and ended with “what in the world is that?” and “ I didn’t know there were so many different types of pacifiers, etc”. So ended our first trip to Babies-R-Us. We didn’t even make it through the first aisle before Chad handed that beeper back to the attendant and we went to get ice cream instead.
To any new mother out there, don’t take your husband, take someone that has a baby between 3 months – 1 year. Trust me, you will get a lot more done….correctly. Your husband will not mind, he will probably contribute to that other kid’s college fund he’ll be so thankful.
Now, on to my shower. We have gotten so many things for Shepherd. We have collected many things over this 3 year journey. People have also passed on clothes and I have had a couple of showers in Florida. Of course, people have also given to us financially to aid in the adoption expenses. I have been overwhelmed and even a little embarrassed at times.
There were, however, a couple of items that I either needed or wanted. We did not have a double stroller. I needed a haircut (you can’t meet a new child with bad hair) and there was a certain white shirt that I felt would make my trip more comfortable, not to mention stylish. I was trying to be frugal and practical – both I have a hard time with, especially for a once in a lifetime trip.
Well, here is what happened. I volunteered to go to the bank a couple of days before we left. Now, that in itself is a miracle. I literally can count on one hand the number of times I have been inside a bank since I have been married. It was something I was excited to give up. I don’t like dealing with banks and quite frankly, I still don’t like math. So, we needed to order a certain number of big bills to take as cash. I told Chad that I would go and he could swim with Hadley. Miracle #2. He let me.
I went to the bank and got out of there as fast as I could. I didn’t want to go home just yet, so I stopped into the store where the shirt hung. It looked so lonely. It wanted me, but then I looked at the price tag and new we could not be a couple. The price of the relationship was too high.
Enter Donna Boatwright. She is a minister’s wife at our church that I have recently gotten to know. We have nothing in common. She is calm, cool and collected, you know, everything I am not. I love group games, she does not. I like all that fattening youth group pizza and she does not! We couldn’t be more different. For example, she had a coupon.
I did not.
I ran into Donna in the store and she offeren to buy that shirt I loved, which ended up taking the price way down, where I could afford it! Thanks God and thanks to Donna, who cuts coupons…
Then, we were driving through a neighborhood we always drive through and there was a double stroller with a big sign on it that read, “FREE!”. I ran up to the gal and hugged her neck, telling her all about it. She had 7 children and was glad to get rid of it. I would have offered to babysit or something, but then I thought 7 kids. Just take the stroller and say thanks. And I did. It was also purple, which just happens to be my favorite color!
THEN, I went and got my hair cut. You can see that in the post. What I didn’t tell you was that it was a little pricey (it was a new girl cutting it), BUT my friend, Karen, had sent me just the right amount of m money in the mail to cover “something just for me”. I used it for the haircut. Right down to the last penny.
So, you see, God is into us. As scripture says, “He loves to give us Good Gifts!” AMEN!!!!

Every 5 Seconds!

On Tuesday, June 10, we officially started our trip. Well, I guess I should say that we started it the night before with Hadley asking every 5 seconds , “is it time to go to Tennessee?”.
You think I am exaggerating? Ask Chad. Ask Rudy, our dog. Ask anyone. The girl was fired up.
Chad told her that when she went to sleep and then got up, it would be time to leave. So, miracle of miracles, she put herself to bed. That last sentence sounds so promising. But it was not to be. She only went to bed to FAKE sleep and FAKE snore. She was distracting me so much that in the end, I had to tell her to get out of bed. We all ended up sleeping in our bed, but that was sweet, as our family of 3 is about to become a family of 4. Even Rudy got in on the action, snoring (for real) in the “big bed” with us.
So, at 3:30, I couldn’t take anymore. I got up, folded some clothes, finished cleaning the bathroom and prayed in Shepherd’s room by myself. I then watched some news, took a shower, fed the cat and got the rest of the gang up at 4:30. We were out of there at 5:15am.
Hadley was a champ on the trip. The weather was beautiful and even Rudy was cooperative. We pulled into Nashville around 6:15pm and were greeted by a very excited Mimi and Poppa – Chad’s parents.
We went to eat Mexican at a family favorite, Garcia’s. Shepherd, Mommy can’t wait to introduce you to Chips and Salsa! And, they have some of the best.
On Wednesday, we got up and didn’t do much of anything. Lunch, one last trip to Walmart (as if there ever is really a last trip to Walmart…) and the goodbyes began. Hadley didn’t seem to really mind our leaving. As a matter of fact, she was encouraging us to leave and smiling the entire time. I was so happy about that, as it made leaving a whole lot easier for the Momma and the Da-Da.
Analayne, our 3 year old niece on the other hand, was very upset. She begged to go to China with us! It was hilarious!
As we pulled out of the driveway, I strained my neck and eyesight until my little one was out of my vision.
Hadley, just so you will know, it killed us to leave you! We are so thankful, however for your wonderful grandparents that count it a privilege to spend this time with you.
It’s almost 5pm, in TN, where you are. I wonder what you are doing. I bet swinging or playing with playdough. I wish you were on this airplane next to me. Wait, hold on, we just took some “night-night” meds, that probably wouldn’t be such a great idea. Goodnight, sweetheart, we love you more than a plate full of hot biscuits!!

Getting Ready for the Trip... things only girls would understand

Well, Saturday, it was time to get into "almost everything is done" mode. My new friend, Kathleen Bryan and I went to get our hair "done".

Kathleen is a new staff wife. Her husband, Jesse is our new youth minister. They are getting ready to leave for Centrifuge after only 2 weeks on the job! That makes me tired just thinking of it. And a little envious. I love camp, especially FUGE.

We needed a break. We needed pampering. We needed the Yellow Strawberry.

We went together, chatted about our hair on the way over to the shop, you know, all those things men will never understand.

As you can see in these pictures, we certainly needed "a moment". Is a better way to build a new friendship than getting your hair done together? I guess this means I will have to add her to my Christmas card list.

Also, I wanted to look my best for the new man in my life, Shepherd!!! I didn't want him thinking, "those bangs are so last year..."

Don't hate us because we are beautiful...

Candace and Kathleen