Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Where this blog ends
Well, now that we have been home for almost 2 weeks. Everyone is doing great and madisyn is doing wonderful. This is where this blog ends and a new may begin. I will post the new blog address as soon as I have it up and running.
I want to thank everyone who followed our journey and prayed for us during our journey. Thank you and God bless.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Home !!!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Great Wall
Today we went to the Great Wall, but little miss diva wasn't feeling 100%. I am not sure what was wrong, but she slept most of the day. I am thinking that it has been too busy since we have been back here in Beijing. We came back to the hotel and she slept most of the afternoon and, needless to say, she went to bed fine as well. I hope tomorrow is back to normal. I hate seeing her like this. Just two more sleeps and we will be on our way home!
A tradition with adoptive families -- a family lock on the Great Wall....a key stays in China and a key is with you in Canada...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Back in Beijing
Well, we left for Beijing with our friends with us,which we were really happy about. Had a few issues at the airport in Hohhot with our boarding passes being mixed up. It worked itself out in the end.
Madisyn was great with the take off, but started freaking out about halfway through the flight. I am going to get the doctor to check her ears on Monday when we see the international doctor. She was shaking and screaming -- to the point that she literally hopped out of my arms and into Jason's. This is the first time he held Madisyn. He sat on the plane and rocked and sang her to sleep. I know that made his day! I am worried about the 13 hour plane ride home..
Now that we are back in Beijing, she is doing well. Today we went to the temple of heaven and then to the silk factory. Wow, did I ever spend money there! She now has a silk bed set, spoiled girlie. It was amazing, because they showed us how the silk worms do it and the process in making the comforters.
In the afternoon,we finally got to met the families and their babies. They are all so adorable. Then, in the afternoon, we had more paperwork to get done. I am so tired of paperwork!!!! We went for dinner and now we are back at the hotel and little miss diva is sleeping.
Oh, oh, oh! She had her first subway ride today too! I was really expecting her to freak out, but nothing. She is very nosey to see what and who is around her.
Love from Beijing
Madisyn was great with the take off, but started freaking out about halfway through the flight. I am going to get the doctor to check her ears on Monday when we see the international doctor. She was shaking and screaming -- to the point that she literally hopped out of my arms and into Jason's. This is the first time he held Madisyn. He sat on the plane and rocked and sang her to sleep. I know that made his day! I am worried about the 13 hour plane ride home..
Now that we are back in Beijing, she is doing well. Today we went to the temple of heaven and then to the silk factory. Wow, did I ever spend money there! She now has a silk bed set, spoiled girlie. It was amazing, because they showed us how the silk worms do it and the process in making the comforters.
In the afternoon,we finally got to met the families and their babies. They are all so adorable. Then, in the afternoon, we had more paperwork to get done. I am so tired of paperwork!!!! We went for dinner and now we are back at the hotel and little miss diva is sleeping.
Oh, oh, oh! She had her first subway ride today too! I was really expecting her to freak out, but nothing. She is very nosey to see what and who is around her.
Love from Beijing
Friday, May 13, 2011
Shopping Day!
This post was sent two days ago. Unfortunately, Blogger was down for quite a period of time and this is the first chance I have had to post. I haven't heard from them since this post -- they are most likely now back in Beijing and settling in after their first flight with Madisyn.
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Today was a shopping day. Jason and I went to find little miss Diva a drinking cup because she prefers a cup over a sippy cup or bottle. She is very independent and very smart. We didn't have any success in finding her a cup but we found her two pairs of shoes. She really liked shopping for shoes and wanted to try them on as soon as we returned to the hotel room. A shopping buddy for momma!
Since she decided to wake at 5:45am this morning, by 10:30am she was exhausted. I put her down for her nap and Jason went shopping with the other family. He came back with a phonics reading set in Manadrin and English, and a Mongolian dress. It's so sweet.
Later in the afternoon our guide took us shopping to different factories. She took us to the cashmere, jade, milk candy, silk and tons more. Wow, what an experience! I spent lots of money. Then we came home and had dinner. Madisyn had congee -- she tolerated it, but she enjoyed Momma's ceaser salad even more. lol.
Now little miss diva is sleeping and I am doing this. Tomorrow we leave to go back to Beijing. I am having mixed feelings because I can't wait to see the other families, but Madisyn is leaving "her homeland," which makes me a little sad. We will for sure return for a homeland visit.
Loving my daughter's homeland
from Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
Em
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Today was a shopping day. Jason and I went to find little miss Diva a drinking cup because she prefers a cup over a sippy cup or bottle. She is very independent and very smart. We didn't have any success in finding her a cup but we found her two pairs of shoes. She really liked shopping for shoes and wanted to try them on as soon as we returned to the hotel room. A shopping buddy for momma!
Since she decided to wake at 5:45am this morning, by 10:30am she was exhausted. I put her down for her nap and Jason went shopping with the other family. He came back with a phonics reading set in Manadrin and English, and a Mongolian dress. It's so sweet.
Later in the afternoon our guide took us shopping to different factories. She took us to the cashmere, jade, milk candy, silk and tons more. Wow, what an experience! I spent lots of money. Then we came home and had dinner. Madisyn had congee -- she tolerated it, but she enjoyed Momma's ceaser salad even more. lol.
Now little miss diva is sleeping and I am doing this. Tomorrow we leave to go back to Beijing. I am having mixed feelings because I can't wait to see the other families, but Madisyn is leaving "her homeland," which makes me a little sad. We will for sure return for a homeland visit.
Loving my daughter's homeland
from Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
Em
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Day 4 - Love is felt the same way in every language...
Today was very emotional for me. We were up early and we went to visit Hohhot CWI, where Madisyn lived for the last 23 months.
When I first walked through the doors of the building, I was greeted by an Americian family who's little guy was in the room with Madisyn. He recongized her and called her "Yan Yan", which is her nickname. That made the tears come to the surface quickly. As we followed the director through the building, we finally came to the room - Half the Sky Program room, where Madisyn lived for 23 months.
I walked in behind Jason and there were kids on the floor playing with the Nannies. There was one Nanny who saw Madisyn and she quickly put down the baby she had in her arms and came trembling before me. She held her hands out and Madisyn quickly wanted out of the carrier I had her in, on me. I began to worry.
She snuggled and kissed the Nanny while tears flowed down her Nanny's face. She told our guide that Madisyn was very special to her and to please tell us that she is very smart and loves music. I was literally sobbing in tears leaving that room knowing that this Nanny had loved our daughter so much. I gave her a hug and she rubbed my back and said "please love her." She agreed to take her picture with us and gave Madisyn a quick hug because Madisyn wanted back with me. Phew, I was so happy that she needed to be with me.
There is one thing in this whole world that we as a human race experience -- no matter the language barrier or the culture differences ...and that's love.
To my daughter's Nanny at Hohhot CWI -- we love you, we thank you and you are a blessing to her. Thank you for loving her!!!
When I first walked through the doors of the building, I was greeted by an Americian family who's little guy was in the room with Madisyn. He recongized her and called her "Yan Yan", which is her nickname. That made the tears come to the surface quickly. As we followed the director through the building, we finally came to the room - Half the Sky Program room, where Madisyn lived for 23 months.
I walked in behind Jason and there were kids on the floor playing with the Nannies. There was one Nanny who saw Madisyn and she quickly put down the baby she had in her arms and came trembling before me. She held her hands out and Madisyn quickly wanted out of the carrier I had her in, on me. I began to worry.
She snuggled and kissed the Nanny while tears flowed down her Nanny's face. She told our guide that Madisyn was very special to her and to please tell us that she is very smart and loves music. I was literally sobbing in tears leaving that room knowing that this Nanny had loved our daughter so much. I gave her a hug and she rubbed my back and said "please love her." She agreed to take her picture with us and gave Madisyn a quick hug because Madisyn wanted back with me. Phew, I was so happy that she needed to be with me.
There is one thing in this whole world that we as a human race experience -- no matter the language barrier or the culture differences ...and that's love.
To my daughter's Nanny at Hohhot CWI -- we love you, we thank you and you are a blessing to her. Thank you for loving her!!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day 3
Madisyn woke up at 5:45am, with big smiles and lots of hugs and kisses for Momma. Dadda got a wave! She is just too cute. We got ready and went for breakfast. Wow, this girl sure can put the food away! We tried giving her watermelon, she threw it back at me. What a funny kid!
After breakfast was over, we decided to be brave and go for a walk. Jason had warned me about the smells but wow, it's awful. It smells like raw sewage. Lovely! People here did their share of staring and I keep walking proud as a peacock. She is beautiful, how can I not?
On our way down the left side of the hotel, Jason and I noticed a gated building which looks very interesting. We are not sure if it's an orphanage, but it's very questionable.
We did get some sad news today. The family from Newfoundland who is here with us in Hohhot is going to have to stay another week. Something to do with the power of attorney. This really sucks because our families have become very close. I am going to miss them so much.
Anyway, we are totally in love and can't wait to get back to Beijing. It's so rural here that even finding water and food is a chore.
After breakfast was over, we decided to be brave and go for a walk. Jason had warned me about the smells but wow, it's awful. It smells like raw sewage. Lovely! People here did their share of staring and I keep walking proud as a peacock. She is beautiful, how can I not?
On our way down the left side of the hotel, Jason and I noticed a gated building which looks very interesting. We are not sure if it's an orphanage, but it's very questionable.
We did get some sad news today. The family from Newfoundland who is here with us in Hohhot is going to have to stay another week. Something to do with the power of attorney. This really sucks because our families have become very close. I am going to miss them so much.
Anyway, we are totally in love and can't wait to get back to Beijing. It's so rural here that even finding water and food is a chore.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Forever Family Day
I received an email from Emily and Jason this morning. Unfortunately, the Internet in Hohhot is not working very well -- we will all have to be patient and possibly wait until they return to Beijing for pictures. The most important part is that they are now a family of three!
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Yesterday, at 2pm, Madisyn arrived at our hotel, much to our surprise. We didn't know this would be the case until we were on our way to the hotel. We had 1 hour to prepare. We quickly got everything done and went to our room. We freshened up and headed to the lobby. Madisyn was waiting there with her Nanny from the orphanage. It took three tries to pick her up. When I did, she totally lost it. My heart shattered.
We did the paperwork and headed to our room. We stayed there until dinner.We had dinner with the other family and Madisyn did wonderful. Then, we came back to the room and got MISS DIVA ready for bed. Today we finished all the paperwork with the higher officials. That was kind of nerve wracking.
We are now broke - but so much richer!!! Madisyn did wonderful until about 3:30 today. She had a meltdown and so did Momma. It sucks seeing your little one cry and in pain and there is nothing you can do but let her work it through it.
We can't wait to get to Beijing and be with the other families.
**********************************************************
Yesterday, at 2pm, Madisyn arrived at our hotel, much to our surprise. We didn't know this would be the case until we were on our way to the hotel. We had 1 hour to prepare. We quickly got everything done and went to our room. We freshened up and headed to the lobby. Madisyn was waiting there with her Nanny from the orphanage. It took three tries to pick her up. When I did, she totally lost it. My heart shattered.
We did the paperwork and headed to our room. We stayed there until dinner.We had dinner with the other family and Madisyn did wonderful. Then, we came back to the room and got MISS DIVA ready for bed. Today we finished all the paperwork with the higher officials. That was kind of nerve wracking.
We are now broke - but so much richer!!! Madisyn did wonderful until about 3:30 today. She had a meltdown and so did Momma. It sucks seeing your little one cry and in pain and there is nothing you can do but let her work it through it.
We can't wait to get to Beijing and be with the other families.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Ni Hao From Beijing & Mother's Day!
Hi there -- my name is Jan and I am happy to be blog-hosting for Emily and Jason while they are on their amazing adventure in China. My husband and I are blessed with a daughter of our own, who joined our family last July. It has been less than a year since our trip to China and we are so very excited to be a part of Emily and Jason's adventure.
Blogger is difficult to access in Beijing, so Emily and Jason will be emailing me information and pictures as they are able to -- and I cannot wait to share them with you, here!
On a side note -- please feel free to comment on each post, as Emily and Jason will get email notifications and be able to read the comments. Even if you are not a registered blogger, you can comment as an anonymous writer, then simply include your name in the comment. It can be such a blessing to receive positive comments when you are so far away from home.
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Mother's day!!!
Well, it's 7am here and I am sitting in the lounge!
Our flight to Beijing was really good. It didn't seem that long and all we did was eat. There were a few hiccups; Jason had his suitcase ripped, the agency changed our hotel because the new one was cleaner. Also, Air Canada lost our stroller, not a huge deal. We will buy another in Hohhot.
Jason and I adventured out on own yesterday to explore. This place is busyyyyy! The people kept staring at Jason and I - we found it very amusing. We went to McDonald's down the street. Jason had the fun of ordering for us. The other families in our group arrived and we went to have dinner with them. We went to bed early in the hope to get a good night sleep, but that really didn't happen. I think jet lag gets you on the second day, here.
We leave shortly to go to the airport to fly to Madisyn's province. We are supposed to get her this afternoon. I will blog later, hopefully with pics.
Love from Beijing
Emily
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Jan here again -- just thought I would share a few pics of what Emily and Jason are most likely experiencing....
Blogger is difficult to access in Beijing, so Emily and Jason will be emailing me information and pictures as they are able to -- and I cannot wait to share them with you, here!
On a side note -- please feel free to comment on each post, as Emily and Jason will get email notifications and be able to read the comments. Even if you are not a registered blogger, you can comment as an anonymous writer, then simply include your name in the comment. It can be such a blessing to receive positive comments when you are so far away from home.
**********************************************************************************
Mother's day!!!
Well, it's 7am here and I am sitting in the lounge!
Our flight to Beijing was really good. It didn't seem that long and all we did was eat. There were a few hiccups; Jason had his suitcase ripped, the agency changed our hotel because the new one was cleaner. Also, Air Canada lost our stroller, not a huge deal. We will buy another in Hohhot.
Jason and I adventured out on own yesterday to explore. This place is busyyyyy! The people kept staring at Jason and I - we found it very amusing. We went to McDonald's down the street. Jason had the fun of ordering for us. The other families in our group arrived and we went to have dinner with them. We went to bed early in the hope to get a good night sleep, but that really didn't happen. I think jet lag gets you on the second day, here.
We leave shortly to go to the airport to fly to Madisyn's province. We are supposed to get her this afternoon. I will blog later, hopefully with pics.
Love from Beijing
Emily
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Jan here again -- just thought I would share a few pics of what Emily and Jason are most likely experiencing....
Leaving on a jet plane... :)
Landing in Beijing
Traffic in Beijing
Most likely the McDonald's where Emily and Jason ate yesterday...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
well on our way
Well, with one issue, we are in the airport and all checked in. The only that went wrong was the Limo driver ripped Jason lounge taking it out of the trunk. The ladies at the check in counter was amazing. They bagged it for us.
The one lady asked us if we were forgetting a little someone because she was looking at the stroller. I responded with "no ,we are on our way to get our little someone." She was literally in tears. God bless these wonderful people.
So glad we choose to bring the laptop, apparently there has been Hotel changes in Beijing. We are now staying at the crown plaza which is going to cost us $550dollars more. GGGGRRR not going to worry about it.
will blog again later
The one lady asked us if we were forgetting a little someone because she was looking at the stroller. I responded with "no ,we are on our way to get our little someone." She was literally in tears. God bless these wonderful people.
So glad we choose to bring the laptop, apparently there has been Hotel changes in Beijing. We are now staying at the crown plaza which is going to cost us $550dollars more. GGGGRRR not going to worry about it.
will blog again later
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
1
1 day left, I am extremely tired. Can't belive it's here. I am going to bed. I will blog when I can. The Limo arrives @ 7 tomorrow morning!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
2
2 days......wowzers. This really crept up on us but of course being the OCD that I am, I am ready to go. I am so excited. Just wish that my mom was here to see us off. I really miss having her around. Love you mom.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
4
Today we are just cleaning the house and making sure everything is done. We have to get Jason's parental papers done and enjoy our last week without Madisyn. I am so looking forward to spending all my free time with her. I have waited 5 years, 3 months and 3 days for this. Ssssoooooooo excited.
5
Well, today we did almost all our final running around. Jason and I are all packed. Just the last minute things now. Phew! Can't wait!
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