Holidays and Doctors

The fourth of July celebration was different for us this year. One, we have another member of our family to share one of our favorite holidays with and two, we didn't have the money we usually do for fireworks, since our trip to China. In fact, we didn't do anything at our house this year. Instead, we spent the afternoon with our friends who also traveled with us to China to adopt their second daughter. It was the first time we've had Eva outside for any appreciable time, the first time she was in a swing and the first time she saw fireworks. She enjoyed being outside, loved the swing and wanted to hate the fireworks, but just couldn't. She tried to be scared, but then just had to look. I even got some smiles and "oohing" noises out of her, however, I did have to cover her ears for most of it.



Another first for me, I made jello for the first time ever. I made the extra stiff kind, and it was definitely Eva's favorite fares. I noticed a lot of the adults enjoyed it too, as well as the other children.



Today I took Eva to the Pediatrician. At first when we met with the nurse she was fine, flirted a little, smiled. Then, the unspeakable happened, she had to get weighed and measured, both of which she did not beleive were really necessary. She weighs 23 13 lbs now, which means she's gained almost half a pound since the last time we weighed her. Also, she is 31.5 inches long. She is in the 90th percentile for height for caucasian babies and the 80th percentile for weight. Her head circumferance is in the 45th percentile. Eva did not enjoy the fussing and was happy to see the nurse leave.

After the nurse left, we sat on the floor, played with some toys and waited for the Doctor. Eva laughed and giggled, then she heard the Doctor knock and start to open the door. She scooted her butt over to me so fast, I thought I got caught in a hurricane. She held on tight, and was not about to let that Doctor get to her. Needless to say, he did anyway, and Eva screamed. He said that she had healthy lungs... actually he said she was healthy overall, eating well and doing very good. She does have cradle cap in her ears and we got some drops for that. So, then the Doctor left again and Eva recovered, and got happy playing on the floor again.

Then, the Nurse came back. As soon as she heard the door start to open, she scooted even faster into my lap. The nurse brought help, and I stepped away because I don't want Eva to associate pain with me. So, they gave her the immunizations and vaccines that she needed. She got a TB test in her arm, a shot in her stomach and one in each thigh. Eva was angry at this point and wanted NOTHING more to do with the nurse. She was very happy when we left the Doctors office to go and wait near the lab. The nurses told me she was strong.

In the waiting area, we played, she flirted with the fellow patients. One nice old man in a wheel chair told me I had a nice looking son. (Mind you, she was wearing the adorable yellow dress shown in the pictures.) So, finally, they got her back to draw blood for her blood tests. It took three adult nurses to get blood from one little baby. They kept saying, I've never seen a baby react like this. Apparantly, Eva knew what that needle was (she just got shots... of course she remembered) and wasn't about to let it get into her. The nurses told me that she was very strong (I've heard that a few times now). After it was all done, she continued to scream because she was just mad, and after all, now both arms were stuck with a needle as well as her belly and both thighs.

I was able to calm her down, but then we had to go have an Xray of her arm to see if her bones are growing correctly. She had had enough by that time, and even though the Xray technitian wasn't poking her, she still wasn't having any of it. It took three adults again to get her to lay her arm on the table for the split second it took for the picture. Again, I was told she was strong.

After that we had to go and get her prescription filled... yeah, she saw the candy display. I want to know who told her what candy looked like... How did she know? I endured at least 10 minutes of forceful screaming, "num num" being shouted and trying to reach that candy. I wasn't about to start that... her thinking she gets treat whenever she goes out. It was just amazing to me that she could tell what it was, it's not like I have ever bought her any.

I have learned that it is a major undertaking taking a baby to the Doctor. Oh my word, am I exhausted. Also, it was harder on me than I thought it would be to see her get hurt. We're not done yet, on Friday we have to go back for the audiologist and to check her TB test. Then, in another two months she has to get boosters... my poor baby.

So... we're hoping she will sleep tonight.

Changes

Before we got Eva, many people told us that our lives were going to change dramatically. We believed them, and they were right, of course. Here are some of my favorite changes that really drive home the fact we have a daughter now.

1. We have a drawer in our kitchen that used to contain knives and sharp objects. Now, it is full of bottles and bottle accessories. (The knives are in a basket on the counter.)

2. It now takes us 5 minutes to get into the cupboard under the sink.

3. We spend much more time putting cats on one side or other of the three new gates that have appeared in the house.

4. There are toys everywhere!

5. Daddy has developed an incredible array of strange and silly noises which appear at random intervals in unexpected locations.

6. Leaving the house now involves the packing skills of a seasoned traveler and as David says, "What's all this, are we going on an expedition?"

7. We have become accostomed to sleeping while being kicked, crawled over, elbows shoved in our sides and being head-butted in the chest.

8. I now vacume the house every single day. (I totally didn't expect this one.)

9. I have learned to recognize the locations of changing tables in strange places. Seriously, I never paid attention to them before.

10. (This is my favorite) Daddy spent 15 minutes this morning, cleaning runny poo poo from the seat of the high chair. That NEVER happened in our home before.



Eva is doing well... she's feeling much better and is happy. She mostly sleeps through the night, although, she insists on coming to our bed at 1:00 in the morning to finish her sleep. We are thankful that she at least sleeps from arount 7:00 p.m. until then in her crib.

Yesterday we took Eva to Grand Forks for the first time. She did very well, Daddy entertained her with silly noises and Granny fed her the magic pills (cheerios). We went to the Chinese buffet for lunch, and David got the biggest kick out of using the Chinese we learned. The waitresses came over and said hi to Eva and told us that she was adorable and big.

Something interesting and sad occured at Sam's Club. I had to change Eva's diaper and so I took her into the ladies room. The lights are different in there, and at the time there were about 6 women in the room all talking. She took one look around the room, got a look of absolute terror on her face and grabbed hold of me as tight as her little arms could grab. She was so filled with fear, and her cry while I changed her diaper was heart-wrenching in that it sounded desperate and very sad. I have to think that something about that room filled with only women reminded her of the orphanage with all the nannies and she did not want put down, left or given to someone else. I am thankful for this little girl in my life, I am delighted and thrilled to have her, and I love her with all my heart, but at the same time, I hate the circumstances that made it possible for her to come into our lives. No baby should ever have to fear being left. No one should have to pay the price she has just to be loved. I wish I could have paid that price for her.

In any case, last night she needed lots of reassurance and spent a lot of time just cuddling and being held by me. It seemed to resolve things for her and it was a happy girl who went to sleep.

Today was a day of firsts for David. Today is the first day that Eva fell asleep on him. It was during praise service at church, and since I was dancing today, David got to watch Eva. They both did very good. David said that he looked down at that sweet face on his chest and felt such an increase in love that it brought tears to his eyes. Today is also the first day that David put Eva in the car seat by himself and the first day that he dressed her. It's been a big day for daddy, starting with that poopy high chair seat, and he's out there smiling, entertaining and playing with her still while I write this post. Yes, I am falling even more in love with my husband, the father.

My sweetheart

Pretty girl: At the baby shower


Eating Teddy Grahams


"Num Num"

Questions

Allright...I have some questions today.

When did walking down my hallway become an exercise in traversing a jungle gym? How can someone a fraction of our size make a bigger mess than the rest of us put together? Why are the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. now the best three of the day? How come it seems so pointless anymore to make daily plans? When did I lose my own identity? Why does the quality of my day suddenly depend on someone else and my mood on their mood? How come I feel incomplete now when I go somewhere by myself? What happened to me that I am so willing and happy to sacrifice myself so much for another person?



Yesterday Eva was NOT in a good mood. She must not have felt well, probably another tooth coming in. She only slept for 20 minutes and then woke up and screamed and squirmed. She didn't know what she wanted, other than to feel better. I walked the floor with her for an hour and got her back to sleep, which lasted for another 20 minutes. What an incredibly frustrating feeling when she woke up that second time. Anyway, after that, she decided mommy wasn't going to fool her into sleeping again and she informed me of that fact in her most definitive voice! Finally, after an hour and a half of screeching baby noise in my ear, I squirted baby medicine into her open howling mouth. Half an hour later, she suddenly quit crying... I think I want some of these baby drugs, I can't remember the last time painkillers worked that well. In any case, by that time I was exhausted and wanted to cry myself. So, mom entertained her (Thank God for Grandparents). She taught Eva how to drink out of her sippy cup and they played on the piano. Eva has already figgered out that the keys at different ends make different sounds, and that it's important to use the foot pedal (she was very observant of granny with that). Also, when she bangs on the keys, she sways with the music. Just like she thinks she's the funniest comedian ever, she apparantly also thinks she's an amazing musician. It's important to have a high self image. I have learned also that it is important to be in a good mood when Daddy comes home, to laugh, giggle and cuddle and make sure he doesn't really believe mommy when she complains about how exhausting the day was. Seriously, what is up with that?!

Mommy moments

Today is a very important day in the Hurlburt household: Eva is taking her nap during the day!!! Yippee and yahoo! She slept last night until 5:00 a.m. David and I actually slept at the same time as each other for the first time since returning from China. I actually have a little time to get something done during the day. This is mommy moment #1...I have learned to appreciate and be thankful for somthing so simple as time.

Mommy moment # 2: I have discovered that my daughter has a sense of humor. For some reason I didn't expect that... I don't think I actually ever thought about it until I saw it. We knew in China that Eva would flirt with people just to get smiles and laughs out of them. I didn't realize then that it is part of a bigger personality trait... she really likes to tease and make people laugh. She teases daddy when he changes her diaper by pretending to roll away and then giggling like crazy when he brings her back. Yesterday she teased me by pretending to eat a cheerio, and when I laughed, she did it over and over again, giggling like crazy. I think maybe she cracks herself up more than anyone else.

Eskimo kisses constitute mommy moment # 3. Eva likes rubbing noses, she will grab my head, pull it towards her, smush her face into mine and then shake her head back and forth. It's an absolutely amazing feeling that my daughter is falling in love with David and I also. Intellectually I knew that would happen, but I don't think I ever realized it fully in my heart how it would feel.

Mommy moment # 4 is that I never realized how much junk there is on a freshly vacumed carpet before, and that my daughter is capable of finding ALL of it.

Eva, Daddy and I went to her baby shower last night. It was fantastic and beautiful and I love visiting with my Christ family. However, we had to wake Eva up before we went and she was still very tired and shy still, which means not many smiles and giggles. I can't wait for people to get to see her full personality. So far, she's just been quiet and really well behaved when in public. Can you believe I actually just complained about that?! Forget that statement...I can wait.

Granny loving

Eva decided it was time Granny got some loving this morning.

Just a Monday

Wow, it actually does feel like Monday... which means it feels like I'm actually alive and not in a waking sleep.

Church went really well yesterday. We discovered something amazing with the car seat. As soon as Eva saw it, she started screaming again. Not to be deterred, I buckled her in anyway, then Mom and I sat and waited for David to finish closing up the house while we lamented how he was going to have a horrible time with her screeching. Yeah, well, the second David gets in the car she shuts up, and low and behold even starts giggling. She had a great time with daddy on the ride into church. (And back home again.) Mom and I sat there in stunned silence. I am thinking it must have something to do with feeling secure in the family when we're all in the car together. I wonder if she will cry just as much if it's only David and not me in the car, or if she just is completely infatuated with her daddy already. Granted, he is pretty easy to become infatuated with.

Anyway, Eva enjoyed praise service and clapped along and waved her hands to the first song. She then promptly fell asleep during the second one and slept almost through the entire service--because it was her night time and not because the Pastor is dull, just to clarify. I had to take her out for the last five minutes because she woke up and wanted to talk to us, but really, I was very pleased with the whole outing.

We are progressing with moving her time to U.S. and she's taking her naps and nighty night times later and later. However, this morning, after her nap, Eva woke up from a deep sleep screaming, absolutely terrified. I couldn't console her at all--nothing I did would help. Finally, I got her calmed down enough she would take her bottle, and she couldn't cry while drinking her milk. By the time she was done, she was happy and giggling. I am thinking she had a nightmare. While I know it is true, it hurts my heart to come face to face with the fact that my precious little girl has experiences in her life which would give her nightmares. I really do wish I could just fix everything for her.

So, I am off to get some sleep myself... it takes a lot out of a person to stay up all night with a 14 month old.

Happy at home

Daddy changed the diaper

Eva and the cat, Enoch

Having fun

This and more recent photos posted are from home

Movie Star

Blowing kisses

Baby steps

I feel really good today, for the first time since coming home. I am also very thankful for the people in my life... for the words of encouragement and the meals my church family have provided. Oh my word, I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for that! Also, I am finally caught up on my sleep. Granted, I'm still having to sleep during the day and stay up at night, but this night I finally had time to do some things of my own while she was napping. I know there are people out there who appreciate exactly what a step that is.

Another major accomplishment for us... I have finally figured out how to get her to drink milk. She started refusing the formula the second day we had her in China, and I have tried everything I can think of to get her to drink it. Today we have acheived success, it depends on a combination of type of milk, sweetness, temperature and position she is being held while drinking it. Sometimes I feel like she is training me, not the other way around.

Eva is learning how to interact with the cats, she is delighted with them, although not at all willing to share us with them. I have come to the realization that she does not understand her own worth. However, in time she will! It is still a big step for the family.

Another step... she's finally showing signs of getting used to the house and Granny. I think that it must seem huge in here, for her, after living her life in one tiny room with occasional visits to another tiny room. Then while in China, we were in small hotel rooms. It must be confusing and daunting to have so many different places to go. In any case, she has begun to relax and be happy again. She has learned another English word, which Granny taught her, "num num."

And, in terms of the jet lag, we have gotten her bedtime stretched to noon MN time, which is 1:00 a.m. China time. It's definitely moving in the right direction.

So, today we attempt church. I'm a little concerned, considering it will continue through bedtime. However, I think she is going to love the praise service, since she loves music and dancing and imitating. Either it will be great or horrible, I will find out later today.

Until later, our baby steps are getting more frequent...

Jet Lag & Kisses

So, does anyone out there have suggestions on how to get a baby over a serious case of jet lag?! Help... Seriously, just about the time it gets to be too much, she does something absolutetly adorable and I can't even work up a good upset. Yesterday mom and I had to take her into town for some needed errands. We went in early, around 9:00 MN time, which was of course 10:00 p.m. and past bedtime, in China. She was not a happy girl... she screamed the entire time she was in her car seat. Then, when we got home was absolutely unconsolable. I felt really guilty because at one point I had to just put her in the crib and walk away for a few minutes and calm myself down so that I was capable of calming her down. I felt so guilty leaving her to cry for those few minutes but I didn't know what else to do. It took me over an hour to get her to sleep. Then during her nap time, (which is midnight MN time) she would NOT let me put her down in the crib, so I ended up letting her sleep on top of me, with her holding on for dear life. Poor baby.

On the positive side, this morning David and I received our first ever Eva kisses. I've also gotten lots of cuddles and sweetness from her. She can crawl really well now, it actually looks like a crawl not a horizontal mountain climber. However, she's taken to following me around and I can not leave her sight without serious complaining. Eva has also gotten to like the cats, they however, don't want anything to do with her. Only, she doesn't understand they are animals and wants them to imitate her. She waves at them and nods her head and then gets upset when they don't do it back. Also, she still won't stand for David or I petting them in front of her.

I gotta go... I'm pushing my luck and David is telling to hurry up.

Ahh... Home!

Our last day in Guangzhou was good... We did some shopping in the morning, had lunch, well David and Eva did. I think I managed a couple of bites. I have been eating out at restaurants with her ever since we first got her and still haven't figured out how to do it successfully. We have to feed her first or she raises such a fuss, and then when she's full and I can eat, she then gets bored and demands play, or rather further investigation on her treatise on gravity. There's got to be a way to manage restaurants, I just don't know what it is yet.

After lunch, we went to the U.S. consulate, which took quite a while. We weren't allowed cameras inside the consulate, but took some pictures of the outside. We went through security and our guides took care of the passports and paperwork. After waiting for a while, we all got in a line and went to a window to show a woman our faces which were compared with the passport photos. Then we waited some more, over an hour later we all stood up and repeated the oath of citizenship together for our daughters. We were taken from the consulate to the airport.

It is very slow getting through airport lines in China. It takes a lot of patience. Even though we arrived at the airport 4 hours before our flight left, we got to the gate about 40 minutes before boarding. Fortunately, for this long flight, we were able to get a couple of empty seats between David and I so Eva was able to sleep most of the flight, at least 8 hours of the 13 hour flight. David and I didn't get any sleep, however because we were worried she was going to fall off the seat. After she woke up, she spent the rest of the flight flirting with everyone and playing. Oh, I can't forget eating. I think I'm raising a cleptomaniac though, every time someone walked by our seats with a watch, she did her best to take it off of them.

So, we left China at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday and arrived in L.A. at 7:00 p.m. on the same day. We went through immigration and Eva got a stamp in her passport that officically made her a U.S. citizen, Yea! After customs, we went to the hotel and ordered out for pizza. David's family came to visit us. It took Eva just over an hour to warm up to them, but she really liked it when her grandpa walked her around the room. After they left, she decided it was nap time. David and I informed her that it was night time, but she just looked at us like we were nuts. She slept a good long nap length time, and David and I were thrilled to get about 2 and a half hours of sleep.

On the flight to Minneapolis, Eva spent the first third of the flight flirting with everyone around us on the plane. She particularly enjoyed the grandparents seated behind us. After that she decided it was time to screech a while and mommy had to walk her up and down the aisle. She finally fell asleep, and slept the remainder of the flight. Mommy didn't get anything else done but hold her.

After waking up for the plane transfer at Minneapolis, Eva was in a good mood but that didn't last once we got onto the small plane to come up to Thief River. She had enough! I'm suprised how good she did... she was tired, mad at us because she knew it was bed time (in China) and we were the ones so stupid that we couldn't figure it out, she had a wet diaper and mommy didn't have time to change it, her ears hurt and she had enough of being confined. It's lucky for David and I that flight was a short one.

We had lots of family to greet us at the airport arriving home. Eva got balloons and a welcome sign and lots of love. However, still suffering from jet lag, she wasn't up to visiting. We got home and went to bed, got up late, unpacked and went back to bed. I don't know how long it will take us to get back to Minnesota time, but I at least am feeling much better with some sleep.

Eva has already started warming up to Granny and has been giggling and smiling. She was very afraid of the cats when she first met them, and gave me such a look, like, "What do you think you're doing, exposing me to that thing... don't you know that's an animal!" Right now David and Granny are entertaining the little princess while I'm writing. She's not letting me get away from her very long and she gets very mad when she sees David or I pet one of the cats. She immediately fusses and makes us hold her, dispelling the cat. She is NOT going to share us with anyone. Personally, I don't think she should have to. The cats are going to have to deal with it.

I don't want to forget... Eva did say her first English word on our flight home, other than "ma ma," which doesn't count because it's the same in Chinese. Eva's first English word was "look." She will point at something and say "ook" I suppose we've been doing that to her a lot.

I'll post some pictures later today. For now, so long from home.

Squeaky shoes and french fries

This morning, I woke up with little fingers touching (or more accurately slapping) my chin. I opened my eyes to a little face that was about half an inch away from mine. I must say, there are lots of worse ways to wake up. Eva was an absolute delight all day today, she is so different from the little girl who sat on the bed and stared at us a week ago. It really is hard to believe it's only been a week. Even in this short time, Eva has progressed amazingly. She recognizes her name, she has much better arm and hand control, she seems bigger and she is very happy. She has reached the point now, however, that she wants to see me all the time and gets upset when I leave the room. This morning, she even crawled (her version of a crawl looks like a froggy swiming across the floor) all the way across the room to come to me.


This is a laugh not a scream... she enjoyed getting out of the confining high chair at breakfast.

Today we put squeaky shoes on her for the first time. She laughed histerically every time she made them squeak and then insisted that we hold her up so she could squeak them more. She will stand and just stomp her feet, however, she also did a lot of practice walking today. As long as her feet were making noise, she was thrilled. Lots of giggles and smiles. That's how we spent the morning, while our guides took care of the paperwork with the consulate. In the afternoon, all the families got together for the traditional group photo on the red velvet couch. I managed to actually get a bow in Eva's hair, so that people will quit asking me about my son--It's still bothering me. As long as she didn't know the bow was there, she left it in. Since we distracted her when we put it in, it took about an hour for her to pull it out.



After pictures we did some more shopping.

Shortly after we arrived in Guangzhou, the Davids saw an advertisement for the mega big mac at McDonalds. And of course, since they can't be gotten in the U.S., they've both been wanting one ever since. Well, after shopping, Kathy, Eva and I were exhausted and so we let the Davids have their adventure and get their burgers. Also, at this point in the trip, we are all ready for some American food, even if it is fast food. They even navigated a cab ride to obtain those burgers. In any case, I fed Eva while they were out, but she still insisted on sharing in the feast when they returned. I suppose it's fitting that since we leave to come home tomorrow, she begin her iniation into American culture. If french fries are any indication, she's not going to have much problem.





Tomorrow we are all going as a group for a dim sum lunch. Then we'll be going to the U.S. Consulate for the swearing in ceremony through which Eva becomes a U.S. citizen. After that we get on the plane to come home. We have an overnight layover in LA on Tuesday and will be returning at 3:40 on Wed. to the TRF airport. I won't be posting again until after I arrive home. David and I appreciate the prayers regarding the flight and Evangeline's peace throughout it. We need sleep. We look forward to seeing you all as soon as we can.

Happy Fathers Day

David celebrated his first ever official fathers day today with a defining milestone. Today is the day that David changed his very first diaper. In fact, he even did better than that, he changed two diapers and one of them was a whopper. We're all very proud of David and Eva was pleased that she could help him reach this acheivement.

Actually, Eva has made some amazing discoveries today... One, she discovered that she could come to me as well as getting me go to her. She doesn't really crawl in a true sense, but she has good upper body strength and was able to pull herself with her arms to come to me. A fact which delighted her to no end. The second discovery she made today, which is quite fitting with this day, is that she has two parents, not just one. She decided today that she wants both David and I in the room with her at all times, not just me. Also, she has figured out that David is more than just a big toy, he also is capable of comforting her. It is a joy to me to see David blossom into fatherhood. He is having problems, however, with his leg. The swelling is excessive and he is in a lot of pain due to the increased activity, but nonetheless, having the time of his life.

Eva has made some other changes since we got her seven days ago. At that time, her 12 month old clothing was pretty loose on her... it isn't anymore. Seven days ago, she was quiet as a mouse and never laughed. Today she spent at least half an hour laughing for no reason, except maybe that the adults were laughing too. Another change, it's getting harder and harder to get her to go to sleep in the crib. I can get her to fall asleep, but as soon as I lean over to put her into the crib and she no longer feels me, she lets out ear-splitting, heart-wrenching screeches. The closer she has gotten to Dave and I, the more she wants us to give her constant attention and to not let go of her. Today, I couldn't take it anymore and so I just laid her on the bed with me. Instead of screaming, like she does when put in the crib, she giggled and smiled at me and made eye contact and cuddled up to go to sleep. It was an incredibly intimate moment, and I can't help but think she has had way too few of those moments in her short life.

More about our trip... yesterday after the medical exam and visa photo, Eva took a nap and the spent some time playing with me while David went and finished some more paperwork. Then, we all went out to dinner at the Thai restaurant. Eva had plenty to eat. Today, we did some sightseeing and shopping in the morning. They took us to tour the six banyons Bhudist temple... it had some cool architecture and some very old trees. After than we did some shopping. Eva had another nap, and we spent the afternoon walking around Shaiman Island, doing more shopping of course. Shaiman Island, which is where the White Swan is located, is much different than Changsha... it's much more touristy, more expensive and lots more English spoken. However, I have found that when I use the Chinese words I've learned, the shopkeepers are nicer to me. I have been enjoying bartering, and Eva has hammed it up for everyone. One of the shopkeeprs had so much fun with her, that she went and gave her candy. Eva very much liked her first ever piece of candy. In fact, when she tasted it, she whipped around so fast to get that bag that I thought a hurricane gale had come through the building. After tasting the candy, she didn't want anything else,.. I had to hide the bag. By the way, EVERYONE has two comments they make about Eva, "She is very big baby," and "She is very beautiful."

Eva really does enjoy being the center of attention, she craves attention, she hates small places and she is desparate for input. She is very tactile and interested in the world. David and I are loving being parents and watching her discover her world. Today she experienced her first ever banana, and the look on her face as she discovered it was priceless.

About parenthood... I have to say, it is nothing like I've ever felt before. I get so little accomplished in my day, and I don't care. I have very little time to myself anymore and almost no sleep, yet, I can't wait for the next day to do it all over again. I find myself laughing at nothing but a grin and I have let a 24 pound little person completely consume my life. It's hard to imagine my life without her anymore.

Well, I must go to bed, my bed which I am sharing with that little girl in my life. Tomorrow, we have our U.S. consulate appointment, and will do more shopping. On Tuesday, we're coming home... I am looking forward to it. Mostly because, I very much miss my own bed.

More pictures

Waiting for the medical exam






Tour of the six banyons temple


Eva was upset that her bowl was empty... she ate the entire bowl of scrambled eggs.

Eva the world traveler...

Yesterday was a good day for us and Eva. She is so happy anymore, and smiles and giggles are easier to get out of her.

Eva has definitely formed some culinary opinions and they can be summed up in one word, "flavor!" She won't eat the congee anymore (not enough flavor). One of the great things about feeding Eva is how much she enjoys all aspects of food. She likes the feel, the look, the smell, the taste and has become quite an expert on trajectory analysis in relation to each food type. We ate breakfast early so that we could meet in the lobby for our tour of the University on the East side of the river dividing Changsha. Part of the University is very old, one of the very first in China. We toured the central building where the students used to sit around and learn about Confucious. We enjoyed seeing the old style architecture and attention to detail.


Uncle David posing tourist style in front of the center (ancient) part of the University.


The bus rides with Eva were better than before. I've gotten adept at distraction via cherios. After we returned to the hotel, I spent the afternoon doing paperwork, and then I had to pack for our early morning trip today to Guangzhou. David watched Eva for the hour plus I spent doing the paperwork and really enjoyed learning new tricks of how to keep her entertained. She finds David absolutely delightful, although insists that I be the one who comforts her and puts her to sleep. I've started getting smiles and giggles out of her as well, but David still gets the most.

For dinner, we went with our group back to the restauarant across the street from the hotel. We did a much better job with navigating the crossing--we didn't have to be rescued by the doorman this time. Eva hates the highchair. I've come to the conclusion that Eva hates anything that confines her. If she's not asleep she is constantly moving or demanding to be held. Her hands are never still, she has to touch and investigate everything, and she enjoys making impromptu airplanes out of otherwise common objects. In any case, getting Eva in a highchair is a two person job... she first spreads her legs straight out as she gets near the chair. Literally, 180 degrees apart. Then when you push her legs together she goes stiff and arches backwards. Following that is an ear-splitting screach... this is where the second person is needed. While the first person is navigating the mechanics of the chair, the second person must simultaneously demonstrate the worth of sitting by providing food, a polite way to say "shove cherios in her mouth." She always, without fail, quiets down for food. For dinner, my 13 month old baby had some pears (a full serving of baby food), cherios (entire bowl), cooked red bell pepper, a bowl of steamed pumpkin and three bowls of fried rice. As soon as the fried rice hit the table, she saw it and vehemently insisted she be given some immediately. She really likes the stuff! Yeah, not only did she eat more than all the other babies, but she ate more than some of the adults (myself included--I didn't have time to eat for some reason). I'm letting her eat everything she wants now, until she learns that food will always be there for her when she wants it. I've been told that this will taper off in a couple of months. In any case, she went right to sleep and I was able to finish packing.

I got to bed at 11:00 p.m. and up at 3:30 a.m., we had to meet in the lobby by 5:50 to catch the morning flight. (The reason I didn't post last night.) Eva thought we were crazy getting up so early, (daddy thouroughly agreed) but she didn't grump too much. I dressed her in a very light summer outfit today. I decided that I didn't care if the old ladies come up and get after me, my daughter is too hot. David had some little old Chinese woman in Walmart yelling at him, poking Eva and just totally disgusted with him for something, we don't know what. Eva had a runny nose when we got her (presumably teething related), so we think she was telling him to keep her warmer so that she doesn't get sick. However, my daugther spends all of her time trying to pull her clothes off of herself because she's so hot. We figured we'ld just let them yell at us today. Most of the time though, people just come up and ask me about my son. It really does bother me that her hair is so short. It's such a small and petty thing, but it irritates me more than any of the big things. I learned how to tell people in chinese that she is a little girl now, and so when they start talking to me I tell them that first before they get a chance to congratulate me on my son.

Eva did great on the plane. She informed herself about the safety regulations, she ate most of David's breakfast and more of my breakfast than I did, she tried to steal the breakfast of the man across the aisle, she shoved everything she could get her hands on through the seats into the row in front of us and she held a conversation with the people in the row behind us. She giggled and smiled and introduced herself to everyone on the plane. She did not cry or fuss, she was too busy doing everything else. She really enjoys mimicking aunt Kathy.

Immediately after getting to Guangzhou, we got our luggage and then on another bus. Eva didn't like this one any better than the one in Changsha. They took us to get our babies visa photo and their medical exam. Most of the babies cried through the exam, Eva just slept or tried to grab things. The exam was done production line style. She was stripped and examined first, then weighed and measured. She weighs 23.6 lbs and is 78 cm (34.8 in) long. Yes, she is in the 100% percentile of weight for Chinese babies. She didn't like the part of the exam where they put the thermometer under her armpit and held her arm down... again, it was confining. She did manage to pull the pan they used to measure the babies length to the edge of the table and given another minute would have had it on the floor. I guess that sums up what she thought about that. The last station we went to tested her hearing and general health. The Doctor said she was strong. The nannies at the orphanage said she was strong, the Orphanage director said she was strong, our guides (both of them) have said she is strong. I think they use the word strong to mean, "she's big," David thinks they mean that she is willful and stubborn. One of the babies in our group is 17 months old, she weighed 24 lbs. She was the only one bigger than Eva. Another one who is one month older than Eva weighed 16 lbs. I think the best thing about the medical exam, was that while we were there we saw lots of other babies who have come from all over and are also getting their exams done, and it was clear. Our baby is definitely the cutest!

So, now we are at the White Swan hotel in Guangzhou. Eva fell asleep immediately and David decided to take a nap with her. Later this afternoon we have some paperwork to do. Tomorrow we shop. So goodby for now from China.

Pictures from day 5

Me, Eva and Aunt Kathy in the gardents at the University. Eva wasn't enthused about posing for the camera.

David and Uncle Dave at the entrance at the University.

The locals have a superstitous custom of touching this large longevity symbol. Eva copied them.

Smiles and Giggles

Last night was a hard one for mama and baby. She was just too tired, and didn't feel well, so naturally she woke up. Every time I would get her to sleep, she'd wake up when I bent over to put her in the crib. There's got to be a better system. In any case, she ended up sleeping on top of me for about an hour before I was able to get her back into the crib. However, hard yesterday was, though, today was the best.

After waking up bright and early, Eva sampled some cherios and water, refused the formula and fussed whenever mama left the room. Ba Ba (David) earned some smiles and enjoyed the cherio offerings long enough for me to get ready and we headed off for breakfast. Eva consumed an entire bowl of congee and some watermelon to go along with her cherios. We then all gathered in the lobby of the hotel for our trip to the orphanage. Despite Eva's opinion that we should immediately exit the bus, mama insisted that we stay put, and so she yielded to the inevitable and fell asleep for the majority of the hour ride to the orphanage. Once in Xiangtan, we stopped at a department store first and as a group purchased a washing machine for the orphanage as a donation. (It was what they requested.) The excitement of the moment woke dear little girl up, despite the fact that mama and Eva stayed on the hot bus in order to avoid that very contingency. After screeching in the guide and drivers ears for at least five minutes, with tears rolling down little cheeks, mama asked if she could stand up in the middle of the bus... and of course that met Eva's approval. She instantly cheered up, quieted down and prepared for arrival. I on the other hand, got to enjoy the completely new experience of Chinese driving while standing up. Seriously folks, they drive down the wrong side of the road against oncoming traffic. Today I even saw a lady with a cart of apples completely stopped in the middle of four lanes of traffic (one side of a 8 lane highway). It's insane.

David and I feel very fortunate to be able to visit the orphanage. We weren't allowed to go into many places, but it was enough to get a feel for it. As soon as we got off the bus, and yes, Eva and I are always the first ones off, the nannies saw her and they all started calling her name. They all seemed to both know her, and be very fond of her. I wasn't sure if I wanted to let them hold her, but I thought that it was more important that she have the pictures with the nannies, so I decided it would be okay. I'm glad I did. Something amazing happened. She would let the nannies hold her for a minute, give them a smile, and then twist around at her waist, look for me and hold her arms out for me to take her. I didn't realize how much I needed for that to happen. She chooses me back.

The grounds outside the orphanage was neat and clean. There are some older children, puppy dogs, gardens, and some playground equipment. The rooms all exit to an outside hallway on each of the floors of the orphanage, so we were taken up a flight of stairs to the second floor outside hallway. We were then taken into the rooms where the babies stayed, and we weren't allowed to take pictures in those rooms. There were about 10 cribs in the rooms, all pushed together, and all but a few (those belonging to our girls) were filled. Some of the babies were only a few weeks old, some about a year. Many were crying, some were sleeping and some of them were just laying in the crib staring at the ceiling. I noticed that they put split pants on them and cloth diapers under the pants. The room itself was very old, with old dirt stains on the walls and peeling paint. Eva's crib was in the second room, against the far wall, under the window.

I got a chance to ask the nannies why Eva's hair is so short. I was told that her immune system is not strong and that she gets sick alot. So, apparantely they shaved her head and had an IV in it at one point. I don't know what was in the IV, I don't know anything other than that, but I am glad I asked about her hair. It was good to get the additional information. I am not surprised she got sick alot... they do not have heating in the rooms during the winter, and Eva's crib was right under the window. She probably had a draft on her all winter.

After visiting the orphanage, the upper staff took us out to lunch in a local restaurant. The food was fantastic (at least that's what I was told--it smelled good), although they were careful to give us the mild dishes. Eva enjoyed a tomatoe and egg dish, consuming at least 3 bowls of that, along with a bowl of steamed egg, some sticky rice and more cherios. She also broke a spoon, jabbed everyone with the chopsticks, and talked constantly. All of the families in the group that came (4 of the 5) sat around the same table, and all other three children were so good and sat quietly and ate what they were given. They didn't grab anything or fuss. Yeah, not Eva, we had nothing in a two and a half foot radius of us by the time lunch was finished, there was a layer of food on the floor and chopsticks were flung everywhere. The nannies enjoyed it... they kept saying her name and looking at her and laughing. They said that she liked to be spoiled... Yeah, I don't even know what to say to that. She's definitely ornery and the reason mama missed lunch.

Forntunately for all of us, Eva decided that it would be appropriate to sleep on the bus ride back to Changsha. All in all, she managed to get 2 hours of sleep today. When we got back to the hotel, David and I just spent the time getting to know Eva. It was great. She's really come out of her shell a lot, and she laughed outloud a few times today. She giggles, plays and is constantly discovering new things. We discovered, that she can't really crawl, but she can sit on her butt and scoot herself backwards with her legs. David left once during the afternoon to purchase a cane, and we met up with our fellow travel mates for dinner at the food court. Eva decided it was a good idea to eat again as well. She had half a bowl of her rice cereal mixed with formula...I have given up on trying to get her to drink her formula/cereal like the orphanage workers told us to. Instead, I have decided to feed it to her with a spoon...it works until the food arrives and there is something she enjoys more to choose from. So, in addition to the half a bowl of rice cereal, she had another two bowls of fried rice and a bowl of broccoli. Once finishing those entres, she still had a little room, and so she topped off with some noodles.

She and David are both asleep now. She went down very easy tonight. Granted, she ate more today than I did and she got a lot accomplished. I'm hoping all that food in her belly will take a while to digest and keep her occupied for a long time.

I did experience my own breakthrough this morning as well. On our way to Xiangtan, when Eva was sleeping on my chest in the bus, I looked down at her and realized fully for the first time that she was mine. I no longer felt like I was babysitting someone else's baby. Just as her attachment to us is growing stronger, so is ours to her. She is adorable, delightful and I wouldn't trade any part of it... although, there are things that I won't mourn when she outgrows them.

Pictures from day 4

Outside the front gate of Xiangtan orphanage where Eva has lived for the first year of her life.


Eva & mama posing with the vice director of the orphanage.


Aunt Kathy enjoying teaching Eva valuable life lessons and face contortions.


David feeding Eva cherios with chopsticks during lunch in Xiangtan.


Eva topping off dinner with a few noodle snacks.

Pictures from day 3

One of the workers at the embroidery factory.

Walking in Changsha.


Eva just about the time that she discovered the power of "the fuss."

Day 3 with Eva

Everyone woke up in a good mood this morning. Eva drank a big bottle of formula/cereal (not as thick as the orphanage workers instructed), then she had her first bath. It wasn't too bad, she was more indignant than anything else, just because I happened to get soapy water in her eyes. After the bath, we all went for breakfast and she had some congee and watermelon. She won't eat any of the breads, I don't think she likes the texture of them. Eva did a good job greeting all of her fellow diners, by waving and smiling at them. She even made sure she greeted the diners behind us, and that took some effort. It was hard to twist herself backwards while strapped into a highchair.

After breakfast, we had a scheduled sightseeing outing at the Embroidery factory. Eva and I rode in the very front, behind the driver. I was hoping that it would be more to her liking, and I don't get as car sick in the front. She still got stiff and started fussing as soon as we stepped onto the bus, but a couple magic pills (cherios) calmed her down and she enjoyed the remainder of the trip giving the back of the driver's head a nice massage whenever mama's attention was diverted. The embroidery factory was very cool. At one time there were 4 distinct types of embroidery styles employed in China. Now only two provinces still continue in the ancient methods and one of them is here in Hunan. The embroidery was amazing. They can do this cool stitch where they have a different image on the front side of a transparent silk sheet as the back side. It's very impressive. Since the outing was scheduled during her nap time, and Eva wasn't as impressed with the embroidery as mom and dad were, she decided to go ahead and take a nap in the carrier. The driver smiled at her, in an over-enthusiastic manner, when we got back on the bus and he saw she was sleeping. He is such a kind man to care so much about her sleep, although, she did wake up right as we reached the hotel.

Since Eva missed the majority of her nap, I thought it would be great for her to finish it at the hotel. I assumed because she was rubbing her eyes, doing her little suckle thing and nodding her head that she also agreed with this plan. However, the plan that she endorsed had something to do with eating cards, throwing toys and rearranging the room. During this time, Eva also made a magnificent discovery, she discovered that if she fusses, I come running. I know exactly the moment that connection was made in her head, and she tried it out several times thereafter, making sure I didn't forget the drill. She has this way of setting her chin, and giving this single head nod in emphasis to a demand. Daddy discovered this, but didn't mind since she was so thoughtful to share her cherios with him after she corrected him about where the toys should be placed. I eventually gave up on the nap idea of mine, and we strapped Eva back in the carrier and went for a walk around the block.

The walk was great. Eva garnered a lot of attention, especially since she made it a point to wave at everyone she saw. We attracted several crowds of little old ladies who came to dote on Eva. I learned how to say "Her name is Wu Yi" in Chinese. So I told them all what her name was. The only problem that I failed to anticipate, was that when I spoke that sentence so well, they assumed I could understand what they said also. Alas, it was not to be. We stopped in a few shops, and that was fun. I got to practice two other Chinese phrases that I've learned: "How much does it cost?" and "Too much," I did get a chance to do a little bartering. We also enjoyed the drivers along the way. You know they consider the sidewalk fair game to drive on around here. It's an interesting experience taking a walk along a busy street in Changsha. Eva decided to get a little more shut eye while we were walking. However, she woke up again when we got to the hotel.

It is very hot and humid here, my shirt was so wet from sweat, and Eva's suckling thing, that I could wring the water out of it when we got back to the hotel. All I could think about was unhooking that carrier and getting that hot little body away from me. Eva, however, found it rather rude to be dumped so quickly onto the bed, and decided that she should let me know what she thought about my unconsiderate behavior. I assumed she would now, want to finish her nap, since she only slept a total of 40 minutes, instead of her usual 2+ hours, and that 40 minutes wasn't even connected. She, however, did not agree with my plan yet again. In fact, she thought that the two hour walk we took around the block (It was a very big block) was a better plan, and demanded that I walk her around the room. Should I happen to put her down, sit down myself, or commit any act that did not include walking, Eva would remind me of the earlier made discovery regarding fussing and response. So, I spent another hour and a half walking, only this time in the hotel room itself. David did try to relieve me, but apparantly he didn't ask her permission about that idea, and she wasn't having anything to do with it. We walked and walked, until it was time for dinner.

We went out to the restaurant across the street from the hotel for dinner. Crossing the street here is also a unique experience that takes talent and a keen sense of timing. Cars do NOT stop for pedestrians, so you just have to get your bearings and hope you make it. We happened to run into our guide in the lobby, so he led us across the street to get to the restaurant. We had three babies from the group there, including Eva. The other two babies were wonderful. They sat quietly in the chair, ate what was given them, and even managed to keep their spaces clean. Eva on the other hand, greeted all the diners in the hall (remembering those seated behind us via her limber talent of twisting around 180 degrees while buckled into a high chair), tried to play frisbee with the dishes, jabbed daddy in the head with the chopsticks, and completed an entire scientific inquiry on the law of gravity. In between, she enthusiastically ate 1 and a half bowls of fried rice, as well as some bell pepper and a little corn. Our space at the table looked like a tornado had gone through it. However, the food was good and very inexpensive. Also, thanks to Eva, we had three waitresses standing watch behind us, whereas the other families only had one if at all. Coming back from the restaurant was fun...we had to cross the street yet again. After our entire group stood on the side of the street for at least 10 minutes contemplating the exact distance of two lanes of traffic, the trajectory and speed of odd shaped moving objects, and the meaning of life, the doorman of the hotel took pity on us and came across the street to guide us back. We did arrive home in one piece.

Finally, once we got back to the hotel room, Eva only wanted to play with her toys for about 15minutes, before agreeing to my plan to go to sleep, finally! And then there was dancing in the street... well in my heart anyway. I am happy to report that she is currently asleep. Every part of my body aches, I am exhausted and more than a little repentant. I must admit, I have known many families with children, and I have heard those familes complain at times about their children not getting their naps and not being able to do things because of that. I admit that there used to be a part of me that thought, yeah right, they're just making an excuse, it can't be that bad. I repent, I repent absolutely and beg forgiveness. Many people have told me that our lives were about to change with Eva. I expected that change, and was and are prepared for the big things. The changes that have caught David and I by surprise are the small things. Such as having to learn to whisper, eating meals in stages, and the sheer number of apologies I have to utter on behalf of a very tiny, sweet looking little being.

Parent experience countdown: 1 day and growing...

It's been another long day. Eva came with a cold of some kind, congestion and a cough. Also, she is teething, and has all the symptoms of giardia. She also appears to be very competent in training David and I how to properly take care of a baby and has insisted quite vehemently on us doing things for her exactly how she deems they should be done.

This morning, Eva got up at 6:30, and had a bottle with lots less cereal this time. At breakfast she had some watermelon and some congee with preserved egg in it. Congee is a liquidy rice porridge type dish made from overcooking rice with abundant water. She was tired though, and went down for a nap around 10:00. It was a seemingly innocuous nap, little did we realize that the baby we put down for the nap would not be the baby that woke up from her nap three hours later. Eva has been very quiet, and reserved since we got her. Very easy to take care of, very easy to entertain. Yeah, well, I guess she figured we have now reached the point that we qualify to be her parents and has become herself. She woke up from the nap opinionated, noisy, grumpy, and with excess energy. I am worn out, however, am also delighted at this awakening Eva.

It is raining today in Changsha. It feels much like a hot shower outside. However, the locals have this strange belief that rain means it is cold. They told us we had to make sure our babies were dressed very warm today and to take a blanket along for our sightseeing trip to the provincial museum. So, after Eva's nap and lunch, (She was too tired to eat lunch before her nap... she's really not feeling well) I put a long sleeved shirt and long pants on her, grabbed a blanket and off we went. Yeah, my baby was boiling up. She kept trying to pull her clothes off of her, she did not want to be carried (I also was hot and sharing body heat was definitely NOT what she had in mind), however she can't walk herself yet, she did not care for the museum exhibition, and did not think it important at all that mama viewed it either. Walking in continuous circles, added at least a mile to that particular tour. I understand from the others in the group that it was interesting.

After the tour, we had to board the bus again. Eva has taken a decided stance regarding bus travel, and it is not a cooperating stance either. Instantly when we board the bus, she gets stiff as a board and starts wailing. Every time, and she is inconsolable. Instantly when we get off the bus, she stops fussing and waves at everyone and is charming as can be. In any case, we got to "enjoy" another bus ride with Eva, we went to WalMart. It is very like the WalMart in town, okay, well the live turtles, eels and frogs do give an initial clue that something is different. Then there is the racks of hanging smoked meat. There is a cool escalator that you can take your shopping carts up. There is a magnet sucking thing that just grabs on and up goes the cart. Eva rode in the cart and did her part in inspecting the purchases, greeting fellow customers and drawing a crowd. We were able to purchase the formula brand that she is used to, as well as a few other little thiings.

Eva's opinion of bus rides did not change on the way home, and it took me quite a while to settle her down. She wouldn't eat very much tonight, but was instantly happier when I pulled off her clothes and she could cool down. I gave her some medicine for her teething and let her chew on a teething biscuit (My mom insisted I bring them, and I must admit, I'm glad she did) until she got sleepy enough to fall asleep. It really didn't take long. I put on some music and walked her around the room. She was asleep before the first song ended. By the way, David was asleep before the first song was half way done.

As I said before, I'm exhausted. I do have some observations about Eva, however, to share:

Observation # 1:
When you put her shoes on her feet, she curls her toes up tightly so that her feet are really short and thick. Besides making her foot look really funny, it is also very difficult to actually get the shoe on.

Obs # 2:
The orphanage workers said that she slept on her back and that she will kick her covers off of herself when sleeping. Yeah, well that's the beginning and ending of the sleep experience. The middle actually involves a very restless little body that ends up bunching the covers up under her belly and sleeping on that. It's amazing that such a contorted little body can actually sleep.

Obs # 3:
Her hair is very short, and quite frankly, it looks like a boy. All the other babies in the group have long hair that can support little pretty accents, but not Eva. I was told that they probably cut her hair because she is big and gets too hot. Personally, I think more would be served by them simply not insisting that the babies be dressed in winter garb when it's 80 and humid out.

Obs # 4:
Eva is 13 1/2 months old now. Everywhere we go, the Chinese people tell us, "She is so big!" However, I have discovered that 12 month old clothing is very loose on her. She definitely is big for a Chinese baby, but not for Caucasian baby clothes.

Obs. # 5:
Whenever, she wakes up a little during the night, or needs to put herself to sleep for some reason, she does this smaking thing, in which she makes a suckling motion with her lips. It freaked me out the first time I heard it. I think it must be some sort of self-comforting mechanism that she learned at ther orphangae, her own version of a pacifier. Last night when she woke up coughing and started doing that suckling thing, I just reached into the crib and stroked her arm. She immediately ceased, settled down and went fully to sleep.

Obs. # 6:
She does respond very quickly to being rocked when I am standing. However, if I sit down and rock her, she wants nothing to do with it. Apparently, she is already insisting on a standing ovation.

Obs # 7:
When Eva eats, she sticks out her bottom lip in a pouting position that is very cute. Also, she has the chipmunk effect down really well. We discovered this morning, when we gave her a drink of water and it flushed the watermelon out of her mouth, that she will keep eating food, but instead of swallowing it, she appears to store it in her cheeks for later consumption.

Pictures

I am unable to currently download the pictures I have taken from my camera. It is difficult, because it requires downloading software which I can't do when the computers are based in Chinese. So, the pictures I have to show you are ones that my brother-in-law has taken and downloaded. I'm thankful for his help. I promise to post more pictures when I get back to the states.

Eva, eating breakfast at the hotel.

Eva can stand when she is leaning against something. She can also sit very well. What she can not do is get herself from a laying to a sitting position or from a sitting to a standing position. No transitions.

Here's a selection the meat department at our local WalMart hasn't quite got around to adding yet. Yes, those frogs and turtles are living.

She definitely likes toys!

Today has been an amazing day, exhausting and exhilerating at the same time.

David and I finally got some sleep. We got up early and had time to wrap the presents before we went to breakfast. After breakfast, we all met downstairs in the lobby, took some group pictures and then got into the bus to go to the civil affairs office. Driving here is an experience all in itself. Cars, people, bikes, hand pulled wagons, trucks from WWII era, all simultaneously going every which way (even on sidewalks), without ever using turn signals, driving down the middle of oncoming traffic and amazingly never hitting each other. After reaching the civil affairs office we waited for just over an hour and in came the babies with their nannies. They called each of our names one at a time, and we went up, showed them our passport and travel approval and was given our daughters. Our name was called last.

As soon as Eva was put into my arms she just hugged me close and snuggled her head on my shoulder. I tried to pull her back so I can see her face, but she just held tighter. I wasn't sure it was her at first, her mole that is in the referral picture has disappeared. I'm starting to think it was baby acne, not a mole. Anyway, I couldn't pull her back to look at her face, I couldn't give her to David, she just held on tight. We were given the things that we sent to her in the package. We immediately left the civil affairs office and went back to the hotel. It was interesting, on the drive back, Eva spent all her time looking at everything, she started to fuss just a little bit whenever her view was blocked and she couldn't see what was going on.

In the hotel, we sat Eva upright on the bed. She looked at us and we looked at her. David and I weren't ever going to get tired of that, but Eva started to, so we gave her the stacking cups to play with, she investigated them for quite some time, and then started playing with them. I fed her a few cherios and some water. Maybe half an hour later, the orphanage vice director, and two of the nannies came to our hotel room, with our guide, and we were able to ask questions. We were told what her schedule is, just to learn that we were handed her at her normal nap time. We learned why she was given her name, and were told that her nick name is Nu Nu, which means little girl. We asked them what Eva's favorite activities are. They told us it was playing with toys, listening to music to which she moves her arms, trying to dance. We asked what they do to comfort her when she is upset or angry. They told us that she very seldom gets upset or angry, but that when she does, she gets very angry. I was told that they get her over it by giving her toys. She likes toys! They recorded a message for Eva in Chinese. Throughout their visit, they tried to get her to come to them. She wasn't interested in them at all, she was still playing with the toys.

After they left, we sat with her and played with her. She didn't make a single sound or smile, but every little bit she would look at me, and then play some more and then take another peek. Kathy and Dave finally arrived in Changsha and they come over and watched her play some more, until she fell asleeep (an hour after nap time) literally while playing. We put her into the crib but then had to wake her up only half an hour later when we had to leave again to go back to the civil affairs office for some paperwork. We took some toys with us... okay actually, she took some toys with her, we couldn't pry them out of her hands. Again, Eva spent the trip looking at everything and holding tight to those toys, and every once in a while, taking a peek at me, checking that I was still there. The paperwork took just over an hour, but at the completion of it, she became officially a member of our family, and is wholy ours. We were then taken shopping for the babies. I didn't like the shoes she came with from the orphanage, by the way they let us keep her complete outfit, and gave us a bottle, formula and rice cereal. Anyway, we bought her some new shoes, which light up. All the way back to the hotel, she kept trying to reach her feet and play with those lighting shoes. They even distracted her momentarily from the toys... and she kept peeking at me every few minutes.

We got her back to the hotel and prepared her bottle for her like the orphanage workers told us to. They said to put 150 mL of rice cereal in the bottom, 50 mL of formula and then fill it with warm water. Things now made sense to us. The bottle they gave us has an opening in the nipple that is at least a quarter inch in diameter, and Eva chews the nipple. That's because, the mixture she is given isn't liquid, it's completely solid. I am amazed she can even eat it. I ended up, taking the nipple off and spoon feeding her the cereal out of the bottle. I think I am going to change procedure from the orphanage immediately... lots less cereal!

After spoon-feeding my baby her bottle, we all went down and had dinner in the food street. Eva came along, played with some toys, ate a bowl full of brocoli (hunan style) and two bowls of fried rice with egg and minced meet in it. She started interacting with us. She gave us a small smile, she starting waving, blowing kisses and grabbing at David's goatee.

She's very easy to entertain. She will just sit and keep herself occupied playing with those toys. She was however getting very tired. After we went back to the room, and had a diaper change, she started crying a little. But as soon as I picked her up and walked with her and sang to her, she immediately quieted down. Most people just moan and plug their ears when I sing, finally I have an appreciating audience. She fell asleep and I put her in her crib. She's sleeping, David's sleeping and I am feeling like a blessed woman and mother.

I have to smile about those toys. Anyone who has been to our house and seen Eva's room, knows that it is completely full of toys. I even have another bedroom full of totes that are full of toys. I have been waiting for her a very long time, and have made good use of local garage sales. I have fretted about her being over-stimulated when she gets home. I fret no more. It was priceless, I brought a bag of toys wth me to China, and I needed to use the bag, so without thinking I just dumped it out on the bed in front of Eva, and started re-packing it with things. I had to pause when I saw her face. She watched those toys coming out of that bag and got a look of pure ecstasy on her face. She immediately started grabbing them, and she plays with each an every one. She doesn't just pick it up and throw it away for the next. She takes her time and investigates all aspects. In any case, If she was that delighted over one bag of toys, she is going to absolutely LOVE her room.

Well, it is time that I join my family and get some sleep also. Tomorrow, we do some more paper work in the morning, for only a short time, and in the afternoon will tour the first National University in China, and then do some more shopping. So until later, good night from China!

We're actually in China!

We got on the plane in TRF at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, and got to our hotel in Changsha at 11:30 on Sunday morning. 4 planes and 3 layovers. Whew! It was a trip very reminiscent of my childhood and our two day nonstop drives up the Alaskan-Canadian highway with my two sisters and myself crammed up in the back seat of a car complaining because we were touching and breathing on each other. Only, we couldn't get off of this one.

Memorable moments:
1. David is a joy to take through security. Lights flash, sirens blare and he has to get half naked as they wand and pat search him. Apparantly the plate in his leg easily sets off the metal detectors. We got to experience this particular joy 3 times.

2. I have long heard the cliche that "It's a small world." While I completely understand the statement, and what is meant by it, I came to the forceable conclusion 16 hours into our over 30 hour travel, that the world really is not all that small. In fact it is quite huge and takes forever to fly around.

3. David made the cramped quarters of the airplanes quite enjoyable, as he made a point of using every cuddling opportunity available, and there were many. My husband really is quite a dear.

4. LAX needs lots more information signs. This conclusion was reached after 12 different people told us 12 different answers to the question, "In which terminal is China Southern found?" In fact, it is found in terminal 5, to which David had to walk about a mile on his still healing broken leg to get arrive at. We got there with 10 minutes to spare before China Southern closed it's ticket terminal. They have a policy of closing it quite early before the flight actually departs, which is why Kathy and Dave missed the flight. They will arrive tomorrow.

5. Not only did we not have any delays, but every one of our flights landed early. Also, our luggage arrived safe and sound, and not lost. Thank you for the prayers. I did learn, though, that I really did have no need to be anxious. Even when things went wrong, it worked out. And we did have some gliches, such as gate changes, canelled flight, etc. They just didn't bother me a lot, and thankfully they were all easily resolved.

6. Changsha is a delightful mix of ancient and modern. There is every kind of conveyance possible, from every historical era, on the streets at all times, together, including human pulled carts. And they all go every which way at the same time with no communication and no seeming sense. I mean everywhere, even sidewalks. I'm glad I wasn't driving, however, it is fun and amazing to watch.

7. I enjoyed flying out of TRF and seeing all the farm fields. Which, by the way, are all in perfect squares and rectangles. Flying into Changsha, I could also see the farm fields. However, instead of being in rectangles, they are in every shape imaginable, except square. I thought it was cool how those little things demonstrate such a different view in culture and philosophy.

8. The long, dreary flight was all worth it, when we walked into our hotel room and saw the crib. We get Eva tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. That is 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening Minnesota time.

So, I've had less than 6 hours of sleep in the last 48 hours. The question is, will I be able to sleep tonight, knowing that tomorrow I meet Eva?

Travel Itinerary

Can you believe it, we leave tomorrow!!! People ask me if I'm excited about going. Absolutely! However, I think I'm beyond excitement today--I feel peace. Something is about to happen in our lives that we have prayed, dreamed and prepared for, for longer than 11 years. Yes, it is exciting, but it is more than that, it is fufilling and right. It is the way things are suppose to be.

So, here's what we have in store for us:

Friday (6/9): We leave the TRF airport at 4:00 p.m. and fly to Minneapolis. From there to LAX. At LAX we will meet up with my sister Kathy and her better half, David. From LAX we fly to Guangzhou, and then switch planes again for the 4th time, to fly to Changsha,which is the capital of Hunan Province. We arrive in Changsha at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday(6/11), which is 9:00 p.m. on Saturday (6/10) in Minnesota time. We will be met at the airport and taken to our hotel by our guide. The rest of the day we have to recover from the trip, do a little shopping, visit with our friends from here who left on Wed, etc.

Monday (6/12): In the morning, we will meet and get our baby in the Civil affairs office, and we will take family pictures. Then we are given a few hours to take our daughter back to the hotel room and get acquainted. We will then return to the Civil Affairs office in the afternoon for registration paperwork, notarization, and application of Eva's passport. Eva will be with us for the remainder of our trip, and always after...

Tuesday (6/13): Our guide will take us shopping

Wednesday(6/14): Sightseeing tour, and checking notary papers.

Thursday (6/15): Sightseeing tour

Friday (6/16): Sightseeing tour, pick up Eva's passport in the afternoon

Saturday (6/17) In the morning we'll leave Changsha and fly to Guangzhou, which is the capital of the Guangdong Province. Guangzhou used to be called Canton. We will be taken to the White Swan hotel, and then will need to go and take Eva's visa picture & have her medical exam done, still in the morning. In the afternoon, we will be filling out INS forms for the consulate interview.

Sunday (6/18): Sightseeing

Monday (6/19): At 10:30 in the morning, we have the consulate interview, which is about Eva's immigration. After that we have time to shop.

Tuesday (6:20): In the afternoon we pick up Eva's visa, then in the evening we get on the plane. Get this, we get on the plane in Guangzhou at 9:00 p.m., and arrive at LAX at 6:30 p.m. on the same day. How cool is that...It's so Sci Fi. We have an overnight layover in LA, and expect to see David's family at the hotel.

Wednessday (6/21) We Fly from LAX at 6:30 in the morning, to Mineapolis, where we switch planes again, and fly back to TRF. We're scheduled to arrive at 3:40 p.m. in TRF.

Chinese baby talk, sort of...

When a person adopts from China, their paperwork is grouped by the agencies so that several to many families, as a unit, all send their paperwork to China together, wait together and then travel together. Our agency is based in Conneticut, and when our dossier was first sent to China, we were given a list of families in our group, which totaled five. Two of the families were from the East coast, one from Italy, there was us, and then to our amazement another family who happens to live less than 15 minutes away from us. This family, who already has one little girl from China, is in our travel group to adopt their second who is from the same orphanage as Eva. They came over tonight and had dinner with us, along with my friend from Hong Kong, and we had a Chinese lesson. It was great. David has an amazing ear for the inflections and enunciations, he's a natural. Unfortunately, he has a poor memory for the words. I have a great memory for the words, but am horrible at hearing the inflections, etc. I butcher the words, painfully. And while, I can remember the word, I can't remember the tonal inflections, so I can't even tell David what it is. Oh well... here's some cool words we learned though that I think will come in handy, and which I can even say without butchering too terribly.

The "baby talk" word for bottle or milk, sounds like "neigh neigh." Hold me, or I will hold you sounds like "bow bow." Do you feel pain, sounds like "tongue tongue," and our favorite, the word for "kisses" sounds like, "ching ching" So, I now know how to ask my daughter for kisses... yeah, you can bet I'll be trying that one!

Baby Fix

Mom and I couldn't stand it anymore, we had to have a baby fix. We took a trip and went on a drive through Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge this afternoon to see the baby goslings. It gave us a smile and a chuckle.

Only 7 more days and the next trip I'll be on will be taking me to see my daughter. Wow!

Car Seat

Q: What does it mean when your car is sporting a brand new infant sized car seat?
A: It means there's a baby in your life! Yea!!

9 more days until we travel

Today we received our visas for travel, wired the remaining money for the trip to China and bought diapers for the first time ever. Let me tell you, of all three things, it was the diapers that was the most profound for me. Mom and I sat in the living room, looking at them and getting all choked up. Like the car seat, the diapers seem to make motherhood not only real, but inevitable. Do you realize what a cool word that is... inevitable! It's so complete, like a done deal. Aw... David thought I needed jewelry, roses or perfume to make me happy, if only he knew, it was the diapers that did it for me. :) Let's see if I'm still as excited when they're used.

David informed me today exactly how many days, hours and minutes we have left until we leave for China to meet Eva. Is it necessary for me to report that he's been having troubles sleeping and concentrating also?!

China Time (time conversion chart)

China time is 13 hours later than central daylight savings time. Yes, I should be working, but instead I am dreaming of China and a little girl who lives there...

Travel Plans

I experienced my first ever conference call, yeah... I've finally moved into the 20th Century. I'm teasing, it was actually pretty cool. We met our China travel mates on the phone, as we conferenced with our adoption agency regarding our travel plans. I think my favorite piece of information was that the hotel we will be staying in has goldfish that can be seen under the sidewalk, which apparantly is a popular and delightful attraction for the little girls. I must admit, I'd like to see that too.

So... our travel agency is sending the tickets, the visa application is on the way, we should receive our official itinery early next week, and in two weeks we get on the plane. Today, Eva turns 13 months old. Just think, for her next monthly birthday, she'll be here in the U.S. annoying the cats and delighting David and I. It's very strange how two weeks can simultaneously seem like "this is taking forever" and "oh-my-gosh, that's so quick!"

17 more days until we meet Eva...

Today we send off our visa application to the courier in Washington D.C. He said we should get it back next Thursday. It is our last major paperwork that must be accomplished prior to travel. Whew!

This long weekend, David and I are planning to give the house a spring cleaning and finish baby proofing it. I finally found those little plug-in plugs. I'm going to have to figure out where to put the crystal, and we need to check the batteries in the smoke detectors. I need to figure out how to put together the high chair, and I also am going to install the baby seat... can you believe it, my car is going to have a baby seat! It seems so concrete and surreal, simultaneously. A baby seat means a baby and a baby means we're actually, really, truly parents. Please don't think me crazy, but when I drive around town with that baby seat, I'm going to be pretending she's in it, minus the fussing of course. That's the great thing about pretend babies, they never cry. However, no question about it, I'd rather have the real thing... 17 more days.

19 more days until we meet Eva...

We have booked our flights. David and I will be leaving out of Thief River at 4:00 p.m. on June 9th, and will arrive in Changsha (Capital of Hunan Province) at 10:00 a.m. on June 11. I counted it up, and it is 21 hours on the plane. The rest of the time is layovers and the time change due to flying East. We will return on the 3:40 p.m. flight to Thief River on June 21st.

So, in 19 more days we will meet Evangeline in person for the first time, and that will be on the same day that we arrive in Changsha, following two days of travel. I expect that she will fuss and cry because she is being taken away from everything she knows and is being given to strangers. Here's the point: More than anything, David and I are looking forward to becoming first time parents to a crying, fussing 13 month old child, who has never heard English before, while tired and exhausted from travel. I wouldn't change any part of it! 19 more days...

Twenty more days!!!!!

In twenty days we will be in Changsha, meeting our daughter for the first time! Our appointment with the US consulate in Guangzhou is June 19th, and we will get Eva on Sunday, June 11 in Changsha. That means we will be leaving for China on June 9th, and will return around the 21st or 22nd. Okay... I am breathing...

Travel Approval

Today is a big day. Today is the day that the post office guarenteed that Eva would receive her package. Today is also the day we received travel approval from CCAA (Chinese Center of Adoption Affairs). Our agency social worker sent the travel approvals along with a request for an appointment to the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China. The appointment we are given will determine travel time. We will travel two weeks before the appt. with the consulate. We will know by Monday when that will be. Yippee, and Yahoo!!!!

Eva's first package

I sent Eva's package to China today. It only cost five dollars more to send it express, guarenteed mail, so I thought "why not?" Little did I know that I was going to send them all in a quandry. Apparently they've never sent a package express to China (or anywhere overseas) in our little, tiny post office, and it took everyone in the building to figure out how to do it. In any case, I am assured that she should receive it by next Thursday.

Pictures of Eva's Room

These are pictures of Eva's room. As you can see, we are ready!!!!

Package to Orphanage

Today I finished putting together our package to send to the orphanage for Eva. We put in a talking picture frame, where both David and I said "Hi Yi-Yi, I love you" in Chinese. At least we hope that's what we said. My friend, Mei, wrote her name on the frame in Chinese Characters. Also, we put together a little photo album for her caretaker, which Mei wrote captions for. In addition we are sending some candy for all of the children in the orphanage, a disposable camera and a couple of little toys that make sound, since our daughter apparantly likes toys that make sound. Mei is translating a letter for me to include in the package. I hope to send it off to China this week. I am so thankful for Mei and what she has done for us. It is humbling to realize that someone would be willing to give so much of themselves for us and our daughter. God has brought some pretty amazing people into our lives and I thank Him for each of them...

Marching along...

Yesterday we met with the pediatrician. I liked him, and I think he'll be great for Eva. He said that she was healthy and developmentally on target. I was happy to know that he is willing to help us in any way, including letting us email or call him from China.

And today... the agency has officially sent all of our acceptance letters to China. The China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) will receive them on Monday when they return from break. We're hoping for travel approval soon.

It's getting closer...

Referral Acceptance

Our referral acceptance was delivered today, and Evangeline Wu Yi is ours.

Today I met with my friend from Hong Kong for lunch. She helped me learn to enunciate my daughters name and told me the meaning of the name in Chinese, which is more than just the translation of each word, but how they are traditionally used together. An individual translation means "Wu = to dance, to wield, to brandish." and "Yi = depend on, near to." She told me that Wu Yi is a very very uncommon name, and that it is a strong name. As a name, for a female, it means not only to dance, but to be center stage, that she will draw attention, and captivate, and men will want to do things for her. (I guess the orphanage workers thought she was beautiful too.) She told me that it is a very mature name, good for a woman who was 21, but not a child, and she kept repeating how unusual it was, but that our daughter would like it very much when she grew up. After reading her information written in Chinese, she said that she was very active and suggested that we should give her dance lessons, and try to keep up. Whew! Is it all right for me to ask, "What have I got myself into?" without it sounding ungrateful.

Xiangtan orphanage Inside

The pictures of the Xiangtan orphanage were taken from the Half the Sky foundation website.

Xiangtan Orphanage Outside View

Xiangtan Orphanage

Eva is in the Xiangtan Orphanage, near Changsha, which is the capital of Hunan. Her orphanage is one of those sponsored by Half the Sky Foundation. Pictures of her orphanage can be seen from their website: http://halfthesky.org/02CentersPrograms/centers/xiangtan.html. You can click on the image to enlarge it. I feel fortunate that Eva was in this orphanage. They have only three babies to each caretaker, and each one is given some individual time. She appears to have attached to her caretaker, which is a wonderful thing, as it enhances the likelihood of complete attachment to David and I.

I have learned that Eva is fond of toys that make sound, and her favorite toys are the ringing bells. She kicks her covers off of her feet when she sleeps, she is sometimes obstinate, is active, outgoing and curious. I think she's going to fit right in!