Chinese Adoption Day

... and becoming a mom

Today I signed all the paperwork to adopt Emma, in Chinese eyes. This was done in a conference room in the hotel, with a number of Chinese orphanage/other officials there. They stamped Emma' footprint. Someone held her to do this (I was so surprised she went to her, as she only will be held by me, she obviously knew her). I was signing my signature, and the officials at the desk gasped- they said "did you hear what she said?- "Momma's writing." Wow... I guess this is it.

Emma's been grieving hard, last night, and much of today/tonight. She misses her foster parents. She's a little older than the other girls, and so more cognizant of her loss. She only will be held by me, and must be held while I walk- not sitting, not rocking. I've put on a lot of miles, and wishing I'd spent more time lifting weights! We've done a lot of room service. This is all very normal- the good news is that she makes good eye contact, and we are connecting.

We are seeing glimpses of the little girl she is- she can chatter away in Chinese, and has the greatest little giggle- Michelle is good at getting her to do this. She imitates me singing itsy bitsy spider. At the adoption ceremony, and a bit later, she ventured out of my arms, and was walking and playing with some of the kids. She even set down her little doggie, for the first time, for all of about 30 seconds.

That's all for now- I'm beat. We may try to venture out tomorrow, there's a half-day tour to a tourist destination- If we make it to the lobby (the elevator totally freaks her out), being out and about should be good for her.

Gotcha Day

Emma couldn't be more perfect- She came out clutching the little dog I had sent. She had gotten carsick on the 2 hour trip to the hotel, so was a bit hot and tired, but did just fine- The trap-cup with Cheerios was a big hit. Hours later she has giggled over bubbles, eaten lots of Cheerios, had a bottle, and is sleeping as I speak. Amazing... her caretakers have obviously done a wonderful job with her. More, much more later.... but I wanted to share a few photos. Love to all,Lisa





Postscript- I found these pictures, on the 'backup' camera, much later. They are taken in the first minutes of holding Emma...

Wuhan

Just a short post to say we've arrived in Wuhan. Wuhan is a big city, of around 7 million people. Pictures are from the bus ride from the airport to the hotel. Today we got settled in our room, did some adoption paperwork, and took a tour of the area around the hotel- we are in a very modern area, a 15min walk to a department store, groceries, shopping, etc. Tomorrow they are bringing the babies to the hotel at 10:30 am- life will never be the same!!

Beijing

We've had a busy two days of touring in Beijing- Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, a tour of a traditional Hutong house and the Great Wall. At one point we were riding rickshaws through the streets- and Michelle convinced the guide to swap places with her, so she took off solo on his bike!

My thoughts have been of Emma- she is likely at the orphanage, being transitioned out of foster care... I am very ready to go to Wuhan- tomorrow we'll fly there, and meet Emma the morning of the 30th. Our tour group today was the ~12 families going to Hubei (Wuhan), and the two young CHI agency coordinators, Christie and Wendy, that will accompany us for the rest of the trip. Everyone is really nice, and we are enjoying getting to know folks.

Hope this blogsite is working ok- I can't see the site here, for some reason, so kind of flying blind! My love to all- and special thoughts to Aunt Carolyn for a speedy recovery from surgery.

Family

My family- here all together two years ago, in Florida- So much wonderful support... I can't wait for this year's reunion, with Emma with us!
My amazing friend Michelle- From the very start of all this, Michelle has enthusiastically said she would accompany me on this trip- With a jam-packed schedule, two young boys, and a husband... such a gift. And, on top of all this, she totally surprised my on Sunday evening with a wonderful baby shower. Such a warm show of support from my friends here...




My grandmother, Emma's namesake- If Emma grows up with anywhere near her grace and kindness I will be so very happy. I'm thinking about you Nana, on this trip!


And I need to post a picture of Alan, for those of you who have not met him- Alan has been so wonderful, in everything, and lately in helping me get ready to go meet Emma.

Emma and I are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Itinerary

Wed, Oct 25 We fly to Beijing, arrive the evening of the 26th (due to date change) Stay at the Swissotel
Fri, Oct 27 Sightseeing: somewhere, can’t remember where.
Sat, Oct 28 Sightseeing: TianAnMen Square & Forbidden City, the Great Wall (Juyongguan) Orientation
Sun, Oct 29 Flight to Wuhan, CZ3118(10:35a-12:40p) Stay at the White Rose Hotel
Mon, Oct 30 ~*~* MEET EMMA!!! ~*~*
Tues, Oct 31 Do adoption procedure (registration & notary) in the morning
Wed, Nov 1 Sightseeing: Yellow Crane Tower
Thurs, Nov 2 Sightseeing: Hubei Provincial Museum
Fri, Nov 3 Get all the paper back, and prepare forms for ACS
Sat, Nov 4 Fly to GZ in the afternoon MU2473(13:00-14:20) Stay at the White Swan Hotel
Sun, Nov 5 Free day
Mon, Nov 6 Medical examination for child
Tues, Nov 7 ACS appointment; Farewell dinner
Wed, Nov 8 Go to ACS to take oath, and get visa in the afternoon
Thurs, Nov 9 Fly from Guangzhou early in the am. Arrive Seattle 7am on Thursday, Nov 9th (Same day, as we cross back over the date line)

Emma's room

Emma's room, as of a few weeks ago- it is getting filled in now- We'll be looking for some Chinese butterfly kites to fill up the walls!

Emma's referral photos!

Emma's referral photos- Born Han Li Dong, on October 31, 2004. At 20 months she was 20lb and 73cm tall- a peanut! She's active, somewhat introverted, quick-witted, a little impatient.. sound like anyone you know? I think she's absolutely gorgeous, and can't wait to put a smile on her adorable face!